diff --git a/GraphRAG/.gitignore b/GraphRAG/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..805fd67140
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+.env
+**/__pycache__/
+**/.venv/
diff --git a/GraphRAG/README.md b/GraphRAG/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..232496ea88
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,180 @@
+# GraphRAG for Question Answering
+
+## Overview
+
+A modified example of AgentQnA using GraphRAG tools.
+
+This example showcases a hierarchical multi-agent system for question-answering applications. The architecture diagram is shown below. The supervisor agent interfaces with the user and dispatch tasks to the worker agent and other tools to gather information and come up with answers. The worker agent uses the retrieval tool to generate answers to the queries posted by the supervisor agent. Other tools used by the supervisor agent may include APIs to interface knowledge graphs, SQL databases, external knowledge bases, etc.
+
+
+The AgentQnA example is implemented using the component-level microservices defined in [GenAIComps](https://github.com/opea-project/GenAIComps). The flow chart below shows the information flow between different microservices for this example.
+
+```mermaid
+---
+config:
+ flowchart:
+ nodeSpacing: 400
+ rankSpacing: 100
+ curve: linear
+ themeVariables:
+ fontSize: 50px
+---
+flowchart LR
+ %% Colors %%
+ classDef blue fill:#ADD8E6,stroke:#ADD8E6,stroke-width:2px,fill-opacity:0.5
+ classDef orange fill:#FBAA60,stroke:#ADD8E6,stroke-width:2px,fill-opacity:0.5
+ classDef orchid fill:#C26DBC,stroke:#ADD8E6,stroke-width:2px,fill-opacity:0.5
+ classDef invisible fill:transparent,stroke:transparent;
+
+ %% Subgraphs %%
+ subgraph DocIndexRetriever-MegaService["DocIndexRetriever MegaService "]
+ direction LR
+ EM([Embedding MicroService]):::blue
+ RET([Retrieval MicroService]):::blue
+ RER([Rerank MicroService]):::blue
+ end
+ subgraph UserInput[" User Input "]
+ direction LR
+ a([User Input Query]):::orchid
+ Ingest([Ingest data]):::orchid
+ end
+ AG_REACT([Agent MicroService - react]):::blue
+ AG_RAG([Agent MicroService - rag]):::blue
+ LLM_gen{{LLM Service
}}
+ DP([Data Preparation MicroService]):::blue
+ TEI_RER{{Reranking service
}}
+ TEI_EM{{Embedding service
}}
+ VDB{{Vector DB
}}
+ R_RET{{Retriever service
}}
+
+
+
+ %% Questions interaction
+ direction LR
+ a[User Input Query] --> AG_REACT
+ AG_REACT --> AG_RAG
+ AG_RAG --> DocIndexRetriever-MegaService
+ EM ==> RET
+ RET ==> RER
+ Ingest[Ingest data] --> DP
+
+ %% Embedding service flow
+ direction LR
+ AG_RAG <-.-> LLM_gen
+ AG_REACT <-.-> LLM_gen
+ EM <-.-> TEI_EM
+ RET <-.-> R_RET
+ RER <-.-> TEI_RER
+
+ direction TB
+ %% Vector DB interaction
+ R_RET <-.-> VDB
+ DP <-.-> VDB
+
+
+```
+
+### Why Agent for question answering?
+
+1. Improve relevancy of retrieved context.
+ Agent can rephrase user queries, decompose user queries, and iterate to get the most relevant context for answering user's questions. Compared to conventional RAG, RAG agent can significantly improve the correctness and relevancy of the answer.
+2. Use tools to get additional knowledge.
+ For example, knowledge graphs and SQL databases can be exposed as APIs for Agents to gather knowledge that may be missing in the retrieval vector database.
+3. Hierarchical agent can further improve performance.
+ Expert worker agents, such as retrieval agent, knowledge graph agent, SQL agent, etc., can provide high-quality output for different aspects of a complex query, and the supervisor agent can aggregate the information together to provide a comprehensive answer.
+
+### Roadmap
+
+- v0.9: Worker agent uses open-source websearch tool (duckduckgo), agents use OpenAI GPT-4o-mini as llm backend.
+- v1.0: Worker agent uses OPEA retrieval megaservice as tool.
+- v1.0 or later: agents use open-source llm backend.
+- v1.1 or later: add safeguards
+
+## Getting started - standalone
+
+For rapid prototyping, the `standalone` directory contains a monolithic front-end/back-end example
+and some exploratory python notebooks.
+
+## Getting started - microservices
+
+1. Build agent docker image
+ First, clone the opea GenAIComps repo
+
+ ```
+ export WORKDIR=
+ cd $WORKDIR
+ git clone https://github.com/opea-project/GenAIComps.git
+ ```
+
+ Then build the agent docker image. Both the supervisor agent and the worker agent will use the same docker image, but when we launch the two agents we will specify different strategies and register different tools.
+
+ ```
+ cd GenAIComps
+ docker build -t opea/agent-langchain:latest --build-arg https_proxy=$https_proxy --build-arg http_proxy=$http_proxy -f comps/agent/langchain/Dockerfile .
+ ```
+
+2. Launch tool services
+ In this example, we will use some of the mock APIs provided in the Meta CRAG KDD Challenge to demonstrate the benefits of gaining additional context from mock knowledge graphs.
+
+ ```
+ docker run -d -p=8080:8000 docker.io/aicrowd/kdd-cup-24-crag-mock-api:v0
+ ```
+
+3. Set up environment for this example
+ First, clone this repo
+
+ ```
+ cd $WORKDIR
+ git clone https://github.com/opea-project/GenAIExamples.git
+ ```
+
+ Second, set up env vars
+
+ ```
+ export TOOLSET_PATH=$WORKDIR/GenAIExamples/AgentQnA/tools/
+ # optional: OPANAI_API_KEY
+ export OPENAI_API_KEY=
+ ```
+
+4. Launch agent services
+ The configurations of the supervisor agent and the worker agent are defined in the docker-compose yaml file. We currently use openAI GPT-4o-mini as LLM, and we plan to add support for llama3.1-70B-instruct (served by TGI-Gaudi) in a subsequent release.
+ To use openai llm, run command below.
+
+ ```
+ cd docker_compose/intel/cpu/xeon
+ bash launch_agent_service_openai.sh
+ ```
+
+## Validate services
+
+First look at logs of the agent docker containers:
+
+```
+docker logs docgrader-agent-endpoint
+```
+
+```
+docker logs react-agent-endpoint
+```
+
+You should see something like "HTTP server setup successful" if the docker containers are started successfully.
+
+Second, validate worker agent:
+
+```
+curl http://${ip_address}:9095/v1/chat/completions -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{
+ "query": "Most recent album by Taylor Swift"
+ }'
+```
+
+Third, validate supervisor agent:
+
+```
+curl http://${ip_address}:9090/v1/chat/completions -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{
+ "query": "Most recent album by Taylor Swift"
+ }'
+```
+
+## How to register your own tools with agent
+
+You can take a look at the tools yaml and python files in this example. For more details, please refer to the "Provide your own tools" section in the instructions [here](https://github.com/opea-project/GenAIComps/tree/main/comps/agent/langchain/README.md#5-customize-agent-strategy).
diff --git a/GraphRAG/assets/agent_qna_arch.png b/GraphRAG/assets/agent_qna_arch.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3bebb1d997
Binary files /dev/null and b/GraphRAG/assets/agent_qna_arch.png differ
diff --git a/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/cpu/xeon/compose_openai.yaml b/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/cpu/xeon/compose_openai.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..bac5bbc627
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/cpu/xeon/compose_openai.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+services:
+ worker-docgrader-agent:
+ image: opea/agent-langchain:latest
+ container_name: docgrader-agent-endpoint
+ volumes:
+ - ${WORKDIR}/GenAIComps/comps/agent/langchain/:/home/user/comps/agent/langchain/
+ - ${TOOLSET_PATH}:/home/user/tools/
+ ports:
+ - "9095:9095"
+ ipc: host
+ environment:
+ ip_address: ${ip_address}
+ strategy: rag_agent
+ recursion_limit: ${recursion_limit_worker}
+ llm_engine: openai
+ OPENAI_API_KEY: ${OPENAI_API_KEY}
+ model: ${model}
+ temperature: ${temperature}
+ max_new_tokens: ${max_new_tokens}
+ streaming: false
+ tools: /home/user/tools/worker_agent_tools.yaml
+ require_human_feedback: false
+ RETRIEVAL_TOOL_URL: ${RETRIEVAL_TOOL_URL}
+ no_proxy: ${no_proxy}
+ http_proxy: ${http_proxy}
+ https_proxy: ${https_proxy}
+ LANGCHAIN_API_KEY: ${LANGCHAIN_API_KEY}
+ LANGCHAIN_TRACING_V2: ${LANGCHAIN_TRACING_V2}
+ LANGCHAIN_PROJECT: "opea-worker-agent-service"
+ port: 9095
+
+
+ supervisor-react-agent:
+ image: opea/agent-langchain:latest
+ container_name: react-agent-endpoint
+ volumes:
+ - ${WORKDIR}/GenAIComps/comps/agent/langchain/:/home/user/comps/agent/langchain/
+ - ${TOOLSET_PATH}:/home/user/tools/
+ ports:
+ - "9090:9090"
+ ipc: host
+ environment:
+ ip_address: ${ip_address}
+ strategy: react_langgraph
+ recursion_limit: ${recursion_limit_supervisor}
+ llm_engine: openai
+ OPENAI_API_KEY: ${OPENAI_API_KEY}
+ model: ${model}
+ temperature: ${temperature}
+ max_new_tokens: ${max_new_tokens}
+ streaming: false
+ tools: /home/user/tools/supervisor_agent_tools.yaml
+ require_human_feedback: false
+ no_proxy: ${no_proxy}
+ http_proxy: ${http_proxy}
+ https_proxy: ${https_proxy}
+ LANGCHAIN_API_KEY: ${LANGCHAIN_API_KEY}
+ LANGCHAIN_TRACING_V2: ${LANGCHAIN_TRACING_V2}
+ LANGCHAIN_PROJECT: "opea-supervisor-agent-service"
+ CRAG_SERVER: $CRAG_SERVER
+ WORKER_AGENT_URL: $WORKER_AGENT_URL
+ port: 9090
diff --git a/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/cpu/xeon/launch_agent_service_openai.sh b/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/cpu/xeon/launch_agent_service_openai.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..6c2094cc8e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/cpu/xeon/launch_agent_service_openai.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+export TOOLSET_PATH=$WORKDIR/GenAIExamples/AgentQnA/tools/
+export ip_address=$(hostname -I | awk '{print $1}')
+export recursion_limit_worker=12
+export recursion_limit_supervisor=10
+export model="gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18"
+export temperature=0
+export max_new_tokens=512
+export OPENAI_API_KEY=${OPENAI_API_KEY}
+export WORKER_AGENT_URL="http://${ip_address}:9095/v1/chat/completions"
+export RETRIEVAL_TOOL_URL="http://${ip_address}:8889/v1/retrievaltool"
+export CRAG_SERVER=http://${ip_address}:8080
+
+docker compose -f compose_openai.yaml up -d
diff --git a/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/hpu/gaudi/compose.yaml b/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/hpu/gaudi/compose.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..5200f757e3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/hpu/gaudi/compose.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+services:
+ tgi-server:
+ image: ghcr.io/huggingface/tgi-gaudi:2.0.5
+ container_name: tgi-server
+ ports:
+ - "8085:80"
+ volumes:
+ - ${HF_CACHE_DIR}:/data
+ environment:
+ no_proxy: ${no_proxy}
+ http_proxy: ${http_proxy}
+ https_proxy: ${https_proxy}
+ HUGGING_FACE_HUB_TOKEN: ${HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN}
+ HF_HUB_DISABLE_PROGRESS_BARS: 1
+ HF_HUB_ENABLE_HF_TRANSFER: 0
+ HABANA_VISIBLE_DEVICES: all
+ OMPI_MCA_btl_vader_single_copy_mechanism: none
+ PT_HPU_ENABLE_LAZY_COLLECTIVES: true
+ ENABLE_HPU_GRAPH: true
+ LIMIT_HPU_GRAPH: true
+ USE_FLASH_ATTENTION: true
+ FLASH_ATTENTION_RECOMPUTE: true
+ runtime: habana
+ cap_add:
+ - SYS_NICE
+ ipc: host
+ command: --model-id ${LLM_MODEL_ID} --max-input-length 4096 --max-total-tokens 8192 --sharded true --num-shard ${NUM_SHARDS}
+ worker-docgrader-agent:
+ image: opea/agent-langchain:latest
+ container_name: docgrader-agent-endpoint
+ depends_on:
+ - tgi-server
+ volumes:
+ # - ${WORKDIR}/GenAIExamples/AgentQnA/docker_image_build/GenAIComps/comps/agent/langchain/:/home/user/comps/agent/langchain/
+ - ${TOOLSET_PATH}:/home/user/tools/
+ ports:
+ - "9095:9095"
+ ipc: host
+ environment:
+ ip_address: ${ip_address}
+ strategy: rag_agent
+ recursion_limit: ${recursion_limit_worker}
+ llm_engine: tgi
+ HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN: ${HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN}
+ llm_endpoint_url: ${LLM_ENDPOINT_URL}
+ model: ${LLM_MODEL_ID}
+ temperature: ${temperature}
+ max_new_tokens: ${max_new_tokens}
+ streaming: false
+ tools: /home/user/tools/worker_agent_tools.yaml
+ require_human_feedback: false
+ RETRIEVAL_TOOL_URL: ${RETRIEVAL_TOOL_URL}
+ no_proxy: ${no_proxy}
+ http_proxy: ${http_proxy}
+ https_proxy: ${https_proxy}
+ LANGCHAIN_API_KEY: ${LANGCHAIN_API_KEY}
+ LANGCHAIN_TRACING_V2: ${LANGCHAIN_TRACING_V2}
+ LANGCHAIN_PROJECT: "opea-worker-agent-service"
+ port: 9095
+
+
+ supervisor-react-agent:
+ image: opea/agent-langchain:latest
+ container_name: react-agent-endpoint
+ depends_on:
+ - tgi-server
+ - worker-docgrader-agent
+ volumes:
+ # - ${WORKDIR}/GenAIExamples/AgentQnA/docker_image_build/GenAIComps/comps/agent/langchain/:/home/user/comps/agent/langchain/
+ - ${TOOLSET_PATH}:/home/user/tools/
+ ports:
+ - "9090:9090"
+ ipc: host
+ environment:
+ ip_address: ${ip_address}
+ strategy: react_langgraph
+ recursion_limit: ${recursion_limit_supervisor}
+ llm_engine: tgi
+ HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN: ${HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN}
+ llm_endpoint_url: ${LLM_ENDPOINT_URL}
+ model: ${LLM_MODEL_ID}
+ temperature: ${temperature}
+ max_new_tokens: ${max_new_tokens}
+ streaming: false
+ tools: /home/user/tools/supervisor_agent_tools.yaml
+ require_human_feedback: false
+ no_proxy: ${no_proxy}
+ http_proxy: ${http_proxy}
+ https_proxy: ${https_proxy}
+ LANGCHAIN_API_KEY: ${LANGCHAIN_API_KEY}
+ LANGCHAIN_TRACING_V2: ${LANGCHAIN_TRACING_V2}
+ LANGCHAIN_PROJECT: "opea-supervisor-agent-service"
+ CRAG_SERVER: $CRAG_SERVER
+ WORKER_AGENT_URL: $WORKER_AGENT_URL
+ port: 9090
diff --git a/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/hpu/gaudi/launch_agent_service_tgi_gaudi.sh b/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/hpu/gaudi/launch_agent_service_tgi_gaudi.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f4154fb229
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/docker_compose/intel/hpu/gaudi/launch_agent_service_tgi_gaudi.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+WORKPATH=$(dirname "$PWD")/..
+# export WORKDIR=$WORKPATH/../../
+echo "WORKDIR=${WORKDIR}"
+export ip_address=$(hostname -I | awk '{print $1}')
+export HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN=${HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN}
+
+# LLM related environment variables
+export HF_CACHE_DIR=${HF_CACHE_DIR}
+ls $HF_CACHE_DIR
+export HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN=${HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN}
+export LLM_MODEL_ID="meta-llama/Meta-Llama-3.1-70B-Instruct"
+export NUM_SHARDS=4
+export LLM_ENDPOINT_URL="http://${ip_address}:8085"
+export temperature=0.01
+export max_new_tokens=512
+
+# agent related environment variables
+export TOOLSET_PATH=$WORKDIR/GenAIExamples/AgentQnA/tools/
+echo "TOOLSET_PATH=${TOOLSET_PATH}"
+export recursion_limit_worker=12
+export recursion_limit_supervisor=10
+export WORKER_AGENT_URL="http://${ip_address}:9095/v1/chat/completions"
+export RETRIEVAL_TOOL_URL="http://${ip_address}:8889/v1/retrievaltool"
+export CRAG_SERVER=http://${ip_address}:8080
+
+docker compose -f compose.yaml up -d
+
+sleep 5s
+echo "Waiting tgi gaudi ready"
+n=0
+until [[ "$n" -ge 100 ]] || [[ $ready == true ]]; do
+ docker logs tgi-server &> tgi-gaudi-service.log
+ n=$((n+1))
+ if grep -q Connected tgi-gaudi-service.log; then
+ break
+ fi
+ sleep 5s
+done
+sleep 5s
+echo "Service started successfully"
diff --git a/GraphRAG/docker_image_build/.README b/GraphRAG/docker_image_build/.README
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e69de29bb2
diff --git a/GraphRAG/docker_image_build/build.yaml b/GraphRAG/docker_image_build/build.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e2a778b9aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/docker_image_build/build.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+services:
+ agent-langchain:
+ build:
+ context: GenAIComps
+ dockerfile: comps/agent/langchain/Dockerfile
+ args:
+ http_proxy: ${http_proxy}
+ https_proxy: ${https_proxy}
+ no_proxy: ${no_proxy}
+ image: ${REGISTRY:-opea}/agent-langchain:${TAG:-latest}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/example_data/test_docs_music.jsonl b/GraphRAG/example_data/test_docs_music.jsonl
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..2a20895152
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/example_data/test_docs_music.jsonl
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Thriller (song) - Wikipedia\nJump to content\nMain menu\nMain menu\nmove to sidebar\nhide\nNavigation\nMain pageContentsCurrent eventsRandom articleAbout WikipediaContact usDonate\nContribute\nHelpLearn to editCommunity portalRecent changesUpload file\nSearch\nSearch\nCreate account\nLog in\nPersonal tools\nCreate account Log in\nPages for logged out editors learn more\nContributionsTalk\nContents\nmove to sidebar\nhide\n(Top)\n1Composition\n2Writing\n3Recording\n4Release\n5Music video\n6Chart performance\n7Critical reception\n8Personnel\n9Charts\nToggle Charts subsection\n9.1Weekly charts\n9.2Year-end charts\n10Certifications\n11See also\n12References\nToggle the table of contents\nThriller (song)\n33 languages\n\u0627\u0644\u0639\u0631\u0628\u064a\u0629Az\u0259rbaycancaDanskDeutsch\u0395\u03bb\u03bb\u03b7\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03acEspa\u00f1ol\u0641\u0627\u0631\u0633\u06ccFran\u00e7aisGalego\ud55c\uad6d\uc5b4HrvatskiItaliano\u05e2\u05d1\u05e8\u05d9\u05ea\u10e5\u10d0\u10e0\u10d7\u10e3\u10da\u10d8KiswahiliMagyar\u0d2e\u0d32\u0d2f\u0d3e\u0d33\u0d02Nederlands\u65e5\u672c\u8a9eNorsk bokm\u00e5lPolskiPortugu\u00eas\u0420\u0443\u0441\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0439ShqipSimple English\u0421\u0440\u043f\u0441\u043a\u0438 / srpskiSuomiSvenska\u0ba4\u0bae\u0bbf\u0bb4\u0bcd\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22T\u00fcrk\u00e7e\u0423\u043a\u0440\u0430\u0457\u043d\u0441\u044c\u043a\u0430Ti\u1ebfng Vi\u1ec7t\nEdit links\nArticleTalk\nEnglish\nReadEditView history\nTools\nTools\nmove to sidebar\nhide\nActions\nReadEditView history\nGeneral\nWhat links hereRelated changesUpload fileSpecial pagesPermanent linkPage informationCite this pageGet shortened URLDownload QR codeWikidata item\nPrint/export\nDownload as PDFPrintable version\nFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia\n1983 single by Michael Jackson\nFor other songs, see Thriller (disambiguation) \u00a7\u00a0Music.\n\"Thriller\"US 12-inch singleSingle by Michael Jacksonfrom the album\nThriller B-side\"Things I Do for You\"Released\nNovember\u00a01983\u00a0(1983-11) (UK)[1]\nJanuary\u00a023,\u00a01984\u00a0(1984-01-23) (US)[2]\nRecorded1982StudioWestlake (Los Angeles, California)Genre\nDisco\nfunk\nLength\n5:57 (album version)\n4:37 (special edit)\n4:05 (remixed short version)\n5:04 (\"Starlight\" version)\nLabelEpicSongwriter(s)Rod TempertonProducer(s)Quincy JonesMichael Jackson singles chronology\n\"Say Say Say\" (1983)\n\"Thriller\" (1983)\n\"Farewell My Summer Love\" (1984)\nMusic video\"Thriller\" on YouTube"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Recorded1982StudioWestlake (Los Angeles, California)Genre\nDisco\nfunk\nLength\n5:57 (album version)\n4:37 (special edit)\n4:05 (remixed short version)\n5:04 (\"Starlight\" version)\nLabelEpicSongwriter(s)Rod TempertonProducer(s)Quincy JonesMichael Jackson singles chronology\n\"Say Say Say\" (1983)\n\"Thriller\" (1983)\n\"Farewell My Summer Love\" (1984)\nMusic video\"Thriller\" on YouTube\n\"Thriller\" is a song by the American singer Michael Jackson. It was released by Epic Records in November 1983 in the UK and on January 23, 1984, in the US, as the seventh and final single from his sixth studio album, Thriller.[3]\n\"Thriller\" is a funk song featuring a repeating synthesizer bassline and lyrics and sound effects evoking horror films. It ends with a spoken-word sequence performed by the horror actor Vincent Price. It was produced by Quincy Jones and written by Rod Temperton, who wanted to write a theatrical song to suit Jackson's love of film.\nJackson decided to release \"Thriller\" as a single after Thriller left the top of the Billboard 200 chart. The\n\"Thriller\" music video, directed by John Landis, has Jackson dancing with a horde of zombies. It has been named the greatest music video of all time by various publications and readers' polls, and doubled sales of Thriller, helping it become the best-selling album in history."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Jackson decided to release \"Thriller\" as a single after Thriller left the top of the Billboard 200 chart. The\n\"Thriller\" music video, directed by John Landis, has Jackson dancing with a horde of zombies. It has been named the greatest music video of all time by various publications and readers' polls, and doubled sales of Thriller, helping it become the best-selling album in history.\nIt was the album's seventh top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number four. It reached number one in Belgium, France and Spain, and the top ten in many other countries. In the week of Jackson's death in 2009, it was Jackson's bestselling track in the US, with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Tracks chart. It entered the Billboard Hot Digital Singles Chart at number two, and remained in the charts' top ten for three consecutive weeks. \"Thriller\" is certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. It appears on several of Jackson's greatest-hits albums and has been covered by numerous artists. The song has returned to the Billboard Hot 100 chart multiple times due to its popularity around Halloween.\nComposition[edit]\n\"Thriller\"\nJackson's song \"Thriller\", released as a single in 1984; Nelson George wrote that it uses cinematic sound effects, horror film motifs, and vocal trickery to convey a sense of danger.[4]\nProblems playing this file? See media help.\n\"Thriller\" is a disco-funk song[5] The introduction features sound effects such as a creaking door, thunder, feet walking on wooden planks, winds and howling wolves.[6]\nWriting[edit]\nHorror actor Vincent Price provided the spoken-word sequence at the end of \"Thriller\"."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Problems playing this file? See media help.\n\"Thriller\" is a disco-funk song[5] The introduction features sound effects such as a creaking door, thunder, feet walking on wooden planks, winds and howling wolves.[6]\nWriting[edit]\nHorror actor Vincent Price provided the spoken-word sequence at the end of \"Thriller\".\n\"Thriller\" was written by the English songwriter Rod Temperton, who had previously written \"Rock with You\" and \"Off the Wall\" for Jackson's 1979 album Off the Wall.[7] Temperton wanted to write something theatrical to suit Jackson's love of film.[8] He improvised with bass and drum patterns until he developed the bassline that runs through the song, then wrote a chord progression that built to a climax.[8] He recalled: \"I wanted it to build and build \u2013 a bit like stretching an elastic band throughout the tune to heighten suspense.\"[8]\nTemperton's first version was titled \"Starlight\", with the chorus lyric: \"Give me some starlight / Starlight sun\".[9] The production team, led by Quincy Jones, felt the song should be the title track, but that \"Starlight\" was not a strong album title. Instead, they wanted something \"mysterious\" to match Jackson's \"evolving persona\".[8] Temperton considered several titles, including \"Midnight Man\", which Jones felt was \"going in the right direction\". Finally, he conceived \"Thriller\", but worried that it was \"a crap word to sing ... It sounded terrible! However, we got Michael to spit it into the microphone a few times and it worked.\"[8]\nWith the title decided, Temperton wrote lyrics within \"a couple of hours\".[8] He envisioned a spoken-word sequence for the ending, but did not know what form it should take. It was decided to have a famous voice from the horror genre perform it, and Jones' then-wife, Peggy Lipton, suggested her friend Vincent Price.[6] Temperton composed the words for Price's part in a taxi on the way to the studio on the day of recording.[6]\nRecording[edit]\nQuincy Jones produced \"Thriller\"."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Recording[edit]\nQuincy Jones produced \"Thriller\".\nAlong with the rest of the album, \"Thriller\" was recorded over eight weeks in 1982.[10] It was recorded at Westlake Recording Studios on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.[6] The engineer Bruce Swedien had Jackson record his vocals in different approaches, doubling takes and recording at different distances from the microphone. Some background vocals were recorded in the Westlake shower stall.[6]\nThe bassline was performed on an ARP 2600 synthesizer, and the verse pads were performed on a Roland Jupiter-8 layered with a Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 and a Yamaha CS-80.[11] The percussion was created with a LinnDrum drum machine modified with sound chips from two other drum machines: a snare hi-hat and congas from an LM-1 and a clap from a TR-808. \"Thriller\" also features Rhodes piano performed by Greg Phillinganes and guitar performed by David Williams.[12]\nTo record the wolf howls, Swedien set up tape recorders up around his Great Dane in a barn overnight, but the dog never howled. Instead, Jackson recorded the howls himself.[13] For the creaking doors, Swedien rented doors designed for sound effects from the Universal Studios Lot and recorded the hinges.[13] Price recorded his part in two takes; Jones, acknowledging that doing a voice-over for a song is difficult, praised Price and described his takes as \"fabulous\".[6]\nRelease[edit]\nThe album Thriller was released in November 1982 on Epic Records and spent months at the top of the Billboard 200.[14] \"Thriller\" was not initially planned for release as a single, as Epic saw it as a novelty song.[15] The Epic executive Walter Yetnikoff asked: \"Who wants a single about monsters?\"[14]"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Release[edit]\nThe album Thriller was released in November 1982 on Epic Records and spent months at the top of the Billboard 200.[14] \"Thriller\" was not initially planned for release as a single, as Epic saw it as a novelty song.[15] The Epic executive Walter Yetnikoff asked: \"Who wants a single about monsters?\"[14]\nBy mid-1983, sales of the album had begun to decline. Jackson, who was \"obsessive\" about his sales figures,[14] urged Yetnikoff and another Epic executive, Larry Stessel, to help conceive a plan to return the album to the top of the charts. Jackson's manager Frank DiLeo suggested releasing \"Thriller\", backed by a new music video.[14][16] It was the final single from the album, released in January 1984.[15]\nAlternative versions of \"Thriller\", including the \"Starlight\" demo, were released on the anniversary reissue Thriller 40 (2022).[17]\nMusic video[edit]\nMain article: Michael Jackson's Thriller (music video)\nThe music video for \"Thriller\" references numerous horror films,[14] and stars Jackson performing a dance routine with a horde of the undead.[14] It was directed by the horror director John Landis and written by Landis and Jackson. Jackson contacted Landis after seeing his film An American Werewolf in London. The pair conceived a 13-minute short film with a budget much larger than previous music videos. Jackson's record company refused to finance it, believing Thriller had peaked, so a making-of documentary, Making Michael Jackson's Thriller, was produced to receive financing from television networks.[14]\nMichael Jackson's Thriller premiered on MTV on December 2, 1983.[18] It was launched to great anticipation and played regularly on MTV.[18]\nIt doubled sales of Thriller, and the documentary sold over a million copies, becoming the best-selling videotape at the time.[14] It is credited for transforming music videos into a serious art form, breaking down racial barriers in popular entertainment, and popularizing the making-of documentary format.[19]"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "It doubled sales of Thriller, and the documentary sold over a million copies, becoming the best-selling videotape at the time.[14] It is credited for transforming music videos into a serious art form, breaking down racial barriers in popular entertainment, and popularizing the making-of documentary format.[19]\nMany elements have had a lasting impact on popular culture, such as the zombie dance and Jackson's red jacket, designed by Landis' wife Deborah Nadoolman.[19] Fans worldwide re-enact its zombie dance and it remains popular on YouTube. The Library of Congress described it as \"the most famous music video of all time\". In 2009, it became the first music video inducted into the National Film Registry as \"culturally, historically or aesthetically\" significant.[14]\nChart performance[edit]\n\"Thriller\" entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts at number 20.[20] It reached number seven the following week,[21] number five the next, and peaked the next week at number four, where it stayed for two weeks.[22][23] It finished as the #78 single on Billboard's Hot 100 for the 1984.[24]\n\"Thriller\" charted at number 19 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart.[25] On March 10, 1984, it reached its peak at number 3.[26] \"Thriller\" debuted on the UK Singles Chart on November 19, 1983, at number 24, and the following week peaked at number ten; it appeared on the chart for 52 weeks.[27] Beginning on February 5, 1984, \"Thriller\" peaked on the French Singles Chart at number one and topped the chart for four consecutive weeks.[28] \"Thriller\" also topped the Belgian VRT Top 30 Chart for two weeks in January 1984.[29]"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Following Jackson's death in 2009, his music surged in popularity.[30] In the week of his death, \"Thriller\" was Jackson's best-selling track in the US, with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles Chart.[30] On July 11, 2009, \"Thriller\" charted on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles Chart at number two (its peak), and the song remained in the charts' top ten for three consecutive weeks.[31] In the United Kingdom, the song charted at number 23 the week of Jackson's death.[32] The following week, the song reached its peak at number 12 on the UK Single Chart.[27] On July 12, 2009, \"Thriller\" peaked at number two on the Italian Singles Chart[33] and was later certified gold by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry.[34] \"Thriller\" reached at number three on the Australian ARIA Chart and Swiss Singles Chart and topped the Spanish Singles Charts for one week.[35] The song also placed within the top ten on the German Singles Chart, Norwegian Singles Chart and Irish Singles Chart, at number nine, number seven and number eight respectively.[35] \"Thriller\" also landed at number 25 on the Danish Singles Chart.[36] In the third week of July \"Thriller\" peaked at number 11 in Finland.[37]\n\"Thriller\"\nhas returned to the Billboard Hot 100 chart multiple times due to its popularity around Halloween. It re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2013 at number 42,[38] number 31 in November 2018,[39] and number 19 in November 2021, its highest placement since 1984.[40] This gave Jackson at least one top-20 hit across seven consecutive decades from 1969 on the Billboard Hot 100.[40]"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "\"Thriller\"\nhas returned to the Billboard Hot 100 chart multiple times due to its popularity around Halloween. It re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2013 at number 42,[38] number 31 in November 2018,[39] and number 19 in November 2021, its highest placement since 1984.[40] This gave Jackson at least one top-20 hit across seven consecutive decades from 1969 on the Billboard Hot 100.[40]\n\"Thriller\" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on December 4, 1989, for sales of over one million physical units in the US[41][42] As of August 2016, the song had sold 4,024,398 copies in the US.[43] The song was later certified Diamond by RIAA for sales over 10 million equivalent-units.[44][45] \"Thriller\" reached number one on three different Billboard charts the week of November 8, 2023, more than a decade after Jackson's death. Those charts included: R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs, R&B Streaming Songs and R&B Digital Song Sales charts.[46]\nCritical reception[edit]\nAshley Lasimone, of AOL's Spinner.com, noted that it \"became a signature for Jackson\" and described \"the groove of its bassline, paired with Michael's killer vocals and sleek moves\" as having \"produced a frighteningly great single.\"[47] Jon Pareles of The New York Times noted that \"'Billie Jean', 'Beat It', 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' ' and \"the movie in the song 'Thriller'\", were the songs, unlike the \"fluff\" \"P.Y.T.\", that were \"the hits that made Thriller a world-beater; along with Mr. Jackson's stage and video presence, listeners must have identified with his willingness to admit terror.\"[48] Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times described \"Thriller\" as \"adequately groovy\" with a \"funked-out beat\" and lyrics \"seemingly lifted from some little kid's 'scary storybook'\".[49][50]\nPersonnel[edit]\nWritten and composed by Rod Temperton\nProduced by Quincy Jones\nMichael Jackson: lead and background vocals, LinnDrum drum machine\nRod Temperton and Brian Banks: synthesizers"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Personnel[edit]\nWritten and composed by Rod Temperton\nProduced by Quincy Jones\nMichael Jackson: lead and background vocals, LinnDrum drum machine\nRod Temperton and Brian Banks: synthesizers\nGreg Phillinganes: synthesizers, Rhodes piano\nAnthony Marinelli: synthesizer programming\nDavid Williams: guitar\nJerry Hey, Gary Grant: trumpets, flugelhorns\nLarry Williams: saxophone, flute\nBill Reichenbach: trombone\nVocal, rhythm and synthesizer arrangement by Rod Temperton\nHorn arrangement by Jerry Hey\nEffects by Bruce Cannon and Bruce Swedien\nFeaturing: Narration by Vincent Price (Not featured on original edited single version)\nCharts[edit]\nWeekly charts[edit]\nChart (1983\u20131985)\nPeakposition\nAustralia (Kent Music Report)[51]\n4\nBelgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[52]\n1\nCanadian RPM Top Singles[53]\n3\nFinland (Suomen virallinen singlelista)[54]\n7\nFinland Jukebox (Suomen virallinen singlelista)[54]\n3\nFrance (SNEP)[28]\n1\nIreland (IRMA)[55]\n4\nNetherlands (Dutch Top 40)[56]\n3\nNetherlands (Single Top 100)[57]\n4\nNew Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[58]\n6\nPortugal (AFP)[59]\n1\nSouth Africa (Springbok)[60]\n26\nSpain (AFYVE)[61]\n1\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n10\nUS Cashbox[62]\n4\nUS Billboard Hot 100[63]\n4\nUS Billboard Hot Black Singles[64][26]\n3\nUS Billboard Adult Contemporary[65]\n24\nUS Billboard Album Rock Tracks[64][26]\n42\nUS Radio & Records CHR/Pop Airplay Chart[66]\n1\nWest Germany (Official German Charts)[67]\n9\nChart (2006)\nPeakposition\nFrance (SNEP)[68]\n35\nGermany (Media Control Charts)[35]\n9\nIreland (IRMA)[55]\n8\nItaly (FIMI)[69]\n5\nNetherlands (Single Top 100)[57]\n34\nSpain (PROMUSICAE)[35]\n1\nSwitzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[35]\n3\nChart (2007)\nPeakposition\nSpain (PROMUSICAE)[70]\n20\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n57\nChart (2008)\nPeakposition\nAustria (\u00d63 Austria Top 40)[71]\n55\nNorway (VG-lista)[72]\n13\nSwitzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[73]\n53\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n35\nChart (2009)\nPeakposition\nAustralia (ARIA)[74]\n3\nAustria (\u00d63 Austria Top 40)[71]\n5\nBelgium (Ultratop 50 Back Catalogue Singles Flanders)[75]\n3"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "3\nChart (2007)\nPeakposition\nSpain (PROMUSICAE)[70]\n20\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n57\nChart (2008)\nPeakposition\nAustria (\u00d63 Austria Top 40)[71]\n55\nNorway (VG-lista)[72]\n13\nSwitzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[73]\n53\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n35\nChart (2009)\nPeakposition\nAustralia (ARIA)[74]\n3\nAustria (\u00d63 Austria Top 40)[71]\n5\nBelgium (Ultratop 50 Back Catalogue Singles Flanders)[75]\n3\nBelgium (Ultratop 30 Back Catalogue Singles Wallonia)[76]\n2\nDenmark (Tracklisten)[36]\n25\nEurope (European Hot 100 Singles)[77]\n16\nFinland (Suomen virallinen lista)[78]\n11\nFrance (SNEP)[79]\n3\nIreland (IRMA)[35]\n8\nItaly (FIMI)[69]\n2\nJapan Singles Top 100 (Oricon)[35]\n41\nNetherlands (Single Top 100)[57]\n9\nNew Zealand (RIANZ)[35]\n12\nNorway (VG-lista)[72]\n7\nSpain (PROMUSICAE)[70]\n1\nSweden (Sverigetopplistan)[80]\n10\nSwitzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[73]\n3\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n12\nUS Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[81]\n2\nChart (2010)\nPeakposition\nSpain (PROMUSICAE)[70]\n12\nSwitzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[73]\n68\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n68\nChart (2012)\nPeakposition\nFrance (SNEP)[68]\n143\nIreland (IRMA)[55]\n30\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n49\nChart (2013)\nPeakposition\nFrance (SNEP)[68]\n159\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n48\nUS Billboard Hot 100[82]\n42\nChart (2014)\nPeakposition\nFrance (SNEP)[68]\n152\nSpain (PROMUSICAE)[70]\n38\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n57\nUS Billboard Hot 100[83]\n35\nChart (2015)\nPeakposition\nFrance (SNEP)[68]\n145\nSpain (PROMUSICAE)[70]\n48\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n61\nUS Billboard Hot 100[84]\n45\nChart (2016)\nPeakposition\nFrance (SNEP)[68]\n164\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n62\nChart (2017)\nPeakposition\nFrance (SNEP)[68]\n46\nSpain (PROMUSICAE)[70]\n32\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n34\nChart (2018)\nPeakposition\nCanada (Canadian Hot 100)[85]\n25\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n63\nUS Billboard Hot 100[86][87]\n31\nChart (2019)\nPeakposition\nUS Billboard Hot 100[88]\n44\nChart (2020)\nPeakposition\nGlobal 200[89]\n51\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n57\nUS Billboard Hot 100[90]\n48\nChart (2021)\nPeakposition\nCanada (Canadian Hot 100)[91]\n16\nGlobal 200 (Billboard)[92]\n28\nUK Singles (OCC)[93]\n40"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "34\nChart (2018)\nPeakposition\nCanada (Canadian Hot 100)[85]\n25\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n63\nUS Billboard Hot 100[86][87]\n31\nChart (2019)\nPeakposition\nUS Billboard Hot 100[88]\n44\nChart (2020)\nPeakposition\nGlobal 200[89]\n51\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n57\nUS Billboard Hot 100[90]\n48\nChart (2021)\nPeakposition\nCanada (Canadian Hot 100)[91]\n16\nGlobal 200 (Billboard)[92]\n28\nUK Singles (OCC)[93]\n40\nUK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[94]\n3\nUS Billboard Hot 100[95][96]\n19\nUS Billboard Digital Songs Sales[97]\n9\nChart (2022)\nPeakposition\nCanada (Canadian Hot 100)[98]\n25\nGlobal 200[99]\n37\nUK Singles (OCC)[27]\n41\nUS Billboard Hot 100[100]\n26\nChart (2023)\nPeakposition\nCanada (Canadian Hot 100)[101]\n22\nGlobal 200[102]\n39\nUK Singles (OCC)[103]\n20\nUS Billboard Hot 100[104]\n21\nYear-end charts[edit]\nChart (1984)\nPosition\nAustralia (Kent Music Report)[105]\n17\nBelgium (Ultratop Flanders)[106]\n26\nUS Billboard Hot 100[24]\n78\nChart (2009)\nPosition\nSweden (Sverigetopplistan)[107]\n88\nSwitzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[108]\n81\nUK Singles (Official Charts Company)[109]\n143\nCertifications[edit]\nRegion\nCertification\nCertified units/sales\nAustralia (ARIA)[110]\n6\u00d7 Platinum\n420,000\u2021\nDenmark (IFPI Danmark)[111]\nPlatinum\n90,000\u2021\nFrance (SNEP)[112]\nPlatinum\n1,000,000*\nGermany (BVMI)[113]\nGold\n250,000\u2021\nItaly (FIMI)[114]\nPlatinum\n30,000\u2021\nJapan (RIAJ)[115] Full-length ringtone\nPlatinum\n250,000*\nMexico (AMPROFON)[116]\n4\u00d7 Platinum+Gold\n270,000\u2021\nSpain (PROMUSICAE)[117]\n2\u00d7 Platinum\n100,000*\nUnited Kingdom (BPI)[118] Digital sales since 2004\n2\u00d7 Platinum\n1,200,000\u2021\nUnited Kingdom (BPI)[119] other release\nGold\n500,000\u2021\nUnited States (RIAA)[120]\nDiamond\n10,000,000\u2021\nUnited States (RIAA)[121] Mastertone\nGold\n500,000*\n* Sales figures based on certification alone.\u2021 Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.\nSee also[edit]\nList of best-selling singles\nList of best-selling singles in the United States\nList of most expensive music videos\nMichael Jackson's Thriller\nThriller (viral video)\nThrill the World\nReferences[edit]"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Diamond\n10,000,000\u2021\nUnited States (RIAA)[121] Mastertone\nGold\n500,000*\n* Sales figures based on certification alone.\u2021 Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.\nSee also[edit]\nList of best-selling singles\nList of best-selling singles in the United States\nList of most expensive music videos\nMichael Jackson's Thriller\nThriller (viral video)\nThrill the World\nReferences[edit]\n^ \"New Singles (for the week ending November 11, 1983)\" (PDF). Music Week: 30. November 5, 1983.\n^ Semigran, Aly (February 7, 2011). \"Michael Jackson's 'Thriller': Story Behind the 'Glee' Cover\". MTV. Retrieved September 17, 2023.\n^ McPhate, Tim (November 2, 2017). \"Michael Jackson's \"Thriller\": For The Record\". The Recording Academy. Retrieved November 17, 2019.\n^ George 2004, p.\u00a023.\n^ Jones, Jel D. Lewis (2005). Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture \u2013 The Music! The Man! The Legend! The Interviews: An Anthology. Amber Books Publishing. p.\u00a06. ISBN\u00a00-9749779-0-X. Retrieved July 22, 2010.\n^ a b c d e f Lyle, Peter (November 25, 2007). \"Michael Jackson's monster smash\". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 12, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2010.\n^ Kreps, Daniel (October 5, 2016). \"Rod Temperton, 'Thriller' songwriter, dead at 66\". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 25, 2022.\n^ a b c d e f \"Revealed: the story behind Jacko's Thriller\". M magazine. October 31, 2012. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2018.\n^ Glazer, Eliot (September 25, 2009). \"Top 1984 Songs\". AOLRadioBlog.com. AOL Inc. Retrieved January 24, 2010.\n^ Vozick-Levinson, Simon (February 18, 2008). \"Quincy Jones' 'Thriller' Memories\". EW.com. Retrieved January 24, 2010.\n^ Carr, Dan (November 30, 2022). \"The synth sounds of Michael Jackson's Thriller (and how to recreate them in your DAW)\". MusicRadar. Retrieved March 19, 2023."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "^ Glazer, Eliot (September 25, 2009). \"Top 1984 Songs\". AOLRadioBlog.com. AOL Inc. Retrieved January 24, 2010.\n^ Vozick-Levinson, Simon (February 18, 2008). \"Quincy Jones' 'Thriller' Memories\". EW.com. Retrieved January 24, 2010.\n^ Carr, Dan (November 30, 2022). \"The synth sounds of Michael Jackson's Thriller (and how to recreate them in your DAW)\". MusicRadar. Retrieved March 19, 2023.\n^ Rogerson, Ben (February 10, 2023). \"Watch Greg Phillinganes recreate Michael Jackson's Thriller using the original synths\". MusicRadar. Retrieved March 27, 2023.\n^ a b \"The making of Michael Jackson's Thriller\". MusicRadar. Retrieved October 25, 2018.\n^ a b c d e f g h i Griffin, Nancy (July 2010). \"The \"Thriller\" Diaries\". Vanity Fair. Retrieved January 2, 2011.\n^ a b Romano, Aja (October 31, 2018). \"Michael Jackson's \"Thriller\" is the eternal Halloween bop \u2014 and so much more\". Vox. Retrieved October 25, 2021.\n^ Eagan, Daniel (November 24, 2011). America's Film Legacy, 2009\u20132010: A Viewer's Guide to the 50 Landmark Movies Added To The National Film Registry in 2009\u201310. Bloomsbury Publishing. p.\u00a0175. ISBN\u00a0978-1-4411-9328-5. Retrieved May 14, 2016.\n^ Miles Marshall Lewis (November 30, 2022). \"#Thriller40: Cultural Critics Celebrate Michael Jackson's Impact\". BET.\n^ a b Richin, Leslie (December 2, 2014). \"On This Day In 1983, Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Premiered On MTV\". Billboard.\n^ a b Hebblethwaite, Phil (November 21, 2013). \"How Michael Jackson's Thriller changed music videos for ever\". The Guardian. Retrieved October 29, 2018.\n^ \"Week of February 11, 1984\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved October 10, 2015.\n^ \"Week of February 18, 1984\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. January 2, 2013. Retrieved October 10, 2015.\n^ \"Week of March 3, 1984\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. January 2, 2013. Retrieved October 10, 2015.\n^ \"Week of March 10, 1984\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved October 10, 2015."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "^ \"Week of February 18, 1984\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. January 2, 2013. Retrieved October 10, 2015.\n^ \"Week of March 3, 1984\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. January 2, 2013. Retrieved October 10, 2015.\n^ \"Week of March 10, 1984\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved October 10, 2015.\n^ a b \"Billboard Top 100 \u2013 1984\". billboard. Retrieved March 29, 2020.\n^ \"Week of March 3, 1984\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Archived from the original on January 21, 2010. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ a b c \"Week of March 10, 1984\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p \"Michael Jackson\". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 10, 2015.\n^ a b \"Toutes les Chansons N\u00b0 1 des Ann\u00e9es 80\". Infodisc.fr. Dominic Durand / InfoDisc. Archived from the original on November 20, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". Top30-3.radio2.be (in Dutch). VRT \u2013 Auguste Reyerslaan. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2010.\n^ a b Ed Christman, Antony Bruno (July 2, 2009). \"Michael Jackson Music Sales Surge Could Last For Months\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ \"July 11, 2009\". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ \"Chart For Week Up To 04/07/2009\". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ \"Thriller in Italian Chart\". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 21, 2013.\n^ \"Certificazioni Download FIMI\" (PDF) (in Italian). Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 5, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2012.\n^ a b c d e f g h \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller \u2013 Music Charts\". Acharts.us. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ a b \"Track Top 40 \u2013 July 10, 2009\". Hitlisterne.dk. IFPI Danmark & Nielsen Music Control. Archived from the original on September 30, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2010."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "^ a b c d e f g h \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller \u2013 Music Charts\". Acharts.us. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ a b \"Track Top 40 \u2013 July 10, 2009\". Hitlisterne.dk. IFPI Danmark & Nielsen Music Control. Archived from the original on September 30, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ \"Thriller in Finnish Chart\". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ \"Eminem Debuts at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart; Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Returns\". Billboard. November 8, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2016.\n^ \"Top 100 Songs | Billboard Hot 100 Chart\". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2018.\n^ a b \"Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Leads Halloween Treats on Billboard Hot 100\". Billboard. Retrieved November 9, 2021.\n^ \"American\nsingle\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". Recording Industry Association of America.\n^ \"Rock Music, etc., Terms\". Georgetown College. October 26, 1999. Archived from the original on May 18, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2010.\n^ \"Hip Hop Single Sales: The Weeknd, Zay Hilfigerrr & Drake\". Hip Hop DX. November 13, 2016. Retrieved November 14, 2016.\n^ \"Michael Jackson's Catalogue Garners Major New Gold & Platinum Awards\". RIAA. August 23, 2018. Retrieved December 21, 2018.\n^ Appel, Rich (October 30, 2014). \"Revisionist History, Part 3: Michael Jackson Gets Revenge on Prince! Year-End Hits of the Past, Re-Analyzed\". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 30, 2014.\n^ \"Michael Jackson Scores Three No. 1 Hits On The Billboard Charts This Week\". Forbes. Retrieved November 10, 2023.\n^ Lasimone, Ashley (October 28, 2009). \"Clash of the Cover Songs: Michael Jackson vs. Imogen Heap\". Spinner.com. AOL Inc. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ Pareles, Jon (September 3, 1987). \"Critic's Notebook; How Good Is Jackson's 'Bad'?\". The New York Times. Retrieved January 25, 2010.\n^ Powers, Ann (February 15, 2008). \"Nine reasons why Jackson masterpiece remains a 'Thriller'\". SouthCoastToday.com. Dow Jones Local Media Group. Retrieved February 6, 2010."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "^ Pareles, Jon (September 3, 1987). \"Critic's Notebook; How Good Is Jackson's 'Bad'?\". The New York Times. Retrieved January 25, 2010.\n^ Powers, Ann (February 15, 2008). \"Nine reasons why Jackson masterpiece remains a 'Thriller'\". SouthCoastToday.com. Dow Jones Local Media Group. Retrieved February 6, 2010.\n^ Comstock, Miriam Marcus and Courtney. \"Thriller Chiller For Jackson\". Forbes. Retrieved November 4, 2019.\n^ Kent, David (2003). Australian Chart Book 1970\u20131992. Australian Chart Book. ISBN\u00a00-646-11917-6.\n^ \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.\nRetrieved December 14, 2021.\n^ \"Top Singles \u2013 Volume 40, No. 1, March 10, 1984\". RPM. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2010.\n^ a b Pennanen, Timo (2021). \"Michael Jackson\". Sis\u00e4lt\u00e4\u00e4 hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esitt\u00e4j\u00e4t Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960\u201330.6.2021 (PDF). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhti\u00f6 Otava. p.\u00a0113. Retrieved May 29, 2022.\n^ a b c \"Search Results: Thriller\". IrishCharts.ie. Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved January 25, 2010.\n^\n\"Nederlandse Top 40 \u2013 week 2, 1984\" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.\n^ a b c \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.\n^ \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". Top 40 Singles.\n^ \"Top 3 in Europe\" (PDF). Music & Media. May 14, 1984. p.\u00a012. Retrieved October 29, 2021.\n^ \"SA Charts 1965\u2013March 1989\". Retrieved September 5, 2018.\n^ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). S\u00f3lo \u00e9xitos: a\u00f1o a a\u00f1o, 1959\u20132002 (in Spanish) (1st\u00a0ed.). Spain: Fundaci\u00f3n Autor-SGAE. ISBN\u00a084-8048-639-2.\n^ Whitburn, Joel (2014). Cash Box Pop Hits 1952-1996. Sheridan Books, Inc. ISBN\u00a0978-0-89820-209-0.\n^ \"Michael Jackson Chart History (Hot 100)\". Billboard. September 9, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021.\n^ a b \"Allmusic (Thriller > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles)\". Allmusic.com. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961\u20131993. Record Research. p.\u00a0118.\n^ \"Michael Jackson\"."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "^ \"Michael Jackson Chart History (Hot 100)\". Billboard. September 9, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021.\n^ a b \"Allmusic (Thriller > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles)\". Allmusic.com. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961\u20131993. Record Research. p.\u00a0118.\n^ \"Michael Jackson\".\n^ \"Offiziellecharts.de \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.\nRetrieved March 18, 2019.\n^ a b c d e f g \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\" (in French). Les classement single.\n^ a b \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". Top Digital Download.\n^ a b c d e f \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\" Canciones Top 50.\n^ a b \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\" (in German). \u00d63 Austria Top 40.\n^ a b \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". VG-lista.\n^ a b c \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". Swiss Singles Chart.\n^ \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". ARIA Top 50 Singles.\n^ \"30 Back Catalogue Singles \u2013 July 18, 2009\". UltraTop.be. Hung Medien. Retrieved January 24, 2010.\n^ \"30 Back Catalogue Singles \u2013 July 4, 2009\". UltraTop.be. Hung Medien. Retrieved January 24, 2010.\n^ \"Michael Jackson Album & Song Chart History\". Billboard.com. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved October 29, 2011.\n^ \"Michael Jackson: Thriller\" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.\n^ \"Download Single Top 50 \u2013 04/07/2009\". Lescharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved January 23, 2010.\n^ \"Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". Singles Top 100.\n^ \"Michael Jackson Chart History (Digital Song Sales)\". Billboard.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 16, 2013\". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 12, 2015.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 15, 2014\". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 21, 2015\". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 12, 2015.\n^ \"Michael Jackson Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)\". Billboard.\nRetrieved November 6, 2018.\n^ Zellner, Xander. \"Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Returns to Hot 100, Thanks to Halloween Gains\". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2018."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 21, 2015\". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 12, 2015.\n^ \"Michael Jackson Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)\". Billboard.\nRetrieved November 6, 2018.\n^ Zellner, Xander. \"Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Returns to Hot 100, Thanks to Halloween Gains\". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2018.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 10, 2018\". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2021.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 9, 2019\". Billboard. Retrieved March 20, 2021.\n^ \"The Global 200, Week of November 14, 2020\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 14, 2020\". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2020.\n^ \"Canadian Hot 100, Week of November 13, 2021\". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2021.\n^ \"Michael Jackson Chart History (Global 200)\". Billboard.\nRetrieved November 9, 2021.\n^ \"Official Singles Chart Top 100\". Official Charts Company.\nRetrieved November 8, 2023.\n^ \"Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40\". Official Charts Company.\nRetrieved November 5, 2021.\n^ \"Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Leads Halloween Treats on Billboard Hot 100\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2021.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 13, 2021\". Billboard. Retrieved November 5, 2022.\n^ \"Digital Song Sales Chart, Week of November 13, 2021\". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2021.\n^ \"Canadian Hot 100, Week of November 12, 2022\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2022.\n^ \"The Global 200, Week of November 12, 2022\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2022.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 12, 2022\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2022.\n^ \"Canadian Hot 100, Week of November 11, 2023\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023.\n^ \"The Global 200, Week of November 11, 2023\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023.\n^ \"Official Singles Chart Top 100\". Official Charts Company.\nRetrieved November 8, 2023.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 11, 2023\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023."}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "^ \"Canadian Hot 100, Week of November 11, 2023\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023.\n^ \"The Global 200, Week of November 11, 2023\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023.\n^ \"Official Singles Chart Top 100\". Official Charts Company.\nRetrieved November 8, 2023.\n^ \"The Hot 100, Week of November 11, 2023\". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023.\n^ \"Kent Music Report No 548 \u2013 31 December 1984 > National Top 100 Singles for 1984\". Kent Music Report. Retrieved January 23, 2023 \u2013 via Imgur.com.\n^ \"Jaaroverzichten 1984\". Ultratop. Retrieved December 14, 2021.\n^ \"\u00c5rslista Singular \u2013 \u00c5r 2009\" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved March 29, 2020.\n^ \"Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2009 \u2013 hitparade.ch\". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 29, 2020.\n^ \"Charts Plus Year end 2009\" (PDF). Charts Plus. Retrieved May 16, 2020.\n^ \"ARIA Charts \u2013 Accreditations \u2013 2021 Singles\" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.\n^ \"Danish\nsingle\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved July 2, 2023.\n^ \"French\nsingle\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\" (in French). InfoDisc. Retrieved November 28, 2022. Select MICHAEL JACKSON and click OK.\n^ \"Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Michael Jackson;\u00a0'Thriller')\" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved February 18, 2023.\n^ \"Italian\nsingle\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Select \"2014\" in the \"Anno\" drop-down menu. Select \"Thriller\" in the \"Filtra\" field. Select \"Singoli\" under \"Sezione\".\n^ \"Japanese\nringtone\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved December 30, 2020. Select 2009\u5e7411\u6708 on the drop-down menu\n^ \"Certificaciones\" (in Spanish). Asociaci\u00f3n Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Retrieved November 28, 2022. Type Michael Jackson in the box under the ARTISTA column heading\u00a0and Thriller in the box under the T\u00cdTULO column heading.\n^ \"Spanish\nsingle"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "^ \"Certificaciones\" (in Spanish). Asociaci\u00f3n Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Retrieved November 28, 2022. Type Michael Jackson in the box under the ARTISTA column heading\u00a0and Thriller in the box under the T\u00cdTULO column heading.\n^ \"Spanish\nsingle\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". El portal de M\u00fasica. Productores de M\u00fasica de Espa\u00f1a.\n^ \"British\nsingle\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 17, 2023.\n^ \"British\nsingle\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 17, 2023.\n^ \"American\nsingle\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 29, 2022.\n^ \"American\nringtone\ncertifications \u2013 Michael Jackson \u2013 Thriller\". Recording Industry Association of America.\nBibliography\nBrooks, Darren (2002). Michael Jackson: An Exceptional Journey. Chrome Dreams. ISBN\u00a01-84240-178-5.\nGeorge, Nelson (2004). Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection (booklet). Sony BMG.\nGrant, Adrian (2009). Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary. Omnibus Press. ISBN\u00a0978-1-84938-261-8.\nJones, Jel (2005). Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture: the Music! the Man! the Legend! the Interviews!. Amber Books Publishing. ISBN\u00a00-9749779-0-X.\nTaraborrelli, J. Randy (2004). The Magic and the Madness. Terra Alta, WV: Headline. ISBN\u00a00-330-42005-4.\nHalstead, Craig (2003). Michael Jackson The Solo Years. On-Line Ltd. ISBN\u00a0978-0-7552-0091-7.\nvteMichael Jackson: ThrillerSide one\n\"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'\"\n\"Baby Be Mine\"\n\"The Girl Is Mine\"\n\"Thriller\"\nSide two\n\"Beat It\"\n\"Billie Jean\"\n\"Human Nature\"\n\"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)\"\n\"The Lady in My Life\"\nRelated articles\nE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (audiobook)\nFarewell My Summer Love\nVictory\nVictory Tour\nMichael Jackson's Thriller\nThriller jacket\nThriller 25\nThriller 40\nThriller 40 (film)\nThrill the World\nThriller viral video\nDonga\nThriller \u2013 Live"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "\"Baby Be Mine\"\n\"The Girl Is Mine\"\n\"Thriller\"\nSide two\n\"Beat It\"\n\"Billie Jean\"\n\"Human Nature\"\n\"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)\"\n\"The Lady in My Life\"\nRelated articles\nE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (audiobook)\nFarewell My Summer Love\nVictory\nVictory Tour\nMichael Jackson's Thriller\nThriller jacket\nThriller 25\nThriller 40\nThriller 40 (film)\nThrill the World\nThriller viral video\nDonga\nThriller \u2013 Live\nMichael Jackson albums discography\nvteMichael Jackson songs\nSingles\nSongs\nUnreleased songs\n1970s\n\"Got to Be There\"\n\"Ain't No Sunshine\"\n\"I Wanna Be Where You Are\"\n\"Rockin' Robin\"\n\"Love Is Here and Now You're Gone\"\n\"You've Got a Friend\"\n\"Ben\"\n\"Everybody's Somebody's Fool\"\n\"My Girl\"\n\"Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day\"\n\"We've Got a Good Thing Going\"\n\"With a Child's Heart\"\n\"Morning Glow\"\n\"All the Things You Are\"\n\"Happy\"\n\"Too Young\"\n\"Music and Me\"\n\"We're Almost There\"\n\"Just a Little Bit of You\"\n\"You Can't Win\"\n\"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough\"\n\"Rock with You\"\n\"Working Day and Night\"\n\"It's the Falling in Love\"\n1980s\n\"Off the Wall\"\n\"Girlfriend\"\n\"She's Out of My Life\"\n\"One Day in Your Life\"\n\"The Girl Is Mine\"\n\"Billie Jean\"\n\"Beat It\"\n\"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'\"\n\"Human Nature\"\n\"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)\"\n\"Thriller\"\n\"You've Really Got a Hold on Me\"\n\"Here I Am (Come and Take Me)\"\n\"Lonely Teardrops\"\n\"That's What Love Is Made Of\"\n\"Farewell My Summer Love\"\n\"Girl You're So Together\"\n\"I Just Can't Stop Loving You\"\n\"Bad\"\n\"The Way You Make Me Feel\"\n\"Speed Demon\"\n\"Liberian Girl\"\n\"Just Good Friends\"\n\"Another Part of Me\"\n\"Man in the Mirror\"\n\"Dirty Diana\"\n\"Smooth Criminal\"\n\"Leave Me Alone\"\n\"Twenty-Five Miles\"\n1990s\n\"Black or White\"\n\"Jam\"\n\"In the Closet\"\n\"Remember the Time\"\n\"Heal the World\"\n\"Who Is It\"\n\"Give In to Me\"\n\"Will You Be There\"\n\"Gone Too Soon\"\n\"Dangerous\"\n\"Come Together\"\n\"Scream\"\n\"Childhood\"\n\"They Don't Care About Us\"\n\"Stranger in Moscow\"\n\"This Time Around\"\n\"Earth Song\"\n\"D.S.\"\n\"You Are Not Alone\"\n\"Tabloid Junkie\"\n\"HIStory\"\n\"Smile\"\n\"Blood on the Dance Floor\"\n\"Ghosts\"\n\"Is It Scary\"\n\"On the Line\"\n2000s"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "\"Jam\"\n\"In the Closet\"\n\"Remember the Time\"\n\"Heal the World\"\n\"Who Is It\"\n\"Give In to Me\"\n\"Will You Be There\"\n\"Gone Too Soon\"\n\"Dangerous\"\n\"Come Together\"\n\"Scream\"\n\"Childhood\"\n\"They Don't Care About Us\"\n\"Stranger in Moscow\"\n\"This Time Around\"\n\"Earth Song\"\n\"D.S.\"\n\"You Are Not Alone\"\n\"Tabloid Junkie\"\n\"HIStory\"\n\"Smile\"\n\"Blood on the Dance Floor\"\n\"Ghosts\"\n\"Is It Scary\"\n\"On the Line\"\n2000s\n\"Speechless\"\n\"You Rock My World\"\n\"Heaven Can Wait\"\n\"Butterflies\"\n\"Cry\"\n\"One More Chance\"\n\"Cheater\"\n\"(I Like) The Way You Love Me\"\n\"Fall Again\"\n\"This Is It\"\n2010s\n\"Hold My Hand\"\n\"Hollywood Tonight\"\n\"(I Can't Make It) Another Day\"\n\"Behind the Mask\"\n\"Don't Be Messin' 'Round\"\n\"I'm So Blue\"\n\"Price of Fame\"\n\"Love Never Felt So Good\"\n\"Chicago\"\n\"Loving You\"\n\"A Place with No Name\"\n\"Slave to the Rhythm\"\n\"Blue Gangsta\"\n2020s\n\"She's Trouble\"\nOther\n\"We Are the World\"\n\"Mind Is the Magic\"\n\"What More Can I Give\"\n\"We Are the World 25 for Haiti\"\n\"Blood on the Dance Floor x Dangerous\"\n\"Diamonds Are Invincible\"\nFeatured\n\"Ease on Down the Road\"\n\"A Brand New Day\"\n\"Night Time Lover\"\n\"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone\"\n\"State of Independence\"\n\"Muscles\"\n\"Say Say Say\"\n\"Somebody's Watching Me\"\n\"Don't Stand Another Chance\"\n\"Centipede\"\n\"Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' (Too Good to Be True)\"\n\"Eaten Alive\"\n\"Get It\"\n\"2300 Jackson Street\"\n\"Do the Bartman\"\n\"Whatzupwitu\"\n\"Why\"\n\"I Need You\"\n\"We Be Ballin'\"\n\"Girls, Girls, Girls\"\n\"All in Your Name\"\n\"There Must Be More to Life Than This\"\n\"Low\"\n\"Don't Matter to Me\"\nCategory\nAuthority control databases\nMusicBrainz work\nRetrieved from \"https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thriller_(song)&oldid=1212467768\""}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "\nCategories: 1982 songs1983 singles1984 singlesCBS Records singlesColumbia Records singlesCompositions with a narratorEpic Records singlesHalloween songsMichael Jackson songsNumber-one singles in SpainSNEP Top Singles number-one singlesSong recordings produced by Quincy JonesSongs about monstersSongs written by Rod TempertonHidden categories: CS1 Dutch-language sources (nl)CS1 Italian-language sources (it)CS1 Spanish-language sources (es)Articles with German-language sources (de)CS1 Swedish-language sources (sv)CS1 French-language sources (fr)CS1 German-language sources (de)Cite certification used for Italy without IDCS1 Japanese-language sources (ja)Articles with short descriptionShort description is different from WikidataGood articlesUse American English from November 2021All Wikipedia articles written in American EnglishUse mdy dates from November 2014Articles with hAudio microformatsCertification Cite Ref usages outside Certification Table EntrySingle chart usages for FlandersSingle chart usages for Dutch40Single chart called without artistSingle chart called without songSingle chart usages for Dutch100Single chart usages for New ZealandSingle chart usages for West GermanySingle chart usages for FranceSingle chart usages for ItalySingle chart making named refSingle chart usages for SpainSingle chart usages for AustriaSingle chart usages for NorwaySingle chart usages for SwissSingle chart usages for AustraliaSingle chart usages for FinlandSingle chart usages for SwedenSingle chart usages for BillboarddigitalsongsSingle chart usages for CanadaSingle chart usages for Billboardglobal200Single chart usages for UKSingle chart usages for UKrandbCertification Table Entry usages for AustraliaPages using certification Table Entry with streaming figuresCertification Table Entry usages for DenmarkCertification Table Entry usages for FrancePages using certification Table Entry with sales figuresCertification Table Entry usages for GermanyCertification Table Entry usages for ItalyCertification Table Entry usages for JapanCertification Table Entry usages for MexicoCertification Table Entry usages for SpainCertification Table Entry usages for United KingdomCertification Table Entry usages for United StatesPages using certification Table Entry with sales footnotePages using certification Table Entry with streaming footnoteArticles with MusicBrainz work identifiers"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "This page was last edited on 8 March 2024, at 01:12\u00a0(UTC).\nText is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0;\nadditional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia\u00ae is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.\nPrivacy policy\nAbout Wikipedia\nDisclaimers\nContact Wikipedia\nCode of Conduct\nDevelopers\nStatistics\nCookie statement\nMobile view\nToggle limited content width"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": "Jon Pareles of The New York Times noted that "'Billie Jean', 'Beat It', 'Wanna Be Starting' Something' ' and "the movie in the song 'Thriller'", were the songs, unlike the "fluff" "P.Y.T.", that were "the hits that made Thriller a world-beater; along with Mr. Jackson's stage and video presence, ...Jon Pareles of The New York Times noted that \"'Billie Jean', 'Beat It', 'Wanna Be Starting' Something' ' and \"the movie in the song 'Thriller'\", were the songs, unlike the \"fluff\" \"P.Y.T.\", that were \"the hits that made Thriller a world-beater; along with Mr. Jackson's stage and video presence, listeners must have identified with his willingness to admit terror.\" It appears on several of Jackson's greatest-hits albums and has been covered by numerous artists. The song has returned to the Billboard Hot 100 chart multiple times due to its popularity around Halloween. \"Thriller\" is a disco-funk song The introduction features sound effects such as a creaking door, thunder, feet walking on wooden planks, winds and howling wolves. This gave Jackson at least one top-20 hit across seven consecutive decades from 1969 on the Billboard Hot 100. \"Thriller\" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on December 4, 1989, for sales of over one million physical units in the US As of August 2016, the song had sold 4,024,398 copies in the US. \"Thriller\" is certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. It appears on several of Jackson's greatest-hits albums and has been covered by numerous artists. The song has returned to the Billboard Hot 100 chart multiple times due to its popularity around Halloween. \"Thriller\" has returned to the Billboard Hot 100 chart multiple times due to its popularity around Halloween"}
+{"query": "who sang the hit song \"thriller\"?", "domain": "music", "doc": ". \"Thriller\" is certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. It appears on several of Jackson's greatest-hits albums and has been covered by numerous artists. The song has returned to the Billboard Hot 100 chart multiple times due to its popularity around Halloween. \"Thriller\" has returned to the Billboard Hot 100 chart multiple times due to its popularity around Halloween. It re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2013 at number 42, number 31 in November 2018, and number 19 in November 2021, its highest placement since 1984. This gave Jackson at least one top-20 hit across seven consecutive decades from 1969 on the Billboard Hot 100."}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/README.md b/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..fc5a2da43c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+# Retrieval tool for agent
+
+The retrieval tool in this example is an OPEA megaservice that is comprised of a query embedder, a document retriever and a document reranker.
+
+## Launch microservices
+
+```
+bash launch_retrieval_tool.sh
+```
+
+## Index data into vector database
+
+In this example, we use an example jsonl file to ingest example documents into the vector database. For more ways to ingest data and the type of documents supported by OPEA dataprep microservices, please refer to the documentation in the opea-project/GenAIComps repo.
+
+1. create a conda env
+2. Run commands below
+
+```
+bash run_ingest_data.sh
+```
+
+## Validate services
+
+```
+export ip_address=$(hostname -I | awk '{print $1}')
+curl http://${ip_address}:8889/v1/retrievaltool -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{
+ "text": "Taylor Swift hometown"
+ }'
+```
+
+## Consume retrieval tool
+
+The endpoint for the retrieval tool is
+
+```
+http://${ip_address}:8889/v1/retrievaltool
+```
diff --git a/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/index_data.py b/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/index_data.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..410a83cfb1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/index_data.py
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+import argparse
+import json
+import os
+
+import requests
+import tqdm
+
+
+def get_args():
+ parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Index data")
+ parser.add_argument("--host_ip", type=str, default="localhost", help="Host IP")
+ parser.add_argument("--port", type=int, default=6007, help="Port")
+ parser.add_argument("--filedir", type=str, default=None, help="file directory")
+ parser.add_argument("--filename", type=str, default=None, help="file name")
+ parser.add_argument("--chunk_size", type=int, default=10000, help="Chunk size")
+ parser.add_argument("--chunk_overlap", type=int, default=0, help="Chunk overlap")
+ args = parser.parse_args()
+ return args
+
+
+def split_jsonl_into_txts(jsonl_file):
+ docs = []
+ n = 0
+ with open(jsonl_file, "r") as f:
+ for line in f:
+ data = json.loads(line)
+ docs.append(data["doc"])
+ return docs
+
+
+def write_docs_to_disk(docs, output_folder):
+ output_files = []
+ for i, text in enumerate(docs):
+ output = os.path.join(output_folder, str(i) + ".txt")
+ output_files.append(output)
+ with open(output, "w") as f:
+ f.write(text)
+ return output_files
+
+
+def delete_files(files):
+ for file in files:
+ os.remove(file)
+
+
+def main():
+ args = get_args()
+ print(args)
+
+ host_ip = args.host_ip
+ port = args.port
+ proxies = {"http": ""}
+ url = "http://{host_ip}:{port}/v1/dataprep".format(host_ip=host_ip, port=port)
+
+ # Split jsonl file into json files
+ files = split_jsonl_into_txts(os.path.join(args.filedir, args.filename))
+ file_list = write_docs_to_disk(files, args.filedir)
+
+ print(file_list)
+
+ for file in tqdm.tqdm(file_list):
+ print("Indexing file: ", file)
+ files = [("files", (f, open(f, "rb"))) for f in [file]]
+ payload = {"chunk_size": args.chunk_size, "chunk_overlap": args.chunk_overlap}
+ resp = requests.request("POST", url=url, headers={}, files=files, data=payload, proxies=proxies)
+ print(resp.text)
+
+ print("Removing temp files....")
+ delete_files(file_list)
+ print("ALL DONE!")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+ main()
diff --git a/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/launch_retrieval_tool.sh b/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/launch_retrieval_tool.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1a142abf8e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/launch_retrieval_tool.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+host_ip=$(hostname -I | awk '{print $1}')
+export HF_CACHE_DIR=${HF_CACHE_DIR}
+export HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN=${HUGGINGFACEHUB_API_TOKEN}
+export no_proxy=${no_proxy}
+export http_proxy=${http_proxy}
+export https_proxy=${https_proxy}
+export EMBEDDING_MODEL_ID="BAAI/bge-base-en-v1.5"
+export RERANK_MODEL_ID="BAAI/bge-reranker-base"
+export TEI_EMBEDDING_ENDPOINT="http://${host_ip}:6006"
+export TEI_RERANKING_ENDPOINT="http://${host_ip}:8808"
+export REDIS_URL="redis://${host_ip}:6379"
+export INDEX_NAME="rag-redis"
+export MEGA_SERVICE_HOST_IP=${host_ip}
+export EMBEDDING_SERVICE_HOST_IP=${host_ip}
+export RETRIEVER_SERVICE_HOST_IP=${host_ip}
+export RERANK_SERVICE_HOST_IP=${host_ip}
+export BACKEND_SERVICE_ENDPOINT="http://${host_ip}:8889/v1/retrievaltool"
+export DATAPREP_SERVICE_ENDPOINT="http://${host_ip}:6007/v1/dataprep"
+export DATAPREP_GET_FILE_ENDPOINT="http://${host_ip}:6008/v1/dataprep/get_file"
+export DATAPREP_DELETE_FILE_ENDPOINT="http://${host_ip}:6009/v1/dataprep/delete_file"
+
+docker compose -f $WORKDIR/GenAIExamples/DocIndexRetriever/docker_compose/intel/cpu/xeon/compose.yaml up -d
diff --git a/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/run_ingest_data.sh b/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/run_ingest_data.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c82769c84f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/retrieval_tool/run_ingest_data.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+FILEDIR=${WORKDIR}/GenAIExamples/AgentQnA/example_data/
+FILENAME=test_docs_music.jsonl
+
+python3 index_data.py --filedir ${FILEDIR} --filename ${FILENAME} --host_ip $host_ip
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/.tool-versions b/GraphRAG/standalone/.tool-versions
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a79d3526a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/.tool-versions
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+python 3.12.7
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/README.md b/GraphRAG/standalone/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..32cac58d57
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+# GraphRAG Standalone
+
+Monolithic front-end/back-end example of GraphRAG using the SEC Edgar sample dataset.
+
+## Getting started - non-container development
+
+There are two services:
+
+1. api - using langserve
+2. ui - streamlit app
+
+### Configure environment
+
+1. Make a copy of the example env file: `cp env-example .env`
+2. Modify the dot env with Neo4j credentials and OpenAI API key
+
+- the `GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY` is only needed during data preparation
+
+### Start API
+
+- `cd api`
+- ..?
+
+## Data Preparation
+
+Data preparation is a manual process, directly creating a knowledge graph from example structured
+and unstructured data contained in the `data` directory.
+
+See the `notebooks/data-prep.ipynb` for data preparation.
+
+_NOTE_: The data has a quality issue, where Apple Inc has been misidentified by the identity mapping!
+
+This is great! The data quality issue is easy to notice and fix within a knowledge graph, because the
+structured and unstructured data are all connected, making it easy to explore, debug and curate.
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/Dockerfile b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/Dockerfile
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b72362f620
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/Dockerfile
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+FROM python:3.11-slim
+
+RUN pip install poetry==1.6.1
+
+RUN poetry config virtualenvs.create false
+
+WORKDIR /code
+
+COPY ./pyproject.toml ./README.md ./poetry.lock* ./ingest.py ./
+
+COPY ./packages ./packages
+
+RUN poetry install --no-interaction --no-ansi --no-root
+
+COPY ./app ./app
+
+RUN poetry install --no-interaction --no-ansi
+
+EXPOSE 8080
+
+CMD exec uvicorn app.server:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8080
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/README.md b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..295c16dd28
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+# GraphRAG Edgar API
+
+## Installation
+
+This sub-project uses `poetry` for virtual env management.
+
+```bash
+poetry shell
+poetry install
+```
+
+## Launch LangServe
+
+```bash
+langchain serve --port 8000
+```
+
+## Running in Docker
+
+This project folder includes a Dockerfile that allows you to easily build and host your LangServe app.
+
+### Building the Image
+
+To build the image, you simply:
+
+```shell
+docker build . -t langserve-edgar-api
+```
+
+If you tag your image with something other than `my-langserve-app`,
+note it for use in the next step.
+
+### Running the Image Locally
+
+To run the image, you'll need to include any environment variables
+necessary for your application.
+
+In the below example, we inject the `OPENAI_API_KEY` environment
+variable with the value set in my local environment
+(`$OPENAI_API_KEY`)
+
+We also expose port 8080 with the `-p 8080:8080` option.
+
+```shell
+docker run -e OPENAI_API_KEY=$OPENAI_API_KEY -p 8080:8080 my-langserve-app
+```
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/app/__init__.py b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/app/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..916f3a44b2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/app/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/app/server.py b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/app/server.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e99154ba27
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/app/server.py
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+from dotenv import load_dotenv
+
+load_dotenv()
+
+from fastapi import FastAPI
+from fastapi.responses import RedirectResponse
+from langserve import add_routes
+from neo4j_semantic_layer import agent_executor as neo4j_edgar_agent
+
+app = FastAPI()
+
+
+@app.get("/")
+async def redirect_root_to_docs():
+ return RedirectResponse("/docs")
+
+
+# Edit this to add the chain you want to add
+add_routes(app, neo4j_edgar_agent, path="/edgar-agent")
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+ import uvicorn
+
+ uvicorn.run(app, host="0.0.0.0", port=8000)
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/README.md b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a34c75f017
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+# neo4j-semantic-layer for SEC Edgar
+
+The semantic layer equips the agent with a suite of robust tools, allowing it to interact with the graph database based on the user's intent.
+
+## Tools
+
+The agent utilizes several tools to interact with the Neo4j graph database effectively:
+
+1. **Company tool**:
+ - Retrieves information about a company based on their 10-K, ensuring the agent has access to the latest and most relevant information.
+2. **Cypher Tool**:
+ - Provides movie recommendations based upon user preferences and input.
+
+## Environment Setup
+
+You need to define the following environment variables
+
+```
+OPENAI_API_KEY=
+NEO4J_URI=
+NEO4J_USERNAME=
+NEO4J_PASSWORD=
+```
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/main.py b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/main.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..449a0f1a56
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/main.py
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+from neo4j_semantic_layer import agent_executor
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+ original_query = "What do you know about person John?"
+ followup_query = "John Travolta"
+ chat_history = [
+ (
+ "What do you know about person John?",
+ "I found multiple people named John. Could you please specify "
+ "which one you are interested in? Here are some options:"
+ "\n\n1. John Travolta\n2. John McDonough",
+ )
+ ]
+ print(agent_executor.invoke({"input": original_query}))
+ print(agent_executor.invoke({"input": followup_query, "chat_history": chat_history}))
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/__init__.py b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..625d65f85b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+from neo4j_semantic_layer.agent import agent_executor
+
+__all__ = ["agent_executor"]
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/agent.py b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/agent.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a6a6871731
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/agent.py
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+from typing import Any, List, Tuple
+
+from langchain.agents import AgentExecutor
+from langchain.agents.format_scratchpad import format_to_openai_function_messages
+from langchain.agents.output_parsers import OpenAIFunctionsAgentOutputParser
+from langchain.prompts import ChatPromptTemplate, MessagesPlaceholder
+
+# from langchain.pydantic_v1 import BaseModel, Field
+from langchain.schema import AIMessage, HumanMessage
+from langchain.tools.render import format_tool_to_openai_function
+
+# from langchain_community.chat_models import ChatOpenAI
+from langchain_openai import ChatOpenAI
+from neo4j_semantic_layer.company_tool import company_tool
+from neo4j_semantic_layer.cypher_tool import cypher_tool
+from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
+
+llm = ChatOpenAI(temperature=0, model="gpt-4", streaming=True)
+
+tools = [company_tool, cypher_tool]
+
+llm_with_tools = llm.bind_tools(tools)
+
+from langchain.agents import AgentType, initialize_agent
+
+agent_executor = initialize_agent(tools, llm, agent=AgentType.STRUCTURED_CHAT_ZERO_SHOT_REACT_DESCRIPTION)
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/company_tool.py b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/company_tool.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..2b81543728
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/company_tool.py
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+import os
+
+from langchain_community.vectorstores import Neo4jVector
+from langchain_core.tools import create_retriever_tool
+from langchain_openai import OpenAIEmbeddings
+
+NEO4J_URI = os.getenv("NEO4J_URI")
+NEO4J_USERNAME = os.getenv("NEO4J_USERNAME")
+NEO4J_PASSWORD = os.getenv("NEO4J_PASSWORD")
+NEO4J_DATABASE = os.getenv("NEO4J_DATABASE") or "neo4j"
+
+
+company_info_cypher = """
+MATCH (node)-[:PART_OF]->(f:Form),
+ (f)<-[:FILED]-(com:Company),
+ (com)<-[owns:OWNS_STOCK_IN]-(mgr:Manager)
+WITH node, score, mgr, owns, com
+ ORDER BY owns.shares DESC LIMIT 10
+WITH collect (
+ mgr.name +
+ " owns " + owns.shares + " of " + com.name +
+ " at a value of $" + apoc.number.format(owns.value) + "."
+) AS investment_statements, com, node, score
+RETURN
+ "Investors in " + com.name + " include...\n" +
+ apoc.text.join(investment_statements, "\n") +
+ "\n" +
+ "Information about " + com.name + " that is relevant to the user question...\n" + node.text AS text,
+ score,
+ {
+ source: node.source
+ } as metadata
+"""
+
+embeddings_api = OpenAIEmbeddings()
+
+neo4j_vector_store = Neo4jVector.from_existing_graph(
+ embedding=embeddings_api,
+ url=NEO4J_URI,
+ username=NEO4J_USERNAME,
+ password=NEO4J_PASSWORD,
+ index_name="form_10k_chunks",
+ node_label="Chunk",
+ text_node_properties=["text"],
+ embedding_node_property="textEmbedding",
+ retrieval_query=company_info_cypher,
+)
+# Create a retriever from the vector store
+company_retriever = neo4j_vector_store.as_retriever()
+
+company_tool = create_retriever_tool(
+ name="company_retriever",
+ retriever=company_retriever,
+ description="Search and return information about something....",
+)
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/cypher_tool.py b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/cypher_tool.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..52d5338222
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/cypher_tool.py
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+from langchain.chains import GraphCypherQAChain
+from langchain.prompts.prompt import PromptTemplate
+from langchain.tools import Tool
+from langchain_community.graphs import Neo4jGraph
+from langchain_openai import ChatOpenAI
+
+llm = ChatOpenAI(model="gpt-4o-mini")
+
+import os
+
+NEO4J_URI = os.getenv("NEO4J_URI")
+NEO4J_USERNAME = os.getenv("NEO4J_USERNAME")
+NEO4J_PASSWORD = os.getenv("NEO4J_PASSWORD")
+NEO4J_DATABASE = os.getenv("NEO4J_DATABASE") or "neo4j"
+
+CYPHER_GENERATION_TEMPLATE = """Task:Generate Cypher statement to query a graph database.
+Instructions:
+Use only the provided relationship types and properties in the schema.
+Do not use any other relationship types or properties that are not provided.
+Schema:
+{schema}
+Note: Do not include any explanations or apologies in your responses.
+Do not respond to any questions that might ask anything else than for you to construct a Cypher statement.
+Do not include any text except the generated Cypher statement.
+Examples: Here are a few examples of generated Cypher statements for particular questions:
+
+# What are the top investment firms in San Francisco?
+MATCH (mgr:Manager)-[:LOCATED_AT]->(mgrAddress:Address)
+ WHERE mgrAddress.city = 'San Francisco'
+RETURN mgr.managerName
+
+# What companies are in Santa Clara?
+MATCH (com:Company)-[:LOCATED_AT]->(comAddress:Address)
+ WHERE comAddress.city = 'Santa Clara'
+RETURN com.companyName
+
+# What investment firms are near Santa Clara?
+ MATCH (address:Address)
+ WHERE address.city = "Santa Clara"
+ MATCH (mgr:Manager)-[:LOCATED_AT]->(managerAddress:Address)
+ WHERE point.distance(address.location, managerAddress.location) < 20 * 1000
+ RETURN mgr.managerName, mgr.managerAddress
+
+# Which investment firms are near Palo Aalto Networks?
+ CALL db.index.fulltext.queryNodes(
+ "fullTextCompanyNames",
+ "Palo Aalto Networks"
+ ) YIELD node, score
+ WITH node as com
+ MATCH (com)-[:LOCATED_AT]->(comAddress:Address),
+ (mgr:Manager)-[:LOCATED_AT]->(mgrAddress:Address)
+ WHERE point.distance(comAddress.location, mgrAddress.location) < 20 * 1000
+ RETURN mgr,
+ toInteger(point.distance(comAddress.location, mgrAddress.location) / 1000) as distanceKm
+ ORDER BY distanceKm ASC
+ LIMIT 10
+
+The question is:
+{question}"""
+
+CYPHER_GENERATION_PROMPT = PromptTemplate(input_variables=["schema", "question"], template=CYPHER_GENERATION_TEMPLATE)
+
+kg = Neo4jGraph(url=NEO4J_URI, username=NEO4J_USERNAME, password=NEO4J_PASSWORD, database=NEO4J_DATABASE)
+cypher_chain = GraphCypherQAChain.from_llm(
+ llm, graph=kg, verbose=True, cypher_prompt=CYPHER_GENERATION_PROMPT, allow_dangerous_requests=True
+)
+
+cypher_tool = Tool.from_function(
+ name="GraphCypherQAChain",
+ description="Use Cypher to generate information about companies and investors",
+ func=cypher_chain.run,
+ return_direct=True,
+)
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/utils.py b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/utils.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..dc55bd69d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/neo4j_semantic_layer/utils.py
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+import os
+from typing import Dict, List
+
+from langchain_community.graphs import Neo4jGraph
+
+NEO4J_URI = os.getenv("NEO4J_URI")
+NEO4J_USERNAME = os.getenv("NEO4J_USERNAME")
+NEO4J_PASSWORD = os.getenv("NEO4J_PASSWORD")
+NEO4J_DATABASE = os.getenv("NEO4J_DATABASE")
+OPENAI_API_KEY = os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY")
+
+print(f"Connect to Neo4j: {NEO4J_USERNAME}@{NEO4J_URI}/{NEO4J_DATABASE}")
+
+# graph = Neo4jGraph()
+graph = Neo4jGraph(url=NEO4J_URI, username=NEO4J_USERNAME, password=NEO4J_PASSWORD, database=NEO4J_DATABASE)
+
+
+def get_user_id() -> int:
+ """Placeholder for a function that would normally retrieve
+ a user's ID."""
+ return 1
+
+
+def remove_lucene_chars(text: str) -> str:
+ """Remove Lucene special characters."""
+ special_chars = [
+ "+",
+ "-",
+ "&",
+ "|",
+ "!",
+ "(",
+ ")",
+ "{",
+ "}",
+ "[",
+ "]",
+ "^",
+ '"',
+ "~",
+ "*",
+ "?",
+ ":",
+ "\\",
+ ]
+ for char in special_chars:
+ if char in text:
+ text = text.replace(char, " ")
+ return text.strip()
+
+
+def generate_full_text_query(input: str) -> str:
+ """Generate a full-text search query for a given input string.
+
+ This function constructs a query string suitable for a full-text search.
+ It processes the input string by splitting it into words and appending a
+ similarity threshold (~0.8) to each word, then combines them using the AND
+ operator. Useful for mapping movies and people from user questions
+ to database values, and allows for some misspellings.
+ """
+ full_text_query = ""
+ words = [el for el in remove_lucene_chars(input).split() if el]
+ for word in words[:-1]:
+ full_text_query += f" {word}~0.8 AND"
+ full_text_query += f" {words[-1]}~0.8"
+ return full_text_query.strip()
+
+
+candidate_query = """
+CALL db.index.fulltext.queryNodes($index, $fulltextQuery, {limit: $limit})
+YIELD node
+RETURN coalesce(node.name, node.title) AS candidate,
+ [el in labels(node) WHERE el IN ['Person', 'Movie'] | el][0] AS label
+"""
+
+
+def get_candidates(input: str, type: str, limit: int = 3) -> List[Dict[str, str]]:
+ """Retrieve a list of candidate entities from database based on the input string.
+
+ This function queries the Neo4j database using a full-text search. It takes the
+ input string, generates a full-text query, and executes this query against the
+ specified index in the database. The function returns a list of candidates
+ matching the query, with each candidate being a dictionary containing their name
+ (or title) and label (either 'Person' or 'Movie').
+ """
+ ft_query = generate_full_text_query(input)
+ candidates = graph.query(candidate_query, {"fulltextQuery": ft_query, "index": type, "limit": limit})
+ return candidates
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/pyproject.toml b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/pyproject.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..68f51e9037
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/pyproject.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+[tool.poetry]
+name = "neo4j-semantic-layer"
+version = "0.1.0"
+description = "Build a semantic layer to allow an agent to interact with a graph database in consistent and robust way."
+authors = [
+ "Tomaz Bratanic ",
+]
+readme = "README.md"
+
+[tool.poetry.dependencies]
+python = ">=3.8.1,<4.0"
+openai = "<2"
+neo4j = "^5.25.0"
+
+[tool.langserve]
+export_module = "neo4j_semantic_layer"
+export_attr = "agent_executor"
+
+[tool.templates-hub]
+use-case = "semantic_layer"
+author = "Neo4j"
+integrations = ["Neo4j", "OpenAI"]
+tags = ["search", "graph-database", "function-calling"]
+
+[build-system]
+requires = [
+ "poetry-core",
+]
+build-backend = "poetry.core.masonry.api"
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/tests/__init__.py b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/tests/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..916f3a44b2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/packages/neo4j-semantic-layer/tests/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2024 Intel Corporation
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/poetry.lock b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/poetry.lock
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..22fb9e58d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/poetry.lock
@@ -0,0 +1,2259 @@
+# This file is automatically @generated by Poetry 1.6.1 and should not be changed by hand.
+
+[[package]]
+name = "aiohappyeyeballs"
+version = "2.4.3"
+description = "Happy Eyeballs for asyncio"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "aiohappyeyeballs-2.4.3-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:8a7a83727b2756f394ab2895ea0765a0a8c475e3c71e98d43d76f22b4b435572"},
+ {file = "aiohappyeyeballs-2.4.3.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:75cf88a15106a5002a8eb1dab212525c00d1f4c0fa96e551c9fbe6f09a621586"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "aiohttp"
+version = "3.10.10"
+description = "Async http client/server framework (asyncio)"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:be7443669ae9c016b71f402e43208e13ddf00912f47f623ee5994e12fc7d4b3f"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7b06b7843929e41a94ea09eb1ce3927865387e3e23ebe108e0d0d09b08d25be9"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:333cf6cf8e65f6a1e06e9eb3e643a0c515bb850d470902274239fea02033e9a8"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:274cfa632350225ce3fdeb318c23b4a10ec25c0e2c880eff951a3842cf358ac1"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:d9e5e4a85bdb56d224f412d9c98ae4cbd032cc4f3161818f692cd81766eee65a"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:2b606353da03edcc71130b52388d25f9a30a126e04caef1fd637e31683033abd"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ab5a5a0c7a7991d90446a198689c0535be89bbd6b410a1f9a66688f0880ec026"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:578a4b875af3e0daaf1ac6fa983d93e0bbfec3ead753b6d6f33d467100cdc67b"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:8105fd8a890df77b76dd3054cddf01a879fc13e8af576805d667e0fa0224c35d"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:3bcd391d083f636c06a68715e69467963d1f9600f85ef556ea82e9ef25f043f7"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:fbc6264158392bad9df19537e872d476f7c57adf718944cc1e4495cbabf38e2a"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:e48d5021a84d341bcaf95c8460b152cfbad770d28e5fe14a768988c461b821bc"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:2609e9ab08474702cc67b7702dbb8a80e392c54613ebe80db7e8dbdb79837c68"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:84afcdea18eda514c25bc68b9af2a2b1adea7c08899175a51fe7c4fb6d551257"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:9c72109213eb9d3874f7ac8c0c5fa90e072d678e117d9061c06e30c85b4cf0e6"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:c30a0eafc89d28e7f959281b58198a9fa5e99405f716c0289b7892ca345fe45f"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:258c5dd01afc10015866114e210fb7365f0d02d9d059c3c3415382ab633fcbcb"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:15ecd889a709b0080f02721255b3f80bb261c2293d3c748151274dfea93ac871"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:f3935f82f6f4a3820270842e90456ebad3af15810cf65932bd24da4463bc0a4c"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:413251f6fcf552a33c981c4709a6bba37b12710982fec8e558ae944bfb2abd38"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:d1720b4f14c78a3089562b8875b53e36b51c97c51adc53325a69b79b4b48ebcb"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:679abe5d3858b33c2cf74faec299fda60ea9de62916e8b67e625d65bf069a3b7"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:79019094f87c9fb44f8d769e41dbb664d6e8fcfd62f665ccce36762deaa0e911"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:fe2fb38c2ed905a2582948e2de560675e9dfbee94c6d5ccdb1301c6d0a5bf092"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:a3f00003de6eba42d6e94fabb4125600d6e484846dbf90ea8e48a800430cc142"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:1bbb122c557a16fafc10354b9d99ebf2f2808a660d78202f10ba9d50786384b9"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:30ca7c3b94708a9d7ae76ff281b2f47d8eaf2579cd05971b5dc681db8caac6e1"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:df9270660711670e68803107d55c2b5949c2e0f2e4896da176e1ecfc068b974a"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:aafc8ee9b742ce75044ae9a4d3e60e3d918d15a4c2e08a6c3c3e38fa59b92d94"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:362f641f9071e5f3ee6f8e7d37d5ed0d95aae656adf4ef578313ee585b585959"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:9294bbb581f92770e6ed5c19559e1e99255e4ca604a22c5c6397b2f9dd3ee42c"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a8fa23fe62c436ccf23ff930149c047f060c7126eae3ccea005f0483f27b2e28"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:5c6a5b8c7926ba5d8545c7dd22961a107526562da31a7a32fa2456baf040939f"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:007ec22fbc573e5eb2fb7dec4198ef8f6bf2fe4ce20020798b2eb5d0abda6138"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:9627cc1a10c8c409b5822a92d57a77f383b554463d1884008e051c32ab1b3742"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:50edbcad60d8f0e3eccc68da67f37268b5144ecc34d59f27a02f9611c1d4eec7"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a45d85cf20b5e0d0aa5a8dca27cce8eddef3292bc29d72dcad1641f4ed50aa16"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:0b00807e2605f16e1e198f33a53ce3c4523114059b0c09c337209ae55e3823a8"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:f2d4324a98062be0525d16f768a03e0bbb3b9fe301ceee99611dc9a7953124e6"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:438cd072f75bb6612f2aca29f8bd7cdf6e35e8f160bc312e49fbecab77c99e3a"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:baa42524a82f75303f714108fea528ccacf0386af429b69fff141ffef1c534f9"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:a7d8d14fe962153fc681f6366bdec33d4356f98a3e3567782aac1b6e0e40109a"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c1277cd707c465cd09572a774559a3cc7c7a28802eb3a2a9472588f062097205"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:59bb3c54aa420521dc4ce3cc2c3fe2ad82adf7b09403fa1f48ae45c0cbde6628"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:0e1b370d8007c4ae31ee6db7f9a2fe801a42b146cec80a86766e7ad5c4a259cf"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:ad7593bb24b2ab09e65e8a1d385606f0f47c65b5a2ae6c551db67d6653e78c28"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1eb89d3d29adaf533588f209768a9c02e44e4baf832b08118749c5fad191781d"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:3fe407bf93533a6fa82dece0e74dbcaaf5d684e5a51862887f9eaebe6372cd79"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:50aed5155f819873d23520919e16703fc8925e509abbb1a1491b0087d1cd969e"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:4f05e9727ce409358baa615dbeb9b969db94324a79b5a5cea45d39bdb01d82e6"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:3dffb610a30d643983aeb185ce134f97f290f8935f0abccdd32c77bed9388b42"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:aa6658732517ddabe22c9036479eabce6036655ba87a0224c612e1ae6af2087e"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:741a46d58677d8c733175d7e5aa618d277cd9d880301a380fd296975a9cdd7bc"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e00e3505cd80440f6c98c6d69269dcc2a119f86ad0a9fd70bccc59504bebd68a"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:ffe595f10566f8276b76dc3a11ae4bb7eba1aac8ddd75811736a15b0d5311414"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:bdfcf6443637c148c4e1a20c48c566aa694fa5e288d34b20fcdc58507882fed3"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:d183cf9c797a5291e8301790ed6d053480ed94070637bfaad914dd38b0981f67"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:77abf6665ae54000b98b3c742bc6ea1d1fb31c394bcabf8b5d2c1ac3ebfe7f3b"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:4470c73c12cd9109db8277287d11f9dd98f77fc54155fc71a7738a83ffcc8ea8"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:486f7aabfa292719a2753c016cc3a8f8172965cabb3ea2e7f7436c7f5a22a151"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:1b66ccafef7336a1e1f0e389901f60c1d920102315a56df85e49552308fc0486"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:acd48d5b80ee80f9432a165c0ac8cbf9253eaddb6113269a5e18699b33958dbb"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:3455522392fb15ff549d92fbf4b73b559d5e43dc522588f7eb3e54c3f38beee7"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:45c3b868724137f713a38376fef8120c166d1eadd50da1855c112fe97954aed8"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:da1dee8948d2137bb51fbb8a53cce6b1bcc86003c6b42565f008438b806cccd8"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:c5ce2ce7c997e1971b7184ee37deb6ea9922ef5163c6ee5aa3c274b05f9e12fa"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:28529e08fde6f12eba8677f5a8608500ed33c086f974de68cc65ab218713a59d"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:f7db54c7914cc99d901d93a34704833568d86c20925b2762f9fa779f9cd2e70f"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:03a42ac7895406220124c88911ebee31ba8b2d24c98507f4a8bf826b2937c7f2"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:7e338c0523d024fad378b376a79faff37fafb3c001872a618cde1d322400a572"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:038f514fe39e235e9fef6717fbf944057bfa24f9b3db9ee551a7ecf584b5b480"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:64f6c17757251e2b8d885d728b6433d9d970573586a78b78ba8929b0f41d045a"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:93429602396f3383a797a2a70e5f1de5df8e35535d7806c9f91df06f297e109b"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:c823bc3971c44ab93e611ab1a46b1eafeae474c0c844aff4b7474287b75fe49c"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:54ca74df1be3c7ca1cf7f4c971c79c2daf48d9aa65dea1a662ae18926f5bc8ce"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:01948b1d570f83ee7bbf5a60ea2375a89dfb09fd419170e7f5af029510033d24"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9fc1500fd2a952c5c8e3b29aaf7e3cc6e27e9cfc0a8819b3bce48cc1b849e4cc"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:f614ab0c76397661b90b6851a030004dac502e48260ea10f2441abd2207fbcc7"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:00819de9e45d42584bed046314c40ea7e9aea95411b38971082cad449392b08c"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:05646ebe6b94cc93407b3bf34b9eb26c20722384d068eb7339de802154d61bc5"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:998f3bd3cfc95e9424a6acd7840cbdd39e45bc09ef87533c006f94ac47296090"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d9010c31cd6fa59438da4e58a7f19e4753f7f264300cd152e7f90d4602449762"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:7ea7ffc6d6d6f8a11e6f40091a1040995cdff02cfc9ba4c2f30a516cb2633554"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:ef9c33cc5cbca35808f6c74be11eb7f5f6b14d2311be84a15b594bd3e58b5527"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:ce0cdc074d540265bfeb31336e678b4e37316849d13b308607efa527e981f5c2"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:597a079284b7ee65ee102bc3a6ea226a37d2b96d0418cc9047490f231dc09fe8"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:7789050d9e5d0c309c706953e5e8876e38662d57d45f936902e176d19f1c58ab"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:e7f8b04d83483577fd9200461b057c9f14ced334dcb053090cea1da9c8321a91"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:c02a30b904282777d872266b87b20ed8cc0d1501855e27f831320f471d54d983"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:edfe3341033a6b53a5c522c802deb2079eee5cbfbb0af032a55064bd65c73a23"},
+ {file = "aiohttp-3.10.10.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:0631dd7c9f0822cc61c88586ca76d5b5ada26538097d0f1df510b082bad3411a"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+aiohappyeyeballs = ">=2.3.0"
+aiosignal = ">=1.1.2"
+attrs = ">=17.3.0"
+frozenlist = ">=1.1.1"
+multidict = ">=4.5,<7.0"
+yarl = ">=1.12.0,<2.0"
+
+[package.extras]
+speedups = ["Brotli", "aiodns (>=3.2.0)", "brotlicffi"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "aiosignal"
+version = "1.3.1"
+description = "aiosignal: a list of registered asynchronous callbacks"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "aiosignal-1.3.1-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:f8376fb07dd1e86a584e4fcdec80b36b7f81aac666ebc724e2c090300dd83b17"},
+ {file = "aiosignal-1.3.1.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:54cd96e15e1649b75d6c87526a6ff0b6c1b0dd3459f43d9ca11d48c339b68cfc"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+frozenlist = ">=1.1.0"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "annotated-types"
+version = "0.7.0"
+description = "Reusable constraint types to use with typing.Annotated"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "annotated_types-0.7.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:1f02e8b43a8fbbc3f3e0d4f0f4bfc8131bcb4eebe8849b8e5c773f3a1c582a53"},
+ {file = "annotated_types-0.7.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:aff07c09a53a08bc8cfccb9c85b05f1aa9a2a6f23728d790723543408344ce89"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "anyio"
+version = "4.6.2.post1"
+description = "High level compatibility layer for multiple asynchronous event loop implementations"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "anyio-4.6.2.post1-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:6d170c36fba3bdd840c73d3868c1e777e33676a69c3a72cf0a0d5d6d8009b61d"},
+ {file = "anyio-4.6.2.post1.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:4c8bc31ccdb51c7f7bd251f51c609e038d63e34219b44aa86e47576389880b4c"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+idna = ">=2.8"
+sniffio = ">=1.1"
+
+[package.extras]
+doc = ["Sphinx (>=7.4,<8.0)", "packaging", "sphinx-autodoc-typehints (>=1.2.0)", "sphinx-rtd-theme"]
+test = ["anyio[trio]", "coverage[toml] (>=7)", "exceptiongroup (>=1.2.0)", "hypothesis (>=4.0)", "psutil (>=5.9)", "pytest (>=7.0)", "pytest-mock (>=3.6.1)", "trustme", "truststore (>=0.9.1)", "uvloop (>=0.21.0b1)"]
+trio = ["trio (>=0.26.1)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "attrs"
+version = "24.2.0"
+description = "Classes Without Boilerplate"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "attrs-24.2.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:81921eb96de3191c8258c199618104dd27ac608d9366f5e35d011eae1867ede2"},
+ {file = "attrs-24.2.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:5cfb1b9148b5b086569baec03f20d7b6bf3bcacc9a42bebf87ffaaca362f6346"},
+]
+
+[package.extras]
+benchmark = ["cloudpickle", "hypothesis", "mypy (>=1.11.1)", "pympler", "pytest (>=4.3.0)", "pytest-codspeed", "pytest-mypy-plugins", "pytest-xdist[psutil]"]
+cov = ["cloudpickle", "coverage[toml] (>=5.3)", "hypothesis", "mypy (>=1.11.1)", "pympler", "pytest (>=4.3.0)", "pytest-mypy-plugins", "pytest-xdist[psutil]"]
+dev = ["cloudpickle", "hypothesis", "mypy (>=1.11.1)", "pre-commit", "pympler", "pytest (>=4.3.0)", "pytest-mypy-plugins", "pytest-xdist[psutil]"]
+docs = ["cogapp", "furo", "myst-parser", "sphinx", "sphinx-notfound-page", "sphinxcontrib-towncrier", "towncrier (<24.7)"]
+tests = ["cloudpickle", "hypothesis", "mypy (>=1.11.1)", "pympler", "pytest (>=4.3.0)", "pytest-mypy-plugins", "pytest-xdist[psutil]"]
+tests-mypy = ["mypy (>=1.11.1)", "pytest-mypy-plugins"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "certifi"
+version = "2024.8.30"
+description = "Python package for providing Mozilla's CA Bundle."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.6"
+files = [
+ {file = "certifi-2024.8.30-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:922820b53db7a7257ffbda3f597266d435245903d80737e34f8a45ff3e3230d8"},
+ {file = "certifi-2024.8.30.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:bec941d2aa8195e248a60b31ff9f0558284cf01a52591ceda73ea9afffd69fd9"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "charset-normalizer"
+version = "3.4.0"
+description = "The Real First Universal Charset Detector. Open, modern and actively maintained alternative to Chardet."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7.0"
+files = [
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:4f9fc98dad6c2eaa32fc3af1417d95b5e3d08aff968df0cd320066def971f9a6"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0de7b687289d3c1b3e8660d0741874abe7888100efe14bd0f9fd7141bcbda92b"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:5ed2e36c3e9b4f21dd9422f6893dec0abf2cca553af509b10cd630f878d3eb99"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:40d3ff7fc90b98c637bda91c89d51264a3dcf210cade3a2c6f838c7268d7a4ca"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:1110e22af8ca26b90bd6364fe4c763329b0ebf1ee213ba32b68c73de5752323d"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:86f4e8cca779080f66ff4f191a685ced73d2f72d50216f7112185dc02b90b9b7"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7f683ddc7eedd742e2889d2bfb96d69573fde1d92fcb811979cdb7165bb9c7d3"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:27623ba66c183eca01bf9ff833875b459cad267aeeb044477fedac35e19ba907"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:f606a1881d2663630ea5b8ce2efe2111740df4b687bd78b34a8131baa007f79b"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:0b309d1747110feb25d7ed6b01afdec269c647d382c857ef4663bbe6ad95a912"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:136815f06a3ae311fae551c3df1f998a1ebd01ddd424aa5603a4336997629e95"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:14215b71a762336254351b00ec720a8e85cada43b987da5a042e4ce3e82bd68e"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:79983512b108e4a164b9c8d34de3992f76d48cadc9554c9e60b43f308988aabe"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:c94057af19bc953643a33581844649a7fdab902624d2eb739738a30e2b3e60fc"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:55f56e2ebd4e3bc50442fbc0888c9d8c94e4e06a933804e2af3e89e2f9c1c749"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:0d99dd8ff461990f12d6e42c7347fd9ab2532fb70e9621ba520f9e8637161d7c"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c57516e58fd17d03ebe67e181a4e4e2ccab1168f8c2976c6a334d4f819fe5944"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:6dba5d19c4dfab08e58d5b36304b3f92f3bd5d42c1a3fa37b5ba5cdf6dfcbcee"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:bf4475b82be41b07cc5e5ff94810e6a01f276e37c2d55571e3fe175e467a1a1c"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:ce031db0408e487fd2775d745ce30a7cd2923667cf3b69d48d219f1d8f5ddeb6"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:8ff4e7cdfdb1ab5698e675ca622e72d58a6fa2a8aa58195de0c0061288e6e3ea"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3710a9751938947e6327ea9f3ea6332a09bf0ba0c09cae9cb1f250bd1f1549bc"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:82357d85de703176b5587dbe6ade8ff67f9f69a41c0733cf2425378b49954de5"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:47334db71978b23ebcf3c0f9f5ee98b8d65992b65c9c4f2d34c2eaf5bcaf0594"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:8ce7fd6767a1cc5a92a639b391891bf1c268b03ec7e021c7d6d902285259685c"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:f1a2f519ae173b5b6a2c9d5fa3116ce16e48b3462c8b96dfdded11055e3d6365"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:63bc5c4ae26e4bc6be6469943b8253c0fd4e4186c43ad46e713ea61a0ba49129"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:bcb4f8ea87d03bc51ad04add8ceaf9b0f085ac045ab4d74e73bbc2dc033f0236"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:9ae4ef0b3f6b41bad6366fb0ea4fc1d7ed051528e113a60fa2a65a9abb5b1d99"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:cee4373f4d3ad28f1ab6290684d8e2ebdb9e7a1b74fdc39e4c211995f77bec27"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:0713f3adb9d03d49d365b70b84775d0a0d18e4ab08d12bc46baa6132ba78aaf6"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:de7376c29d95d6719048c194a9cf1a1b0393fbe8488a22008610b0361d834ecf"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:4a51b48f42d9358460b78725283f04bddaf44a9358197b889657deba38f329db"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:b295729485b06c1a0683af02a9e42d2caa9db04a373dc38a6a58cdd1e8abddf1"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:ee803480535c44e7f5ad00788526da7d85525cfefaf8acf8ab9a310000be4b03"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:3d59d125ffbd6d552765510e3f31ed75ebac2c7470c7274195b9161a32350284"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:8cda06946eac330cbe6598f77bb54e690b4ca93f593dee1568ad22b04f347c15"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:07afec21bbbbf8a5cc3651aa96b980afe2526e7f048fdfb7f1014d84acc8b6d8"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:6b40e8d38afe634559e398cc32b1472f376a4099c75fe6299ae607e404c033b2"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:b8dcd239c743aa2f9c22ce674a145e0a25cb1566c495928440a181ca1ccf6719"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:84450ba661fb96e9fd67629b93d2941c871ca86fc38d835d19d4225ff946a631"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:44aeb140295a2f0659e113b31cfe92c9061622cadbc9e2a2f7b8ef6b1e29ef4b"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1db4e7fefefd0f548d73e2e2e041f9df5c59e178b4c72fbac4cc6f535cfb1565"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:5726cf76c982532c1863fb64d8c6dd0e4c90b6ece9feb06c9f202417a31f7dd7"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:b197e7094f232959f8f20541ead1d9862ac5ebea1d58e9849c1bf979255dfac9"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:dd4eda173a9fcccb5f2e2bd2a9f423d180194b1bf17cf59e3269899235b2a114"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:e9e3c4c9e1ed40ea53acf11e2a386383c3304212c965773704e4603d589343ed"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:92a7e36b000bf022ef3dbb9c46bfe2d52c047d5e3f3343f43204263c5addc250"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:54b6a92d009cbe2fb11054ba694bc9e284dad30a26757b1e372a1fdddaf21920"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:1ffd9493de4c922f2a38c2bf62b831dcec90ac673ed1ca182fe11b4d8e9f2a64"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:35c404d74c2926d0287fbd63ed5d27eb911eb9e4a3bb2c6d294f3cfd4a9e0c23"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4796efc4faf6b53a18e3d46343535caed491776a22af773f366534056c4e1fbc"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:e7fdd52961feb4c96507aa649550ec2a0d527c086d284749b2f582f2d40a2e0d"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:92db3c28b5b2a273346bebb24857fda45601aef6ae1c011c0a997106581e8a88"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:ab973df98fc99ab39080bfb0eb3a925181454d7c3ac8a1e695fddfae696d9e90"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:4b67fdab07fdd3c10bb21edab3cbfe8cf5696f453afce75d815d9d7223fbe88b"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:aa41e526a5d4a9dfcfbab0716c7e8a1b215abd3f3df5a45cf18a12721d31cb5d"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ffc519621dce0c767e96b9c53f09c5d215578e10b02c285809f76509a3931482"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:f19c1585933c82098c2a520f8ec1227f20e339e33aca8fa6f956f6691b784e67"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:707b82d19e65c9bd28b81dde95249b07bf9f5b90ebe1ef17d9b57473f8a64b7b"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:dbe03226baf438ac4fda9e2d0715022fd579cb641c4cf639fa40d53b2fe6f3e2"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:dd9a8bd8900e65504a305bf8ae6fa9fbc66de94178c420791d0293702fce2df7"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:b8831399554b92b72af5932cdbbd4ddc55c55f631bb13ff8fe4e6536a06c5c51"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:a14969b8691f7998e74663b77b4c36c0337cb1df552da83d5c9004a93afdb574"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:dcaf7c1524c0542ee2fc82cc8ec337f7a9f7edee2532421ab200d2b920fc97cf"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:425c5f215d0eecee9a56cdb703203dda90423247421bf0d67125add85d0c4455"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d5b054862739d276e09928de37c79ddeec42a6e1bfc55863be96a36ba22926f6"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:f3e73a4255342d4eb26ef6df01e3962e73aa29baa3124a8e824c5d3364a65748"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:2f6c34da58ea9c1a9515621f4d9ac379871a8f21168ba1b5e09d74250de5ad62"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:f09cb5a7bbe1ecae6e87901a2eb23e0256bb524a79ccc53eb0b7629fbe7677c4"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0099d79bdfcf5c1f0c2c72f91516702ebf8b0b8ddd8905f97a8aecf49712c621"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:9c98230f5042f4945f957d006edccc2af1e03ed5e37ce7c373f00a5a4daa6149"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp37-cp37m-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:62f60aebecfc7f4b82e3f639a7d1433a20ec32824db2199a11ad4f5e146ef5ee"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:af73657b7a68211996527dbfeffbb0864e043d270580c5aef06dc4b659a4b578"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:cab5d0b79d987c67f3b9e9c53f54a61360422a5a0bc075f43cab5621d530c3b6"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:9289fd5dddcf57bab41d044f1756550f9e7cf0c8e373b8cdf0ce8773dc4bd417"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:6b493a043635eb376e50eedf7818f2f322eabbaa974e948bd8bdd29eb7ef2a51"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:9fa2566ca27d67c86569e8c85297aaf413ffab85a8960500f12ea34ff98e4c41"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:a8e538f46104c815be19c975572d74afb53f29650ea2025bbfaef359d2de2f7f"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:6fd30dc99682dc2c603c2b315bded2799019cea829f8bf57dc6b61efde6611c8"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:2006769bd1640bdf4d5641c69a3d63b71b81445473cac5ded39740a226fa88ab"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:dc15e99b2d8a656f8e666854404f1ba54765871104e50c8e9813af8a7db07f12"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:ab2e5bef076f5a235c3774b4f4028a680432cded7cad37bba0fd90d64b187d19"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:4ec9dd88a5b71abfc74e9df5ebe7921c35cbb3b641181a531ca65cdb5e8e4dea"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:43193c5cda5d612f247172016c4bb71251c784d7a4d9314677186a838ad34858"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:aa693779a8b50cd97570e5a0f343538a8dbd3e496fa5dcb87e29406ad0299654"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:7706f5850360ac01d80c89bcef1640683cc12ed87f42579dab6c5d3ed6888613"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp38-cp38-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:c3e446d253bd88f6377260d07c895816ebf33ffffd56c1c792b13bff9c3e1ade"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:980b4f289d1d90ca5efcf07958d3eb38ed9c0b7676bf2831a54d4f66f9c27dfa"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f28f891ccd15c514a0981f3b9db9aa23d62fe1a99997512b0491d2ed323d229a"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:a8aacce6e2e1edcb6ac625fb0f8c3a9570ccc7bfba1f63419b3769ccf6a00ed0"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:bd7af3717683bea4c87acd8c0d3d5b44d56120b26fd3f8a692bdd2d5260c620a"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:5ff2ed8194587faf56555927b3aa10e6fb69d931e33953943bc4f837dfee2242"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:e91f541a85298cf35433bf66f3fab2a4a2cff05c127eeca4af174f6d497f0d4b"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:309a7de0a0ff3040acaebb35ec45d18db4b28232f21998851cfa709eeff49d62"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:285e96d9d53422efc0d7a17c60e59f37fbf3dfa942073f666db4ac71e8d726d0"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:5d447056e2ca60382d460a604b6302d8db69476fd2015c81e7c35417cfabe4cd"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:20587d20f557fe189b7947d8e7ec5afa110ccf72a3128d61a2a387c3313f46be"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:130272c698667a982a5d0e626851ceff662565379baf0ff2cc58067b81d4f11d"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:ab22fbd9765e6954bc0bcff24c25ff71dcbfdb185fcdaca49e81bac68fe724d3"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7782afc9b6b42200f7362858f9e73b1f8316afb276d316336c0ec3bd73312742"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:2de62e8801ddfff069cd5c504ce3bc9672b23266597d4e4f50eda28846c322f2"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:95c3c157765b031331dd4db3c775e58deaee050a3042fcad72cbc4189d7c8dca"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:fe9f97feb71aa9896b81973a7bbada8c49501dc73e58a10fcef6663af95e5079"},
+ {file = "charset_normalizer-3.4.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:223217c3d4f82c3ac5e29032b3f1c2eb0fb591b72161f86d93f5719079dae93e"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "click"
+version = "8.1.7"
+description = "Composable command line interface toolkit"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "click-8.1.7-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:ae74fb96c20a0277a1d615f1e4d73c8414f5a98db8b799a7931d1582f3390c28"},
+ {file = "click-8.1.7.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:ca9853ad459e787e2192211578cc907e7594e294c7ccc834310722b41b9ca6de"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+colorama = {version = "*", markers = "platform_system == \"Windows\""}
+
+[[package]]
+name = "colorama"
+version = "0.4.6"
+description = "Cross-platform colored terminal text."
+optional = false
+python-versions = "!=3.0.*,!=3.1.*,!=3.2.*,!=3.3.*,!=3.4.*,!=3.5.*,!=3.6.*,>=2.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "colorama-0.4.6-py2.py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:4f1d9991f5acc0ca119f9d443620b77f9d6b33703e51011c16baf57afb285fc6"},
+ {file = "colorama-0.4.6.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:08695f5cb7ed6e0531a20572697297273c47b8cae5a63ffc6d6ed5c201be6e44"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "dataclasses-json"
+version = "0.6.7"
+description = "Easily serialize dataclasses to and from JSON."
+optional = false
+python-versions = "<4.0,>=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "dataclasses_json-0.6.7-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:0dbf33f26c8d5305befd61b39d2b3414e8a407bedc2834dea9b8d642666fb40a"},
+ {file = "dataclasses_json-0.6.7.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:b6b3e528266ea45b9535223bc53ca645f5208833c29229e847b3f26a1cc55fc0"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+marshmallow = ">=3.18.0,<4.0.0"
+typing-inspect = ">=0.4.0,<1"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "distro"
+version = "1.9.0"
+description = "Distro - an OS platform information API"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.6"
+files = [
+ {file = "distro-1.9.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:7bffd925d65168f85027d8da9af6bddab658135b840670a223589bc0c8ef02b2"},
+ {file = "distro-1.9.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:2fa77c6fd8940f116ee1d6b94a2f90b13b5ea8d019b98bc8bafdcabcdd9bdbed"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "fastapi"
+version = "0.115.4"
+description = "FastAPI framework, high performance, easy to learn, fast to code, ready for production"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "fastapi-0.115.4-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:0b504a063ffb3cf96a5e27dc1bc32c80ca743a2528574f9cdc77daa2d31b4742"},
+ {file = "fastapi-0.115.4.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:db653475586b091cb8b2fec2ac54a680ac6a158e07406e1abae31679e8826349"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+pydantic = ">=1.7.4,<1.8 || >1.8,<1.8.1 || >1.8.1,<2.0.0 || >2.0.0,<2.0.1 || >2.0.1,<2.1.0 || >2.1.0,<3.0.0"
+starlette = ">=0.40.0,<0.42.0"
+typing-extensions = ">=4.8.0"
+
+[package.extras]
+all = ["email-validator (>=2.0.0)", "fastapi-cli[standard] (>=0.0.5)", "httpx (>=0.23.0)", "itsdangerous (>=1.1.0)", "jinja2 (>=2.11.2)", "orjson (>=3.2.1)", "pydantic-extra-types (>=2.0.0)", "pydantic-settings (>=2.0.0)", "python-multipart (>=0.0.7)", "pyyaml (>=5.3.1)", "ujson (>=4.0.1,!=4.0.2,!=4.1.0,!=4.2.0,!=4.3.0,!=5.0.0,!=5.1.0)", "uvicorn[standard] (>=0.12.0)"]
+standard = ["email-validator (>=2.0.0)", "fastapi-cli[standard] (>=0.0.5)", "httpx (>=0.23.0)", "jinja2 (>=2.11.2)", "python-multipart (>=0.0.7)", "uvicorn[standard] (>=0.12.0)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "frozenlist"
+version = "1.5.0"
+description = "A list-like structure which implements collections.abc.MutableSequence"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:5b6a66c18b5b9dd261ca98dffcb826a525334b2f29e7caa54e182255c5f6a65a"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d1b3eb7b05ea246510b43a7e53ed1653e55c2121019a97e60cad7efb881a97bb"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:15538c0cbf0e4fa11d1e3a71f823524b0c46299aed6e10ebb4c2089abd8c3bec"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e79225373c317ff1e35f210dd5f1344ff31066ba8067c307ab60254cd3a78ad5"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:9272fa73ca71266702c4c3e2d4a28553ea03418e591e377a03b8e3659d94fa76"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:498524025a5b8ba81695761d78c8dd7382ac0b052f34e66939c42df860b8ff17"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:92b5278ed9d50fe610185ecd23c55d8b307d75ca18e94c0e7de328089ac5dcba"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7f3c8c1dacd037df16e85227bac13cca58c30da836c6f936ba1df0c05d046d8d"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:f2ac49a9bedb996086057b75bf93538240538c6d9b38e57c82d51f75a73409d2"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:e66cc454f97053b79c2ab09c17fbe3c825ea6b4de20baf1be28919460dd7877f"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:5a3ba5f9a0dfed20337d3e966dc359784c9f96503674c2faf015f7fe8e96798c"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:6321899477db90bdeb9299ac3627a6a53c7399c8cd58d25da094007402b039ab"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:76e4753701248476e6286f2ef492af900ea67d9706a0155335a40ea21bf3b2f5"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:977701c081c0241d0955c9586ffdd9ce44f7a7795df39b9151cd9a6fd0ce4cfb"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:189f03b53e64144f90990d29a27ec4f7997d91ed3d01b51fa39d2dbe77540fd4"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:fd74520371c3c4175142d02a976aee0b4cb4a7cc912a60586ffd8d5929979b30"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:2f3f7a0fbc219fb4455264cae4d9f01ad41ae6ee8524500f381de64ffaa077d5"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:f47c9c9028f55a04ac254346e92977bf0f166c483c74b4232bee19a6697e4778"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0996c66760924da6e88922756d99b47512a71cfd45215f3570bf1e0b694c206a"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:a2fe128eb4edeabe11896cb6af88fca5346059f6c8d807e3b910069f39157869"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:1a8ea951bbb6cacd492e3948b8da8c502a3f814f5d20935aae74b5df2b19cf3d"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:de537c11e4aa01d37db0d403b57bd6f0546e71a82347a97c6a9f0dcc532b3a45"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9c2623347b933fcb9095841f1cc5d4ff0b278addd743e0e966cb3d460278840d"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:cee6798eaf8b1416ef6909b06f7dc04b60755206bddc599f52232606e18179d3"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:f5f9da7f5dbc00a604fe74aa02ae7c98bcede8a3b8b9666f9f86fc13993bc71a"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:90646abbc7a5d5c7c19461d2e3eeb76eb0b204919e6ece342feb6032c9325ae9"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:bdac3c7d9b705d253b2ce370fde941836a5f8b3c5c2b8fd70940a3ea3af7f4f2"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:03d33c2ddbc1816237a67f66336616416e2bbb6beb306e5f890f2eb22b959cdf"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:237f6b23ee0f44066219dae14c70ae38a63f0440ce6750f868ee08775073f942"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:0cc974cc93d32c42e7b0f6cf242a6bd941c57c61b618e78b6c0a96cb72788c1d"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:31115ba75889723431aa9a4e77d5f398f5cf976eea3bdf61749731f62d4a4a21"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7437601c4d89d070eac8323f121fcf25f88674627505334654fd027b091db09d"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:7948140d9f8ece1745be806f2bfdf390127cf1a763b925c4a805c603df5e697e"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:feeb64bc9bcc6b45c6311c9e9b99406660a9c05ca8a5b30d14a78555088b0b3a"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:683173d371daad49cffb8309779e886e59c2f369430ad28fe715f66d08d4ab1a"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:7d57d8f702221405a9d9b40f9da8ac2e4a1a8b5285aac6100f3393675f0a85ee"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:30c72000fbcc35b129cb09956836c7d7abf78ab5416595e4857d1cae8d6251a6"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:000a77d6034fbad9b6bb880f7ec073027908f1b40254b5d6f26210d2dab1240e"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:5d7f5a50342475962eb18b740f3beecc685a15b52c91f7d975257e13e029eca9"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:87f724d055eb4785d9be84e9ebf0f24e392ddfad00b3fe036e43f489fafc9039"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:6e9080bb2fb195a046e5177f10d9d82b8a204c0736a97a153c2466127de87784"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:9b93d7aaa36c966fa42efcaf716e6b3900438632a626fb09c049f6a2f09fc631"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:52ef692a4bc60a6dd57f507429636c2af8b6046db8b31b18dac02cbc8f507f7f"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:29d94c256679247b33a3dc96cce0f93cbc69c23bf75ff715919332fdbb6a32b8"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:8969190d709e7c48ea386db202d708eb94bdb29207a1f269bab1196ce0dcca1f"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:7a1a048f9215c90973402e26c01d1cff8a209e1f1b53f72b95c13db61b00f953"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:dd47a5181ce5fcb463b5d9e17ecfdb02b678cca31280639255ce9d0e5aa67af0"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:1431d60b36d15cda188ea222033eec8e0eab488f39a272461f2e6d9e1a8e63c2"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:6482a5851f5d72767fbd0e507e80737f9c8646ae7fd303def99bfe813f76cf7f"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:44c49271a937625619e862baacbd037a7ef86dd1ee215afc298a417ff3270608"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:12f78f98c2f1c2429d42e6a485f433722b0061d5c0b0139efa64f396efb5886b"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:ce3aa154c452d2467487765e3adc730a8c153af77ad84096bc19ce19a2400840"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9b7dc0c4338e6b8b091e8faf0db3168a37101943e687f373dce00959583f7439"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:45e0896250900b5aa25180f9aec243e84e92ac84bd4a74d9ad4138ef3f5c97de"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:561eb1c9579d495fddb6da8959fd2a1fca2c6d060d4113f5844b433fc02f2641"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:df6e2f325bfee1f49f81aaac97d2aa757c7646534a06f8f577ce184afe2f0a9e"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:140228863501b44b809fb39ec56b5d4071f4d0aa6d216c19cbb08b8c5a7eadb9"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7707a25d6a77f5d27ea7dc7d1fc608aa0a478193823f88511ef5e6b8a48f9d03"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:31a9ac2b38ab9b5a8933b693db4939764ad3f299fcaa931a3e605bc3460e693c"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:11aabdd62b8b9c4b84081a3c246506d1cddd2dd93ff0ad53ede5defec7886b28"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:dd94994fc91a6177bfaafd7d9fd951bc8689b0a98168aa26b5f543868548d3ca"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:2d0da8bbec082bf6bf18345b180958775363588678f64998c2b7609e34719b10"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:73f2e31ea8dd7df61a359b731716018c2be196e5bb3b74ddba107f694fbd7604"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:828afae9f17e6de596825cf4228ff28fbdf6065974e5ac1410cecc22f699d2b3"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:f1577515d35ed5649d52ab4319db757bb881ce3b2b796d7283e6634d99ace307"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:2150cc6305a2c2ab33299453e2968611dacb970d2283a14955923062c8d00b10"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:a72b7a6e3cd2725eff67cd64c8f13335ee18fc3c7befc05aed043d24c7b9ccb9"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c16d2fa63e0800723139137d667e1056bee1a1cf7965153d2d104b62855e9b99"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:17dcc32fc7bda7ce5875435003220a457bcfa34ab7924a49a1c19f55b6ee185c"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:97160e245ea33d8609cd2b8fd997c850b56db147a304a262abc2b3be021a9171"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:f1e6540b7fa044eee0bb5111ada694cf3dc15f2b0347ca125ee9ca984d5e9e6e"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:91d6c171862df0a6c61479d9724f22efb6109111017c87567cfeb7b5d1449fdf"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c1fac3e2ace2eb1052e9f7c7db480818371134410e1f5c55d65e8f3ac6d1407e"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:b97f7b575ab4a8af9b7bc1d2ef7f29d3afee2226bd03ca3875c16451ad5a7723"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp38-cp38-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:374ca2dabdccad8e2a76d40b1d037f5bd16824933bf7bcea3e59c891fd4a0923"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:9bbcdfaf4af7ce002694a4e10a0159d5a8d20056a12b05b45cea944a4953f972"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1893f948bf6681733aaccf36c5232c231e3b5166d607c5fa77773611df6dc336"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:2b5e23253bb709ef57a8e95e6ae48daa9ac5f265637529e4ce6b003a37b2621f"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0f253985bb515ecd89629db13cb58d702035ecd8cfbca7d7a7e29a0e6d39af5f"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:04a5c6babd5e8fb7d3c871dc8b321166b80e41b637c31a995ed844a6139942b6"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:a9fe0f1c29ba24ba6ff6abf688cb0b7cf1efab6b6aa6adc55441773c252f7411"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:226d72559fa19babe2ccd920273e767c96a49b9d3d38badd7c91a0fdeda8ea08"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:15b731db116ab3aedec558573c1a5eec78822b32292fe4f2f0345b7f697745c2"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:366d8f93e3edfe5a918c874702f78faac300209a4d5bf38352b2c1bdc07a766d"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:1b96af8c582b94d381a1c1f51ffaedeb77c821c690ea5f01da3d70a487dd0a9b"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:c03eff4a41bd4e38415cbed054bbaff4a075b093e2394b6915dca34a40d1e38b"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:50cf5e7ee9b98f22bdecbabf3800ae78ddcc26e4a435515fc72d97903e8488e0"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1e76bfbc72353269c44e0bc2cfe171900fbf7f722ad74c9a7b638052afe6a00c"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:666534d15ba8f0fda3f53969117383d5dc021266b3c1a42c9ec4855e4b58b9d3"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:5c28f4b5dbef8a0d8aad0d4de24d1e9e981728628afaf4ea0792f5d0939372f0"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:d994863bba198a4a518b467bb971c56e1db3f180a25c6cf7bb1949c267f748c3"},
+ {file = "frozenlist-1.5.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:81d5af29e61b9c8348e876d442253723928dce6433e0e76cd925cd83f1b4b817"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "gitdb"
+version = "4.0.11"
+description = "Git Object Database"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "gitdb-4.0.11-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:81a3407ddd2ee8df444cbacea00e2d038e40150acfa3001696fe0dcf1d3adfa4"},
+ {file = "gitdb-4.0.11.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:bf5421126136d6d0af55bc1e7c1af1c397a34f5b7bd79e776cd3e89785c2b04b"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+smmap = ">=3.0.1,<6"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "gitpython"
+version = "3.1.43"
+description = "GitPython is a Python library used to interact with Git repositories"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "GitPython-3.1.43-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:eec7ec56b92aad751f9912a73404bc02ba212a23adb2c7098ee668417051a1ff"},
+ {file = "GitPython-3.1.43.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:35f314a9f878467f5453cc1fee295c3e18e52f1b99f10f6cf5b1682e968a9e7c"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+gitdb = ">=4.0.1,<5"
+
+[package.extras]
+doc = ["sphinx (==4.3.2)", "sphinx-autodoc-typehints", "sphinx-rtd-theme", "sphinxcontrib-applehelp (>=1.0.2,<=1.0.4)", "sphinxcontrib-devhelp (==1.0.2)", "sphinxcontrib-htmlhelp (>=2.0.0,<=2.0.1)", "sphinxcontrib-qthelp (==1.0.3)", "sphinxcontrib-serializinghtml (==1.1.5)"]
+test = ["coverage[toml]", "ddt (>=1.1.1,!=1.4.3)", "mock", "mypy", "pre-commit", "pytest (>=7.3.1)", "pytest-cov", "pytest-instafail", "pytest-mock", "pytest-sugar", "typing-extensions"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "greenlet"
+version = "3.1.1"
+description = "Lightweight in-process concurrent programming"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:0bbae94a29c9e5c7e4a2b7f0aae5c17e8e90acbfd3bf6270eeba60c39fce3563"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0fde093fb93f35ca72a556cf72c92ea3ebfda3d79fc35bb19fbe685853869a83"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:36b89d13c49216cadb828db8dfa6ce86bbbc476a82d3a6c397f0efae0525bdd0"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:94b6150a85e1b33b40b1464a3f9988dcc5251d6ed06842abff82e42632fac120"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:93147c513fac16385d1036b7e5b102c7fbbdb163d556b791f0f11eada7ba65dc"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_24_x86_64.manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:da7a9bff22ce038e19bf62c4dd1ec8391062878710ded0a845bcf47cc0200617"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:b2795058c23988728eec1f36a4e5e4ebad22f8320c85f3587b539b9ac84128d7"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ed10eac5830befbdd0c32f83e8aa6288361597550ba669b04c48f0f9a2c843c6"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:77c386de38a60d1dfb8e55b8c1101d68c79dfdd25c7095d51fec2dd800892b80"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:e4d333e558953648ca09d64f13e6d8f0523fa705f51cae3f03b5983489958c70"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:09fc016b73c94e98e29af67ab7b9a879c307c6731a2c9da0db5a7d9b7edd1159"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:d5e975ca70269d66d17dd995dafc06f1b06e8cb1ec1e9ed54c1d1e4a7c4cf26e"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:3b2813dc3de8c1ee3f924e4d4227999285fd335d1bcc0d2be6dc3f1f6a318ec1"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:e347b3bfcf985a05e8c0b7d462ba6f15b1ee1c909e2dcad795e49e91b152c383"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_24_x86_64.manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9e8f8c9cb53cdac7ba9793c276acd90168f416b9ce36799b9b885790f8ad6c0a"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:62ee94988d6b4722ce0028644418d93a52429e977d742ca2ccbe1c4f4a792511"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1776fd7f989fc6b8d8c8cb8da1f6b82c5814957264d1f6cf818d475ec2bf6395"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:48ca08c771c268a768087b408658e216133aecd835c0ded47ce955381105ba39"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:4afe7ea89de619adc868e087b4d2359282058479d7cfb94970adf4b55284574d"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:f406b22b7c9a9b4f8aa9d2ab13d6ae0ac3e85c9a809bd590ad53fed2bf70dc79"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:c3a701fe5a9695b238503ce5bbe8218e03c3bcccf7e204e455e7462d770268aa"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:2846930c65b47d70b9d178e89c7e1a69c95c1f68ea5aa0a58646b7a96df12441"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:99cfaa2110534e2cf3ba31a7abcac9d328d1d9f1b95beede58294a60348fba36"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_24_x86_64.manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1443279c19fca463fc33e65ef2a935a5b09bb90f978beab37729e1c3c6c25fe9"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:b7cede291382a78f7bb5f04a529cb18e068dd29e0fb27376074b6d0317bf4dd0"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:23f20bb60ae298d7d8656c6ec6db134bca379ecefadb0b19ce6f19d1f232a942"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:7124e16b4c55d417577c2077be379514321916d5790fa287c9ed6f23bd2ffd01"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:05175c27cb459dcfc05d026c4232f9de8913ed006d42713cb8a5137bd49375f1"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:935e943ec47c4afab8965954bf49bfa639c05d4ccf9ef6e924188f762145c0ff"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:667a9706c970cb552ede35aee17339a18e8f2a87a51fba2ed39ceeeb1004798a"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:b8a678974d1f3aa55f6cc34dc480169d58f2e6d8958895d68845fa4ab566509e"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:efc0f674aa41b92da8c49e0346318c6075d734994c3c4e4430b1c3f853e498e4"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_24_x86_64.manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0153404a4bb921f0ff1abeb5ce8a5131da56b953eda6e14b88dc6bbc04d2049e"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:275f72decf9932639c1c6dd1013a1bc266438eb32710016a1c742df5da6e60a1"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c4aab7f6381f38a4b42f269057aee279ab0fc7bf2e929e3d4abfae97b682a12c"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:b42703b1cf69f2aa1df7d1030b9d77d3e584a70755674d60e710f0af570f3761"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313t-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:f1695e76146579f8c06c1509c7ce4dfe0706f49c6831a817ac04eebb2fd02011"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313t-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:7876452af029456b3f3549b696bb36a06db7c90747740c5302f74a9e9fa14b13"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313t-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:4ead44c85f8ab905852d3de8d86f6f8baf77109f9da589cb4fa142bd3b57b475"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313t-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:8320f64b777d00dd7ccdade271eaf0cad6636343293a25074cc5566160e4de7b"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313t-manylinux_2_24_x86_64.manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:6510bf84a6b643dabba74d3049ead221257603a253d0a9873f55f6a59a65f822"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313t-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:04b013dc07c96f83134b1e99888e7a79979f1a247e2a9f59697fa14b5862ed01"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp313-cp313t-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:411f015496fec93c1c8cd4e5238da364e1da7a124bcb293f085bf2860c32c6f6"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:47da355d8687fd65240c364c90a31569a133b7b60de111c255ef5b606f2ae291"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:98884ecf2ffb7d7fe6bd517e8eb99d31ff7855a840fa6d0d63cd07c037f6a981"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:f1d4aeb8891338e60d1ab6127af1fe45def5259def8094b9c7e34690c8858803"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:db32b5348615a04b82240cc67983cb315309e88d444a288934ee6ceaebcad6cc"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_24_x86_64.manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:dcc62f31eae24de7f8dce72134c8651c58000d3b1868e01392baea7c32c247de"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp37-cp37m-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:1d3755bcb2e02de341c55b4fca7a745a24a9e7212ac953f6b3a48d117d7257aa"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp37-cp37m-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:b8da394b34370874b4572676f36acabac172602abf054cbc4ac910219f3340af"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp37-cp37m-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:a0dfc6c143b519113354e780a50381508139b07d2177cb6ad6a08278ec655798"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp37-cp37m-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:54558ea205654b50c438029505def3834e80f0869a70fb15b871c29b4575ddef"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:346bed03fe47414091be4ad44786d1bd8bef0c3fcad6ed3dee074a032ab408a9"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:dfc59d69fc48664bc693842bd57acfdd490acafda1ab52c7836e3fc75c90a111"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:d21e10da6ec19b457b82636209cbe2331ff4306b54d06fa04b7c138ba18c8a81"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:37b9de5a96111fc15418819ab4c4432e4f3c2ede61e660b1e33971eba26ef9ba"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:6ef9ea3f137e5711f0dbe5f9263e8c009b7069d8a1acea822bd5e9dae0ae49c8"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_24_x86_64.manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:85f3ff71e2e60bd4b4932a043fbbe0f499e263c628390b285cb599154a3b03b1"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:95ffcf719966dd7c453f908e208e14cde192e09fde6c7186c8f1896ef778d8cd"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:03a088b9de532cbfe2ba2034b2b85e82df37874681e8c470d6fb2f8c04d7e4b7"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:8b8b36671f10ba80e159378df9c4f15c14098c4fd73a36b9ad715f057272fbef"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp38-cp38-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:7017b2be767b9d43cc31416aba48aab0d2309ee31b4dbf10a1d38fb7972bdf9d"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:396979749bd95f018296af156201d6211240e7a23090f50a8d5d18c370084dc3"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:ca9d0ff5ad43e785350894d97e13633a66e2b50000e8a183a50a88d834752d42"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:f6ff3b14f2df4c41660a7dec01045a045653998784bf8cfcb5a525bdffffbc8f"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:94ebba31df2aa506d7b14866fed00ac141a867e63143fe5bca82a8e503b36437"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:73aaad12ac0ff500f62cebed98d8789198ea0e6f233421059fa68a5aa7220145"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_24_x86_64.manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:63e4844797b975b9af3a3fb8f7866ff08775f5426925e1e0bbcfe7932059a12c"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:7939aa3ca7d2a1593596e7ac6d59391ff30281ef280d8632fa03d81f7c5f955e"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d0028e725ee18175c6e422797c407874da24381ce0690d6b9396c204c7f7276e"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:5e06afd14cbaf9e00899fae69b24a32f2196c19de08fcb9f4779dd4f004e5e7c"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:3319aa75e0e0639bc15ff54ca327e8dc7a6fe404003496e3c6925cd3142e0e22"},
+ {file = "greenlet-3.1.1.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:4ce3ac6cdb6adf7946475d7ef31777c26d94bccc377e070a7986bd2d5c515467"},
+]
+
+[package.extras]
+docs = ["Sphinx", "furo"]
+test = ["objgraph", "psutil"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "gritql"
+version = "0.1.5"
+description = "Python bindings for GritQL"
+optional = false
+python-versions = "*"
+files = [
+ {file = "gritql-0.1.5-py2.py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:b17b314d995a11b8e06839280b079ffc8a30bdfb0d2beebcb4332186a0b2cdf0"},
+ {file = "gritql-0.1.5.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:7568ee2d7c7457000374c91289bacb05e92524c77a5d5f63fe777b29622bff4c"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "h11"
+version = "0.14.0"
+description = "A pure-Python, bring-your-own-I/O implementation of HTTP/1.1"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "h11-0.14.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:e3fe4ac4b851c468cc8363d500db52c2ead036020723024a109d37346efaa761"},
+ {file = "h11-0.14.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:8f19fbbe99e72420ff35c00b27a34cb9937e902a8b810e2c88300c6f0a3b699d"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "httpcore"
+version = "1.0.6"
+description = "A minimal low-level HTTP client."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "httpcore-1.0.6-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:27b59625743b85577a8c0e10e55b50b5368a4f2cfe8cc7bcfa9cf00829c2682f"},
+ {file = "httpcore-1.0.6.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:73f6dbd6eb8c21bbf7ef8efad555481853f5f6acdeaff1edb0694289269ee17f"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+certifi = "*"
+h11 = ">=0.13,<0.15"
+
+[package.extras]
+asyncio = ["anyio (>=4.0,<5.0)"]
+http2 = ["h2 (>=3,<5)"]
+socks = ["socksio (==1.*)"]
+trio = ["trio (>=0.22.0,<1.0)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "httpx"
+version = "0.27.2"
+description = "The next generation HTTP client."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "httpx-0.27.2-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:7bb2708e112d8fdd7829cd4243970f0c223274051cb35ee80c03301ee29a3df0"},
+ {file = "httpx-0.27.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:f7c2be1d2f3c3c3160d441802406b206c2b76f5947b11115e6df10c6c65e66c2"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+anyio = "*"
+certifi = "*"
+httpcore = "==1.*"
+idna = "*"
+sniffio = "*"
+
+[package.extras]
+brotli = ["brotli", "brotlicffi"]
+cli = ["click (==8.*)", "pygments (==2.*)", "rich (>=10,<14)"]
+http2 = ["h2 (>=3,<5)"]
+socks = ["socksio (==1.*)"]
+zstd = ["zstandard (>=0.18.0)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "idna"
+version = "3.10"
+description = "Internationalized Domain Names in Applications (IDNA)"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.6"
+files = [
+ {file = "idna-3.10-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:946d195a0d259cbba61165e88e65941f16e9b36ea6ddb97f00452bae8b1287d3"},
+ {file = "idna-3.10.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:12f65c9b470abda6dc35cf8e63cc574b1c52b11df2c86030af0ac09b01b13ea9"},
+]
+
+[package.extras]
+all = ["flake8 (>=7.1.1)", "mypy (>=1.11.2)", "pytest (>=8.3.2)", "ruff (>=0.6.2)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "jiter"
+version = "0.6.1"
+description = "Fast iterable JSON parser."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d08510593cb57296851080018006dfc394070178d238b767b1879dc1013b106c"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:adef59d5e2394ebbad13b7ed5e0306cceb1df92e2de688824232a91588e77aa7"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:b3e02f7a27f2bcc15b7d455c9df05df8ffffcc596a2a541eeda9a3110326e7a3"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:ed69a7971d67b08f152c17c638f0e8c2aa207e9dd3a5fcd3cba294d39b5a8d2d"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:b2019d966e98f7c6df24b3b8363998575f47d26471bfb14aade37630fae836a1"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:36c0b51a285b68311e207a76c385650322734c8717d16c2eb8af75c9d69506e7"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:220e0963b4fb507c525c8f58cde3da6b1be0bfddb7ffd6798fb8f2531226cdb1"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:aa25c7a9bf7875a141182b9c95aed487add635da01942ef7ca726e42a0c09058"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e90552109ca8ccd07f47ca99c8a1509ced93920d271bb81780a973279974c5ab"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:67723a011964971864e0b484b0ecfee6a14de1533cff7ffd71189e92103b38a8"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:33af2b7d2bf310fdfec2da0177eab2fedab8679d1538d5b86a633ebfbbac4edd"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp310-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:7cea41c4c673353799906d940eee8f2d8fd1d9561d734aa921ae0f75cb9732f4"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:b03c24e7da7e75b170c7b2b172d9c5e463aa4b5c95696a368d52c295b3f6847f"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:47fee1be677b25d0ef79d687e238dc6ac91a8e553e1a68d0839f38c69e0ee491"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:25f0d2f6e01a8a0fb0eab6d0e469058dab2be46ff3139ed2d1543475b5a1d8e7"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:0b809e39e342c346df454b29bfcc7bca3d957f5d7b60e33dae42b0e5ec13e027"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:e9ac7c2f092f231f5620bef23ce2e530bd218fc046098747cc390b21b8738a7a"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:e51a2d80d5fe0ffb10ed2c82b6004458be4a3f2b9c7d09ed85baa2fbf033f54b"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3343d4706a2b7140e8bd49b6c8b0a82abf9194b3f0f5925a78fc69359f8fc33c"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:82521000d18c71e41c96960cb36e915a357bc83d63a8bed63154b89d95d05ad1"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:3c843e7c1633470708a3987e8ce617ee2979ee18542d6eb25ae92861af3f1d62"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a2e861658c3fe849efc39b06ebb98d042e4a4c51a8d7d1c3ddc3b1ea091d0784"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:7d72fc86474862c9c6d1f87b921b70c362f2b7e8b2e3c798bb7d58e419a6bc0f"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp311-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:3e36a320634f33a07794bb15b8da995dccb94f944d298c8cfe2bd99b1b8a574a"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1fad93654d5a7dcce0809aff66e883c98e2618b86656aeb2129db2cd6f26f867"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:4e6e340e8cd92edab7f6a3a904dbbc8137e7f4b347c49a27da9814015cc0420c"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:691352e5653af84ed71763c3c427cff05e4d658c508172e01e9c956dfe004aba"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:defee3949313c1f5b55e18be45089970cdb936eb2a0063f5020c4185db1b63c9"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:26d2bdd5da097e624081c6b5d416d3ee73e5b13f1703bcdadbb1881f0caa1933"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:18aa9d1626b61c0734b973ed7088f8a3d690d0b7f5384a5270cd04f4d9f26c86"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7a3567c8228afa5ddcce950631c6b17397ed178003dc9ee7e567c4c4dcae9fa0"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:e5c0507131c922defe3f04c527d6838932fcdfd69facebafd7d3574fa3395314"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:540fcb224d7dc1bcf82f90f2ffb652df96f2851c031adca3c8741cb91877143b"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:e7b75436d4fa2032b2530ad989e4cb0ca74c655975e3ff49f91a1a3d7f4e1df2"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:883d2ced7c21bf06874fdeecab15014c1c6d82216765ca6deef08e335fa719e0"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp312-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:91e63273563401aadc6c52cca64a7921c50b29372441adc104127b910e98a5b6"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:852508a54fe3228432e56019da8b69208ea622a3069458252f725d634e955b31"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:f491cc69ff44e5a1e8bc6bf2b94c1f98d179e1aaf4a554493c171a5b2316b701"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:cc56c8f0b2a28ad4d8047f3ae62d25d0e9ae01b99940ec0283263a04724de1f3"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:51b58f7a0d9e084a43b28b23da2b09fc5e8df6aa2b6a27de43f991293cab85fd"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:5f79ce15099154c90ef900d69c6b4c686b64dfe23b0114e0971f2fecd306ec6c"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:03a025b52009f47e53ea619175d17e4ded7c035c6fbd44935cb3ada11e1fd592"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c74a8d93718137c021d9295248a87c2f9fdc0dcafead12d2930bc459ad40f885"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:40b03b75f903975f68199fc4ec73d546150919cb7e534f3b51e727c4d6ccca5a"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:825651a3f04cf92a661d22cad61fc913400e33aa89b3e3ad9a6aa9dc8a1f5a71"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:928bf25eb69ddb292ab8177fe69d3fbf76c7feab5fce1c09265a7dccf25d3991"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:352cd24121e80d3d053fab1cc9806258cad27c53cad99b7a3cac57cf934b12e4"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp313-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:be7503dd6f4bf02c2a9bacb5cc9335bc59132e7eee9d3e931b13d76fd80d7fda"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:31d8e00e1fb4c277df8ab6f31a671f509ebc791a80e5c61fdc6bc8696aaa297c"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:77c296d65003cd7ee5d7b0965f6acbe6cffaf9d1fa420ea751f60ef24e85fed5"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:aeeb0c0325ef96c12a48ea7e23e2e86fe4838e6e0a995f464cf4c79fa791ceeb"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:a31c6fcbe7d6c25d6f1cc6bb1cba576251d32795d09c09961174fe461a1fb5bd"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:59e2b37f3b9401fc9e619f4d4badcab2e8643a721838bcf695c2318a0475ae42"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:bae5ae4853cb9644144e9d0755854ce5108d470d31541d83f70ca7ecdc2d1637"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9df588e9c830b72d8db1dd7d0175af6706b0904f682ea9b1ca8b46028e54d6e9"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:15f8395e835cf561c85c1adee72d899abf2733d9df72e9798e6d667c9b5c1f30"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:5a99d4e0b5fc3b05ea732d67eb2092fe894e95a90e6e413f2ea91387e228a307"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a311df1fa6be0ccd64c12abcd85458383d96e542531bafbfc0a16ff6feda588f"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:81116a6c272a11347b199f0e16b6bd63f4c9d9b52bc108991397dd80d3c78aba"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp38-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:13f9084e3e871a7c0b6e710db54444088b1dd9fbefa54d449b630d5e73bb95d0"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f1c53615fcfec3b11527c08d19cff6bc870da567ce4e57676c059a3102d3a082"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:f791b6a4da23238c17a81f44f5b55d08a420c5692c1fda84e301a4b036744eb1"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:8c97e90fec2da1d5f68ef121444c2c4fa72eabf3240829ad95cf6bbeca42a301"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:3cbc1a66b4e41511209e97a2866898733c0110b7245791ac604117b7fb3fedb7"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:e4e85f9e12cd8418ab10e1fcf0e335ae5bb3da26c4d13a0fd9e6a17a674783b6"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:08be33db6dcc374c9cc19d3633af5e47961a7b10d4c61710bd39e48d52a35824"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:677be9550004f5e010d673d3b2a2b815a8ea07a71484a57d3f85dde7f14cf132"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:e8bd065be46c2eecc328e419d6557bbc37844c88bb07b7a8d2d6c91c7c4dedc9"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:bd95375ce3609ec079a97c5d165afdd25693302c071ca60c7ae1cf826eb32022"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:db459ed22d0208940d87f614e1f0ea5a946d29a3cfef71f7e1aab59b6c6b2afb"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:d71c962f0971347bd552940ab96aa42ceefcd51b88c4ced8a27398182efa8d80"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1-cp39-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:d465db62d2d10b489b7e7a33027c4ae3a64374425d757e963f86df5b5f2e7fc5"},
+ {file = "jiter-0.6.1.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:e19cd21221fc139fb032e4112986656cb2739e9fe6d84c13956ab30ccc7d4449"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "jsonpatch"
+version = "1.33"
+description = "Apply JSON-Patches (RFC 6902)"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=2.7, !=3.0.*, !=3.1.*, !=3.2.*, !=3.3.*, !=3.4.*, !=3.5.*, !=3.6.*"
+files = [
+ {file = "jsonpatch-1.33-py2.py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:0ae28c0cd062bbd8b8ecc26d7d164fbbea9652a1a3693f3b956c1eae5145dade"},
+ {file = "jsonpatch-1.33.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:9fcd4009c41e6d12348b4a0ff2563ba56a2923a7dfee731d004e212e1ee5030c"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+jsonpointer = ">=1.9"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "jsonpointer"
+version = "3.0.0"
+description = "Identify specific nodes in a JSON document (RFC 6901)"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "jsonpointer-3.0.0-py2.py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:13e088adc14fca8b6aa8177c044e12701e6ad4b28ff10e65f2267a90109c9942"},
+ {file = "jsonpointer-3.0.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:2b2d729f2091522d61c3b31f82e11870f60b68f43fbc705cb76bf4b832af59ef"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "langchain"
+version = "0.3.4"
+description = "Building applications with LLMs through composability"
+optional = false
+python-versions = "<4.0,>=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "langchain-0.3.4-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:7a1241d9429510d2083c62df0da998a7b2b05c730cd4255b89da9d47c57f48fd"},
+ {file = "langchain-0.3.4.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:3596515fcd0157dece6ec96e0240d29f4cf542d91ecffc815d32e35198dfff37"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+aiohttp = ">=3.8.3,<4.0.0"
+langchain-core = ">=0.3.12,<0.4.0"
+langchain-text-splitters = ">=0.3.0,<0.4.0"
+langsmith = ">=0.1.17,<0.2.0"
+numpy = [
+ {version = ">=1,<2", markers = "python_version < \"3.12\""},
+ {version = ">=1.26.0,<2.0.0", markers = "python_version >= \"3.12\""},
+]
+pydantic = ">=2.7.4,<3.0.0"
+PyYAML = ">=5.3"
+requests = ">=2,<3"
+SQLAlchemy = ">=1.4,<3"
+tenacity = ">=8.1.0,<8.4.0 || >8.4.0,<10"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "langchain-cli"
+version = "0.0.31"
+description = "CLI for interacting with LangChain"
+optional = false
+python-versions = "<4.0,>=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "langchain_cli-0.0.31-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:e8b754d17e30d9a76d2cc3de36128f0bd857476827d643c0b7a442943a173268"},
+ {file = "langchain_cli-0.0.31.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:41b1bee98ebd3f89b6326a01ce29182cfcdeec5685efe2c0d89ff901e314834a"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+gitpython = ">=3.1.40,<4.0.0"
+gritql = ">=0.1.1,<0.2.0"
+langserve = {version = ">=0.0.51", extras = ["all"]}
+tomlkit = ">=0.12.2,<0.13.0"
+typer = {version = ">=0.9.0,<0.10.0", extras = ["all"]}
+uvicorn = ">=0.23.2,<0.24.0"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "langchain-community"
+version = "0.3.3"
+description = "Community contributed LangChain integrations."
+optional = false
+python-versions = "<4.0,>=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "langchain_community-0.3.3-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:319cfc2f923a066c91fbb8e02decd7814018af952b6b98298b8ac9d30ea1da56"},
+ {file = "langchain_community-0.3.3.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:bfb3f2b219aed21087e0ecb7d2ebd1c81401c02b92239e11645c822d5be63f80"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+aiohttp = ">=3.8.3,<4.0.0"
+dataclasses-json = ">=0.5.7,<0.7"
+langchain = ">=0.3.4,<0.4.0"
+langchain-core = ">=0.3.12,<0.4.0"
+langsmith = ">=0.1.125,<0.2.0"
+numpy = [
+ {version = ">=1,<2", markers = "python_version < \"3.12\""},
+ {version = ">=1.26.0,<2.0.0", markers = "python_version >= \"3.12\""},
+]
+pydantic-settings = ">=2.4.0,<3.0.0"
+PyYAML = ">=5.3"
+requests = ">=2,<3"
+SQLAlchemy = ">=1.4,<3"
+tenacity = ">=8.1.0,<8.4.0 || >8.4.0,<10"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "langchain-core"
+version = "0.3.13"
+description = "Building applications with LLMs through composability"
+optional = false
+python-versions = "<4.0,>=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "langchain_core-0.3.13-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:e79cfac046cab293c02047f081741f4a433ca5aa54a3973e179eaef147cdfba4"},
+ {file = "langchain_core-0.3.13.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:d3a6c838284ff73705dd0f24a36cd8b2fa34a348e6b357e6b3d58199ab063cde"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+jsonpatch = ">=1.33,<2.0"
+langsmith = ">=0.1.125,<0.2.0"
+packaging = ">=23.2,<25"
+pydantic = [
+ {version = ">=2.5.2,<3.0.0", markers = "python_full_version < \"3.12.4\""},
+ {version = ">=2.7.4,<3.0.0", markers = "python_full_version >= \"3.12.4\""},
+]
+PyYAML = ">=5.3"
+tenacity = ">=8.1.0,<8.4.0 || >8.4.0,<10.0.0"
+typing-extensions = ">=4.7"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "langchain-openai"
+version = "0.2.3"
+description = "An integration package connecting OpenAI and LangChain"
+optional = false
+python-versions = "<4.0,>=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "langchain_openai-0.2.3-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:f498c94817c980cb302439b95d3f3275cdf2743e022ee674692c75898523cf57"},
+ {file = "langchain_openai-0.2.3.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:e142031704de1104735f503f76352c53b27ac0a2806466392993c4508c42bf0c"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+langchain-core = ">=0.3.12,<0.4.0"
+openai = ">=1.52.0,<2.0.0"
+tiktoken = ">=0.7,<1"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "langchain-text-splitters"
+version = "0.3.0"
+description = "LangChain text splitting utilities"
+optional = false
+python-versions = "<4.0,>=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "langchain_text_splitters-0.3.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:e84243e45eaff16e5b776cd9c81b6d07c55c010ebcb1965deb3d1792b7358e83"},
+ {file = "langchain_text_splitters-0.3.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:f9fe0b4d244db1d6de211e7343d4abc4aa90295aa22e1f0c89e51f33c55cd7ce"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+langchain-core = ">=0.3.0,<0.4.0"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "langserve"
+version = "0.3.0"
+description = ""
+optional = false
+python-versions = "<4.0,>=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "langserve-0.3.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:614856ae7f9967f26af73081f20e87e45efc3cd405414740d219a50869464e29"},
+ {file = "langserve-0.3.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:78c956276f15b839d2a21c9c8ead5a886c2743f3c47547fb3695722697146bd6"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+fastapi = {version = ">=0.90.1,<1", optional = true, markers = "extra == \"client\" or extra == \"server\" or extra == \"all\""}
+httpx = ">=0.23.0,<1.0"
+langchain-core = ">=0.3,<0.4"
+orjson = ">=2,<4"
+pydantic = ">=2.7,<3.0"
+sse-starlette = {version = ">=1.3.0,<2.0.0", optional = true, markers = "extra == \"server\" or extra == \"all\""}
+
+[package.extras]
+all = ["fastapi (>=0.90.1,<1)", "sse-starlette (>=1.3.0,<2.0.0)"]
+client = ["fastapi (>=0.90.1,<1)"]
+server = ["fastapi (>=0.90.1,<1)", "sse-starlette (>=1.3.0,<2.0.0)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "langsmith"
+version = "0.1.137"
+description = "Client library to connect to the LangSmith LLM Tracing and Evaluation Platform."
+optional = false
+python-versions = "<4.0,>=3.8.1"
+files = [
+ {file = "langsmith-0.1.137-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:4256d5c61133749890f7b5c88321dbb133ce0f440c621ea28e76513285859b81"},
+ {file = "langsmith-0.1.137.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:56cdfcc6c74cb20a3f437d5bd144feb5bf93f54c5a2918d1e568cbd084a372d4"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+httpx = ">=0.23.0,<1"
+orjson = ">=3.9.14,<4.0.0"
+pydantic = [
+ {version = ">=1,<3", markers = "python_full_version < \"3.12.4\""},
+ {version = ">=2.7.4,<3.0.0", markers = "python_full_version >= \"3.12.4\""},
+]
+requests = ">=2,<3"
+requests-toolbelt = ">=1.0.0,<2.0.0"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "markdown-it-py"
+version = "3.0.0"
+description = "Python port of markdown-it. Markdown parsing, done right!"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "markdown-it-py-3.0.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:e3f60a94fa066dc52ec76661e37c851cb232d92f9886b15cb560aaada2df8feb"},
+ {file = "markdown_it_py-3.0.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:355216845c60bd96232cd8d8c40e8f9765cc86f46880e43a8fd22dc1a1a8cab1"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+mdurl = ">=0.1,<1.0"
+
+[package.extras]
+benchmarking = ["psutil", "pytest", "pytest-benchmark"]
+code-style = ["pre-commit (>=3.0,<4.0)"]
+compare = ["commonmark (>=0.9,<1.0)", "markdown (>=3.4,<4.0)", "mistletoe (>=1.0,<2.0)", "mistune (>=2.0,<3.0)", "panflute (>=2.3,<3.0)"]
+linkify = ["linkify-it-py (>=1,<3)"]
+plugins = ["mdit-py-plugins"]
+profiling = ["gprof2dot"]
+rtd = ["jupyter_sphinx", "mdit-py-plugins", "myst-parser", "pyyaml", "sphinx", "sphinx-copybutton", "sphinx-design", "sphinx_book_theme"]
+testing = ["coverage", "pytest", "pytest-cov", "pytest-regressions"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "marshmallow"
+version = "3.23.0"
+description = "A lightweight library for converting complex datatypes to and from native Python datatypes."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "marshmallow-3.23.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:82f20a2397834fe6d9611b241f2f7e7b680ed89c49f84728a1ad937be6b4bdf4"},
+ {file = "marshmallow-3.23.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:98d8827a9f10c03d44ead298d2e99c6aea8197df18ccfad360dae7f89a50da2e"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+packaging = ">=17.0"
+
+[package.extras]
+dev = ["marshmallow[tests]", "pre-commit (>=3.5,<5.0)", "tox"]
+docs = ["alabaster (==1.0.0)", "autodocsumm (==0.2.13)", "sphinx (==8.1.3)", "sphinx-issues (==5.0.0)", "sphinx-version-warning (==1.1.2)"]
+tests = ["pytest", "simplejson"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "mdurl"
+version = "0.1.2"
+description = "Markdown URL utilities"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "mdurl-0.1.2-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:84008a41e51615a49fc9966191ff91509e3c40b939176e643fd50a5c2196b8f8"},
+ {file = "mdurl-0.1.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:bb413d29f5eea38f31dd4754dd7377d4465116fb207585f97bf925588687c1ba"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "multidict"
+version = "6.1.0"
+description = "multidict implementation"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:3380252550e372e8511d49481bd836264c009adb826b23fefcc5dd3c69692f60"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:99f826cbf970077383d7de805c0681799491cb939c25450b9b5b3ced03ca99f1"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:a114d03b938376557927ab23f1e950827c3b893ccb94b62fd95d430fd0e5cf53"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:b1c416351ee6271b2f49b56ad7f308072f6f44b37118d69c2cad94f3fa8a40d5"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:6b5d83030255983181005e6cfbac1617ce9746b219bc2aad52201ad121226581"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:3e97b5e938051226dc025ec80980c285b053ffb1e25a3db2a3aa3bc046bf7f56"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d618649d4e70ac6efcbba75be98b26ef5078faad23592f9b51ca492953012429"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:10524ebd769727ac77ef2278390fb0068d83f3acb7773792a5080f2b0abf7748"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:ff3827aef427c89a25cc96ded1759271a93603aba9fb977a6d264648ebf989db"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:06809f4f0f7ab7ea2cabf9caca7d79c22c0758b58a71f9d32943ae13c7ace056"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:f179dee3b863ab1c59580ff60f9d99f632f34ccb38bf67a33ec6b3ecadd0fd76"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:aaed8b0562be4a0876ee3b6946f6869b7bcdb571a5d1496683505944e268b160"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3c8b88a2ccf5493b6c8da9076fb151ba106960a2df90c2633f342f120751a9e7"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:4a9cb68166a34117d6646c0023c7b759bf197bee5ad4272f420a0141d7eb03a0"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:20b9b5fbe0b88d0bdef2012ef7dee867f874b72528cf1d08f1d59b0e3850129d"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:3efe2c2cb5763f2f1b275ad2bf7a287d3f7ebbef35648a9726e3b69284a4f3d6"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c7053d3b0353a8b9de430a4f4b4268ac9a4fb3481af37dfe49825bf45ca24156"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:27e5fc84ccef8dfaabb09d82b7d179c7cf1a3fbc8a966f8274fcb4ab2eb4cadb"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0e2b90b43e696f25c62656389d32236e049568b39320e2735d51f08fd362761b"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:d83a047959d38a7ff552ff94be767b7fd79b831ad1cd9920662db05fec24fe72"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:d1a9dd711d0877a1ece3d2e4fea11a8e75741ca21954c919406b44e7cf971304"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ec2abea24d98246b94913b76a125e855eb5c434f7c46546046372fe60f666351"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:4867cafcbc6585e4b678876c489b9273b13e9fff9f6d6d66add5e15d11d926cb"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:5b48204e8d955c47c55b72779802b219a39acc3ee3d0116d5080c388970b76e3"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:d8fff389528cad1618fb4b26b95550327495462cd745d879a8c7c2115248e399"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:a7a9541cd308eed5e30318430a9c74d2132e9a8cb46b901326272d780bf2d423"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:da1758c76f50c39a2efd5e9859ce7d776317eb1dd34317c8152ac9251fc574a3"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c943a53e9186688b45b323602298ab727d8865d8c9ee0b17f8d62d14b56f0753"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:90f8717cb649eea3504091e640a1b8568faad18bd4b9fcd692853a04475a4b80"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:82176036e65644a6cc5bd619f65f6f19781e8ec2e5330f51aa9ada7504cc1926"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:b04772ed465fa3cc947db808fa306d79b43e896beb677a56fb2347ca1a49c1fa"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:6180c0ae073bddeb5a97a38c03f30c233e0a4d39cd86166251617d1bbd0af436"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:071120490b47aa997cca00666923a83f02c7fbb44f71cf7f136df753f7fa8761"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:50b3a2710631848991d0bf7de077502e8994c804bb805aeb2925a981de58ec2e"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:b58c621844d55e71c1b7f7c498ce5aa6985d743a1a59034c57a905b3f153c1ef"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:55b6d90641869892caa9ca42ff913f7ff1c5ece06474fbd32fb2cf6834726c95"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4b820514bfc0b98a30e3d85462084779900347e4d49267f747ff54060cc33925"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:10a9b09aba0c5b48c53761b7c720aaaf7cf236d5fe394cd399c7ba662d5f9966"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:1e16bf3e5fc9f44632affb159d30a437bfe286ce9e02754759be5536b169b305"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:76f364861c3bfc98cbbcbd402d83454ed9e01a5224bb3a28bf70002a230f73e2"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:820c661588bd01a0aa62a1283f20d2be4281b086f80dad9e955e690c75fb54a2"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:0e5f362e895bc5b9e67fe6e4ded2492d8124bdf817827f33c5b46c2fe3ffaca6"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3ec660d19bbc671e3a6443325f07263be452c453ac9e512f5eb935e7d4ac28b3"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:58130ecf8f7b8112cdb841486404f1282b9c86ccb30d3519faf301b2e5659133"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:188215fc0aafb8e03341995e7c4797860181562380f81ed0a87ff455b70bf1f1"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:d569388c381b24671589335a3be6e1d45546c2988c2ebe30fdcada8457a31008"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:052e10d2d37810b99cc170b785945421141bf7bb7d2f8799d431e7db229c385f"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:f90c822a402cb865e396a504f9fc8173ef34212a342d92e362ca498cad308e28"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:b225d95519a5bf73860323e633a664b0d85ad3d5bede6d30d95b35d4dfe8805b"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:23bfd518810af7de1116313ebd9092cb9aa629beb12f6ed631ad53356ed6b86c"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:5c09fcfdccdd0b57867577b719c69e347a436b86cd83747f179dbf0cc0d4c1f3"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:bf6bea52ec97e95560af5ae576bdac3aa3aae0b6758c6efa115236d9e07dae44"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:57feec87371dbb3520da6192213c7d6fc892d5589a93db548331954de8248fd2"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0c3f390dc53279cbc8ba976e5f8035eab997829066756d811616b652b00a23a3"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:59bfeae4b25ec05b34f1956eaa1cb38032282cd4dfabc5056d0a1ec4d696d3aa"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:b2f59caeaf7632cc633b5cf6fc449372b83bbdf0da4ae04d5be36118e46cc0aa"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:37bb93b2178e02b7b618893990941900fd25b6b9ac0fa49931a40aecdf083fe4"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4e9f48f58c2c523d5a06faea47866cd35b32655c46b443f163d08c6d0ddb17d6"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:3a37ffb35399029b45c6cc33640a92bef403c9fd388acce75cdc88f58bd19a81"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:e9aa71e15d9d9beaad2c6b9319edcdc0a49a43ef5c0a4c8265ca9ee7d6c67774"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:db7457bac39421addd0c8449933ac32d8042aae84a14911a757ae6ca3eef1392"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d094ddec350a2fb899fec68d8353c78233debde9b7d8b4beeafa70825f1c281a"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:5845c1fd4866bb5dd3125d89b90e57ed3138241540897de748cdf19de8a2fca2"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:9079dfc6a70abe341f521f78405b8949f96db48da98aeb43f9907f342f627cdc"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:3914f5aaa0f36d5d60e8ece6a308ee1c9784cd75ec8151062614657a114c4478"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:c08be4f460903e5a9d0f76818db3250f12e9c344e79314d1d570fc69d7f4eae4"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d093be959277cb7dee84b801eb1af388b6ad3ca6a6b6bf1ed7585895789d027d"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:3702ea6872c5a2a4eeefa6ffd36b042e9773f05b1f37ae3ef7264b1163c2dcf6"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:2090f6a85cafc5b2db085124d752757c9d251548cedabe9bd31afe6363e0aff2"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:f67f217af4b1ff66c68a87318012de788dd95fcfeb24cc889011f4e1c7454dfd"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:189f652a87e876098bbc67b4da1049afb5f5dfbaa310dd67c594b01c10388db6"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:6bb5992037f7a9eff7991ebe4273ea7f51f1c1c511e6a2ce511d0e7bdb754492"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ac10f4c2b9e770c4e393876e35a7046879d195cd123b4f116d299d442b335bcd"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:e27bbb6d14416713a8bd7aaa1313c0fc8d44ee48d74497a0ff4c3a1b6ccb5167"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp38-cp38-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:22f3105d4fb15c8f57ff3959a58fcab6ce36814486500cd7485651230ad4d4ef"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:4e18b656c5e844539d506a0a06432274d7bd52a7487e6828c63a63d69185626c"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a185f876e69897a6f3325c3f19f26a297fa058c5e456bfcff8015e9a27e83ae1"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:ab7c4ceb38d91570a650dba194e1ca87c2b543488fe9309b4212694174fd539c"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e617fb6b0b6953fffd762669610c1c4ffd05632c138d61ac7e14ad187870669c"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:16e5f4bf4e603eb1fdd5d8180f1a25f30056f22e55ce51fb3d6ad4ab29f7d96f"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:f4c035da3f544b1882bac24115f3e2e8760f10a0107614fc9839fd232200b875"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:957cf8e4b6e123a9eea554fa7ebc85674674b713551de587eb318a2df3e00255"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:483a6aea59cb89904e1ceabd2b47368b5600fb7de78a6e4a2c2987b2d256cf30"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:87701f25a2352e5bf7454caa64757642734da9f6b11384c1f9d1a8e699758057"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:682b987361e5fd7a139ed565e30d81fd81e9629acc7d925a205366877d8c8657"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:ce2186a7df133a9c895dea3331ddc5ddad42cdd0d1ea2f0a51e5d161e4762f28"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:9f636b730f7e8cb19feb87094949ba54ee5357440b9658b2a32a5ce4bce53972"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:73eae06aa53af2ea5270cc066dcaf02cc60d2994bbb2c4ef5764949257d10f43"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:1ca0083e80e791cffc6efce7660ad24af66c8d4079d2a750b29001b53ff59ada"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:aa466da5b15ccea564bdab9c89175c762bc12825f4659c11227f515cee76fa4a"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:48e171e52d1c4d33888e529b999e5900356b9ae588c2f09a52dcefb158b27506"},
+ {file = "multidict-6.1.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:22ae2ebf9b0c69d206c003e2f6a914ea33f0a932d4aa16f236afc049d9958f4a"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "mypy-extensions"
+version = "1.0.0"
+description = "Type system extensions for programs checked with the mypy type checker."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.5"
+files = [
+ {file = "mypy_extensions-1.0.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:4392f6c0eb8a5668a69e23d168ffa70f0be9ccfd32b5cc2d26a34ae5b844552d"},
+ {file = "mypy_extensions-1.0.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:75dbf8955dc00442a438fc4d0666508a9a97b6bd41aa2f0ffe9d2f2725af0782"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "neo4j"
+version = "5.25.0"
+description = "Neo4j Bolt driver for Python"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "neo4j-5.25.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:df310eee9a4f9749fb32bb9f1aa68711ac417b7eba3e42faefd6848038345ffa"},
+ {file = "neo4j-5.25.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:7c82001c45319092cc0b5df4c92894553b7ab97bd4f59655156fa9acab83aec9"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+pytz = "*"
+
+[package.extras]
+numpy = ["numpy (>=1.7.0,<2.0.0)"]
+pandas = ["numpy (>=1.7.0,<2.0.0)", "pandas (>=1.1.0,<3.0.0)"]
+pyarrow = ["pyarrow (>=1.0.0)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "neo4j-semantic-layer"
+version = "0.1.0"
+description = "Build a semantic layer to allow an agent to interact with a graph database in consistent and robust way."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8.1,<4.0"
+files = []
+develop = true
+
+[package.dependencies]
+neo4j = "^5.25.0"
+openai = "<2"
+
+[package.source]
+type = "directory"
+url = "packages/neo4j-semantic-layer"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "numpy"
+version = "1.26.4"
+description = "Fundamental package for array computing in Python"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9ff0f4f29c51e2803569d7a51c2304de5554655a60c5d776e35b4a41413830d0"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:2e4ee3380d6de9c9ec04745830fd9e2eccb3e6cf790d39d7b98ffd19b0dd754a"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d209d8969599b27ad20994c8e41936ee0964e6da07478d6c35016bc386b66ad4"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ffa75af20b44f8dba823498024771d5ac50620e6915abac414251bd971b4529f"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:62b8e4b1e28009ef2846b4c7852046736bab361f7aeadeb6a5b89ebec3c7055a"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a4abb4f9001ad2858e7ac189089c42178fcce737e4169dc61321660f1a96c7d2"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:bfe25acf8b437eb2a8b2d49d443800a5f18508cd811fea3181723922a8a82b07"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:b97fe8060236edf3662adfc2c633f56a08ae30560c56310562cb4f95500022d5"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4c66707fabe114439db9068ee468c26bbdf909cac0fb58686a42a24de1760c71"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:edd8b5fe47dab091176d21bb6de568acdd906d1887a4584a15a9a96a1dca06ef"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:7ab55401287bfec946ced39700c053796e7cc0e3acbef09993a9ad2adba6ca6e"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:666dbfb6ec68962c033a450943ded891bed2d54e6755e35e5835d63f4f6931d5"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:96ff0b2ad353d8f990b63294c8986f1ec3cb19d749234014f4e7eb0112ceba5a"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:60dedbb91afcbfdc9bc0b1f3f402804070deed7392c23eb7a7f07fa857868e8a"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:1af303d6b2210eb850fcf03064d364652b7120803a0b872f5211f5234b399f20"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:cd25bcecc4974d09257ffcd1f098ee778f7834c3ad767fe5db785be9a4aa9cb2"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:b3ce300f3644fb06443ee2222c2201dd3a89ea6040541412b8fa189341847218"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:03a8c78d01d9781b28a6989f6fa1bb2c4f2d51201cf99d3dd875df6fbd96b23b"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:9fad7dcb1aac3c7f0584a5a8133e3a43eeb2fe127f47e3632d43d677c66c102b"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:675d61ffbfa78604709862923189bad94014bef562cc35cf61d3a07bba02a7ed"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:ab47dbe5cc8210f55aa58e4805fe224dac469cde56b9f731a4c098b91917159a"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1dda2e7b4ec9dd512f84935c5f126c8bd8b9f2fc001e9f54af255e8c5f16b0e0"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:50193e430acfc1346175fcbdaa28ffec49947a06918b7b92130744e81e640110"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:08beddf13648eb95f8d867350f6a018a4be2e5ad54c8d8caed89ebca558b2818"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7349ab0fa0c429c82442a27a9673fc802ffdb7c7775fad780226cb234965e53c"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:52b8b60467cd7dd1e9ed082188b4e6bb35aa5cdd01777621a1658910745b90be"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d5241e0a80d808d70546c697135da2c613f30e28251ff8307eb72ba696945764"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f870204a840a60da0b12273ef34f7051e98c3b5961b61b0c2c1be6dfd64fbcd3"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:679b0076f67ecc0138fd2ede3a8fd196dddc2ad3254069bcb9faf9a79b1cebcd"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:47711010ad8555514b434df65f7d7b076bb8261df1ca9bb78f53d3b2db02e95c"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:a354325ee03388678242a4d7ebcd08b5c727033fcff3b2f536aea978e15ee9e6"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:3373d5d70a5fe74a2c1bb6d2cfd9609ecf686d47a2d7b1d37a8f3b6bf6003aea"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:afedb719a9dcfc7eaf2287b839d8198e06dcd4cb5d276a3df279231138e83d30"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:95a7476c59002f2f6c590b9b7b998306fba6a5aa646b1e22ddfeaf8f78c3a29c"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:7e50d0a0cc3189f9cb0aeb3a6a6af18c16f59f004b866cd2be1c14b36134a4a0"},
+ {file = "numpy-1.26.4.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:2a02aba9ed12e4ac4eb3ea9421c420301a0c6460d9830d74a9df87efa4912010"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "openai"
+version = "1.52.2"
+description = "The official Python library for the openai API"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7.1"
+files = [
+ {file = "openai-1.52.2-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:57e9e37bc407f39bb6ec3a27d7e8fb9728b2779936daa1fcf95df17d3edfaccc"},
+ {file = "openai-1.52.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:87b7d0f69d85f5641678d414b7ee3082363647a5c66a462ed7f3ccb59582da0d"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+anyio = ">=3.5.0,<5"
+distro = ">=1.7.0,<2"
+httpx = ">=0.23.0,<1"
+jiter = ">=0.4.0,<1"
+pydantic = ">=1.9.0,<3"
+sniffio = "*"
+tqdm = ">4"
+typing-extensions = ">=4.11,<5"
+
+[package.extras]
+datalib = ["numpy (>=1)", "pandas (>=1.2.3)", "pandas-stubs (>=1.1.0.11)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "orjson"
+version = "3.10.10"
+description = "Fast, correct Python JSON library supporting dataclasses, datetimes, and numpy"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_15_x86_64.macosx_11_0_arm64.macosx_10_15_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:b788a579b113acf1c57e0a68e558be71d5d09aa67f62ca1f68e01117e550a998"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:804b18e2b88022c8905bb79bd2cbe59c0cd014b9328f43da8d3b28441995cda4"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:9972572a1d042ec9ee421b6da69f7cc823da5962237563fa548ab17f152f0b9b"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:dc6993ab1c2ae7dd0711161e303f1db69062955ac2668181bfdf2dd410e65258"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:d78e4cacced5781b01d9bc0f0cd8b70b906a0e109825cb41c1b03f9c41e4ce86"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:e6eb2598df518281ba0cbc30d24c5b06124ccf7e19169e883c14e0831217a0bc"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:23776265c5215ec532de6238a52707048401a568f0fa0d938008e92a147fe2c7"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:8cc2a654c08755cef90b468ff17c102e2def0edd62898b2486767204a7f5cc9c"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:081b3fc6a86d72efeb67c13d0ea7c030017bd95f9868b1e329a376edc456153b"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp310-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:ff38c5fb749347768a603be1fb8a31856458af839f31f064c5aa74aca5be9efe"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_15_x86_64.macosx_11_0_arm64.macosx_10_15_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:879e99486c0fbb256266c7c6a67ff84f46035e4f8749ac6317cc83dacd7f993a"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:019481fa9ea5ff13b5d5d95e6fd5ab25ded0810c80b150c2c7b1cc8660b662a7"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:0dd57eff09894938b4c86d4b871a479260f9e156fa7f12f8cad4b39ea8028bb5"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:dbde6d70cd95ab4d11ea8ac5e738e30764e510fc54d777336eec09bb93b8576c"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:3b2625cb37b8fb42e2147404e5ff7ef08712099197a9cd38895006d7053e69d6"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:dbf3c20c6a7db69df58672a0d5815647ecf78c8e62a4d9bd284e8621c1fe5ccb"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:75c38f5647e02d423807d252ce4528bf6a95bd776af999cb1fb48867ed01d1f6"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:23458d31fa50ec18e0ec4b0b4343730928296b11111df5f547c75913714116b2"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:2787cd9dedc591c989f3facd7e3e86508eafdc9536a26ec277699c0aa63c685b"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp311-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:6514449d2c202a75183f807bc755167713297c69f1db57a89a1ef4a0170ee269"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_15_x86_64.macosx_11_0_arm64.macosx_10_15_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:8564f48f3620861f5ef1e080ce7cd122ee89d7d6dacf25fcae675ff63b4d6e05"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:c5bf161a32b479034098c5b81f2608f09167ad2fa1c06abd4e527ea6bf4837a9"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:68b65c93617bcafa7f04b74ae8bc2cc214bd5cb45168a953256ff83015c6747d"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:e8e28406f97fc2ea0c6150f4c1b6e8261453318930b334abc419214c82314f85"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:e4d0d9fe174cc7a5bdce2e6c378bcdb4c49b2bf522a8f996aa586020e1b96cee"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:b3be81c42f1242cbed03cbb3973501fcaa2675a0af638f8be494eaf37143d999"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:65f9886d3bae65be026219c0a5f32dbbe91a9e6272f56d092ab22561ad0ea33b"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:730ed5350147db7beb23ddaf072f490329e90a1d059711d364b49fe352ec987b"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:a8f4bf5f1c85bea2170800020d53a8877812892697f9c2de73d576c9307a8a5f"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp312-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:384cd13579a1b4cd689d218e329f459eb9ddc504fa48c5a83ef4889db7fd7a4f"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_15_x86_64.macosx_11_0_arm64.macosx_10_15_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:44bffae68c291f94ff5a9b4149fe9d1bdd4cd0ff0fb575bcea8351d48db629a1"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e27b4c6437315df3024f0835887127dac2a0a3ff643500ec27088d2588fa5ae1"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:bca84df16d6b49325a4084fd8b2fe2229cb415e15c46c529f868c3387bb1339d"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:c14ce70e8f39bd71f9f80423801b5d10bf93d1dceffdecd04df0f64d2c69bc01"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:24ac62336da9bda1bd93c0491eff0613003b48d3cb5d01470842e7b52a40d5b4"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp313-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:eb0a42831372ec2b05acc9ee45af77bcaccbd91257345f93780a8e654efc75db"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp313-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:f0c4f37f8bf3f1075c6cc8dd8a9f843689a4b618628f8812d0a71e6968b95ffd"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_15_x86_64.macosx_11_0_arm64.macosx_10_15_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:829700cc18503efc0cf502d630f612884258020d98a317679cd2054af0259568"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e0ceb5e0e8c4f010ac787d29ae6299846935044686509e2f0f06ed441c1ca949"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:0c25908eb86968613216f3db4d3003f1c45d78eb9046b71056ca327ff92bdbd4"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:218cb0bc03340144b6328a9ff78f0932e642199ac184dd74b01ad691f42f93ff"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:e2277ec2cea3775640dc81ab5195bb5b2ada2fe0ea6eee4677474edc75ea6785"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:848ea3b55ab5ccc9d7bbd420d69432628b691fba3ca8ae3148c35156cbd282aa"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e3e67b537ac0c835b25b5f7d40d83816abd2d3f4c0b0866ee981a045287a54f3"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7948cfb909353fce2135dcdbe4521a5e7e1159484e0bb024c1722f272488f2b8"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:78bee66a988f1a333dc0b6257503d63553b1957889c17b2c4ed72385cd1b96ae"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp38-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:f1d647ca8d62afeb774340a343c7fc023efacfd3a39f70c798991063f0c681dd"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_15_x86_64.macosx_11_0_arm64.macosx_10_15_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:5a059afddbaa6dd733b5a2d76a90dbc8af790b993b1b5cb97a1176ca713b5df8"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:6f9b5c59f7e2a1a410f971c5ebc68f1995822837cd10905ee255f96074537ee6"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:d5ef198bafdef4aa9d49a4165ba53ffdc0a9e1c7b6f76178572ab33118afea25"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:aaf29ce0bb5d3320824ec3d1508652421000ba466abd63bdd52c64bcce9eb1fa"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:dddd5516bcc93e723d029c1633ae79c4417477b4f57dad9bfeeb6bc0315e654a"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a12f2003695b10817f0fa8b8fca982ed7f5761dcb0d93cff4f2f9f6709903fd7"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:672f9874a8a8fb9bb1b771331d31ba27f57702c8106cdbadad8bda5d10bc1019"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1dcbb0ca5fafb2b378b2c74419480ab2486326974826bbf6588f4dc62137570a"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:d9bbd3a4b92256875cb058c3381b782649b9a3c68a4aa9a2fff020c2f9cfc1be"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10-cp39-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:766f21487a53aee8524b97ca9582d5c6541b03ab6210fbaf10142ae2f3ced2aa"},
+ {file = "orjson-3.10.10.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:37949383c4df7b4337ce82ee35b6d7471e55195efa7dcb45ab8226ceadb0fe3b"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "packaging"
+version = "24.1"
+description = "Core utilities for Python packages"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "packaging-24.1-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:5b8f2217dbdbd2f7f384c41c628544e6d52f2d0f53c6d0c3ea61aa5d1d7ff124"},
+ {file = "packaging-24.1.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:026ed72c8ed3fcce5bf8950572258698927fd1dbda10a5e981cdf0ac37f4f002"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "propcache"
+version = "0.2.0"
+description = "Accelerated property cache"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:c5869b8fd70b81835a6f187c5fdbe67917a04d7e52b6e7cc4e5fe39d55c39d58"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:952e0d9d07609d9c5be361f33b0d6d650cd2bae393aabb11d9b719364521984b"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:33ac8f098df0585c0b53009f039dfd913b38c1d2edafed0cedcc0c32a05aa110"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:97e48e8875e6c13909c800fa344cd54cc4b2b0db1d5f911f840458a500fde2c2"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:388f3217649d6d59292b722d940d4d2e1e6a7003259eb835724092a1cca0203a"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:f571aea50ba5623c308aa146eb650eebf7dbe0fd8c5d946e28343cb3b5aad577"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3dfafb44f7bb35c0c06eda6b2ab4bfd58f02729e7c4045e179f9a861b07c9850"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:a3ebe9a75be7ab0b7da2464a77bb27febcb4fab46a34f9288f39d74833db7f61"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d2f0d0f976985f85dfb5f3d685697ef769faa6b71993b46b295cdbbd6be8cc37"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:a3dc1a4b165283bd865e8f8cb5f0c64c05001e0718ed06250d8cac9bec115b48"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:9e0f07b42d2a50c7dd2d8675d50f7343d998c64008f1da5fef888396b7f84630"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:e63e3e1e0271f374ed489ff5ee73d4b6e7c60710e1f76af5f0e1a6117cd26394"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:56bb5c98f058a41bb58eead194b4db8c05b088c93d94d5161728515bd52b052b"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7665f04d0c7f26ff8bb534e1c65068409bf4687aa2534faf7104d7182debb336"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:7cf18abf9764746b9c8704774d8b06714bcb0a63641518a3a89c7f85cc02c2ad"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:cfac69017ef97db2438efb854edf24f5a29fd09a536ff3a992b75990720cdc99"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:63f13bf09cc3336eb04a837490b8f332e0db41da66995c9fd1ba04552e516354"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:608cce1da6f2672a56b24a015b42db4ac612ee709f3d29f27a00c943d9e851de"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:466c219deee4536fbc83c08d09115249db301550625c7fef1c5563a584c9bc87"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:fc2db02409338bf36590aa985a461b2c96fce91f8e7e0f14c50c5fcc4f229016"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:a6ed8db0a556343d566a5c124ee483ae113acc9a557a807d439bcecc44e7dfbb"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:91997d9cb4a325b60d4e3f20967f8eb08dfcb32b22554d5ef78e6fd1dda743a2"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4c7dde9e533c0a49d802b4f3f218fa9ad0a1ce21f2c2eb80d5216565202acab4"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:ffcad6c564fe6b9b8916c1aefbb37a362deebf9394bd2974e9d84232e3e08504"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:97a58a28bcf63284e8b4d7b460cbee1edaab24634e82059c7b8c09e65284f178"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:945db8ee295d3af9dbdbb698cce9bbc5c59b5c3fe328bbc4387f59a8a35f998d"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:39e104da444a34830751715f45ef9fc537475ba21b7f1f5b0f4d71a3b60d7fe2"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:c5ecca8f9bab618340c8e848d340baf68bcd8ad90a8ecd7a4524a81c1764b3db"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:c436130cc779806bdf5d5fae0d848713105472b8566b75ff70048c47d3961c5b"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:191db28dc6dcd29d1a3e063c3be0b40688ed76434622c53a284e5427565bbd9b"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:5f2564ec89058ee7c7989a7b719115bdfe2a2fb8e7a4543b8d1c0cc4cf6478c1"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:6e2e54267980349b723cff366d1e29b138b9a60fa376664a157a342689553f71"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:2ee7606193fb267be4b2e3b32714f2d58cad27217638db98a60f9efb5efeccc2"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:91ee8fc02ca52e24bcb77b234f22afc03288e1dafbb1f88fe24db308910c4ac7"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:2e900bad2a8456d00a113cad8c13343f3b1f327534e3589acc2219729237a2e8"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:f52a68c21363c45297aca15561812d542f8fc683c85201df0bebe209e349f793"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:1e41d67757ff4fbc8ef2af99b338bfb955010444b92929e9e55a6d4dcc3c4f09"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:a64e32f8bd94c105cc27f42d3b658902b5bcc947ece3c8fe7bc1b05982f60e89"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:55346705687dbd7ef0d77883ab4f6fabc48232f587925bdaf95219bae072491e"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:00181262b17e517df2cd85656fcd6b4e70946fe62cd625b9d74ac9977b64d8d9"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:6994984550eaf25dd7fc7bd1b700ff45c894149341725bb4edc67f0ffa94efa4"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:56295eb1e5f3aecd516d91b00cfd8bf3a13991de5a479df9e27dd569ea23959c"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:439e76255daa0f8151d3cb325f6dd4a3e93043e6403e6491813bcaaaa8733887"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:f6475a1b2ecb310c98c28d271a30df74f9dd436ee46d09236a6b750a7599ce57"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:3444cdba6628accf384e349014084b1cacd866fbb88433cd9d279d90a54e0b23"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4a9d9b4d0a9b38d1c391bb4ad24aa65f306c6f01b512e10a8a34a2dc5675d348"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:69d3a98eebae99a420d4b28756c8ce6ea5a29291baf2dc9ff9414b42676f61d5"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:ad9c9b99b05f163109466638bd30ada1722abb01bbb85c739c50b6dc11f92dc3"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:ecddc221a077a8132cf7c747d5352a15ed763b674c0448d811f408bf803d9ad7"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0e53cb83fdd61cbd67202735e6a6687a7b491c8742dfc39c9e01e80354956763"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:92fe151145a990c22cbccf9ae15cae8ae9eddabfc949a219c9f667877e40853d"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d6a21ef516d36909931a2967621eecb256018aeb11fc48656e3257e73e2e247a"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:3f88a4095e913f98988f5b338c1d4d5d07dbb0b6bad19892fd447484e483ba6b"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:5a5b3bb545ead161be780ee85a2b54fdf7092815995661947812dde94a40f6fb"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:67aeb72e0f482709991aa91345a831d0b707d16b0257e8ef88a2ad246a7280bf"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:3c997f8c44ec9b9b0bcbf2d422cc00a1d9b9c681f56efa6ca149a941e5560da2"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:2a66df3d4992bc1d725b9aa803e8c5a66c010c65c741ad901e260ece77f58d2f"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:3ebbcf2a07621f29638799828b8d8668c421bfb94c6cb04269130d8de4fb7136"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:1235c01ddaa80da8235741e80815ce381c5267f96cc49b1477fdcf8c047ef325"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:3947483a381259c06921612550867b37d22e1df6d6d7e8361264b6d037595f44"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:d5bed7f9805cc29c780f3aee05de3262ee7ce1f47083cfe9f77471e9d6777e83"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:e4a91d44379f45f5e540971d41e4626dacd7f01004826a18cb048e7da7e96544"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:f902804113e032e2cdf8c71015651c97af6418363bea8d78dc0911d56c335032"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:8f188cfcc64fb1266f4684206c9de0e80f54622c3f22a910cbd200478aeae61e"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:53d1bd3f979ed529f0805dd35ddaca330f80a9a6d90bc0121d2ff398f8ed8861"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:83928404adf8fb3d26793665633ea79b7361efa0287dfbd372a7e74311d51ee6"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:77a86c261679ea5f3896ec060be9dc8e365788248cc1e049632a1be682442063"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:218db2a3c297a3768c11a34812e63b3ac1c3234c3a086def9c0fee50d35add1f"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:7735e82e3498c27bcb2d17cb65d62c14f1100b71723b68362872bca7d0913d90"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:20a617c776f520c3875cf4511e0d1db847a076d720714ae35ffe0df3e440be68"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:67b69535c870670c9f9b14a75d28baa32221d06f6b6fa6f77a0a13c5a7b0a5b9"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:4569158070180c3855e9c0791c56be3ceeb192defa2cdf6a3f39e54319e56b89"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:db47514ffdbd91ccdc7e6f8407aac4ee94cc871b15b577c1c324236b013ddd04"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:2a60ad3e2553a74168d275a0ef35e8c0a965448ffbc3b300ab3a5bb9956c2162"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:662dd62358bdeaca0aee5761de8727cfd6861432e3bb828dc2a693aa0471a563"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:25a1f88b471b3bc911d18b935ecb7115dff3a192b6fef46f0bfaf71ff4f12418"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:f60f0ac7005b9f5a6091009b09a419ace1610e163fa5deaba5ce3484341840e7"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:74acd6e291f885678631b7ebc85d2d4aec458dd849b8c841b57ef04047833bed"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:d9b6ddac6408194e934002a69bcaadbc88c10b5f38fb9307779d1c629181815d"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp38-cp38-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:676135dcf3262c9c5081cc8f19ad55c8a64e3f7282a21266d05544450bffc3a5"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:25c8d773a62ce0451b020c7b29a35cfbc05de8b291163a7a0f3b7904f27253e6"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:375a12d7556d462dc64d70475a9ee5982465fbb3d2b364f16b86ba9135793638"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:1ec43d76b9677637a89d6ab86e1fef70d739217fefa208c65352ecf0282be957"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:f45eec587dafd4b2d41ac189c2156461ebd0c1082d2fe7013571598abb8505d1"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:bc092ba439d91df90aea38168e11f75c655880c12782facf5cf9c00f3d42b562"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:fa1076244f54bb76e65e22cb6910365779d5c3d71d1f18b275f1dfc7b0d71b4d"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:682a7c79a2fbf40f5dbb1eb6bfe2cd865376deeac65acf9beb607505dced9e12"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:8e40876731f99b6f3c897b66b803c9e1c07a989b366c6b5b475fafd1f7ba3fb8"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:363ea8cd3c5cb6679f1c2f5f1f9669587361c062e4899fce56758efa928728f8"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:140fbf08ab3588b3468932974a9331aff43c0ab8a2ec2c608b6d7d1756dbb6cb"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:e70fac33e8b4ac63dfc4c956fd7d85a0b1139adcfc0d964ce288b7c527537fea"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:b33d7a286c0dc1a15f5fc864cc48ae92a846df287ceac2dd499926c3801054a6"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:f6d5749fdd33d90e34c2efb174c7e236829147a2713334d708746e94c4bde40d"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:22aa8f2272d81d9317ff5756bb108021a056805ce63dd3630e27d042c8092798"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:73e4b40ea0eda421b115248d7e79b59214411109a5bc47d0d48e4c73e3b8fcf9"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:9517d5e9e0731957468c29dbfd0f976736a0e55afaea843726e887f36fe017df"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:2ccc28197af5313706511fab3a8b66dcd6da067a1331372c82ea1cb74285e036"},
+ {file = "propcache-0.2.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:df81779732feb9d01e5d513fad0122efb3d53bbc75f61b2a4f29a020bc985e70"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "pydantic"
+version = "2.9.2"
+description = "Data validation using Python type hints"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "pydantic-2.9.2-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:f048cec7b26778210e28a0459867920654d48e5e62db0958433636cde4254f12"},
+ {file = "pydantic-2.9.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:d155cef71265d1e9807ed1c32b4c8deec042a44a50a4188b25ac67ecd81a9c0f"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+annotated-types = ">=0.6.0"
+pydantic-core = "2.23.4"
+typing-extensions = [
+ {version = ">=4.6.1", markers = "python_version < \"3.13\""},
+ {version = ">=4.12.2", markers = "python_version >= \"3.13\""},
+]
+
+[package.extras]
+email = ["email-validator (>=2.0.0)"]
+timezone = ["tzdata"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "pydantic-core"
+version = "2.23.4"
+description = "Core functionality for Pydantic validation and serialization"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:b10bd51f823d891193d4717448fab065733958bdb6a6b351967bd349d48d5c9b"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:4fc714bdbfb534f94034efaa6eadd74e5b93c8fa6315565a222f7b6f42ca1166"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:63e46b3169866bd62849936de036f901a9356e36376079b05efa83caeaa02ceb"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:ed1a53de42fbe34853ba90513cea21673481cd81ed1be739f7f2efb931b24916"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:cfdd16ab5e59fc31b5e906d1a3f666571abc367598e3e02c83403acabc092e07"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:255a8ef062cbf6674450e668482456abac99a5583bbafb73f9ad469540a3a232"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4a7cd62e831afe623fbb7aabbb4fe583212115b3ef38a9f6b71869ba644624a2"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:f09e2ff1f17c2b51f2bc76d1cc33da96298f0a036a137f5440ab3ec5360b624f"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e38e63e6f3d1cec5a27e0afe90a085af8b6806ee208b33030e65b6516353f1a3"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0dbd8dbed2085ed23b5c04afa29d8fd2771674223135dc9bc937f3c09284d071"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:6531b7ca5f951d663c339002e91aaebda765ec7d61b7d1e3991051906ddde119"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp310-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:7c9129eb40958b3d4500fa2467e6a83356b3b61bfff1b414c7361d9220f9ae8f"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:77733e3892bb0a7fa797826361ce8a9184d25c8dffaec60b7ffe928153680ba8"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:1b84d168f6c48fabd1f2027a3d1bdfe62f92cade1fb273a5d68e621da0e44e6d"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:df49e7a0861a8c36d089c1ed57d308623d60416dab2647a4a17fe050ba85de0e"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:ff02b6d461a6de369f07ec15e465a88895f3223eb75073ffea56b84d9331f607"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:996a38a83508c54c78a5f41456b0103c30508fed9abcad0a59b876d7398f25fd"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:d97683ddee4723ae8c95d1eddac7c192e8c552da0c73a925a89fa8649bf13eea"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:216f9b2d7713eb98cb83c80b9c794de1f6b7e3145eef40400c62e86cee5f4e1e"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:6f783e0ec4803c787bcea93e13e9932edab72068f68ecffdf86a99fd5918878b"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d0776dea117cf5272382634bd2a5c1b6eb16767c223c6a5317cd3e2a757c61a0"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d5f7a395a8cf1621939692dba2a6b6a830efa6b3cee787d82c7de1ad2930de64"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:74b9127ffea03643e998e0c5ad9bd3811d3dac8c676e47db17b0ee7c3c3bf35f"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp311-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:98d134c954828488b153d88ba1f34e14259284f256180ce659e8d83e9c05eaa3"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f3e0da4ebaef65158d4dfd7d3678aad692f7666877df0002b8a522cdf088f231"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:f69a8e0b033b747bb3e36a44e7732f0c99f7edd5cea723d45bc0d6e95377ffee"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:723314c1d51722ab28bfcd5240d858512ffd3116449c557a1336cbe3919beb87"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:bb2802e667b7051a1bebbfe93684841cc9351004e2badbd6411bf357ab8d5ac8"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:d18ca8148bebe1b0a382a27a8ee60350091a6ddaf475fa05ef50dc35b5df6327"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:33e3d65a85a2a4a0dc3b092b938a4062b1a05f3a9abde65ea93b233bca0e03f2"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:128585782e5bfa515c590ccee4b727fb76925dd04a98864182b22e89a4e6ed36"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:68665f4c17edcceecc112dfed5dbe6f92261fb9d6054b47d01bf6371a6196126"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:20152074317d9bed6b7a95ade3b7d6054845d70584216160860425f4fbd5ee9e"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9261d3ce84fa1d38ed649c3638feefeae23d32ba9182963e465d58d62203bd24"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:4ba762ed58e8d68657fc1281e9bb72e1c3e79cc5d464be146e260c541ec12d84"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp312-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:97df63000f4fea395b2824da80e169731088656d1818a11b95f3b173747b6cd9"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7530e201d10d7d14abce4fb54cfe5b94a0aefc87da539d0346a484ead376c3cc"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:df933278128ea1cd77772673c73954e53a1c95a4fdf41eef97c2b779271bd0bd"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0cb3da3fd1b6a5d0279a01877713dbda118a2a4fc6f0d821a57da2e464793f05"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:42c6dcb030aefb668a2b7009c85b27f90e51e6a3b4d5c9bc4c57631292015b0d"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:696dd8d674d6ce621ab9d45b205df149399e4bb9aa34102c970b721554828510"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:2971bb5ffe72cc0f555c13e19b23c85b654dd2a8f7ab493c262071377bfce9f6"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:8394d940e5d400d04cad4f75c0598665cbb81aecefaca82ca85bd28264af7f9b"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:0dff76e0602ca7d4cdaacc1ac4c005e0ce0dcfe095d5b5259163a80d3a10d327"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:7d32706badfe136888bdea71c0def994644e09fff0bfe47441deaed8e96fdbc6"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ed541d70698978a20eb63d8c5d72f2cc6d7079d9d90f6b50bad07826f1320f5f"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:3d5639516376dce1940ea36edf408c554475369f5da2abd45d44621cb616f769"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp313-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:5a1504ad17ba4210df3a045132a7baeeba5a200e930f57512ee02909fc5c4cb5"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d4488a93b071c04dc20f5cecc3631fc78b9789dd72483ba15d423b5b3689b555"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:81965a16b675b35e1d09dd14df53f190f9129c0202356ed44ab2728b1c905658"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:4ffa2ebd4c8530079140dd2d7f794a9d9a73cbb8e9d59ffe24c63436efa8f271"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:61817945f2fe7d166e75fbfb28004034b48e44878177fc54d81688e7b85a3665"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:29d2c342c4bc01b88402d60189f3df065fb0dda3654744d5a165a5288a657368"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:5e11661ce0fd30a6790e8bcdf263b9ec5988e95e63cf901972107efc49218b13"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9d18368b137c6295db49ce7218b1a9ba15c5bc254c96d7c9f9e924a9bc7825ad"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:ec4e55f79b1c4ffb2eecd8a0cfba9955a2588497d96851f4c8f99aa4a1d39b12"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:374a5e5049eda9e0a44c696c7ade3ff355f06b1fe0bb945ea3cac2bc336478a2"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:5c364564d17da23db1106787675fc7af45f2f7b58b4173bfdd105564e132e6fb"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:d7a80d21d613eec45e3d41eb22f8f94ddc758a6c4720842dc74c0581f54993d6"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp38-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:5f5ff8d839f4566a474a969508fe1c5e59c31c80d9e140566f9a37bba7b8d556"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a4fa4fc04dff799089689f4fd502ce7d59de529fc2f40a2c8836886c03e0175a"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:0a7df63886be5e270da67e0966cf4afbae86069501d35c8c1b3b6c168f42cb36"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:dcedcd19a557e182628afa1d553c3895a9f825b936415d0dbd3cd0bbcfd29b4b"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_armv7l.manylinux2014_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:5f54b118ce5de9ac21c363d9b3caa6c800341e8c47a508787e5868c6b79c9323"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:86d2f57d3e1379a9525c5ab067b27dbb8a0642fb5d454e17a9ac434f9ce523e3"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:de6d1d1b9e5101508cb37ab0d972357cac5235f5c6533d1071964c47139257df"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1278e0d324f6908e872730c9102b0112477a7f7cf88b308e4fc36ce1bdb6d58c"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:9a6b5099eeec78827553827f4c6b8615978bb4b6a88e5d9b93eddf8bb6790f55"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e55541f756f9b3ee346b840103f32779c695a19826a4c442b7954550a0972040"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a5c7ba8ffb6d6f8f2ab08743be203654bb1aaa8c9dcb09f82ddd34eadb695605"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-none-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:37b0fe330e4a58d3c58b24d91d1eb102aeec675a3db4c292ec3928ecd892a9a6"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-cp39-none-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:1498bec4c05c9c787bde9125cfdcc63a41004ff167f495063191b863399b1a29"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp310-pypy310_pp73-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f455ee30a9d61d3e1a15abd5068827773d6e4dc513e795f380cdd59932c782d5"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp310-pypy310_pp73-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:1e90d2e3bd2c3863d48525d297cd143fe541be8bbf6f579504b9712cb6b643ec"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp310-pypy310_pp73-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:2e203fdf807ac7e12ab59ca2bfcabb38c7cf0b33c41efeb00f8e5da1d86af480"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp310-pypy310_pp73-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:e08277a400de01bc72436a0ccd02bdf596631411f592ad985dcee21445bd0068"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp310-pypy310_pp73-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:f220b0eea5965dec25480b6333c788fb72ce5f9129e8759ef876a1d805d00801"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp310-pypy310_pp73-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d06b0c8da4f16d1d1e352134427cb194a0a6e19ad5db9161bf32b2113409e728"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp310-pypy310_pp73-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ba1a0996f6c2773bd83e63f18914c1de3c9dd26d55f4ac302a7efe93fb8e7433"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp310-pypy310_pp73-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:9a5bce9d23aac8f0cf0836ecfc033896aa8443b501c58d0602dbfd5bd5b37753"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-macosx_10_12_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:78ddaaa81421a29574a682b3179d4cf9e6d405a09b99d93ddcf7e5239c742e21"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:883a91b5dd7d26492ff2f04f40fbb652de40fcc0afe07e8129e8ae779c2110eb"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:88ad334a15b32a791ea935af224b9de1bf99bcd62fabf745d5f3442199d86d59"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:233710f069d251feb12a56da21e14cca67994eab08362207785cf8c598e74577"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:19442362866a753485ba5e4be408964644dd6a09123d9416c54cd49171f50744"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:624e278a7d29b6445e4e813af92af37820fafb6dcc55c012c834f9e26f9aaaef"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f5ef8f42bec47f21d07668a043f077d507e5bf4e668d5c6dfe6aaba89de1a5b8"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4-pp39-pypy39_pp73-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:aea443fffa9fbe3af1a9ba721a87f926fe548d32cab71d188a6ede77d0ff244e"},
+ {file = "pydantic_core-2.23.4.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:2584f7cf844ac4d970fba483a717dbe10c1c1c96a969bf65d61ffe94df1b2863"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+typing-extensions = ">=4.6.0,<4.7.0 || >4.7.0"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "pydantic-settings"
+version = "2.6.0"
+description = "Settings management using Pydantic"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "pydantic_settings-2.6.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:4a819166f119b74d7f8c765196b165f95cc7487ce58ea27dec8a5a26be0970e0"},
+ {file = "pydantic_settings-2.6.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:44a1804abffac9e6a30372bb45f6cafab945ef5af25e66b1c634c01dd39e0188"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+pydantic = ">=2.7.0"
+python-dotenv = ">=0.21.0"
+
+[package.extras]
+azure-key-vault = ["azure-identity (>=1.16.0)", "azure-keyvault-secrets (>=4.8.0)"]
+toml = ["tomli (>=2.0.1)"]
+yaml = ["pyyaml (>=6.0.1)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "pygments"
+version = "2.18.0"
+description = "Pygments is a syntax highlighting package written in Python."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "pygments-2.18.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:b8e6aca0523f3ab76fee51799c488e38782ac06eafcf95e7ba832985c8e7b13a"},
+ {file = "pygments-2.18.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:786ff802f32e91311bff3889f6e9a86e81505fe99f2735bb6d60ae0c5004f199"},
+]
+
+[package.extras]
+windows-terminal = ["colorama (>=0.4.6)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "python-dotenv"
+version = "1.0.1"
+description = "Read key-value pairs from a .env file and set them as environment variables"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "python-dotenv-1.0.1.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:e324ee90a023d808f1959c46bcbc04446a10ced277783dc6ee09987c37ec10ca"},
+ {file = "python_dotenv-1.0.1-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:f7b63ef50f1b690dddf550d03497b66d609393b40b564ed0d674909a68ebf16a"},
+]
+
+[package.extras]
+cli = ["click (>=5.0)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "pytz"
+version = "2024.2"
+description = "World timezone definitions, modern and historical"
+optional = false
+python-versions = "*"
+files = [
+ {file = "pytz-2024.2-py2.py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:31c7c1817eb7fae7ca4b8c7ee50c72f93aa2dd863de768e1ef4245d426aa0725"},
+ {file = "pytz-2024.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:2aa355083c50a0f93fa581709deac0c9ad65cca8a9e9beac660adcbd493c798a"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "pyyaml"
+version = "6.0.2"
+description = "YAML parser and emitter for Python"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0a9a2848a5b7feac301353437eb7d5957887edbf81d56e903999a75a3d743086"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:29717114e51c84ddfba879543fb232a6ed60086602313ca38cce623c1d62cfbf"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:8824b5a04a04a047e72eea5cec3bc266db09e35de6bdfe34c9436ac5ee27d237"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:7c36280e6fb8385e520936c3cb3b8042851904eba0e58d277dca80a5cfed590b"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ec031d5d2feb36d1d1a24380e4db6d43695f3748343d99434e6f5f9156aaa2ed"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:936d68689298c36b53b29f23c6dbb74de12b4ac12ca6cfe0e047bedceea56180"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:23502f431948090f597378482b4812b0caae32c22213aecf3b55325e049a6c68"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:2e99c6826ffa974fe6e27cdb5ed0021786b03fc98e5ee3c5bfe1fd5015f42b99"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:a4d3091415f010369ae4ed1fc6b79def9416358877534caf6a0fdd2146c87a3e"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:cc1c1159b3d456576af7a3e4d1ba7e6924cb39de8f67111c735f6fc832082774"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:1e2120ef853f59c7419231f3bf4e7021f1b936f6ebd222406c3b60212205d2ee"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:5d225db5a45f21e78dd9358e58a98702a0302f2659a3c6cd320564b75b86f47c"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:5ac9328ec4831237bec75defaf839f7d4564be1e6b25ac710bd1a96321cc8317"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3ad2a3decf9aaba3d29c8f537ac4b243e36bef957511b4766cb0057d32b0be85"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:ff3824dc5261f50c9b0dfb3be22b4567a6f938ccce4587b38952d85fd9e9afe4"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:797b4f722ffa07cc8d62053e4cff1486fa6dc094105d13fea7b1de7d8bf71c9e"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:11d8f3dd2b9c1207dcaf2ee0bbbfd5991f571186ec9cc78427ba5bd32afae4b5"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:e10ce637b18caea04431ce14fabcf5c64a1c61ec9c56b071a4b7ca131ca52d44"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c70c95198c015b85feafc136515252a261a84561b7b1d51e3384e0655ddf25ab"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:ce826d6ef20b1bc864f0a68340c8b3287705cae2f8b4b1d932177dcc76721725"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:1f71ea527786de97d1a0cc0eacd1defc0985dcf6b3f17bb77dcfc8c34bec4dc5"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:9b22676e8097e9e22e36d6b7bda33190d0d400f345f23d4065d48f4ca7ae0425"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:80bab7bfc629882493af4aa31a4cfa43a4c57c83813253626916b8c7ada83476"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0833f8694549e586547b576dcfaba4a6b55b9e96098b36cdc7ebefe667dfed48"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:8b9c7197f7cb2738065c481a0461e50ad02f18c78cd75775628afb4d7137fb3b"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:ef6107725bd54b262d6dedcc2af448a266975032bc85ef0172c5f059da6325b4"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:7e7401d0de89a9a855c839bc697c079a4af81cf878373abd7dc625847d25cbd8"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:efdca5630322a10774e8e98e1af481aad470dd62c3170801852d752aa7a783ba"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:50187695423ffe49e2deacb8cd10510bc361faac997de9efef88badc3bb9e2d1"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0ffe8360bab4910ef1b9e87fb812d8bc0a308b0d0eef8c8f44e0254ab3b07133"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:17e311b6c678207928d649faa7cb0d7b4c26a0ba73d41e99c4fff6b6c3276484"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:70b189594dbe54f75ab3a1acec5f1e3faa7e8cf2f1e08d9b561cb41b845f69d5"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:41e4e3953a79407c794916fa277a82531dd93aad34e29c2a514c2c0c5fe971cc"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:68ccc6023a3400877818152ad9a1033e3db8625d899c72eacb5a668902e4d652"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp313-cp313-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:bc2fa7c6b47d6bc618dd7fb02ef6fdedb1090ec036abab80d4681424b84c1183"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:8388ee1976c416731879ac16da0aff3f63b286ffdd57cdeb95f3f2e085687563"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:24471b829b3bf607e04e88d79542a9d48bb037c2267d7927a874e6c205ca7e9a"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d7fded462629cfa4b685c5416b949ebad6cec74af5e2d42905d41e257e0869f5"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:d84a1718ee396f54f3a086ea0a66d8e552b2ab2017ef8b420e92edbc841c352d"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9056c1ecd25795207ad294bcf39f2db3d845767be0ea6e6a34d856f006006083"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:82d09873e40955485746739bcb8b4586983670466c23382c19cffecbf1fd8706"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp38-cp38-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:43fa96a3ca0d6b1812e01ced1044a003533c47f6ee8aca31724f78e93ccc089a"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp38-cp38-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:01179a4a8559ab5de078078f37e5c1a30d76bb88519906844fd7bdea1b7729ff"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:688ba32a1cffef67fd2e9398a2efebaea461578b0923624778664cc1c914db5d"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:a8786accb172bd8afb8be14490a16625cbc387036876ab6ba70912730faf8e1f"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d8e03406cac8513435335dbab54c0d385e4a49e4945d2909a581c83647ca0290"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:f753120cb8181e736c57ef7636e83f31b9c0d1722c516f7e86cf15b7aa57ff12"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3b1fdb9dc17f5a7677423d508ab4f243a726dea51fa5e70992e59a7411c89d19"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0b69e4ce7a131fe56b7e4d770c67429700908fc0752af059838b1cfb41960e4e"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_1_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a9f8c2e67970f13b16084e04f134610fd1d374bf477b17ec1599185cf611d725"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:6395c297d42274772abc367baaa79683958044e5d3835486c16da75d2a694631"},
+ {file = "PyYAML-6.0.2-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:39693e1f8320ae4f43943590b49779ffb98acb81f788220ea932a6b6c51004d8"},
+ {file = "pyyaml-6.0.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:d584d9ec91ad65861cc08d42e834324ef890a082e591037abe114850ff7bbc3e"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "regex"
+version = "2024.9.11"
+description = "Alternative regular expression module, to replace re."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:1494fa8725c285a81d01dc8c06b55287a1ee5e0e382d8413adc0a9197aac6408"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0e12c481ad92d129c78f13a2a3662317e46ee7ef96c94fd332e1c29131875b7d"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:16e13a7929791ac1216afde26f712802e3df7bf0360b32e4914dca3ab8baeea5"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:46989629904bad940bbec2106528140a218b4a36bb3042d8406980be1941429c"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:a906ed5e47a0ce5f04b2c981af1c9acf9e8696066900bf03b9d7879a6f679fc8"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:e9a091b0550b3b0207784a7d6d0f1a00d1d1c8a11699c1a4d93db3fbefc3ad35"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:5ddcd9a179c0a6fa8add279a4444015acddcd7f232a49071ae57fa6e278f1f71"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:6b41e1adc61fa347662b09398e31ad446afadff932a24807d3ceb955ed865cc8"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.manylinux_2_12_x86_64.manylinux2010_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ced479f601cd2f8ca1fd7b23925a7e0ad512a56d6e9476f79b8f381d9d37090a"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:635a1d96665f84b292e401c3d62775851aedc31d4f8784117b3c68c4fcd4118d"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:c0256beda696edcf7d97ef16b2a33a8e5a875affd6fa6567b54f7c577b30a137"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:3ce4f1185db3fbde8ed8aa223fc9620f276c58de8b0d4f8cc86fd1360829edb6"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:09d77559e80dcc9d24570da3745ab859a9cf91953062e4ab126ba9d5993688ca"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7a22ccefd4db3f12b526eccb129390942fe874a3a9fdbdd24cf55773a1faab1a"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:f745ec09bc1b0bd15cfc73df6fa4f726dcc26bb16c23a03f9e3367d357eeedd0"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:01c2acb51f8a7d6494c8c5eafe3d8e06d76563d8a8a4643b37e9b2dd8a2ff623"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:2cce2449e5927a0bf084d346da6cd5eb016b2beca10d0013ab50e3c226ffc0df"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3b37fa423beefa44919e009745ccbf353d8c981516e807995b2bd11c2c77d268"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:64ce2799bd75039b480cc0360907c4fb2f50022f030bf9e7a8705b636e408fad"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:a4cc92bb6db56ab0c1cbd17294e14f5e9224f0cc6521167ef388332604e92679"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:d05ac6fa06959c4172eccd99a222e1fbf17b5670c4d596cb1e5cde99600674c4"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:040562757795eeea356394a7fb13076ad4f99d3c62ab0f8bdfb21f99a1f85664"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:6113c008a7780792efc80f9dfe10ba0cd043cbf8dc9a76ef757850f51b4edc50"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:8e5fb5f77c8745a60105403a774fe2c1759b71d3e7b4ca237a5e67ad066c7199"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:54d9ff35d4515debf14bc27f1e3b38bfc453eff3220f5bce159642fa762fe5d4"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:df5cbb1fbc74a8305b6065d4ade43b993be03dbe0f8b30032cced0d7740994bd"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:7fb89ee5d106e4a7a51bce305ac4efb981536301895f7bdcf93ec92ae0d91c7f"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:a738b937d512b30bf75995c0159c0ddf9eec0775c9d72ac0202076c72f24aa96"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:e28f9faeb14b6f23ac55bfbbfd3643f5c7c18ede093977f1df249f73fd22c7b1"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:18e707ce6c92d7282dfce370cd205098384b8ee21544e7cb29b8aab955b66fa9"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:313ea15e5ff2a8cbbad96ccef6be638393041b0a7863183c2d31e0c6116688cf"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:b0d0a6c64fcc4ef9c69bd5b3b3626cc3776520a1637d8abaa62b9edc147a58f7"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:49b0e06786ea663f933f3710a51e9385ce0cba0ea56b67107fd841a55d56a231"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:5b513b6997a0b2f10e4fd3a1313568e373926e8c252bd76c960f96fd039cd28d"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:ee439691d8c23e76f9802c42a95cfeebf9d47cf4ffd06f18489122dbb0a7ad64"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:a8f877c89719d759e52783f7fe6e1c67121076b87b40542966c02de5503ace42"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:23b30c62d0f16827f2ae9f2bb87619bc4fba2044911e2e6c2eb1af0161cdb766"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:85ab7824093d8f10d44330fe1e6493f756f252d145323dd17ab6b48733ff6c0a"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:8dee5b4810a89447151999428fe096977346cf2f29f4d5e29609d2e19e0199c9"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:98eeee2f2e63edae2181c886d7911ce502e1292794f4c5ee71e60e23e8d26b5d"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:57fdd2e0b2694ce6fc2e5ccf189789c3e2962916fb38779d3e3521ff8fe7a822"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:d552c78411f60b1fdaafd117a1fca2f02e562e309223b9d44b7de8be451ec5e0"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:a0b2b80321c2ed3fcf0385ec9e51a12253c50f146fddb2abbb10f033fe3d049a"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:18406efb2f5a0e57e3a5881cd9354c1512d3bb4f5c45d96d110a66114d84d23a"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:e464b467f1588e2c42d26814231edecbcfe77f5ac414d92cbf4e7b55b2c2a776"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:9e8719792ca63c6b8340380352c24dcb8cd7ec49dae36e963742a275dfae6009"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:c157bb447303070f256e084668b702073db99bbb61d44f85d811025fcf38f784"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4db21ece84dfeefc5d8a3863f101995de646c6cb0536952c321a2650aa202c36"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:220e92a30b426daf23bb67a7962900ed4613589bab80382be09b48896d211e92"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:eb1ae19e64c14c7ec1995f40bd932448713d3c73509e82d8cd7744dc00e29e86"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:f47cd43a5bfa48f86925fe26fbdd0a488ff15b62468abb5d2a1e092a4fb10e85"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:9d4a76b96f398697fe01117093613166e6aa8195d63f1b4ec3f21ab637632963"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0ea51dcc0835eea2ea31d66456210a4e01a076d820e9039b04ae8d17ac11dee6"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:b7aaa315101c6567a9a45d2839322c51c8d6e81f67683d529512f5bcfb99c802"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:c57d08ad67aba97af57a7263c2d9006d5c404d721c5f7542f077f109ec2a4a29"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:f8404bf61298bb6f8224bb9176c1424548ee1181130818fcd2cbffddc768bed8"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:dd4490a33eb909ef5078ab20f5f000087afa2a4daa27b4c072ccb3cb3050ad84"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:eee9130eaad130649fd73e5cd92f60e55708952260ede70da64de420cdcad554"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:6a2644a93da36c784e546de579ec1806bfd2763ef47babc1b03d765fe560c9f8"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:e997fd30430c57138adc06bba4c7c2968fb13d101e57dd5bb9355bf8ce3fa7e8"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:042c55879cfeb21a8adacc84ea347721d3d83a159da6acdf1116859e2427c43f"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:35f4a6f96aa6cb3f2f7247027b07b15a374f0d5b912c0001418d1d55024d5cb4"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:55b96e7ce3a69a8449a66984c268062fbaa0d8ae437b285428e12797baefce7e"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:cb130fccd1a37ed894824b8c046321540263013da72745d755f2d35114b81a60"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:323c1f04be6b2968944d730e5c2091c8c89767903ecaa135203eec4565ed2b2b"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:be1c8ed48c4c4065ecb19d882a0ce1afe0745dfad8ce48c49586b90a55f02366"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:b5b029322e6e7b94fff16cd120ab35a253236a5f99a79fb04fda7ae71ca20ae8"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f6fff13ef6b5f29221d6904aa816c34701462956aa72a77f1f151a8ec4f56aeb"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:587d4af3979376652010e400accc30404e6c16b7df574048ab1f581af82065e4"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_5_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.manylinux_2_12_x86_64.manylinux2010_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:079400a8269544b955ffa9e31f186f01d96829110a3bf79dc338e9910f794fca"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:f9268774428ec173654985ce55fc6caf4c6d11ade0f6f914d48ef4719eb05ebb"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:23f9985c8784e544d53fc2930fc1ac1a7319f5d5332d228437acc9f418f2f168"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:ae2941333154baff9838e88aa71c1d84f4438189ecc6021a12c7573728b5838e"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:e93f1c331ca8e86fe877a48ad64e77882c0c4da0097f2212873a69bbfea95d0c"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:846bc79ee753acf93aef4184c040d709940c9d001029ceb7b7a52747b80ed2dd"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:c94bb0a9f1db10a1d16c00880bdebd5f9faf267273b8f5bd1878126e0fbde771"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp38-cp38-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:2b08fce89fbd45664d3df6ad93e554b6c16933ffa9d55cb7e01182baaf971508"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:07f45f287469039ffc2c53caf6803cd506eb5f5f637f1d4acb37a738f71dd066"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4838e24ee015101d9f901988001038f7f0d90dc0c3b115541a1365fb439add62"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:6edd623bae6a737f10ce853ea076f56f507fd7726bee96a41ee3d68d347e4d16"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:c69ada171c2d0e97a4b5aa78fbb835e0ffbb6b13fc5da968c09811346564f0d3"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:02087ea0a03b4af1ed6ebab2c54d7118127fee8d71b26398e8e4b05b78963199"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:69dee6a020693d12a3cf892aba4808fe168d2a4cef368eb9bf74f5398bfd4ee8"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:297f54910247508e6e5cae669f2bc308985c60540a4edd1c77203ef19bfa63ca"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:ecea58b43a67b1b79805f1a0255730edaf5191ecef84dbc4cc85eb30bc8b63b9"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.manylinux_2_12_x86_64.manylinux2010_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:eab4bb380f15e189d1313195b062a6aa908f5bd687a0ceccd47c8211e9cf0d4a"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:0cbff728659ce4bbf4c30b2a1be040faafaa9eca6ecde40aaff86f7889f4ab39"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:54c4a097b8bc5bb0dfc83ae498061d53ad7b5762e00f4adaa23bee22b012e6ba"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:73d6d2f64f4d894c96626a75578b0bf7d9e56dcda8c3d037a2118fdfe9b1c664"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:e53b5fbab5d675aec9f0c501274c467c0f9a5d23696cfc94247e1fb56501ed89"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0ffbcf9221e04502fc35e54d1ce9567541979c3fdfb93d2c554f0ca583a19b35"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:e4c22e1ac1f1ec1e09f72e6c44d8f2244173db7eb9629cc3a346a8d7ccc31142"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:faa3c142464efec496967359ca99696c896c591c56c53506bac1ad465f66e919"},
+ {file = "regex-2024.9.11.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:6c188c307e8433bcb63dc1915022deb553b4203a70722fc542c363bf120a01fd"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "requests"
+version = "2.32.3"
+description = "Python HTTP for Humans."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "requests-2.32.3-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:70761cfe03c773ceb22aa2f671b4757976145175cdfca038c02654d061d6dcc6"},
+ {file = "requests-2.32.3.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:55365417734eb18255590a9ff9eb97e9e1da868d4ccd6402399eaf68af20a760"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+certifi = ">=2017.4.17"
+charset-normalizer = ">=2,<4"
+idna = ">=2.5,<4"
+urllib3 = ">=1.21.1,<3"
+
+[package.extras]
+socks = ["PySocks (>=1.5.6,!=1.5.7)"]
+use-chardet-on-py3 = ["chardet (>=3.0.2,<6)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "requests-toolbelt"
+version = "1.0.0"
+description = "A utility belt for advanced users of python-requests"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=2.7, !=3.0.*, !=3.1.*, !=3.2.*, !=3.3.*"
+files = [
+ {file = "requests-toolbelt-1.0.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:7681a0a3d047012b5bdc0ee37d7f8f07ebe76ab08caeccfc3921ce23c88d5bc6"},
+ {file = "requests_toolbelt-1.0.0-py2.py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:cccfdd665f0a24fcf4726e690f65639d272bb0637b9b92dfd91a5568ccf6bd06"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+requests = ">=2.0.1,<3.0.0"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "rich"
+version = "13.9.3"
+description = "Render rich text, tables, progress bars, syntax highlighting, markdown and more to the terminal"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8.0"
+files = [
+ {file = "rich-13.9.3-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:9836f5096eb2172c9e77df411c1b009bace4193d6a481d534fea75ebba758283"},
+ {file = "rich-13.9.3.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:bc1e01b899537598cf02579d2b9f4a415104d3fc439313a7a2c165d76557a08e"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+markdown-it-py = ">=2.2.0"
+pygments = ">=2.13.0,<3.0.0"
+
+[package.extras]
+jupyter = ["ipywidgets (>=7.5.1,<9)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "shellingham"
+version = "1.5.4"
+description = "Tool to Detect Surrounding Shell"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "shellingham-1.5.4-py2.py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:7ecfff8f2fd72616f7481040475a65b2bf8af90a56c89140852d1120324e8686"},
+ {file = "shellingham-1.5.4.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:8dbca0739d487e5bd35ab3ca4b36e11c4078f3a234bfce294b0a0291363404de"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "smmap"
+version = "5.0.1"
+description = "A pure Python implementation of a sliding window memory map manager"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "smmap-5.0.1-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:e6d8668fa5f93e706934a62d7b4db19c8d9eb8cf2adbb75ef1b675aa332b69da"},
+ {file = "smmap-5.0.1.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:dceeb6c0028fdb6734471eb07c0cd2aae706ccaecab45965ee83f11c8d3b1f62"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "sniffio"
+version = "1.3.1"
+description = "Sniff out which async library your code is running under"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "sniffio-1.3.1-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:2f6da418d1f1e0fddd844478f41680e794e6051915791a034ff65e5f100525a2"},
+ {file = "sniffio-1.3.1.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:f4324edc670a0f49750a81b895f35c3adb843cca46f0530f79fc1babb23789dc"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "sqlalchemy"
+version = "2.0.36"
+description = "Database Abstraction Library"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:59b8f3adb3971929a3e660337f5dacc5942c2cdb760afcabb2614ffbda9f9f72"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:37350015056a553e442ff672c2d20e6f4b6d0b2495691fa239d8aa18bb3bc908"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:8318f4776c85abc3f40ab185e388bee7a6ea99e7fa3a30686580b209eaa35c08"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c245b1fbade9c35e5bd3b64270ab49ce990369018289ecfde3f9c318411aaa07"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:69f93723edbca7342624d09f6704e7126b152eaed3cdbb634cb657a54332a3c5"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f9511d8dd4a6e9271d07d150fb2f81874a3c8c95e11ff9af3a2dfc35fe42ee44"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:c3f3631693003d8e585d4200730616b78fafd5a01ef8b698f6967da5c605b3fa"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:a86bfab2ef46d63300c0f06936bd6e6c0105faa11d509083ba8f2f9d237fb5b5"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:fd3a55deef00f689ce931d4d1b23fa9f04c880a48ee97af488fd215cf24e2a6c"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:4f5e9cd989b45b73bd359f693b935364f7e1f79486e29015813c338450aa5a71"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:d0ddd9db6e59c44875211bc4c7953a9f6638b937b0a88ae6d09eb46cced54eff"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:2519f3a5d0517fc159afab1015e54bb81b4406c278749779be57a569d8d1bb0d"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:59b1ee96617135f6e1d6f275bbe988f419c5178016f3d41d3c0abb0c819f75bb"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:39769a115f730d683b0eb7b694db9789267bcd027326cccc3125e862eb03bfd8"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:66bffbad8d6271bb1cc2f9a4ea4f86f80fe5e2e3e501a5ae2a3dc6a76e604e6f"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:23623166bfefe1487d81b698c423f8678e80df8b54614c2bf4b4cfcd7c711959"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f7b64e6ec3f02c35647be6b4851008b26cff592a95ecb13b6788a54ef80bbdd4"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:46331b00096a6db1fdc052d55b101dbbfc99155a548e20a0e4a8e5e4d1362855"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:fdf3386a801ea5aba17c6410dd1dc8d39cf454ca2565541b5ac42a84e1e28f53"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ac9dfa18ff2a67b09b372d5db8743c27966abf0e5344c555d86cc7199f7ad83a"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:90812a8933df713fdf748b355527e3af257a11e415b613dd794512461eb8a686"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1bc330d9d29c7f06f003ab10e1eaced295e87940405afe1b110f2eb93a233588"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:79d2e78abc26d871875b419e1fd3c0bca31a1cb0043277d0d850014599626c2e"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:b544ad1935a8541d177cb402948b94e871067656b3a0b9e91dbec136b06a2ff5"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:b5cc79df7f4bc3d11e4b542596c03826063092611e481fcf1c9dfee3c94355ef"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:3c01117dd36800f2ecaa238c65365b7b16497adc1522bf84906e5710ee9ba0e8"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:9bc633f4ee4b4c46e7adcb3a9b5ec083bf1d9a97c1d3854b92749d935de40b9b"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9e46ed38affdfc95d2c958de328d037d87801cfcbea6d421000859e9789e61c2"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:b2985c0b06e989c043f1dc09d4fe89e1616aadd35392aea2844f0458a989eacf"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4a121d62ebe7d26fec9155f83f8be5189ef1405f5973ea4874a26fab9f1e262c"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp313-cp313-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:0572f4bd6f94752167adfd7c1bed84f4b240ee6203a95e05d1e208d488d0d436"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:8c78ac40bde930c60e0f78b3cd184c580f89456dd87fc08f9e3ee3ce8765ce88"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp37-cp37m-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:be9812b766cad94a25bc63bec11f88c4ad3629a0cec1cd5d4ba48dc23860486b"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:50aae840ebbd6cdd41af1c14590e5741665e5272d2fee999306673a1bb1fdb4d"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp37-cp37m-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4557e1f11c5f653ebfdd924f3f9d5ebfc718283b0b9beebaa5dd6b77ec290971"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp37-cp37m-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:07b441f7d03b9a66299ce7ccf3ef2900abc81c0db434f42a5694a37bd73870f2"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp37-cp37m-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:28120ef39c92c2dd60f2721af9328479516844c6b550b077ca450c7d7dc68575"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp37-cp37m-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:b81ee3d84803fd42d0b154cb6892ae57ea6b7c55d8359a02379965706c7efe6c"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp37-cp37m-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:f942a799516184c855e1a32fbc7b29d7e571b52612647866d4ec1c3242578fcb"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp38-cp38-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3d6718667da04294d7df1670d70eeddd414f313738d20a6f1d1f379e3139a545"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp38-cp38-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:72c28b84b174ce8af8504ca28ae9347d317f9dba3999e5981a3cd441f3712e24"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:b11d0cfdd2b095e7b0686cf5fabeb9c67fae5b06d265d8180715b8cfa86522e3"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp38-cp38-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:e32092c47011d113dc01ab3e1d3ce9f006a47223b18422c5c0d150af13a00687"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:6a440293d802d3011028e14e4226da1434b373cbaf4a4bbb63f845761a708346"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp38-cp38-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c54a1e53a0c308a8e8a7dffb59097bff7facda27c70c286f005327f21b2bd6b1"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp38-cp38-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:1e0d612a17581b6616ff03c8e3d5eff7452f34655c901f75d62bd86449d9750e"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp38-cp38-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:8958b10490125124463095bbdadda5aa22ec799f91958e410438ad6c97a7b793"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:dc022184d3e5cacc9579e41805a681187650e170eb2fd70e28b86192a479dcaa"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:b817d41d692bf286abc181f8af476c4fbef3fd05e798777492618378448ee689"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:a4e46a888b54be23d03a89be510f24a7652fe6ff660787b96cd0e57a4ebcb46d"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:c4ae3005ed83f5967f961fd091f2f8c5329161f69ce8480aa8168b2d7fe37f06"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:03e08af7a5f9386a43919eda9de33ffda16b44eb11f3b313e6822243770e9763"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:3dbb986bad3ed5ceaf090200eba750b5245150bd97d3e67343a3cfed06feecf7"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:9fe53b404f24789b5ea9003fc25b9a3988feddebd7e7b369c8fac27ad6f52f28"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:af148a33ff0349f53512a049c6406923e4e02bf2f26c5fb285f143faf4f0e46a"},
+ {file = "SQLAlchemy-2.0.36-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:fddbe92b4760c6f5d48162aef14824add991aeda8ddadb3c31d56eb15ca69f8e"},
+ {file = "sqlalchemy-2.0.36.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:7f2767680b6d2398aea7082e45a774b2b0767b5c8d8ffb9c8b683088ea9b29c5"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+greenlet = {version = "!=0.4.17", markers = "python_version < \"3.13\" and (platform_machine == \"aarch64\" or platform_machine == \"ppc64le\" or platform_machine == \"x86_64\" or platform_machine == \"amd64\" or platform_machine == \"AMD64\" or platform_machine == \"win32\" or platform_machine == \"WIN32\")"}
+typing-extensions = ">=4.6.0"
+
+[package.extras]
+aiomysql = ["aiomysql (>=0.2.0)", "greenlet (!=0.4.17)"]
+aioodbc = ["aioodbc", "greenlet (!=0.4.17)"]
+aiosqlite = ["aiosqlite", "greenlet (!=0.4.17)", "typing_extensions (!=3.10.0.1)"]
+asyncio = ["greenlet (!=0.4.17)"]
+asyncmy = ["asyncmy (>=0.2.3,!=0.2.4,!=0.2.6)", "greenlet (!=0.4.17)"]
+mariadb-connector = ["mariadb (>=1.0.1,!=1.1.2,!=1.1.5,!=1.1.10)"]
+mssql = ["pyodbc"]
+mssql-pymssql = ["pymssql"]
+mssql-pyodbc = ["pyodbc"]
+mypy = ["mypy (>=0.910)"]
+mysql = ["mysqlclient (>=1.4.0)"]
+mysql-connector = ["mysql-connector-python"]
+oracle = ["cx_oracle (>=8)"]
+oracle-oracledb = ["oracledb (>=1.0.1)"]
+postgresql = ["psycopg2 (>=2.7)"]
+postgresql-asyncpg = ["asyncpg", "greenlet (!=0.4.17)"]
+postgresql-pg8000 = ["pg8000 (>=1.29.1)"]
+postgresql-psycopg = ["psycopg (>=3.0.7)"]
+postgresql-psycopg2binary = ["psycopg2-binary"]
+postgresql-psycopg2cffi = ["psycopg2cffi"]
+postgresql-psycopgbinary = ["psycopg[binary] (>=3.0.7)"]
+pymysql = ["pymysql"]
+sqlcipher = ["sqlcipher3_binary"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "sse-starlette"
+version = "1.8.2"
+description = "SSE plugin for Starlette"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "sse_starlette-1.8.2-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:70cc7ef5aca4abe8a25dec1284cce4fe644dd7bf0c406d3e852e516092b7f849"},
+ {file = "sse_starlette-1.8.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:e0f9b8dec41adc092a0a6e0694334bd3cfd3084c44c497a6ebc1fb4bdd919acd"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+anyio = "*"
+fastapi = "*"
+starlette = "*"
+uvicorn = "*"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "starlette"
+version = "0.41.2"
+description = "The little ASGI library that shines."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "starlette-0.41.2-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:fbc189474b4731cf30fcef52f18a8d070e3f3b46c6a04c97579e85e6ffca942d"},
+ {file = "starlette-0.41.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:9834fd799d1a87fd346deb76158668cfa0b0d56f85caefe8268e2d97c3468b62"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+anyio = ">=3.4.0,<5"
+
+[package.extras]
+full = ["httpx (>=0.22.0)", "itsdangerous", "jinja2", "python-multipart (>=0.0.7)", "pyyaml"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "tenacity"
+version = "9.0.0"
+description = "Retry code until it succeeds"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "tenacity-9.0.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:93de0c98785b27fcf659856aa9f54bfbd399e29969b0621bc7f762bd441b4539"},
+ {file = "tenacity-9.0.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:807f37ca97d62aa361264d497b0e31e92b8027044942bfa756160d908320d73b"},
+]
+
+[package.extras]
+doc = ["reno", "sphinx"]
+test = ["pytest", "tornado (>=4.5)", "typeguard"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "tiktoken"
+version = "0.8.0"
+description = "tiktoken is a fast BPE tokeniser for use with OpenAI's models"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:b07e33283463089c81ef1467180e3e00ab00d46c2c4bbcef0acab5f771d6695e"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:9269348cb650726f44dd3bbb3f9110ac19a8dcc8f54949ad3ef652ca22a38e21"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:25e13f37bc4ef2d012731e93e0fef21dc3b7aea5bb9009618de9a4026844e560"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:f13d13c981511331eac0d01a59b5df7c0d4060a8be1e378672822213da51e0a2"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:6b2ddbc79a22621ce8b1166afa9f9a888a664a579350dc7c09346a3b5de837d9"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:d8c2d0e5ba6453a290b86cd65fc51fedf247e1ba170191715b049dac1f628005"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d622d8011e6d6f239297efa42a2657043aaed06c4f68833550cac9e9bc723ef1"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:2efaf6199717b4485031b4d6edb94075e4d79177a172f38dd934d911b588d54a"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:5637e425ce1fc49cf716d88df3092048359a4b3bbb7da762840426e937ada06d"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:9fb0e352d1dbe15aba082883058b3cce9e48d33101bdaac1eccf66424feb5b47"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:56edfefe896c8f10aba372ab5706b9e3558e78db39dd497c940b47bf228bc419"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:326624128590def898775b722ccc327e90b073714227175ea8febbc920ac0a99"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:881839cfeae051b3628d9823b2e56b5cc93a9e2efb435f4cf15f17dc45f21586"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:fe9399bdc3f29d428f16a2f86c3c8ec20be3eac5f53693ce4980371c3245729b"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:9a58deb7075d5b69237a3ff4bb51a726670419db6ea62bdcd8bd80c78497d7ab"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d2908c0d043a7d03ebd80347266b0e58440bdef5564f84f4d29fb235b5df3b04"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:294440d21a2a51e12d4238e68a5972095534fe9878be57d905c476017bff99fc"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:d8f3192733ac4d77977432947d563d7e1b310b96497acd3c196c9bddb36ed9db"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:02be1666096aff7da6cbd7cdaa8e7917bfed3467cd64b38b1f112e96d3b06a24"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:c94ff53c5c74b535b2cbf431d907fc13c678bbd009ee633a2aca269a04389f9a"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:6b231f5e8982c245ee3065cd84a4712d64692348bc609d84467c57b4b72dcbc5"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:4177faa809bd55f699e88c96d9bb4635d22e3f59d635ba6fd9ffedf7150b9953"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:5376b6f8dc4753cd81ead935c5f518fa0fbe7e133d9e25f648d8c4dabdd4bad7"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:18228d624807d66c87acd8f25fc135665617cab220671eb65b50f5d70fa51f69"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7e17807445f0cf1f25771c9d86496bd8b5c376f7419912519699f3cc4dc5c12e"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:886f80bd339578bbdba6ed6d0567a0d5c6cfe198d9e587ba6c447654c65b8edc"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:6adc8323016d7758d6de7313527f755b0fc6c72985b7d9291be5d96d73ecd1e1"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:b591fb2b30d6a72121a80be24ec7a0e9eb51c5500ddc7e4c2496516dd5e3816b"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:845287b9798e476b4d762c3ebda5102be87ca26e5d2c9854002825d60cdb815d"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:1473cfe584252dc3fa62adceb5b1c763c1874e04511b197da4e6de51d6ce5a02"},
+ {file = "tiktoken-0.8.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:9ccbb2740f24542534369c5635cfd9b2b3c2490754a78ac8831d99f89f94eeb2"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+regex = ">=2022.1.18"
+requests = ">=2.26.0"
+
+[package.extras]
+blobfile = ["blobfile (>=2)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "tomlkit"
+version = "0.12.5"
+description = "Style preserving TOML library"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "tomlkit-0.12.5-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:af914f5a9c59ed9d0762c7b64d3b5d5df007448eb9cd2edc8a46b1eafead172f"},
+ {file = "tomlkit-0.12.5.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:eef34fba39834d4d6b73c9ba7f3e4d1c417a4e56f89a7e96e090dd0d24b8fb3c"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "tqdm"
+version = "4.66.6"
+description = "Fast, Extensible Progress Meter"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.7"
+files = [
+ {file = "tqdm-4.66.6-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:223e8b5359c2efc4b30555531f09e9f2f3589bcd7fdd389271191031b49b7a63"},
+ {file = "tqdm-4.66.6.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:4bdd694238bef1485ce839d67967ab50af8f9272aab687c0d7702a01da0be090"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+colorama = {version = "*", markers = "platform_system == \"Windows\""}
+
+[package.extras]
+dev = ["pytest (>=6)", "pytest-cov", "pytest-timeout", "pytest-xdist"]
+notebook = ["ipywidgets (>=6)"]
+slack = ["slack-sdk"]
+telegram = ["requests"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "typer"
+version = "0.9.4"
+description = "Typer, build great CLIs. Easy to code. Based on Python type hints."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.6"
+files = [
+ {file = "typer-0.9.4-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:aa6c4a4e2329d868b80ecbaf16f807f2b54e192209d7ac9dd42691d63f7a54eb"},
+ {file = "typer-0.9.4.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:f714c2d90afae3a7929fcd72a3abb08df305e1ff61719381384211c4070af57f"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+click = ">=7.1.1,<9.0.0"
+colorama = {version = ">=0.4.3,<0.5.0", optional = true, markers = "extra == \"all\""}
+rich = {version = ">=10.11.0,<14.0.0", optional = true, markers = "extra == \"all\""}
+shellingham = {version = ">=1.3.0,<2.0.0", optional = true, markers = "extra == \"all\""}
+typing-extensions = ">=3.7.4.3"
+
+[package.extras]
+all = ["colorama (>=0.4.3,<0.5.0)", "rich (>=10.11.0,<14.0.0)", "shellingham (>=1.3.0,<2.0.0)"]
+dev = ["autoflake (>=1.3.1,<2.0.0)", "flake8 (>=3.8.3,<4.0.0)", "pre-commit (>=2.17.0,<3.0.0)"]
+doc = ["cairosvg (>=2.5.2,<3.0.0)", "mdx-include (>=1.4.1,<2.0.0)", "mkdocs (>=1.1.2,<2.0.0)", "mkdocs-material (>=8.1.4,<9.0.0)", "pillow (>=9.3.0,<10.0.0)"]
+test = ["black (>=22.3.0,<23.0.0)", "coverage (>=6.2,<7.0)", "isort (>=5.0.6,<6.0.0)", "mypy (==0.971)", "pytest (>=4.4.0,<8.0.0)", "pytest-cov (>=2.10.0,<5.0.0)", "pytest-sugar (>=0.9.4,<0.10.0)", "pytest-xdist (>=1.32.0,<4.0.0)", "rich (>=10.11.0,<14.0.0)", "shellingham (>=1.3.0,<2.0.0)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "typing-extensions"
+version = "4.12.2"
+description = "Backported and Experimental Type Hints for Python 3.8+"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "typing_extensions-4.12.2-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:04e5ca0351e0f3f85c6853954072df659d0d13fac324d0072316b67d7794700d"},
+ {file = "typing_extensions-4.12.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:1a7ead55c7e559dd4dee8856e3a88b41225abfe1ce8df57b7c13915fe121ffb8"},
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "typing-inspect"
+version = "0.9.0"
+description = "Runtime inspection utilities for typing module."
+optional = false
+python-versions = "*"
+files = [
+ {file = "typing_inspect-0.9.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:9ee6fc59062311ef8547596ab6b955e1b8aa46242d854bfc78f4f6b0eff35f9f"},
+ {file = "typing_inspect-0.9.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:b23fc42ff6f6ef6954e4852c1fb512cdd18dbea03134f91f856a95ccc9461f78"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+mypy-extensions = ">=0.3.0"
+typing-extensions = ">=3.7.4"
+
+[[package]]
+name = "urllib3"
+version = "2.2.3"
+description = "HTTP library with thread-safe connection pooling, file post, and more."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "urllib3-2.2.3-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:ca899ca043dcb1bafa3e262d73aa25c465bfb49e0bd9dd5d59f1d0acba2f8fac"},
+ {file = "urllib3-2.2.3.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:e7d814a81dad81e6caf2ec9fdedb284ecc9c73076b62654547cc64ccdcae26e9"},
+]
+
+[package.extras]
+brotli = ["brotli (>=1.0.9)", "brotlicffi (>=0.8.0)"]
+h2 = ["h2 (>=4,<5)"]
+socks = ["pysocks (>=1.5.6,!=1.5.7,<2.0)"]
+zstd = ["zstandard (>=0.18.0)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "uvicorn"
+version = "0.23.2"
+description = "The lightning-fast ASGI server."
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.8"
+files = [
+ {file = "uvicorn-0.23.2-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:1f9be6558f01239d4fdf22ef8126c39cb1ad0addf76c40e760549d2c2f43ab53"},
+ {file = "uvicorn-0.23.2.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:4d3cc12d7727ba72b64d12d3cc7743124074c0a69f7b201512fc50c3e3f1569a"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+click = ">=7.0"
+h11 = ">=0.8"
+
+[package.extras]
+standard = ["colorama (>=0.4)", "httptools (>=0.5.0)", "python-dotenv (>=0.13)", "pyyaml (>=5.1)", "uvloop (>=0.14.0,!=0.15.0,!=0.15.1)", "watchfiles (>=0.13)", "websockets (>=10.4)"]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "yarl"
+version = "1.16.0"
+description = "Yet another URL library"
+optional = false
+python-versions = ">=3.9"
+files = [
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:32468f41242d72b87ab793a86d92f885355bcf35b3355aa650bfa846a5c60058"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:234f3a3032b505b90e65b5bc6652c2329ea7ea8855d8de61e1642b74b4ee65d2"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:8a0296040e5cddf074c7f5af4a60f3fc42c0237440df7bcf5183be5f6c802ed5"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:de6c14dd7c7c0badba48157474ea1f03ebee991530ba742d381b28d4f314d6f3"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:b140e532fe0266003c936d017c1ac301e72ee4a3fd51784574c05f53718a55d8"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:019f5d58093402aa8f6661e60fd82a28746ad6d156f6c5336a70a39bd7b162b9"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:8c42998fd1cbeb53cd985bff0e4bc25fbe55fd6eb3a545a724c1012d69d5ec84"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:7c7c30fb38c300fe8140df30a046a01769105e4cf4282567a29b5cdb635b66c4"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:e49e0fd86c295e743fd5be69b8b0712f70a686bc79a16e5268386c2defacaade"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:b9ca7b9147eb1365c8bab03c003baa1300599575effad765e0b07dd3501ea9af"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:27e11db3f1e6a51081a981509f75617b09810529de508a181319193d320bc5c7"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:8994c42f4ca25df5380ddf59f315c518c81df6a68fed5bb0c159c6cb6b92f120"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:542fa8e09a581bcdcbb30607c7224beff3fdfb598c798ccd28a8184ffc18b7eb"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:2bd6a51010c7284d191b79d3b56e51a87d8e1c03b0902362945f15c3d50ed46b"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:178ccb856e265174a79f59721031060f885aca428983e75c06f78aa24b91d929"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp310-cp310-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:fe8bba2545427418efc1929c5c42852bdb4143eb8d0a46b09de88d1fe99258e7"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:d8643975a0080f361639787415a038bfc32d29208a4bf6b783ab3075a20b1ef3"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:676d96bafc8c2d0039cea0cd3fd44cee7aa88b8185551a2bb93354668e8315c2"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:d9525f03269e64310416dbe6c68d3b23e5d34aaa8f47193a1c45ac568cecbc49"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:8b37d5ec034e668b22cf0ce1074d6c21fd2a08b90d11b1b73139b750a8b0dd97"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:4f32c4cb7386b41936894685f6e093c8dfaf0960124d91fe0ec29fe439e201d0"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:5b8e265a0545637492a7e12fd7038370d66c9375a61d88c5567d0e044ded9202"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:789a3423f28a5fff46fbd04e339863c169ece97c827b44de16e1a7a42bc915d2"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:f1d1f45e3e8d37c804dca99ab3cf4ab3ed2e7a62cd82542924b14c0a4f46d243"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:621280719c4c5dad4c1391160a9b88925bb8b0ff6a7d5af3224643024871675f"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:ed097b26f18a1f5ff05f661dc36528c5f6735ba4ce8c9645e83b064665131349"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:2f1fe2b2e3ee418862f5ebc0c0083c97f6f6625781382f828f6d4e9b614eba9b"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:87dd10bc0618991c66cee0cc65fa74a45f4ecb13bceec3c62d78ad2e42b27a16"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:4199db024b58a8abb2cfcedac7b1292c3ad421684571aeb622a02f242280e8d6"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:99a9dcd4b71dd5f5f949737ab3f356cfc058c709b4f49833aeffedc2652dac56"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:a9394c65ae0ed95679717d391c862dece9afacd8fa311683fc8b4362ce8a410c"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp311-cp311-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:5b9101f528ae0f8f65ac9d64dda2bb0627de8a50344b2f582779f32fda747c1d"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:4ffb7c129707dd76ced0a4a4128ff452cecf0b0e929f2668ea05a371d9e5c104"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1a5e9d8ce1185723419c487758d81ac2bde693711947032cce600ca7c9cda7d6"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:d743e3118b2640cef7768ea955378c3536482d95550222f908f392167fe62059"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:26768342f256e6e3c37533bf9433f5f15f3e59e3c14b2409098291b3efaceacb"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:d1b0796168b953bca6600c5f97f5ed407479889a36ad7d17183366260f29a6b9"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:858728086914f3a407aa7979cab743bbda1fe2bdf39ffcd991469a370dd7414d"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:5570e6d47bcb03215baf4c9ad7bf7c013e56285d9d35013541f9ac2b372593e7"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:66ea8311422a7ba1fc79b4c42c2baa10566469fe5a78500d4e7754d6e6db8724"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:649bddcedee692ee8a9b7b6e38582cb4062dc4253de9711568e5620d8707c2a3"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:3a91654adb7643cb21b46f04244c5a315a440dcad63213033826549fa2435f71"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:b439cae82034ade094526a8f692b9a2b5ee936452de5e4c5f0f6c48df23f8604"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:571f781ae8ac463ce30bacebfaef2c6581543776d5970b2372fbe31d7bf31a07"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:aa7943f04f36d6cafc0cf53ea89824ac2c37acbdb4b316a654176ab8ffd0f968"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:1a5cf32539373ff39d97723e39a9283a7277cbf1224f7aef0c56c9598b6486c3"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:a5b6c09b9b4253d6a208b0f4a2f9206e511ec68dce9198e0fbec4f160137aa67"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp312-cp312-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:1208ca14eed2fda324042adf8d6c0adf4a31522fa95e0929027cd487875f0240"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:a5ace0177520bd4caa99295a9b6fb831d0e9a57d8e0501a22ffaa61b4c024283"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_10_13_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7118bdb5e3ed81acaa2095cba7ec02a0fe74b52a16ab9f9ac8e28e53ee299732"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:38fec8a2a94c58bd47c9a50a45d321ab2285ad133adefbbadf3012c054b7e656"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:8791d66d81ee45866a7bb15a517b01a2bcf583a18ebf5d72a84e6064c417e64b"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:1cf936ba67bc6c734f3aa1c01391da74ab7fc046a9f8bbfa230b8393b90cf472"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:d1aab176dd55b59f77a63b27cffaca67d29987d91a5b615cbead41331e6b7428"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:995d0759004c08abd5d1b81300a91d18c8577c6389300bed1c7c11675105a44d"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:1bc22e00edeb068f71967ab99081e9406cd56dbed864fc3a8259442999d71552"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:35b4f7842154176523e0a63c9b871168c69b98065d05a4f637fce342a6a2693a"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:7ace71c4b7a0c41f317ae24be62bb61e9d80838d38acb20e70697c625e71f120"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:8f639e3f5795a6568aa4f7d2ac6057c757dcd187593679f035adbf12b892bb00"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:e8be3aff14f0120ad049121322b107f8a759be76a6a62138322d4c8a337a9e2c"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:122d8e7986043d0549e9eb23c7fd23be078be4b70c9eb42a20052b3d3149c6f2"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:0fd9c227990f609c165f56b46107d0bc34553fe0387818c42c02f77974402c36"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:595ca5e943baed31d56b33b34736461a371c6ea0038d3baec399949dd628560b"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp313-cp313-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:921b81b8d78f0e60242fb3db615ea3f368827a76af095d5a69f1c3366db3f596"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_universal2.whl", hash = "sha256:ab2b2ac232110a1fdb0d3ffcd087783edd3d4a6ced432a1bf75caf7b7be70916"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_10_9_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:7f8713717a09acbfee7c47bfc5777e685539fefdd34fa72faf504c8be2f3df4e"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:cdcffe1dbcb4477d2b4202f63cd972d5baa155ff5a3d9e35801c46a415b7f71a"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_aarch64.manylinux2014_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:9a91217208306d82357c67daeef5162a41a28c8352dab7e16daa82e3718852a7"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_ppc64le.manylinux2014_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:3ab3ed42c78275477ea8e917491365e9a9b69bb615cb46169020bd0aa5e2d6d3"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_s390x.manylinux2014_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:707ae579ccb3262dfaef093e202b4c3fb23c3810e8df544b1111bd2401fd7b09"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_17_x86_64.manylinux2014_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:ad7a852d1cd0b8d8b37fc9d7f8581152add917a98cfe2ea6e241878795f917ae"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-manylinux_2_5_i686.manylinux1_i686.manylinux_2_17_i686.manylinux2014_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:d3f1cc3d3d4dc574bebc9b387f6875e228ace5748a7c24f49d8f01ac1bc6c31b"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:5ff96da263740779b0893d02b718293cc03400c3a208fc8d8cd79d9b0993e532"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_armv7l.whl", hash = "sha256:3d375a19ba2bfe320b6d873f3fb165313b002cef8b7cc0a368ad8b8a57453837"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_i686.whl", hash = "sha256:62c7da0ad93a07da048b500514ca47b759459ec41924143e2ddb5d7e20fd3db5"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_ppc64le.whl", hash = "sha256:147b0fcd0ee33b4b5f6edfea80452d80e419e51b9a3f7a96ce98eaee145c1581"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_s390x.whl", hash = "sha256:504e1fe1cc4f170195320eb033d2b0ccf5c6114ce5bf2f617535c01699479bca"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-musllinux_1_2_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:bdcf667a5dec12a48f669e485d70c54189f0639c2157b538a4cffd24a853624f"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-win32.whl", hash = "sha256:e9951afe6557c75a71045148890052cb942689ee4c9ec29f5436240e1fcc73b7"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-cp39-cp39-win_amd64.whl", hash = "sha256:7d7aaa8ff95d0840e289423e7dc35696c2b058d635f945bf05b5cd633146b027"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0-py3-none-any.whl", hash = "sha256:e6980a558d8461230c457218bd6c92dfc1d10205548215c2c21d79dc8d0a96f3"},
+ {file = "yarl-1.16.0.tar.gz", hash = "sha256:b6f687ced5510a9a2474bbae96a4352e5ace5fa34dc44a217b0537fec1db00b4"},
+]
+
+[package.dependencies]
+idna = ">=2.0"
+multidict = ">=4.0"
+propcache = ">=0.2.0"
+
+[metadata]
+lock-version = "2.0"
+python-versions = "^3.11"
+content-hash = "0ed4fb63dd6ea392919936b0408e52233eeff26abd743e5066450b39aad2c680"
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/api/pyproject.toml b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/pyproject.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..40f669a723
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/api/pyproject.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+[tool.poetry]
+name = "edgar-api"
+version = "0.1.0"
+description = ""
+authors = ["Andreas Kollegger "]
+readme = "README.md"
+packages = [
+ { include = "app" },
+]
+
+[tool.poetry.dependencies]
+python = "~3.12"
+uvicorn = "^0.23.2"
+langserve = {extras = ["server"], version = ">=0.0.30"}
+neo4j-semantic-layer = {path = "packages/neo4j-semantic-layer", develop = true}
+python-dotenv = "^1.0.1"
+pydantic = "^2.9.2"
+langchain = "^0.3.4"
+langchain-openai = "^0.2.3"
+pyyaml = "^6.0.2"
+langchain-community = "^0.3.3"
+
+
+[tool.poetry.group.dev.dependencies]
+langchain-cli = ">=0.0.15"
+
+[build-system]
+requires = ["poetry-core"]
+build-backend = "poetry.core.masonry.api"
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000004457-23-000052.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000004457-23-000052.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1d53f679f7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000004457-23-000052.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. Business\n \n\n\n\n\nCompany Overview\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe are North America\u2019s largest \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage operator through our subsidiary U-Haul International, Inc. (\u201cU-Haul\u201d). U-Haul is synonymous with \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage and is a leader in supplying products and services to help people move and store their household and commercial goods. Our primary service objective is to \u201cprovide a better and better product and service to more and more people at a lower and lower cost.\u201d Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms \u201cU-Haul Holding Company,\u201d \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d or \u201cour\u201d refer to U-Haul Holding Company, a Nevada corporation, and all of its legal subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe were founded in 1945 as a sole proprietorship under the name \"U-Haul Trailer Rental Company\" and have rented trailers ever since. Starting in 1959, we rented trucks on a one-way and in-town basis exclusively through independent U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n dealers. In 1973, we began developing our network of U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n managed retail stores, through which we rent our trucks and trailers, self-storage units and portable moving and storage units and sell moving and self-storage products and services to complement our independent dealer network.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe rent our distinctive orange and white U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n trucks and trailers as well as offer self-storage units through a network of over 2,200 Company-operated retail moving stores and nearly 21,300 independent U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n dealers. We also sell U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n brand boxes, tape and other moving and self-storage products and services to \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage customers at all of our distribution outlets and through our uhaul.com\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n website and mobile app.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe believe U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n is the most convenient supplier of products and services addressing the needs of the United States and Canada\u2019s \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage markets. Our broad geographic coverage throughout the United States and Canada and our extensive selection of U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n brand moving equipment rentals, self-storage units, portable moving and storage units and related moving and storage products and services provide our customers with convenient \u201cone-stop\u201d shopping.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince 1945, U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n has incorporated sustainable practices into its everyday operations. We believe that our basic business premise of equipment sharing helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the inventory of total large capacity vehicles. We continue to look for ways to reduce waste within our business and are dedicated to manufacturing reusable components and recyclable products. We believe that our commitment to sustainability, through our products and services and everyday operations has helped us to reduce our impact on the environment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThrough Repwest Insurance Company (\u201cRepwest\u201d) and ARCOA Risk Retention Group (\"ARCOA\"), our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, we manage the property, liability and related insurance claims processing for U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n. Oxford Life Insurance Company (\u201cOxford\u201d), our life insurance subsidiary, sells life insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, annuities and other related products to the senior market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAvailable Information\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul Holding Company\nSM \nand U-Haul\n\u00ae\n are each incorporated in Nevada. The internet address for U-Haul is uhaul.com. On U-Haul Holding Company\u2019s investor relations website, investors.uhaul.com, we post the following filings as soon as practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d): our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements related to meetings of our stockholders, and any amendments to those reports or statements filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the \u201cExchange Act\u201d). We also use our investor relations website as a means of disclosing material information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. All such filings on our website are available free of charge. Additionally, you will find these materials on the SEC\u2019s website at sec.gov.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProducts and Rental Equipment\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur customers are primarily \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d household movers. U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n moving equipment is specifically designed, engineered and manufactured for the \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d household mover. These \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d movers include individuals and families moving their belongings from one home to another, college students moving their belongings, vacationers and sports enthusiasts needing extra space or having special towing needs, people trying to save on home furniture and home appliance delivery costs, and \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d home remodeling and gardening enthusiasts who need to transport materials.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, our rental fleet consisted of approximately 192,200 trucks, 138,500 trailers and 44,500 towing devices. This equipment and our U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n brand of self-moving products and services are available through our network of managed retail moving stores and independent U-Haul dealers. Independent U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n dealers receive rental equipment from the Company, act as rental agents and are paid a commission based on gross revenues generated from their U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n rentals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur rental truck chassis are engineered by domestic truck manufacturers. These chassis are joined with the U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n designed and manufactured van boxes primarily at U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n operated manufacturing and assembly facilities strategically located throughout the United States. U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n rental trucks feature our proprietary Lowest Deck\n\n\nSM\n\n\n, which provides our customers with extra ease of loading. The loading ramps on our trucks are the widest in the industry, which reduces the effort needed to move belongings. Our trucks are fitted with convenient rub rails with tie downs on every interior wall. Our Gentle Ride Suspension\n\n\nSM\n\n\n helps our customers safely move delicate and prized possessions. Also, the engineers at our U-Haul Technical Center determined that the softest ride in our trucks was at the front of the van box. Consequently, we designed the part of the van box that hangs over the front cab of the truck to be the location for our customers to place their most fragile items during their move. We call this area Mom\u2019s Attic\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur distinctive trailers are also manufactured at these same U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n operated manufacturing and assembly facilities. These trailers are well suited to the low profile of many of today\u2019s newly manufactured automobiles including electric vehicles. Our engineering staff is committed to making our trailers easy to tow, safe, aerodynamic and fuel efficient.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo provide our self-move customers with added value, our rental trucks and trailers are designed with fuel efficiency in mind. Many of our trucks are equipped with fuel economy gauges, another tool that assists our customers in conserving fuel. To help make our rental equipment more reliable, we routinely perform extensive preventive maintenance and repairs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe also provide customers with equipment to transport their vehicles. We provide two towing options: auto transport, in which all four wheels are off the ground, and a tow dolly, in which the front wheels of the towed vehicle are off the ground.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo help our customers load their boxes and larger household appliances and furniture, we offer several accessory rental items. Our utility dolly has a lightweight design and is easy to maneuver. Another rental accessory is our four wheel dolly, which provides a large, flat surface for moving dressers, wall units, pianos and other large household items. U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n appliance dollies provide the leverage needed to move refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers easily and safely. These utility, furniture and appliance dollies, along with the low decks and the wide loading ramps on U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n trucks and trailers, are designed for easy loading and unloading of our customers\u2019 belongings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe total package U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n offers to the \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d household mover doesn\u2019t end with trucks, trailers and accessory rental items. Our moving supplies include a wide array of affordably priced U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n brand boxes, tape and packing materials. We also provide specialty boxes for dishes, computers, flat screen television and sensitive electronic equipment, as well as tape, security locks, and packing supplies. U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n brand boxes are specifically sized to make loading easier.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe estimate that U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n is North America\u2019s largest seller and installer of hitches and towing systems. In addition to towing U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n equipment, these hitching and towing systems can tow jet skis, motorcycles, boats, campers and toy haulers. Each year, millions of customers visit our locations for expertise on complete towing systems, trailer rentals and the latest in towing accessories.\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul\n\u00ae\n has one of North America\u2019s largest propane refilling networks, with nearly 1,200 locations providing this convenient service. We employ trained, certified personnel to refill propane cylinders and alternative fuel vehicles. Our network of propane dispensing locations is one of the largest automobile alternative refueling networks in North America.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur self-storage business was a natural outgrowth of our self-moving operations. Conveniently located U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n self-storage rental facilities provide clean, dry and secure space for storage of household and commercial goods. Storage units range in size from 6 square feet to over 1,000 square feet. As of March 31, 2023, we operate 1,904 self-storage locations in the United States and Canada, with nearly 949,000 rentable storage units comprising 81.2 million square feet of rentable storage space. Our self-storage centers feature a wide array of security measures, ranging from electronic property access control gates to individually alarmed storage units. At many centers, we offer climate-controlled storage units to protect temperature sensitive goods.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother extension of our strategy to make \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage easier is our U-Box\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n program.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nA U-Box\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n portable moving and storage unit is delivered to a location of our customer\u2019s choosing either by the customers themselves through the use of a U-Box\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n trailer, with the assistance of our Moving Help\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n program, or by Company personnel. Once the U-Box\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n portable moving and storage unit is filled, it can be stored at the customer\u2019s location, or taken to one of our Company operated locations, a participating independent dealer, or moved to a location of the customer\u2019s choice.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditionally, we offer moving and storage protection packages such as Safemove\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n and Safetow\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n. These programs provide moving and towing customers with a damage waiver, cargo protection and medical and life insurance coverage. Safestor\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n provides protection for storage customers from loss on their goods in storage. Safestor Mobile\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n provides protection for customers\u2019 stored belongings when using our U-Box\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n portable moving and storage units. For our customers who desire additional coverage over and above the standard Safemove\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n protection, we also offer our Safemove Plus\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n product. This package provides the rental customer with a layer of primary liability protection. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe believe that through our website, uhaul.com, and the U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n app, we have aggregated the largest network of customers and independent businesses in the self-moving and self-storage industry. In particular, our Moving Help\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n program connects \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d movers with thousands of independent service providers in the United States and Canada to assist our customers in packing, loading, unloading, cleaning and performing other services. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThrough the U-Haul Storage Affiliates\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n program, independent storage businesses can join one of the world\u2019s largest self-storage reservation systems. Self-storage customers making a reservation through uhaul.com\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n or the U-Haul app can access all of the U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n self-storage centers and all of our independent storage affiliate partners for even greater convenience to meet their self-storage needs. For the independent storage operator, our network gives them access to products and services allowing them to compete with larger operators more cost effectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe own numerous trademarks and service marks that contribute to the identity and recognition of our Company and its products and services. Certain of these marks are integral to the conduct of our business, a loss of any of which could have a material adverse affect on our business. We consider the trademark \u201cU-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d to be of material importance to our business in addition, but not limited to, the U.S. trademarks and service marks \u201cAMERCO\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cU-Haul Holding Company\n\n\nSM\n\n\n\u201d, \u201ceMove\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cGentle Ride Suspension\n\n\nSM\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cIn-Town\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cLowest Decks\n\n\nSM\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cMoving made Easier\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cMake Moving Easier\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cMom\u2019s Attic\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cMoving Help\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cMoving Helper\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cSafemove\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cSafemove Plus\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cSafestor\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cSafestor Mobile\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d,\n\n\n \u201cSafetow\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d,\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\u201cU-Box\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cuhaul.com\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cU-Haul Investors Club\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cU-Haul Truck Share\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cU-Haul Truck Share 24/7\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201c, \u201cU-Note\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, \u201cWebSelfStorage\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n\u201d, and \u201cU-Haul SmartMobilityCenter\n\n\n\u00ae\u201d\n\n\n, among others, for use in connection with the moving and storage business. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDescription of Operating Segments\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul Holding Company\u2019s three reportable segments are:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage, comprised of U-Haul Holding Company\n\n\nSM\n\n\n, U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, and Amerco Real Estate Company (\u201cReal Estate\u201d), and the subsidiaries of U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n and Real Estate,\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance, comprised of Repwest and its subsidiaries and ARCOA, and\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance, comprised of Oxford and its subsidiaries.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancial information for each of our operating segments is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as part of Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage Operating Segment\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur Moving and Storage operating segment (\u201cMoving and Storage\u201d) consists of the rental of trucks, trailers, portable moving and storage units, specialty rental items and self-storage spaces primarily to the household mover as well as sales of moving supplies, towing accessories and propane. Operations are conducted under the registered trade name U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n throughout the United States and Canada.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet revenue from Moving and Storage was approximately 94.9%, 94.0% and 93.1% of consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe total number of rental trucks in the fleet increased from fiscal 2023. However, continuing supply issues with our equipment manufacturers have slowed the number of new trucks we have been able to acquire this last year. In response, we slowed the sale of trucks from our existing fleet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWithin our truck and trailer rental operation, we are focused on expanding our independent dealer network to provide added convenience for our customers. U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n maximizes vehicle utilization by managing distribution of the truck and trailer fleets among the over 2,200 Company-operated stores and nearly 21,300 independent dealers. Utilizing its proprietary reservations management system, our centers and dealers electronically report their inventory in real-time, which facilitates matching equipment to customer demand. Over half of all U-Move\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n rental revenue originated from our Company operated centers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt our owned and operated retail stores, we are implementing new initiatives to improve customer service. These initiatives include expanding the capabilities of our U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n app, improving management of our rental equipment to provide our retail centers with the right type of rental equipment, at the right time and at the most convenient location for our customers, effectively marketing our broad line of self-moving related products and services, expanding accessibility to provide more convenience to our customers, and enhancing our ability to properly staff locations during our peak hours of operations by attracting and retaining \u201cmoonlighters\u201d (part-time U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n system members with full-time jobs elsewhere) during our peak hours of operation. \n\n\nU-Haul offers U-Haul Truck Share 24/7\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n to our entire network in the United States and Canada. This technological advancement allows our customers to rent equipment through a mobile device any time of the day without having to visit the counter. U-Haul currently has several U.S. and Canadian Patents granted or pending on its U-Haul Truck Share 24/7\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n system.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur self-moving related products and services, such as boxes, pads and insurance, help our customers have a better moving experience and help them to protect their belongings from potential damage during the moving process. We are committed to providing a complete line of products selected with the \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage customer in mind. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur self-storage business operations consist of the rental of\n\n\n \n\n\nself-storage units, portable moving and storage units, sales of self-storage related products, the facilitation of sales of services, and the management of self-storage facilities owned by others.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n \n\n\nis one of the largest North American operators of self-storage and has been a leader in the self-storage industry since 1974. U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n \n\n\noperates nearly 949,000 rentable storage units, comprising 81.2 million square feet of rentable storage space with locations in 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. Our owned and managed self-storage facility locations range in size up to 309,000 square feet of storage space, with individual storage units in sizes ranging from 6 square feet to over 1,000 square feet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe primary market for storage units is the storage of household goods. We believe that our self-storage services provide a competitive advantage through such things as Max Security, an electronic system that monitors the storage facility 24 hours a day, climate control in select units, individually alarmed units, extended hours access, interior load and unload at selected locations, mobile device enabled rentals and an internet-based customer reservation and account management system.\n\n\n\n\nMoving Help\n\u00ae\n and U-Haul Storage Affiliates\n\u00ae\n on uhaul.com are online marketplaces that connect consumers to independent Moving Help\n\u00ae\n service providers and thousands of independent Self-Storage Affiliates. Our network of customer-rated Moving Help\n\u00ae\n and storage affiliates provide pack and load help, cleaning help, self-storage and similar services all over the United States and Canada. Our goal is to further utilize our web-based technology platform, including our U-Haul\n\u00ae\n app, to increase service to consumers and businesses in the moving and storage market. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompliance with environmental requirements of federal, state, provincial and local governments affects our business. Our truck and trailer rental business is subject to regulation by various federal, state, provincial and local regulations in the United States and Canada. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Transportation and various state, federal and Canadian agencies exercise broad powers over our motor carrier operations, safety, and the generation, handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste materials. In addition, our storage business is also subject to federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. Environmental laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and could become more stringent in the future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage business is seasonal and our results of operations and cash flows fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. Historically, revenues have been stronger in the first and second fiscal quarters due to the overall increase in moving activity during the spring and summer months. The fourth fiscal quarter is generally our weakest.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance Operating Segment\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur Property and Casualty Insurance operating segment (\u201cProperty and Casualty Insurance\u201d) provides loss adjusting and claims handling for U-Haul through regional offices across the United States and Canada. Property and Casualty Insurance also underwrites components of the Safemove\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, Safetow\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, Safemove Plus\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, Safestor Mobile\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n and Safestor\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n protection packages to U-Haul customers. We attempt to price our products to be a good value to our customers. The business plan for Property and Casualty Insurance includes offering property and casualty products in other U-Haul related programs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet revenue from Property and Casualty Insurance was approximately 1.7%, 1.9% and 1.9% of consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance Operating Segment\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance provides life and health insurance products primarily to the senior market through the direct writing and reinsuring of life insurance, Medicare supplement and annuity policies. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet revenue from Life Insurance was approximately 3.4%, 4.1% and 5.0% of consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHuman Capital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe work at never forgetting that our quality self-move, self-storage, and closely related services and products are meant to improve human lives and serve the do-it-yourself moving public.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe believe our workforce is a reflection of, and as diverse as the customers we serve.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nDiscrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, ethnicity, disability familial status or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable law in the acquisition, promotion, compensation, management or retention of talent is not accepted.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe do not use a single or fixed set of measures or objectives as part of our recruitment and talent acquisition process or human resource management.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSystem Members\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we employed approximately 33,100 people in the United States and approximately 2,000 in Canada with approximately 99% of these system members working within Moving and Storage and approximately 51% of these system members working on a full-time basis.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Company operates over 2,200 retail locations, 11 manufacturing and assembly facilities, 151 fixed-site repair facilities, a distribution center and our corporate offices.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe hire system members from the communities in which we are located and prefer to promote from within our team. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBenefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe focus on our system members\u2019 wellness over the course of their life, from physical and emotional to financial. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOur health benefit program provides medical, dental and vision benefits.\n\u00a0 \nParticipation in the health benefit program also includes access to our Healthier You wellness program that offers system members tools to enable them to live a healthier lifestyle.\n\u00a0 \nThis wellness program encompasses nutritional guidance, smoking cessation and fitness alternatives.\n\u00a0 \nWe also make available a system members assistance program focusing on mental health called You Matter, which offers counseling, work-life solutions and legal guidance.\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe encourage a work-life balance for our system members and their families through paid time off and various leave options as well as special benefits including a healthy pregnancy program and a 24/7 doctor-on-call program for their children.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancial benefits are a critical component of our system members\u2019 wellness.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThese benefits include competitive salaries, participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (\u201cESOP\u201d) and 401(k) plan, life and disability insurance, health savings accounts, and the SmartDollar\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n financial literacy program.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEducation and Development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Company encourages life-long personal and professional development for our system members.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe do this by offering our system members and our independent dealers free access to our on-line U-Haul University courses that are critical for the development of specialized industry knowledge and to the safety of our team.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nTo support more generalized education for our system members, we also provide a tuition reimbursement program.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommunity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe value our relationship with the communities in which we do business. We offer community outreach through volunteer opportunities for our system members, as well as in-kind donations of equipment, products, and services. We are a strong supporter of military members and their families by way of employment opportunities as well as partnering with military and veteran organizations to support and honor those who have served.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and Marketing\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe promote U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n brand awareness through direct and co-marketing arrangements. Our direct marketing activities consist of web-based initiatives, print and social media as well as trade events, movie and television cameos of our rental fleet and boxes, television commercials, and industry and consumer communications. We believe that our rental equipment is our best form of advertisement. We support our independent U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n dealers through marketing U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n moving and self-storage rentals, products and services.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur marketing plan focuses on maintaining our leadership position in the \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage industry by continually improving the ease of use and economy of our rental equipment, by providing added convenience to our retail centers, through independent U-Haul dealers, and by expanding the capabilities of our U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n websites and U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n app. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nA significant driver of rental transaction volume is our utilization of an online reservation and sales system, through uhaul.com\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n and our 24-hour 1-800-GO-U-HAUL telephone reservations system. These points of contact are prominently featured and are a major driver of customer lead sources.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage Operating Segment\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe truck rental industry is highly competitive and includes a number of significant national, regional and local competitors. Generally speaking, we consider there to be two distinct users of rental trucks: commercial and \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d residential users. We primarily focus on the \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d residential user. Within this segment, we believe the principal competitive factors are convenience of rental locations, availability of quality rental moving equipment, breadth of essential products and services, and total cost to the user. Our major national competitors in both the in-town and one-way moving equipment rental market include Avis Budget Group, Inc. and Penske Truck Leasing. We have numerous competitors throughout the United States and Canada who compete with us in the in-town market.\n\n\n\n\nThe self-storage market is large and fragmented. We believe the principal competitive factors in this industry are convenience of storage rental locations, cleanliness, security and price. Our largest competitors in the self-storage market are Public Storage Inc., CubeSmart, Extra Space Storage, Inc., and Life Storage, Inc.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInsurance Operating Segments\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe insurance industry is highly competitive. In addition, the marketplace includes financial services firms offering both insurance and financial products. Some of the insurance companies are owned by stockholders and others are owned by policyholders. Many competitors have been in business for a longer period of time or possess substantially greater financial resources and broader product portfolios than our insurance companies. We compete in the insurance business based upon price, product design, and services rendered to agents and policyholders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancial Data of Segment and Geographic Areas\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor financial data of our segments and geographic areas please see Note 22, Financial Information by Geographic Area, and Note 22A, Consolidating Financial Information by Industry Segment, of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis Annual Report on Form 10-K (\u201cAnnual Report\u201d), contains \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d regarding future events and our future results of operations. We may make additional written or oral forward-looking statements from time to time in filings with the SEC or otherwise. We believe such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of the safe-harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, the risk associated with COVID-19 or similar events on system members or customers; the impact of the economic environment on demand for our products and the cost and availability of debt and capital; estimates of capital expenditures; plans for future operations, products or services, financing needs, and strategies; our perceptions of our legal positions and anticipated outcomes of government investigations and pending litigation against us; liquidity and the availability of financial resources to meet our needs, goals and strategies; plans for new business, storage occupancy, growth rate assumptions, pricing, costs, and access to capital and leasing markets; the impact of our compliance with environmental laws and cleanup costs; our beliefs regarding our sustainability practices; our used vehicle disposition strategy; the sources and availability of funds for our rental equipment and self-storage expansion and replacement strategies and plans; our plan to expand our U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n storage affiliate program; that additional leverage can be supported by our operations and business; the availability of alternative vehicle manufacturers; the availability and economics of electric vehicles for our rental fleet; our estimates of the residual values of our equipment fleet; our plans with respect to off-balance sheet arrangements; our plans to continue to invest in the U-Box\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n program; the impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate changes on our operations; the sufficiency of our capital resources; the sufficiency of capital of our insurance subsidiaries; inflationary pressures that may challenge our ability to maintain or improve upon our operating margin; and expectations regarding the potential impact to our information technology infrastructure and on our financial performance and business operations of technology, cybersecurity or data security breaches, including any related costs, fines or lawsuits, and our ability to continue ongoing operations and safeguard the integrity of our information technology infrastructure, data, and employee, customer and vendor information, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. The words \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cproject\u201d and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. \n\n\n\n\nForward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Factors that could significantly affect results include, without limitation, the risk factors enumerated below under the heading \u201cRisk Factors\u201d and other factors described in this Annual Report or the other documents we file with the SEC. These factors, the following disclosures, as well as other statements in this Annual Report and in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, could contribute to or cause such risks or uncertainties, or could cause our stock price to fluctuate dramatically. Consequently, the forward-looking statements should not be regarded as representations or warranties by us that such matters will be realized. We assume no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, unforeseen events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. Risk Factors\n \n\n\n\n\nThe following important risk factors, and those risk factors described elsewhere in this Annual Report or in our other filings with the SEC, could materially affect our business, financial condition and future results. We also refer you to the factors and cautionary language set forth in the section entitled \u201cCautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,\u201d above. All of the other information set forth in this Annual Report, including Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (\u201cMD&A\u201d) and the consolidated financial statements and related notes, should be read in conjunction with the discussion of such risks, cautionary statements and other factors for a full understanding of our operations and financial conditions. Although the risks are organized by headings, and each risk is discussed separately, many are interrelated. The following risks are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisks Related to our Business and Operations\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur fleet rotation program can be adversely affected by financial market conditions.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo meet the needs of our customers, U-Haul maintains a large fleet of rental equipment. Our rental truck fleet rotation program is funded internally through operations and externally from debt and lease financing. Our ability to fund our routine fleet rotation program could be adversely affected if financial market conditions limit the general availability of external financing. This could lead us to operate trucks longer than initially planned and/or reduce the size of the fleet, either of which could materially and negatively affect our results of operations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother important aspect of our fleet rotation program is the sale of used rental equipment. The sale of used equipment provides us with funds that can be used to purchase new equipment. Conditions may arise that could lead to the decrease in demand and/or resale values for our used equipment. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, which could result in substantial losses on the sale of equipment and decreases in cash flows from the sales of equipment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe obtain our rental trucks from a limited number of manufacturers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOver the last twenty years, we have purchased the majority of our rental trucks from Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation. Our fleet can be negatively affected by issues our manufacturers may face within their own supply chains. Also, it is possible that our suppliers may face financial difficulties, government regulations or organizational changes which could negatively impact their ability to accept future orders from U-Haul or fulfill existing orders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition, the cost of acquiring new rental trucks could increase materially and negatively affect our ability to rotate new equipment into the fleet. Although we believe that we could contract with alternative manufacturers for our rental trucks, we cannot guarantee or predict how long that would take. In addition, termination of our existing relationship with these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations for an indefinite period of time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA significant portion of our revenues are generated through third-parties.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur business plan relies upon a network of independent dealers strategically located throughout the United States and Canada.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023 we had nearly 21,300 independent equipment rental dealers.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nIn fiscal 2023, just under half of all U-Move\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n rental revenue originated through this network.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur inability to maintain this network or its current cost structure could inhibit our ability to adequately serve our customers and could negatively affect our results of operations and financial position.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe introduction or expansion of laws or regulations favoring electric, autonomous, connected and shared vehicles may negatively impact our business and results of operations.\n\n\n\n\nRegulatory pressure in connection with the introduction and expansion of electric, autonomous and connected rental vehicles could negatively impact our ability to acquire, or our cost of acquisition for rental trucks and require infrastructure improvements that could inhibit our current business model.\n\u00a0\n Our Company-operated locations and independent dealer network may require physical upgrades to accommodate these types of vehicles that are uneconomical and/or unachievable.\n\u00a0\n Our one-way rental business would depend on an in-transit recharging network throughout the United States and Canada that simply does not exist today, and that, if and when completed, may be so costly or require so much charging time as to substantially limit our ability to serve customers needing to move long distances.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe cooperate with original equipment manufacturers (\u201cOEM\u201cs), maintain and train our own technical experts and operate an equipment Technical Center that has positioned us as an industry leader in innovation for over fifty years.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n However, the proposed changes to electric, autonomous and connected vehicles raises challenges of enormous scale.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur repair and maintenance infrastructures, including both physical plants as well as personnel, may be inappropriate for these new types of vehicles.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n Without such repair and maintenance capabilities it could compromise our ability to operate a fleet of such vehicles.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe may also need to depend upon third party providers for some of those services, and they may not be able to provide workable solutions. There is a risk that we may not be able to adequately prepare for these possibilities. In addition, even if we successfully adapt to any such changes, there can be no guarantee that our fleet or services as adapted would meet the needs of our \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201c moving and storage customers, or that we would be able to offer our products and services at prices our customers would be willing or able to pay.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe growing insistence that the future of the economy will be based on an all-electric solution instead of a hybrid version or other alternative fuels may create an infrastructure in which personal interstate travel will be uneconomical or severely regulated.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n This would impact the moving business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n There may be areas of North America where a charging grid with adequate capacity for our customers may not exist.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul has already made significant progress on several initiatives aimed at these future possibilities including: TruckShare 24/7\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, contactless rentals, a North American propane alternative fuel network, alternative fuel test vehicles and close OEM working relationships. However, these initiatives may not enable us to successfully adapt to the requirements of a changed regulatory environment favoring or requiring all-electric or specific alternative fuel solutions. Government regulators may knowingly or unknowingly choose the winners and losers in this evolving transportation environment.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n There remains a possibility that governments may not select U-Haul customers and U-Haul to be among the winners.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe face liability risks associated with the operation of our rental fleet, sales of our products and operation of our locations.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe business of renting moving and storage equipment to customers exposes us to liability claims including property damage, personal injury and even death. Likewise, the operation of our moving and storage centers along with the sale of our related moving supplies, towing accessories and installation, and refilling of propane tanks may subject us to liability claims.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe seek to limit the occurrence of such events through the design of our equipment, communication of its proper use, exhaustive repair and maintenance schedules, extensive training of our personnel, proactive risk management assessments and by providing our customers with online resources for the proper use of products and services.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nRegardless, accidents still occur and we manage the financial risk of these events through third party insurance carriers. While these excess loss and property insurance policies are available today at reasonable costs, this could change and could negatively affect our results of operations and financial position.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe are highly dependent upon our automated systems and the Internet for managing our business.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur information systems are largely Internet-based, including our point-of-sale reservation system, payment processing and telephone systems.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWhile our reliance on this technology lowers our cost of providing service and expands our abilities to better serve customers, it exposes us to various risks including natural and man-made disasters, terrorist attacks and cyber-attacks.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe have put into place extensive security protocols, backup systems and alternative procedures to mitigate these risks.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nHowever, disruptions or breaches, detected or undetected by us, for any period of time in any portion of these systems could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and inflict reputational damage. \n\n\n\n\nIn addition, the provision of service to our customers and the operation of our networks and systems involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data, including personal information of customers, system members and others. Our information technology systems may be susceptible to computer viruses, attacks by computer hackers, malicious insiders, or catastrophic events. Hackers, acting individually or in coordinated groups, may also launch distributed denial of service attacks or ransom or other coordinated attacks that may cause service outages or other interruptions in our business and access to our data.\n\u00a0\n In addition, breaches in security could expose us, our customers, or the individuals affected, to a risk of loss or misuse of proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems change frequently, may be difficult to detect for a long time and often are not\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nrecognized until launched against a target. As a result, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAny of these occurrences could result in disruptions in our operations, the loss of existing or potential customers, damage to our brand and reputation, and litigation and potential liability for the Company. In addition, the cost and operational consequences of implementing further data or system protection measures could be significant and our efforts to deter, identify, mitigate and/or eliminate any security breaches may not be successful.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn 2022 and 2021, we experienced a cybersecurity incident which is described in this Annual Report under the headings \u201cItem 7 Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation \u2013 Cybersecurity Incident\u201d.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe may incur losses due to our reinsurers\u2019 or counterparties\u2019 failure to perform under existing contracts or we may be unable to secure sufficient reinsurance or hedging protection in the future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe use reinsurance and derivative contracts to mitigate our risk of loss in various circumstances. These agreements do not release us from our primary obligations and therefore we remain ultimately responsible for these potential costs. We cannot provide assurance that these reinsurers or counterparties will fulfill their obligations. Their inability or unwillingness to make payments to us under the terms of the contracts may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of December 31, 2022, Repwest reported $0.4 million of reinsurance recoverables, net of allowances and $41.3 million of reserves and liabilities ceded to reinsurers. Of this, Repwest\u2019s largest exposure to a single reinsurer was $26.3 million.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisks Related to our Industry\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe operate in a highly competitive industry.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe truck rental industry is highly competitive and includes a number of significant national, regional and local competitors, many of which are several times larger than U-Haul. We believe the principal competitive factors in this industry are convenience of rental locations, availability of quality rental moving equipment, breadth of essential services and products and total cost. Financial results for the Company can be adversely impacted by aggressive pricing from our competitors. Some of our competitors may have greater financial resources than we have. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain existing rental prices or implement price increases. Moreover, if our competitors reduce prices and we are not able or willing to do so as well, we may lose rental volume, which would likely have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations. Numerous potential competitors are working to establish paradigm shifting technologies from self-driving vehicles to ride-hailing services and other technologies that connect riders with vehicles.\n\n\n\n\nThe self-storage industry is large and highly fragmented. We believe the principal competitive factors in this industry are convenience of storage rental locations, cleanliness, security and price. Competition in the market areas in which we operate is significant and affects the occupancy levels, rental rates and operating expenses of our facilities. Competition might cause us to experience a decrease in occupancy levels, limit our ability to raise rental rates or require us to offer discounted rates that would have a material effect on results of operations and financial condition. Entry into the self-storage business may be accomplished through the acquisition of existing facilities by persons or institutions with the required initial capital. Development of new self-storage facilities is more difficult however, due to land use, zoning, environmental and other regulatory requirements. The self-storage industry has in the past experienced overbuilding in response to perceived increases in demand. Consolidation of ownership is taking place with certain owners of self-storage. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully compete in existing markets or expand into new markets. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEconomic conditions, including those related to the credit markets, interest rates and inflation, may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsumer and commercial spending is generally affected by the health of the economy, which places some of the factors affecting the success of our business beyond our control. Our businesses, although not as traditionally cyclical as some, could experience significant downturns in connection with or in anticipation of, declines in general economic conditions. In times of declining consumer spending we may be driven, along with our competitors, to reduce pricing, which would have a negative impact on gross profit.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe cannot predict if another downturn in the economy will occur, which could result in reduced revenues and working capital.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrends in the economy are resulting in inflationary pressures leading to an increase in our cost of doing business. We cannot guarantee that we can manage the costs lower or pass them along in the form of higher prices to our customers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShould credit markets in the United States tighten or if interest rates increase significantly, we may not be able to refinance existing debt or find additional financing on favorable terms, if at all.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nIf one or more of the financial institutions that support our existing credit facilities fails or opts not to continue to lend to us, we may not be able to find a replacement, which would negatively impact our ability to borrow under credit facilities.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nIf our operating results were to worsen significantly and our cash flows or capital resources prove inadequate, or if interest rates increase significantly, we could face liquidity problems that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA.M. Best financial strength ratings are crucial to our life insurance business.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn August 2022, A.M. Best affirmed the financial strength rating (\u201cFSR\u201d) for Oxford and Christian Fidelity Life Insurance Company (\u201cCFLIC\u201d) of A. The FSR outlook remains stable. In addition, A.M. Best affirmed the long-term issuer credit rating (\u201cLTICR\u201d) of \u201ca\u201d. The LTICR outlook of these ratings is stable. Financial strength ratings are important external factors that can affect the success of Oxford\u2019s business plans. Accordingly, if Oxford\u2019s ratings, relative to its competitors, are not maintained or do not continue to improve, Oxford may not be able to retain and attract business as currently planned, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisks Related to our Financings\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe are highly leveraged.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had total debt outstanding of $6,143.4 million and operating lease liabilities of $58.4 million. Although we believe, based on existing information, that additional leverage can be supported by our operations and revenues, our existing debt could impact us in the following ways among other considerations: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nrequire us to allocate a considerable portion of cash flows from operations to debt service and lease payments;\n\n\n\n\n\n\nlimit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;\n\n\n\n\n\n\nlimit our ability to obtain additional financing; and\n\n\n\n\n\n\nplace us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors who may have less debt.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur ability to make payments on our debt and leases depends upon our ability to maintain and improve our operating performance and generate cash flow. To some extent, this is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt and meet our other cash needs, including our leases, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness and leases. If we must sell our assets, it may negatively affect our ability to generate revenue. In addition, we may incur additional debt or leases that would exacerbate the risks associated with our indebtedness.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisks Related to our Organization\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA majority of our Voting Common Stock is owned by a small contingent of stockholders.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWillow Grove Holdings LP, directly and through controlled entities (\u201cWGHLP\u201d), owns 9,791,911 shares of our common stock, $0.25 par value per share (\u201cVoting Common Stock\u201d), and together with Edward J. Shoen and Mark V. Shoen, owns 9,828,542 shares (approximately 50.1%) of Voting Common Stock. The general partner of WGHLP controls the voting and disposition decisions with respect to the Voting Common Stock owned by WGHLP, and is managed by Edward J. Shoen (the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of U-Haul Holding Company) and his brother, Mark V. Shoen. Accordingly, Edward J. Shoen and Mark V. Shoen are in a position to significantly influence our business and policies, including the approval of certain significant transactions, the election of the members of our board of directors (the \u201cBoard\u201d) and other matters submitted to our stockholders. There can be no assurance that their interests will not conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurthermore, we are a \u201ccontrolled company\u201d within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. \n\n\nUnder these corporate governance standards, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a \u201c\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ncontrolled company\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u201d and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance standards, including the requirements (1) that a majority of our Board consist of independent directors, (2) that our Board have a compensation committee that consists entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee\u2019s purpose and responsibilities, and (3) that our director nominations be made, or recommended to our full Board, by our independent directors or by a nominations committee that consists entirely of independent directors and that we adopt a written charter or board resolution addressing the nomination process. The Company has not made any election relating to compliance with any of these corporate governance standards.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition, 836,228 shares (approximately 4.3%) of our Voting Common Stock are owned under our ESOP.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nEach ESOP participant is entitled to vote the shares allocated to himself or herself in their discretion.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nIn the event an ESOP participant does not vote his or her shares, such shares shall be voted by the ESOP trustee, in the ESOP trustee\u2019s discretion.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe trading price for our outstanding Voting Common Stock may continue to be volatile and the trading price for our newly distributed Series N Non-Voting Common Stock may also be volatile.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAn Independent Special Committee of the Board authorized the creation of a new Series of Common Stock, designated as Series N Non-Voting Common Stock, par value of $0.001 per share (the \u201cNon-Voting Common Stock\u201d). This series of stock is in addition to our pre-existing class of Voting Common Stock. On November 9, 2022, each holder of our Voting Common Stock as of November 3, 2022 received nine shares of Non-Voting Common Stock for every outstanding share of Voting Common Stock through a stock dividend.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Non-Voting Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and we cannot predict whether, or to what extent, a liquid trading market will develop long-term for the Non-Voting Common Stock. If a liquid trading market does not develop or if the Non-Voting Common Stock is not attractive to retail investors, including team members and customers of the Company, we may not achieve our objectives in creating this new class.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe trading price of our stock has at times experienced substantial price volatility and may continue to be volatile, including as a result of the distribution of shares of Non-Voting Common Stock. The market prices of our two series of stock and the allocation of value between the two may be volatile and their respective values may decline. The trading price of our Voting Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock may fluctuate widely in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among others:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\nQuarterly variations in our results of operations or those of our competitors.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\nAnnouncements by us or our competitors of acquisitions, new products, significant contracts, commercial relationships, or capital commitments.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\nRecommendations by securities analysts or changes in earnings estimates.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\nAnnouncements about our earnings that are not in line with analyst expectations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\nAnnouncements by our competitors of their earnings that are not in line with analyst expectations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\nCommentary by industry and market professionals about our products, strategies, and other matters affecting our business and results, regardless of its accuracy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\nThe volume of shares of Voting Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock available for public sale.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\nSales of Voting Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock by us or by our stockholders (including sales by our directors, executive officers, and other employees).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\nShort sales, hedging, and other derivative transactions on shares of our Voting Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\nThe perceived values of Voting Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock relative to one another.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisks Related to Legal, Regulatory and Compliance\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur operations subject us to numerous environmental laws and regulations and the possibility that environmental liability in the future could adversely affect our operations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompliance with environmental requirements of federal, state, provincial and local governments in the United States and Canada affects our business. Among other things, these requirements regulate the discharge of materials into the air, land and water and govern the use and disposal of hazardous substances. Under environmental laws or common law principles, we can be held liable for hazardous substances that are found on real property we have owned or operated. We are aware of issues regarding hazardous substances on some of our real estate and we have put in place a remediation plan at each site where we believe such a plan is necessary. See Note 19, Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We regularly make capital and operating expenditures to stay in compliance with environmental laws. In particular, we have managed a testing and removal program since 1988 for our underground storage tanks.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nDespite these compliance efforts, the risk of environmental liability is part of the nature of our business. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnvironmental laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and could become more stringent in the future. We cannot assure you that future compliance with these laws and regulations, future environmental liabilities, the cost of defending environmental claims, conducting any environmental remediation or generally resolving liabilities caused by us or related third parties will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe operate in a highly regulated industry and changes in existing laws and regulations or violations of existing or future laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our operations and profitability.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur truck, trailer and U-Box rental business is subject to regulation by various federal, state and provincial governmental entities in the United States and Canada. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Transportation and various state, federal and Canadian agencies exercise broad powers over our motor carrier operations, safety, and the generation, handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste materials. In addition, our storage business is also subject to federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety, among other matters. The failure to comply with these laws and regulations may adversely affect our ability to sell or rent such property or to use the property as collateral for future borrowings. Compliance with changing laws and regulations could substantially impair real property and equipment productivity and increase our costs. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition, the federal government may institute some regulation that limits carbon emissions by setting a maximum amount of carbon individual entities can emit without penalty. This would likely affect everyone who uses fossil fuels and would disproportionately affect users in the highway transportation industries. While there are too many variables at this time to assess the impact of the various proposed federal and state regulations that could affect carbon emissions, many experts believe these proposed rules could significantly affect the way companies operate in their businesses.\n\n\n\n\nThe Biden administration has also communicated its willingness to consider the imposition of carbon-based taxes.\n\u00a0\n Our truck rental fleet burns gasoline, a carbon intensive fuel.\n\u00a0\n Where in the supply chain and in what amount these taxes could arise is uncertain.\n\u00a0\n We have no evidence to support a belief that \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving customers are willing to accept these additional costs.\n\u00a0\n Should such a tax be enacted, we could see an increase in expenses, including compliance costs and a negative effect on our operating margin.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur operations can be limited by land-use regulations. Zoning choices enacted by individual municipalities in the United States and Canada may limit our ability to serve certain markets with our products and services.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur insurance companies are heavily regulated by state insurance departments and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. These insurance regulations are primarily in place to protect the interests of our policyholders and not our investors. Changes in these laws and regulations could increase our costs, inhibit new sales, or limit our ability to implement rate increases.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecent changes to U.S. tax laws may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations and create the risk that we may need to adjust our accounting for these changes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (\u201cTax Reform Act\u201d) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (\u201cCARES Act\u201d) made significant changes to U.S. tax laws and includes numerous provisions that affect businesses, including ours.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nFor instance, as a result of lower corporate tax rates, the Tax Reform Act tends to reduce both the value of deferred tax assets and the amount of deferred tax liabilities.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nIt also limits interest expense deductions and the amount of net operating losses that can be used each year and alters the expensing of capital expenditures. Other provisions have international tax consequences for businesses like ours that operate internationally. The CARES Act allows for the carryback of certain net operating losses. The Tax Reform Act is unclear in certain respects and will require interpretations and implementing regulations by the Internal Revenue Service (\u201cIRS\u201d), as well as state tax authorities, and the Tax Reform Act and CARES Act could be subject to amendments and technical corrections, any of which could lessen or increase the adverse (and positive) impacts of these acts. The Tax Reform Act put into place 100% first year bonus depreciation. This decreased to 80% starting in 2023 and will continue to gradually decrease in future years and will impact our tax liability. The accounting treatment of these tax law changes was complex, and some of the changes affected both current and future periods.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nOthers primarily affected future periods.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nAdditional changes to the U.S. tax code could negatively offset operating cashflows.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges to tax policy, corporate tax rates or interpretations of existing tax law could change our effective tax rate, reduce future expected tax deductions and increase current and future federal income tax payments.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nCongress and the Biden administration have proposed increases to the current U.S. corporate income tax rate of 21%.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nAny such changes could adversely impact our financial position and results of operations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral Risk Factors\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTerrorist attacks could negatively impact our operations and profitability and may expose us to liability and reputational damage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTerrorist attacks may negatively affect our operations and profitability.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nSuch attacks may damage our facilities and it is also possible that our rental equipment could be involved in a terrorist attack.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nAlthough we carry excess of loss insurance coverage, it may prove to be insufficient to cover us for acts of terror using our rental equipment.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nMoreover, we may suffer reputational damage that could arise from a terrorist attack which utilizes our rental equipment. The consequences of any terrorist attacks or hostilities are unpredictable and difficult to quantify.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe seek to minimize these risks through our operational processes and procedures; however, we may not be able to foresee events that could have an adverse effect on our operations.\n\n\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n \n\n\n\n\nWe begin this MD&A with the overall strategy of U-Haul Holding Company, followed by a description of, and strategy related to, our operating segments to give the reader an overview of the goals of our businesses and the direction in which our businesses and products are moving. We then discuss our critical accounting estimates that we believe are important to understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated in our reported financial results. Next, we discuss our results of operations for fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022, which are followed by an analysis of liquidity changes in our balance sheets and cash flows, and a discussion of our financial commitments in the sections entitled Liquidity and Capital Resources and Disclosures about Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments. The discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended March 31, 2021 included in Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2022 is incorporated by reference into this MD&A. We conclude this MD&A by discussing our outlook for fiscal 2024.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis MD&A should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Annual Report, including Item 1: Business and Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. The various sections of this MD&A contain a number of forward-looking statements, as discussed under the caption, Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, all of which are based on our current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and risk factors described throughout this Annual Report and particularly under the section Item 1A: Risk Factors. Our actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul Holding Company has a fiscal year that ends on the 31\n\n\nst\n\n\n of March for each year that is referenced. Our insurance company subsidiaries have fiscal years that end on the 31\n\n\nst\n\n\n of December for each year that is referenced. They have been consolidated on that basis. Our insurance companies\u2019 financial reporting processes conform to calendar year reporting as required by state insurance departments. Management believes that consolidating their calendar year into our fiscal year financial statements does not materially affect the presentation of financial position or results of operations. We disclose all material events, if any, occurring during the intervening period. Consequently, all references to our insurance subsidiaries\u2019 years 2022, 2021 and 2020 correspond to fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 for U-Haul Holding Company. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOverall Strategy\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur overall strategy is to maintain our leadership position in the North American \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage industry. We accomplish this by providing a seamless and integrated supply chain to the \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage market. As part of executing this strategy, we leverage the brand recognition of U-Haul\n\n\n \n\n\nwith our full line of moving and self-storage related products and services and the convenience of our broad geographic presence.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur primary focus is to provide our customers with a wide selection of moving rental equipment, convenient self-storage rental facilities and portable moving and storage units and related moving and self-storage products and services. We are able to expand our distribution and improve customer service by increasing the amount of moving equipment and storage units and portable moving and storage units available for rent, expanding the number of independent dealers in our network and expanding and taking advantage of our Storage Affiliate and Moving Help\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n capabilities.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance is focused on providing and administering property and casualty insurance to U-Haul and its customers, its independent dealers and affiliates.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance is focused on long-term capital growth through direct writing and reinsuring of life, Medicare supplement and annuity products in the senior marketplace. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDescription of Operating Segments\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul Holding Company\u2019s three reportable segments are:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage, comprised of U-Haul Holding Company, U-Haul, and Real Estate and the subsidiaries of U-Haul and Real Estate;\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance, comprised of Repwest and its subsidiaries and ARCOA; and\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance, comprised of Oxford and its subsidiaries.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSee Note 1, Basis of Presentation, Note 22, Financial Information by Geographic Area, and Note 22A, Consolidating Financial Information by Industry Segment, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage Operating Segment\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage consists of the rental of trucks, trailers, portable moving and storage units, specialty rental items and self-storage spaces primarily to the household mover as well as sales of moving supplies, towing accessories and propane. Operations are conducted under the registered trade name U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n throughout the United States and Canada.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith respect to our truck, trailer, specialty rental items and self-storage rental business, we are focused on expanding our dealer network, which provides added convenience for our customers and expanding the selection and availability of rental equipment to satisfy the needs of our customers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n branded self-moving related products and services, such as boxes, pads and tape allow our customers to, among other things, protect their belongings from potential damage during the moving process. We are committed to providing a complete line of products selected with the \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d moving and storage customer in mind.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nuhaul.com\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n is an online marketplace that connects consumers to our operations as well as independent Moving Help\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n service providers and thousands of independent Self-Storage Affiliates. Our network of customer-rated affiliates and service providers furnish pack and load help, cleaning help, self-storage and similar services throughout the United States and Canada. Our goal is to further utilize our web-based technology platform to increase service to consumers and businesses in the moving and storage market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul\u2019s mobile app, Truck Share 24/7, Skip-the-Counter Self-Storage rentals and Self-checkout for moving supplies provide our customers methods for conducting business with us directly via their mobile devices and also limiting physical exposure.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince 1945, U-Haul has incorporated sustainable practices into its everyday operations. We believe that our basic business premise of equipment sharing helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the inventory of total large capacity vehicles. We continue to look for ways to reduce waste within our business and are dedicated to manufacturing reusable components and recyclable products. We believe that our commitment to sustainability, through our products and services and everyday operations has helped us to reduce our impact on the environment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance Operating Segment\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance provides loss adjusting and claims handling for U-Haul through regional offices in the United States and Canada. Property and Casualty Insurance also underwrites components of the Safemove\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, Safetow\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, Safemove Plus\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n,\n\n\n \n\n\nSafestor\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n and Safestor Mobile\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n \n\n\nprotection packages to U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n customers. We continue to focus on increasing the penetration of these products into the moving and storage market. The business plan for Property and Casualty Insurance includes offering property and casualty products in other U-Haul\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n \n\n\nrelated programs. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance Operating Segment\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance provides life and health insurance products primarily to the senior market through the direct writing and reinsuring of life insurance, Medicare supplement and annuity policies. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCybersecurity Incident\n\n\n\n\nOn September 9, 2022, we announced that the Company was made aware of a data security incident involving U-Haul\u2018s information technology network. U-Haul detected a compromise of two unique passwords used to access U-Haul customers information. U-Haul took immediate steps to contain the incident and promptly enhanced its security measures to prevent any further unauthorized access. U-Haul retained cybersecurity experts and incident response counsel to investigate the incident and implement additional security safeguards. The investigation determined that between November 5, 2021 and April 8, 2022, the threat actor accessed customer contracts containing customers\u2019 names, dates of birth, and driver\u2019s license or state identification numbers. None of U-Haul\u2019s financial, payment processing or email systems were involved. U-Haul has notified impacted customers and relevant governmental authorities. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n18\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeveral class action lawsuits related to the incident have been filed against U-Haul. The lawsuits have been consolidated into one action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and will be vigorously defended by the Company; however the outcome of such lawsuits cannot be predicted or guaranteed with any certainty.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCritical Accounting Estimates\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles (\u201cGAAP\u201d) in the United States. The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our accounting policies can have a significant impact on the results we report in our financial statements. Note 3, Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in this Annual Report summarizes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Certain accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments and assumptions, often as a result of the need to estimate matters that are inherently uncertain.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFollowing is a detailed description of the accounting estimates that we deem most critical to us and that require management\u2019s most difficult and subjective judgments. These estimates are based on historical experience, observance of trends in particular areas, information and valuations available from outside sources and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions, and such differences may be material.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe also have other policies that we consider key accounting policies, such as revenue recognition; however, these policies do not meet the definition of critical accounting estimates, because they do not generally require us to make estimates or judgments that are difficult or subjective. The accounting estimates that we deem most critical to us, and involve the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments include the following:\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecoverability of Property, Plant and Equipment\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. We regularly perform reviews to determine whether facts and circumstances exist, which indicate that the carrying amount of assets, including estimates of residual value, may not be recoverable or that the useful life of assets are shorter or longer than originally estimated. Reductions in residual values (i.e., the price at which we ultimately expect to dispose of revenue earning equipment) or useful lives will result in an increase in depreciation expense over the remaining life of the equipment. Reviews are performed based on vehicle class, generally subcategories of trucks and trailers. We assess the recoverability of our assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. We consider factors such as current and expected future market price trends on used vehicles and the expected life of vehicles included in the fleet. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If asset residual values are determined to be recoverable, but the useful lives are shorter or longer than originally estimated, then the net book value of the assets is depreciated over the newly determined remaining useful lives.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInsurance Reserves\n\n\n\n\nLiabilities for future policy benefits related to life insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, and deferred annuities are determined by management utilizing the net premium valuation methodology and are accrued when premium revenue is recognized. The liability, which represents the present value of future benefits to be paid to policyholders and related expenses less the present value of future net premiums, is estimated using assumptions applicable at the time the insurance contracts are written, with provisions for the risk of adverse deviation, as appropriate. Assumptions include expected mortality and morbidity experience, policy lapses and surrenders, current asset yields and expenses, and expected interest rate yields. The Company periodically performs a gross premium valuation and reviews original assumptions, including capitalized expenses which reduce the gross premium valuation, to evaluate whether the assets and liabilities are adequate and whether a loss reserve should be recognized.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n19\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInsurance reserves for Property and Casualty Insurance and U-Haul take into account losses incurred based upon actuarial estimates and are management\u2019s best approximation of future payments.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThese estimates are based upon past claims experience and current claim trends as well as social and economic conditions such as changes in legal theories and inflation.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThese reserves consist of case reserves for reported losses and a provision for incurred but not reported (\u201cIBNR\u201d) losses, both reduced by applicable reinsurance recoverables, resulting in a net liability.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDue to the nature of the underlying risks and high degree of uncertainty associated with the determination of the liability for future policy benefits and claims, the amounts to be ultimately paid to settle these liabilities cannot be precisely determined and may vary significantly from the estimated liability, especially for long-tailed casualty lines of business such as excess workers\u2019 compensation.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nAs a result of the long-tailed nature of the excess workers\u2019 compensation policies written by Repwest from 1983 through 2001, it may take a number of years for claims to be fully reported and finally settled.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn a regular basis, insurance reserve adequacy is reviewed by management to determine if existing assumptions need to be updated. In determining the assumptions for calculating workers\u2019 compensation reserves, management considers multiple factors including the following:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClaimant longevity,\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost trends associated with claimant treatments,\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in ceding entity and third party administrator reporting practices,\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in environmental factors, including legal and regulatory,\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent conditions affecting claim settlements, and\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFuture economic conditions, including inflation.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe have reserved each claim based upon the accumulation of current claim costs projected through each claimant\u2019s life expectancy, and then adjusted for applicable reinsurance arrangements.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nManagement reviews each claim bi-annually or more frequently, if there are changes in facts or circumstances to determine if the estimated life-time claim costs have increased and then adjusts the reserve estimate accordingly at that time.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe have factored in an estimate of what the potential cost increases could be in our IBNR liability.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe have not assumed settlement of the existing claims in calculating the reserve amount, unless it is in the final stages of completion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContinued increases in claim costs, including medical inflation and new treatments and medications could lead to future adverse development resulting in additional reserve strengthening.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nConversely, settlement of existing claims or if injured workers return to work or expire prematurely, could lead to future positive development.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImpairment of Investments\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder the current expected credit loss model, a valuation allowance is recognized in earnings for credit losses. If we intend to sell a debt security, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the debt security is written down to its fair value and the write down is charged against the allowance for credit losses, with any incremental impairment reported in\n\n\n \n\n\nearnings. Reversals of the allowance for credit losses are\n\n\n \n\n\npermitted and should not exceed the allowance amount initially recognized.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere was a $2.0 million net impairment charge recorded in fiscal 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Taxes\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe file a consolidated tax return with all of our legal subsidiaries.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur tax returns are periodically reviewed by various taxing authorities. The final outcome of these audits may cause changes that could materially impact our financial results. Please see Note 14, Provision for Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report for more information.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\n\n\n\n\nPlease see Note 3, Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report for more information.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n20\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResults of Operations\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU-Haul Holding Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\nListed below, on a consolidated basis, are revenues for our major product lines for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended March 31,\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-moving equipment rentals\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,877,917\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,958,807\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-storage revenues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n744,492\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n617,120\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-moving and self-storage products and service sales\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n357,286\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n351,447\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty management fees\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n37,073\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n35,194\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife insurance premiums\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n99,149\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n111,027\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and casualty insurance premiums\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n93,209\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n86,518\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet investment and interest income\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n176,679\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n148,261\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther revenue\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n478,886\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n431,373\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated revenue\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5,864,691\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5,739,747\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-moving equipment rental revenues decreased $80.9 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022. Transactions, revenue and average miles driven per transaction decreased.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThese declines were more pronounced in our one-way markets.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nCompared to the same period last year, we increased the number of retail locations, independent dealers, trucks, and trailers in the rental fleet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-storage revenues increased $127.4 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThe average monthly number of occupied units increased by 14%, or 63,800 units during fiscal 2023 compared with the same period last year.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nOver the course of the fiscal year our average revenue per occupied square foot increased 9%.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we added approximately 6.0 million net rentable square feet, a 13% increase compared to fiscal 2022 additions.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThis additional capacity consisted of approximately 1.1 million square feet of existing self-storage acquired along with 4.9 million square feet of new development.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales of self-moving and self-storage products and services increased $5.8 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022, primarily due to increased hitch and propane sales partially offset by a 1% decrease in the sales of moving supplies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife insurance premiums decreased $11.9 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022 primarily due to decreased sales of single premium life products and policy decrements in Medicare supplement.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and casualty insurance premiums increased $6.7 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022. A significant portion of Repwest\u2019s premiums are from policies sold in conjunction with U-Haul moving and storage transactions and generally correspond to the related activity at U-Haul during the same period.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet investment and interest income increased $28.4 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022. Moving and Storage accounted for a $67.9 million increase due to higher yields on our short-term cash balances which are primarily invested in United States government securities. Changes in the market value of unaffiliated common stocks held at our Property and Casualty Insurance subsidiary resulted in a $16.6 million decrease. Life Insurance experienced a net decrease of $21.4 million.\n\n\n\n\nOther revenue increased $47.5 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022, caused primarily by growth in our U-Box\n\u00ae\n program.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nListed below are revenues and earnings from operations at each of our operating segments for fiscal 2023 and 2022. The insurance companies\u2019 years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended March 31,\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and storage\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5,567,714\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5,398,267\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarnings from operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,396,122\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,577,226\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and casualty insurance\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n103,512\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n115,043\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarnings from operations\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n36,570\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n49,780\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife insurance\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n206,100\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n238,812\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarnings from operations\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12,935\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n19,538\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEliminations\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(12,635)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(12,375)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarnings from operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1,521)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1,547)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Results\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5,864,691\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5,739,747\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarnings from operations\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,444,106\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,644,997\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal costs and expenses increased $325.8 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022. Operating expenses for Moving and Storage increased $345.7 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nRepair costs associated with the rental fleet experienced a $132.9 million increase during fiscal year 2023 and personnel costs increased $97.8 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThe increases in fleet repair costs are primarily due to additional preventative maintenance resulting from higher fleet activity over the last several years.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nAlso, the slower rotation of new equipment into the fleet and older equipment out of the fleet has added to the amount of preventative maintenance needed.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nPersonnel cost increases stem from a 12% increase in headcount on average throughout the year; the headcount variance narrowed towards the end of the year.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nOther expense increases included liability costs, utilities, property taxes, non-rental equipment and building maintenance and shipping associated with U-Box transactions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation expense associated with our rental fleet was $520.5 million and $504.2 million for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nNet gains from the disposal of rental equipment increased $32.9 million from an increase in resale values combined with additional units sold.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nDepreciation expense on all other assets, largely from buildings and improvements, increased $20.6 million to $213.4 million. Net losses on the disposal or retirement of land and buildings increased $9.7 million as fiscal 2022 included a condemnation gain of $4.9 million.\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a result of the above-mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, earnings from operations decreased to $1,444.1 million for fiscal 2023, compared with $1,645.0 million for fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense for fiscal 2023 was $224.0 million, compared with $167.4 million for fiscal 2022 due to an increase in our average outstanding debt of $871.6 million in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022 combined with a higher average cost of debt.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense was $294.9 million for fiscal 2023, compared with $352.2 million for fiscal 2022. See Note 14, Provision for Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report for more information on income taxes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic and diluted earnings per share of Voting Common Stock for fiscal 2023 was $5.54, compared with $7.08 for fiscal 2022. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe weighted average shares outstanding basic and diluted for Voting Common Stock were 19,607,788 for both fiscal 2023 and 2022. \n\n\n\n\nBasic and diluted earnings per share of Non-Voting Common Stock for fiscal 2023 were $4.62, compared with $5.58 for fiscal 2022. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe weighted average shares outstanding basic and diluted for Non-Voting Common Stock were 176,470,092 for both fiscal 2023 and 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\nListed below are revenues for the major product lines at Moving and Storage for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended March 31,\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-moving equipment rentals\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,882,620\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,963,535\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-storage revenues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n744,492\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n617,120\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-moving and self-storage products and service sales\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n357,286\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n351,447\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty management fees\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n37,073\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n35,194\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet investment and interest income\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n70,992\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,135\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther revenue\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n475,251\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n427,836\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage revenue\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5,567,714\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5,398,267\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-moving equipment rental revenues decreased $80.9 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022\n\n\n.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nTransactions, revenue and average miles driven per transaction decreased.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThese declines were more pronounced in our one-way markets.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nCompared to the same period last year, we increased the number of retail locations, independent dealers, trucks, and trailers in the rental fleet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-storage revenues increased $127.4 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThe average monthly number of occupied units increased by 14%, or 63,800 units during fiscal 2023 compared with the same period last year.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nOver the course of the fiscal year our average revenue per occupied square foot increased 9%.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Company owns and manages self-storage facilities. Self-storage revenues reported in the consolidated financial statements represent Company-owned locations only. Self-storage data for our owned storage locations follows:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended March 31,\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands, except occupancy rate)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnit count as of March 31\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n673\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n601\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSquare footage as of March 31\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n56,382\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n50,366\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage monthly number of units occupied\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n535\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n471\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage monthly occupancy rate based on unit count\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n83.4%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n82.6%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage monthly square footage occupied\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n46,257\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n41,379\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we added approximately 6.0 million net rentable square feet, a 13% increase compared to fiscal 2022 additions.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThis additional capacity consisted of approximately 1.1 million square feet of existing self-storage acquired along with 4.9 million square feet of new development. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales of self-moving and self-storage products and services increased $5.8 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022, primarily due to increased hitch and propane sales partially offset by a 1% decrease in the sales of moving supplies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet investment and interest income increased $67.9 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022, due to higher yields on our short-term cash balances which are primarily invested in United States government securities.\n\n\n\n\nOther revenue increased $47.4 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022, caused primarily by growth in our U-Box\n\u00ae\n program.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal costs and expenses increased $350.6 million during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022. Operating expenses increased $345.7 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nRepair costs associated with the rental fleet experienced a $132.9 million increase during fiscal year 2023 and personnel costs increased $97.8 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThe increases in fleet repair costs are primarily due to additional preventative maintenance resulting from higher fleet activity over the last several years.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nAlso, the slower rotation of new equipment into the fleet and older equipment out of the fleet has added to the amount of preventative maintenance needed.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nPersonnel cost increases stem from a 12% increase in headcount on average throughout the year; the headcount variance narrowed towards the end of the year.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nOther expense increases included liability costs, utilities, property taxes, non-rental equipment and building maintenance and shipping associated with U-Box transactions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation expense associated with our rental fleet was $520.5 million and $504.2 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nNet gains from the disposal of rental equipment increased $32.9 million from an increase in resale values combined with additional units sold.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nDepreciation expense on all other assets, largely from buildings and improvements, increased $20.6 million to $213.4 million. Net losses on the disposal or retirement of land and buildings increased $9.7 million as fiscal 2022 included a condemnation gain of $4.9 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022 Compared with 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet premiums were $96.2 million and $89.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. A significant portion of Repwest\u2019s premiums are from policies sold in conjunction with U-Haul moving and storage transactions and generally correspond to the related activity at U-Haul during the same period.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet investment and interest income were $7.3 million and $25.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The main driver of the change in net investment income was the decrease in valuation of unaffiliated common stock of $16.6 million; these stocks were not sold and no actual economic losses have been recognized.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet operating expenses were $45.0 million and $42.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The change was primarily due to an increase in commissions from higher premiums.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBenefits and losses expenses were $21.5 million and $22.4 million for the years\n\n\n \n\n\nended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease was due to favorable loss experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a result of the above-mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, pretax earnings from operations were $36.6 million and $49.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022 Compared with 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet premiums were $99.1 million and $111.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Medicare Supplement premiums decreased $7.2 million from policy decrements offset by premium rate increases. Life insurance premiums decreased $4.4 million. Premiums on annuity supplemental contracts decreased $0.3 million from fewer annuitizations. Deferred annuity deposits were $326.5 million or $6.0 million below the prior year and are accounted for on the balance sheet as deposits rather than premiums. The decrease in deferred annuity deposits is a result of low sales at the beginning of the year improving as the year progressed.\n\n\n\n\nNet investment income was $102.4 million and $123.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\u00a0 \nThe realized loss on derivatives used as hedges to fixed indexed annuities was $12.6 million. The realized loss on bonds was $6.5 million. The change in the provision for expected credit losses resulted in a $2.9 million additional decrease to the investment income. Mortgage loan interest decreased $0.9 million from the decreased prepayment penalties. The interest on the remaining assets also decreased by $0.6 million. This was offset by a $2.1 million increase in the investment income from fixed maturities on higher asset base despite lower investment yields.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n24\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBenefits and losses incurred were $144.0 million and $164.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Interest credited to policyholders decreased $8.6 million due to a reduction in the interest credited rates on fixed indexed annuities driven by stock market fluctuations. Life benefits decreased $8.2 million due to lower death claims related to COVID-19 and lower sales due to premium adjustments that took place in late 2021. Medicare supplement benefits decreased by $3.2 million from fewer policies in force. Benefits on the annuity supplemental contracts decreased $0.2 million.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmortization of deferred acquisition costs (\u201cDAC\u201d), sales inducement asset (\u201cSIA\u201c) and the value of business acquired (\u201cVOBA\u201d) was $27.9 million and $33.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The annuity related DAC amortization decreased $4.3 million due to realized investment gains and a completion of the amortization period on certain fixed indexed and multi-year guaranteed annuities in 2021. The decrease of $1.2 million on Life Insurance segment is from reduced policy lapses and death benefits. Medicare supplement related DAC amortization decreased $0.5 million and will continue to decrease due to a decline in the number of policies remaining in-force.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a result of the above-mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, pretax earnings from operations were $12.5 million and $19.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe believe our current capital structure is a positive factor that will enable us to pursue our operational plans and goals and provide us with sufficient liquidity for the foreseeable future. There are many factors which could affect our liquidity, including some which are beyond our control, and there is no assurance that future cash flows and liquidity resources will be sufficient to meet our outstanding debt obligations and our other future capital needs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents totaled $2,060.5 million, compared with $2,704.1 million as of March 31, 2022. The assets of our insurance subsidiaries are generally unavailable to fulfill the obligations of non-insurance operations (U-Haul Holding Company, U-Haul and Real Estate). As of March 31, 2023 (or as otherwise indicated), cash and cash equivalents, other financial assets (receivables, short-term investments, other investments, fixed maturities, and related party assets) and debt obligations of each operating segment were:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving & Storage\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance (a)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance (a)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,034,242\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11,276\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n15,006\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther financial assets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n428,018\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n446,977\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,744,196\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDebt obligations (b)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6,143,350\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(a) As of December 31, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(b) Excludes ($35,308) of debt issuance costs\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, Moving and Storage had available borrowing capacity under existing credit facilities of $465.0 million.\n\u00a0 \nThe majority of invested cash at the Moving and Storage segment is held in government money market funds.\n\u00a0 \nOur current forecasted debt payments for fiscal 2024 on all borrowings are $563.2 million. For detailed information regarding our debt obligations, please see Note 9, Borrowings, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n25\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA summary of our consolidated cash flows for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 is shown in the table below:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYears Ended March 31,\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,729,610\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,946,235\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,535,395\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used by investing activities\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(2,421,385)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1,867,176)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1,129,529)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by financing activities\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n59,795\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,433,155\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n287,353\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffects of exchange rate on cash\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(11,633)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(2,089)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6,441\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet increase (decrease) in cash flow\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(643,613)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,510,125\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n699,660\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash at the beginning of the period\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,704,137\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,194,012\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n494,352\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash at the end of the period\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,060,524\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,704,137\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,194,012\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities decreased $216.6 million in fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThe decrease was primarily due to reduced net earnings of $200.2 million and the payment of $106.0 million in federal income tax in fiscal 2023 compared with the receipt of $243.0 million of federal income tax refunds in fiscal 2022. Partially offsetting this was a decrease in inventory and an increase in the collection of corporate receivables. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in investing activities increased $554.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022. Purchases of property, plant and equipment increased $587.4 million. Reinvestment in the rental fleet was less than our projection due to delays in receiving new equipment from our original equipment manufacturers during fiscal 2023; however, the level of reinvestment in the rental fleet has increased in comparison to fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nCash from the sales of property, plant and equipment increased $78.1 million largely due to fleet sales. For our insurance subsidiaries, net cash used in investing activities decreased $167.2 million due to a decrease in purchases in fixed maturity investments, which was offset by a $225.0\n\n\n \n\n\nmillion increase in purchases of short-term Treasury notes by Moving and Storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by financing activities decreased $1,373.4 million in fiscal 2023, as compared with fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nFiscal 2022 included the borrowing of $1,200.0 million through our two private placement offerings.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nAdditionally, debt payments increased $364.5 million, finance lease repayments decreased $42.1 million, and dividends paid increased $4.3 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nFor Life Insurance, net annuity deposits declined $103.2 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiquidity and Capital Resources and Requirements of Our Operating Segments\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage\n\n\n\n\nTo meet the needs of our customers, U-Haul maintains a large fleet of rental equipment. Capital expenditures have primarily consisted of new rental equipment acquisitions and the buyouts of existing fleet from leases. The capital to fund these expenditures has historically been obtained internally from operations and the sale of used equipment and externally from debt and lease financing. In the future, we anticipate that our internally generated funds will be used to service the existing debt and fund operations. U-Haul estimates that during fiscal 2024 the Company will reinvest in its rental equipment fleet approximately $685 million, net of equipment sales and excluding any lease buyouts. For fiscal 2023, the Company invested, net of sales, approximately $611 million before any lease buyouts in its rental equipment fleet. Fleet investments in fiscal 2024 and beyond will be dependent upon several factors including the availability of capital, the truck rental environment, the availability of equipment from manufacturers and the used-truck sales market. We anticipate that the fiscal 2024 investments will be funded largely through debt financing, external lease financing and cash from operations. Management considers several factors including cost and tax consequences when selecting a method to fund capital expenditures. Our allocation between debt and lease financing can change from year to year based upon financial market conditions which may alter the cost or availability of financing options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n26\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Company has traditionally funded the acquisition of self-storage properties to support U-Haul's growth through debt financing and funds from operations. The Company\u2019s plan for the expansion of owned storage properties includes the acquisition of existing self-storage locations from third parties, the acquisition and development of bare land, and the acquisition and redevelopment of existing buildings not currently used for self-storage. The Company expects to fund these development projects through a combination of internally generated funds, corporate debt and with borrowings against existing properties as they operationally mature. For fiscal 2023, the Company invested $1,341.4 million in real estate acquisitions, new construction and renovation and repair compared to $1,004.2 million in fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nFor fiscal 2024, the timing of new projects will be dependent upon several factors, including the entitlement process, availability of capital, weather, the identification and successful acquisition of target properties and the availability of labor and materials.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWe are likely to maintain a high level of real estate capital expenditures in fiscal 2024.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nU-Haul's growth plan in self-storage also includes the expansion of the U-Haul Storage Affiliate program, which does not require significant capital.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet capital expenditures (purchases of property, plant and equipment less proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and lease proceeds) at Moving and Storage were $2,025.6 million, $1,513.3 million and $904.0 million for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The components of our net capital expenditures are provided in the following table:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYears Ended March 31,\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchases of rental equipment\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,298,955\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,061,439\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n870,106\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquipment lease buyouts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11,477\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchases of real estate, construction and renovations\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,341,417\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,004,192\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n505,112\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther capital expenditures\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n86,595\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n70,906\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n54,780\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross capital expenditures\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,726,967\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,136,537\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,441,475\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess: Sales of property, plant and equipment\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(701,331)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(623,235)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(537,484)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet capital expenditures\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,025,636\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,513,302\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n903,991\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage continues to hold significant cash and we believe has access to additional liquidity. Management may invest these funds in our existing operations, expand our product lines or pursue external opportunities in the self-moving and storage marketplace, pay dividends or reduce existing indebtedness where possible.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState insurance regulations may restrict the amount of dividends that can be paid to stockholders of insurance companies.\n\n\n As a result, Property and Casualty Insurance's assets are generally not available to satisfy the claims of U-Haul Holding Company, or its legal subsidiaries. For calendar year 2023, the ordinary dividend available to be paid to U-Haul Holding Company is $29.5 million. For more information, please see Note 21, Statutory Financial Information of Insurance Subsidiaries, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report. We believe that stockholders\u2019 equity at the Property and Casualty operating segment remains sufficient and we do not believe that its ability to pay ordinary dividends to U-Haul Holding Company will be restricted per state regulations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur Property and Casualty operating segment stockholders\u2019 equity was $294.5 million and $296.1 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in 2022 compared with 2021 resulted from net earnings of $29.8 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $31.4 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance does not use debt or equity issues to increase capital and therefore has no direct exposure to capital market conditions other than through its investment portfolio. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n27\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance manages its financial assets to meet policyholder and other obligations including investment contract withdrawals and deposits. Life Insurance's net deposits for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $6.8 million. State insurance regulations may restrict the amount of dividends that can be paid to stockholders of insurance companies.\n\n\n As a result, Life Insurance's assets are generally not available to satisfy the claims of U-Haul Holding Company or its legal subsidiaries. Oxford had a statutory net loss as of December 31, 2022, so no dividends can be distributed in calendar year 2023. For more information, please see Note 21, Statutory Financial Information of Insurance Subsidiaries, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur Life Insurance operating segment stockholders\u2019 equity was $156.4 million and $440.9 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in 2022 compared with 2021 resulted from earnings of $10.0 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $294.5 million primarily due to the effect of interest rate changes on the fixed maturity portion of the investment portfolio.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nLife Insurance has not historically used debt or equity issues to increase capital and therefore has not had any significant direct exposure to capital market conditions other than through its investment portfolio. However, as of December 31, 2022, Oxford had outstanding advances of $60.0 million through its membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank (\u201cFHLB\u201d). For a more detailed discussion of these advances, please see Note 9, Borrowings, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash Provided from Operating Activities by Operating Segments\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving and Storage\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities was $1,593.7 million, $1,823.3 million and $1,428.9 million in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. \n\n\nThe decrease was primarily due to reduced net earnings of $200.2 million and the payment of $106.0 million in federal income tax in fiscal 2023 compared with the receipt of $243.0 million of federal income tax refunds in fiscal 2022. Partially offsetting this was a decrease in inventory and an increase in the collection of corporate receivables.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities was $36.2 million, $31.2 million, and $19.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. The increase was the result of changes in intercompany balances and the timing of payables activity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance\u2019s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment portfolios amounted to $27.2 million, $41.7 million, and $12.9 million as of December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. These balances reflect funds in transition from maturity proceeds to long-term investments. Management believes this level of liquid assets, combined with budgeted cash flow, is adequate to meet foreseeable cash needs. Capital and operating budgets allow Property and Casualty Insurance to schedule cash needs in accordance with investment and underwriting proceeds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities was $99.8 million, $91.8 million and $87.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in operating cash flows was primarily due to an increase in accounts payable due to the timing of settlements. This was offset by a decrease in investment and premium income.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition to cash flows from operating activities and financing activities, a substantial amount of liquid funds are available through Life Insurance's short-term portfolio and its membership in the FHLB. As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments amounted to $15.0 million, $50.1 million and $178.1 million, respectively. Management believes that the overall sources of liquidity are adequate to meet foreseeable cash needs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiquidity and Capital Resources - Summary\n\n\n\n\nWe believe we have the financial resources needed to meet our business plans including our working capital needs. We continue to hold significant cash and have access to additional liquidity to meet our anticipated capital expenditure requirements for investment in our rental fleet, rental equipment and storage acquisitions and build outs. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n28\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a result of the federal income tax provisions of the CARES Act we have filed applicable forms with the IRS to carryback net operating losses. These refund claims total approximately $366 million, of which we have already received approximately $243 million, with the remaining amount reflected in prepaid expenses. These amounts are expected to provide us additional liquidity whenever received. It is possible future legislation could negatively impact our ability to receive these tax refunds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur borrowing strategy has primarily focused on asset-backed financing and rental equipment leases. As part of this strategy, we seek to ladder maturities and fix interest rates. While each of these loans typically contains provisions governing the amount that can be borrowed in relation to specific assets, the overall structure is flexible with no limits on overall Company borrowings. Management believes it has adequate liquidity between cash and cash equivalents and unused borrowing capacity in existing credit facilities to meet the current and expected needs of the Company over the next several years. As of March 31, 2023, we had available borrowing capacity under existing credit facilities of $465.0 million.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nWhile it is possible that circumstances beyond our control could alter the ability of the financial institutions to lend us the unused lines of credit, we believe that there are additional opportunities for leverage in our existing capital structure. For a more detailed discussion of our long-term debt and borrowing capacity, please see Note 9, Borrowings, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nHistorically, we used certain off-balance sheet arrangements in connection with the expansion of our self-storage business. For more information, please see Note 20, Related Party Transactions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report. These arrangements were primarily used when our overall borrowing structure was more limited. We do not face similar limitations currently and off-balance sheet arrangements have not been utilized in our self-storage expansion in recent years. In the future, we will continue to identify and consider off-balance sheet opportunities to the extent such arrangements would be economically advantageous to us and our stockholders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nContractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor contractual obligations for material cash requirements from known contractual and other obligations as part of liquidity and capital resources discussion, please see Notes 9, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18 and 19\n\n\n \n\n\nof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nThe following table provides additional detail for contractual commitments and contingencies as of March 31, 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayment due by Period (as of March 31, 2023)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContractual Obligations\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n04/01/23 - 03/31/24\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n04/01/24 - 03/31/26\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n04/01/26 - 03/31/28\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotes and loans payable - Principal\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4,049,382\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n226,105\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n466,487\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n842,847\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,513,943\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotes and loans payable - Interest\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,387,115\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n178,530\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n326,733\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n275,149\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n606,703\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevolving credit agreements - Principal\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n615,000\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n370,556\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n244,444\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevolving credit agreements - Interest\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n102,175\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n36,228\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n54,875\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11,072\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance leases - Principal\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n223,205\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n103,780\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n119,425\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance leases - Interest\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11,991\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7,032\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4,959\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance liability - Principal\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,255,763\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n233,268\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n409,323\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n379,271\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n233,901\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance liability - Interest\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n158,493\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n45,093\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n65,750\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n35,427\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12,223\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease liabilities\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n103,956\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n24,338\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n16,497\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6,506\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n56,615\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and casualty obligations (a)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n110,545\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n23,986\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n23,974\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10,084\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n52,501\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife, health and annuity obligations (b)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,624,456\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n683,685\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n846,007\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n507,084\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,587,680\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelf-insurance accruals (c) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n335,227\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n95,321\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n127,755\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n65,527\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n46,624\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPost-retirement benefit liability\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n23,428\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,546\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,789\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4,802\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n13,291\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\n\nTotal contractual obligations\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12,000,736\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,658,912\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,836,130\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,382,213\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5,123,481\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(a) These estimated obligations for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses include case reserves for reported claims and estimates of IBNR claims and are net of expected reinsurance recoveries. The ultimate amount to settle both the case reserves and IBNR is an estimate based upon historical experience and current trends and such estimates could materially differ from actual results. The assumptions do not include future premiums. Due to the significant assumptions employed in this model, the amounts shown could materially differ from actual results.\n\n\n\n\n(b) These estimated obligations are based on mortality, morbidity, withdrawal and lapse assumptions drawn from our historical experience and adjusted for any known trends. These obligations include expected interest crediting but no amounts for future annuity deposits or premiums for life and Medicare supplement policies. \n\u00a0\nThe cash flows shown above are undiscounted for interest and as a result total outflows for all years shown significantly exceed the corresponding liabilities of $2,785.3 million included in our\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n29\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nconsolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2023. Life Insurance expects to fully fund these obligations from their invested asset portfolio. Due to the significant assumptions employed in this model, the amounts shown could materially differ from actual results. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(c) These estimated obligations are primarily the Company\u2019s self insurance accruals for portions of the liability coverage for our rental equipment. The estimates for future settlement are based upon historical experience and current trends. Due to the significant assumptions employed in this model, the amounts shown could materially differ from actual results.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs presented above, contractual obligations on debt and guarantees represent principal payments while contractual obligations for operating leases represent the notional payments under the lease arrangements. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nASC 740 - \n\n\nIncome Taxes\n\n\n liabilities and interest of $75.8 million is not included above due to uncertainty surrounding ultimate settlements, if any. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal 2024 Outlook \n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe will continue to focus our attention on increasing transaction volume and improving pricing, product and utilization for self-moving equipment rentals.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\nMaintaining an adequate level of new investment in our truck fleet is an important component of our plan to meet our operational goals and is likely to increase in fiscal 2024. Revenue in the U-Move\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n program could be adversely impacted should we fail to execute in any of these areas. Even if we execute our plans, we could see declines in revenues primarily due to unforeseen events including adverse economic conditions or heightened competition that is beyond our control.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith respect to our storage business, we have added new locations and expanded existing locations. In fiscal 2024, we are actively looking to complete current projects, increase occupancy in our existing portfolio of locations and acquire new locations. New projects and acquisitions will be considered and pursued if they fit our long-term plans and meet our financial objectives. It is likely spending on acquisitions and new development will increase in fiscal 2024. We will continue to invest capital and resources in the U-Box\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n program throughout fiscal 2024.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInflationary pressures may challenge our ability to maintain or improve upon our operating margin.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and Casualty Insurance will continue to provide loss adjusting and claims handling for U-Haul and underwrite components of the Safemove\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, Safetow\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, Safemove Plus\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, Safestor\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n, and Safestor Mobile\n\n\n\u00ae\n\n\n protection packages to U-Haul customers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLife Insurance is pursuing its goal of expanding its presence in the senior market through the sales of its Medicare supplement, life and annuity policies. This strategy includes growing its agency force, expanding its new product offerings, and pursuing business acquisition opportunities.\n\n\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n \n\n\n\n\nWe are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. To mitigate these risks, we may utilize derivative financial instruments, among other strategies. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.\n\n\n\u00a0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest Rate Risk\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our variable rate debt obligations and one variable rate operating lease. We have used interest rate swap agreements and forward swaps to reduce our exposure to changes in interest rates. We enter into these arrangements with counterparties that are significant financial institutions with whom we generally have other financial arrangements. We are exposed to credit risk should these counterparties not be able to perform on their obligations. Following is a summary of our interest rate swaps agreements at March 31, 2023:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotional Amount\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffective Date\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpiration Date\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFixed Rate\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFloating Rate\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n60,347\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,501\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7/15/2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7/15/2032\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2.86%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1 Month SOFR\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n73,250\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,945\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8/1/2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8/1/2026\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2.72%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1 Month SOFR\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n72,750\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1,865\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8/1/2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8/31/2026\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2.75%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1 Month SOFR\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n30\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had $821.3 million of variable rate debt obligations. Of this amount, $615.0 million is not fixed through interest rate swaps. If the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (\u201cSOFR\u201d) were to increase 100 basis points, the increase in interest expense on the variable rate debt would decrease future earnings and cash flows by $6.2 million annually (after consideration of the effect of the above derivative contracts). Certain senior mortgages have an anticipated repayment date and a maturity date. If these senior mortgages are not repaid by the anticipated repayment date the interest rate on these mortgages would increase from the current fixed rate. We are using the anticipated repayment date for our maturity schedule.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditionally, our insurance subsidiaries\u2019 fixed income investment portfolios expose us to interest rate risk. This interest rate risk is the price sensitivity of a fixed income security to changes in interest rates. As part of our insurance companies\u2019 asset and liability management, actuaries estimate the cash flow patterns of our existing liabilities to determine their duration. These outcomes are compared to the characteristics of the assets that are currently supporting these liabilities assisting management in determining an asset allocation strategy for future investments that management believes will mitigate the overall effect of interest rates.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe following table illustrates the interest rate risk sensitivity of our fixed maturity portfolio as of March 31, 2023 and 2022. This table measures the effect of a parallel shift in interest rates (as represented by the U.S. Treasury curve) on the fair value of the fixed maturity portfolio. The data measures the change in fair value arising from an immediate and sustained change in interest rates in increments of 100 basis points.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarket Value of Mixed Maturity Portfolio\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of March 31, \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChange in Interest Rates (a)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n-300bps\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,100,972\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,262,844\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n-200bps\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,970,228\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3,153,114\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n-100bps\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,839,624\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,992,011\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo change\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,709,037\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,821,092\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n+100bps\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,578,654\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,650,410\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n+200bps\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,448,348\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,479,737\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n+300bps\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,318,149\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2,309,224\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(a) In basis points\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe use derivatives to hedge our equity market exposure to indexed annuity products sold by our Life Insurance company. These contracts earn a return for the contractholder based on the change in the value of the S&P 500 index between annual index point dates. We buy and sell listed equity and index call options and call option spreads. The credit risk is with the party in which the options are written. The net option price is paid up front and there are no additional cash requirements or additional contingent liabilities. These contracts are held at fair market value on our balance sheet. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, these derivative hedges had a net market value of $4.3 million and $7.5 million, with notional amounts of $465.7 million and $416.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nmillion, respectively. These derivative instruments are included in Investments, other; on the consolidated balance sheets.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the call options are employed to be effective hedges against our policyholder obligations from an economic standpoint, they do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting under GAAP. Accordingly, the call options are marked to fair value on each reporting date with the change in fair value included as a component of net investment and interest income. The change in fair value of the call options includes the gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term and the changes in fair value for open contracts.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign Currency Exchange Rate Risk\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe exposure to market risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates relates primarily to our Canadian business. Approximately 5.0%, 5.0% and 4.6% of our revenue was generated in Canada in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The result of a 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would not be material to net income. We typically do not hedge any foreign currency risk since the exposure is not considered material.\n\n\n\n\n\n",
+ "cik": "4457",
+ "cusip6": "023586",
+ "cusip": ["023586506", "023586100", "023586900", "023586950"],
+ "names": ["U HAUL HOLDING COMPANY", "U-Haul Holding Co."],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/4457/000000445723000052/0000004457-23-000052-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000008670-23-000030.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000008670-23-000030.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a65b7de16a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000008670-23-000030.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. Business\nCORPORATE BACKGROUND\nGeneral\nIn 1949, our founders established ADP to shape the world of work with a simple, innovative idea: help clients focus on their business by solving their payroll challenges. Today, we are one of the world\u2019s leading global technology companies providing comprehensive cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions that unite HR, payroll, talent, time, tax and benefits administration. Our unmatched experience, expertise, insights and cutting-edge technology have transformed HCM from an administrative challenge to a strategic business advantage. Tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, we help them work smarter today so they can have more success tomorrow. We serve over 1 million clients and pay over 41 million workers in 140 countries and territories. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market\u00ae under the symbol \u201cADP.\u201d\nWhen we refer to \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d \u201cADP,\u201d or the \u201cCompany\u201d in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we mean Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.\n3\nBUSINESS OVERVIEW\nADP\u2019s Mission\nOur mission is to power organizations with insightful Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions that meet the changing needs of our clients and their workers. \nData, digital technology, artificial intelligence, globalization, new business models and other significant events and disruptions continuously reshape the way people work. Our HCM technology, industry and compliance expertise and data insights deliver measurable results and peace-of-mind, and contribute to an engaged, productive workforce. Our leading technology and commitment to service excellence are at the core of our relationship with each one of our clients, whether it's a small, mid-sized or large organization operating in one or multiple countries around the world. We are always designing better ways to work through cutting-edge products, premium services and exceptional experiences that enable people to reach their full potential.\nADP's Business Pillars\nOur business is organized around three pillars which represent our core growth areas. \nU.S. HCM Solutions\n: In the United States, we provide cloud-based HCM software with supporting service and expertise that assists employers of all types and sizes in managing the entire worker spectrum and employment cycle \u2013 from full-time to freelancer and from hire to retire.\nU.S. HR Outsourcing (HRO) Solutions\n: In the United States, we offer comprehensive HRO solutions in which we provide complete management solutions for HR \nadministration, payroll administration, talent management, employee benefits, benefits administration, employer liability management, and other HCM and employee benefits functions.\nGlobal Solutions\n: We offer international HCM and HRO solutions, comprised of both local, in-country solutions and cloud-based multi-country solutions, to clients wherever they do business around the world.\nADP\u2019s Strategy\nOur business strategy has three key priorities: \nWith a large and growing addressable market, we are focused on our core growth areas and further enhancing our market position by executing on our Strategy:\n\u2022 Lead with Best-in-Class HCM Technology. \nWe design and develop world-class HCM platforms that simplify work and utilize enabling technologies like artificial intelligence and modern cloud architecture. We aim to solve the needs of our clients and their workers today by making HCM transactions effortless and compliant, while anticipating their needs of tomorrow by incorporating valuable data insights and guidance into our solutions to help them better understand their workforce and how they compare to industry peers, and position them to make better decisions.\n\u2022 Provide Unmatched Expertise and Outsourcing Solutions.\n Our clients look to us as a source of expertise to understand key HR trends and best practices, employment and related legislation, and to offer thoughtful strategies to utilize HCM technology to achieve their business objectives and support their workforce. Many of our clients also look to us to take on responsibility for a portion or all of their HCM workflow via one of our HRO solutions. We intend to continue to build on our deep expertise and make it readily available to our clients through a variety of channels, ranging from traditional call and chat options to self-guided and AI-powered options. We will continue to leverage our decades of experience, our significant data insights, and investments in AI and other enabling \n4\ntechnologies to help our clients and their workers navigate the ever-changing world of work.\n\u2022 Benefit our Clients with Our Global Scale. \nOur clients benefit from our unmatched global footprint and scale in the HCM industry. We will continue to build on these strengths to further improve our client experience, and to add to our global footprint to further meet our clients where they choose to do business and address their needs for a distributed and flexible workforce. We intend to build more relationships with partners, such as through the ADP Marketplace, in order to provide clients with seamless integrations and customizations that simplify their HR processes and help them meet their needs. And we will grow our sales organization and continue to invest in best-in-class sales technology to not only make the purchase experience seamless but to also empower our sellers to provide the deep expertise and insights our clients, partners and influencers require to ensure they have the right HCM solutions to help them achieve their objectives and make a meaningful impact for their employees. \nAs we continue to invest in and execute on our Strategy, we intend to continue to exceed the expectations of our clients and enable them and their people to reach their full potential.\nInnovation at ADP\nInnovation is in our DNA. For over 70 years, we have proven that actively listening and responding to what clients and their employees need and want keeps the world of work progressing forward. We pioneered HCM automation, HCM in the cloud, mobile HCM and a digital HCM marketplace. This spirit of innovation remains a steady guide as we continue to listen and respond to emerging needs. As the business, data and digital technology landscape continues to rapidly evolve, what \u201cwork\u201d means, how and where it gets done, and how workers are paid is changing as well. \nLeveraging the power of data, we innovate by anticipating the future of work, the future of HCM and the future of pay to help our clients transform their businesses, simplify work and empower their workers.\nThe size and breadth of ADP gives us a unique opportunity, especially in the era of data and data-driven products, to test innovative ideas, validate hypotheses and refine solutions before we bring them to the market. This happens through our \u201cclient-zero\u201d program, which forges a direct connection point between our internal HR practitioners and our technologists. A key area of focus is using data and feedback from front-line practitioners to build products that improve the employee experience and make HR technology more intentional and in the moment. By innovating with a client-centric mindset, we continue to transform work. \nIn today\u2019s world of work, people-data has never been more important. It gives companies the information they need to identify the depth and scope of people issues, anticipate and solve challenges, foster connections across their workforce and drive business outcomes. Sitting at the center of workforce data, we leverage the unrivaled scale, breadth, and depth of our data to provide the insights businesses need to create a better world of work. Our data is also the basis for our renowned ADP National Employment Report, which the ADP Research Institute (ADPRI) and the Stanford Digital Economy Lab recently retooled to provide a more robust, independent high-frequency view of the labor market and trajectory of economic growth in the United States.\nThe scale and scope of our client base provides us an unrivaled HCM dataset, and we are focused on converting our data advantage into our client\u2019s data advantage. We are doing this by differentiating our HCM solutions and providing our clients with insights that can help drive better decisions, and by continuing to identify and pursue new and additional data-as-a-service opportunities. We are leading this innovation effort with ADP\u00ae DataCloud, our award-winning machine learning (ML) and workforce analytics platform which is the largest private repository of payroll information available. DataCloud analyzes aggregated, anonymized and timely HCM and compensation data from more than 1 million\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 organizations across the U.S., powering solutions that provide clients with in-depth workforce and business insights that enable critical HR decisions. \nArtificial intelligence (AI) drives many of the key features of ADP\u2019s data products. In the U.S., ADP DataCloud's Skills Graph, our\n \nproprietary data structure, is based on more than 43 million employee records, 95 million resumes and 9 million job postings across more than 20 industries and 500 geographic areas, and uses large language models to extract, align and normalize key information such as skills, job titles and levels, education and qualifications from non-structured data and infers missing skills and qualifications from context. Skills Graph powers ADP\u2019s Candidate Profile Relevancy tool to help score, assess and predict candidates who are the best fit for a job opening and is designed to minimize the introduction of bias by, among other things, focusing on the skills, education, and experience of an applicant. Skills Graph also powers our new Organizational Benchmarking Dashboard, which enables companies to decide how best to deploy their workers by comparing organizational metrics like headcount, labor costs and turnover against other similar businesses, as well as Talent Market Insights where organizations can explore jobs and locations to understand talent availability, skills, wages, turnover and time to fill. ADP\u2019s Model-Based Benchmarks, powered by Skills Graph, also extend benchmarks to include compensation for up to 160 million workers. Model-Based Benchmarks are driven by a set of deep learning models that extract \n5\npatterns and knowledge from millions of payroll records and job profiles to provide accurate information that reflects the reality of the position being researched. We offer similar tools to clients outside the United States, including through our ADP GlobalView\u00ae and ADP iHCM solutions.\nWe are also using AI to respond to the needs of HR practitioners. ADP\u2019s data-driven Intelligent Self-Service solution uses predictive analytics and machine learning to proactively address common employee HR challenges before the need to contact their HR departments arises, freeing HR practitioners to focus on higher value initiatives. It was named a \u201cTop HR Product\u201d at the 2022 HR Technology Conference, marking the 8th consecutive year we have received this award for continued product innovation. \nADP\u2019s Pay Equity Storyboard combines analytics and benchmarking to help employers better understand potential pay gaps and provide them with real, up-to-date, aggregated and anonymized market data to understand how their compensation for a particular job compares to other similar employers. Insights powered by DataCloud are particularly important with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and, as part of our commitment to DEI, we introduced the first-of-its-kind, award-winning DEI benchmark to help companies assess DEI gaps, track their progress and achieve their goals, bolstering ADP\u2019s suite of DEI offerings. It also earned acclaim in Fast Company\u2019s first-ever list of the \u201cNext Big Things in Tech,\u201d which \nhighlights tech breakthroughs that promise to define the future of their industries. \nIn harnessing the power of data through ML, ADP recognizes the importance of accountability, transparency, privacy, explainability and governance, and in furtherance of those goals has established an active AI & Data Ethics Committee, comprised of both industry leaders and ADP experts, which advises on emerging industry trends and concerns and provides guidance with respect to compliance with the principles that ADP should follow while developing products, systems and applications that involve AI, ML and data.\nAs we continue to explore the potential that new technologies like generative AI can provide as we design and develop innovative solutions, we understand the great responsibility we have to approach these innovations in a way that is ethical, secure, and compliant for our business and the clients and workers we serve around the world. This led to our establishment of an interdisciplinary working group across ADP to determine governance for use cases and adoption of a set of principles and processes to govern the use of these newer technologies, including operational monitoring of recommendations made by AI/ML technologies.\nBuilt to be as dynamic as the world of work today, our next-gen platforms are designed for adaptability. Built from the ground up to be cloud-native, global, scalable and secure, our next-gen platforms are designed to provide our clients with the flexibility they need to address today\u2019s and tomorrow\u2019s workplace challenges, and to personalize the experience based on their needs. Built for dynamic teams, our next-gen HCM platform provides our clients with visibility into where work happens rather than into rigid organizational hierarchies and worker types. And, by deploying low-code applications, clients can easily tailor the solution to their needs. \nOur next-gen payroll platform is a global solution that supports workers of all types and enables real-time, transparent, continuous payroll calculations. This next-gen payroll platform also unlocks flexible pay choices for our clients so they can provide the best pay experience for their workers. As the regulatory environment rapidly changes, making it harder for companies to navigate the complexities of payroll, our next-gen payroll platform\u2019s built-in compliance capabilities enable our clients to focus on managing their business.\nAdditionally, we launched the \u201cRoll\u2122 by ADP\u201d mobile-first solution \u2013 reimagining how small businesses do payroll. This groundbreaking payroll solution utilizes an AI-powered chat interface to turn traditional payroll management into an intuitive conversation that can complete payroll in under a minute. Leveraging ADP\u2019s long-standing payroll expertise and data security, small \n6\nbusiness owners can download and self-purchase Roll and run payroll anywhere, anytime, quickly and compliantly, with no experience or training needed. The conversational experience runs off simple chat prompts such as \u201cRun my payroll,\u201d offering a frictionless experience that also allows clients to confidently handle compliance matters like tax filing and deposits.\nOur innovative Wisely\u00ae payment and financial wellness offering includes a suite of personalized banking-alternative solutions designed to give employees fast and flexible choices to access their pay and other sources of income. Wisely\u00ae Pay is a network-branded paycard with a digital account, through which\n \nemployees can access their pay, make purchases online and in store, deposit checks, load additional funds onto the card, and transfer funds to a bank account in the United States. Wisely also enables advanced capabilities and innovative features such as Earned Wage Access (EWA), automatic savings options, cash back rewards and bill pay that help employees take even more control of their finances.\n \nWisely\u00ae Direct, a network-branded general purpose reloadable card that comes with a digital account, provides similar features and functionality but is offered directly to consumers. Our digital card offerings are banking alternatives that afford \nfinancial wellness tools designed to help members realize a better financial path forward.\n\u2018Always Designing for People\u2019 isn\u2019t just a tag line \n\u2013\n innovation is also about putting our clients first by giving them and their workers a faster, smarter and easier user experience (UX) that was designed with and for them.\n \nWith a modern look and feel based on our new design system, our new UX is powered by data and ML and provides intuitive workflows that are available when and where our clients and their workers need it. We are investing in UX alignment and simplification across our strategic products and solutions, with new UX releases for RUN Powered by ADP\u00ae, MyADP, ADP\u00ae Mobile Solutions and, most recently, ADP Workforce Now\u00ae.\nIn addition, our ADP Mobile app simplifies how work gets done by enabling clients to process their payroll anywhere, and giving millions of their employees worldwide convenient access to their payroll and HR information in 32 languages. We expanded employee self-service via our app by incorporating ML-based recommendations for employees to better find information, correct missing information, and complete tasks more efficiently.\nReportable Segments\nOur two reportable business segments are Employer Services and Professional Employer Organization (\u201cPEO\u201d), and are based on the way that management reviews the performance of, and makes decisions about, our business. For financial data by segment and by geographic area, see Note 14 to the \u201cConsolidated Financial Statements\u201d contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nEmployer Services\n. Our Employer Services segment serves clients ranging from single-employee small businesses to large enterprises with tens of thousands of employees around the world, offering a comprehensive range of technology-based HCM solutions, including our strategic, cloud-based platforms, and HRO (other than PEO) solutions. These solutions address critical client needs and include: Payroll Services, Benefits Administration, Talent Management, HR Management, Workforce Management, Compliance Services, Insurance Services and Retirement Services.\nProfessional Employer Organization\n. Our PEO business, called ADP TotalSource\u00ae, provides clients with comprehensive employment administration outsourcing solutions through a relationship in which employees who work for a client (referred to as \u201cworksite employees\u201d) are co-employed by us and the client.\n7\nPRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS\nIn order to serve the unique needs of our clients and their diverse types of businesses and workforce models, we provide a range of solutions which businesses of all types and sizes and across geographies can use to recruit, pay, manage, and retain their workforce. We address these broad market needs with our cloud-based strategic platforms: RUN Powered by ADP\u00ae, serving over 850,000 small businesses; ADP Workforce Now\u00ae, serving over 80,000 mid-sized and large businesses across our strategic pillars; and ADP Vantage HCM\u00ae and our next-gen HCM platform, serving large enterprise businesses. All of these solutions can be combined with ADP SmartCompliance\u00ae to address the increasingly broad and complex needs of employers. Outside the United States, we address the needs of over 65,000 clients with premier global solutions consisting of in-country solutions and multinational offerings, including ADP GlobalView\u00ae, ADP Celergo\u00ae/Streamline\u00ae and ADP iHCM.\nStrategic Cloud-based Products and Solutions Across Client Size and Geography\nHCM Solutions\nIntegrated HCM Solutions.\n \n \nOur premier suite of HCM products offers complete solutions that assist employers of all types and sizes in all stages of the employment cycle, from recruitment to retirement.\nOur suite of HCM solutions are powered by our strategic, cloud-based, award-winning platforms, including:\n\u2022 RUN Powered by ADP combines a software platform for small business payroll, HR management and tax compliance administration, with 24/7 service and support from our team of small business experts. RUN Powered by ADP also integrates with other ADP solutions, such as workforce management, workers\u2019 compensation insurance premium payment plans, and retirement plan administration systems.\n\u2022 ADP Workforce Now is a flexible HCM solution used across mid-sized and large businesses in North America to manage their employees. \nMore businesses use ADP Workforce Now in North America\n than any other HCM solution designed for both mid-sized and large businesses.\n\u2022 ADP Vantage HCM is a solution for large enterprises in the United States. It offers a comprehensive set of HCM capabilities within a single solution that unifies the five major areas of HCM: HR management, benefits administration, payroll services, time and attendance management, and talent management.\nPayroll\u00a0Services\n. \nWe pay over 25 million (approximately 1 out of every 6) workers in the United States. We offer flexible payroll services to employers of all sizes, including the preparation of employee paychecks, pay statements, supporting journals, summaries, and management reports. \n8\nWe provide employers with a wide range of payroll options, including using mobile technology, connecting their major enterprise resource planning (\u201cERP\u201d) applications with ADP\u2019s payroll services or outsourcing their entire payroll process to us. Employers can choose a variety of payroll payment options including ADP\u2019s electronic wage payment and, in the United States, payroll card solutions and digital accounts. On behalf of our clients in the United States, we prepare and file federal, state and local payroll tax returns, and quarterly and annual Social Security, Medicare, and federal, state and local income tax withholding reports. \nBenefits Administration.\n \n In the United States, we provide powerful and agile solutions for employee benefits administration. These options include health and welfare administration services, leave administration services, insurance carrier enrollment services, employee communication services, and dependent verification services. In addition, ADP benefits administration solutions offer employers a simple and flexible cloud-based eligibility and enrollment system that provides their employees with tools, communications, and other resources they need to understand their benefits options and make informed choices.\nTalent\u00a0Management.\n \nADP\u2019s Talent Management solutions simplify and improve the talent acquisition, management and activation process, from recruitment to ongoing employee engagement and development. Employers can also outsource their internal recruitment function to ADP. Our solutions provide performance, learning, succession and compensation management tools that help employers align goals to outcomes, and enable managers to identify and mitigate potential retention risks. Our talent activation solutions include \nStandOut\n\u00ae powered by ADP, which provides team leaders with data and insights to drive employee engagement and leadership development, which in turn help drive employee performance.\nWorkforce\u00a0Management.\n \n ADP\u2019s Workforce Management offers a range of solutions to over 120,000 employers of all sizes, including time and attendance, absence management \nand scheduling tools. Time and attendance solutions include time capture via online timesheets, timeclocks with badge readers, biometrics and touch-screens, telephone/interactive voice response, and mobile smartphones and tablets. These tools automate the calculation and reporting of hours worked, helping employers prepare payroll, control costs and overtime, and manage compliance with wage and hour regulations. Absence management tools include accrued time off, attendance policy and leave case management modules. Our employee scheduling tools simplify visibility, offer shift-swapping capabilities and can assist managers with optimizing schedules to boost productivity and minimize under- and over-staffing. We also offer data analytics and reporting tools that provide clients with insights, benchmarks and performance metrics so they can better manage their workforce. In addition, industry-specific modules are available for labor forecasting, budgeting, activity and task management, grant and project tracking, and tips management.\nCompliance\u00a0Solutions.\n \n ADP\u2019s Compliance Solutions provides industry-leading expertise in payment compliance and employment-related tax matters that complement the payroll, HR and ERP systems of our clients. In our fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, in the United States, we processed and delivered more than 79 million employee year-end tax statements and moved more than $3.1 trillion in client funds to taxing and other agencies, our clients\u2019 employees and other payees.\n\u2022 \nADP SmartCompliance.\n In the United States, ADP SmartCompliance integrates client data delivered from our integrated HCM platforms or third-party payroll, HR and financial systems into a single, cloud-based solution. Our specialized teams use the data to work with clients to help them manage changing and complex regulatory landscapes and improve business processes. ADP SmartCompliance includes HCM-related compliance solutions such as Employment Tax and Wage Payments, as well as Tax Credits, Health Compliance, Wage Garnishments, Employment Verifications, Unemployment Claims and W-2 Management.\n\u2022 \nADP\u00a0SmartCompliance\u00a0Employment\u00a0Tax. \nAs part of our full-service employment tax services in the United States, we prepare and file employment tax returns on our clients\u2019 behalf and, in connection with these stand-alone services, collect employment taxes from clients and remit these taxes to more than 8,000 federal, state and local tax agencies. \n9\n\u2022 \nADP\u00a0SmartCompliance\u00a0Wage\u00a0Payments. \nIn the United States, we offer compliant pay solutions for today's workforce, including electronic payroll disbursement options such as payroll cards, digital accounts and direct deposit, as well as traditional payroll checks, which can be integrated with clients\u2019 ERP and payroll systems.\nHuman Resources Management.\n \nCommonly referred to as Human Resource Information Systems, ADP\u2019s Human Resources Management Solutions provide employers with a single system of record to support the entry, validation, maintenance, and reporting of data required for effective HR management, including employee names, addresses, job types, salary grades, employment history, and educational background. \nInsurance\u00a0Services.\n \nADP\u2019s Insurance Services business, in conjunction with our licensed insurance agency, Automatic Data Processing Insurance Agency, Inc., facilitates access in the United States to workers\u2019 compensation and group health insurance for small and mid-sized clients through a variety of insurance carriers. \nOur automated Pay-by-Pay\u00ae\u00a0premium payment program calculates and collects workers\u2019 compensation premium payments each pay period, simplifying this task for employers.\nRetirement\u00a0Services.\n ADP Retirement Services helps employers in the United States administer various types of retirement plans, such as traditional and Roth 401(k)s, profit sharing (including new comparability), SIMPLE and SEP IRAs, and executive deferred compensation plans. ADP Retirement Services offers a full service 401(k) plan program which provides recordkeeping and administrative services, combined with an investment platform offered through ADP Broker-Dealer, Inc. that gives our clients\u2019 employees access to a wide range of non-proprietary investment options and online tools to monitor the performance of their investments. In addition, ADP Retirement Services offers investment management services to retirement plans through ADP Strategic Plan Services, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. ADP Retirement Services also offers trustee services through a third party.\nHRO Solutions\nAs a leader in the growing HR Outsourcing market, we partner with our clients to offer a full range of seamless technology and service solutions for HR administration, workforce management, payroll services, benefits administration and talent management. From small businesses to enterprises with thousands of employees, our clients gain proven technology and processes and robust service and support. Whether a client chooses our PEO or other HR Outsourcing solutions, we offer solutions tailored to a client\u2019s specific needs and preferences \n\u2013\n designed to meet the client\u2019s needs today, and as its business and needs evolve.\nProfessional Employer Organization.\n ADP TotalSource is enabled by ADP Workforce Now and offers small and mid-sized businesses a comprehensive HR outsourcing solution through a co-employment model. With a PEO, both ADP and the client have a co-employment relationship with the client\u2019s employees. We assume certain employer responsibilities such as payroll processing and tax filings, and the client maintains control of its business and all management responsibilities. ADP TotalSource clients are able to offer their employees services and benefits on par with those of much larger enterprises, without the need to staff a full HR department. With our cloud-based HCM software at the core, we serve more than 16,000 clients and \n10\nmore than 725,000 worksite employees in all 50 U.S. states. ADP TotalSource is the largest PEO certified by the Internal Revenue Service as meeting the requirements to operate as a Certified Professional Employer Organization under the Internal Revenue Code. As a full-service PEO, ADP TotalSource provides a broad range of HR administrative services, including payroll and payroll tax, employer compliance, HR guidance, employee benefits and benefit administration, talent strategies, and workers\u2019 compensation insurance including risk and claims management. Some of the rich offerings available through ADP TotalSource to address today\u2019s workplace challenges include:\n\u2022 Better Employee Benefits: Through our PEO, many of our clients discover that they can offer a richer overall benefits package than they could afford to offer on their own. We give clients access to a patented approach to help them target the best benefit plan offerings for their employees. They can compare plan options and make more educated decisions about what plan offering is best for their company and budget. In addition, ADP TotalSource integrates with our award-winning ADP Marketplace to further tailor offerings, such as helping employees pay off student loans with payroll contributions and integrating a client\u2019s U.S. PEO population with its global workforce\u2019s HR system of record.\n\u2022 Protection and Compliance: ADP TotalSource HR experts help clients manage the risks of being an employer by advising how to handle properly a range of issues \n\u2013\n from HR and safety compliance to employee-relations. This includes access to workers' compensation coverage and expertise designed to help them handle both routine and unexpected incidents, including discrimination and harassment claims. \n\u2022 Talent Engagement: Featuring a talent blueprint, ADP TotalSource HR experts work with clients to help them better engage and retain their workforce through solutions that support the core needs of an employee at work. In addition, our full-service recruitment team is dedicated to helping our clients find and hire new talent, while reducing the stress of uncovering top talent.\n\u2022 Expertise: Each client is assigned a designated HR specialist for day-to-day and strategic guidance. Clients can also access data-driven benchmarks in areas such as turnover and overtime, staffing and understanding profit leaks, and have their ADP HR expert help tailor recommendations to continue to drive their business forward. A payroll specialist is also available to clients to help them ensure their workers are paid correctly, on time and in compliance.\nADP Comprehensive Services. \n Leveraging our market-leading ADP Workforce Now platform, ADP Comprehensive Services partners with clients of all types \nand sizes to tackle their HR, talent, benefits administration and pay challenges with help from our proven expertise, deep experience and best practices. ADP Comprehensive Services is flexible \n\u2013\n enabling clients to partner with us for managed services for one, some or all areas across HR, talent, benefits administration and pay. We provide outsourced execution that combines processes, technology and a robust service and support team that acts as an extension of our client\u2019s in-house resources \n\u2013\n so their HCM and pay operations are executed with confidence.\nADP Comprehensive Outsourcing Services (ADP COS).\n ADP COS is designed for large business outsourcing for payroll, HR administration, workforce management, benefits administration and talent management. With ADP COS, the day-to-day payroll process becomes our responsibility, freeing up clients to address critical issues like employee engagement and retention. The combination of technology, deep expertise and data-driven insights that ADP COS offers is powerful, allowing clients to focus on strategy and results.\nADP Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services (ADP RPO\n\u00ae\n). \n ADP RPO provides deep talent insights to help drive targeted recruitment strategies for attracting top talent. With global, customizable recruitment services, ADP RPO enables organizations to find and hire the best candidates for hourly, professional or executive positions. In addition, we also deliver market analytics, sourcing strategies, candidate screening, selection and on-boarding solutions to help organizations connect their talent strategy to their business's priorities.\nGlobal Solutions\nOur premier global solutions consist of multi-country and local in-country solutions for employers of any type or size. We partner with clients to help them navigate the most complex HR and payroll scenarios using tailored and scalable technology supported by our deep compliance expertise.\nADP Global Payroll is a solution for multinational organizations of all sizes, empowering them to harmonize \n11\nHCM strategies in 140 countries globally. This improves visibility, control and operational efficiency, giving organizations the insight and confidence to adapt to changing local needs, while helping to drive overall organizational agility and engagement.\nWe also offer comprehensive, country-specific HCM solutions that combine innovative technology with deep local expertise. By operating a flexible service model, we help clients manage various combinations of payroll services, HR management, time and attendance management, talent management and benefits management, depending on the country in which the solution is provided.\nWe pay over 15 million workers outside the United States with our in-country solutions and with ADP GlobalView, ADP Celergo/Streamline and ADP iHCM \n\u2013\n our simplified and intuitive multi-country solutions. As part of our global payroll services, we supply year-end regulatory and legislative tax statements and other forms to our clients\u2019 employees. Our global talent management solutions elevate the employee experience, from recruitment to ongoing employee engagement and development. Our comprehensive HR solutions combined with our deep expertise make our clients\u2019 global HR management strategies a reality. Our configurable, automated time and attendance tools help global clients understand the work being performed and the resources being used, and help ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time.\nMARKETS AND SALES\nOur HCM solutions are offered in 140 countries and territories across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The most material markets for HCM Solutions, Global Solutions and HRO Solutions (other than PEO) are the United States, Canada and Europe. In each market, we have both country-specific solutions and multi-country solutions, for employers of all sizes and complexities. The major components of our offerings throughout these geographies are payroll, HR outsourcing and time and attendance management. In addition, we offer wage and tax collection and/or remittance services in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, India and China. Our PEO business offers services exclusively in the United States.\nWe market our solutions primarily through our direct sales force. We also market HCM Solutions, Global Solutions and HRO Solutions through indirect sales channels, such as marketing relationships with certified public accountants and banks, among others. None of our major business units has a single homogeneous client base or market. While concentrations of clients exist in specific industries, no one client, industry or industry group is material to our overall revenues. We are a leader in each of our major service \nofferings and do not believe any of our major services or business units is subject to unique market risk.\nCOMPETITION\nThe industries in which we operate are highly competitive. We know of no reliable statistics by which we can determine the number of our competitors, but we believe that we are one of the largest providers of HCM solutions in the world. HCM Solutions, Global Solutions and HRO Solutions (other than PEO) compete with other business outsourcing companies, companies providing ERP services, providers of cloud-based HCM solutions and financial institutions. Our PEO business competes with other PEOs providing similar services, as well as business outsourcing companies, companies providing ERP services and providers of cloud-based HCM solutions. Other competitive factors include a company\u2019s in-house function, whereby a company installs and operates its own HCM system.\nCompetition for business outsourcing solutions is primarily based on product and service quality, reputation, ease of use and accessibility of technology, breadth of offerings, and price. We believe that we are competitive in each of these areas and that our leading-edge technology (together with our data) and commitment to service excellence, distinguishes us from our competitors.\nINDUSTRY REGULATION\nOur business is subject to a wide range of complex U.S. and foreign laws and regulations. In addition, many of our solutions are designed to assist clients with their compliance with certain U.S. and foreign laws and regulations that apply to them. We have, and continue to enhance, compliance programs and policies to monitor and address the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our operations and client solutions, including dedicated compliance personnel and training programs.\nAs one of the world\u2019s largest providers of HCM solutions, our systems contain a significant amount of sensitive data \n12\nrelated to clients, employees of our clients, vendors and our employees. We are, therefore, subject to compliance obligations under federal, state and foreign privacy, data protection, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity-related laws, including federal, state and foreign security breach notification laws with respect to both client employee data and our own employee data. The changing nature of these comprehensive laws in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, including the European Union\u2019s (the \u201cEU\u201d) General Data Protection Regulation (the \u201cGDPR\u201d) and the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (the \u201cCPRA\u201d), impact our processing of personal information of our employees and on behalf of our clients. The GDPR imposes strict and comprehensive requirements on us as both a data controller and a data processor. As part of our overall data protection compliance program, including with respect to data protection laws in the EU, we are one of the few companies in the world to have implemented Binding Corporate Rules (\u201cBCRs\u201d). Compliance with our BCRs permits us to process and transfer personal data across borders in accordance with the GDPR and other data protection laws in the EU. The\n \nCPRA requires companies to provide data disclosure, access, deletion and opt-out rights to consumers in California. In the area of artificial intelligence, some states and localities in the U.S. have proposed or already enacted legislation and proposals are pending in the European Union and elsewhere that would impose obligations on how we develop and market AI-based products and solutions. Additionally, self-regulatory frameworks like the National Institute of Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework are being promulgated and adherence to these may become an industry standard or client expectation. In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 applies to our insurance services businesses and ADP TotalSource.\nAs part of our payroll and payroll tax management services, we move client funds to taxing authorities, our clients\u2019 employees and other payees via electronic transfer, direct deposit, prepaid access and ADPCheck. In 2019, the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (the \u201cOCC\u201d) authorized us to open ADP Trust Company, National Association (the \u201cADP Trust Bank\u201d), via a national trust bank charter pursuant to the National Bank Act. The ADP Trust Bank is the sole trustee of ADP Client Trust, our grantor trust which holds U.S. client funds, and is responsible for the oversight and management of those client funds. The ADP Trust Bank, and all of its fiduciary activities including the U.S. money movement it oversees and manages via ADP Client Trust, is subject to comprehensive ongoing oversight and regulation by the OCC. In addition, our U.S. money movement managed by the ADP Trust Bank and our U.S. prepaid access offering are subject to the anti-money laundering and reporting provisions of The Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the \u201cBSA\u201d). Elements \nof our money movement activities outside of the United States are subject to licensing and similar anti-money laundering and reporting laws and requirements in certain countries in which we provide such services. Our employee background screening services business offers background checking services that are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. ADP TotalSource is subject to various state licensing requirements and, as a Certified PEO, maintains certifications with the Internal Revenue Service. Because ADP TotalSource is a co-employer with respect to its clients\u2019 worksite employees, we may be subject to certain obligations and responsibilities of an employer under federal and state tax, insurance and employment laws, including worksite employee payroll obligations and with respect to claimed employee retention and other tax credits. ADP Strategic Plan Services, LLC, our registered investment adviser, provides certain investment management and advisory services to retirement plan administrators under a heightened \u201cfiduciary\u201d standard and is regulated by the SEC and the U.S. Department of Labor. ADP Broker-Dealer, Inc., which supports our Retirement Services business, is a registered broker-dealer regulated by the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).\nOur current and future offerings in the payments and/or consumer space may also subject us to additional laws and regulations, which could also require corresponding compliance programs and policies and dedicated resources.\nIn addition, many of our businesses offer solutions that assist our clients in complying with certain U.S. and foreign laws and regulations that apply to them. Although these laws and regulations apply to our clients and not to ADP, changes in such laws or regulations may affect our operations, products and services. For example, our payroll services are designed to facilitate compliance with state laws and regulations applicable to the payment of wages. In addition, our HCM solutions help clients manage their compliance with certain requirements of the Affordable Care Act in the United States. Similarly, our Tax Credit Services business, which helps clients in the United States take advantage of tax credit opportunities in connection with the hiring of new employees and certain other activities, is based on federal, state or local tax laws and regulations allowing for tax credits, which are subject to renewal, amendment or rescission.\nWe believe that key components of our compliance programs provide real competitive differentiators. For instance, our BCRs have enabled ADP to apply a global standard of data protection, simplifying data transfer processes and assisting our clients in meeting the demanding standards of data protection expected in Europe \u2013 a solution that most competitors cannot provide. Similarly, the ADP Client Trust and ADP Trust Bank provide client funds with a level of protection that most competitors cannot offer. We continue to expand our \n13\napproach to compliance and are adopting \u201cCompliance by design\u201d as a tenet that prioritizes compliance in designing and developing new solutions to support our clients.\nThe foregoing description does not include an exhaustive list of the laws and regulations governing or impacting our business. See the discussion contained in the \u201cRisk Factors\u201d section in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding changes in laws and regulations that could have a materially adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations or financial condition or have other adverse consequences.\nCLIENTS AND CLIENT CONTRACTS\nWe provide services to more than 1 million clients. In fiscal 2023, no single client or group of affiliated clients accounted for revenues in excess of 2% of our annual consolidated revenues.\nWe are continuously in the process of performing implementation services for new clients. Depending on the service agreement and/or the size of the client, the installation or conversion period for new clients can vary from a short period of time for a small Employer Services client (as little as 24 hours) to a longer period for a large Employer Services client with multiple deliverables (generally six to nine months). In some cases, based on a client's timeline, the period may exceed two years for a large, multi-country GlobalView client or other large, multi-phase implementation. Although we monitor sales that have not yet been installed, we do not view this metric as material to an understanding of our overall business in light of the recurring nature of our business. This metric is not a reported number, but it is used by management as a planning tool to allocate resources needed to install services, and as a means of assessing our performance against the expectations of our clients. In addition, some of our products and services are sold under longer-term contracts with initial terms ranging from two to seven years. However, this anticipated future revenue under contract is not a significant portion of our expected future revenue, is not a meaningful indicator of our future performance and is not material to management's estimate of our future revenue.\nOur business is typically characterized by long-term client relationships that result in recurring revenue. Our services are provided under written price quotations or service agreements having varying terms and conditions. No one price quotation or service agreement is material to us. Based on our retention levels in fiscal 2023, our client retention is estimated at approximately \n13 years\n in Employer Services, and approximately \n6 years\n in PEO. \nPRODUCT DEVELOPMENT\nWe continually upgrade, enhance, and expand our solutions and services. In general, new solutions and services supplement rather than replace our existing solutions and services and, given our recurring revenue model, do not have a material and immediate effect on our revenues. We believe that our strategic solutions and services have significant remaining life cycles.\nSYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAMMING\nDuring the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we invested approximately $1.195 billion, $1.210 billion and $1.016 billion, respectively, in systems development and programming. These investments include expenses for activities such as the development of new products, maintenance expenses associated with our existing technologies, purchases of new software and software licenses, and additions to software resulting from business combinations.\nLICENSES\nWe are the licensee under a number of agreements for computer programs and databases. Our business is not dependent upon a single license or group of licenses. Third-party licenses, patents, trademarks, and franchises are not material to our business as a whole.\nOUR HCM STRATEGY \nOur Human Capital Management (HCM) strategy is simple, our people are one of our most valuable assets and we are committed to valuing, developing and engaging them. \nOur Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), together with our Executive Leadership Team, manages our HCM strategy and related programs and initiatives, as well as our talent strategy. Our CHRO, along with our CEO, as \n14\nappropriate, regularly updates and supports our Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board (\u201cCMDC\u201d) as well as the Board of Directors on HCM matters, including culture, engagement, and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. The CMDC is responsible for these matters, as well as our executive compensation program, management succession planning and talent development, and company-wide equity-based plans.\n \nOur Associates and Demographics\nAs of \nJune\u00a030, 2023\n, our global team of associates consisted of approximately 63,000 persons. We track certain gender and racial demographics of our workforce and share them in our annual Global Corporate Social Responsibility (\u201cCSR\u201d) Report, which is available on our website. \nNothing in our CSR Report shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nOur Culture and Values\nMore than 70 years ago, our founders established the values that guide us today. \nThese values have helped shape our one-of-a-kind culture, which embraces diversity, equity, inclusiveness and belonging.\nOur long-term business success is closely linked to our commitment to creating an environment in which our associates thrive, and that means we have to listen to and engage our associates. We conduct an annual culture survey, myVoice, where our associates can share their opinions on important topics, including client service, diversity, social responsibility, ethics, innovation and leadership. Along with many of our world-class clients, we leverage our innovative StandOut\u00ae powered by ADP platform, to drive talent engagement, performance management and activation. We issue quarterly global \nStandOut\u00ae Engagement Pulse\u00ae and Performance Pulse\u00ae surveys to ensure that all associates can share with their leaders how they feel about their work and their colleagues, and for us to get a snapshot of engagement across the globe. \nThe strength of our ADP team comes from what each one of us offers each other, our clients and our community. Through our myMoment Recognition Program, we give our associates the opportunity to recognize and celebrate each other when they demonstrate our values, drive our goals and go above and beyond in contributing to our collective success. Our global ADP Cares program, which is funded by the Company, the ADP Foundation and our generous associates, helps members of our team get through difficult, unforeseen events such as natural disasters and major illnesses. We also proudly support our associates that give back to our communities through paid volunteer time off and our donation matching program.\nDiversity, equity and inclusion are a cornerstone of our one-of-a-kind culture. We value diverse perspectives and believe that our associates and their best ideas thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities and clients we serve and are firmly focused on ensuring that all our associates are welcomed and enjoy a deep sense of belonging.\nWe have a number of initiatives to strengthen and further cultivate our inclusive and diverse culture, starting with our Talent Task Force for all of our people leaders, which includes diversity goals for our senior leaders that are tied to their compensation as an incentive to diversify our leadership ranks. Our Workforce Diversity Initiative uses data analysis to identify and focus on opportunities to increase the number of underrepresented associates in our workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. Our voluntary business resource groups (BRGs), which cover a broad array of diverse associates that share common interests and experiences, make us stronger by promoting diversity and cultural awareness, accelerating associate engagement, retention and career development, helping build relationships with diverse markets in our communities, and promoting the conservation and restoration of natural resources. \nWe have undertaken and implemented several initiatives that underpin our culture, values and talent practices, including:\n\u2022 Continuing to eliminate a college degree requirement to expand the applicant pool for non-specialized roles, such as those in our sales, service and implementation and technology organizations;\n\u2022 Launching ADP\u2019s Impact Council, activating top executives to align their business unit practices and \n15\noutcomes with our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy; and\n\u2022 Establishing partnerships with the National Black MBA Association, the United Negro College Fund, Prospanica, the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology and Disability:IN to further diversify our talent pipeline and educate and develop their members.\nIn addition, we are deeply committed to fair and equitable pay, which is critical to creating a diverse, inclusive and engaging culture. We make pay decisions based on skills, job-related experience, the market value of the job and performance, and in the U.S. and Canada do not ask candidates for prior pay history, whether or not we are required to do so.\nOur commitment to building a better world of work and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive has led to recognition across the globe, including Fortune\u2019s World\u2019s Most Admired Companies (17 consecutive years); Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality (13 consecutive perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation\u2019s Corporate Equality Index); DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity; Seramount\u2019s Best Companies. for Multicultural Women; Barron\u2019s 100 Most Sustainable Companies; and Newsweek\u2019s America\u2019s Most Responsible Companies.\nOur Talent Strategy\nOur talent strategy is simple \u2013 we aim to attract, develop and retain ambitious, passionate and overall top talent by offering a place where our people can grow their careers, challenge themselves, share generously, take risks, and create positive change. This has allowed us to be consistently recognized by esteemed organizations as an employer of choice year after year.\nWe invest in our team members so that they have the skills necessary to succeed and grow their careers. The ADP talent journey begins with an innovative, engaging and comprehensive onboarding process followed by extensive \ntraining and mentorship. Thereafter, our associates can access a wide range of professional and functional skills training to further continue and enhance performance and career development. Our professional skills program provides on-demand and self-paced learning paths on key topics such as business acumen, client service, time management, teamwork and collaboration, communication and career management. Our leadership program is designed to help leaders build self-awareness, cultivate strong internal relationships, establish a leadership model that is unique to their strengths and achieve better decision-making using systems thinking.\nOur Benefits and Health and Wellness Programs\nThe wide range of benefits and health and wellness programs we offer contribute to an environment where all our associates add to our success. Our associates receive a competitive benefits package, intended to help them enjoy physical, emotional and financial well-being and be productive members of their teams. While exact benefits vary by associate and region, they typically include health care coverage, a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions for U.S. associates, life insurance, paid time off and tuition reimbursement. We particularly emphasize benefits that support individual and family needs (parental leave, adoption/fertility benefits and caregiver support), and constantly update our programs according to our associates\u2019 needs.\nWe offer physical and mental wellness programs that help our team pursue a healthy lifestyle and reduce absenteeism and lost time due to injuries. Our efforts include a company-wide health and safety manual and website, safety education and training, and a wellness program that rewards associates for completing wellness activities. Physical and mental health initiatives vary across regions, but can include personal health checks, nutrition and fitness expert visits offering free consultation and programs, employee mental wellness assistance programs, free counseling and mental health therapy assistance for associates, and mindfulness classes. \nAvailable Information\nOur corporate website, \nwww.adp.com\n, provides materials for investors and information about our solutions and services. ADP\u2019s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports, and the Proxy Statements for our Annual Meetings of Stockholders are made available, free of charge, on our corporate website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports have been filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d), and are also available on the SEC\u2019s website at \nwww.sec.gov\n. The content on any website referenced in this filing is not incorporated by reference into this filing unless expressly noted otherwise.\n16",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. Risk Factors\nOur businesses routinely encounter and address risks, some of which may cause our future results to be different than we currently anticipate. The risk factors described below represent our current view of some of the most important risks facing our businesses and are important to understanding our business. The following information should be read in conjunction with Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion includes a number of forward-looking statements. You should refer to the description of the qualifications and limitations on forward-looking statements in the first paragraph under Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See \"Item 1. Business\u2014Competition\" of this Form 10-K for a discussion of the competitive environment in the markets in which we operate. Many risks affect more than one category, and the risks are not in order of significance or probability of occurrence because they have been grouped by categories. The risks described below are not the only risks we face and the occurrence of any of the following risks or other risks not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could\n \nhave a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or reputation.\nLEGAL AND COMPLIANCE RISKS\nFailure to comply with, compliance with or changes in, laws and regulations applicable to our businesses could have a materially adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations or financial condition, or have other adverse consequences\nOur business is subject to a wide range of complex U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations described in the \u201cIndustry Regulation\u201d section in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Failure to comply with laws and regulations applicable to our operations or client solutions and services could cause us to incur substantial costs or could result in the suspension or revocation of licenses or registrations, the limitation, suspension or termination of services, the imposition of consent orders or civil and criminal penalties, including fines, and lawsuits, including class actions, that could damage our reputation and have a materially adverse effect on our results of operation or financial condition.\nIn addition, changes in laws or regulations, or changes in the interpretation of laws or regulations by a regulatory authority, may decrease our revenues and earnings and may require us to change the manner in which we conduct some aspects of our business. For example, a change in regulations either decreasing the amount of taxes to be \nwithheld or allowing less time to remit taxes to government authorities would adversely impact average client balances and, thereby, adversely impact interest income from investing client funds before such funds are remitted to the applicable taxing authorities. Changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws, regulations or rulings or the interpretation thereof could adversely affect our effective tax rate and our net income. Changes in laws, or interpretations thereof, that govern the co-employment arrangement between a professional employer organization and its worksite employees may require us to change the manner in which we conduct some aspects of our PEO business. In addition, changes in the manner in which health and welfare plans sponsored by PEOs or the TotalSource Health and Welfare Plan, in particular, are regulated could adversely impact the demand for our PEO offering. \nBecause our PEO is a co-employer with our PEO clients and a Certified PEO by the Internal Revenue Service, we may be subject to certain obligations, responsibilities and liabilities of an employer with respect to Worksite Employees (WSE), including with respect to their wages and the payment thereof, the payment of certain taxes with respect to WSE wages and employee benefits provided to the WSEs. Even though PEO clients are contractually responsible for the timely remittance of such costs, it is possible that our clients will not remit such payments despite their contractual obligations. The risk of failing to receive such payments from PEO clients could be magnified during significant financial or other disruptions or catastrophic events, such as the failure of a bank, like that of Signature Bank or Silicon Valley Bank, with whom a significant number of PEO clients may bank at the time, or more widespread stress or failure within the U.S. banking system. Any such event could prevent or materially delay the recovery of any payments not timely remitted and could have an adverse impact on our financial results and liquidity.\nOur Wisely offerings and potentially other future offerings in the payments and/or consumer space may subject us to additional laws and regulations, some of which may not be uniform and may require us to modify or restrict our offerings and decrease our potential revenue and earnings. \nFailure to comply with anti-corruption laws and regulations, economic and trade sanctions, anti-money laundering laws and regulations, and similar laws could have a materially adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations or financial condition, or have other adverse consequences\nRegulators worldwide continue to exercise a high level of scrutiny with respect to anti-corruption, economic and trade sanctions, and anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Such scrutiny has resulted in aggressive investigations and enforcement of such laws and burdensome regulations, any of which could materially adversely impact our business. We operate our business around the world, including in numerous developing economies where companies and government officials are more likely to engage in business practices that are \n17\nprohibited by domestic and foreign laws and regulations, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010. Such laws generally prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign government officials and leaders of political parties and, in some cases, to other persons, for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We are also subject to economic and trade sanctions programs, including those administered by the U.S. Treasury Department\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control, which prohibit or restrict transactions or dealings with specified countries, their governments and, in certain circumstances, their nationals, and with individuals and entities that are specially designated, including narcotics traffickers and terrorists or terrorist organizations, among others. In addition, some of our businesses and entities in the U.S. and a number of other countries in which we operate are subject to anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including, for example, The Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the \u201cBSA\u201d). Among other things, the BSA requires certain financial institutions, including banks and money services businesses (such as national trust banks and providers of prepaid access like us), to develop and implement risk-based anti-money laundering programs, report large cash transactions and suspicious activity, and maintain transaction records. We have registered our payroll card business as a provider of prepaid access, and registered our ADP Trust Bank with the Treasury Department\u2019s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).\nWe have implemented policies and procedures to monitor and address compliance with applicable anti-corruption, economic and trade sanctions and anti-money laundering laws and regulations, and we regularly review, upgrade and enhance our policies and procedures. However, there can be no assurance that our employees, consultants or agents will not take actions in violation of our policies for which we may be ultimately responsible, or that our policies and procedures will be adequate or will be determined to be adequate by regulators. Any violations of applicable anti-corruption, economic and trade sanctions or anti-money laundering laws or regulations could limit certain of our business activities until they are satisfactorily remediated and could result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines, which could damage our reputation and have a materially adverse effect on our results of operation or financial condition. Further, bank regulators continue to impose additional and stricter requirements on banks to ensure they are meeting their BSA obligations, and banks are increasingly viewing money services businesses and third-party senders to be higher risk customers for money laundering. As a result, our banking partners that assist in processing our money movement transactions may limit the scope of services they provide to us or may impose additional material requirements on us. These regulatory restrictions on banks and changes to banks\u2019 internal risk-based policies and procedures may result in a decrease in \nthe number of banks that may do business with us, may require us to materially change the manner in which we conduct some aspects of our business, may decrease our revenues and earnings and could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.\nFailure to comply with privacy, data protection, artificial intelligence and cyber security laws and regulations could have a materially adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations or financial condition, or have other adverse consequences\nThe collection, storage, hosting, transfer, processing, disclosure, use, security and retention and destruction of personal information required to provide our services is subject to federal, state and foreign privacy, data protection and cyber security laws. These laws, which are not uniform, generally do one or more of the following: regulate the collection, storage, hosting, transfer (including in some cases, the transfer outside the country of collection), processing, disclosure, use, security and retention and destruction of personal information; require notice to individuals of privacy practices; give individuals certain access and correction rights with respect to their personal information; and regulate the use or disclosure of personal information for secondary purposes such as marketing. Under certain circumstances, some of these laws require us to provide notification to affected individuals, clients, data protection authorities and/or other regulators in the event of a data breach. In many cases, these laws apply not only to third-party transactions, but also to transfers of information among the Company and its subsidiaries. The European Union (the \u201cEU\u201d) General Data Protection Regulation (the \u201cGDPR\u201d), and state consumer privacy laws like the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (the \u201cCPRA\u201d), are among the most comprehensive of these laws, and more and more jurisdictions are adopting similarly comprehensive laws that impose new data privacy protection requirements and restrictions. As part of our overall data protection compliance program in connection with the GDPR, we implemented Binding Corporate Rules (\u201cBCRs\u201d) as both a data processor and data controller, which permits us to process and transfer personal data across borders in compliance with EU data protection laws.\nWe believe that providing insights and content from data, including via artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), will become increasingly important to the \nvalue\n that our solutions and services deliver to our clients. We are increasingly leveraging AI and ML in our solutions and service delivery and are exploring how best to integrate generative AI technologies and develop and deploy capabilities that are beneficial to our clients and their employees. However, legislation that would govern the development and/or use of AI is under consideration in the U.S. at the state and local level, as well as abroad. In \naddition\n, self-regulatory frameworks like the National \n18\nInstitute of Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework are being promulgated and adherence to these may become an industry standard or a client expectation. As a result, the ability to provide data-driven insights and otherwise leverage AI and ML may be constrained by current or future laws, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements or ethical considerations, including our own published, guiding ethical principles regarding AI and ML, that could restrict or impose burdensome and costly requirements on our ability to leverage data and/or these technologies in innovative ways.\nComplying with privacy, data protection, AI and cyber security laws and requirements, including the enhanced obligations imposed by the GDPR, our BCRs and the CPRA, may result in significant costs to our business and require us to amend certain of our business practices. Further, enforcement actions and investigations by regulatory authorities related to data security incidents and privacy violations continue to increase. The future enactment of more restrictive laws, rules or regulations and/or future enforcement actions or investigations could have a materially adverse impact on us through increased costs or restrictions on our businesses and noncompliance could result in significant regulatory penalties and legal liability and damage our reputation. In addition, data security events, concerns about privacy abuses by other companies and increased awareness of the potential (positive and negative) of AI are changing consumer and social expectations for enhanced protections (including with respect to bias and potential discrimination). As a result, noncompliance, the failure to meet such expectations or the perception of noncompliance or such failure, whether or not valid, may damage our reputation.\nIf we fail to protect our intellectual property rights, it could materially adversely affect our business and our brand\nOur ability to compete and our success depend, in part, upon our intellectual property. We rely on patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws, and confidentiality or license agreements with our employees, clients, vendors, partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights. We may need to devote significant resources, including cybersecurity resources, to monitoring our intellectual property rights. In addition, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property rights may be inadequate or ineffective, or may not provide us with a significant competitive advantage. Our intellectual property could be wrongfully acquired as a result of a cyber-attack or other wrongful conduct by third parties or our personnel. Litigation brought to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights could be costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights may be met with defenses, counterclaims, and countersuits attacking the validity and enforceability of our intellectual property rights, which \nmay be successful. In addition, use of AI tools may result in the release of confidential or proprietary information which could limit our ability to protect, or prevent us from protecting, our intellectual property rights.\nWe may be sued by third parties for infringement of their proprietary rights, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations\nThere is considerable intellectual property development activity in our industry. Third parties, including our competitors, may own or claim to own intellectual property relating to our products or services and may claim that we are infringing their intellectual property rights. Additionally, as we expand our use of AI, there is uncertainty regarding intellectual property ownership and license rights of AI algorithms and content generated by AI and we may become subject to similar claims of infringement. We may be found to be infringing upon third party intellectual property rights, even if we are unaware of their intellectual property rights. Any claims or litigation could cause us to incur significant expenses and, if successfully asserted against us or if we decide to settle, could require that we pay substantial damages or ongoing royalty payments, obtain licenses, modify applications, prevent us from offering our services, or require that we comply with other unfavorable terms. We may also be obligated to indemnify our clients, vendors or partners in connection with any such claim or litigation. Even if we were to prevail in such a dispute, any litigation could be costly and time-consuming.\nSECURITY AND TECHNOLOGY RISKS\nOur businesses collect, host, store, transfer, process, disclose, use, secure and retain and dispose of personal and business information, and collect, hold and transmit client funds, and a security or privacy breach may damage or disrupt our businesses, result in the disclosure of confidential information, damage our reputation, increase our costs, cause losses and materially adversely affect our results of operations\nIn connection with our business, we collect, host, store, transfer, process, disclose, use, secure and retain and dispose of large amounts of personal and business information about our clients, employees of our clients, our vendors and our employees, contractors and temporary staff, including payroll information, health care information, personal and business financial data, social security numbers and their foreign equivalents, bank account numbers, tax information and other sensitive personal and business information. We also collect significant amounts of funds from the accounts of our clients and transmit them to their employees, taxing authorities and other third parties.\n19\nWe are focused on ensuring that we safeguard and protect personal and business information and client funds, and we devote significant resources to maintain and regularly update our systems and processes. Nonetheless, the global environment continues to grow increasingly hostile as attacks on information technology systems continue to grow in frequency, complexity and sophistication, and we are regularly targeted by unauthorized parties using malicious tactics, code and viruses. Certain of these malicious parties may be state-sponsored and/or supported by significant financial and technological resources. Although this is a global problem, it may affect our businesses more than other businesses because malevolent parties (including our personnel) may focus on the amount and type of personal and business information that our businesses collect, host, store, transfer, process, disclose, use, secure and retain and dispose of, and the client funds that we collect and transmit.\nWe have programs and processes in place to prevent, detect and respond to data or cybersecurity incidents. However, as a result of the complexity of our operating environment, the period over which hardware and software has been acquired or other reasons, our programs and processes may not be sufficient or adequate or may fail to prevent, detect or respond to a cybersecurity incident or identify and/or remediate a security vulnerability in our operating environment. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently, are increasingly more complex and sophisticated (including due to the use of AI). We may fail to anticipate or detect these techniques and/or incidents for long periods of time and, even when we do so, we may be unable or fail to implement adequate or timely preventive or responsive measures. Our ability to address data or cybersecurity incidents may also depend on the timing and nature of assistance that may be provided from relevant governmental or law enforcement agencies. Hardware, software, applications or services that we develop or procure from third parties, or are required by third parties such as foreign governments to install on our systems, may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could (or, in respect of third-party software, may be designed to) compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of data or our systems. Unauthorized parties also attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through fraud, trickery, or other methods of deceiving these third parties or our personnel, including phishing and other social engineering techniques whereby attackers use end-user behaviors to distribute computer viruses and malware into our systems or otherwise compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of data or our systems. As these threats continue to evolve and increase (including due to the use of AI), we continue to invest significant resources, and may be required to invest significant additional resources, to modify and enhance our information security and controls \nand to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities. In addition, while our operating environments are designed to safeguard and protect confidential personal and business information, we may not have the ability to monitor the implementation or effectiveness of any safeguards by our clients, vendors or partners and, in any event, third parties may be able to circumvent those security measures. Information obtained by malevolent parties (including our personnel) resulting from successful attacks against our clients, vendors, partners or other third parties may, in turn, be used to attack our information technology systems.\nA cyberattack, unauthorized intrusion, malicious software infiltration, network disruption, denial of service, corruption of data, ransomware attack, theft of non-public or other sensitive information, or similar act by a malevolent party (including our personnel), or inadvertent acts or inactions by our vendors, partners or personnel, could result in the loss, disclosure or misuse of confidential personal or business information or the theft of client or ADP funds, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business or results of operations or that of our clients, result in liability, litigation, regulatory investigations and sanctions or a loss of confidence in our ability to serve clients, or cause current or potential clients to choose another service provider. As the global environment continues to grow increasingly hostile, the security of our operating environment is ever more important to our clients and potential clients. As a result, the breach or perceived breach of our security systems could result in a loss of confidence by our clients or potential clients and cause them to choose another service provider, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.\nAlthough we believe that we maintain a robust program of information security and controls and none of the data or cybersecurity incidents that we have encountered to date have materially impacted us, a data or cyber security incident could have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation. While ADP maintains insurance coverage that, subject to policy terms and conditions and a significant self-insured retention, is designed to address losses or claims that may arise in connection with certain aspects of data and cyber risks, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses or all types of claims that may arise in the continually evolving area of data and cyber risk.\nOur systems, applications, solutions and services may be subject to disruptions that could have a materially adverse effect on our business and reputation\nMany of our businesses are highly dependent on our ability to process, on a daily basis, a large number of complicated transactions. We rely heavily on our payroll, financial, \n20\naccounting, and other data processing systems. We need to properly manage our systems, applications and solutions, and any upgrades, enhancements and expansions we may undertake from time to time, in order to ensure they properly support our businesses. From time to time, these systems, applications or solutions fail to operate properly or become disabled. Any such failure or disablement, even for a brief period of time, whether due to malevolent acts, errors, defects or any other factor(s), could result in financial loss, a disruption of our businesses, liability to clients, loss of clients, regulatory intervention or damage to our reputation, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operation or financial condition. We have disaster recovery, business continuity, and crisis management plans and procedures designed to protect our businesses against a multitude of events, including natural disasters, military or terrorist actions, power or communication failures, or similar events. Despite our preparations, our plans and procedures may not be successful in preventing or mitigating the loss of client data or funds, service interruptions, disruptions to our operations, or damage to our important facilities.\n \nIn addition, the severity of the failure or disablement may require us to replace or rebuild the affected system(s), application(s) or solution(s) and we may be unable to do so before it materially adversely affects our business.\nA disruption of the data centers or cloud-computing or other technology services or systems that we utilize could have a materially adverse effect on our business\nWe host our applications and serve our clients with data centers that we operate, and with data centers that are operated, and cloud-computing and other technology services and systems that are provided, by third-party vendors. These data centers or cloud-computing and other technology services and systems have (and, in the future, may) failed, become disabled or been disrupted. Any failure, disablement or disruption, even for a limited period of time, could disrupt our businesses and we could suffer financial loss, liability to clients, loss of clients, regulatory intervention or damage to our reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operation or financial condition. In addition, our third-party vendors may cease providing data center facilities or cloud-computing or other technology services or systems, elect to not renew their agreements with us on commercially reasonable terms or at all, breach their agreements with us or fail to satisfy our expectations, which could disrupt our operations and require us to incur costs which could materially adversely affect our results of operation or financial condition.\nBUSINESS AND INDUSTRY RISKS\nOur industry is subject to rapid technological change, including as a result of AI, and if we fail to upgrade, enhance and expand our technology and services to meet client needs and preferences, the demand for our solutions and services may materially diminish\nOur businesses operate in industries that are subject to rapid technological advances (such as AI) and changing client needs and preferences. In order to remain competitive and responsive to client demands, we continually upgrade, enhance, and expand our technology, solutions and services, including by leveraging AI in our solutions. If we fail to respond successfully to technology challenges and client needs and preferences or our competitors or other third parties respond to such challenges more quickly or successfully than us, the demand for our solutions and services may diminish. As new technologies (such as AI) continue to emerge, they may be disruptive to the HCM industry. These technologies could result in new and innovative HCM products and solutions that could increase competition, place us at a competitive disadvantage or even render obsolete our technology, products and solutions. In addition, investment in product development and new technologies often involves a long return on investment cycle. We have made and expect to continue to make significant investments in product development and new technologies. We must continue to dedicate a significant amount of resources to our development efforts before knowing to what extent our investments will result in products the market will accept. In addition, our business could be adversely affected in periods surrounding our new product introductions if clients delay purchasing decisions to evaluate the new product offerings. Furthermore, we may not execute successfully on our product development strategy, including because of challenges with regard to product planning and timing and technical hurdles that we fail to overcome in a timely fashion. We may fail to realize all the economic benefit of our investment in the development of a product which could cause an impairment of goodwill or intangibles and result in a significant charge to earnings.\nWe may not realize or sustain the expected benefits from our business transformation initiatives, and these efforts could have a materially adverse effect on our business, operations, financial condition, results of operations and competitive position\nWe have been and will be undertaking certain transformation initiatives, which are designed to streamline our organization, extend our world-class distribution and strengthen our talent and culture, while supporting our revenue growth, margin improvement and productivity. If we do not successfully manage and execute these initiatives, or if they are inadequate or ineffective, we may fail to meet our financial goals and achieve anticipated benefits, improvements may be delayed, not sustained or not realized and our business, operations and competitive position could be adversely affected. These initiatives, or our failure to successfully manage them, could result in unintended consequences or unforeseen costs, including distraction of our management and employees, attrition, inability to attract or retain key personnel, and reduced employee productivity, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\n21\nA major natural disaster or catastrophic event could have a materially adverse effect on our business, operations, financial condition and results of operations, or have other adverse consequences\nOur business, operations, financial condition, results of operations, access to capital markets and borrowing costs may be adversely affected by a major natural disaster or catastrophic event, including civil unrest, geopolitical instability, war, terrorist attack, pandemics or other (actual or threatened) public health emergencies, extreme weather, such as droughts, hurricanes, flooding and wildfires (including as a result of climate change), or other events beyond our control, and measures taken in response thereto.\nThe COVID-19 outbreak created, and such other events may create, significant volatility and uncertainty and economic and financial market disruption. The extent of any such impact depends on developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the duration and scope of the event; the governmental and business actions taken in response thereto; actions taken by the Company in response thereto and the related costs; the impact on economic activity and employment levels; the effect on our clients, prospects, suppliers and partners; our ability to sell and provide our solutions and services, including due to travel restrictions, business and facility closures, and employee remote working arrangements; the ability of our clients or prospects to pay for our services and solutions; and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. In addition, clients or prospects may delay decision making, demand pricing and other concessions, reduce the value or duration of their orders, delay planned work or seek to terminate existing agreements. Our business is also impacted by employment levels across our clients, as we have varied contracts throughout our business that blend base fees and per-employee fees. \nPolitical, economic \nand social\n factors may materially adversely affect our business and financial results\nTrade, monetary and fiscal policies, and political and economic conditions may substantially change, and credit markets may experience periods of constriction and volatility. A slowdown in the economy or other negative changes, including in employment levels, the level of interest rates or the level of inflation, may have a negative impact on our businesses. In addition, as our operating costs increase due to inflationary pressure or otherwise, we may not be able to offset these increases by corresponding price increases for our products and solutions. Clients may react to worsening conditions by reducing their spending on HCM services or renegotiating their contracts with us, which may adversely affect our business and financial results.\nWe invest our funds held for clients in liquid, investment-grade marketable securities, money market securities, and other cash equivalents. Nevertheless, such investments are subject to general market, interest rate, credit and liquidity risks. These risks may be exacerbated, individually or together, during periods of unusual financial market volatility.\nIn addition, as part of our client funds investment strategy, we extend the maturities of our investment portfolio for client funds and utilize short-term financing arrangements to satisfy our short-term funding requirements related to client funds obligations. In order to satisfy these short-term funding requirements, we maintain access to various sources of liquidity, including borrowings under our commercial paper program and our committed credit facilities, our ability to execute reverse repurchase transactions and corporate cash balances. A reduction in the availability of any such financing during periods of disruption in the financial markets or otherwise may increase our borrowing costs and/or require us to sell available-for-sale securities in our funds held for clients to satisfy our short-term funding requirements. When there is a reduction in employment levels due to a slowdown in the economy, the Company may experience a decline in client fund obligations and may also sell available-for-sale securities in our funds held for clients in order to reduce the size of the funds held for clients to correspond to client fund obligations. A sale of such available-for-sale securities may result in the recognition of losses and reduce the interest income earned on funds held for clients, either or both of which may adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.\nIn connection with our client funds assets investment strategy, we attempt to minimize the risk of not having funds collected from a client available at the time such client\u2019s obligation becomes due by generally impounding the client\u2019s funds at the time of payment of such client\u2019s obligation. When we don\u2019t impound client funds by the time we pay such client obligations (including for PEO clients with respect to which we are legally obligated for payroll and tax obligations in respect of WSEs as a Certified PEO), we are at risk of not recovering such funds or a material delay in such recovery. Such risk could be magnified during significant financial or other disruptions or catastrophic events, such as the failure of a bank with whom a significant number of clients may bank at the time or more widespread stress or failure within the U.S. banking system.\n \nAny such event could prevent or materially delay the recovery of any funds from clients and could have an adverse impact on our financial results and liquidity.\nWe are dependent upon various large banks to execute electronic payments and wire transfers as part of our client payroll, tax and other money movement services. While we have contingency plans in place for bank failures, a \n22\nsystemic shutdown of the banking industry would impede our ability to process funds on behalf of our payroll, tax and other money movement services clients and could have an adverse impact on our financial results and liquidity.\nWe derive a significant portion of our revenues and operating income outside of the United States and, as a result, we are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates that could impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.\nWe publicly share certain information about our environmental, social and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) initiatives, including our net zero greenhouse gas emissions pledge. We may face increased scrutiny related to our ESG initiatives and any related targets, including from the investment community. In addition, our ability to achieve certain ESG initiatives and targets may depend on the actions or continuing requirements of governmental entities (e.g., our paperless initiatives may depend on whether certain states continue to require employers to offer employees to be paid via paper check or to obtain employee consent to be paid electronically instead of via paper check). Our failure to achieve progress in these and other ESG areas on a timely basis, or at all, could impact our reputation, business, including employee retention, and growth.\nChange in our credit ratings could adversely impact our operations and lower our profitability\nThe major credit rating agencies periodically evaluate our creditworthiness and have given us strong, investment-grade long-term debt ratings and high commercial paper ratings. Failure to maintain high credit ratings on long-term and short-term debt could increase our cost of borrowing, reduce our ability to obtain intra-day borrowing required by our Employer Services business, and adversely impact our results of operations.\nOur business could be negatively impacted as a result of actions by activist stockholders or others\nWe may be subject to actions or proposals from activist stockholders or others that may not align with our business strategies or the interests of our other stockholders. Responding to such actions could be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our business and operations, and divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management from the pursuit of our business strategies. Activist stockholders may create perceived uncertainties as to the future direction of our business or strategy, including with respect to our ESG efforts, which may be exploited by our competitors and may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel, potential clients and business partners and may affect our relationships with current clients, vendors, investors and other third parties. In addition, actions of activist stockholders may cause periods of fluctuation in our stock price based on temporary or \nspeculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.\nWe may be unable to attract and retain qualified personnel\nOur ability to grow and provide our clients with competitive services is, to an important degree, dependent on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated people reflecting diverse perspectives and the diversity of our communities and clients. Competition for skilled employees in the outsourcing and other markets in which we operate is increasingly intense, making it more difficult and expensive to attract and retain highly skilled, motivated and diverse personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain highly skilled, motivated and diverse personnel, results of our operations and culture may suffer.\nIn addition, the nature of the office environment and remote or hybrid working is changing, which may make it more difficult to attract and retain personnel. It may also present operational and workplace culture challenges that may adversely affect our business.\n23",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nTabular dollars are presented in millions, except per share amounts\nThe following section discusses our year ended June 30, 2023 (\u201cfiscal 2023\u201d), as compared to year ended June 30, 2022 (\u201cfiscal 2022\u201d). A detailed review of our fiscal 2022 performance compared to our fiscal 2021 performance is set forth in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. \nFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS\nThis document and other written or oral statements made from time to time by ADP may contain \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical in nature and which may be identified by the use of words like \u201cexpects,\u201d \u201cassumes,\u201d \u201cprojects,\u201d \u201canticipates,\u201d \u201cestimates,\u201d \u201cwe believe,\u201d \u201ccould\u201d \u201cis designed to\u201d and other words of similar meaning, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management\u2019s expectations and assumptions and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements or that could contribute to such difference include: ADP's success in obtaining and retaining clients, and selling additional services to clients; the pricing of products and services; the success of our new solutions; our ability to respond successfully to changes in technology, including artificial intelligence; compliance with existing or new legislation or regulations; changes in, or interpretations of, existing legislation or \n26\nregulations; overall market, political and economic conditions, including interest rate and foreign currency trends and inflation; competitive conditions; our ability to maintain our current credit ratings and the impact on our funding costs and profitability; security or cyber breaches, fraudulent acts, and system interruptions and failures; employment and wage levels; availability of skilled associates; the impact of new acquisitions and divestitures; the adequacy, effectiveness and success of our business transformation initiatives; the impact of any uncertainties related to major natural disasters or catastrophic events; and supply-chain disruptions. ADP disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These risks and uncertainties, along with the risk factors discussed under \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors,\u201d and in other written or oral statements made from time to time by ADP, should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements contained herein.\nNON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES\nIn addition to our U.S. GAAP results, we use adjusted results and other non-GAAP metrics to evaluate our operating performance in the absence of certain items and for planning and forecasting of future periods. Adjusted EBIT, adjusted EBIT margin, adjusted net earnings, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted effective tax rate and organic constant currency are all non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the accompanying financial tables in the \u201cNon-GAAP Financial Measures\u201d section for a discussion of why ADP believes these measures are important and for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their comparable GAAP financial measures.\nEXECUTIVE OVERVIEW \nHighlights from the year ended June 30, 2023 include:\n9%\n160 \nbasis points\n17%\nRevenue Growth\nEarnings Before Income Taxes Margin Expansion\nDiluted EPS Growth\n10%\n130 \nbasis points\n17%\nOrganic Constant Currency\nRevenue Growth\nAdjusted EBIT Margin Expansion\nAdjusted Diluted EPS Growth\n \n \n10%\nEmployer Services\nNew Business Bookings Growth \n6%\nPEO Services\nAverage Worksite Employee Growth\n$3.0B\nCash Returned via Shareholder Friendly Actions\n$1.9B\n Dividends | \n$1.1B\n Share Repurchases\nWe are a leading global provider of cloud-based Human Capital Management (\u201cHCM\u201d) technology solutions to employers around the world. Our HCM solutions, which include both software and outsourcing services, are designed to help our clients manage their workforce through a dynamic business and regulatory landscape and the changing world of work. We continuously seek to enhance our leading HCM solutions to further support our clients. We see tremendous growth opportunity ahead as we focus on our three key Strategic Priorities: leading with best-in-class HCM technology, providing unparalleled expertise and outsourcing, and leveraging our global scale for the benefit of our clients. Executing on our Strategic Priorities will be critical to enabling our growth in the years ahead.\nDuring the fiscal year we drove strong progress across a number of key measures and in support of our overall Strategic Priorities. We crossed a major milestone, surpassing the 1 million client mark, driven by continued enhancements to our key solutions like RUN and Workforce Now. We continued the deployment of our unified User Experience to key portions of our portfolio such as the RUN mobile app. We were awarded Top HR Product for the 8\nth\n consecutive year at the annual HR Tech Conference, in recognition for our recently launched Intelligent Self Service Solution. And our HR Outsourcing businesses continued to grow, now with over 3 million worksite employees served. \n27\nFor fiscal 2023, we delivered solid revenue growth of 9%, 10% organic constant currency. Our pays per control metric, which represents the number of employees on ADP clients' payrolls in the United States when measured on a same-store-sales basis for a subset of clients ranging from small to large businesses, grew 4.7% for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 as compared to the year ended June\u00a030, 2022. PEO average worksite employees increased 6% for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, as compared to the year ended June\u00a030, 2022. Additionally, our strong ES new business bookings performance resulted in full year fiscal 2023 growth of 10%, and client satisfaction gains resulted in a full year ES client revenue retention rate of 92.2%, equal to the highest level we have ever reported. We believe these results are largely attributable to improvements made to our platforms and service over multiple years.\nWe have a strong business model, generating significant cash flows with low capital intensity, and offer a suite of products that provide critical support to our clients\u2019 HCM functions. We generate sufficient free cash flow to satisfy our cash dividend and our modest debt obligations, which enables us to absorb the impact of downturns and remain steadfast in our re-investments, longer term strategy, and commitments to shareholder friendly actions. We are committed to building upon our past successes by investing in our business through enhancements in research and development and by driving meaningful transformation in the way we operate.\n Our financial condition remains solid at June 30, 2023 and we remain well positioned to support our associates and our clients.\nRESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS\nTotal Revenues\nFor the year ended June 30, respectively:\nYears Ended\nJune 30,\n2023\n2022\nTotal Revenues\n18,012.2\u00a0\n16,498.3\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0YoY Growth\n9\u00a0\n%\n10\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0YoY Growth, Organic Constant Currency\n10\u00a0\n%\n10\u00a0\n%\nRevenues in fiscal 2023 increased due to new business started from New Business Bookings, an increase in zero-margin benefits pass-throughs, an increase in our pays per control, continued strong client retention, an increase in interest on funds held for clients, and an increase in pricing, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of one percentage point from foreign currency. Refer to \u201cAnalysis of Reportable Segments\u201d for additional discussion of the changes in revenue for each of our reportable segments, Employer Services and Professional Employer Organization (\u201cPEO\u201d) Services. \nTotal revenues in fiscal 2023 include interest on funds held for clients of $813.4 million, as compared to $451.8 million in fiscal 2022.\u00a0The increase in interest earned on funds held for clients resulted from an increase in our average interest rate earned to 2.4% in fiscal 2023, as compared to 1.4% in fiscal 2022, coupled with an increase in our average client funds balances of 5.1% to $34.1 billion in fiscal 2023 as compared to fiscal 2022. \n28\nTotal Expenses\nYears Ended\nJune 30,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n%\nChange\nCosts of revenues:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nOperating expenses\n$\n8,657.4\u00a0\n$\n8,252.6\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\nSystems development and programming costs\n844.8\u00a0\n798.6\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\nDepreciation and amortization\n451.2\u00a0\n410.7\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\nTotal costs of revenues\n9,953.4\u00a0\n9,461.9\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n3,551.4\u00a0\n3,233.2\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\nInterest expense\n253.3\u00a0\n81.9\u00a0\n209\u00a0\n%\nTotal expenses\n$\n13,758.1\u00a0\n$\n12,777.0\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\nFor the year ended June 30:\nOperating expenses increased due to an increase in our PEO Services zero-margin benefits pass-through costs to $3,800.9 million from $3,514.4 million for the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, operating expenses increased due to increased costs to service our client base in support of our growing revenue, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency and a net reduction of $12.3 million in our estimated losses related to ADP Indemnity. \nSystems development and programming costs increased for fiscal 2023 due to increased investments and costs to develop, support, and maintain our new and existing products. \nDepreciation and amortization expenses increased due to the amortization of internally developed software products and new investments in purchased software. \nSelling, general and administrative expenses increased due to increased selling expenses as a result of investments in our sales organization, increased marketing expenses, and a reversal of COVID-19 credit loss reserves of $26.0 million in 2022, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency. \nInterest expense increased due to the increase i\nn average interest rates on commercial paper issuances and reverse repurchases \nto 3.7% and 4.3% for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, as compared to 0.4% and 0.7% for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022, respectively, also\n coupled with a\n higher volume\n of average commercial paper and reverse repurchase borrowings, as compared to the \nyear ended\n \nJune\u00a030, 2022\n. \nOther (Income)/Expense, net\nYears ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\n$ Change\nInterest income on corporate funds\n$\n(149.5)\n$\n(41.0)\n$\n108.5\u00a0\nRealized losses/(gains) on available-for-sale securities, net\n14.7\u00a0\n4.4\u00a0\n(10.3)\nImpairment of assets\n2.1\u00a0\n23.0\u00a0\n20.9\u00a0\nGain on sale of assets\n\u2014\u00a0\n(7.5)\n(7.5)\nNon-service components of pension income, net\n(50.8)\n(61.7)\n(10.9)\nOther (income)/expense, net\n$\n(183.5)\n$\n(82.8)\n$\n100.7\u00a0\nInterest income on corporate funds increased in fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, due to higher average interest rates of 2.4% for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, as compared to 1.0% for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022, coupled with higher average investment balances for the year ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the year ended June 30, 2022. See Note 10 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on non-service components of pension income, net.\n29\nIn fiscal 2022, the Company recorded impairment charges of $23.0 million, which is comprised of $12.1 million related to software and customer lists which were determined to have no future use and impairment charges of $10.9 million related to operating right-of-use assets associated with exiting certain leases early. \nEarnings Before Income Taxes (\"EBIT\") and Adjusted EBIT\n \nFor the year ended June 30, respectively:\nYears Ended\nJune 30,\n2023\n2022\nYoY Growth\nEBIT\n$\n4,437.6\u00a0\n$\n3,804.1\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0EBIT Margin\n24.6\u00a0\n%\n23.1\u00a0\n%\n160 bps\nAdjusted EBIT\n$\n4,467.9\u00a0\n$\n3,871.8\u00a0\n15\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0Adjusted EBIT Margin\n24.8\u00a0\n%\n23.5\u00a0\n%\n130 bps\nEarnings before income taxes increased due to the increases in revenues partially offset by the increases in expenses discussed above. \nOverall margin increased due to increases in revenues discussed above, and operating efficiencies for costs of servicing our clients on growing revenue, partially offset by increased selling expenses, increased interest expense, and increases in zero-margin pass through costs. \nAdjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT margin exclude interest income and interest expense that are not related to our client funds\nextended investment strategy, and net charges, including gain on sale of assets related to our broad-based transformation\ninitiatives and the impact of net severance charges relating to these initiatives, as applicable, in the respective periods. \nProvision for Income Taxes\nThe \neffective tax rate in fiscal 2023 and 2022 was \n23.1%\n and 22.5%, respectively. The \nincrease\n in t\nhe effective tax rate is primarily due to an intercompany transfer of certain assets that resulted in a lower effective tax rate in fiscal 2022 and higher reserves for uncertain tax positions in fiscal 2023. \nRefer t\no Note 11, Income Taxes, within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.\nAdjusted Provision for Income Taxe\ns\nThe adjusted effective tax rate in fiscal 2023 and 2022 was 23.1% and 22.5%, respectively. The drivers of the adjusted effective tax rate are the same as the drivers of the effective tax rate discussed above.\nNet Earnings and Diluted EPS, Unadjusted and Adjusted\nFor the year ended June 30, respectively:\nYears Ended\nJune 30,\n2023\n2022\nYoY Growth\nNet earnings \n$\n3,412.0\u00a0\n$\n2,948.9\u00a0\n16\u00a0\n%\nDiluted EPS \n$\n8.21\u00a0\n$\n7.00\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted net earnings\n$\n3,419.5\u00a0\n$\n2,951.6\u00a0\n16\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted diluted EPS\n$\n8.23\u00a0\n$\n7.01\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\n30\nAdjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS reflect the changes in components described above.\nDiluted EPS increased as a result of the increase in net earnings and the impact of fewer shares outstanding resulting from the repurchase of approximately 4.9 million shares during fiscal 2023 and 9.2 million shares during fiscal 2022, partially offset by the issuances of shares under our employee benefit plans.\nFor fiscal 2023, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS reflect the changes in components described above.\nANALYSIS OF REPORTABLE SEGMENTS\nRevenues\nYears Ended\nJune 30,\n% Change\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nAs Reported\nOrganic Constant Currency\nEmployer Services\n$\n12,042.6\u00a0\n$\n10,967.7\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\n11\u00a0\n%\nPEO Services\n5,984.2\u00a0\n5,545.7\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\nOther\n(14.6)\n(15.1)\nn/m\nn/m\n$\n18,012.2\u00a0\n$\n16,498.3\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n%\n10\u00a0\n%\nEarnings before Income Taxes\nYears Ended\nJune 30,\n% Change\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nAs Reported\nEmployer Services\n$\n3,974.2\u00a0\n$\n3,406.3\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\nPEO Services \n977.3\u00a0\n871.2\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\nOther\n(513.9)\n(473.4)\nn/m\n$\n4,437.6\u00a0\n$\n3,804.1\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\nMargin\nYears Ended\nJune 30,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nYoY Growth\nEmployer Services\n33.0\u00a0\n%\n31.1\u00a0\n%\n190 bps\nPEO Services\n16.3\u00a0\n%\n15.7\u00a0\n%\n60 bps\nn/m - not meaningful\n31\nEmployer Services\nRevenues\nRevenues increased due to new business started from New Business Bookings, an increase in our pays per control of 5%, continued strong client retention, an increase in interest earned on funds held for clients, and an increase in pricing, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of one percentage point from foreign currency.\nEarnings before Income Taxes\nEmployer Services' earnings before income taxes increased in fiscal 2023 due to increased revenues discussed above, partially offset by increases in expenses. The increases in expenses were due to increased costs to service our client base in support of our growing revenue, increases in selling expenses, and investments and costs to develop, support, and maintain our new and existing products. \nMargin\nEmployer Services' margin increased due to increases in revenues discussed above, and operating efficiencies for costs of servicing our clients on growing revenue, partially offset by an increase in selling expenses.\nPEO Services\nRevenues\nPEO Revenues\nYears Ended\nChange\nJune 30,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n$\n%\nPEO Services' revenues\n$\n5,984.2\u00a0\n$\n5,545.7\u00a0\n$\n438.5\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\nLess: PEO zero-margin benefits pass-throughs\n3,800.9\u00a0\n3,514.4\u00a0\n286.5\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\nPEO Services' revenues excluding zero-margin benefits pass-throughs\n$\n2,183.3\u00a0\n$\n2,031.3\u00a0\n$\n152.0\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\nPEO Services' revenues increased 8% for fiscal 2023 due to increases in average worksite employees of 6% for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, and due to an increase in zero-margin benefits pass-throughs.\nEarnings before Income Taxes\nPEO Services\u2019 earnings before income taxes increased 12% in fiscal 2023 due to increases in revenues discussed above and a net reduction of $12.3 million in our estimated losses related to ADP Indemnity, partially offset by the increases in zero-margin benefits pass-throughs of $286.5 million for fiscal 2023.\nMargin\nPEO Services' overall margin increased for fiscal 2023 due to increases in revenues discussed above, lower state unemployment and workers compensation insurance costs, and changes in our estimated losses related to ADP Indemnity, partially offset by increases in selling expenses. \n32\nADP Indemnity provides workers\u2019 compensation and employer\u2019s liability deductible reimbursement insurance protection for PEO Services\u2019 worksite employees up to $1 million per occurrence.\u00a0PEO Services has secured a workers\u2019 compensation and employer\u2019s liability insurance policy that caps the exposure for each claim at $1 million per occurrence and has also secured aggregate stop loss insurance that caps aggregate losses at a certain level in fiscal years 2012 and prior from an admitted and licensed insurance company of AIG.\u00a0We utilize historical loss experience and actuarial judgment to determine the estimated claim liability, and changes in estimated ultimate incurred losses are included in the PEO segment.\u00a0\nAdditionally, starting in fiscal year 2013, ADP Indemnity paid premiums to enter into reinsurance arrangements with ACE American Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chubb Limited (\u201cChubb\u201d), to cover substantially all losses incurred by the Company up to the \n$1 million per occurrence related to the workers' compensation and employer's liability deductible reimbursement insurance protection for PEO Services' worksite employees. \nEach of these reinsurance arrangements limits our overall exposure incurred up to a certain limit. The Company believes the likelihood of ultimate losses exceeding this limit is remote. \nDuring fiscal 2023, \nADP Indemnity paid a premium of $284 million to enter into a reinsurance arrangement with Chubb to cover substantially all losses incurred by ADP Indemnity for the fiscal 2023 policy year up to $1 million per occurrence. ADP Indemnity recorded a pre-tax benefit of approximately $73 million in fiscal 2023 and a pre-tax benefit of approximately $61 million in fiscal 2022, which were primarily a result of changes in our estimated actuarial losses. ADP Indemnity paid a premium of $269 million in July 2023, to enter into a reinsurance agreement with Chubb to cover substantially all losses incurred by ADP Indemnity for fiscal 2024 policy year on terms substantially similar to the fiscal 2023 reinsurance policy.\nOther\nThe primary components of \u201cOther\u201d are certain corporate overhead charges and expenses that have not been allocated to the reportable segments, including corporate functions, costs related to our transformation office, severance costs, non-recurring gains and losses, the elimination of intercompany transactions, and all other interest income and expense.\nNon-GAAP Financial Measures\nIn addition to our GAAP results, we use the adjusted results and other non-GAAP metrics set forth in the table below to evaluate our operating performance in the absence of certain items and for planning and forecasting of future periods: \nAdjusted Financial Measures\nU.S. GAAP Measures\nAdjusted EBIT\nNet earnings \nAdjusted provision for income taxes \nProvision for income taxes\nAdjusted net earnings \nNet earnings \nAdjusted diluted earnings per share \nDiluted earnings per share\nAdjusted effective tax rate \nEffective tax rate\nOrganic constant currency\nRevenues\nWe believe that the exclusion of the identified items helps us reflect the fundamentals of our underlying business model and analyze results against our expectations and against prior periods, and to plan for future periods by focusing on our underlying operations.\u00a0We believe that the adjusted results provide relevant and useful information for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management and improves their ability to understand and assess our operating performance.\u00a0 The nature of these exclusions is for specific items that are not fundamental to our underlying business operations.\u00a0 Since these adjusted financial measures and other non-GAAP metrics are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or superior to their corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, and they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures at other companies.\n33\nYears Ended\nJune 30,\n% Change\n2023\n2022\nAs Reported\nNet earnings\n$\n3,412.0\u00a0\n$\n2,948.9\u00a0\n16\u00a0\n%\nAdjustments:\nProvision for income taxes\n1,025.6\u00a0\n855.2\u00a0\nAll other interest expense (a)\n70.9\u00a0\n71.3\u00a0\nAll other interest income (a)\n(50.5)\n(7.1)\nTransformation initiatives (b)\n8.7\u00a0\n3.5\u00a0\nLegal settlements (c)\n1.2\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAdjusted EBIT\n$\n4,467.9\u00a0\n$\n3,871.8\u00a0\n15\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted EBIT Margin\n24.8\u00a0\n%\n23.5\u00a0\n%\nProvision for income taxes\n$\n1,025.6\u00a0\n$\n855.2\u00a0\n20\u00a0\n%\nAdjustments:\nTransformation initiatives (d)\n2.2\u00a0\n0.8\u00a0\nLegal settlements\n0.2\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAdjusted provision for income taxes\n$\n1,028.0\u00a0\n$\n856.0\u00a0\n20\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted effective tax rate (e)\n23.1\u00a0\n%\n22.5\u00a0\n%\nNet earnings\n$\n3,412.0\u00a0\n$\n2,948.9\u00a0\n16\u00a0\n%\nAdjustments:\nTransformation initiatives (b)\n8.7\u00a0\n3.5\u00a0\nIncome tax (benefit)/provision for transformation initiatives (d)\n(2.2)\n(0.8)\nLegal settlements (c)\n1.2\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nIncome tax (benefit)/provision for legal settlements (d)\n(0.2)\n\u2014\u00a0\nAdjusted net earnings\n$\n3,419.5\u00a0\n$\n2,951.6\u00a0\n16\u00a0\n%\nDiluted EPS\n$\n8.21\u00a0\n$\n7.00\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\nAdjustments:\nTransformation initiatives (b) (d)\n0.02\u00a0\n0.01\u00a0\nLegal settlements (c) (d)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAdjusted diluted EPS\n$\n8.23\u00a0\n$\n7.01\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\n(a) In adjusted EBIT, we include the interest income earned on investments associated with our client funds extended investment strategy and interest expense on borrowings related to our client funds extended investment strategy as we believe these amounts to be fundamental to the underlying operations of our business model. The adjustments in the table above represent the interest income and interest expense that are not related to our client funds extended investment strategy and are labeled as \u201cAll other interest expense\u201d and \u201cAll other interest income.\u201d\n(b) In fiscal 2023, the charges include consulting costs relating to our company-wide transformation initiatives, partially offset by net reversals relating to severance. Unlike other severance charges which are not included as an adjustment to get to adjusted results, these specific charges relate to actions taken as part of our broad-based, company-wide transformation initiatives.\n(c) Represents net charges (reserves and insurance recovery) from legal matters during fiscal 2023.\n(d) The income tax (benefit)/provision was calculated based on the marginal rate in effect for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023.\n(e) The Adjusted effective tax rate is calculated as our Adjusted provision for income taxes divided by the sum of our Adjusted net earnings plus our Adjusted provision for income taxes.\nThe following table reconciles our reported growth rates to the non-GAAP measure of organic constant currency, which excludes the impact of acquisitions, the impact of dispositions, and the impact of foreign currency. The impact of acquisitions and dispositions is calculated by excluding the current year revenues of acquisitions until the one-year anniversary of the transaction and by excluding the prior year revenues of divestitures for the one-year period preceding the transaction. The impact of foreign currency is determined by calculating the current year results using foreign exchange rates consistent with the \n34\nprior year. The PEO segment is not impacted by acquisitions, dispositions or foreign currency. \nYear Ended\nJune 30,\n2023\nConsolidated revenue growth as reported\n9\u00a0\n%\nAdjustments:\nImpact of acquisitions\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nImpact of foreign currency\n1\u00a0\n%\nConsolidated revenue growth, organic constant currency\n10\n\u00a0\n%\nEmployer Services revenue growth as reported\n10\u00a0\n%\nAdjustments:\nImpact of acquisitions\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nImpact of foreign currency\n1\u00a0\n%\nEmployer Services revenue growth, organic constant currency\n11\n\u00a0\n%\nFINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, cash and cash equivalent\ns\n were $2.1 billion, which were primarily invested in time deposits and money market funds.\nFor corporate liquidity, we expect existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term marketable securities, cash flow from operations together with our \n$9.7 billion\n of committed credit facilities and our ability to access both long-term and short-term debt financing from the capital markets will be adequate to meet our operating, investing, and financing activities such as regular quarterly dividends, share repurchases, and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future. Our financial condition remains solid at June 30, 2023 and we have sufficient liquidity.\nFor client funds liquidity, we have the ability to borrow through our financing arrangements under our U.S. short-term commercial paper program and our U.S., Canadian and United Kingdom short-term reverse repurchase agreements, together with our \n$9.7 billion\n of comm\nitted credit facilities and our ability to use corporate liquidity when necessary to meet short-term funding requirements related to client funds obligations. Please see \u201cQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\u201d for a further discussion of the risks related to our client funds extended investment strategy. See Note 8 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our short-term financing including commercial paper. \nOperating, Investing and Financing Cash Flow\ns\nOur cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities, as reflected in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows are summarized as follows: \nYears ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\n$ Change\nCash provided by (used in):\nOperating activities\n$\n4,207.6\u00a0\n$\n3,099.5\u00a0\n$\n1,108.1\u00a0\nInvesting activities\n(2,517.3)\n(7,014.4)\n4,497.1\u00a0\nFinancing activities\n(15,680.7)\n13,653.4\u00a0\n(29,334.1)\nEffect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents\n(21.1)\n(98.7)\n77.6\u00a0\nNet change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents\n$\n(14,011.5)\n$\n9,639.8\u00a0\n$\n(23,651.3)\n35\nNet cash flows provided by operating activities increased due to growth in our underlying business (net income adjusted for non-cash adjustments), and a net favorable change in the components of operating assets and liabilities primarily due to timing on collections of accounts receivable, and a decrease in incentive compensation payments, as compared to the year ended June\u00a030, 2022\n.\nNet cash flows used in investing activities changed due to the timing of proceeds and purchases of corporate and client funds marketable securities of $4,570.2 million, offset by higher payments for capital expenditures in fiscal 2023, and the sale of property, plant, and equipment in fiscal 2022.\nNet cash flows used in financing activities changed due to a net decrease in the cash flow from client funds obligations of $29,759.5 million, which is due to the timing of impounds from our clients and payments to our clients' employees and other payees, an increase in dividends paid, and a net decrease in reverse repurchase agreements borrowing, offset by a decrease in repurchases of common stock in fiscal 2023.\nWe purchased approximately 4.9 million shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $227.30 during fiscal 2023, as compared to purchases of 9.2 million shares at an average price per share of $214.40 during fiscal 2022. From time to time, the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock under its authorized share repurchase program. The Company considers several factors in determining when to execute share repurchases, including, among other things, actual and potential acquisition activity, cash balances and cash flows, issuances due to employee benefit plan activity, and market conditions.\n \nCapital Resources and Client Fund Obligations\nWe have \n$3.0 billion of senior unsecured notes with maturity dates in 2025, 2028, and 2030. We may from time to time revisit the long-t\nerm debt market to refinance existing debt, finance investments including acquisitions for our growth, and maintain the appropriate capital structure. However, there can be no assurance that volatility in the global capital and credit markets would not impair our ability to access these markets on terms acceptable to us, or at all.\n See Note 9 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our notes.\nOur U.S. short-term funding requirements related to client funds are sometimes obtained on an unsecured basis through the issuance of commercial paper, rather than liquidating previously-collected client funds that have already been invested in available-for-sale securiti\nes. \nThis commercial paper program provides for the issuance of up to $9.7 billion in aggregate maturity value\n. Our c\nommercial paper program is rated A-1+ by Standard and Poor\u2019s, Prime-1 (\u201cP-1\u201d) by Moody\u2019s and F1+ by Fitch. These ratings denote the highest quality commercial paper securities. Maturities of commercial paper can range from overnight to up to 364 days.\u00a0At June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, we had no commercial paper borrowing outstanding. Details of the borrowings under the commercial paper program are as follows:\nYears ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\nAverage daily borrowings (in billions)\n$\n3.4\u00a0\n$\n2.0\u00a0\nWeighted average interest rates\n3.7\u00a0\n%\n0.4\u00a0\n%\nWeighted average maturity (approximately in days)\n2 days\n1 day\nOur U.S., Canadian, and United Kingdom short-term funding requirements related to client funds obligations are sometimes obtained on a secured basis through the use of reverse repurchase agreements, which are collateralized principally by government and government agency securities, rather than liquidating previously-collected client funds that have already been invested in available-for-sale securities. These agreements generally have terms ranging from overnight to up to five business days.\u00a0We have successfully borrowed through the use of reverse repurchase agreements on an as-needed basis to meet short-term funding requirements related to client funds obligations. At June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, there were $105.4 million and $136.4 million, respectively, of outstanding obligations related to the reverse repurchase agreements. Details of the reverse repurchase agreements are as follows: \nYears ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\nAverage outstanding balances\n$\n1,279.9\u00a0\n$\n299.6\u00a0\nWeighted average interest rates\n4.3\u00a0\n%\n0.7\u00a0\n%\nWe vary the maturities of our committed credit facilities to limit the refinancing risk of any one facility. We have a $4.25 billion, 364-day credit agreement that matures in June 2024 with a one year term-out option. In addition, we have a five-year $3.2 billion credit facility and a five-year $2.25 billion credit facility maturing in June 2026 and June 2028, respectively, each with an accordion feature under which the aggregate com\nmitment can be increased by $\n500 million\n, subject to the availability \n36\nof additional commitments. The primary uses of the credit facilities are to provide liquidity to the commercial paper program and funding for general corporate purposes, if necessary.\u00a0We had no borrowings through June\u00a030, 2023 under the credit facilities. We believe that we currently meet all conditions set forth in the revolving credit agreements to borrow thereunder, and we are not aware of any conditions that would prevent us from borrowing part or all of the \n$9.7 billion\n a\nvailable to us under the revolving credit agreements. See Note 8 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our short-term financing including credit facilities.\nOur investment portfolio does not contain any asset-backed securities with underlying collateral of sub-prime mortgages, alternative-A mortgages, sub-prime auto loans or sub-prime home equity loans, collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, credit default swaps, derivatives, auction rate securities, structured investment vehicles or non-investment grade fixed-income securities. We own AAA-rated senior tranches of primarily fixed rate auto loan, credit card, and equipment lease receivables, secured predominantly by prime collateral.\u00a0All collateral on asset-backed securities is performing as expected through June 30, 2023.\u00a0In addition, we own U.S. government securities which primarily include debt directly issued by Federal Farm Credit Banks and Federal Home Loan Banks. Our client funds investment strategy is structured to allow us to average our way through an interest rate cycle by laddering the maturities of our investments out to five years (in the case of the extended portfolio) and out to ten years (in the case of the long portfolio).\u00a0This investment strategy is supported by our short-term financing arrangements necessary to satisfy short-term funding requirements relating to client funds obligations. See Note 4 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our corporate investments and funds held for clients.\nCapital expenditures for fiscal 2023 were $206.0 million, as compared to $177.1 million for fiscal 2022. We expect capital expenditures in fiscal 2024 to be between $200 million and $225 million.\nContractual Obligations\nOur contractual obligations at June\u00a030, 2023 relate primarily to operating leases (Note 6) and other arrangements recorded in our balance sheet or disclosed in the notes to our financial statements, including benefit plan obligations (Note 10), liabilities for uncertain tax positions (Note 11), purchase obligations (Note 12), debt obligations (Note 9) and $263.5 million of interest payments of our debt, of which $64.3 million is expected to be paid within one year. \nIn addition to the obligations described above, we had obligations for the remittance of funds relating to our payroll and payroll tax filing services. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the obligations relating to these matters, which are expected to be paid in fiscal 2024,\n \ntotal $38,538.6 million and were recorded in client funds obligations on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We had $36,333.6 million of cas\nh and cash e\nquivalents and marketable securities that were impounded from our clients to satisfy such obligations recorded in funds held for clients on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June\u00a030, 2023.\nSeparately, ADP Indemnity paid a p\nremium of \n$269 million\n in July\n 2023 to enter into a reinsurance agreement with Chubb to cover substantially all losses incurred by ADP Indemnity for the fiscal 2024 policy year. At June\u00a030, 2023, ADP Indemnity had total assets of $660.8\u00a0million to satisfy the actuarially estimated unpaid losses of $552.3\u00a0million for the policy years since July 1, 2003. ADP Indemnity paid claims of $0.8\u00a0million and $1.8\u00a0million, net of insurance recoveries, in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Refer to the \u201cAnalysis of Reportable Segments - PEO Services\u201d above for additional information regarding ADP Indemnity. \nIn the normal course of business, we also enter into contracts in which we make representations and warranties that relate to the performance of our services and products. We do not expect any material losses related to such representations and warranties. \nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\nOur overall investment portfolio is comprised of corporate investments (cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term marketable securities) and client funds assets (funds that have been collected from clients but have not yet been remitted to the applicable tax authorities, client employees or other payees).\nOur corporate investments are invested in cash and cash equivalents and highly liquid, investment-grade marketable securities.\u00a0These assets are available for our regular quarterly dividends, share repurchases, capital expenditures and/or acquisitions, as well as other corporate operating purposes.\u00a0All of our short-term and long-term fixed-income securities are classified as available-for-sale securities.\nOur client funds assets are invested with safety of principal, liquidity, and diversification as the primary objectives. Consistent with those objectives, we also seek to maximize interest income and to minimize the volatility of interest income.\u00a0\u00a0Client funds \n37\nassets are invested in highly liquid, investment-grade marketable securities, with a maximum maturity of 10 years at the time of purchase, and money market securities and other cash equivalents.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nWe utilize a strategy by which we extend the maturities of our investment portfolio for funds held for clients and employ short-term financing arrangements to satisfy our short-term funding requirements related to client funds obligations.\u00a0Our client funds investment strategy is structured to allow us to average our way through an interest rate cycle by laddering the maturities of our investments out to five years (in the case of the extended portfolio) and out to ten years (in the case of the long portfolio).\u00a0As part of our client funds investment strategy, we use the daily collection of funds from our clients to satisfy other unrelated client funds obligations, rather than liquidating previously-collected client funds that have already been invested in available-for-sale securities.\u00a0In circumstances where we experience a reduction in employment levels due to a slowdown in the economy, we may make tactical decisions to sell certain securities in order to reduce the size of the funds held for clients to correspond to client funds obligations. We attempt to minimize the risk of not having funds collected from a client available at the time such client\u2019s obligation becomes due by generally impounding the client\u2019s funds by the time we pay such client\u2019s obligation.\u00a0When we don\u2019t impound client funds in advance of paying such client obligations, we are at risk of not recovering such funds or a material delay in such recovery. \u00a0Through our clients funds investment strategy and client impounding processes, we have consistently maintained the required level of liquidity to satisfy all of our obligations.\nThere are inherent risks and uncertainties involving our investment strategy relating to our client funds assets.\u00a0Such risks include liquidity risk, including the risk associated with our ability to liquidate, if necessary, our available-for-sale securities in a timely manner in order to satisfy our client funds obligations.\u00a0However, our investments are made with the safety of principal, liquidity, and diversification as the primary goals to minimize the risk of not having sufficient funds to satisfy all of our client funds obligations.\u00a0We also believe we have significantly reduced the risk of not having sufficient funds to satisfy our client funds obligations by consistently maintaining access to other sources of liquidity, including our corporate cash balances, available borrowings under o\nur $9.7 billion commercial paper program (rated A-1+ by Standard and Poor\u2019s, P-1 by Moody\u2019s, and F1+ by Fitch, the highest possible short-term credit ratings), our ability to engage in reverse repurchase agreement transactions and available borrowings under our $9.7 billion committe\nd credit facilities. The reduced availability of financing during periods of economic turmoil, even to borrowers with the highest credit ratings, may limit our ability to access short-term debt markets to meet the liquidity needs of our business.\u00a0In addition to liquidity risk, our investments are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk, as discussed below.\nWe have established credit quality, maturity, and exposure limits for our investments.\u00a0The minimum allowed credit rating at time of purchase for corporate, Canadian government agency and Canadian provincial bonds is BBB, for asset-backed securities is AAA, and for municipal bonds is A.\u00a0The maximum maturity at time of purchase for BBB-rated securities is 5 years, and for single A rated, AA-rated and AAA-rated securities it is 10 years. Time deposits and commercial paper must be rated A-1 and/or P-1. Money market funds must be rated AAA/Aaa-mf.\nDetails regarding our overall investment portfolio are as follows:\nYears ended June 30, \n2023\n2022\nAverage investment balances at cost:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCorporate investments\n$\n6,293.9\u00a0\n$\n4,241.3\u00a0\nFunds held for clients\n34,142.8\u00a0\n32,480.3\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n40,436.7\u00a0\n$\n36,721.6\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAverage interest rates earned exclusive of realized\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0losses/(gains) on:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCorporate investments\n2.4\u00a0\n%\n1.0\u00a0\n%\nFunds held for clients\n2.4\u00a0\n%\n1.4\u00a0\n%\nTotal\n2.4\u00a0\n%\n1.3\u00a0\n%\nNet realized losses/(gains) on available-for-sale securities\n14.7\u00a0\n4.4\u00a0\n38\n\u00a0\nAs of June 30:\nNet unrealized pre-tax (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities\n$\n(2,206.9)\n$\n(1,721.4)\nTotal available-for-sale securities at fair value\n$\n29,764.9\u00a0\n$\n28,391.6\u00a0\nWe are exposed to interest rate risk in relation to securities that mature, as the proceeds from maturing securities are reinvested.\u00a0Factors that influence the earnings impact of interest rate changes include, among others, the amount of invested funds and the overall portfolio mix between short-term and long-term investments.\u00a0This mix varies during the fiscal year and is impacted by daily interest rate changes.\u00a0The annualized interest rate earned on our entire portfolio increased from 1.3% for fiscal 2022 to 2.4% for fiscal 2023.\u00a0A hy\npothetical chan\nge in both short-term interest rates (e.g., overnight interest rates or the federal funds rate) and intermediate-term interest rates of 25 basis points applied to the estimated average investment balances and any related short-term borrowings would result in approximately an $14 million impact to earnings before income taxes over the ensuing twelve-month period ending June\u00a030, 2024. A hypothetical change in only short-term interest rates of 25 basis points applied to the estimated average short-term investment balances and any related short-term borrowings would result in approximately an $5 million impact to earnings before income taxes over the ensuing twelve-month period ending June\u00a030, 2024.\nWe are exposed to credit risk in connection with our available-for-sale securities through the possible inability of the borrowers to meet the terms of the securities.\u00a0We limit credit risk by investing in investment-grade securities, primarily AAA-rated and AA- rated securities, as rated by Moody\u2019s, Standard & Poor\u2019s, DBRS for Canadian dollar denominated securities, and Fitch for asset-backed and commercial-mortgage-backed securities.\u00a0In addition, we limit amounts that can be invested in any security other than U.S. government and government agency, Canadian government, and United Kingdom government securities.\nWe operate and transact business in various foreign jurisdictions and are therefore exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates that could impact our consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. We manage our exposure to these market risks through our regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. We may use derivative financial instruments as risk management tools and not for trading purposes.\nRECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS\nSee Note 1, Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES\nOur Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and other comprehensive income. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information. \nThe estimates are based on historical experience and assumptions believed to be reasonable under current facts and circumstances. These estimates require levels of subjectivity and judgment, which could result in actual results differing from our estimates. The Company believes the following are its critical accounting estimates:\nDeferred Costs - Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain and Fulfill Contracts\nDescription\nIncremental costs of obtaining a contract (e.g., sales commissions) and cost incurred to implement clients on our solutions (e.g., direct labor) that are expected to be recovered are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the client retention period, depending on the business unit.\nJudgments and Uncertainties\nThe Company has estimated the amortization periods for deferred costs by using its historical retention rates by business unit to estimate the pattern during which the service transfers. The expected client relationship period ranges from three to eight years.\n39\nSensitivity of Estimate to Change\nAs the assumptions used to estimate the amortization period of the deferred costs could have a material impact on timing of recognition, we assess the amortization periods annually using historical retention rates. Actual retention rates were not materially different than those used in our calculation to determine the amortization period. We regularly review our deferred costs for impairment. There were no impairment losses incurred during the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023, June 30, 2022, or June 30, 2021.\nGoodwill.\n \nDescription\nGoodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more frequently when an event or circumstance indicates that goodwill might be impaired.\nJudgments and Uncertainties\nThe Company\u2019s annual goodwill impairment assessment as of June\u00a030, 2023 was performed for all reporting units using a quantitative approach by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. We estimated the fair value of each reporting unit using, as appropriate, the income approach, which is derived using the present value of future cash flows discounted at a risk-adjusted weighted-average cost of capital, and the market approach, which is based upon using market multiples of companies in similar lines of business. Significant assumptions used in determining the fair value of our reporting units include projected revenue growth rates, profitability projections, working capital assumptions, the weighted average cost of capital, the determination of appropriate market comparison companies, and terminal growth rates. Several of these assumptions including projected revenue growth rates and profitability projections are dependent on our ability to upgrade, enhance, and expand our technology and services to meet client needs and preferences. \nSensitivity of Estimate to Change\nSome of the inherent estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair value of the reporting units are outside the control of management including the weighted-average cost of capital, tax rates, market comparisons, and terminal growth rates. While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of the reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used to calculate fair value, it could result in material impairments of our goodwill. The assumptions used to assess impairment consider historical trends, macroeconomic conditions, and projections consistent with the Company\u2019s operating strategy. Changes in these estimates can have a significant impact on the assessment of fair value which could result in material impairment losses.\nWe completed our annual assessment of goodwill as of June\u00a030, 2023 and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. We performed a sensitivity analysis and determined that a one percentage point increase in the weighted-average cost of capital would not result in an impairment of goodwill for all reporting units and their fair values substantially exceeded their carrying values. \n \nIncome Taxes\nDescription\nJudgment is required in addressing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements or tax returns (e.g., realization of deferred tax assets, changes in tax laws or interpretations thereof). A change in the assessment of the outcomes of such matters could materially impact our Consolidated Financial Statements. \nJudgments and Uncertainties\nThe Company computes its provision for income taxes based on the statutory tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. Assumptions, judgment, and the use of estimates are required in determining if the \u201cmore likely than not\u201d standard has been met when computing the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and uncertain tax positions. \nSensitivity of Estimate to Change\nWhile the Company considers all of its tax positions fully supportable, the Company is occasionally challenged by various tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. If certain pending tax matters settle within the next twelve months, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease for all open tax years and jurisdictions. As of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the Company's liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, \nwhich include interest and penalti\nes, were $116.9 million and $98.1 million, respectively.\n40",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nThe information called for by this item is provided under the caption \u201cQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\u201d under \u201cItem 7 - Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.\u201d\n41",
+ "cik": "8670",
+ "cusip6": "053015",
+ "cusip": ["053015103", "053015953", "053015903"],
+ "names": ["Automatic Data Processing", "AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING IN"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/8670/000000867023000030/0000008670-23-000030-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000008858-23-000029.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000008858-23-000029.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..0457638f51
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000008858-23-000029.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item\u00a01. Business\nAvnet, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the \u201cCompany\u201d or \u201cAvnet\u201d), is a leading global electronic component technology distributor and solutions provider that has served customers\u2019 evolving needs for more than a century. Founded in 1921, the Company works with suppliers in every major technology segment to serve customers in more than 140 countries.\nAvnet serves a wide range of customers: from startups and mid-sized businesses to enterprise-level original equipment manufacturers (\u201cOEMs\u201d), electronic manufacturing services (\u201cEMS\u201d) providers, and original design manufacturers (\u201cODMs\u201d). \nOrganizational Structure\nAvnet has two primary operating groups \u2014 Electronic Components (\u201cEC\u201d) and Farnell (\u201cFarnell\u201d). Both operating groups have operations in each of the three major economic regions of the world: (i) the Americas, (ii) Europe, Middle East, and Africa (\u201cEMEA\u201d) and (iii) Asia/Pacific (\u201cAsia\u201d). Each operating group has its own management team, who manage various functions within each operating group. Each operating group also has distinct financial reporting to the executive level, which informs operating decisions, strategic planning and resource allocation for the Company as a whole. Regional divisions (\u201cbusiness units\u201d) within each operating group serve primarily as sales and marketing units to streamline sales efforts and enhance each operating group\u2019s ability to work with its customers and suppliers, generally along more specific geographies or product lines. However, each business unit relies heavily on support services from the operating groups, as well as centralized support at the corporate level. \nA description of each operating group is presented below. Further financial information by operating group is provided in Note 16 \u201cSegment information\u201d to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Item\u00a08 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nElectronic Components\nAvnet\u2019s EC operating group primarily supports high and medium-volume customers. It markets, sells, and distributes electronic components from the world\u2019s leading electronic component manufacturers, including semiconductors, IP&E components (interconnect, passive and electromechanical components), and other integrated and embedded components.\nEC serves a variety of markets ranging from industrial to automotive to defense and aerospace. It offers an array of customer support options throughout the entire product lifecycle, including both turnkey and customized design, supply chain, new product introduction, programming, logistics and post-sales services.\nWithin the EC operating group for 2023, net sales of approximately 85% consist of semiconductor products, approximately 13% consist of interconnect, passive, and electromechanical components, and approximately 2% consist of computers.\n\u200b\n3\n\n\nTable of Contents\nDesign Chain Solutions\nEC offers design chain support that provides engineers with a host of technical design solutions, which helps EC support a broad range of customers seeking complex products and technologies. With access to a suite of design tools and engineering support, customers can get product specifications along with evaluation kits and reference designs that enable a broad range of applications from any point in the design cycle. EC also offers engineering and technical resources deployed globally to support product design, bill of materials development, and technical education and training. By utilizing EC\u2019s design chain support, customers can optimize their component selection and accelerate their time to market. EC\u2019s extensive product line card provides customers access to a diverse range of products from a complete spectrum of electronic component manufacturers.\nSupply Chain Solutions\nEC\u2019s supply chain solutions provide support and logistics services to OEMs, EMS providers, and electronic component manufacturers, enabling them to optimize supply chains on a local, regional or global basis. EC\u2019s internal competencies in global warehousing and logistics, information technology, and asset management, combined with its global footprint and extensive supplier relationships, allows EC to develop supply chain solutions that provide for a deeper level of engagement with its customers. These customers can manage their supply chains to meet the demands of a competitive global environment without a commensurate investment in physical assets, systems, and personnel. With supply chain planning tools and a variety of inventory management solutions, EC provides solutions that meet a customer\u2019s requirements and minimize supply chain risk in a variety of scenarios.\nEmbedded and Integrated Solutions\nEC provides embedded solutions including technical design, integration and assembly of embedded products, systems, and solutions primarily for industrial applications. EC also provides embedded display solutions, including touch and passive displays. In addition, EC develops and produces standard board and industrial subsystems and application-specific devices that enable it to produce specialized systems tailored to specific customer requirements. EC serves OEMs that require embedded systems and solutions, including engineering, product prototyping, integration, and other value-added services in the medical, telecommunications, industrial, and digital editing markets. \nEC also provides integrated solutions and services for software companies that bring their intellectual property to market via hardware solutions, including custom-built servers.\nFarnell\nAvnet\u2019s Farnell operating group primarily supports lower-volume customers that need electronic components quickly to develop, prototype, and test their products. It distributes a comprehensive portfolio of kits, tools, electronic components, industrial automation components, and test and measurement products to both engineers and entrepreneurs, primarily through an e-commerce channel. Farnell brings the latest products, services, and development trends all together in element14, an industry-leading online community where engineers collaborate to solve one another\u2019s design challenges.\n4\n\n\nTable of Contents\nWithin the Farnell operating group for 2023, net sales of approximately 21% consist of semiconductor products, approximately 48% consist of interconnect, passive, and electromechanical components, approximately 6% consist of computers, and approximately 25% consist of other products and services including test and measurement and maintenance, repair and operations products.\nMajor Products\nOne of Avnet\u2019s competitive strengths is the breadth and quality of the suppliers whose products it distributes. Products from one single supplier was approximately 10% of consolidated sales during fiscal 2023, and no single supplier exceeded 10% of consolidated sales during fiscal years 2022, and 2021. Listed in the table below are the major product categories and the Company\u2019s approximate sales of each during the past three fiscal years. \u201cOther\u201d consists primarily of test and measurement and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nYears\u00a0Ended\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nJuly\u00a01,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nJuly\u00a02,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nJuly\u00a03,\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u200b\n2022\n\u200b\n2021\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n(Millions)\n\u200b\nSemiconductors\n\u200b\n$\n 21,366.5\n\u200b\n$\n 18,380.2\n\u200b\n$\n 14,722.8\n\u200b\nInterconnect, passive & electromechanical (IP&E)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4,150.6\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4,639.1\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3,649.0\n\u200b\nComputers\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 520.8\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 663.2\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 640.6\n\u200b\nOther\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 499.0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 628.2\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 522.3\n\u200b\nSales\n\u200b\n$\n 26,536.9\n\u200b\n$\n 24,310.7\n\u200b\n$\n 19,534.7\n\u200b\nCompetition & Markets\nThe electronic components industry is highly competitive. The Company\u2019s major competitors include: Arrow Electronics, Inc., Future Electronics, World Peace Group, and WT Microelectronics for EC; Mouser Electronics, Digi-Key Electronics and RS Components for Farnell. There are also certain smaller, specialized competitors who generally focus on particular sectors or on narrower geographic locations, markets, or products. As a result of these factors, Avnet\u2019s pricing and product availability must remain competitive.\nA key competitive factor in the electronic component distribution industry is the need to carry a sufficient amount and selection of inventory to meet customers\u2019 demand and rapid delivery requirements. To minimize its exposure related to inventory on hand, the Company purchases a majority of its products pursuant to franchised distribution agreements, which typically provide certain protections for product obsolescence and price erosion. These agreements are generally cancelable upon 30 to 180\u00a0days\u2019 notice and, in most cases, provide for or require inventory return privileges upon cancellation. In addition, the Company enhances its competitive position by offering a variety of value-added services, which are tailored to individual customer specifications and business needs, such as point of use replenishment, testing, assembly, programming, supply chain management, and materials management.\nA competitive advantage is the breadth of the Company\u2019s supplier product line card. Because of the number of Avnet\u2019s suppliers, many customers can simplify their procurement process and make all of their required purchases from Avnet, rather than purchasing from several different parties.\nSeasonality\nHistorically, Avnet\u2019s business has not been materially impacted by seasonality, with the exception of an impact on consolidated results from shifts in geographic sales trends from Asia in the first half of a fiscal year to the Americas and EMEA regions in the second half of a fiscal year, which impact gross profit and operating income margins as a result of \n5\n\n\nTable of Contents\nsuch seasonal geographic sales mix changes.\nHuman Capital \nThe Company values its employees, and recognizes their significant contributions to the success of the Company. The Company invests in its global workforce to drive diversity and inclusion; provide fair and market-competitive pay and benefits; foster employee development for future opportunities within the company; promote employees health and safety; and obtain employees\u2019 feedback to better understand employees\u2019 experiences and identify opportunities to improve. Its core values of integrity, customer focus, ownership, teamwork and inclusiveness establish the foundation on which its culture is built and are key expectations of its employees. The Company believes that its culture and commitment to its employees are vital in its ability to attract, motivate and retain exceptional talent. \nAdditional information regarding the Company\u2019s Human Capital programs, initiatives, and metrics can be found on its website as well as in its Sustainability Reports accessible on its website. The Sustainability Reports and other information contained on the Company\u2019s website are neither part of nor incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.\nNumber of Employees\nAs of July 1, 2023, the Company\u2019s global workforce totaled approximately 15,800 employees across 48 countries. Broken down by geographic region, approximately 4,700 employees are in the Americas, 6,800 employees are in EMEA, and 4,300 employees are in Asia.\nDiversity, Equity and Inclusion (\u201cDEI\u201d)\nThe Company\u2019s DEI vision is (i) an employee population that reflects the diverse communities in which they live, work, and do business, and (ii) an organizational culture which seeks out varying perspectives that allow the best ideas to come to light. The Company is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees regardless of race, gender, national origin, or other protected characteristic, with employment decisions and people practices based on merit and the needs of the Company\u2019s business. To oversee inclusion efforts, the Company created the Global DEI Council, a global cross-functioning team of leaders who represent various business units and corporate functions. The council meets regularly and engages with colleagues across the Company to connect DEI initiatives to the Company\u2019s broader business strategy. \nThe Company\u2019s Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy actively promotes DEI in the Company\u2019s talent management practices. The Company\u2019s commitment to diversity is evidenced by the makeup of its Board of Directors, which as of July 1, 2023, was 30% women and 50% racially and ethnically diverse (including Middle Eastern origin). In addition, for fiscal years 2021 through 2023, executive\u2019s annual incentive compensation included ESG non-financial performance goals.\nThe Company\u2019s employee-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are open to all employees and provide a forum for employees to communicate and exchange ideas, build a network of relationships across the Company, and support each other in personal and career development. The Company\u2019s eight ERGs support the following communities: women, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Blacks, Hispanic and Latinos, U.S. veterans, LGBTQ+, later career employees; and environmental and sustainability causes. In partnership with the ERGs, the Company conducts listen-and-learn sessions on a variety of DEI topics, which promote meaningful discussions and allow employees to better understand and support each other. These group conversations are open to the entire Company, and are regularly attended by senior leaders, including the CEO. During fiscal 2023, sessions were conducted covering Black History Month, Women and Bias, \n6\n\n\nTable of Contents\nGender Inclusivity, Environment Sustainability and LGBTQ+ topics. DEI education topics are regularly presented at company-wide quarterly town hall, team, and leadership meetings, and through internal webinars and podcasts open to all employees. Additionally, the Company maintains an official culture and diversity calendar and publishes articles on its intranet to celebrate events and holidays around the world. Since 2020, Juneteenth, which commemorates the official end of slavery in the United States and the emancipation of Black slaves, has been an official company-paid holiday for employees in the United States, a year before the federal government recognized it officially.\nPay Equity, Benefits and Wellness\nThe Company strives to pay all its employees fairly, without regard to gender, race, or other personal characteristics, and competitively to attract, retain and incentivize talent. The Company sets pay ranges based on market data and considers factors, such as an employee\u2019s role, experience, tenure, job location, and job performance. The Company periodically reviews its compensation practices, both in terms of its overall workforce and individual employees, to help ensure that pay remains fair and equitable. \nThe Company offers a wide array of benefits that support employees\u2019 physical, financial, and emotional well-being. Through its THRIVE program, the Company offers resources and benefits to support overall health and well-being covering (1) physical and mental health, fitness, and well-being; (2) professional growth, skills, and development; (3) total rewards, retirement planning and money management; and (4) community connections, networks, and social interests. The health and well-being benefits are managed within the Total Rewards Center of Excellence in the Human Resources organization (\u201cHR\u201d). The global HR leadership team meets regularly to assist in reviewing benefit offerings and aligning global programs to remain market competitive and meet the needs of employees.\nDevelopment and Training \nThe Company provides development opportunities and career development training to empower employees to reach their career potential. The performance management process provides ongoing performance, goals, and development discussions between employees and their leaders. The Company\u2019s learning and development resources include mentoring programs and LinkedIn Learning and Business Book Summaries, which cover a variety of technical, business, interpersonal, and leadership topics. Lead2Achieve and InsideOut Coaching are available for leaders to develop skills in effective goal setting, coaching, feedback, and development. In Canada, United States and Mexico, the Company provides education financial assistance for employees who pursue undergraduate or graduate education to further their career development. Talent and succession planning activities are conducted for the Company\u2019s executive officers at least annually and periodically for other senior leaders.\nHealth and Safety\nThe Company strives to create workspaces and practices that foster a safe and secure work environment. The Company\u2019s Global Director of Environment, Health, and Safety (\u201cDirector\u201d) helps to define and execute a compliance strategy across all regions, business units, and subsidiaries. In fiscal 2023, the Director began implementing a multi-year plan to improve alignment and consistency of management systems, policies, and procedures; provide comprehensive health and safety training to employees relevant to their specific work functions; drive continual improvement processes with a focus on identified risks; and increase ISO certifications at operational sites. During fiscal 2023, the Company also launched a Global Environment, Health, and Safety site on its intranet, where articles and other health and safety information are posted.\n7\n\n\nTable of Contents\nAs of July 1, 2023, the Company has 10 operational sites that are certified to ISO 45001, an increase from 8 in the prior fiscal year, and 18 that are certified to ISO 14001. In the past four years, the Company had less than 75 total injuries that required medical treatment and reported no fatalities at Avnet global facilities in accordance to the OSHA/local industrial injuring reporting requirements.\nEmployee Engagement\nThe Company engages with its employees and encourages open and direct feedback through employee engagement surveys. Through such surveys, the Company regularly collects feedback to better understand its employees\u2019 experiences and identify opportunities to improve the work environment, increase employee satisfaction, and strengthen its culture. In fiscal 2023, the Company conducted its regular global employee engagement survey and achieved a participation rate of 71.4%, an increase over fiscal 2022.\nAvailable Information\nThe Company files its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and other documents (including registration statements) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Securities Act of 1933, as applicable. The Company\u2019s SEC filings are available to the public on the SEC\u2019s website at http://www.sec.gov and through The Nasdaq Global Select Market (\u201cNasdaq\u201d), 165 Broadway, New York, New York 10006, on which the Company\u2019s common stock is listed.\nA copy of any of the Company\u2019s filings with the SEC, or any of the agreements or other documents that constitute exhibits to those filings, can be obtained by request directed to the Company at the following address and telephone number:\nAvnet, Inc.\n2211 South 47\nth\n Street\nPhoenix, Arizona 85034\n(480)\u00a0643-2000\nAttention: Corporate Secretary\nThe Company also makes these filings available, free of charge, through its website (see \u201cAvnet Website\u201d below).\nAvnet Website\nIn addition to the information about the Company contained in this Report, extensive information about the Company can be found at \nhttp://www.avnet.com\n, including information about its management team, products and services, and corporate governance practices.\n8\n\n\nTable of Contents\nThe corporate governance information on the Company\u2019s website includes the Company\u2019s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Code of Conduct and the charters for each of the committees of its Board of Directors. In addition, amendments to these documents and waivers granted to directors and executive officers under the Code of Conduct, if any, will be posted in this area of the website. These documents can be accessed at \nir.avnet.com/documents-charters\n. Printed versions can be obtained, free of charge, by writing to the Company at the address listed above in \u201cAvailable Information.\u201d\nIn addition, the Company\u2019s filings with the SEC, as well as Section 16 filings made by any of the Company\u2019s executive officers or directors with respect to the Company\u2019s common stock, are available on the Company\u2019s website (\nir.avnet.com/financial-information/sec-filings\n) as soon as reasonably practicable after the filing is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.\nThese details about the Company\u2019s website and its content are only for information. The contents of the Company\u2019s website are not, nor shall they be deemed to be, incorporated by reference in this Report.\n\u200b",
+ "item1a": ">Item\u00a01A. Risk Factors\nForward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors\nThis Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (\u201cSecurities Act\u201d), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the \u201cExchange Act\u201d) with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, and business of Avnet. These statements are generally identified by words like \u201cbelieves,\u201d \u201cplans,\u201d \u201cprojects,\u201d \u201cexpects,\u201d \u201canticipates,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cestimates,\u201d or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and actual results and other outcomes could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which that statement is made. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made.\nRisks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements include the risk factors discussed below as well as risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that management does not currently consider material. Such factors make the Company\u2019s operating results for future periods difficult to predict and, therefore, prior results do not necessarily indicate results in future periods. Some of the risks disclosed below may have already occurred, but not to a degree that management considers material unless otherwise noted. Any of the below factors, or any other factors discussed elsewhere in this Report, may have an adverse effect on the Company\u2019s financial condition, operating results, prospects, and liquidity. Similarly, the price of the Company\u2019s common stock is subject to volatility due to fluctuations in general market conditions; actual financial results that do not meet the Company\u2019s or the investment community\u2019s expectations; changes in the Company\u2019s or the investment community\u2019s expectations for the Company\u2019s future results, dividends or share repurchases; and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company\u2019s control.\n \nBusiness and Operations Risks\nChanges in customer needs and consumption models\nChanges in customer product demands and consumption models may cause a decline in the Company\u2019s billings, which would have a negative impact on the Company\u2019s financial results. Changes in technology (such as artificial intelligence) could reduce the types or quantity of services that customers require from the Company. While the Company attempts to identify changes in market conditions as soon as possible, the dynamics of the industries in which \n9\n\n\nTable of Contents\nit operates make it difficult to predict and timely react to such changes, including those relating to product capacity and lead times. Also, future downturns, inflation, or supply chain challenges, including in the semiconductor and embedded solutions industries, could adversely affect the Company\u2019s relationships with its customers, operating results, and profitability. \nSpecifically, the semiconductor industry experiences periodic fluctuations in product supply and demand (often associated with changes in economic conditions, technology, and manufacturing capacity) and suppliers may not adequately predict or meet customer demand. Geopolitical uncertainty (including from military conflicts; health-related crises; and international trade disputes) have led, and may continue to lead, to shortages, extended lead times, and unpredictability in the supply of certain semiconductors and other electronic components. In reaction, customers may over order to ensure sufficient inventory, which, when the shortage lessens, may result in order cancellations and decreases. In cases where customers have entered into non-cancellable/ non-returnable orders, customers may not be able or willing to carry out the terms of the orders. The Company\u2019s prices to customers depend on many factors, including product availability, supplier costs, and competitive pressures. In fiscal 2022 and 2023, pricing to customers increased due to higher costs from suppliers, as well as higher freight and other costs. However, the Company may not be able to maintain higher prices to customers in the future. As product becomes more available, customer and competitive pressures may lower prices to customers, which could reduce the Company\u2019s margins. In addition, the Company may be unable to increase prices to customers to offset higher internal costs, which could also reduce margins. During fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, sales of semiconductors represented approximately 81%, 76%, and 75% of the Company\u2019s consolidated sales, respectively, and the Company\u2019s sales closely follow the strength or weakness of the semiconductor industry. These conditions make it more difficult to manage the Company\u2019s business and predict future performance.\nDisruptions to key supplier and customer relationships\nOne of the Company\u2019s competitive strengths is the breadth and quality of the suppliers whose products the Company distributes. For fiscal 2023, there was one of the Company\u2019s suppliers that accounted for 10% or more of the Company\u2019s consolidated billings. The Company\u2019s contracts with its suppliers vary in duration and are generally terminable by either party at will upon notice. The Company\u2019s suppliers may terminate or significantly reduce their volume of business with the Company because of a product shortage, an unwillingness to do business with the Company, changes in strategy, or otherwise. \nShortages of products or loss of a supplier may negatively affect the Company\u2019s business and relationships with its customers, as customers depend on the Company\u2019s timely delivery of technology hardware and software from the industry\u2019s leading suppliers. In addition, shifts in suppliers\u2019 strategies, or performance and delivery issues, may negatively affect the Company\u2019s financial results. These conditions make it more difficult to manage the Company\u2019s business and predict future performance. The competitive landscape has also experienced a consolidation among suppliers and capacity constraints, which could negatively impact the Company\u2019s profitability and customer base.\nFurther, if key suppliers modify the terms of their contracts (including, without limitation, terms regarding price protection, rights of return, order cancellation rights, delivery commitments, rebates, or other terms that protect or enhance the Company\u2019s gross margins), it could negatively affect the Company\u2019s results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. Due to recent global shortages of semiconductors, some suppliers have increased the amount of non-cancellable/ non-returnable orders, which limited the Company\u2019s ability to adjust down its inventory levels. The Company may attempt to limit associated risks by passing such terms on to its customers, but this may not be possible.\n10\n\n\nTable of Contents\nRisks related to international operations\nDuring fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 approximately 76%, 77% and 78%, respectively, of the Company\u2019s sales came from its operations outside the United States. The Company\u2019s operations are subject to a variety of risks that are specific to international operations, including, but not limited to, the following:\n\u25cf\npotential restrictions on the Company\u2019s ability to repatriate funds from its foreign subsidiaries;\n\u25cf\nforeign currency and interest rate fluctuations;\n\u25cf\nnon-compliance with foreign and domestic data privacy regulations, business licensing requirements, environmental regulations, and anti-corruption laws, the failure of which could result in severe penalties including monetary fines and criminal proceedings;\n\u25cf\nnon-compliance with foreign and domestic import and export regulations and adoption or expansion of trade restrictions, including technology transfer restrictions, additional license, permit or authorization requirements for shipments, specific company sanctions, new and higher duties, tariffs or surcharges, or other import/export controls;\n\u25cf\ncomplex and changing tax laws and regulations; \n\u25cf\nregulatory requirements and prohibitions that differ between jurisdictions; \n\u25cf\neconomic and political instability, terrorism, military conflicts (including the Russia-Ukraine conflict), or civilian unrest;\n\u25cf\nfluctuations in freight costs (both inbound and outbound), limitations on shipping and receiving capacity, and other disruptions in the transportation and shipping infrastructure;\n\u25cf\nnatural disasters (including as a result of climate change), pandemics, and other public health crises; \n\u25cf\ndiffering employment practices and labor issues; and\n\u25cf\nnon-compliance with local laws.\nIn addition to the cost of compliance, the potential criminal penalties for violations of import or export regulations and anti-corruption laws, by the Company or its third-party agents, create heightened risks for the Company\u2019s international operations. If a regulatory body determines that the Company has violated such laws, the Company could be fined significant sums, incur sizable legal defense costs, have its import or export capabilities restricted or denied, or have its inventories seized, which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business. Additionally, allegations that the Company has violated any such regulations may negatively impact the Company\u2019s reputation, which may result in customers or suppliers being unwilling to do business with the Company. While the Company has adopted measures and controls designed to ensure compliance with these laws, these measures may not be adequate, and the Company may be materially and adversely impacted in the event of an actual or alleged violation.\nTariffs, trade restrictions, and sanctions resulting from international trade disputes, changes in trade policies, or military conflicts may adversely affect the Company\u2019s sales and profitability. For example, the U.S. government imposed several trade policies, rules, and restrictions applicable to China and Hong Kong. In addition, in response to the Russian-Ukraine conflict, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and numerous other countries initiated a variety of sanctions, export restrictions, currency controls and other restrictions against Russia. The Chinese and Russian governments have responded in kind with restrictions, sanctions, and other measures. These actions have resulted in losses; increased costs, including increased costs of procuring certain products the Company purchases from its suppliers; shortages of materials and electronic components; increased expenses such as energy, fuel, and freight costs, which may not \n11\n\n\nTable of Contents\nbe possible to pass on to customers; increased cyber security attacks; credit market disruptions; and inflation, which may impact the Company\u2019s sales, customer demand for certain products, access to certain markets, and profits. In addition, increased operational expenses incurred in minimizing the number of products subject to the tariffs could adversely affect the Company\u2019s operating profits. Neither U.S. tariffs nor any retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries on U.S. goods have yet had a material impact, but any future actions or escalations that affect trade relations could materially affect the Company\u2019s sales and results of operations. \nThe Company transacts sales, pays expenses, owns assets, and incurs liabilities in countries using currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Because the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. Dollars, the Company must translate such activities and amounts into U.S. Dollars at exchange rates in effect during each reporting period. Therefore, increases or decreases in the exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies affect the Company\u2019s reported amounts of sales, operating income, and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, unexpected and dramatic changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the Company\u2019s earnings from those markets. While the Company may use derivative financial instruments to reduce its net exposure, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may materially affect the Company\u2019s financial results. Further, foreign currency instability and disruptions in the credit and capital markets may increase credit risks for some of the Company\u2019s customers and may impair its customers\u2019 ability to repay existing obligations.\nInternal information systems failures\nThe Company depends on its information systems to facilitate its day-to-day operations and to produce timely, accurate, and reliable information on financial and operational results. Currently, the Company\u2019s global operations are tracked with multiple information systems, including systems from acquired businesses, some of which are subject to ongoing IT projects designed to streamline or optimize the Company\u2019s systems. These IT projects are extremely complex, in part because of wide ranging processes, use of on-premise and cloud environments, the Company\u2019s business operations, and changes in information technology (including artificial intelligence). The Company may not always succeed at these efforts. Implementation or integration difficulties may adversely affect the Company\u2019s ability to complete business transactions and ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial data. In addition, IT projects may not achieve the expected efficiencies and cost savings, which could negatively impact the Company\u2019s financial results. A failure of any of these information systems (including due to power losses, computer and telecommunications failures, cyber security incidents, or manmade or natural disasters), or material difficulties in upgrading these information systems, could have an adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business, internal controls, and reporting obligations under federal securities laws.\nDue to the Company\u2019s increased online sales, system interruptions and delays that make its websites and services unavailable or slow to respond may reduce the attractiveness of its products and services to its customers. If the Company is unable to continually improve the efficiency of its systems, it could cause systems interruptions or delays and adversely affect the Company\u2019s operating results.\nLogistics disruptions\nThe Company\u2019s global logistics services are operated through specialized and centralized distribution centers around the globe, some of which are outsourced. The Company also depends almost entirely on third-party transportation service providers to deliver products to its customers. A major interruption or disruption in service at one or more of its distribution centers for any reason or significant disruptions of services from the Company\u2019s third-party transportation providers could cause a delay in expected cost savings or an increase in expenses, which may not be possible to pass on to customers. Such disruptions could result from risks related to information technology, data security, or any of the General Risk Factors, as discussed herein. In addition, as the Company continues to increase capacity at various distribution centers, it may experience operational challenges, increased costs, decreased efficiency, \n12\n\n\nTable of Contents\nand customer delivery delays and failures. Such operational challenges could have an adverse impact on the Company\u2019s business partners, and on the Company\u2019s business, operations, financial performance, and reputation.\nData security and privacy threats\nThreats to the Company\u2019s data and information technology systems (including cyber security attacks such as phishing and ransomware) are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Threat actors have successfully breached the Company\u2019s systems and processes in various ways, and such cyber security breaches expose the Company to significant potential liability and reputational harm. Cyber security attacks have not yet materially impacted the Company\u2019s data (including data about customers, suppliers, and employees) or the Company\u2019s operations, financial condition, or data security, but future attacks could have a material impact. Threat actors seek unauthorized access to intellectual property, or confidential or proprietary information regarding the Company, its customers, its business partners, or its employees. They deploy malicious software programs that exploit security vulnerabilities, including ransomware designed to encrypt the Company\u2019s files so an attacker may demand a ransom for restored access. They also seek to misdirect money, sabotage data and systems, takeover internal processes, and induce employees or other system users to disclose sensitive information, including login credentials. In addition, some Company employees continue to work from home on a full-time or hybrid basis, which increases the Company\u2019s vulnerability to cyber and other information technology risks. Further, the Company\u2019s business partners and service providers, such as suppliers, customers, and hosted solution providers, pose a security risk because their own security systems or infrastructure may become compromised. \nThe Company seeks to protect and secure its systems and information, prevent and detect evolving threats, and respond to threats as they occur. Measures taken include implementing and enhancing information security controls such as enterprise-wide firewalls, intrusion detection, endpoint protection, email security, disaster recovery, vulnerability management, and cyber security training for employees to enhance awareness of general security best practices, financial fraud, and phishing. Despite these efforts, the Company may not always be successful. Threat actors frequently change their techniques and, consequently, the Company may not always promptly detect the existence or scope of a security breach. As these types of threats grow and evolve, the Company may make further investments to protect its data and information technology infrastructure, which may impact the Company\u2019s profitability. The Company\u2019s insurance coverage for protecting against cyber-attacks may not be sufficient to cover all possible claims, and the Company may suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on its business. As a global enterprise, the Company may be negatively impacted by existing and proposed laws and regulations, as well as government policies and practices, related to cybersecurity, data privacy, data localization, and data protection. Failure to comply with such requirements could have an adverse effect on the Company\u2019s reputation, business, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as subject the Company to significant fines, litigation losses, third-party damages, and other liabilities.\nFinancial Risks\nInventory value decline\nThe electronic components and integrated products industries are subject to technological change, new and enhanced products, changes in customer needs, and changes in industry standards and regulatory requirements, which can cause the Company\u2019s inventory to decline in value or become obsolete. Regardless of the general economic environment, prices may decline due to a decrease in demand or an oversupply of products, which may increase the risk of declines in inventory value. Many of the Company\u2019s suppliers offer certain protections from the loss in value of inventory (such as price protection and limited rights of return), but such policies may not fully compensate for the loss. Also, suppliers may not honor such agreements, some of which are subject to the supplier discretion. In addition, most Company sales are made pursuant to individual purchase orders, rather than through long-term sales contracts. Where there are contracts, such contracts are generally terminable at will upon notice. Unforeseen product developments, \n13\n\n\nTable of Contents\ninventory value declines, or customer cancellations may adversely affect the Company\u2019s business, results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.\nAccounts receivable defaults\nAccounts receivable are a significant portion of the Company\u2019s working capital. If entities responsible for a significant amount of accounts receivable cease doing business, direct their business elsewhere, fail to pay, or delay payment, the Company\u2019s business, results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity could be adversely affected. An economic or industry downturn could adversely affect the Company\u2019s ability to collect receivables, which could result in longer payment cycles, increased collection costs, and defaults exceeding management\u2019s expectations. A significant deterioration in the Company\u2019s ability to collect accounts receivable in the United States could impact the cost or availability of financing under its accounts receivable securitization program. \nLiquidity and capital resources constraints\nThe Company\u2019s ability to satisfy its cash needs and implement its capital allocation strategy depends on its ability to generate cash from operations and to access the financial markets, both of which are subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors that are beyond the Company\u2019s control. In addition to cash on hand, the Company relies on external financing to help satisfy its cash needs. However, various factors affect external financing, including general market conditions, interest rate fluctuations, and the Company\u2019s debt ratings and operating results. Consequently, external financing may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. An increase in the Company\u2019s debt or deterioration of its operating results may cause a reduction in its debt ratings. Any such reduction could negatively impact the Company\u2019s ability to obtain additional financing or renew existing financing, and could result in reduced credit limits, increased financing expenses, and additional restrictions and covenants. A reduction in its current debt rating may also negatively impact the Company\u2019s working capital and impair its relationship with its customers and suppliers.\nAs of July 1, 2023, the Company had debt outstanding with financial institutions under various notes, secured borrowings, and committed and uncommitted lines of credit. The Company needs cash to pay debt principal and interest, and for general corporate purposes, such as funding its ongoing working capital and capital expenditure needs. Under certain of its credit facilities, the applicable interest rate and costs are based in part on the Company\u2019s current debt rating. If its debt rating is reduced, higher interest rates and increased costs would result. Any material increase in the Company\u2019s financing costs or loss of access to cost-effective financing could have an adverse effect on its profitability, results of operations, and cash flows. \nUnder some of its credit facilities, the Company is required to maintain a maximum leverage ratio and pass certain financial tests. If the Company increases its level of debt or its operating results deteriorate, it may fail to meet this financial ratio or pass these tests, which may result in an event of default. In such an event, lenders may accelerate payment and the Company may be unable to continue to utilize these facilities. If the Company is unable to utilize these facilities or is required to repay debt earlier than management expected, it may not have sufficient cash available to make interest payments, to repay indebtedness, or for general corporate needs. \nGeneral economic or business conditions, both domestic and foreign, may be less favorable than management expects and could adversely impact the Company\u2019s sales or its ability to collect receivables from its customers, which may impact access to the Company\u2019s accounts receivable securitization program.\nFinancing covenants and restrictions may limit management discretion\nThe agreements governing the Company\u2019s financing, including its credit facility, accounts receivable securitization program, and the indentures governing the Company\u2019s outstanding notes, contain various covenants and restrictions that, \n14\n\n\nTable of Contents\nin certain circumstances, limit the Company\u2019s ability, and the ability of certain subsidiaries, to:\n\u25cf\ngrant liens on assets;\n\u25cf\nmake restricted payments (including, under certain circumstances, paying dividends on, redeeming or repurchasing common stock);\n\u25cf\nmake certain investments;\n\u25cf\nmerge, consolidate, or transfer all, or substantially all, of the Company\u2019s assets;\n\u25cf\nincur additional debt; or\n\u25cf\nengage in certain transactions with affiliates.\nAs a result of these covenants and restrictions, the Company may be limited in the future in how it conducts its business and may be unable to raise additional debt, repurchase common stock, pay a dividend, compete effectively, or make further investments.\nTax law changes and compliance\nAs a multinational corporation, the Company is subject to the tax laws and regulations of the United States and many foreign jurisdictions. From time to time, governments enact or revise tax laws and regulations, which are further subject to interpretations, guidance, amendments, and technical corrections from international, federal, and state tax authorities. Such changes to tax law may adversely affect the Company\u2019s cash flow, costs of share buybacks, and effective tax rate, including through decreases in allowable deductions and higher tax rates. \nMany countries are adopting provisions to align their international tax rules with the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project, led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (\u201cOECD\u201d) and supported by the United States. The project aims to standardize and modernize global corporate tax policy, including tax rate increases and a global minimum tax. In October 2021, a substantial majority of the OECD\u2019s participating countries and jurisdictions agreed to introduce a 15% global minimum corporate tax rate that would apply to companies with revenue over a set threshold. Furthermore, many countries are independently evaluating their corporate tax policy, which could result in tax legislation and enforcement that adversely impacts the Company\u2019s tax provision and value of deferred assets and liabilities. These provisions, if enacted, individually or as a whole, may negatively impact taxation of international business.\nThe tax laws and regulations of the various countries where the Company has operations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. The Company believes that its historical tax positions are sound and consistent with applicable law, and that it has adequately reserved for income taxes. However, taxing authorities may challenge such positions and the Company may not be successful in defending against any such challenges. The Company\u2019s future income tax expense could be favorably or adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets, and liabilities and changes to its operating structure.\nConstraints on internal controls\nEffective internal controls are necessary for the Company to provide reliable financial reports, safeguard its assets, and prevent and detect fraud. If the Company cannot do so, its brand and operating results could be harmed. Internal controls over financial reporting are intended to prevent and detect material misstatements in its financial reporting and material fraudulent activity, but are limited by human error, circumventing or overriding controls, and fraud. As a result, the Company may not identify all material activity or all immaterial activity that could aggregate into a material \n15\n\n\nTable of Contents\nmisstatement. Therefore, even effective internal controls cannot guarantee that financial statements are wholly accurate or prevent all fraud and loss of assets. Management continually evaluates the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company\u2019s internal controls. However, if the Company fails to maintain the adequacy of its internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved internal controls, or if the Company experiences difficulties in their implementation, the Company\u2019s business and operating results could be harmed. Additionally, the Company may be subject to sanctions or investigations by regulatory authorities, or the Company could fail to meet its reporting obligations, all of which could have an adverse effect on its business or the market price of the Company\u2019s securities.\nAcquisition expected benefits shortfall\nThe Company has made, and expects to make, strategic acquisitions or investments globally to further its strategic objectives and support key business initiatives. Acquisitions and investments involve risks and uncertainties, some of which may differ from those associated with the Company\u2019s historical operations. Such risks include, but are not limited to, risks relating to expanding into emerging markets and business areas, adding additional product lines and services, impacting existing customer and supplier relationships, incurring costs or liabilities associated with the companies acquired, incurring potential impairment charges on acquired goodwill and other intangible assets, and diverting management\u2019s attention from existing operations and initiatives. As a result, the Company\u2019s profitability may be negatively impacted. In addition, the Company may not successfully integrate the acquired businesses, or the integration may be more difficult, costly, or time-consuming than anticipated. Further, any litigation involving the potential acquisition or acquired entity will increase expenses associated with the acquisition, cause a delay in completing the acquisition, impact the ability to integrate the acquired entity, which may impact the Company\u2019s profitability. The Company may experience disruptions that could, depending on the size of the acquisition, have an adverse effect on its business, especially where an acquisition target may have pre-existing regulatory issues or deficiencies, or material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting. Furthermore, the Company may not realize all benefits anticipated from its acquisitions, which could adversely affect the Company\u2019s financial performance.\nLegal and Regulatory Risks\nLegal proceedings\n \ncosts and damages\nFrom time to time, the Company may become involved in legal proceedings, including government investigations, that arise out of the ordinary conduct of the Company\u2019s business, including matters involving intellectual property rights, commercial matters, merger-related matters, product liability, and other actions. Legal proceedings could result in substantial costs and diversion of management\u2019s efforts and other resources, and could have an adverse effect on the Company\u2019s operations and business reputation. The Company may be obligated to indemnify and defend its customers if the products or services that the Company sells are alleged to infringe any third party\u2019s intellectual property rights. The Company may not be able to obtain supplier indemnification for itself and its customers against such claims, or such indemnification may not fully protect the Company and its customers against such claims. Also, the Company is exposed to potential liability for technology and products that it develops for which it has no indemnification protections. If an infringement claim against the Company is successful, the Company may be required to pay damages or seek royalty or license arrangements, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. The Company may have to stop selling certain products or services, which could affect its ability to compete effectively. In addition, the Company\u2019s expanding business activities may include the assembly or manufacture of electronic component products and systems. Product defects, whether caused by a design, assembly, manufacture or component failure or error, or manufacturing processes not in compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, may result in product liability claims, product recalls, fines, and penalties. Product liability risks could be particularly significant with respect to aerospace, \n16\n\n\nTable of Contents\nautomotive, and medical applications because of the risk of serious harm to users of such products. \nEnvironmental regulations\n \nnon-compliance\nThe Company is subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations addressing environmental and other impacts from industrial processes, waste disposal, carbon emissions, use of hazardous materials in products and operations, recycling products, and other related matters. While the Company strives to fully comply with all applicable regulations, certain of these regulations impose liability without fault. Additionally, the Company may be held responsible for the prior activities of an entity it acquired.\nFailure to comply with these regulations could result in substantial costs, fines, and civil or criminal sanctions, as well as third-party claims for property damage or personal injury. Future environmental laws and regulations, including disclosure requirements, may become more stringent over time, imposing greater compliance costs, and increasing risks, penalties and reputational harm associated with violations.\nCustomers, suppliers, investors, and regulatory agencies in various jurisdictions globally are increasingly requesting or requiring disclosure and action regarding the Company\u2019s supply chain due-diligence and environmental, social, and governance practices. Such increased expectations and regulations may increase compliance costs and result in reputational damage and loss of business if the Company is perceived to have not met such expectations.\nGeneral Risk Factors\nNegative impacts of economic or geopolitical uncertainty, or a health crisis, on operations and financial results\nEconomic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty (including from military conflicts and international trade disputes), as well as health-related crises (including pandemics and epidemics), have resulted, and may result in the future, in a variety of adverse impacts on the Company and its customers and suppliers. Such adverse impacts include decreased sales, margins, and earnings; increased logistics costs; demand uncertainty; constrained workforce participation; global supply chain disruptions; and logistics and distribution system disruptions. Such crises and uncertainties could also result in, or heighten the risks of, customer bankruptcies, customer delayed or defaulted payments, delays in product deliveries, financial market disruption and volatility, and other risk factors described in the Company\u2019s Annual Report. As a result, the Company may need to impair assets (including goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets), implement restructuring actions, and reduce expenses in response to decreased sales or margins.\nThe Company may not be able to adequately adjust its cost structure in a timely fashion, which may adversely impact its profitability. Uncertainty about economic conditions may increase foreign currency volatility, which may negatively impact the Company\u2019s results. Economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty also make it more difficult for the Company to manage inventory levels (including when customers decrease orders, cancel existing orders, or are unable to fulfill their obligations under non-cancelable/ non-return orders) and collect customer receivables, which may result in provisions to create reserves, write-offs, reduced access to liquidity, higher financing costs, and increased pressure on cash flows.\nAn increase in or prolonged period of inflation could affect the Company\u2019s profitability and cash flows, due to higher wages, higher operating expenses, higher financing costs, and higher supplier prices. Inflation may also adversely affect foreign exchange rates. The Company may be unable to pass along such higher costs to its customers, which may result in lower gross profit margins. In addition, inflation may adversely affect customers\u2019 financing costs, cash flows, and profitability, which could adversely impact their operations and the Company\u2019s ability to offer credit and collect receivables.\n17\n\n\nTable of Contents\nCompetition\nThe market for the Company\u2019s products and services is very competitive and subject to technological advances (including artificial intelligence), new competitors, non-traditional competitors, and changes in industry standards. The Company competes with other global and regional distributors, as well as some of the Company\u2019s own suppliers that maintain direct sales efforts. In addition, as the Company expands its offerings and geographies, the Company may encounter increased competition from current or new competitors. The Company\u2019s failure to maintain and enhance its competitive position could adversely affect its business and prospects. Furthermore, the Company\u2019s efforts to compete in the marketplace could cause deterioration of gross profit margins and, thus, overall profitability.\nThe size of the Company\u2019s competitors varies across market sectors, as do the resources the Company has allocated to the sectors and geographic areas in which it does business. Therefore, some competitors may have greater resources or a more extensive customer or supplier base in some market sectors and geographic areas. As a result, the Company may not be able to effectively compete in certain markets, which could impact the Company\u2019s profitability and prospects.\nEmployee retention and hiring constraints\nIdentifying, hiring, training, developing, and retaining qualified and engaged employees is critical to the Company\u2019s success, and competition for experienced employees in the Company\u2019s industry can be intense. Restrictions on immigration or changes in immigration laws, including visa restrictions, may limit the Company\u2019s acquisition of key talent, including talent with diverse experience, background, ability, and perspectives. Changing demographics and labor work force trends may result in a loss of knowledge and skills as experienced workers leave the Company. In addition, as global opportunities and industry demands shift, and as the Company expands its offerings, the Company may encounter challenges in realigning, training, and hiring skilled personnel. Through organizational design activities, the Company periodically eliminates positions due to restructurings or other reasons, which may risk the Company\u2019s brand reputation as an employer of choice and negatively impact the Company\u2019s ability to hire and retain qualified personnel. Also, position eliminations may negatively impact the morale of employees who are not terminated, which could result in work stoppages or slowdowns, particularly where employees are represented by unions or works councils. If these circumstances occur, the Company\u2019s business, financial condition, and results of operations could be seriously harmed.\n\u200b",
+ "item7": ">Item\u00a07. \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and\n Results of Operations\nFor a description of the Company\u2019s critical accounting policies and an understanding of Avnet and the significant factors that influenced the Company\u2019s performance during the past three fiscal years, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the description of the business appearing in Item\u00a01 of this Report and the consolidated financial statements, including the related notes and schedule, and other information appearing in Item\u00a08 of this Report. The Company operates on a \u201c52/53\u00a0week\u201d fiscal year. Fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 contain 52 weeks compared to 53 weeks in fiscal 2021.\nThe discussion of the Company\u2019s results of operations includes references to the impact of foreign currency translation. When the U.S. Dollar strengthens and the stronger exchange rates are used to translate the results of operations of Avnet\u2019s subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies, the result is a decrease in U.S. Dollars of reported results. Conversely, when the U.S. Dollar weakens, the weaker exchange rates result in an increase in U.S. Dollars of reported results. In the discussion that follows, results excluding this impact, primarily for subsidiaries in EMEA and Asia, are referred to as \u201cconstant currency.\u201d\nIn addition to disclosing financial results that are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (\u201cGAAP\u201d), the Company also discloses certain non-GAAP financial information, including:\n\u25cf\nOperating income excluding (i) restructuring, integration and other expenses (see Restructuring, Integration and Other Expenses in this MD&A), (ii) Russian-Ukraine conflict related expenses (see Russian-Ukraine conflict related expenses in this MD&A), and (iii) amortization of acquired intangible assets is referred to as \u201cadjusted operating income.\u201d \n22\n\n\nTable of Contents\nThe reconciliation of operating income to adjusted operating income is presented in the following table:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nYears\u00a0Ended\n\u200b\n\u00a0\nJuly\u00a01,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nJuly\u00a02,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nJuly\u00a03,\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u200b\n2022\n\u200b\n2021\n\u200b\n\u200b\n(Thousands)\nOperating income\n\u200b\n$\n 1,186,800\n\u200b\n$\n 939,011\n\u200b\n$\n 281,408\nRestructuring, integration and other expenses\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 28,038\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 5,272\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 84,391\nRussian-Ukraine conflict related expenses\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 26,261\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets and other\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 6,053\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 15,038\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 41,245\nAdjusted operating income \n\u200b\n$\n 1,220,891\n\u200b\n$\n 985,582\n\u200b\n$\n 407,044\n\u200b\nManagement believes that providing this additional information is useful to financial statement users to better assess and understand operating performance, especially when comparing results with prior periods or forecasting performance for future periods, primarily because management typically monitors the business both including and excluding these adjustments to GAAP results. Management also uses these non-GAAP measures to establish operational goals and, in many cases, for measuring performance for compensation purposes. However, any analysis of results on a non-GAAP basis should be used as a complement to, and in conjunction with, results presented in accordance with GAAP.\n\u200b\nResults of Operations\nExecutive Summary\nSales for fiscal 2023 were $26.54 billion, an increase of 9.2% from fiscal 2022 sales of $24.31 billion. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency, sales increased 13.4% as compared to sales in the prior year. This increase in sales was predominately driven by sales growth in both operating groups across all regions driven by strong global demand and to a lesser extent pricing for electronic components.\nGross profit increased $216.8 million or 7.3% from fiscal 2022 gross profit due primarily to increases in sales. Gross profit margin of 12.0% decreased 21 basis points compared to 12.2% in fiscal 2022. This decrease is primarily driven by the unwinding of certain pricing premiums in the Farnell business.\nOperating income of $1.19 billion was $247.8 million or 26.4% higher than fiscal 2022. Operating income margin was 4.5% in fiscal 2023, as compared to 3.9% in fiscal 2022. The increase in operating income margin is primarily the result of increases in sales and the operating leverage created by the additional gross profit dollars without any meaningful increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. Adjusted operating income margin was 4.6% in fiscal 2023 as compared to 4.1% in fiscal 2022, an increase of 55 basis points. This increase in adjusted operating income margin is primarily due to increases in sales and the operating leverage created by the additional gross profit dollars.\n23\n\n\nTable of Contents\nSales\nThree-Year Analysis of Sales: By Operating Group and Geography\nThe table below provides a year-over-year summary of sales for the Company and its operating groups.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nYears\u00a0Ended\n\u200b\nPercent\u00a0Change\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\nJuly\u00a01,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n%\u00a0of\n\u200b\nJuly\u00a02,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n%\u00a0of\n\u200b\nJuly\u00a03,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n%\u00a0of\n\u200b\n2023\u00a0to\u00a0\n\u200b\n2022\u00a0to\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nTotal\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2022\n\u200b\nTotal\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2021\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nTotal\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2022\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2021\n\u200b\n\u200b\n(Dollars\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n\u00a0\nSales by Operating Group:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nEC\n\u200b\n$\n 24,802.6\n\u200b\n 93.5\n%\u00a0\n\u200b\n$\n 22,503.3\n\u200b\n 92.6\n%\u00a0\n\u200b\n$\n 18,030.5\n\u200b\n 92.3\n%\u00a0\n\u200b\n 10.2\n%\u00a0\n\u200b\n 24.8\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nFarnell\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,734.3\n\u200b\n 6.5\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,807.4\n\u200b\n 7.4\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,504.2\n\u200b\n 7.7\n\u200b\n\u200b\n (4.0)\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 20.2\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 26,536.9\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 24,310.7\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 19,534.7\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nSales by Geographic Region:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAmericas\n\u200b\n$\n 6,807.7\n\u00a0\n 25.7\n%\u00a0\n\u200b\n$\n 5,896.0\n\u00a0\n 24.3\n%\u00a0\n\u200b\n$\n 4,662.5\n\u00a0\n 23.9\n%\u00a0\n\u200b\n 15.5\n%\u00a0\n\u200b\n 26.5\n%\nEMEA\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 9,229.4\n\u00a0\n 34.8\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 7,838.1\n\u00a0\n 32.2\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 6,149.9\n\u00a0\n 31.5\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 17.8\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 27.5\n\u200b\nAsia\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 10,499.8\n\u00a0\n 39.5\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 10,576.6\n\u00a0\n 43.5\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 8,722.3\n\u00a0\n 44.6\n\u200b\n\u200b\n (0.7)\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 21.3\n\u200b\nTotal Avnet\n\u200b\n$\n 26,536.9\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 24,310.7\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 19,534.7\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nThe table below provides reported and organic sales growth rates for fiscal 2023 as compared to fiscal 2022 by geographic region and operating group.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nSales\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nYear-Year %\n\u200b\n\u200b\nSales\n\u200b\nChange in\n\u200b\n\u200b\nYear-Year\n\u200b\nConstant\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n%\u00a0Change\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCurrency\nAvnet\n\u200b\n 9.2\n%\n\u00a0\n 13.4\n%\nAvnet by region\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAmericas\n\u200b\n 15.5\n%\n\u00a0\n 15.5\n%\nEMEA\n\u200b\n 17.8\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 27.0\n\u200b\nAsia\n\u200b\n (0.7)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1.9\n\u200b\nAvnet by operating group\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nEC\n\u200b\n 10.2\n%\n\u00a0\n 14.4\n%\nFarnell\n\u200b\n (4.0)\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 0.9\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAvnet\u2019s sales for fiscal 2023 were $26.54 billion, an increase of $2.23 billion, or 9.2%, from fiscal 2022 sales of $24.31 billion. Sales in constant currency increased 13.4% year over year, reflecting sales growth in both operating groups across all regions driven by strong global demand and to a lesser extent pricing for electronic components. \nEC sales in fiscal 2023 were $24.80 billion, representing a 10.2% increase over fiscal 2022 sales of $22.50 billion. EC sales increased 14.4% year over year in constant currency. The increase in EC sales is primarily due to double-digit growth in the Americas and EMEA regions driven primarily by strong demand in the industrial, transportation, and aerospace and defense sectors.\nFarnell sales in fiscal 2023 were $1.73 billion, a decrease of $73.0 million or 4.0%, from fiscal 2022 sales of $1.81 billion. The year-over-year decrease in sales was primarily a result of foreign currency translation from a strengthening U.S. Dollar. Farnell sales in constant currency increased 0.9% year over year as sales growth in the Americas was offset by sales declines in the EMEA and Asia regions.\n24\n\n\nTable of Contents\nGross Profit \nGross profit in fiscal 2023 was $3.18 billion, an increase of $216.8 million, or 7.3%, from fiscal 2022 gross profit of $2.97 billion. Gross profit margin decreased to 12.0% in fiscal 2023 or 21 basis points from fiscal 2022 gross profit margin of 12.2%. EC gross profit margin increased year over year primarily due to a higher percentage of sales coming from the higher-margin western regions. Sales in the higher margin western regions represented approximately 60% of sales in fiscal 2023 as compared to 56% during fiscal 2022. Farnell gross profit margin decreased year over year primarily driven by the unwinding of certain component pricing premiums during fiscal 2023 and from unfavorable sales mix of lower margin products.\nSelling, General and Administrative Expenses\nSelling, general and administrative expenses (\u201cSG&A expenses\u201d) in fiscal 2023 were $1.97 billion, a decrease of $27.5 million, or 1.4%, from fiscal 2022. The year-over-year decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily a result of foreign currency translation from a strengthening U.S. Dollar.\nMetrics that management monitors with respect to its operating expenses are SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales and as a percentage of gross profit. In fiscal 2023, SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales were 7.4% and as a percentage of gross profit were 61.8%, as compared with 8.2% and 67.3%, respectively, in fiscal 2022. The decreases in SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales and gross profit resulted primarily from the operating leverage realized with higher sales, and lower amortization expenses, partially offset by increases in SG&A expenses to support sales volumes. \nRussian-Ukraine Conflict Related Expenses\nDuring fiscal 2022, the Company incurred $26.3 million of costs associated with the Russian-Ukraine conflict, primarily comprised of $17.2 million of expense for credit loss reserves for trade accounts receivable from Russian customers that are no longer considered collectible. The remaining expense is related to product write-downs for Russia based customers and other Russian business operation wind-down costs.\nRestructuring, Integration and Other Expenses\nDuring fiscal 2023, the Company incurred restructuring, integration and other expenses primarily related to the planned closure of a distribution center. In addition, the Company increased its estimated environmental remediation reserves associated with certain legacy manufacturing operations that were divested several decades ago. As a result, during fiscal 2023 the Company recorded restructuring, integration, and other expenses of $28.0 million. The Company recorded $17.4 million for restructuring costs consisting of $16.1 million for severance, $0.5 million for facility exit costs and $0.8 million for asset impairments. The Company expects to realize approximately $16.0 million in incremental annualized operating costs savings as a result of such restructuring actions once completed. Integration and other costs were $2.6 million associated with incremental costs incurred as a result of the planned distribution center closure and $8.0 million related to the Company\u2019s estimated environmental remediation obligations, respectively. The after-tax impact of restructuring, integration and other expenses was $22.0 million and $0.24 per share on a diluted basis.\nDuring fiscal 2022, the Company recorded restructuring, integration and other expenses of $5.3 million, substantially all of which was related to integration costs.\nSee Note 17, \u201cRestructuring expenses\u201d to the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to restructuring expenses. \n25\n\n\nTable of Contents\nOperating Income \nOperating income for fiscal 2023 was $1.19 billion, an increase of $247.8 million or 26.4%, from fiscal 2022 operating income of $939.0 million. The year-over-year increase in operating income is primarily driven by the increase in sales and lower SG&A expenses, partially offset by a lower gross profit margin.\nOperating income margin was 4.5% in fiscal 2023 compared to 3.9% in fiscal 2022. Adjusted operating income for fiscal 2023 was $1.22 billion, an increase of $235.3 million or 23.9%, from fiscal 2022. Adjusted operating income margin was 4.6% in fiscal 2023 compared to 4.1% in fiscal 2022. EC operating income margin was 4.8% in fiscal 2023 compared to 3.9% in fiscal 2022. Farnell operating income margin was 9.5% in fiscal 2023 compared to 13.4% in fiscal 2022.\nInterest and Other Financing Expenses, Net\n \nInterest and other financing expenses for fiscal 2023 was $250.9 million, an increase of $150.5 million, or 149.9%, compared with interest and other financing expenses of $100.4 million in fiscal 2022. The increase in interest and other financing expenses in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 is a result of higher outstanding borrowings and increases in average borrowing rates during fiscal 2023 as compared to fiscal 2022.\nGain on Legal Settlements and Other\nDuring fiscal 2023, the Company recorded a gain on legal settlements of $74.4 million before tax, $56.9 million after tax, and $0.61 per share on a diluted basis, in connection with the settlement of claims filed against certain manufacturers of capacitors. See Note 13, \u201cCommitments and contingencies\u201d to the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to the gain on legal settlements.\nIn June 2023, the Company settled a portion of its pension liability related to certain retirees and terminated vested employees in the Company\u2019s U.S. pension plan as part of a de-risking strategy. This strategy triggered settlement accounting which required immediate recognition of a portion of the accumulated losses associated with the plan. Consequently, the Company recognized non-cash settlement expense of $37.4 million in fiscal 2023.\nIncome Tax \nThe below discussion of the effective tax rate for the periods presented in the statements of operations is in comparison to the 21% U.S. statutory federal income tax rate.\nAvnet\u2019s effective tax rate on its income before income taxes was 21.6% in fiscal 2023. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 was unfavorably impacted primarily by (i) U.S. state taxes, (ii) increases to valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, and (iii) the mix of income in higher income tax jurisdictions, partially offset by (iv) the impact of foreign currency translation loss.\nFor fiscal 2022, the Company\u2019s effective tax rate on its income before income taxes was 16.9%. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2022 was favorably impacted primarily by decreases to valuation allowances against deferred tax assets.\nSee Note 9, \u201cIncome taxes\u201d to the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the effective tax rate.\n26\n\n\nTable of Contents\nNet Income\nAs a result of the factors described in the preceding sections of this MD&A, the Company\u2019s net income in fiscal 2023 was $770.8 million, or earnings per share on a diluted basis of $8.26, compared with fiscal 2022 net income of $692.4 million, or earnings per share on a diluted basis of $6.94.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nCash Flows\nCash Flows from Operating Activities\nThe Company used $713.7 million of cash from its operating activities in fiscal 2023 as compared to $219.3 million of cash used in fiscal 2022. These operating cash flows are comprised of: (i) cash flows generated from net income, adjusted for the impact of non-cash and other items, which includes depreciation and amortization expense, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of operating lease assets and other non-cash items, and (ii) cash flows used for, or generated from, working capital and other, excluding cash and cash equivalents. Cash used for working capital and other to support sales growth was $1.68 billion during fiscal 2023, including increases in accounts receivable of $461.1 million and inventories of $1.17 billion, and a decrease in accounts payable of $75.9 million, offset by an increase in accrued expenses and other of $28.8 million. Comparatively, cash used for working capital and other was $1.09 billion during fiscal 2022, including increases in accounts receivable of $1.13 billion and inventories of $1.22 billion, offset by increases in accounts payable of $1.13 billion, and accrued expenses and other of $134.4 million.\nCash Flows from Financing Activities\nDuring fiscal 2023, the Company received net proceeds of $498.6 million as a result of the issuance of $500.0 million of 6.25% Notes due March 2028, $728.2 million under the Credit Facility, and $258.0 million under the Securitization Program, and repaid $96.2 million under other short-term debt. During fiscal 2023, the Company paid dividends on common stock of $106.3 million, and repurchased $221.7 million of common stock. \nDuring fiscal 2022, the Company received net proceeds of $300.0 million as a result of the issuance of $300.0 million of 5.50% Notes due May 2032, $274.9 million under the Securitization Program, and $235.0 million from borrowings of various bank credit facilities. During fiscal 2022, the Company repaid $354.3 million of notes, paid dividends on common stock of $98.5 million, and repurchased $184.4 million of common stock.\nCash Flows from Investing Activities\nDuring fiscal 2023, the Company used $194.7 million for capital expenditures compared to $48.9 million in fiscal 2022. The increase in capital expenditures year over year was primarily related to expenditures for a new distribution center being built in EMEA to support the future growth of the EC EMEA business. During fiscal 2023, the Company used $16.9 million for other investing activities. During fiscal 2022, the Company received $90.4 million from investing activities related to the liquidation of Company owned life insurance policies. \nFinancing Transactions\nThe Company uses a variety of financing arrangements, both short-term and long-term, to fund its operations in addition to historical cash generated from operating activities. The Company also uses several funding sources to avoid becoming overly dependent on one financing source, and to lower overall funding costs. These financing arrangements \n27\n\n\nTable of Contents\ninclude public debt (\u201cNotes\u201d), short-term and long-term bank loans, a revolving credit facility (the \u201cCredit Facility\u201d), and an accounts receivable securitization program (the \u201cSecuritization Program\u201d).\nThe Company has various lines of credit, financing arrangements, and other forms of bank debt in the U.S. and various foreign locations to fund the short-term working capital, foreign exchange, overdraft, and letter of credit needs of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Outstanding borrowings under such forms of debt at the end of fiscal 2023 was $70.6 million. \nAs an alternative form of liquidity outside of the United States, the Company sells certain of its trade accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis to financial institutions pursuant to factoring agreements. The Company accounts for these transactions as sales of receivables and presents cash proceeds as cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Factoring fees for the sales of trade accounts receivable are recorded within \u201cInterest and other financing expenses, net\u201d and were not material to the consolidated financial statements.\nSee Note 7, \u201cDebt\u201d to the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on financing transactions including the Credit Facility, the Securitization Program and the outstanding Notes as of July 1, 2023.\nCovenants and Conditions\nThe Company\u2019s Credit Facility contains certain covenants with various limitations on debt incurrence, share repurchases, dividends, investments and capital expenditures, and also includes financial covenant requiring the Company to maintain a leverage ratio below a certain threshold. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of July 1, 2023.\nThe Company\u2019s Securitization Program contains certain covenants relating to the quality of the receivables sold. If these conditions are not met, the Company may not be able to borrow any additional funds and the financial institutions may consider this an amortization event, as defined in the Securitization Program agreements, which would permit the financial institutions to liquidate the accounts receivables sold to cover any outstanding borrowings. Circumstances that could affect the Company\u2019s ability to meet the required covenants and conditions of the Securitization Program include the Company\u2019s ongoing profitability and various other economic, market, and industry factors. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of July 1, 2023.\nManagement does not believe that the covenants under the Credit Facility or Securitization Program limit the Company\u2019s ability to pursue its intended business strategy or its future financing needs.\nSee \nLiquidity\n below for further discussion of the Company\u2019s availability under these various facilities.\nLiquidity\nThe Company had cash and cash equivalents of $288.2 million as of July 1, 2023, of which $194.5 million was held outside the United States. As of July 2, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $153.7 million, of which $60.4 million was held outside of the United States.\nDuring periods of weakening demand in the electronic components industry, the Company typically generates cash from operating activities. Conversely, the Company will use cash for working capital requirements during periods of higher growth. The Company used $713.7 million in cash flows for operating activities during the fiscal year ended July 1, 2023, to support the fiscal 2023 sales growth.\n28\n\n\nTable of Contents\nLiquidity is subject to many factors, such as normal business operations and general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, and regulatory factors that are beyond the Company\u2019s control. To the extent the cash balances held in foreign locations cannot be remitted back to the U.S. in a tax efficient manner, those cash balances are generally used for ongoing working capital, including the need to purchase inventories, capital expenditures and other foreign business needs. In addition, local government regulations may restrict the Company\u2019s ability to move funds among various locations under certain circumstances. Management does not believe such restrictions would limit the Company\u2019s ability to pursue its intended business strategy. \nAs of July 1, 2023, there were $796.6 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility and $0.9 million in letters of credit issued, and $555.8 million outstanding under the Securitization Program. During fiscal 2023, the Company had an average daily balance outstanding under the Credit Facility of approximately $1.13 billion and $549.1 million under the Securitization Program. As of July 1, 2023, the combined availability under the Credit Facility and the Securitization Program was $846.7 million. Availability under the Securitization Program is subject to the Company having sufficient eligible trade accounts receivable in the United States to support desired borrowings. \nThe Company has the following contractual obligations outstanding as of July 1, 2023 (in millions):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPayments due by period\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nLess than\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nMore than\n\u200b\nContractual Obligations\n\u200b\nTotal\n\u200b\n1\u00a0year\n\u200b\n1-3\u00a0years\n\u200b\n3-5\u00a0years\n\u200b\n5\u00a0years\n\u00a0\nLong-term debt obligations\n(1)\n\u200b\n$\n 3,073.0\n\u200b\n$\n 70.6\n\u200b\n$\n 1,105.8\n\u200b\n$\n 1,296.6\n\u200b\n$\n 600.0\n\u200b\nInterest expense on long-term debt obligations\n(2)\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 699.5\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 157.7\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 269.6\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 181.4\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 90.8\n\u200b\nOperating lease obligations\n(3)\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 287.5\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 58.1\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 86.2\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 44.4\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 98.8\n\u200b\n\u200b\n(1)\nIncludes amounts due within one year and excludes unamortized discount and issuance costs on debt.\n(2)\nRepresents interest expense due on debt by using fixed interest rates for fixed rate debt and assuming the same interest rate at the end of fiscal 2023 for variable rate debt.\n(3)\nExcludes imputed interest on operating lease liabilities.\nThe Company purchases inventories in the normal course of business throughout the year through the issuance of purchase orders to suppliers. During fiscal 2023, the Company\u2019s cost of sales, substantially all of which related to the underlying purchase of inventories was $23.4 billion and the Company had $5.5 billion of inventories as of July 1, 2023. The Company expects to continue to purchase sufficient inventory to meet its customers\u2019 demands in fiscal year 2024, some of which relates to outstanding purchase orders at the end of fiscal 2023. Outstanding purchase orders with suppliers may be non-cancellable/non-returnable at the point such orders are issued, or may become non-cancellable at some point in the future, typically within 30 days to 90 days from the requested delivery date of inventories.\nAt July 1, 2023, the Company had an estimated liability for income tax contingencies of $130.5 million, which is not included in the above table. Cash payments associated with the settlement of these liabilities that are expected to be paid within the next 12 months is $1.0 million.\u00a0The settlement period for the remaining amount of the unrecognized tax benefits, including related accrued interest and penalties, cannot be determined, and therefore was not included in the table. \n29\n\n\nTable of Contents\nAs of July 1, 2023, the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of $318.5 million of shares of the Company\u2019s common stock through the share repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors. The Company may repurchase stock from time to time at the discretion of management, subject to strategic considerations, market conditions including share price and other factors. The Company may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice. During fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased $212.8 million of common stock.\nThe Company has historically paid quarterly cash dividends on shares of its common stock, and future dividends are subject to approval by the Board of Directors. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.29 per share, which resulted in $26.5 million of dividend payments during the quarter. \nThe Company continually monitors and reviews its liquidity position and funding needs. Management believes that the Company\u2019s ability to generate operating cash flows through the liquidation of working capital in the future and available borrowing capacity, including capacity for the non-recourse sale of trade accounts receivable, will be sufficient to meet its future liquidity needs. Additionally, the Company believes that it has sufficient access to additional liquidity from the capital markets if necessary.\nCritical Accounting Policies\nThe Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based upon the Company\u2019s continual evaluation of available information, including historical results and anticipated future events. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.\nThe Securities and Exchange Commission defines critical accounting policies as those that are, in management\u2019s view, most important to the portrayal of the Company\u2019s financial condition and results of operations and that require significant judgments and estimates. Management believes the Company\u2019s most critical accounting policies at the end of fiscal 2023 relate to:\nValuation of Inventories\nInventories are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Inventory cost includes the purchase price of finished goods and any freight cost incurred to receive the inventory into the Company\u2019s distribution centers. The Company\u2019s inventories include electronic components sold into changing, cyclical, and competitive markets, so inventories may decline in market value or become obsolete.\nThe Company regularly evaluates inventories for expected customer demand, obsolescence, current market prices, and other factors that may render inventories less marketable. Write-downs are recorded so that inventories reflect the estimated net realizable value and take into account the Company\u2019s contractual provisions with its suppliers, which may provide certain protections to the Company for product obsolescence and price erosion in the form of rights of return, stock rotation rights, obsolescence allowances, industry specific supplier rebate programs and price protections. Because of the large number of products and suppliers and the complexity of managing the process around price protections, supplier rebate programs and stock rotations, estimates are made regarding the net realizable value of inventories. Additionally, assumptions about future demand and market conditions, as well as decisions to discontinue certain product lines, impact the evaluation of whether to write-down inventories. If future demand changes or actual market conditions are less favorable than assumed, then management evaluates whether additional write-downs of inventories are required. In any case, actual net realizable values could be different from those currently estimated.\n30\n\n\nTable of Contents\nAccounting for Income Taxes\nManagement\u2019s judgment is required in determining income tax expense, unrecognized tax benefit liabilities , deferred tax assets and liabilities, and valuation allowances recorded against net deferred tax assets. Recovering net deferred tax assets depends on the Company\u2019s ability to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain jurisdictions. In addition, when assessing the need for valuation allowances, the Company considers historic levels and types of income, expectations and risk associated with estimates of future taxable income, and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. If the Company determines that it cannot realize all or part of its deferred tax assets in the future, it may record additional valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets with a corresponding increase to income tax expense in the period such determination is made. Similarly, if the Company determines that it can realize all or part of its deferred tax assets that have an associated valuation allowance established, the Company may release a valuation allowance with a corresponding benefit to income tax expense in the period such determination is made.\nThe Company establishes contingent liabilities for potentially unfavorable outcomes of positions taken on certain tax matters. These liabilities are based on management\u2019s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The anticipated and actual outcomes of these matters may differ, which may result in changes in estimates to such unrecognized tax benefit liabilities. To the extent such changes in estimates are necessary, the Company\u2019s effective tax rate may fluctuate. In accordance with the Company\u2019s accounting policy, accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as a component of income tax expense.\nIn determining the Company\u2019s income tax expense, management considers current tax regulations in the numerous jurisdictions in which it operates, including the impact of tax law and regulation changes in the jurisdictions the Company operates in. The Company exercises judgment for interpretation and application of such current tax regulations. Changes to such tax regulations or disagreements with the Company\u2019s interpretation or application by tax authorities in any of the Company\u2019s major jurisdictions may have a significant impact on the Company\u2019s income tax expense. \nSee Note 9, \u201cIncome taxes\u201d to the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on income tax expense, valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits. \n\u200b\nRecently Issued Accounting Pronouncements\nIn September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04, Liabilities (subtopic 405-50): Supplier Finance Programs (\u201cASU No. 2022-04\u201d) to enhance the transparency of certain supplier finance programs to allow financial statement users to understand the effect on working capital, liquidity and cash flows. The new pronouncement requires qualitative and quantitative disclosure sufficient to enable users of the financial statements to understand the nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period and potential magnitude of such programs. The Company plans to adopt this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, except for the amendment on roll-forward information, which is effective in fiscal 2025. The Company\u2019s planned adoption of ASU No. 2022-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements.\n\u200b\n31\n\n\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7a": ">Item\u00a07A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nThe Company seeks to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates by entering into financial arrangements, from time to time, which are intended to provide an economic hedge against all, or a portion of the risks associated with such volatility. The Company continues to have exposure to such risks to the extent they are not economically hedged.\nThe following table sets forth the scheduled maturities of the Company\u2019s debt outstanding at July 1, 2023 (dollars in millions):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2024\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2025\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2026\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2027\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2028\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThereafter\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nTotal\n\u00a0\nLiabilities:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nFixed rate debt\n(1)\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 550.0\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 500.0\n\u200b\n$\n 600.0\n\u200b\n$\n 1,650.0\n\u200b\nFloating rate debt\n\u200b\n$\n 70.6\n\u200b\n$\n 555.8\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 796.6\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 1,423.0\n\u200b\n(1)\nExcludes unamortized discounts and issuance costs.\nThe following table sets forth the carrying value and fair value of the Company\u2019s debt and the average interest rates at July 1, 2023, and July 2, 2022 (dollars in millions):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCarrying\u00a0Value\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nFair\u00a0Value\u00a0at\n\u200b\nCarrying\u00a0Value\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nFair\u00a0Value\u00a0at\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\nat\u00a0July\u00a01,\u00a02023\n\u200b\nat\u00a0July\u00a01,\u00a02023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nat July\u00a02, 2022\n\u200b\nJuly\u00a02, 2022\n\u00a0\nLiabilities:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nFixed rate debt\n(1)\n\u200b\n$\n 1,650.0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 1,567.5\n\u200b\n$\n 1,324.6\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 1,265.8\n\u200b\nAverage interest rate\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 5.0\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4.1\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nFloating rate debt\n\u200b\n$\n 1,423.0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 1,423.0\n\u200b\n$\n 297.8\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 297.8\n\u200b\nAverage interest rate\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 5.3\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2.6\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n(1)\nExcludes unamortized discounts and issuance costs. Fair value was estimated primarily based upon quoted market prices for the Company\u2019s public long-term notes.\nMany of the Company\u2019s subsidiaries purchase and sell products in currencies other than their functional currencies, which subjects the Company to the risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Company uses economic hedges to reduce this risk utilizing natural hedging (i.e., offsetting receivables and payables in the same foreign currency) and creating offsetting positions through the use of derivative financial instruments (primarily forward foreign currency exchange contracts typically with maturities of less than 60 days, but no longer than one year). The Company continues to have exposure to foreign currency risks to the extent they are not economically hedged. The Company adjusts any economic hedges to fair value within the same line item in the consolidated statements of operations as the remeasurement of the underlying assets or liabilities being economically hedged. Therefore, the changes in valuation of the underlying items being economically hedged are offset by the changes in fair value of the forward foreign exchange contracts. A hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates under the forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at July 1, 2023, would result in an increase or decrease of approximately $80.0 million to the fair value of the forward foreign exchange contracts, which would generally be offset by an opposite effect on the underlying exposure being economically hedged. See Note 2, \u201cDerivative financial instruments\u201d to the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on derivative financial instruments.\n\u200b\n32\n\n\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "8858",
+ "cusip6": "053807",
+ "cusip": ["053807103", "053807953", "053807903"],
+ "names": ["AVNET INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/8858/000000885823000029/0000008858-23-000029-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000014693-23-000074.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000014693-23-000074.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..40adb2e250
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000014693-23-000074.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item\u00a01. \nBusiness\nOverview\nBrown-Forman Corporation (the \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cBrown-Forman,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d or \u201cour\u201d below) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1933, successor to a business founded in 1870 as a partnership and later incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1901. We primarily manufacture, distill, bottle, import, export, market, and sell a wide variety of beverage alcohol products under recognized brands. We employ approximately 5,600 people (excluding individuals who work on a part-time or temporary basis) on six continents, including approximately 2,700 people in the United States (approximately 14% of whom are represented by a union) and 1,200 people in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, home of our world headquarters. According to International Wine\u00a0& Spirit Research (IWSR), we are the largest American-owned spirits and wine company with global reach. We are a \u201ccontrolled company\u201d under New York Stock Exchange rules because the Brown family owns more than 50% of our voting stock. Taking into account ownership of shares of our non-voting stock, the Brown family also controls more than 50% of the economic ownership in Brown-Forman.\nFor a discussion of recent developments, see \u201cItem 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations \u2013 Executive Summary.\u201d\nBrands\nBeginning in 1870 with Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky \u2013 our founding brand \u2013 and spanning the generations since, we have built a portfolio of more than 40 spirit, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail, and wine brands that includes some of the best-known and most loved trademarks in our industry. The most important and iconic brand in our portfolio is Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Whiskey, the #1 selling American whiskey in the world.\n1\n Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Whiskey was recently named the most valuable spirits brand in the world in the 2022 Interbrand \u201cBest Global Brands\u201d rankings, and the newly released Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey was named the \"2022 Whisky of the Year\" by \nWhisky Advocate\n. Our premium bourbons, Woodford Reserve and Old Forester, were once again selected for the Impact \u201cHot Brands\u201d\n2\n list, marking ten and five consecutive years on the list, respectively, as were Jack Daniel's RTDs. Our super premium tequila, Herradura, received two Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits competition in 2023, one for Reposado and the one for Legend, as well as three Gold medals for the brand's core expressions at the Tequila and Mezcal Masters competition from \nThe Spirits Business\n.\n4\nPrincipal Brands\nJack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey\n\u00a0\nel Jimador Tequilas\n5\nJack Daniel's RTD\n3\nel Jimador New Mix RTD\nJack Daniel's Tennessee Honey\nHerradura Tequilas\n6\nGentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey\n\u00a0\nKorbel California Champagnes\n7\nJack Daniel's Tennessee Fire\nKorbel California Brandy\n7\nJack Daniel's Tennessee Apple\nFinlandia Vodkas\nJack Daniel's Single Barrel Collection\n4\nSonoma-Cutrer California Wines\nJack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey\nOld Forester Whiskey Row Series\nJack Daniel's Sinatra Select\nOld Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky\nJack Daniel's Tennessee Rye\nOld Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky\nJack Daniel\u2019s Winter Jack\nGlenDronach Single Malt Scotch Whiskies\n8\nJack Daniel's Bottled-in-Bond\nBenriach Single Malt Scotch Whiskies\n9\nJack Daniel's Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey\nGlenglassaugh Single Malt Scotch Whiskies\n10\nJack Daniel's No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey\nChambord Liqueur\nJack Daniel\u2019s 10 Year Old\nGin Mare\nJack Daniel\u2019s 12 Year Old\nGin Mare Capri\nWoodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon\nDiplom\u00e1tico Rums\n11\nWoodford Reserve Double Oaked\nFords Gin\nWoodford Reserve Kentucky Rye Whiskey\nSlane Irish Whiskey\nWoodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey\nCoopers' Craft Kentucky Bourbon\nWoodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey\nPart Time Rangers RTDs\n1\nIWSR, 2023.\n2\nImpact Databank, March 2023.\n3\nJack Daniel's RTD includes Jack\u00a0Daniel's\u00a0& Cola, Jack Daniel's Country Cocktails, Jack Daniel's Double Jack, Jack Daniel\u2019s & Coca-Cola RTD, and other malt- and spirit-based Jack Daniel\u2019s RTDs.\n4\nThe Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Collection includes Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel 100 Proof, and other Jack Daniel\u2019s Single Barrel special-release expressions.\n5\nel Jimador Tequilas comprise all full-strength expressions of el Jimador.\n6\nHerradura Tequilas comprise all expressions of Herradura.\n7\nKorbel is not an owned brand. We sell Korbel products under contract in the United States and other select markets. \n8\nGlenDronach Single Malt Scotch Whiskies comprise all expressions of GlenDronach.\n9\nBenriach Single Malt Scotch Whiskies comprise all expressions of Benriach.\n10\nGlenglassaugh Single Malt Scotch Whiskies comprise all expressions of Glenglassaugh.\n11\nDiplom\u00e1tico Rums comprise all expressions of Diplom\u00e1tico.\nSee \u201cItem 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations \u2013 Results of Operations \u2013 Fiscal 2023 Brand Highlights\u201d for brand performance details.\nOur vision in marketing is to be the best brand-builder in the industry. We build our brands by investing in platforms that we believe create enduring connections with our consumers. These platforms cover a wide spectrum of activities, including media advertising (TV, radio, print, outdoor, digital, and social), consumer and trade promotions, sponsorships, and visitors' center programs at our distilleries and our winery. We expect to grow our sales and profits by consistently delivering creative, responsible marketing programs that drive brand recognition, brand trial, brand loyalty, and ultimately, consumer demand around the world.\n5\nMarkets\nWe sell our products in over 170 countries around the world. The United States, our most important market, accounted for 47% of our net sales in fiscal 2023 and the other 53% were outside of the United States. The table below shows the percentage of total net sales for our top markets in our three most recent fiscal years:\nPercentage of Total Net Sales by Geographic Area\nYear ended April 30\n2021\n2022\n2023\nUnited States\n50\n\u00a0\n%\n49\n\u00a0\n%\n47\n\u00a0\n%\nMexico\n4\n\u00a0\n%\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\nGermany\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\nAustralia\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n5\n\u00a0\n%\nUnited Kingdom\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n5\n\u00a0\n%\nOther\n28\n\u00a0\n%\n28\n\u00a0\n%\n31\n\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL\n100\n\u00a0\n%\n100\n\u00a0\n%\n100\n\u00a0\n%\nNote: Totals may differ due to rounding\nFor details about net sales in our top markets, see \u201cItem 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations \u2013 Results of Operations \u2013 Fiscal 2023 Market Highlights.\u201d For details about our reportable segment and for additional geographic information about net sales and long-lived assets, see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in \u201cItem\u00a08. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\u201d For details on risks related to our global operations, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors.\u201d\nDistribution Network and Customers\nOur distribution network, or our \u201croute to consumer\u201d (RTC), varies depending on (a) the laws and regulatory framework for trade in beverage alcohol by market, (b)\u00a0our assessment of a market's long-term attractiveness and competitive dynamics, (c)\u00a0the relative profitability of distribution options available to us, (d) the structure of the retail and wholesale trade in a market, and (e) our portfolio's development stage in a market. As these factors change, we evaluate our RTC strategy and, from time to time, adapt our model.\nIn the United States, which generally prohibits spirits and wine manufacturers from selling their products directly to consumers, we sell our brands either to distributors or to state governments (in states that directly control alcohol sales) that then sell to retail customers and consumers.\nOutside the United States, we use a variety of RTC models, which can be grouped into three categories: owned distribution, partner, and government-controlled markets. We own and operate distribution companies for Australia, Belgium and Luxembourg, Brazil, Czechia, France, Germany, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, T\u00fcrkiye, and the United Kingdom. In these owned-distribution markets, and in a large portion of the Travel Retail channel, we sell our products directly to retailers or wholesalers. In many other markets, including Italy and South Africa, we rely on third parties to distribute our brands, generally under fixed-term distribution contracts. In Canada, we sell our products to provincial governments.\nWe believe that our customer relationships are good and that our exposure to concentrations of credit risk is limited due to the diverse geographic areas covered by our operations and our thorough evaluation of each customer. In fiscal 2023, our two largest customers accounted for approximately 14% and 12% of consolidated net sales, respectively. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023.\nSeasonality\nHoliday buying makes the fourth calendar quarter the peak season for our business. Approximately 31%, 29%, and 27% of our reported net sales for fiscal 2021, fiscal 2022, and fiscal 2023, respectively, were in the fourth calendar quarter.\n6\nCompetition\nTrade information indicates that we are one of the largest global suppliers of premium spirits. According to IWSR, for calendar year 2022, the ten largest global spirits companies controlled over 20% of the total spirits volume sold around the world.\n \nWhile we believe that the overall market environment offers considerable growth opportunities for us, our industry is, and will remain, highly competitive. We compete against many global, regional, and local brands in a variety of categories of beverage alcohol, but our brands compete primarily in the industry's premium-and-above price points. Our competitors include major global spirits and wine companies, such as Bacardi Limited, Beam Suntory Inc., Becle S.A.B. de C.V., Davide Campari-Milano N.V., Diageo PLC, LVMH Mo\u00ebt Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, Pernod Ricard SA, and R\u00e9my Cointreau. In addition, particularly in the United States, we compete with national companies and craft spirit brands, many of which entered the market in the last few years.\nBrand recognition, brand provenance, quality of product and packaging, availability, flavor profile, and price affect consumers' choices among competing brands in our industry. Other factors also influence consumers, including advertising, promotions, merchandising at the point of sale, expert or celebrity endorsement, social media and word of mouth, and the timing and relevance of new product introductions. Although some competitors have substantially greater resources than we do, we believe that our competitive position is strong, particularly as it relates to brand awareness, quality, availability, and relevance of new product introductions.\nIngredients and Other Supplies\nThe principal raw materials used in manufacturing and packaging our distilled spirits, liqueurs, RTD products, and wines are shown in the table below. \nPrincipal Raw Materials\nDistilled Spirits\nLiqueurs\nRTD Products\nWines\nPackaging\nAgave\nFlavorings\nCarbon dioxide\nGrapes\nAluminum cans\nBarley\nNeutral spirits\nFlavorings\nWood\nCartons\nCorn\nSugar\nMalt\nClosures\nMalted barley\nWater\nNeutral spirits\nGlass bottles\nMolasses\nWhiskey\nSugar\nLabels\nRye\nWine\nTequila\nPET\n1 \nbottles\nSugar\nWater\nWater\nWhiskey\nWood\n1\nPolyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polymer used in non-glass containers.\nNone of these raw materials are in short supply, but shortages could occur in the future. From time to time, our agricultural ingredients (agave, barley, corn, grapes, malted barley, molasses, rye, sugar, and wood) could be adversely affected by weather and other forces out of our control that might constrain supply or reduce our inventory below desired levels for optimum production.\nWhiskeys and certain tequilas and other distilled spirits must be aged. Because we must produce these distilled spirits years in advance to meet projected future demand, our inventories of these products may be larger in relation to sales and total assets than in many other businesses.\nFor details on risks related to the unavailability of raw materials and the inherent uncertainty in forecasting supply and demand, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors.\u201d\nIntellectual Property\nOur intellectual property includes trademarks, copyrights, proprietary packaging and trade dress, proprietary manufacturing technologies, know-how, and patents. Our intellectual property, especially our trademarks, is essential to our business. We register our trademarks broadly around the world, focusing primarily on where we sell or expect to sell our products. We protect our intellectual property rights vigorously but fairly. We have licensed some of our trademarks to third parties for use with services or on products other than alcoholic beverages, which enhances the awareness and protection of our brands. Depending on the jurisdiction, trademarks are valid as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained. We also have various licenses and distribution agreements for the production, sale, and marketing of our products, and for the sale and marketing of products of others. These licenses and distribution agreements have varying terms and durations.\n7\nFor details on risks related to the protection of our intellectual property, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors.\u201d For details on our most important brands, see \u201cItem 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations \u2013 Results of Operations \u2013 Fiscal 2023 Brand Highlights.\u201d\nRegulatory Environment\nFederal, state, local, and foreign authorities regulate how we produce, store, transport, distribute, market, and sell our products. Some countries and local jurisdictions prohibit or restrict the marketing or sale of distilled spirits in whole or in\u00a0part.\nIn the United States, at the federal level, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury regulates the spirits and wine industry with respect to the production, blending, bottling, labeling, advertising, sales, and transportation of beverage alcohol. Similar regulatory regimes exist at the state level and in most non-U.S. jurisdictions where we sell our products. In addition, beverage alcohol products are subject to customs duties, excise taxes, and/or sales taxes in many countries, including taxation at the federal, state, and local level in the United States.\nMany countries set their own distilling and maturation requirements. For example, under U.S. federal and state regulations, bourbon and Tennessee whiskeys must be aged in new, charred oak barrels; we typically age our whiskeys at least three years. Mexican authorities regulate the production and bottling of tequilas; they mandate minimum aging periods for \nextra\n \na\u00f1ejo\n (three years), \na\u00f1ejo\n (one year), and \nreposado\n (two months). Irish whiskey must be matured at least three years in a wood cask, such as oak, on the island of Ireland.\u00a0Scotch whisky must be matured in oak casks for at least three years in Scotland. We comply with all of the applicable laws and regulations.\nOur operations are also subject to various environmental protection statutes and regulations, and our policy is to comply with them. Complying with these statutes and regulations has not materially impacted our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position, and is not expected to have a material impact during fiscal 2024.\n8\nIntegrated Strategy and Performance\nFor more than 150 years, Brown-Forman and the Brown family have been committed to driving sustainable growth and preserving Brown-Forman as a thriving, family-controlled, independent company. The image on the left illustrates our core purpose, \u201cEnriching Life,\u201d and our highest ambition, \u201cNothing Better in the Market,\u201d surrounded by the values that have guided us for decades: integrity, respect, trust, teamwork, and excellence. In addition to these guiding principles, our success depends on several strategic priorities, as illustrated in the image on the right: the quality of our brands within our portfolio, our geographic reach, the talent and diversity of our people, and the return on our investments. Moreover, taking an integrated approach means that many aspects of our company contribute to this value creation and are fundamental to our strategy, including our commitment to environmental sustainability, alcohol and marketing responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and to building communities in which we live and work.\nOver the past three fiscal years, we faced a challenging, volatile environment, including supply chain disruptions and a global pandemic. Our employees' unique mix of agility, resilience, energy, and collaboration enabled us to succeed despite these challenges. Our values drive decisions, and our core purpose and our highest ambition continue to guide us as we move forward to a reimagined future with a renewed sense of opportunity for what lies ahead. We believe we are well positioned to navigate the ever-changing landscape. We will make bold moves with a commitment to improve continuously as we work together to deliver sustained long-term growth. \nThis Integrated Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, presents not only our financial performance but also our environmental, social, and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) strategies, commitments, and results. It provides a more holistic view of Brown-Forman, our culture, our strategic approach to our business, and how we achieve results.\nPortfolio and Responsibility\nWe seek to build brands and create stockholder value responsibly by delivering strong, sustainable growth, solid margins, and high returns on invested capital. We focus on building brands that can be meaningful for our company and our consumers over the longer term. We aim to grow our premium spirits portfolio both organically and through innovation. Opportunistically and thoughtfully, we also consider acquisitions and partnerships that will enhance our capacity to deliver meaningful growth, improve margins, and increase stockholder returns.\nWe strive to grow our brands and enhance consumers' experience with them. Even as we do so, we remain committed to marketing our brands responsibly and promoting responsible drinking. Regulation of our industry is not new, and external interest from the World Health Organization and other health bodies has grown over time. We uphold high standards of self-regulation by adhering to industry guidelines on responsible marketing and advertising. We promote alcohol responsibility both independently and with industry organizations, such as the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (responsibility.org) in the United States, The Portman Group in the United Kingdom, DrinkWise in Australia, and FISAC in Mexico.\n9\nThe Jack Daniel's family of brands, led by Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey (JDTW), is our most valuable asset \u2013 the engine of our overall financial performance and the foundation of our leadership position in the American whiskey category.\n1\n We strive to strengthen the brand's leadership position continually, and will work steadfastly to keep JDTW relevant to consumers worldwide. We will also pursue opportunities to grow the Jack Daniel's family of brands across markets, premium-and-above price points, channels, and consumer groups. Product innovation continues to contribute meaningfully to our performance. Different Jack Daniel's expressions have brought new consumers to the franchise, including Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey (2011), Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire (2015), Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye (2017), Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple (2019), and our most recent launches, Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey (2022), which individually and collectively add great value to the company and to our consumers the world over.\nIn addition to the leadership of our Jack Daniel's family of brands, we expect strong worldwide growth from our other whiskey brands, particularly Woodford Reserve and Old Forester. Woodford Reserve is the leading super-premium American whiskey globally,\n1\n growing volumes at a strong double-digit compound annual growth rate since the brand was introduced over 25 years ago. Woodford Reserve surpassed 1.7 million nine-liter cases of annual volume as of April 30, 2023. We believe the brand is poised for continued growth as the bourbon category continues to grow around the world. Old Forester has continued its return to prominence in the United States and in select international markets. Innovation has played an important role in the premiumization of both of these brands, including the success of high-end expressions such as Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series.\nOutside of our American whiskey brands, we believe our portfolio remains well positioned in other high-growth categories, with meaningful premium brands and a focus on accelerating our super-premium portfolio. Our tequila portfolio is led by two brands steeped in Mexican heritage, Herradura and el Jimador. Despite the cyclical cost pressures resulting from the unprecedented cost of agave, we remain committed to the growth of our tequila business in the United States and the long-term growth prospects of this business globally. We believe that our Scotch whiskies GlenDronach, Benriach, and Glenglassaugh, and our Irish whiskey Slane, are well-positioned in their respective categories. We expect them all to become meaningful contributors over the longer term. Lastly, the recent acquisitions of Gin Mare (2022) and Diplom\u00e1tico (2023) provide us with leadership positions in the super-premium-and-above gin and rum categories, respectively, and we look to grow these brands globally.\nFiscal 2023 was another year of growth for our ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio. Jack Daniel's RTDs are now more than 14 million nine-liter cases globally. In Mexico, our el Jimador tequila-based RTD, New Mix, grew to nearly 10 million nine-liter cases. In June 2022, we jointly announced a global relationship with The Coca-Cola Company to introduce the iconic Jack & Coke cocktail as a branded, ready-to-drink pre-mixed cocktail. Since the announcement, we have launched the product in Mexico, the United States, Japan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Ireland with more markets to follow. Jack Daniel's Country Cocktails in the United States continues to be sold and distributed under our relationship with the Pabst Brewing Company.\nWe appreciate the power of our brands to enrich the experience of life, and we believe it is our duty to ensure that our products are marketed with deep respect for our consumers. Our mission for alcohol responsibility is to empower mindful choices around beverage alcohol. We launched the Pause campaign in 2019. Pause is Brown-Forman\u2019s driving effort to encourage mindful choices. In 2022, we launched our 2030 Alcohol Responsibility strategy to prioritize strategic programs and partnerships, in-market tools and resources, and to continue empowering our employees and business partners. We execute our 2030 Alcohol Responsibility strategy through the lens of our Pause campaign to showcase the importance of alcohol responsibility and inspire action among our consumers, colleagues, and business partners.\nGeography\nThe United States remains our largest market, and continued growth there is important to our long-term success. We expect to foster this growth by emphasizing fast-growing spirits categories, continued product and packaging innovation, and brand building within growing consumer segments. This includes increasing emphasis on inclusive, digital, and integrated marketing and the growth of our e-commerce capabilities to better connect and engage with consumers where they are.\nOutside the United States, we continue to increase our competitiveness through improved routes to consumers. In fiscal 2022, we established our owned-distribution organizations for Belgium and Luxembourg and Taiwan. More direct connection with customers and consumers enabled through owned distribution is an important part of our strategic growth.\n1\n IWSR, 2023\n10\nPeople, Diversity & Inclusion, and Ethics & Compliance\nAs we work to increase our brands' relevance and appeal to diverse consumer groups around the world, we believe a diversity of experiences and mindsets within our own workforce is essential. In the summer of 2019, we unveiled Many Spirits, One Brown-Forman: Gender and Race Edition, our 2030 Diversity & Inclusion Strategy aimed at creating a foundation for building a more diverse workforce and inclusive culture. In the summer of 2020, we developed and published commitments to be better and do better \u2013 commitments that amplified our initiatives in the areas of representation, development, and accountability. We also extended our commitment more deeply in our communities, especially our hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. We believe these actions will help us continue to build an inclusive culture at Brown-Forman.\nOur vision is to create an environment where leveraging diversity and inclusion occurs naturally, giving us a sustainable marketplace advantage. We have set race and gender ambitions to have at least 50% women in professional- and leader-level roles globally, 40% women in senior leadership positions globally, and 25% people of color in our United States workforce by 2030. In June 2022, we published the Many Spirits, One Brown-Forman LGBTQ+ edition and set a 2030 ambition of 6% self-identified LGBTQ+ employees in our United States workforce. We have also set a goal to reach 16% of our supplier spend in locations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, with businesses that are woman- or minority-owned by 2030. For more than a decade, we have earned a perfect score in the Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.\nOne of the main drivers of our inclusive culture is the continued growth and leadership of our nine Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). We believe ERGs are instrumental in enriching our company's culture, and our employees experience this by supporting development and engagement of our diverse workforce, driving cultural awareness and competency across the organization, and enabling authentic engagement with our consumers. Our ERGs also create spaces for our employees and their allies to connect with, support, and advocate for one another.\nOur core values of integrity, respect, trust, teamwork, and excellence form the foundation of our ethics and compliance program. \u201cValues Drive Decisions\u201d is the key theme of this program, and we use it to teach our employees to rely on our values when faced with a difficult decision and to \u201cspeak up\u201d if they believe they, a colleague, or a business partner may have violated the law, our Code of Conduct, or company policy. In 45 countries, we offer a third-party service to employees and others who choose to \u201cspeak up\u201d anonymously. We deliver training to managers reinforcing our commitment to non-retaliation and maintaining a \u201cspeak up\u201d culture. \nWe convey our compliance expectations to employees via our Code of Conduct, and our employees certify annually that they will comply with the Code of Conduct and report potential violations. The Code of Conduct is a toolkit for employees, as it details expectations for 20 different risks, includes links to Q&A, policies, training, and the ability to contact a subject-matter expert. We refresh our Code of Conduct and certification annually and make them available in 13 languages. \nInvestment and Sustainability\nFor over a century and a half, we have learned that long-term success requires investment and a mindset of sustainability. We understand the need to invest in our brands, global supply chain facilities, homeplace and visitor centers, and aging inventory. For example, in May 2023, we announced a $200 million capital investment to expand our Casa Herradura tequila distillery to meet future consumer demand. Additionally, during fiscal 2023, we announced a \u00a330 million expansion of our GlenDronach distillery to meet strong demand. We also understand the importance of investing in our people, communities, and the environment. We recognize that climate change is a business issue with risks and opportunities. As such, we are committed to actions that will ensure the long-term health of the planet and our business. In fiscal 2021, we established a new 2030 Sustainability Strategy to align our efforts with industry best practices and the most current climate science. Our goals broaden our focus beyond business operations to include our supply chain, where the majority of our environmental footprint resides. With this evolving strategy, we have a roadmap for continued progress over the next quarter-century.\n11\nOur continued investments in renewable energy and resource stewardship underscore our long-term focus: \n\u2022\nRenewable Electricity: \nIn fiscal 2023, we installed a rooftop solar system at our Slane Castle distillery, and in fiscal 2024 we plan to install a rooftop solar system at our Newbridge bottling plant in Edinburgh, Scotland.\n\u2022\nByproducts to Energy: \nJack Daniel's announced a project to develop an anaerobic digester that will convert a portion of the distillery byproducts, also known as stillage, to renewable energy and fertilizer. The project broke ground in fiscal 2023.\n\u2022\nWater Stewardship: \nIn fiscal 2023, we partnered with Waterplan to improve the measurement of water related risk at two of our facilities and to identify opportunities for water reuse at our Casa Herradura facility. We will expand this partnership in fiscal 2024 to further enhance our water stewardship program.\n\u2022\nSustainable Forestry: \nIn April 2023, we completed the third planting at the Old Forester Tree Nursery, a 15-year white oak genetic improvement project in partnership with the University of Kentucky. In June 2023, our Jack Daniel Seed Orchard will celebrate its 25th anniversary and our continued partnership with the University of Tennessee. \nWe believe we are well positioned to deliver exceptional, high-quality products to our consumers around the world. We have a highly capable and engaged workforce. We have developed brand-building capabilities by equipping our teams with the training and tools necessary for an increasingly data-driven digital global marketplace. Among other trends, the expansion of the digital economy accelerated significantly as consumers, businesses, and communities adapted to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. To continue our success in how we market and sell our brands, we announced in fiscal 2021 an investment in a new Integrated Marketing Communications organization that we believe is further enhancing our ability to win in the digital economy. \nCommunity\nWe are a responsible and caring corporate citizen and invest in the communities where employees live and work. We encourage employees to participate in philanthropic outreach efforts by giving their time and talents to support those non-profit organizations most meaningful to them. This civic engagement, as well as our corporate contributions, further promotes Brown-Forman\u2019s caring culture and supports our purpose to enrich life.\nWe also continue to expand our civic engagement into Brown-Forman global office locations, allowing those employees closest to the needs of their communities to decide how to invest their charitable-giving resources. We leverage our key community relations partners to stay informed of collaborative opportunities in the communities where we work and live, and to shape our charitable-giving strategy to meet the essential needs of the communities that sustain us. We provide charitable donations and our employees volunteer throughout our communities, including approximately 120 serving on 200 nonprofit boards in the United States. We created the Brown-Forman Foundation (the Foundation) in fiscal 2018 to help fund our ongoing philanthropic endeavors. The Foundation's earnings provide a consistent source of revenue for charitable giving independent of our annual earnings. We work to partner with organizations that support our key focus areas: empowering responsible and sustainable living, ensuring essential living standards, and enhancing arts and cultural living. As part of our commitment to be better and do better as neighbors and as corporate citizens, the Brown-Forman Foundation made a 10-year, $50 million \n12\ncommitment to five organizations in west Louisville in 2022, which is the largest investment in its history. Our partner organizations include AMPED, the Louisville Central Community Center, the Louisville Urban League, Simmons College of Kentucky, and the West End School. Together, these organizations will advance educational opportunities in west Louisville, from early childhood through adult learning.\nWe believe that having a long-term-focused, committed, and engaged stockholder base, anchored by the Brown Family, gives us a distinct strategic advantage, particularly in a business with multi-generational brands and products that must be aged. We are committed to continually improving our environmental, social, and governance performance and acting upon our deeply held values. Recognizing the strong cash-generating capacity and the capital efficiency of our business, we will continue to pursue top-tier stockholder return through stockholder-friendly capital allocation and socially and environmentally conscious investments to fuel long-term growth.\nHuman Capital Resources\nOverview\n \nWe put our values at the forefront of all our decisions and actions, in an effort to make our employees feel respected, safe, and supported so they can make, market, and sell our products with the finest craftsmanship, quality, and care. What enables our success are the approximately 5,600 people (excluding individuals that work on a part-time or temporary basis) we employ in 47 countries around the world. This includes approximately 3,500 salaried employees and 2,100 hourly employees, with the largest percentage of our employees residing within the United States, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. We believe our employee relations are good and our turnover rate is low.\nTotal Rewards\nIt is our intent to pay our employees fairly and competitively. Over the last fiscal year, we completed a process to review the compensation for every salaried role both internally and externally, ensuring that every employee is paid fairly compared to each other and competitively against the market. All roles are priced based on compensation survey data for the market where the employee resides. We will continue to refresh our data and monitor pay equity annually.\nTalent Development\nWe continually seek opportunities to develop our employees to ensure that we have the capabilities to grow our business. We do this through a combination of succession planning, planned learning, short-term assignments, international opportunities, and thoughtful talent management. Given our low turnover, we are particularly thoughtful about rotating employees through new roles, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow and develop. We recently began tracking all internal movement and are comfortable that we are providing an appropriate level of growth and development for our employees.\nDiversity & Inclusion \nWe are continuing to pursue our 2030 Diversity & Inclusion strategy, as outlined in Many Spirits, One Brown-Forman: Gender and Race Edition. This year, we continued to increase the number of women in senior leadership globally and people of color in the United States through both internal promotions and external hiring. We have also added an ambition to increase the number of LGBTQ+ salaried employees in the United States to 6% by 2030.\nWe track promotion and lateral movement by gender (globally) and ethnicity (in the United States) and, based on that data, we can confirm that our growth opportunities for women and people of color are proportional to our salaried employee population.\nTo support our culture of inclusion, all business leaders participated in our six-month Inclusive Leadership Program. This group completed the program at the end of the calendar year, and we have recently begun cascading it down to our front-line managers.\n Workforce Stability\nWe must remain focused on winning the war for talent in a marketplace where opportunities abound and highly skilled knowledge workers can work from anywhere. While we have historically enjoyed low turnover among our salaried population, we have continued to track our departures carefully over the last fiscal year, given the acceleration of the job market over the last two years. We have analyzed our data quarterly by gender, ethnicity, function, location, age, management level, etc. in addition to qualitative exit interview data. Turnover related to retirements increased in fiscal 2023, which we believe was related to the impact of interest rate movement on some of our defined benefit pension plans. Excluding retirements, our \n13\nvoluntary turnover among salaried employees remains consistent with our pre-pandemic levels. We will continue to monitor our data carefully. \nExecutive Officers\nInformation about Our Executive Officers\nThe following persons served as executive officers as of June 16, 2023:\nName\nAge\nPrincipal Occupation and Business Experience\nLawson E. Whiting\n54\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer since 2019. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from October 2017 to December 2018. Executive Vice President and Chief Brands and Strategy Officer from 2015 to 2017. Senior Vice President and Chief Brands Officer from 2013 to 2015.\nMatias Bentel\n48\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Brands Officer since March 2023. Senior Vice President and Chief Brands Officer from January 2020 to March 2023. Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Jack Daniel\u2019s Family of Brands from August 2018 to January 2020. Vice President and General Manager of Mexico from January 2016 to August 2018. Vice President Latin America Marketing and Chief of Staff from October 2009 to January 2016.\nLeanne D. Cunningham\n53\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since March 2023. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from July 2021 to March 2023. Senior Vice President, Shareholder Relations Officer, Global Commercial Finance, and Financial Planning and Analysis from August 2020 to July 2021. Senior Vice President, Shareholder Relations Officer from August 2019 to July 2020. Senior Vice President, and General Manager - Brown-Forman Brands from May 2015 to July 2019. Vice President, Director of Finance Global Production from October 2013 to April 2015.\nMarshall B. Farrer\n52\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Strategic Growth Officer and President Europe since January 2023. Senior Vice President, President Europe from August 2020 to January 2023. Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Global Travel Retail and Developed APAC Region from August 2018 to July 2020. Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Global Travel Retail from July 2018 to May 2015. Vice President, Managing Director, Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Honey from January 2014 to April 2015.\nMatthew E. Hamel\n63\nExecutive Vice President and General Counsel since 2021. Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from 2007 to 2021.\nKirsten M. Hawley\n53\nExecutive Vice President, Chief People, Places, and Communications Officer since March 2023. Senior Vice President, Chief People, Places, and Communications Officer from May 2021 to March 2023. Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Corporate Communications Officer from March 2019 to April 2021. Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer from February 2015 to February 2019. Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources Business Partnerships from 2013 to 2015.\nThomas W. Hinrichs\n61\nExecutive Vice President, President Emerging International since March 2023. Senior Vice President, President Emerging International from August 2020 to March 2023. Senior Vice President, President, International Division from June 2018 to July 2020. Senior Vice President and President for Europe, North Asia, and ANZSEA from February 2015 to June 2018. Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Europe from 2013 to 2015.\nTimothy M. Nall\n52\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Global Supply Chain and Technology Officer since March 2023. Senior Vice President, Chief Global Supply Chain and Technology Officer from March 2022 to March 2023. Senior Vice President, Chief Information and Advanced Analytics Officer from January 2015 to February 2022. Vice President Director Technical Services from May 2013 to December 2014.\nCrystal L. Peterson\n52\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Inclusion and Global Community Relations Officer since March 2023. Senior Vice President, Chief Inclusion and Global Community Relations Officer from June 2022 to March 2023. Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer from February 2022 to June 2022. Vice President and Human Resources Director - Global Production, Diversity and Inclusion from March 2021 to January 2022. Vice President and Human Resources Director - Global Production from August 2017 to February 2021. Vice President and Human Resources Director - North America Region from May 2015 to July 2017. Human Resources Director - North America Region and Latin America Region from May 2013 to April 2015. \n14\nName\nAge\nPrincipal Occupation and Business Experience\nJeremy J. Shepherd\n48\nExecutive Vice President, President USA & Canada since March 2023. Senior Vice President, President USA & Canada from July 2022 to March 2023. Vice President, General Manager for the United Kingdom & Ireland from January 2018 to July 2022. Vice President Director Midwest Division from May 2015 to December 2017. Portfolio Integration Director from September 2014 to May 2015.\nKelli N. Brown\n53\nSenior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since August 2018. Vice President and Director Finance (North America Region) from 2015 to August 2018. Director NAR Division Finance (North America Region) from 2013 to 2015.\nAvailable Information\nOur website address is www.brown-forman.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports are available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file those reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The information provided on our website, and any other website referenced herein, is not part of this report, and is therefore not incorporated by reference into this report or any other filing we make with the SEC, unless that information is otherwise specifically incorporated by reference.\nOn our website, we have posted our Code of Conduct that applies to all our directors and employees, and our Code of Ethics that applies specifically to our senior financial officers. If we amend or waive any of the provisions of our Code of Conduct or our Code of Ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, or principal accounting officer that relates to any element of the definition of \u201ccode of ethics\u201d enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Act, as amended, we intend to disclose these actions on our website. We have also posted on our website our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and Executive Committee of our Board of Directors. Copies of these materials are also available free of charge by writing to our Secretary at 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40210 or emailing Secretary@b-f.com.",
+ "item1a": ">Item\u00a01A. \nRisk Factors\nWe believe the following discussion identifies the material risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks were actually to occur, our business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. Additional risks not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, could also materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.\nRisks Related to Our Business and Operations\nOur business performance depends substantially on the continued health of the Jack Daniel's family of brands.\nThe Jack Daniel's family of brands is the primary driver of our revenue and growth. Jack Daniel's is an iconic global trademark with a loyal consumer fan base, and we invest much effort and many resources to protect and preserve the brand's reputation for authenticity, craftsmanship, and quality. A brand's reputational value is based in large part on consumer perceptions, and even an isolated incident that causes harm \u2013 particularly one resulting in widespread negative publicity \u2013 could adversely influence these perceptions and erode consumer trust and confidence in the brand. Significant damage to the brand equity of the Jack Daniel's family of brands would adversely affect our business. Given the importance of Jack Daniel's to our overall success, a significant or sustained decline in volume or selling price of our Jack Daniel's products, as a result of negative publicity or otherwise, would have a negative effect on our financial results. Additionally, if we are not successful in our efforts to maintain or increase the relevance of the Jack Daniel's brand to current and future consumers, our business and operating results could suffer. For details on the importance of the Jack Daniel's family of brands to our business, see \u201cItem 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations - Fiscal 2023 Brand Highlights.\u201d\nChanges to our route-to-consumer models and consolidation among beverage alcohol producers, distributors, wholesalers, suppliers, and retailers, could hinder the marketing, sale, or distribution of our products. \nWe use various business models to market and distribute our products in different countries around the world. In the United States, we sell our products either to distributors for resale to retail outlets or e-commerce retailers or, in those states that control alcohol sales, to state governments who then sell them to retail customers and consumers. In our non-U.S. markets, we use a variety of route-to-consumer models \u2013 including, in many markets, reliance on third parties to distribute, market, and sell our products. We own and operate distribution companies for 14 international markets. Transitioning from a third-party \n15\ndistribution model to an owned distribution model involves a significant undertaking, and subjects us to risks associated with that geographic region. If we are unsuccessful in our route-to-consumer strategies, including any transition to owned distribution, the sale and marketing of our products could be disrupted.\nChanges to any of our route-to-consumer models or partners in important markets could result in temporary or longer-term sales disruption, higher costs, and harm to other business relationships we might have with that partner. Disruption of our distribution network or fluctuations in our product inventory levels at distributors, wholesalers, or retailers could negatively affect our results for a particular period. Moreover, other suppliers, as well as wholesalers and retailers of our brands, offer products that compete directly with ours for shelf space, promotional displays, and consumer purchases. Pricing (including price promotions, discounting, couponing, and free goods), marketing, new product introductions, entry into our distribution networks, and other competitive behavior by other suppliers, and by wholesalers and traditional and e-commerce retailers, could adversely affect our growth, business, and financial results. While we seek to take advantage of the efficiencies and opportunities that large retail customers can offer, they often seek lower pricing and increased purchase volume flexibility, offer competing private label products, and represent a large number of other competing products. If the buying power of these large retail customers continues to increase, it could negatively affect our financial results. Further, while we believe we have sufficient scale to succeed relative to our major competitors, we nevertheless face a risk that continuing consolidation of large beverage alcohol companies could put us at a competitive disadvantage.\nConsolidation, whether domestically or internationally, among spirits producers, distributors, wholesalers, suppliers, or retailers and the increased growth of the e-commerce environment across the consumer product goods market has created and could continue in the future to create a more challenging competitive landscape for our products. Consolidation at any level could hinder the distribution and sale of our products as a result of reduced attention and resources allocated to our brands both during and after transition periods, because our brands might represent a smaller portion of the new business portfolio. Furthermore, consolidation of distributors may lead to the erosion of margins. Changes in distributors' strategies, including a reduction in the number of brands they carry, the allocation of shelf space for our competitors' brands, or private label products, may adversely affect our growth, business, financial results, and market share. Furthermore, e-commerce distribution grew dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic and is likely to continue growing in the future. Our competitors may respond to industry and economic conditions and shifts in consumer behaviors more rapidly or effectively than we do. To remain competitive, we must be agile and efficient in adopting digital technologies and building analytical capabilities, which our competitors may be able to achieve with more agility and resources.\nChanges in consumer preferences and purchases, any decline in the social acceptability of our products, or governmental adoption of policies disadvantageous to beverage alcohol could negatively affect our business results.\nWe are a branded consumer products company in a highly competitive market, and our success depends substantially on our continued ability to offer consumers appealing, high-quality products. Consumer preferences and purchases may shift, often in unpredictable ways, as a result of a variety of factors, including health and wellness trends; changes in economic conditions, demographic, and social trends; public health policies and initiatives; changes in government regulation of beverage alcohol products; concerns or regulations related to product safety; legalization of cannabis and its use on a more widespread basis within the United States, Canada, or elsewhere; and changes in trends related to travel, leisure, dining, gifting, entertaining, and beverage consumption trends. As a result, consumers may begin to shift their consumption and purchases from our premium and super-premium products, or away from alcoholic beverages entirely. This shift includes consumption at home as a result of various factors, including shifts in social trends, and shifts in the channels for the purchases of our products. These shifts in consumption and purchasing channels could adversely impact our profitability. Consumers also may begin to prefer the products of competitors or may generally reduce their demand for brands produced by larger companies. Over the past several decades, the number of small, local distilleries in the United States has grown significantly. This growth is being driven by a trend of consumers showing increasing interest in locally produced, regionally sourced products. As more brands enter the market, increased competition could negatively affect demand for our premium and super-premium American whiskey brands, including Jack Daniel\u2019s. In addition, we could experience unfavorable business results if we fail to attract consumers from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities in all markets where we sell our products. \nExpansion into new product categories by other suppliers, or innovation by new entrants into the market, could increase competition in our product categories. For example, we have observed an increase in diversification by various consumer goods companies such as the entrance of both traditional beer and soft drink companies into the ready-to-drink market and the entrance of both beer and spirits companies into the cannabis market \u2013 expanding the potential for competition in the spirits market from various sectors of the consumer goods industry. Increased competition may, among other things, negatively impact our ability to maintain or gain market share; increase pricing pressure, which inhibits our ability to adequately respond to inflationary changes in commodities used in making our products; require increases in marketing and promotional activities; and negatively impact the market for our premium and super-premium products. To continue to succeed, we must anticipate or \n16\nreact effectively to shifts in demographics, our competition, consumer behavior, consumer preferences, drinking tastes, and drinking occasions.\nOur long-term plans call for the continued growth of the Jack Daniel's family of brands. If these plans do not succeed, or if we otherwise fail to develop or implement effective business, portfolio, and brand strategies, our growth, business, or financial results could suffer. More broadly, if consumers shift away from spirits (particularly brown spirits such as American whiskey and bourbon), our premium-priced brands, or our ready-to-drink products, our financial results could be adversely affected.\nWe believe that new products, line extensions, label and bottle changes, product reformulations, and similar product innovations by both our competitors and us will increase competition in our industry. Product innovation, particularly for our core brands, is a significant element of our growth strategy; however, there can be no assurance that we will continue to develop and implement successful line extensions, packaging, formulation or flavor changes, or new products.\nUnsuccessful implementation or short-lived popularity of our product innovations could result in inventory write-offs and other costs, could reduce profits from one year to the next, and could also damage consumers' perception of our brands. Our inability to attract consumers to our product innovations relative to our competitors' products \u2013 especially over time \u2013 could negatively affect our growth, business, and financial results.\nProduction facility disruption could adversely affect our business.\nSome of our largest brands, including Jack Daniel's and our tequilas, are distilled at single locations. A catastrophic event causing physical damage, disruption, or failure at any one of our major distillation or bottling facilities, including facilities that support the production of our premium brands such as Woodford Reserve and Old Forester, could adversely affect our business. Further, because whiskeys, rums and some tequilas are aged for various periods, we maintain a substantial inventory of aged and maturing products in warehouses at a number of different sites. The loss of a substantial amount of aged inventory \u2013 through fire, other natural or man-made disaster, contamination, or otherwise \u2013 could significantly reduce the supply of the affected product or products. These and other supply (or supply chain) disruptions could prevent us from meeting consumer demand for the affected products in the short and medium term. In addition to catastrophic events identified above, supply disruptions could include the temporary inability to make our products at normal levels or at all. We could also experience disruptions if our suppliers are unable to deliver supplies. Our business continuity plans may not prevent business disruption, and reconstruction of any damaged facilities could require a significant amount of time and resources.\nThe inherent uncertainty in supply/demand forecasting could adversely affect our business, particularly with respect to our aged products.\nThere is an inherent risk of forecasting imprecision in determining the quantity of aged and maturing products to produce and hold in inventory in a given year for future sale. The forecasting strategies we use to balance product supply with fluctuations in consumer demand may not be effective for particular years or products. For example, in addition to our American and Irish whiskeys, rums, and some tequilas, which are aged for various periods, our Scotch whisky brands require long-term maturation \u2013 an average of 12 years with limited releases of 30 years or more \u2013 making forecasts of demand for such products in future periods subject to significant uncertainty. Our tequila supply also depends on the growth cycle of agave plants, which take approximately seven years to reach full maturity, requiring us to make forecasts of demand for our tequilas over a long-time horizon to determine in advance how much agave to plant or otherwise source. Factors that affect our ability to forecast accurately include changes in business strategy, market demand, consumer preferences, macroeconomic conditions, introductions of competing products, and other changes in market conditions. Additionally, our supply of aged products can deviate from expectations due to changes in forecasted maturation loss. Such forecasting errors could lead to our inability to meet the objectives of our business strategy, failure to meet future demand, or a future surplus of inventory and consequent write-down in value of such inventory. A failure to accurately forecast demand for our products or efficiently manage inventory, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Further, we cannot be certain that we will be successful in using various levers, such as pricing changes, to create the desired balance of available supply and consumer demand for particular years or products. As a consequence, we may be unable to meet consumer demand for the affected products for a period of time. Furthermore, not having our products in the market consistently may adversely affect our brand equity and future sales.\nHigher costs or unavailability of water, raw materials, product ingredients, or labor could adversely affect our financial results.\nOur products use materials and ingredients that we purchase from suppliers. Our ability to make and sell our products depends on the availability of the raw materials, product ingredients, finished products, wood, glass and PET bottles, cans, bottle closures, packaging, and other materials used to produce and package them. Without sufficient quantities of one or more \n17\nkey materials, our business and financial results could suffer. For instance, only a few glass producers make bottles on a scale sufficient for our requirements, and a single producer supplied most of our glass requirements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as a result of global supply chain challenges, our primary glass provider could not produce sufficient quantities to meet our needs, which increased our cost to produce and supply some of our products and adversely affected our financial results. In response to these events, we took action to diversify suppliers of our raw materials, including glass. While our glass supply has stabilized and we continue to see improvements in supply chain logistics and transportation, our route-to-market costs and lead times continue to be impacted. We project that some logistics and transport constraints may persist through the remainder of calendar 2023. Similar new supply chain challenges may occur in the future, making it difficult and more expensive to produce and deliver our products. For example, if we were to experience a disruption in the supply of American white oak logs or steel to produce the new charred oak barrels in which we age our whiskeys, our production capabilities could be compromised. If any of our key suppliers were no longer able to meet our timing, quality, or capacity requirements, ceased doing business with us, or significantly raised prices, and we could not promptly develop alternative cost-effective sources of supply or production, our operations and financial results could suffer.\nHigher costs or insufficient availability of suitable grain, agave, water, grapes, molasses (for rum production), wood, glass, closures, and other input materials, or higher associated labor costs or insufficient availability of labor, may adversely affect our financial results. Similarly, when energy costs rise, our transportation, freight, and other operating costs, such as distilling and bottling expenses, also may increase. Our freight cost and the timely delivery of our products could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including driver or equipment shortages, higher fuel costs, weather conditions, traffic congestion, shipment container availability, rail shut down, increased government regulation, and other matters that could reduce the profitability of our operations. Our financial results may be adversely affected if we cannot pass along energy, freight, or other input cost increases through higher prices to our customers without reducing demand or sales. For example, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recovery, we experienced supply chain disruptions in connection with the availability of timely modes of transportation to ship our products globally, which resulted in higher costs and delays in supplying some of our products.\nInternational or domestic geopolitical or other events, including the imposition of any tariffs or quotas by governmental authorities on any raw materials that we use in the production of our products, could adversely affect the supply and cost of these raw materials to us. For example, the global economy has been negatively impacted by Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine. Global grain and energy markets have become increasingly volatile as sanctions have been imposed on Russia by other countries, including the United States and the European Union, in response to the invasion. We suspended our operations in Russia, and it is not clear if, or when, we will resume doing business in Russia. While we do not currently expect our production operations to be directly impacted by the conflict, changes in global grain and commodity pricing and availability may impact the markets in which we operate. If we cannot offset higher raw material costs with higher selling prices, increased sales volume, or reductions in other costs, our profitability could be adversely affected.\nWeather, the effects of climate change, fires, diseases, and other agricultural uncertainties that affect the health, yield, quality, or price of the various raw materials used in our products also present risks for our business, including in some cases potential impairment in the recorded value of our inventory. Climate change could also affect the maturation and yield of our aged inventory over time. Changes in weather patterns or intensity can disrupt our supply chain as well, which may affect production operations, insurance costs and coverage, and the timely delivery of our products.\nWater is an essential component of our products, so the quality and quantity of available water is important to our ability to operate our business. If extended droughts become more common or severe, or if our water supply were interrupted for other reasons, high-quality water could become scarce in some key production regions for our products,which in turn could adversely affect our business and financial results.\nWe might not succeed in our strategies for investments, acquisitions, dispositions, and other strategic transactions.\nFrom time to time, we acquire or invest in additional brands or businesses. We expect to continue to seek acquisition and investment opportunities that we believe will increase long-term stockholder value, but we may not be able to find investment opportunities, or purchase brands or businesses, at acceptable prices and terms. Acquisitions and investments involve risks and uncertainties, including paying more than a brand or business is ultimately determined to be worth; potential difficulties integrating acquired brands and personnel; the possible loss of key customers or employees most knowledgeable about the acquired business; implementing and maintaining consistent U.S. public company standards, controls, procedures, policies, and information systems; exposure to unknown liabilities; business disruption; and management distraction or departure. We could incur future restructuring charges or record impairment losses on the value of goodwill or other intangible assets resulting from previous acquisitions, which may also negatively affect our financial results.\n18\nFrom time to time, we also consider disposing of assets or businesses that may no longer meet our financial or strategic objectives. In selling assets or businesses, we may not get prices or terms as favorable as we anticipated. We could also encounter difficulty in finding buyers on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay our accomplishment of strategic objectives. Expected cost savings from reduced overhead, relating to the sold assets, may not materialize. The overhead reductions could temporarily disrupt our other business operations. Any of these outcomes could negatively affect our financial results.\nOur business faces various risks related to health epidemics and pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic and similar outbreaks, that could materially and adversely affect our business, our operations, our cash flows, and our financial results.\nOur business, operations, cash flows, and financial results have been impacted and could be impacted in the future by health epidemics, pandemics, and similar outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Any future epidemic, pandemic, or other outbreak could cause negative impacts, such as (a) a global or U.S. recession or other economic crisis; (b) credit and capital markets volatility (and access to these markets, including by our suppliers and customers); (c) volatility in demand for our products; (d) changes in accessibility to our products due to illness, quarantines, \u201cstay at home\u201d orders, travel restrictions, retail, restaurant, bar, and hotel closures, social distancing requirements, and other government action; (e) changes in consumer behavior and preferences; and (f) disruptions in raw material supply, our manufacturing operations, or in our distribution and supply chain. In addition, we may incur increased costs and otherwise be negatively affected if a significant portion of our workforce (or the workforces within our distribution or supply chain) cannot work or work effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, \u201cstay at home\u201d orders, social distancing requirements, other government action, facility closures, or other restrictions. Accordingly, a future widespread health epidemic or pandemic could materially and adversely affect our business, our operations, our cash flows, and our financial results.\nUnfavorable economic conditions could negatively affect our operations and results.\nUnfavorable global or regional economic conditions may be triggered by numerous developments beyond our control, including geopolitical events, health crises, and other events that trigger economic volatility on a global or regional basis. Those types of unfavorable economic conditions could adversely affect our business and financial results. In particular, a significant deterioration in economic conditions, including economic slowdowns or recessions, increased unemployment levels, inflationary pressures or disruptions to credit and capital markets, could lead to decreased consumer confidence in certain countries and consumer spending more generally, thus reducing consumer demand for our products. For example, since 2021, the United States and European Union have experienced a rapid increase in inflation levels. Such heightened inflationary levels may negatively impact consumer disposable income and discretionary spending and, in turn, reduce consumer demand for our premium products and increase our costs. Unfavorable economic conditions could also cause governments to increase taxes on beverage alcohol to attempt to raise revenue, reducing consumers' willingness to make discretionary purchases of beverage alcohol products or pay for premium brands such as ours.\nUnfavorable economic conditions could also adversely affect our suppliers, distributors, customers, and retailers, who in turn could experience cash flow challenges, more costly or unavailable financing, credit defaults, and other financial hardships. Such financial hardships could lead to distributor or retailer destocking, disruption in raw material supply, increase in bad debt expense, or increased levels of unsecured credit that we may need to provide to customers. Other potential negative consequences to our business from unfavorable economic conditions include higher interest rates, an increase in the rate of inflation, deflation, exchange rate fluctuations, credit or capital market instability, or lower returns on pension assets or lower discount rates for pension obligations (possibly requiring higher contributions to our pension plans).\nProduct recalls or other product liability claims could materially and adversely affect our sales.\nThe success of our brands depends on the positive image that consumers have of them. We could decide to or be required to recall products due to suspected or confirmed product contamination, product tampering, spoilage, regulatory non-compliance, food safety issues, or other quality issues. Any of these events could adversely affect our financial results. Actual contamination, whether deliberate or accidental, could lead to inferior product quality and even illness, injury, or death of consumers, potential liability claims, and material loss. Should a product recall become necessary, or we voluntarily recall a product in the event of contamination, damage, or other quality issue, sales of the affected product or our broader portfolio of brands could be adversely affected. A significant product liability judgment or widespread product recall may negatively impact sales and our business and financial results. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, resulting negative publicity could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and our corporate and brand image.\n19\nNegative publicity could affect our business performance.\nUnfavorable publicity, whether accurate or not, related to our industry or to us or our products, brands, marketing, executive leadership, employees, Board of Directors, family stockholders, operations, current or anticipated business performance, or environmental or social efforts could negatively affect our corporate reputation, stock price, ability to attract and retain high-quality talent, or the performance of our brands and business. Adverse publicity or negative commentary on social media, whether accurate or not, particularly any that go \u201cviral,\u201d could cause consumers or other stakeholders to react by disparaging or avoiding our brands or company, which could materially negatively affect our financial results. Additionally, investor advocacy groups, institutional investors, other market participants, stockholders, employees, consumers, customers, influencers, and policymakers have focused increasingly on the environmental, social, and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) or \u201csustainability\u201d positions and practices of companies. If our ESG positions or practices do not meet investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, which continue to evolve, our corporate reputation, stock price, ability to attract and retain high-quality talent, and the performance of our brands and business may be negatively affected. Stakeholders and others who disagree with our company's actions, positions, or statements may speak negatively or advocate against the company, with the potential to harm our reputation or business through negative publicity, adverse government treatment, or other means.\nOur failure to attract or retain key talent could adversely affect our business.\nOur success depends on the efforts and abilities of our senior management team, other key employees, and our high-quality employee base, as well as our ability to attract, motivate, reward, develop, and retain them. Difficulties in hiring or retaining key executive or other employee talent, or the unexpected loss of experienced employees resulting in the depletion of our institutional knowledge base, could have an adverse impact on our business performance, reputation, financial condition, or results of operations. Given changing demographics, immigration laws and policies, remote working trends, and demand for talent globally, we may not be able to find the people with the right skills, at the right time, and in the right location, to achieve our business objectives.\nRisks Related to Our Global Operations\nOur global business is subject to commercial, political, and financial risks.\nOur products are sold in more than 170 countries; accordingly, we are subject to risks associated with doing business globally, including commercial, political, and financial risks. In addition, we are subject to potential business disruption caused by military conflicts; potentially unstable governments or legal systems; social, racial, civil, or political upheaval or unrest; local labor policies and conditions; possible expropriation, nationalization, or confiscation of assets; problems with repatriation of foreign earnings; economic or trade sanctions; closure of markets to imports; anti-American sentiment; terrorism, kidnapping, extortion, or other types of violence in or outside the United States; and health crises. Violent crime is increasing in markets around the globe, including the United States. If a violent event should occur at one of our sites, it could disrupt business operations, impair brand reputation, increase insurance and security expenses, and adversely affect the price of our stock. \nAdditionally, we may be subject to tariffs imposed on our products by other countries, such as the tariffs imposed in 2018 following the United States tariffs on steel and aluminum. In response to these U.S. tariffs, a number of countries imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, including on American whiskey products, which negatively affected our business until they were removed in late fiscal 2022 and early fiscal 2023. The imposition of tariffs, custom duties, or other restrictions or barriers on imports and exports, or the deterioration of economic relations between the United States and other countries could increase the cost of our products and, to the extent that we absorb the costs of tariffs, result in higher cost of goods sold and lower gross profit and margins. They could also limit the availability of our products and prompt consumers to seek alternative products. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to overcome the challenges we encounter with respect to these risks and other factors affecting U.S. export companies with a global business.\nA failure to comply with anti-corruption laws, trade sanctions and restrictions, or similar laws or regulations may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.\nSome of the countries where we do business have a higher risk of corruption than others. While we are committed to doing business in accordance with all applicable laws, including anti-corruption laws and global trade restrictions, we remain subject to the risk that an employee, or one of our many direct or indirect business partners, may take action determined to be in violation of international trade, money laundering, anti-corruption, or other laws, sanctions, or regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, or equivalent local laws. Any determination that our operations or activities are not in compliance with applicable laws or regulations, particularly those related to anti-corruption and international economic or trade sanctions, could result in investigations, interruption of business, loss of business partner relationships, suspension or termination of credit agreements, licenses, and permits (our own or those of our partners), \n20\nimposition of fines, legal or equitable sanctions, negative publicity, and management distraction or departure. Further, our obligation to comply with applicable anti-corruption, economic and trade sanctions, or other laws or regulations, our Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, and our other policies could result in higher operating costs, delays, or even competitive disadvantages as compared to competitors based in different parts of the world.\nFluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.\nThe global scope of our business means that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar influence our financial results. In many markets outside the United States, we sell our products and pay for some goods, services, and labor costs primarily in local currencies. Because our foreign currency revenues exceed our foreign currency expense, we have a net exposure to changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to those currencies. Over time, our reported financial results will be hurt by a stronger U.S. dollar and will be benefited by a weaker one. We attempt to hedge some of our foreign currency exposure through the use of foreign currency derivatives or other means. However, even in those cases, we do not fully eliminate our foreign currency exposure. For details on how foreign exchange affects our business, see \u201cItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk - Foreign currency exchange rate risk.\u201d\nLegal and Regulatory Risks\nNational and local governments may adopt regulations or undertake investigations that could limit our business activities or increase our costs.\nOur business is subject to extensive regulatory requirements regarding production, exportation, importation, marketing and promotion, labeling, distribution, pricing, and trade practices, among others. Changes in laws, regulatory measures, or governmental policies, or the manner in which current ones are interpreted, could subject us to governmental investigations, cause us to incur material additional costs or liabilities, and jeopardize the growth of our business in the affected market. Specifically, governments could prohibit, impose, or increase limitations on advertising and promotional activities, or times or locations where beverage alcohol may be sold or consumed, or adopt other measures that could limit our opportunities to reach consumers or sell our products. Certain countries historically have banned all television, newspaper, magazine, and digital commerce/advertising for beverage alcohol products. Additional regulation of this nature could substantially reduce consumer awareness of our products in the affected markets and make the introduction of new products more challenging.\nAdditional regulation in the United States and other countries addressing climate change, use of water, and other environmental issues could increase our operating costs. Increasing regulation of CO2 emissions could increase the cost of energy, including fuel, required to operate our facilities or transport and distribute our products, thereby substantially increasing the production, distribution, and supply chain costs associated with our products.\nTax increases and changes in tax rules could adversely affect our financial results.\nOur business is sensitive to changes in both direct and indirect taxes. New tax rules, accounting standards or pronouncements, and changes in interpretation of existing rules, standards, or pronouncements could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. As a multinational company based in the United States, we are more exposed to the impact of changes in U.S. tax legislation and regulations than most of our major competitors, especially changes that affect the effective corporate income tax rate. In August 2022, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (\u201cIRA\u201d) which, among other provisions, implemented a 15% minimum tax on book income of certain large corporations. We continue to evaluate the various provisions of the IRA and currently anticipate that its impact, if any, will not be material to our operating results or cash flows. Additional tax proposals sponsored by the current U.S. presidential administration could lead to U.S. tax changes, including significant increases to the U.S. corporate income tax rate and the minimum tax rate on certain earnings of foreign subsidiaries. While we are unable to predict whether any of these changes will ultimately be enacted, if these or similar proposals are enacted into law, they could negatively impact our effective tax rate and reduce net earnings.\nAt the global level, potential changes in tax rules or the interpretation of tax rules arising out of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project initiated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) include increased residual profit allocations to market jurisdictions and the implementation of a global minimum tax rate. On October 8, 2021, the OECD announced an accord endorsing and providing an implementation plan for the two-pillar plan agreed upon by 136 nations. On December 15, 2022, the European Council formally adopted a European Union directive on the implementation of the plan by January 1, 2024. We are evaluating the potential impact of the developments on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The adoption of these or other proposals could have a material adverse impact on our net income and cash flows. Furthermore, changes in the earnings mix or applicable foreign tax laws could also negatively impact our net income and tax flows.\n21\nOur business operations are also subject to numerous duties or taxes not based on income, sometimes referred to as \u201cindirect taxes.\u201d These indirect taxes include excise taxes, sales or value-added taxes, property taxes, payroll taxes, import and export duties, and tariffs. Increases in or the imposition of new indirect taxes on our operations or products would increase the cost of our products or materials used to produce our products or, to the extent levied directly on consumers, make our products less affordable, which could negatively affect our financial results by reducing purchases of our products and encouraging consumers to switch to lower-priced or lower-taxed product categories. As governmental entities look for increased sources of revenue, they may increase taxes on beverage alcohol products. In fiscal 2023, we have observed excise tax increases in T\u00fcrkiye and Romania, and annual increases in France and Australia tied to the consumer price index. Additionally, during fiscal 2023, Australia is considering proposals to change the country\u2019s overall beverage alcohol tax policies.\nOur ability to market and sell our products depends heavily on societal attitudes toward drinking and governmental policies that both flow from and affect those attitudes.\nIncreased social and political attention has been directed at the beverage alcohol industry. For example, there remains continued attention focused largely on public health concerns related to alcohol abuse, including drunk driving, underage drinking, and the negative health impacts of the abuse and misuse of beverage alcohol. While most people who drink alcoholic beverages do so in moderation, it is commonly known and well reported that excessive levels or inappropriate patterns of drinking can lead to increased risk of a range of health conditions and, for certain people, can result in alcohol dependence. Some academics, public health officials, and critics of the alcohol industry in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world continue to seek governmental measures to make beverage alcohol more expensive, less available, or more difficult to advertise and promote. If future scientific research indicates more widespread serious health risks associated with alcohol consumption \u2013 particularly with moderate consumption \u2013 or if for any reason the social acceptability of beverage alcohol declines significantly, sales of our products could be adversely affected.\nSignificant additional labeling or warning requirements or limitations on the availability of our products could inhibit sales of affected products.\nVarious jurisdictions have adopted or may seek to adopt significant additional product labeling or warning requirements or impose limitations on the availability of our products relating to the content or perceived adverse health consequences of some of our products. Several such labeling regulations or laws require warnings on any product with substances that the jurisdiction lists as potentially associated with cancer or birth defects. Our products already raise health and safety concerns for some regulators, and heightened requirements could be imposed. For example, in February 2021, the European Union published its Europe Beating Cancer Plan. As part of the plan, by the end of 2023, the European Union will issue a proposal for mandatory health warnings on beverage alcohol product labels. Such campaigns could result in additional governmental regulations concerning the production, marketing, labeling, or availability of our products, any of which could damage our reputation, make our premium brands unrecognizable, or reduce demand for our products, which could adversely affect our profitability. If additional or more severe requirements of this type are imposed on one or more of our major products under current or future health, environmental, or other laws or regulations, they could inhibit sales of such products. Further, we cannot predict whether our products will become subject to increased rules and regulations, which, if enacted, could increase our costs or adversely impact sales.\nCounterfeiting or inadequate protection of our intellectual property rights could adversely affect our business prospects.\nOur brand names, trademarks, and related intellectual property rights are critical assets, and our business depends on protecting them online and in the countries where we do business. We may not succeed in protecting our intellectual property rights in a given market or in challenging those who infringe our rights or imitate or counterfeit our products. Although we believe that our intellectual property rights are legally protected in the markets where we do business, the ability to register and enforce intellectual property rights varies from country to country. In some countries, for example, it may be more difficult to successfully stop counterfeiting or look-alike products, either because the law is inadequate or, even though satisfactory legal options may exist, it may be difficult to obtain and enforce sanctions against counterfeiters. We may not be able to register our trademarks in every country where we want to sell a particular product, and we may not obtain favorable decisions by courts or trademark offices.\nMany global spirits brands, including some of our brands, experience problems with product counterfeiting and other forms of trademark infringement. We combat counterfeiting by working with other companies in the spirits industry through our membership in the Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits (AACS) and with brand owners in other industries via our membership in React, an anti-counterfeiting network organization. While we believe AACS and React are effective organizations, they are not active in every market, and their efforts are subject to obtaining the cooperation of local authorities and courts in the markets where they are active. Despite the efforts of AACS, React, and our own teams, lower-quality and counterfeit products that could be harmful to consumers could reach the market and adversely affect our intellectual property \n22\nrights, brand equity, corporate reputation, and financial results. In addition, the industry as a whole could suffer negative effects related to the manufacture, sale, and consumption of illegally produced beverage alcohol. \nLitigation and legal disputes could expose our business to financial and reputational risk.\nMajor private or governmental litigation challenging the production, marketing, promotion, distribution, or sale of beverage alcohol or specific brands could affect our ability to sell our products. Because litigation and other legal proceedings can be costly to defend, even actions that are ultimately decided in our favor could have a negative impact on our business reputation or financial results. Lawsuits have been brought against beverage alcohol companies alleging problems related to alcohol abuse, negative health consequences from drinking, problems from alleged marketing or sales practices, and underage drinking. While these lawsuits have been largely unsuccessful in the past, others may succeed in the future. We could also experience employment-related or cybersecurity-related class actions, environmental claims, commercial disputes, product liability actions stemming from a beverage or container production defect, a whistleblower suit, or other major litigation that could adversely affect our business results, particularly if there is negative publicity.\nAs discussed throughout these risk factors, governmental actions around the world are a continuing compliance risk for global companies such as ours. In addition, as a U.S. public company, we are exposed to the risk of securities-related class action suits, particularly following a precipitous drop in the share price of our stock. Adverse developments in major lawsuits concerning these or other matters could result in management distraction and have a material adverse effect on our business.\nRisks Related to Cybersecurity and Data Privacy\nA cyber breach, a failure or corruption of one or more of our key information technology systems, networks, processes, associated sites, or service providers, or a failure to comply with personal data protection laws could have a material adverse impact on our business.\nWe rely on information technology (IT) systems, networks, and services, including internet sites, data hosting and processing facilities and tools, hardware (including laptops and mobile devices), software, and technical applications and platforms, some of which are managed, hosted, provided, or used by third parties or their vendors, to help us manage our business. The various uses of these IT systems, networks, and services include: hosting our internal network and communication systems; ordering and managing materials from suppliers; billing and collecting cash from our customers; supply/demand planning; inventory planning; production; shipping products to customers; paying our employees; hosting corporate strategic plans and employee data; hosting our branded websites and marketing products to consumers; collecting and storing data on suppliers, customers, consumers, stockholders, employees, former employees, and beneficiaries of employees or former employees; processing transactions; summarizing and reporting results of operations; hosting, processing, and sharing confidential and proprietary research, business plans, and financial reporting and information; complying with regulatory, legal, or tax requirements; providing data security; and handling other processes necessary to manage our business.\nAs a company with complex IT systems, we have been a target of cyberattacks and other hacking activities in the past, and we expect to continue to be a target in the future. Increased IT security threats and more sophisticated cybercrimes and cyberattacks, including computer viruses and other malicious codes, ransomware, unauthorized access attempts, denial-of-service attacks, phishing, social engineering, hacking, and other types of attacks, pose a risk to the security and availability of our IT systems, networks, and services, including those that are managed, hosted, provided, or used by third parties, as well as the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data and the data of our customers, partners, consumers, employees, stockholders, suppliers, and others. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a greater number of our employees are working remotely and accessing our technology infrastructure remotely, which further increases our attack surface.\nUnauthorized access to our IT network or that of our service providers could result in failure of our IT systems, networks, or services to function properly. This could lead to the loss or unauthorized disclosure of our business strategy or other sensitive information; interruptions in our ability to manage operations; and reputational, competitive, or business harm, which may adversely affect our business operations or financial results. In addition, such IT disruptions could result in unauthorized disclosure of material confidential information, resulting in financial and reputational damage because of lost or misappropriated confidential information belonging to us or to our partners, customers, consumers, employees, or former employees and their beneficiaries, stockholders, suppliers, or others.\nAs a result of any cyber breach or IT disruption, we could also be required to spend significant financial and other resources to remedy the damage. Those expenditures could include repairing or replacing networks and IT systems, which could require a significant amount of time and financial investment; responding to claims from employees, former employees, stockholders, suppliers, customers, consumers, or others; handling related litigation or governmental inquiries; or paying significant fines to regulatory agencies. Furthermore, a cyber breach at any one of our suppliers, customers, or other direct or \n23\nindirect business partners could have similar impacts. Any cyber breach or IT disruption could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nIn the ordinary course of our business, we receive, process, transmit, and store information relating to identifiable individuals (personal data), primarily employees and former employees, but also relating to beneficiaries of employees or former employees, customers, and consumers. As a result, we are subject to various U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations relating to personal data. These laws change frequently, and new legislation in this area may be enacted at any time. Such laws and regulations include the California Consumer Protection Act, the California Privacy Rights Act, which took effect on January 1, 2023, and the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These types of laws and regulations subject us to, among other things, additional costs and expenses and may require costly changes to our business practices and security systems, policies, procedures, and practices. Improper disclosure of personal data in violation of personal data protection laws, including the GDPR, could harm our reputation, cause loss of consumer confidence, subject us to government enforcement actions (including fines), or result in private litigation against us, which could result in loss of revenue, increased costs, liability for monetary damages, fines, or criminal prosecution, all of which could negatively affect our business and operating results.\nRisks Related to Our Ownership and Corporate Governance Structure\nThe Brown family has the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted for stockholder approval.\nWe are a \u201ccontrolled company\u201d under New York Stock Exchange rules. Controlled companies are exempt from New York Stock Exchange listing standards that require a board composed of a majority of independent directors, a fully independent nominating/corporate governance committee, and a fully independent compensation committee. We may avail ourselves of the exemption from having a board composed of a majority of independent directors, and we utilize the exemption from having a fully independent nominating/corporate governance committee. Notwithstanding the available exemption, our Compensation Committee is composed exclusively of independent directors. As a result of our use of some \u201ccontrolled company\u201d exemptions, our corporate governance practices differ from those of non-controlled companies, which are subject to all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements.\nWe have two classes of common stock. Our Class A common stock is entitled to full voting powers, including in the elections of directors, while our Class B common stock may not vote except as provided by the laws of Delaware. We have had two classes of common stock since 1959, when our stockholders approved the issuance of two shares of Class B non-voting common stock to every holder of our voting common stock. Dual-class share structures have increasingly come under the scrutiny of major indices, institutional investors, and proxy advisory firms, with some calling for the reclassification of non-voting common stock.\nA majority of our voting stock is controlled by members of the Brown family, and, collectively, they have the ability to control the outcome of stockholder votes, including the election of all of our directors and the approval or rejection of any merger, change of control, or other significant corporate transactions. We believe that having a long-term-focused, committed, and engaged stockholder base provides us with a distinct strategic advantage, particularly in a business with aged products and multi-generational brands. This advantage could be eroded or lost, however, should Brown family members cease, collectively, to be controlling stockholders of the Company.\nWe believe that it is in the interests of all stockholders that we remain independent and family-controlled, and we believe the Brown family stockholders share these interests. Thus, our common stock dual-class share structure, as it has existed since 1959, is perpetual, and we do not have a sunset provision in our Restated Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws that provides for the eventual reclassification of the non-voting common stock to voting common stock. However, the Brown family's interests may not always be aligned with other stockholders' interests. By exercising their control, the Brown family could cause the Company to take actions that are at odds with the investment goals or interests of institutional, short-term, non-voting, or other non-controlling investors, or that have a negative effect on our stock price. Further, because the Brown family controls the majority of our voting stock, Brown-Forman might be a less attractive takeover target, which could adversely affect the market price of both our voting and our non-voting common stock. And the difference in voting rights for our common stock could also adversely and disproportionately affect the value of our Class B non-voting common stock to the extent that investors view, or any potential future purchaser of our Company views, the superior voting rights and control represented by the Class A common stock to have value.",
+ "item7": ">Item\u00a07. \nManagement\n'\ns Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nIntroduction\nThis Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to help the reader better understand Brown-Forman, our operations, our financial results, and our current business environment. Please read this MD&A in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes contained in \u201cItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d (Consolidated Financial Statements). \nOur MD&A is organized as follows:\nTable of Contents\nPage\nPresentation basis \n28\nSignificant developments \n32\nExecutive summary \n34\nResults of operations\n36\nLiquidity and capital resources\n42\nCritical accounting policies and estimates\n44\nPresentation Basis\nNon-GAAP Financial Measures\nWe use some financial measures in this report that are not measures of financial performance under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).\u00a0These non-GAAP measures, defined below, should be viewed as supplements to (not substitutes for) our results of operations and other measures reported under GAAP. Other companies may not define or calculate these non-GAAP measures in the same way.\n\u201cOrganic change\u201d in measures of statements of operations\n.\n \nWe present changes in certain measures, or line items, of the statements of operations that are adjusted to an \u201corganic\u201d basis. We use \u201corganic change\u201d for the following measures of the statements of operations: (a) organic net sales; (b) organic cost of sales; (c) organic gross profit; (d) organic advertising expenses; (e) organic selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses; (f) organic other expense (income) net; (g) organic operating expenses\n1\n; and (h) organic operating income. To calculate these measures, we adjust, as applicable, for (1) acquisitions and divestitures, (2) foreign exchange, and (3) impairment charges. We explain these adjustments below.\n\u2022\n\u201cAcquisitions and divestitures.\u201d\n This adjustment removes (a) the gain or loss recognized on sale of divested brands, (b) any non-recurring effects related to our acquisitions and divestitures (e.g., transaction, transition, and integration costs or income), and (c) the effects of operating activity related to acquired and divested brands for periods not comparable year over year (non-comparable periods). Excluding non-comparable periods allows us to include the effects of acquired and divested brands only to the extent that results are comparable year over year.\nDuring fiscal 2021, we sold our Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood brands and related assets, and entered into a related transition services agreement (TSA) for these brands. During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we acquired Gin Mare Brand, S.L.U. and Mareliquid Vantguard, S.L.U., which own the Gin Mare brand (Gin Mare). Also, during the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we acquired (a) International Rum and Spirits Distributors Unipessoal, Lda., (b) Diplom\u00e1tico Branding Unipessoal Lda., (c) International Bottling Services, S.A., (d) International Rum & Spirits Marketing Solutions, S.L., and (e) certain assets of Destilerias Unidas Corp., which collectively own the Diplom\u00e1tico Rum brand and related assets (Diplom\u00e1tico). See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.\nThis adjustment removes (a) the net sales and operating expenses recognized pursuant to the TSA related to the divestiture of Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood brands and related assets for the non-comparable period, which is activity during the first quarter of fiscal 2022; (b) transaction, transition, and integration costs related to the acquisitions; (c) operating activity for Gin Mare for the non-comparable period, which is activity in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023; and (d) operating activity for Diplom\u00e1tico for the non-comparable period, which is activity in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023. We believe that these adjustments allow for us to understand our organic results on a comparable basis.\n1\n \nOperating expenses include advertising expense, SG&A expense, and other expense (income), net.\n28\n\u2022\n\u201cForeign exchange.\u201d\n We calculate the percentage change in certain line items of the statements of operations in accordance with GAAP and adjust to exclude the cost or benefit of currency fluctuations. Adjusting for foreign exchange allows us to understand our business on a constant-dollar basis, as fluctuations in exchange rates can distort the organic trend both positively and negatively. (In this report, \u201cdollar\u201d always means the U.S. dollar unless stated otherwise.) To eliminate the effect of foreign exchange fluctuations when comparing across periods, we translate current-year results at prior-year rates and remove transactional and hedging foreign exchange gains and losses from current- and prior-year periods. \n\u2022\n\u201cImpairment Charges.\u201d\n This adjustment removes the impact of impairment charges from our results of operations. \nDuring the first three quarters of fiscal 2022, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $9 million for certain fixed assets. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $52 million for our Finlandia brand name. During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we recognized an additional non-cash impairment charge of $96 million for the Finlandia brand name. See \u201cCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\u201d below and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. We believe that these adjustments allow for us to understand our organic results on a comparable basis.\nWe use the non-GAAP measure \u201corganic change\u201d, along with other metrics, to: (a) understand our performance from period to period on a consistent basis; (b) compare our performance to that of our competitors; (c) calculate components of management incentive compensation; (d) plan and forecast; and (e) communicate our financial performance to the Board of Directors, stockholders, and investment community. We provide reconciliations of the \u201corganic change\u201d in certain line items of the statements of operations to their nearest GAAP measures in the tables under \u201cResults of Operations - Fiscal 2023 Highlights\u201d and \u201cResults of Operations - Year-Over-Year Comparisons.\u201d We have consistently applied the adjustments within our reconciliations in arriving at each non-GAAP measure. We believe these non-GAAP measures are useful to readers and investors because they enhance the understanding of our historical financial performance by improving comparability across periods.\n\u201cReturn on average invested capital\n.\u201d This measure refers to the sum of net income and after-tax interest expense, divided by average invested capital. Average invested capital equals assets less liabilities, excluding interest-bearing debt, and is calculated using the average of the most recent five quarter-end balances. After-tax interest expense equals interest expense multiplied by one minus our effective tax rate. We use this non-GAAP measure because we consider it to be a meaningful indicator of how effectively and efficiently we invest capital in our business.\nIn fiscal 2023, we changed the methodology used to determine average invested capital. Previously, average invested capital was computed using the average of the most recent 13 month-end balances. Average invested capital is now calculated using the average of the most recent five quarter-end balances, which are disclosed in the relevant quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K. Return on average invested capital computed using the new methodology does not materially differ from the total computed using the previous methodology for fiscal 2023. The new methodology was consistently applied to return on average invested capital for each period presented.\nDefinitions\nAggregations\n.\nFrom time to time, to explain our results of operations or to highlight trends and uncertainties affecting our business, we aggregate markets according to stage of economic development as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and we aggregate brands by beverage alcohol category. Below, we define the geographic and brand aggregations used in this report.\nGeographic Aggregations.\nIn \u201cResults of Operations - Fiscal 2023 Market Highlights,\u201d we provide supplemental information for our top markets ranked by percentage of reported net sales. In addition to markets listed by country name, we include the following aggregations:\n\u2022\n\u201cDeveloped International\u201d \nmarkets are \u201cadvanced economies\u201d as defined by the IMF, excluding the United States. Our top developed international markets were Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Japan. This aggregation represents our net sales of branded products to these markets.\n\u2022\n\u201cEmerging\u201d \nmarkets are \u201cemerging and developing economies\u201d as defined by the IMF. Our top emerging markets were Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. This aggregation represents our net sales of branded products to these markets.\n\u2022\n\u201cTravel Retail\u201d\n represents our net sales of branded products to global duty-free customers, other travel retail customers, and the U.S. military, regardless of customer location.\n29\n\u2022\n\u201cNon-branded and bulk\u201d\n includes net sales of used barrels, contract bottling services, and non-branded bulk whiskey and wine, regardless of customer location.\nBrand Aggregations.\nIn \u201cResults of Operations - Fiscal 2023 Brand Highlights,\u201d we provide supplemental information for our top brands ranked by percentage of reported net sales. In addition to brands listed by name, we include the following aggregations outlined below. \nBeginning in fiscal 2023, we began presenting \u201cReady-to-Drink\u201d products as a separate aggregation due to its increased significance in its contribution to our growth in recent years and industry-wide category growth trends. \u201cWhiskey\u201d no longer contains Jack Daniel\u2019s ready-to-drink (RTD) and ready-to-pour (RTP), and \u201cTequila\u201d no longer includes New Mix. These brands are now included in the \u201cReady-to-Drink\u201d brand aggregation.\n\u2022\n\u201cWhiskey\u201d\n includes all whiskey spirits and whiskey-based flavored liqueurs. The brands included in this category are the Jack Daniel\u2019s family of brands (excluding the \u201cReady-to-Drink\u201d products defined below), the Woodford Reserve family of brands (Woodford Reserve), the Old Forester family of brands (Old Forester), GlenDronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Slane Irish Whiskey, and Coopers\u2019 Craft. \n\u2022\n\u201cAmerican whiskey\u201d\n includes the Jack Daniel\u2019s family of brands (excluding the \u201cReady-to-Drink\u201d products defined below) and premium bourbons (defined below).\n\u2022\n\u201cPremium bourbons\u201d\n includes Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and Coopers\u2019 Craft.\n\u2022\n\u201cSuper-premium American whiskey\u201d\n\u00a0includes Woodford Reserve, Gentleman Jack, and other super-premium Jack Daniel's expressions.\n\u2022\n\u201cReady-to-Drink\u201d\n includes all ready-to-drink (RTD) and ready-to-pour (RTP) products. The brands included in this category are Jack Daniel\u2019s RTD and RTP products (JD RTD/RTP), New Mix, and other RTD/RTP products.\n\u2022\n\u201cJack Daniel\u2019s RTD/RTP\u201d\n products include all RTD line extensions of Jack Daniel\u2019s, such as Jack\u00a0Daniel\u2019s\u00a0& Cola, Jack Daniel\u2019s Country Cocktails, Jack Daniel\u2019s Double Jack, Jack Daniel\u2019s & Coca-Cola RTD, and other malt- and spirit-based Jack Daniel\u2019s RTDs, along with Jack Daniel\u2019s Winter Jack RTP.\n\u2022\n\u201cJack Daniel\u2019s & Coca-Cola RTD\u201d\n includes all Jack Daniel\u2019s and Coca-Cola RTD products and Jack Daniel\u2019s bulk whiskey shipments for the production of this product.\n\u2022\n\u201cTequila\u201d\n includes the Herradura family of brands (Herradura), el Jimador, and other tequilas. \n\u2022\n\u201cWine\u201d\n includes Korbel California Champagnes and Sonoma-Cutrer wines. \n\u2022\n\u201cVodka\u201d\n includes Finlandia.\n\u2022\n\u201cRest of Portfolio\u201d\n includes Chambord, Gin Mare, Korbel Brandy, Diplom\u00e1tico, and Fords Gin.\n\u2022\n\u201cNon-branded and bulk\u201d\n includes net sales of used barrels, contract bottling services, and non-branded bulk whiskey and wine.\n\u2022\n\u201cJack Daniel\u2019s family of brands\u201d\n includes Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Whiskey (JDTW), JD RTD/RTP, Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Honey (JDTH), Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Fire (JDTF), Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Apple (JDTA), Jack Daniel\u2019s Single Barrel Collection (JDSB), Jack Daniel\u2019s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel\u2019s Sinatra Select, Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Rye Whiskey (JDTR), Jack Daniel\u2019s Bottled-in-Bond, Jack Daniel\u2019s Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey, Jack Daniel\u2019s No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel\u2019s 10 Years Old, and Jack Daniel\u2019s 12 Years Old.\nOther Metrics\n.\n\u2022\n\u201cShipments.\u201d \nWe generally record revenues when we ship or deliver our products to our customers. In this report, unless otherwise specified, we refer to shipments when discussing volume.\n\u2022\n\u201cDepletions.\u201d \nThis is a term commonly used in the beverage alcohol industry to describe volume. Depending on the context, depletions usually means either (a) where Brown-Forman is the distributor, shipments directly to retail or wholesale customers or (b) where Brown-Forman is not the distributor, shipments from distributor customers to retailers \n30\nand wholesalers. We believe that depletions measure volume in a way that more closely reflects consumer demand than our shipments to distributor customers do.\n\u2022\n\u201cConsumer takeaway.\u201d\n When discussing trends in the market, we refer to consumer takeaway, a term commonly used in the beverage alcohol industry that refers to the purchase of product by consumers from retail outlets, including products purchased through e-commerce channels, as measured by volume or retail sales value. This information is provided by third parties, such as Nielsen and the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA). Our estimates of market share or changes in market share are derived from consumer takeaway data using the retail sales value metric. We believe consumer takeaway is a leading indicator of consumer demand trends.\n\u2022\n\u201cEstimated net change in distributor inventories.\u201d\n We generally recognize revenue when our products are shipped or delivered to customers. In the United States and certain other markets, our customers are distributors that sell downstream to retailers and consumers. We believe that our distributors\u2019 downstream sales more closely reflect actual consumer demand than do our shipments to distributors. Our shipments increase distributors\u2019 inventories, while distributors\u2019 depletions (as described above) reduce their inventories. Therefore, it is possible that our shipments do not coincide with distributors\u2019 downstream depletions and merely reflect changes in distributors\u2019 inventories. Because changes in distributors\u2019 inventories could affect our trends, we believe it is useful for investors to understand those changes in the context of our operating results. \nWe perform the following calculation to determine the \u201cestimated net change in distributor inventories\u201d:\n\u2022\nFor both the current-year period and the comparable prior-year period, we calculate a \u201cdepletion-based\u201d amount by (a) dividing the organic dollar amount (e.g. organic net sales) by the corresponding shipment volumes to arrive at a shipment per case amount, and (b) multiplying the resulting shipment per case amount by the corresponding depletion volumes. We subtract the year-over-year percentage change of the \u201cdepletion-based\u201d amount from the year-over-year percentage change of the organic amount to calculate the \u201cestimated net change in distributor inventories.\u201d\n\u2022\nA positive difference is interpreted as a net increase in distributors\u2019 inventories, which implies that organic trends could decrease as distributors reduce inventories; whereas, a negative difference is interpreted as a net decrease in distributors\u2019 inventories, which implies that organic trends could increase as distributors rebuild inventories.\n31\nSignificant Developments\nBelow we discuss the significant developments in our business during fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023. These developments relate to Finlandia brand name impairments, tariffs, acquisitions, Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, innovation, and capital deployment.\nFinlandia Impairments\nDuring the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $52 million for the Finlandia brand name, reflecting a decline in our long-term outlook for Finlandia due to our suspension of operations in Russia, a key market for the brand. During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $96 million for the Finlandia brand name, largely due to macroeconomic conditions including rising interest rates and increasing costs. See \u201cCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\u201d below and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. \nTariffs\nThe removal of the European Union and United Kingdom tariffs on American whiskey (tariffs) positively affected our results during fiscal 2023.\n \nTariffs include the combined effect of tariff-related costs, whether arising as a reduction of reported net sales or as an increase in reported cost of sales. We estimate that lower costs associated with tariffs (a) reduced our reported cost of sales growth by approximately four percentage points, and (b) increased gross margin by approximately one and a half percentage points. \nAcquisitions\nDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we acquired the Gin Mare brand and the Diplom\u00e1tico brand and related assets. Operating activity for these acquired brands increased reported net sales growth by approximately half a percentage point and decreased reported operating income growth by approximately four percentage points during fiscal 2023. The negative effect on reported operating income was largely driven by transaction expenses of $44 million related to the termination of certain distribution contracts (certain post-closing costs and expenses). \n \nRussia\u2019s Invasion of Ukraine\nDue to Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reported net sales were negatively affected by the suspension of our commercial operations in Russia and our diminished ability to conduct business in Ukraine. \nSupply Chain Disruptions\nSupply chain disruptions continued to affect our business during fiscal 2023. Our glass supply position improved, while global logistics and transportation challenges constrained product movement and increased transportation costs. \nWe further discuss the effects of these developments on our results where relevant below.\nInnovation\n\u2022\nJack Daniel\u2019s family of brands\n. Innovation within the Jack Daniel\u2019s family of brands has contributed to our growth in the last two fiscal years as described below.\n\u25e6\nIn fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, we continued the international launch of Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Apple, expanding to certain developed international and emerging markets. \n\u25e6\nIn fiscal 2022, we launched Jack Daniel\u2019s 10 Year Old in the United States.\n\u25e6\nIn fiscal 2023, we announced our global relationship with The Coca-Cola Company to introduce the Jack Daniel's & Coca-Cola RTD to select markets around the world. We discuss the impact of this product launch on our fiscal 2023 results where relevant below.\n\u25e6\nIn fiscal 2023, we launched Jack Daniel\u2019s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and Jack Daniel\u2019s Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey in the United States and certain developed international and emerging markets. \n\u25e6\nIn fiscal 2023, we launched Jack Daniel\u2019s 12 Year Old in the United States.\n\u25e6\nIn fiscal 2023, we launched Jack Daniel's Tennessee Travelers Whiskey in Travel Retail.\n32\nCapital Deployment\nWe have focused our capital deployment initiatives on (a) fully investing in our existing business, (b) continued execution of our acquisitions and divestitures strategy, and (c) returning cash to our stockholders through regular and special dividends.\n\u2022\nInvestments\n. During fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, our capital expenditures totaled $321 million and focused on enabling the growth of our premium whiskey and tequila brands:\n\u25e6\nDuring fiscal 2021, our Board of Directors approved a $125 million capital investment to expand our bourbon-making capacity in Kentucky. We expect to complete this project in fiscal 2024. \n\u25e6\nDuring fiscal 2022, our Board of Directors approved a $50 million capital investment to expand our scotch-making capacity in Scotland. We also built an additional barrel warehouse at our GlenDronach distillery during fiscal 2023 to support the continued growth of GlenDronach. \n\u25e6\nDuring fiscal 2023, our Board of Directors approved an $85 million capital investment to expand our JDTW capacity in Tennessee. We also built three additional barrel warehouses at our Jack Daniel\u2019s distillery during fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023 to support the continued growth of JDTW.\n\u25e6\nWe recently announced a $200 million capital investment to expand our tequila-making capacity in Mexico.\n\u2022\nAcquisitions and divestitures\n. During fiscal 2023, we acquired the Gin Mare brand and the Diplom\u00e1tico brand and related assets. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.\n\u2022\nCash returned to stockholders\n. During fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, we returned $1.2 billion to our stockholders through regular and special dividends.\n33\nExecutive Summary\nFiscal 2023 Highlights\n\u2022\nWe delivered reported net sales of $4.2 billion, an increase of 8% compared to fiscal 2022. Reported net sales growth was driven by higher volumes and favorable price/mix, partially offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange. Organic net sales increased 10% compared to fiscal 2022.\n\u25e6\nFrom a brand perspective, reported net sales growth was driven by premium bourbons, Ready-to-Drinks, our tequilas, and JDTW.\n\u25e6\nFrom a geographic perspective, emerging markets, the United States, developed international markets, and the Travel Retail channel all contributed significantly to reported net sales growth. \n\u2022\nWe delivered reported operating income of $1.1 billion, a decrease of 6% compared to fiscal 2022, reflecting lower gross margin, higher non-cash impairment charges (largely related to the Finlandia brand name), and higher operating expenses (including certain post-closing costs and expenses in connection with the acquisitions of Diplom\u00e1tico and Gin Mare). Organic operating income increased 8% compared to fiscal 2022.\n\u2022\nWe delivered diluted earnings per share of $1.63, a decrease of 7% compared to fiscal 2022, due to the decrease in reported operating income, partially offset by the benefit of a lower effective tax rate. \n\u2022\nOur return on average invested capital decreased to 15.3% in fiscal 2023, compared to 17.6% in fiscal 2022. This decrease was driven by higher invested capital and lower reported operating income, partially offset by the benefit of a lower effective tax rate. \n34\nSummary of Operating Performance Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2023\n2022 vs. 2023\nFiscal year ended April 30\n2022\n2023\nReported Change\nOrganic Change\n1\nNet sales\n$\n3,933\u00a0\n$\n4,228\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n10\u00a0\n%\nCost of sales\n$\n1,542\u00a0\n$\n1,734\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n13\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n$\n2,391\u00a0\n$\n2,494\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nAdvertising\n$\n438\u00a0\n$\n506\u00a0\n15\u00a0\n%\n18\u00a0\n%\nSG&A\n$\n690\u00a0\n$\n742\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nOther expense (income), net\n$\n59\u00a0\n$\n119\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0nm\n4\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0nm\n4\nOperating income\n$\n1,204\u00a0\n$\n1,127\u00a0\n(6\u00a0\n%)\n8\u00a0\n%\nTotal operating expenses\n2\n$\n1,187\u00a0\n$\n1,367\u00a0\n15\u00a0\n%\n11\u00a0\n%\nAs a percentage of net sales\n3\nGross profit\n60.8\u00a0\n%\n59.0\u00a0\n%\n(1.8\u00a0\npp)\nOperating income\n30.6\u00a0\n%\n26.7\u00a0\n%\n(3.9\u00a0\npp)\nInterest expense, net\n$\n77\u00a0\n$\n81\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\nEffective tax rate\n24.8\u00a0\n%\n23.0\u00a0\n%\n(1.8\u00a0\npp)\nDiluted earnings per share\n$\n1.74\u00a0\n$\n1.63\u00a0\n(7\u00a0\n%)\nReturn on average invested capital\n1\n17.6\u00a0\n%\n15.3\u00a0\n%\n(2.3\u00a0\npp)\n1\nSee \u201cNon-GAAP Financial Measures\u201d above for details on our use of \u201corganic change\u201d and \u201creturn on average invested capital,\u201d including how we calculate these measures and why we think this information is useful to readers.\n2\nOperating expenses include advertising expense, SG&A expense, and other expense (income), net.\n3\nYear-over-year changes in percentages are reported in percentage points (pp).\n4\nPercentage change is not meaningful.\n35\nResults of Operations\nFiscal 2023 Market Highlights\nThe following table shows net sales results for our top markets, summarized by geographic area, for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. We discuss results of the markets most affecting our performance below the table.\nTop Markets\nNet Sales\n \n% Change vs. 2022\nGeographic area\n1\n% of Fiscal 2023 Net Sales\nReported\nAcquisitions and Divestitures\nForeign Exchange\nOrganic\n2\nUnited States\n47\n\u00a0\n%\n3\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n3\n\u00a0\n%\nDeveloped International\n28\n\u00a0\n%\n4\n\u00a0\n%\n(1\n\u00a0\n%)\n7\n\u00a0\n%\n10\n\u00a0\n%\nGermany\n6\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n(1\u00a0\n%)\n8\u00a0\n%\n12\u00a0\n%\nAustralia\n5\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\nUnited Kingdom\n5\u00a0\n%\n(5\u00a0\n%)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\nFrance\n3\u00a0\n%\n(18\u00a0\n%)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\n(13\u00a0\n%)\nCanada\n1\u00a0\n%\n22\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n27\u00a0\n%\nJapan\n1\u00a0\n%\n28\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n18\u00a0\n%\n45\u00a0\n%\nRest of Developed International\n7\u00a0\n%\n21\u00a0\n%\n(5\u00a0\n%)\n10\u00a0\n%\n26\u00a0\n%\nEmerging\n20\n\u00a0\n%\n18\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n24\n\u00a0\n%\nMexico\n6\u00a0\n%\n37\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(7\u00a0\n%)\n30\u00a0\n%\nPoland\n3\u00a0\n%\n(1\u00a0\n%)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\n13\u00a0\n%\nBrazil\n2\u00a0\n%\n45\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n2\u00a0\n%\n48\u00a0\n%\nRest of Emerging\n9\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n11\u00a0\n%\n20\u00a0\n%\nTravel Retail\n3\n\u00a0\n%\n41\n\u00a0\n%\n(2\n\u00a0\n%)\n4\n\u00a0\n%\n43\n\u00a0\n%\nNon-branded and bulk\n2\n\u00a0\n%\n44\n\u00a0\n%\n8\n\u00a0\n%\n1\n\u00a0\n%\n53\n\u00a0\n%\nTotal\n100\n\u00a0\n%\n8\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n3\n\u00a0\n%\n10\n\u00a0\n%\nNote: Results may differ due to rounding\n1\nSee \u201cDefinitions\u201d above for definitions of market aggregations presented here.\n2\nSee \u201cNon-GAAP Financial Measures\u201d above for details on our use of \u201corganic change\u201d in net sales, including how we calculate this measure and why we believe this information is useful to readers.\nThe\n United States\n, our most important market, grew reported net sales 3% driven by (a) higher volumes of Woodford Reserve, partially reflecting an estimated net increase in distributor inventories; (b) higher prices across our portfolio, led by the Jack Daniel\u2019s family of brands; and (c) growth of JD RTDs, fueled by the launch of the Jack Daniel\u2019s & Coca-Cola RTD. This growth was partially offset by lower volumes of JDTW and Korbel California Champagne, largely driven by an estimated net decrease in distributor inventories.\nDeveloped International\n \n\u2022\nGermany\u2019s\n reported net sales increased 5% driven by (a) volumetric gains of JDTW and JD RTDs, and (b) Diplom\u00e1tico and Gin Mare, which were both acquired during the third quarter of fiscal 2023, partially offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange.\n\u2022\nAustralia\u2019s\n reported net sales increased 1% led by growth of JD RTDs, partially offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange.\n\u2022\nThe \nUnited Kingdom\u2019s\n reported net sales declined 5% due to the negative effect of foreign exchange, partially offset by higher prices of JDTW.\n\u2022\nFrance\u2019s \nreported net sales declined 18% due to lower volumes of JDTW and JDTH, driven by whiskey category declines and higher promotional pricing along with the negative effect of foreign exchange.\n36\n\u2022\nCanada\u2019s\n reported net sales increased 22%, led by higher JDTW volumes, partially due to an estimated net increase in distributor inventories. This growth was partially offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange.\n\u2022\nJapan\u2019s \nreported net sales increased 28%, fueled by volumetric growth of JDTW, partially reflecting an estimated net increase in distributor inventories. This growth was partially offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange.\n\u2022\nReported net sales in the\n Rest of Developed International\n increased 21%, primarily driven by (a) JDTW gains, led by Belgium, Spain, and Italy, and (b) Gin Mare and Diplom\u00e1tico, which were both acquired during the third quarter of fiscal 2023; partially offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange. An estimated net increase in distributor inventories positively impacted reported net sales.\nEmerging\n \n\u2022\nMexico\u2019s\n reported net sales increased 37%, fueled by higher volumes and prices of New Mix, which gained market share in the RTD category, along with the positive effect of foreign exchange. \n\u2022\nPoland\u2019s\n reported net sales declined 1% due to the negative effect of foreign exchange, partially offset by growth across our portfolio led by JDTW.\n\u2022\nBrazil\u2019s\n reported net sales increased 45%, driven by growth of JDTW, JDTH, and JDTA. An estimated net increase in distributor inventories positively impacted reported net sales.\n\u2022\nReported net sales in the \nRest of Emerging\n increased 9%, led by JDTW growth in the United Arab Emirates, T\u00fcrkiye, and Sub-Saharan Africa, largely offset by declines in Russia and the negative effect of foreign exchange (reflecting the strengthening of the dollar primarily against the Turkish lira). An estimated net increase in distributor inventories positively impacted reported net sales.\nTravel Retail \nreported net sales increased 41%, driven primarily by higher volumes across much of our portfolio, led by JDTW, as travel continued to rebound from the COVID-19-related travel restrictions.\nNon-branded and bulk\n reported net sales increased 44%, driven by higher prices for used barrels.\n37\nFiscal 2023 Brand Highlights\nThe following table highlights the global results of our top brands for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. We discuss results of the brands most affecting our performance below the table.\nTop Brands\nNet Sales\n \n% Change vs. 2022\nProduct category / brand family / brand\n1\nReported\nAcquisitions & Divestitures\nForeign Exchange\nOrganic\n2\nWhiskey\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n4\n\u00a0\n%\n10\n\u00a0\n%\nJDTW\n3\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\nJDTH\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n3\u00a0\n%\n3\u00a0\n%\nGentleman Jack\n10\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\nJDTF\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nJDTA\n(7\u00a0\n%)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\n(1\u00a0\n%)\nWoodford Reserve\n26\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n27\u00a0\n%\nOld Forester\n14\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\nRest of Whiskey\n10\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n15\u00a0\n%\nReady-to-Drink\n18\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n2\n\u00a0\n%\n20\n\u00a0\n%\nJD RTD/RTP\n11\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n16\u00a0\n%\nNew Mix\n53\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(8\u00a0\n%)\n45\u00a0\n%\nTequila\n10\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n(1\n\u00a0\n%)\n10\n\u00a0\n%\nHerradura\n11\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(1\u00a0\n%)\n10\u00a0\n%\nel Jimador\n13\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\nWine\n(6\n\u00a0\n%)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n(6\n\u00a0\n%)\nVodka (Finlandia)\n(9\n\u00a0\n%)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n9\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\nRest of Portfolio\n35\n\u00a0\n%\n(34\n\u00a0\n%)\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n7\n\u00a0\n%\nNon-branded and bulk\n44\n\u00a0\n%\n8\n\u00a0\n%\n1\n\u00a0\n%\n53\n\u00a0\n%\nNote: Results may differ due to rounding\n1\nSee \u201cDefinitions\u201d above for definitions of brand aggregations presented here.\n2\nSee \u201cNon-GAAP Financial Measures\u201d above for details on our use of \u201corganic change\u201d in net sales, including how we calculate this measure and why we believe this information is useful to readers.\nWhiskey\n \n\u2022\nJDTW\n generates a significant percentage of our total net sales and is our top priority. Reported net sales increased 3%, driven by (a) higher volumes in developed international markets and emerging markets, partially reflecting an estimated net increase in distributor inventories; and (b) higher prices. This growth was partially offset by lower volumes in the United States, largely due to an estimated net decrease in distributor inventories, and the negative effect of foreign exchange.\n\u2022\nReported net sales for \nJDTH \nwere flat, as growth in the United States (reflecting an estimated net increase in distributor inventories) and Brazil was offset by (a) the negative effect of foreign exchange and (b) lower volumes in Chile (due to an estimated net decrease in distributor inventories) and France.\n\u2022\nReported net sales for \nGentleman Jack\n increased 10%, led by growth in emerging markets, partially offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange.\n\u2022\nReported net sales for \nJDTF \nwere flat as higher volumes and prices in the United States were offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange.\n\u2022\nReported net sales for \nJDTA\n declined 7%, largely reflecting a net decrease in distributor inventory along with the negative effect of foreign exchange, partially offset by higher prices. \n38\n\u2022\nWoodford Reserve \nreported net sales increased 26%,\n \ndriven by higher volumes in the United States, partially due to an estimated net increase in distributor inventories.\n\u2022\nOld Forester\n reported net sales increased 14%, driven by higher volumes and prices in the United States.\n\u2022\nReported net sales for \nRest of Whiskey\n increased 10%, led by the continued launch of Jack Daniel\u2019s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey in the United States and higher volumes of GlenDronach, partially offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange.\nReady-to-Drink\n\u2022\nThe\n JD RTD/RTP \nbrands reported net sales grew 11%, driven by growth in the United States, Germany, and Australia, partially offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange. The United States growth was fueled by the launch of the Jack Daniel\u2019s & Coca-Cola RTD.\n\u2022\nNew Mix \ngrew reported net sales 53% fueled by higher volumes and prices in Mexico with market share gains.\nTequila\n\u2022\nHerradura\n reported net sales increased 11% driven by higher prices and volumes in Mexico along with volumetric growth in the United States, partially due to an estimated net increase in distributor inventories.\n\u2022\nel Jimador\u2019s \nreported net sales increased 13% driven by broad-based growth across all geographic clusters, led by the United States and emerging markets. \nWine \nreported net sales declined 6% due to lower volumes of Korbel California Champagne, partially due to an estimated net decrease in distributor inventories. These declines were partially offset by Sonoma-Cutrer gains and higher prices of Korbel California Champagne in the United States.\nVodka (Finlandia) \nreported net sales declined 9% reflecting the impact of the suspension of our commercial operations in Russia and the negative effect of foreign exchange. These declines were partially offset by growth across other international markets.\nRest of Portfolio \nreported net sales increased 35% driven by Gin Mare and Diplom\u00e1tico which were both acquired during the third quarter of fiscal 2023.\nNon-branded and bulk \nreported net sales increased 44% driven by higher prices for used barrels.\nYear-Over-Year Comparisons\nCommentary below compares fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2022 results. A comparison of fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2021 results may be found in \u201cPart II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April\u00a030, 2022 (2022 Form 10-K).\nNet Sales\n2023\nPercentage change versus the prior fiscal year ended April 30\nVolume\nPrice/mix\nTotal\nChange in reported net sales\n8\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\nForeign exchange\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n3\u00a0\n%\n3\u00a0\n%\nChange in organic net sales\n8\u00a0\n%\n3\u00a0\n%\n10\u00a0\n%\nNote: Results may differ due to rounding\n \n39\nReported net sales\n of $4.2 billion increased 8%, or $295 million, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 driven by higher volumes of New Mix, JD RTDs, and JDTW. Price/mix reflects higher prices across much of our portfolio, led by JDTW, offset by the negative effect of foreign exchange and a portfolio mix shift toward our lower-priced brands. See \u201cResults of Operations - Fiscal 2023 Market Highlights\u201d and \u201cResults of Operations - Fiscal 2023 Brand Highlights\u201d above for details on the factors contributing to the change in reported net sales for fiscal\u00a02023.\nCost of Sales\n2023\nPercentage change versus the prior fiscal year ended April 30\nVolume\nCost/mix\nTotal\nChange in reported cost of sales\n8\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n12\u00a0\n%\nForeign exchange\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\nChange in organic cost of sales\n8\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n13\u00a0\n%\nNote: Results may differ due to rounding\nReported cost of sales\n of $1.7 billion increased $192 million, or 12%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 largely driven by higher volumes of New Mix, JD RTDs, and JDTW. Cost/mix reflects inflation on input costs and supply chain disruptions. These factors were partially offset by the removal of tariffs and a shift in portfolio mix toward our lower-cost brands.\nGross Profit\nPercentage change versus the prior fiscal year ended April 30\n2023\nChange in reported gross profit\n4\u00a0\n%\nAcquisitions and divestitures\n(1\u00a0\n%)\nForeign exchange\n5\u00a0\n%\nChange in organic gross profit\n9\u00a0\n%\nNote: Results may differ due to rounding\nGross Margin\nFiscal year ended April 30\n2023\nPrior year gross margin\n60.8\u00a0\n%\nPrice/mix\n1.8\u00a0\n%\nCost (excluding tariffs)\n(4.1\u00a0\n%)\nTariffs\n1\n1.4\u00a0\n%\nForeign exchange\n(1.0\u00a0\n%)\nChange in gross margin\n(1.8\u00a0\n%)\nCurrent year gross margin\n59.0\u00a0\n%\nNote: Results may differ due to rounding\n1\n\u201cTariffs\u201d include the combined effect of tariff-related costs, whether arising as a reduction of reported net sales or as an increase in reported cost of sales.\nReported gross profit\n of $2.5 billion increased $103 million, or 4%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Gross margin decreased to 59.0% in fiscal 2023, down 1.8 percentage points from 60.8% in fiscal 2022. The decrease in gross margin was driven by (a) inflation on input costs, (b) higher cost related to supply chain disruptions, and (c) the negative effect of foreign exchange, partially offset by favorable price/mix and the removal of tariffs.\n40\nOperating Expenses\nPercentage change versus the prior fiscal year ended April 30\n2023\nReported\nAcquisitions & Divestitures\n\u00a0Impairment\nForeign Exchange\nOrganic\nAdvertising\n15\u00a0\n%\n(1\u00a0\n%)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n18\u00a0\n%\nSG&A\n8\u00a0\n%\n(2\u00a0\n%)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n3\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nTotal operating expenses\n1\n15\n\u00a0\n%\n(5\n\u00a0\n%)\n(3\n\u00a0\n%)\n3\n\u00a0\n%\n11\n\u00a0\n%\nNote: Results may differ due to rounding\n1\nOperating expenses include advertising expense, SG&A expense, and other expense (income), net.\nReported operating expenses\n totaled $1.4 billion and increased $180 million, or 15%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. The increase in reported operating expenses was driven by (a) higher reported advertising expense; (b) higher reported SG&A expense; (c) certain post-closing costs and expenses in connection with the acquisitions of Diplom\u00e1tico and Gin Mare; and (d) higher non-cash impairment charges, largely related to the Finlandia brand name, partially offset by the positive effect of foreign exchange.\n\u2022\nReported advertising expenses increased 15% in fiscal 2023, driven by (a) increased investment for JDTW and Herradura, primarily in the United States; and (b) the launch of Jack Daniel\u2019s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and the Jack Daniel\u2019s & Coca-Cola RTD in the United States. This increase was partially offset by the positive effect of foreign exchange.\n\u2022\nReported SG&A expenses increased 8% in fiscal 2023, driven primarily by (a) higher compensation-related expenses, (b) higher discretionary spend, and (c) costs related to the transaction, transition, and integration of the Gin Mare and Diplom\u00e1tico brands, which were acquired during the third quarter of fiscal 2023, partially offset by the positive effect of foreign exchange. \nOperating Income\nPercentage change versus the prior fiscal year ended April 30\n2023\nChange in reported operating income\n(6\u00a0\n%)\nAcquisitions and divestitures\n4\u00a0\n%\nImpairment charges\n3\u00a0\n%\nForeign exchange\n7\u00a0\n%\nChange in organic operating income\n8\u00a0\n%\nNote: Results may differ due to rounding\nReported operating income\n was $1.1 billion in fiscal 2023, a decrease of $77 million, or 6%, compared to fiscal 2022. Operating margin declined 3.9 percentage points to 26.7% in fiscal 2023 from 30.6% in fiscal 2022 driven by (a) unfavorable cost/mix; (b) certain post-closing costs and expenses in connection with the acquisitions of Diplom\u00e1tico and Gin Mare; (c) the negative effect of foreign exchange; (d) higher investment in reported advertising expense; and (e) higher non-cash impairment charges, largely related to the Finlandia brand name. This decline was partially offset by favorable price/mix and the removal of tariffs.\nInterest expense (net)\n increased $4 million, or 6%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, due to a higher average short-term debt balance and a higher interest rate on our short-term borrowings.\nOur \neffective tax rate \nfor fiscal 2023 was 23.0% compared to 24.8% in fiscal 2022. The decrease in our effective tax rate was driven primarily by the reversal of valuation allowances in the current year, the beneficial impact of prior fiscal year true-ups, and increased U.S. tax benefit for foreign derived sales, which is partially offset by increased tax on foreign operations and increased state taxes. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.\nDiluted earnings per share\n were $1.63 in fiscal 2023, a decrease of 7% compared to fiscal 2022, due to the decrease in reported operating income, partially offset by the benefit of a lower effective tax rate.\n41\nFiscal 2024 Outlook\nBelow we discuss our outlook for fiscal 2024, which reflects the trends, developments, and uncertainties (including those described above) that we expect to affect our business. When we provide guidance for organic change in certain measures of the statements of operations we do not provide guidance for the corresponding GAAP change, as the GAAP measure will include items that are difficult to quantify or predict with reasonable certainty, such as foreign exchange, which could have a significant impact to our GAAP income statement measures.\nWe are optimistic about our prospects for growth of organic net sales and organic operating income in fiscal 2024. We believe trends will normalize after two consecutive years of double-digit organic net sales growth. Accordingly, we expect the following in fiscal 2024:\n\u2022\nReflecting the strength of our portfolio of brands, our pricing strategy, and strong consumer demand, we expect organic net sales growth in the 5% to 7% range.\n\u2022\nBased on the above organic net sales growth outlook, and our expectation that continued input cost pressures will be partially offset by lower supply chain disruption costs, we anticipate organic operating income growth in the 6% to 8% range.\n\u2022\nWe expect our fiscal 2024 effective tax rate to be in the range of approximately 21% to 23%.\n\u2022\nCapital expenditures are planned to be in the range of $250 to $270 million.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nWe generate strong cash flows from operations, which enable us to meet current obligations, fund capital expenditures, and return cash to our stockholders through regular dividends and, from time to time, through share repurchases and special dividends. We believe our investment-grade credit ratings (A1 by Moody's and A- by Standard\u00a0& Poor's) provide us with financial flexibility when accessing global debt capital markets and allow us to reserve adequate debt capacity for investment opportunities and unforeseen events.\nOur operating cash flows are supplemented by cash and cash equivalent balances, as well as access to other liquidity sources. Cash and cash equivalents were $868 million at April\u00a030, 2022, and $374 million at April\u00a030, 2023. As of April\u00a030, 2023, approximately 52% of our cash and cash equivalents were held by our foreign subsidiaries whose earnings we expect to reinvest indefinitely outside of the United States. We continue to evaluate our future cash deployment and may decide to repatriate additional cash held by our foreign subsidiaries. This may require us to provide for and pay additional taxes.\nWe have an $800 million commercial paper program that we use, together with our cash flow from operations, to fund our short-term operational needs. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for outstanding commercial paper balances, interest rates, and days to maturity at April\u00a030, 2022 and April\u00a030, 2023. The average balances, interest rates, and original maturities during 2022 and 2023 are presented below.\n(Dollars in millions)\n2022\n2023\nAverage commercial paper\n$\n59\u00a0\n$\n158\u00a0\nAverage interest rate\n0.16\u00a0\n%\n4.69\u00a0\n%\nAverage days to maturity at issuance\n32\u00a0\n41\u00a0\nOur commercial paper program is supported by available commitments under our undrawn $800 million bank credit facility. The credit facility was scheduled to expire in November 2024. On May 26, 2023, we entered into an amended and restated five-year credit agreement with various U.S. and international banks that provides for a $900 million unsecured revolving credit commitment and expires on May 26, 2028. This agreement amended and restated our previous credit agreement. The new agreement contains no financial covenants. Although unlikely, under extreme market conditions, one or more participating banks may not be able to fund its commitments under our new credit facility. To manage this counterparty credit risk, we partner with banks that have investment grade credit ratings, limit the amount of exposure we have with each bank, and monitor each bank\u2019s financial conditions.\nOn January 3, 2023, we entered into a $600 million senior unsecured 364-day term loan credit agreement with various U.S. and international banks. We used borrowings from the term loan to repay the $250 million principal amount of 2.25% senior unsecured notes on their maturity date of January 15, 2023, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.\n42\nOn March 23, 2023, we issued senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal of $650 million. Interest on these notes will accrue at a rate of 4.75% and be paid semi-annually. These notes will mature on April 15, 2033. We used the net proceeds from the issuance to repay $600 million of outstanding indebtedness under the unsecured 364-day term loan agreement.\nOur most significant short-term cash requirements relate primarily to funding our operations (such as expenditures for raw materials, production and distribution, advertising and promotion, and current taxes) and capital investments. Our most significant longer-term cash requirements primarily include payments related to our long-term debt, employee benefit obligations, and deferred tax liabilities (see Notes 6, 9 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).\nWhile we expect to meet our planned short-term liquidity needs largely through cash generated from operations and borrowings under our commercial paper program, a sustained market deterioration resulting in declines in net sales and profit could require us to evaluate alternative sources of liquidity. If we have additional liquidity needs, we believe that we could access financing in the debt capital markets.\nWe believe our current liquidity position, supplemented by our ability to generate positive cash flows from operations in the future, and our ample debt capacity enabled by our strong short-term and long-term credit ratings, will be sufficient to meet all of our future financial commitments.\nCash Flow Summary\nThe following table summarizes our cash flows for each of the last fiscal two years:\n(Dollars in millions)\n2022\n2023\nCash flows from operating activities\n$\n936\u00a0\n$\n640\u00a0\nInvesting activities:\nAcquisition of business\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n(1,195)\nAdditions to property, plant, and equipment\n(138)\n(183)\nOther\n11\u00a0\n23\u00a0\nNet cash flows from investing activities\n$\n(127)\n$\n(1,355)\nFinancing activities:\nNet change in short-term borrowings\n$\n(196)\n$\n234\u00a0\nNet proceeds from long-term debt\n\u2014\u00a0\n398\u00a0\nRegular dividend payments\n(352)\n(378)\nSpecial dividend payment\n(479)\n\u2014\u00a0\nOther\n(11)\n(15)\nNet cash flows from financing activities\n$\n(1,038)\n$\n239\u00a0\nCash provided by operations of $640 million during fiscal 2023 declined $296 million from fiscal 2022, primarily reflecting increased working capital. The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to higher levels of inventory, which were affected by significantly higher input costs and other effects of supply chain disruptions. The decline in cash from operations also reflects $55 million of transaction costs related to our acquisitions of Gin Mare and Diplom\u00e1tico, and a $52 million increase in cash paid for income taxes, primarily reflecting the timing of U.S. federal estimated tax payments.\nCash used for investing activities was $1,355 million during fiscal 2023, compared to $127 million during the prior year. The $1,228 million increase largely reflects our acquisitions of Gin Mare ($468 million) and Diplom\u00e1tico ($727 million) during fiscal 2023. The increase in cash used for investing activities also includes a $45 million increase in capital expenditures, largely reflecting additional spending on projects to expand the capacity of our whiskey and tequila production facilities.\nCash provided by financing activities was $239 million during fiscal 2023, compared to $1,038 million in cash used for financing activities during fiscal 2022. The $1,277 million change largely reflects: (a) proceeds of $648 million from the issuance of 4.75% notes in March 2023; (b) a $430 million increase in net proceeds from short-term borrowings; and (c) a $453 million decline in dividend payments (largely reflecting the $479 million special dividend paid in December 2021); partially offset by (d) our repayment of the $250 million principal amount of 2.25% notes that matured in January 2023.\nA discussion of our cash flows for fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 may be found in \u201cPart II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,\u201d of our 2022 Form 10-K.\n43\nDividends\nAs announced in November 2022, our Board of Directors approved a 9% increase in the quarterly cash dividend on our Class A and Class B common stock from $0.1885 per share to $0.2055 per share, effective with the regular quarterly dividend paid on January 3, 2023. As a result, the indicated annual cash dividend increased from $0.7540 per share to $0.8220 per share.\nAs announced on May 25, 2023, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on our Class A and Class B common stock of $0.2055 per share. The dividend is payable on July 3, 2023, to stockholders of record on June 8, 2023.\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\nOur financial statements reflect some estimates involved in applying the following critical accounting policies that entail uncertainties and subjectivity. Using different estimates or policies could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition.\nGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets \nWhen we acquire a business, we first allocate the purchase price to identifiable assets and liabilities, including intangible brand names and trademarks (\u201cbrand names\u201d), based on estimated fair value. We then record any remaining purchase price as goodwill. We do not amortize goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives. We consider all of our brand names to have indefinite lives.\nThe Gin Mare and Diplom\u00e1tico acquisitions during fiscal 2023 have been accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. On the acquisition dates, we recognized the separately identifiable intangible assets based on the preliminary purchase price allocations. The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair values assigned to the net identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired businesses were recognized as goodwill. For additional information, see Notes 12 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nWe assess our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Goodwill is impaired when the carrying amount of the related reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, in which case we write down the goodwill by the amount of the excess (limited to the carrying amount of the goodwill). We estimate the reporting unit's fair value using discounted estimated future cash flows or market information. Similarly, a brand name is impaired when its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, in which case we write down the brand name to its estimated fair value. We estimate the fair value of a brand name using the relief-from-royalty method. We also consider market values for similar assets when available. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value, including making assumptions about future cash flows, net sales, discount rates, and royalty rates.\nWe have the option, before quantifying the fair value of a reporting unit or brand name, to evaluate qualitative factors to assess whether it is more likely than not that our goodwill or brand names are impaired. If we determine that is not the case, then we are not required to quantify the fair value. That assessment also takes considerable management judgment.\nBased on our assumptions, we believe none of our goodwill or other intangibles are impaired as of April 30, 2023. The Gin Mare and Diplom\u00e1tico brand names are recorded at their current estimated fair values, as discussed in Notes 12 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Finlandia brand name\u2019s carrying amount of $91 million approximates its fair value, based on the relief-from-royalty method, using current assumptions. Reasonably possible changes in those assumptions could result in future impairment of the Finlandia brand name. For example, we estimate that, all else equal, (a) a 15% decline in projected future net sales would result in an impairment charge of approximately $23 million or (b) a 1 percentage point increase in the discount rate would result in an impairment charge of approximately $13 million. We estimate the fair values of goodwill and other brand names substantially exceed their carrying amounts. \nPension and Other Postretirement Benefits \nWe sponsor various defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plans providing retiree health care and retiree life insurance benefits. Benefits are based on factors such as years of service and compensation level during employment. We expense the benefits expected to be paid over employees' expected service. This requires us to make assumptions to determine the net benefit costs and obligations, such as discount rates, return on plan assets, the rate of salary increases, expected service, and health care cost trend rates. We review these assumptions annually and modify them based on current rates and trends when appropriate. The assumptions also reflect our historical experience and management's best judgment regarding future expectations. We believe the discount rates and expected return on plan assets are the most significant assumptions.\n44\nThe discount rate used to measure the benefit obligations is determined at the beginning of each fiscal year using a yield curve based on the interest rates of high-quality debt securities with maturities corresponding to the expected timing of our benefit payments. The service cost and interest cost components are measured by applying the specific spot rates along that yield curve. The expected return on pension plan assets reflects expected capital market returns for each asset class that are based on historical returns, adjusted for the expected effects of diversification.\nThe following table compares the assumed discount rates and expected return on assets used in determining net periodic benefit cost for fiscal 2023 to those to be used in determining that cost for fiscal 2024.\n\u00a0\nPension Benefits\nMedical and Life\nInsurance Benefits\n\u00a0\n2023\n2024\n2023\n2024\nDiscount rate for service cost\n4.44\u00a0\n%\n4.98\u00a0\n%\n4.50\u00a0\n%\n5.02\u00a0\n%\nDiscount rate for interest cost\n3.97\u00a0\n%\n4.79\u00a0\n%\n3.96\u00a0\n%\n4.78\u00a0\n%\nExpected return on plan assets\n6.25\u00a0\n%\n6.50\u00a0\n%\nn/a\nn/a\nUsing these assumptions, we estimate our pension and other postretirement benefit cost for fiscal 2024 will be approximately $21 million, unchanged from the amount (excluding settlement charges) for fiscal 2023. Decreasing/increasing the assumed discount rates by 50 basis points would increase/decrease the total fiscal 2024 cost by approximately $4 million. Decreasing/increasing the assumed return on plan assets by 50 basis points would increase/decrease the total fiscal 2024 cost by approximately $3 million.\nIncome Taxes\nSignificant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions. We establish liabilities when some positions are likely to be challenged and may not succeed, despite our belief that our tax return positions are fully supportable. We adjust these liabilities in light of changing circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit. We believe current liabilities are appropriate for all known contingencies, but this situation could change.\nYears can elapse before we can resolve a particular matter for which we may have established a tax liability. Although predicting the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter can be difficult, we believe our liabilities reflect the likely outcome of known tax contingencies. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could require use of our cash and increase our effective tax rate. Conversely, a favorable resolution could result in reduced cash tax payments, the reversal of previously established liabilities, or some combination of these results, which could reduce our effective tax rate.\n45",
+ "item7a": ">Item\u00a07A.\n Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\nMarket risks\nOur enterprise risk management process is intended to ensure that we take risks knowingly and thoughtfully and that we balance potential risks and rewards. Our integrated enterprise risk management framework is designed to identify, evaluate, communicate, and appropriately mitigate risks across our operations.\nWe face market risks arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates. We manage market risks through procurement strategies as well as the use of derivative and other financial instruments. Our risk management program is governed by policies that authorize and control the nature and scope of transactions that we use to mitigate market risks. Our policy permits the use of derivative financial instruments to mitigate market risks but prohibits their use for speculative purposes.\nForeign currency exchange rate risk.\n Foreign currency fluctuations affect our net investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign currency-denominated cash flows. In general, we expect our cash flows to be negatively affected by a stronger dollar and positively affected by a weaker dollar. Our most significant foreign currency exposures include the euro, the British pound, and the Australian dollar. We manage our foreign currency exposures through derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency forward contracts, and debt denominated in foreign currency. We had outstanding currency derivatives with notional amounts totaling $801 million and $747 million at April\u00a030, 2022 and 2023, respectively.\nWe estimate that a hypothetical 10% weakening of the dollar compared to exchange rates of hedged currencies as of April\u00a030, 2023, would decrease the fair value of our then-existing foreign currency derivative contracts by approximately $52 million. This hypothetical change in fair value does not consider the expected inverse change in the underlying foreign currency exposures.\nCommodity price risk.\n Commodity price changes can affect our production and supply chain costs. Our most significant commodities exposures include wood, corn, agave, malted barley, rye, and natural gas. We manage certain exposures through forward purchase contracts.\nInterest rate risk.\n Interest rate changes affect (a) the fair value of our fixed-rate debt, and (b) cash flows and earnings related to our variable-rate debt and interest-bearing investments. In addition to currently outstanding debt, any potential future debt offerings would be subject to interest rate risk.\nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents ($374 million) and short-term commercial paper borrowings ($235 million) were exposed to interest rate changes. Based on the then-existing balances of our variable-rate debt and interest-bearing investments, a hypothetical one percentage point increase in interest rates would result in a negligible change in net interest expense.\nSee Notes 13 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on our foreign currency exchange rate risk. See \u201cCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\u201d in \u201cItem 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d for a discussion of our pension and other postretirement plans' exposure to interest rate risks. Also see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d for details on how economic conditions affecting market risks also affect the demand for and pricing of our products and how we are affected by exchange rate fluctuations.\n46",
+ "cik": "14693",
+ "cusip6": "115637",
+ "cusip": ["115637100", "115637909", "115637209"],
+ "names": ["BROWN FORMAN CORP CLASS A", "BROWN FORMAN CORP CLASS B", "BROWN FORMAN CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/14693/000001469323000074/0000014693-23-000074-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000016058-23-000086.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000016058-23-000086.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3991375726
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000016058-23-000086.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. Business\nOverview\nCACI International Inc (\u201cCACI\u201d), a Delaware corporation, is a holding company whose operations are conducted through subsidiaries primarily located in the United States and Europe. CACI was founded in 1962 as a simulation technology company and has grown into a leading provider of Expertise and Technology to Enterprise and Mission customers, supporting national security missions and government modernization/transformation in the intelligence, defense, and federal civilian sectors, both domestically and internationally. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms \u201cwe\u201d, \u201cour\u201d, \u201cthe Company\u201d and \u201cCACI\u201d refer to CACI International Inc and its subsidiaries and ventures that are majority-owned or otherwise controlled by it. The term \u201cthe Registrant\u201d refers to CACI International Inc only.\n \n\u2022\nEnterprise\n \u2013 CACI provides capabilities that enable the internal operations of a government agency. \n\u2022\nMission\n \u2013 CACI provides capabilities that enable the execution of a government agency\u2019s primary function, or \u201cmission\u201d. \n\u2022\nExpertise\n \u2013 CACI provides Expertise to both Enterprise and Mission customers. For Enterprise customers, we deliver talent with the specific technical and functional knowledge to support internal agency operations. Examples include functional software development expertise, data and business analysis, and IT operations support. For Mission customers, we deliver talent with technical and domain knowledge to support the execution of an agency\u2019s mission. Examples include engineering expertise such as naval architecture, marine engineering, and life cycle support; and mission support expertise such as intelligence and special operations support. \n\u2022\nTechnology\n \u2013 CACI delivers Technology to both Enterprise and Mission customers. For both Enterprise and Mission, CACI provides: Software development at scale using open modern architectures, DevSecOps, and agile methodologies; and advanced data platforms, data operations and analyst-centric analytics including application of Artificial Intelligence and multi-source analysis. Additional examples of Enterprise technology include: Network and IT modernization; the customization, implementation, and maintenance of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems including financial, human capital, and supply chain management systems; and cyber security active defense and zero trust architectures. Additional examples of Mission technology include: Developing and deploying multi-domain offerings for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic warfare (EW) including Counter-UAS, cyber operations, and Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum awareness, agility and usage;\n \nphotonics technology including free space optical communications; and resilient communications. CACI invests ahead of customer need with research and development to generate unique intellectual property and differentiated technology addressing critical national security and government modernization needs. \nOur proven Expertise and Technology and strong record of program delivery have enabled us to compete for and secure new customers and contracts, win repeat business, and build and maintain long-term customer relationships. We seek competitive business opportunities and have built our operations to support major programs through a market-focused business development organization.\nOur customers are primarily agencies and departments of the U.S. government as well as foreign governments and commercial enterprises. The demand for our Expertise and Technology, in large measure, is created by the increasingly complex network, systems, and information environments in which governments and businesses operate, and by the need to stay current with emerging technology while increasing productivity, enhancing security, and, ultimately, improving performance.\nFor additional discussion and analysis on recent business developments, see \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition & Results of Operations\u201d in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nOur Markets\nDomestic Operations\nWe provide our Expertise and Technology to our domestic customers in the following market areas:\n\u2022\nDigital Solutions\n \u2013 CACI transforms how government does business. Using our Agile-at-scale method and business process automation tools, we modernize enterprise and agency-unique applications, enterprise infrastructure, and business processes to enhance productivity and increase user satisfaction. We use data analytics and visualization to provide insights and outcomes that optimize our customer\u2019s operations.\n\u2022\nC4ISR, Cyber & Space\n \u2013 CACI teams ensure information superiority by delivering multi-domain command, control, communications, and computer (C4) technology and networks. Our software-defined, full-spectrum cyber, electronic warfare, and counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) solutions provide electromagnetic spectrum advantage and deliver precision effects against national security threats. We are at the forefront of developing technologies that meet the challenges of 5G wireless communications both on and off the battlefield, mmWave, and the use of lasers for free space optical communications and long-range sensing.\n4\n\u2022\nEngineering Services\n \u2013 CACI provides platform integration and modernization and sustainment, system engineering, naval architecture, training and simulation services, and logistics engineering to help our customer achieve a decisive tactical edge. We enhance platforms to improve situational awareness, mobility, interoperability, lethality, and survivability. We conduct software vulnerability analysis and harden technology to protect against malicious actors. Our platform-agnostic, mission-first approach ensures optimal performance, so our nation\u2019s forces can overmatch our adversaries.\n\u2022\nEnterprise IT\n \u2013 CACI amplifies efficiency with unmatched expertise and next-generation technology. We pioneered secure, enterprise cloud solutions for classified and unclassified networks. We design, implement, protect, and manage secure enterprise IT solutions for approximately 50 federal agencies to optimize efficiency, enhance performance, and ensure end-user satisfaction. \n\u2022\nMission Support\n \u2013 CACI\u2019s intelligence support ensures continuous advances in collection, analysis, and dissemination to optimize decision-making. We provide analytic services in approximately 50 languages, as well as scenario-based instruction across the spectrum of intelligence processing, collection, and products. Our investigation and litigation experts support the U.S. government on thousands of cases, saving taxpayers billions of dollars. And CACI facilitates the secure flow of supplies across the globe.\nDomestic Operations represented 97.2%, 96.9%, and 97.1% of our total revenues for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 (\u201cfiscal 2023\u201d), June\u00a030, 2022 (\u201cfiscal 2022\u201d) and June\u00a030, 2021 (\u201cfiscal 2021\u201d), respectively.\nInternational Operations\nOur international operations are conducted primarily through our operating subsidiaries in Europe, CACI Limited and CACI BV, and account for substantially all revenues generated from international customers. Headquartered in London, our international operations provide a diverse mix of IT services and proprietary data and software products, serving commercial and government customers throughout the United Kingdom (U.K.), continental Europe and around the world. \nInternational Operations represented 2.8%, 3.1%, and 2.9% of our total revenues for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. \nCompetition\nWe operate in a highly competitive industry that includes many firms, some of which are larger in size and have greater financial resources than we do. We obtain much of our business on the basis of proposals submitted in response to requests from potential and current customers, who may also receive proposals from other firms. Non-traditional players have entered the market and have established positions related to such areas as cloud computing, cyber, satellite operations, and business systems. Additionally, we face indirect competition from certain government agencies that perform services for themselves similar to those marketed by us. We know of no single competitor that is dominant in our fields of technology. We have a relatively small share of the addressable market for our solutions and services and intend to achieve growth and increase market share both organically and through strategic acquisitions.\nStrengths and Strategy\nWe primarily offer our entire range of Expertise and Technology to defense, intelligence and civilian agencies of the U.S. government. Our work for U.S. government agencies may combine a wide range of skills drawn from our Expertise and Technology. We also contract through our international operations to provide our offerings to governments of other nations. As with other government contractors, our business is subject to government customer funding decisions and actions that are beyond our control.\nOur international commercial customer base consists primarily of large commercial and government enterprises in the U.K. This market is the primary target of a diverse mix of IT consultancy services and proprietary data and software products. Commercial bids are frequently negotiated as to terms and conditions for schedule, specifications, delivery and payment.\nIn order to effectively perform on our existing customer contracts and secure new customer contracts within the U.S. government, we must maintain expert knowledge of agency policies, operations and challenges. We combine this comprehensive knowledge with Expertise and Technology for our Enterprise and Mission customers. Our capabilities provide us with opportunities either to compete directly for, or to support other bidders in competition for multi-million dollar and multi-year award contracts from the U.S. government.\nWe have strategic business relationships with a number of companies associated with the information technology industry. These strategic partners have business objectives compatible with ours and offer Expertise and Technology that complement ours. We intend to continue development of these kinds of relationships wherever they support our growth objectives.\nOur marketing and new business development is conducted by many of our officers and managers including the Chief Executive Officer, executive officers, vice presidents and division managers. We employ marketing professionals who identify and qualify major contract opportunities, primarily in the federal government market.\n5\nMuch of our business is won through submission of formal competitive bids. Government and commercial customers typically base their decisions regarding contract awards on their assessment of the quality of past performance, responsiveness to proposal requirements, price, and other factors. The terms, conditions and form of contract of government bids, however, are in most cases specified by the customer. In situations in which the customer-imposed contract type and/or terms appear to expose us to inappropriate risk or do not offer us a sufficient financial return, we may seek alternate arrangements or opt not to bid for the work. Essentially all contracts with the U.S. government, and many contracts with other government entities, permit the government customer to terminate the contract at any time for the convenience of the government or for default by the contractor. Although we operate under the risk that such terminations may occur and have a material impact on operations, such terminations have been rare and, generally, have not materially affected operations.\nOur contracts and subcontracts are composed of a wide range of contract types, including fixed-price, cost reimbursement, time-and-materials, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) and government wide acquisition contracts (known as GWACS) such as General Services Administration (GSA) schedule contracts. By company policy, significant fixed-price contracts require the approval of at least two of our senior officers.\nFor fiscal 2023, the top ten revenue-producing contracts, many of which consist of many task orders, accounted for 38.3% of our revenues, or $2.6 billion.\nRecent Acquisitions\nDuring the past three fiscal years, we completed a total of six acquisitions, including:\n\u2022\nDuring fiscal 2023, CACI Limited completed one acquisition of a business in the U.K. that provides software engineering, data analysis and cyber services to the national security sector.\n\u2022\nDuring fiscal 2022, CACI completed four acquisitions that provide mission and enterprise technology to sensitive government customers. Their capabilities include open source intelligence solutions, specialized cyber, satellite communications, multi-domain photonics technologies for free-space optical (FSO) communications, and commercial solutions for classified (CSfC) security technologies.\n\u2022\nDuring fiscal 2021, CACI completed the acquisition of Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT). AVT specializes in Electro-Optical Infrared payloads, On-Board Computer Vision Processing and C-UAS solutions.\nSeasonal Nature of Business\nOur business in general is not seasonal, although the summer and holiday seasons affect our revenues because of the impact of holidays and vacations on our labor. Variations in our business also may occur at the expiration of major contracts until such contracts are renewed or new business is obtained.\nThe U.S. government\u2019s fiscal year ends on September 30 of each year. It is not uncommon for government agencies to award extra tasks or complete other contract actions in the weeks before the end of a fiscal year in order to avoid the loss of unexpended funds. Moreover, in years when the U.S. government does not complete the budget process for the next fiscal year before the end of September, government operations whose appropriations legislation has not been signed into law are funded under a continuing resolution that authorizes them to continue to operate but traditionally does not authorize new spending initiatives.\nHuman Capital\nOur People\nOur employees are our most valuable resource. We are in continuing competition for highly skilled professionals in virtually all of our market areas. The success and growth of our business is significantly correlated with our ability to recruit, train, promote and retain high quality people at all levels of the organization. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we employed approximately 23,000\n ta\nlented full and part-time employees that help make CACI a respected and recognized industry leader.\nOur Culture\nOur culture defines who we are, how we act, and what we believe is the right way to conduct business and is the driving force behind our success. Our culture unifies us as a company and strengthens our resolve to meet our customers\u2019 \u2013 and our country\u2019s \u2013 most critical missions.\nWe believe that there are two pillars to our culture: Character and Innovation. Character is demonstrated in our commitment to ethics and integrity as we expect all of our employees and independent contractors to comply with our high standards for the conduct of our business that are reflected in our policies and practices. We require all of our employees, independent contractors working on customer engagements, officers, and directors annually to execute and affirm to the code of ethics applicable to their activities. In addition, we require annual ethics and compliance training for all of our employees to provide them with the knowledge necessary to maintain our high standards of ethics and compliance.\nInnovation is demonstrated in our dedication to advancement and excellence. Our Center for Research, Application, Development, Learning, and Engagement (CRADLE\u2120) is a state-of-the-art collaboration facility that provides customers with an enhanced engagement experience, built to foster innovation, creative designs, and unique solutions. The CRADLE brings together customers, industry partners, academia, and CACI personnel to explore and discover new ways to solve complex problems and challenges.\n6\nDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion\nWe embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values and seek to ensure that all our employees experience a highly inclusive working environment. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into the fabric of CACI\u2019s culture where people bring their genuine selves to work, feel inspired about CACI\u2019s mission, and are passionate about making a difference for our people, customers, and the community. Equity is defined as opportunities for development, growth, and advancement for all of our employees.\nOffering opportunities for employees to engage in allyship (advocating for individuals from marginalized groups with the goal of advancing inclusion), highlight successes, champion initiatives, discuss concerns, and much more is core to CACI\u2019s commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We created Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for group member engagement, while offering mentorship, networking, professional development, and leadership opportunities.\nWe also focus on creating an environment where our people feel passionate and inspired about their careers and embrace and celebrate differences. We achieve this by raising cultural awareness across the organization through our Path to Inclusion movement. In our efforts to build inclusive teams, our Path to Inclusion campaign cultivates cultural intelligence (CQ) across CACI. CQ is an essential skill that consists of being aware of our own cultural identity, understanding the cultural identities of others, and bridging the gap to embrace and appreciate the differences. This enables us to work collaboratively across teams and the organization in ways that ensure everyone is valued.\nTalent Acquisition, Development and Retention\nOur industry is ever-evolving, and those who are most successful evolve with it, continually learning and growing throughout their careers. To ensure we have the talent to meet the needs of our customers, we employ broad recruiting and outreach efforts, including partnerships with universities, the military, and professional organizations, resulting in an inclusive pool of the most qualified candidates. \nWe are able to retain our employees through our career mobility corporate culture, where we believe in growth at all levels. We encourage all employees to embrace a career growth mindset at CACI and strive to provide our employees with long-term professional advancement and a great workplace experience through professional development and a culture of mobility because our people drive our company. \nCACI has conducted employee engagement surveys and we rank above external benchmark companies in the areas of sustainable engagement, inclusion, teamwork, supervision and empowerment. Specifically, our employees report that they have a personal sense of accomplishment in their work, they feel safe to speak up, and they have pride in CACI. These indicators of an exceptionally strong culture and work environment puts CACI in an extremely competitive position to attract and retain talent and reach our organizational growth objectives. We continue to invest in the areas that produce such high engagement \u2013 leadership education, career resources for employees, comprehensive onboarding for new employees, and formal and informal communications that create a two-way dialogue among employees and leaders. \nWe have a multilevel approach to developing our leaders, with cohort-style programs for first-line, mid-level and executive leaders. These programs focus on leadership capabilities unique to each level of leadership, and serve to increase self-awareness, strengthen skills and expand networking for our leaders. Furthermore, we have a robust talent planning approach to identify potential future leaders, conduct rigorous assessments and create actionable development plans to advance their readiness to take on our most senior roles as they evolve in our future.\nEmployee Wellbeing\nWe value the social, physical, financial, and emotional well-being of our employees. We believe in curating environments and providing resources that support the CACI community\u2019s well-being. We cultivate a culture that prioritizes wellness and encourages a healthy, balanced, and thriving lifestyle. It is our desire to provide our employees innovative and accessible resources that support them on their well-being journey to become their best selves. Our mission is to educate, support, and empower employees through the delivery of a comprehensive well-being program. Our well-being program includes Flexible Time Off (FTO), which allows employees to better balance their work and personal commitments by providing them the opportunity to take time off as needed without a set number of maximum days per year. In addition, CACI supports the financial wellness of our employees by providing unlimited access to fiduciary advice at no cost to the employee, as well as a full suite of tools and educational opportunities to enable our employees to meet their financial goals.\nPatents, Trademarks, Trade Secrets and Licenses\nGenerally, our solutions and services are not substantially dependent upon obtaining or maintaining intellectual property protections, although our operations make use of such protections and benefit from them as discriminators in competition. The Company owns patents and claims copyright, trademark and other proprietary rights in a variety of intellectual property. We also maintain a number of trade secrets that contribute to our success and competitive distinction and endeavor to accord such trade secrets protection adequate to ensure their continuing availability to us.\nOur proprietary information is protected through a combination of contractual arrangements with our employees and third parties and intellectual property laws. From time to time, we are required to assert our rights against former employees or other third parties who attempt to misappropriate our proprietary and confidential information. Although we are not materially dependent on the protection of our intellectual property, we take such matters seriously and pursue claims against such individuals to the extent necessary to adequately protect our rights.\n7\nAs a systems integrator, it is important that we maintain access to software, data and technology supplied by third parties and we continue to enter into agreements that give us the right to distribute and receive income from third party software, data and technology that serve our customers. The durations of such agreements are negotiated and vary according to the terms of the agreements.\nBusiness Segments, Foreign Operations, and Major Customers\nThe Company reports operating results and financial data in two segments: Domestic Operations and International Operations. See \u201cNote 18 \u2013 Business Segments\u201d in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.\nAvailable Information\nOur telephone number is (703) 841-7800 and our website can be accessed at www.caci.com. We make our web site content available for information purposes only. It should not be relied upon for investment purposes, nor is it incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nOur Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are made available free of charge on our website at www.caci.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Documents filed by us with the SEC can also be viewed at www.sec.gov.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. Risk Factors\nYou should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with the information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents we file with the SEC. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material but are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Our business is also subject to general risks and uncertainties, such as overall U.S. and non-U.S. economic and industry conditions including a global economic slowdown, geopolitical events, changes in laws or accounting rules, fluctuations in interest and exchange rates, terrorism, international conflicts, major health concerns including global pandemics like COVID-19, natural disasters or other disruptions of expected economic and business conditions, that affect many other companies. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may impact our business operations and liquidity. \nRisks Related to our Business and Industry\nWe generate substantially all of our revenues from contracts with the federal government. If the federal government significantly decreased or ceased doing business with us, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results would be materially and adversely affected.\nThe federal government is our primary customer, with revenues from federal government contracts, either as a prime contractor or a subcontractor, accounting for 94.8% and 94.8% of our total revenues in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Specifically, we generated 71.9% and 69.8% of our total revenues in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, from contracts with agencies of the DoD. We expect that federal government contracts will continue to be the primary source of our revenues for the foreseeable future. If we were suspended or debarred from contracting with the federal government or any significant agency in the intelligence community or the DoD, if our reputation or relationship with government agencies was impaired, or if the government otherwise ceased doing business with us or significantly decreased the amount of business it does with us, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results would be materially and adversely affected.\nOur business could be adversely affected by delays caused by our competitors protesting major contract awards received by us, resulting in the delay of the initiation of work. \nThe number of bid protests of contract awards by unsuccessful bidders is increasing and the U.S. government is taking longer to resolve such protests. Bid protests may result in an increase in expenses related to obtaining contract awards or an unfavorable modification or loss of an award. In the event a bid protest is unsuccessful, the resulting delay in the startup and funding of the work under these contracts may cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nOur business could be adversely affected by changes in spending levels or budgetary priorities of the federal government.\nBecause we derive substantially all of our revenues from contracts with the federal government, we believe that the success and development of our business will continue to depend on our successful participation in federal government contract programs. Changes in federal government budgetary priorities, such as for homeland security or to address global pandemics like COVID-19, or actions taken to address government budget deficits, the national debt, and/or prevailing economic conditions, could directly affect our financial performance. A significant decline in government expenditures, a shift of expenditures away from programs that we support or a change in federal government contracting policies could cause federal government agencies to reduce their purchases under contracts, to exercise their right to terminate contracts at any time without penalty or not to exercise options to renew contracts. For further discussion, refer to \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition & Results of Operations\u201d in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n8\nAt times, we may continue to work without funding, and use our own internal funds in order to meet our customer\u2019s desired delivery dates for Expertise or Technology. It is uncertain at this time which of our programs\u2019 funding could be reduced in future years or whether new legislation will be passed by Congress in the next fiscal year that could result in additional or alternative funding cuts.\nAdditionally, our business could be affected if we experience an increase in set-asides for small businesses that could result in our inability to compete directly for prime contracts.\nOur federal government contracts may be terminated by the government at any time and may contain other provisions permitting the government not to continue with contract performance, and if lost contracts are not replaced, our operating results may differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nWe generate substantially all of our revenues from federal government contracts that typically include a base period and discrete option periods. The option periods typically cover more than half of the contract\u2019s potential duration. Federal government agencies generally have the right not to exercise these option periods. In addition, our contracts typically also contain provisions permitting a government customer to terminate the contract for its convenience. A decision not to exercise option periods or to terminate contracts for convenience could result in significant revenue shortfalls from those anticipated.\nFederal government contracts contain numerous provisions that are unfavorable to us.\nFederal government contracts contain provisions and are subject to laws and regulations that give the government rights and remedies, some of which are not typically found in commercial contracts, including allowing the government to:\n\u2022\ncancel multi-year contracts and related orders if funds for contract performance for any subsequent year become unavailable;\n\u2022\nclaim rights in systems and software developed by us;\n\u2022\nsuspend or debar us from doing business with the federal government or with a governmental agency;\n\u2022\nimpose fines and penalties and subject us to criminal prosecution; and\n\u2022\ncontrol or prohibit the export of our data and technology. \nIf the government terminates a contract for convenience, we may recover only our incurred or committed costs, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to the termination. If the government terminates a contract for default, we may be unable to recover even those amounts and instead may be liable for excess costs incurred by the government in procuring undelivered items and services from another source. Depending on the value of a contract, such termination could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. Certain contracts also contain organizational conflict of interest (OCI) clauses that limit our ability to compete for or perform certain other contracts. OCIs arise any time we engage in activities that (i) make us unable or potentially unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the government; (ii) impair or might impair our objectivity in performing contract work; or (iii) provide us with an unfair competitive advantage. For example, when we work on the design of a particular system, we may be precluded from competing for the contract to develop and install that system. Depending upon the value of the matters affected, an OCI issue that precludes our participation in or performance of a program or contract could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nAs is common with government contractors, we have experienced and continue to experience occasional performance issues under certain of our contracts. Depending upon the value of the matters affected, a performance problem that impacts our performance of a program or contract could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nIf we fail to establish and maintain important relationships with government entities and agencies, our ability to successfully bid for new business may be adversely affected.\nTo facilitate our ability to prepare bids for new business, we rely in part on establishing and maintaining relationships with officials of various government entities and agencies. These relationships enable us to provide informal input and advice to government entities and agencies prior to the development of a formal bid. We may be unable to successfully maintain our relationships with government entities and agencies, and any failure to do so may adversely affect our ability to bid successfully for new business and could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. \nWe derive significant revenues from contracts and task orders awarded through a competitive bidding process. If we are unable to consistently win new awards over any extended period, our business and prospects will be adversely affected.\nOur contracts and task orders with the federal government are typically awarded through a competitive bidding process. We expect that much of the business that we will seek in the foreseeable future will continue to be awarded through competitive bidding. Budgetary pressures and changes in the procurement process have caused many government customers to increasingly purchase goods and services through IDIQ contracts, GSA schedule contracts and other government-wide acquisition contracts. These contracts, some of which are awarded to multiple contractors, have increased competition and pricing pressure, requiring that we make sustained post-award efforts to realize revenues under each such contract. In addition, in consideration of the practice of agencies awarding work under such contracts that is arguably outside the intended scope of the contracts, both the GSA and the DoD have initiated programs aimed to ensure that all work fits properly within the scope of the contract under which it is awarded. The net effect of such programs may reduce the number of bidding opportunities available to us. Moreover, even if we are highly qualified to work on a particular new contract, we might not be awarded business because of the federal government\u2019s policy and practice of maintaining a diverse contracting base.\n9\nThis competitive bidding process presents a number of risks, including the following:\n\u2022\nwe bid on programs before the completion of their design, which may result in unforeseen technological difficulties and cost overruns;\n\u2022\nwe expend substantial cost and managerial time and effort to prepare bids and proposals for contracts that we may not win;\n\u2022\nwe may be unable to estimate accurately the resources and cost structure that will be required to service any contract we win; and\n\u2022\nwe may encounter expense and delay if our competitors protest or challenge awards of contracts to us in competitive bidding, and any such protest or challenge could result in the resubmission of bids on modified specifications, or in the termination, reduction or modification of the awarded contract.\nIf we are unable to win particular contracts, we may be prevented from providing to customers services that are purchased under those contracts for a number of years. If we are unable to consistently win new contract awards over any extended period, our business and prospects will be adversely affected and that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. In addition, upon the expiration of a contract, if the customer requires further services of the type provided by the contract, there is frequently a competitive rebidding process. There can be no assurance that we will win any particular bid, or that we will be able to replace business lost upon expiration or completion of a contract, and the termination or non-renewal of any of our significant contracts could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nOur business may suffer if we or our employees are unable to obtain the security clearances or other qualifications we and they need to perform services for our customers.\nMany of our federal government contracts require us to have security clearances and employ personnel with specified levels of education, work experience and security clearances. Depending on the level of clearance, security clearances can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain. If we or our employees lose or are unable to obtain necessary security clearances, we may not be able to win new business and our existing customers could terminate their contracts with us or decide not to renew them. To the extent we cannot obtain or maintain the required security clearances for our employees working on a particular contract, we may not generate the revenues anticipated from the contract which could cause our results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. \nIf our subcontractors fail to perform their contractual obligations, our performance as a prime contractor and our ability to obtain future business could be materially and adversely impacted and our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nOur performance of government contracts may involve the issuance of subcontracts to other companies upon which we rely to perform all or a portion of the work we are obligated to deliver to our customers. A failure by one or more of our subcontractors to satisfactorily deliver on a timely basis the agreed-upon supplies, perform the agreed-upon services, or appropriately manage their vendors may materially and adversely impact our ability to perform our obligations as a prime contractor. \nA subcontractor\u2019s performance deficiency could result in the government terminating our contract for default. A default termination could expose us to liability for excess costs of reprocurement by the government and have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete for future contracts and task orders. Depending upon the level of problem experienced, such problems with subcontractors could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nThe federal government\u2019s appropriation process and other factors may delay the collection of our receivables, and our business may be adversely affected if we cannot collect our receivables in a timely manner.\nWe depend on the collection of our receivables to generate cash flow, provide working capital, pay debt and continue our business operations. If the federal government, any of our other customers or any prime contractor for whom we are a subcontractor fails to pay or delays the payment of their outstanding invoices for any reason, our business and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. The government may fail to pay outstanding invoices for a number of reasons, including lack of appropriated funds or lack of an approved budget. In addition, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) may revoke our direct billing privileges, which would adversely affect our ability to collect our receivables in a timely manner. Contracting officers have the authority to impose contractual withholdings, which can also adversely affect our ability to collect timely. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations require DoD contracting officers to impose contractual withholdings at no less than certain minimum levels if a contracting officer determines that one or more of a contractor\u2019s business systems have one or more significant deficiencies. Some prime contractors for whom we are a subcontractor have significantly less financial resources than we do, which may increase the risk that we may not be paid in full or payment may be delayed. If we experience difficulties collecting receivables, it could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. \nThe federal government may change its procurement or other practices in a manner adverse to us.\nThe federal government may change its procurement practices, or adopt new contracting rules and regulations, such as those related to cost accounting standards. It could also adopt new contracting methods relating to GSA contracts or other government-wide contracts, adopt new socio-economic requirements, or change the basis upon which it reimburses our compensation and other expenses or otherwise limit such reimbursements. In all such cases, there is uncertainty surrounding the changes and what actual impacts they may have on contractors. These changes could impair our ability to obtain new contracts or win re-competed contracts or adversely affect our future profit margin. Any new contracting methods could be costly or administratively difficult for us to satisfy and, as a result, could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\n10\nRestrictions on or other changes to the federal government\u2019s use of service contracts may harm our operating results.\nWe derive a significant amount of revenues from service contracts with the federal government. The government may face restrictions from new legislation, regulations or government union pressures, on the nature and amount of services the government may obtain from private contractors (i.e., insourcing versus outsourcing). Any reduction in the government\u2019s use of private contractors to provide federal services could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nOur contracts and administrative processes and systems are subject to audits and cost adjustments by the federal government, which could reduce our revenues, disrupt our business, or otherwise adversely affect our operating results.\nFederal government agencies, including the DCAA and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), routinely audit and investigate government contracts and government contractors\u2019 administrative processes and systems. These agencies review our performance on contracts, pricing practices, cost structure and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards. They also evaluate the adequacy of internal controls over our business systems, including our purchasing, accounting, estimating, earned value management, and government property systems. Any costs found to be improperly allocated or assigned to contracts will not be reimbursed, and any such costs already reimbursed must be refunded and certain penalties may be imposed. Moreover, if any of the administrative processes and systems are found not to comply with requirements, we may be subjected to increased government scrutiny and approval that could delay or otherwise adversely affect our ability to compete for or perform contracts or collect our revenues in a timely manner. Therefore, an unfavorable outcome of an audit by the DCAA or another government agency could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. If a government investigation uncovers improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeitures of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or debarment from doing business with the federal government. In addition, we could suffer serious reputational harm if allegations of impropriety were made against us. Each of these results could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. \nFailure to maintain strong relationships with other contractors could result in a decline in our revenues.\nWe derive substantial revenues from contracts in which we act as a subcontractor or from teaming arrangements in which we and other contractors bid on particular contracts or programs. As a subcontractor or teammate, we often lack control over fulfillment of a contract, and poor performance on the contract could impact our customer relationship, even when we perform as required. We expect to continue to depend on relationships with other contractors for a portion of our revenues in the foreseeable future. Moreover, our revenues and operating results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated if any prime contractor or teammate chose to offer directly to the customer services of the type that we provide or if they team with other companies to provide those services.\nWe may not receive the full amounts authorized under the contracts included in our backlog, which could reduce our revenues in future periods below the levels anticipated.\nOur total backlog consists of funded and unfunded amounts. Funded backlog represents contract value for which funding has been appropriated less revenues previously recognized on these contracts. Unfunded backlog represents estimated values that have the potential to be recognized into revenue from executed contracts for which funding has not been appropriated and unexercised contract options. Our backlog may not result in actual revenues in any particular period, or at all, which could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nThe maximum contract value specified under a government contract or task order awarded to us is not necessarily indicative of the revenues that we will realize under that contract. For example, we generate a substantial portion of our revenues from government contracts in which we are not the sole provider, meaning that the government could turn to other companies to fulfill the contract. We also generate revenues from IDIQ contracts, which do not require the government to purchase a pre-determined amount of goods or services under the contract. Action by the government to obtain support from other contractors or failure of the government to order the quantity of work anticipated could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. \nWithout additional Congressional appropriations, some of the contracts included in our backlog will remain unfunded, which could materially and adversely affect our future operating results.\nMany of our federal government contracts include multi-year performance periods in which Congress appropriates funds on an annual basis. As a result, a majority of our contracts are only partially funded at any point during their full performance period and unfunded contract work is subject to future appropriations by Congress. As a result of a lack of appropriated funds or efforts to reduce federal government spending, our backlog may not result in revenues or may be delayed. We calculate our unfunded backlog based on the aggregate contract revenues that we have the potential to realize. If our backlog estimate is inaccurate and we fail to realize those amounts as revenues, our future operating results could be materially and adversely affected. \n11\nEmployee misconduct, including security breaches, could result in the loss of customers and our suspension or debarment from contracting with the federal government.\nWe may be unable to prevent our employees from engaging in misconduct, fraud or other improper activities that could adversely affect our business and reputation. Misconduct could include the failure to comply with federal government procurement regulations, regulations regarding the protection of classified information and legislation regarding the pricing of labor and other costs in government contracts. Many of the systems we develop involve managing and protecting information involved in national security and other sensitive government functions. A security breach in one of these systems could prevent us from having access to such critically sensitive systems. Other examples of employee misconduct could include timecard fraud and violations of the Anti-Kickback Act. The precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective, and we could face unknown risks or losses. As a result of employee misconduct, we could face fines and penalties, loss of security clearance and suspension or debarment from contracting with the federal government, which could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nOur failure to attract and retain qualified employees, including our senior management team, could adversely affect our business.\nOur continued success depends to a substantial degree on our ability to recruit and retain the technically skilled personnel we need to serve our customers effectively. Our business involves the development of tailored solutions for our customers, a process that relies heavily upon the expertise and services of our employees. Accordingly, our employees are our most valuable resource. Competition for skilled personnel in the information technology services industry is intense, and technology service companies often experience high attrition among their skilled employees. There is a shortage of people capable of filling these positions and they are likely to remain a limited resource for the foreseeable future. Recruiting and training these personnel require substantial resources. Our failure to attract and retain technical personnel could increase our costs of performing our contractual obligations, reduce our ability to efficiently satisfy our customers\u2019 needs, limit our ability to win new business and cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nIn addition to attracting and retaining qualified technical personnel, we believe that our success will depend on the continued employment of our senior management team and its ability to generate new business and execute projects successfully. Our senior management team is very important to our business because personal reputations and individual business relationships are a critical element of obtaining and maintaining customer engagements in our industry, particularly with agencies performing classified operations. The loss of any of our senior executives could cause us to lose customer relationships or new business opportunities, which could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nOur markets are highly competitive, and many of the companies we compete against have substantially greater resources.\nThe markets in which we operate include a large number of participants and are highly competitive. Many of our competitors may compete more effectively than we can because they are larger, better financed and better known companies than we are. In order to stay competitive in our industry, we must also keep pace with changing technologies and customer preferences. If we are unable to differentiate our services from those of our competitors, our revenues may decline. In addition, our competitors have established relationships among themselves or with third parties to increase their ability to address customer needs. As a result, new competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge and compete more effectively than we can. There is also a significant industry trend towards consolidation, which may result in the emergence of companies which are better able to compete against us. The results of these competitive pressures could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nOur quarterly revenues and operating results could be volatile due to the unpredictability of the federal government\u2019s budgeting process and policy priorities.\nOur quarterly revenues and operating results may fluctuate significantly and unpredictably in the future. In particular, if the federal government does not adopt, or delays adoption of, a budget for each fiscal year beginning on October 1, or fails to pass a continuing resolution, federal agencies may be forced to suspend our contracts and delay the award of new and follow-on contracts and orders due to a lack of funding. Further, the rate at which the federal government procures technology may be negatively affected following changes in presidential administrations and senior government officials. Therefore, period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be a good indication of our future performance. \nOur quarterly operating results may not meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors, which in turn may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. \nAn increase in the prices of goods and services could raise the costs associated with providing our services, diminish our ability to compete for new contracts or task orders and/or reduce customer buying power.\nWe may experience an increase in the costs in our supply and labor markets due to global inflationary pressures and other various geopolitical factors. We generate a portion of our revenues through various fixed-price and multi-year government contracts which anticipate moderate increases in costs over the term of the contract. With the current pace of inflation our standard approach to moderate annual price escalations in our bids for multi-year work may be insufficient to counter inflationary cost pressures. This could result in reduced profits, or even losses, as inflation increases, particularly for fixed-priced contracts and our longer-term multi-year contracts. In the competitive environment in which we operate as a government contractor, the lack of pricing leverage and ability to renegotiate long-term, multi-year contracts, could reduce our profits, disrupt our business, or otherwise materially adversely affect our results of operations.\n12\nWe may lose money or generate less than anticipated profits if we do not accurately estimate the cost of an engagement which is conducted on a fixed-price basis.\nWe generated 30.2% and 29.4% of our total revenues in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, from fixed-price contracts. Fixed-price contracts require us to price our contracts by predicting our expenditures in advance. In addition, some of our engagements obligate us to provide ongoing maintenance and other supporting or ancillary services on a fixed-price basis or with limitations on our ability to increase prices. Many of our engagements are also on a time-and-materials basis. While these types of contracts are generally subject to less uncertainty than fixed-price contracts, to the extent that our actual labor costs are higher than the contract rates, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nWhen making proposals for engagements on a fixed-price basis, we rely on our estimates of costs and timing for completing the projects. These estimates reflect our best judgment regarding our capability to complete the task efficiently. Any increased or unexpected costs or unanticipated delays in connection with the performance of fixed-price contracts, including delays caused by factors outside of our control, could make these contracts less profitable or unprofitable. From time to time, unexpected costs and unanticipated delays have caused us to incur losses on fixed-price contracts, primarily in connection with state government customers. On rare occasions, these losses have been significant. In the event that we encounter such problems in the future, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nOur earnings and margins may vary based on the mix of our contracts and programs.\nAt June\u00a030, 2023, our backlog included cost reimbursable, time-and-materials and fixed-price contracts. Cost reimbursable and time-and-materials contracts generally have lower profit margins than fixed-price contracts. Our earnings and margins may therefore vary materially and adversely depending on the relative mix of contract types, the costs incurred in their performance, the achievement of other performance objectives and the stage of performance at which the right to receive fees, particularly under incentive and award fee contracts, is finally determined.\nRisks Related to our Acquisitions\nWe may have difficulty identifying and executing acquisitions on favorable terms and therefore may grow at a slower rate than we historically have grown.\nOne of our key growth strategies has been to selectively pursue acquisitions. Through acquisitions, we have expanded our base of federal government customers, increased the range of solutions we offer to our customers and deepened our penetration of existing markets and customers. We may encounter difficulty identifying and executing suitable acquisitions. To the extent that management is involved in identifying acquisition opportunities or integrating new acquisitions into our business, our management may be diverted from operating our core business. Without acquisitions, we may not grow as rapidly as we historically have grown, which could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. We may encounter other risks in executing our acquisition strategy, including:\n\u2022\nincreased competition for acquisitions may increase the costs of our acquisitions;\n\u2022\nour failure to discover material liabilities during the due diligence process, including the failure of prior owners of any acquired businesses or their employees to comply with applicable laws or regulations, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation and health, safety and environmental laws, or their failure to fulfill their contractual obligations to the federal government or other customers; and\n\u2022\nacquisition financing may not be available on reasonable terms or at all.\nEach of these types of risks could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nWe may have difficulty integrating the operations of any companies we acquire, which could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from what we anticipated.\nThe success of our acquisition strategy will depend upon our ability to continue to successfully integrate any businesses we may acquire in the future. The integration of these businesses into our operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties, absorb significant management attention and require significant financial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development of our business. These integration difficulties include the integration of personnel with disparate business backgrounds, the transition to new information systems, coordination of geographically dispersed organizations, loss of key employees of acquired companies, and reconciliation of different corporate cultures. For these or other reasons, we may be unable to retain key customers of acquired companies. Moreover, any acquired business may fail to generate the revenues or net income we expected or produce the efficiencies or cost-savings we anticipated. Any of these outcomes could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nWe have substantial investments in recorded goodwill as a result of prior acquisitions, and changes in future business conditions could cause these investments to become impaired, requiring substantial write-downs that would reduce our operating income.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, goodwill accounts for $4.1 billion of our recorded total assets. We evaluate the recoverability of recorded goodwill amounts annually or when evidence of potential impairment exists. The annual impairment test is based on several factors requiring judgment. Principally, a decrease in expected reporting unit cash flows or changes in market conditions may indicate potential impairment of recorded goodwill. If there is an impairment, we would be required to write down the recorded amount of goodwill, which would be reflected as a charge against operating income. \n13\nRisks Related to our Indebtedness\nOur senior secured credit facility (the Credit Facility) imposes certain restrictions on our ability to take certain actions which may have an impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.\nThe Credit Facility imposes certain operating and financial restrictions on us and requires us to meet certain financial covenants. These restrictions may significantly limit or prohibit us from engaging in certain transactions, and include the following:\n\u2022\nincurring or guaranteeing certain amounts of additional debt;\n\u2022\npaying dividends or other distributions to our stockholders or redeeming, repurchasing or retiring our capital stock in excess of specific limits;\n\u2022\nmaking certain investments, loans and advances;\n\u2022\nexceeding specific levels of liens on our assets;\n\u2022\nissuing or selling equity in our subsidiaries;\n\u2022\ntransforming or selling certain assets currently held by us, including certain sale and lease-back transactions;\n\u2022\namending or modifying certain agreements, including those related to indebtedness; and\n\u2022\nengaging in certain mergers, consolidations or acquisitions.\nThe failure to comply with any covenants in the Credit Facility would cause a default under the Credit Facility. A default, if not waived, could cause our debt to become immediately due and payable. In such situations, we may not be able to repay our debt or borrow sufficient funds to refinance it, and even if new financing is available, it may not contain terms that are acceptable to us.\nDespite our outstanding debt, we may incur additional indebtedness.\nThe Credit Facility consists of a $1,975.0\u00a0million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Facility) and a $1,225.0\u00a0million term loan facility (the Term Loan). The Revolving Facility has sub-facilities of $100.0\u00a0million for same-day swing line loan borrowings and $25.0\u00a0million for stand-by letters of credit. At any time and so long as no default has occurred, the Company has the right to increase the Revolving Facility or the Term Loan in an aggregate principal amount of up to the greater of $500.0 million and 75% of the Company\u2019s EBITDA plus an unlimited amount of indebtedness subject to \n3.75\n times, calculated assuming the revolving Facility is fully drawn, with applicable lender approvals. As of June\u00a030, 2023, $525.0 million was outstanding under the Revolving Facility and $1,179.1 million was outstanding under the Term Loan. In addition, the terms of the Credit Facility allow us to incur additional indebtedness from other sources so long as we satisfy the covenants in the agreement governing the Credit Facility. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the risks related to our ability to service that debt could increase.\nServicing our debt requires a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business to pay our substantial debt.\nThe Credit Facility matures on December\u00a013, 2026. Principal payments under the term loan are due in quarterly installments. Our business may not generate cash flow from operations sufficient to service our debt and make necessary capital expenditures. If we are unable to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive.\nA change in control or fundamental change may adversely affect us.\nThe Credit Facility provides that certain change in control events will constitute a default.\nRisks Related to our Operations\nWe must comply with a variety of laws and regulations, and our failure to comply could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.\nWe must observe laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance of federal government contracts which affect how we do business with our customers and may impose added costs on our business. For example, the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the industrial security regulations of the DoD and related laws include provisions that:\n\u2022\nallow our federal government customers to terminate or not renew our contracts if we come under foreign ownership, control or influence;\n\u2022\nrequire us to divest work if an OCI related to such work cannot be mitigated to the government\u2019s satisfaction;\n\u2022\nrequire us to disclose and certify cost and pricing data in connection with contract negotiations; and\n\u2022\nrequire us to prevent unauthorized access to classified information, covered defense information, and controlled unclassified information.\nOur failure to comply with these or other laws and regulations could result in contract termination, loss of security clearances, suspension or debarment from contracting with the federal government, civil fines and damages and criminal prosecution and penalties, any of which could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\n14\nSystems failures may disrupt our business and have an adverse effect on our operating results.\nAny systems failures, including network, software or hardware failures, whether caused by us, a third party service provider, unauthorized intruders and hackers, computer viruses, natural disasters, power shortages or terrorist attacks, could cause loss of data or interruptions or delays in our business or that of our customers. Like other global companies, we have experienced cyber security threats to our data and systems, our company sensitive information, and our information technology infrastructure, including malware and computer virus attacks, unauthorized access, systems failures and temporary disruptions. Prior cyber attacks directed at us have not had a material adverse impact on our business or our financial results, and we believe that our continuing commitment toward threat detection and mitigation processes and procedures will reduce such impact in the future. Due to the evolving nature of these security threats, however, the impact of any future incident cannot be predicted. In addition, the failure or disruption of our mail, communications or utilities could cause us to interrupt or suspend our operations or otherwise harm our business. Our property and business interruption insurance may be inadequate to compensate us for all losses that may occur as a result of any system or operational failure or disruption and, as a result, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nThe systems and networks that we maintain for our customers, although highly redundant in their design, could also fail. If a system or network we maintain were to fail or experience service interruptions, we might experience loss of revenues or face claims for damages or contract termination. Our errors and omissions liability insurance may be inadequate to compensate us for all the damages that we might incur and, as a result, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. \nCustomer systems failures could damage our reputation and adversely affect our operating results.\nMany of the systems that we develop, integrate, maintain, otherwise support or use involve managing and protecting intelligence, national security, and other sensitive government information. While we have programs designed to protect such information and comply with all relevant privacy and security requirements, the threats that our clients face have grown more frequent and sophisticated. A security breach or system failure in a system that we develop, integrate, maintain or otherwise support could result in a loss of revenues, remediation costs, claims for damages or contract termination and our errors and omissions liability insurance may be inadequate to compensate us for all the damages that we might incur. Any such event could also cause serious damage to our reputation and prevent us from having access to or being eligible for further work on such sensitive systems for U.S. government customers.\nIn addition, in order to provide services to our customers, we often depend upon or use customer systems that are supported by the customer or third parties. Any security breach or system failure in such systems could result in an interruption of our customer\u2019s operations, significant delays under a contract, and a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\nOur operations involve several risks and hazards, including potential dangers to our employees and to third parties that are inherent in aspects of our federal business (e.g., counterterrorism training services). If these risks and hazards are not adequately insured, it could adversely affect our operating results.\nOur federal business includes the maintenance of global networks and the provision of special operations services (e.g., counterterrorism training) that require us to dispatch employees to various countries around the world. These countries may be experiencing political upheaval or unrest, and in some cases war or terrorism. It is possible that certain of our employees or executives will suffer injury or bodily harm, or be killed or kidnapped in the course of these deployments. We could also encounter unexpected costs for reasons beyond our control in connection with the repatriation of our employees or executives. Any of these types of accidents or other incidents could involve significant potential claims of employees, executives and/or third parties who are injured or killed or who may have wrongful death or similar claims against us.\nWe maintain insurance policies that mitigate against risk and potential liabilities related to our operations. This insurance is maintained in amounts that we believe are reasonable. However, our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover those claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear significant costs from an accident or incident. Substantial claims in excess of our related insurance coverage could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. \nOur failure to adequately protect our confidential information and proprietary rights may harm our competitive position.\nOur success depends, in part, upon our ability to protect our proprietary information. Although our employees are subject to confidentiality obligations, this protection may be inadequate to deter misappropriation of our proprietary information. In addition, we may be unable to detect unauthorized use of our proprietary information in order to take appropriate steps to enforce our rights. If we are unable to prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our proprietary information, our competitive position could be harmed and our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.\nWe face additional risks which could harm our business because we have international operations.\nWe conduct the majority of our international operations in the U.K. and the Netherlands. As a percentage of our total revenues, our international operations generated 2.8% and 3.1% in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our international operations are subject to risks associated with operating in a foreign country. These risks include fluctuations in the value of the British pound and the Euro, longer payment cycles, changes in foreign tax laws and regulations and unexpected legislative, regulatory, economic or political changes. \n15\nThe effects of health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks may have material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.\nWe face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, including the global outbreak of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic and the mitigation efforts to control its spread have adversely impacted the U.S. and global economies, leading to disruptions and volatility in global capital markets. While we have taken steps to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our employees and our business, the continued spread of COVID-19 may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows as the result of significant portions of our workforce being unable to work due to illness, quarantines, government actions, facility closures, vaccination status, or other restrictions; the inability for us to fully perform on our contracts as a result of government actions or reduction in personnel due to the federal vaccine mandate which requires all federal contractors to be vaccinated; delays or limits to the ability of the U.S. Government or other customers to make timely payments; incurrence of increased costs which may not be recoverable; adverse impacts on our access to capital; or other unpredictable events. We continue to monitor the effect of COVID-19 on our business, but we cannot predict the full impact of COVID-19 as the extent of the impact will depend on the duration and spread of the pandemic and the actions taken by federal, state, local and foreign governments to prevent the spread of COVID-19.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition & Results of Operations\nThe following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is provided to enhance the understanding of, and should be read together with, our consolidated financial statements and the Notes to those statements that appear elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Unless otherwise specifically noted, all years refer to our fiscal year which ends on June 30.\nIn this section, we discuss our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. For a discussion and analysis comparing our results for fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2021, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2022, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2022, under Part II, Item 7 \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\u201d\nOverview\nWe are a leading provider of Expertise and Technology to Enterprise and Mission customers, supporting national security missions and government modernization/transformation in the intelligence, defense, and federal civilian sectors, both domestically and internationally. The demand for our Expertise and Technology, in large measure, is created by the increasingly complex network, systems, and information environments in which governments and businesses operate, and by the need to stay current with emerging technology while increasing productivity, enhancing security, and, ultimately, improving performance.\nSome of our key initiatives include the following:\n\u2022\nContinue to grow organic revenues across our large, addressable market;\n\u2022\nDeliver strong profitability and robust cash flow;\n\u2022\nDifferentiate ourselves through our investments, including our strategic mergers and acquisition program, allowing us to enhance our current capabilities and create new customer access points; \n\u2022\nRecruit, hire, train, and retain a world class workforce to execute on our growing backlog; and\n\u2022\nContinue our unwavering commitment to our customers while supporting the communities in which we work and live.\nBudgetary Environment\nWe carefully follow federal budget, legislative and contracting trends and activities and evolve our strategies to take these into consideration. On December 29, 2022, the President signed into law the omnibus appropriations bill that provided full-year funding for the government fiscal year (GFY) ending September 30, 2023 (GFY23). Of the total approximately $1.7 trillion in discretionary funding, approximately $858 billion was for national defense and approximately $773 billion was for nondefense, as well as an additional $47 billion of supplemental funding for Ukraine. The defense and nondefense funding levels represent increases of approximately 10% and 6%, respectively, over GFY22 enacted levels, which themselves were increases of approximately 6% and 7%, respectively, over GFY21. On March 9, 2023, the President released his budget request for GFY24, which called for an increase in defense spending of approximately 3% and an increase in nondefense spending of approximately 8% over GFY23 levels. On June 3, 2023, the President signed into law legislation that suspends the federal debt limit until January 2025 and caps discretionary spending in GFY24 and GFY25. Specifically, GFY24 defense spending is capped at $886 billion, an increase of 3% and in-line with the President\u2019s budget request, and GFY24 nondefense spending is capped at levels similar to GFY22 (though after various adjustments may be essentially flat with GFY23 levels). For GFY25, discretionary spending growth (both defense and nondefense) is capped at 1%. While future levels of defense and nondefense spending may vary and are difficult to project, we believe that there continues to be bipartisan support for defense and national security-related spending, particularly given the heightened current global threat environment, including the conflict in Ukraine.\nWhile we view the budget environment as constructive and believe there is bipartisan support for continued investment in the areas of defense and national security, it is uncertain when in any particular GFY that appropriations bills will be passed. During those periods of time when appropriations bills have not been passed and signed into law, government agencies operate under a continuing resolution (CR), a temporary measure allowing the government to continue operations at prior year funding levels.\n21\nDepending on their scope, duration, and other factors, CRs can negatively impact our business due to delays in new program starts, delays in contract award decisions, and other factors. When a CR expires, unless appropriations bills have been passed by Congress and signed by the President, or a new CR is passed and signed into law, the government must cease operations, or shutdown, except in certain emergency situations or when the law authorizes continued activity. We continuously review our operations in an attempt to identify programs potentially at risk from CRs so that we can consider appropriate contingency plans. \nMarket Environment\nWe provide Expertise and Technology to government enterprise and mission customers. We believe that the total addressable market for our offerings is sufficient to support the Company's plans and is expected to continue to grow over the next several years. Approximately 70% of our revenue comes from defense-related customers, including those in the Intelligence Community (IC), with additional revenue coming from non-defense IC, homeland security, and other federal civilian customers.\nWe continue to align the Company\u2019s capabilities with well-funded budget priorities and take steps to maintain a competitive cost structure in line with our expectations of future business opportunities. In light of these actions, as well as the budgetary environment discussed above, we believe we are well positioned to continue to win new business in our large addressable market. We believe that the following trends will influence the USG\u2019s spending in our addressable market:\n\u2022\nA stable-to-higher USG budget environment, particularly in defense and intelligence-related areas;\n\u2022\nIncreased focus on cyber, space, and the electromagnetic spectrum as key domains for National Security;\n\u2022\nIncreased spend on network and application modernization and enhancements to cyber security posture; \n\u2022\nIncreased investments in advanced technologies (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, 5G), particularly software-based technologies;\n\u2022\nIncreasing focus on near-peer competitors and other nation state threats;\n\u2022\nContinued focus on counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and counter proliferation as key U.S. security concerns; and\n\u2022\nIncreased demand for innovation and speed of delivery.\nWe believe that our customers\n\u2019\n use of lowest price/technically acceptable (LPTA) procurements, which contributed to pricing pressures in past years, has moderated, though price still remains an important factor in procurements. We also continue to see protests of major contract awards and delays in USG procurement activities. In addition, many of our federal government contracts require us to employ personnel with security clearances, specific levels of education and specific past work experience. Depending on the level of clearance, security clearances can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain and competition for skilled personnel in the information technology services industry is intense. Additional factors that could affect USG spending in our addressable market include changes in set-asides for small businesses, changes in budget priorities, and budgetary priorities limiting or delaying federal government spending in general.\nResults of Operations\nOur results of operations were as follows:\nYear Ended June 30,\nYear to Year Change\n2023\n2022\n2022 to 2023\nDollars\nDollars\nPercent\n(dollar in thousands)\nRevenues\n$\n6,702,546\u00a0\n$\n6,202,917\u00a0\n$\n499,629\u00a0\n8.1\u00a0\n%\nCosts of revenues:\nDirect costs\n4,402,728\u00a0\n4,051,188\u00a0\n351,540\u00a0\n8.7\u00a0\nIndirect costs and selling expenses\n1,590,754\u00a0\n1,520,719\u00a0\n70,035\u00a0\n4.6\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization\n141,564\u00a0\n134,681\u00a0\n6,883\u00a0\n5.1\u00a0\nTotal costs of revenues\n6,135,046\u00a0\n5,706,588\u00a0\n428,458\u00a0\n7.5\u00a0\nIncome from operations\n567,500\u00a0\n496,329\u00a0\n71,171\u00a0\n14.3\u00a0\nInterest expense and other, net\n83,861\u00a0\n41,757\u00a0\n42,104\u00a0\n100.8\u00a0\nIncome before income taxes\n483,639\u00a0\n454,572\u00a0\n29,067\u00a0\n6.4\u00a0\nIncome taxes\n98,904\u00a0\n87,778\u00a0\n11,126\u00a0\n12.7\u00a0\nNet income\n$\n384,735\u00a0\n$\n366,794\u00a0\n$\n17,941\u00a0\n4.9\u00a0\nRevenues\n. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to organic growth of 6.1% and revenues from the acquisitions completed in fiscal 2022.\n22\nRevenues by customer type with related percentages of revenues were as follows:\nYear Ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\nDollars\nPercent\nDollars\nPercent\n(dollars in thousands)\nDepartment of Defense\n$\n4,817,470\u00a0\n71.9\u00a0\n%\n$\n4,331,327\u00a0\n69.8\u00a0\n%\nFederal Civilian Agencies\n1,533,295\u00a0\n22.9\u00a0\n1,549,791\u00a0\n25.0\u00a0\nCommercial and other\n351,781\u00a0\n5.2\u00a0\n321,799\u00a0\n5.2\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n6,702,546\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n6,202,917\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n\u2022\nDoD revenues include Expertise and Technology provided to various Department of Defense customers.\n\u2022\nFederal civilian agencies\u2019 revenues primarily include Expertise and Technology provided to non-DoD agencies and departments of the U.S. federal government, including intelligence agencies and Departments of Justice, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and State. \n\u2022\nCommercial and other revenues primarily include Expertise and Technology provided to U.S. state and local governments, commercial customers, and certain foreign governments and agencies through our International reportable segment.\nDirect Costs\n. The increase in direct costs was primarily attributable to direct labor costs from organic growth on existing programs and higher materials and other direct costs. As a percentage of revenues, total direct costs were 65.7% and 65.3% for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Direct costs include direct labor, subcontractor costs, materials, and other direct costs. \nIndirect Costs and Selling Expenses\n. The increase in indirect costs was primarily attributable to the incremental costs of running the businesses acquired in fiscal year 2022 and an increase in fringe benefit expenses on a higher labor base. As a percentage of revenues, total indirect costs were 23.7% and 24.5% for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nDepreciation and Amortization\n. The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily attributable to depreciation from the Company\u2019s higher average property and equipment and intangible amortization from the acquisitions completed in fiscal 2022.\nInterest Expense and Other, Net\n. The increase in interest expense and other, net was primarily attributable to higher interest rates on outstanding debt.\nIncome Taxes\n. The Company\n\u2019\ns effective income tax rate was 20.4% and 19.3% for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 was favorably impacted by research and development tax credits and the remeasurement of state deferred taxes. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2022 was favorably impacted primarily by federal research tax credits and the remeasurement of state deferred taxes. See \u201cNote 16 \u2013 Income Taxes\u201d in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.\nContract Backlog\nThe Company\u2019s backlog represents value on existing contracts that has the potential to be recognized into revenues as work is performed. The Company includes unexercised option years in its backlog and excludes the value of task orders that may be awarded under multiple award IDIQ vehicles until such task orders are issued. \nThe Company\u2019s backlog as of period end is either funded or unfunded:\n\u2022\nFunded backlog represents contract value for which funding has been appropriated less revenues previously recognized on these contracts.\n\u2022\nUnfunded backlog represents estimated values that have the potential to be recognized into revenue from executed contracts for which funding has not been appropriated and unexercised contract options. \nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company had total backlog of $25.8 billion, compared with $23.3 billion a year ago, an increase of 10.7%. Funded backlog as of June\u00a030, 2023 was $3.7 billion. The total backlog consists of remaining performance obligations plus unexercised options. See \u201cNote 5 \u2013 Revenues\u201d in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to remaining performance obligations.\nThere is no assurance that all funded or potential contract value will result in revenues being recognized. The Company continues to monitor backlog as it is subject to change from execution of new contracts, contract modifications or extensions, government deobligations, early terminations, or other factors. Based on this analysis, an adjustment to the period end balance may be required.\n23\nRevenues by Contract Type\nThe Company generates revenues under three basic contract types:\n\u2022\nCost-plus-fee contracts\n: This contract type provides for reimbursement of allowable direct expenses and allocable indirect expenses plus an additional negotiated fee. The fee component of the contract may include fixed fees, award fees and incentive fees. Fixed fees are fees that are negotiated and fixed at the inception of the contract. In general, award fees are more subjective in performance criteria and are earned based on overall cost, schedule, and technical performance as measured against contractual requirements. Incentive fees have more objective cost or performance criteria and generally contain a formula based on the relationship of actual costs incurred to target costs.\n\u2022\nFixed-price contracts\n: This contract type provides for a fixed-price for specified Expertise and Technology and is often used when there is more certainty regarding the estimated costs to complete the contractual statement of work. Since the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, there is higher risk and potential profit associated with this contract type.\n\u2022\nTime-and-materials contracts: \nThis contract type provides for a fixed hourly rate for defined contractual labor categories, with reimbursement of billable material and other direct costs. For this contract type, the contractor bears the risk that its labor costs and allocable indirect expenses are greater than the fixed hourly rate defined within the contract. \nAs discussed further within Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our earnings and margins may vary based on the mix of our contract types. We generated the following revenues by contract type for the periods presented:\nYear Ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\nDollars\nPercent\nDollars\nPercent\n(dollars in thousands)\nCost-plus-fee\n$\n3,896,725\u00a0\n58.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n3,632,359\u00a0\n58.6\u00a0\n%\nFixed-price\n2,023,968\u00a0\n30.2\u00a0\n1,823,221\u00a0\n29.4\u00a0\nTime-and-materials\n781,853\u00a0\n11.7\u00a0\n747,337\u00a0\n12.0\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n6,702,546\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n6,202,917\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nEffects of Inflation\nDuring fiscal 2023, 58.1% of our revenues were generated under cost-reimbursable contracts which automatically adjust revenues to cover costs that are affected by inflation. 11.7% of our revenues were generated under time-and-materials contracts where we adjust labor rates periodically, as permitted. The remaining portion of our business is fixed-price and may span multiple years. We generally have been able to price our time-and-materials and fixed-price contracts in a manner that accommodates the rates of inflation experienced in recent years.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nExisting cash and cash equivalents and cash generated by operations are our primary sources of liquidity, as well as sales of receivables under our Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (MARPA) and available borrowings under our Credit Facility. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we had $115.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. \nThe Company has a $3,200.0 million Credit Facility, which consists of an $1,975.0\u00a0million Revolving Facility and a $1,225.0\u00a0million Term Loan. The Revolving Facility is a secured facility that permits continuously renewable borrowings and has subfacilities of $100.0\u00a0million for same-day swing line borrowings and $25.0\u00a0million for stand-by letters of credit. As of June\u00a030, 2023, $1,179.1 million was outstanding under the Term Loan, $525.0 million was outstanding under the Revolving Facility and no borrowings on the swing line.\nThe Term Loan is a five-year secured facility under which principal payments are due in quarterly installments of $7.7 million through December 31, 2023 and $15.3 million thereafter until the balance is due in full on December\u00a013, 2026. The Credit Facility contains customary financial and restrictive covenants which we have been in compliance with since inception.\nInterest rates applicable to loans under the Credit Facility are floating interest rates that, at our option, equal a base rate or a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rate, plus in each case, an applicable margin based upon our consolidated total net leverage ratio.\nDuring fiscal year 2023, a provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) went into effect which eliminated the option to deduct domestic research and development costs in the year incurred and instead requires taxpayers to capitalize and amortize such costs over five years. This provision decreased fiscal year 2023 cash flows from operations by $95.0 million and increased net deferred tax assets by a similar amount. Although it is possible that Congress amends this provision, potentially with retroactive effect, we have no assurance that Congress will take any action with respect to this provision. The future impact of this provision will depend on if and when this provision is deferred, modified, or repealed by Congress, including if retroactively, any guidance issued by the Treasury Department regarding the identification of appropriate costs for capitalization, and the amount of future research and development expenses paid or incurred (among other factors).\nSee \u201cNote 6 \u2013 Sales of Receivables\u201d and \u201cNote 12 \u2013 Debt\u201d in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.\n24\nA summary of cash flow information is presented below:\nYear Ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\n(dollar in thousands)\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n$\n388,056\u00a0\n$\n745,554\u00a0\nNet cash used in investing activities\n(75,717)\n(689,149)\nNet cash used in financing activities\n(316,108)\n(21,209)\nEffect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents\n4,741\u00a0\n(8,423)\nNet change in cash and cash equivalents\n972\u00a0\n26,773\u00a0\nNet cash provided by operating activities decreased $357.5 million primarily as a result of \na $341.3 million increase in cash paid for income taxes, higher interest payments and net unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities driven by the timing of vendor payments, partially offset by higher cash received from the Company\n\u2019\ns MARPA.\nNet cash used in investing activities decreased $613.4 million primarily as a result of a $601.0 million decrease in cash used in acquisitions of businesses and a $10.8 million decrease in capital expenditures.\nNet cash used in financing activities increased $294.9 million primarily as a result of a $263.5 million increase in repurchases of common stock, and a $38.7 million increase in net repayments under our Credit Facility.\nWe believe that the combination of internally generated funds, available bank borrowings, and cash and cash equivalents on hand will provide the required liquidity and capital resources necessary to fund on-going operations, customary capital expenditures, debt service obligations, and other working capital requirements over the next twelve months. We may in the future seek to borrow additional amounts under a long-term debt security. Over the longer term, our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations necessary to fulfill the obligations under the Credit Facility and any other indebtedness we may incur will depend on our future financial performance which will be affected by many factors outside of our control, including current worldwide economic conditions and financial market conditions.\nContractual Obligations\nFor a description of the Company\u2019s contractual obligations related to debt, leases, and retirement plans refer to \u201cNote 10 \u2013 Leases\u201d, \u201cNote 12 \u2013 Debt\u201d, and \u201cNote 17 \u2013 Retirement Plans\u201d in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \nCommitments and Contingencies\nWe are subject to a number of reviews, investigations, claims, lawsuits, other uncertainties and future obligations related to our business. For a discussion of these items, see \u201cNote 19 \u2013 Commitments and Contingencies\u201d in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nCritical Accounting Policies\nThe preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in those financial statements and accompanying notes. We consider the accounting policies and estimates addressed below to be the most important to our financial position and results of operations, either because of the significance of the financial statement item or because they require the exercise of significant judgment and/or use of significant estimates. Although we believe that the estimates are reasonable based on reasonably available facts, due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making those estimates, actual results reported in future periods may differ.\nWe believe the following accounting policies require significant judgment due to the complex nature of the underlying transactions: \nRevenue Recognition\nThe Company generates almost all of our revenues from three different types of contractual arrangements with the U.S. government: cost-plus-fee, fixed-price, and time-and-materials contracts. Our contracts with the U.S. government are generally subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and are competitively priced based on estimated costs of providing the contractual goods or services. \nWe account for a contract when the parties have approved the contract and are committed to perform on it, the rights of each party and the payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability is probable. At contract inception, the Company determines whether the goods or services to be provided are to be accounted for as a single performance obligation or as multiple performance obligations. This evaluation requires professional judgment as it may impact the timing and pattern of revenue recognition. If multiple performance obligations are identified, we generally use the cost plus a margin approach to determine the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation. \n25\nWhen determining the total transaction price, the Company identifies both fixed and variable consideration elements within the contract. Variable consideration includes any amount within the transaction price that is not fixed, such as: award or incentive fees; performance penalties; unfunded contract value; or other similar items. For our contracts with award or incentive fees, the Company estimates the total amount of award or incentive fee expected to be recognized into revenue. Throughout the performance period, we recognize as revenue a constrained amount of variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the cumulative amount recognized to date will not be required in a subsequent period. Our estimate of variable consideration is periodically adjusted based on significant changes in relevant facts and circumstances. In the period in which we can calculate the final amount of award or incentive fee earned - based on the receipt of the customer\u2019s final performance score or determining that more objective, contractually-defined criteria have been fully satisfied - the Company will adjust our cumulative revenue recognized to date on the contract. \nWe generally recognize revenues over time throughout the performance period as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided on our services-type revenue arrangements. This continuous transfer of control for our U.S. government contracts is supported by the unilateral right of our customer to terminate the contract for a variety of reasons without having to provide justification for its decision. For our services-type revenue arrangements in which there are a repetitive amount of services that are substantially the same from one month to the next, the Company applies the series guidance. We use a variety of input and output methods that approximate the progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation, including: costs incurred, labor hours expended, and time-elapsed measures for our fixed-price stand ready obligations. For certain contracts, primarily our cost-plus and time-and-materials services-type revenue arrangements, we apply the right-to-invoice practical expedient in which revenues are recognized in direct proportion to our present right to consideration for progress towards the complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. \nWhen a performance obligation has a significant degree of interrelation or interdependence between one month\u2019s deliverables and the next, when there is an award or incentive fee, or when there is a significant degree of customization or modification, the Company generally records revenue using a percentage of completion method. For these revenue arrangements, substantially all revenues are recognized over time using a cost-to-cost input method based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to total estimated costs at completion. When estimates of total costs to be incurred on a contract exceed total revenues, a provision for the entire loss on the contract is recorded in the period in which the loss is determined.\nContract modifications are reviewed to determine whether they should be accounted for as part of the original performance obligation or as a separate contract. When contract modifications add distinct goods or services and increase the contract value by an amount that reflects the standalone selling price, those modifications are accounted for as separate contracts. When contract modifications include goods or services that are not distinct from those already provided, the Company records a cumulative adjustment to revenues based on a remeasurement of progress towards the complete satisfaction of the not yet fully delivered performance obligation.\nBased on the critical nature of our contractual performance obligations, the Company may proceed with work based on customer direction prior to the completion and signing of formal contract documents. The Company has a formal review process for approving any such work that considers previous experiences with the customer, communications with the customer regarding funding status, and our knowledge of available funding for the contract or program.\nBusiness Combinations \nWe record all tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination at fair value as of the acquisition date, with any excess purchase consideration recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed, including intangible assets, requires management to make significant judgments about expected future cash flows, weighted-average cost of capital, discount rates, and expected long-term growth rates. During the measurement period, not to exceed one year from the acquisition date, we may adjust provisional amounts recorded to reflect new information subsequently obtained regarding facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date.\n \nGoodwill and Intangible Assets\nGoodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration paid for an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. We recognize purchased intangible assets in connection with our business acquisitions at fair value on the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets, net represent 69.6% and 70.0% of our total assets as of June\u00a030, 2023 and June\u00a030, 2022, respectively.\nWe evaluate goodwill for both of our reporting units for impairment at least annually on the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The evaluation includes comparing the fair value of the relevant reporting unit to its respective carrying value, including goodwill, and utilizes both income and market approaches. The analysis relies on significant judgements and assumptions about expected future cash flows, weighted-average cost of capital, discount rates, expected long-term growth rates, and financial measures derived from observable market data of comparable public companies. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we completed our annual goodwill assessment and determined that each reporting unit\u2019s fair value significantly exceeded its carrying value.\nIntangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the method that best reflects how their economic benefits are utilized or, if a pattern of economic benefits cannot be reliably determined, on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which is generally over periods ranging from one to twenty years. Intangible assets with finite lives are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. \n26\nRecently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements\nSee \u201cNote 3 \u2013 Recent Accounting Pronouncements\u201d in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk\nThe interest rates on both the Term Loan and the Revolving Facility are affected by changes in market interest rates. We have the ability to manage these fluctuations in part through interest rate hedging alternatives in the form of interest rate swaps. We have entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements for an aggregate notional amount of $1,200.0\u00a0million related to a portion of our floating rate indebtedness. All remaining balances under our Term Loan, and any additional amounts that may be borrowed under our Revolving Facility, are currently subject to interest rate fluctuations. With every one percent fluctuation in the applicable interest rate, interest expense on our variable rate debt for the twelve months ended June\u00a030, 2023 would have fluctuated by approximately $9.8 million.\nApproximately 2.8% and 3.1% of our total revenues in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, were generated from our international operations headquartered in the U.K. Our practice in our international operations is to negotiate contracts in the same currency in which the predominant expenses are incurred, thereby mitigating the exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. To the extent that it is not possible to do so, there is some risk that profits will be affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we held a combination of euros and pounds sterling in the U.K. and in the Netherlands equivalent to approximately $65.7 million. Although these balances are generally available to fund ordinary business operations without legal or other restrictions, a significant portion is not immediately available to fund U.S. operations unless repatriated. Our intention is to reinvest earnings from our foreign subsidiaries. This allows us to better utilize our cash resources on behalf of our foreign subsidiaries, thereby mitigating foreign currency conversion risks.",
+ "cik": "16058",
+ "cusip6": "127190",
+ "cusip": ["127190304", "127190954"],
+ "names": ["CACI INTL INC", "CACI International Inc."],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/16058/000001605823000086/0000016058-23-000086-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000017843-23-000021.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000017843-23-000021.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c9e36c2baf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000017843-23-000021.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\u00a0 Business\n\u00a0\n(a)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nGeneral Development of Business:\n\u00a0\nCarpenter Technology Corporation, founded in 1889, is engaged in the manufacturing, fabrication and distribution of specialty metals. As used throughout this report, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms \"Carpenter,\" \"Carpenter Technology,\" \"Company,\" \"Registrant,\" \"Issuer,\" \"we\" and \"our\" refer to Carpenter Technology Corporation.\n\u00a0\n(b)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nFinancial Information About Segments:\n\u00a0\nWe are organized in two reportable business segments: Specialty Alloys Operations (\"SAO\") and Performance Engineered Products (\"PEP\").\u00a0See Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\" for additional segment reporting information. \n\u00a0\n(c)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nNarrative Description of Business:\n\u00a0\n(1)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nGeneral:\n\u00a0\nWe are a producer and distributor of premium specialty alloys, including titanium alloys, powder metals, stainless steels, alloy steels, and tool steels. We are a recognized leader in high-performance specialty alloy-based materials and process solutions for critical applications in the aerospace, defense, medical, transportation, energy, industrial and consumer markets. We have evolved to become a pioneer in premium specialty alloys, including titanium, nickel, and cobalt, as well as alloys specifically engineered for additive manufacturing (\"AM\") processes and soft magnetics applications.\nReportable Segments\n\u00a0\nThe SAO segment is comprised of the Company's major premium alloy and stainless steel manufacturing operations. This includes operations performed at mills primarily in Reading and Latrobe, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas as well as South Carolina and Alabama. The combined assets of the SAO segment are managed in an integrated manner to optimize efficiency and profitability across the total system. \n\u00a0\nThe PEP segment is comprised of the Company's differentiated operations. This segment includes the Dynamet titanium business, the Carpenter Additive business and the Latrobe and Mexico distribution businesses. The Amega West business was also part of the PEP segment, however, it was divested during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The businesses in the PEP segment are managed with an entrepreneurial structure to promote flexibility and agility to quickly respond to market dynamics. \n(2)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nRaw Materials:\n\u00a0\nOur business depends on continued receipt of critical raw materials for our day to day operations. These raw materials include nickel, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, titanium, iron and scrap containing the named alloys.\u00a0Some of the sources of these raw materials, many of which are international, could be subject to potential interruptions of supply as a result of political events, labor unrest or other reasons. These potential interruptions could cause material shortages and affect availability and price. We have arrangements with certain vendors to provide consigned materials at our manufacturing facilities available for our consumption as necessary. \n\u00a0\nWe have long-term relationships with major suppliers who provide availability of material at competitive prices.\u00a0Purchase prices of certain raw materials have historically been volatile.\u00a0We use pricing surcharges, indexing mechanisms, base price adjustments and raw material forward contracts to reduce the impact on our business of changing prices for the most significant of these materials. There can be delays between the time of the increase in the price of raw materials and the realization of the benefits of such mechanisms or actions that could have a short-term impact on our results and could affect the comparability of our results from period to period. \n\u00a0\n2\nTable of Contents\n(3)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nPatents and Licenses:\n\u00a0\nWe own a number of United States and international patents and have granted licenses under some of them.\u00a0In addition, certain products that we produce are covered by patents held or owned by other companies from whom licenses have been obtained.\u00a0The duration of a patent issued in the United States is between 14 and 20 years from the date of filing a patent application or issuance of the patent.\u00a0The duration of a patent issued outside of the United States varies from country to country. Generally, patent licenses are structured to match the duration of the underlying patent.\u00a0Although these patents and licenses are believed to be of value, we do not consider our business to be materially dependent upon any single such item or related group of such items.\n\u00a0\n(4)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nSeasonality of Business:\n\u00a0\nOur sales can be influenced by seasonal factors with the first six months of the fiscal year typically being lower, principally because of annual plant vacation and maintenance shutdowns by us, as well as by many of our customers. However, the timing of major changes in the general economy or the markets for certain products can alter this pattern.\n\u00a0\n(\n5)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nCustomers:\n\u00a0\nOn a consolidated basis, we are not dependent upon a single customer, or very few customers, such that the loss of any one or more particular customers would have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated statement of operations. No single customer accounted for 10 percent or more of total net sales for the years ended June\u00a030, 2023, June\u00a030, 2022 and June 30, 2021. No single customer accounted for 10 percent or more of the accounts receivable outstanding at June\u00a030, 2023 or June\u00a030, 2022. See Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\" for additional information. \n\u00a0\n(6)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nBacklog:\n\u00a0\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we had a sales backlog of orders excluding surcharge, believed to be firm, of approximately $2,123.3 million, significantly all of which is expected to be shipped within fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Our backlog of orders excluding surcharge as of June\u00a030, 2022, was approximately $1,539.3\u00a0million.\n(7)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nCompetition:\n\u00a0\nWe are leaders in specialty materials for critical applications with over 130 years of metallurgical and manufacturing expertise. Our business is highly competitive.\u00a0We manufacture and supply materials to a variety of end-use market sectors and compete with various companies depending on the end-use market, product or geography.\u00a0A significant portion of the products we produce are highly engineered materials for demanding applications. There are less than ten companies producing one or more similar products that we consider our major competitors for our high-value products used in demanding applications, particularly in our Aerospace and Defense and Energy end-use markets.\u00a0These products are generally required to meet complex customer product specifications and often require the materials to be qualified prior to supplying the customer. Our experience, technical capabilities, product offerings and research and development efforts represent barriers to existing and potential competitors. \n\u00a0\nFor other products, there are several dozen smaller producing companies and converting companies that are also competitors, as well as several hundred independent distributors of products similar to those distributed by us.\u00a0Additionally, numerous foreign companies produce various specialty metal products similar to those produced by us.\u00a0Furthermore, a number of different products may, in certain instances, be substituted for our finished products. \n3\nTable of Contents\n(8)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nResearch, Product and Process Development:\n\u00a0\nOur expenditures for Company-sponsored research and development were $24.4 million, $20.4 million and $19.7 million in fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We believe that our ability to be an innovator in special material development and manufacturing processes has been and will continue to be an important factor in the success of the Company.\u00a0Our worldwide staff of expert metallurgists, research and development scientists, engineers and service professionals work closely with our customers to identify and provide innovative solutions to specific product requirements. \n(9)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nEnvironmental Regulations:\n\u00a0\nWe are subject to various stringent federal, state, local and international environmental laws and regulations relating to pollution, protection of public health and the environment, natural resource damages and occupational safety and health.\u00a0Management evaluates the liability for future environmental remediation costs on a quarterly basis.\u00a0We accrue amounts for environmental remediation costs representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs relating to environmental remediation.\u00a0For further information on environmental remediation, see the Contingencies section included in Item 7. \"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" and the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\" \n\u00a0\nOur costs of maintaining and operating environmental control equipment were $15.7\u00a0million, $14.8\u00a0million and $14.9\u00a0million for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\u00a0The capital expenditures for environmental control equipment were $0.3 million, $1.1 million and $1.3 million for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\u00a0We anticipate spending approximately $3.3\u00a0million on domestic environmental capital projects over the next five fiscal years.\u00a0This includes approximately $2.2\u00a0million in fiscal year 2024.\u00a0Due to the possibility of future regulatory developments, the amount of future capital expenditures may vary from these estimates. \n4\nTable of Contents\n(10)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nHuman Capital Resources:\n\u00a0\nWe maintain a high-performance work environment that is required to deliver mission-critical materials to our customers and an organizational culture that is devoted to exceptional customer service. We value our employees and help them build careers that are as resilient, innovative, and valuable as our work for our customers. We are committed to increasing employee engagement by leveraging the diversity and drive of our people, maximizing their talents, empowering them and supporting their career aspirations. \nHealth and Safety: Safety is our number one Core Value. We believe that a Zero Injury workplace is achievable and relentlessly pursue measures to increase safety and accountability for our employees. We are proactive in our approach to safety, working to eliminate hazards before causing injury or harm. We invest in our employees, supervisors and managers and engage them in finding workable solutions to achieve a Zero Injury Workplace. \nTalent Acquisition: We are always looking for nimble, smart, growth-minded people \u2013 regardless of background \u2013 to help our organization continue to succeed. We are an employer of choice. We strive for our culture to be transparent, supportive of work/life balance, welcoming of diverse viewpoints, treating all with dignity and respect and supporting each individuals' needs for professional growth and development. \nPerformance Management: Our formalized bi-annual performance review process accelerates employee growth and development at every stage of the process: (1) objectives and goal setting, (2) ongoing performance check-ins and coaching, as well as (3) performance evaluation and review. We also have Structured Individual Development Plans to assist managers in effectively setting targeted development activities for their direct reports and aligning those activities with business priorities. \nEngagement: We regularly conduct a company-wide Employee Engagement Survey to collect tangible data to make our Company even better. To ensure anonymity, we partner with an outside firm to collect and analyze the results. We make the survey available electronically and in hard copy format to make it as easy as possible for all our employees to participate, particularly our manufacturing teams. Our questions cover a wide variety of topics, including safety, culture, diversity, inclusion and belonging, work/life balance and leadership and career development.\nProfessional Development: Our employees enjoy a wide variety of rewards that assist with engagement and development. From traditional items such as compensation to less traditional aspects such as work-life balance, hybrid and remote work arrangements, future career opportunities, and innovative work.\nDiversity and Inclusion: We have a culture that blends our different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives from all employees. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging is real. We want all to feel welcomed. Everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect regardless of their race, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee plays a critical role in advancing us to the next level of awareness and engagement. \nGovernance: Our policy is to comply with the letter and spirit of all laws that govern our operations and to adhere to the highest standards of business ethics. We implemented general legal and ethical guidelines in our \"Code of Conduct.\" The guidelines apply to all employees and majority-owned affiliates, including subsidiaries, both in the United States and other countries. \nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, our total workforce consisted of approximately 4,500 employees, which included 182 production employees in Washington, Pennsylvania, who are covered under a collective bargaining agreement which expires on August 31, 2025, and 393 employees in Latrobe, Pennsylvania who are covered under a collective bargaining agreement which has been extended to August 14, 2023. Negotiations with union representatives are currently in process. We believe our relations with our employees are generally good.\n\u00a0\n(d)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nFinancial information about foreign and domestic operations and export sales:\n\u00a0\nSales outside of the United States, including export sales, were $994.1 million, $656.4 million and $549.0 million in fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Long-lived assets held outside of the United States were $15.7 million and $15.7 million as of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For further information on domestic and international sales, see Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\"\n\u00a0\n5\nTable of Contents\n(e)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nAvailable Information:\n\u00a0\nOur Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Carpenter Technology Corporation, which is also applicable to our other executive officers.\u00a0There were no waivers of the Code of Ethics in fiscal year 2023.\u00a0The Code of Ethics and any information regarding any waivers of the Code of Ethics are disclosed on Carpenter's website at www.carpentertechnology.com.\u00a0Our annual reports on Form\u00a010-K, quarterly reports on Form\u00a010-Q and current reports on Form\u00a08-K, filed or furnished pursuant to Section\u00a013(a)\u00a0or 15(d)\u00a0of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (\"SEC\").\u00a0Our website and the content contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K. \nThe SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and other information regarding issuers that file electronically.\u00a0Such information can be accessed through the Internet at www.sec.gov.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\u00a0 Risk Factors\n\u00a0\nThere are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with all businesses that could adversely affect operating performances or financial conditions. The following discussion outlines the risks and uncertainties that management believes are the most material to our business. However, these are not the only risks or uncertainties that could affect our business. Certain risks are associated specifically with our business, industry or customer base, while others have a broader effect. \n\u00a0\nThe demand for certain products we produce may be cyclical.\n\u00a0\nDemand in our end-use markets can be cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions, competitive influences and fluctuations in inventory levels throughout the supply chain. As such, our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and availability of credit could fluctuate significantly from period to period. \n\u00a0\nA significant portion of our sales represents products sold to customers in the commercial aerospace and defense and energy markets. The cyclicality of those markets can adversely affect our current business and our expansion objectives.\n\u00a0\nThe commercial aerospace and defense market is historically cyclical due to both external and internal market factors. These factors include general economic conditions, airline profitability, consumer demand for air travel, varying fuel and labor costs, price competition and international and domestic political conditions such as military conflict and the threat of terrorism. The length and degree of cyclical fluctuation can be influenced by any one or combination of these factors and therefore are difficult to predict with certainty. A downturn in the commercial aerospace and defense industry would adversely affect the demand for our products and/or the prices at which we are able to sell our products; our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. \n\u00a0\nThe energy market has also been historically cyclical, principally as a result of volatile oil prices that impact demand for our products. Our future success requires us to, among other things, expand in key international energy markets by successfully adding to our customer base, distribution channels and product portfolio. The volatility of oil prices and other factors that contribute to the cyclicality of the energy market will impact our ability to expand successfully in this area and may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. \nAny significant delay or inability to successfully expand our operations in a timely and cost-effective manner could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. \n\u00a0\nOver the last few years, we have undertaken capital projects associated with expanding our production capacity and capability.\u00a0These projects place a significant demand on management and operational resources. Our success in expanding our operations in a cost-effective manner depends upon numerous factors including the ability of management to ensure the necessary resources are in place to properly execute these projects, our ability to obtain the necessary internal and customer qualifications to produce material from the facilities and our ability to operate the facilities to maximize the potential opportunities with minimal impacts to our existing operations. If we are not able to achieve the anticipated results from our capital expansion projects, or if we incur unanticipated delays, or excess costs, our results of operations and financial position may be materially adversely affected. \n\u00a0\n6\nTable of Contents\nPeriods of reduced demand and excess supply as well as the availability of substitute lower cost materials can adversely affect our ability to price and sell our products at the profitability levels we require to be successful.\n\u00a0\nAdditional worldwide capacity and reduced demand for our products could significantly impact future worldwide pricing which would adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, continued availability of lower cost, substitute materials may cause significant fluctuations in future results as our customers opt for a lower cost alternative. \n\u00a0\nWe change prices on our products as we deem necessary. In addition to the above general competitive impact, other market conditions and various economic factors beyond our control can adversely affect the timing of our pricing actions. The effects of any pricing actions may be delayed due to long manufacturing lead times or the terms of existing contracts. There is no guarantee that the pricing actions we implement will be effective in maintaining the Company's profit margin levels. \n\u00a0\nWe rely on third parties to supply certain raw materials and supplies that are critical to the manufacture of our products and we may not be able to access alternative sources of these raw materials if the suppliers are unwilling or unable to meet our demand.\n\u00a0\nCosts of certain critical raw materials, such as nickel, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, titanium, iron and scrap containing these alloys have been volatile due to factors beyond our control. We expect to mitigate most of the adverse impact of rising raw material costs through raw material surcharges, indices to customers and raw material forward contracts, but changes in business conditions could adversely affect our ability to recover rapid increases in raw material costs and may adversely affect our results of operations. \n\u00a0\nIn addition, the availability of critical raw materials and supplies is subject to factors that are not in our control. In some cases, these critical raw materials and supplies are purchased from suppliers operating in countries that may be subject to unstable political and economic conditions.\u00a0At any given time, we may be unable to obtain an adequate supply of these critical raw materials and supplies on a timely basis, at prices and other terms acceptable to us, or at all. \n\u00a0\nIf suppliers increase the price of critical raw materials or are unwilling or unable to meet our demand, we may not have alternative sources of supply. In addition, to the extent that we have quoted prices to customers and accepted customer orders for products prior to purchasing necessary raw materials, or have existing contracts, we may be unable to raise the price of products to cover all or part of the increased cost of the raw materials to our customers.\nThe manufacture of some of our products is a complex process and requires long lead times. As a result, we may experience delays or shortages in the supply of raw materials. If unable to obtain adequate and timely receipts of required raw materials, we may be unable to timely manufacture sufficient quantities of products. This could cause us to lose sales, incur additional costs, delay new product introductions or suffer harm to our reputation. \nWe provide benefits to active and retired employees throughout most of our Company, most of which are not covered by insurance; and thus, our financial condition can be adversely affected if our investment returns are insufficient to meet these obligations. \n\u00a0\nWe have obligations to provide substantial benefits to active and retired employees, and most of the associated costs are paid by the Company and are not covered by insurance. In addition, certain employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans, with the majority of our plans covering employees in the United States. Benefits accrued to eligible participants of our largest qualified defined benefit pension plan and certain non-qualified pension plans were frozen effective\u00a0December 31, 2016. Many domestic and international competitors do not provide defined benefit plans and/or retiree health care plans, and other international competitors operate in jurisdictions with government sponsored health care plans that may offer them a cost advantage.\u00a0A decline in the value of plan investments in the future, an increase in costs or liabilities or unfavorable changes in laws or regulations that govern pension plan funding could materially change the timing and amount of required pension funding. A requirement to accelerate or increase pension contributions in the future could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.\n\u00a0\n7\nTable of Contents\nThe extensive environmental, health and safety regulatory regimes applicable to our manufacturing operations create potential exposure to significant liabilities.\n\u00a0\nThe nature of our manufacturing business subjects our operations to numerous and varied federal, state, local and international laws and regulations relating to pollution, protection of public health and the environment, natural resource damages and occupational safety and health. We have used, and currently use and manufacture, substantial quantities of substances that are considered hazardous, extremely hazardous or toxic under worker safety and health laws and regulations. Although we implement controls and procedures designed to reduce continuing risk of adverse impacts and health and safety issues, we could incur substantial cleanup costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third party property damage or personal injury claims as a result of violations, non-compliance or liabilities under these regulatory regimes required at our facilities. \nWe have environmental remediation liabilities at some of our owned operating facilities and have been designated as a potentially responsible party (\"PRP\") with respect to certain third party Superfund or similar waste disposal sites and other third party owned sites. Additionally, we have been notified that we may be a PRP with respect to other Superfund sites as to which no proceedings have been instituted against us. From time to time, we are a party to lawsuits and other proceedings involving alleged violations of, or liabilities arising from, environmental laws. \n\u00a0\nWhen our liability is probable and we can reasonably estimate our costs, we record environmental liabilities in our financial statements. However, in many cases, we are not able to determine whether we are liable, or if liability is probable, in order to reasonably estimate the loss or range of loss which could result from such environmental liabilities. Estimates of our liability remain subject to additional uncertainties, including the nature and extent of site contamination, available remediation alternatives, the extent of corrective actions that may be required, and the number and financial condition of other PRPs, as well as the extent of their responsibility for the remediation. We adjust our accruals to reflect new information as appropriate. Future adjustments could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in a given period, but we cannot reliably predict the amounts of such future adjustments. Future developments, administrative actions or liabilities relating to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. \n\u00a0\nOur manufacturing processes, and the manufacturing processes of many of our suppliers and customers, are energy intensive and generate carbon dioxide and other \"Greenhouse Gases,\" and pending legislation or regulation of Greenhouse Gases, if enacted or adopted in an onerous form, could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. \n\u00a0\nPolitical and scientific debates related to the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions on the global climate are prevalent. Regulation or some form of legislation aimed at reducing the greenhouse gas emissions is currently being considered both in the United States and globally. As a specialty alloy manufacturer, we will be affected, both directly and indirectly, if climate change legislation, such as use of a \"cap and trade\" system, is enacted and implemented. Such legislation could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\u00a0\nProduct liability and product quality claims could adversely affect our operating results.\n\u00a0\nWe produce ultra high strength, high temperature and corrosion-resistant alloys designed for our customers' demanding applications particularly in our Aerospace and Defense, Medical and Energy end-use markets. Failure of the materials that are included in our customers' applications could give rise to substantial product liability claims. There can be no assurance that our insurance coverage will be adequate or continue to be available on terms acceptable to us.\u00a0We have a complex manufacturing process necessary to meet our customers' stringent product specifications. We are also required to adhere to various third party quality certifications and perform sufficient internal quality reviews to ensure compliance with established standards. If we fail to meet the customer specifications for their products, we may be subject to product quality costs and claims. These costs are generally not insured. The impacts of product liability and quality claims could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n \n8\nTable of Contents\nOur business subjects us to risks of litigation claims, as a routine matter, and this risk increases the potential for a loss that might not be covered by insurance.\n\u00a0\nLitigation claims relate to the conduct of our currently and formerly owned businesses, including claims pertaining to product liability, commercial disputes, employment actions, employee benefits, compliance with domestic and international laws and regulations, personal injury, patent infringement and tax issues. Due to the uncertainties of litigation, we can give no assurance that we will prevail on claims made against us in the lawsuits that we currently face or that additional claims will not be made against us in the future. The outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, and some of these lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be determined adversely to us.\u00a0The resolution in any reporting period of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for that period. We can give no assurance that any other matters brought in the future will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\u00a0\nA portion of our workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements and union attempts to organize our other employees may cause work interruptions or stoppages.\n\u00a0\nApproximately 182 production employees at our Dynamet business unit located in Washington, Pennsylvania are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.\u00a0This agreement expires August\u00a031, 2025.\u00a0Approximately 393 production employees at our Latrobe business unit located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania are covered by a collective bargaining agreement which has been extended to August\u00a014, 2023. Negotiations with union representatives are currently in process. There can be no assurance that we will succeed in concluding collective bargaining agreements with the unions to replace those that expire which could result in work interruptions and stoppages. From time to time, the employees at our manufacturing facility in Reading, Pennsylvania, participate in election campaigns or union organizing attempts. There is no guarantee that future organization attempts will not result in union representation.\n\u00a0\nOur manufacturing processes are complex and depend upon critical, high cost equipment for which there may be only limited or no production alternatives. \n\u00a0\nIt is possible that we could experience prolonged periods of reduced production due to unplanned equipment failures, and we could incur significant repair or replacement costs in the event of those failures.\u00a0It is also possible that operations could be disrupted due to other unforeseen circumstances such as power outages, explosions, fires, floods, accidents and severe weather conditions. We must make regular, substantial capital investments and changes to our manufacturing processes to lower production costs, improve productivity, manufacture new or improved products and remain competitive. We may not be in a position to take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures if we fail to update, replace or make additions to our equipment or our manufacturing processes in a timely manner.\u00a0The cost to repair or replace much of our equipment or facilities would be significant.\u00a0We cannot be certain that we will have sufficient internally generated cash or acceptable external financing to make necessary capital expenditures in the future.\n\u00a0\nA significant portion of our manufacturing and production facilities are located in Reading and Latrobe, Pennsylvania and Athens, Alabama, which increases our exposure to significant disruption to our business as a result of unforeseeable developments in these geographic areas.\n\u00a0\nIt is possible that we could experience prolonged periods of reduced production due to unforeseen catastrophic events occurring in or around our manufacturing facilities in Reading and Latrobe, Pennsylvania and Athens, Alabama. As a result, we may be unable to shift manufacturing capabilities to alternate locations, accept materials from suppliers, meet customer shipment needs or address other severe consequences that may be encountered.\u00a0Our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.\nWe rely on third parties to supply energy consumed at each of our energy-intensive production facilities.\n\u00a0\nThe prices for and availability of electricity, natural gas, oil and other energy resources are subject to volatile market conditions. These market conditions often are affected by political and economic factors beyond our control. Disruptions or lack of availability in the supply of energy resources could temporarily impair the ability to operate our production facilities. Further, increases in energy costs, or changes in costs relative to energy costs paid by competitors, have affected and may continue to adversely affect our profitability. To the extent that these uncertainties cause suppliers and customers to be more cost sensitive, increased energy prices may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\u00a0\n9\nTable of Contents\nWe consider acquisitions, joint ventures and other business combination opportunities, as well as possible business unit dispositions, as part of our overall business strategy, that involve uncertainties and potential risks that we cannot predict or anticipate fully.\n\u00a0\nFrom time to time, management holds discussions with management of other companies to explore such aforementioned opportunities. As a result, the relative makeup of the businesses comprising our Company is subject to change. Acquisitions, joint ventures and other business combinations involve various inherent risks. Such risks include difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies, products and personnel of the acquired companies, diversion of management's attention from existing operations, difficulties in entering markets in which we have limited or no direct prior experience, dependence on unfamiliar supply chains, insufficient revenues to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions, loss of key employees of the acquired companies, inaccurate assessment of undisclosed liabilities, difficulties in realizing projected efficiencies, synergies and cost savings, and increases in our debt or limitation on our ability to access additional capital when needed.\n\u00a0\nRegulations related to conflict minerals could adversely impact our business.\nThe SEC has promulgated final rules\u00a0mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act regarding disclosure of the use of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, known as conflict minerals, in products manufactured by public companies. These rules\u00a0require due diligence to determine whether such minerals originated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the \"DRC\") or an adjoining country and whether such minerals helped finance the armed conflict in the DRC.\u00a0The Company timely filed its latest annual conflict minerals report required by the rules\u00a0on May 26, 2023. There are costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements going forward, including costs to determine the origin of conflict minerals used in our products. In addition, the implementation of these rules\u00a0could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products.\u00a0Also, we may face disqualification as a supplier for customers and reputational challenges if the due diligence procedures we continue to implement do not enable us to verify the origins for all conflict minerals or to determine that such minerals are DRC conflict-free.\nOur business may be impacted by external factors that we may not be able to control.\n\u00a0\nWar (such as the current war in Ukraine), civil conflict, terrorism, other geopolitical and diplomatic tensions, natural disasters, climate change and public health issues including domestic or international pandemics, other outbreaks of contagious diseases (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and other adverse public health developments have caused or could cause damage or disruption to domestic or international commerce by creating economic or political uncertainties. Additionally, the volatility in the financial markets could negatively impact our business. These events could result in a decrease in demand for our products, affect the availability of credit facilities to us, our customers or other members of the supply chain necessary to transact business, make it difficult or impossible to deliver orders to customers or receive materials from suppliers, affect the availability or pricing of energy sources or result in other severe consequences that may or may not be predictable. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. \n\u00a0\nOur international operations and global sales expose us to various risks including the impact of tariffs, which may adversely affect our business.\n\u00a0\nRisks associated with international operations include without limitation: political and economic instability, including weak conditions in the world's economies; difficulty in collecting accounts receivable; unstable or unenforced export controls; changes in legal and regulatory requirements; policy changes affecting the markets for our products; changes in duties, quotas, tariffs and taxes; changes in taxation including the ability to repatriate earnings; and exchange rate fluctuations (which may affect sales to international customers and the value of profits earned on international sales when converted into U.S. dollars). In addition, we will need to invest in building our capabilities and infrastructure to meet our international growth goals. Any of these factors could materially adversely affect our results for the period in which they occur.\nSignificant changes to United States and international trade policies continue to emerge and activity levels have increased with regard to new import and export tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, and quotas; modifications to international trade policy; the withdrawal from or renegotiation of certain trade agreements; and other changes. These changes, including any implementation of or changes in trade sanctions, tariffs and embargoes, could materially adversely impact our business or require us to make changes to our current business practices or supply chain. \n10\nTable of Contents\nWe value most of our inventory using the LIFO method, which could be repealed resulting in adverse effects on our cash flows and financial condition.\n\u00a0\nThe cost of our inventories is primarily determined using the Last-In, First-Out (\"LIFO\") method. Under the LIFO inventory valuation method, changes in the cost of raw materials and production activities are recognized in cost of sales in the current period even though these materials and other costs may have been incurred at significantly different values due to the length of time of our production cycle. Generally, in a period of rising prices, LIFO recognizes higher costs of goods sold, which both reduces current income and assigns a lower value to the year-end inventory.\u00a0From time to time, there have been proposals aimed at repealing the election to use the LIFO method for income tax purposes. According to these proposals, generally taxpayers that currently use the LIFO method would be required to revalue their LIFO inventory to its First-In, First-Out (\"FIFO\") value. As of June\u00a030, 2023, if the FIFO method of inventory had been used instead of the LIFO method, our inventories would have been approximately $517.2 million higher. This increase in inventory would result in a one-time increase in taxable income which may be taken into account over the following several taxable years. The repeal of the LIFO method could result in a substantial tax liability which could adversely impact our cash flows and financial condition.\n\u00a0\nWe depend on the ability to hire and retain a qualified workforce and key personnel.\n\u00a0\nMuch of our future success depends on the continued service and availability of skilled personnel, including members of our executive management team, management, metallurgists and production positions. Failure to attract, hire, develop, motivate, and retain highly qualified employee talent, or failure to develop and implement an adequate succession plan for the management team, could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success.\nCybersecurity attacks and other security breaches or failures in functionality of our information technology (\"IT\") and computer systems could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations and compromise the integrity of confidential data. \n\u00a0\nManagement relies extensively on IT infrastructure, including hardware, networks, software, people and processes, to provide useful information to conduct our business and support assessments and conclusions about operating performance. Our inability to produce relevant and/or reliable measures of operating performance in an efficient, cost-effective and well-controlled fashion may have significant negative impacts on our future operations. In addition, any material failure, interruption of service, or compromised data security could adversely affect our operations. Security breaches in our IT could result in theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation or release of confidential data or intellectual property which could adversely impact our future results.\nWe are regularly the target of attempted cyber and other security threats and must continuously monitor and develop our IT networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events that could have a security impact. Cybersecurity attacks are evolving in both frequency and sophistication and could be made by both internal and external individuals or groups with an extensive range of motives. If we are unable to prevent cybersecurity attacks and other information security breaches, we may encounter significant disruptions in our operations which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations or result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Such breaches may also harm our reputation, result in financial losses or subject us to litigation or other costs or penalties.\n11\nTable of Contents\nThe carrying value of goodwill and other long-lived assets may not be recoverable.\n\u00a0\nGoodwill and other long-lived assets including property, plant and equipment, software and other intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. We review these assets at least annually for impairment. Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in performance, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations and a variety of other factors. Any future impairment of goodwill or other long-lived assets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\nOur ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements may be impacted if we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting. \nWe are subject to the reporting requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (\"Sarbanes-Oxley\"). Sarbanes-Oxley requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We are also required to make a formal assessment and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, which must be attested to by our independent registered public accounting firm. In order to maintain the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, resources, including accounting-related costs and management oversight.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\u00a0 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nBackground and General\n\u00a0\nOur discussions below in this Item 7 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included in this annual report on Form\u00a010-K. \n\u00a0\nWe are a producer and distributor of premium specialty alloys, including titanium alloys, powder metals, stainless steels, alloy steels, and tool steels. We are a recognized leader in high-performance specialty alloy-based materials and process solutions for critical applications in the aerospace, defense, medical, transportation, energy, industrial and consumer markets. We have evolved to become a pioneer in premium specialty alloys, including titanium, nickel, and cobalt, as well as alloys specifically engineered for additive manufacturing processes and soft magnetics applications. We primarily process basic raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, titanium, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, iron scrap and other metal alloying elements through various melting, hot forming and cold working facilities to produce finished products in the form of billet, bar, rod, wire and narrow strip in many sizes and finishes. We also produce certain metal powders and parts. Our sales are distributed directly from our production plants and distribution network as well as through independent distributors. Unlike many other specialty steel producers, we operate our own worldwide network of service and distribution centers. These service centers, located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia allow us to work more closely with customers and to offer various just-in-time stocking programs. \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAs part of our overall business strategy, we have sought out and considered opportunities related to strategic acquisitions and joint collaborations as well as possible business unit dispositions aimed at broadening our offering to the marketplace. We have participated with other companies to explore potential terms and structures of such opportunities and expect that we will continue to evaluate these opportunities. \nWhile we prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (\"U.S. GAAP\"), we also utilize and present certain financial measures that are not based on or included in U.S. GAAP (we refer to these as \"Non-GAAP financial measures\"). Please see the section \"Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" below for further discussion of these financial measures, including the reasons why we use such financial measures and reconciliations of such financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP financial measures. \n\u00a0\n17\nTable of Contents\nBusiness Trends\n\u00a0\nSelected financial results for the past three fiscal years are summarized below:\n\u00a0\nYears Ended June 30,\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions,\u00a0except\u00a0per\u00a0share\u00a0data)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nNet sales\n$\n2,550.3\u00a0\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\n$\n1,475.6\u00a0\nNet sales excluding surcharge revenue (1)\n$\n1,848.0\u00a0\n$\n1,400.0\u00a0\n$\n1,252.8\u00a0\nOperating income (loss)\n$\n133.1\u00a0\n$\n(24.9)\n$\n(248.6)\nAdjusted operating income (loss) (1)\n$\n133.1\u00a0\n$\n(34.0)\n$\n(105.5)\nNet income (loss)\n$\n56.4\u00a0\n$\n(49.1)\n$\n(229.6)\nDiluted earnings (loss) per share\n$\n1.14\u00a0\n$\n(1.01)\n$\n(4.76)\nAdjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)\n$\n1.14\u00a0\n$\n(1.06)\n$\n(2.01)\nPurchases of property, plant, equipment and software\n$\n82.3\u00a0\n$\n91.3\u00a0\n$\n100.5\u00a0\nAdjusted free cash flow (1)\n$\n(67.6)\n$\n(83.1)\n$\n171.1\u00a0\nPounds sold (in thousands) (2)\n214,122\u00a0\n188,112\u00a0\n169,706\u00a0\n(1)\u00a0 See the section \"Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" below for further discussion of these financial measures.\n\u00a0\n(2)\u00a0 Pounds sold data includes Specialty Alloys Operations segment and Dynamet and Additive businesses from the Performance Engineered Products segment.\nOur sales are across diverse end-use markets. The table below summarizes our sales by end-use market over the past three fiscal years: \n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nYears Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\nDollars\n%\u00a0of\nTotal\nDollars\n%\u00a0of\nTotal\nDollars\n%\u00a0of\nTotal\nAerospace and Defense\n$\n1,290.7\u00a0\n51\u00a0\n%\n$\n790.2\u00a0\n43\u00a0\n%\n$\n710.9\u00a0\n48\u00a0\n%\nMedical\n301.6\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n212.3\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n143.5\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\nTransportation\n185.0\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n178.3\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\n144.5\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\nEnergy\n163.3\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n113.0\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n87.8\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\nIndustrial and Consumer\n487.2\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n%\n417.2\u00a0\n23\u00a0\n%\n292.1\u00a0\n20\u00a0\n%\nDistribution\n122.5\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n125.3\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n96.8\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\nTotal net sales\n$\n2,550.3\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,475.6\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n18\nTable of Contents\nImpact of Raw Material Prices and Product Mix\n\u00a0\nWe value most of our inventory utilizing the LIFO inventory costing methodology. Under the LIFO inventory costing method, changes in the cost of raw materials and production activities are recognized in cost of sales in the current period even though these materials may have been acquired at potentially significantly different values due to the length of time from the acquisition of the raw materials to the sale of the processed finished goods to the customers. In a period of rising raw material costs, the LIFO inventory valuation normally results in higher cost of sales. Conversely, in a period of decreasing raw material costs, the LIFO inventory valuation normally results in lower cost of sales. \nThe volatility of the costs of raw materials has impacted our operations over the past several years. We, and others in our industry, generally have been able to pass cost increases on major raw materials through to our customers using surcharges that are structured to recover increases in raw material costs.\u00a0Generally, the formula used to calculate a surcharge is based on published prices of the respective raw materials for the previous month which correlates to the prices we pay for our raw material purchases. However, a portion of our surcharges to customers may be calculated using a different surcharge formula or may be based on the raw material prices at the time of order, which creates a lag between surcharge revenue and corresponding raw material costs recognized in cost of sales. The surcharge mechanism protects our net income on such sales except for the lag effect discussed above. However, surcharges have had a dilutive effect on our gross margin and operating margin percentages as described later in this report. \n\u00a0\nApproximately 45 percent of our net sales are sales to customers under firm price sales arrangements. Firm price sales arrangements involve a risk of profit margin fluctuations, particularly when raw material prices are volatile. In order to reduce the risk of fluctuating profit margins on these sales, we enter into commodity forward contracts to purchase certain critical raw materials necessary to produce the related products sold.\u00a0Firm price sales arrangements generally include certain annual purchasing commitments and consumption schedules agreed to by the customers at selling prices based on raw material prices at the time the arrangements are established. If a customer fails to meet the volume commitments (or the consumption schedule deviates from the agreed-upon terms of the firm price sales arrangements), we may need to absorb the gains or losses associated with the commodity forward contracts on a temporary basis. Gains or losses associated with commodity forward contracts are reclassified to earnings/loss when earnings are impacted by the hedged transaction. Because we value most of our inventory under the LIFO costing methodology, changes in the cost of raw materials and production activities are recognized in cost of sales in the current period attempting to match the most recently incurred costs with revenues. Gains and/or losses on the commodity forward contracts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (\"AOCI\") together with the actual purchase price of the underlying commodities when the underlying commodities are purchased and recorded in inventory. To the extent that the total purchase price of the commodities, inclusive of the gains or losses on the commodity forward contracts, are higher or lower relative to the beginning of year costs, our cost of goods sold reflects such amounts. Accordingly, the gains and/or losses associated with commodity forward contracts may not impact the same period that the firm price sales arrangements revenue is recognized, and comparisons of gross profit from period to period may be impacted. These firm price sales arrangements are expected to continue as we look to strengthen our long-term customer relationships by expanding, renewing and, in certain cases, extending to a longer term, our customer long-term arrangements.\n\u00a0\nWe produce hundreds of grades of materials, with a wide range of pricing and profit levels depending on the grade. In addition, our product mix within a period is subject to the fluctuating order patterns of our customers as well as decisions we may make on participation in certain products based on available capacity including the impacts of capacity commitments we may have under existing customer agreements. While we expect to see positive contribution from a more favorable product mix in our margin performance over time, the impact by period may fluctuate, and period to period comparisons may vary.\nImpact of Inflation and Supply Chain Disruption\nRecent inflationary pressures affecting the general economy have impacted our operating costs including increased costs for raw materials, energy, key operating supplies and labor. \nAdditionally, global supply chain disruptions have affected our operations, including the availability and cost of labor, as well as the supply of industrial goods. As a result, we are experiencing higher labor rates, extended lead times for supplies, as well as delayed capital expenditures due to the availability of equipment and outside contractors. These disruptions have resulted in increased direct costs and certain inefficiencies in our operations. \n19\nTable of Contents\nWe have taken steps that we believe are necessary to mitigate inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions. As discussed above, we have certain mechanisms in place to reduce the impact for the most significant of these items and have been able to recover these increases through our raw material surcharge and other pricing strategies. We have long-term relationships with major suppliers who provide availability of material at competitive prices along with arrangements with certain vendors to provide consigned materials at our manufacturing facilities available for our consumption as necessary. We also continue to execute on targeted initiatives to maximize productivity and achieve capacity gains.\nWhile these inflation and supply chain factors could negatively impact our business in the near-term, we do not currently expect them to materially impact our business outlook or operational goals over the long-term.\nNet Pension Expense (Benefit)\n\u00a0\nNet pension expense (benefit), as we define it below, includes the net periodic benefit costs related to both our pension and other postretirement plans. The net periodic benefit costs are determined annually based on beginning of year balances and are recorded ratably throughout the fiscal year, unless a significant re-measurement event occurs. \nDuring the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2021, we evaluated the need for settlement accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (\"ASC\") 715-30-35-82 based on the higher than normal lump-sum payments made during fiscal year 2021 in our largest defined benefit plan. We determined that the lump-sum payments exceeded the threshold of service cost and interest cost components and settlement accounting was required. We recorded settlement charges of $11.4 million in the year ended June\u00a030, 2021, within other expense (income), net.\nThe following is a summary of the net pension expense (income) for the years ended June\u00a030, 2023, 2022 and 2021:\n\u00a0\nYears\u00a0Ended\u00a0June\u00a030,\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nPension plans\n$\n20.6\u00a0\n$\n(4.2)\n$\n21.3\u00a0\nOther postretirement plans\n(0.7)\n(3.1)\n3.3\u00a0\nNet pension expense (income) \n$\n19.9\u00a0\n$\n(7.3)\n$\n24.6\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe service cost component of net pension expense (income) represents the estimated cost of future pension liabilities earned associated with active employees. The pension earnings, interest and deferrals is comprised of the expected return on plan assets, interest costs on the projected benefit obligations of the plans and amortization of actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and benefits. \nNet periodic expense (income) is recorded in accounts that are included in both the cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses based on the function of the associated employees and in other expense (income), net.\u00a0The following is a summary of the classification of net pension expense (income) for the years ended June\u00a030, 2023, 2022 and 2021:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nYears\u00a0Ended\u00a0June\u00a030,\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nService cost included in Cost of sales\n$\n8.6\u00a0\n$\n9.6\u00a0\n$\n10.8\u00a0\nService cost included in Selling, general and administrative expenses\n1.3\u00a0\n1.4\u00a0\n1.5\u00a0\nPension earnings, interest and deferrals included in Other expense (income), net\n10.0\u00a0\n(18.3)\n0.9\u00a0\nSettlement charge included in Other expense (income), net\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n11.4\u00a0\nNet pension expense (income) \n$\n19.9\u00a0\n$\n(7.3)\n$\n24.6\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, amounts capitalized in gross inventory were $2.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively.\n20\nTable of Contents\nOperating Performance Overview\n\u00a0\nMore than a year ago, we set the goal to return to pre-pandemic (fiscal year 2019) profitability on a run-rate basis by the end of fiscal year 2023. We exceeded that goal in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. Our performance was driven by increased productivity at our facilities, improved product mix and realized price increases. Notably, the Specialty Alloys Operations segment demonstrated significant improvement, reaching $179.1 million of operating income, or 8.1 percent of net sales (11.6 percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), compared to operating income of $9.6 million, or 0.6 percent of net sales (0.8 percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), for fiscal year 2022.\nReturning to our pre-pandemic profitability is an important milestone on our journey to doubling our operating income by fiscal year 2027 (versus fiscal year 2019), and we expect to continue our momentum into fiscal year 2024. We believe that we are well-positioned to realize our target: we are operating in a strong demand environment in which our customers want more material, sooner, resulting in record backlogs. We are increasing our productivity across facilities, as evidenced by our performance in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, and we are actively managing our preventive maintenance schedules to protect our unique assets, serve our customers and maximize shipments. Macro trends are increasing demand across our end-use markets for our broad portfolio of specialized solutions. We have leading capabilities and capacity with a difficult-to-replicate system of assets, and we continue to drive improved productivity to capture the demand.\nResults of Operations \u2014 Fiscal Year 2023 Compared to Fiscal Year 2022\n\u00a0\nFor fiscal year 2023, we reported net income of $56.4 million, or $1.14 earnings per diluted share. This compares with net loss of $49.1 million, or $1.01 loss per diluted share, in fiscal year 2022. There were no reported special items for fiscal year 2023. Excluding special items for fiscal year 2022, loss per diluted share would have been $1.06. The results for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 were driven by growing demand across all our end-use markets, increased productivity at our facilities, improved product mix and realized price increases. \nSpecial items included in our fiscal year 2022 results included negative impacts from COVID-19 charges of $5.9 million, a historical environmental site charge of $2.4 million and debt extinguishment losses, net of $6.0 million. These charges were offset by benefits related to COVID-19 employee retention credits of $12.7 million and an acquisition-related contingent liability release of $4.7 million.\nNet Sales\n\u00a0\nNet sales for fiscal year 2023 were $2,550.3 million, which represents a 39 percent increase from fiscal year 2022. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales were 32 percent higher than fiscal year 2022 on 14 percent higher volume.\u00a0The results reflect double-digit sales growth across Aerospace and Defense, Medical, Energy and Industrial and Consumer end-use markets versus the prior year period. \n\u00a0\nGeographically, sales outside the United States increased 51 percent from fiscal year 2022 to $994.1 million. The increase was due to higher product demand in all regions and in all end-use markets except Distribution. In particular, Aerospace and Defense outside the United States increased 89 percent. A portion of our sales outside the United States are denominated in foreign currencies. The impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a $5.8 million decrease in sales during fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022. International sales as a percentage of our total net sales represented 39 percent and 36 percent for fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2022, respectively.\n\u00a0\n21\nTable of Contents\nSales by End-Use Markets\nWe sell to customers across diversified end-use markets.\u00a0The following table includes comparative information for our net sales, which includes surcharge revenue, by principal end-use markets. We believe this is helpful supplemental information in analyzing the performance of the business from period to period.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n$\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n%\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2023\n2022\nAerospace and Defense\n$\n1,290.7\u00a0\n$\n790.2\u00a0\n$\n500.5\u00a0\n63\u00a0\n%\nMedical\n301.6\u00a0\n212.3\u00a0\n89.3\u00a0\n42\u00a0\n%\nTransportation\n185.0\u00a0\n178.3\u00a0\n6.7\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\nEnergy\n163.3\u00a0\n113.0\u00a0\n50.3\u00a0\n45\u00a0\n%\nIndustrial and Consumer\n487.2\u00a0\n417.2\u00a0\n70.0\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\nDistribution\n122.5\u00a0\n125.3\u00a0\n(2.8)\n(2)\n%\nTotal net sales\n$\n2,550.3\u00a0\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\n$\n714.0\u00a0\n39\u00a0\n%\nThe following table includes comparative information for our net sales by the same principal end-use markets, but excluding surcharge revenue:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n$\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n%\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2023\n2022\nAerospace and Defense\n$\n919.5\u00a0\n$\n599.6\u00a0\n$\n319.9\u00a0\n53\u00a0\n%\nMedical\n241.3\u00a0\n177.2\u00a0\n64.1\u00a0\n36\u00a0\n%\nTransportation\n121.8\u00a0\n125.2\u00a0\n(3.4)\n(3)\n%\nEnergy\n104.3\u00a0\n76.3\u00a0\n28.0\u00a0\n37\u00a0\n%\nIndustrial and Consumer\n339.4\u00a0\n297.2\u00a0\n42.2\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\nDistribution\n121.7\u00a0\n124.5\u00a0\n(2.8)\n(2)\n%\nTotal net sales excluding surcharge revenue\n$\n1,848.0\u00a0\n$\n1,400.0\u00a0\n$\n448.0\u00a0\n32\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\nSales to the Aerospace and Defense end-use market increased 63 percent from fiscal year 2022 to $1,290.7 million. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales increased 53 percent on 34 percent higher shipment volume. The fiscal year 2023 results reflect increases across all Aerospace end-use sub-markets. This was driven by ramping activity levels across the aerospace supply chain due to higher aircraft build rates to replace aging fleets and meet increasing passenger travel demand. The fiscal year 2022 results reflected short-term operational challenges associated with the Reading press outage and labor shortages. \n\u00a0\u00a0\nSales to the Medical end-use market increased 42 percent to $301.6 million from fiscal year 2022. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales increased 36 percent on 30 percent higher shipment volume. The fiscal year 2023 results reflect higher demand across all applications as the medical supply chain replenishes inventory levels to meet higher patient demand for elective medical procedures. \nTransportation end-use market sales of $185.0 million reflected a 4 percent increase from fiscal year 2022. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales decreased 3 percent on 20 percent lower shipment volume. The fiscal year 2023 results reflect an improved mix from recent price increases, particularly in light-duty vehicle applications, offset by reduced medium and heavy-duty build rates compared to fiscal year 2022. \nSales to the Energy end-use market of $163.3 million reflected a 45 percent increase from fiscal year 2022. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales increased 37 percent on 35 percent higher shipment volume. The fiscal year 2023 results reflect increasing global rig counts and higher oil prices benefiting the oil and gas sub-market along with slightly higher demand for power generation materials compared to fiscal year 2022. \nIndustrial and Consumer end-use market sales of $487.2 million increased 17 percent from 2022. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales increased 14 percent on 1 percent lower shipment volume. The fiscal year 2023 results reflect stronger product mix, higher demand for semiconductor materials and increased sales in the electronic sub-market.\n22\nTable of Contents\nGross Profit\n\u00a0\nGross profit in fiscal year 2023 increased to $337.3 million, or 13.2 percent of net sales, from $149.8 million, or 8.2 percent of net sales for fiscal year 2022. The fiscal year 2023 results reflect the impact of higher volumes across key end-use markets with 39 percent increased net sales, a stronger product mix, higher prices and improved operational efficiencies, partially offset by inflationary cost increases compared to fiscal year 2022. Excluding the impact of surcharge revenue, our adjusted gross margin in fiscal year 2023 was 18.3 percent. This compares to adjusted gross margin of 9.9 percent in fiscal year 2022 after excluding the impact of surcharge revenue and COVID-19 employee retention credits of $11.9 million.\nOur surcharge mechanism is structured to recover increases in raw material costs, although in certain cases with a lag effect as discussed above. While the surcharge generally protects the absolute gross profit dollars, it does have a dilutive effect on gross margin as a percent of sales. The following represents a summary of the dilutive impact of the surcharge on gross margin excluding the impact of the special items. We present and discuss these financial measures because management believes removing the impact of these items provides a more consistent and meaningful basis for comparing results of operations from period to period. See the section \"Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" below for further discussion of these financial measures. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2023\n2022\nNet sales\n$\n2,550.3\u00a0\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\nLess: surcharge revenue\n702.3\u00a0\n436.3\u00a0\nNet sales excluding surcharge revenue\n$\n1,848.0\u00a0\n$\n1,400.0\u00a0\nGross profit:\n$\n337.3\u00a0\n$\n149.8\u00a0\nCOVID-19 employee retention credits\n\u2014\u00a0\n(11.9)\nGross profit excluding special item\n$\n337.3\u00a0\n$\n137.9\u00a0\nGross margin\n13.2\u00a0\n%\n8.2\u00a0\n%\nGross margin excluding surcharge revenue and special item\n18.3\u00a0\n%\n9.9\u00a0\n%\nSelling, General and Administrative Expenses\n\u00a0\nSelling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal year 2023 were $204.2 million, or 8.0 percent of net sales (11.0 percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), compared to $174.7 million, or 9.5 percent of net sales (12.5 percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), in fiscal year 2022. The higher selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal year 2023 reflect higher variable compensation charges compared to fiscal year 2022. Fiscal year 2022 included a noncash benefit of $4.7 million from the reversal of a contingent liability associated with a historical acquisition for which the time period expired. Partially offsetting this benefit in fiscal year 2022 was an environmental charge of $2.4 million which represents a historical environmental site liability.\n23\nTable of Contents\nOperating Income (Loss)\n\u00a0\nOur operating income in fiscal year 2023 was $133.1 million, or 5.2 percent of net sales, as compared with $24.9 million of operating loss, or negative 1.4 percent of net sales, in fiscal year 2022. Excluding surcharge revenue and special items, adjusted operating margin was 7.2 percent for fiscal year 2023 and negative 2.4 percent for fiscal year 2022. Results for fiscal year 2023 reflect higher sales in key end-use markets compared to fiscal year 2022, increased productivity at our facilities, improved product mix and realized price increases. Our fiscal year 2022 operating results were negatively impacted by COVID-19 charges of $5.9 million and a historical environmental site charge of $2.4 million, offset by COVID-19 employee retention credits of $12.7 million and an acquisition-related contingent liability release of $4.7 million. \nThe following presents our operating income (loss) and operating margin, in each case excluding the impact of surcharge on net sales and special items. We present and discuss these financial measures because management believes removing the impact of these items provides a more consistent and meaningful basis for comparing results of operations from period to period. See the section \"Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" below for further discussion of these financial measures. \u00a0 \n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2023\n2022\nNet sales\n$\n2,550.3\u00a0\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\nLess: surcharge revenue\n702.3\u00a0\n436.3\u00a0\nNet sales excluding surcharge revenue\n$\n1,848.0\u00a0\n$\n1,400.0\u00a0\nOperating income (loss)\n$\n133.1\u00a0\n$\n(24.9)\nSpecial items:\nCOVID-19 costs\n\u2014\u00a0\n5.9\u00a0\nCOVID-19 employee retention credits\n\u2014\u00a0\n(12.7)\nAcquisition-related contingent liability release\n\u2014\u00a0\n(4.7)\nEnvironmental site charge\n\u2014\u00a0\n2.4\u00a0\nAdjusted operating income (loss) excluding special items\n$\n133.1\u00a0\n$\n(34.0)\nOperating margin\n5.2\u00a0\n%\n(1.4)\n%\nAdjusted operating margin excluding surcharge revenue and special items\n7.2\u00a0\n%\n(2.4)\n%\nInterest Expense, Net and Debt Extinguishment Losses, Net\n\u00a0\nFiscal year 2023 interest expense, net was $54.1 million compared to $44.9 million in fiscal year 2022. Capitalized interest reduced interest expense by $1.5 million for fiscal year 2023 and by $0.8 million in fiscal year 2022. Debt extinguishment losses, net in fiscal year 2023 were $0.0 million. Debt extinguishment losses, net in fiscal year 2022 were $6.0 million due to debt prepayment costs made in connection with the notes due March 2023. The higher interest expense in fiscal year 2023 is largely due to higher interest rates on debt that was refinanced and short-term borrowings under our Credit Facility.\nOther Expense (Income), Net\n\u00a0\nOther expense, net for fiscal year 2023 was $6.5 million compared with other income, net of $12.7 million in fiscal year 2022. The fiscal year 2023 reflects expense from pension earnings, interest and deferrals compared to income from pension earnings, interest and deferrals from favorable returns on plan assets in fiscal year 2022. \n24\nTable of \nContents\nIncome Taxes\n\u00a0\nOur effective tax rate (income tax expense (benefit) as a percent of income (loss) before taxes) for fiscal year 2023 was 22.2 percent which was the same as 22.2 percent for fiscal year 2022. The fiscal year 2023 tax expense includes the unfavorable impacts of losses in certain foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit can be recognized as well as tax charges of $0.3 million for the impact of a state tax legislative change and $0.4 million resulting from changes in our prior year tax positions. Also included are tax benefits of $1.0 million for anticipated interest on Internal Revenue Service (\"IRS\") income tax refund claims and $0.9 million for decreases in state valuation allowances for deferred tax assets resulting from changes in our ability to utilize certain state net operating loss carryforwards. The fiscal year 2022 tax benefit included the unfavorable impacts of losses in certain foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit can be recognized. \nOn October 8, 2021, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (\"OECD\") released a statement on the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, which agreed to a two-pillar solution to address tax challenges of the digital economy. On December 20, 2021, the OECD released Pillar Two model rules defining a 15 percent global minimum tax rate for large multinational corporations. The OECD continues to release additional guidance and countries are implementing legislation with widespread adoption of the Pillar Two Framework expected by calendar year 2024. We are continuing to evaluate the Pillar Two Framework and its potential impact on future periods.\nThe Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the \"IRA\") was enacted on August 16, 2022. The IRA includes climate and energy provisions, extends the Affordable Care Act subsidies, increases Internal Revenue Enforcement funding and allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. The IRA creates a 15 percent corporate alternative minimum tax on profits of corporations whose average annual adjusted financial statement income for any consecutive three-tax -year period preceding the tax year exceeds $1.0 billion and is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022. The IRA also creates an excise tax of 1 percent on stock repurchases by publicly traded U.S. corporations, effective for repurchases after December 31, 2022. The provisions of the IRA are not expected to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.\nWe assert that substantially all undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries are not considered permanently reinvested. The potential tax implications from the distribution of these earnings are expected to be limited to withholding taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions and are not expected to materially impact the consolidated financial statements. \nSee Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\" for a full reconciliation of the statutory federal tax rate to the effective tax rates.\nBusiness Segment Results\n\u00a0\nSummary information about our operating results on a segment basis is set forth below. For more detailed segment information, see Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\"\nThe following table includes comparative information for volumes by business segment:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\nIncrease\n%\nIncrease\n(Pounds\u00a0sold,\u00a0in\u00a0thousands)\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nSpecialty Alloys Operations\n212,050\u00a0\n187,754\u00a0\n24,296\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n%\nPerformance Engineered Products *\n11,864\u00a0\n10,662\u00a0\n1,202\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\nIntersegment\n(9,792)\n(10,304)\n512\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\nTotal pounds sold\n214,122\u00a0\n188,112\u00a0\n26,010\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\n* Pounds sold data for PEP segment includes Dynamet and Additive businesses only. \n25\nTable of \nContents\nThe following table includes comparative information for net sales by business segment:\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n$\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n%\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nSpecialty Alloys Operations\n$\n2,213.6\u00a0\n$\n1,565.6\u00a0\n$\n648.0\u00a0\n41\u00a0\n%\nPerformance Engineered Products\n433.7\u00a0\n344.5\u00a0\n89.2\u00a0\n26\u00a0\n%\nIntersegment\n(97.0)\n(73.8)\n(23.2)\n(31)\n%\nTotal net sales\n$\n2,550.3\u00a0\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\n$\n714.0\u00a0\n39\u00a0\n%\nThe following table includes comparative information for our net sales by business segment, but excluding surcharge revenue:\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n$\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n%\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nSpecialty Alloys Operations\n$\n1,540.6\u00a0\n$\n1,137.1\u00a0\n$\n403.5\u00a0\n35\u00a0\n%\nPerformance Engineered Products\n397.1\u00a0\n336.7\u00a0\n60.4\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n%\nIntersegment\n(89.7)\n(73.8)\n(15.9)\n(22)\n%\nTotal net sales excluding surcharge revenue\n$\n1,848.0\u00a0\n$\n1,400.0\u00a0\n$\n448.0\u00a0\n32\u00a0\n%\nSpecialty Alloys Operations Segment\n\u00a0\nNet sales in fiscal year 2023 for the SAO segment increased 41 percent to $2,213.6 million, as compared with $1,565.6 million in fiscal year 2022. Excluding surcharge revenue, net sales increased 35 percent from fiscal year 2022 on 13 percent higher shipment volume as compared to fiscal year 2022. The SAO segment results reflect higher sales in all end-use markets except Transportation compared to fiscal year 2022. In particular, Aerospace and Defense sales excluding surcharge increased 54 percent as compared to fiscal year 2022.\n\u00a0\nOperating income for the SAO segment in fiscal year 2023 was $179.1 million, or 8.1 percent of net sales (11.6 percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), compared to operating income of $9.6 million, or 0.6 percent of net sales (0.8 percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), for fiscal year 2022. Fiscal year 2023 reflects increased productivity, improved product mix and realized price increases. Fiscal year 2022 included a benefit of $10.6 million related to COVID-19 employee retention credits offset by COVID-19 related costs of $5.2 million.\nPerformance Engineered Products Segment\n\u00a0\nNet sales for fiscal year 2023 for the PEP segment were $433.7 million as compared with $344.5 million for fiscal year 2022. Excluding surcharge revenue, net sales increased 18 percent from a year ago on 11 percent higher shipment volume. The fiscal year 2023 net sales reflect 11 percent higher shipment volume as compared to fiscal year 2022. The results reflect higher sales in all end-use markets except Distribution. In particular, Medical end-use market sales excluding surcharge increased 32 percent.\n\u00a0\nOperating income for the PEP segment for fiscal year 2023 was $31.8 million, or 7.3 percent of net sales (8.0 percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), as compared with operating income of $18.1 million, or 5.3 percent of net sales for fiscal year 2022. Fiscal year 2023 results reflect stronger demand conditions compared to fiscal year 2022. Fiscal year 2022 included a benefit of $2.1 million related to COVID-19 employee retention credits offset by COVID-19 related costs of $0.7 million.\nResults of Operations \u2014 Fiscal Year 2022 Compared to Fiscal Year 2021\n\u00a0\nFor fiscal year 2022, we reported net loss of $49.1 million, or $1.01 loss per diluted share. Excluding special items, loss per diluted share would have been $1.06 for fiscal year 2022. This compares with net loss of $229.6 million, or $4.76 loss per diluted share in fiscal year 2021. Excluding special items, loss per share would have been $2.01 per diluted share for fiscal year 2021. The results for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 were driven by growing demand across all our end-use markets. \n26\nTable of \nContents\nBoth periods were impacted by special items. Our fiscal year 2022 results were negatively impacted by COVID-19 charges of $5.9 million, a historical environmental site charge of $2.4 million and debt extinguishment losses, net of $6.0 million. These charges were offset by COVID-19 employee retention credits of $12.7 million and an acquisition-related contingent liability release of $4.7\u00a0million. Our fiscal year 2021 results were negatively impacted by a goodwill impairment charge of $52.8 million, LIFO decrement charges of $52.2 million, inventory write-downs from restructuring of $4.2 million, COVID-19 charges of $17.3 million, noncash restructuring and asset impairment charges of $16.6 million, pension settlement charges of $11.4 million, and debt extinguishment losses, net of $8.2 million. The LIFO decrement charges were noncash charges associated with reducing inventory and liquidating LIFO layers that had historical costs in excess of the fiscal year 2021 inventory costs. \nNet Sales\n\u00a0\nNet sales for fiscal year 2022 were $1,836.3 million, which was a 24 percent increase from fiscal year 2021. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales were 12 percent higher than fiscal year 2021 on 11 percent higher volume. The results reflect double-digit sales growth across all end-use markets versus the prior year period. \nGeographically, sales outside the United States increased 20 percent from fiscal year 2021 to $656.4 million. The increase was primarily due to higher product demand in the Medical end-use markets in all regions, higher sales in Aerospace and Defense in the South America region, and stronger demand in the Energy end-use market in the Asia Pacific and Canada regions. A portion of our sales outside the United States are denominated in foreign currencies. The impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a $0.7 million decrease in sales during fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021. International sales as a percentage of our total net sales represented 36 percent and 37 percent for fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2021, respectively.\n\u00a0\nSales by End-Use Markets\n\u00a0\nWe sell to customers across diversified end-use markets. The following table includes comparative information for our net sales, which includes surcharge revenue, by principal end-use markets. We believe this is helpful supplemental information in analyzing performance of the business from period to period. \n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n$\nIncrease\n%\nIncrease\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2022\n2021\nAerospace and Defense\n$\n790.2\u00a0\n$\n710.9\u00a0\n$\n79.3\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\nMedical\n212.3\u00a0\n143.5\u00a0\n68.8\u00a0\n48\u00a0\n%\nTransportation\n178.3\u00a0\n144.5\u00a0\n33.8\u00a0\n23\u00a0\n%\nEnergy\n113.0\u00a0\n87.8\u00a0\n25.2\u00a0\n29\u00a0\n%\nIndustrial and Consumer\n417.2\u00a0\n292.1\u00a0\n125.1\u00a0\n43\u00a0\n%\nDistribution\n125.3\u00a0\n96.8\u00a0\n28.5\u00a0\n29\u00a0\n%\nTotal net sales\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\n$\n1,475.6\u00a0\n$\n360.7\u00a0\n24\u00a0\n%\nThe following table includes comparative information for our net sales by the same principal end-use markets, but excluding surcharge revenue:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n$\nIncrease\n%\nIncrease\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2022\n2021\nAerospace and Defense\n$\n599.6\u00a0\n$\n598.8\u00a0\n$\n0.8\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nMedical\n177.2\u00a0\n128.2\u00a0\n49.0\u00a0\n38\u00a0\n%\nTransportation\n125.2\u00a0\n115.9\u00a0\n9.3\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\nEnergy\n76.3\u00a0\n70.5\u00a0\n5.8\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\nIndustrial and Consumer\n297.2\u00a0\n243.1\u00a0\n54.1\u00a0\n22\u00a0\n%\nDistribution\n124.5\u00a0\n96.3\u00a0\n28.2\u00a0\n29\u00a0\n%\nTotal net sales excluding surcharge revenue\n$\n1,400.0\u00a0\n$\n1,252.8\u00a0\n$\n147.2\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\n27\nTable of \nContents\nSales to the Aerospace and Defense end-use market\u00a0increased 11 percent from fiscal year\u00a02021\u00a0to\u00a0$790.2 million. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales were flat on\u00a04 percent\u00a0higher\u00a0shipment volume. The results reflect higher year-over-year demand as COVID-19 travel restrictions eased and the aircraft OEM build rates increased.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nSales to the Medical end-use market\u00a0increased\u00a048 percent to\u00a0212.3 million\u00a0from fiscal year\u00a02021. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales\u00a0increased\u00a038 percent on\u00a035 percent\u00a0higher\u00a0shipment volume. The results reflect higher demand from the ongoing recovery in elective surgeries, with our customers focused on increasing stock levels to meet demand. \nTransportation end-use market sales of 178.3 million reflected a 23 percent increase from fiscal year 2021. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales\u00a0increased\u00a08 percent on\u00a09\u00a0percent higher\u00a0shipment volume. The results reflect higher demand in all sub-markets but was muted from the continuing chip shortage compared to fiscal year\u00a02021.\nSales to the Energy end-use market of\u00a0113.0 million\u00a0reflected a\u00a029 percent\u00a0increase\u00a0from fiscal year\u00a02021. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales\u00a0increased\u00a08 percent. The results reflect increasing global rig counts and higher oil prices benefiting the oil and gas sub-market. This was partially offset by lower sales for power generation materials compared to fiscal year\u00a02021. Fiscal year 2021 results also include one quarter of the Amega West business, which was divested on September 30, 2020. \nIndustrial and Consumer end-use market sales\u00a0of 417.2 million increased 43 percent from fiscal year 2021. Excluding surcharge revenue, sales\u00a0increased\u00a022 percent on\u00a018 percent\u00a0higher\u00a0shipment volume. The results reflect the impact of stronger demand for materials used across all Consumer and Industrial sub-markets. \nGross Profit\n\u00a0\nGross profit in fiscal year\u00a02022 increased\u00a0to\u00a0$149.8 million, or\u00a08.2\u00a0percent of net sales, from\u00a0$1.0 million, or\u00a00.1\u00a0percent of net sales for fiscal year\u00a02021. Fiscal year 2022 results reflect the impact of higher volumes across all end-use markets, an improving product mix and increased pricing, partially offset by the ongoing inflationary pressures on operating costs related to critical production supplies, freight and labor compared to fiscal year 2021. Excluding the impact of surcharge revenue and $11.9 million of COVID-19 employee retention credits, our adjusted gross margin in fiscal year 2022 was 9.9 percent compared to adjusted gross margin of 4.6 percent in fiscal year 2021.\nOur surcharge mechanism is structured to recover increases in raw material costs, although in certain cases with a lag effect as discussed above. While the surcharge generally protects the absolute gross profit dollars, it does have a dilutive effect on gross margin as a percent of sales. The following represents a summary of the dilutive impact of the surcharge on gross margin excluding the impact of the special items. We present and discuss these financial measures because management believes removing the impact of these items provides a more consistent and meaningful basis for comparing results of operations from period to period. See the section \"Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" below for further discussion of these financial measures.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2022\n2021\nNet sales\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\n$\n1,475.6\u00a0\nLess: surcharge revenue\n436.3\u00a0\n222.8\u00a0\nNet sales excluding surcharge revenue\n$\n1,400.0\u00a0\n$\n1,252.8\u00a0\nGross profit:\n$\n149.8\u00a0\n$\n1.0\u00a0\nLIFO decrement\n\u2014\u00a0\n52.2\u00a0\nInventory write-downs from restructuring\n\u2014\u00a0\n4.2\u00a0\nCOVID-19 employee retention credits\n(11.9)\n\u2014\u00a0\nGross profit excluding special items\n$\n137.9\u00a0\n$\n57.4\u00a0\nGross margin\n8.2\u00a0\n%\n0.1\u00a0\n%\nGross margin excluding surcharge revenue and special items\n9.9\u00a0\n%\n4.6\u00a0\n%\n28\nTable of \nContents\nSelling, General and Administrative Expenses\n\u00a0\nSelling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal year\u00a02022\u00a0were\u00a0$174.7 million, or\u00a09.5\u00a0percent of net sales (12.5\u00a0percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), compared to\u00a0$180.2 million, or\u00a012.2 percent of net sales (14.4\u00a0percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), in fiscal year\u00a02021. The lower selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal year 2022 include a noncash benefit of $4.7 million from the reversal of a contingent liability associated with a historical acquisition for which the time period expired and lower variable compensation charges compared to the same period a year ago. Partially offsetting these benefits in fiscal year 2022 is an environmental charge of $2.4 million which represents a prior period liability related to a third party Superfund waste-disposal site. \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRestructuring and Asset Impairment Charges\nDuring fiscal year 2022, we had no restructuring and asset impairment charges compared to $16.6 million in fiscal year 2021. Additional restructuring activities were executed in our Additive business in the PEP segment during fiscal year 2021. This included $14.2 million of noncash pre-tax impairment charges consisting of $8.2 million of property, plant and equipment, $4.3 million associated with certain definite lived intangible assets, $1.3 million related to a lease right of use asset and $0.4 million of other noncash charges. We also recognized $0.4 million for facility shut-down costs and various personnel costs for severance payments, medical coverage and related items.\nIn fiscal year 2021, we recorded $2.0 million of noncash impairment pre-tax charges as a result of the Amega West business exit primarily related to accounts receivable determined to be uncollectible.\nActivities undertaken in connection with the fiscal year 2021 Additive restructuring plan were substantially complete in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022. \nGoodwill Impairment Charge\nIn preparing the financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, we identified an impairment triggering event related to the Additive reporting unit within the PEP segment. This reporting unit had experienced slower than expected growth due to customers shifting their near-term focus away from this emerging area as a result of the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the year ended June 30, 2021, we also made strategic decisions to reduce resources allocated to the Additive reporting unit to concentrate on the essential manufacturing business. In light of these decisions and market conditions at that time, the pace of growth in the future projections for the Additive reporting unit were lowered. As a result, during the year ended June 30, 2021, we recorded an impairment charge of $52.8 million, which represented the entire balance of goodwill for this reporting unit. No goodwill impairment charges were recognized during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. \n29\nTable of \nContents\nOperating Loss\nOur operating loss in fiscal year\u00a02022\u00a0was\u00a0$24.9 million, or negative 1.4\u00a0percent of net sales as compared with\u00a0$248.6 million of operating loss, or\u00a0negative 16.8\u00a0percent of net sales in fiscal year\u00a02021. Excluding surcharge revenue and special items, adjusted operating margin was\u00a0negative 2.4\u00a0percent for fiscal year 2022 and\u00a0negative 8.4\u00a0percent for fiscal year 2021. The results for fiscal year 2022 reflect higher sales in all end-use markets compared to fiscal year\u00a02021 as well as the full recognition of various cost saving actions taken in fiscal year 2021 and the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. Negatively impacting results for fiscal year 2022 were near-term operational challenges resulting from Reading press outage, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions as well as the ongoing inflationary pressures on operating costs related to critical production supplies, freight and labor. Our fiscal year 2022 operating results were negatively impacted by COVID-19 charges of $5.9 million and a historical environmental site charge of $2.4 million, offset by COVID-19 employee retention credits of $12.7 million and an acquisition-related contingent liability release of $4.7 million. Our fiscal year 2021 results were negatively impacted by a goodwill impairment charge of $52.8 million, LIFO decrement charges of $52.2 million, inventory write-downs from restructuring of $4.2 million, COVID-19 charges of $17.3 million and noncash restructuring and asset impairment charges of $16.6 million. \nThe LIFO decrement charges were noncash charges associated with reducing inventory and liquidating LIFO layers that had historical costs in excess of the fiscal year 2021 inventory costs. More specifically we significantly reduced inventory in fiscal year 2021 due largely to unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 on end-use market demand for our products. The significant reduction in inventory coupled with a substantial differential in historical costs between the current and historical years resulted in a significant noncash LIFO decrement charge. Because of its significance in fiscal year 2021, we considered the LIFO decrement charge unusual and infrequent in nature and believe excluding the LIFO decrement charge from our GAAP performance measures is appropriate.\nThe following presents our operating loss and operating margin, in each case excluding the impact of surcharge on net sales and special items. We present and discuss these financial measures because management believes removing the impact of these items provides a more consistent and meaningful basis for comparing results of operations from period to period. See the section \"Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" below for further discussion of these financial measures.\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2022\n2021\nNet sales\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\n$\n1,475.6\u00a0\nLess: surcharge revenue\n436.3\u00a0\n222.8\u00a0\nNet sales excluding surcharge revenue\n$\n1,400.0\u00a0\n$\n1,252.8\u00a0\nOperating loss\n$\n(24.9)\n$\n(248.6)\nSpecial items:\nLIFO decrement\n\u2014\u00a0\n52.2\u00a0\nCOVID-19 costs\n5.9\u00a0\n17.3\u00a0\nCOVID-19 employee retention credits\n(12.7)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Inventory write-downs from restructuring \n\u2014\u00a0\n4.2\u00a0\nAcquisition-related contingent liability release\n(4.7)\n\u2014\u00a0\nEnvironmental site charge\n2.4\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Restructuring and asset impairment charges \n\u2014\u00a0\n16.6\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Goodwill impairment \n\u2014\u00a0\n52.8\u00a0\nAdjusted operating loss excluding special items\n$\n(34.0)\n$\n(105.5)\nOperating margin\n(1.4)\n%\n(16.8)\n%\nAdjusted operating margin excluding surcharge revenue and special items\n(2.4)\n%\n(8.4)\n%\n30\nTable of \nContents\nInterest Expense, Net and Debt Extinguishment Losses, Net\nFiscal year\u00a02022\u00a0interest expense, net was $44.9 million\u00a0compared to\u00a0$32.7 million\u00a0in fiscal year\u00a02021. Capitalized interest reduced interest expense by $0.8 million for fiscal year 2022 and by $8.1 million in fiscal year 2021. We have historically used interest rate swaps to achieve a level of floating rate debt to fixed rate debt where appropriate; all interest rate swaps were terminated as of September 30, 2020, in connection with the prepayment of the related $250.0 million notes. Interest expense, net for fiscal year 2022 included no net gains or losses from interest rate swaps compared with $0.4 million of net gains from interest rate swaps for fiscal year 2021. Debt extinguishment losses, net in fiscal year 2022 were $6.0 million of debt prepayment costs made in connection with the prepayment of notes due March 2023. Debt extinguishment losses, net in fiscal year 2021 totaled $8.2 million and included $10.5 million of debt prepayment costs on the notes due July 2021 partially offset by gains of $2.3 million on the related interest rate swaps that were terminated in connection with the prepayments. \nOther (Income) Expense, Net\nOther income, net for fiscal year\u00a02022\u00a0was\u00a0$12.7 million\u00a0compared with other expense, net of $8.4 million in fiscal year\u00a02021. Fiscal year 2022 reflects income from pension earnings, interest and deferrals from favorable returns on plan assets compared to expense in in fiscal year\u00a02021. The fiscal year 2021 expense was primarily due to pension settlement charges of $11.4 million. \nIncome Taxes\n\u00a0\nOur effective tax rate (income tax (benefit) expense as a percent of (loss) income before taxes) for fiscal year 2022 was 22.2 percent as compared to 22.9 percent for fiscal year 2021. The fiscal year 2022 tax benefit includes the unfavorable impacts of losses in certain foreign justifications for which no tax benefit can be recognized. The fiscal year 2021 tax benefit included the unfavorable impacts of the $52.8 million non-deductible goodwill impairment charge and losses in certain foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit can be recognized, as well as, tax benefits of $2.8 million associated with pension settlement charges, $2.0 million associated with debt extinguishment losses, net, $5.0 million for the impact of restructuring and asset impairment charges and $0.7 million as a result of changes in our prior year tax positions. Additionally, the anticipated benefit for the carryback of the fiscal year 2021 net operating loss to fiscal years with higher tax rates was included in fiscal year 2021. Also included is a tax charge of $1.4 million attributable to employee share-based compensation. Excluding the tax impact of the non-deductible goodwill impairment charge, pension settlement charges, debt extinguishment losses, net, restructuring and asset impairment charges and changes in our prior year tax positions, the tax rate for fiscal year 2021 would have been 28.2 percent. \nThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security ACT (the \"CARES Act\") was enacted on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act established new provisions, including but not limited to, expanded deduction of certain qualified capital expenditures, delayed payment of certain employment taxes, expanded use of net operating losses, reduced limitations on deductions of interest expense and extension of funding for defined benefit plans. The net operating loss provision provided incremental tax benefits of approximately $7.0 million, which were recognized in fiscal year 2021, due to higher tax rates in the expanded carryback period. The other provisions in the CARES Act are not expected to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operation or cash flows. \nDuring the quarter ended March 31, 2022, we changed our assertion regarding undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries. We assert that substantially all undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries are not considered permanently reinvested. The potential tax implications from the distribution of these earnings are expected to be limited to withholding taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions and are not expected to materially impact the consolidated financial statements. \nSee Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\" for a full reconciliation of the statutory federal tax rate to the effective tax rates.\n31\nTable of \nContents\nBusiness Segment Results\n\u00a0\nSummary information about our operating results on a segment basis is set forth below. For more detailed segment information, see Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\"\n\u00a0\n\u00a0The following table includes comparative information for volumes by business segment:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\nIncrease\n(Decrease) \n%\nIncrease\n(Decrease) \n(Pounds\u00a0sold,\u00a0in\u00a0thousands)\u00a0\n2022\n2021\nSpecialty Alloys Operations\n187,754\u00a0\n166,942\u00a0\n20,812\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\nPerformance Engineered Products *\n10,662\u00a0\n7,936\u00a0\n2,726\u00a0\n34\u00a0\n%\nIntersegment\n(10,304)\n(5,172)\n(5,132)\n(99)\n%\nTotal pounds sold\n188,112\u00a0\n169,706\u00a0\n18,406\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\n* Pounds sold data for PEP segment includes Dynamet and Additive businesses only. \nThe following table includes comparative information for net sales by business segment:\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n$\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n%\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\u00a0\n2022\n2021\nSpecialty Alloys Operations\n$\n1,565.6\u00a0\n$\n1,262.2\u00a0\n$\n303.4\u00a0\n24\u00a0\n%\nPerformance Engineered Products\n344.5\u00a0\n259.8\u00a0\n84.7\u00a0\n33\u00a0\n%\nIntersegment\n(73.8)\n(46.4)\n(27.4)\n(59)\n%\nTotal net sales\n$\n1,836.3\u00a0\n$\n1,475.6\u00a0\n$\n360.7\u00a0\n24\u00a0\n%\nThe following table includes comparative information for our net sales by business segment, but excluding surcharge revenue:\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n$\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n%\nIncrease\n(Decrease)\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\u00a0\n2022\n2021\nSpecialty Alloys Operations\n$\n1,137.1\u00a0\n$\n1,042.8\u00a0\n$\n94.3\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n%\nPerformance Engineered Products\n336.7\u00a0\n255.9\u00a0\n80.8\u00a0\n32\u00a0\n%\nIntersegment\n(73.8)\n(45.9)\n(27.9)\n(61)\n%\nTotal net sales excluding surcharge revenue\n$\n1,400.0\u00a0\n$\n1,252.8\u00a0\n$\n147.2\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n32\nTable of \nContents\nSpecialty Alloys Operations Segment\n\u00a0\nNet sales in fiscal year\u00a02022\u00a0for the SAO segment increased\u00a024 percent to $1,565.6 million, as compared with\u00a0$1,262.2 million\u00a0in fiscal year\u00a02021. Excluding surcharge revenue, net sales\u00a0increased\u00a09 percent from fiscal year 2021. The fiscal year 2022 net sales reflected 12 percent higher shipment volume as compared to fiscal year 2021. The SAO segment results reflect higher sales in all end-use markets except Aerospace and Defense which were flat compared to fiscal year 2021. \nOperating income for the SAO segment in fiscal year\u00a02022\u00a0was\u00a0$9.6 million, or 0.6\u00a0percent of net sales (0.8\u00a0percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), compared to\u00a0operating loss of $87.4 million, or\u00a0negative 6.9\u00a0percent of net sales (negative 0.8\u00a0percent of net sales excluding surcharge revenue), for fiscal year\u00a02021. Fiscal year 2022 reflects higher volume in all end-use markets partially offset by the near-term operational challenges resulting from labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and the unplanned Reading press outage which was returned to service in the third quarter. Fiscal year 2022 also included a benefit of $10.6 million related to COVID-19 employee retention credits. Fiscal year 2021 included negative impacts from targeted inventory reductions and LIFO decrement charges of $47.9 million. The LIFO decrement charges are noncash charges associated with reducing inventory and liquidating LIFO layers that had historical costs in excess of the fiscal year 2021 inventory costs. The fiscal year 2022 results also include $5.2 million of COVID-19 related costs compared to $14.6 million in fiscal year 2021. \nPerformance Engineered Products Segment\n\u00a0\nNet sales for fiscal year\u00a02022\u00a0for the PEP segment were\u00a0344.5 million\u00a0as compared with\u00a0$259.8 million\u00a0for fiscal year\u00a02021. Excluding surcharge revenue, net sales\u00a0increased\u00a032 percent from fiscal year 2021. The results reflect higher sales in all end-use markets including Energy when excluding the fiscal year 2021 net sales of the Amega West business which was divested on September 30, 2020. \nOperating income for the PEP segment for fiscal year\u00a02022 was $18.1 million, or 5.3\u00a0percent of net sales, as compared with operating loss of $16.5 million, or\u00a0negative 6.4\u00a0percent of net sales for fiscal year\u00a02021. Fiscal year 2022 results reflect higher sales in all end-use markets and cost savings in the current fiscal year from the restructuring actions taken in fiscal year 2021. Fiscal year 2022 also included a benefit of $2.1 million related to COVID-19 employee retention credits. Fiscal year 2021 included LIFO decrement charges of $4.3 million. The LIFO decrement charges are noncash charges associated with reducing inventory and liquidating LIFO layers that had historical costs in excess of the fiscal year 2021 inventory costs. The fiscal year 2022 results also included $0.7 million of COVID-19 related costs compared to $2.7 million in fiscal year 2021.\nLiquidity and Financial Resources\n\u00a0\nDuring fiscal year 2023, we generated cash from operating activities of $14.7 million as compared with $6.0 million in fiscal year 2022. Our adjusted free cash flow, which we define under \"Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" below, was negative $67.6 million as compared to negative $83.1 million for the same period a year ago. The change in operating cash flow primarily reflects the impact of higher earnings after noncash adjustments to net income in fiscal year 2023 offset by higher cash used for inventory compared to a year ago. The current year reflects cash used to build inventory of $140.3 million compared to $71.9 million in fiscal year 2022. The adjusted free cash flow results reflect lower capital spending levels in the current period as compared to the prior year period. Capital expenditures for property, plant, equipment and software were $82.3 million for fiscal year 2023 as compared to $91.3 million for fiscal year 2022. In fiscal year 2024, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately $125 million to $130\u00a0million.\nWe evaluate liquidity needs for alternative uses including funding external growth opportunities, share repurchases as well as funding consistent dividend payments to stockholders. Dividends for fiscal year 2023 were $39.4 million, as compared to $39.2 million in the prior year period. In fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 we declared and paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.20 per share. \nDuring fiscal year 2023, we made no pension contributions to our qualified defined benefit pension plans. We were not required to make cash contributions to our domestic qualified pension plans during fiscal year 2023. Over the next five years, current estimates indicate that we will be required to make approximately $153.5 million of cash contributions to our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plans, based on the laws in effect for pension funding as of June\u00a030, 2023, and subject to market returns and interest rate assumptions.\n33\nTable of \nContents\nWe have demonstrated the ability to generate cash to meet our needs through cash flows from operations, management of working capital and the ability to access capital markets to supplement internally generated funds. We target minimum liquidity of $150 million, consisting of cash and cash equivalents added to available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility.\nOn April 14, 2023, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer and the other lenders, agents and arrangers party thereto (the \"Credit Facility\"). The Credit facility amended and restated our existing Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 26, 2021 (the \"Prior Credit Agreement\") which had been set to expire on March 31, 2024. The Credit Facility is a secured revolving credit facility with a commitment of $350.0 million subject to our right, from time to time, to request an increase of the commitment by the greater of (i) $300.0 million or (ii) an amount equal to our consolidated EBITDA; and provides for the issuance of letters of credit subject to a $40.0 million sub-limit. The Credit Facility extends the maturity to April 12, 2028. We have the right to voluntarily prepay and re-borrow loans, to terminate or reduce the commitments under the Credit Facility, and, subject to certain lender approvals, to join subsidiaries as subsidiary borrowers.\nOn February 14, 2022, we entered into an amendment (the \"Amendment\") to the Prior Credit Agreement. The Amendment revised the interest coverage ratio covenant under the Prior Credit Agreement so that the first test date was June 30, 2022, and required a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00 at June 30, 2022 (calculated for the two fiscal quarters then ended), 3.00 to 1.00 at September 30, 2022 (calculated for the three fiscal quarters then ended) and 3.50 to 1.00 at December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 (calculated for the four fiscal quarters then ended). The Amendment revised the restricted period under the Prior Credit Agreement to expire on September\u00a030, 2022, during which we were prohibited from incurring any secured debt other than purchase money financing for new equipment and were subject to additional restrictions on our ability to make dividends or distributions or to make certain investments.\nOn March 26, 2021, we entered the Prior Credit Agreement which consisted of a $300.0 million secured revolving credit facility. The Prior Credit Agreement amended and restated our previous revolving credit facility, dated March 31, 2017, which had been set to expire in March 2022. The Prior Credit Agreement extended the maturity to March 31, 2024, subject to a springing maturity of November 30, 2022. If, by November 30, 2022, our outstanding $300.0 million 4.45% Senior Notes due in March 2023 were not redeemed, repurchased or refinanced with indebtedness having a maturity date of October 1, 2024 or later, all indebtedness under the Prior Credit Agreement would have been due. The springing maturity clause has been satisfied with the issuance of the 2030 Notes and subsequent payment in full of the 4.45% Senior Notes, as discussed in Note 10, Debt.\nOn March\u00a016, 2022, we completed our offering and sale of $300.0\u00a0million in aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Senior Notes due 2030 (the \"2030 Notes\"). The 2030 Notes accrue interest at the rate of 7.625% per annum, with interest payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15, commencing September 15, 2022. The 2030 Notes will mature on March\u00a015, 2030. The 2030 Notes are senior unsecured indebtedness, ranking equally in right of payment with all its existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior to its future subordinated indebtedness. We used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2030 Notes to repay, in April 2022, in full $300.0\u00a0million in principal of our 4.45% senior unsecured notes due March 2023, including any interest and premium due thereon.\nFor the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023, 2022 and 2021, interest costs totaled $55.6 million, $45.7 million and $40.8 million, respectively, of which $1.5 million, $0.8 million and $8.1 million, respectively, were capitalized as part of the cost of property, plant, equipment and software. Debt extinguishment losses, net for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 were $0.0 million as compared with $6.0 million of debt extinguishment losses, net for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 debt extinguishment losses net, were $8.2 million which included $10.5\u00a0million of debt prepayment costs on notes due July 2021, offset by gains of $2.3\u00a0million on related interest rate swaps that were terminated in connection with the prepayment.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we had $1.7 million of issued letters of credit and no short-term borrowings under the Credit Facility. The balance of the Credit Facility, $348.3 million, remains available to us. From time to time during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, we borrowed under our Credit Facility. The weighted average daily borrowing under the Credit Facility during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 was approximately $61.9 million with daily outstanding borrowings ranging from $0.0 million to $166.0 million. As of June 30, 2023, the borrowing rate for the Credit Facility was 7.64%. \nWe believe that our total liquidity of $392.8\u00a0million, as of June\u00a030, 2023, which includes cash and cash equivalents of $44.5 million and available borrowing capacity of $348.3 million under the Credit Facility, will be sufficient to fund our cash needs over the foreseeable future. \n34\nTable of \nContents\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $21.2 million held at various foreign subsidiaries. Our global cash deployment considers, among other things, the geographic location of our subsidiaries' cash balances, the locations of our anticipated liquidity needs and the cost to access international cash balances, as necessary. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, we repatriated cash of $8.3\u00a0million from foreign jurisdictions.\nWe are subject to certain financial and restrictive covenants under the Credit Facility, which, among other things, require the maintenance of a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio. The Credit Facility requires a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 and a consolidated net leverage ratio of no more than 4.00 to 1.00 with a first test date at June 30, 2023, for each. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we were in compliance with all of the covenants of the Credit Facility.\nThe following table shows our actual ratio performance with respect to the financial covenants, as of June\u00a030, 2023:\n\u00a0\nCovenant\nCovenant\u00a0Requirement\nActual\nRatio\nConsolidated interest coverage ratio\n3.00 to 1.00 (minimum)\n5.35 to 1.00\nConsolidated net leverage ratio\n4.00 to 1.00 (maximum)\n2.25 to 1.00\nTo the extent that we do not comply with the current or modified covenants under the Credit Facility, this could reduce our liquidity and flexibility due to potential restrictions on borrowings available to us unless we are able to obtain waivers or modifications of the covenants.\nNon-GAAP Financial Measures\n\u00a0\nThe following provides additional information regarding certain non-GAAP financial measures that we use in this report. Our definitions and calculations of these items may not necessarily be the same as those used by other companies. \n\u00a0\nNet Sales and Gross Margin Excluding Surcharge Revenue and Special Items\n\u00a0\nThis report includes discussions of net sales as adjusted to exclude the impact of raw material surcharge and special items and the resulting impact on gross margins, which represent financial measures that have not been determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (\"U.S. GAAP\"). We present and discuss these financial measures because management believes removing the impact of raw material surcharge from net sales provides a more consistent basis for comparing results of operations from period to period for the reasons discussed earlier in this report. \nIn addition, management believes that excluding special items from gross profit and gross margin is helpful in analyzing our operating performance as the special items are not indicative of ongoing operating performance. \nManagement uses its results excluding these amounts to evaluate its operating performance and to discuss its business with investment institutions, our board of directors and others. See our earlier discussion of \"Gross Profit\" for a reconciliation of net sales and gross margin, excluding surcharge revenue and special items, to net sales as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Net sales and gross margin excluding surcharge revenue and special items is not a U.S. GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net sales and gross margin calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. \nAdjusted Operating Income (Loss) and Adjusted Operating Margin Excluding Surcharge Revenue and Special Items\n\u00a0\nThis report includes discussions of operating income (loss) and operating margin as adjusted to exclude the impact of raw material surcharge revenue and special items which represent financial measures that have not been determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We present and discuss these financial measures because management believes removing the impact of raw material surcharge from net sales provides a more consistent and meaningful basis for comparing results of operations from period to period for the reasons discussed earlier in this report. In addition, management believes that excluding special items from operating margin is helpful in analyzing our operating performance, as these items are not indicative of ongoing operating performance. Management uses its results excluding these amounts to evaluate its operating performance and to discuss its business with investment institutions, our board of directors and others. See our earlier discussion of operating income (loss) for a reconciliation of adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin excluding special items to operating income (loss) and operating margin determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin excluding surcharge revenue and special items is not a U.S. GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, operating income (loss) and operating margin calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. \n35\nTable of \nContents\nAdjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share\n\u00a0\nThe following provides a reconciliation of adjusted earnings (loss) per share, to its most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures:\n($ in millions, except per share data)\nEarnings Before Income Taxes\nIncome Tax Expense\nNet Income\nEarnings Per Diluted Share*\nYear ended June 30, 2023, as reported\n$\n72.5\u00a0\n$\n(16.1)\n$\n56.4\u00a0\n$\n1.14\u00a0\nSpecial item:\nNone reported\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal impact of special item\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nYear ended June 30, 2023, as adjusted\n$\n72.5\u00a0\n$\n(16.1)\n$\n56.4\u00a0\n$\n1.14\u00a0\n* Impact per diluted share calculated using weighted average common shares outstanding of 49.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. \n($ in millions, except per share data)\nLoss Before Income Taxes\nIncome Tax Benefit\nNet Loss\nLoss Per Diluted Share*\nYear ended June 30, 2022, as reported\n$\n(63.1)\n$\n14.0\u00a0\n$\n(49.1)\n$\n(1.01)\nSpecial items:\nCOVID-19 costs\n5.9\u00a0\n(1.3)\n4.6\u00a0\n0.08\u00a0\nCOVID-19 employee retention credits\n(12.7)\n2.8\u00a0\n(9.9)\n(0.20)\nAcquisition-related contingent liability release\n(4.7)\n1.1\u00a0\n(3.6)\n(0.07)\nEnvironmental site charge\n2.4\u00a0\n(0.5)\n1.9\u00a0\n0.04\u00a0\nDebt extinguishment losses, net\n6.0\u00a0\n(1.3)\n4.7\u00a0\n0.10\u00a0\nTotal impact of special items\n(3.1)\n0.8\u00a0\n(2.3)\n(0.05)\nYear ended June 30, 2022, as adjusted\n$\n(66.2)\n$\n14.8\u00a0\n$\n(51.4)\n$\n(1.06)\n* Impact per diluted share calculated using weighted average common shares outstanding of 48.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.\nManagement believes that the presentation of earnings (loss) per share adjusted to exclude the impact of special items is helpful in analyzing the operating performance of the Company, as these items are not indicative of ongoing operating performance. Management uses its results excluding these amounts to evaluate its operating performance and to discuss its business with investment institutions, the Company's board of directors and others. Our definitions and calculations of these items may not necessarily be the same as those used by other companies. Adjusted earnings (loss) per share is not a U.S. GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, earnings (loss) per share calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. \n36\nTable of \nContents\nAdjusted Free Cash Flow\nThis report includes discussions of adjusted free cash flow which is a non-GAAP financial measure and may not be comparable to adjusted free cash flow reported by other companies. Historically, this non-GAAP financial measure included cash used for dividends paid on outstanding common stock and participating securities. Management believes that excluding cash dividends paid from adjusted free cash flow will provide a more direct comparison to operating cash flow, a GAAP-defined financial measure. Fiscal years 2022 and 2021 have been updated to conform to the current presentation. The following provides a reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow, as used in this annual report, to its most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures: \n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\n($\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nNet cash provided from operating activities\n$\n14.7\u00a0\n$\n6.0\u00a0\n$\n250.0\u00a0\nPurchases of property, plant, equipment and software\n(82.3)\n(91.3)\n(100.5)\nProceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale\n\u2014\u00a0\n2.2\u00a0\n1.6\u00a0\nProceeds from divestiture of business\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n20.0\u00a0\nAdjusted free cash flow\n$\n(67.6)\n$\n(83.1)\n$\n171.1\u00a0\nManagement believes that the presentation of adjusted free cash flow provides useful information to investors regarding our financial condition because it is a measure of cash generated which management evaluates for alternative uses. It is management's current intention to use excess cash to fund investments in capital equipment, acquisition opportunities and consistent dividend payments. Adjusted free cash flow is not a U.S. GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, cash flows calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\n\u00a0\nThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.\u00a0Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, customer claims, inventories, pensions and other postretirement benefits, intangible assets, goodwill, leases, environmental liabilities, income taxes, derivative instruments and hedging activities and contingencies and litigation.\n\u00a0\nWe believe the following are the critical accounting policies and areas affected by significant judgments and estimates impacting the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.\n\u00a0\nAllowance for Doubtful Accounts\n\u00a0\nWe maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the failure of our customers to make required payments.\u00a0We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and monitor their payment patterns. Should the financial condition of our customers deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. \n\u00a0\nInventories\n\u00a0\nInventories are valued at the lower of cost or market for those inventories determined by the LIFO method. We value other inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, determined by the FIFO and average cost methods. As of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, $133.2 million and $122.9 million of inventory, respectively, was accounted for using a method other than the LIFO method. If the FIFO method of inventory had been used instead of the LIFO method, inventories would have been $517.2 million and $427.2 million higher as of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n37\nTable of \nContents\nCosts include direct materials, direct labor, applicable manufacturing overhead and other direct costs. Under the LIFO inventory valuation method, changes in the cost of raw materials and production activities are recognized in cost of sales in the current period even though these materials and other costs may have been incurred at significantly different values due to the length of time of our production cycle. The prices for many of the raw materials we use have been volatile. Since we value most of our inventory utilizing the LIFO inventory costing methodology, rapid changes in raw material costs have an impact on our operating results. In a period of rising prices, cost of sales expense recognized under LIFO is generally higher than the cash costs incurred to acquire the inventory sold. Conversely, in a period of declining raw material prices, cost of sales expense recognized under LIFO is generally lower than the cash costs incurred to acquire the inventory sold.\n\u00a0\nSince the LIFO inventory valuation methodology is designed for annual determination, interim estimates of the annual LIFO valuation are required. We evaluate the effects of the LIFO inventory valuation method on an interim basis by estimating the expected annual LIFO cost based on cost changes to date and recognize effects that are not expected to be replaced by year-end in the interim period in which the liquidation occurs. These projections of annual LIFO inventory valuation reserve changes are updated quarterly and are evaluated based upon material, labor and overhead costs.\nPension and Other Postretirement Benefits\n\u00a0\nThe amount of net pension expense (income), which is determined annually, or upon remeasurement, is based upon the value of the assets in the pension trusts at the beginning of the fiscal year as well as actuarial assumptions, such as the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.\u00a0The assumed long-term rate of return on pension plan assets is reviewed at each year-end based on the plan's investment policies, an analysis of the historical returns of the capital markets and current interest rates.\u00a0Based on the current funding level, the benchmark allocation policy for the Company's largest pension plan assets is to have approximately 75 percent in return seeking assets and 25 percent in liability-hedging assets. Return seeking assets include global equities, diversified credit and real assets. Liability-hedging assets include bond funds and cash. When the funding level of the plan reaches 95 percent and improves to fully or over-funded status in increments of 5 percent, assets will be shifted from return seeking to liability-hedging assets in accordance with the glidepath policy outlined in the pension plan's Investment Policy Statement. The plan discount rate is determined by reference to the BondLink interest rate model based upon a portfolio of highly rated U.S. corporate bonds with individual bonds that are theoretically purchased to settle the plan's anticipated cash outflows.\u00a0The fluctuations in stock and bond markets could cause actual investment results to be significantly different from those assumed, and therefore, significantly impact the valuation of the assets in our pension trusts.\u00a0Changes in actuarial assumptions could significantly impact the accounting for the pension assets and liabilities.\u00a0If the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets was changed by 0.25 percent, the net pension expense (income) would change by $1.9\u00a0million. If the discount rate was changed by 0.25 percent, the net pension expense (income) would change by $0.1\u00a0million.\n\u00a0\nLong-Lived Assets\n\u00a0\nLong-lived assets are reviewed for impairment and written down to fair value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable through estimated future undiscounted cash flows.\u00a0The amount of the impairment loss is the excess of the carrying amount of the impaired assets over the fair value of the assets based upon estimated future discounted cash flows.\u00a0We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment by individual business unit. Changes in estimated cash flows could have a significant impact on whether or not an asset is impaired and the amount of the impairment.\n\u00a0\n38\nTable of \nContents\nGoodwill\n\u00a0\nGoodwill is not amortized but instead is tested at least annually for impairment as of June 1, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. Effective in fiscal year 2022 and prospectively, we will perform the required annual goodwill impairment test as of June 1 rather than on June 30 which was our previous practice. We believe this change is preferable as it more closely aligns with the timing of our annual budgeting process. We do not believe this change resulted in any delay, acceleration or avoidance of impairment. Furthermore, a retrospective application to prior periods is impracticable as we are unable to objectively determine, without the use of hindsight, the assumptions which would be used in earlier periods.\nPotential impairment is identified by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, any impairment loss is measured by the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The discounted cash flow analysis for each reporting unit tested requires significant estimates and assumptions related to cash flow forecasts, discount rates, terminal values and income tax rates. The cash flow forecasts include significant judgments and assumptions related to revenue growth rates, which include perpetual growth rates, gross margin and weighted average cost of capital. The cash flow forecasts are developed based on assumptions about each reporting unit's markets, product offerings, pricing, capital expenditure and working capital requirements as well as cost performance.\nThe discount rates used in the discounted cash flow are estimated based on a market participant's perspective of each reporting unit's weighted average cost of capital. The terminal value, which represents the value attributed to the reporting unit beyond the forecast period, is estimated using a perpetuity growth rate assumption. The income tax rates used in the discounted cash flow analysis represent estimates of the long-term statutory income tax rates for each reporting unit based on the jurisdictions in which the reporting units operate.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we have three reporting units with goodwill recorded. Goodwill associated with the SAO reporting unit as of June\u00a030, 2023, was $195.5 million and represents approximately 81 percent of total goodwill as of June\u00a030, 2023. The remaining goodwill is associated with the PEP segment, which includes two reporting units, Dynamet and Latrobe Distribution, with goodwill recorded as of June\u00a030, 2023, of $31.9\u00a0million and $14.0\u00a0million, respectively. The fair value for all three reporting units is estimated using a weighting of discounted cash flows and the use of market multiples valuation techniques.\nGoodwill associated with the SAO reporting unit is tested at the SAO segment level. As of June 1, 2023, the fair value of the SAO reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by approximately 60 percent. The discounted cash flows analysis for the SAO reporting unit includes assumptions related to our ability to increase volume, improve mix, expand product offerings and continue to implement opportunities to reduce costs over the next several years. For purposes of the discounted cash flow analysis for SAO's fair value, a weighted average cost capital of 11.0 percent and a terminal growth rate assumption of 2.5 percent were used. If the long-term growth rate for this reporting unit had been hypothetically reduced by 0.5 percent at June 1, 2023, the SAO reporting unit would have a fair value that exceeded the carrying value by approximately 57 percent.\nGoodwill associated with the PEP segment is tested at the Dynamet and Latrobe Distribution reporting unit level. As of June 1, 2023, the fair value of the Dynamet reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by approximately 106 percent. For purposes of the discounted cash flow analysis for Dynamet's fair value, a weighted average cost capital of 14.0 percent and a terminal growth rate assumption of 2.5 percent were used. If the long-term growth rate for this reporting unit had been hypothetically reduced by 0.5 percent at June 1, 2023, the Dynamet reporting unit would have a fair value that exceeded the carrying value by approximately 104 percent. As of June 1, 2023, the fair value of the Latrobe Distribution reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by approximately 11 percent. For purposes of the discounted cash flow analysis for Latrobe Distribution's fair value, a weighted average cost capital of 13.0 percent and a terminal growth rate assumption of 2.5 percent were used. If the long-term growth rate for this reporting unit had been hypothetically reduced by 0.5 percent at June 1, 2023, the Latrobe Distribution reporting unit would have a fair value that exceeded the carrying value by approximately 10 percent.\n39\nTable of \nContents\nIn preparing the financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, we identified an impairment triggering event related to the Additive reporting unit within the PEP segment. This reporting unit has experienced slower than expected growth due to customers shifting their near-term focus away from this emerging area as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the quarter ended December 31, 2020 we also made strategic decisions to reduce resources allocated to the Additive reporting unit to concentrate on the essential manufacturing business. In light of these decisions and market conditions at the time, the pace of growth in the future projections for the Additive reporting unit were lowered. We determined the goodwill associated with this reporting unit was impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $52.8 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, which represented the entire balance of goodwill for this reporting unit. No other asset impairment was identified at the impairment testing date. The carrying value of the Additive reporting unit was greater than the fair value by approximately 37.7 percent. For purposes of the discounted cash flow technique for Additive's fair value, we used a weighted average cost of capital of 15.5 percent and a terminal growth rate assumption of 3.0 percent. If a terminal growth rate of 4.0 percent was used the Additive reporting unit would have had a carrying value in excess of fair value of approximately 34.2 percent, still resulting in a full impairment.\nThe estimate of fair value requires significant judgment. We based our fair value estimates on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain, including estimates of future growth rates and operating margins and assumptions about the overall economic climate and the competitive environment for our business units. There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our goodwill and identifiable intangible asset testing as of the time of testing will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding business projections, competitive environments or anticipated growth rates are not correct, we may be required to record goodwill and/or intangible asset impairment charges in future periods, whether in connection with our next annual impairment testing or earlier, if an indicator of an impairment is present before our next annual evaluation. We continuously monitor for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value of the reporting units. \nLeases\nDetermination of whether a contract is or contains a lease at contract inception is based on the presence of identified assets and the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from or to direct the use of such assets. When it is determined a lease exists, a right-of-use (\"ROU\") asset and corresponding lease liability are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. Lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets are recognized at commencement date at the value of the lease liability and are adjusted for any prepayments, lease incentives received, and initial direct costs incurred. Lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. As the discount rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable in most leases, an incremental borrowing rate is used. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease contracts with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. Fixed lease expense is recognized for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, are accounted for as a single lease component for all underlying asset classes. Accordingly, all costs associated with a lease contract are accounted for as lease costs. Some leasing arrangements require variable payments that are dependent on usage, output, or may vary for other reasons, such as insurance and tax payments. The variable lease payments are not presented as part of the ROU asset or lease liability. \nEnvironmental Expenditures\n\u00a0\nEnvironmental expenditures that pertain to current operations or to future revenues are expensed or capitalized consistent with the Company's capitalization policy for property, plant and equipment.\u00a0Expenditures that result from the remediation of an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to current or future revenues are expensed. Liabilities are recognized for remedial activities when the remediation is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Most estimated liabilities are not discounted to present value due to the uncertainty as to the timing and duration of expected costs. For one former operating facility site, due to the routine nature of the expected costs, the liability for future costs is discounted to present value over 20 years with a discount rate of approximately 5 percent as of June 30, 2023 and 3 percent as of June 30, 2022.\n\u00a0\n40\nTable of \nContents\nIncome Taxes\n\u00a0\nDeferred income taxes result from temporary differences in the recognition of income and expense for financial and income tax reporting purposes, or differences between the fair value of assets acquired in business combinations accounted for as purchases for financial reporting purposes and their corresponding tax bases. Deferred income taxes represent future tax benefits (assets) or costs (liabilities) to be recognized when those temporary differences reverse. We evaluate on a quarterly basis whether, based on all available evidence, we believe that our deferred income tax assets will be realizable. Valuation allowances are established when it is estimated that it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The evaluation includes the consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, regarding historical operating results including recent years with reported losses, the estimated timing of future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, estimated future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, and potential tax planning strategies which may be employed to prevent an operating loss or tax credit carryforward from expiring unused. Future realization of deferred income tax assets ultimately depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward period available under tax law.\nManagement determines whether a tax position should be recognized in the financial statements by evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based upon the technical merits of the position. For those tax positions which should be recognized, the measurement of a tax position is determined as being the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Interest and penalties on estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions are recorded as components of the provision for income taxes.\nDerivative Financial Instruments\n\u00a0\nOur current risk management strategies include the use of derivative instruments to reduce certain risks.\u00a0The critical strategies include:\u00a0(1)\u00a0the use of commodity forward contracts to fix the price of a portion of anticipated future purchases of certain raw materials and energy to offset the effects of changes in the costs of those commodities; and (2)\u00a0the use of foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a portion of anticipated future sales denominated in foreign currencies, principally the Euro and Pound Sterling, in order to offset the effect of changes in exchange rates. The commodity forwards and foreign currency forwards have been designated as cash flow hedges and unrealized net gains and losses are recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive loss component of stockholders' equity.\u00a0The unrealized gains or losses are reclassified to the statement of operations when the hedged transaction affects earnings or if the anticipated transactions are no longer expected to occur. We may use interest rate swaps to maintain a certain level of floating rate debt relative to fixed rate debt.\u00a0Interest rate swaps have been designated as fair value hedges. Accordingly, the mark-to-market values of both the interest rate swap and the underlying debt obligations are recorded as equal and offsetting gains and losses in the interest expense component of the consolidated statement of operations. We have also used forward interest rate swaps to manage the risk of cash flow variability associated with fixed interest debt expected to be issued. We also use foreign currency forward contracts to protect certain short-term asset or liability positions denominated in foreign currencies against the effect of changes in exchange rates. These positions do not qualify for hedge accounting and accordingly are marked-to-market at each reporting date through charges to other income and expense.\n\u00a0\nNew Accounting Pronouncements\n\u00a0\nFor information with respect to new accounting pronouncements and the impact of these pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 3 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\"\nOff Balance Sheet Arrangements\n\u00a0\nWe had no off balance sheet arrangements during the periods presented.\nMarket Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management\n\u00a0\nSee \"Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\" for discussion of market sensitive instruments and associated market risk for Carpenter.\n41\nTable of Contents\nContingencies\n\u00a0\nEnvironmental\n\u00a0\nWe are subject to various federal, state, local and international environmental laws and regulations relating to pollution, protection of public health and the environment, natural resource damages and occupational safety and health. Although compliance with these laws and regulations may affect the costs of our operations, compliance costs to date have not been material. We have environmental remediation liabilities at some of our owned operating facilities and have been designated as a potentially responsible party (\"PRP\") with respect to certain third party Superfund waste-disposal sites and other third party-owned sites. We accrue amounts for environmental remediation costs that represent our best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable future costs related to environmental remediation. Additionally, we have been notified that we may be a PRP with respect to other Superfund sites as to which no proceedings have been instituted against us. Neither the exact amount of remediation costs nor the final method of their allocation among all designated PRPs at these Superfund sites have been determined.\u00a0Accordingly, at this time, we cannot reasonably estimate expected costs for such matters. The liability for future environmental remediation costs that can be reasonably estimated is evaluated on a quarterly basis.\u00a0The liabilities recorded for environmental remediation costs at Superfund sites, other third party-owned sites and Carpenter-owned current or former operating facilities remaining at June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 were $16.5 million and $18.3 million, respectively.\nIn December 1997, we were named as a party in a Landfill Settlement Agreement related to a third-party Superfund waste-disposal site. As a result of this Agreement, we were obligated to reimburse the settling work defendants for capital expenditure costs as they were incurred, which was prior to fiscal year 2022. During fiscal year 2022, we recorded a $2.4 million liability related to these costs. During fiscal year 2023, we paid the liability related to the prior capital expenditure costs and incurred minimal additional costs related to ongoing studies. We expect to incur additional claims as a result of this ongoing study that cannot be quantified at this time.\n\u00a0\nEstimates of the amount and timing of future costs of environmental remediation requirements are inherently imprecise because of the continuing evolution of environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application of technology, the identification of currently unknown remediation sites and the allocation of costs among the PRPs. Based upon information currently available, such future costs are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows over the long-term. However, such costs could be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows in a particular future quarter or year.\n\u00a0\nOther\n\u00a0\nWe are defending various routine claims and legal actions that are incidental to our business, and that are common to our operations, including those pertaining to product claims, commercial disputes, patent infringement, employment actions, employee benefits, compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations, personal injury claims and tax issues. Like many other manufacturing companies in recent years we, from time to time, have been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to chemicals and substances in the workplace such as asbestos. We provide for costs relating to these matters when a loss is probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. The effect of the outcome of these matters on our future results of operations and liquidity cannot be predicted because any such effect depends on future results of operations and the amount and timing (both as to recording future charges to operations and cash expenditures) of the resolution of such matters. While it is not feasible to determine the outcome of these matters, we believe that the total liability from these matters will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows over the long-term. However, there can be no assurance that an increase in the scope of pending matters or that any future lawsuits, claims, proceedings or investigations will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows in a particular future quarter or year.\n42\nTable of Contents\nForward-Looking Statements\n\u00a0\nThis Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995.\u00a0These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those projected, anticipated or implied.\u00a0The most significant of these uncertainties are described in this Form\u00a010-K. They include but are not limited to: (1) the cyclical nature of the specialty materials business and certain end-use markets, including aerospace, defense, medical, transportation, energy, industrial and consumer, or other influences on Carpenter Technology's business such as new competitors, the consolidation of competitors, customers, and suppliers or the transfer of manufacturing capacity from the United States to foreign countries; (2) the ability of Carpenter Technology to achieve cash generation, growth, earnings, profitability, operating income, cost savings and reductions, qualifications, productivity improvements or process changes; (3) the ability to recoup increases in the cost of energy, raw materials, freight or other factors; (4) domestic and foreign excess manufacturing capacity for certain metals; (5) fluctuations in currency exchange rates; (6) the effect of government trade actions; (7) the valuation of the assets and liabilities in Carpenter Technology's pension trusts and the accounting for pension plans; (8) possible labor disputes or work stoppages; (9) the potential that our customers may substitute alternate materials or adopt different manufacturing practices that replace or limit the suitability of our products; (10) the ability to successfully acquire and integrate acquisitions; (11) the availability of credit facilities to Carpenter Technology, its customers or other members of the supply chain; (12) the ability to obtain energy or raw materials, especially from suppliers located in countries that may be subject to unstable political or economic conditions; (13) Carpenter Technology's manufacturing processes are dependent upon highly specialized equipment located primarily in facilities in Reading and Latrobe, Pennsylvania and Athens, Alabama for which there may be limited alternatives if there are significant equipment failures or a catastrophic event; (14) the ability to hire and retain a qualified workforce and key personnel, including members of the executive management team, management, metallurgists and other skilled personnel; (15) fluctuations in oil and gas prices and production; (16) the impact of potential cyber attacks and information technology or data security breaches; (17) inability of suppliers to meet obligations due to supply chain disruptions or otherwise; (18) inability to meet increased demand, production targets or commitments; (19) the ability to manage the impacts of natural disasters, climate change, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and (20) geopolitical, economic, and regulatory risks relating to our global business, including geopolitical and diplomatic tensions, instabilities and conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, as well as compliance with U.S. and foreign trade and tax laws, sanctions, embargoes and other regulations. Any of these factors could have an adverse and/or fluctuating effect on Carpenter Technology's results of operations. The forward-looking statements in this document are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the \"Securities Act\"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K or as of the dates otherwise indicated in such forward-looking statements. Carpenter Technology undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.\n43\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\u00a0 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\n\u00a0\nWe use derivative financial instruments to reduce certain types of financial risk.\u00a0Firm price sales arrangements involve a risk of profit margin fluctuations particularly as raw material prices have been volatile.\u00a0Firm price sales arrangements generally include certain annual purchasing commitments and consumption schedules agreed to by the customers at selling prices based on raw material prices at the time the arrangements are established. As discussed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part\u00a0II,\u00a0Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,\" in order to reduce the risk of fluctuating profit margins on these sales, we enter into commodity forward contracts to purchase certain critical raw materials necessary to produce the products sold under the firm price sales arrangements. If a customer fails to perform its obligations under the firm price sales arrangements, we may realize losses as a result of the related commodity forward contracts. As of June 30, 2023, we had approximately $2.5 million of net deferred losses related to commodity forward contracts to purchase certain raw materials. A large portion of this balance is related to commodity forward contracts to support firm price sales arrangements associated with many customers in addition to credit already extended to these customers in connection with outstanding trade receivables. Our customers have historically performed under these arrangements and we believe that they will honor such obligations in the future.\n\u00a0\nWe are actively involved in managing risks associated with energy resources. Risk containment strategies include interaction with primary and secondary energy suppliers as well as obtaining adequate insurance coverage to compensate us for potential business interruption related to lack of availability of energy resources. In addition, we have used forwards to fix the price of a portion of our anticipated future purchases of certain energy requirements to protect against the impact of significant increases in energy costs. We also use surcharge mechanisms to offset a portion of these charges where appropriate.\n\u00a0\nFluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could subject us to risk of losses on anticipated future cash flows from our international operations or customers. Foreign currency forward contracts are used to hedge certain foreign exchange risk.\n\u00a0\nWe use interest rate swaps to achieve a level of floating rate debt relative to fixed rate debt where appropriate. Historically, we have entered into forward swap contracts to manage the risk of cash flow variability associated with fixed interest debt expected to be issued.\n\u00a0\nAll hedging strategies are reviewed and approved by senior financial management before being implemented.\u00a0Senior financial management has established policies regarding the use of derivative instruments that prohibit the use of speculative or leveraged derivatives.\nBased on the current funding level, the benchmark allocation policy for the Company's largest pension plan assets is to have approximately 75 percent in return seeking assets and 25 percent in liability-hedging assets. Return seeking assets include global equities, diversified credit and real assets. Liability-hedging assets include bond funds and cash. When the funding level of the plan reaches 95 percent and improves to fully or over-funded status in increments of 5 percent, assets will be shifted from return seeking to liability-hedging assets in accordance with the glidepath policy outlined in the pension plan's Investment Policy Statement.\n\u00a0\nThe status of our financial instruments as of June\u00a030, 2023, is provided in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\" Assuming on June\u00a030, 2023, (a)\u00a0an instantaneous 10 percent decrease in the price of raw materials and energy for which we have commodity forward contracts, and (b)\u00a0a 10 percent strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies for which foreign exchange forward contracts existed, our results of operations would not have been materially affected in either scenario.\n44\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "17843",
+ "cusip6": "144285",
+ "cusip": ["144285903", "144285103"],
+ "names": ["CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/17843/000001784323000021/0000017843-23-000021-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000037472-23-000024.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000037472-23-000024.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..51d70ba155
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000037472-23-000024.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\u00a0\u00a0Business\n \nGeneral\n \nFlexsteel Industries, Inc., and Subsidiaries (the \u201cCompany\u201d) is one of the largest manufacturers, importers, and marketers of residential furniture products in the United States. Product offerings include a wide variety of furniture such as sofas, loveseats, chairs, reclining rocking chairs, swivel rockers, sofa beds, convertible bedding units, occasional tables, desks, dining tables and chairs, kitchen storage, bedroom furniture, and outdoor furniture. A featured component in most of the upholstered furniture is a unique steel drop-in seat spring from which the name \u201cFlexsteel\u201d is derived. The Company distributes its products throughout the United States through its e-commerce channel and direct sales force.\n \nThe Company operates in one reportable segment, furniture products. The Company\u2019s furniture products business involves the distribution of manufactured and imported products consisting of a broad line of furniture for the residential market. In fiscal 2020, the Company substantially completed its exit from the Commercial Office and custom design Hospitality product lines which served contract markets. During fiscal 2021, the Company substantially completed its restructuring activities related to the exit of its Vehicle Seating and the remainder of its Hospitality product lines, which also served contract markets. Set forth below is information for the past three fiscal years showing the Company\u2019s net sales attributable to each of the areas of application:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFor the years ended June\u00a030,\n(in thousands)\n \n2023\n \n2022\n \n2021\nResidential \n \n$\n 393,692\n \n$\n 543,447\n \n$\n 476,519\nContract \n \n \n \u2014\n \n \n 835\n \n \n 2,406\n \n \n$\n 393,692\n \n$\n 544,282\n \n$\n 478,925\n \n \n \nManufacturing and Offshore Sourcing\n \nDuring the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the Company operated manufacturing facilities located in Dublin, Georgia, and Juarez, Mexico. These ongoing manufacturing operations are integral to the Company\u2019s product offerings and distribution strategy by offering smaller and more frequent product runs of a wider product selection. The Company identifies and eliminates manufacturing inefficiencies and adjusts manufacturing schedules on a daily basis to meet customer requirements. The Company has established relationships with key suppliers to ensure prompt delivery of quality component parts. The Company\u2019s production includes the use of selected component parts sourced offshore to enhance value in the marketplace.\n \n\n\n3\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nThe Company integrates manufactured products with finished products acquired from offshore suppliers who can meet quality specifications and scheduling requirements. The Company will continue to pursue and refine this blended strategy, offering customers manufactured goods, products manufactured utilizing imported component parts, and ready-to-deliver imported products. This blended focus on products allows the Company to provide a wide range of price points, styles and product categories to satisfy customer requirements. \n \nCompetition\n \nThe furniture industry is highly competitive and includes a large number of U.S. and foreign manufacturers and distributors, none of which dominate the market. The Company competes in markets with a large number of relatively small manufacturers; however, certain competitors have substantially greater sales volumes than the Company. The Company\u2019s products compete based on style, quality, price, delivery, service and durability. The Company believes its patented, guaranteed-for-life Blue Steel Spring, manufacturing and sourcing capabilities, facility locations, commitment to customers, product quality, delivery, service, value and experienced production, sales, marketing and management teams, are some of its competitive advantages. \n \nSeasonality\n \nThe Company\u2019s business is not considered seasonal. \n \nForeign Operations\n \nThe Company has minimal export sales. On June 30, 2023, the Company had approximately 34 employees located in Asia to ensure Flexsteel\u2019s quality standards are met and to coordinate the delivery of products acquired from overseas suppliers. The Company leases and operates three manufacturing facilities in Juarez, Mexico and leases one manufacturing facility in Mexicali, Mexico and had approximately 1,200 employees located in Mexico on June 30, 2023. The four Mexico facilities total 1,061,000 square feet. As of June 30, 2023, the Company has not begun operations in the Mexicali facility and had subleased approximately 105,000 square feet. The Company is in negotiations to sublease the remainder of the facility until such time that demand necessitates the additional capacity. See \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in Item 1A and Note 2 \nLeases\n of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the leased assets. \n \nCustomer Backlog\n \nThe approximate backlog of customer orders believed to be firm as of the end of the current fiscal year and the prior two fiscal years were as follows (in thousands):\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nJune 30, 2023\n \nJune 30, 2022\n \nJune\u00a030, 2021\n$\n 49,729\n \n$\n 62,800\n \n$\n 155,325\n \nRaw Materials\n \nThe Company utilizes various types of wood, fabric, leather, filling material, high carbon spring steel, bar and wire stock, polyurethane foam and other raw materials in manufacturing furniture. The Company purchases these materials from numerous outside suppliers, both U.S. and foreign, and is not dependent upon any single source of supply. The costs of certain raw materials fluctuate, but all continue to be readily available within supplier lead-times; however, we could experience supply-chain disruptions at any time, which could impact the availability of materials.\n \nIndustry Factors\n \nThe Company has exposure to actions by governments, including tariffs, see \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \n \nGovernment Regulations\n \nThe Company is subject to various local, state, and federal laws, regulations and agencies that affect businesses generally, see \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations did not have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.\n \nEnvironmental Matters\n \nAll of Flexsteel\u2019s stakeholders have a responsibility to protect our employees and our environment. The officers of Flexsteel and its subsidiaries will use our role as business and community leaders to set the tone at the top to guide our management teams in their efforts \n\n\n4\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\nto improve the workplace and the environment we directly impact. Because we are committed to sustainable business practices, to our people, and to our communities, we will continue to grow and expand the scope of our dedications to the stewardship of our valued resources. The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations with respect to product content and industrial waste. Further discussion is included in \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in Item 1A and \u201cLegal Proceedings\u201d in Item 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \n \nTrademarks and Patents\n \nThe Company owns the United States improvement patents to its Flexsteel guaranteed-for-life Blue Steel Spring \u2013 the all-riveted, high-carbon, steel-banded seating platform that gives upholstered and leather furniture the strength and comfort to last a lifetime, as well as patents on convertible beds. The Company owns other patents and owns certain trademarks in connection with its furniture.\n \nIt is not common in the furniture industry to obtain a patent for a furniture design. If a particular design of a furniture manufacturer is well accepted in the marketplace, it is common for other manufacturers to imitate the same design without recourse by the furniture manufacturer who initially introduced the design. Furniture products are designed by the Company\u2019s own design staff and through the services of third-party designers. New models and designs of furniture, as well as new fabrics, are introduced continuously. \n \nEmployees\n \nThe Company had approximately 1,700 employees on June 30, 2023, including 6 employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Management believes it has good relations with employees.\n \nAvailable Information\n \nCopies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge on our website (www.flexsteel.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the material with or furnish it to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, the SEC maintains an internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Information on our website or linked to our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.\n ",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\u00a0\u00a0Risk Factors\n \nThe Company is subject to a variety of risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors detailed below in conjunction with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Should any of these risks materialize the Company\u2019s business, financial condition, and future prospects could be negatively impacted. There may be additional factors that are presently unknown to the Company or that the Company currently believes to be immaterial that could affect its business. \n \nRisks related to our operations:\n \nBusiness information systems could be impacted by disruptions and security breaches.\n \nThe Company employs information technology systems to support its global business. Security breaches and other disruptions to the Company\u2019s information technology infrastructure could interfere with operations, compromise information belonging to the Company and its customers and suppliers and expose the Company to liability which could adversely impact the Company\u2019s business and reputation. In the ordinary course of business, the Company relies on information technology networks and systems to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities. Additionally, the Company collects and stores certain data, including proprietary business information, and may have access to confidential or personal information in certain areas of its businesses that is subject to privacy and security laws, regulations, and customer-imposed controls. While security breaches and other disruptions to the Company\u2019s information technology networks and infrastructure could happen, none have occurred to date that has had a material impact on the Company. Any such events could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or penalties under privacy laws, disruption in operations, and damage to the Company\u2019s reputation, which could adversely affect the Company\u2019s business.\n \nIn addition, in response to shifts in employee workplace preferences, we have allowed certain of our employees the option of a hybrid work schedule where they may choose to work partially from home. Although we continue to implement strong physical and cybersecurity measures to ensure that our business operations remain functional and to ensure uninterrupted service to our customers, our systems and our operations remain vulnerable to cyberattacks and other disruptions because a material portion of our employees work remotely either full or part-time, and we cannot be certain that our mitigation efforts will be effective. \n \n\n\n5\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nThe implementation of a new business information system could disrupt the business.\n \nThe Company continues to migrate business and financial processes from legacy ERP systems to SAP. The Company takes great care in the planning and execution of these migrations, however, implementation issues related to the transition could arise and may result in the following:\n \n\uf0b7\nDisruption of the Company\u2019s domestic and international supply chain;\n\uf0b7\nInability to fill customer orders accurately and on a timely basis;\n\uf0b7\nNegative impact on financial results;\n\uf0b7\nInability to fulfill federal, state and local tax filing requirements in a timely and accurate matter; and\n\uf0b7\nIncreased demands of management and associates to the detriment of other corporate initiatives.\u00a0 \n \nThe Company\u2019s participation in a multi-employer pension plan may have exposures under those plans that could extend beyond what its obligations would be with respect to its employees.\n \nThe Company participates in, and makes periodic contributions to, one multi-employer pension plan that covers union employees. Multi-employer pension plans are managed by trustee boards comprised of participating employer and labor union representatives, and the employers participating in a multi-employer pension plan are jointly responsible for maintaining the plan\u2019s funding requirements. Based on the most recent information available to the Company, the present value of actuarially accrued liabilities of the multi-employer pension plan substantially exceeds the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits. As a result of the Company\u2019s participation, it could experience greater volatility in the overall pension funding obligations. The Company\u2019s obligations may be impacted by the funded status of the plans, the plans\u2019 investment performance, changes in the participant demographics, financial stability of contributing employers and changes in actuarial assumptions. See Note 12 \nBenefit and Retirement Plans\n of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.\n \nFuture results may be affected by various legal proceedings and compliance risk, including those involving product liability, environmental, or other matters. \n \nThe Company faces the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event the use of any of its products results in personal injury or property damage. In the event any of the Company\u2019s products prove to be defective, it may be required to recall or redesign such products. The Company is also subject to various laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and the discharge of materials into the environment. The Company could incur substantial costs, including legal expenses, as a result of the noncompliance with, or liability for cleanup or other costs or damages under, environmental laws. Given the inherent uncertainty of litigation, these various legal proceedings and compliance matters could have a material impact on the business, operating results, and financial condition. See Note 13 \nCommitments and Contingencies\n \nof Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information\n.\n \nWe may experience impairment of our long-lived assets, which would decrease our earnings and net worth.\n \nAt June 30, 2023, we had $38.7 million in property, plant and equipment and $68.3 million in right of use assets associated with leased facilities. These definite-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The outcome of impairment testing could result in the write-down of all or a portion of the value of these assets. A write-down of our assets would, in turn, reduce our earnings and net worth. In particular, if capacity requirements do not necessitate the utilization of our leased Mexicali, Mexico facility and we are unsuccessful at subleasing the facility in the future the carrying amount of the right of use asset associated with that lease may not be recoverable. A write-down of all or a portion of the value of the Mexicali right of use asset could have a material impact on our earnings in the period of impairment. At June 30, 2023 the Company does not believe any impairment indicators exist due to current and expected sublease tenants \nand plans for future operations \nbut impairment assessment involves the use of considerable judgement and any change in future market or economic conditions could cause actual results to differ.\n \nThe Company\u2019s success depends on its ability to recruit and retain key employees and highly skilled workers in a competitive labor market.\n \nIf the Company is not successful in recruiting and retaining key employees and highly skilled workers or experiences the unexpected loss of those employees, the operations may be negatively impacted.\n \nAdditionally, we are and will continue to be dependent upon our senior management team and other key personnel. Losing the services of one or more key members of our management team or other key personnel could adversely affect our operations. Ongoing or future communicable diseases increase the risk that certain senior executive officers or a member of the board of directors could become ill, \n\n\n6\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\ncausing them to be incapacitated or otherwise unable to perform their duties for an extended absence. This could negatively impact the efficiency and effectiveness of processes and internal controls throughout the Company and our ability to service customers.\n \nWe may not be able to collect amounts owed to us.\n \nWe grant payment terms between 10 and 60 days to customers, often without requiring collateral. Due to ongoing global supply chain issues and inflationary cost pressures, some customers have requested extended payment terms or informed us they will not pay amounts within agreed upon terms. Some of our customers have experienced, and may in the future experience, cash flow and credit-related issues. While we perform credit evaluations of our customers, those evaluations may not prevent uncollectible trade accounts receivable. Credit evaluations involve significant management diligence and judgment, especially in the current environment. Should more customers experience liquidity issues than we anticipate, if payment is not received on a timely basis, or if a customer declares bankruptcy or closes stores, we may have difficulty collecting amounts owed to us by these customers, which could adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition, and liquidity.\n \nRisks related to our industry:\n \nThe impact of COVID-19 or similar pandemics could have a materially adverse effect on our ability to operate, our ability to keep employees safe from the pandemic, our results of operations, and financial condition. \n \nDuring the initial height of the COVID-19 pandemic, purchases of home furnishings were heavily impacted as they are largely deferable and heavily influenced by consumer sentiment. Public health organizations recommended, and many governments implemented, measures from time-to-time to slow and limit the transmission of the virus, including certain business shutdowns and shelter in place and social distancing requirements. Such preventive measures, or others we may voluntarily put in place, may have a material adverse effect on our business for an indefinite period of time, such as the potential shut down of certain locations, decreased employee availability, potential border closures, and disruptions to the businesses of our selling channel partners, and others.\n \nOur suppliers and customers also face these and other challenges, which have and could continue to lead to a disruption in our supply chain, raw material inflation or the inability to get the raw materials necessary to produce our products, increased shipping, and transportation costs, as well as decreased consumer spending and decreased demand for our products. A resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic or other public health emergency in the future could have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate, our ability to keep employees safe from the pandemic, our results of operations, and financial condition.\n \nContinuing inflation and changes in foreign currency may impact our profitability.\n \nCost inflation including significant increases in ocean container rates, raw materials prices, labor rates, and domestic transportation costs have and could continue to impact profitability. Continued imbalances between supply and demand for these resources may continue to exert upward pressure on costs. \n \nThe Company purchases raw materials, component parts, and certain finished goods from foreign external suppliers. Prices for these purchases are primarily negotiated in U.S. dollars on a purchase order basis. A negative shift in the U.S. dollar relative to the local currency of our supplier could result in price increases and negatively impact our cost structure. In addition, the majority of our manufactured products are produced in Mexico. The wages of our employees and certain other employee benefit and indirect costs are made in Pesos. The Company does not employ any foreign currency hedges against this exposure. A negative shift in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Peso could increase the cost of manufacturing.\n \nOur ability to recover these cost increases through price increases may continue to lag the cost increases, resulting in downward pressure on margins. In addition, price increases to offset rising costs could negatively impact demand for our products. \n \nThe Company\u2019s products are considered deferrable purchases for consumers during economic downturns. Prolonged negative economic conditions could impact the business.\n \nEconomic downturns and prolonged negative economic conditions could affect consumer spending habits by decreasing the overall demand for home furnishing products. These events could impact retailers resulting in an impact on the Company\u2019s business. A recovery in the Company\u2019s sales could lag significantly behind a general economic recovery due to the deferrable nature and relatively significant cost of purchasing home furnishing products.\n \nFuture success depends on the Company\u2019s ability to manage its global supply chain.\n \nThe Company acquires raw materials, component parts, and certain finished products from external suppliers, both U.S. and foreign. Many of these suppliers are dependent upon other suppliers in countries other than where they are located. This global interdependence \n\n\n7\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\nwithin the Company\u2019s supply chain is subject to delays in delivery, availability, quality, and pricing. Changes in international trade policies including tariffs, access to ports and border crossings, or railways could disrupt the supply chain, increase cost and reduce competitiveness. The delivery of goods from these suppliers has been and may continue to be delayed by customs, labor issues, availability of third-party transportation and equipment, geo-political pressures, changes in political, economic, and social conditions, weather, laws, and regulations. Unfavorable fluctuations in price, international trade policies, quality, delivery, and availability of these products could continue to adversely affect the Company\u2019s ability to meet demands of customers and cause negative impacts to the Company\u2019s cost structure, profitability, and its cash flow.\n \nEnacted tariffs and potential future increases in tariffs on manufactured goods imported from China or other countries could adversely affect our business. Inability to reduce acquisition costs or pass-through price increases may have an adverse impact on sales volume, earnings, and liquidity. Similarly, increases in pricing may have an adverse impact on the competitiveness of the Company\u2019s products relative to other furniture manufacturers with less exposure to the tariff and could also lead to adverse impacts on volume, earnings, and liquidity. \n \nAdditionally, a disruption in supply from foreign countries could adversely affect our ability to timely fill customer orders for those products and decrease our sales, earnings, and liquidity. The main foreign countries we source from are Vietnam, China, Thailand, and Mexico. It is unclear how our supply chain could be further impacted by COVID-19, including the spread of new variants, and there are many unknowns including how long we could be impacted, the severity of the impacts, and the probability of a recurrence of COVID-19 or similar regional or global pandemics. If we were unsuccessful in obtaining those products from other sources or at comparable cost, a disruption in our supply chain could adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition, and liquidity.\n \nFinally, the Company relies on third parties to deliver customer orders. The capacity of these third parties or cost of this service could be impacted by labor disputes, cost inflation (particularly fuel), and availability of drivers which could increase cost and have negative impacts on our earnings.\n \nCompetition from U.S. and foreign finished product manufacturers may adversely affect the business, operating results or financial condition.\n \nThe furniture industry is very competitive and fragmented. The Company competes with U.S. and foreign manufacturers and distributors. As a result, the Company may not be able to maintain or raise the prices of its products in response to competitive pressures or increasing costs. Also, due to the large number of competitors and their wide range of product offerings, the Company may not be able to significantly differentiate its products (through styling, finish, and other construction techniques) from those of its competitors.\n \nAdditionally, most of our sales are to distribution channels that rely on physical stores to merchandise and sell our products and an involuntary shut down of those stores due to COVID-19 or similar pandemic or a significant shift in consumer preference toward purchasing products online could have a materially adverse impact on our sales and operating margin. \n \nThese and other competitive pressures could cause us to lose market share, revenues, and customers, increase expenditure or reduce prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or liquidity.\n \nFuture costs of complying with \nvarious laws and regulations may adversely impact future operating results.\n \nThe Company\u2019s business is subject to various laws and regulations which could have a significant impact on operations and the cost to comply with such laws and regulations could adversely impact the Company\u2019s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, inadvertently failing to comply with such laws and regulations could produce negative consequences which could adversely impact the Company\u2019s operations.\n \nFailure to anticipate or respond to changes in consumer or designer tastes and fashions in a timely manner could adversely affect the Company\u2019s business and decrease sales and earnings.\n \nFurniture is a styled product and is subject to rapidly changing consumer and end-user trends and tastes and is highly fashion oriented. If the Company is not able to acquire sufficient fabric variety or if the Company is unable to predict or respond to changes in fashion trends, it may lose sales and have to sell excess inventory at reduced prices.\n \nUse of social media to disseminate negative commentary may adversely impact the Company\u2019s reputation and business.\n \nThere has been a substantial increase in the use of social media platforms, including blogs, social media websites, and other forms of internet-based communications, which allow individuals to access a broad audience of consumers and other interested persions. Negative commentary regarding the Company or its products may be posted on social media platforms at any time and may have an adverse impact on its reputation, business, or relationships with third parties, including suppliers, customers, investors, and lendors. Consumers \n\n\n8\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\nvalue readily available information and often act on such information without further investigation and without regard to its accuracy or context. The harm may be immediate without affording the Company an opportunity for redress or correction.\n ",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n \nGeneral\n \nThe following analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of the Company should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n \nResults of Operations\n \nThe following table has been prepared as an aid in understanding the Company\u2019s results of operations on a comparative basis for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Amounts presented are percentages of the Company\u2019s net sales.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFor the years ended June\u00a030,\n \n \n2023\n \n2022\n \n2021\nNet sales \n \n \n 100.0\n%\n \n \n 100.0\n%\n \n \n 100.0\n%\nCost of goods sold \n \n \n 82.0\n \n \n \n 86.6\n \n \n \n 79.8\n \nGross margin \n \n \n 18.0\n \n \n \n 13.4\n \n \n \n 20.2\n \nSelling, general and administrative\n \n \n 16.0\n \n \n \n 12.3\n \n \n \n 14.2\n \nRestructuring expense\n \n \n \u2014\n \n \n \n 0.1\n \n \n \n 0.7\n \nEnvironmental remediation\n \n \n (0.7)\n \n \n \n \u2014\n \n \n \n \u2014\n \n(Gain) on disposal of assets\n \n \n \u2014\n \n \n \n (0.3)\n \n \n \n (1.2)\n \nOther expense\n \n \n 0.1\n \n \n \n \u2014\n \n \n \n \u2014\n \nLitigation settlement costs\n \n \n \u2014\n \n \n \n \u2014\n \n \n \n 0.0\n \nOperating income\n \n \n 2.7\n \n \n \n 1.2\n \n \n \n 6.5\n \nOther income\n \n \n 0.0\n \n \n \n 0.0\n \n \n \n 0.1\n \nInterest (expense)\n \n \n (0.3)\n \n \n \n (0.2)\n \n \n \n (0.0)\n \nIncome before income taxes\n \n \n 2.3\n \n \n \n 1.1\n \n \n \n 6.6\n \nIncome tax (benefit) expense\n \n \n (1.4)\n \n \n \n 0.7\n \n \n \n 1.8\n \nNet income\n \n \n 3.8\n%\n \n \n 0.3\n%\n \n \n 4.8\n%\n\n\n10\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \n \n \nFiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022\n \nNet sales were $393.7 million for the year ended June 30, 2023, compared to net sales of $544.3 million in the prior year, a decrease of ($150.6) million or (27.7%). Sales of products sold through retailers declined by ($142.5) million or (29.3%) primarily driven by consumer demand returning to pre-pandemic levels and competitive pressure to lower prices. Sales of products sold through e-commerce channels decreased by ($8.1) million, or (13.8%) due to a decrease in consumer demand. \n \nGross margin as a percent of net sales for the year ended June 30, 2023, was 18.0%, compared to 13.4% for the prior year period, an increase of 460 basis points (\u201cbps\u201d). The 460-bps increase was primarily driven by \na 680-bps increase related to lower ancillary charges caused by domestic supply chain disruptions and higher per diem charges in the prior year, an increase of 40-bps primarily related to cost savings initiatives for materials, labor, and transportation, a decrease of 150-bps due to pricing promotions and inventory write-downs, and a decrease of 110-bps related to capacity growth \ninvestments\n in manufacturing and distribution.\n \nSelling, general, and administrative (\u201cSG&A\u201d) expenses decreased by $3.9 million in the year ended June 30, 2023, compared to the prior fiscal year. \nAs a percentage of net sales, SG&A expense was 16.0% in the fiscal year 2023 compared to 12.3% of net sales in the prior fiscal year\n. The increase of 370-bps is primarily due to an increase of 350-bps due to deleverage on year-over-year sales decline and an increase of 20-bps due to higher incentive compensation and investment in growth initiatives.\n \nThere were no restructuring expenses in the year ended June 30, 2023, as all restructuring activities were completed in the prior fiscal year. The prior fiscal year expenses were primarily for ongoing costs associated with our facilities listed as held for sale, professional fees, and former employee expenses as part of our previously announced comprehensive restructuring plan. See Note 5, \nRestructuring\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this \nAnnual Report on Form 10-K\n for more information. \n \nDuring the year ended June 30, 2023, the Company recorded income of $2.8 million as a result of insurance proceeds received related to the settlement of the environmental remediation liability. See Note 13 \nCommitments and Contingencies\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.\n \nIncome tax benefit was ($5.6) million, or an effective rate of (60.3%), for the year ended June 30, 2023, compared to income tax expense of $4.1 million in the prior year, or an effective tax rate of 68.6%. The effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the release of our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. See Note 10, \nIncome Taxes\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this \nAnnual Report on Form 10-K\n for more information.\n \nNet income was $14.8 million, or $2.74 per diluted share for the year ended June 30, 2023, compared to net income of $1.9 million, or $0.28 per diluted share in the prior year.\n \nFiscal 2022 Compared to Fiscal 2021\n \nNet sales were $544.3 million for the year ended June 30, 2022, compared to net sales of $478.9 million in the prior year, an increase of $65.4 million or 13.6%. Sales of products sold through retailers grew by $73.4 million or 17.8% primarily driven by pricing and a strong order backlog at the start of the year. Sales of products sold through e-commerce channels decreased by ($8.0) million, or (12%) due to a decrease in consumer demand.\n \nGross margin as a percent of net sales for the year ended June 30, 2022, was 13.4%, compared to 20.2% for the prior year period, a decrease of 680-bps. The 680-bps decrease was primarily driven by \na 450-bps decrease related to ancillary charges caused by domestic supply chain disruptions and higher per diem charges, a decrease of 200-bps due to pricing promotions and inventory write-downs, a decrease of 110-bps related to capacity growth \ninvestments\n in a third additional manufacturing plant in Mexico, and a new distribution facility in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and a decrease of 70-bps primarily related to cost inflation for materials, labor, and transportation, partially offset by an increase of 150-bps related to price realization.\n \nSG&A expenses decreased by $1.2 million in the year ended June 30, 2022, compared to the prior fiscal year. \nAs a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 12.3% in the fiscal year 2022 compared to 14.2% of net sales in the prior fiscal year. The decrease of 190-bps is primarily due to a decrease of 170-bps due to leverage on year-over-year sales growth and a decrease of 100-bps due to lower incentive compensation and offset by an increase of 80-bps due to growth investments.\n\n\n11\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \n \nRestructuring expenses were $0.7 million during the year ended June 30, 2022, primarily for ongoing costs associated with our facilities listed as held for sale, professional fees, and former employee expenses as part of our previously announced comprehensive restructuring plan. See Note 5, \nRestructuring\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this \nAnnual Report on Form 10-K\n for more information. \n \nDuring the year ended June 30, 2022, we completed the sale of our remaining Harrison, Arkansas facility, resulting in total net proceeds of $1.4 million, and a total gain of $1.4 million.\n \nIncome tax expense was $4.1 million, or an effective rate of 68.6%, during the year ended June 30, 2022, compared to income tax expense of $8.4 million in the prior year, or an effective tax rate of 26.8%. The effective tax rate is primarily impacted by changes in our deferred tax assets for which we do not receive the income tax benefit due to our full valuation allowance. See Note 10, \nIncome Taxes\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this \nAnnual Report on Form 10-K\n for more information.\n \nNet income was $1.9 million, or $0.28 per diluted share for the year ended June 30, 2022, compared to net income of $23.0 million, or $3.09 per diluted share in the prior year.\n \nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n \nWorking capital (current assets less current liabilities) on June 30, 2023, was $115.5 million compared to $125.4 million on June 30, 2022. The $9.9 million decrease in working capital was due to a decrease in inventory of $19.1 million and a decrease of $2.9 million in trade receivables offset by a decrease in accounts payable of $7.4 million, a decrease in other liabilities of $2.1 million, an increase of other current assets of $1.5 million, and an increase in cash of $1.2 million. Capital expenditures were $4.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.\n \nA summary of operating, investing, and financing cash flow is shown in the following table:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFor the years ended June\u00a030,\n(in thousands)\n \n2023\n \n2022\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n \n$\n 22,989\n \n$\n 7,993\nNet cash (used in) investing activities\n \n \n (4,450)\n \n \n (1,916)\nNet cash (used in) financing activities\n \n \n (17,358)\n \n \n (5,235)\nIncrease in cash and cash equivalents\n \n$\n 1,181\n \n$\n 842\n \nNet cash provided by operating activities\n \nFor the year ended June 30, 2023, cash provided by operating activities was $23.0 million, which primarily consisted of net income of $14.8 million, adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation of $4.6 million and stock-based compensation of $3.2 million, offset by $7.2 million in deferred income taxes, accounts receivable allowance recoveries of $0.4 million, and gain from the sale of capital assets of $0.3 million. The $7.2 million change in deferred income taxes primarily relates to the release of our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. Net cash provided by operating assets and liabilities was $8.3 million and was primarily due to a decrease in inventory of $19.1 million due to fewer purchases intended to reduce inventory, a decrease in accounts receivable of $3.3 million due to lower net sales, offset by a decrease in accounts payable of $7.3 million due to lower inventory purchases, a decrease in other assets of $5.3 million, and a decrease in other liabilities of $1.5 million.\n \nFor the year ended June 30, 2022, cash provided by operating activities was $8.0 million, which primarily consisted of net income of $1.9 million, adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation of $5.2 million, gain from the sale of capital assets of $1.8 million, stock-based compensation of $1.0 million and allowance reserve recoveries of $0.3 million. Net cash provided by operating assets and liabilities was $2.0 million and was primarily due to a decrease in accounts payable of $35.8 million due to a decrease in inventory of $19.9 million due to fewer purchases intended to reduce inventory, a decrease in accounts receivable of $15.1 million primarily due to the timing of sales and collections, a decrease in other current assets of $4.0 million and a decrease in other liabilities of $1.2 million.\n \nNet cash (used in) investing activities\n \nFor the year ended June 30, 2023, net cash used in investing activities was $4.5 million, primarily due to capital expenditures of $4.8 million partially offset by proceeds of $0.3 million from the sale of capital assets.\n \nFor the year ended June 30, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was $1.9 million, primarily due to capital expenditures of $3.8 million partially offset by proceeds of $1.9 million from the sale of our Harrison, Arkansas, facility, and the finalization of the sale of our transportation fleet equipment.\n\n\n12\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \n \nNet cash (used in) financing activities\n \nFor the year ended June 30, 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $17.4 million, primarily due to proceeds from lines of credit of $363.8 million, offset by payments on lines of credit of $373.3 million, $3.7 million for treasury stock purchases, dividends paid of $3.2 million, and $1.0 million for tax payments on employee vested restricted shares netted with proceeds from the issuance of common stock.\n \nFor the year ended June 30, 2022, net cash used in financing activities was $5.2 million, primarily due to proceeds from lines of credit of $265.1 million, offset by payments on lines of credit of $230.9 million, $35.0 million for treasury stock purchases, dividends paid of $3.9 million, and $0.5 million for tax payments on employee vested restricted shares netted with proceeds from the issuance of common stock.\n \nFinancing Arrangements\n \nLine of Credit\n \nOn August 28, 2020, the Company entered a two-year secured $25.0 million revolving line of credit with Dubuque Bank and Trust Company, with an interest rate of 1.50% plus LIBOR, subject to a floor of 3.00%. The revolving line of credit was secured by essentially all the Company\u2019s assets, excluding real property, and required the Company to maintain compliance with certain financial and non-financial covenants. This line of credit was subsequently canceled in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2022.\n \nOn September 8, 2021, the Company, as the borrower, entered into a credit agreement (the \u201cCredit Agreement\u201d) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the \u201cLender\u201d), and the other lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement has a five-year term and provides for up to an $85 million revolving line of credit. Subject to certain conditions, the Credit Agreement also provides for the issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount up to $5 million which, upon issuance, would be deemed advances under the revolving line of credit. Proceeds of borrowings were used to refinance all indebtedness owed to Dubuque Bank and Trust and for working capital purposes. The Company\u2019s obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all its assets, excluding real property. The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including a financial covenant to maintain a fixed coverage ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00. In addition, the Loan Agreement places restrictions on the Company\u2019s ability to incur additional indebtedness, to create liens or other encumbrances, to sell or otherwise dispose of assets, and to merge or consolidate with other entities.\n \nOn April 18, 2022, the Company, as the borrower, entered a first amendment to the September 8, 2021, Credit Agreement (\u201cFirst Amendment to the Credit Agreement\u201d), with the Lender, and the lenders party thereto. The first amendment to the Credit Agreement changed the definition of the term \u2018Payment Conditions\u2019 and further defines default or event of default and the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.\n \nSubject to certain conditions, borrowings under the Credit Agreement initially bore interest at LIBOR plus 1.25% or 1.50% per annum. On May 24, 2023, the Company entered into a second amendment to the Credit Agreement (\u201cSecond Amendment to the Credit Agreement\u201d) with the lender to transition the applicable interest rate from LIBOR to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (\u201cSOFR\u201d). Effective as of the date of the Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement, borrowings under the amended Credit Agreement bear interest at SOFR plus 1.36% to 1.61% or an effective interest rate of 6.42% on June 30, 2023\n.\n \nAs of June 30, 2023, there was $28.3 million outstanding under the Credit Agreement, exclusive of fees and letters of credit.\n \nLetters of credit outstanding at the Lender as of June 30, 2023, totaled $1.1 million\n \nSee Note 9 \nCredit Arrangements\n of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n \nContractual Obligations\n \nThe following table summarizes our contractual obligations on June 30, 2023, and the effect these obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in the future (in thousands): \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n2-3\n \n4-5\n \nMore than\n \n \nTotal\n \n1 Year\n \nYears\n \nYears\n \n5 Years\nOperating lease obligations \n \n$\n 82,746\n \n$\n 9,391\n \n$\n 18,233\n \n$\n 18,082\n \n$\n 37,040\nWarehouse management obligation\n \n \n 4,915\n \n \n 1,512\n \n \n 3,025\n \n \n 378\n \n \n \u2014\n \n \n \n\n\n13\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nOutlook \n \nOur focus for fiscal 2024 will be to remain financially agile with strong liquidity, continue building our foundation for profitable long-term growth in both retail and e-commerce sales channels, build global supply chain resiliency, expand sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution capacity to support future growth, strengthen digital capabilities, reimagine the customer experience, and build strong culture and talent.\nCritical Accounting Policies\n \nThe discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial statements and results of operations are based on consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States of America. Preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the use of estimates and judgments that affect the reported results. We use estimates based on the best information available in recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations. Estimates are used for such items as the collectability of trade accounts receivable and inventory valuation. Ultimate results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.\n \nAllowance for Credit Losses\n \u2013 We establish an allowance for credit losses to reduce trade accounts receivable to an amount that reasonably approximates their net realizable value. Our accounts receivable allowance consists of an allowance for expected credit losses which is established through a review of open accounts, historical collection, and historical write-off amounts. The amount ultimately realized from trade accounts receivable may differ from the amount estimated in the consolidated financial statements.\n \nInventories\n \u2013 We value inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Our inventory valuation reflects markdowns for the excess of the cost over the amount expected to be realized and considers obsolete and excess inventory. Markdowns establish a new cost basis for the Company\u2019s inventory. Subsequent changes in facts or circumstances do not result in the reversal of previously recorded markdowns or an increase in that newly established cost basis.\n \nValuation of Long-Lived Assets\n \u2013 We periodically review the carrying value of long-lived assets and estimated depreciable or amortizable lives for continued appropriateness. This review is based upon projections of anticipated future cash flows and is performed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that asset carrying values may not be recoverable or that the estimated depreciable or amortizable lives may have changed. For assets held for sale, if the net book value of the asset is greater than its estimated fair value less cost to sell, an impairment is recorded for the excess of net book value over the estimated fair value less cost to sell. We recorded no impairments in the fiscal years 2023 and 2022. \n \nRestructuring Costs\n \u2013 The Company groups exit or disposal cost obligations into three categories: Involuntary employee termination benefits, costs to terminate contracts, and other associated costs. Involuntary employee termination benefits must be a one-time benefit, and this element of restructuring cost is recognized as incurred upon communication of the plan to the identified employees. Costs to terminate contracts are recognized upon termination agreement with the provider. Other associated restructuring costs are expensed as incurred. Any inventory impairment costs as a result of restructuring activities are accounted for as costs of goods sold.\n \nIncome Taxes\n - In determining taxable income for financial statement purposes, we must make certain estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments affect the calculation of certain tax liabilities and the determination of the recoverability of certain deferred tax assets, which arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets we consider all available positive and negative evidence including our past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years, and our forecast of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, we develop assumptions including the amount of future pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses.\n \nAt June 30, 2023 the Company determined that based on the weight of available evidence, we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets and reversed our deferred tax valuation allowance. The realization of our remaining deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on future taxable income in the appropriate jurisdiction. Any reduction in future taxable income including but not limited to any future restructuring activities may require that we re-establish a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. Establishing a valuation allowance or an increase in the valuation allowance could result in additional income tax expense in such a period and could have a significant impact on our future earnings. Refer to Note 10 \nIncome Taxes\n \nof Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information\n.\n \n\n\n14\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\u00a0\u00a0Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n \nGeneral\n \n\u2013 Market risk represents the risk of changes in the value of a financial instrument, derivative or non-derivative, caused by fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. As discussed below, management of the Company does not believe that changes in these factors could cause material fluctuations in the Company\u2019s results of operations or cash flows. The ability to import furniture products can be adversely affected by political issues in the countries where suppliers are located, as well as disruptions associated with shipping distances and negotiations with port employees. Other risks related to furniture product importation include government imposition of regulations and/or quotas; duties, taxes or tariffs on imports; and significant fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. Any of these factors could interrupt supply, increase costs, and decrease earnings. \n \nForeign Currency Risk \n\u2013 During fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company did not have sales but had purchases and other expenses denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Mexican Peso. \nThe wages of our employees and certain other employee benefit and indirect costs related to our operations in Mexico are made in Pesos and subject to foreign currency fluctuation with the U.S. dollar. The Company does not employ any foreign currency hedges against this exposure. A negative shift in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Peso could increase the cost of our manufactured product. See \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion\n. \n \nInterest Rate Risk \u2013 \nThe Company\u2019s primary market risk exposure regarding financial instruments is changes in interest rates. On June 30, 2023, the Company had $28.3 million outstanding on its line of credit.\n\u200e\n \n\n\n15\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n ",
+ "cik": "37472",
+ "cusip6": "339382",
+ "cusip": ["339382103"],
+ "names": ["FLEXSTEEL INDS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/37472/000003747223000024/0000037472-23-000024-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000055529-23-000013.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000055529-23-000013.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..49c7ed8643
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000055529-23-000013.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item\u00a01. Business\nGENERAL\nKewaunee Scientific Corporation (the \"Company\") was founded in 1906, incorporated in Michigan in 1941, became publicly-held in 1968, and was reincorporated in Delaware in 1970. Our principal business is the design, manufacture, and installation of laboratory, healthcare, and technical furniture and infrastructure products. Our products include steel and wood casework, fume hoods, adaptable modular systems, moveable workstations, stand-alone benches, biological safety cabinets, and epoxy resin work surfaces and sinks.\nOur products are sold primarily through purchase orders and contracts submitted by customers through our dealers, our subsidiaries in Singapore and India, and a national distributor. Products are sold principally to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, industrial, chemical and commercial research laboratories, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, governmental entities, and manufacturing facilities. We consider the markets in which we compete to be highly competitive, with a significant amount of the business involving competitive public bidding.\nIt is common in the laboratory and healthcare furniture industries for customer orders to require delivery at extended future dates, as products are frequently installed in buildings yet to be constructed. Changes or delays in building construction may cause delays in delivery of the orders and our recognition of the sale. Since prices are normally quoted on a firm basis in the industry, we bear the burden of possible increases in labor and material costs between quotation of an order and delivery of the product. The impact of such possible increases is considered when determining the sales price. The primary raw materials and products manufactured by others and used by us in our products are cold-rolled carbon and stainless steel, hardwood lumber and plywood, paint, chemicals, resins, hardware, plumbing and electrical fittings. Such materials and products are purchased from multiple suppliers and are typically readily available.\nOur need for working capital and our credit practices are comparable to those of other companies manufacturing, selling and installing similar products in similar markets. Since our products are used in building construction projects, in many cases payments for our products are received over longer periods of time than payments for many other types of manufactured products, thus requiring increased working capital. In addition, payment terms associated with certain projects provide for a retention amount until final completion of the project, thus also increasing required working capital. On average, payments for our products are received during the quarter following shipment, with the exception of the retention amounts which are collected at the final completion of the project.\n3\nTable of Contents\nWe hold various patents and patent rights, but do not consider that our success or growth is dependent upon our patents or patent rights. Our business is not dependent upon licenses, franchises, concessions, trademarks, royalty agreements, or labor contracts.\nOur business is not generally cyclical, although domestic sales are sometimes lower during our third quarter because of slower construction activity in certain areas of the country during the winter months. Sales for two of the Company's domestic dealers and our national stocking distributor represented, in the aggregate, approximately 35% and 38% of the Company's sales in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. Loss of all or part of our sales to a large customer would have a material effect on our financial operations.\nOur order backlog at April\u00a030, 2023 was $147.9\u00a0million, as compared to $173.9\u00a0million at April\u00a030, 2022. Based on scheduled shipment dates and past experience, we estimate that not less than 91% of our order backlog at April\u00a030, 2023 will be shipped during fiscal year 2024. However, it may be expected that delays in shipments will occur because of customer rescheduling or delay in completion of projects which involve the installation of our products.\nSEGMENT INFORMATION\nSee \nNote 11\n, \nSegment Information\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in \nItem\u00a08\n of this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K for information concerning our Domestic and International business segments.\nCOMPETITION\nWe consider the industries in which we participate to be highly competitive and believe that the principal deciding factors are price, product performance, and customer service. A significant portion of our business is based upon competitive public bidding.\nRESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTATION EXPENDITURES\nThe amount spent and expensed by us during the fiscal year ended April\u00a030, 2023 on research and experimentation expenditures activities related to new or redesigned products was $1,012,000. The amount spent for similar purposes in the fiscal year ended April\u00a030, 2022 was $990,000.\nENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE\nIn the last two fiscal years, compliance with federal, state, or local provisions enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has had no material effect on us and such regulation is not expected to have a material effect on our earnings or competitive position in the future.\nCULTURE AND WORKFORCE\nWe are a company of passionate, talented, and motivated people. We embrace collaboration and creativity, and encourage the iteration of ideas to address complex challenges in technology and society.\nAt April\u00a030, 2023, the Company had 603 Domestic employees and 379 International employees. Our people are critical for our continued success, so we work hard to create an environment where employees can have fulfilling careers, and be happy, healthy, and productive. We offer competitive benefits and programs to take care of the diverse needs of our employees and their families, including opportunities for career growth and development, resources to support their financial health, and access to excellent healthcare choices and resources, including access to an onsite medical clinic and separate gym facility and regular access to onsite specialists. Our competitive compensation programs help us to attract and retain top candidates, and we will continue to invest in recruiting talented people to technical and non-technical roles, and rewarding them well.\nThe Company believes that open and honest communication among team members, managers, and leaders helps create a collaborative work environment where everyone can contribute, grow, and succeed. Team members are encouraged to come to their managers with questions, feedback, or concerns, and the Company conducts surveys that gauge employee engagement.\nWhen necessary, we contract with businesses around the world to provide specialized services where we do not have appropriate in-house expertise or resources. We also contract with temporary staffing agencies when we need to cover short-term leaves, when we have spikes in business needs, or when we need to quickly incubate special projects. We choose our partners and staffing agencies carefully and continually make improvements to promote a respectful and positive working environment for everyone - employees, vendors, and temporary staff alike.\nOTHER INFORMATION\nOur Internet address is \nwww.kewaunee.com\n. We make available, free of charge through this website, our annual report to stockholders. Our Form\u00a010-K and 10-Q financial reports may be obtained by stockholders by writing the Secretary of the \n4\nTable of Contents\nCompany, Kewaunee Scientific Corporation, P.O. Box\u00a01842, Statesville, NC 28687-1842. The public may also obtain information on our reports, proxy, and information statements at the Securities and Exchange Commission (\"SEC\") Internet site \nwww.sec.gov\n. The reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference of any information contained at that site.\nEXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT\nIncluded in Part III, \nItem\u00a010(b)\n, \nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.",
+ "item1a": ">Item\u00a01A. Risk Factors\nYou should carefully consider the following risks before you decide to buy shares of our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, results of operations, or financial condition would likely suffer. In such case, the trading price of our common stock would decline, and you may lose all or part of the money you paid to buy our stock.\nThis and other public reports may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those more fully described below and elsewhere in our public reports. We do not undertake to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.\nRisks Specific to our Company\nIf we lose a large customer, our sales and profits would decline.\nWe have substantial sales to three of our domestic channel partners. The combined sales to two dealers and our national stocking distributor accounted for approximately 35% of our sales in fiscal year 2023. Loss of all or a part of our sales to a large channel partner would have a material effect on our revenues and profits until an alternative channel partner could be developed.\nWe rely on the talents and efforts of key management and our Associates. If we are unable to retain or motivate key personnel, hire qualified personnel, or maintain and continue to adapt our corporate culture, we may not be able to grow or operate effectively.\nOur performance largely depends on the talents and efforts of our Associates. Our ability to compete effectively and our future success depends on our continuing to identify, hire, develop, motivate, and retain key management and highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization. In addition, our total compensation program may not always be successful in attracting new employees and retaining and motivating our existing employees. Restrictive immigration policy and regulatory changes may also affect our ability to hire, mobilize, or retain some of our global talent.\nIn addition, we believe that our corporate culture fosters innovation, creativity, and teamwork. As our organization grows and evolves, we may need to implement more complex organizational management structures or adapt our corporate culture and work environments to ever-changing circumstances, such as during times of a natural disaster or pandemic, and these changes could affect our ability to compete effectively or have an adverse effect on our corporate culture. With the constant evolution of workforce dynamics, if we do not manage these changes effectively, it could materially adversely affect our culture, reputation, and operational flexibility.\nWe are subject to other risks that might also cause our actual results to vary materially from our forecasts, targets, or projections, including:\n\u2022\nFailing to anticipate the need for and appropriately invest in information technology and logistical resources necessary to support our business, including managing the costs associated with such resources;\n\u2022\nFailing to generate sufficient future positive operating cash flows and, if necessary, secure and maintain adequate external financing to fund our operations and any future growth; and\n\u2022\nInterruptions in service by common carriers that ship goods within our distribution channels.\nOur business and reputation are impacted by information technology system failures and network disruptions.\nWe, and our global supply chain, are exposed to information technology system failures or network disruptions caused by natural disasters, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, ransomware or other cybersecurity incidents, or other events or disruptions. System redundancy and other continuity measures may be ineffective or inadequate, and our, or our vendors', business continuity and disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. Such failures or disruptions can adversely impact our business by, among other things, \n5\nTable of Contents\npreventing access to our cloud-based systems, interfering with customer transactions or impeding the manufacturing and shipping of our products. These events could materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.\nFuture cybersecurity incidents could expose us to liability and damage our reputation and our business.\nWe collect, process, store, and transmit large amounts of data, and it is critical to our business strategy that our facilities and infrastructure remain secure and are perceived by the marketplace to be secure. Our information technology systems are essential to our efforts to manufacture our products, process customer sales transactions, manage inventory levels, conduct business with our suppliers and other business partners, and record, summarize and analyze the results of our operations. These systems contain, among other things, material operational, financial and administrative information related to our business. As with most companies, there will always be some risk of physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses, or similar disruptions.\nIn addition, we, like all entities, are the target of cybercriminals who attempt to compromise our systems. From time to time, we experience threats and intrusions that may require remediation to protect sensitive information, including our intellectual property and personal information, and our overall business. Any physical or electronic break-in, computer virus, cybersecurity attack or other security breach or compromise of the information handled by us or our service providers may jeopardize the security or integrity of information in our computer systems and networks or those of our customers and cause significant interruptions in our and our customers' operations.\nAny systems and processes that we have developed that are designed to protect customer, associate and vendor information, and intellectual property, and to prevent data loss and other security attacks, cannot provide absolute security. In addition, we may not successfully implement remediation plans to address all potential exposures. It is possible that we may have to expend additional financial and other resources to address these problems. Failure to prevent or mitigate data loss or other security incidents could expose us or our customers, associates and vendors to a risk of loss or misuse of such information, cause customers to lose confidence in our data protection measures, damage our reputation, adversely affect our operating results or result in litigation or potential liability for us.\nAdditionally, we expect to continue to make investments in our information technology infrastructure. The implementation of these investments may be more costly or take longer than we anticipate, or could otherwise adversely affect our business operations, which could negatively impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.\nInternal controls over financial reporting may not be effective at preventing or detecting material misstatements.\nBecause of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect material misstatements in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.\nRisks Related to Operations\nSales to customers outside the United States or with international operations expose us to risks inherent in international sales.\nDuring fiscal year 2023, 34% of our revenues were derived from sales outside of the United States. A key element of our growth strategy is to expand our worldwide customer base and our international operations. Operating in international markets requires significant resources and management attention and subjects us to regulatory, economic and political risks that are different from those in the United States. We cannot assure you that our expansion efforts into other international markets will be successful. Our experience in the United States and other international markets in which we already have a presence may not be relevant to our ability to expand in other emerging markets. Our international expansion efforts may not be successful in creating further demand for our products outside of the United States or in effectively selling our products in the international markets we enter. \nIf we fail to compete effectively, our revenue and profit margins could decline.\nWe face a variety of competition in all of the markets in which we participate. Competitive pricing, including price competition or the introduction of new products, could have material adverse effects on our revenues and profit margins.\nOur ability to compete effectively depends to a significant extent on the specification or approval of our products by architects, engineers, and customers. If a significant segment of those communities were to decide that the design, materials, manufacturing, testing, or quality control of our products is inferior to that of any of our competitors, our sales and profits would be materially and adversely affected.\nAn increase in the price of raw materials could negatively affect our sales and profits.\n6\nTable of Contents\nIt is common in the laboratory and healthcare furniture industries for customers to require delivery at extended future dates, as products are frequently installed in buildings yet to be constructed. Since prices are normally quoted on a firm basis in the industry, we bear the burden of possible increases in labor and material costs between the quotation of an order and the delivery of the products. Our principal raw materials are steel, including stainless steel, wood and epoxy resin. Numerous factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, competition, worldwide demand, labor costs, energy costs, and import duties and other trade restrictions, influence prices for our raw materials. We have not always been able, and in the future we might not be able, to increase our product prices in amounts that correspond to increases in costs of raw materials. Where we are not able to increase our prices, increases in our raw material costs will adversely affect our profitability.\nEvents outside our control may affect our operating results.\nWe have little control over the timing of shipping customer orders, as customers' required delivery dates are subject to change by the customer. Construction delays and customer changes to product designs are among the factors that may delay the start of manufacturing. Weather conditions, such as unseasonably warm, cold, or wet weather, can also affect and sometimes delay projects. Political and economic events can also affect our revenues. When sales do not meet our expectations, our operating results will be reduced for the relevant quarters.\nOur principal markets are in the laboratory and healthcare building construction industry. This industry is subject to significant volatility due to various factors, none of which is within our control. Declines in construction activity or demand for our products could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.\nWe face numerous manufacturing and supply chain risks. In addition, our reliance upon sole or limited sources of supply for certain materials, components, and services could cause production interruptions, delays and inefficiencies.\nWe purchase materials, components, and equipment from third parties for use in our manufacturing operations. Our results of operations could be adversely impacted if we are unable to adjust our purchases to reflect changes in customer demand and market fluctuations. Suppliers may extend lead times, limit supplies, or increase prices. If we cannot purchase sufficient products at competitive prices and of sufficient quality on a timely enough basis to meet increasing demand, we may not be able to satisfy market demand, product shipments may be delayed, our costs may increase, or we may breach out contractual commitments and incur liabilities.\nIn addition, some of our businesses purchase certain required products from sole or limited source suppliers for reasons of quality assurance, regulatory requirements, cost effectiveness, availability or uniqueness of design. If these or other suppliers encounter financial, operating, or other difficulties, or if our relationship with them changes, we might not be able to quickly establish or qualify replacement sources of supply. The supply chains for our businesses were impacted in fiscal year 2023 from factors outside our control and could also be disrupted in the future for such reasons as supplier capacity constraints, supplier bankruptcy or exiting of the business for other reasons, decreased availability of key raw materials or commodities and external events such as natural disasters, pandemics or other public health problems, war, terrorist actions, governmental actions and legislative or regulatory changes. Any of these factors could result in production interruptions, delays, extended lead times and inefficiencies.\nOur revenues and other operating results depend in large part on our ability to manufacture our products in sufficient quantities and in a timely manner. Any interruptions we experience in the manufacture of our products or changes to the way we manufacture products could delay our ability to recognize revenues in a particular period. In addition, we must maintain sufficient production capacity in order to meet anticipated customer demand, which carries fixed costs that we may not be able to offset because we cannot always immediately adapt our production capacity and related cost structures to changing market conditions, which would adversely affect our operating margins. If we are unable to manufacture our products consistently, in sufficient quantities, and on a timely basis, our revenues, gross margins, and our other operating results will be materially and adversely affected.\nDisruptions in the financial markets have historically created, and may continue to create, uncertainty in economic conditions that may adversely affect our customers and our business.\nThe financial markets in the United States, Europe and Asia have in the past been, and may in the future be, volatile. The tightening of credit in financial markets, worsening of economic conditions, a prolonged global, national or regional economic recession or other similar events could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and on our sales, pricing and profitability. We are unable to predict the likely occurrence or duration of these adverse economic conditions and the impact these events may have on our operations and the end users who purchase our products.\nOur future growth may depend on our ability to penetrate new international markets.\nInternational laws and regulations, construction customs, standards, techniques and methods differ from those in the United States. Significant challenges of conducting business in foreign countries include, among other factors, geopolitical tensions, local \n7\nTable of Contents\nacceptance of our products, political instability, currency controls, changes in import and export regulations, changes in tariff and freight rates and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.\nThe effects of geopolitical instability, including as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, may adversely affect us and heighten significant risks and uncertainties for our business, with the ultimate impact dependent on future developments, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable.\nOngoing geopolitical instability could negatively impact the global and U.S. economies in the future, including by causing supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, volatility in capital markets and foreign currency exchange rates, rising interest rates, and heightened cybersecurity risks. The extent to which such geopolitical instability adversely affects our business, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as our liquidity and capital profile, is highly uncertain and unpredictable. If geopolitical instability adversely affects us, it may also have the effect of heightening other risks related to our business.\nIn response to the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine that began in February 2022, the United States and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states, as well as non-member states, announced targeted economic sanctions on Russia. The long-term impact on our business resulting from the disruption of trade in the region caused by the conflict and associated sanctions and boycotts is uncertain at this time due to the fluid nature of the ongoing military conflict and response. The potential impacts include supply chain and logistics disruptions, financial impacts including volatility in foreign exchange and interest rates, increased inflationary pressure on raw materials and energy, and other risks, including an elevated risk of cybersecurity threats and the potential for further sanctions.\nLegal and Regulatory Compliance Risks\nChanges in U.S. trade policy, including the imposition of tariffs and the resulting consequences, may have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. \nWe cannot predict the extent to which the U.S. or other countries will impose quotas, duties, tariffs, taxes or other similar restrictions upon the import or export of our products or raw materials in the future, nor can we predict future trade policy or the terms of any renegotiated trade agreements and their impact on our business.\u00a0Changes in U.S. trade policy could result in one or more foreign governments adopting responsive trade policies making it more difficult or costly for us to import our products or raw materials from those countries. This, together with tariffs already imposed, or that may be imposed in the future, by the U.S., could require us to increase prices to our customers which may reduce demand, or, if we are unable to increase prices, result in lowering our margin on products sold. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, our customers, our suppliers, and the U.S. economy, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. \nExpectations related to environmental, social, and governance (\"ESG\") considerations could expose us to potential liabilities, increased costs, and reputational harm.\nWe are subject to laws, regulations, and other measures that govern a wide range of topics, including those related to matters beyond our core products and services. For instance, new laws, regulations, policies, and international accords relating to ESG matters, including sustainability, climate change, human capital, and diversity, are being developed and formalized in Europe, the U.S., and elsewhere, which may entail specific, target-driven frameworks and/or disclosure requirements. The implementation of these may require considerable investments. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to adhere to any public statements or initiatives, comply with federal, state or international environmental social and governance laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards could result in legal and regulatory proceedings against us and could materially adversely affect the Company's business reputation, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price.\nGeneral Risks\nOur stock price is likely to be volatile and could drop.\nThe trading price of our Common Stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to quarter-to-quarter variation in operating results, announcement of technological innovations or new products by us or our competitors, general conditions in the construction and construction materials industries, relatively low trading volume in our common stock and other events or factors. In addition, in recent years, the stock market has experienced extreme price fluctuations. This volatility has had a substantial effect on the market prices of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to the operating performance of those companies. Securities market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.\nWe currently, and may in the future, have assets held at financial institutions that may exceed the insurance coverage offered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (\"FDIC\"), the loss of which would have a severe negative effect on our operations and liquidity.\n8\nTable of Contents\nWe may maintain our cash assets at financial institutions in the U.S. in amounts that may be in excess of the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000. Actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry of the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. In the event of a failure or liquidity issues of or at any of the financial institutions where we maintain our deposits or other assets, we may incur a loss to the extent such loss exceeds the FDIC insurance limitation, which could have a material adverse effect upon our liquidity, financial condition, and our results of operations.\nSimilarly, if our customers or partners experience liquidity issues as a result of financial institution defaults or non-performance where they hold cash assets, their ability to pay us may become impaired and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, including the collection of accounts receivable and cash flows.\nThe impact of investor concerns on U.S. or international financial systems could impact our ability to obtain favorable financing terms in the future.\nInvestor concerns regarding the U.S. or international financial systems could result in less favorable commercial financing terms, including higher interest rates or costs and tighter financial and operating covenants, or systemic limitations on access to credit and liquidity sources, thereby making it more difficult for us to acquire financing on terms favorable to us, or at all, and could have material adverse impacts on our liquidity, our business, financial condition or results of operations, and our prospects.\nThe impact of future pandemics could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.\nWhile we believe we successfully navigated the risks associated with the recent COVID-19 pandemic and were able to successfully maintain our business operations, the extent of the impact of future COVID-19 variations or other pandemics on our business and financial results is, by nature of this type of event, highly uncertain. The sweeping nature of pandemics makes it extremely difficult to predict how and to what extent our business and operations could be affected in the long run. Our workforce, and the workforce of our vendors, service providers, and counterparties, could be affected by a pandemic, which could result in an adverse impact on our ability to conduct business. No assurance can be given that the actions we take to protect our Associates and our operations will be sufficient, nor can we predict the level of disruption that could occur to our employees' ability to provide customer support and service. New processes, procedures, and controls may be required to respond to any changes in our business environment. Further, should any key employees become ill during the course of a future health event and be unable to work, our ability to operate our internal controls may be adversely impacted.\nAdditional factors related to major public health issues that could have material and adverse effects on our ability to successfully operate include, but are not limited to, the following:\n\u2022\nThe effectiveness of any governmental and non-governmental organizations in combating the spread and severity, including any legal and regulatory responses;\n\u2022\nA general decline in business activity, especially as it relates to our customers' expansion or consolidation activities;\n\u2022\nThe destabilization of the financial markets, which could negatively impact our customer growth and access to capital, along with our customers' ability to make payments for their purchase orders; and\n\u2022\nSevere disruptions to and instability in the global financial markets, and deterioration in credit and financing conditions, which could affect our access to capital necessary to fund business operations or current investment and growth strategies.",
+ "item7": ">Item\u00a07. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nINTRODUCTION\nKewaunee Scientific Corporation is a recognized leader in the design, manufacture and installation of laboratory, healthcare and technical furniture products. The Company's corporate headquarters are located in Statesville, North Carolina. Sales offices are located in the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. Three manufacturing facilities are located in Statesville serving the domestic and international markets, and one manufacturing facility is located in Bangalore, India serving the local, Asian, and African markets. Kewaunee Scientific Corporation's website is located at \nwww.kewaunee.com\n. The reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference of any information contained at that site.\nOur products are sold primarily through purchase orders and contracts submitted by customers through our dealers, our subsidiaries in Singapore and India, and a national distributor. Products are sold principally to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, industrial, chemical and commercial research laboratories, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, governmental entities, manufacturing facilities and users of networking furniture. We consider the markets in which we compete to be highly competitive, with a significant amount of the market requiring competitive public bidding.\nIt is common in the laboratory and healthcare furniture industries for customer orders to require delivery at extended future dates, as products are frequently to be installed in buildings yet to be constructed. Changes or delays in building construction may cause delays in delivery of the orders and our recognition of the sale. Since prices are normally quoted on a firm basis in the industry, we bear the burden of possible increases in labor and material costs between quotation of an order and delivery of the product. The impact of such possible increases is considered when determining the sales price. The principal raw materials and products manufactured by others used in our products are cold-rolled carbon and stainless steel, hardwood lumbers and plywood, paint, chemicals, resins, hardware, plumbing and electrical fittings. Such materials and products are purchased from multiple suppliers and are typically readily available.\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES\nIn the ordinary course of business, we have made estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial position in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We believe that the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations, and require management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.\nAllowance for Doubtful Accounts\nEvaluation of the allowance for doubtful accounts involves management judgments and estimates. We evaluate the collectability of our trade accounts receivable based on a number of factors. In circumstances where management is aware of a customer's inability to meet its financial obligations to us, or a project dispute makes it unlikely that the outstanding amount owed by a customer will be collected, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded to reduce the recognized receivable to the estimated amount we believe will ultimately be collected. In addition to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, a reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded based on our recent past loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable amounts outstanding.\nPension Benefits\nWe sponsor pension plans covering all employees who met eligibility requirements as of April\u00a030, 2005. These pension plans were amended as of April\u00a030, 2005, no further benefits have been, or will be, earned under the plans subsequent to the amendment date, and no additional participants have been, or will be, added to the plans. Several statistical and other factors, which attempt to anticipate future events, are used in calculating the expense and liability related to the pension plans. These factors include actuarial assumptions about the discount rate used to calculate and determine benefit obligations and the expected return on plan assets within certain guidelines. The actuarial assumptions used by us may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates, or longer or shorter life spans of participants. These differences may significantly affect the amount of pension income or expense recorded by us in future periods.\nSelf-Insurance Reserves\nThe Company's domestic operations are self-insured for employee health care costs. The Company has purchased specific stop-loss insurance policies to limit claims above a certain amount. Estimated medical costs were accrued for claims incurred but not reported using assumptions based upon historical loss experiences. The Company's exposure reflected in the self-insurance reserves varies depending upon market conditions in the insurance industry, availability of cost-effective insurance coverage, and actual claims versus estimated future claims.\n12\nTable of Contents\nIncome Taxes\nWe are subject to income taxes in the U.S. (federal and state) and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Tax laws, regulations, administrative practices, and interpretations in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change, with or without notice, due to economic, political, and other conditions, and significant judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our provision and accruals for these taxes. There are many transactions that occur during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. In addition, our actual and forecasted earnings are subject to change due to economic, political, and other conditions.\nOur effective tax rates could be affected by numerous factors, such as changes in our business operations, acquisitions, investments, entry into new businesses and geographies, intercompany transactions, the relative amount of our foreign earnings, including earnings being lower than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory rates, losses incurred in jurisdictions for which we are not able to realize related tax benefits, the applicability of special tax regimes, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes to our forecasts of income and loss and the mix of jurisdictions to which they relate, changes in our deferred tax assets and liabilities and their valuation, and interpretations related to tax laws and accounting rules in various jurisdictions.\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nSales for fiscal year 2023 were $219.5 million, an increase compared to fiscal year 2022 sales of $168.9 million. Domestic Segment sales for fiscal year 2023 were $146.7 million, an increase of 15.7% compared to fiscal year 2022 sales of $126.8 million. The increase in Domestic Segment sales is primarily driven by the pricing of new orders in response to higher raw material input costs. International Segment sales for fiscal year 2023 were $72.8 million, an increase of 73.2% from fiscal year 2022 sales of $42.0 million. The increase in International Segment sales in fiscal year 2023 is due to the delivery of several large projects in India, Asia, and Africa that were awarded over the course of the past eighteen months.\nOur order backlog was $147.9 million at April\u00a030, 2023, as compared to $173.9 million at April\u00a030, 2022. The decrease in backlog is primarily attributable to the substantial completion of the previously announced Dangote Oil project in Nigeria during the fiscal year and a reduction in new orders within the ASEAN marketplace. The Company's backlog for the United States and Indian markets on April 30, 2023 is similar to prior fiscal year levels as order rates in these markets remain strong.\nGross profit represented 16.2% and 14.3% of sales in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in gross profit margin percentage for fiscal year 2023 is driven by the significant increase in International Segment sales, which has a higher gross profit rate than the Domestic Segment, coupled with an increase in Domestic Segment sales that had improved pricing as noted above.\nOperating expenses were $30.2 million and $26.8 million in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 13.8% and 15.9% of sales, respectively. The increase in operating expense in fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to increases in consulting and professional fees of $552,000, corporate governance expenses of $113,000, and increases in International Segment operating expenses of $2,286,000 as a result of the significant sales growth experienced. These increases were partially offset by reductions in administrative wages, benefits, and stock-based compensation of $142,000, and marketing expense of $223,000. The increase in operating expenses for fiscal year 2023 also included a one-time charge related to the write-down of a prior year insurance claim in the amount of $260,000. The increase in international operating expenses for fiscal year 2023 is related to the continued sales growth in the International operating segment.\nPension expense was $71,000 in fiscal year 2023, compared to pension income of $355,000 in fiscal year 2022. The increase in pension expense was primarily due to the lower expected return on plan assets driven by a decrease in plan assets in the prior fiscal year.\nOther income, net was $939,000 and $400,000 in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in other income in fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to interest income earned on the cash balances held by the Company's international subsidiaries and the increased interest earned on the Note Receivable related to the Sale-Leaseback financing transaction when compared to the prior fiscal year. See \nNote 5\n, \nSale-Leaseback Financing Transaction \nfor additional information on this transaction.\nInterest expense was $1,734,000 and $632,000 in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in interest expense for fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to the Sale-Leaseback financing transaction noted above, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense related to the Company's revolving credit facility.\nIncome tax expense was $3.1 million and $3.5 million for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively, or 69.8% and 141.6% of pretax earnings (loss), respectively. The effective rate for fiscal year 2023 was unfavorably impacted by the increase in the valuation allowance attributable to changes to Internal Revenue Code Section 174 Research and Experimental Expenditures, which became effective in the current fiscal year. The primary impact of this change is the amortization of current year expenditures over a five year period, as compared to prior fiscal years where research expenditures were deductible in the year incurred. The effective rate change for fiscal year 2022 was also unfavorably impacted due to changes in the valuation allowance \n13\nTable of Contents\nattributable to the net increase in deferred tax assets of $4,170,000 before valuation allowance as a result of the book to tax differences primarily related to the Company's execution of a Sale-Leaseback transaction for owned real property, which was treated as a taxable sale transaction for tax purposes and a financing transaction for financial statement reporting purposes.\nNet earnings attributable to the non-controlling interest related to our subsidiaries that are not 100% owned by the Company were $621,000 and $123,000 for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. The changes in the net earnings attributable to the non-controlling interest for each year were due to changes in the levels of net income of the subsidiaries.\nNet earnings were $738,000, or $0.25 per diluted share, as compared to net loss of $6,126,000, or $2.20 per diluted share, for fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively. The increase in net earnings was attributable to the factors discussed above.\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nOur principal sources of liquidity have historically been funds generated from operating activities, supplemented as needed by borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Additionally, certain machinery and equipment are financed by non-cancelable operating and financing leases. We believe that these sources of funds will be sufficient to support ongoing business requirements, including capital expenditures, through fiscal year 2024.\nAt April\u00a030, 2023, we had $3,548,000 outstanding under our $15.0 million revolving credit facility. See \nNote 4\n, \nLong-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in \nItem 8\n of this Annual Report for additional information concerning our credit facility. In fiscal year 2022, we executed a Sale-Leaseback financing transaction with respect to our manufacturing and corporate facilities in Statesville, North Carolina to provide additional liquidity. See \nNote 5\n, \nSale-Leaseback Financing Transaction \nfor more information. We did not have any off balance sheet arrangements at April\u00a030, 2023 or 2022.\nThe following table summarizes the cash payment obligations for our lease and financing arrangements as of April\u00a030, 2023: \nPAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD\n($ in thousands)\nContractual Cash Obligations\nTotal\n1 Year\n2-3\u00a0Years\n4-5\u00a0Years\nAfter\u00a05\u00a0years\nOperating Leases\n$\n10,636\u00a0\n$\n2,373\u00a0\n$\n4,095\u00a0\n$\n2,788\u00a0\n$\n1,380\u00a0\nFinancing Lease Obligations\n254\u00a0\n91\u00a0\n163\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nSale-Leaseback Financing Transaction\n43,917\u00a0\n1,931\u00a0\n3,979\u00a0\n4,140\u00a0\n33,867\u00a0\nTotal Contractual Cash Obligations\n$\n54,807\u00a0\n$\n4,395\u00a0\n$\n8,237\u00a0\n$\n6,928\u00a0\n$\n35,247\u00a0\nThe Company's operating activities used cash of $3,790,000 in fiscal year 2023, primarily for increases in receivables of $4,947,000 and decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $5,558,000, partially offset by cash from operations, decreases in inventories of $1,907,000, and increases in deferred revenue of $568,000. Operating activities used cash of $7,885,000 in fiscal year 2022, primarily for operations, increases in inventories of $7,279,000 and receivables of $8,464,000, partially offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $11,886,000 and a decrease in income tax receivable of $955,000.\nThe Company's financing activities provided cash of $14,931,000 during fiscal year 2023 as a result of the collection of $13,629,000 in final proceeds from the Sale-Leaseback transaction executed in the prior fiscal year and proceeds from the net increase in short-term borrowings of $1,998,000, partially offset by repayment of long-term debt of $121,000. The Company's financing activities provided cash of $11,031,000 during fiscal year 2022 from proceeds of $15,893,000 from the Sale-Leaseback transaction, including redemption of preferred shares from the buyer, net of debt issuance costs, partially offset by payments of $5,239,000 for short-term borrowings.\nThe majority of the April\u00a030, 2023 accounts receivable balances are expected to be collected during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, with the exception of retention amounts on fixed-price contracts which are collected when the entire construction project is completed and all retention funds are paid by the owner.\nAs discussed above, no further benefits have been, or will be, earned under our pension plans after April\u00a030, 2005, and no additional participants have been, or will be, added to the plans. In fiscal years 2023 and 2022, we made no contributions to the plans. We expect to make no contributions to the plans for fiscal year 2024. \nCapital expenditures were $4,148,000 and $1,908,000 in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. Capital expenditures in fiscal year 2023 were funded primarily from financing activities. Fiscal year 2024 capital expenditures are anticipated to be \n14\nTable of Contents\napproximately $4.4 million. The fiscal year 2024 expenditures are expected to be funded primarily by operating activities, supplemented as needed by borrowings under our revolving credit facility.\nWorking capital was $47.9 million at April\u00a030, 2023, down from $49.3 million at April\u00a030, 2022, and the ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.2-to-1.0 at April\u00a030, 2023 unchanged from April 30, 2022.\nNo dividends were declared or paid on the Company's common stock during the last two fiscal years. The declaration and payment of\u00a0any future dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including the Company's earnings, capital requirements, investment and growth strategies, financial condition, the terms of the Company's indebtedness, which contains provisions that could limit the payment of dividends in certain circumstances, and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem to be relevant. \nRECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS \nSee \nNote 1\n, \nSummary of Significant Accounting Policies\n, to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements, which is incorporated herein by reference.\nOUTLOOK\nFinancial Outlook\nThe Company's ability to predict future demand for its products continues to be limited given its role as subcontractor or supplier to dealers for subcontractors. Demand for the Company's products is also dependent upon the number of laboratory and healthcare construction projects planned and/or current progress in projects already under construction.\nFiscal year 2023 was a transition year for the Company as it emerged from a generally disruptive three-year period that included a global pandemic, rapid broad-based inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions. The Company believes it is well-positioned for the next fiscal year due to its strong global management team, a healthy backlog, improved manufacturing capabilities, and end-use markets that will continue to prioritize investment in projects that require the products Kewaunee designs and manufactures.",
+ "item7a": ">Item\u00a07A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nInterest Rates\nWe are exposed to market risk in the area of interest rates. This exposure is associated with balances outstanding under our revolving credit facility and certain lease obligations for production machinery, all of which are priced on a floating rate basis. We had $3.5 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility at April\u00a030, 2023, bearing interest at floating rates. We believe that our current exposure to interest rate market risk is not material.\nForeign Currency Exchange Rates\nOur results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. We derive net sales in U.S. dollars and other currencies including Indian rupees, Singapore dollars, and other currencies. For\u00a0fiscal year 2023,\u00a027%\u00a0of net sales were derived in currencies other than U.S. dollars. We incur expenses in currencies other than U.S. dollars relating to specific contracts with customers and for our operations outside the U.S.\nOver the long term, net sales to international markets may increase as a percentage of total net sales and, consequently, a greater portion of our business could be denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, operating results may become more subject to fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. To the extent we engage in international sales denominated in U.S. dollars, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in international markets. This effect is also impacted by costs of raw materials from international sources and costs of our sales, service, and manufacturing locations outside the U.S.\nWe have foreign currency cash accounts to operate our global business. These accounts are impacted by changes in foreign currency rates. Cash balances at\u00a0April 30, 2023 of $9.4 million\u00a0were held by our foreign subsidiaries and denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.\n \n15\nTable of Contents\nItem\u00a08. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\nPage\nConsolidated Financial Statements\nReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (\nFORVIS, LLP\n, \nCharlotte, NC\n, PCAOB Firm No. \n686\n)\n17\nConsolidated Statements of Operations\u2014Years ended April 30, 202\n3\n and 202\n2\n18\nConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income\u2014Years ended April\u00a030, 202\n3\n and 202\n2\n19\nConsolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity\u2014Years ended April\u00a030, 202\n3\n and 202\n2\n20\nConsolidated Balance Sheets\u2014April\u00a030, 202\n3\n and 202\n2\n21\nConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows\u2014Years ended April\u00a030, 202\n3\n and 202\n2\n22\nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements\n23\nConsent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm\n41\n16\nTable of Contents\nREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM\nTo the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Kewaunee Scientific Corporation\nOpinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements\nWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kewaunee Scientific Corporation and subsidiaries (the \"Company\") as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended April 30, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the \"financial statements\"). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended April 30, 2023, in conformity with principles generally accepted in the United States of America.\nBasis for Opinion\nThese financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (\"PCAOB\") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. \nWe conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.\nOur audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.\nCritical Audit Matters\nCritical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.\n/s/ FORVIS, LLP \nWe have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.\nCharlotte, NC\nJune 30, 2023\n17\nTable of Contents\nCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS\nYears Ended April 30\nKewaunee\u00a0Scientific\u00a0Corporation\n$ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts\n2023\n2022\nNet sales\n$\n219,494\n\u00a0\n$\n168,872\n\u00a0\nCost of products sold\n183,906\n\u00a0\n144,652\n\u00a0\nGross profit\n35,588\n\u00a0\n24,220\n\u00a0\nOperating expenses\n30,224\n\u00a0\n26,828\n\u00a0\nOperating earnings (loss)\n5,364\n\u00a0\n(\n2,608\n)\nPension (expense) income\n(\n71\n)\n355\n\u00a0\nOther income, net\n939\n\u00a0\n400\n\u00a0\nInterest expense\n(\n1,734\n)\n(\n632\n)\nEarnings (Loss) before income taxes\n4,498\n\u00a0\n(\n2,485\n)\nIncome tax expense\n3,139\n\u00a0\n3,518\n\u00a0\nNet earnings (loss)\n1,359\n\u00a0\n(\n6,003\n)\nLess: net earnings attributable to the non-controlling interest\n621\n\u00a0\n123\n\u00a0\nNet earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation\n$\n738\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n6,126\n)\nNet earnings (loss) per share attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation stockholders\nBasic\n$\n0.26\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n2.20\n)\nDiluted\n$\n0.25\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n2.20\n)\nWeighted average number of common shares outstanding\nBasic\n2,824\n\u00a0\n2,786\n\u00a0\nDiluted\n2,902\n\u00a0\n2,786\n\u00a0\nThe accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.\n18\nTable of Contents\nCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME\nYears Ended April 30\nKewaunee\u00a0Scientific\u00a0Corporation\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nNet earnings (loss)\n$\n1,359\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n6,003\n)\nOther comprehensive income (loss), net of tax\nForeign currency translation adjustments\n(\n290\n)\n(\n186\n)\nChange in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations\n590\n\u00a0\n21\n\u00a0\nComprehensive income (loss), net of tax\n$\n1,659\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n6,168\n)\nLess comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest\n621\n\u00a0\n123\n\u00a0\nTotal comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation\n$\n1,038\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n6,291\n)\nThe accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.\n19\nTable of Contents\nCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY\nKewaunee Scientific Corporation\n$ in thousands, except shares and per share amounts\nCommon\nStock\nAdditional\nPaid-in\nCapital\nTreasury\nStock\nRetained\nEarnings\nAccumulated\nOther\nComprehensive\nIncome (Loss)\nTotal\nStockholders'\nEquity\nBalance at April 30, 2021\n$\n6,915\n\u00a0\n$\n3,807\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n53\n)\n$\n34,149\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n3,577\n)\n$\n41,241\n\u00a0\nNet loss attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(\n6,126\n)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(\n6,126\n)\nOther comprehensive loss\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(\n165\n)\n(\n165\n)\nStock based compensation\n68\n\u00a0\n676\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n744\n\u00a0\nBalance at April 30, 2022\n6,983\n\u00a0\n4,483\n\u00a0\n(\n53\n)\n28,023\n\u00a0\n(\n3,742\n)\n35,694\n\u00a0\nNet earnings attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n738\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n738\n\u00a0\nOther comprehensive income\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n300\n\u00a0\n300\n\u00a0\nStock based compensation\n101\n\u00a0\n576\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n677\n\u00a0\nBalance at April 30, 2023\n$\n7,084\n\u00a0\n$\n5,059\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n53\n)\n$\n28,761\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n3,442\n)\n$\n37,409\n\u00a0\nThe accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.\n20\nTable of Contents\nCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS\nApril 30\nKewaunee\u00a0Scientific\u00a0Corporation\n$ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts\n2023\n2022\nASSETS\nCurrent Assets\nCash and cash equivalents\n$\n8,078\n\u00a0\n$\n4,433\n\u00a0\nRestricted cash\n5,737\n\u00a0\n2,461\n\u00a0\nReceivables, less allowance: $\n476\n (2023); $\n357\n (2022)\n46,081\n\u00a0\n41,254\n\u00a0\nInventories\n21,889\n\u00a0\n23,796\n\u00a0\nNote receivable\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n13,457\n\u00a0\nPrepaid expenses and other current assets\n6,135\n\u00a0\n6,164\n\u00a0\nTotal Current Assets\n87,920\n\u00a0\n91,565\n\u00a0\nProperty, plant and equipment, net\n16,402\n\u00a0\n15,121\n\u00a0\nRight of use assets\n9,170\n\u00a0\n7,573\n\u00a0\nOther assets\n5,406\n\u00a0\n4,514\n\u00a0\nTotal Assets\n$\n118,898\n\u00a0\n$\n118,773\n\u00a0\nLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY\nCurrent Liabilities\nShort-term borrowings\n$\n3,587\n\u00a0\n$\n1,588\n\u00a0\nCurrent portion of financing liability\n642\n\u00a0\n575\n\u00a0\nCurrent portion of financing lease liabilities\n85\n\u00a0\n126\n\u00a0\nCurrent portion of operating lease liabilities\n1,967\n\u00a0\n1,319\n\u00a0\nAccounts payable\n23,599\n\u00a0\n27,316\n\u00a0\nEmployee compensation and amounts withheld\n4,304\n\u00a0\n4,504\n\u00a0\nDeferred revenue\n4,097\n\u00a0\n3,529\n\u00a0\nOther accrued expenses\n1,772\n\u00a0\n3,336\n\u00a0\nTotal Current Liabilities\n40,053\n\u00a0\n42,293\n\u00a0\nLong-term portion of financing liability\n28,132\n\u00a0\n28,775\n\u00a0\nLong-term portion of financing lease liabilities\n148\n\u00a0\n228\n\u00a0\nLong-term portion of operating lease liabilities\n7,136\n\u00a0\n6,179\n\u00a0\nAccrued pension and deferred compensation costs\n3,546\n\u00a0\n4,159\n\u00a0\nDeferred income taxes\n943\n\u00a0\n428\n\u00a0\nOther non-current liabilities\n455\n\u00a0\n531\n\u00a0\nTotal Liabilities\n80,413\n\u00a0\n82,593\n\u00a0\nCommitments and Contingencies (\nNote 9\n)\nStockholders' Equity\nCommon stock, $\n2.50\n par value, Authorized\u2014\n5,000\n shares;\nIssued\u2014 \n2,833\n shares (2023); \n2,793\n shares (2022)\nOutstanding\u2014 \n2,830\n shares (2023); \n2,790\n shares (2022)\n7,084\n\u00a0\n6,983\n\u00a0\nAdditional paid-in capital\n5,059\n\u00a0\n4,483\n\u00a0\nRetained earnings\n28,761\n\u00a0\n28,023\n\u00a0\nAccumulated other comprehensive loss\n(\n3,442\n)\n(\n3,742\n)\nCommon stock in treasury, at cost: \n3\n shares\n(\n53\n)\n(\n53\n)\nTotal Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Stockholders' Equity\n37,409\n\u00a0\n35,694\n\u00a0\nNon-controlling interest\n1,076\n\u00a0\n486\n\u00a0\nTotal Stockholders' Equity\n38,485\n\u00a0\n36,180\n\u00a0\nTotal Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity\n$\n118,898\n\u00a0\n$\n118,773\n\u00a0\nThe accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.\n21\nTable of Contents\nCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS\nYears Ended April 30\nKewaunee\u00a0Scientific\u00a0Corporation\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nCash Flows from Operating Activities\nNet earnings (loss)\n$\n1,359\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n6,003\n)\nAdjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash used by operating activities:\nDepreciation\n2,867\n\u00a0\n2,769\n\u00a0\nBad debt provision\n120\n\u00a0\n92\n\u00a0\nStock based compensation expense\n886\n\u00a0\n729\n\u00a0\nProvision for deferred income taxes\n516\n\u00a0\n120\n\u00a0\nChange in assets and liabilities:\nReceivables\n(\n4,947\n)\n(\n8,464\n)\nInventories\n1,907\n\u00a0\n(\n7,279\n)\nIncome tax receivable\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n955\n\u00a0\nAccounts payable and other accrued expenses\n(\n5,558\n)\n11,886\n\u00a0\nDeferred revenue\n568\n\u00a0\n406\n\u00a0\nOther, net\n(\n1,508\n)\n(\n3,096\n)\nNet cash used by operating activities\n(\n3,790\n)\n(\n7,885\n)\nCash Flows from Investing Activities\nCapital expenditures\n(\n4,148\n)\n(\n1,908\n)\nNet cash used in investing activities\n(\n4,148\n)\n(\n1,908\n)\nCash Flows from Financing Activities\nProceeds from short-term borrowings\n60,599\n\u00a0\n59,359\n\u00a0\nRepayments on short-term borrowings\n(\n58,601\n)\n(\n64,598\n)\nProceeds from sale-leaseback transaction\n13,629\n\u00a0\n15,893\n\u00a0\nRepayments on financing liability\n(\n575\n)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nProceeds from long-term debt\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n377\n\u00a0\nRepayments on long-term debt\n(\n121\n)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nNet cash provided by financing activities\n14,931\n\u00a0\n11,031\n\u00a0\nEffect of exchange rate changes on cash, net\n(\n72\n)\n(\n75\n)\nIncrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash\n6,921\n\u00a0\n1,163\n\u00a0\nCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year\n6,894\n\u00a0\n5,731\n\u00a0\nCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year\n$\n13,815\n\u00a0\n$\n6,894\n\u00a0\nSupplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information\nInterest paid\n$\n1,862\n\u00a0\n$\n480\n\u00a0\nIncome taxes paid\n$\n3,158\n\u00a0\n$\n1,006\n\u00a0\nAssets obtained under new finance or operating leases\n$\n3,902\n\u00a0\n$\n366\n\u00a0\nThe accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.\n22\nTable of Contents\nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS\nNote 1\u2014\nSummary of Significant Accounting Policies\nKewaunee Scientific Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively the \"Company\") design, manufacture, and install laboratory, healthcare, and technical furniture products. The Company's products include steel and wood casework, fume hoods, adaptable modular systems, moveable workstations, stand-alone benches, biological safety cabinets, and epoxy resin work surfaces and sinks. The Company's sales are made through purchase orders and contracts submitted by customers through its dealers, its subsidiaries in Singapore and India, and a national stocking distributor. See \nNote 12\n, \nRestructuring Costs\n for details on the closure status of the Company's China operations. The majority of the Company's products are sold to customers located in North America, primarily within the United States. The Company's laboratory products are used in chemistry, physics, biology and other general science laboratories in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, industrial, chemical, commercial, educational, government and health care markets. Technical products are used in facilities manufacturing computers and light electronics and by users of computer and networking furniture.\nPrinciples of Consolidation\n The Company's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kewaunee Scientific Corporation and its international subsidiaries. A brief description of each subsidiary, along with the amount of the Company's controlling financial interests, as of April\u00a030, 2023 is as follows: (1) Kewaunee Labway Asia Pte. Ltd., a commercial sales organization for the Company's products in Singapore, is \n100\n% owned by the Company; (2) Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Singapore Pte. Ltd., a holding company in Singapore, is \n100\n% owned by the Company; (3) Kewaunee Labway India Pvt. Ltd., a design, installation, manufacturing, assembly and commercial sales operation for the Company's products in Bangalore, India, is \n95\n% owned by the Company; (4) Koncepo Scientech International Pvt. Ltd., a laboratory design and strategic advisory and construction management services firm, located in Bangalore, India, is \n80\n% owned by the Company; (5) Kequip Global Lab Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is \n70\n% owned by Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Singapore Pte. Ltd. All intercompany balances, transactions, and profits have been eliminated.\n Included in the consolidated financial statements are net assets of $\n16,786,000\n and $\n13,127,000\n at April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of the Company's subsidiaries. Net sales by the Company's subsidiaries in the amounts of $\n72,778,000\n and $\n42,024,000\n were included in the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nCash and Cash Equivalents\n Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. During the years ended April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the Company had cash deposits in excess of FDIC insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses from such deposits.\nThe Company includes restricted cash along with the cash balance for presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows.\n \nThe reconciliation between the consolidated balance sheet and the consolidated statement of cash flows at April 30 is as follows:\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nCash and cash equivalents\n$\n8,078\n\u00a0\n$\n4,433\n\u00a0\nRestricted cash\n5,737\n\u00a0\n2,461\n\u00a0\nTotal cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash\n$\n13,815\n\u00a0\n$\n6,894\n\u00a0\nRestricted Cash\n Restricted cash includes bank deposits of subsidiaries used for performance guarantees against customer orders.\nAccounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts\n Receivables are stated at the amount owed by the customer, net of allowances for estimated doubtful accounts. The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on a number of factors. In circumstances where management is aware of a customer's inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, or a project dispute makes it unlikely that all of the receivable owed by a customer will be collected, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded to reduce the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, a reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded based on past loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable amounts outstanding. Accounts are written off when it is clearly established that the receivable\u00a0is a bad debt. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received.\n \nThe activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for each of the years ended April\u00a030 was:\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nBalance at beginning of year\n$\n357\n\u00a0\n$\n636\n\u00a0\nBad debt provision\n120\n\u00a0\n92\n\u00a0\nDoubtful accounts written off (net)\n(\n1\n)\n(\n371\n)\nBalance at end of year\n$\n476\n\u00a0\n$\n357\n\u00a0\n23\nTable of Contents\nUnbilled Receivables\n Accounts receivable include unbilled receivables that represent amounts earned which have not yet been billed in accordance with contractually stated billing terms, excluding retention, which is included in other assets.\n The amount of unbilled receivables, net of unbilled retention, at April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 was $\n13,459,000\n and $\n9,287,000\n, respectively.\nInventories\n The Company's inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value under the first-in, first-out (\"FIFO\") method.\n \nProperty, Plant and Equipment\n Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined for financial reporting purposes principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets or, for leaseholds, over the terms of the related leases, if shorter.\n \nProperty, plant and equipment consisted of the following at April\u00a030:\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nUseful Life\nLand\n$\n41\n\u00a0\n$\n41\n\u00a0\nN/A\nBuilding and improvements\n17,147\n\u00a0\n17,164\n\u00a0\n10\n-\n40\n\u00a0years\nMachinery and equipment\n44,180\n\u00a0\n43,121\n\u00a0\n5\n-\n10\n\u00a0years\nTotal\n61,368\n\u00a0\n60,326\n\u00a0\nLess accumulated depreciation\n(\n44,966\n)\n(\n45,205\n)\nNet property, plant and equipment\n$\n16,402\n\u00a0\n$\n15,121\n\u00a0\nThe Company reviews the carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment annually or whenever changes in circumstances or events indicate that such carrying value may not be recoverable. If projected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the potentially impaired asset, the carrying value is reduced to estimated fair value.\n There were \nno\n impairments in fiscal years 2023 or 2022.\nOther Assets\n Other assets at April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 included $\n1,191,000\n and $\n1,293,000\n, respectively, of unbilled retainage, $\n2,352,000\n and $\n2,480,000\n, respectively, of assets held in a trust account for non-qualified benefit plan, and $\n111,000\n and $\n110,000\n, respectively, of cash surrender values of life insurance policies. Life insurance policies are recorded at the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract as of the date of the Company's consolidated balance sheets with the change in cash surrender or contract value being recorded as income or expense during each period.\nUse of Estimates\n The presentation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates impacting the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, self-insurance reserves, income taxes, and pension liabilities.\nVariable Interest Entity\n On December 22, 2021, the Company entered into an Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property with CAI Investments Sub-Series 100 LLC (the \"Buyer\"), for the Company\u2019s headquarters and manufacturing facilities (the \"Property\") located in Statesville, North Carolina (the \"Sale Agreement\") in exchange for $\n30,275,000\n in sales proceeds, $\n14,864,000\n of which was payable in redeemable preferred shares in CAI Investments Medical Products I Parent, LLC (\"Parent\"), an affiliate of Buyer. At April 30, 2022, the carrying value of the redeemable preferred shares was $\n13.5\n\u00a0million.\nThe Sale Agreement was finalized on March 24, 2022 and coincided with a \n20-year\n lease, effective on such date between the Company and CAI Investments Medical Products I Master Lessee LLC (\"Lessor\"), an affiliate of Buyer, for the Property (the \"Lease Agreement\"). At the same time, the Buyer and its affiliates formed a new, debt-financed affiliate CAI Investments Medical Products I, DST (\"Trust\") and contributed the Property to the Trust. According to the terms of the lease, the Trust leased the Property to its affiliated Lessor, which in turn sub-leased the Property to the Company (together with the Sale Agreement, the \"Sale-Leaseback Arrangement\"). For additional information on the accounting for the Sale-Leaseback Arrangement, refer to \nNote 5\n, \nSale-Leaseback Financing Transaction\n.\nThe Company concluded as of April 30, 2022 that Parent and its direct affiliates, including the Trust, are designed primarily to acquire and manage the Property and constitute a variable interest entity because the Trust lacks sufficient equity on its own to finance its operations. The Company evaluated its lease arrangement and redeemable preferred shares in Parent as variable interests. Based on its evaluation, the Company concluded it should not consolidate Parent or its affiliates under the variable interest model or the voting interest model of ASC 810, \nConsolidation\n. \nThe Company recorded the redeemable preferred shares as a Note Receivable, classified as held to maturity at amortized cost, on its Consolidated Balance Sheet, rather than as an investment in preferred equity, due to the mandatory redemption feature of the preferred shares.\n24\nTable of Contents\nAs of June 22, 2022, the Company had fully redeemed all shares and converted the Note Receivable to cash. The Company's maximum exposure to the Buyer and its affiliates as of April 30, 2023 was limited to the Company\u2019s lease payments and right to use the Property.\n \nFair Value of Financial Instruments\n A financial instrument is defined as cash equivalents, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that creates a contractual obligation or right to deliver or receive cash or another financial instrument from another party. The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and equivalents, mutual funds, cash surrender value of life insurance policies, a note receivable and corresponding sale-leaseback financing liability, term loans and short-term borrowings. The carrying value of these assets and liabilities approximate their fair value.\nFair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Expanded disclosures about instruments measured at fair value require the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. \nThe fair value hierarchy is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value as follows:\nLevel\u00a01\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.\nLevel\u00a02\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Inputs other than Level\u00a01 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.\nLevel\u00a03\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.\nThe following tables summarize the Company's fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n2023\nLevel\u00a01\nLevel\u00a02\nLevel\u00a03\nTotal\nFinancial Assets\nTrading securities held in non-qualified compensation plans \n(1)\n$\n1,105\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n1,105\n\u00a0\nCash surrender value of life insurance policies \n(1)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n1,358\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n1,358\n\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n1,105\n\u00a0\n$\n1,358\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n2,463\n\u00a0\nFinancial Liabilities\nNon-qualified compensation plans \n(2)\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n2,910\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n2,910\n\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n2,910\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n2,910\n\u00a0\n2022\nLevel\u00a01\nLevel\u00a02\nLevel\u00a03\nTotal\nFinancial Assets\nTrading securities held in non-qualified compensation plans\n (1)\n$\n1,219\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n1,219\n\u00a0\nCash surrender value of life insurance policies\n (1)\n\u2014\u00a0\n1,371\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n1,371\n\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n1,219\n\u00a0\n$\n1,371\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n2,590\n\u00a0\nFinancial Liabilities\nNon-qualified compensation plans \n(2)\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n3,003\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n3,003\n\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n3,003\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n3,003\n\u00a0\n(1)\nThe Company maintains \ntwo\n non-qualified compensation plans which include investment assets in a rabbi trust. These assets consist of marketable securities, which are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned, and life insurance policies, which are valued at their cash surrender value.\n(2)\nPlan liabilities are equal to the individual participants' account balances and other earned retirement benefits.\nRevenue Recognition\n Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products. The Company recognizes revenue when control of a good or service promised in a contract (i.e., \n25\nTable of Contents\nperformance obligation) is transferred to a customer. Control is obtained when a customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from that good or service. The majority of the Company's revenues are recognized over time as the customer receives control as the Company performs work under a contract. However, a portion of the Company's revenues are recognized at a point-in-time as control is transferred at a distinct point in time per the terms of a contract. Sales taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from net sales. Certain customers' cash discounts and volume rebates are offered as sales incentives. The discounts and volume rebates are recorded as a reduction in sales at the time revenue is recognized in an amount estimated based on historical experience and contractual obligations.\nDeferred revenue consists of customer deposits and advance billings of the Company's products where sales have not yet been recognized. Accounts receivable includes retainage in the amounts of $\n235,000\n and $\n523,000\n at April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of product sales. Because of the nature and quality of the Company's products, any warranty issues are determined in a relatively short period after the sale and are infrequent in nature, and as such, warranty costs are immaterial to the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations and are expensed as incurred.\nCredit Concentration \nThe Company performs credit evaluations of its customers.\n Revenues from three of the Company's domestic dealers represented in the aggregate approximately \n36\n% and \n38\n% of the Company's sales in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. Accounts receivable for two domestic customers represented approximately \n23\n% and \n21\n% of the Company's total accounts receivable as of April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nInsurance\n The Company maintains a self-insured health-care program. The Company accrues estimated losses for claims incurred but not reported using assumptions based on historical loss experience. The Company has also purchased specific stop-loss insurance to limit claims above a certain amount. The Company adjusts insurance reserves, as needed, in the event that future loss experience differs from historical loss patterns.\nIncome Taxes\n In accordance with ASC 740, \"Income Taxes\" (\"ASC 740\"), the Company uses the liability method in measuring the provision for income taxes and recognizing deferred income tax assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. ASC\u00a0740 clarifies the financial statement recognition threshold and measurement attribute of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Under ASC 740, the Company applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties. ASC\u00a0740 only allows the recognition of those tax benefits that have a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. The Company did not have any significant uncertain tax positions at April\u00a030, 2023 or 2022.\n \nResearch and Experimentation Expenditures\n Research and experimentation expenditures are charged to cost of products sold in the periods incurred.\n Expenditures for research and experimentation expenditures were $\n1,012,000\n and $\n990,000\n for the fiscal years ended April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nAdvertising Costs\n Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, and include trade shows, training materials, sales, samples, and other related expenses and are included in operating expenses.\n Advertising costs for the years ended April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 were $\n226,000\n and $\n175,000\n, respectively.\nForeign Currency Translation\n The financial statements of subsidiaries located in India and China are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Effective May 1, 2022, Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Singapore Pte. Ltd. transitioned to using the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. The financial position and operating results of Kewaunee Labway Asia Pte. Ltd. are also measured using the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries using local currencies are translated into United\u00a0States dollars at fiscal year-end exchange rates. Sales, expenses, and cash flows are translated at weighted average exchange rates for each period. Net translation gains or losses are included in other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of these subsidiaries are included in operating expenses.\nEarnings Per Share\n Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and the conversion of restricted stock units (\"RSUs\") under the Company's various stock compensation plans, except when RSUs and stock options have an antidilutive effect.\n There were \n33,900\n antidilutive RSUs and stock options outstanding at April\u00a030, 2023. There were \n44,750\n antidilutive RSUs and stock options outstanding at April\u00a030, 2022. \n26\nTable of Contents\nThe following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding:\nShares in thousands\n2023\n2022\nWeighted average common shares outstanding\nBasic\n2,824\n\u00a0\n2,786\n\u00a0\nDilutive effect of stock options and RSUs\n78\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nWeighted average common shares outstanding\u2014diluted\n2,902\n\u00a0\n2,786\n\u00a0\nAccounting for Stock Options and Other Equity Awards\n Compensation costs related to stock options and other stock awards granted by the Company are charged against operating expenses during their vesting period, under ASC 718, \"Compensation\u2014Stock Compensation.\" Forfeitures are accounted for in the period in which the awards are forfeited.\n The Company granted \n87,969\n RSUs under the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan in fiscal year 2023 and \n67,750\n RSUs in fiscal year 2022. There were \nno\n stock options granted during fiscal years 2023 and 2022. (See \nNote\u00a07\n, \nStock Options and Share-Based Compensation\n)\nNew Accounting Standards \nIn June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, \"Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,\" which replaces the current incurred loss method used for determining credit losses on financial assets, including trade receivables, with an expected credit loss method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December\u00a015, 2022. The Company will adopt this standard in fiscal year 2024. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.\nIn December 2019, the FASB issued\u00a0ASU No. 2019-12,\u00a0\"Income Taxes (\"Topic 740\"): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.\" This update simplifies the accounting for income taxes through certain targeted improvements to various subtopics within Topic 740. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted this standard effective May 1, 2021. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.\nNote 2 - \nRevenue Recognition\nThe Company recognizes revenue when control of a good or service promised in a contract (i.e., performance obligation) is transferred to a customer. Control is obtained when a customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from that good or service. The majority of the Company's revenues are recognized over time as the customer receives control as the Company performs work under a contract. However, a portion of the Company's revenues are recognized at a point-in-time as control is transferred at a distinct point in time per the terms of a contract.\nPerformance Obligations\nA performance obligation is a distinct good or service or bundle of goods and services that is distinct or a series of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer. The Company identifies performance obligations at the inception of a contract and allocates the transaction price to individual performance obligations to reasonably reflect the Company's performance in transferring control of the promised goods or services to the customer. The Company has elected to treat shipping and handling as a fulfillment activity instead of a separate performance obligation.\n27\nTable of Contents\nThe following are the primary performance obligations identified by the Company:\nLaboratory Furniture\nThe Company principally generates revenue from the manufacture of custom laboratory, healthcare, and technical furniture and infrastructure products (herein referred to as \"laboratory furniture\"). The Company's products include steel and wood casework, fume hoods, adaptable modular systems, moveable workstations, stand-alone benches, biological safety cabinets, and epoxy resin work surfaces and sinks. Customers can benefit from each piece of laboratory furniture on its own or with resources readily available in the market place such as separately purchased installation services. Each piece of laboratory furniture does not significantly modify or customize other laboratory furniture, and the pieces of laboratory furniture are not highly interdependent or interrelated with each other. The Company can, and frequently does, break portions of contracts into separate \"runs\" to meet manufacturing and construction schedules. As such, each piece of laboratory furniture is considered a separate and distinct performance obligation. The majority of the Company's products are customized to meet the specific architectural design and performance requirements of laboratory planners and end users. The finished laboratory furniture has no alternative use to the Company and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. As such, revenue from the sales of customized laboratory furniture is recognized over time once the customization process has begun, using the units-of-production output method to measure progress towards completion. There is not a material amount of work-in-process for which the customization process has begun at the end of a reporting period. The Company believes this output method most reasonably reflects the Company's performance because it directly measures the value of the goods transferred to the customer. For standardized products sold by the Company, revenue is recognized when control transfers, which is typically freight on board (\"FOB\") shipping point.\nWarranties\nAll orders contain a standard warranty that warrants that the product is free from defects in workmanship and materials under normal use and conditions for a limited period of time. Due to the nature and quality of the Company's products, any warranty issues have historically been determined in a relatively short period after the sale, have been infrequent in nature, and have been immaterial to the Company's financial position and results of operations. The Company's standard warranties are not considered a separate and distinct performance obligation as the Company does not provide a service to customers beyond assurance that the covered product is free of initial defects. Costs of providing these short term assurance warranties are immaterial and, accordingly, are expensed as incurred. Extended separately priced warranties are available which can last up to ten years. Extended warranties are considered separate performance obligations as they are individually priced options providing assurances that the products are free of defects.\nInstallation Services\nThe Company sometimes performs installation services for customers. The scope of installation services primarily relates to setting up and ensuring the proper functioning of the laboratory furniture. In certain markets, the Company may provide a broader range of installation services involving the design and installation of the laboratory's mechanical services. Installation services can be, and often are, performed by third parties and thus may be distinct from the Company's products. Installation services create or enhance assets that the customer controls as the installation services are provided. As such, revenue from installation services is recognized over time, as the installation services are performed using the cost input method, as there is a direct relationship between the Company's inputs and the transfer of control by means of the performance of installation services to the customer.\nCustodial Services\nIt is common in the laboratory and healthcare furniture industries for customers to request delivery at specific future dates, as products are often to be installed in buildings yet to be constructed. Frequently, customers will request the manufacture of these products prior to the customer's ability or readiness to receive the product due to various reasons such as changes to or delays in the construction of the building. As such, from time to time Kewaunee's customers require us to provide custodial services for their laboratory furniture. Custodial services are frequently provided by third parties and do not significantly alter the other goods or services covered by the contract and as such are considered a separate and distinct performance obligation. Custodial services are simultaneously received and consumed by the customer and as such revenue from custodial services is recognized over time using a straight-line time-based measure of progress towards completion, because the Company's services are provided evenly throughout the performance period.\n28\nTable of Contents\nPayment Terms and Transaction Prices\nThe Company's contracts with customers are generally fixed-price and do not contain variable consideration or a general right of return or refund. The Company's contracts with customers contain terms typical for Kewaunee's industry, including withholding a portion of the transaction price until after the goods or services have been transferred to the customer (i.e. \"retainage\"). The Company does not recognize this as a significant financing component because the primary purpose of retainage is to provide the customer with assurance that the Company will perform its obligations under the contract, rather than to provide financing to the customer.\nAllocation of Transaction Price\nThe Company's contracts with customers\u00a0may cover multiple goods and services, such as differing types of laboratory furniture and installation services. For these arrangements, each good or service is evaluated to determine whether it represents a distinct performance obligation. The total transaction price is then allocated to the distinct performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling price at the inception of the arrangement. If available, the Company utilizes observable prices for goods or services sold separately to similar customers in similar circumstances to determine its relative standalone selling price. Otherwise, list prices are used if they are determined to be representative of standalone selling prices. If neither of these methods are available at contract inception, such as when the Company does not sell the product or service separately, judgment may be required and the Company determines the standalone selling price using one, or a combination of, the adjusted market assessment or expected cost-plus margin approaches.\nPractical Expedients Used\nThe Company has elected the following practical expedients:\n\u2022\nThe portfolio approach was applied in evaluating the accounting for the cost of obtaining a contract.\n\u2022\nPayment terms with the Company's customers which are one year or less are not considered a significant financing component.\n\u2022\nThe Company excludes from revenues taxes it collects from customers that are assessed by a government authority. This is primarily relevant to domestic sales but also includes taxes on some international sales which are also excluded from the transaction price.\n\u2022\nThe Company's incremental cost to obtain a contract is limited to sales commissions. The Company applies the practical expedient to expense commissions as incurred for contracts having a duration of one year or less. Sales commissions related to contracts with a duration of greater than one year are immaterial to the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations and are also expensed as incurred.\nDisaggregated Revenue\nA summary of net sales transferred to customers at a point in time and over time for the twelve months ended April 30 is as follows (in thousands): \n2023\nDomestic\nInternational\nTotal\nOver Time\n$\n141,994\n\u00a0\n$\n72,778\n\u00a0\n$\n214,772\n\u00a0\nPoint in Time\n4,722\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n4,722\n\u00a0\nTotal Revenue\n$\n146,716\n\u00a0\n$\n72,778\n\u00a0\n$\n219,494\n\u00a0\n2022\nDomestic\nInternational\nTotal\nOver Time\n$\n119,989\n\u00a0\n$\n42,024\n\u00a0\n$\n162,013\n\u00a0\nPoint in Time\n6,859\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n6,859\n\u00a0\nTotal Revenue\n$\n126,848\n\u00a0\n$\n42,024\n\u00a0\n$\n168,872\n\u00a0\nContract Balances\nThe closing balances of contract assets included $\n13,459,000\n in accounts receivable and $\n1,191,000\n in other current assets at April\u00a030, 2023. The opening balance of contract assets arising from contracts with customers included $\n9,287,000\n in accounts receivable and $\n1,293,000\n in other assets at April\u00a030, 2022. The closing and opening balances of contract liabilities included in deferred revenue arising from contracts with customers were $\n4,097,000\n at April\u00a030, 2023 and $\n3,529,000\n at April\u00a030, 2022. The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, and deferred \n29\nTable of Contents\nrevenue which is disclosed on the consolidated balance sheets and in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. In general, the Company receives payments from customers based on a billing schedule established in its contracts. Unbilled receivables represent amounts earned which have not yet been billed in accordance with contractually stated billing terms. Accounts receivable are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional and the Company has a right to invoice the customer. Deferred revenue relates to payments received in advance of performance under the contract. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue as the Company performs under the contract.\nDuring the fiscal year ended April\u00a030, 2023, changes in contract assets and liabilities were not materially impacted by any other factors. Approximately \n100\n% of the contract liability balance at April\u00a030, 2023 is expected to be recognized as revenue during fiscal year 2024.\nNote 3\u2014\nInventories\nInventories consisted of the following at April\u00a030:\n(in thousands)\n2023\n2022\nFinished goods\n$\n3,412\n\u00a0\n$\n4,555\n\u00a0\nWork-in-process\n2,380\n\u00a0\n2,893\n\u00a0\nMaterials and components\n16,097\n\u00a0\n16,348\n\u00a0\nTotal inventories\n$\n21,889\n\u00a0\n$\n23,796\n\u00a0\nAt April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the Company's international subsidiaries' inventories were $\n2,740,000\n and $\n2,811,000\n, respectively, measured using the lower of cost or net realizable value under the FIFO method and are included in the above tables.\n \nNote 4\u2014\nLong-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements \nOn May\u00a06, 2013, the Company entered into a credit and security agreement (the \"Loan Agreement\") consisting of a $\n20\n million revolving credit facility (\"Line of Credit\") with Wells Fargo, National Bank, which originally matured in May 2018 and was extended numerous times until it was terminated in June 2022.\nOn June 19, 2019, the Company entered into a Security Agreement with Wells Fargo, National Bank, pursuant to which the Company granted a security interest in substantially all of its assets to secure its obligations under the Loan Agreement. On December\u00a013, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to the Loan Agreement and the Line of Credit to effect a change to an asset based lending arrangement based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory, with the available amount not to exceed $\n20\n million through January\u00a031, 2020, and with such maximum amount reduced to $\n15\n million thereafter. This amendment replaced the prior financial covenants with new financial covenants, including minimum monthly liquidity and EBITDA requirements. Additionally, a requirement for the repatriation of foreign cash and restrictions on the payment of dividends were added. The Security Agreement was amended several times during fiscal years 2022 and 2023 as the Company was finalizing the Sale-Leaseback financing transaction discussed in \nNote 5\n, \nSale-Leaseback Financing Transaction\n. These amendments were primarily driven by requirements and timing of the Company's new credit arrangement.\nOn June 27, 2022, the Company terminated the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo, National Bank. At the time of termination, there were \nno\n borrowings under the Credit Agreement, and the Company did not incur any material termination penalties as a result of the termination. \nAt April\u00a030, 2022, there were advances of $\n1.6\n million and $\n716,000\n in letters of credit outstanding, leaving $\n2.4\n million available under the Line of Credit. The borrowing rate under the Line of Credit at that date was \n4.75\n%. Monthly interest payments under the Line of Credit were payable at the greater of the Daily One Month LIBOR interest rate, or \n0.75\n%, plus \n4.0\n%. At April\u00a030, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all the financial covenants under its revolving credit facility.\nOn December 19, 2022, the Company entered into a Credit and Security Agreement (the \"Credit Agreement\") with Mid Cap Funding IV Trust, as agent (the \"Agent\"), and the lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively, the \"Lenders\"). The Credit Agreement provides for a secured revolving line of credit initially up to $\n15.0\n\u00a0million (the \"Revolving Credit Facility\"). Availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base calculated in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and on the basis of eligible accounts and inventory and certain other reserves and adjustments. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Company granted to the Agent, for itself and the Lenders, a first priority security interest in all existing and future acquired assets owned by the Company. Subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement, from time to time the Company may request that the initial revolving loan amount available under the Revolving Credit Facility be increased with additional tranches in minimum amounts of $\n1,000,000\n, up to a maximum borrowing availability of $\n30.0\n\u00a0million. The Agent and Lenders must consent to any such increase in their sole discretion. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on December 19, 2025.\n30\nTable of Contents\nExcept as set forth in the Credit Agreement, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to Term SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) plus \n4.10\n%. The Company is required to make monthly interest payments on the Revolving Credit Facility, with the entire principal payment due at maturity.\nAt April\u00a030, 2023, there was $\n3,548,000\n outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, with remaining borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $\n10,286,000\n. The borrowing rate under the Revolving Credit Facility was \n9.02\n% as of April\u00a030, 2023. At April\u00a030, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under its revolving credit facility. In addition, the Company's International subsidiaries have a balance outstanding of $\n39,000\n in short-term borrowings related to overdraft protection and short-term loan arrangements.\nAt April\u00a030, 2023, there were foreign bank guarantees outstanding to customers in the amounts of $\n5.2\n\u00a0million, $\n142,000\n, $\n3,000\n, and $\n233,000\n with expiration dates in fiscal years 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, collateralized by certain assets of the Company's subsidiaries in India. At April 30, 2022, there were bank guarantees issued by foreign banks outstanding to customers in the amounts of $\n8.2\n\u00a0million, $\n111,000\n, $\n9,000\n, $\n3,000\n, and $\n249,000\n with expiration dates in fiscal years 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, collateralized by a $\n6.0\n million corporate guarantee and certain assets of the Company's subsidiaries in India.\nNote 5\u2014\nSale-Leaseback Financing Transaction\nOn December 22, 2021, the Company entered into the Sale Agreement with the Buyer for the Company\u2019s headquarters and manufacturing facilities located at 2700 West Front Street in Statesville, North Carolina.\nThe Sale Agreement was finalized on March 24, 2022 and coincided with the Company and the Buyer entering into the Lease Agreement. The Sale-Leaseback Arrangement is repayable over a \n20-year\n term, with \nfour\n renewal options of \nfive years\n each. Under the terms of the Lease Agreement, the Company\u2019s initial basic rent is approximately $\n158,000\n per month, with annual increases of approximately \n2\n% each year of the initial term.\nThe Company accounted for the Sale-Leaseback Arrangement as a financing transaction with the Buyer in accordance with ASC 842, \nLeases\n, as the Lease Agreement was determined to be a finance lease. The Company concluded the Lease Agreement met the qualifications to be classified as a finance lease due to the significance of the present value of the lease payments, using a discount rate of \n4.75\n% to reflect the Company\u2019s incremental borrowing rate, compared to the fair value of the leased property as of the lease commencement date. In measuring the lease payments for the present value analysis, the Company elected the practical expedient to combine the lease component (the leased facilities) with the non-lease component (property management provided by the Buyer/Lessor) into a single lease component. \nThe presence of a finance lease indicates that control of the Property has not transferred to the Buyer/Lessor and, as such, the transaction was deemed a failed sale-leaseback and accounted for as a financing arrangement. As a result of this determination, the Company is viewed as having received the sales proceeds from the Buyer/Lessor in the form of a hypothetical loan collateralized by its leased facilities. The hypothetical loan is payable as principal and interest in the form of \u201clease payments\u201d to the Buyer/Lessor. As such, the Company will not derecognize the Property from its books for accounting purposes until the lease ends. \nNo\n gain or loss was recognized related to the Sale-Leaseback Arrangement under U.S. GAAP.\nAs of April 30, 2023, the carrying value of the financing liability was $\n28,774,000\n, net of $\n708,000\n in debt issuance costs, of which $\n642,000\n was classified as current on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with $\n28,132,000\n classified as long-term. As of April\u00a030, 2022, the carrying value of the financing liability was $\n29,350,000\n, net of $\n768,000\n in debt issuance costs, of which $\n575,000\n was classified as current on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with $\n28,775,000\n classified as long-term. The monthly lease payments are split between a reduction of principal and interest expense using the effective interest rate method. Interest expense associated with the financing arrangement was $\n1,316,000\n and $\n147,000\n for the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nThe Company will depreciate the building down to zero over the \n20-year\n assumed economic life of the Property so that at the end of the lease term, the remaining carrying amount of the financing liability will equal the carrying amount of the land of $\n41,000\n.\nRemaining future cash payments related to the financing liability for the fiscal years ending April 30 are as follows:\n31\nTable of Contents\n($ in thousands)\n2024\n$\n1,931\n\u00a0\n2025\n1,970\n\u00a0\n2026\n2,009\n\u00a0\n2027\n2,050\n\u00a0\n2028\n2,090\n\u00a0\nThereafter\n33,867\n\u00a0\nTotal Minimum Liability Payments\n43,917\n\u00a0\nImputed Interest\n(\n15,143\n)\nTotal\n$\n28,774\n\u00a0\n \nNote 6\u2014\nIncome Taxes \nOn March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (\"CARES Act\") was signed into law, which contains several income tax provisions, as well as other measures, aimed at assisting businesses impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes a broad range of tax reform provisions affecting businesses, including permissible net operating losses (\"NOLs\") carrybacks up to \nfive years\n, changes in business deductions limitations, and deferral of Social Security withholdings. The Company applied the NOL carryback provision of the CARES Act with respect to its estimated NOL for fiscal year 2021 to years that had higher enacted tax rates. The Company also applied the deferral of Social Security withholdings in accordance with the CARES Act; 50% of these deferred withholdings were due and paid by December 31, 2021, with the remainder due and paid by December 31, 2022.\nEffective August 1, 2019, the Company elected to revoke the indefinite reinvestment of foreign unremitted earnings position set forth by ASC 740-30-25-17 for multiple foreign subsidiaries. As a result of this election, the Company recorded a tax withholding expense imposed by the India Income Tax Department of $\n406,000\n and $\n240,000\n for the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nOn December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Job Act amended Internal Revenue Code Section 174, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021. This amendment to Section 174, effective during fiscal year 2023 for the Company, eliminated the current year deductibility of research and experimentation expenditures and required the Company to deduct these expenditures over \nfive years\n. The impact of this tax regulation required the Company to record a new deferred tax asset of $\n1,558,000\n as of April 30, 2023. \nThe Company's accounting policy with respect to the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (\"GILTI\") tax rules is that GILTI will be treated as a periodic charge in the year in which it arises.\nIncome tax expense consisted of the following:\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nCurrent tax expense:\nFederal\n$\n691\n\u00a0\n$\n1,899\n\u00a0\nState and local\n197\n\u00a0\n490\n\u00a0\nForeign\n1,736\n\u00a0\n1,008\n\u00a0\nTotal current tax expense\n2,624\n\u00a0\n3,397\n\u00a0\nDeferred tax expense:\nFederal\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nState and local\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nForeign\n515\n\u00a0\n121\n\u00a0\nTotal deferred tax expense\n515\n\u00a0\n121\n\u00a0\nNet income tax expense\n$\n3,139\n\u00a0\n$\n3,518\n\u00a0\n32\nTable of Contents\nThe reasons for the differences between the above net income tax expense and the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes are as follows:\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nIncome tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate\n$\n945\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n432\n)\nState and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit \n(\n119\n)\n(\n29\n)\nTax credits (state, net of federal benefit)\n(\n433\n)\n(\n457\n)\nEffects of differing US and foreign tax rates\n260\n\u00a0\n22\n\u00a0\nNet operating loss adjustment\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n(\n286\n)\nReturn to provision adjustment\n413\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nImpact of foreign subsidiary income to parent\n99\n\u00a0\n74\n\u00a0\nIncrease in valuation allowance\n1,667\n\u00a0\n4,170\n\u00a0\nOther items, net\n307\n\u00a0\n456\n\u00a0\nNet income tax expense\n$\n3,139\n\u00a0\n$\n3,518\n\u00a0\nSignificant items comprising deferred tax assets and liabilities as of April\u00a030 were as follows:\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nDeferred tax assets:\nAccrued employee benefit expenses\n$\n153\n\u00a0\n$\n228\n\u00a0\nAllowance for doubtful accounts\n114\n\u00a0\n142\n\u00a0\nDeferred compensation\n1,156\n\u00a0\n1,196\n\u00a0\nTax credits (state, net of federal benefits)\n170\n\u00a0\n170\n\u00a0\nForeign tax credit carryforwards\n638\n\u00a0\n638\n\u00a0\nSection 174 R&E Addback\n1,558\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nUnrecognized actuarial loss, defined benefit plans\n1,064\n\u00a0\n1,202\n\u00a0\nInventory reserves and capitalized costs\n201\n\u00a0\n110\n\u00a0\nNet operating loss carryforwards\n249\n\u00a0\n112\n\u00a0\nProceeds on Sale Leaseback\n6,963\n\u00a0\n7,215\n\u00a0\nOperating lease liabilities\n1,558\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nOther\n254\n\u00a0\n449\n\u00a0\nTotal deferred tax assets\n14,078\n\u00a0\n11,462\n\u00a0\nDeferred tax liabilities:\nBook basis in excess of tax basis of property, plant and equipment\n(\n1,417\n)\n(\n1,758\n)\nBook basis in excess of tax basis of Sale Leaseback property\n(\n1,106\n)\n(\n1,122\n)\nPrepaid pension\n(\n919\n)\n(\n949\n)\nAPB 23 Assertion\n(\n1,318\n)\n(\n976\n)\nRight of use assets\n(\n1,526\n)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nDebt Issuance Cost on Sale Leaseback\n(\n167\n)\n(\n184\n)\nTotal deferred tax liabilities\n(\n6,453\n)\n(\n4,989\n)\nValuation allowance\n(\n8,568\n)\n(\n6,901\n)\nNet deferred tax liabilities\n$\n(\n943\n)\n$\n(\n428\n)\nDeferred tax assets (liabilities) classified in the balance sheet:\nNon-current\n(\n943\n)\n(\n428\n)\nNet deferred tax liabilities\n$\n(\n943\n)\n$\n(\n428\n)\nThe Company is required to evaluate the realization of the deferred tax asset and any requirement for a valuation allowance in accordance with ASC 740-10-30-2(b). This guidance provides that the future realization of the tax benefit of an existing deductible temporary difference or carryforward ultimately depends on sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character within the carryback or carryforward period available under the tax law. The Company evaluates all available evidence, both \n33\nTable of Contents\npositive and negative, to determine the amount of any required valuation allowance. The valuation allowance totaled $\n8,568,000\n and $\n6,901,000\n at April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. \nAt April\u00a030, 2023, the Company had foreign tax credit carryforwards in the amount of $\n638,000\n, which are subject to a full valuation allowance, and which will begin to expire in 2028.\nThe Company files federal, state and local tax returns with statutes of limitation generally ranging from \n3\n to \n4\n years. The Company is generally no longer subject to federal tax examinations for years prior to fiscal year 2019 or state and local tax examinations for years prior to fiscal year 2018. Tax returns filed by the Company's significant foreign subsidiaries are generally subject to statutes of limitations of \n3\n to \n7\n years and are generally no longer subject to examination for years prior to fiscal year 2017. The Company has no unrecognized tax benefits.\nNote 7\u2014\nStock Options and Share-Based Compensation \nThe Company's stockholders approved the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (\"2017 Plan\") on August\u00a030, 2017, which enables the Company to grant a broad range of equity, equity-related, and non-equity types of awards, with potential recipients including directors, consultants and employees. This plan replaced the 2010 Stock Option Plan for Directors and the 2008 Key Employee Stock Option Plan. \nNo\n new awards will be granted under the prior plans and all outstanding options granted under the prior plans will remain subject to the prior plans. At the date of approval of the 2017 Plan there were \n280,100\n shares available for issuance under the prior plans. These shares and any shares subject to outstanding awards that subsequently cease to be subject to such awards are available under the 2017 Plan. The 2017 Plan did not increase the total number of shares available for issuance under the Company's equity compensation plans. At April\u00a030, 2023 there were \n149,007\n shares available for future issuance.\nUnder the 2017 Plan, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $\n845,000\n and $\n701,000\n and deferred income tax benefit of $\n199,000\n and $\n165,000\n in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. The RSUs include grants with both a service and performance component vesting over a \n3\n year period and grants with only service components vesting over \n2\n and \n3\n year periods. The recognized expense is based upon the vesting period for service criteria and estimated attainment of the performance criteria at the end of the performance period based on the ratio of cumulative days incurred to total days over the performance period. The remaining estimated compensation expense of $\n812,000\n will be recorded over the remaining vesting periods.\nThe fair value of each RSU granted to employees was estimated on the date of grant based on the weighted average price of the Company's stock reduced by the present value of the expected dividend stream during the vesting period using the risk-free interest rate. The Company issued new shares of common stock to satisfy RSUs that vested during fiscal year 2023. \nThe following table summarizes the RSU activity and weighted averages.\n2023\n2022\nNumber of RSUs\nWeighted Average Grant Date Fair Value\nNumber of RSUs\nWeighted Average Grant Date Fair Value\nOutstanding at beginning of year\n144,827\n\u00a0\n$\n12.24\n\u00a0\n125,217\n\u00a0\n$\n12.71\n\u00a0\nGranted\n87,969\n\u00a0\n$\n13.43\n\u00a0\n67,750\n\u00a0\n$\n13.74\n\u00a0\nVested\n(\n50,315\n)\n$\n13.86\n\u00a0\n(\n31,943\n)\n$\n12.44\n\u00a0\nForfeited\n(\n22,841\n)\n$\n15.37\n\u00a0\n(\n16,197\n)\n$\n21.83\n\u00a0\nOutstanding at end of year\n159,640\n\u00a0\n$\n11.94\n\u00a0\n144,827\n\u00a0\n$\n12.24\n\u00a0\nThe stockholders approved the 2008 Key Employee Stock Option Plan (\"2008 Plan\") in fiscal year 2009 which allowed the Company to grant options on an aggregate of \n300,000\n shares of the Company's common stock. On August\u00a026, 2015, the stockholders approved an amendment to this plan to increase the number of shares available under the 2008 Plan by \n300,000\n shares. Under the plan, options were granted at not less than the fair market value at the date of grant and options are exercisable in such installments, for such terms (up to \n10\n years), and at such times, as the Board of Directors determined at the time of the grant. At April\u00a030, 2023, there were \nno\n shares available for future grants under the 2008 Plan. Under the 2008 Plan, the Company recorded \nno\n compensation expense or deferred income tax benefit in fiscal year 2023 or 2022. \nIn order to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant, the Company applied the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Inherent in the model are assumptions related to expected stock-price volatility, option life, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield. The stock options outstanding have the \"plain-vanilla\" characteristics as defined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No.\u00a0107 (SAB 107). The Company utilized the Safe Harbor option \"Simplified Method\" to determine the expected term of these options in accordance with the guidance of SAB\u00a0107 for options outstanding. \n34\nTable of Contents\nThe Company issued new shares of common stock to satisfy options exercised during fiscal years 2023 and 2022. \nStock option activity and weighted average exercise price are summarized as follows:\n2023\n2022\nNumber\nof\u00a0Shares\nWeighted Average Exercise Price\nNumber\nof\u00a0Shares\nWeighted Average Exercise Price\nOutstanding at beginning of year\n47,400\n\u00a0\n$\n19.34\n\u00a0\n84,300\n\u00a0\n$\n18.56\n\u00a0\nCanceled\n(\n7,850\n)\n$\n20.08\n\u00a0\n(\n35,400\n)\n$\n17.94\n\u00a0\nExercised\n(\n5,650\n)\n$\n14.54\n\u00a0\n(\n1,500\n)\n$\n8.59\n\u00a0\nOutstanding at end of year\n33,900\n\u00a0\n$\n19.97\n\u00a0\n47,400\n\u00a0\n$\n19.34\n\u00a0\nExercisable at end of year\n33,900\n\u00a0\n$\n19.97\n\u00a0\n47,400\n\u00a0\n$\n19.34\n\u00a0\nThe number of options outstanding, exercisable, and their weighted average exercise prices were within the following ranges at April\u00a030, 2023:\n$\n15.85\n-$\n23.62\nOptions outstanding\n33,900\n\u00a0\nWeighted average exercise price\n$\n19.97\n\u00a0\nWeighted average remaining contractual life\n2.5\n years\nAggregate intrinsic value\n$\n1,400\n\u00a0\nOptions exercisable\n33,900\n\u00a0\nWeighted average exercise price\n$\n19.97\n\u00a0\nAggregate intrinsic value\n1,400\n\u00a0\nNote 8\u2014\nAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)\nThe Company's other comprehensive income (loss) consists of unrealized gains and losses on the translation of the assets, liabilities, and equity of its foreign subsidiaries, and additional minimum pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes. \nThe before tax income (loss), related income tax effect, and accumulated balances are as follows:\n$ in thousands\nForeign\nCurrency\nTranslation\nAdjustment\nMinimum\nPension\nLiability\nAdjustment\nTotal\nAccumulated\nOther\nComprehensive\nIncome (Loss)\nBalance at April 30, 2021\n$\n(\n2,357\n)\n$\n(\n1,220\n)\n$\n(\n3,577\n)\nForeign currency translation adjustment\n(\n186\n)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(\n186\n)\nChange in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations\n\u2014\u00a0\n21\n\u00a0\n21\n\u00a0\nBalance at April 30, 2022\n(\n2,543\n)\n(\n1,199\n)\n(\n3,742\n)\nForeign currency translation adjustment\n(\n290\n)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n(\n290\n)\nChange in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n590\n\u00a0\n590\n\u00a0\nBalance at April 30, 2023\n$\n(\n2,833\n)\n$\n(\n609\n)\n$\n(\n3,442\n)\nNote 9\u2014\nLeases, Commitments and Contingencies\nThe Company recognizes lease assets and lease liabilities with respect to the rights and obligations created by leased assets previously classified as operating leases. The Company elected to:\n\u2022\nRecord the impact of adoption using a modified retrospective method with any cumulative effect as an adjustment to retained earnings (accumulated deficit) as opposed to restating comparative periods to reflect the effects of applying the new standard.\n\u2022\nElect the package of three transition practical expedients which alleviate the requirements to reassess embedded leases, lease classification and initial direct costs for leases that commenced prior to the adoption date.\n35\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nElected to use the short-term lease recognition exemption for all asset classes. This means, for those leases that qualify, the Company will not recognize right-of-use (\"ROU\") assets or lease liabilities, and this includes not recognizing ROU assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases of those assets.\nThe Company has operating type leases for real estate and equipment in both the U.S. and internationally and financing leases for equipment in the United States. ROU assets totaled $\n9,170,000\n and $\n7,573,000\n at April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Operating cash paid to settle lease liabilities was $\n2,278,640\n and $\n2,019,000\n for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company's leases have remaining lease terms of up to \n8\n years. In addition, some of the leases may include options to extend the leases for up to \n5\n years or options to terminate the leases within \n1\n year. Operating lease expense was $\n3,344,000\n for the twelve months ended April 30, 2023, inclusive of period cost for short-term leases, not included in lease liabilities, of $\n1,065,000\n. Operating lease expense was $\n3,067,000\n for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, inclusive of period cost for short-term leases, not included in lease liabilities, of $\n1,048,000\n.\nAt April\u00a030, 2023, the weighted average remaining lease term for the capitalized operating leases was \n5.1\n years and the weighted average discount rate was \n5.0\n%. At April\u00a030, 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term for the capitalized operating leases was \n5.8\n years and the weighted average discount rate was \n4.1\n%. For the financing leases, the weighted average remaining lease term was \n3.1\n years and the weighted average discount rate was \n6.8\n% at April\u00a030, 2023 as compared to \n3.8\n years and \n6.6\n% at April\u00a030, 2022. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company uses the implicit rate when readily determinable.\nFuture minimum payments under the non-cancelable lease arrangements for the fiscal years ending April\u00a030 are as follows:\n($ in thousands)\nOperating\nFinancing\n2024\n$\n2,373\n\u00a0\n$\n91\n\u00a0\n2025\n2,175\n\u00a0\n91\n\u00a0\n2026\n1,920\n\u00a0\n72\n\u00a0\n2027\n1,658\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n2028\n1,130\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nThereafter\n1,380\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nTotal Minimum Lease Payments\n10,636\n\u00a0\n254\n\u00a0\nImputed Interest\n(\n1,533\n)\n(\n21\n)\nTotal\n$\n9,103\n\u00a0\n$\n233\n\u00a0\n \n \nThe Company is involved in certain claims and legal proceedings in the normal course of business which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.\nNote 10\u2014\nRetirement Benefits\nDefined Benefit Plans\nThe Company has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering some of its domestic employees. These plans were amended as of April\u00a030, 2005, no further benefits have been, or will be, earned under the plans subsequent to the amendment date, and no additional participants will be added to the plans. The defined benefit plan for salaried employees provides pension benefits that are based on each employee's years of service and average annual compensation during the last ten consecutive calendar years of employment as of April\u00a030, 2005. The benefit plan for hourly employees provides benefits at stated amounts based on years of service as of April\u00a030, 2005. The Company uses an April\u00a030 measurement date for its defined benefit plans. \n36\nTable of Contents\nThe change in projected benefit obligations and the change in fair value of plan assets for the non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for each of the years ended April\u00a030 are summarized as follows: \n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nAccumulated Benefit Obligation, April 30\n$\n18,368\n\u00a0\n$\n20,022\n\u00a0\nChange in Projected Benefit Obligations\nProjected benefit obligations, beginning of year\n$\n20,022\n\u00a0\n$\n22,942\n\u00a0\nInterest cost\n845\n\u00a0\n710\n\u00a0\nActuarial loss\n(\n1,113\n)\n(\n2,218\n)\nActual benefits paid\n(\n1,386\n)\n(\n1,412\n)\nProjected benefit obligations, end of year\n$\n18,368\n\u00a0\n$\n20,022\n\u00a0\nChange in Plan Assets\nFair value of plan assets, beginning of year\n$\n18,867\n\u00a0\n$\n21,459\n\u00a0\nActual return on plan assets\n251\n\u00a0\n(\n1,180\n)\nEmployer contributions\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nActual benefits paid\n(\n1,386\n)\n(\n1,412\n)\nFair value of plan assets, end of year\n$\n17,732\n\u00a0\n$\n18,867\n\u00a0\nFunded status\u2014under\n$\n(\n636\n)\n$\n(\n1,155\n)\nAmounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:\nNon-current liabilities\n$\n(\n636\n)\n$\n(\n1,155\n)\nAmounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Consist of:\nNet actual loss\n$\n4,526\n\u00a0\n$\n5,116\n\u00a0\nDeferred tax benefit\n(\n1,064\n)\n(\n1,202\n)\nAfter-tax actuarial loss\n$\n3,462\n\u00a0\n$\n3,914\n\u00a0\nWeighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations at April 30\nDiscount rate\n5.10\n\u00a0\n%\n4.40\n\u00a0\n%\nRate of compensation increase\nN/A\nN/A\nMortality table\nPri-2012\nPri-2012\nProjection scale\nMP-2021\nMP-2020\nYear Ended April 30,\nWeighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost\n2023\n2022\nDiscount rate\n5.10\n\u00a0\n%\n4.40\n\u00a0\n%\nExpected long-term return on plan assets\n7.75\n\u00a0\n%\n7.75\n\u00a0\n%\nRate of compensation increase\nN/A\nN/A\nThe components of the net periodic pension (income) expense for each of the fiscal years ended April\u00a030 are as follows:\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nInterest cost\n$\n845\n\u00a0\n$\n710\n\u00a0\nExpected return on plan assets\n(\n1,402\n)\n(\n1,604\n)\nRecognition of net loss\n628\n\u00a0\n539\n\u00a0\nNet periodic pension expense (income)\n$\n71\n\u00a0\n$\n(\n355\n)\nThe estimated net actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during fiscal year 2024 is $\n580,000\n.\nThe Company's funding policy is to contribute to the plans when pension laws and economics either require or encourage funding. The Company expects to make \nno\n contributions during fiscal year 2024. There were \nno\n contributions made to the plans in fiscal year 2023 or 2022.\n37\nTable of Contents\nThe following benefit payments are expected to be paid from the benefit plans in the fiscal years ending April\u00a030:\n$ in thousands\nAmount\n2024\n$\n1,640\n\u00a0\n2025\n1,620\n\u00a0\n2026\n1,600\n\u00a0\n2027\n1,560\n\u00a0\n2028\n1,540\n\u00a0\n2029- 2033\n7,030\n\u00a0\nThe expected long-term portfolio return is established via a building block approach with proper consideration of diversification and rebalancing. Historical markets are studied and long-term historical relationships between equities and fixed-income securities are preserved consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long term. Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term capital market assumptions are determined. Peer data and historical returns are also reviewed to check for reasonableness and appropriateness.\nThe Company uses a Yield Curve methodology to determine its GAAP discount rate. Under this approach, future benefit payment cash flows are projected from the pension plan on a projected benefit obligation basis. The payment stream is discounted to a present value using an interest rate applicable to the timing of each respective cash flow. The graph of these time-dependent interest rates is known as a yield curve. The interest rates comprising the Yield Curve are determined through a statistical analysis performed by the IRS and issued each month in the form of a pension discount curve. For this purpose, the universe of possible bonds consists of a set of bonds which are designated as corporate, have high quality ratings (AAA or AA) from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, and have at least $\n250\n million in par amount outstanding on at least one day during the reporting period. A \n1\n% increase/decrease in the discount rate for fiscal years 2023 and 2022 would increase/decrease pension expense by approximately $\n231,000\n and $\n271,000\n, respectively.\nThe Company uses a total return investment approach, whereby a mix of equities and fixed-income investments are used to attempt to maximize the long-term return on plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. The target allocations based on the Company's investment policy were \n75\n% in equity securities and \n25\n% in fixed-income securities at April\u00a030, 2023 and April\u00a030, 2022. A \n1\n% increase/decrease in the expected return on assets for fiscal years 2023 and 2022 would increase/decrease pension expense by approximately $\n181,000\n and $\n207,000\n, respectively.\nPlan assets by asset categories as of April\u00a030 were as follows:\n$ in thousands\n2023\n2022\nAsset Category\nAmount\n%\nAmount\n%\nEquity Securities\n$\n12,724\n\u00a0\n72\n\u00a0\n$\n13,856\n\u00a0\n73\n\u00a0\nFixed Income Securities\n4,845\n\u00a0\n27\n\u00a0\n4,703\n\u00a0\n25\n\u00a0\nCash and Cash Equivalents\n163\n\u00a0\n1\n\u00a0\n308\n\u00a0\n2\n\u00a0\nTotals\n$\n17,732\n\u00a0\n100\n\u00a0\n$\n18,867\n\u00a0\n100\n\u00a0\n38\nTable of Contents\nThe following tables present the fair value of the assets in the Company's defined benefit pension plans at April\u00a030:\n2023\nAsset Category\nLevel\u00a01\nLevel\u00a02\nLevel\u00a03\nLarge Cap\n$\n7,326\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nSmall/Mid Cap\n2,326\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nInternational\n1,743\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nEmerging Markets\n702\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nFixed Income\n4,845\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nLiquid Alternatives\n627\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nCash and Cash Equivalents\n163\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nTotals\n$\n17,732\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n2022\nAsset Category\nLevel\u00a01\nLevel\u00a02\nLevel\u00a03\nLarge Cap\n$\n7,382\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nSmall/Mid Cap\n2,775\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nInternational\n2,008\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nEmerging Markets\n794\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nFixed Income\n4,703\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nLiquid Alternatives\n897\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nCash and Cash Equivalents\n308\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nTotals\n$\n18,867\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nLevel\u00a01 retirement plan assets include United States currency held by a designated trustee and equity funds of common and preferred securities issued by domestic and foreign corporations. These equity funds are traded actively on exchanges and price quotes for these shares are readily available.\nDefined Contribution Plan\nThe Company has a defined contribution plan covering substantially all domestic salaried and hourly employees. The plan provides benefits to all employees who have attained age \n21\n, completed \nthree months\n of service, and who elect to participate. The plan provides that the Company make matching contributions equal to \n100\n% of the employee's qualifying contribution up to \n3\n% of the employee's compensation, and make matching contributions equal to \n50\n% of the employee's contributions between \n3\n% and \n5\n% of the employee's compensation, resulting in a maximum employer contribution equal to \n4\n% of the employee's compensation. The Company's matching contributions were $\n932,000\n and $\n967,000\n for years ending April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022. Additionally, the plan provides that the Company may elect to make a non-matching contribution for participants employed by the Company on December\u00a031 of each year. The Company did not elect to make a non-matching contribution in fiscal years 2023 and 2022.\nNote 11\u2014\nSegment Information\nThe Company's operations are classified into \ntwo\n business segments: Domestic and International. The Domestic business segment principally designs, manufactures, and installs scientific and technical furniture, including steel and wood laboratory cabinetry, fume hoods, casework, flexible systems, worksurfaces, workstations, workbenches, and computer enclosures. The International business segment, which consists of the foreign subsidiaries identified in \nNote\u00a01\n, \nSummary of Significant Accounting Policies\n, provides the Company's products and services, including facility design, detailed engineering, construction, and project management from the planning stage through testing and commissioning of laboratories.\nIntersegment transactions are recorded at normal profit margins. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain corporate expenses shown below are net of expenses that have been allocated to the business segments.\n39\nTable of Contents\nThe following table shows revenues, earnings, and other financial information by business segment and unallocated corporate expenses for each of the years ended April\u00a030: \n$ in thousands\nDomestic\nInternational\nCorporate\nTotal\nFiscal Year 2023\nRevenues from external customers\n$\n146,716\n\u00a0\n$\n72,778\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n219,494\n\u00a0\nIntersegment revenues\n1,604\n\u00a0\n9,822\n\u00a0\n(\n11,426\n)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nDepreciation\n2,394\n\u00a0\n282\n\u00a0\n191\n\u00a0\n2,867\n\u00a0\nEarnings (loss) before income taxes\n3,408\n\u00a0\n7,382\n\u00a0\n(\n6,292\n)\n4,498\n\u00a0\nIncome tax expense\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n2,250\n\u00a0\n889\n\u00a0\n3,139\n\u00a0\nNet earnings attributable to non-controlling interest\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n621\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n621\n\u00a0\nNet earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation\n3,408\n\u00a0\n4,511\n\u00a0\n(\n7,181\n)\n738\n\u00a0\nSegment assets\n80,000\n\u00a0\n38,898\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n118,898\n\u00a0\nExpenditures for segment assets\n2,856\n\u00a0\n1,292\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n4,148\n\u00a0\nRevenues (excluding intersegment) from customers in foreign countries\n2,559\n\u00a0\n72,778\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n75,337\n\u00a0\nFiscal Year 2022\nRevenues from external customers\n$\n126,848\n\u00a0\n$\n42,024\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n168,872\n\u00a0\nIntersegment revenues\n882\n\u00a0\n3,519\n\u00a0\n(\n4,401\n)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nDepreciation\n2,402\n\u00a0\n276\n\u00a0\n91\n\u00a0\n2,769\n\u00a0\nEarnings (loss) before income taxes\n(\n179\n)\n3,585\n\u00a0\n(\n5,891\n)\n(\n2,485\n)\nIncome tax expense\n50\n\u00a0\n1,129\n\u00a0\n2,339\n\u00a0\n3,518\n\u00a0\nNet earnings attributable to non-controlling interest\n\u2014\u00a0\n123\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n123\n\u00a0\nNet earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation\n(\n229\n)\n2,333\n\u00a0\n(\n8,230\n)\n(\n6,126\n)\nSegment assets\n91,757\n\u00a0\n27,016\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n118,773\n\u00a0\nExpenditures for segment assets\n1,613\n\u00a0\n295\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n1,908\n\u00a0\nRevenues (excluding intersegment) from customers in foreign countries\n1,317\n\u00a0\n42,024\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n43,341\n\u00a0\nNote 12\u2014\nRestructuring Costs\nIn December 2019, the Company initiated a restructuring, which included the closure of the Company's subsidiary in China, a commercial sales organization for the Company's products in China, that was completed in March 2023. The Company incurred operating expenses of $\n32,000\n in its international operations related to the closure of the China subsidiary in fiscal year 2023, offset by the recovery of bad debt collections of $\n51,000\n that were originally written off when the Company initiated the restructuring. The Company incurred operating expenses of $\n28,000\n related to the closure in the prior year period. The Company reflected all the expenses as operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.\n40\nTable of Contents\nCONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM\nWe consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Forms S\u20118 (Nos. 333\u2011160276, 333\u2011176447, 333\u2011213413 and 333\u2011220389) of Kewaunee Scientific Corporation of our report dated June 30, 2023, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Kewaunee Scientific Corporation, included in this Annual Report on Form 10\u2011K for the year ended April 30, 2023.\n \n/s/ FORVIS, LLP\n \nCharlotte, North Carolina\nJune 30, 2023\nItem\u00a09. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\nNone.\nItem\u00a09A. Controls and Procedures\nConclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures\nWe maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are intended to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the \"Exchange Act\") is properly and timely recorded, processed, summarized, and reported. Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of April\u00a030, 2023 pursuant to Exchange Act Rule\u00a013a-14. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective. In designing disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving desired control objectives, and that management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.\nManagement's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting\nManagement is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in \nInternal Control\u2014Integrated Framework (2013)\n\u00a0issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of April\u00a030, 2023.\nBecause of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.\nThis annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management's report in this Annual Report.\nChanges in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting\nThere have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.\nItem\u00a09B. Other Information\nNone.\nItem\u00a09C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\nNot Applicable.\n41\nTable of Contents\nPART III\nItem\u00a010. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n(a)\nThe information appearing in the sections entitled \"Election of Directors\" and \"Meetings and Committees of the Board\" included in our Proxy Statement for use in connection with our annual meeting of stockholders to be held on August\u00a023, 2023 (the \"Proxy Statement\") is incorporated herein by reference. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of our most recently completed fiscal year.\n(b)\nThe names and ages of our executive officers as of June\u00a030, 2023 and their business experience during the past five years are set forth below: \nExecutive Officers\nName\nAge\nPosition\nThomas D. Hull III\n47\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\nDonald T. Gardner III\n44\nVice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary\nRyan S. Noble\n45\nVice President, Sales and Marketing\u2014Americas\nElizabeth D. Phillips\n46\nVice President, Human Resources\nMandar Ranade\n49\nVice President of Information Technology and Engineering\nDouglas J. Batdorff\n50\nVice President of Manufacturing Operations\nBoopathy Sathyamurthy\n54\nVice President, Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Singapore Pte. Ltd., Managing Director, International Operations\nThomas D. Hull III\n joined the Company in November 2015 as Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary. Mr. Hull was elected President and Chief Executive Officer and appointed as a member of the Board of Directors in March 2019. Mr. Hull earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from LaRoche College and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz School of Business. He is a certified public accountant (inactive status) and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hull held several management positions with Ernst & Young, LLP in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1998 through 2011. From 2011 until joining the Company in 2015, he served as the Vice President of Finance, Accounting, and Information Technology with ATI Specialty Materials in Charlotte, North Carolina.\nDonald T. Gardner III\n joined the Company in April 2019 as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer and was also elected by the Board of Directors to the positions of Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Gardner has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz School of Business. Prior to joining the Company, from 2017 to 2019, he served as Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis of Victra, a privately held retailer of wireless products and services. During 2017, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of Component Sourcing International, a privately held provider of global sourcing supply chain solutions. From February 2016 to June 2017, Mr. Gardner served in various leadership roles for Dollar Express Stores, LLC, most recently as Vice President and Treasurer. Dollar Express was an operator of discount retail stores that was sold to a strategic buyer in 2017. Mr. Gardner was a key member of the leadership team that completed the transaction and full wind down of the Company. From 2012 to February 2016, he worked at ATI Specialty Materials, a manufacturer of technically advanced specialty materials and complex components, serving in various financial leadership roles.\nRyan S. Noble\n joined the Company in July 2018 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing - Americas. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Ecology from the University of Tennessee. Prior to joining the Company, he was Director of Sales at Dodge Data & Analytics, a provider of analytics and software-based solutions for the construction industry, from March 2018 to July 2018. From 2014 to 2018, he was a Regional Sales Director at Wausau Window and Wall Systems, a manufacturer of metal and glass solutions for commercial buildings. From 2008 to 2014, he held several sales management positions at AGC Glass Company, a glass and high performance coatings manufacturer for architectural, residential, interior, and industrial applications.\nElizabeth D. Phillips\n joined the Company in August 2006 as Human Resources and Training Manager. She was promoted to Director of Human Resources in June 2007 and was elected Vice President of Human Resources in June 2009. Ms. Phillips has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Western Carolina University. Prior to joining the Company, she held Human Resources leadership positions at Thomasville Furniture and Hickory Chair and immediately prior to joining Kewaunee was Director of Human Resources for Vanguard Furniture Co., Inc., a manufacturer of household furniture, from April 2004 until August 2006.\n42\nTable of Contents\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMandar Ranade\n joined the Company in December 2019 as Vice President of Information Technology. In February 2020, Mr. Ranade's responsibilities were expanded to include Engineering and Standards oversight and he now holds the position of Vice President of Information Technology and Engineering. He has a Master of Business Administration, Finance, from the University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Engineering, Polymers, from University of Pune, Pune, India. He also has certifications as a Project Management Professional, Certified Scrum Master, ITIL (Foundation) Certification and a Master of Oracle Applications. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ranade most recently held the position of Division IT Leader for EnPro Industries-Fairbanks Morse, Wisconsin from 2018 to November 2019. From 2015 to 2018, he held several Director positions, the most recent being Director of Technical Services, with Aurora Health Care, ACL Laboratories, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to these positions he was Senior Manager of IT with IMS Health, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 2010 to 2015, and ThermoFisher Scientific in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, from 2005 to 2010. From 1995 to 2005, he held various IT positions with GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Mumbai, India, idm Limited, in Doncaster, UK, and GREAVES Limited, Mumbai, India\n.\n \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nDouglas J. Batdorff\n joined the Company in June 2020 as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. He has significant experience in directing and guiding manufacturing operations, focusing on improvement of business performance, maximizing growth and profitability. Mr. Batdorff has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University and a Masters in Manufacturing Operations from Kettering University. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Batdorff was the Chief Operations Officer for Legacy Cabinets, Inc. in Eastaboga, Alabama from 2018 to 2019. From 2005 to 2018 he held various management positions with Steelcase, the most recent as Director of Manufacturing - US Operations from 2014 to 2018. He was with General Motors, Lansing, Michigan from 1998 to 2004 in many management roles, the most recent being Manufacturing Coordinator - General Assembly - Final Process.\nBhoopathy Sathyamurthy\n joined the Company in 2000 as General Manager of India Operations and Kewaunee Labway India Pvt. Ltd. He was subsequently promoted to Managing Director of Kewaunee Labway India Pvt. Ltd. He has served as Managing Director of International Operations, which includes responsibilities for all sales and operations in Asia, as well as sales efforts in the Middle East, since September 2013. Mr. Sathyamurthy was elected Vice President of Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Singapore Pte. Ltd., the holding company for Kewaunee's subsidiaries in India, Singapore, and China, in September 2014. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Madras and a Masters of Business Administration from University of Madras.\nCode of Ethics\nA copy of our code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, entitled \"Ethics Obligations for Chief Executive Officer and Employees with Financial Reporting Responsibilities,\" is available free of charge through our website at \nwww.kewaunee.com\n. The reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference of any information contained at that site.\nAudit Committee\nThe information appearing in the section entitled \"Election of Directors \u2013 Meetings and Committees of the Board\" in our Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.\nDelinquent Section 16(a) Reports\nThe information appearing in the section entitled \"Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports\" in our Proxy Statement, if applicable, is incorporated herein by reference.\nItem\u00a011. Executive Compensation\nThe information appearing in the sections entitled \"Compensation Discussion and Analysis,\" \"Compensation Tables,\" \"Agreements with Certain Executives,\" and \"Election of Directors \u2013 Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation\" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.\nItem\u00a012. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\nThe information appearing in the sections entitled \"Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers\" and \"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners\" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.\n43\nTable of Contents\nThe following table sets forth certain information as of April\u00a030, 2023 with respect to compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance:\nPlan Category\nNumber of\nsecurities\u00a0to\u00a0be\nissued upon\nexercise\u00a0of\noutstanding\noptions,\u00a0warrants\nand rights\nWeighted-average\nexercise\u00a0price\u00a0of\noutstanding\u00a0options,\nwarrants and\u00a0rights\nNumber\u00a0of\u00a0securities\nremaining\u00a0available\u00a0for\nfuture issuance under\nequity\u00a0compensation\nplans\nEquity Compensation Plans approved by Security Holders:\n2008 Key Employee Stock Option Plan\n33,900\u00a0\n19.97\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan\n159,640\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n149,007\u00a0\nEquity Compensation Plans not approved by Security Holders:\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u00a0Total Equity Compensation Plans\n193,540\u00a0\n149,007\u00a0\nRefer to\n Note 7\n, \nStock Options and Share-Based Compensation\n, of the Company's consolidated financial statements included in ",
+ "cik": "55529",
+ "cusip6": "492854",
+ "cusip": ["492854104"],
+ "names": ["KEWAUNEE SCIENTIFIC CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/55529/000005552923000013/0000055529-23-000013-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000056701-23-000026.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000056701-23-000026.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..6adb17a994
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000056701-23-000026.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM\u00a01. \u00a0\u00a0BUSINESS\n\u00a0\nGENERAL\n\u00a0\nAs used herein unless the context otherwise requires, the term \u201cCompany\u201d means Koss Corporation and its subsidiaries, Koss Corp B.V. and Koss U.K. Limited. Koss Corporation was incorporated in Delaware in 1971. It formed Koss Corp B.V. and Koss U.K. Limited to comply with certain European Union (\u201cEU\u201d) requirements. Koss U.K. Limited is maintained to comply with certain U.K. requirements. \n\u00a0\nThe Company operates in the audio/video industry segment of the home entertainment and communication industry through its design, manufacture and sale of stereo headphones and related accessory products. The Company reports its results as a single reporting segment, as the Company\u2019s only business line is the design, manufacture and sale of stereo headphones and related personal listening accessories.\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s products are sold through U.S. distributors, international distributors, audio specialty stores, the internet, national retailers, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and prisons under the \u201cKoss\u201d name as well as private label. The Company also sells products to distributors for resale to school systems, and directly to other manufacturers for inclusion with their own products. International markets are served by domestic sales representatives and sales personnel in the Netherlands and the Caucasus region. The Company utilizes independent distributors in several foreign countries.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nApproximately 80%\u00a0of the Company\u2019s fiscal year 2023 sales were from stereo headphones used for listening to music. The remaining approximately 20%\u00a0of the Company\u2019s sales were from headphones used in communications, education settings, and in conjunction with metal detectors, as well as sold to original equipment manufacturers (\u201cOEM\u201d). The products are not significantly differentiated by their retail sales channel or application with the exception of products sold to school systems, prisons, and OEM customers. There are no other product line differentiations other than the quality of the sound produced by the stereo headphone itself, which is highly subjective.\n\u00a0\nThe Company sources complete stereo headphones manufactured to its specifications from various manufacturers in Asia as well as raw materials used to produce stereo headphones at its plant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Management believes that it has sources of complete stereo headphones and raw materials that are adequate for its needs.\n\u00a0\nThere are no employment or compensation commitments between the Company and its dealers. The Company has contracted several independent manufacturers\u2019 representatives as part of its distribution efforts. The arrangements with foreign distributors do not contemplate that the Company pays any compensation other than any profit the distributors make upon their sale of the Company\u2019s products.\n\u00a0\nINTELLECTUAL PROPERTY\n\u00a0\nJohn C. Koss is recognized for creating the personal listening industry with the first Koss SP/3 stereo headphone in 1958. The Company regularly applies for registration of its trademarks in many countries around the world, and over the years the Company has had numerous trademarks registered and patents issued in North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company had over 400\u00a0trademarks registered in approximately 90\u00a0countries around the world and over 160\u00a0patents in\u00a0approximately 25\u00a0countries.\u00a0The Company has trademarks to protect the brand name, Koss, and its logo on its products. The Company also holds many design patents that protect the unique visual appearance of some of its products. These trademarks and patents are important to differentiate the Company from its competitors. Certain of the Company\u2019s trademarks are of material value and importance to the conduct of its business. The Company considers protection of its proprietary developments important; however, the Company\u2019s business is not, in the opinion of management, materially dependent upon any single trademark or patent. \n \nGiven the significance of the Company\u2019s intellectual property to its business, in 2019 the Company launched a program to enforce its intellectual property rights and protect its patent portfolio. As part of this enforcement program, the Company has filed and pursued lawsuits against a number of companies that the Company believes have infringed or are infringing upon its patents and may enter into licensing agreements or initiate additional lawsuits. The Company considers protecting its intellectual property rights to be central to its business model and competitive position in the stereo headphone industry.\n\u00a0\n\u200e\n \n\n\n5\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \n \nSEASONALITY\n\u00a0\nAlthough retail sales of consumer electronics have historically been higher during the holiday season, sales of stereo headphones have smoothed throughout the year. Management believes that the Company\u2019s business is not seasonal as evidenced by the fact that the Company\u2019s net sales for the last three years, including the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, were almost equally split between the first and second halves of the year. Management believes that the reason for this level performance of sales to retailers and distributors is related to the fact that consumers are increasingly purchasing stereo headphones throughout the year as replacements for older or lower quality headphones to improve the quality of their listening experience as it relates to portable electronic products. Therefore, upgrades and replacements appear to have as much interest over the course of the year as gifts of stereo headphones during the holiday season.\n\u00a0\nWORKING CAPITAL AND BACKLOG\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s working capital needs do not differ substantially from those of its competitors in the industry and generally reflect the need to carry sufficient amounts of inventory to meet delivery requirements of its customers. On a limited basis, the Company does offer 90-120 day payment terms to certain customers and may, on a rare occasion, extend payment terms to its customers for a special promotion.\u00a0Based on historical trends, management does not expect these practices to have a material effect on net sales or net income.\u00a0As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company\u2019s backlog of orders was approximately $320,000, which the Company considers minimal in relation to net sales during fiscal year 2023 or projected sales for fiscal year 2024 net sales.\n\u00a0\nCUSTOMERS\n\u00a0\nThe Company markets a line of products used by consumers to listen to music, to work and study from home, and to listen to other audio-related media. The Company distributes these products through distributors and retail channels in the U.S. and independent distributors throughout the rest of the world. Additionally, the Company fills direct-to-consumer (DTC) orders on its website. The Company markets its products through many\u00a0domestic retail outlets and numerous retailers worldwide. The Company also markets products directly to several original equipment manufacturers for use in their products. In the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the Company\u2019s largest sales concentration was represented by its own DTC offerings via the Amazon portal and were approximately 20%\u00a0and\u00a016%\n \nof net sales\u00a0in fiscal year 2023 and 2022, respectively. \nThe Company\u2019s products have broad distribution worldwide across many channels including distributors, specialty stores, mass merchants, and electronics stores. The Company is dependent upon its ability to retain a base of retailers and distributors to sell the Company\u2019s line of products. A material loss of retailers and/or distributors could result in a loss of product placement and have an adverse effect on the Company\u2019s financial results, however, management believes that the impact of any such loss could be partially alleviated by a corresponding decrease, on a limited basis, in expenses.\n The Company\u2019s five largest customers accounted for approximately 51%\u00a0and 45% of net sales in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n\u00a0\nCOMPETITION\n\u00a0\nThe Company focuses on the stereo headphone industry. In the stereo headphone market, the Company competes with all major competitors, many of which are large and diversified and have greater total assets and resources than the Company. The extent to which retailers and consumers view the Company as a pioneer in the creation of the personal listening industry, an innovative vendor of high-quality stereo headphone products, and a provider of excellent after-sales customer service, is the extent to which the Company offers a competitive advantage. The Company relies upon its unique sound, quality workmanship, brand identification, engineering skills, and customer service, as well as its intellectual property portfolio, to support its competitive position.\n\u00a0\nRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT\n\u00a0\nThe amount expensed on engineering and research activities relating to the development of new products or the improvement of existing products was\u00a0$288,231 during fiscal year 2023. These activities were conducted by both Company personnel and outside consultants. There was\u00a0$285,244\u00a0in expenses for research and development activities during fiscal year 2022. The Company expects to incur on-going research and development costs related to its Bluetooth\u00ae and traditional wired headphones as it is planning to introduce new product offerings on a regular basis. The increasing costs related to worldwide certification of these technologies by country has increased the costs of regional compliance testing and has impacted the time to market on these wireless items.\n\u00a0\nENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS\n\u00a0\nThe Company believes that it has materially complied with all currently existing federal, state and local statutes and regulations regarding environmental standards and occupational safety and health matters to which it is subject. During\u00a0fiscal years 2023 and 2022, the amounts incurred in complying with federal, state and local statutes and regulations pertaining to environmental standards and occupational safety and health laws and regulations did not materially affect the Company\u2019s operating results or financial \n\n\n6\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\ncondition. The increased public awareness and concern regarding climate change has resulted in increased regulations which are rapidly evolving. The Company continues to monitor the evolving regulations, as well as related required disclosures, to ensure that we will be conformant. It is unclear as to whether any emerging and evolving regulations will have a material impact on the Company's results of operations.\n\u00a0\nEMPLOYEES\n\u00a0\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company employed 31\u00a0non-union employees, 3 of which were part-time employees.\u00a0 The Company also engaged temporary personnel at times during the year ended June\u00a030, 2023.\n \nFOREIGN SALES\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s competitive position and risks relating to its business in foreign markets are comparable to those in the domestic market. In addition, the governments of the United States and foreign nations may elect to erect trade barriers on exports and/or imports, respectively. The creation of additional barriers would reduce the Company\u2019s net sales and net income. In addition, any fluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect the pricing of the Company\u2019s products and divert customers who might choose to purchase lower-priced, less profitable products, and could affect overall demand for the Company\u2019s products. For further information, see Part\u00a0II,\u00a0Item 7.\n\u00a0\nThe Company has sales personnel currently located in the Netherlands and the Caucasus region to service the international export marketplace. The loss of these personnel would result in a transfer of sales and marketing responsibility. The Company sells its products to independent distributors in countries and regions outside the United States including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico. During the last two fiscal years, net sales of all Koss products were distributed as follows:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n2023\n \n2022\nUnited States\n \n$\n 9,848,521\n \n$\n 13,132,899\nCzech Republic\n \n \n 1,328,476\n \n \n 1,195,768\nSweden\n \n \n 997,058\n \n \n 1,552,559\nCanada\n \n \n 209,159\n \n \n 314,607\nKorea, Republic of\n \n \n 190,149\n \n \n 81,264\nBelgium\n \n \n 176,581\n \n \n 132,880\nMalaysia\n \n \n 122,172\n \n \n 395,914\nAll other countries\n \n \n 227,535\n \n \n 899,628\nNet sales\n \n$\n 13,099,651\n \n$\n 17,705,519\n\u00a0\nAs a result of the Russian-Ukraine conflict, the Company suspended all sales to Russia in accordance with Executive Order 14071 issued by President Biden on April\u00a06, 2022. Sales to Ukraine have also been impacted as a result of the humanitarian crisis there due to the ongoing hostilities. In the prior two fiscal years, neither Russia nor Ukraine represented a significant portion of the Company\u2019s export business and, in the aggregate, was less than 3.4% of net sales for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022. The Company is uncertain, however, how the conflict will impact future sales.\n \nOPERATIONS\n\u00a0\nThe Company has a manufacturing facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and uses contract manufacturing facilities in the People\u2019s Republic of China and Taiwan. A contract employee is based in China to manage supplier quality and to assist with development of new products. Since these independent suppliers are not located in the United States, the Company is at risk of business interruptions due to natural disasters, war, disease and government intervention through tariffs or trade restrictions that are of less concern domestically. The Company maintains finished goods inventory in its U.S. facility to mitigate this risk. The Company\u2019s goal is to stock finished goods inventory at an average of approximately 90 days demand per item. Recovery of a single facility through replacement of a supplier in the event of a disaster or suspension of supply could take an estimated six to twelve months, in which case the Company believes that it could restore production of its top 10\u00a0selling models (which represent approximately 57%\u00a0of the Company\u2019s 2023 net sales) within \n18-24\n\u00a0months.\u00a0Required compliance testing impacts the time it takes to bring a product to market as well as the time necessary to retool a product and re-enter the marketplace. The Company is also at risk if trade restrictions are introduced on its products based upon country of origin. In addition, the Company may not be able to pass\u00a0along most increases in tariffs and freight charges to the Company\u2019s customers, which would directly affect profits.\n\u00a0\n\u200e\n \n\n\n7\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nCYBERSECURITY\n\u00a0\nThe Company depends on information technology as an enabler to improve the effectiveness of its operations and to interface with its customers, as well as to maintain financial accuracy and efficiency. Information technology system failures, including suppliers\u2019 or vendors\u2019 system failures, could disrupt the Company\u2019s operations by causing transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, delays or cancellation of customer orders, the loss of customers, impediments to the manufacture or shipment of products, other business disruptions, or the loss of or damage to intellectual property through a security breach. The Company\u2019s information systems, or those of its third-party service providers, could also be penetrated by outside parties\u2019 intent on extracting information, corrupting information or disrupting business processes. Such unauthorized access could disrupt the Company\u2019s business, increase costs and/or result in the loss of assets. Cybersecurity attacks are becoming more sophisticated and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information, corruption or destruction of data and other manipulation or improper use of systems or networks. These events could negatively impact the Company\u2019s customers and/or reputation and lead to financial losses from remediation actions, loss of business, production downtimes, operational delays or potential liability, penalties, fines or other increases in expense, all of which may have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business. In addition, as security threats and cybersecurity and data privacy and protection laws and regulations continue to evolve and increase in terms of sophistication, we may invest additional resources in the security of our systems. Any such increased level of investment could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. The Company has programs in place intended to address and mitigate the cybersecurity risks. These programs include regular monitoring of outside threats, continuous updating of software to mitigate risk, education of employees to the risks of external threats, and simplification of infrastructure to minimize servers. Additionally, the Company seeks to minimize its risk by keeping the number of physical servers at the HQ location and its exposure to public systems to a minimum. Additional e-commerce improvements have further mitigated exposure and business critical systems, including the Company\u2019s ERP system, have been migrated to Tier-1 cloud service providers, with more anticipated in the future. While the Company devotes resources to security measures to protect its systems and data, these measures cannot provide absolute security.\n\u00a0\nAVAILABLE INFORMATION\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s internet website is https://www.koss.com. The Company makes available free of charge through its internet website the Company\u2019s annual report on Form\u00a010-K, quarterly reports on Form\u00a010-Q, current reports on Form\u00a08-K, proxy statements and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with (or furnished to) the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports and other information regarding the Company are also available on the SEC\u2019s internet website at https://www.sec.gov. The information on the Company\u2019s website is not part of this or any other report the Company files with or furnishes to the Securities and Exchange Commission.\n\u00a0\n\u200e\n \n\n\n8\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \n\u00a0",
+ "item1a": "ITEM 1A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0RISK FACTORS\n \nWe are subject to various risks that may materially harm our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations. This discussion highlights some of the risks that may affect future operating results. These are the risks and uncertainties we believe are most important for you to consider. We cannot be certain that we will successfully address these risks. If we are unable to address these risks, our business may not grow, our stock price may suffer, and we may be unable to stay in business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, which we currently deem immaterial, or which are similar to those faced by other companies in our industry or business in general, may also impair our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. The risks discussed below include forward-looking statements, and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.\n \nRisks Related to Our Operations and Financial Results\n\u00a0\nThe Company is dependent on the proper functioning of our contract manufacturers in China, our supply chain, and our distribution networks. Any disruptions could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.\n \nThe Company relies on our third-party supply chain and distribution networks and the availability of necessary components to produce a significant number of our products. A reduction or interruption in supply, including interruptions due to a reoccurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical unrest, labor shortages or strikes, or a failure to procure adequate components, may lead to delays in manufacturing or increases in costs.\n \nThe Company uses contract manufacturing facilities in the People\u2019s Republic of China and Taiwan to produce a significant amount of our products. There has been increasing geopolitical tension between China and Taiwan that may affect future shipments from Taiwan-based suppliers. Any other adverse changes in the social, political, regulatory or economic conditions in the countries could materially increase the cost of the products we buy or delay shipments. There has also been increasing geopolitical tension between China and the United States. Sustained uncertainty about, or worsening of, economic relations and further escalation of trade tensions between the United States and China, or any other country in which the Company conducts business, could result in retaliatory trade restrictions that restrict our ability to source products from China or continue business in such other country. Any alterations \nto our business strategy\n or operations made in order to adapt to or comply with any such changes would be time-consuming and expensive, and the Company may not be able to pass along most increases in tariffs and freight charges to the Company\u2019s customers, which would also directly affect profits.\n \nOur dependence on foreign suppliers for our products necessitates ordering products further in advance than we would if manufactured domestically, thus increasing investments in inventory. Delays in receiving and shipping products due to interruptions in its supply chain would pose a risk of lower sales to the Company and the potential for price volatility, negatively impacting profits. Recovery of a single facility through replacement of a supplier in the event of a disaster or suspension of supply could take an estimated six to twelve months.\n \nIn the past, we have experienced supply chain and shipping interruptions and constraints, volatility in demand for our products caused by sudden and significant changes in production levels by our suppliers, and disruptions in our manufacturing and supply arrangements caused by the loss or disruption of essential manufacturing and supply elements such as raw materials or other product components, transportation, work force, or force majeure events. \n \nIn April 2023, United Parcel Service (\u201cUPS\u201d) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union (the \u201cTeamsters\u201d) started labor contract talks to negotiate better pay, no forced overtime and the elimination of a two tier pay system. On July\u00a025, 2023, UPS and the Teamsters reached a tentative five-year contract deal that would avert a nationwide strike. Also, since December 2022, when the U.S. government abated a threatened railroad strike and implemented a labor agreement that prohibited the workers from striking, some union leaders and railroad executives have voluntarily reopened the conversation around paid sick leave in hopes of negotiating an improvement. The Company continues to monitor both situations as ether strike in the U.S. could potentially exacerbate disruptions in the supply chain and impact product shipments from suppliers and to customers, resulting in increased operating costs and delays in product shipments. The Company also believes that the recent loss of Yellow freight lines to insolvency could impact carrier availability and increase freight costs. The Company had no material direct exposure to Yellow in 2023.\n \nThe current hostilities in Eastern Europe and the resulting economic sanctions imposed by the government have impacted the global economy. While we have no operations in Russia or Ukraine, we are unable to sell to certain of our customers that have been negatively impacted by this event. The continuation of the military conflict could lead to increased supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and volatility in global markets that could negatively impact our operations.\n \nThe Company continuously monitors its\n supply chain in order to modify business plans as may be necessary. This could include increasing the investment in inventory, being alert to potential short supply situations, assisting suppliers with acquisition of critical \n\n\n9\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\ncomponents and utilizing alternative sources and/or air freight\n. However, these measures may entail additional costs to the Company and cannot guarantee that the Company will not be adversely affected by supply chain disruptions.\n \nFailure to attract and retain customers to sell the Company\u2019s products could adversely affect sales volume and future profitability.\n \nThe Company markets a line of products used by consumers to listen to music. The Company distributes these products through large domestic distributors and some retail channels in the U.S. and independent distributors throughout the rest of the world. The Company is dependent upon its ability to attract and retain a base of customers to sell the Company\u2019s line of products. The Company has broad distribution across many channels including specialty stores, mass merchants, electronics stores and computer retailers. The Company may not be able to maintain customers or model selections and therefore may experience a reduction in its sales revenue until a model is restored to the mix or a lost customer is replaced by a new customer. The loss of business of one or more principal customers or a change in the sales volume from a particular customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s sales volume and profitability.\n\u00a0\nA shift in customer specifications to lower priced items can reduce profit margins, negatively impacting profitability.\n \nThe Company sells lines of products with suggested retail prices ranging from less than $10 up to $1,000. The gross margin for each of these models varies in terms of percentages. The Company finds the low-priced portion of the market most competitive and therefore most subject to pressure on gross margin percentages, which tends to lower profit contributions. Therefore, a shift in customer specifications and preferences toward lower priced items could lead to lower gross margins and lower profit contributions per unit of sale. Due to the range of products that the Company sells, the product sales mix can produce a variation in profit margins. Some distributors sell a limited range of products that yield lower profit margins than others. Most notably, the budget-priced stereo headphone segment of the market (below $10 retail), which is distributed through mass market retailers, computer stores, and office supply stores and to school systems, tends to yield the lowest gross margins. An increase in business with these types of accounts, if coupled with a simultaneous reduction in sales to customers with higher gross margins, would reduce profit margins and profitability.\n \nIf we are unable to continue to develop innovative and popular products, our brand image may be harmed and demand for our products may decrease.\n \nConsumer electronics are subject to constantly and rapidly changing consumer preferences based on industry trends and performance features, including technological advancement. Our success depends largely on our ability to lead, anticipate, gauge and respond to these changing consumer preferences and trends in a timely manner, while preserving and strengthening the perception and authenticity of our brand. We must continue to develop high performance products that provide better design and performance attributes than the products of our competitors at similar price points. Market acceptance of new designs and products is subject to uncertainty, and we cannot assure you that our efforts will be successful. The inability of new product designs or new product lines to gain market acceptance, or our current products losing traction in the market, could adversely affect our brand image, our business and financial condition. Achieving market acceptance for new products may also require substantial marketing efforts and expenditures to increase consumer demand, which could constrain our management, financial and operational resources. If new products we introduce do not experience broad market acceptance or demand for our existing products wanes, our net sales could decline.\n\u00a0\nWe may not be able to compete effectively, which could cause our net sales and market share to decline.\n \nThe consumer electronics industry is highly competitive, and characterized by frequent introduction of new competitors, as well as increased competition from established companies expanding their product portfolio, aggressive price cutting and resulting downward pressure on gross margins and rapid consolidation of the market resulting in larger competitors. We face competition from consumer electronics brands that have historically dominated the stereo headphone market, in addition to sport brands and lifestyle companies that also produce headphone products. These competitors may have significant competitive advantages, including greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources, longer operating histories, better brand recognition among certain groups of consumers, and greater economies of scale. In addition, these competitors have long-term relationships with many larger retailers that are potentially more important to those retailers. As a result, these competitors may be better equipped to influence consumer preferences or otherwise increase their market share by:\n\u00a0\n\uf0b7\nquickly \nadapting to changes in consumer preferences;\n\uf0b7\nreadily taking advantage of acquisition and other opportunities;\n\uf0b7\ndiscounting excess inventory;\n\uf0b7\ndevoting greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products, including significant advertising, media placement and product endorsement;\n\uf0b7\nadopting aggressive pricing policies; and\n\uf0b7\nengaging in length\ny and costly intellectual property and other legal disputes.\n \n\n\n10\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nAdditionally, the industry in which we compete generally has low barriers to entry that allow the introduction of new products or new competitors at a fast pace. If we are unable to protect our brand image and authenticity, while carefully balancing our growth, we may be unable to effectively compete with these new market entrants or new products. The inability to compete effectively against new and existing competitors could have an adverse effect on our net sales and results of operations, preventing us from achieving future growth.\n\u00a0\nIf we are unable to obtain intellectual property rights and/or enforce those rights against third parties who are violating those rights, our business could suffer.\n \nWe rely on various intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets and trade dress to protect our brand name, reputation, product appearance and technology. If we fail to obtain, maintain, or in some cases enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitors may be able to copy our designs, or use our brand name, trademarks, or technology. As a result, if we are unable to successfully protect our intellectual property rights, or resolve any conflicts effectively, our results of operations may be harmed. Regardless of the merits of the claims,\u00a0litigation\u00a0may be expensive,\u00a0time-consuming,\u00a0and disruptive to our operations and distracting to management. If resolved against us, such legal proceedings could result in excessive verdicts, injunctive relief or other equitable relief that may affect how we operate our business. Similarly, if we settle such legal proceedings, it may negatively affect how we operate our business. I\nn connection with its ongoing intellectual property enforcement program, which includes lawsuits alleging infringement of patents relating to its wireless audio technology, the Company has granted licenses covering certain Company patents. \nOther similar complaints filed remain outstanding. As all litigation is uncertain, there can be no assurance that any of this remaining or future litigation will be decided in our favor. \n \nWe may be adversely affected by the financial condition of our retailers and distributors.\n \nSome of our retailers and distributors are experiencing financial difficulties because of current adverse economic conditions. A retailer or distributor experiencing such difficulties generally will not purchase and sell as many of our products as it would under normal circumstances and may cancel orders. In addition, a retailer or distributor experiencing financial difficulties generally increases our exposure to uncollectible receivables. We extend credit to our retailers and distributors based on our assessment of their financial condition, generally without requiring collateral, and sometimes are not able to obtain information regarding their current financial status. Failure of these retailers or distributors to remain current on their obligations to us could result in losses that exceed the reserves we set aside in anticipation of this risk. We are also exposed to the risk of our customers declaring bankruptcy, exposing us to claims of preferential payment claims. Financial difficulties on the part of our retailers or distributors could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\n \nDirect-to-Consumer sales through the Amazon marketplace account for a significant amount of our net sales and the loss of, or reduced purchases from, this sales channel could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.\n \nOur largest concentration of sales in fiscal year 2023 came from our DTC sales via the Amazon portal and accounted for more than 20%\u00a0and 16%\u00a0of our net sales in\u00a0fiscal years 2023\u00a0and 2022, respectively. We do not have long-term contracts to conduct sales through the Amazon portal or for sales to any of our customers, and all of our customers generally purchase from us on a purchase order basis. As a result, Amazon or any other customer generally may, with no notice or penalty, cease ordering and selling our products, or materially reduce their orders. If certain customers, individually or in aggregate, choose to no longer sell our products, slow their rate of purchase of our products or decrease the number of unique products they purchase, our results of operations would be adversely affected.\n\u00a0\nOur products may experience quality problems from time to time that can result in decreased sales and operating margin and harm to our reputation.\n \nWe offer products that can be affected by design and manufacturing defects. Defects can also exist in components used for our products. Component defects could make the Company\u2019s products unsafe and create a risk of property damage and personal injury. There can be no assurance the Company will be able to detect all issues and defects in the products it offers. Failure to do so can result in widespread technical and performance issues affecting the Company\u2019s products. In addition, the Company can be exposed to product liability claims, recalls, product replacements or modifications, write-offs of inventory, property, plant, and equipment, and/or intangible assets, and significant warranty and other expenses, including litigation costs and regulatory fines. Quality problems can also adversely affect the experience for users of the Company\u2019s products, and result in harm to the Company\u2019s reputation, loss of competitive advantage, poor market acceptance, reduced demand for products, delay in new product introductions and lost sales.\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nAn information systems interruption or breach in security could adversely affect us.\n \nPrivacy, security, and compliance concerns have continued to increase as technology has evolved. We rely on accounting, financial, and operational management information systems to conduct our operations. Any disruption in these systems could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business. Furthermore, as part of our normal business activities, we collect and store common confidential information about customers, employees, vendors, and suppliers. This information is entitled to protection under a number of regulatory regimes. Any failure to maintain the security of the data, including the penetration of our network security and the misappropriation of confidential and personal information, could result in business disruption, damage to our reputation, financial obligations to third parties, fines, penalties, regulatory proceedings and private litigation with potentially large costs, and also result in deterioration in customers confidence in us and other competitive disadvantages, and thus could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.\n \nHigh-profile security breaches at other companies and in government agencies have increased in recent years, and security industry experts and government officials have warned about the risks of hackers and cyber-attacks targeting businesses. Cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, and in some cases have caused significant harm. Computer hackers and others routinely attempt to breach the security of technology products, services, and systems, and to fraudulently induce employees, customers, or others to disclose information or unwittingly provide access to systems or data. While we devote resources to security measures to protect our systems and data, these measures cannot provide absolute security.\n \nChanges in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could adversely affect our effective income tax rate and profitability.\n \nWe are subject to income taxes in the United States. Our effective income tax rate could be adversely affected in the future by several factors, including changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in tax laws. We regularly assess all of these matters to determine the adequacy of our tax provision. If our tax strategies are ineffective or we are not in compliance with domestic and international tax laws, our financial position, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely affected.\n \nOur business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted by the effects of inflation.\n \n \nInflation has the potential to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations by increasing our overall cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve commensurate increases in the prices we charge our customers. The Company continues to experience inflationary \ncost increases in our commodities, packaging materials, wages and higher energy and transportation costs, thus potentially impacting our ability to meet customer demand.\n \nThese increases have been partially mitigated by pricing actions implemented in the third quarter of the current fiscal year, as well as working with a dedicated freight forwarding partner to minimize freight rate increases. Inflation may impact customer demand for our products resulting from a slowdown in consumer spending as disposable income decreases due to rising interest rates, the price of essential items and dwindling savings. Other risk factors further exacerbated by inflation include\n supply chain disruptions, risks of international operations and the recruitment and retention of talent.\n \n \nRisks Related to our International Operations\n \nEconomic regulation, trade restrictions, and increasing manufacturing costs in China could adversely impact our business and results of operations.\n \nThe Company uses contract manufacturing facilities in the People\u2019s Republic of China. An increase in the cost of labor or taxes on wages in China may lead to an increase in the cost of goods manufactured in China. Significant increases in wages or wage taxes paid by contract manufacturing facilities may increase the cost of goods manufactured in China which could have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s profit margins and profitability. Additionally, government trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs, export restrictions, sanctions or other retaliatory measures, as described above under \u201c\nThe Company is dependent on the proper functioning of our contract manufacturers in China, our supply chain, and our distribution networks. Any disruptions could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.\n,\u201d\n could limit our ability to source materials and products from China at acceptable prices or at all. We do not currently have arrangements with contract manufacturers in other countries that may be acceptable substitutes. We cannot predict what actions may ultimately be taken with respect to tariffs, export controls, countermeasures, or other trade measures between the U.S. and China or other countries and what products may be subject to such actions. To the extent such actions inhibit our transactions with contract manufacturing facilities and suppliers in China, our business may be materially adversely affected.\n \nThe ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. \n \nFinancial and credit markets around the world experienced volatility following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022. In\nresponse to the invasion, the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, along with others, imposed significant sanctions and export controls against Russia, Russian banks and certain Russian individuals and may implement additional sanctions or take \n\n\n12\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\nfurther punitive actions in the future. In accordance with Executive Order 14071 signed on April\u00a06, 2022, the Company suspended sales to Russia. Also, as a result of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine created by the war and the population seeking refuge in other countries, sales to Ukraine have been impacted. There have been no sales to Russia or Ukraine during the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 and such sales consisted of approximately 3.4% of net sales for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022. \n \nAlthough the length, impact and outcome of the conflict is unpredictable, the war has already contributed to market and other disruptions, including volatility in commodity prices, supply and prices of energy, disrupted supply chains, political and social instability as well as an increase in cyberattacks. We are uncertain, however, of the impact it will have on our results of operations for the future in the region. We are actively monitoring the conflict and will report on its impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations as necessary as developments occur.\n \nWe may be subject to risks related to doing business in, and having counterparties based in, foreign countries.\n\u00a0\n \n\u00a0We engage in operations, and enter into agreements with counterparties, located outside the U.S., which exposes us to political, governmental, and economic instability and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Any disruption caused by these factors could harm our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and prospects. Risks associated with potential operations, commitments, and investments outside of the U.S. include but are not limited to risks of:\n\u00a0\n\uf0b7\nglobal and local economic, social and political conditions and uncertainty;\n\uf0b7\ncurrency exchange restrictions and currency fluctuations;\n\uf0b7\nexport and import duties;\n\uf0b7\nwar, such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, or terrorist attack;\n\uf0b7\nlocal outbreak of disease, such as COVID-19;\n\uf0b7\nrenegotiation or nullification of existing contracts or international trade arrangements;\n\uf0b7\nlabor market conditions and workers\u2019 rights affecting our manufacturing operations or those of our customers;\n\uf0b7\nmacro-economic conditions impacting key markets and sources of supply;\n\uf0b7\nchanging laws and policies affecting trade, taxation, financial regulation, immigration, and investment;\n\uf0b7\ncompliance with laws and regulations that differ among jurisdictions, including those covering taxes, intellectual property ownership and infringement, imports and exports, anti-corruption, and anti-bribery, antitrust and competition, data privacy, and environment, health, and safety; and\n\uf0b7\ngeneral hazards associated with the assertion of sovereignty over areas in which operations are conducted, transactions occur, or counterparties are located.\n \nFluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect the Company\u2019s financial results and operations, including with respect to pricing of products and overall demand for the Company\u2019s products. \n \nThe Company receives a material portion of its sales and profits from business in Europe. To the extent that the value of the U.S. dollar increases relative to currencies in those jurisdictions, it increases the cost of the Company\u2019s products in those jurisdictions, which could create negative pressure on the foreign demand for the Company\u2019s products. The Company is paid by its international customers in U.S. dollars. To the extent that increased prices arising from currency fluctuations decrease the overall demand for the Company\u2019s products or motivate customers to purchase lower-priced, lower profit products, the Company\u2019s sales, profits, and cash flows could be adversely affected.\n \nRisks Related to our Stock\u00a0\n \nOur stock price has been, and may in the future, be subject to significant fluctuations and volatility.\n \nThe market price of our stock is subject to price volatility. Additionally, over the years, the Company, the technology industry, and the stock market as a whole have experienced extreme stock price and volume fluctuations that have affected stock prices in ways that may have been unrelated to companies\u2019 operating performance. Factors such as the depth and liquidity of the market for our common stock, investor perceptions of us and our business, actions by institutional shareholders, strategic actions by us, litigation, changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations and principles, additions or departures of key personnel, a decline in demand for our products and our results of operations, financial performance and future prospects may cause the market price and demand for our common stock to fluctuate substantially, which may limit or prevent investors from realizing the liquidity of their shares. During the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, the sales price of our common stock fluctuated between a reported high sales price of $11.20 on July\u00a025, 2022 and a reported low sales price of $3.56 on June\u00a023, June\u00a026, and June\u00a027, 2023. The trading volume in shares of our common stock can also vary widely. For example, during the most recent fiscal year, daily trading volume ranged from a low of 3,200 shares on April\u00a06, 2023 to a high of 7,202,400 on July\u00a025, 2022.\n Our market capitalization, as implied by various trading prices, can reflect valuations that diverge significantly from those seen prior to volatility and, to the extent these valuations reflect trading dynamics unrelated to our financial performance or prospects, purchasers of our common stock could incur substantial losses if there \n\n\n13\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\nare declines in market prices driven by a return to earlier valuations. As a result of this volatility, investors may experience losses on their investment in our common stock. \n \nA \u201cshort squeeze\u201d due to a sudden increase in demand for shares of our common stock that largely exceeds supply could lead to extreme price volatility in shares of our common stock.\n \n \nIn the past, securities of certain companies have experienced significant and extreme volatility in stock price due to a sudden increase in demand for stock resulting in aggregate short positions in the stock exceeding the number of shares available for purchase, forcing investors with short exposure to pay a premium to repurchase shares for delivery to share lenders. This is known as a \u201cshort squeeze.\u201d These short squeezes can lead to the price per share of those companies to trade at a significantly inflated rate that is disconnected from the underlying value of the company. Trading by short sellers may increase the likelihood that our common stock will be the target of a short squeeze. A short squeeze could lead to volatile price movements in shares of our common stock that are unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance or prospects and, once investors purchase the shares of our common stock necessary to cover their short positions, the price of our common stock may rapidly decline. Stockholders that purchase shares of our common stock during a short squeeze may lose a significant portion of their investment. \n \nThe Koss family, including certain members of our management, owns a significant\u00a0percentage of our stock and, as a result, the trading price for our shares may be depressed and they can take actions that may be adverse to the interests of our stockholders.\n \nMichael Koss, our President and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owned 4,153,410 shares of our common stock as of August\u00a01, 2023, representing 43.7% of shares outstanding on such date, including shares held by a voting trust over which Mr. Koss holds sole voting and dispositive power. This significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price for our common stock because investors may perceive disadvantages in owning stock in companies with a large stockholder, since such a stockholder can significantly influence all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election and removal of directors and any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, due to his significant ownership stake and his service as our Principal Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Michael Koss directs the management of our business and affairs. This concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, or impeding a merger or consolidation, takeover or other business combination that could be favorable to our other stockholders.\n \nFuture sales of a substantial amount of our common stock in the public markets by our insiders, or the perception that these sales may occur, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. \n \nOur employees, directors and officers, and their affiliates collectively hold substantial amounts of shares of our common stock and have vested options for the purchase of our common stock. Sales of a substantial number of such shares by these stockholders, or the perception that such sales will occur, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Other than restrictions on trading that arise under securities laws (or pursuant to our securities trading policy that is intended to facilitate compliance with securities laws), including the prohibition on trading in securities by or on behalf of a person who is aware of nonpublic material information, we have no restrictions on the right of our employees, directors and officers, and their affiliates, to sell their unrestricted shares of common stock.\n\u00a0\n\u200e\n\n\n14\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n ",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.\n \nThe purpose of this discussion and analysis is to enhance the understanding and evaluation of the financial position, results of operations, cash flows, indebtedness, and other key financial information of the Company for fiscal years 2023 and 2022. Our MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See also the \u201cCautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\u201d on page 4 of this Report.\n\u00a0\u00a0\nOverview\n\u00a0\nJohn C. Koss and the Company have been recognized as the creator of the personal listening industry. The Company initially developed the first Koss SP 3 stereo headphones in 1958 and has been an innovator in the field ever since. We market a complete line of high-fidelity headphones, wireless Bluetooth\u00ae headphones, wireless Bluetooth\u00ae speakers, computer headsets, telecommunications headsets, and active noise canceling headphones. Koss operates as one business segment,\u00a0as its only business line is the design, manufacture and sale of stereo headphones and related personal listening accessories.\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s products are sold domestically and internationally through a variety of retailers and distributors, as well as directly to other manufacturers to include with their own products. Changes in sales volume are driven primarily by the addition or loss of customers, a customer adding or removing a product from its inventory, or changes in economic conditions. \nSales levels are less impacted by seasonality or the traditional holiday shopping season.\n\u00a0\nAlthough certain of the Company\u2019s products could be viewed as essential by\u00a0consumers for use with mobile phones and other portable electronic devices,\u00a0many other models represent a more discretionary spend. The results of the Company\u2019s operations are therefore susceptible to consumer confidence and adverse macroeconomic factors such as inflation, slower growth or recession, higher interest rates, and wage and commodity inflation. In addition, the economic sanctions imposed as a result of the Russia/Ukraine conflict have impacted certain of our customers in those markets and the surrounding regions.\n \nThe impacts of COVID-19 have moderated since it was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The Company continues to monitor any changes regarding the pandemic and any future impacts of COVID-19 on our business, operations, and financial results. \n\u00a0\u00a0\nFiscal Year 2023 Summary\n\u00a0\n\uf0b7\nNet sales declined 26.0% to $13,099,651 due predominantly to weaker consumer demand led by constraints on consumer spending brought on by higher inflation and, as a result, lower disposable income. Over inventory positions at some U.S. distributors also contributed to the decline. Export sales fell 29% while domestic sales fell 25%.\n \n\uf0b7\nGross profit as a percentage of sales decreased 3.9 percentage points to 34.0%. The decrease was primarily due to fixed manufacturing expenses that do not flex with the lower sales volume. The favorable mix of higher margin direct-to-consumer (\u201cDTC\u201d) sales offset the year over year decline in higher margin domestic distributors. \n \n\uf0b7\nSelling, general and administrative expenses increased significantly as a result of\n legal fees and expenses incurred in support of the Company\u2019s patent defense litigation. Excluding the effect of these legal fees and expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately $1.3\u00a0million, or 24.9%. \nBonus and profit-sharing expense as a consequence of the net income from licensing proceeds during the year also contributed to the increase.\n \n\uf0b7\nOther income for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 consisted entirely of $33,000,000 in licensing proceeds received in the first quarter of the year.\n \n\uf0b7\nTax expense for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 was $317,377 as a direct impact of the licensing income earned during the year.\n \n\u00a0\n\u200e\n\n\n17\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nConsolidated Results\n\u00a0\nThe following table presents selected consolidated financial data for each of the past two fiscal years:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nConsolidated Performance Summary\n \n2023\n \n2022\nNet sales\n \n$\n13,099,651\n \n$\n17,705,519\nNet sales decrease\n \n \n(26.0)%\n \n \n(9.4)%\nGross profit\n \n$\n4,457,414\n \n$\n6,715,630\nGross profit as % of net sales\n \n \n34.0%\n \n \n37.9%\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n \n$\n29,358,466\n \n$\n5,813,607\nSelling, general and administrative expenses as % of net sales\n \n \n224.1%\n \n \n32.8%\nInterest income\n \n$\n520,809\n \n$\n11,513\nOther income\n \n$\n33,000,000\n \n$\n362,390\nIncome before income tax provision\n \n$\n8,619,757\n \n$\n1,275,926\nIncome before income tax provision as % of net sales\n \n \n65.8%\n \n \n7.2%\nIncome tax provision\n \n$\n317,377\n \n$\n7,517\nIncome tax provision as % of income before taxes\n \n \n3.7%\n \n \n0.6%\n\u00a0\u00a0\n2023 Results of Operations Compared with 2022\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nNet sales for the fiscal year 2023 declined by 26.0% mainly as a result of lower sales to U.S. distributors coupled with a 28.9% drop in sales to the Company\u2019s export markets.\n\u00a0\nFor the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, domestic net sales decreased $3,284,378, or 25.0% to $9,848,521. Sales to U.S. distributors were impacted by an oversupply of inventory as a consequence of higher-level purchases during the pandemic followed by recent weakened consumer demand for our product due to inflation. While DTC sales, believed to be a significant approach to driving growth, remained stable year over year, it continued to represent the Company\u2019s largest market class, growing from approximately 19% of total net sales during the twelve months ended June\u00a030, 2022 to approximately 25% during the current fiscal year. \n \nExport net sales also saw a downturn during the current fiscal year, decreasing $1,321,490 or 28.9% to $3,251,130. The adverse impacts from the war between Russia and Ukraine, along with increasing inflation and higher energy costs, drove an approximately 27% decline in sales to export distributors in Europe by nearly $1,000,000 versus fiscal year 2022. Lost sales of approximately $600,000 to Russia and Ukraine made up the majority of the drop. A decrease in sales to distributors in Asia also contributed to the decline mainly behind a lack of sales to one of the Company\u2019s non-retail original equipment manufacturers that utilizes Koss headphones in one of their products. Sales to this market were over $350,000 during the year ended June\u00a030, 2022.\n\u00a0\nGross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to\u00a034.0%\u00a0for the year\u00a0ended June\u00a030, 2023, compared to\u00a037.9%\u00a0for the prior fiscal year. Gross margins vary by customer, product, and markets and, as a result, any shifts in the mix can impact the overall gross margin. While the mix of higher margin DTC sales was favorable compared to the prior fiscal year, fixed manufacturing overhead expenses that don\u2019t flex with sales negatively impacted the margins for the year. And while freight costs improved during the first half of the year and then stabilized in the back half, the movement of inventory received at the higher freight costs will continue to offset the reduced shipping costs. The Company renewed its contract with the freight forwarder, stabilizing contract rates and bringing them in line with market rates. UPS reached a tentative agreement for a new five-year national contract with the Teamsters on July\u00a025, 2023, averting a potential crisis in small package shipping. The new agreement is likely to increase the Company\u2019s future freight costs.\n \nSelling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 \nincreased by approximately $23,545,000 to $29,358,000 compared to the prior year period. The significant change was predominantly a result of\n the increase of approximately $22,276,000 in legal fees and expenses incurred in support of the Company\u2019s patent defense litigation. Excluding the effect of these legal fees and expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately $1.3\u00a0million, or 24.9%. Also, a bonus accrual of $334,000 and a second quarter profit-sharing payout of $576,000 were recorded as a result of the increased net income before income taxes for the fiscal year 2023 due mainly to the licensing proceeds received during the first quarter of 2023, partially offset by the aforementioned legal fees and expenses. During the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, deferred compensation expense of $60,000 was recorded related to the change in the net present value of the future expected payments to a current officer as a result of an additional vesting year, which increased the future annual payments. This compares to $633,000 of income recorded in the prior fiscal year as a result of income of $473,000 recognized with the reversal of the deferred compensation liability for the Company\u2019s founder who passed away in December 2021, offset by $71,250 of payments accrued and made to the former officer prior to his passing, and deferred compensation income of $231,000 recognized under the arrangement for the current officer as a result of increasing interest rates. Employer taxes on stock option exercises of approximately $28,000 were recorded in the current year compared to $134,000 in the prior year, a decrease of $106,000. \n \n\n\n18\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nOther income for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 consisted entirely of $33,000,000 in licensing proceeds received in the first quarter. The Company received licensing proceeds of $100,000, which was also recorded as other income, in the first quarter of the prior year. Also, in December 2021, the Company recognized other income on the proceeds from a company-owned life insurance policy on its founder, who passed away on December\u00a021, 2021. Total other income for the fiscal year 2022 was $362,390. \n \nInterest income of $520,809 was recorded during the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 for interest earned on U.S. Treasury securities that were purchased midyear to better secure the Company\u2019s excess cash while earning a return. Interest income of $11,513 was earned on a money market account in the prior fiscal year.\n \nIncome tax expense of $317,377 for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 was comprised of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% and the blended state income tax rate of approximately 3.8%, offset by an adjustment to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. The utilization of net operating loss carryforwards significantly reduced the taxable income, resulting in federal and state tax provisions of $230,139 and $87,237, respectively. For the year ended June\u00a030, 2022, there was no federal tax provision and a state tax provision of\u00a0$7,517 was recorded. The effective tax rate was 3.7% for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 compared to less than 1% for the previous fiscal year.\n \nDuring the twelve months ended June\u00a030, 2023, stock option exercises resulted in tax deductible compensation expense of approximately $368,000 and will offset some of the taxable income generated by the net licensing proceeds. Net operating loss carryforwards were also utilized to reduce the taxable income and, as such, th\ne remaining expected federal tax loss carryforward is expected to approximate $31,800,000 by the end of the fiscal year. The current fiscal year adjustment to the estimated tax loss carryforward decreased the deferred tax asset to approximately $8,200,000 as of June\u00a030, 2023, and the future realization of this continues to be uncertain. \nThe valuation allowance was also increased to fully offset the deferred tax asset as there is sufficient negative evidence to support the maintaining of a full valuation allowance as, excluding unusual, infrequent items, a three-year cumulative tax loss occurred. \n \nAs previously reported, the Company maintains a program focused on enforcing its intellectual property and, in particular, certain of its patent portfolio. The Company has enforced its intellectual property by filing complaints against certain parties alleging infringement on the Company\u2019s patents relating to its wireless headphone technology. The Company has recovered certain of the fees and costs that were involved with the underlying efforts to enforce this portfolio, as further described in the notes to the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\u00a0Part of the litigation related to this enforcement has been recently dismissed and the Company received non-recurring net proceeds of nearly $11,000,000 from the granting of licenses to certain of its patents. If the program continues to be successful with the remaining complaints, the Company may receive additional royalties, offers to purchase its intellectual property, or other remedies advantageous to its competitive position; however, there is no guarantee of a positive outcome from these efforts, which could ultimately be time consuming and unsuccessful. Additionally, the Company may owe all or a portion of any future proceeds arising from the enforcement program to third parties.\n \nThe Company believes that its financial position remains strong. The Company had $3.1\u00a0million of cash and cash equivalents, $17.1\u00a0million of short-term investments and available credit facilities of $5.0\u00a0million on June\u00a030, 2023. \n \nDuring fiscal 2023, inflation, rising interest rates and higher energy costs have impacted consumers\u2019 discretionary spending and, as a result, the Company\u2019s sales volumes. Inflationary cost increases have also had an impact on our commodities, packaging materials, labor costs, and transportation costs. Pricing actions implemented in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 partially mitigated these increases and working with a dedicated freight forwarding partner has helped to minimize freight rate increases.\n \nThe Company\u2019s supply chain is primarily in southern China. While some issues related to the availability of containers and routings have subsided, the Company continues to monitor the situation closely and the supply chain team will modify business plans as necessary. This could include increasing the investment in inventory, being alert to potential short supply situations, assisting suppliers with acquisition of critical components and utilizing alternative sources and/or air freight. \n \nThe invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 and the broad economic sanctions imposed in response to this conflict have increased global economic and political uncertainty. In accordance with Executive Order 14071 declared on April\u00a06, 2022, the Company suspended sales into Russia. Given the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the population seeking refuge in other countries as a result of the ongoing conflict, sales to Ukraine were also impacted. Prior to the war, neither Russia nor Ukraine constituted a significant portion of the business, making up less than 3.4% of total net sales of the Company for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022. There were no sales to Russia or Ukraine in the current fiscal year. We are uncertain, however, of the impact it will have on future operating results.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\n19\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n\u00a0\nCash Flows\n\u00a0\nThe following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for each of the past two fiscal years:\n\u00a0\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nTotal cash provided by (used in):\n \n2023\n \n2022\nOperating activities\n \n$\n10,735,649\n \n$\n(942,530)\nInvesting activities\n \n \n(17,024,107)\n \n \n1,810,139\nFinancing activities\n \n \n171,350\n \n \n1,390,346\nNet (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents\n \n$\n(6,117,108)\n \n$\n2,257,955\n \nOperating Activities\n\u00a0\nCash provided by operating activities of the Company during the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 was the result of the licensing proceeds received, partially offset by the payment of related legal fees and expenses, along with a second quarter profit-sharing payout. Additionally, the Company\u2019s discipline around and the management of inventory purchases has led to a continued decline in inventory balances during the year. For the year ended June\u00a030, 2022, the Company used cash of $942,530 for operating activities related to the\ndeliberate investment in inventory to ensure adequate stock levels of critical products were available in case of potential supply chain disruption and delays.\n \n \nInvesting Activities\n\u00a0\nCash used by investing activities for year ended June\u00a030, 2023 was almost entirely related to the purchase of approximately $18,860,000 of U.S. Treasury securities at a discount. Purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements by the Company during the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 was $98,441 compared to $108,158 spent for tooling and leasehold improvements in the prior year. Cash provided by investing activities for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022 was the result of proceeds of a company-owned life insurance policy on the Company\u2019s founder upon his passing on December\u00a021, 2021, slightly offset by the fixed asset purchases. Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2024 are expected to be approximately $400,000 related to leasehold improvements.\n\u00a0\nFinancing Activities\n\u00a0\nThe cash generated from financing activities in the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 was solely driven by stock option exercises. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings on its bank line of credit facility under the Credit Agreement (described below under \u201cCredit Facility\").\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThere were no purchases of common stock in 2023 or 2022 under the stock repurchase program. In the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, there were stock option exercises of 87,000 shares generating $171,350 of cash. This compares to the exercise of 539,089 options during the year ended June\u00a030, 2022, which generated cash of $1,390,346.\n\u00a0\nShort Term Liquidity\n\u00a0\nThe Company anticipates funding its normal recurring trade payables, accrued expenses, ongoing R&D costs, and any potential interest payments, if it utilizes its line of credit facility, through existing working capital and funds provided by operating activities. The majority of the Company\u2019s purchase obligations are pursuant to funded contractual arrangements with its customers. The Company believes its existing cash, cash equivalents, investments in short-term U.S. Treasury securities, cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under its credit facility, if any, will be sufficient to meet its anticipated working capital, and capital expenditure requirements during the next twelve months. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company\u2019s business will continue to generate cash flow at current levels. If the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations, then it may be required to sell assets, reduce capital expenditure, or draw on its credit facilities. Management is focused on increasing sales,\u00a0especially in the U.S. distributor market, DTC, and the export markets, increasing new product introductions, increasing the generation of cash from operations, and improving the Company\u2019s overall earnings to help improve the Company\u2019s liquidity. The Company regularly evaluates new product offerings, inventory levels, and capital expenditure to ensure that it is effectively allocating resources in line with current market conditions.\n\u00a0\nLong Term Liquidity\n \nThe Company\u2019s future capital requirements, to a certain extent, are also subject to general conditions in or affecting the electronics industry and are subject to general economic, political, financial, competitive, legislative, and regulatory factors that are beyond its control. Moreover, to the extent that existing cash, cash equivalents, cash from operations, and cash from its credit facilities are \n\n\n20\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\ninsufficient to fund its future activities, the Company may need to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt financing, subject to the limitations specified in the Credit Agreement (as defined below). In addition, the Company may also need to seek additional equity funding or debt financing if it becomes a party to any agreement or letter of intent for potential investments in, or acquisitions of, businesses, services, or technologies.\n \nCredit Facility\n\u00a0\nOn May\u00a014, 2019, the Company entered into a secured credit facility (\u201cCredit Agreement\u201d) with Town Bank (\u201cLender\u201d). The Credit Agreement provides for a $5,000,000 revolving secured credit facility as well as letters of credit for the benefit of the Company of up to a sublimit of $1,000,000. There are no unused line fees in the credit facility. On January\u00a028, 2021, the Credit Agreement was amended to extend the expiration to October\u00a031, 2022, and to change the interest rate to Wall Street Journal Prime less 1.50%. A Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement effective October\u00a030, 2022 extends the maturity date to October\u00a031, 2024. The Company and the Lender also entered into a General Business Security Agreement dated May\u00a014, 2019 under which the Company granted the Lender a security interest in substantially all of the Company\u2019s assets in connection with the Company\u2019s obligations under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financings of this type. The negative covenants include restrictions on other indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, certain investments, disposition of assets, mergers and liquidations, among other restrictions. The Company is currently in compliance with all covenants related to the Credit Agreement. As of June\u00a030, 2023, and June\u00a030, 2022, there were no outstanding borrowings on the facility.\n \n\u00a0\nStock Repurchase Program\n\u00a0\nIn April 1995, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to purchase, from time to time,\u00a0up to $2,000,000\u00a0of its common stock for its own account. Subsequently, the Board of Directors periodically approved increases in the amount authorized for repurchase under the program. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Board had authorized the repurchase of an aggregate of $45,500,000\u00a0of common stock under the stock repurchase program, of which $43,360,247\u00a0had been expended. No purchases were made during the years ended\u00a0June\u00a030, 2023\u00a0or 2022.\u00a0\n \nThere were no stock repurchases under the program in fiscal year 2023 or 2022. As such, as of\u00a0June\u00a030, 2023, the amount of common stock subject to repurchase by the Company under the Board of Director\u2019s prior authorization remained $2,139,753\u00a0at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Future stock purchases under this program are dependent on management\u2019s assessment of value versus market price, may occur either on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and may be financed through the Company\u2019s cash flow or by borrowing.\n\u00a0\nContractual Obligation\n\u00a0\nThe Company leases the 126,000 square foot facility from Koss Holdings, LLC, which is controlled by five equal ownership interests in trusts held by the five beneficiaries of the former Chairman\u2019s revocable trust and includes current stockholders of the Company. On May\u00a024, 2022, the lease was renewed for a period of five years, ending June\u00a030, 2028, and is being accounted for as an operating lease. The lease extension maintained the rent at a fixed rate of $380,000\u00a0per year. The Company has the option to renew the lease for an additional five years beginning July\u00a01, 2028 and ending June\u00a030, 2033 under the same terms and conditions except that the annual rent will increase to $397,000. The negotiated increase in rent slated for 2028 will be the first increase in rent since 1996. The Company is responsible for all property maintenance, insurance, taxes, and other normal expenses related to ownership. The facility is in good repair and, in the opinion of management, is suitable and adequate for the Company\u2019s business purposes.\n\u200e\n \n\n\n21\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n \nCritical Accounting Policies\n\u00a0\nOur discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We have made estimates and we continually evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to doubtful accounts, product returns, excess inventories, warranties, impairment of long-lived assets, deferred compensation, income taxes and other contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, taking into consideration certain possible adverse impacts from inflation, the economic sanctions imposed on the international community as a result of the continued conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and any changes to the global economic situation as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Actual results may differ from these estimates.\n \nBelow are the estimates that we believe are critical to the understanding of the Company\u2019s results of operations and financial condition. Other accounting policies are described in Note 1, \u201cSignificant Accounting Policies\u201d to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\u00a0\nRevenue Recognition\n\u00a0\nRevenues from product sales are recognized when the customer obtains control of the product, which typically occurs upon shipment from the Company\u2019s facility. There are a very limited number of customers for which control does not pass until they have received the products at their facility. Revenue from product sales is adjusted for estimated warranty obligations and variable consideration, which are detailed below. The Company uses a five-step analysis to determine how revenue is recognized. The underlying principle is to recognize revenue when promised goods or services transfer to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized is to reflect the consideration expected to be received for those goods or services. See Note 3\u00a0to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on revenue recognition.\n \nAccounts Receivable\n\u00a0\nThe Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customer\u2019s current credit worthiness, as determined by the review of the customer\u2019s current credit information. The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from customers and maintains an allowance for estimated credit losses. Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is calculated based upon the Company\u2019s evaluation of specific customer accounts where the Company has information that the customer may have an inability to meet its financial obligations. In these cases, management uses its judgment, based on the best available facts and circumstances, and records a specific reserve for that customer against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount that is expected to be collected. These specific reserves are re-evaluated and adjusted as additional information is received that impacts the amount reserved. However, the ultimate collectability of the unsecured receivable is dependent upon the financial condition of an individual customer, which could change rapidly and without warning.\n\u00a0\nInventories\n\u00a0\nThe Company values its inventories\u00a0using standard cost which approximates the lower of first in first out (\u201cFIFO\u201d)\u00a0cost or net realizable value.\u00a0Valuing inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value requires the use of estimates and judgment. The Company continues to use the same techniques to value inventories that it has in the past. Our customers may cancel their orders or change purchase volumes. This, or certain additional actions or market developments, could create excess inventory levels, which would impact the valuation of our inventories. Any actions taken by our customers or market developments that could impact the value of our inventory are considered when determining the lower of cost or net realizable value valuations. The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on historical and projected usage and production requirements. If the Company is not able to achieve its expectations of the net realizable value of the inventory at its current value, the Company would have to adjust its reserves accordingly. When a reserve is established, it creates a new cost basis, which is not increased in the future.\n\u00a0\nProduct Warranty Obligations\n\u00a0\nThe Company offers a lifetime warranty to consumers in the United States and certain other countries.\u00a0This lifetime warranty creates a future performance obligation. There are also certain foreign distributors that receive warranty repair parts and replacement headphones to satisfy warranty obligations in those countries. The Company defers revenue to recognize the future obligations related to these warranties. The deferred revenue is based on historical analysis of warranty claims relative to sales. This deferred revenue reflects the Company\u2019s best estimates of the amount of warranty returns and repairs it will experience during those future periods. If \n\n\n22\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\nfuture warranty activity varies from the estimates, the Company will adjust the estimated deferred revenue, which would affect net sales and operating results in the period that such adjustment becomes known.\n\u00a0\nDeferred Compensation\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s deferred compensation liability is for a current officer and is calculated based on various assumptions that may include compensation, years of service, expected retirement date, discount rates and mortality tables. The related expense is calculated using the net present value of the expected payments and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Management makes estimates of life expectancy and discount rates using information available from several sources. In addition, management estimates the expected retirement date for the current officer as that impacts the timing for expected future payments. See Note 10\u00a0for additional information on deferred compensation.\n\u00a0\nStock-Based Compensation\n\u00a0\nThe Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 \"Compensation - Stock Compensation\". Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. The expected term of the options and volatility are estimated using historical experience for the options by vesting period. The risk-free interest rate is calculated based on the expected life of the options. The Company does not estimate forfeitures as they are recognized when they occur.\n\u00a0\nIncome Taxes\n\u00a0\nWe estimate a provision for income taxes based on the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the fiscal year. If the actual results are different from these estimates, adjustments to the effective tax rate may be required in the period such determination is made. Additionally, discrete items are treated separately from the effective rate analysis and are recorded separately as an income tax provision or benefit at the time they are recognized.\n\u00a0\nDeferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using statutory tax rates. Deferred income tax provisions are based on changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities from period to period. Additionally, we analyze our ability to recognize the net deferred income tax assets created in each jurisdiction in which we operate to determine if valuation allowances are necessary based on the \u201cmore likely than not\u201d criteria.\n\u00a0\nNew Accounting Pronouncements\n\u00a0\nApplicable new accounting pronouncements are set forth under Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200e\n \n\n\n23\n \nTable of Contents\n \n\n\n ",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM\u00a07A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0QUANTITATIVE AND QU\nALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK \n \nNot \napplicable\n.\n\u00a0",
+ "cik": "56701",
+ "cusip6": "500692",
+ "cusip": ["500692108"],
+ "names": ["KOSS CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/56701/000005670123000026/0000056701-23-000026-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000057131-23-000032.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000057131-23-000032.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..140723932d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000057131-23-000032.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0BUSINESS.\nEdward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker started Floral City Furniture in 1927, and in 1928 the newly formed company introduced its first recliner. In 1941, we were incorporated in the state of Michigan as La-Z-Boy Chair Company, and in 1996 we changed our name to La-Z-Boy Incorporated. Today, our La-Z-Boy brand is one of the most recognized brands in the furniture industry.\nWe are the leading global producer of reclining chairs and the second largest manufacturer/distributor of residential furniture in the United States\n.\n The La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores retail network is the third largest retailer of single-branded furniture in the United States\n.\n We manufacture, market, import, export, distribute and retail upholstery furniture products under the La-Z-Boy\n\u00ae\n, England, Kincaid\n\u00ae\n, and Joybird\n\u00ae\n tradenames. In addition, we import, distribute and retail accessories and casegoods (wood) furniture products\n\u00a0\nunder the Kincaid\n\u00ae\n, American Drew\n\u00ae\n, Hammary\n\u00ae\n, and Joybird\n\u00ae\n tradenames. \nAs of April\u00a029, 2023, our supply chain operations included the following:\n\u2022\nFive major manufacturing locations and 12 distribution centers in the United States and four facilities in Mexico to support our speed-to-market and customization strategy\n\u2022\nA logistics company that distributes a portion of our products in the United States \n\u2022\nA wholesale sales office that is responsible for distribution of our product in the United Kingdom and Ireland\n\u2022\nAn upholstery manufacturing business in the United Kingdom\n\u2022\nA global trading company in Hong Kong which helps us manage our Asian supply chain by establishing and maintaining relationships with our Asian suppliers, as well as identifying efficiencies and savings opportunities\nDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we made the decision to close our manufacturing facility in Torre\u00f3n, Mexico as part of our initiative to drive improved efficiencies through optimized staffing levels within our plants. Torre\u00f3n was the last facility to begin operating as part of our broader Mexico manufacturing expansion in fiscal 2021 and 2022 to meet pandemic-related upholstery demand and accounted for approximately 3% of our La-Z-Boy branded production. As a result of this action, charges were recorded within the Wholesale segment in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023 totaling $9.2 million in selling, general, and administrative expense for the impairment of various assets, primarily long-lived assets, and $1.6 million in cost of sales, primarily related to severance.\nWe also participate in two consolidated joint ventures in Thailand that support our international businesses: one that operates a manufacturing facility and another that operates a wholesale sales office. Additionally, we have contracts with several suppliers in Asia to produce products that support our pure import model for casegoods.\nWe sell our products through multiple channels: to furniture retailers or distributors in the United States, Canada, and approximately 50 other countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Australia, South Korea and New Zealand; directly to consumers through retail stores that we own and operate; and through our websites, www.la-z-boy.com and www.joybird.com. \n\u2022\nThe centerpiece of our retail distribution strategy is our network of 349 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores and 522 La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations, each dedicated to marketing our La-Z-Boy branded products. We consider this dedicated space to be \"proprietary.\" \n\u25e6\nLa-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores help consumers furnish their homes by combining the style, comfort, and quality of La-Z-Boy furniture with our available design services. We own 171 of the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores, while the remainder are independently owned and operated. \n\u25e6\nLa-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations are defined spaces within larger independent retailers that are dedicated to displaying and selling La-Z-Boy branded products. All 522 La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations are independently owned and operated. \n\u25e6\nIn total, we have approximately 7.6 million square feet of proprietary floor space dedicated to selling La-Z-Boy branded products in North America. \n\u25e6\nWe also have approximately 2.6 million square feet of floor space outside of the United States and Canada dedicated to selling La-Z-Boy branded products.\n4\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nOur other brands, England, American Drew, Hammary, and Kincaid enjoy distribution through many of the same outlets, with slightly over half of Hammary\u2019s sales originating through the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n store network. \n\u25e6\nKincaid and England have their own dedicated proprietary in-store programs with 614 outlets and approximately 1.9 million square feet of proprietary floor space. \n\u25e6\nIn total, our proprietary floor space includes approximately 12.1 million square feet worldwide.\n \n\u2022\nJoybird sells product primarily online and has a limited amount of proprietary retail showroom floor space including ten small-format stores in key urban markets.\nPrincipal Products and Industry Segments\nOur reportable operating segments include the Wholesale segment and the Retail segment. Our Wholesale segment manufactures and imports upholstered and casegoods (wood) furniture and sells directly to La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores, operators of La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations, branded space locations, England Custom Comfort Center locations, major dealers, and a wide cross-section of other independent retailers. Our Retail segment primarily sells upholstered furniture, in addition to some casegoods and other accessories, to end consumers through our company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores.\nWe have provided additional detailed information regarding our segments and their products in Note\u00a017, Segment Information, \nto our consolidated financial statements and Item 7, \"Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" section, both of which are included in this report.\nRaw Materials and Parts\nThe principal raw materials and parts used for manufacturing that are purchased are cover (primarily fabrics and leather), polyester batting and polyurethane foam for cushioning and padding, lumber and plywood for frames, steel for motion mechanisms, electrical components for power units and various other metal components for fabrication of product. We purchase most of our polyurethane foam from two suppliers, which have several facilities across the United States that deliver to our plants. We purchase cover from a variety of sources, but we rely on a limited number of major suppliers. We purchase more than half of our cover in a raw state (fabric rolls or leather hides) primarily from suppliers in China, then cut and sew it into cover in our cut and sew facilities in Mexico. We purchase the remainder of our cut and sewn leather and fabric kits from five main suppliers primarily from China as well as Vietnam. We use these suppliers primarily for their product design capabilities and to balance our mix of in-sourced and out-sourced production. If any of these suppliers experience financial or other difficulties, we could experience temporary disruptions in our manufacturing process until we find alternative sources of supply.\nWe manage our Asian supply chain through our global trading company in Hong Kong, which works to identify efficiencies and savings opportunities, while verifying La-Z-Boy quality standards are being adhered to and managing the relationships with our Asian suppliers. \nDuring fiscal 2022 and the first half of fiscal 2023, the prices of materials we use in our upholstery manufacturing process increased, driven by supply chain challenges due to COVID-19, higher demand for raw materials in manufacturing sectors and the home furnishings industry due to an economic sector rotation, and inflationary cost pressure. During the second half of fiscal 2023, raw material prices began to decrease relative to the historic highs experienced in the prior year, but are still well above pre-pandemic levels. As we begin fiscal 2024, we anticipate that prices will remain relatively consistent with those seen at the end of fiscal 2023, with potential increases due to economic volatility and price inflation in our core materials. To the extent that we again experience incremental costs in any of these areas, as we did in fiscal 2023, we may increase our selling prices or assess material surcharges to offset the impact. However, increases in selling prices, or surcharges, may not fully mitigate the impact of raw material cost increases, which could adversely impact operating profits. \nFinished Goods Imports\nImported finished goods represented 7% and 6% of our consolidated sales in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. In fiscal 2023, we purchased 74% of this imported product from five suppliers based in Asia. We use these suppliers primarily to leverage our buying power, to control quality and product flow, and because their capabilities align with our product design needs. If any of these suppliers experience financial or other difficulties, we could experience disruptions in our product flow until we obtain \n5\nTable of Contents\nalternate suppliers, which could be lengthy due to the longer lead time required for sourced wood furniture from Asian manufacturers. \nThe prices we paid for these imported products, including associated transportation costs, decreased throughout 2023 compared with fiscal 2022 when costs increased drastically due to the constrained supply chain along with the lack of shipping container availability. In fiscal 2024, we anticipate our product costs will stabilize.\nSeasonal Business\nOur business has historically displayed seasonal patterns driven by consumer behavior with demand highest in the winter months as discretionary spend tends to shift toward travel and leisure activities during the summer months. For our wholesale businesses, our fiscal fourth quarter has historically had the highest volume of delivered sales relative to other quarters. For our retail businesses, which includes our company-owned retail stores, our fiscal third quarter typically has the highest volume of delivered sales relative to other quarters.\nIn a typical year, we schedule production to maintain consistent manufacturing activity throughout the year whenever possible. During the summer months, the furniture industry generally experiences weaker demand, and as such we typically shut down our domestic plants for one week each fiscal year to perform routine maintenance on our equipment. Accordingly, for our wholesale business, the first quarter is usually the Company's weakest quarter in terms of sales and earnings. Also driven by the seasonal slowdown in the summer, each of our retail businesses typically experience their lowest sales in our fiscal first quarter.\nDuring the last three fiscal years, our sales volume and production schedule did not follow typical trends due to the impact of COVID-19. As a result of the significant backlog built in prior years driven by heightened demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, in fiscal 2023, our wholesale and retail businesses both experienced their largest sales volume in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. We anticipate that typical seasonal trends in the furniture industry will return to normal in fiscal 2024.\n \nEconomic Cycle and Purchasing Cycle\nOur sales are impacted by the overall growth of the furniture industry, which is primarily influenced by economic growth, existing and new housing activity, and consumer discretionary spending. In addition, consumer confidence, employment rates, inflation and interest rates, consumer savings levels, international trade policies, and other factors could affect demand. During fiscal 2021 and the beginning of fiscal 2022, we experienced heightened demand as more discretionary spending was allocated to the home furnishings industry due to the impact of COVID-19. However, during fiscal 2023, demand trends have returned to pre-pandemic patterns and therefore, in fiscal 2024, we anticipate furniture demand and purchasing cycles to respond to macroeconomic conditions as they historically have. \nUpholstered furniture has a shorter life cycle than casegoods furniture because upholstered furniture is typically more fashion and design-oriented and is often purchased one or two pieces at a time. Purchases and demand for consumer goods, including upholstered furniture, fluctuate based on consumer confidence. Casegoods products, in contrast, are longer-lived and frequently purchased in groupings or \"suites,\" resulting in a much larger cost to the consumer. As a result, casegoods sales are more sensitive to economic conditions, including growth or a slowdown in the housing market, whereas upholstered furniture normally exhibits\u00a0a less volatile sales pattern over an economic cycle. \nPractices Regarding Working Capital Items\nThe following describes our significant practices regarding working capital items.\nInventory: \nFor our upholstery business within our Wholesale segment, we maintain raw materials and work-in-process inventory at our manufacturing locations. Finished goods inventory is maintained at our 12 distribution centers as well as our manufacturing locations. Our distribution centers allow us to streamline the warehousing and distribution processes for our La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n store network, including both company-owned stores and independently-owned stores. Our distribution centers also allow us to reduce the number of individual warehouses needed to supply our retail outlets and help us reduce inventory levels at our manufacturing and retail locations.\nFor our casegoods business within our Wholesale segment, we import wood furniture from Asian vendors, resulting in long lead times on these products. To address these long lead times and meet our customers' delivery requirements, we typically maintain higher levels of finished goods inventory in our warehouses, as a percentage of sales, of our casegoods products than our upholstery products.\n6\nTable of Contents\nOur company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores have finished goods inventory at the stores for display purposes.\nOur Joybird business maintains raw materials and work-in-process inventory at its manufacturing location. Joybird finished goods inventory is maintained at our distribution centers, at its manufacturing and warehouse locations, or in-transit to the end consumer.\nOur inventory decreased $26.9 million as of year end fiscal 2023 compared with year end fiscal 2022 primarily due to higher inventory levels at the end of fiscal 2022 to support increased sales demand and manufacturing capacity and to reduce the impact associated with volatility in raw material availability. Additionally, inventory balances at the end of fiscal 2023 were lower as we have worked down our backlog toward pre-pandemic levels and aligned production with incoming order trends. We actively manage our inventory levels on an ongoing basis to ensure they are appropriate relative to our sales volume, while maintaining our focus on service to our customers.\nAccounts Receivable: \nOur accounts receivable decreased $58.2 million as of year end fiscal 2023 compared with year end fiscal 2022. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily due to lower fourth quarter sales in fiscal 2023 compared with the same period a year ago as the prior year benefited from sales generated from the backlog built up in prior periods combined with the realization of pricing and surcharge actions taken in response to rising manufacturing costs.\nAdditionally, our allowance for receivable credit losses was $1.4 million higher at the end of fiscal 2023 compared with the end of fiscal 2022 reflecting uncertainty in the economic outlook. We monitor our customers' accounts, limit our credit exposure to certain independent dealers and strive to decrease our days' sales outstanding where possible.\nAccounts Payable: \nOur accounts payable increased $3.4 million as of year end fiscal 2023 compared with year end fiscal 2022, primarily due to higher marketing costs during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.\nCustomer Deposits: \nWe collect a deposit from our customers at the time a customer order is placed in one of our company-owned retail stores or through our websites, www.la-z-boy.com and www.joybird.com. Customer deposits decreased $77.5 million as of fiscal year end 2023 compared with fiscal year end 2022, as we worked down our backlog toward pre-pandemic levels.\nCustomers\nOur wholesale customers are furniture retailers. While primarily located throughout the United States and Canada, we also have customers located in various other countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Australia, South Korea and New Zealand. Sales in our Wholesale segment are primarily to third-party furniture retailers, but we also sell directly to end consumers through our company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores that make up our Retail segment and through our websites, www.la-z-boy.com and www.joybird.com.\nWe have formal agreements with many furniture retailers for them to display and merchandise products from one or more of our operating units and sell them to consumers in dedicated retail space, either in stand-alone stores or dedicated proprietary galleries, studios or branded spaces within their stores. We consider this dedicated space to be \"proprietary.\" For our Wholesale segment, our fiscal 2023 customer mix based on sales was approximately 60% proprietary, 10% major dealers (large, regional retailers), and 30% other independent retailers. \nThe success of our product distribution model relies heavily on having retail floor space that is dedicated to displaying and marketing our products. The 349-store La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n network is central to this approach. In addition, we sell product through proprietary space within other retail furniture stores, primarily La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations, branded space locations, England Custom Comfort Center locations, Kincaid Shoppes, and other international locations. Additionally, our Joybird business, which sells product primarily online to end consumers through its website, www.joybird.com, also has a limited amount of retail showroom floor space in small-format stores in key urban markets. \nMaintaining, updating, and, when appropriate, expanding our proprietary distribution network is a key part of our overall sales and marketing strategy. We intend, over the long-term, to not only increase the number of stores in the network but also to continue to improve their quality, including upgrading old-format stores to our new concept design through remodels and relocations. We continue to maintain and update our current stores to improve the quality of the network. The La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n store network plans to open 7 to 9 stores and relocate or remodel 20 to 25 stores during fiscal 2024, all of which will feature our latest store designs. Additionally, during fiscal 2024 we plan to open or update approximately 100 La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations as well as 40 branded space locations.\n7\nTable of Contents\nIndependent dealers for our proprietary La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n store network were selected based on factors such as their management and financial qualifications and the potential for distribution in specific geographical areas. This proprietary distribution enables us to concentrate our marketing to a dedicated product line across the entire network benefitting La-Z-Boy, these dealers, and our consumers. It also allows dealers in this proprietary group to take advantage of best practices, with which other proprietary dealers have succeeded, and we facilitate forums for these dealers to share them. These La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores provide our consumers a full-service shopping experience with a large variety of products, knowledgeable sales associates, and design service consultants.\nOrders and Backlog\nWe typically build upholstery units based on specific orders, either for dealer stock or to fill consumers' custom orders. We import casegoods product primarily to fill our internal orders, rather than customer or consumer orders, resulting in higher finished goods inventory on hand as a percentage of sales. We define backlog as any written order that has not yet been delivered, whether to an independent furniture retailer, an independently-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n store, or the end consumer through our company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores.\nHistorically, the size of our backlog at a given time varies and may not be indicative of our future sales and, therefore, we do not rely entirely on backlogs to predict future sales. Our wholesale backlog was $223.1\u00a0million as of April\u00a029, 2023, compared with $697.2\u00a0million as of April\u00a030, 2022. The decrease in fiscal 2023 was the result of delivering on the backlog built in prior periods, continued production and supply chain efficiencies, and a slow-down in demand relative to the peak experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the end of fiscal 2023, we believe that our backlog volume and lead times are returning to pre-pandemic levels and we anticipate that they will stabilize in fiscal 2024. \nCompetitive Conditions\nWe are the second largest manufacturer/distributor of residential (living and family room, bedroom, and dining room) furniture in the United States, as measured by annual sales volume.\nThe home furnishings industry competes primarily on the basis of product styling and quality, comfort, customer service (product availability and delivery), price, and location. We compete by emphasizing our brand and the comfort, quality, styling, customization, value of our products, and our available design services. In addition, we remain committed to innovation while striving to provide outstanding customer service, exceptional dealer support, and efficient on-time delivery. Maintaining, updating, and expanding our proprietary distribution system, including identifying desirable retail locations, is a key strategic initiative for us in striving to remain competitive. We compete in the mid to upper-mid price point, and a shift in consumer taste and trends to lower-priced products could negatively affect our competitive position. Additionally, our wholesale business faces increased market pressures from foreign manufacturers entering the United States market and increased direct purchases from foreign suppliers by large United States retailers.\nThe La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores operate in the retail furniture industry in the United States and Canada, and different stores have different competitors based on their geographic locations. In addition, alternative distribution channels have increasingly affected our retail markets. Direct-to-consumer brands bypass brick and mortar retailers entirely or in some cases have developed a product that can be shipped more easily than traditional upholstered furniture, thus increasing competition for our products. The increased ability of consumers to purchase furniture through various furniture manufacturers' and digital-only retailers' internet websites has also increased competition in the industry. Although digital retailers operate with lower overhead costs than a brick-and-mortar retailer, customer acquisition costs and advertising spend is typically much higher. Department stores and big box retailers with an online presence also offer products that compete with some of our product lines.\nTrademarks, Licenses and Patents\nWe own the La-Z-Boy trademark, which is essential to the Wholesale and Retail segments of our business. We also own the Joybird trademark, which, along with the La-Z-Boy trademark, is essential to our e-commerce business. Additionally, we own a number of other trademarks that we utilize in marketing our products. We consider our La-Z-Boy trademark to be among our most valuable assets and we have registered that trademark and others in the United States and various other countries where our products are sold. These trademarks have a perpetual life, subject to renewal. We license the use of the La-Z-Boy trademark to certain international partners and dealers outside of North America. We also license the use of the La-Z-Boy trademark on contract office furniture, outdoor furniture, and non-furniture products, as these arrangements enhance our brand awareness, broaden the perceptions of La-Z-Boy, and create visibility of the La-Z-Boy brand in channels outside of the residential furniture industry. In addition, we license to our branded dealers the right to use our La-Z-Boy trademark in connection with the sale of \n8\nTable of Contents\nour products and related services, on their signs, and in other ways, which we consider to be a key part of our marketing strategies. We provide more information about those dealers under \"Customers.\"\nWe hold a number of United States and foreign patents that we actively enforce. We have followed a policy of filing patent applications for the United States and select foreign countries on inventions, designs and improvements that we deem valuable, but these patents do expire at various times.\nWhile our intellectual property rights in the aggregate are important to the operation of our business, we do not believe that any existing patent, license, trademark or other intellectual property right (other than the La-Z-Boy trademark) is of such importance that its loss or termination would have a material adverse effect on our business taken as a whole. We vigorously protect our trademarks and patents against third-party infringement.\nCompliance with Environmental Regulations\nOur manufacturing operations involve the use and disposal of certain substances regulated under environmental protection laws and regulations and, from time to time, we may be involved in a small number of remediation actions and site investigations concerning these substances. Based on a review of all currently known facts and our experience with previous environmental matters, we currently do not believe it is probable that we will have any additional loss for environmental matters that would be material to our consolidated financial statements.\nHuman Capital\nEmployees\nWe employed approximately 10,500 full-time equivalent employees as of April\u00a029, 2023, compared with approximately 12,800 employees at the end of fiscal 2022. The decrease in headcount was primarily due to the initiative to drive improved efficiencies through optimized staffing levels within our US, Mexico and Thailand plants. As of April\u00a029, 2023, we employed approximately 8,200 employees in our Wholesale segment, 1,600 in our Retail segment, 480 in our Joybird business, with the remaining employees being corporate personnel. We employ the majority of our employees on a full-time basis. \nPurpose and Values\nAt La-Z-Boy, we believe in the transformational power of comfort. We provide an excellent consumer experience, create high quality products and empower people to transform rooms, homes and communities with comfort. Our teams are committed to our core values of Courage, Curiosity and Compassion. We are not afraid to try new things, we are relentless in our mission to understand our business and consumers, and we honor our almost 100-year legacy that was built on family.\nSustainability\nAs we build the La-Z-Boy of tomorrow, our goal is to make the world a better place through the transformational power of comfort. Aligned with our core values, we embrace curiosity for sustainable design, operate with compassion for a sustainable planet, and empower courage for a sustainable culture. \n \nSustainable Design\n. We embrace curiosity and our inquisitiveness helps us identify innovative opportunities for our products that uphold our commitment to quality, rely on sustainable materials and drive best practices in our supplier partnerships. \nSustainable Planet\n. We strive to operate La-Z-Boy with compassion for the environment. We are committed to responsible stewardship and integrate environmentally sound and sustainable practices into our daily decisions. We work to reduce emissions, increase recycling efforts, and conserve water in all areas of our business. \nSustainable Culture\n. At La-Z-Boy, we support our employees so they can make courageous choices and help our business thrive. Our people practices are linked to our sustainability initiatives. The sustainable culture we are building is designed to empower employees to do what is right in the workplace and in our communities. From supporting our employees\u2019 careers and providing a safe and ethical work environment to giving back to the communities where we live and work, people are always at the heart of our brand.\n9\nTable of Contents\nCompliance and Ethics \nLa-Z-Boy is dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards and working with honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business operations. Our Code of Conduct provides a clear and thorough ethics standard for all employees, officers, and directors with respect to interactions with customers, vendors, and other staff. Employees also undergo annual training on ethics and the Code of Conduct. We also maintain an Ethics Hotline to make it easy for employees and suppliers to report any concerns. This line is available 24 hours a day and is operated by a third-party. Reports are taken by trained professionals and promptly forwarded to our Corporate Compliance team. Employees may also communicate any concerns through a dedicated online portal.\nDiversity, Inclusion and Belonging\nWe believe in creating and fostering a workplace in which all our employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and contribute their ideas and perspectives. Our Company is committed to recruiting and retaining diverse talent so that our workforce better reflects the communities in which we operate our business globally. We recognize that our employees\u2019 unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives enable us to create the optimal work environment and deliver on our mission.\nAligning with our purpose and values, we intend to continue to be curious, courageous, and compassionate in our efforts to foster an environment that attracts the best talent, values diversity of life experiences and perspectives and encourages innovation to accelerate the transformational power of comfort.\nOur diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives include:\n\u2022\nIntegrating diversity, inclusion and belonging into our overall corporate strategy and developing impactful practices and initiatives to advance our Company\u2019s diversity, inclusion and belonging journey;\n\u2022\nLeveraging our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Council to provide enterprise-wide leadership focused on supporting all our employees, developing training and learning opportunities for our employees on diversity, unconscious bias and other topics, and creating sustainable plans to increase diversity in talent acquisition; \n\u2022\nExpanding our support of employee resource groups (\"ERGs\"), which include groups focused on Multicultural, Pride, Working Parents & Caregivers and Women. Our ERG\u2019s provide learning and mentorship experiences for our diverse employees, supporting our objective of creating diversity awareness across our organization, and helping our employees use their collective voices to positively impact our Company and the communities in which we operate our business and live; \n\u2022\nRevisiting, assessing and implementing changes to our processes, in an effort to continue mitigating unconscious bias and enhancing our inclusion recruiting strategy;\n\u2022\nEnhancing and expanding our supplier inclusion network;\n\u2022\nExpanding inclusive leaders training throughout the organization;\n\u2022\nCreating space for individuals to share their perspective, values and voice to our global population through employee written articles, our internal podcast, and multiple video series on our internal communications platform and;\n\u2022\nDemonstrating our Company\u2019s commitment at the highest levels of leadership, including having our President and Chief Executive Officer sign the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion\u2122 pledge to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace\nSafety and Health\nWe prioritize the health and safety of our employees, partners and the people in communities where we operate. \nAs the largest industrial manufacturer in many regions where we do business, we recognize our potential impact on surrounding communities. We actively partner with local agencies in these communities to build proactive emergency and contingency plans for any major incidents that may occur at our facilities and any natural disasters that may impact the region.\nWe work to forge relationships with agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to understand how we can best adhere to health and safety practices. \n10\nTable of Contents\nAdditionally, the National Safety Council (NSC) has recognized La-Z-Boy with multiple awards for safety performance and leadership throughout the Company\u2019s history. This includes our recognition as a six-time recipient of the Corporate Culture of Safety Award and our recognition as a recipient of the Green Cross for Safety Excellence Award, which recognizes only one corporation each year for outstanding achievement in safety. \nTraining and Development\nWe encourage employee growth, curiosity, and courage. We provide our workforce, in all areas of our business,\nopportunities for both personal and career advancement, such as offering on-the-job trainings to help employees be more\neffective in both current and future roles. This includes training in the operations and retail environment\nto maintain high-quality standards as we make and sell our products. We strive to promote employees internally and to provide\nnew managers with the skills necessary to succeed. Further, we have a leadership development program to train employees who are new to managing teams.\nCommunity Giving\nThroughout our 96-year history, giving back to our communities has been woven through La-Z-Boy\u2019s culture following the example set by our founders. When it comes to giving, our vision is to improve the lives of others by developing exceptional programs based on partnerships where employees feel a sense of connection and pride in their communities and our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the communities in which we live and serve through leadership, financial contributions and volunteer efforts.\nOur philanthropic initiatives include the La-Z-Boy Foundation, local community involvement, disaster relief and our signature charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities. La-Z-Boy is honored to be the official furniture provider for Ronald McDonald House Charities.\n \nThroughout fiscal 2023, La-Z-Boy has continued our support of providing furniture and financial contributions to non-profit organizations with special emphasis on arts/culture/humanities, community enrichment, education and health and human services. \nOur employees further exemplify the spirit of giving through leadership and volunteer efforts in their own communities, and for numerous non-profit organizations, which include the United Way, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity and others. The Company participates in the \n\"The La-Z-Boy Summer of Caring\"\n during the summer and \n\"The La-Z-Boy Season of Caring\" \nduring the winter, seasonal initiatives that encourage and support employee volunteerism. Since launching in 2018, our employees have accumulated over 35,000 hours of caring as part of these programs.\nInternet Availability\nOur Forms\u00a010-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements on Schedule\u00a014A, and amendments to those reports are available free of charge through links on our internet website, www.la-z-boy.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (\"SEC\"). Copies of any materials we file or furnish to the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report or any other reports we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0RISK FACTORS.\nOur business is subject to a variety of risks. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, or future prospects. The risks discussed below should be carefully considered, together with the other information provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our financial statements, including the related notes. These risk factors do not identify all risks that we face. There may be additional risks that are presently unknown to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial that could affect us. Investors should carefully consider all risks, including those disclosed, before making an investment decision.\n11\nTable of Contents\nMacroeconomic, Market and Strategic Risk Factors\nDeclines in certain economic and market conditions that impact consumer confidence and consumer spending, or cause further disruption in our business, could negatively impact our sales, results of operations and liquidity.\nThe furniture industry and our business are particularly sensitive to cyclical variations in the general economy and to uncertainty regarding future economic conditions because our principal products are consumer goods that may be considered postponable discretionary purchases. Economic downturns and prolonged negative economic conditions have in the past affected, and could continue to affect general consumer spending, resulting in a decrease in the overall demand for such discretionary items, including home furnishings. \nFactors influencing consumer spending include, among others, \ngeneral economic conditions, consumer disposable income, recession and fears of recession, United States government default or shutdown or the risk of such default or shutdown, inflation, unemployment, war and fears of war, availability of consumer credit, consumer debt levels, consumer confidence, conditions in the housing market, fuel prices, interest rates, sales tax rates, civil disturbances and terrorist activities, natural disasters, adverse weather, and health epidemics or pandemics. \nDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, like many businesses, we experienced significant disruption in our supply chain resulting in unprecedented increases in material and freight costs, as well as significant unavailability or delay of parts or finished goods. While the pandemic-era disruptions have diminished, further significant supply chain shocks, more significant disruption of the furniture industry, disruption within our independent dealer network or third-party wholesalers, or other unusual developments could cause significant disruption to our business and negatively affect our results.\nAlso during the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced an increase in demand, as more discretionary consumer spending was allocated to home furnishings. While we have seen a slow-down in demand relative to the COVID-19 era due to the negative impact of various cited factors and the return to more normal seasonality, we are unable to identify and predict to what extent such factors may further impact consumer spending on our products in the short and long term. \nLoss of market share and other financial or operational difficulties due to competition would likely result in a decrease in our sales, earnings, and liquidity.\nThe residential furniture industry is highly competitive and fragmented. We currently compete with many other manufacturers and retailers, including online retailers. Some of these competitors offer widely advertised products or are large retail furniture dealers offering their own store-branded products. Competition in the residential furniture industry is based on quality, style of products, perceived value, price, promotional activities, service to the customer, and advertising. Changes in pricing and promotional activities of competitors may adversely affect our performance. In addition, due to the large number of competitors and their wide range of product offerings, we may not be able to differentiate our products (through styling, finish, and other construction techniques) from those of our competitors. The highly competitive nature of the industry means we are constantly subject to the risk of losing market share, which would likely decrease our future sales, earnings, and liquidity.\nA majority of our sales are to distribution channels that rely on physical stores to merchandise and sell our products and a significant shift in consumer preference toward purchasing products online could have a material adverse effect on our sales and operating margin. Over the past several years, the furniture industry in general has experienced a shift to more online purchasing and during the COVID-19 pandemic, this shift accelerated as customer shopping patterns and behaviors changed. We are attempting to meet consumers where they prefer to shop by expanding our online capabilities and improving the user experience at www.la-z-boy.com to drive more traffic to both our online site and our physical stores. We also own Joybird, a leading e-commerce retailer and manufacturer of upholstered furniture. Joybird sells product almost exclusively online, where there is significant competition for customer attention among online and direct-to-consumer brands.\nThese and other competitive pressures could cause us to lose market share, revenue and customers, increase expenditures or reduce prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or liquidity.\nOperational Risk Factors\nOur business and our reputation could be adversely affected by cybersecurity incidents and the failure to protect sensitive employee, customer, consumer, vendor or Company data.\nCyber-attacks designed to gain access to and extract sensitive information or otherwise affect or compromise the confidentially, integrity, and availability of information, including phishing attempts, denial of service attacks, and malware or ransomware incidents, have occurred over the last several years at a number of major U.S. companies and have resulted in, among other \n12\nTable of Contents\nthings, the unauthorized release of confidential information, material business disruptions, and negative brand and reputational impacts. Despite widespread recognition of the cyber-attack threat and improved data protection methods, cyber-attacks on organizations continue to be sophisticated, persistent, and ever-changing, making it difficult to prevent and detect these attacks. Similar to many other retailers, we receive and store certain personal information about our employees, wholesale customers, consumers, and vendors. Additionally, we rely on third-party service providers to execute certain business processes and maintain certain information technology systems and infrastructure, and we supply such third-party providers with the personal information required for those services.\nDuring fiscal 2023, we were subject, and in the future, we will likely continue to be subject, to attempts to breach the security of our networks and IT infrastructure through cyber-attack, malware, ransomware, computer viruses, phishing attempts, social engineering and other means of unauthorized access. To the best of our knowledge, attempts to breach our systems have not been successful to date. A breach of our systems, either internally, through potential vulnerabilities of our employees' home networks, or at our third-party technology service providers, could adversely affect our business operations and result in the loss or misappropriation of, and unauthorized access to, sensitive information. A breach that results in the unauthorized release of sensitive information could adversely affect our reputation resulting in a loss of our existing customers and potential future customers, lead to financial losses due to remedial actions or potential liability, possibly including punitive damages, or we could incur regulatory fines or penalties. An electronic security breach resulting in the unauthorized release of sensitive data from our information systems or those of our third-party service providers could also materially increase the costs we already incur to protect against these risks, including costs associated with insurance coverage and potential remediation measures. We continue to balance the additional risk with the cost to protect us against a breach and have taken steps to ensure that losses arising from a breach would be covered in part by insurance that we carry, although the costs, potential monetary damages, and operational consequences of responding to cyber incidents and implementing remediation measures may be in excess of our insurance coverage or be not covered by our insurance at all.\nWe have implemented a hybrid work approach for certain employees. Although we continue to implement strong physical and cybersecurity measures to ensure that our business operations remain functional and to ensure uninterrupted service to our customers, our systems and our operations remain vulnerable to cyberattacks and other disruptions due to the fact that a portion of our employees work remotely and we cannot be certain that our mitigation efforts will be effective.\nWe rely extensively on information technology systems to process transactions, summarize results, and manage our business and that of certain independent dealers. Disruptions in both our primary and back-up systems could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nOur primary and back-up information technology systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, telecommunications failures, hardware and software failures, computer hacking, cybersecurity breaches, computer viruses, phishing attempts, cyber-attacks, malware and ransomware attacks, errors by employees, natural disasters, adverse weather, and similar events. We also rely on technology systems and infrastructure provided by third-party service providers, who are subject to these same cyber and other risks. Interruptions of our critical business information technology systems or failure of our back-up systems could result in longer production times or negatively impact customers resulting in damage to our reputation and a reduction in sales. If our critical information technology systems or back-up systems were damaged or ceased to function properly, we might have to make a significant investment to repair or replace them. If a ransomware attack or other cybersecurity breach occurs, either internally or at our third-party technology service providers, it is possible we could be prevented from accessing our data which may cause interruptions or delays in our business, cause us to incur remediation costs or require us to pay ransom to a hacker which takes over our systems, or damage our reputation. While we carry insurance that would mitigate losses from certain damage, interruption, or breach of our information technology systems, insurance may be insufficient to compensate us fully for potential significant losses.\nFurther, information systems of our suppliers or service providers may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers and other security breaches, including computer viruses and malware, through the internet, email attachments and persons with access to these information systems. If our suppliers or service providers were to experience a system disruption, attack or security breach that impacts a critical function, it could result in disruptions in our supply chain, the loss of sales and customers, potential liability for damages to our customers, reputational damage and incremental costs, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and profitability. \nInability to maintain and enhance our brand and respond to changes in our current and potential consumers' tastes and trends in a timely manner could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nThe success of our business depends on our ability to maintain and enhance our brands to increase our business by retaining consumers and attracting new ones. Furniture product is fashion-oriented so changes in consumers' tastes and trends and the \n13\nTable of Contents\nresultant change in our product mix, as well as failure to offer our consumers multiple avenues for purchasing our products, could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We attempt to minimize these risks by maintaining strong advertising and marketing campaigns promoting our brands. We also attempt to minimize our risk by updating our current product designs, styles, quality, prices, and options to purchase our products in-store or online. If these efforts are unsuccessful or require us to incur substantial costs, our business, results of operations and financial or competitive condition could be adversely affected.\nFluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials could cause delays that could result in our inability to timely provide goods to our customers and have increased, and could continue to increase, our costs, either of which could decrease our earnings.\nIn manufacturing furniture, we use various types of wood, fabrics, leathers, upholstered filling material, including polyurethane foam, steel, and other raw materials. Additionally, our manufacturing processes and plant operations use various electrical equipment and components. Because we are dependent on outside suppliers for these items, fluctuations in their price, availability, and quality have had, and could continue to have, a negative effect on our cost of sales and our ability to meet our customers' demands. We have a higher concentration in upholstery sales, including motion furniture, than many of our competitors, and the effects of steel, polyurethane foam, wood, electrical components for power units, leather and fabric price increases or quantity shortages could have a significant negative impact to our business. Competitive and marketing pressures may prevent us from passing along price increases to our customers, and the inability to meet our customers' demands could cause us to lose sales. \nFurther, most of our polyurethane foam comes from two suppliers. These suppliers have several facilities across the United States, but adverse weather, natural disasters, or public health crises (such as pandemics or epidemics) could result in delays in shipments of polyurethane foam to our plants. Similarly, adverse weather, natural disasters, public health crises (such as pandemics or epidemics), labor disputes, possible acts of terrorism, port and canal blockages and congestion, and availability of shipping containers could result in delays in shipments or the absence of required raw materials from any of our suppliers.\nA change in the financial condition of our domestic and foreign fabric suppliers could impede their ability to provide products to us in a timely manner. Upholstered furniture is fashion oriented, and if we are unable to acquire sufficient fabric variety, or to predict or respond to changes in fashion trends, we might lose sales and have to sell excess inventory at reduced prices. Doing so would have a negative effect on our sales and earnings.\nChanges in the availability and cost of foreign sourcing and economic and political uncertainty in countries outside of the United States in which we operate or from which we purchase product, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nWe have operations in countries outside the United States, some of which are located in emerging markets. Long-term economic and political uncertainty in some of the countries in which we operate, such as the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Thailand, could result in the disruption of markets and negatively affect our business. Our casegoods business imports products manufactured by foreign sources, mainly in Vietnam, and our Wholesale segment purchases cut-and-sewn fabric and leather sets, electronic component parts, and some finished goods from Chinese and other foreign vendors. Our cut-and-sewn leather sets are primarily purchased from suppliers that operate in China and the majority of our fabric products are also purchased from suppliers that operate in China. One of these primary suppliers provides both cut-and-sewn leather sets and fabric products. As a result of factors outside of our control, at times our sourcing partners have not been able to, and in the future may not be able to, produce or deliver goods in a timely fashion or the quality of their product may lead us to reject it, causing disruptions in our domestic operations and delays in shipments to our customers.\nFinancial Risk Factors\nOur current retail markets and other markets that we may enter in the future may not achieve the growth and profitability we anticipate. We could incur charges for the impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill, or other intangible assets if we fail to meet our earnings expectations for these markets.\nFrom time to time we may acquire retail locations or other retail businesses, such as our acquisition of Joybird in fiscal 2019. We may also remodel and relocate existing stores, experiment with new store formats, and close underperforming stores. Our assets include goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in connection with these acquisitions. Profitability of acquired, remodeled, relocated, and new format stores will depend on lease rates (for stores we lease) and retail sales and profitability justifying the costs of acquisition, remodeling, and relocation. If we do not meet our sales or earnings expectations for these \n14\nTable of Contents\nstores or businesses, we have in the past incurred and may in the future incur charges for the impairment of long-lived assets, the impairment of right-of-use lease assets, the impairment of goodwill, or the impairment of other intangible assets.\nWe also operate a wholesale sales office that is responsible for distributing La-Z-Boy products in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as a manufacturing business in the United Kingdom which was acquired in the third quarter of fiscal 2022. Our assets include goodwill and other intangible assets, including acquired customer relationships, in connection with our acquisition of the wholesale business. If we do not meet our sales or earnings expectations for these operations, we may incur charges for the impairment of goodwill or the impairment of our intangible assets.\nWe may require funding from external sources, which may not be available at the levels we require or may cost more than we expect, and as a result, our expenses and results of operations could be negatively affected.\nWe regularly review and evaluate our liquidity and capital needs. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash from operations, and amounts available under our credit facility will be sufficient to finance our operations and expected capital requirements for at least the next 12 months.\nIn the event that we draw on our credit facility, outstanding amounts may become immediately due and payable upon certain events of default, including a failure to comply with the financial covenants in the credit agreement\u2014a consolidated net lease adjusted leverage ratio requirement and a consolidated fixed-charge coverage ratio requirement\u2014or with certain other affirmative and negative covenants in the credit agreement. If we are unable to access additional credit at the levels we require, or the cost of credit is greater than expected, it could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.\nDue to the nature of our business and our payment terms, we may not be able to collect amounts owed to us by customers, which may adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition, and liquidity. \nWe grant payment terms to most wholesale customers ranging from 15 to 60 days. Some of our customers have experienced, and may in the future experience, cash flow and credit-related issues. If a major event with negative economic effects were to occur, and such effects have occurred in the past, we may not be able to collect amounts owed to us or such payment may only occur after significant delay. While we perform credit evaluations of our customers, those evaluations may not prevent uncollectible trade accounts receivable. Credit evaluations involve significant management diligence and judgment, especially in the current environment. Should more customers than we anticipate experience liquidity issues, if payment is not received on a timely basis, or if a customer declares bankruptcy or closes stores, we may have difficulty collecting amounts owed to us by these customers, which could adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition and liquidity.\nLegal and Regulatory Risk Factors\nOur business and our reputation could be adversely affected by the failure to comply with evolving regulations relating to our obligation to protect sensitive employee, customer, consumer, vendor or Company data.\nWe receive, process, store, use and share data, some of which contains personal information. There are numerous federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, and data security, including those related to the collection, storage, handling, use, disclosure, transfer, and security of personal data. These laws and regulations are regularly changing, subject to uncertain and differing interpretations and may be inconsistent among countries or conflict with other rules. For example, the European General Data Protection Regulation (\u201cGDPR\u201d) applies to us and creates a range of requirements and compliance obligations regarding the treatment of personal data, including the public disclosure of significant data breaches, and imposes significant penalties for non-compliance. The California Consumer Privacy Act (\u201cCCPA\u201d), among other things, imposes additional requirements with respect to disclosure and deletion of personal information of California residents. The CCPA provides civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches. The GDPR, the CCPA, the California Privacy Rights Act, and other privacy and data protection laws may increase our costs of compliance and risks of non-compliance, which could result in substantial penalties, negative publicity and harm to our brand. It is possible that these laws may be interpreted or applied in a manner that is adverse to us, unforeseen, or otherwise inconsistent with our practices or that we may not adequately adapt our internal policies and/or procedures to evolving regulations, any of which could result in litigation, regulatory investigations and potential legal liability, require us to change our practices in a manner adverse to our business or limit access to our products and services in certain countries. As a result, our reputation and brand, which are critical to our business operations, may be harmed, we could incur substantial costs, including costs related to litigation, or we could lose both customers and revenue.\n15\nTable of Contents\nChanges in the domestic or international regulatory environment or trade policies could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nWe are subject to numerous laws and regulations, including those relating to labor and employment, customs, sanctions, truth-in-advertising, consumer protection, e-commerce, privacy, health and safety, real estate, environmental and zoning and occupancy, intellectual property and other laws and regulations that regulate retailers, manufacturers or otherwise govern our business. \nChanges in laws and regulations in the United States or internationally may require us to modify our current business practices or otherwise increase our costs of compliance, which could adversely affect our results of operations.\nBecause we manufacture components and finished goods in Mexico, purchase components and finished goods manufactured in foreign countries, including China and Vietnam, participate in consolidated joint ventures in Thailand, and operate a wholesale and retail business in Canada, we are subject to risks relating to changes in the domestic or international regulatory environment or trade policies, including new or increased duties, tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, trade limitations and termination or renegotiation of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements impacting our business. The United States has enacted certain tariffs on many items sourced from China, including certain furniture, accessories, furniture parts, and raw materials which are imported into the United States and that we use in our domestic operations. We may not be able to fully or substantially mitigate the impact of these tariffs, pass price increases on to our customers, or secure adequate alternative sources of products or materials. The tariffs, along with any additional tariffs or retaliatory trade restrictions implemented by other countries, could negatively impact customer sales, including potential delays in product received from our vendors, our cost of goods sold and results of operations. Conversely, if certain tariffs are eliminated or reduced, we may face additional competition from foreign manufacturers entering the United States market and from domestic retailers who rely on imported goods, putting pressure on our prices and margins, which could adversely affect our results of operations. Finally, our business in the United Kingdom has been, and could further be, affected by the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, and our sales and margins there and in other foreign countries could be adversely affected by the imposition in foreign countries of import bans, quotas, and increases in tariffs.\nChanges in regulation of our international operations, including anti-corruption laws and regulations, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nOur operations outside of the United States and sale of product in various countries subject us to U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including but not limited to the UK Bribery Act 2010, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.S. Export Administration Act, and other anti-bribery and anti-corruption statutes. These laws and regulations include prohibitions on improper payments to government officials, restrictions on where we can do business, what products we can supply to certain countries, and what information we can provide to certain governments. Violations of these laws, which are complex, frequently changing, and are often subject to varying interpretation and enforcement, may result in civil or criminal penalties or sanctions that could have a significant adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, or agents will not violate our policies and procedures or otherwise comply with these laws and regulations.\nWe may be subject to product liability and other claims or undertake to recall one or more products, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and reputation. \nMillions of our products, sold over many years, are currently used by consumers. We have voluntarily recalled products in the past, and while none of those recalls has resulted in a material expense or other significant adverse effect, a significant product recall or other product-related litigation could result in future additional expense, penalties, and injury to our brands and reputation, and adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, we are involved in lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the ordinary course of our business. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could result in costly litigation that could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nAlthough we maintain liability insurance in amounts that we believe are reasonable, in most cases, we are responsible for large, self-insured retentions and defense costs. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms, if at all in the future, or that product liability or other claims will not exceed the amount of insurance coverage, or that all such matters would be covered by our insurance. As a result, product liability and other claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\n16\nTable of Contents\nGeneral Risk Factors\nOur operations are subject to risks of unsettled political conditions, natural or man-made disasters, adverse weather, climate change, acts of war, terrorism, organized crime, pandemics and other public health concerns, any one of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nOur operations are subject to risks of unsettled political conditions, natural or man-made disasters, adverse weather, climate change, acts of war, terrorism, organized crime, pandemics and other public health concerns. If any of these events cause disruptions or damage in our manufacturing plants, distribution facilities, company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores or corporate headquarters, or the facilities of our vendors, that could make servicing our customers more difficult or result in the potential loss of sales and customers. In addition, we may incur costs in repairing any damage beyond our applicable insurance coverage.\nThe COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the world economy, significantly impacted global supply chains, and increased volatility within financial markets, all of which negatively affected the home furnishings manufacturing and retail industry and our business. The impact of any resurgence of COVID-19 or any other pandemic on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the availability and adoption of effective vaccines, governmental orders and mitigation measures, recovery of the business environment, global supply chain conditions, economic conditions, inflationary pressures, consumer confidence, and consumer demand for our products.\nWe make certain assumptions, judgments and estimates that impact the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements, which, if not accurate, may impact our financial results.\nCertain assumptions, judgments and estimates impact amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements, including but not limited to, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, product warranty liabilities, insurance and legal-related liabilities, contingent consideration and income taxes. To derive our assumptions, judgments and estimates, we use historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable as of the date we prepare our consolidated financial statements. Our goodwill and contingent consideration liability, resulting from certain acquisitions, are based on the expected future performance of the operations acquired. At least annually, we reassess the goodwill for impairment and quarterly, we reassess the fair value of any contingent consideration. Changes in business conditions or other events could materially change the projection of future cash flows or the discount rate we used in the fair value calculation of the goodwill and contingent consideration. Actual results could differ materially from our estimates, and such differences may impact our financial results.\nWe may not be able to recruit and retain key employees and skilled workers in a competitive labor market or we could experience continued increases in labor costs, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. \nIf we cannot successfully recruit and retain key employees and skilled workers or we experience the unexpected loss of those employees, our operations may be negatively impacted. A shortage of qualified personnel along with continued labor cost inflation may require us to further enhance our compensation in order to compete effectively in the hiring and retention of qualified employees.\nChanges in tax policies could adversely affect our business and results of operations. \nChanges in United States or international income tax laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on our business in the future. We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our effective income tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in tax laws, the outcome of income tax audits in various jurisdictions, and any repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which the Company has not previously provided for U.S. taxes. We regularly assess these matters to determine the adequacy of our tax provision, which is subject to significant judgement.\nOur strategy, goals and disclosures related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (\"ESG\") matters expose us to numerous risks, including risks to our reputation and stock price.\nThere has been increased focus from our stakeholders, including consumers, employees, and investors, on our ESG practices. We plan to establish and announce goals and other objectives related to ESG matters. These goal statements will reflect our current plans and are not guarantees that we will be able to achieve them. Our efforts to accomplish and accurately report on these goals and objectives present numerous operational, reputational, financial, legal, and other risks, any of which could have a material negative impact, including on our reputation, stock price, and results of operation. We could also incur additional \n17\nTable of Contents\ncosts and require additional resources to implement various ESG practices to make progress against our public goals and to monitor and track our performance with respect to such goals.\nThe standards for tracking and reporting on ESG matters are relatively new, have not been formalized and continue to evolve. Collecting, measuring, and reporting ESG information and metrics can be difficult and time consuming. Our selected disclosure framework or standards may need to be changed from time to time, which may result in a lack of consistent or meaningful comparative data from period to period. In addition, our interpretation of reporting frameworks or standards may differ from those of others and such frameworks or standards may change over time, any of which could result in significant revisions to our goals or reported progress in achieving such goals.\nOur ability to achieve any ESG-related goal or objective is subject to numerous risks, many of which are outside of our control, including: the availability and cost of low-or non-carbon-based energy sources and technologies, evolving regulatory requirements affecting ESG standards or disclosures, the availability of vendors and suppliers that can meet our sustainability, diversity and other standards, and the availability of raw materials that meet and further our sustainability goals. If our ESG practices do not meet evolving consumer, employee, investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards or our publicly-stated goals, then our reputation, our ability to attract or retain employees and our competitiveness, including as an investment and business partner, could be negatively impacted. Furthermore, if our competitors\u2019 ESG performance is perceived to be better than ours, potential or current customers and investors may elect to do business with our competitors instead, and our ability to attract or retain employees could be negatively impacted. Our failure, or perceived failure, to pursue or fulfill our goals, targets, and objectives or to satisfy various reporting standards within the timelines we announce, or at all, could also expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation.",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.\nWe have prepared this Management's Discussion and Analysis as an aid to understanding our financial results. It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. It also includes management\u2019s analysis of past financial results and certain potential factors that may affect future results, potential future risks and approaches that may be used to manage those risks. Refer to \"Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\u201d at the beginning of this report for a discussion of factors that may cause results to differ materially. Note that our 2023 and 2021 fiscal years included 52 weeks, whereas fiscal year 2022 included 53 weeks.\nIntroduction\nOur Business\nWe are the leading global producer of reclining chairs and the second largest manufacturer/distributor of residential furniture in the United States\n.\n The La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores retail network is the third largest retailer of single-branded furniture in the United States\n.\n We manufacture, market, import, export, distribute and retail upholstery furniture products under the La-Z-Boy\n\u00ae\n, England, Kincaid\n\u00ae\n, and Joybird\n\u00ae\n tradenames. In addition, we import, distribute and retail accessories and casegoods (wood) furniture products\n\u00a0\nunder the Kincaid\n\u00ae\n, American Drew\n\u00ae\n, Hammary\n\u00ae\n, and Joybird\n\u00ae\n tradenames. \nAs of April\u00a029, 2023, our supply chain operations included the following:\n\u2022\nFive major manufacturing locations and 12 distribution centers in the United States and four facilities in Mexico to support our speed-to-market and customization strategy\n\u2022\nA logistics company that distributes a portion of our products in the United States \n\u2022\nA wholesale sales office that is responsible for distribution of our product in the United Kingdom and Ireland\n\u2022\nAn upholstery manufacturing business in the United Kingdom\n\u2022\nA global trading company in Hong Kong which helps us manage our Asian supply chain by establishing and maintaining relationships with our Asian suppliers, as well as identifying efficiencies and savings opportunities\nDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we made the decision to close our manufacturing facility in Torre\u00f3n, Mexico as part of our initiative to drive improved efficiencies through optimized staffing levels within our plants. Torre\u00f3n was the last facility to begin operating as part of our broader Mexico manufacturing expansion in fiscal 2021 and 2022 to meet pandemic-related upholstery demand and accounted for approximately 3% of our La-Z-Boy branded production. As a result of this action, charges were recorded within the Wholesale segment in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023 totaling $9.2 million in \n21\nTable of Contents\nselling, general, and administrative expense for the impairment of various assets, primarily long-lived assets, and $1.6 million in cost of sales, primarily related to severance.\nWe also participate in two consolidated joint ventures in Thailand that support our international businesses: one that operates a manufacturing facility and another that operates a wholesale sales office. Additionally, we have contracts with several suppliers in Asia to produce products that support our pure import model for casegoods.\nWe sell our products through multiple channels: to furniture retailers or distributors in the United States, Canada, and approximately 50 other countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Australia, South Korea and New Zealand; directly to consumers through retail stores that we own and operate; and through our websites, www.la-z-boy.com and www.joybird.com. \n\u2022\nThe centerpiece of our retail distribution strategy is our network of 349 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores and 522 La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations, each dedicated to marketing our La-Z-Boy branded products. We consider this dedicated space to be \"proprietary.\" \n\u25e6\nLa-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores help consumers furnish their homes by combining the style, comfort, and quality of La-Z-Boy furniture with our available design services. We own 171 of the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores, while the remainder are independently owned and operated. \n\u25e6\nLa-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations are defined spaces within larger independent retailers that are dedicated to displaying and selling La-Z-Boy branded products. All 522 La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations are independently owned and operated. \n\u25e6\nIn total, we have approximately 7.6 million square feet of proprietary floor space dedicated to selling La-Z-Boy branded products in North America. \n\u25e6\nWe also have approximately 2.6 million square feet of floor space outside of the United States and Canada dedicated to selling La-Z-Boy branded products.\n\u2022\nOur other brands, England, American Drew, Hammary, and Kincaid enjoy distribution through many of the same outlets, with slightly over half of Hammary\u2019s sales originating through the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n store network. \n\u25e6\nKincaid and England have their own dedicated proprietary in-store programs with 614 outlets and approximately 1.9 million square feet of proprietary floor space. \n\u25e6\nIn total, our proprietary floor space includes approximately 12.1 million square feet worldwide.\n \n\u2022\nJoybird sells product primarily online and has a limited amount of proprietary retail showroom floor space including ten small-format stores in key urban markets.\nOur goal is to deliver value to our shareholders over the long term by executing our Century Vision strategic plan, in which we aim to grow sales and market share and strengthen our operating margins. The foundation of our strategic plan is to drive disproportionate growth of our two consumer brands, La-Z-Boy and Joybird, by delivering the transformational power of comfort with a consumer-first approach. We plan to drive growth in the following ways:\nExpanding the La-Z-Boy brand reach\n\u2022\nLeveraging our connection to comfort and reinvigorating our brand with a consumer focus and expanded omni-channel presence.\n Our strategic initiatives to leverage and reinvigorate our iconic La-Z-Boy brand center on a renewed focus on leveraging the compelling La-Z-Boy comfort message, accelerating our omni-channel offering, and identifying additional consumer-base growth opportunities. We are launching a new marketing platform in fiscal 2024, with compelling messaging to increase recognition and consideration of the brand. We expect this new messaging will enhance the appeal of our brand with a broader consumer base. Further, our goal is to connect with consumers along their purchase journey through multiple means, whether online or in person. We are driving change throughout our digital platforms to improve the user experience, with a specific focus on the ease with which customers browse through our broad product assortment, customize products to their liking, find stores to make a purchase, or purchase at www.la-z-boy.com.\n\u2022\nExpanding the reach of our wholesale distribution channels.\n Consumers experience the La-Z-Boy brand in many channels including the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n store network and the La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae \nlocations, our store-within-a-store format. While consumers increasingly interact with the brand digitally, our consumers also demonstrate an affinity for visiting our stores to shop, allowing us to frequently deliver the flagship La-Z-Boy \n22\nTable of Contents\nFurniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n store, or La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n, experience and provide design services. In addition to our branded distribution channels, approximately 2,200 other dealers sell La-Z-Boy products, providing us the benefit of multi-channel distribution. These outlets include some of the best-known names in the industry, including Slumberland, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Mathis Brothers and Raymour & Flanagan. We believe there is significant growth potential for our consumer brands through these retail channels.\n\u2022\nGrowing our La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\u00ae store network\n. We expect our strategic initiatives in this area to generate growth in our Retail segment through an increased company-owned store count and in our Wholesale segment as our proprietary distribution network expands. We are not only focused on growing the number of locations, but also on upgrading existing store locations to our new concept designs. We are prioritizing growth of our company-owned Retail business by opportunistically acquiring existing La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\u00ae stores and opening new La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\u00ae stores, primarily in markets that can be serviced through our distribution centers, where we see opportunity for growth, or where we believe we have opportunities for further market penetration. Additionally, we are testing potential store formats to expand our reach to value-seeking consumers and during fiscal 2023, we opened two Outlet by La-Z-Boy stores. \nProfitably growing the Joybird brand\n\u2022\nProfitably growing the Joybird brand with a digital-first consumer experience. \nDuring fiscal 2019, we purchased Joybird, a leading e-commerce retailer and manufacturer of upholstered furniture with a direct-to-consumer model. We believe that Joybird is a brand with significant potential and our strategic initiatives in this area focus on fueling profitable growth through an increase in digital marketing spend to drive awareness and customer acquisition, ongoing investments in technology, an expansion of product assortment, and providing additional small-format stores in key urban markets to enhance our consumers' omni-channel experience.\nEnhancing our enterprise capabilities\n\u2022\nEnhancing our enterprise capabilities to support the growth of our consumer brands and enable potential acquisitions for growth.\n Key to successful growth is ensuring we have the capabilities to support that growth, including an agile supply chain, modern technology for consumers and employees, and by delivering a human-centered employee experience. Through our Century Vision plan, we have several initiatives focused on enhancing these capabilities with a consumer-first focus.\nOur reportable operating segments include the Wholesale segment and the Retail segment. \n\u2022\nWholesale Segment\n. Our Wholesale segment consists primarily of three operating segments: La-Z-Boy, our largest operating segment, our England subsidiary, and our casegoods operating segment that sells furniture under three brands: American Drew\n\u00ae\n, Hammary\n\u00ae\n and Kincaid\n\u00ae\n. The Wholesale segment also includes our international wholesale and manufacturing businesses. We aggregate these operating segments into one reportable segment because they are economically similar and meet the other aggregation criteria for determining reportable segments. Our Wholesale segment manufactures and imports upholstered furniture, such as recliners and motion furniture, sofas, loveseats, chairs, sectionals, modulars, ottomans and sleeper sofas and imports casegoods (wood) furniture such as bedroom sets, dining room sets, entertainment centers and occasional pieces. The Wholesale segment sells directly to La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores, operators of La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio\n\u00ae\n locations, England Custom Comfort Center locations, major dealers, and a wide cross-section of other independent retailers.\n\u2022\nRetail Segment\n. Our Retail segment consists of one operating segment comprised of our 171 company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores. The Retail segment sells primarily upholstered furniture, in addition to some casegoods and other accessories, to end consumers through these stores.\n\u2022\nCorporate & Other\n. Corporate & Other includes the shared costs for corporate functions, including human resources, information technology, finance and legal, in addition to revenue generated through royalty agreements with companies licensed to use the La-Z-Boy\n\u00ae\n brand name on various products. We consider our corporate functions to be other business activities and have aggregated them with our other insignificant operating segments, including our global trading company in Hong Kong and Joybird, an e-commerce retailer that manufactures upholstered furniture such as sofas, loveseats, chairs, ottomans, sleeper sofas and beds, and also imports casegoods (wood) furniture such as occasional tables and other accessories. Joybird sells to the end consumer primarily online through its website, www.joybird.com. None of the operating segments included in Corporate & Other meet the requirements of reportable segments.\n23\nTable of Contents\nResults of Operations\nThe following discussion provides an analysis of our results of operations and reasons for material changes therein for fiscal year 2023 as compared with fiscal year 2022. Refer to \"Results of Operations\" in Part II, Item 7, Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company\u2019s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 21, 2022, for an analysis of the fiscal year 2022 results as compared to fiscal year 2021.\nImpact of COVID-19\nBeginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we experienced significant changes in our business resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. After temporarily closing due to state and local restrictions, when our retail and manufacturing locations reopened early in fiscal 2021, we experienced a significant surge in demand as consumers allocated more discretionary spending to home furnishings. During this time, we took several actions to increase our manufacturing capacity but due to the strong pace of incoming written orders outpacing production, combined with pricing and surcharge actions taken in response to inflationary cost pressures resulting from global supply chain challenges, our backlog increased to record levels. While sales demand trends remain strong compared to pre-pandemic levels, they have slowed relative to those experienced during the peak of the pandemic as consumer spending patterns shift and during fiscal 2023 we have worked through the majority of our backlog built in prior periods. \nFiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year 2022\nLa-Z-Boy Incorporated\n(52 weeks)\n(53 weeks)\n(FY23 vs FY22)\n(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)\n4/29/2023\n4/30/2022\n% Change\nSales\n$\n2,349,433\u00a0\n$\n2,356,811\u00a0\n(0.3)\n%\nOperating income\n211,439\u00a0\n206,756\u00a0\n2.3\u00a0\n%\nOperating margin\n9.0%\n8.8%\n\u00a0\nSales\nConsolidated sales in fiscal 2023 decreased $7.4 million, or 0.3%, compared with the prior year. We estimate the additional week in fiscal 2022 resulted in $48.9\u00a0million of additional sales in fiscal 2022 based on the average weekly sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Absent the additional week, sales in fiscal 2023 increased 2% compared with the prior year, reflecting the realization of pricing surcharge actions taken to counteract rising raw material and freight costs from prior periods, along with a favorable impact from product and channel mix as sales in our Retail business grew. These benefits were essentially offset by a decline in delivered unit volume relative to the prior year in which we had built up a significant backlog as a result of the heightened demand driven by the impact of COVID-19.\nOperating Margin\nOperating margin, which is calculated as operating income as a percentage of sales, increased 20 basis points in fiscal 2023 compared with the prior year.\n\u2022\nGross margin increased 400 basis points during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n\u25e6\nChanges in our consolidated mix improved gross margin by 250 basis points in fiscal 2023 driven by the growth of our Retail segment, which has a higher gross margin than our Wholesale segment.\n\u25e6\nPricing and surcharge actions taken in prior years to counteract inflationary cost pressures were fully realized in fiscal 2023 contributing to gross margin expansion.\n\u25e6\nRaw materials and freight costs decreased sequentially throughout fiscal 2023 but negatively impacted gross margin in fiscal 2023, compared with the prior year, due to global supply chain challenges experienced predominately in the first half of fiscal 2023.\n\u2022\nSelling, general, and administrative (\"SG&A\") expense as a percentage of sales increased 380 basis points during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n24\nTable of Contents\n\u25e6\nChanges in our consolidated mix increased SG&A expense as a percentage of sales by 160 basis points in fiscal 2023 driven by growth of our Retail segment, which has a higher SG&A expense as a percentage of sales than our Wholesale segment.\n\u25e6\nDuring fiscal 2022, we recognized a $10.7 million gain on sale-leaseback transactions for the buildings and related fixed assets of three retail stores, the absence of which resulted in a 50 basis point increase in SG&A as a percentage of sales during fiscal 2023. \n\u25e6\nCharges related to the closure of our Torre\u00f3n, Mexico manufacturing facility in fiscal 2023 resulted in a 40 basis point increase in SG&A as a percentage of sales. \n\u25e6\nThe remaining increase in SG&A as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2023 was primarily due to increased investments in marketing, to pre-pandemic levels as a percentage of sales, to drive written sales. \nWe explain these items further when we discuss each segment's results later in this Management's Discussion and Analysis.\nRetail Segment\n(52 weeks)\n(53 weeks)\n(FY23 vs FY22)\n(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)\n4/29/2023\n4/30/2022\n% Change\nSales\n$\n982,043\u00a0\n$\n804,394\u00a0\n22.1\u00a0\n%\nOperating income\n161,571\u00a0\n109,546\u00a0\n47.5\u00a0\n%\nOperating margin\n16.5%\n13.6%\nSales\nThe Retail segment's sales increased $177.6 million, or 22%, in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022. We estimate the additional week in fiscal 2022 resulted in $16.6\u00a0million of additional sales in fiscal 2022 based on the average weekly sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Absent the additional week, sales in fiscal 2023 increased 25% compared with the prior year. \nThe increase in the Retail segment's sales was led by a 17% increase in delivered same-stores sales, along with a $56.6\u00a0million increase in sales related to our fiscal 2023 retail store acquisitions and the full-year impact of our fiscal 2022 retail store acquisitions (refer to Note 2, Acquisitions for further information).\nWritten same-store sales decreased 6% in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022 reflecting softer demand across the industry driven by economic uncertainty and weaker consumer sentiment relative to the prior period which saw significant increases in consumer furniture demand. Despite these challenging industry trends, strong in-store execution led to positive written same-store sales in the back half of fiscal 2023 compared with the same period last year.\nSame-store sales include the sales of all currently active stores which have been open and company-owned for each comparable period.\nOperating Margin\nThe Retail segment's operating margin increased 290 basis points in fiscal 2023 compared with the prior year.\n\u2022\nGross margin increased 80 basis points during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022, primarily due to pricing actions taken by the Retail business to offset increases in product costs.\n\u2022\nSG&A expense as a percentage of sales decreased 210 basis points during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n\u25e6\nHigher delivered sales relative to selling expenses and fixed costs, mainly occupancy expenses, was the primary driver of lower SG&A expense as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2023 compared with the prior year. \n\u25e6\nPartially offsetting this benefit, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 we recognized a $10.7 million gain on sale-leaseback transactions for the buildings and related fixed assets of three retail stores. The absence of this gain in fiscal 2023 resulted in a 130 basis point comparative increase in SG&A expense as a percentage of sales compared with fiscal 2022. \n25\nTable of Contents\nWholesale Segment\n(52 weeks)\n(53 weeks)\n(FY23 vs FY22)\n(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)\n4/29/2023\n4/30/2022\n% Change\nSales\n$\n1,215,429\u00a0\n$\n1,371,602\u00a0\nIntersegment sales\n474,819\u00a0\n397,236\u00a0\nTotal sales\n1,690,248\u00a0\n1,768,838\u00a0\n(4.4)\n%\nOperating income\n115,215\u00a0\n134,013\u00a0\n(14.0)\n%\nOperating margin\n6.8%\n7.6%\n\u00a0\nSales\nThe Wholesale segment's sales decreased 4%, or $78.6 million, in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022. We estimate the additional week in fiscal 2022 resulted in $36.6\u00a0million of additional sales in fiscal 2022 based on the average weekly sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Absent the additional week, sales in fiscal 2023 decreased 2% compared with the prior year. During fiscal 2023, sales benefited from the realization of pricing and surcharge actions taken in response to rising manufacturing costs from prior periods combined with favorable channel and product mix reflecting the shift to our La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries network, as intercompany sales from our Wholesale segment to our Retail segment increased 20%. These benefits, however, only partially offset lower delivered volume in fiscal 2023 relative to fiscal 2022, due in part to the significant backlog built in prior periods to meet heightened demand.\nOperating Margin\nThe Wholesale segment's operating margin decreased 80 basis points in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n\u2022\nGross margin increased 270 basis points during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n\u25e6\nGross margin increased 430 basis points in fiscal 2023 from the combination of pricing and surcharge actions taken in prior periods along with favorable channel and product mix\n\u25e6\nWhile raw materials and freight costs have decreased sequentially throughout fiscal 2023, gross margin in fiscal 2023 decreased 160 basis points compared with fiscal 2022 due to higher raw materials and freight costs resulting from global supply challenges, predominately experienced in the first half of fiscal 2023.\n\u2022\nSG&A expense as a percentage of sales increased 350 basis points during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n\u25e6\nReduced fixed cost leverage and an increase in marketing expense to pre-pandemic levels, as a percentage of sales, contributed to higher SG&A expense as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n\u25e6\nAdditionally, charges related to the closure of our Torre\u00f3n, Mexico manufacturing facility in the third quarter of fiscal 2023 resulted in a 50 basis point increase in SG&A expense as a percentage of sales.\nCorporate and Other\n(52 weeks)\n(53 weeks)\n(FY23 vs FY22)\n(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)\n4/29/2023\n4/30/2022\n% Change\nSales\n$\n166,190\u00a0\n$\n195,959\u00a0\n(15.2)\n%\nIntercompany eliminations\n(489,048)\n(412,380)\n18.6\u00a0\n%\nOperating loss\n(65,347)\n(36,803)\n77.6\u00a0\n%\nSales\nCorporate and Other sales decreased $29.8 million in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022, primarily due to a $30.0 million, or 17% decrease from Joybird, which contributed $146.4 million in sales in fiscal 2023. We estimate the additional week in fiscal 2022 resulted in $3.8\u00a0million of additional sales in fiscal 2022 based on the average weekly sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Joybird's overall delivered volume declined in fiscal 2023 due to slowing online traffic and demand challenges consistent with those recently experienced across the e-commerce home furnishings industry. Written sales for Joybird were down 16% in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022, reflecting the industry-wide demand challenges noted above. \n26\nTable of Contents\nIntercompany eliminations increased in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022 due to higher sales from our Wholesale segment to our Retail segment, driven by increased sales in the Retail segment. \nOperating Loss\nOur Corporate and Other operating loss was $28.5 million higher in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n\u2022\nHigher operating loss was primarily due to Joybird's operating loss resulting from lower sales volume, higher input costs (mainly freight), reduced fixed cost leverage, and increased investments in marketing, as a percentage of sales, to drive customer acquisition and awareness.\n\u2022\nAdditionally, we recognized pre-tax gains of $0.8 million and $3.3 million in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively, to reduce the fair value of the Joybird contingent consideration liability based on our most recent projections at the time for the fiscal 2023 performance period. These actions resulted in a comparative $2.5\u00a0million increase in operating loss in fiscal 2023.\nNon-Operating Income (Expense)\nInterest Expense and Interest Income\nInterest expense was $0.4 million lower and interest income was $5.3 million higher in fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022. The increase in interest income was primarily driven by higher interest rates.\nOther Income (Expense), Net\nOther income (expense), net was $11.8 million of expense in fiscal 2023 compared with $1.7 million of expense in fiscal 2022. The expense in fiscal 2023 was primarily due to a $10.3\u00a0million impairment of our investments in a privately held start-up company combined with exchange rate losses. The expense in fiscal 2022 was primarily due to unrealized losses on investments. \nIncome Taxes\nOur effective income tax rate was 26.2% for fiscal 2023 and 25.9% for fiscal 2022. Refer to Note 18, Income Taxes, for additional information.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nOur sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, cash from operations, and amounts available under our credit facility. We believe these sources remain adequate to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements, finance our long-term growth plans, and fulfill other cash requirements for day-to-day operations and capital expenditures, including fiscal 2024 contractual obligations.\nWe had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $346.7 million at April\u00a029, 2023, compared with $248.9 million at April\u00a030, 2022. Included in our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at April\u00a029, 2023, is $63.1 million held by foreign subsidiaries, the majority of which we have determined to be permanently reinvested. In addition, we had investments to enhance our returns on cash of $11.6 million at April\u00a029, 2023, compared with $27.2 million at April\u00a030, 2022.\n27\nTable of Contents\nThe following table illustrates the main components of our cash flows:\n\u00a0\nFiscal Year Ended\n(52 weeks)\n(53 weeks)\n(Amounts in thousands)\n4/29/2023\n4/30/2022\nCash Flows Provided By (Used For)\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n$\n205,167\u00a0\n$\n79,004\u00a0\nNet cash used for investing activities\n(70,120)\n(78,371)\nNet cash used for financing activities\n(37,139)\n(144,561)\nExchange rate changes\n(86)\n(1,919)\nChange in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash\n$\n97,822\u00a0\n$\n(145,847)\nOperating Activities\nDuring fiscal 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $205.2 million, an increase of $126.2 million compared with the prior year mainly due to favorable changes in working capital. Our cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2023 was primarily attributable to net income, adjusted for non-cash items, a $53.7 million decrease in receivables and a $32.3 million decrease in inventory as we work down our backlog to pre-pandemic levels and align production with incoming order trends. This was partially offset by a $84.7\u00a0million decrease in customer deposits, reflecting the reduced backlog. \nInvesting Activities\nDuring fiscal 2023, net cash used for investing activities was $70.1 million, a decrease of $8.3 million compared with the prior year due to lower capital expenditures and acquisition payments and higher proceeds from investment sales, net of purchases, partially offset by less proceeds received from the sale of assets. Cash used for investing activities in fiscal 2023 included the following:\n\u2022\nCash used for capital expenditures in the period was $68.8 million, which is primarily related to La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n (new stores and remodels) and Joybird store projects and upgrades at our manufacturing and distribution facilities. We expect capital expenditures to be in the range of $55 to $60\u00a0million for fiscal 2024, primarily related to improvements and expansion of our Retail and Joybird stores, replacement of machinery and equipment for various manufacturing and distribution facilities, and technology upgrades. We have no material contractual commitments outstanding for future capital expenditures. \n\u2022\nCash used for acquisitions was $16.8 million, related to the acquisition of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Barboursville, West Virginia, Spokane, Washington and Denver, Colorado retail businesses. Refer to Note 2, Acquisitions, for additional information.\n\u2022\nProceeds from the sale of investments, net of investment purchases was $15.4 million. \nFinancing Activities\nOn October 15, 2021, we entered into a new five-year $200\u00a0million unsecured revolving credit facility (the \u201cCredit Facility\u201d). Borrowings under the Credit Facility may be used by the Company for general corporate purposes. We may increase the size of the facility, either in the form of additional revolving commitments or new term loans, subject to the discretion of each lender to participate in such increase, up to an additional amount of $100\u00a0million. The Credit Facility will mature on October 15, 2026 and provides us the ability to extend the maturity date for two additional one-year periods, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions. As of April\u00a029, 2023, we have no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. \nThe Credit Facility contains certain restrictive loan covenants, including, among others, financial covenants requiring a maximum consolidated net lease adjusted leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as well as customary covenants limiting our ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make acquisitions, merge or consolidate, and dispose of certain assets. As of April\u00a029, 2023, we were in compliance with our financial covenants under the Credit Facility. We believe our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and cash from operations, in addition to our available Credit Facility, will provide adequate liquidity for our business operations over the next 12 months.\n28\nTable of Contents\nDuring fiscal 2023, net cash used for financing activities was $37.1 million, a decrease of $107.4 million compared with prior year, primarily due to fewer share repurchases and holdback payments on prior-period acquisitions. Cash used for financing activities in fiscal 2023 included the following:\n\u2022\nOur board of directors has authorized the repurchase of Company stock and we spent $5.0 million during fiscal 2023 to repurchase 0.2 million shares. As of April\u00a029, 2023, 7.3 million shares remained available for repurchase pursuant to this authorization. With the operating cash flows we anticipate generating in fiscal 2024, we expect to continue repurchasing Company stock.\n\u2022\nCash paid to our shareholders in quarterly dividends was $29.9\u00a0million. Our board of directors has sole authority to determine if and when we will declare future dividends and on what terms. We expect the board to continue declaring regular quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future, but it may discontinue doing so at any time.\n\u2022\nCash paid for holdback payments made on prior-period acquisitions was $5.0 million for a guaranteed payment related to the acquisition of Joybird. \nExchange Rate Changes\nDue to changes in exchange rates, our cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased by $0.1 million from the end of fiscal year 2022 to the end of fiscal year 2023. These changes slightly impacted our cash balances held in Canada, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.\nContractual Obligations\nLease Obligations. \nWe lease real estate for retail stores, distribution centers, warehouses, plants, showrooms and office space and also have equipment leases for tractors/trailers, IT and office equipment, and vehicles. As of April\u00a029, 2023, we had operating and finance lease payment obligations of $505.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, with $91.7 million and $0.1 million, payable within 12 months, respectively. Refer to Note 6, Leases, for additional information.\nPurchase Obligations.\n We had purchase obligations of $156.3\u00a0million, all payable within 12 months, related to open purchase orders, primarily with foreign and domestic casegoods, leather, and fabric suppliers, which are generally cancellable if production has not begun.\nAcquisition Payment Obligations.\n Consideration for prior acquisitions may include future guaranteed payments and payments contingent on future performance. As of April\u00a029, 2023, we had future guaranteed payments related to our Joybird acquisition of $5.0\u00a0million, all payable within 12 months. \nOther\n \nOur consolidated balance sheet as April\u00a029, 2023 reflected a $1.1 million net liability for uncertain income tax positions. We do not expect that the net liability for uncertain income tax positions will significantly change within the next 12\u00a0months. The remaining balance will be settled or released as tax audits are effectively settled, statutes of limitation expire, or other new information becomes available.\nWe do not expect our continuing compliance with existing federal, state and local statutes dealing with protection of the environment to have a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, competitive position or liquidity.\nCritical Accounting Estimates\nWe prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (\"US GAAP\"). In some cases, these principles require management to make difficult and subjective judgments regarding uncertainties and, as a result, such estimates and assumptions may significantly impact our financial results and disclosures. We base our estimates on currently known facts and circumstances, prior experience and other assumptions we believe to be reasonable. We use our best judgment in valuing these estimates and may, as warranted, use external advice. Actual results could differ from these estimates, assumptions, and judgments and these differences could be significant. We make frequent comparisons throughout the year of actual experience to our assumptions to reduce the likelihood of significant adjustments. We record adjustments when differences are known. We consider the following accounting estimates to be critical as they require us to make assumptions that are uncertain at the time the estimate was made and changes to the estimate would have a material impact on our financial statements. \n29\nTable of Contents\nIndefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill\nIndefinite-lived intangible assets include our American Drew trade name and the reacquired right to own and operate La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores we have acquired. Prior to our retail acquisitions, we licensed the exclusive right to own and operate La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores (and to use the associated trademarks and trade name) in those markets to the dealers whose assets we acquired, and we reacquired these rights when we purchased the dealers' other assets. The reacquired right to own and operate La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores are indefinite-lived because our retailer agreements are perpetual agreements that have no specific expiration date and no renewal options. A retailer agreement remains in effect as long as the independent retailer is not in default under the terms of the agreement.\nOur goodwill relates to the acquisitions of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries\n\u00ae\n stores, the La-Z-Boy wholesale business in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the La-Z-Boy manufacturing business in the United Kingdom, and Joybird\n\u00ae\n, an e-commerce retailer and manufacturer of upholstered furniture. The reporting unit for goodwill arising from retail store acquisitions is our Retail operating segment. Goodwill arising from the acquisition of\n our wholesale business in the United Kingdom and Ireland along with goodwill arising from the acquisition of our\n manufacturing business in the United Kingdom are combined into the United Kingdom reporting. The reporting unit for goodwill arising from the acquisition of Joybird is the Joybird operating segment.\nWe test indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors in order to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of our intangible assets or reporting units are greater than their carrying value. If the qualitative assessment leads to a determination that the intangible asset/reporting unit\u2019s fair value may be less than its carrying value, or if we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment altogether, we are required to perform a quantitative impairment test by calculating the fair value of the intangible asset/reporting unit and comparing the fair value with its associated carrying value. When we perform the quantitative test for indefinite-lived intangible assets, we establish the fair value of our indefinite-lived trade names and reacquired rights based upon the relief from royalty method, which requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions including forecasted sales growth and royalty rates. When we perform the quantitative test for goodwill, we establish the fair value for the reporting unit based on the income approach, in which we utilize a discounted cash flow model, the market approach, in which we utilize market multiples of comparable companies, or a combination of both approaches. The income approach requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions including forecasted sales growth, operating income projections, and discount rates and changes in these assumptions may materially impact our fair value assessment. Refer to Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for further information regarding our fiscal 2023 impairment testing.\nProduct Warranties\nWe account for product warranties by accruing an estimated liability when we recognize revenue on the sale of warrantied product. We estimate future warranty claims on product sales based on claim experience and periodically make adjustments to reflect changes in actual experience. We incorporate repair costs in our liability estimates, including materials, labor, and overhead amounts necessary to perform repairs, and any costs associated with delivering repaired product to our customers and consumers. We use considerable judgment in making our estimates and record differences between our estimated and actual costs when the differences are known.\nStock-Based Compensation\nWe measure stock-based compensation cost for equity-based awards on the grant date based on the awards' fair value and recognize expense over the vesting period. We measure stock-based compensation cost for liability-based awards on the grant date based on the awards' fair value and recognize expense over the vesting period. We remeasure the liability for these awards and adjust their fair value at the end of each reporting period until paid. We recognize compensation cost for stock-based awards that vest based on performance conditions ratably over the vesting periods when the vesting of such awards becomes probable. Determining the probability of award vesting requires judgment, including assumptions about future operating performance. While the assumptions we use to calculate and account for stock-based compensation awards represent management's best estimates, these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of our management's best judgment. As a result, if we revise our assumptions and estimates, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.\nWe estimate the fair value of each option grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We estimate expected volatility based on the historic volatility of our common shares. We estimate the average expected life using the contractual term of the stock option and expected employee exercise and post-vesting employment termination trends. We base the risk-free rate on \n30\nTable of Contents\nU.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant. We have elected to recognize forfeitures as an adjustment to compensation expense in the same period as the forfeitures occur. \nWe estimate the fair value of each performance award grant that vests based on a market condition using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The Monte Carlo model incorporates more complex variables than closed-form models such as the Black-Scholes option valuation model used for option grants. The Monte Carlo valuation model simulates a distribution of stock prices to yield an expected distribution of stock prices over the remaining performance period. The stock-paths are simulated using volatilities calculated with historical information using data from a look-back period that is equal to the vesting period. The model assumes a zero-coupon, risk-free interest rate with a term equal to the vesting period. The simulations are repeated many times and the mean of the discounted values is calculated as the grant date fair value for the award. The final payout of the award as calculated by the model is then discounted back to the grant date using the risk-free interest rate.\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\nRefer to Note\u00a01, Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently adopted accounting standards and other new accounting standards.",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.\nWhile we had no variable rate borrowings at April\u00a029, 2023, we could be exposed to market risk from changes in risk-free interest rates if we incur variable rate debt in the future. Based on our current and expected levels of exposed liabilities, management estimates that a one percentage point change in interest rates would not have had a material impact on our results of operations for fiscal 2023.\nWe are exposed to market risk from changes in the value of foreign currencies primarily related to our manufacturing facilities in Mexico, our wholesale and retail businesses in Canada, our wholesale and manufacturing businesses in the United Kingdom, and our majority-owned joint ventures in Thailand. In Mexico, we pay wages and other local expenses in Mexican Pesos. In our Canadian wholesale business, we pay wages and other local expenses in Canadian Dollars. We recognize sales and pay wages and other local expenses related to our wholesale and manufacturing businesses in the United Kingdom in Great British Pounds, and our Canadian retail business in Canadian Dollars. In Thailand, we pay wages and other local expenses in the Thai Baht. Nonetheless, gains and losses resulting from market changes in the value of foreign currencies have not had and are not currently expected to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations. A decrease in the value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. Dollar could impact the profitability of some of our vendors and translate into higher prices from our suppliers, but we believe that, in that event, our competitors would experience a similar impact.\nWe are exposed to market risk with respect to commodity and transportation costs, principally related to commodities we use in producing our products, including steel, wood and polyurethane foam, in addition to transportation costs for delivering our products. As commodity prices and transportation costs rise, we determine whether a price increase to our customers to offset these costs is warranted. To the extent that an increase in these costs would have a material impact on our results of operations, we believe that our competitors would experience a similar impact.\nWe are exposed to market risk with respect to duties and tariffs assessed on raw materials, component parts, and finished goods we import into countries where we operate. Additionally, we are exposed to duties and tariffs on our finished goods that we export from our assembly plants to other countries. As these tariffs and duties increase, we determine whether a price increase to our customers to offset these costs is warranted. To the extent that an increase in these costs would have a material impact on our results of operations, we believe that our competitors would experience a similar impact. Conversely, if certain tariffs are eliminated or reduced, we may face additional competition from foreign manufacturers entering the United States market and from domestic retailers who rely on imported goods, which could put pressure on our prices and may adversely impact our result of operations.\n31\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "57131",
+ "cusip6": "505336",
+ "cusip": ["505336957", "505336107", "505336907"],
+ "names": ["LA Z BOY INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/57131/000005713123000032/0000057131-23-000032-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000057515-23-000017.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000057515-23-000017.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..d7f9d6dbb4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000057515-23-000017.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item\u00a01. \nBusiness\nGENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS\nCompany Overview\nLancaster Colony Corporation, an Ohio corporation, is a manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for the retail and foodservice channels. Our principal executive offices are located at 380 Polaris Parkway, Suite 400, Westerville, Ohio 43082 and our telephone number is 614-224-7141.\nOur vision is to be \nThe Better Food Company\n \u2013 better people, driven by purpose, making better food, in a better more collaborative culture, working in unison to make the world around us a little bit better place, every day \u2013 while fulfilling our corporate purpose \nTo Nourish Growth With All That We Do\n.\nOur company goals are to bring delicious food to the table and to deliver top quartile financial performance and top quartile product quality, safety and customer satisfaction while attracting, retaining and rewarding top quartile people. To achieve these goals, we are focused on the three pillars of our strategic growth plan:\n1.\nAccelerate our base business growth;\n2.\nSimplify our supply chain to reduce our costs and grow our margins; and\n3.\nExpand our core business with our Retail licensing program and complementary mergers and acquisitions\n.\nAs used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and except as the context otherwise may require, the terms \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d \u201cregistrant,\u201d or \u201cthe Company\u201d mean Lancaster Colony Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where it is clear that the term only means the parent company. Unless otherwise noted, references to \u201cyear\u201d pertain to our fiscal year which ends on June\u00a030; for example, 2023 refers to fiscal 2023, which is the period from July\u00a01, 2022 to June\u00a030, 2023.\nAvailable Information\nOur Internet website address is https://www.lancastercolony.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section\u00a013(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the \u201cSEC\u201d). The information contained on our website or connected to it is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nThe SEC also maintains a website, https://www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.\nDESCRIPTION OF AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT BUSINESS SEGMENTS\nOur financial results are presented as two reportable segments: Retail and Foodservice. Costs that are directly attributable to either Retail or Foodservice are charged directly to the appropriate segment. Costs that are deemed to be indirect, excluding corporate expenses and other unusual significant transactions, are allocated to the two reportable segments using a reasonable methodology that is consistently applied. The financial information relating to our business segments for the three years ended June\u00a030, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is included in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, and located in Part II, Item\u00a08 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Further description of each business segment within which we operate is provided below.\nRetail Segment\nThe following table presents the primary Retail products we manufacture and sell under our brand names:\nProducts\nBrand Names\nFrozen Breads\nFrozen garlic breads\nNew York \nBRAND\n Bakery\nFrozen Parkerhouse style yeast rolls and dinner rolls\nSister Schubert\u2019s\nRefrigerated Dressings and Dips\nSalad dressings\nMarzetti, Marzetti Simply\nVegetable dips and fruit dips\nMarzetti\nShelf-Stable Dressings and Croutons\nSalad dressings\nMarzetti, Cardini\u2019s, Girard\u2019s\nCroutons and salad toppings\nNew York \nBRAND\n Bakery, Chatham Village, Marzetti\n3\nTable of Contents\nWe also manufacture and sell other products pursuant to brand license agreements, including Chick-fil-A\n\u00ae\n sauces and dressings, Olive Garden\n\u00ae\n dressings and Buffalo Wild Wings\n\u00ae\n sauces. Additionally, a small portion of our Retail sales are products sold under private label to retailers.\nThe vast majority of the products we sell in the Retail segment are sold through sales personnel, food brokers and distributors in the United States. We have placement of products in grocery produce departments through our refrigerated salad dressings, vegetable dips and fruit dips. We also have products typically marketed in the shelf-stable section of the grocery store, which include salad dressings, slaw dressing, sauces and croutons. Within the frozen food section of the grocery store, we sell yeast rolls and garlic breads.\nOur top five Retail customers accounted for 59%, 57% and 55% of this segment\u2019s total net sales in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nWe continue to rely upon our strong retail brands, innovation expertise, geographic and channel expansion and customer relationships for future growth. Our category-leading retail brands and commitment to new product development help drive increased consumer demand in our Retail segment. We have also expanded Retail segment growth by leveraging our strong Foodservice customer relationships to establish exclusive licensing agreements for the retail channel. Strategic acquisitions are also part of our future growth plans, with a focus on fit and value.\nOur quarterly Retail sales are affected by seasonal fluctuations, primarily in the fiscal second quarter and the Easter holiday season when sales of certain frozen retail products tend to be most pronounced. Our quarterly Retail sales can also be affected by the timing of seasonal shipments of certain fruit dips between the first and second quarters. The resulting impacts on working capital are not significant. We do not utilize any franchises or concessions. In addition to the owned and licensed trademarked brands discussed above, we also own and operate under innumerable other intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, formulas, proprietary trade secrets, technologies, know-how processes and other unregistered rights. We consider our owned and licensed intellectual property rights to be essential to our Retail business.\nFoodservice Segment\nThe majority of our Foodservice sales are products sold under private label to restaurants. We also manufacture and sell various branded Foodservice products to distributors.\nThe following table presents the primary Foodservice products we manufacture and sell under our brand names:\nProducts\nBrand Names\nDressings and Sauces\nSalad dressings\nMarzetti\nFrozen Breads and Other\nFrozen garlic breads\nNew York \nBRAND\n Bakery\nFrozen Parkerhouse style yeast rolls and dinner rolls\nSister Schubert\u2019s\nFrozen pasta\nMarzetti Frozen Pasta\nThe vast majority of the products we sell in the Foodservice segment are sold through sales personnel, food brokers and distributors in the United States. Most of the products we sell in the Foodservice segment are custom-formulated and include salad dressings, sandwich and dipping sauces, frozen breads and yeast rolls.\nOur top five Foodservice direct customers accounted for 58%, 58% and 61% of this segment\u2019s total net sales in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Within our Foodservice segment, typically our largest direct customers are distributors that distribute our products primarily to foodservice national chain restaurant accounts.\nIn the Foodservice segment, sales growth results from general volume gains or geographic expansion of our established customer base, and we also grow our business with existing and new customers by leveraging our culinary skills and experience to support the development of new products and menu offerings. Strategic acquisitions are also part of our future growth plans, with a focus on fit and value.\nThe operations of this segment are not affected to any material extent by seasonal fluctuations. We do not utilize any franchises or concessions. We own and operate under innumerable intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, formulas, proprietary trade secrets, technologies, know-how processes and other unregistered rights. We consider our owned intellectual property rights to be essential to our Foodservice business.\n4\nTable of Contents\nNET SALES ATTRIBUTED TO SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS\nNet sales attributed to Walmart Inc. (\u201cWalmart\u201d) totaled 18% of consolidated net sales for 2023, 2022 and 2021. Net sales attributed to McLane Company, Inc. (\u201cMcLane\u201d), a wholesale distribution subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., totaled 11%, 11% and 13% of consolidated net sales for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. McLane is a large, national distributor that sells and distributes our products to several of our foodservice national chain restaurant accounts, principally in the quick service, fast casual and casual dining channels. In general, these national chain restaurants have direct relationships with us for culinary research and development, menu development and production needs, but choose to buy our products through McLane, who acts as their distributor. McLane orders our products on behalf of these national chain restaurants, and we invoice McLane for these sales.\nOur relationship with Chick-fil-A, Inc. (\u201cChick-fil-A\u201d), one of our national chain restaurant accounts, also represents a significant portion of our consolidated net sales. In Foodservice, we primarily supply Chick-fil-A indirectly through distributors, including McLane. A portion of our Foodservice sales represent direct sales to Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A is also a significant contributor to our Retail sales as we sell their sauce and dressing products into the retail channel through an exclusive license agreement. Total net sales attributed to Chick-fil-A, including the Retail sales resulting from the exclusive license agreement and the Foodservice sales, totaled 26%, 24% and 21% of consolidated net sales for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nNET SALES BY CLASS OF PRODUCTS\nThe following table sets forth business segment information with respect to the percentage of net sales contributed by our primary classes of similar products:\n2023\n2022\n2021\nRetail Segment:\nShelf-stable dressings, sauces and croutons\n23%\n22%\n21%\nFrozen breads\n19%\n20%\n21%\nRefrigerated dressings, dips and other\n11%\n13%\n15%\nFoodservice Segment:\nDressings and sauces\n35%\n34%\n32%\nFrozen breads and other\n12%\n11%\n11%\nMANUFACTURING\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the majority of our products were manufactured and packaged at our 15 food plants located throughout the United States. Most of these plants produce products for both the Retail and Foodservice segments. Efficient and cost-effective production remains a key focus as evidenced by our lean six sigma initiative. Certain items are also manufactured and packaged by third parties located in the United States, Canada and Europe.\nCOMPETITION\nAll of the markets in which we sell food products are highly competitive in the areas of price, quality and customer service. We face competition from a number of manufacturers of various sizes and capabilities. Our ability to compete depends upon a variety of factors, including the position of our branded goods within various categories, product quality, product innovation, promotional and marketing activity, pricing and our ability to service customers.\nGOVERNMENT REGULATION\nOur business operations are subject to regulation by various federal, state and local government entities and agencies. As a producer of food products for human consumption, our operations are subject to stringent production, packaging, quality, labeling and distribution standards, including regulations promulgated under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Food Safety Modernization Act. We are also subject to various federal, state and local environmental protection laws. Based upon available information, compliance with these laws and regulations did not have a material effect upon the level of capital expenditures, earnings or our competitive position in 2023 and is not expected to have a material impact in 2024.\nHUMAN CAPITAL\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we had 3,400 employees. Of those employees, 23% are represented under various collective bargaining contracts and 6% are represented under a collective bargaining contract that will expire within one year.\n5\nTable of Contents\nOur people are essential to our vision to be \nThe Better Food Company \n\u2014 better people, driven by purpose, making better food, in a better more collaborative culture, working in unison to make the world around us a little bit better place, every day. The honesty, integrity and sound judgment of our people in following our Code of Business Ethics are what enable us to be successful and live our company\u2019s purpose \nTo Nourish Growth With All That We Do\n.\nConsistent with this purpose, our human capital management strategy emphasizes six key areas of focus: Health and Safety; Talent Acquisition; Total Rewards; Employee Engagement; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (\u201cDEI\u201d); and Community Engagement. Our Board of Directors oversees this strategy and dedicates one Board meeting each year to a full review of talent.\nHealth and Safety\nThe health and well-being of our employees is paramount to the success of our business, and we are proud to be leaders in our industry with respect to our safety record and safety initiatives. Our approach to occupational health and safety centers around three elements: training, response, and tracking. We maintain a rigorous safety training program that ensures employees throughout the organization are regularly trained in every aspect of workplace safety. Management personnel with direct responsibility for safety oversight also receive comprehensive professional training and the opportunity for certification.\nTalent Acquisition\nWe strive to attract and retain talented people by providing a great place to work. We have built a collaborative and purpose-driven culture that attracts people who share our vision to be \nThe Better Food Company\n. In addition, we are committed to nourishing the growth of our employees by providing training and development opportunities to pursue their career paths and to ensure compliance with our policies.\nTotal Rewards\nWe offer our employees competitive fixed and/or variable pay along with a Total Rewards package which typically includes medical, prescription, dental, vision and life insurance benefits, paid parental leave, adoption assistance, disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, and various employee assistance programs. We have undertaken external benchmarking to ensure our compensation and benefits offerings remain competitive.\nWe continue to work to expand our Total Rewards program to strengthen our focus on work/life effectiveness and holistic well-being, which includes physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being. We genuinely want to help our people to thrive both personally and professionally and have cultivated a high-performing workplace built on trust, accountability and growth.\nEmployee Engagement\nTo keep our employees engaged and fulfilled in their roles, we have sought to establish a continuous feedback loop between our employees and company leadership. We communicate consistently with our people via a range of channels, including town hall meetings, regular updates, and key announcements. Each year, we invite our employees to respond to our annual employee engagement survey and share their views on a range of workplace questions. Based on feedback from the survey, management develops and implements plans to address the primary areas of opportunity that have been identified by employees.\nDiversity, Equity and Inclusion\nWe foster a collaborative working environment where all our employees can thrive and feel they belong. We believe our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging enhances our ability to attract and retain a high-performing and diverse team. We monitor the diversity of our organization to identify areas of improvement, advance our DEI strategy and measure the effectiveness of our efforts. Our goal is to establish a continuous improvement trend. In 2023, our workforce was 36% female and 44% of our employees represented minority races or ethnicities.\nIn 2020, we adopted our Diversity Hiring Statement, which sets out our pledge to include women and minorities in the pool of candidates for new leadership positions. We have already seen a positive impact with the percentage of women at levels of Vice President and above increasing by 58% from January 2020 to January 2023 and the percentages of non-white representation for positions of director and above nearly doubling in the same period.\nTo unlock opportunities for high school students from diverse backgrounds, we have committed to a work-study program that provides tuition support and work-study mentorship to high school students from low-income families.\nWe also encourage employee-led initiatives to promote diversity within the organization. Several employee resource groups (\u201cERGs\u201d) have been established in the last few years. These affinity-based groups provide a support network for colleagues from diverse backgrounds and help to raise awareness of DEI topics. Each of our ERGs is sponsored by a member of our leadership team to ensure top-down accountability for our DEI initiatives.\n6\nTable of Contents\nCommunity Engagement\nOur volunteering and philanthropic efforts align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reducing poverty and food insecurity while promoting good health and quality education for all. In 2023, our teams mobilized to support Pelotonia, Toys for Tots, and the United Way. We regularly donate funds and volunteer time to a range of other community organizations and foundations as well, including the Children\u2019s Hunger Alliance, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Jobs for America\u2019s Graduates, and local food banks.\nRAW MATERIALS\nDuring 2023, we obtained adequate supplies of raw materials and packaging. We rely on a variety of raw materials and packaging for the day-to-day production of our products, including soybean oil, various sweeteners, eggs, dairy-related products, flour, various films and plastic and paper packaging materials.\nWe purchase the majority of these materials on the open market to meet current requirements, but we also have some fixed-price contracts with terms generally one year or less. See further discussion in the \u201cRisk Factors\u201d section below and the \u201cFinancial Condition\u201d section of our Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (\u201cMD&A\u201d). Although the availability and price of certain of these materials are influenced by weather, disease and the level of global demand, we anticipate that future sources of supply for 2024 will generally be available and adequate for our needs.",
+ "item1a": ">Item\u00a01A. \nRisk Factors\nAn investment in our common stock is subject to certain risks inherent in our business. Before making an investment decision, investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nIf any of the following risks occur, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. These described risks are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. If any of these risks were to materialize, the value of our common stock could decline significantly.\nRISKS RELATED TO HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY\nWe may be subject to business disruptions, product recalls or other claims for real or perceived safety issues regarding our food products.\nWe have been, and in the future may be, impacted by both real and unfounded claims regarding the safety of our operations, or concerns regarding mislabeled, adulterated, contaminated or spoiled food products. Any of these circumstances could necessitate a voluntary or mandatory recall due to a substantial product hazard, a need to change a product\u2019s labeling or other consumer safety concerns. A pervasive product recall may result in significant loss due to the costs of a recall, related legal claims, including claims arising from bodily injury or illness caused by our products, the destruction of product inventory, or lost sales due to product unavailability. A highly publicized product recall, whether involving us or any related products made by third parties, also could result in a loss of customers or an unfavorable change in consumer sentiment regarding our products or any category in which we operate. In addition, an allegation of noncompliance with federal or state food laws and regulations could force us to cease production, stop selling our products or create significant adverse publicity that could harm our credibility and decrease market acceptance of our products. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Any potential claim under our insurance policies may exceed our insurance coverage, may be subject to certain exceptions or may not be honored fully, in a timely manner, or at all.\nWe may be subject to a loss of sales or increased costs due to adverse publicity or consumer concern regarding the safety, quality or healthfulness of food products, whether with our products, competing products or other related food products.\nWe are highly dependent upon consumers\u2019 perception of the safety, quality and possible dietary attributes of our products. As a result, substantial negative publicity concerning one or more of our products, or other foods similar to or in the same food group as our products, could lead to lower demand for our products and/or reduced prices and lost sales. Substantial negative publicity, even when false or unfounded, could also hurt the image of our brands or cause consumers to choose other products or avoid categories in which we operate. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nCertain negative publicity regarding the food industry or our products could also increase our cost of operations. The food industry has been subject to negative publicity concerning the health implications of genetically modified organisms, added sugars, trans fat, salt, artificial growth hormones, ingredients sourced from foreign suppliers and other supply chain concerns. Consumers may increasingly require that our products and processes meet stricter standards than are required by applicable \n7\nTable of Contents\ngovernmental agencies, thereby increasing the cost of manufacturing our products. If we fail to adequately respond to any such consumer concerns, we could suffer lost sales and damage our brand image or our reputation. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nRISKS RELATED TO OUR OPERATIONS\nIncreases in the costs, or limitations in the availability, of raw materials, packaging and freight used to produce, package and deliver our products due to inflation, geopolitical events or otherwise could adversely affect our business by increasing our costs to produce goods.\nOur principal raw materials include soybean oil, packaging materials, flour, various sweeteners, dairy-related products and eggs. Our ability to manufacture and/or sell our products may be impaired by damage or disruption to our manufacturing or distribution capabilities, or to the capabilities of our suppliers or contract manufacturers, due to factors that are hard to predict or beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, fire, terrorism, pandemics or similar public health emergencies, strikes, geopolitical events such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, or other events.\nProduction of the agricultural commodities used in our business may also be adversely affected by drought, water scarcity, temperature extremes, scarcity of suitable agricultural land, worldwide demand, changes in international trade arrangements, livestock disease (for example, avian influenza), crop disease and/or crop pests.\nWe purchase a majority of our key raw materials on the open market. Our ability to avoid the adverse effects of a pronounced, sustained price increase in our raw materials is limited. We have observed increased volatility in the costs of many of these raw materials in recent years. During fiscal 2023, we faced continued industry-wide inflation for various inputs, including commodities, ingredients, packaging materials, transportation and labor. Similarly, fluctuating petroleum prices and transportation capacity have, from time to time, impacted our costs of resin-based packaging and our costs of inbound freight on all purchased materials.\nWe try to limit our exposure to price fluctuations for raw materials by periodically entering into longer-term, fixed-price contracts for certain raw materials, but we cannot ensure success in limiting our exposure. During fiscal 2022, the overall global economy experienced significant inflation in packaging materials, fuel, energy, and commodities. Inflation has and may continue to adversely affect us by increasing our costs of raw materials, packaging and freight, as well as wage and benefit costs. Any substantial change in the prices or availability of raw materials may have an adverse impact on our profitability. For example, in recent periods we have seen significant commodity inflation in soybean oil, which has impacted both of our segments because of the significant number of our products that include soybean oil. Furthermore, consumer spending patterns, which may be difficult to predict in an inflationary environment, may adversely affect demand for our products. During challenging economic times, consumers may be less willing or able to pay a price premium for our branded products and may shift purchases to lower-priced offerings, making it more difficult for us to maintain prices and/or effectively implement price increases.\nIn addition, our retail partners and retail distributors may pressure us to rescind price increases we have announced or already implemented, whether through a change in list price or increased trade and promotional activity. We may experience further increases in the costs of raw materials and our ability to maintain prices or effectively implement price increases, including our price increases effective in fiscal 2023, may be affected by several factors, including competition, effectiveness of our marketing programs, the continuing strength of our brands, market demand and general economic conditions, including broader inflationary pressures. If we cannot maintain or increase prices for our products or must increase trade and promotional activity, our margins may be adversely affected. Furthermore, price increases generally result in volume losses, as consumers tend to purchase fewer units at higher price points. If such losses are greater than expected or if we lose distribution due to price increases, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.\nThe Russia-Ukraine conflict is fast-moving and uncertain. Global grain markets have exhibited increased volatility as sanctions have been imposed on Russia by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and others in response to Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine. While we do not expect our operations to be directly impacted by the conflict at this time, changes in global grain and commodity flows could impact the markets in which we operate, which may in turn negatively impact our business, results of operations, supply chain and financial condition.\nA disruption of production at certain manufacturing facilities could result in an inability to meet customer demand for certain of our products, which could also negatively impact our ability to maintain adequate levels of product placement with our customers on a long-term basis.\nBecause we source certain products from single manufacturing sites and use third-party manufacturers for portions of our production needs for certain products, it is possible that we could experience a production disruption that results in a reduction or elimination of the availability of some of our products. If we are not able to obtain alternate production capability in a timely \n8\nTable of Contents\nmanner, or on favorable terms, it could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, including the potential for long-term loss of product placement with various customers.\nWe are also subject to risks of other business disruptions associated with our dependence on production facilities, distribution systems and third party staffing agencies. For example, we rely on third party temporary staffing agencies to support certain of our production operations. If, for any reason, we are unable to source sufficient resources from these staffing agencies to support our production expectations, it could result in an inability to meet consumer demand for certain of our products and have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, pandemics and similar public health emergencies, natural disasters, terrorist activity, cyber attacks, geopolitical events or other unforeseen events could interrupt production or distribution and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, including the potential for long-term loss of product placement with our customers.\nLabor shortages, increased labor costs, and increased labor turnover could adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.\nWe have recently experienced labor shortages, increased labor costs and increased employee turnover, which were due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related policies and mandates and exacerbated by inflationary costs. In this increasingly tight and competitive labor market, a sustained labor shortage or increased turnover rates within our workforce, or the workforce of any of our significant vendors, suppliers and other parties with which we do business, could lead to production or shipping delays and increased costs, including increased wages to attract and retain employees and increased overtime to meet demand. In addition, our ability to recruit and retain a highly skilled and diverse workforce at our corporate offices, manufacturing facilities and other work locations could be adversely impacted if we fail to respond adequately to rapidly changing employee expectations regarding fair compensation, an inclusive and diverse workplace, flexible working arrangements or other matters. These factors could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nThe availability and cost of transportation for our products is vital to our success, and the loss of availability or increase in the cost of transportation could have an unfavorable impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nOur ability to obtain adequate and reasonably priced methods of transportation to distribute our products, including refrigerated trailers for many of our products, is a key factor to our success. Delays in transportation, including weather-related delays and disruptions due to a pandemic or similar public health emergency, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Further, higher fuel costs and increased line haul costs due to industry capacity constraints, customer delivery requirements and a more restrictive regulatory environment could negatively impact our financial results. We are often required to pay fuel surcharges that fluctuate with the price of diesel fuel to third-party transporters of our products, and, during periods of fast-rising fuel prices, such surcharges can be substantial. If we were unable to pass higher freight costs to our customers in the form of price increases, those higher costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nIncreases in energy-related costs could negatively affect our business by increasing our costs to produce goods.\nWe are subject to volatility in energy-related costs that affect the cost of producing and distributing our products, including our petroleum-derived packaging materials. For example, the conflict in the Ukraine has resulted in and may continue to cause market disruptions, including significant volatility in the price and availability of energy. Furthermore, any sudden and dramatic increases in electricity or natural gas costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nWe limit our exposure to price fluctuations in energy-related costs by periodically entering into longer-term, fixed-price contracts for natural gas and electricity supply for some of our manufacturing facilities. However, due to the inherent variability of contractual terms and end dates, in addition to the extent to which the energy markets in which we operate have been deregulated to allow for contracted supply, we will retain some level of exposure to future price fluctuations for our energy-related costs.\nEpidemics, pandemics or similar widespread public health emergencies and disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, have disrupted and may cause future disruptions to consumption, supply chains, management, operations and production processes, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nEpidemics, pandemics or similar widespread public health emergencies and disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, as well as related government mandates, including the avoidance of gatherings, self-quarantine and the closure of a variety of businesses and restaurants, have negatively affected and may in the future negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. For example, the negative impacts of COVID-19 on our Company included higher hourly \n9\nTable of Contents\nwage rates paid to our front-line employees, increased costs for personal protective equipment, higher expenditures attributed to incremental co-manufacturing volumes, increased complexity and uncertainty in production planning and forecasting, and overall lower levels of efficiency in our production and distribution network. In addition, the impacts of a widespread public health emergency may include, but are not limited to, a shift in demand between our Retail and Foodservice segments or a significant reduction in overall demand resulting from forced or temporary curtailment of business operations; a disruption or shutdown of one or more of our manufacturing, warehousing or distribution facilities; failure of third parties on which we rely to meet their obligations to us; disruption to or loss of essential manufacturing and supply elements; and incurrence of additional labor, operating, and administrative costs, including insurance costs.\nDespite our efforts to manage and remedy these impacts, their ultimate significance depends on factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of any such outbreak as well as third-party actions taken to contain the spread and mitigate public health effects. As a result, such public health emergencies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nCyber attacks, data breaches or other breaches of our information security systems have had, and in the future could have, an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nCyber attacks, data breaches or other breaches of our information security systems, as well as those of our third-party service providers, including cloud service providers, and other third parties with which we do business, may cause equipment failures or disruptions to our operations. Our inability to operate our networks and information security systems as a result of such events, even for a limited period of time, may result in significant expenses. Cyber attacks on businesses, which include the use of malware, ransomware, computer viruses and other means for disruption or unauthorized access, have increased in frequency, scope and potential harm in recent years and may remain undetected for an extended period. Additionally, as a result of state-sponsored cyber threats, including those stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war, we may face increased risks as companies based in the United States and its allied countries have become targets of malicious cyber activity.\nHardware, software or applications we utilize on our networks and work-issued devices may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security, potentially resulting in the unauthorized disclosure and misappropriation of sensitive data, including intellectual property, proprietary business information, and personal data. Furthermore, our increased use of mobile and cloud technologies, including as a result of our transition to our current enterprise resource planning system, has heightened these cybersecurity and privacy risks. In addition, techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to information or to sabotage information technology systems change frequently. Like most businesses, we have seen, and will likely continue to see, vulnerabilities which could affect our systems or those of our third-party service providers or other third parties with which we do business.\nWhile we have been subject to cyber attacks, none of these events has been material to our operations or financial condition. Our efforts to protect the security of our information relative to our perceived risks may be insufficient to defend against a significant cyber attack in the future. The costs associated with a significant cyber attack could include increased expenditures on cyber security measures, lost revenues from business interruption, litigation, regulatory fines and penalties and substantial damage to our reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nThe cost and efforts expended in our attempts to prevent cyber security attacks and data breaches may continue to be significant, and our efforts to prevent these attacks may not be successful. New data security laws and regulations are being implemented rapidly, are evolving, and may not be compatible with our current processes. Changing our processes could be time consuming and expensive. Further, we may not be able to timely implement required changes, and failure to do so could subject us to liability for non-compliance. If we fail to prevent the theft of valuable information such as financial data, sensitive information about our Company and intellectual property, or if we fail to protect the privacy of customers\u2019, consumers\u2019 or employees\u2019 confidential data against breaches of network or information technology security, it could result in substantial damage to our reputation and an impairment of business partner confidences and brand image, which could adversely impact our employee, customer and investor relations. Further, any potential claim under our insurance policies relating to cyber events may be subject to certain exceptions or may not be honored fully, in a timely manner, or at all. We may not have purchased sufficient insurance to cover all material costs and losses, and in the future, we may not be able to obtain adequate liability insurance on commercially desirable or reasonable terms or at all. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nOur inability to successfully renegotiate collective bargaining contracts and any prolonged work stoppages could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nWe believe that our labor relations with employees under collective bargaining contracts are satisfactory, but our inability to negotiate the renewal of any collective bargaining agreements, including the agreement at our Bedford Heights, Ohio facility, which is currently scheduled to expire in April 2024, or any prolonged work stoppages or other types of labor unrest could in some cases impair our ability to supply our products to customers, which could result in reduced sales and may distract our \n10\nTable of Contents\nmanagement from focusing on other aspects of our business and strategic priorities. Any of these activities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nThe loss of the services of one or more members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nOur operations and prospects depend in large part on the performance of our senior management team, several of which are long-serving employees with significant knowledge of our business model and operations. Should we not be able to find qualified replacements or successors for any of these individuals if their services were no longer available due to retirement, resignation or otherwise, our ability to manage our operations or successfully execute our business strategy may be materially and adversely affected.\nManufacturing capacity constraints may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nOur current manufacturing resources may be inadequate to meet significantly increased demand for some of our food products. Our ability to increase our manufacturing capacity to satisfy demand depends on many factors, including the availability of capital, construction lead-times and delays, equipment availability and delivery lead-times, successful installation and start up, the availability of adequate skilled and unskilled labor, regulatory permitting and other regulatory requirements. Increasing capacity through the use of third-party manufacturers depends on our ability to develop and maintain such relationships and the ability of such third parties to devote additional capacity to fill our orders.\nA lack of sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet demand could cause our customer service levels to decrease, which may negatively affect customer demand for our products and customer relations generally, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, operating facilities at or near capacity may also increase production and distribution costs and negatively affect relations with our employees or contractors, which could result in disruptions in our operations.\nWe may require significant capital expenditures to maintain, improve or replace aging infrastructure and facilities, which could adversely affect our cash flows.\nSome of our infrastructure and facilities have been in service for many years, which may result in a higher level of future maintenance costs and unscheduled repairs. Further, a portion of our infrastructure and facilities may need to be improved or replaced to maintain or increase operational efficiency, sustain production capacity, or meet changing regulatory requirements. A significant increase in maintenance costs and capital expenditures could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, a failure to operate our facilities optimally could result in declining customer service capabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nWe may not be able to successfully consummate proposed acquisitions or divestitures, and integrating acquired businesses may present financial, managerial and operational challenges.\nWe continually evaluate the acquisition of other businesses that would strategically fit within our operations. If we are unable to consummate, successfully integrate and grow these acquisitions or realize contemplated revenue growth, synergies and cost savings, our financial results could be adversely affected. In addition, we may, from time to time, divest or seek to divest businesses, product lines or other operations that are less of a strategic fit within our portfolio or do not meet our growth or profitability targets, particularly as customer demands evolve in the face of inflationary and other broader market factors. We may not be able to consummate any such divestitures on favorable terms or at all, in which case we may determine to exit the business, product line or other operations. As a result, our profitability may be adversely affected by losses on the sales of divested assets or lost operating income or cash flows from those businesses. We may also incur asset impairment or restructuring charges related to acquired or divested assets, which may reduce our profitability and cash flows.\nThese potential acquisitions or divestitures present financial, managerial and operational challenges, including diversion of management attention from ongoing businesses, difficulty with integrating or separating personnel and financial and other systems, increased expenses, assumption of unknown liabilities, indemnities and potential disputes with the buyers or sellers.\nClimate change, including drought, and increasingly stringent legal and market measures to address climate change may present challenges to our business and adversely affect our business, reputation, operations and supply chain.\nThe effects of climate change expose us to physical, financial and operational risks, both directly and indirectly. Climate change may have a negative effect on agricultural productivity and subject us to decreased availability or less favorable pricing for certain raw materials that are necessary for our products, including, but not limited to, soybean oil, corn and corn syrup, sugar, and wheat (including durum wheat). In addition, we may be subject to decreased availability or less favorable pricing of soybean oil as a result of increased demand for soybean oil in the production of alternative fuels, such as biodiesel.\n11\nTable of Contents\nIncreases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters, such as drought, have in the past and may in the future result in material damage and disruptions to our manufacturing operations and distribution channels or our third-party manufacturers\u2019 operations, particularly where a product is primarily sourced from a single location impacted by a climate event. This may require us to make additional unplanned capital expenditures, increase the prices of our raw materials due to sourcing from other locations, increase our cost of transporting and storing raw materials, or disrupt our production schedules.\nAlso, drought or other climate events may cause unpredictable water availability or exacerbate water scarcity. Water is critical to our business, including the operations of the suppliers on whom we depend, and the lack of available water of acceptable quality may lead to, among other things, adverse effects on our operations.\nThe increasing concern over climate change and related environmental sustainability matters also has and is likely to continue to result in more federal, state, and local legal and regulatory requirements, including requirements affecting key energy inputs in the manufacturing and distribution of our products, such as natural gas, diesel fuel, and electricity. These laws and regulations may include requirements to conserve water or mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on the nature of such legal requirements, we may experience significant increases in our compliance costs, production costs, capital expenditures, and other financial obligations to adapt our business and operations to meet new laws and regulations, which could materially affect our profitability.\nFurther, our businesses could be adversely affected if we are unable to effectively address concerns from the media, shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders specific to our business regarding climate change and related environmental sustainability and governance matters.\nRISKS RELATED TO THE BRANDS WE SELL AND CUSTOMER DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS\nWe rely on the value of our reputation and the value of the brands we sell, and the failure to maintain and enhance these brands, including as a result of negative publicity (whether or not warranted), could adversely affect our business.\nWe rely on the success of our well-recognized brand names. Maintaining and enhancing our brand image and recognition is essential to our long-term success. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We seek to maintain and enhance our brands through a variety of efforts, including the delivery of quality products, extending our brands into new markets and new products and investing in marketing and advertising. The costs of maintaining and enhancing our brands, including maintaining our rights to brands under license agreements, may increase. These increased costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nNegative publicity about our company, our brands or our products, even if inaccurate or untrue, could adversely affect our reputation and the confidence in our products, which could harm our business and operating results. For example, public allegations were recently made against several food companies, including us, regarding unlawful child labor practices. Allegations, even if untrue, that we, our suppliers, third party staffing agencies or other business partners are not complying with applicable workplace and labor laws, including child labor laws, or regarding the actual or perceived abuse or misuse of migrant workers, could negatively affect our overall reputation and brand image, which in turn could have a negative impact on our relationships with customers, consumers and our brand license partners, as well as subject us to increased regulatory and political scrutiny. Moreover, failure or perceived failure to comply with legal or regulatory requirements applicable to our business could expose us to litigation, governmental inquiries and substantial fines and penalties, as well as costs and distractions, that could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nOur reputation could also be adversely impacted by a perception that we do not maintain high ethical, social or environmental standards for all of our operations and activities. Any such negative perceptions, or any negative publicity regarding our environmental, social and governance practices, could impact our reputation with customers, consumers and other constituents, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. If we fail to respect our employees\u2019 and our supply chain employees\u2019 human rights, or inadvertently discriminate against any group of employees or hiring prospects, our ability to hire and retain the best talent will be diminished, which could have a material adverse effect on our overall business.\nIn addition, we increasingly rely on electronic marketing, such as social media platforms and the use of online marketing strategies, to support and enhance our brands. This \u201ce-commerce\u201d marketplace is growing and evolving quickly and allows for the rapid dissemination of information regarding our brands by us and consumers. We may not be able to successfully adapt our marketing efforts to this rapidly changing marketplace, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, negative opinions or commentary posted online regarding our brands, regardless of their underlying merits or accuracy, could diminish the value of our brands and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n12\nTable of Contents\nWe manufacture and sell numerous products pursuant to license agreements and failure to maintain or renew these agreements could adversely affect our business.\nWe manufacture and sell numerous products pursuant to brand license agreements, including Chick-fil-A\n\u00ae\n sauces and dressings, Olive Garden\n\u00ae\n dressings and Buffalo Wild Wings\n\u00ae\n sauces. Maintaining license agreements under which we market and sell certain brands is important to our business. Our brand license agreements are typically for a fixed term with no automatic renewal options or provisions. We cannot ensure that we will maintain good relationships with our brand licensors or that we will be able to renew any of our license agreements upon expiration. Our key brand license agreements can be terminated or not renewed at the option of the licensor upon short notice to us. The termination of our brand license agreements, the failure to renew any of our significant brand license agreements or failure to renew them under terms that are similar and not materially less favorable to us, including as a result of negative publicity (whether or not warranted), adverse changes in the economic health or reputation of our brand licensors, or the impairment of our relationships with our brand licensors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nCompetitive conditions within our Retail and Foodservice markets could impact our sales volumes and operating profits.\nCompetition within all of our markets is expected to remain intense. Numerous competitors exist, many of which are larger than us in size and are engaged in the development of food ingredients and packaged food products and frequently introduce new products into the market. These competitive conditions could lead to significant downward pressure on the prices of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability.\nCompetitive considerations in the various product categories in which we sell are numerous and include price, product innovation, product quality, reputation, brand recognition and loyalty, effectiveness of marketing, promotional activity and the ability to remain relevant to consumer preferences and trends.\nIf our competitors introduce products that are more appealing to the tastes and dietary habits of consumers or considered to be of higher quality or value than our products, our sales and market share could decline, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Consumer preferences and trends may change based on a number of factors, including product taste and nutrition, food allergies, sustainability values, and animal welfare concerns. Our failure to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences on a timely basis or in line with our competitors could result in reduced demand and price decreases for our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nIn order to maintain our existing market share or capture increased market share among our retail and foodservice channels, we may decide to increase our spending on marketing and promotional costs, advertising and new product innovation. The success of marketing, advertising and new product innovation is subject to risks, including uncertainties about trade and consumer acceptance. As a result, any such increased expenditures may not maintain or enhance our market share and could result in lower profitability.\nWalmart is our largest Retail customer. The loss of, or a significant reduction in, Walmart\u2019s business, or an adverse change in the financial condition of Walmart, could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nOur net sales to Walmart represented 18% of consolidated net sales for each of the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022. Our accounts receivable balance from Walmart as of June 30, 2023 was $33.1 million. We may not be able to maintain our relationship with Walmart, and Walmart is not contractually obligated to purchase from us. In addition, changes in Walmart\u2019s general business model, such as reducing the shelf space devoted to the branded products we market, or devoting more shelf space to competing products, could adversely affect the profitability of our business with Walmart, even if we maintain a good relationship. The loss of, or a significant reduction in, this business could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability. Unfavorable changes in Walmart\u2019s financial condition or other disruptions to Walmart\u2019s business, such as decreased consumer demand or stronger competition, could also have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nChick-fil-A represents a significant portion of our Foodservice segment sales. The loss of, or a significant reduction in, this national chain restaurant\u2019s business, or an adverse change in Chick-fil-A\u2019s financial condition, could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nSales to Chick-fil-A in our Foodservice segment, which are primarily made indirectly through several foodservice distributors including McLane, represented 20% and 18% of consolidated net sales for the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We cannot ensure that we will be able to maintain good relationships with key national chain restaurant accounts in the future. We do not have any long-term purchase commitments, and we may be unable to continue to sell our products in the same quantities or on the same terms as in the past. The loss of, or a significant reduction in, this business could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability. Further, unfavorable changes in Chick-fil-A\u2019s financial condition or other \n13\nTable of Contents\ndisruptions to its business, such as decreased consumer demand or stronger competition, could also have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nMcLane is our largest Foodservice customer. An adverse change in the financial condition of McLane could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. \nOur net sales to McLane represented 11% of consolidated net sales for each of the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022. Our accounts receivable balance from McLane as of June 30, 2023 was $9.9 million. McLane is a large, national distributor that sells and distributes our products to several of our foodservice national chain restaurant accounts, principally in the quick service, fast casual and casual dining channels. In general, these national chain restaurants have direct relationships with us for culinary research and development, menu development and production needs, but choose to buy our products through McLane, who acts as their distributor. McLane orders our products on behalf of these national chain restaurants, and we invoice McLane for these sales. Thus, unfavorable changes in the financial condition of McLane could increase our credit risk and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, the loss of, or a significant reduction in, our business with the underlying national chain restaurants, or other disruptions, such as decreased consumer demand or stronger competition, could also have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. We cannot ensure that we will be able to maintain good relationships with McLane and the underlying national chain restaurants. McLane and the underlying national chain restaurants are not typically committed to long-term contractual obligations with us, and they may switch to other suppliers that offer lower prices, differentiated products or customer service that McLane and/or the underlying national chain restaurants perceive to be more favorable. In addition, changes in the general business model of McLane, or the underlying national chain restaurants, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nWe rely on the performance of major retailers, mass merchants, wholesalers, food brokers, distributors and foodservice customers for the success of our business and, should they perform poorly or give higher priority to other brands or products, our business could be adversely affected.\nWithin our Retail and Foodservice segments, we sell our products principally to retail and foodservice channels, including traditional supermarkets, mass merchants, warehouse clubs, specialty food distributors, foodservice distributors and national chain restaurants. Poor performance by our customers, or our inability to collect accounts receivable from our customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nIn addition, our future growth and profitability may be unfavorably impacted by recent changes in the competitive landscape for our Retail segment customers. As consolidation in the retail grocery industry continues and our retail customers also grow larger and become more sophisticated, they may demand improved efficiency, lower pricing, increased promotional programs, or specifically tailored products. If we are unable to respond to these demands, our profitability or volume growth could be negatively impacted. Consolidation also increases the risk that adverse changes in our customers\u2019 business operations or financial performance will have a corresponding material adverse effect on us. For example, if our customers cannot access sufficient funds or financing, then they may delay, decrease, or cancel purchases of our products, or delay or fail to pay us for previous purchases. Further, these customers may increase their emphasis on private label products and other products holding top market positions. If we fail to use our sales and marketing expertise to maintain our category leadership positions to respond to such events, or if we lower our prices or increase promotional support of our products and are unable to increase the volume of our products sold, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected.\nFurthermore, within our Retail segment, many of our customers offer competitor branded products and their own store branded products that compete directly with our products for shelf space and consumer purchases. Unattractive placement or pricing, including as a result of our recent price increases due to inflation, may put our products at a disadvantage compared to those of our competitors, including private label products. Even if we obtain shelf space or preferable shelf placement, our new and existing products may fail to achieve the sales expectations set by our retailers, potentially causing these retailers to discontinue selling our products. Additionally, an increase in the quantity and quality of private label products in the product categories in which we compete could create more pressure for shelf space and placement for branded products within each such category, which could materially and adversely affect our sales. Accordingly, there is a risk that these customers give higher priority or promotional support to their store branded products or to our competitors\u2019 products or discontinue selling our products in favor of their store branded products or other competing products. Likewise, our foodservice distributors often offer their own branded products that compete directly with our products. Failure to maintain our retail shelf space or priority with these customers and foodservice distributors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nEmerging channels such as online retailers and home meal kit delivery services also continue to evolve and impact both the retail and foodservice industries. Our ultimate success in these channels and the resulting impacts to our financial results are uncertain.\n14\nTable of Contents\nRISKS RELATED TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY\nTechnology failures could disrupt our operations and negatively impact our business.\nWe increasingly rely on information technology systems to conduct and manage our business operations, including the processing, transmitting, and storing of electronic information. For example, our sales group and our production and distribution facilities utilize information technology to increase efficiencies and limit costs. Furthermore, a significant portion of the communications between our personnel, customers, and suppliers depends on information technology and an uninterrupted and functioning infrastructure, including telecommunications. Our information technology systems may be vulnerable to a variety of interruptions due to events beyond our control, including, but not limited to, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, cyber attacks and other security issues. Our information technology systems could also be adversely affected by changes relating to remote work arrangements for our employees. If we are unable to adequately protect against these vulnerabilities, our operations could be disrupted, or we may suffer financial damage or loss because of lost or misappropriated information. \nFor more information about risks related to cyber attacks and data privacy, see the \u201cRisks Related To Our Operations\u201d section above and the \u201cRisks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters\u201d section below.\nRISKS RELATED TO REGULATORY AND LEGAL MATTERS\nWe are subject to federal, state and local government regulations that could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nOur business operations are subject to regulation by various federal, state and local government entities and agencies. As a producer of food products for human consumption, our operations are subject to stringent production, packaging, quality, labeling and distribution standards, including regulations promulgated under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Food Safety Modernization Act. We cannot predict whether future regulation by various federal, state and local government entities and agencies would adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In recent years, our industry has been subject to increased regulatory scrutiny, including by the Federal Trade Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We anticipate that regulators will continue to scrutinize our industry closely and that additional regulation by governmental authorities may increase compliance costs, exposure to litigation and other adverse effects to our operations.\nIn addition, our business operations and the past and present ownership and operation of our properties, including idle properties, are subject to extensive and changing federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment, the handling and disposition of wastes (including solid and hazardous wastes) or otherwise relating to protection of the environment. Although most of our properties have been subjected to periodic environmental assessments, these assessments may be limited in scope and may not include or identify all potential environmental liabilities or risks associated with any particular property. We cannot be certain that our environmental assessments have identified all potential environmental liabilities or that we will not incur material environmental liabilities in the future.\nWe cannot be certain that environmental issues relating to presently known matters or identified sites, or to other unknown matters or sites, will not require additional, currently unanticipated investigation, assessment or expenditures. If we do incur or discover any material environmental liabilities or potential environmental liabilities in the future, we may face significant remediation costs and find it difficult to sell or lease any affected properties.\nFailure to comply with current or future federal, state and foreign laws and regulations and industry standards relating to privacy and data protection could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nWe are subject to various privacy, information security, and data protection laws, rules and regulations that present an ever-evolving regulatory landscape across multiple jurisdictions and industry sections. Federal, state, and foreign legislators and regulators are increasingly adopting or revising privacy, information security, and data protection laws, rules and regulations that could have a significant impact on our current and planned privacy, data protection, and information security-related practices, including our collection, use, storing, sharing, retention, safeguarding and other processing of certain types of consumer or employee information, which could further increase our costs of compliance and business operations and could reduce income from certain business initiatives.\nFor example, we are subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (\u201cCCPA\u201d). The CCPA was amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (\u201cCPRA\u201d), which went into effect on January 1, 2023. The CCPA, as amended, has required us to modify our data processing practices and policies and incur compliance-related costs and expenses. The effects of the CCPA, the CPRA, and laws, rules or regulations of other jurisdictions relating to privacy, data protection and information security that apply now or in the future, particularly any new or modified laws or regulations that require enhanced protection of certain types of data or new obligations with regard to data retention, transfer or disclosure, are significant, may require us to modify \n15\nTable of Contents\nour data processing practices and policies, and could increase our costs, require significant changes to our operations, prevent us from providing certain offerings or cause us to incur potential liability in an effort to comply with such legislation.\nThe rapidly evolving nature of state and federal privacy laws, including potential inconsistencies between such laws and uncertainty as to their application, adds additional complexity and compliance costs and increases our risk of non-compliance. While we strive to comply with such laws, we may not be in compliance at all times in all respects. Further, due to the uncertainty surrounding the interpretation and application of many privacy and data protection requirements, laws, regulations, and contractually imposed industry standards, it is possible that these requirements may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our existing data management practices or business activities. If so, in addition to the possibility of substantial fines, lawsuits and other claims and penalties, we could be required to make fundamental changes to our data management practices and business activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Failure to adequately address privacy and security concerns, even if unfounded, or comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, rules, regulations and policies could result in additional cost and liability to us, administrative actions, damage our reputation, inhibit growth, and otherwise adversely affect our business.\nWe may incur liabilities related to a multiemployer pension plan which could adversely affect our financial results.\nWe make periodic contributions to a multiemployer pension plan related to our facility in Milpitas, California under a collective bargaining contract. The multiemployer pension plan provides pension benefits to employees and retired employees participating in the plan. Our required contributions to this plan could increase; however, any increase would be dependent upon a number of factors, including our ability to renegotiate the collective bargaining contract successfully, current and future regulatory requirements, the performance of the pension plan\u2019s investments, the number of participants who are entitled to receive benefits from the plan, the contribution base as a result of the insolvency or withdrawal of other companies that currently contribute to this plan, the inability or failure of withdrawing companies to pay their withdrawal liability, low interest rates and other funding deficiencies. We may also be required to pay a withdrawal liability if we exit from this plan. While we cannot determine whether and to what extent our contributions may increase or what our withdrawal liability may be, payments related to this plan could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.\nRISKS RELATED TO INVESTMENTS IN OUR COMMON STOCK\nMr.\u00a0Gerlach, Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors, has a significant ownership interest in our Company.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, Mr.\u00a0Gerlach and the Gerlach family trusts owned or controlled approximately 28% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Accordingly, Mr.\u00a0Gerlach has significant influence on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of our common stock, including the election of directors. Mr.\u00a0Gerlach\u2019s voting power may also have the effect of discouraging transactions involving an actual or a potential change of control of our Company, regardless of whether a premium is offered over then-current market prices.\nThe interests of Mr.\u00a0Gerlach may conflict with the interests of other holders of our common stock. This conflict of interest may have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock. For instance, sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock into the public market, particularly shares held by Mr. Gerlach or the Gerlach family trusts, or the perception that these sales might occur in large quantities, could cause the price of our common stock to decline, even if our business is doing well.\nAnti-takeover provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire our Company.\nCertain provisions of our charter documents, including provisions limiting the ability of shareholders to raise matters at a meeting of shareholders without giving advance notice and provisions classifying our Board of Directors, may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire our Company or influence our Board of Directors. This may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes of control or management, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of our stock.\nAdditionally, Ohio corporate law contains certain provisions that could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control. The Ohio Control Share Acquisition Act found in Chapter 1701 of the Ohio Revised Code (\u201cORC\u201d) provides that certain notice and informational filings and a special shareholder meeting and voting procedures must be followed prior to consummation of a proposed \u201ccontrol share acquisition,\u201d as defined in the ORC. Assuming compliance with the prescribed notice and information filings, a proposed control share acquisition may be accomplished only if, at a special meeting of shareholders, the acquisition is approved by both a majority of the voting power represented at the meeting and a majority of the voting power remaining after excluding the combined voting power of the \u201cinterested shares,\u201d as defined in the ORC. The Interested Shareholder Transactions Act found in Chapter 1704 of the ORC generally prohibits certain transactions, including mergers, majority share acquisitions and certain other control transactions, with an \u201cinterested shareholder,\u201d as defined in the ORC, for a three-year period after becoming an interested shareholder, unless our Board of Directors approved the initial acquisition. After the three-year waiting period, such a transaction may require additional approvals under the Interested Shareholder Transactions Act, including approval by two-thirds of our voting shares and a majority of our voting shares not \n16\nTable of Contents\nowned by the interested shareholder. The application of these provisions of the ORC, or any similar anti-takeover law adopted in Ohio, could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of our stock.\nAlso, our Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 1,150,000 shares of Class B Voting Preferred Stock and 1,150,000 shares of Class C Nonvoting Preferred Stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of those shares without any further vote or action by the shareholders. The rights of the holders of our common stock may be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any Class B Voting Preferred Stock and Class C Nonvoting Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future. Our Company could use these rights to put in place a shareholder rights plan, or \u201cpoison pill,\u201d that could be used in connection with a bid or proposal of acquisition for an inadequate price.",
+ "item7": ">Item\u00a07. \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nOur fiscal year begins on July\u00a01 and ends on June\u00a030. Unless otherwise noted, references to \u201cyear\u201d pertain to our fiscal year; for example, 2023 refers to fiscal 2023, which is the period from July\u00a01, 2022 to June\u00a030, 2023.\nThe following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements in this section and other parts of this report involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, including statements regarding our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and financial performance. Our actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of factors set forth under the caption \u201cForward-Looking Statements\u201d and those set forth in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nOur discussion of results for 2023 compared to 2022 is included herein. For discussion of results for 2022 compared to 2021, see our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nOVERVIEW\nBusiness Overview\nLancaster Colony Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for the retail and foodservice channels.\nOur financial results are presented as two reportable segments: Retail and Foodservice. Costs that are directly attributable to either Retail or Foodservice are charged directly to the appropriate segment. Costs that are deemed to be indirect, excluding corporate expenses and other unusual significant transactions, are allocated to the two reportable segments using a reasonable methodology that is consistently applied.\nOver 95% of our products are sold in the United States. Foreign operations and export sales have not been significant in the past and are not expected to be significant in the future based upon existing operations. We do not have any fixed assets located outside of the United States.\nOur business has the potential to achieve future growth in sales and profitability due to attributes such as:\n\u2022\nleading Retail market positions in several product categories with a high-quality perception;\n\u2022\nrecognized innovation in Retail products;\n\u2022\na broad customer base in both Retail and Foodservice accounts;\n\u2022\nwell-regarded culinary expertise among Foodservice customers;\n\u2022\nlong-standing Foodservice customer relationships that help to support strategic licensing opportunities in Retail;\n\u2022\nrecognized leadership in Foodservice product development;\n\u2022\nexperience in integrating complementary business acquisitions; and\n\u2022\nhistorically strong cash flow generation that supports growth opportunities.\nOur goal is to grow both Retail and Foodservice segment sales over time by:\n\u2022\nintroducing new products and expanding distribution;\n\u2022\nleveraging the strength of our Retail brands to increase current product sales; \n\u2022\nexpanding Retail growth through strategic licensing agreements;\n\u2022\ncontinuing to rely upon the strength of our reputation in Foodservice product development and quality; and\n\u2022\nacquiring complementary businesses.\nWith respect to long-term growth, we continually evaluate the future opportunities and needs for our business specific to our plant infrastructure, IT platforms and other initiatives to support and strengthen our operations. Recent examples of resulting investments include:\n\u2022\na significant capacity expansion project for our Marzetti dressing and sauce facility in Horse Cave, Kentucky that reached substantial completion in March 2023;\n\u2022\na capacity expansion project for one of our Marzetti dressing and sauce facilities in Columbus, Ohio that was completed in January 2022;\n\u2022\na significant infrastructure improvement and capacity expansion project for our frozen pasta facility in Altoona, Iowa that was completed in March 2022; and\n\u2022\nthe establishment of a Transformation Program Office in 2019 that serves to coordinate our various capital and integration efforts, including our enterprise resource planning system (\u201cERP\u201d) project and related initiatives, Project Ascent, that is currently in the implementation phase.\n21\nTable of Contents\nProject Ascent commenced in late 2019 and entails the replacement of our primary customer and manufacturing transactional systems, warehousing systems, and financial systems with an integrated SAP S/4HANA system. Implementation of this system began in July 2022 and continued throughout fiscal 2023. Customer fulfillment levels remained strong before and after the initial system cutover with no unplanned disruptions in receiving orders, producing products or shipping orders. During fiscal 2023, we progressed through our ERP implementation with no major disruptions. We completed the final wave of the implementation phase in August 2023 as planned and will shift our focus towards leveraging the capabilities of our new ERP system in the coming year. Project Ascent will evolve into an on-going Center of Excellence that will provide oversight for all future upgrades of the S/4HANA environment, evaluation of future software needs to support the business, acquisition integration support and master data standards.\nBUSINESS TRENDS\nDating back to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the effects of COVID-19 on consumer behavior have impacted the relative demand for our Retail and Foodservice products. More specifically, beginning in March 2020, consumer demand shifted towards increased at-home food consumption and away from in-restaurant dining. Over the course of the following two years, while this shift in demand was inconsistent and volatile, on balance it positively impacted our Retail segment sales volumes and negatively impacted our Foodservice segment sales volumes. From an operations standpoint, the shift in demand over the two-year period, combined with other COVID-19-related issues, unfavorably impacted the operating results of both our segments. Beginning near the end of 2022, the volatility and shifts in demand between our Retail and Foodservice products subsided and our operating environment became more predictable and stable.\nThe inflationary cost environment we experienced during 2022 resulted in significantly higher input costs for our business. During 2022, we endured unprecedented inflationary costs for commodities, particularly soybean oil and flour, in addition to notably higher costs for packaging, freight and warehousing, and labor. This cost inflation was attributed to numerous factors such as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, climate and weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, including some raw material and packaging shortages, a tight labor market, and government policy decisions. \nWe continued to experience significant cost inflation through 2023, particularly for soybean oil, eggs and flour. However, our pricing actions served to offset these inflationary costs. In addition, the operating environment stabilized as we did not experience the supply chain disruptions and demand swings of the preceding years.\nRESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS\n(Dollars in thousands,\nexcept per share data)\nYears Ended June 30,\nChange\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023 vs. 2022\n2022 vs. 2021\nNet Sales\n$\n1,822,527\n\u00a0\n$\n1,676,390\u00a0\n$\n1,467,067\u00a0\n$\n146,137\n\u00a0\n9\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n209,323\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\nCost of Sales\n1,433,959\n\u00a0\n1,320,671\u00a0\n1,080,344\u00a0\n113,288\n\u00a0\n9\n\u00a0\n%\n240,327\u00a0\n22\u00a0\n%\nGross Profit\n388,568\n\u00a0\n355,719\u00a0\n386,723\u00a0\n32,849\n\u00a0\n9\n\u00a0\n%\n(31,004)\n(8)\n%\nGross Margin\n21.3\n\u00a0\n%\n21.2\u00a0\n%\n26.4\u00a0\n%\nSelling, General and Administrative Expenses\n222,091\n\u00a0\n212,098\u00a0\n205,363\u00a0\n9,993\n\u00a0\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n6,735\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\nChange in Contingent Consideration\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n(3,470)\n(5,687)\n3,470\n\u00a0\n(100)\n%\n2,217\u00a0\n(39)\n%\nRestructuring and Impairment Charges\n24,969\n\u00a0\n35,180\u00a0\n1,195\u00a0\n(10,211)\n(29)\n%\n33,985\u00a0\nN/M\nOperating Income\n141,508\n\u00a0\n111,911\u00a0\n185,852\u00a0\n29,597\n\u00a0\n26\n\u00a0\n%\n(73,941)\n(40)\n%\nOperating Margin\n7.8\n\u00a0\n%\n6.7\u00a0\n%\n12.7\u00a0\n%\nOther, Net\n1,789\n\u00a0\n477\u00a0\n(107)\n1,312\n\u00a0\n275\n\u00a0\n%\n584\u00a0\n546\u00a0\n%\nIncome Before Income Taxes\n143,297\n\u00a0\n112,388\u00a0\n185,745\u00a0\n30,909\n\u00a0\n28\n\u00a0\n%\n(73,357)\n(39)\n%\nTaxes Based on Income\n32,011\n\u00a0\n22,802\u00a0\n43,413\u00a0\n9,209\n\u00a0\n40\n\u00a0\n%\n(20,611)\n(47)\n%\nEffective Tax Rate\n22.3\n\u00a0\n%\n20.3\u00a0\n%\n23.4\u00a0\n%\nNet Income\n$\n111,286\n\u00a0\n$\n89,586\u00a0\n$\n142,332\u00a0\n$\n21,700\n\u00a0\n24\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n(52,746)\n(37)\n%\nDiluted Net Income Per Common Share\n$\n4.04\n\u00a0\n$\n3.25\u00a0\n$\n5.16\u00a0\n$\n0.79\n\u00a0\n24\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n(1.91)\n(37)\n%\n22\nTable of Contents\nNet Sales\nConsolidated net sales for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 increased 9% to a new record of $1,823\u00a0million from the prior-year record total of $1,676\u00a0million, reflecting higher net sales for both the Retail and Foodservice segments driven by pricing to offset inflationary costs. Sales in the current year were unfavorably impacted by approximately $25\u00a0million in incremental sales attributed to advance ordering that occurred near the end of fiscal 2022 ahead of our ERP go-live that commenced on July 1. Consolidated sales volumes, measured in pounds shipped, decreased 5% in 2023. In the prior year, consolidated sales volumes increased 2%.\nThe relative proportion of sales contributed by each of our business segments can impact a year-to-year comparison of the consolidated statements of income. The following table summarizes the sales mix over each of the last three years:\n2023\n2022\n2021\nSegment Sales Mix:\nRetail\n53%\n55%\n57%\nFoodservice\n47%\n45%\n43%\nSee discussion of net sales by segment following the discussion of \u201cEarnings Per Share\u201d below.\nGross Profit\nConsolidated gross profit increased 9% to $388.6\u00a0million in 2023 compared to $355.7\u00a0million in 2022 as our pricing actions effectively offset the significant inflationary costs we have experienced for commodities, packaging, labor and warehousing. The higher gross profit also reflects the benefits of a more stable operating environment, improved manufacturing efficiencies and reduced reliance upon co-manufacturers. The current-year gross profit compares to a challenging prior-year period characterized by escalating inflationary costs across our entire supply chain, the unfavorable effects of supply chain disruptions, demand volatility and uncertainty, suboptimal capacity utilization, and overall lower productivity resulting in substantially higher costs to produce our products and service our customers. Note that last year\u2019s gross profit included an estimated $5\u00a0million impact from the advance customer orders ahead of our ERP go-live.\nSelling, General and Administrative Expenses\nYear Ended June\u00a030,\nChange\n(Dollars in thousands)\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023 vs. 2022\n2022 vs. 2021\nSG&A Expenses - Excluding Project Ascent\n$\n192,225\n\u00a0\n$\n172,771\u00a0\n$\n167,480\u00a0\n$\n19,454\n\u00a0\n11\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n5,291\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\nProject Ascent Expenses\n29,866\n\u00a0\n39,327\u00a0\n37,883\u00a0\n(9,461)\n(24)\n%\n1,444\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\nTotal SG&A Expenses\n$\n222,091\n\u00a0\n$\n212,098\u00a0\n$\n205,363\u00a0\n$\n9,993\n\u00a0\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n6,735\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\nSelling, general and administrative (\u201cSG&A\u201d) expenses increased 5% to $222.1\u00a0million in 2023. This increase reflects increased investments in personnel and IT; higher brokerage costs associated with the increased sales; higher travel expenses; and some nonrecurring legal charges for closed operations. Project Ascent expenses decreased $9.5\u00a0million to $29.9\u00a0million.\nProject Ascent expenses are included within Corporate Expenses. A portion of the costs that have been classified as Project Ascent expenses represent ongoing costs that will continue subsequent to the completion of our ERP implementation.\nChange in Contingent Consideration\nIn 2022, the change in contingent consideration resulted in a benefit of $3.5\u00a0million. This benefit was attributed to a reduction in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability for Bantam Bagels, LLC (\u201cBantam\u201d) based on our fair value measurements, resulting in a zero balance at March 31, 2022. We recorded $2.6\u00a0million in our Foodservice segment and $0.9\u00a0million in our Retail segment. We ultimately exited the Bantam business near the end of fiscal 2022. See further discussion in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.\nRestructuring and Impairment Charges\nIn 2023, we recorded impairment charges of $25.0\u00a0million related to the intangible assets of Flatout, Inc. (\u201cFlatout\u201d) due to lowered expectations for the projected sales and profitability of the Flatout business. These impairment charges were reflected in our Retail segment.\n23\nTable of Contents\nIn 2022, we recorded restructuring and impairment charges totaling $35.2\u00a0million related to the following items:\n\u2022\nour decision to explore strategic alternatives and ultimately exit the Bantam business;\n\u2022\nthe impact of a revision to the forecasted cash flows of Bantam on the intangible assets of this business;\n\u2022\nthe impact of a revision to the forecasted branded sales of Angelic Bakehouse, Inc. (\u201cAngelic\u201d) on the intangible assets of this business; and\n\u2022\nthe closure of our frozen garlic bread facility in Baldwin Park, California.\n Based on our decision to explore strategic alternatives for the Bantam business, impairment testing was triggered for the related long-lived assets of the asset group. The restructuring and impairment charges of $24.8\u00a0million included impairment charges for intangible assets, fixed assets and an operating lease right-of-use asset, as well as other closure-related costs. Due to their unusual nature, these charges were not allocated to our two reportable segments. As noted above, we ultimately exited the Bantam business near the end of fiscal 2022. The operations of this business were not classified as discontinued operations as the closure did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on our operations or financial results.\nIn 2022, prior to our decision to explore strategic alternatives for the Bantam business, we also recorded an impairment charge of $0.9\u00a0million related to Bantam\u2019s Retail customer relationships intangible asset, which reflected lower projected cash flows for Bantam\u2019s Retail business. This impairment charge was reflected in our Retail segment.\nIn 2022, we also recorded an impairment charge of $8.8\u00a0million related to the tradename intangible asset of Angelic, which reflected the impact of lower projected sales for Angelic\u2019s branded Retail business. This impairment charge was reflected in our Retail segment.\nIn 2022, we committed to a plan to close our frozen garlic bread facility in Baldwin Park, California in support of our ongoing efforts to better optimize our manufacturing network. The operations of this facility were not classified as discontinued operations as the closure did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on our operations or financial results. We recorded restructuring and impairment charges of $0.7\u00a0million, which consisted of one-time termination benefits and impairment charges for fixed assets and an operating lease right-of-use asset. These charges were not allocated to our two reportable segments due to their unusual nature.\nOperating Income\nOperating income increased 26% to $141.5\u00a0million in 2023 driven by the increase in gross profit as our pricing actions served to offset the significant inflationary costs we have experienced for commodities, packaging, labor and warehousing, as well as the impact of lower restructuring and impairment charges. Operating income also benefited from a more stable operating environment, improved manufacturing efficiencies and reduced reliance upon co-manufacturers. The increase in SG&A expenses partially offset these positive factors. Additionally, operating income in the current year was unfavorably impacted by the advance ordering that occurred near the end of fiscal 2022 ahead of our ERP go-live and accounted for an estimated $5\u00a0million in operating income.\nSee discussion of operating results by segment following the discussion of \u201cEarnings Per Share\u201d below.\nTaxes Based on Income\nOur effective tax rate was 22.3% and 20.3% in 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of the statutory rate to the effective rate.\nWe include the tax consequences related to stock-based compensation within the computation of income tax expense. We may experience increased volatility to our income tax expense and resulting net income dependent upon, among other variables, the price of our common stock and the timing and volume of share-based payment award activity such as employee exercises of stock-settled stock appreciation rights and vesting of restricted stock awards. For 2023 and 2022, the impact of net windfall tax benefits from stock-based compensation reduced our effective tax rate by 0.4% and 0.1%, respectively.\nEarnings Per Share\nAs influenced by the factors discussed above, diluted net income per share totaled $4.04 in 2023, an increase from the 2022 total of $3.25 per diluted share. Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for each of the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 have remained relatively stable.\nIn 2023 and 2022, expenditures for Project Ascent reduced diluted earnings per share by $0.84 and $1.09, respectively, and restructuring and impairment charges reduced diluted earnings per share by $0.70 and $0.98, respectively. In 2022, the adjustments to Bantam\u2019s contingent consideration increased diluted earnings per share by $0.10.\n24\nTable of Contents\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS - SEGMENTS\nRetail Segment\nYear Ended June\u00a030,\nChange\n(Dollars in thousands)\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023 vs. 2022\n2022 vs. 2021\nNet Sales\n$\n965,370\n\u00a0\n$\n915,210\u00a0\n$\n828,963\u00a0\n$\n50,160\n\u00a0\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n86,247\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\nOperating Income\n$\n139,464\n\u00a0\n$\n151,627\u00a0\n$\n188,403\u00a0\n$\n(12,163)\n(8)\n%\n$\n(36,776)\n(20)\n%\nOperating Margin\n14.4\n\u00a0\n%\n16.6\u00a0\n%\n22.7\u00a0\n%\nIn 2023, net sales for the Retail segment reached a record $965.4\u00a0million, a 5% increase from the prior-year total of $915.2\u00a0million, including the favorable impact of our pricing actions. Sales in the current year were unfavorably impacted by advance orders accounting for an estimated $11\u00a0million in Retail net sales near the end of fiscal 2022 ahead of our ERP go-live, which commenced on July 1, 2022. Retail segment sales volumes, measured in pounds shipped, declined 4% in the current year. Sales volumes were unfavorably impacted by the advance ordering ahead of our ERP go-live, price elasticity and product line rationalizations that were implemented during fiscal 2022. In 2022, Retail sales volumes increased 2%.\nIn 2023, Retail segment operating income decreased 8% to $139.5\u00a0million, including the unfavorable impact of higher impairment charges. As referenced in the \u201cRestructuring and Impairment Charges\u201d section above, Retail segment operating income included impairment charges totaling $25.0\u00a0million and $9.7\u00a0million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Operating income was favorably impacted by our pricing actions, which served to offset significant cost inflation. Operating income also benefited from our reduced reliance upon co-manufacturers. In the prior year, the net impact of our pricing actions lagged the extraordinary levels of cost inflation, and the segment\u2019s operating income also reflected an unstable operating environment that resulted in increased costs to manufacture products and service the business.\nFoodservice Segment\nYear Ended June\u00a030,\nChange\n(Dollars in thousands)\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023 vs. 2022\n2022 vs. 2021\nNet Sales\n$\n857,157\n\u00a0\n$\n761,180\u00a0\n$\n638,104\u00a0\n$\n95,977\n\u00a0\n13\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n123,076\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n%\nOperating Income\n$\n106,349\n\u00a0\n$\n82,745\u00a0\n$\n89,048\u00a0\n$\n23,604\n\u00a0\n29\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n(6,303)\n(7)\n%\nOperating Margin\n12.4\n\u00a0\n%\n10.9\u00a0\n%\n14.0\u00a0\n%\nIn 2023, Foodservice segment net sales increased 13% to a record $857.2\u00a0million from the 2022 total of $761.2\u00a0million driven by inflationary pricing and volume gains from certain quick-service restaurant customers in our mix of national chain restaurant accounts. Sales in the current year were unfavorably impacted by the advance ordering that occurred near the end of fiscal 2022 ahead of our ERP go-live, which reduced Foodservice net sales in the current year by an estimated $14\u00a0million. Foodservice segment sales volumes, measured in pounds shipped, decreased 5% in the current year. Sales volumes were unfavorably impacted by the advance ordering ahead of our ERP go-live and our decision to exit some less profitable SKUs during fiscal 2022. In 2022, Foodservice sales volumes increased 2%.\nIn 2023, Foodservice segment operating income increased 29% to $106.3\u00a0million as our pricing actions effectively offset inflationary costs. Operating income in the current year also benefited from a more stable operating environment, improved manufacturing efficiencies and our decision to discontinue some less profitable SKUs. Prior-year operating income reflected a lag in pricing relative to inflationary costs, as partially offset by the adjustments to Bantam\u2019s contingent consideration.\nCorporate Expenses\nIn 2023, corporate expenses totaled $104.3 million as compared to $97.0 million in 2022. This increase primarily reflects increased investments in personnel and IT, as well as some nonrecurring legal charges for closed operations. Lower expenditures for Project Ascent partially offset these higher expenses. Project Ascent expenses totaled $29.9\u00a0million and $39.3\u00a0million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nLOOKING FORWARD\nFor 2024, we anticipate Retail segment sales will benefit from volume growth led by our licensing program, including incremental growth from the new products, flavors and sizes we introduced in 2023, along with some new items we have planned for 2024. We also foresee continued positive momentum for our New York \nBRAND\n\u00ae\n Bakery frozen garlic bread products. In Foodservice, we expect sales volumes to be led by growth from select quick-service restaurant customers in our mix of national chain restaurant accounts, while external factors, including U.S. economic performance and potential changes in consumer sentiment, may impact demand. Consolidated net sales will also continue to benefit from the pricing actions taken in 2023.\n25\nTable of Contents\nWe project the impact of inflationary costs to subside notably in the coming year compared to fiscal 2023. The pricing actions we have implemented along with our cost savings initiatives will help to offset remaining inflationary costs.\nWith respect to Project Ascent, we completed the final wave of the implementation phase in August 2023 as planned and have shifted towards leveraging the capabilities of our new ERP system to improve execution in the coming year.\nWe will continue to periodically reassess our allocation of capital to ensure that we maintain adequate operating flexibility while providing appropriate levels of cash returns to our shareholders.\nFINANCIAL CONDITION\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nWe maintain sufficient flexibility in our capital structure to ensure our capitalization is adequate to support our future internal growth prospects, acquire food businesses consistent with our strategic goals, and maintain cash returns to our shareholders through cash dividends and opportunistic share repurchases. Our balance sheet maintained fundamental financial strength during 2023 as we ended the year with $88\u00a0million in cash and equivalents, along with shareholders\u2019 equity of $862\u00a0million and no debt.\nUnder our unsecured revolving credit facility (\u201cFacility\u201d), we may borrow up to a maximum of $150\u00a0million at any one time. We had no borrowings outstanding under the Facility at June\u00a030, 2023. At June\u00a030, 2023, we had $2.8\u00a0million of standby letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the amount available for borrowing under the Facility. The Facility expires in March 2025, and all outstanding amounts are then due and payable. Interest is variable based upon formulas tied to SOFR or an alternate base rate defined in the Facility. We must also pay facility fees that are tied to our then-applicable consolidated leverage ratio. Loans may be used for general corporate purposes. Due to the nature of its terms, when we have outstanding borrowings under the Facility, they will be classified as long-term debt.\nThe Facility contains certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, asset sales and acquisitions, and financial covenants relating to interest coverage and leverage. At June\u00a030, 2023, we were in compliance with all applicable provisions and covenants of this facility, and we exceeded the requirements of the financial covenants by substantial margins. At June\u00a030, 2023, there were no events that would constitute a default under this facility.\nWe currently expect to remain in compliance with the Facility\u2019s covenants for the foreseeable future. However, a default under the Facility could accelerate the repayment of any then outstanding indebtedness and limit our access to $75\u00a0million of additional credit available under the Facility. Such an event could require a reduction in or curtailment of cash dividends or share repurchases, reduce or delay beneficial expansion or investment plans, or otherwise impact our ability to meet our obligations when due.\nWe believe that cash provided by operating activities and our existing balances in cash and equivalents, in addition to that available under the Facility, should be adequate to meet our liquidity needs over the next 12 months, including the projected levels of capital expenditures and dividend payments. If we were to borrow outside of the Facility under current market terms, our average interest rate may increase and have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Based on our current plans and expectations, we believe our capital expenditures for 2024 could total between $70 and $80 million.\nBeyond the next 12 months, we expect that cash provided by operating activities will be the primary source of liquidity. This source, combined with our existing balances in cash and equivalents and amounts available under the Facility, is expected to be sufficient to meet our overall cash requirements.\nWe have various contractual and other obligations that are appropriately recorded as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements, including finance lease obligations, operating lease obligations, the underfunded defined benefit pension liability, other post-employment benefit obligations, tax liabilities, noncurrent workers compensation obligations, deferred compensation and interest on deferred compensation. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for further information about our lease obligations, including the maturities of minimum lease payments. It is not certain when the liabilities for the underfunded defined benefit pension liability, other post-employment benefit obligations, tax liabilities, noncurrent workers compensation obligations, deferred compensation and interest on deferred compensation will become due. See Notes 8, 11 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further information about these liabilities.\nCertain other contractual obligations are not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. Examples of such obligations are commitments to purchase raw materials or packaging inventory that has not yet been received as of June 30, 2023, as well as purchase orders and longer-term purchase arrangements related to the procurement of services, including IT service agreements, and property, plant and equipment. The majority of these obligations is expected to be due within one year.\n26\nTable of Contents\nCash Flows\nYear Ended June\u00a030,\nChange\n(Dollars in thousands)\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023 vs. 2022\n2022 vs. 2021\nProvided By Operating Activities\n$\n225,901\n\u00a0\n$\n101,813\u00a0\n$\n174,189\u00a0\n$\n124,088\n\u00a0\n122\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n(72,376)\n(42)\n%\nUsed In Investing Activities\n$\n(90,782)\n$\n(132,240)\n$\n(88,977)\n$\n41,458\n\u00a0\n31\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n(43,263)\n(49)\n%\nUsed In Financing Activities\n$\n(106,929)\n$\n(97,345)\n$\n(95,430)\n$\n(9,584)\n(10)\n%\n$\n(1,915)\n(2)\n%\nCash provided by operating activities and our existing balances in cash and equivalents remain the primary sources for funding our investing and financing activities, as well as financing our organic growth initiatives.\nCash provided by operating activities in 2023 totaled $225.9\u00a0million, an increase of 122% as compared with the 2022 total of $101.8\u00a0million. The 2023 increase was primarily due to the year-over-year changes in net working capital, particularly receivables and accrued liabilities. Receivables reflect the favorable impacts of a current-year decrease in receivables as well as a prior-year increase in receivables. These fluctuations were due in part to an elevated level of receivables at the end of fiscal 2022 resulting from the advance ordering by our customers ahead of our ERP go-live. Accrued liabilities reflect the favorable impacts of a current-year increase in the accruals for compensation and employee benefits as well as a prior-year decline in these balances. Higher net income, as partially offset by the year-over-year change in noncash restructuring and impairment charges, also contributed to the increase in cash provided by operating activities.\nCash used in investing activities totaled $90.8\u00a0million in 2023 as compared to $132.2\u00a0million in 2022. The 2023 decrease primarily reflects a lower level of payments for property additions, which totaled $90.2\u00a0million in 2023 compared to $132.0\u00a0million in 2022. Current-year capital expenditures included spending on a capacity expansion project at our dressing and sauce facility in Horse Cave, Kentucky that reached substantial completion in March 2023. Notable prior-year capital expenditures included spending on: the Horse Cave capacity expansion project; a capacity expansion project for one of our Marzetti dressing and sauce facilities in Columbus, Ohio that was completed in January 2022; and infrastructure improvements and capacity expansion investments at our frozen pasta facility in Altoona, Iowa that was completed in March 2022.\nFinancing activities used net cash totaling $106.9\u00a0million and $97.3\u00a0million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The vast majority of the cash used in financing activities is attributed to the payment of dividends, and the 2023 increase in cash used in financing activities primarily reflects higher levels of dividend payments, tax withholdings for stock-based compensation and share repurchases. The regular dividend payout rate for 2023 was $3.35 per share, as compared to $3.15 per share in 2022. This past fiscal year marked the 60\nth\n consecutive year of increased regular cash dividends.\nFuture levels of share repurchases and declared dividends are subject to the periodic review of our Board of Directors and are generally determined after an assessment is made of various factors, such as anticipated earnings levels, cash flow requirements and general business conditions.\nOur ongoing business activities continue to be subject to compliance with various laws, rules and regulations as may be issued and enforced by various federal, state and local agencies. With respect to environmental matters, costs are incurred pertaining to regulatory compliance and, upon occasion, remediation. Such costs have not been, and are not anticipated to become, material.\nWe are contingently liable with respect to lawsuits, taxes and various other matters that routinely arise in the normal course of business. We do not have any related party transactions that materially affect our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.\nIMPACT OF INFLATION\nOur business results can be influenced by significant changes in the costs of our raw materials, packaging and freight. We attempt to mitigate the impact of inflation on our raw-material costs via longer-term fixed-price contractual commitments for a portion of our most significant market-indexed commodities, most notably soybean oil and flour. Specific to freight costs, our transportation network includes a mix of dedicated carriers, longer-term fixed-rate contracts and a small internal fleet that serve to reduce our exposure to spot freight rates. We also have a transportation management system in place to support our freight management processes and help us to secure more competitive freight rates. Nonetheless, we are subject to events and trends in the marketplace that will impact our costs for raw materials, packaging and freight. While we attempt to pass through sustained increases in these costs, any such price adjustments can lag the changes in the related input costs.\nAlthough typically less notable, we are also exposed to the unfavorable effects of general inflation beyond material and freight costs, especially in the areas of labor rates, including annual wage adjustments and benefit costs. Over time, we attempt to minimize the exposure to such cost increases through ongoing improvements and greater efficiencies throughout our manufacturing operations, including benefits gained through our lean six sigma program and strategic investments in plant equipment.\n27\nTable of Contents\nWith regard to the impact of commodity and freight costs on Foodservice segment operating income, most of our supply contracts with national chain restaurant accounts incorporate pricing adjustments to account for changes in ingredient and freight costs. These supply contracts may vary by account specific to the time lapse between the actual change in ingredient and freight costs we incur and the effective date of the associated price increase or decrease. As a result, the reported operating margins of the Foodservice segment are subject to increased volatility during periods of rapidly rising or falling ingredient and/or freight costs because at least some portion of the change in ingredient and/or freight costs is reflected in the segment\u2019s results prior to the impact of any associated change in pricing. In addition, the Foodservice segment has an inherently higher degree of margin volatility from changes in ingredient costs when compared to the Retail segment due to its overall lower margin profile and higher ratio of ingredient pounds to net sales. In Retail, there is an opportunity to offset the impact of inflationary costs through net price realization actions including list price increases, decreased trade spending and packaging size changes. Note that all these Retail cost-recovery options entail some inherent risks and uncertainties, and the implementation timeframe can lag the input cost changes. We also implement value engineering initiatives, such as the use of lower-cost packaging materials and alternative ingredients and/or recipes, to reduce Retail and Foodservice product costs to help offset inflation.\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES\nThis MD&A discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including, but not limited to, those related to accounts receivable allowances, distribution costs, asset impairments and self-insurance reserves. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Historically, the aggregate differences, if any, between our estimates and actual amounts in any year have not had a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. While a summary of our significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, we believe the following critical accounting policies reflect those areas in which more significant judgments and estimates are used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.\nTrade-Related Allowances\nOur receivables balance is net of trade-related allowances, which consist of sales discounts, trade promotions and certain other sales incentives. We evaluate the adequacy of these allowances considering several factors including historical experience, specific trade programs and existing customer relationships. These allowances can fluctuate based on the level of sales and promotional programs as well as the timing of deductions.\nGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets\nGoodwill is not amortized. It is evaluated annually at April\u00a030 by applying impairment testing procedures. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. We evaluate the future economic benefit of the recorded goodwill and other intangible assets when events or circumstances indicate potential recoverability concerns. Carrying amounts are adjusted appropriately when determined to have been impaired.\nRECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS\nRecent accounting pronouncements and their impact on our consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.\n28\nTable of Contents\nFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS\nWe desire to take advantage of the \u201csafe harbor\u201d provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the \u201cPSLRA\u201d). This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains various \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d within the meaning of the PSLRA and other applicable securities laws. Such statements can be identified by the use of the forward-looking words \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cproject,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201chope\u201d or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations; contain projections regarding future developments, operations or financial conditions; or state other forward-looking information. Such statements are based upon assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements involve various important risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ as a result of factors over which we have no, or limited, control including, without limitation, the specific influences outlined below. Management believes these forward-looking statements to be reasonable; however, one should not place undue reliance on such statements that are based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law.\nItems which could impact these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risk factors identified in Item 1A and:\n\u2022\nefficiencies in plant operations and our overall supply chain network;\n\u2022\nthe reaction of customers or consumers to pricing actions we take to offset inflationary costs;\n\u2022\nprice and product competition;\n\u2022\nadequate supply of labor for our manufacturing facilities;\n\u2022\nthe impact of customer store brands on our branded retail volumes;\n\u2022\ninflationary pressures resulting in higher input costs;\n\u2022\nadverse changes in freight, energy or other costs of producing, distributing or transporting our products;\n\u2022\nfluctuations in the cost and availability of ingredients and packaging;\n\u2022\ndependence on contract manufacturers, distributors and freight transporters, including their operational capacity and financial strength in continuing to support our business;\n\u2022\nstability of labor relations;\n\u2022\ndependence on key personnel and changes in key personnel;\n\u2022\ncyber-security incidents, information technology disruptions, and data breaches;\n\u2022\ncapacity constraints that may affect our ability to meet demand or may increase our costs;\n\u2022\ngeopolitical events, such as Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, that could create unforeseen business disruptions and impact the cost or availability of raw materials and energy;\n\u2022\nthe potential for loss of larger programs or key customer relationships;\n\u2022\nfailure to maintain or renew license agreements;\n\u2022\nsignificant shifts in consumer demand and disruptions to our employees, communities, customers, supply chains, production planning, operations, and production processes resulting from the impacts of epidemics, pandemics or similar widespread public health concerns and disease outbreaks;\n\u2022\nchanges in demand for our products, which may result from loss of brand reputation or customer goodwill;\n\u2022\nthe possible occurrence of product recalls or other defective or mislabeled product costs;\n\u2022\nthe success and cost of new product development efforts;\n\u2022\nthe lack of market acceptance of new products;\n\u2022\nthe extent to which business acquisitions are completed and acceptably integrated;\n\u2022\nthe ability to successfully grow acquired businesses;\n\u2022\nthe effect of consolidation of customers within key market channels;\n\u2022\nmaintenance of competitive position with respect to other manufacturers;\n\u2022\nthe outcome of any litigation or arbitration;\n\u2022\nchanges in estimates in critical accounting judgments;\n\u2022\nthe impact of any regulatory matters affecting our food business, including any required labeling changes and their impact on consumer demand;\n\u2022\nthe impact of fluctuations in our pension plan asset values on funding levels, contributions required and benefit costs; and\n\u2022\ncertain other risk factors, including those discussed in other filings we have submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission.\n29\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7a": ">Item\u00a07A. \nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nWe have exposure to market risks primarily from changes in raw material prices. In recent years, due to the absence of any borrowings, we have not had exposure to changes in interest rates. We also have not had exposure to market risk associated with derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments as we do not utilize any such instruments.\nRAW MATERIAL PRICE RISK\nWe purchase a variety of commodities and other raw materials, such as soybean oil, flour, eggs and dairy-based materials, which we use as ingredients for our products. The market prices for these commodities are subject to fluctuation based upon a number of economic factors and may become volatile at times. While we do not use any derivative commodity instruments to hedge against commodity price risk, we do actively manage a portion of the risk through a structured forward purchasing program for certain key materials such as soybean oil and flour. This program, coupled with short-term fixed price arrangements on other significant raw materials, provide us more predictable input costs, which, in addition to the supply contracts with our foodservice customers that allow us to pass along price increases for commodities, help to reduce margin volatility during periods of significant volatility in the commodity markets.",
+ "cik": "57515",
+ "cusip6": "513847",
+ "cusip": ["513847103"],
+ "names": ["LANCASTER COLONY CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/57515/000005751523000017/0000057515-23-000017-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000076334-23-000042.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000076334-23-000042.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..d7abc242f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000076334-23-000042.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\nBusiness \n2\nItem 1A.\nRisk Factors\n11\nItem 1B.\nUnresolved Staff Comments\n17\nItem 1C.\nInformation about our Executive Officers\n18\nItem 2.\nProperties\n19\nItem 3.\nLegal Proceedings\n20\nItem 4.\nMine Safety Disclosures\n20\nPART II\nItem 5.\nMarket for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities\n20\nItem 6.\n[Reserved]\n20\nItem 7.\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n21\nItem 7A.\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk \n35\nItem 8.\nFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\n36\nItem 9.\nChanges in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n75\nItem 9A.\nControls and Procedures \n75\nItem 9B.\nOther Information\n75\nItem 9C.\nDisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n75\nPART III\nItem 10. \nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n75\nItem 11.\nExecutive Compensation\n76\nItem 12.\nSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\n76\nItem 13.\nCertain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n76\nItem 14.\nPrincipal Accountant Fees and Services\n76\nPART IV\nItem 15.\nExhibits and Financial Statement Schedules\n77\nSignatures\n82\n1\nTable of Contents\nPARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION\nFORM 10-K\nFiscal Year Ended June\u00a030, 2023 \nPART I\nITEM\u00a01\n. \nBusiness\n. \n Parker-Hannifin Corporation is a leading worldwide diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision engineered solutions for a wide variety of mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The Company was incorporated in Ohio in 1938. Our principal executive offices are located at 6035 Parkland Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44124-4141, telephone (216)\u00a0896-3000. As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms \"Company\", \"Parker\", \"we\" or \"us\" refer to Parker-Hannifin Corporation and its subsidiaries, and the term \"year\" and references to specific years refer to the applicable fiscal year.\nOur investor relations website address is \nwww.phstock.com\n. We make available free of charge on or through our website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section\u00a013(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing or furnishing those reports electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information contained on or accessible through our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nThe Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for each of its committees. These charters, as well as our Global Code of Business Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Independence Standards for Directors, are posted and available on our investor relations website under the Corporate Governance page. Shareholders may request copies of these corporate governance documents, free of charge, by writing to Parker-Hannifin Corporation, 6035 Parkland Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44124-4141, Attention: Secretary, or by calling (216)\u00a0896-3000.\nOur manufacturing, service, sales, distribution and administrative facilities are located in 39 states within the United States and in 43 other countries. We sell our products as original and replacement equipment through sales and distribution centers worldwide. We market our products through direct-sales employees, independent distributors, and sales representatives. We supply products to approximately 548,000 customers in virtually every significant manufacturing, transportation and processing industry.\nWe have two reporting segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. During 2023, our technologies and systems were used in the products of these two reporting segments. For 2023, the Company's net sales were $19.1 billion. Diversified Industrial Segment products accounted for 77 percent and Aerospace Systems Segment products accounted for 23 percent of those net sales.\nMarkets\nOur technologies and systems are used across industries and in various applications. The approximately 548,000 customers who purchase Parker products are found in almost every significant manufacturing, transportation and processing industry. No single customer accounted for more than four percent of our total net sales for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023.\n2\nTable of Contents\nDiversified Industrial Segment\n.\n Our Diversified Industrial Segment sells products to both original equipment manufacturers (\"OEMs\") and distributors who serve the replacement markets in manufacturing, packaging, processing, transportation, mobile construction, refrigeration and air conditioning, agricultural and military machinery and equipment industries. The major markets served by our Diversified Industrial Segment are listed below by group:\nEngineered Materials Group:\n\u2022\nAerospace\n\u2022\nAgriculture\n\u2022\nChemical processing\n\u2022\nConstruction\n\u2022\nDefense\n\u2022\nInformation technology\n\u2022\nLife sciences\n\u2022\nMicroelectronics\n\u2022\nOil & gas\n\u2022\nPower generation\n\u2022\nRenewable energy\n\u2022\nTelecommunications\n\u2022\nTransportation\n\u2022\nTruck & bus\nFiltration\nGroup:\n\u2022\nAerospace & defense\n\u2022\nAgriculture \n\u2022\nClean & Renewable Energy \n\u2022\nConstruction \n\u2022\nFood & beverage\n\u2022\nHeating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC) \n\u2022\nIndustrial plant & equipment \n\u2022\nLife sciences\n\u2022\nMarine\n\u2022\nMining\n\u2022\nOil & gas\n\u2022\nPower generation\n\u2022\nMedium & Heavy Duty Truck \n\u2022\nWater purification\nFluid Connectors\nGroup:\n\u2022\nAerial lift\n\u2022\nAgriculture\n\u2022\nClean & Renewable Energy \n\u2022\nConstruction \n\u2022\nFood & beverage\n\u2022\nForestry\n\u2022\nHeating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration (HVACR)\n\u2022\nIndustrial machinery\n\u2022\nLife sciences\n\u2022\nMaterial handling\n\u2022\nMicroelectronics \n\u2022\nMilitary\n\u2022\nMining\n\u2022\nOil & Gas, Chemical, Petrochemical\n\u2022\nRefining\n\u2022\nRenewable energy\n\u2022\nTransportation\nMotion Systems\nGroup:\nMobile:\n\u2022\nAgriculture\n\u2022\nConstruction\n\u2022\nMarine\n\u2022\nMaterial handling\n\u2022\nMilitary\n\u2022\nTransportation\n\u2022\nTruck & bus\n\u2022\nTurf\nIndustrial:\n\u2022\nDistribution\n\u2022\nGeneral machinery\n\u00a0\n\u2022\nMachine Tool\n\u2022\nMetal Forming\n\u2022\nMining\n\u2022\nOil & gas\n\u2022\nPower generation\n\u2022\nSemiconductor\n3\nTable of Contents\nAerospace Systems Segment\n.\n Our Aerospace Systems Segment sells products primarily in the commercial and military aerospace markets to both OEMs and to end users for spares, maintenance, repair and overhaul. The major markets for products of the Aerospace Systems Segment are listed below:\n\u2022\nAftermarket services\n\u2022\nBusiness and general aviation\n\u2022\nCommercial transport aircraft\n\u2022\nEngines\n\u2022\nHelicopters\n\u2022\nMilitary aircraft\n\u2022\nRegional transport aircraft\nPrincipal Products and Methods of Distribution\nWe offer hundreds of thousands of individual part numbers, and no single product contributed more than one percent to our total net sales for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023. Listed below are some of our principal products.\nDiversified Industrial Segment\n.\n Our Diversified Industrial Segment products consist of a broad range of motion-control and fluid systems and components, which are described below by group:\nEngineered Materials Group\n: sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings and noise vibration and harshness solutions, including:\n\u2022\nActive vibration control systems\n\u2022\nBearings & dampers\n\u2022\nCoatings\n\u2022\nComposites \n\u2022\nDynamic seals\n\u2022\nElastomeric mounts & isolators\n\u2022\nElastomeric o-rings\n\u2022\nElectromagnetic interference shielding\n\u2022\nExtrusion & fabricated seals\n\u2022\nFabric reinforced seals\n\u2022\nFuel cell sealing systems\n\u2022\nHigh-temperature metal seals\n\u2022\nHomogeneous & inserted elastomeric shapes\n\u2022\nMedical products fabrication & assembly\n\u2022\nMetal & plastic composite bonded seals\n\u2022\nPrecision-cut seals\n\u2022\nRubber-to-substrate adhesives\n\u2022\nSpecialty chemicals\u00a0\n\u2022\nStructural adhesives\n\u2022\nThermal management\n\u2022\nWireless sensing systems\n4\nTable of Contents\nFiltration Group\n: filters, systems and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity in critical process chemicals and to remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water and other liquids and gases, including:\n\u2022\nAerospace filters & systems\n\u2022\nAir pollution control & dust collection systems & filters\n\u2022\nCompressed air & gas treatment solutions\n\u2022\nEngine fuel, oil, air & closed crankcase ventilation filtration systems\n\u2022\nFiltration & purification systems\n\u2022\nFluid condition monitoring systems\n\u2022\nGas turbine air inlet filters\n\u2022\nHeating, ventilation & air conditioning filters\n\u2022\nHydrogen and alternative energy filters \n\u2022\nHydraulic & lubrication filters & systems\n\u2022\nIndustrial & analytical gas generators\n\u2022\nMembrane, fiber, & sintered metal filters\n\u2022\nNatural gas filters\n\u2022\nProcess liquid, air & gas filters\n\u2022\nSterile air filters\n\u2022\nThermal Management \n\u2022\nWater purification filters & systems\nFluid Connectors Group\n: high quality fluid conveyance and flow control solutions that are critical to a wide range of applications involving fluid and gas handling, process control, and climate controls:\n\u2022\nAnalytical instruments\n\u2022\nBall & check valves\n\u2022\nCompressed natural gas dispensers \n\u2022\nCryogenic valves\n\u2022\nDiagnostic and sensors\n\u2022\nDiesel exhaust treatment systems\n\u2022\nElastomeric, thermoplastic, and industrial hose & couplings\n\u2022\nElectronic valves\n\u2022\nFilter driers\n\u2022\nFluid system & control fittings, meters valves, regulators, & manifold valves\n\u2022\nFluoropolymer chemical delivery fittings, valves, & pumps\n\u2022\nHigh pressure fittings, valves, & regulators \n\u2022\nHigh purity gas delivery fittings, valves, & regulators \n\u2022\nHVACR controls & monitoring \n\u2022\nLow pressure fittings & adapters\n\u2022\nMiniature valves and pumps\n\u2022\nNatural gas on-board fuel systems\n\u2022\nPTFE hose & tubing\n\u2022\nPressure regulating valves\n\u2022\nQuick couplings\n\u2022\nSolenoid Valves \n\u2022\nTube fittings & adapters\n\u2022\nTubing & plastic fittings\n5\nTable of Contents\nMotion Systems Group\n: hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment, including:\nHydraulic Actuation:\n\u2022\nAccumulators\n\u2022\nCoolers \n\u2022\nCylinders\n\u2022\nElectrohydraulic actuators\n\u2022\nHelical actuators\n\u2022\nRotary actuators\nHydraulic Pumps & Motors:\n\u2022\nDrive controlled pumps\n\u2022\nElectrohydraulic pumps (\"ePumps\")\n\u2022\nFan drives\n\u2022\nGerotor pumps & motors\n\u2022\nIntegrated hydrostatic transmissions\n\u2022\nPiston pumps & motors\n\u2022\nPower take-offs (\"PTO\")\n\u2022\nScrew pumps\n\u2022\nVane pumps & motors\nHydraulic and Electro Hydraulic Systems:\n\u2022\nCartridge valves\n\u2022\nIndustrial Hydraulic valves\n\u2022\nMobile Hydraulic valves \n\u2022\nePTO's\nPneumatics:\n\u2022\nAir preparation (FRL) & dryers\n\u2022\nGrippers\u00a0\n\u2022\nIO link controllers\n\u2022\nPneumatic cylinders\n\u2022\nPneumatic valves\nElectronics:\n\u2022\nClusters\n\u2022\nControllers & human machine interfaces (\"HMI\") \n\u2022\nDrives (AC/DC Servo)\n\u2022\nElectric actuators & positioners\n\u2022\nElectric motors & gearheads \n\u2022\nElectronic displays & HMI\n\u2022\nIoT\n\u2022\nJoysticks \n\u2022\nSensors\n\u2022\nSoftware\nDiversified Industrial Segment products include standard products, as well as custom products which are engineered and produced to OEM specifications for application to particular end products. Standard and custom products are also used in the replacement of original products. We market our Diversified Industrial Segment products primarily through field sales employees and independent distributors located throughout the world.\nDuring 2023, the Company consolidated the Instrumentation Group with the Fluid Connectors Group. The consolidated group continues to service the major markets and offers the principal products provided by the former Instrumentation Group and Former Fluid Connectors Group. The combined group is designed to leverage the strength of Parker's fluid and gas handling, process control and climate control technologies into a single organization that can better address the emerging needs of customers across common end markets and applications. The realignment is expected to bring added growth opportunities and is a further step towards organizational simplification and alignment.\n6\nTable of Contents\nAerospace Systems Segment\n.\n Our Aerospace Systems Segment products are used in commercial and military airframe and engine programs and include:\n\u2022\nActuation systems & components\n\u2022\nAvionics\n\u2022\nElectric power components \n\u2022\nEngine build-up ducting\n\u2022\nEngine exhaust nozzles & assemblies\n\u2022\nEngine systems & components\n\u2022\nFire detection and suppression systems and components\n\u2022\nFluid conveyance systems & components\n\u2022\nFluid metering, delivery & atomization devices\n\u2022\nFuel systems & components\n\u2022\nFuel tank inerting systems\n\u2022\nHydraulic systems & components\n\u2022\nLubrication components\n\u2022\nPneumatic control components\n\u2022\nSensors\n\u2022\nThermal management\n\u2022\nWheels, brakes and brake control systems\nWe market our Aerospace Systems Segment products through our regional sales organizations, which sell directly to OEMs and end users throughout the world.\nCompetition\nParker operates in highly competitive markets and industries. We offer our products over numerous, varied markets through our divisions operating in 44 countries. Our global scope means that we have hundreds of competitors across our various markets and product offerings. Our competitors include U.S. and non-U.S. companies. These competitors and the degree of competition vary widely by product lines, end markets, geographic scope and/or geographic locations. Although each of our segments has numerous competitors, given our market and product breadth, no single competitor competes with the Company with respect to all the products we manufacture and sell.\nIn the Diversified Industrial Segment, Parker competes on the basis of product quality and innovation, customer experience, manufacturing and distribution capability, and price competitiveness. We believe that we are one of the market leaders in most of the major markets for our most significant Diversified Industrial Segment products. We have comprehensive motion and control packages for the broadest systems capabilities. While our primary global competitors include Bosch Rexroth AG, Danaher Corporation, Danfoss A/S, Donaldson Company, Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc., Emerson/ASCO, Festo AG & Co., Freudenberg-NOK, Gates Corporation, IMI/Norgren, SMC Corporation, Swagelok Company, and Trelleborg AB, none of these businesses compete with every group or product in our Diversified Industrial Segment.\nIn the Aerospace Systems Segment, we have developed relationships with key customers based on our advanced technological and engineering capabilities, performance in quality, delivery, service, and price competitiveness. This has enabled us to obtain significant original equipment business on new aircraft programs for our systems and components, as well as the follow-on repair and replacement business for these programs. Further, the Aerospace Systems Segment utilizes design and manufacturing techniques as well as best cost region and supply chain management strategies to reduce cost. Although we believe that we are one of the market leaders in most of the major markets for our most significant Aerospace Systems Segment products, primary global competitors for these products include Eaton Corporation plc, Honeywell International, Inc., Moog Inc., Triumph Group, Inc., Senior plc, Crane Co., Raytheon Collins Aerospace, Woodward, Inc. and Safran S.A.\nWe believe that our platform utilizing eight core technologies, which consist of electromechanical, filtration, fluid handling, hydraulics, pneumatics, process control, refrigeration, and sealing and shielding, is a positive factor in our ability to compete effectively with both large and small competitors. For both of our segments, we believe that the following factors also contribute to our ability to compete effectively:\n\u2022\ndecentralized business model;\n\u2022\ntechnology breadth and interconnectivity;\n\u2022\nengineered products with intellectual property;\n\u2022\nlong product life cycles;\n\u2022\nbalanced OEM vs. aftermarket;\n\u2022\nlow capital investment requirements; and\n\u2022\ngreat generators and deployers of cash over the cycle.\n7\nTable of Contents\nPatents, Trademarks, Trade Names, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, Licenses\nWe own a number of patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets and licenses related to our products. We also have exclusive and non-exclusive rights to use patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights and trade secrets owned by others. In addition, patent and trademark applications are pending, although there can be no assurance that further patents and trademarks will be issued. We do not depend on any single patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or license or group of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets or licenses to any material extent.\nBacklog and Seasonal Nature of Business\nBacklog consists of written firm orders from a customer to deliver products and, in the case of blanket purchase orders, only includes the portion of the order for which a schedule or release date has been agreed to with the customer. The dollar value of backlog is equal to the amount that is expected to be billed to the customer and reported as a sale. Our backlog by business segment for the past two years is included in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference. Our backlog was $11.0 billion at June\u00a030, 2023 and $7.9 billion at June\u00a030, 2022. Approximately 79 percent of our backlog at June\u00a030, 2023 is scheduled for delivery in the succeeding twelve months. Because of the breadth and global scope of our business, our overall business is generally not seasonal in nature.\nEnvironmental Regulation\nCertain of our operations require the use and handling of hazardous materials and, as a result, the Company is subject to United States federal, state, and local laws and regulations as well as non-U.S. laws and regulations designed to protect the environment and regulate the discharge of materials into the environment. These laws impose penalties, fines and other sanctions for non-compliance and liability for response costs, property damage and personal injury resulting from past and current spills, disposals or other releases of, or exposures to, hazardous materials. Among other environmental laws, we are subject to the United States federal \"Superfund\" law, under which we have been designated as a \"potentially responsible party\" and may be liable for cleanup costs associated with various waste sites, some of which are on the United States Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Superfund priority list.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, Parker was involved in environmental remediation and litigation at various U.S. and non-U.S. manufacturing facilities presently or formerly operated by us and as a \"potentially responsible party,\" along with other companies, at off-site waste disposal facilities and regional sites.\nWe believe that our policies, practices and procedures are properly designed to prevent unreasonable risk of environmental damage and the consequent financial liability to the Company. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations requires continuing management efforts and expenditures by the Company. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations has not had in the past, and, we believe, will not have in the future, a material adverse effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position.\nOur reserve for environmental matters is discussed in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.\nGovernment Regulation\nIn addition to the environmental regulations discussed above, we are subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign government regulations relating to the development, manufacture, marketing, sale and distribution of our products and services in the countries where we conduct business. Compliance with these laws and regulations often requires the dedication of time and effort of our team members, as well as financial resources. Additional information about the impact of government regulations on our business is included in \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors.\u201d\nEnergy Matters and Sources and Availability of Raw Materials\nOur primary energy source for both of our business segments is electric power. While we cannot predict future costs of electric power, the primary source for production of the required electric power is expected to be coal and natural gas from coal and natural gas reserves available to electric utilities. We are subject to governmental regulations in regard to energy supplies in the United States and elsewhere. To date, we have not experienced any significant disruptions of our operations due to energy curtailments.\nWe primarily use steel, brass, copper, aluminum, nickel, rubber and thermoplastic materials and chemicals as the principal raw materials in our products. We expect these materials to be available from numerous sources in quantities sufficient to meet our requirements.\n8\nTable of Contents\nAcquisitions\nThe Company completed the acquisition (the \"Acquisition\") of Meggitt plc (\"Meggitt\") in 2023. The Acquisition is discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.\nHuman Capital Management\nAt Parker, we align employment levels with the global needs of our business and our customers. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we employed approximately 62,730 persons that we refer to as \u201cteam members,\u201d of whom approximately 30,940 were employed by foreign subsidiaries. \nOur talented and passionate team members are the foundation of Parker\u2019s enduring growth, bringing new ideas and perspectives to enhance our safety performance, improve productivity and inspire a diverse and inclusive culture. We see a clear path to a brighter future, and it begins with providing our people the resources that enable them to find personal and professional satisfaction in their work, responsibly move our company forward and strengthen our communities, fulfilling our purpose of \nEnabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow\n.\nThe Win Strategy\u2122 3.0, Purpose and Values\nThe Win Strategy 3.0 is Parker\u2019s business system that defines the goals and initiatives that drive growth, transformation and success. It works with our purpose, which is a foundational element of The Win Strategy, to engage team members and create responsible and sustainable growth.\nThe Win Strategy has four overarching goals: Engaged People, Customer Experience, Profitable Growth and Financial Performance, supported by our shared values of a Winning Culture, Passionate People, Valued Customers and Engaged Leadership. Our shared values shape our culture and our interactions with stakeholders and the communities in which we operate and live. \nSafety\n \n \nThe safety and well-being of Parker team members is our highest priority. Our safety goal is simple: to achieve an incident-free workplace. Over the last five years, we have reduced our Recordable Incident Rate by 45% and our Lost Time Incident Rate by 33% from fiscal year 2019 through fiscal year 2023. In fiscal year 2023, the recordable incident rate per 100 team members was 0.31, compared to a recordable incident rate of 0.39 in fiscal year 2022. Our Lost Time Incident Rate in fiscal year 2023 was 0.12, compared to 0.15 per 100 team members in fiscal year 2022 (rates exclude Meggitt acquisition).\n \nBuilding on the great progress we have made, in 2021 we established long-term safety goals. We intend to reach our goal of zero recordable incidents by 2030 through our continued focus on team member engagement and accountability, coupled with a strong framework of systems and procedures. \nTo help support this goal we adopted eight standards aimed at preventing serious safety incidents or an environmental impact. We also developed a new field safety program that provides guidance for team members working outside our facilities to help them identify or anticipate safety risks. Further, for leading indicator corrective action we leverage a globally deployed Gensuite\n\u00ae\n operating platform in which proactive corrective action is managed and monitored and data analytics are employed to look for trends that can be proactively addressed to eliminate potential injury risk.\n \nWe engage team members in improving safety performance through High Performance Teams (\"HPTs\"). All Parker manufacturing locations have an active, chartered Safety HPT and every value stream has a representative who is responsible for safety within their area of the business. This ownership culture at the manufacturing level is an integral component of our safety program. \n9\nTable of Contents\nEngaged People\nEngagement directly influences business performance. We strongly believe in empowering our team members to think as owners and take action to improve their areas of the business. Engagement is deeply ingrained in our culture, and as an overarching goal of The Win Strategy it is key to achieving top quartile financial performance. \nParker activates engagement through our HPTs, which apply the expertise and perspective of team members who are closest to the product and customer to drive improvement throughout the company. Approximately 93% of our people participate in these teams, and more than 7,116 HPTs have already been established worldwide. We closely track our progress toward support of a high performing work environment through our Global Engagement Survey. Our last completed survey, in fiscal year 2022, achieved a 91% response rate with an overall engagement score of 73%, a score which exceeded our key benchmarking data by 2%.\nTalent Development\nWe have a well-defined talent development program managed through our Talent Central system, which connects all business units globally on a common platform and provides team members with visibility to skill development, career planning and learning opportunities. This shared platform is the catalyst for talent management at Parker.\nOur review process enables us to assess talent globally, from early-in-career roles through senior leaders. This review facilitates the identification of key talent and allows us to build meaningful development plans and align career growth opportunities. The talent process is also supported by our Integrated Career System program which illustrates career paths for various roles and the steps to advance through the organization.\nSupplementing the talent development process are Parker\u2019s learning offerings, which help team members expand their professional skills and take ownership of their learning and development. Examples of center-led programs are our annual ethics and compliance training and cyber security training that all team members are required to complete, in addition to programs for developing supervisory and leadership skills. Functional-specific programs include HPT training, lean bootcamps and kaizen event orientations. Local and regional training includes site safety, equipment safety and site quality requirements. \nIn addition to formal training programs, there are a host of development tools available which include mentoring relationships, coaching and feedback, job shadowing, project bubble assignments and other stretch projects.\nDiversity, Equity and Inclusion (\"DEI\")\nAn inclusive environment is a core tenet of Parker\u2019s values and one of our key measures of success within The Win Strategy. Throughout our history, we have been committed to building a welcoming and inclusive workplace that respects every team member\u2019s unique perspective. Our team members come from a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds, and their collective talent and expertise is the driving force behind the growth and success we have achieved. \nA component of our DEI focus is to support the development and deployment of Business Resource Groups (\"BRGs\"). \nIn 2015, we launched Peer W, our first BRG focused on supporting the recruitment, development and retention of women at Parker. Peer W has grown into a well-developed global network of over 30 chapters and established a Mentoring Circles program in 2020. In 2021, we introduced and launched two additional BRGs which are the Nia Network, supporting the attraction, development and retention of Black team members, and Parker Next, dedicated to our team members\u2019 professional growth and personal development. \nWe have also established four global HPTs focused on Talent Attraction, Talent Development, Governance and Knowledge. Each team is led by a senior executive and tasked with rethinking the way we attract and develop diverse team members, share knowledge and measure our progress in fostering an inclusive culture.\nCompensation and Benefits\nAs a global employer, we are committed to offering competitive compensation and benefits, tailored in form and amount to geography, industry, experience and performance. Our programs are designed to attract team members, motivate and reward performance, drive growth and support retention. We provide benefit programs with the goal of improving physical, mental and financial wellness of our team members throughout their lifetime. Some examples include base and variable pay, health and insurance benefits, paid time off, and retirement saving plans. \n10\nTable of Contents",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM\u00a01A\n. \nRisk Factors\n.\nThe following \"risk factors\" identify what we believe to be the risks that could materially adversely affect our financial and/or operational performance. These risk factors should be considered and evaluated together with information incorporated by reference or otherwise included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional risks not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently believes are immaterial also may impair the Company\u2019s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.\nBusiness and Operational Risks\nRisks arising from uncertainty in worldwide and regional economic conditions may harm our business and make it difficult to project long-term performance.\nOur business is sensitive to global macro-economic conditions. Macroeconomic downturns may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, as well as our distributors, customers and suppliers, and on activity in many of the industries and markets we serve. Among the economic factors which may have such an effect are manufacturing and other end-market activity, currency exchange rates, air travel trends, difficulties entering new markets, tariffs and governmental trade and monetary policies, global pandemics, and general economic conditions such as inflation, deflation, interest rates and credit availability. These factors may, among other things, negatively impact our level of purchases, capital expenditures, and creditworthiness, as well as our distributors, customers and suppliers, and, therefore, the Company\u2019s revenues, operating profits, margins, and order rates.\nWe cannot predict changes in worldwide or regional economic conditions and government policies, as such conditions are highly volatile and beyond our control. If these conditions deteriorate or remain at depressed levels for extended periods, however, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.\nAs a global business, we are exposed to economic, political and other risks in different countries in which we operate, which could materially reduce our sales, profitability or cash flows, or materially increase our liabilities.\nOur net sales derived from customers outside the United States were approximately 37 percent in 2023, 39 percent in 2022 and 40 percent in 2021. In addition, many of our manufacturing operations and suppliers are located outside the United States. The Company expects net sales from non-U.S. markets to continue to represent a significant portion of its total net sales. Our non-U.S. operations are subject to risks in addition to those facing our domestic operations, including:\n\u2022\nfluctuations in currency exchange rates and/or changes in monetary policy;\n\u2022\nlimitations on ownership and on repatriation of earnings;\n\u2022\ntransportation delays and other supply chain disruptions;\n\u2022\npolitical, social and economic instability and disruptions, including armed conflicts such as the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine;\n\u2022\ngovernment embargoes, sanctions or trade restrictions;\n\u2022\nthe imposition of duties and tariffs and other trade barriers;\n\u2022\nimport and export controls;\n\u2022\nlabor unrest and current and changing regulatory environments;\n\u2022\npublic health crises, including pandemics;\n\u2022\nthe potential for nationalization of enterprises;\n\u2022\ndifficulties in staffing and managing multi-national operations;\n\u2022\nlimitations on our ability to enforce legal rights and remedies;\n\u2022\npotentially adverse tax consequences; and\n\u2022\ndifficulties in implementing restructuring actions on a timely basis.\n11\nTable of Contents\nFor example, the global nature of our business and our operations exposes us to political, economic, and other conditions in foreign countries and regions, including geopolitical risks such as the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The broader consequences of this conflict, which may include further sanctions, embargoes, regional instability, and geopolitical shifts; potential retaliatory action by the Russian government against companies, including possible nationalization of foreign businesses in Russia; increased tensions between the United States and countries in which we operate; and the extent of the conflict\u2019s effect on our business and results of operations as well as the global economy, cannot be predicted. To the extent the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine adversely affects our business, it may also have the effect of heightening many other risks, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Such risks include, but are not limited to, adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, particularly with regard to raw material, transportation and labor price fluctuations; disruptions to our information technology environment, including through cyberattack, ransom attack, or cyber-intrusion; adverse changes in international trade policies and relations; disruptions in global supply chains; and our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes.\nIf we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with expanding our global business or adequately manage operational fluctuations internationally, the risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.\nIncreased cybersecurity threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime have posed and could continue to pose a risk to our information technology systems and a disruption to or breach in the security of such systems, if material, could have adverse effects on our result of operations and financial condition.\nWe rely extensively on information technology systems to manage and operate our business, some of which are managed by third parties. The security and functionality of these information technology systems, and the processing of data by these systems, are critical to our business operations. If these systems, or any part of the systems, are damaged, intruded upon, attacked, shutdown or cease to function properly (whether by planned upgrades, force majeure, telecommunications failures, criminal acts, including hardware or software break-ins or extortion attempts, or viruses, or other cybersecurity incidents) and we suffer any resulting interruption in our ability to manage and operate our business or if our products are affected, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, certain of our employees work remotely at times, which may increase our vulnerability to cyber and other information technology risks. In addition to existing risks, any adoption or deployment of new technologies via acquisitions or internal initiatives may increase our exposure to risks, breaches, or failures, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. Furthermore, the Company has access to sensitive, confidential, or personal data or information that is subject to privacy and security laws, regulations, or other contractually-imposed controls. Despite our use of reasonable and appropriate controls, security breaches, theft, misplaced, lost or corrupted data, programming, or employee errors and/or malfeasance have led and could in the future lead to the compromise or improper use of such sensitive, confidential, or personal data or information. Such events may result in possible negative consequences, such as fines, ransom demands, penalties, failure to comply with laws governing sensitive data, loss of reputation, intellectual property, competitiveness or customers, increased security and compliance costs or other negative consequences. Further, the amount of insurance coverage that we maintain may be inadequate to cover claims or liabilities relating to a cybersecurity incident. Depending on the nature and magnitude of these events, they may have an adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.\nPrice and supply fluctuations of the raw materials used in our production processes and by our suppliers of component parts could negatively impact our financial results.\nOur supply of raw materials could be interrupted for a variety of reasons, including availability and pricing. Furthermore, changes to United States and other countries' tariff and import/export regulations have in the past and may in the future have a negative impact on the availability and pricing of raw materials. Prices for raw materials necessary for production have fluctuated significantly in the past and significant increases could adversely affect our results of operations and profit margins. Our efforts to manage these fluctuations by, among other things, passing along price increases to our customers, may be subject to a time delay between the increased raw material prices and our ability to increase the price of our products, or we may be unable to increase the prices of our products due to pricing pressure, contract terms or other factors. Any such inability to manage fluctuations could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.\nOur suppliers of component parts may significantly and quickly increase their prices in response to increases in costs of raw materials that they use to manufacture the component parts. As a result, we may not be able to increase our prices commensurately with our increased costs. Consequently, our results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.\nUnexpected events may increase our cost of doing business or disrupt our operations.\n The occurrence of one or more unexpected events, including war, acts of terrorism or violence, civil unrest, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and other forms of severe weather in the United States or in other countries in which \n12\nTable of Contents\nwe operate or in which our suppliers are located could adversely affect our operations and financial performance. Natural disasters, pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, equipment failures, power outages or other unexpected events could result in physical damage to and complete or partial closure of one or more of our manufacturing facilities or distribution centers, temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of component products from some local and international suppliers, and disruption and delay in the transport of our products to dealers, end-users and distribution centers. Existing insurance coverage may not provide protection for all of the costs that may arise from such events.\nFor example, during the COVID-19 pandemic we experienced mandatory and voluntary facility closures in certain jurisdictions in which we operate. Furthermore, several of our customers temporarily suspended their operations and we experienced less demand for our products. Facility closures or other restrictions, as well as supply chain disruptions, did negatively impact and could in the future materially adversely affect our ability to adequately staff, supply or otherwise maintain our operations. The impact of unexpected events such as the COVID-19 pandemic are difficult to predict, but could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. \nChanges in the demand for and supply of our products may adversely affect our financial results, financial condition and cash flow.\nDemand for and supply of our products has been and may be adversely affected by numerous factors, some of which we cannot predict or control. Such factors include:\n\u2022\nchanges in business relationships with and purchases by or from major customers, suppliers or distributors, including delays or cancellations in shipments, disputes regarding contract terms or significant changes in financial condition, and changes in contract cost and revenue estimates for new development programs;\n\u2022\nchanges in product mix;\n\u2022\nchanges in the market acceptance of our products;\n\u2022\nincreased competition in the markets we serve;\n\u2022\ndeclines in the general level of industrial production;\n\u2022\nweakness in the end-markets we serve;\n\u2022\nfluctuations in the availability or the prices of raw materials; and\n\u2022\nfluctuations in currency exchange rates.\nIf any of these factors occur, the demand for and supply of our products could suffer, which could materially adversely affect the Company\u2019s results of operations.\nThe development of new products and technologies requires substantial investment and is required to remain competitive in the markets we serve. If we are unable to successfully introduce new commercial products, our profitability could be adversely affected.\nThe markets we serve are characterized by rapidly changing technologies and frequent introductions of new products and services. Our ability to develop new products based on technological innovation can affect our competitive position and often requires the investment of significant resources. If we cannot develop, or have difficulties or delays developing new and enhanced products and services, or if we fail to gain market or regulatory acceptance of new products and technologies, our revenues may be materially reduced and our competitive position could be materially adversely affected. In addition, we may invest in research and development of products and services, or in acquisitions or other investments, that do not lead to significant revenue, which could adversely affect our profitability.\nChanges in the competitive environment in which we operate may eliminate any competitive advantages that we currently have, which could adversely impact our business.\nOur operations are subject to competition from a wide variety of global, regional and local competitors, which could adversely affect our results of operations by creating downward pricing pressure and/or a decline in our margins or market shares. To compete successfully, we must excel in terms of product quality and innovation, technological and engineering capability, manufacturing and distribution capability, delivery, price competitiveness, and customer experience.\n13\nTable of Contents\nWe may be required to make material expenditures in order to comply with environmental laws and regulations, to address the effects of climate change and to respond to customer needs and investor expectations regarding climate-related goals, each of which may negatively impact our business.\nOur operations necessitate the use and handling of hazardous materials and, as a result, subject us to various U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as non-U.S. laws, designed to protect the environment and to regulate the discharge of materials into the environment. These laws impose penalties, fines and other sanctions for non-compliance and liability for response costs, property damages and personal injury resulting from past and current spills, disposals or other releases of, or the exposure to, hazardous materials. Among other laws, we are subject to the U.S. federal \"Superfund\" law, under which we have been designated as a \"potentially responsible party\" and may be liable for clean-up costs associated with various waste sites, some of which are on the United States Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Superfund priority list. We could incur substantial costs as a result of non-compliance with or liability for cleanup or other costs or damages under environmental laws, including the \"Superfund\" law. \nIn addition, increased worldwide focus on climate change issues has led to legislative and regulatory efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Increased regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change concerns could subject us to additional costs and restrictions, including increased energy and raw material costs. We are not able to predict how such regulations would affect our business, operations or financial results, but increased regulation could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.\nFurther, climate change resulting from increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could present risks to our operations. Extreme weather events linked to climate change, including hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, high heat and water scarcity, among others, create physical risks to our operating locations and supply chains.\n \nAlthough we are working towards and intend to meet our goal of making our own operations carbon neutral by 2040, we may be required to expend significant resources to do so, which could increase our operational costs. Further, there can be no assurance of the extent to which any of our climate-related goals will be achieved, if at all, including on the timeline expected by customers or investors, or that any future investments we make in furtherance of achieving our goals will meet customer expectations and needs, investor expectations or market standards regarding sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our climate-related goals, further our initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state or international climate-related laws and regulations or meet evolving and varied customer and investor expectations and standards could result in legal and regulatory proceedings against us or could cause our customers to find other suppliers, each of which could adversely affect our reputation, the market price of our common shares, our results of operations, our financial condition or our cash flows. \nWe operate in challenging markets for talent and may fail to attract, develop and retain key personnel.\nWe depend on the skills, institutional knowledge, working relationships, and continued services and contributions of key personnel, including our leadership team and others at all levels of the company, as a critical part of our human capital resources. In addition, our ability to achieve our operating and strategic goals depends on our ability to identify, hire, train and retain qualified individuals. We compete with other companies both within and outside of our industry for talented personnel in a highly competitive labor market, and we may lose key personnel or fail to attract other talented personnel or otherwise identify and retain suitable replacements. Any such loss or failure could have material adverse effects on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\nStrategic Transactions Risks\nWe are subject to risks relating to acquisitions and joint ventures, and risks relating to the integration of acquired companies, including risks related to the integration of Meggitt plc (\"Meggitt\").\nWe expect to continue our strategy of identifying and acquiring businesses with complementary products and services, and entering into joint ventures, which we believe will enhance our operations and profitability. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to find suitable businesses to purchase or joint venture opportunities, or that we will be able to acquire such businesses or enter into such joint ventures on acceptable terms. Furthermore, there are no assurances that we will be able to avoid acquiring or assuming unexpected liabilities. If we are unable to avoid these risks, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.\n14\nTable of Contents\nIn addition, we may not be able to integrate successfully any businesses that we purchase into our existing business and it is possible that any acquired businesses or joint ventures may not be profitable. For example, we have devoted significant management attention and resources to integrating the business and operations of Meggitt. We may encounter, or have encountered, the following difficulties during the integration process:\n\u2022\nthe consequences of a change in tax treatment, including the cost of integration and compliance and the possibility that the full benefits anticipated to result from the acquisitions may not be realized;\n\u2022\ndelays in the integration of management teams, strategies, operations, products, and services;\n\u2022\ndifferences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures, and management philosophies that may delay successful integration;\n\u2022\nthe ability to retain key employees;\n\u2022\nthe ability to create and enforce uniform standards, controls, procedures, policies, and information systems;\n\u2022\nchallenges of integrating complex systems, technologies, networks, and other assets of the acquired companies in a manner that minimizes any adverse impact or disruptions to customers, suppliers, employees, and other constituencies; and\n\u2022\nunknown liabilities and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the integration beyond current estimates.\nThe successful integration of new businesses and the success of joint ventures also depend on our ability to manage these new businesses and cut excess costs. If we are unable to avoid these risks, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.\nOur results may be adversely affected if expanded operations from acquisitions are not effectively managed.\nOur recent acquisitions have greatly expanded the size and complexity of our business. Our future success depends, in part, on the ability to manage this expanded business, which may pose or has posed substantial challenges for management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of the expanded global operations and new manufacturing processes and products, and the associated costs and complexity. There can be no assurance of successful management of these matters or that we will realize the expected benefits of the acquisitions.\nThe Company may be subject to risks relating to organizational changes.\nWe regularly execute organizational changes such as acquisitions, divestitures and realignments to support our growth and cost management strategies. We also engage in initiatives aimed to increase productivity, efficiencies and cash flow and to reduce costs. The Company commits significant resources to identify, develop and retain key employees to ensure uninterrupted leadership and direction. If we are unable to successfully manage these and other organizational changes, the ability to complete such activities and realize anticipated synergies or cost savings as well as our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. We cannot offer assurances that any of these initiatives will be beneficial to the extent anticipated, or that the estimated efficiency improvements, incremental cost savings or cash flow improvements will be realized as anticipated or at all.\nFinancial Risks\nIncreasing costs of certain employee and retiree benefits could adversely affect our liability for such benefits.\nThe funding requirements and the amount of expenses recorded for our defined benefit pension plans are dependent on changes in market interest rates and the value of plan assets, which are dependent on actual plan asset returns. Significant changes in market interest rates and decreases in the fair value of plan assets and investment losses on plan assets would increase funding requirements and expenses and may adversely impact our results of operations.\nThe Company absorbs a portion of healthcare costs for its employees. If healthcare costs rise significantly and we continue to absorb the majority of these costs, these increasing costs may adversely impact our future results of operations.\n15\nTable of Contents\nAdditional liabilities relating to changes in tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could adversely impact our financial condition and cash flow.\nWe are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various non-U.S. jurisdictions. Our domestic and international tax liabilities are dependent upon the location of earnings among these different jurisdictions. Our future financial condition and cash flow could be adversely affected by changes in effective tax rate as a result of changes in tax laws and judicial or regulatory interpretation thereof, the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in overall profitability, changes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (\"GAAP\"), or changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets. In addition, the amount of income taxes paid by the Company is subject to ongoing audits by non-U.S. and U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities. If these audits result in assessments different from estimated amounts, future financial results may include unfavorable adjustments to the Company\u2019s tax liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s financial condition and cash flow.\nOur indebtedness and restrictive covenants under our credit facilities could limit our operational and financial flexibility.\nWe have incurred significant indebtedness, and may incur additional debt for acquisitions, operations, research and development and capital expenditures, or for other reasons related to our overall capital deployment strategy. Our ability to make interest and scheduled principal payments and meet restrictive covenants could be adversely impacted by changes in the availability, terms and cost of capital, changes in interest rates or changes in our credit ratings or our outlook. These changes could increase our cost of financing and limit our debt capacity, thereby limiting our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities, react to market conditions and meet operational and capital needs, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage.\nWe carry goodwill on our balance sheet, which is subject to impairment testing and could subject us to significant non-cash charges to earnings in the future if impairment occurs.\nWe have goodwill recorded on our balance sheet. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually as of December 31, in the third quarter or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment may exist. Factors that could indicate that our goodwill is impaired include a decline in our stock price and market capitalization, lower than projected operating results and cash flows, and slower growth rates in our industry. Declines in our stock price, lower operating results and any decline in industry conditions in the future could increase the risk of impairment. Impairment testing incorporates our estimates of future operating results and cash flows, estimates of allocations of certain assets and cash flows among reporting units, estimates of future growth rates, and our judgment regarding the applicable discount rates used on estimated operating results and cash flows. If we determine at a future time that impairment exists, it may result in a significant non-cash charge to earnings and lower stockholders\u2019 equity.\nLegal and Regulatory Risks\nAs a provider of products to the U.S. government, we are subject to additional risks related to future government spending as well as unusual performance conditions and enhanced compliance risks.\nIn addition to the risks identified herein, doing business with the U.S. government subjects us to unusual risks, including dependence on the level of government spending and compliance with and changes in governmental acquisition regulations. Agreements relating to the sale of products to government entities may be subject to termination, reduction or modification, either at the convenience of the government or for our failure to perform, or other unsatisfactory performance under the applicable contract. We are subject to government investigations of our business practices and compliance with government acquisition regulations. If the Company were charged with wrongdoing as a result of any such investigation, it could be suspended from bidding on or receiving awards of new government contracts, and we could be subject to fines or penalties associated with contract non-compliance or resulting from such investigations, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\n16\nTable of Contents\nLitigation and legal and regulatory proceedings against the Company could decrease our liquidity, impair our financial condition and adversely affect our results of operations.\nFrom time to time, we are subject to litigation or other commercial disputes and other legal and regulatory proceedings relating to our business. Due to the inherent uncertainties of any litigation, commercial disputes or other legal or regulatory proceedings, we cannot accurately predict their ultimate outcome, including the outcome of any related appeals. An unfavorable outcome could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, as required by U.S. GAAP, we establish reserves based on our assessment of contingencies, including contingencies related to legal claims asserted against us. Subsequent developments in legal proceedings may affect our assessment and estimates of the loss contingency recorded as a reserve and require us to make payments in excess of our reserves, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.\nWe are subject to national and international laws and regulations, such as the anti-corruption laws of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act, relating to our business and our employees. Despite our policies, procedures and compliance programs, our internal controls and compliance systems may not be able to protect the Company from prohibited acts willfully committed by our employees, agents or business partners that would violate such applicable laws and regulations. Any such improper acts could damage the Company's reputation, subject us to civil or criminal judgments, fines or penalties, and could otherwise disrupt the Company's business, and as a result, could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nFurther, our operations are subject to certain antitrust and competition laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business, in particular the United States and Europe. These laws prohibit, among other things, anticompetitive agreements and practices. If any of our commercial agreements or practices are found to violate or infringe such laws, we may be subject to civil and other penalties. We may also be subject to third-party claims for damages. Further, agreements that infringe antitrust and competition laws may be void and unenforceable, in whole or in part, or require modification in order to be lawful and enforceable. Accordingly, any violation of these laws could harm our reputation and could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows and financial condition.\nDue to the nature of our business and products, we may be liable for damages based on product liability claims.\nOur businesses expose us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture and sale of our products and the products of third-party vendors that we use or resell. Significant product liability claims could have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Although we currently maintain what we believe to be suitable and adequate product liability insurance, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our insurance on acceptable terms or that our insurance will provide adequate protection against all potential significant liabilities.\nFailure to protect our intellectual property and know-how could reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage and reduce our sales and profitability, and the cost of protecting our intellectual property may be significant.\nProtecting our intellectual property is critical to our innovation efforts. We own a number of patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks, trade names and other forms of intellectual property related to our products and services throughout the world and in the operation of our business. We also have exclusive and non-exclusive rights to intellectual property owned by others. Our intellectual property may be challenged, stolen or otherwise infringed upon by third parties or we may be unable to maintain, renew or enter into new license agreements with third-party owners of intellectual property on reasonable terms. In addition, the global nature of our business increases the risk that our intellectual property may be subject to infringement, theft or other unauthorized use or disclosure by others. In some cases, our ability to protect our intellectual property rights by legal recourse or otherwise may be limited, particularly in countries where laws or enforcement practices are inadequate or undeveloped. And the cost of enforcing our rights may be significant. Unauthorized use or disclosure of our intellectual property rights or our inability to protect our intellectual property rights could lead to reputational harm and/or adversely impact our competitive position and results of operations.",
+ "item7": ">ITEM\u00a07\n. \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\nForward-Looking Statements\nForward-looking statements contained in this and other written and oral reports are made based on known events and circumstances at the time of release, and as such, are subject in the future to unforeseen uncertainties and risks. Often but not always, these statements may be identified from the use of forward-looking terminology such as \u201canticipates,\u201d \u201cbelieves,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d \u201cpotential,\u201d \u201ccontinues,\u201d \u201cplans,\u201d \u201cforecasts,\u201d \u201cestimates,\u201d \u201cprojects,\u201d \u201cpredicts,\u201d \u201cwould,\u201d \u201cintends,\u201d \u201cexpects,\u201d \u201ctargets,\u201d \u201cis likely,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d or the negative of these terms and similar expressions, and include all statements regarding future performance, earnings projections, events or developments. Neither the Company nor any of its respective associates or directors, officers or advisers, provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this document will actually occur. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. It is possible that the future performance and earnings projections of the Company, including its individual segments, may differ materially from past performance or current expectations, depending on economic conditions within its mobile, industrial and aerospace markets, and the Company\u2019s ability to maintain and achieve anticipated benefits associated with announced realignment activities, strategic initiatives to improve operating margins, actions taken to combat the effects of the current economic environment, and growth, innovation and global diversification initiatives. Additionally, the actual impact of changes in tax laws in the United States and foreign jurisdictions and any judicial or regulatory interpretation thereof on future performance and earnings projections may impact the Company\u2019s tax calculations. A change in the economic conditions in individual markets may have a particularly volatile effect on segment performance.\nAmong other factors which may affect future performance are: \n\u2022\nchanges in business relationships with and purchases by or from major customers, suppliers or distributors, including delays or cancellations in shipments; \n\u2022\ndisputes regarding contract terms or significant changes in financial condition, changes in contract cost and revenue estimates for new development programs and changes in product mix;\n\u2022\nthe impact of political, social and economic instability and disruptions, including public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic; \n\u2022\nability to identify acceptable strategic acquisition targets; uncertainties surrounding timing, successful completion or integration of acquisitions and similar transactions, including the integration of Meggitt; and our ability to effectively manage expanded operations from acquisitions; \n\u2022\nthe ability to successfully divest businesses planned for divestiture and realize the anticipated benefits of such divestitures;\n\u2022\nthe determination to undertake business realignment activities and the expected costs thereof and, if undertaken, the ability to complete such activities and realize the anticipated cost savings from such activities;\n\u2022\nability to implement successfully capital allocation initiatives, including timing, price and execution of share repurchases;\n\u2022\navailability, limitations or cost increases of raw materials, component products and/or commodities that cannot be recovered in product pricing;\n\u2022\nglobal economic factors, including manufacturing activity, air travel trends, currency exchange rates, difficulties entering new markets and general economic conditions such as inflation, deflation, interest rates, credit availability and changes in consumer habits and preferences;\n\u2022\nability to manage costs related to insurance and employee retirement and health care benefits;\n\u2022\nlegal and regulatory developments and changes;\n\u2022\nadditional liabilities relating to changes in tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities; \n\u2022\nability to enter into, own, renew, protect and maintain intellectual property and know-how; \n\u2022\nleverage and future debt service obligations; \n\u2022\npotential impairment of goodwill; \n\u2022\ncompliance costs associated with environmental laws and regulations;\n\u2022\npotential labor disruptions or shortages and the ability to attract and retain key personnel;\n\u2022\nuncertainties surrounding the ultimate resolution of outstanding legal proceedings, including the outcome of any appeals;\n\u2022\nglobal competitive market conditions, including U.S. trade policies and resulting effects on sales and pricing;\n\u2022\nlocal and global political and economic conditions, including the Russia-Ukraine war and its residual effects;\n21\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\ninability to obtain, or meet conditions imposed for, required governmental and regulatory approvals;\n\u2022\ngovernment actions and natural phenomena such as pandemics, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes or other natural phenomena that may be related to climate change;\n\u2022\nincreased cyber security threats and sophisticated computer crime; and\n\u2022\nsuccess of business and operating initiatives. \nThe Company makes these statements as of the date of the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, and undertakes no obligation to update them unless otherwise required by law.\nOverview\nThe Company is a global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than a century, the Company has engineered the success of its customers in a wide range of diversified industrial and aerospace markets.\nBy aligning around our purpose, Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow, Parker is better positioned for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.\nThe Win Strategy 3.0 is Parker's business system which defines the goals and initiatives that create responsible, sustainable growth and enable Parker's long-term success. It works with our purpose, which is a foundational element of The Win Strategy, to engage team members and create responsible and sustainable growth. Our shared values shape our culture and our interactions with stakeholders and the communities in which we operate and live.\nWe believe many opportunities for profitable growth are available. The Company intends to focus primarily on business opportunities in the areas of energy, water, food, environment, defense, life sciences, infrastructure and transportation. We believe we can meet our strategic objectives by:\n\u2022\nserving the customer and continuously enhancing its experience with the Company;\n\u2022\nsuccessfully executing The Win Strategy initiatives relating to engaged people, premier customer experience, profitable growth and financial performance;\n\u2022\nmaintaining a decentralized division and sales company structure;\n\u2022\nfostering a safety-first and entrepreneurial culture;\n\u2022\nengineering innovative systems and products to provide superior customer value through improved service, efficiency and productivity;\n\u2022\ndelivering products, systems and services that have demonstrable savings to customers and are priced by the value they deliver;\n\u2022\nenabling a sustainable future by providing innovative clean technology solutions that offer a positive, global environmental impact and operating responsibly by reducing our energy use and emissions;\n\u2022\nacquiring strategic businesses;\n\u2022\norganizing around targeted regions, technologies and markets; \n\u2022\ndriving efficiency by implementing lean enterprise principles; and \n\u2022\ncreating a culture of empowerment through our values, inclusion and diversity, accountability and teamwork.\nOur order rates provide a near-term perspective of the Company's outlook particularly when viewed in the context of prior and future order rates. The Company publishes its order rates on a quarterly basis. The lead time between the time an order is received and revenue is realized generally ranges from one day to 12 weeks for mobile and industrial orders and from one day to 18 months for aerospace orders.\nThe continuing residual effects of the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic, including the inflationary cost environment as well as disruption within the global supply chain and labor markets, have impacted our business. We continue to manage the challenging supply chain environment through our \"local for local\" manufacturing strategy, ongoing supplier management process, and broadened supply base. We continue to manage the impact of the inflationary cost environment through a variety of cost and pricing measures, including continuous improvement and lean initiatives. Additionally, we strategically manage our workforce and discretionary spending. At the same time, we are appropriately addressing the ongoing needs of our business so that we continue to serve our customers. \nOver the long-term, the extent to which our business and results of operations will be impacted by economic and political uncertainty depends on future developments that remain uncertain. We will continue to monitor the environment and manage our business with the goal to minimize the impact on operations and financial results. \n22\nTable of Contents\nAs previously announced, on March 14, 2022, we detected that an unauthorized party gained access to our systems. After securing our network and concluding our investigation, we found that the data exfiltrated during the incident included personal information of our team members. We have notified individuals whose personal information was involved and offered them credit monitoring services. We have also provided notification regarding the incident to the appropriate regulatory authorities. A consolidated class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio against the Company over the incident. The parties have reached a settlement in principle in the lawsuit, which the district court preliminarily approved on March 14, 2023, and finally approved on August 2, 2023. Based on our ongoing assessments, the incident has not had a significant financial or operational impact and has not had a material impact on our business, operations or financial results.\nThe discussion below is structured to separately discuss the Consolidated Statement of Income, Business Segments, and Liquidity and Capital Resources. The term \"year\" and references to specific years refer to the applicable fiscal year. \nCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME\nThe Consolidated Statement of Income summarizes the Company's operating performance. The discussion below compares the operating performance in 2023, 2022, and 2021.\n(dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022*\n2021*\nNet sales\n$\n19,065\n\u00a0\n$\n15,862\u00a0\n$\n14,348\u00a0\nGross profit margin\n33.7\n\u00a0\n%\n33.5\u00a0\n%\n33.1\u00a0\n%\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n$\n3,354\n\u00a0\n$\n2,504\u00a0\n$\n2,383\u00a0\nSelling, general and administrative expenses, as a percent of sales\n17.6\n\u00a0\n%\n15.8\u00a0\n%\n16.6\u00a0\n%\nInterest expense\n$\n574\n\u00a0\n$\n255\u00a0\n$\n250\u00a0\nOther expense (income), net\n184\n\u00a0\n945\u00a0\n(28)\nGain on disposal of assets\n(363)\n(7)\n(109)\nEffective tax rate\n22.2\n\u00a0\n%\n18.5\u00a0\n%\n22.3\u00a0\n%\nNet income attributable to common shareholders\n$\n2,083\n\u00a0\n$\n1,316\u00a0\n$\n1,746\u00a0\n*Years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 amounts have been reclassified to reflect the income statement reclassification, as described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nNet sales\n \nin 2023 increased from the 2022 amount due to higher volume in both the Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems Segments. The Acquisition completed within the last 12 months increased sales by approximately $2.1 billion during the current year. The effect of currency rate changes decreased net sales in 2023 by approximately $470 million, substantially all of which is attributable to the Diversified Industrial International businesses. Divestitures completed within the last 12 months decreased sales by approximately $69 million in 2023. \nNet sales in 2022 increased from the 2021 amount due to higher volume in both the Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems Segments. The effect of currency rate changes decreased net sales in 2022 by approximately $255 million, substantially all of which is attributable to the Diversified Industrial International businesses. \nGross profit margin \n(calculated as net sales less cost of sales, divided by net sales) increased slightly in 2023 primarily due to higher margins in both the Aerospace Systems and Diversified Industrial Segments. The increase in gross profit margin is primarily due to higher sales volume and benefits from continuous improvement initiatives, as well as price increases. The increase was partially offset by the step-up in inventory to fair value of $110 million, related to the Acquisition, within the Aerospace Systems Segment. Additionally, increased freight, material and labor costs resulting from the ongoing inflationary environment and disruption within the global supply chain and labor markets impacted margin. Cost of sales also included business realignment and acquisition integration charges of $29 million in 2023 compared to $5 million in 2022.\nGross profit margin increased in 2022 primarily due to higher margins in both the Aerospace and Diversified Industrial Segments. The increase in gross profit margin is primarily due to higher sales volume and benefits from continuous improvement initiatives, as well as price increases, partially offset by increased freight, material and labor costs resulting from ongoing inflationary environment and disruption within the global supply chain and labor markets. Cost of sales also included business realignment and acquisition integration charges of $5 million in 2022 compared to $27 million in 2021.\n23\nTable of Contents\nSelling, general and administrative expenses \n(\"SG&A\") increased in 2023 primarily due to higher amortization expense, research and development expense, information technology charges, as well as increased general and administrative charges associated with the Acquisition. Additionally, acquisition-related transaction costs for the year totaled $115 million. SG&A also included business realignment and acquisition integration charges of $94 million and $14 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nSG&A increased in 2022 primarily due to acquisition-related transaction costs of $44 million as well as higher net expense from the Company's deferred compensation plan and related investments and higher professional fees and related expenses. SG&A also included business realignment and acquisition integration charges of $14 million and $31 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. \nInterest expense \nin 2023 increased compared to 2022 primarily due to higher average interest rates and higher average debt outstanding. Interest expense in 2022 increased compared to 2021 primarily due to higher average debt outstanding, partially offset by lower average interest rates.\nOther expense (income), net\n included the following:\n(dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022*\n2021*\nExpense (income)\nForeign currency transaction loss (gain)\n$\n46\n\u00a0\n$\n(40)\n$\n(11)\nIncome related to equity method investments\n(124)\n(76)\n(41)\nNon-service components of retirement benefit cost\n(67)\n4\u00a0\n49\u00a0\nInterest income\n(46)\n(10)\n(7)\nAcquisition-related financing fees\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n52\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nLoss on deal-contingent forward contracts\n390\n\u00a0\n1,015\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nRussia liquidation\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nOther items, net\n(15)\n(8)\n(18)\n$\n184\n\u00a0\n$\n945\u00a0\n$\n(28)\n*Years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 amounts have been reclassified to reflect the income statement reclassification, as described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nForeign currency transaction loss (gain) primarily relates to the impact of exchange rates on cash, forward contracts, certain cross-currency swap contracts and intercompany transactions. During 2023, it also includes foreign currency transaction loss associated with completing the Acquisition. \nAcquisition-related financing fees\n \nin\n \n2022 relate to the bridge credit agreement (the \"Bridge Credit Agreement\") fees associated with the Acquisition. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nLoss on deal-contingent forward contracts\n \nin\n \n2023 and 2022 includes a loss on the deal-contingent forward contracts related to the Acquisition. Refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nGain on disposal of assets \nin 2023 includes a gain on the sale of the aircraft wheel and brake business within the Aerospace Systems Segment of $374 million. Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. In 2021 it primarily consists of a gain of $101 million on the sale of land.\nEffective tax rate\n in 2023 was higher than 2022, primarily due to an overall decrease in discrete tax benefits along with a reduction in the benefit from the foreign derived intangible income deduction. Effective tax rate in 2022 was lower than 2021 primarily due to an overall increase in discrete tax benefits. \n24\nTable of Contents\nBUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION\nThe Business Segment information presents sales and operating income on a basis that is consistent with the manner in which the Company's various businesses are managed for internal review and decision-making.\nDiversified Industrial Segment \n(dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nNet Sales\nNorth America\n$\n8,916\n\u00a0\n$\n7,703\u00a0\n$\n6,676\u00a0\nInternational\n5,789\n\u00a0\n5,639\u00a0\n5,284\u00a0\nOperating income\nNorth America\n1,853\n\u00a0\n1,515\u00a0\n1,247\u00a0\nInternational\n$\n1,218\n\u00a0\n$\n1,178\u00a0\n$\n988\u00a0\nOperating income as a percent of sales\nNorth America\n20.8\n\u00a0\n%\n19.7\u00a0\n%\n18.7\u00a0\n%\nInternational\n21.0\n\u00a0\n%\n20.9\u00a0\n%\n18.7\u00a0\n%\nBacklog\n$\n4,786\n\u00a0\n$\n4,510\u00a0\n$\n3,239\u00a0\nThe Diversified Industrial Segment operations experienced the following percentage changes in net sales: \n2023\n2022\nDiversified Industrial North America \u2013 as reported\n15.7\u00a0\n%\n15.4\u00a0\n%\nAcquisitions\n4.0\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nCurrency\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n0.1\u00a0\n%\nDiversified Industrial North America \u2013 without acquisitions and currency\n1\n11.7\u00a0\n%\n15.3\u00a0\n%\nDiversified Industrial International \u2013 as reported\n2.7\u00a0\n%\n6.7\u00a0\n%\nAcquisitions\n2.3\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nCurrency\n(8.3)\n%\n(4.9)\n%\nDiversified Industrial International \u2013 without acquisitions and currency\n1\n8.7\u00a0\n%\n11.6\u00a0\n%\nTotal Diversified Industrial Segment \u2013 as reported\n10.2\u00a0\n%\n11.6\u00a0\n%\nAcquisitions\n3.3\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nCurrency\n(3.5)\n%\n(2.0)\n%\nTotal Diversified Industrial Segment \u2013 without acquisitions and currency\n1\n10.4\u00a0\n%\n13.6\u00a0\n%\n1\nThe above presentation reconciles the percentage changes in net sales of the Diversified Industrial Segment reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (\"GAAP\") to percentage changes in net sales adjusted to remove the effects of the Acquisition made within the last 12 months as well as currency exchange rates (a non-GAAP measure). The effects of the Acquisition and currency exchange rates are removed to allow investors and the Company to meaningfully evaluate the percentage changes in net sales on a comparable basis from period to period.\nNet Sales\nDiversified Industrial North America\n - Sales in 2023 for the Diversified Industrial North American businesses increased 15.7 percent from 2022. The effect of the Acquisition increased sales by approximately $311 million. Currency exchange rates did not materially impact sales during the year. Excluding the effects of the Acquisition and changes in the currency exchange rates, sales in 2023 for the Diversified Industrial North American businesses increased 11.7 percent from prior-year levels reflecting higher demand from distributors and end users across most markets, including, the cars and light trucks, farm and agriculture, construction equipment, heavy-duty truck, oil and gas, lawn and turf, metal fabrication, industrial machinery, semiconductor, and material handling markets, partially offset by lower end user demand in the life sciences market.\nSales in 2022 for the Diversified Industrial North American businesses increased 15.4 percent from 2021. The effect of currency exchange rates increased sales by approximately $7 million. Excluding the effect of currency rate changes, sales in 2022 for the Diversified Industrial North American businesses increased 15.3 percent from prior-year levels reflecting higher \n25\nTable of Contents\ndemand from distributors and end users in virtually all markets, including, the farm and agriculture, life sciences, heavy-duty truck, construction equipment, engines, refrigeration, material handling, metal fabrication, and semiconductor markets.\nDiversified Industrial International\n - Sales in the Diversified Industrial International businesses increased 2.7 percent in 2023. The effect of the Acquisition increased sales by approximately $128 million. Currency exchange rates decreased sales by approximately $465 million, reflecting the strengthening of the U.S. dollar primarily against currencies in the Eurozone countries, China and Japan. Excluding the effects of the Acquisition and changes in the currency exchange rates, sales in 2023 for the Diversified Industrial International businesses increased 8.7 percent from 2022 levels. During 2023, Europe, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America accounted for approximately 75 percent, 10 percent, and 15 percent, respectively, of the increase in sales.\nWithin Europe, the increase in sales was primarily due to higher demand from distributors and end users in the construction equipment, cars and light trucks, heavy-duty truck, oil and gas, industrial machinery, material handling, metal fabrication, farm and agriculture, and semiconductor markets, partially offset by a decrease in end-user demand in the power generation market.\nWithin the Asia Pacific region, the increase in sales was primarily due to higher demand from distributors and end users in the construction equipment, cars and light trucks, marine, heavy-duty truck, telecommunications, engines, and mining markets, partially offset by a decrease in end-user demand in the life sciences, refrigeration, and semiconductor markets.\nWithin Latin America, the increase in sales was primarily due to higher demand from distributors and end users in the cars and light trucks, oil and gas, farm and agriculture, railroad, and metal fabrication markets, partially offset by a decrease in end-user demand in the construction equipment and industrial machinery markets.\nSales in the Diversified Industrial International businesses increased 6.7 percent in 2022. The effect of currency rate changes decreased sales by $256 million, reflecting the strengthening of the U.S. dollar primarily against currencies in the Eurozone countries, Turkey and Japan. Excluding the effect of currency rate changes, sales in 2022 for the Diversified Industrial International businesses increased 11.6 percent from 2021 levels. During 2022, Europe, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America accounted for approximately 70 percent, 20 percent, and 10 percent, respectively, of the increase in sales.\nWithin Europe, the increase in sales was primarily due to higher demand from distributors and end users in the construction equipment, heavy-duty truck, industrial machinery, life sciences, machine tool, mining, material handling, engines, and forestry markets, partially offset by a decrease in end-user demand in the cars and light trucks, semiconductor, telecommunications, and oil and gas markets.\nWithin the Asia Pacific region, the increase in sales was primarily due to higher demand from distributors and end users in the semiconductor, refrigeration, industrial machinery, life sciences, and machine tool markets, partially offset by a decrease in end-user demand in the engines, power generation, heavy-duty truck, railroad equipment, and material handling markets.\nWithin Latin America, the increase in sales was primarily due to higher demand from distributors and end users in the farm and agriculture, cars and light trucks, mining, heavy-duty truck, construction equipment, and industrial machinery markets, partially offset by a decrease in end-user demand in the power generation and life sciences markets.\nOperating Margin\nDiversified Industrial North America - \nOperating margins in 2023 increased from 2022 primarily due to benefits from higher sales volume, continuous improvement initiatives and price increases, partially offset by higher material and operating costs resulting from the inflationary environment, as well as unfavorable product mix.\nDiversified Industrial International - \nOperating margins in 2023 increased from 2022 primarily due to benefits from continuous improvement initiatives and price increases, partially offset by higher material and operating costs resulting from the inflationary environment, as well as unfavorable product mix.\nOperating margins in 2022 increased from 2021 in both the North American and International businesses primarily due to higher sales volume and benefits from continuous improvement initiatives, as well as price increases. These increases were partially offset by increased operating costs, including higher freight, material, and labor costs resulting from the ongoing disruption within the current supply chain environment and labor market. In addition, within the International businesses, operating margin in 2022 benefited from savings related to prior-year restructuring actions.\n26\nTable of Contents\nBusiness Realignment\nThe following business realignment and acquisition integration charges are included in Diversified Industrial North America and Diversified Industrial International operating income:\n(dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nDiversified Industrial North America\n$\n9\n\u00a0\n$\n4\u00a0\n$\n14\u00a0\nDiversified Industrial International\n23\n\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n36\u00a0\nBusiness realignment charges include severance costs related to actions taken under the Company's simplification initiative aimed at reducing organizational and process complexity, as well as plant closures. Acquisition integration charges in the current year relate to the acquisition of Meggitt, and charges in both 2022 and 2021 relate to the 2020 acquisition of Lord. During 2021, business realignment charges primarily consisted of actions taken to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. Business realignment and acquisition integration charges within the Diversified Industrial International businesses were primarily incurred in Europe.\nDuring 2022, we also incurred $6 million of expense within the Diversified Industrial International businesses as a result of our exit of business operations in Russia. These charges primarily consist of write-downs of inventory and other working capital items.\nWe anticipate that cost savings realized from the workforce reduction measures taken during 2023 will increase operating income in 2024 by approximately one percent in the Diversified Industrial International businesses and will not materially impact operating income in the Diversified Industrial North American businesses. We expect to continue to take actions necessary to structure appropriately the operations of the Diversified Industrial Segment. These actions are expected to result in approximately $78 million in business realignment and acquisition integration charges in 2024. However, continually changing business conditions could impact the ultimate costs we incur. \nBacklog\nThe increase in Diversified Industrial Segment backlog in 2023 was primarily due to the addition of Meggitt backlog, partially offset by shipments exceeding orders in both the North American and International businesses. Excluding the addition of Meggitt backlog, North American and International businesses accounted for approximately 60 percent and 40 percent of the change, respectively. Within the International business, the Asia Pacific region, Europe and Latin America accounted for approximately 80 percent, 15 percent, and five percent of the change, respectively.\nThe increase in Diversified Industrial Segment backlog in 2022 was primarily due to orders exceeding shipments in both the North American and International businesses. Backlog within the North American and International businesses accounted for approximately 75 percent and 25 percent of the change, respectively. Within the International business, the Asia Pacific region, Europe and Latin America accounted for approximately 60 percent, 30 percent, and 10 percent of the change, respectively. \nBacklog consists of written firm orders from a customer to deliver products and, in the case of blanket purchase orders, only includes the portion of the order for which a schedule or release date has been agreed to with the customer. The dollar value of backlog is equal to the amount that is expected to be billed to the customer and reported as a sale. \nAerospace Systems Segment\n \n(dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nSales\n$\n4,360\n\u00a0\n$\n2,520\u00a0\n$\n2,388\u00a0\nOperating income\n562\n\u00a0\n501\u00a0\n403\u00a0\nOperating income as a percent of sales\n12.9\n\u00a0\n%\n19.9\u00a0\n%\n16.9\u00a0\n%\nBacklog\n$\n6,201\n\u00a0\n$\n3,340\u00a0\n$\n3,264\u00a0\nSales\nAerospace Systems Segment sales in 2023 increased compared to prior-year primarily due to the addition of Meggitt sales of $1.6 billion. Sales also increased compared to 2022 due to higher volume in the commercial OEM and aftermarket businesses, partially offset by lower military OEM and aftermarket volume. The increase in sales was partially offset by divestitures during 2023.\n27\nTable of Contents\nSales in 2022 were higher than the 2021 level primarily due to higher commercial aftermarket and OEM volume, partially offset by lower military OEM and aftermarket volume.\nOperating Margin\nAerospace Systems Segment operating margin decreased in 2023 primarily due to acquisition-related expenses, including higher estimated amortization and depreciation expense associated with the preliminary fair value estimates of intangible assets, plant and equipment, and inventory, as well as acquisition integration charges. Additionally, higher commercial OEM volume, an increase in contract loss reserves related to certain commercial OEM programs, challenges created by the disruption within the supply chain and labor markets and higher engineering development expenses also contributed to the lower operating margin. These factors were partially offset by higher commercial aftermarket volume and cost containment initiatives.\nAerospace Systems Segment operating margin increased in 2022 primarily due to higher sales volume, favorable commercial aftermarket product mix, higher aftermarket profitability as well as lower unfunded engineering development expenses. These benefits were partially offset by challenges created by the ongoing inflationary environment, disruption within the supply chain and labor markets as well as unfavorable commercial OEM product mix.\nBusiness Realignment\nWithin the Aerospace Systems Segment, we incurred acquisition integration and business realignment charges of $90 million in 2023. We expect to incur approximately $27 million in business realignment and acquisition integration charges in 2024. However, continually changing business conditions could impact the ultimate costs we incur.\nDuring 2022, we incurred $7 million of expense within the Aerospace Systems Segment as a result of our exit of business operations in Russia. These charges primarily consist of write-downs of inventory and other working capital items.\nBacklog\nThe increase in Aerospace Systems Segment backlog in 2023 was primarily due to the addition of Meggitt backlog as well as orders exceeding shipments in the commercial OEM and aftermarket businesses and the military OEM and aftermarket businesses. \nThe increase in backlog in 2022 was primarily due to orders exceeding shipments in the commercial OEM and aftermarket businesses, partially offset by shipments exceeding orders in the military OEM and aftermarket businesses.\nBacklog consists of written firm orders from a customer to deliver products and, in the case of blanket purchase orders, only includes the portion of the order for which a schedule or release date has been agreed to with the customer. The dollar value of backlog is equal to the amount that is expected to be billed to the customer and reported as a sale. \nCorporate general & administrative expenses\n(dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nExpense (income)\nCorporate general and administrative expense\n$\n230\n\u00a0\n$\n220\u00a0\n$\n178\u00a0\nCorporate general and administrative expense, as a percent of sales\n1.2\n\u00a0\n%\n1.4\u00a0\n%\n1.2\u00a0\n%\nCorporate general and administrative expenses increased in 2023 primarily due to higher net expense from the Company's incentive compensation programs and higher professional fees. These expenses were partially offset by lower expenses relating to the Company's deferred compensation plan and related investments. The increase in 2022 was primarily due to higher net expense from the Company's deferred compensation plan and related investments, higher professional fees and related expenses as well as higher incentive compensation expense. These expenses were partially offset by lower pension expense.\n28\nTable of Contents\nOther expense (income)\n \n(in Business Segments) \n(dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nExpense (income)\nForeign currency transaction loss (gain)\n$\n46\n\u00a0\n$\n(40)\n$\n(11)\nStock-based compensation\n78\n\u00a0\n63\u00a0\n61\u00a0\nPensions\n(67)\n(16)\n22\u00a0\nAcquisition-related expenses\n114\n\u00a0\n96\u00a0\n5\u00a0\nLoss on deal-contingent forward contracts\n390\n\u00a0\n1,015\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nGain on disposal of assets\n(363)\n(7)\n(109)\nInterest income\n(46)\n(10)\n(7)\nRussia liquidation\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nOther items, net\n(1)\n(2)\n2\u00a0\n$\n151\n\u00a0\n$\n1,106\u00a0\n$\n(37)\nForeign currency transaction loss (gain) primarily relates to the impact of exchange rates on cash, forward contracts, certain cross currency swap contracts and intercompany transactions. During 2023, it also includes foreign currency transaction loss associated with completing the Acquisition.\nAcquisition-related expenses include Bridge Credit Agreement financing fees and transaction costs related to the Acquisition. Refer to Notes 3 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nLoss on deal-contingent forward contracts includes losses on the deal-contingent forward contracts related to the Acquisition. Refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nGain on disposal of assets includes a gain on the sale of the aircraft wheel and brake business within the Aerospace Systems Segment of approximately $374 million in 2023 and a gain of $101 million on the sale of land in 2021. Refer to Note 3\n \nto the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nWe believe that we are great generators and deployers of cash. We assess our liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund our operations and meet our strategic capital deployment objectives, which include the following:\n\u2022\nContinuing our record annual dividend increases\n\u2022\nInvesting in organic growth and productivity\n\u2022\nStrategic acquisitions that strengthen our portfolio\n\u2022\nOffset share dilution through 10b5-1 share repurchase program\nCash Flows\nA summary of cash flows follows:\n(dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nCash provided by (used in):\nOperating activities\n$\n2,980\n\u00a0\n$\n2,442\u00a0\n$\n2,575\u00a0\nInvesting activities\n(8,177)\n(419)\n\u2014\u00a0\nFinancing activities\n(971)\n3,916\u00a0\n(2,623)\nEffect of exchange rates\n(5)\n(24)\n96\u00a0\nNet (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash\n$\n(6,173)\n$\n5,915\u00a0\n$\n48\u00a0\n29\nTable of Contents\nCash flows from operating activities\n were $2,980 million in 2023, $2,442 million in 2022 and $2,575 million in 2021. The increase of $538 million in 2023 and decrease of $133 million in 2022 were primarily related to net changes in cash provided by accounts receivable, inventories, and accounts payable, trade. We continue to focus on managing inventory and other working capital requirements. Cash flows from operating activities for 2023 were negatively impacted by acquisition-transaction expenses. \n\u2022\nDays sales outstanding relating to trade receivables for the Company was 51 days in 2023, 51 days in 2022, and 50 days in 2021.\n\u2022\nDays supply of inventory on hand was 85 days in 2023, 77 days in 2022, and 75 days in 2021.\nCash flows from investing activities\n in 2023, 2022, and 2021 were impacted by the following factors:\n\u2022\nPayment for the Acquisition, net of cash acquired, of $7.1 billion in 2023.\n\u2022\nPayments to settle the deal-contingent forward contracts of $1.4 billion in 2023.\n\u2022\nNet maturities of marketable securities of $19 million in 2023 compared to $4 million in 2022 and $45 million in 2021.\n\u2022\nCapital expenditures of $381 million in 2023 compared to $230 million in 2022 and $210 million in 2021.\n\u2022\nNet proceeds from the sale of the aircraft wheel and brake business of approximately $443 million in 2023.\n\u2022\nNet proceeds from the sale of land of approximately $111 million in 2021.\n\u2022\nCash collateral received of $250 million in 2023 that was paid in 2022 per the credit support annex (\"CSA\") attached to the deal-contingent forward contracts. Refer to Note 16\n \nto the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. \nCash flows from financing activities \nin 2023, 2022, and 2021 were impacted by the following factors:\n\u2022\nRepurchases of 0.7\u00a0million common shares for $200 million during 2023 compared to repurchases of 1.3 million and 0.3 million common shares for $380 million and $100 million during 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\u2022\nProceeds of $2.0 billion from borrowings under the term loan facility (the \"Term Loan Facility\") in fiscal 2023. Subsequently in fiscal 2023, we made payments totaling $1.1 billion towards the outstanding balance under the Term Loan Facility. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\n\u2022\nPayments related to maturity of $300 million aggregate principal amounts of medium term notes in 2023.\n\u2022\nPayments to retire $900 million aggregate principal amount of private placement notes assumed in the Acquisition in Fiscal 2023. Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\n\u2022\nNet proceeds from Senior Notes issuances of $3.6 billion in 2022 compared to term loan repayments of $1.2 billion in 2021. \n\u2022\nNet commercial paper borrowings of $358 million in 2023 compared to net commercial paper borrowings of $1.4 billion in 2022 and net commercial paper repayments of $723 million in 2021.\n30\nTable of Contents\nCash Requirements\nWe are actively monitoring our liquidity position and remain focused on managing our inventory and other working capital requirements. We are continuing to target two percent of sales for capital expenditures and are prioritizing those related to safety, strategic investments, and sustainability initiatives. We believe that cash generated from operations and our commercial paper program will satisfy our operating needs for the foreseeable future.\nWe have committed cash outflow related to long-term debt, operating and financing lease agreements, and postretirement benefit obligations. Refer to Notes 10, 11, and 12 respectively, of Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nDividends\nDividends have been paid for 292 consecutive quarters, including a yearly increase in dividends for the last 67 years. The current annual dividend rate is $5.92 per common share.\nShare Repurchases\nThe Company has a program to repurchase its common shares. On October 22, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an increase in the overall number of shares authorized to repurchase under the program so that, beginning on such date, the aggregate number of shares authorized for repurchase was 35 million. There is no limitation on the number of shares that can be repurchased in a year. Repurchases may be funded primarily from operating cash flows and commercial paper borrowings and the shares are initially held as treasury shares. \n Refer to Note 13\n \nto the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nLiquidity\nCash, comprised of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities and other investments, includes $422 million, $465 million, and $467 million held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries at June\u00a030, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The Company does not permanently reinvest certain foreign earnings. The distribution of these earnings could result in non-federal U.S. or foreign taxes. All other undistributed foreign earnings remain permanently reinvested.\nWe are currently authorized to sell up to $3.0 billion of short-term commercial paper notes. There were $1.8 billion outstanding commercial paper notes as of June\u00a030, 2023, and the largest amount of commercial paper notes outstanding during the fourth quarter of 2023 was $2.1 billion.\nThe Company has a line of credit totaling $3.0 billion through a multi-currency revolving credit agreement with a group of banks. As of June\u00a030, 2023, $1.2 billion was available for borrowing under the credit agreement. Advances from the credit agreement can be used for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, and for the refinancing of existing indebtedness. The credit agreement supports our commercial paper program, and issuances of commercial paper reduce the amount of credit available under the agreement. During 2023, the Company amended its credit agreement and extended the expiration to June 2028. The Company has the right to request a one-year extension of the expiration date on an annual basis, which request may result in changes to the current terms and conditions of the credit agreement. The credit agreement requires the payment of an annual facility fee, the amount of which is dependent upon the Company\u2019s credit ratings. Although a lowering of the Company\u2019s credit ratings would increase the cost of future debt, it would not limit the Company\u2019s ability to use the credit agreement nor would it accelerate the repayment of any outstanding borrowings. Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nWe primarily utilize unsecured medium-term notes and senior notes to meet our financing needs and we expect to continue to borrow funds at reasonable rates over the long term. During 2022, the Company issued $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.65 percent Senior Notes due June 15, 2024, $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.25 percent Senior Notes due September 15, 2027, and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.50 percent Senior Notes due September 15, 2029 (collectively, the \"Senior Notes\"). We used proceeds of the Senior Notes to finance a portion of the Acquisition. \nThe Company\u2019s credit agreements and indentures governing certain debt securities contain various covenants, the violation of which would limit or preclude the use of the credit agreements for future borrowings, or might accelerate the maturity of the related outstanding borrowings covered by the indentures. Based on the Company\u2019s rating level at June\u00a030, 2023, the most restrictive financial covenant provides that the ratio of debt to debt-shareholders' equity cannot exceed 0.65 to 1.0. At June\u00a030, 2023, the Company's debt to debt-shareholders' equity ratio was 0.55 to 1.0. We are in compliance, and expect to remain in compliance, with all covenants set forth in the credit agreement and indentures.\n31\nTable of Contents\nOur goal is to maintain an investment-grade credit profile. The rating agencies periodically update our credit ratings as events occur. At June\u00a030, 2023, the long-term credit ratings assigned to the Company's senior debt securities by the credit rating agencies engaged by the Company were as follows: \nFitch Ratings\nBBB+\nMoody's Investor Services, Inc.\nBaa1\nStandard & Poor's\nBBB+\nSupply Chain Financing\nWe continue to identify opportunities to improve our liquidity and working capital efficiency, which includes the extension of payment terms with our suppliers. We currently have supply chain financing (\"SCF\") programs with financial intermediaries, which provide certain suppliers the option to be paid by the financial intermediaries earlier than the due date on the applicable invoice. We are not a party to the agreements between the participating financial intermediaries and the suppliers in connection with the programs. The range of payment terms we negotiate with our suppliers is consistent, irrespective of whether a supplier participates in the programs. We do not reimburse suppliers for any costs they incur for participation in the programs and their participation is completely voluntary. Amounts due to our suppliers that elected to participate in the SCF programs are included in accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accounts payable included approximately $85 million and $46 million payable to suppliers who have elected to participate in the SCF programs as of June\u00a030, 2023 and June\u00a030, 2022, respectively. In 2023 and 2022, the amount settled through the SCF programs and paid to participating financial institutions totaled $284 million and $35 million, respectively. The increase in the amount outstanding in the programs from the June 30, 2022 balance is primarily due to the addition of Meggitt's SCF program. We account for payments made under the programs in the same manner as our other accounts payable, which is a reduction to our cash flows from operations. We do not believe that changes in the availability of supply chain financing will have a significant impact on our liquidity.\nStrategic Acquisitions\nUpon announcing the Acquisition on August 2, 2021, the Company entered into the Bridge Credit Agreement where lenders committed to provide senior, unsecured financing in the aggregate principal amount of \u00a36.5 billion. In July 2022, after consideration of an escrow balance designated for the Acquisition and funds available under the $2.0 billion Term Loan Facility, we reduced the aggregate committed principal amount of the Bridge Credit Agreement to zero, and the Bridge Credit Agreement was terminated.\nDuring September 2022, the Company fully drew against the $2.0 billion Term Loan Facility, which will mature in September 2025, to finance a portion of the Acquisition. Subsequently, during the year we made principal payments totaling $1.1 billion related to the Term Loan Facility. Refer to Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nOn September 12, 2022, we completed the acquisition of all outstanding ordinary shares of Meggitt for 800 pence per share, resulting in an aggregate cash purchase price of $7.2\u00a0billion, including the assumption of debt. We funded the purchase using cash and net proceeds from the issuance of senior notes and commercial paper and the Term Loan Facility, which were accumulated in an escrow account designated for the Acquisition. Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nUpon closing the Acquisition, we settled the deal-contingent forward contracts entered into during October 2021 to mitigate the risk of appreciation in the GBP-denominated purchase price. These deal-contingent forward contracts had an aggregate notional amount of \u00a36.4 billion. Refer to the Cash Flows section above and Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nOn April 11, 2022, the European Commission cleared the Acquisition, conditional on full compliance with commitments offered by Parker, including a commitment to divest its aircraft wheel and brake business within the Aerospace Systems Segment. In accordance with these commitments, we sold the aircraft wheel and brake business in September 2022 for proceeds of $443 million. Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES\nThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The policies discussed below are considered by management to be more critical than other policies because their application places the most significant demands on management's judgment.\n32\nTable of Contents\nRevenue Recognition\n - Revenues are recognized when control of performance obligations, which are distinct goods or services within the contract, is transferred to the customer. Control is transferred when the customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain the benefits from the goods or services. A majority of our revenues are recognized at a point in time when control is transferred to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment. However, a portion of our revenues are recognized over time if the customer simultaneously receives control as we perform work under a contract, if the customer controls the asset as it is being produced, or if the product has no alternative use and we have a contractual right to payment.\nFor contracts where revenue is recognized over time, we use the cost-to-cost or units of delivery method depending on the nature of the contract, including length of production time. The estimation of costs and efforts expended requires management's judgment due to the duration of the contractual agreements as well as the technical nature of the products involved. Adjustments to these estimates are made on a consistent basis and a contract reserve is established when the estimated costs to complete a contract exceed the expected contract revenues.\nWhen there are multiple performance obligations within a contract, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its standalone selling price. The primary method used to estimate a standalone selling price is the price observed in standalone sales to customers for the same product or service. Revenue is recognized when control of the individual performance obligations is transferred to the customer.\nWe consider the contractual consideration payable by the customer and assess variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price. Variable consideration is included in the estimated transaction price when there is a basis to reasonably estimate the amount, including whether the estimate should be constrained in order to avoid a significant reversal of revenue in a future period. These estimates are based on historical experience, anticipated performance under the terms of the contract and our best judgment at the time.\nImpairment of Goodwill\n \nand Long-Lived Assets \n- We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. Our five reporting units are equivalent to our operating segments. As quoted market prices are not available for our reporting units, determining whether an impairment occurred requires the valuation of the respective reporting unit, which is estimated using both income-based and market-based valuation methods. The income-based valuation method utilizes a discounted cash flow model which requires several assumptions, including future sales growth and operating margin levels as well as assumptions regarding future industry-specific market conditions. Each reporting unit regularly prepares discrete operating forecasts and uses these forecasts as the basis for the assumptions in the discounted cash flow analysis. Within the discounted cash flow models, the Company uses a discount rate, commensurate with its cost of capital but adjusted for inherent business risks, and an appropriate terminal growth factor. The market-based valuation performed for each reporting unit includes an analysis consisting of market-adjusted multiples based on key data points for guideline public companies. We also reconcile the estimated aggregate fair value of our reporting units resulting from these procedures to our overall market capitalization.\nAt December 31, 2022, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test for each of its five reporting units. The results of this test indicated the fair value substantially exceeded carrying value for all reporting units. We continually monitor our reporting units for impairment indicators and update assumptions used in the most recent calculation of a reporting unit's fair value as appropriate. \nLong-lived assets held for use, which primarily includes finite-lived intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the undiscounted net cash flows to be generated by their use over their expected useful lives and eventual disposition are less than their carrying value. The long-term nature of these assets requires the estimation of their cash inflows and outflows several years into the future and only takes into consideration technological advances known at the time of the impairment test. During 2023, the Company did not record any material impairments related to long-lived assets. \nPensions\n - The annual net periodic expense and benefit obligations related to the Company's defined benefit plans are determined on an actuarial basis. This determination requires critical assumptions regarding the discount rate, long-term rate of return on plan assets, increases in compensation levels and amortization periods for actuarial gains and losses. Assumptions are determined based on Company data and appropriate market indicators and are evaluated each year as of the plans' measurement date. Changes in the assumptions to reflect actual experience as well as the amortization of actuarial gains and losses could result in a material change in the annual net periodic expense and benefit obligations reported in the financial statements. \n33\nTable of Contents\nFor the Company's domestic qualified defined benefit plan, a 50 basis point change in the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets is estimated to have an $18 million effect on annual pension expense and a 50 basis point decrease in the discount rate is estimated to decrease annual pension expense by $3 million. As of June\u00a030, 2023, $342 million of past years' net actuarial losses related to the Company's domestic qualified defined benefit plan are subject to amortization in the future. These losses will generally be amortized over approximately seven years and will negatively affect earnings in the future. Any actuarial gains experienced in future years will help offset the effect of the net actuarial loss amortization. Further information on pensions is provided in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nBusiness Combinations\n - From time to time, we may enter into business combinations. Business acquisitions are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which allocates the fair value of the purchase consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. In the fair value evaluation of intangible assets acquired, there are significant estimates and assumptions, including forecasts of future cash flows, revenues; and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; as well as the selection of the royalty rates and discount rates. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. The acquisition method of accounting also requires us to refine these estimates over a measurement period not to exceed one year to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. If we are required to adjust provisional amounts that we have recorded for the fair values of assets and liabilities in connection with acquisitions, these adjustments could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. \nIncome Taxes\n - Significant judgment is required in determining the Company's income tax expense and in evaluating tax positions. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities have been recorded for the differences between the financial accounting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities. Factors considered by the Company in determining the probability of realizing deferred income tax assets include forecasted operating earnings, available tax planning strategies and the time period over which the temporary differences will reverse. The Company reviews its tax positions on a regular basis and adjusts the balances as new information becomes available. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon examination by a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information will be recorded. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Further information on income taxes is provided in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nLoss Contingencies\n - The Company has a number of loss exposures incurred in the ordinary course of business such as environmental claims, product liability and litigation reserves. Establishing loss accruals for these matters requires management's estimate and judgment with regards to risk exposure and ultimate liability or realization. We review these loss accruals periodically and make adjustments to reflect the most recent facts and circumstances.\nRECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS\nRecently issued accounting pronouncements are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n34\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM\u00a07A\n.\n \nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n.\nA substantial portion of our operations are conducted by our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Most of our non-U.S. subsidiaries conduct their business primarily in their local currencies, which are also their functional currencies. Foreign currency exposures arise from translation of foreign-denominated assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars and from transactions denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary\u2019s functional currency. Although the amount of this activity has increased with the Acquisition, we expect to continue to manage the associated foreign currency transaction and translation risk using existing processes.\nThe Company manages foreign currency transaction and translation risk by utilizing derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, including forward exchange contracts, deal-contingent forward contracts, costless collar contracts, cross-currency swap contracts and certain foreign currency denominated debt designated as net investment hedges. The derivative financial instrument contracts are with major investment grade financial institutions and we do not anticipate any material non-performance by any of the counterparties. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.\nDerivative financial instruments are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair value. Further information on the fair value of these contracts is provided in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges are adjusted to fair value by recording gains and losses through the Consolidated Statement of Income. Derivatives that are designated as hedges are adjusted to fair value by recording gains and losses through accumulated other comprehensive (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. For cross-currency swaps measured using the spot method, the periodic interest settlements are recognized directly in earnings through interest expense. The translation of the foreign currency denominated debt that has been designated as a net investment hedge is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) and remains there until the underlying net investment is sold or substantially liquidated.\nThe Company's debt portfolio contains variable rate debt, inherently exposing the Company to interest rate risk. The Company's objective is to maintain a 60/40 mix between fixed rate and variable rate debt thereby limiting its exposure to changes in near-term interest rates. At June\u00a030, 2023, our debt portfolio included $875 million of variable rate debt, exclusive of commercial paper borrowings. A 100 basis point increase in near-term interest rates would increase annual interest expense on variable rate debt, including weighted-average commercial paper borrowings during 2023, by approximately $25 million.\n35\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "76334",
+ "cusip6": "701094",
+ "cusip": ["701094954", "701094904", "701094104"],
+ "names": ["PARKER-HANNIFIN CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/76334/000007633423000042/0000076334-23-000042-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000080424-23-000073.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000080424-23-000073.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a9e82d6a81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000080424-23-000073.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item\u00a01. \nBusiness.\nThe Procter\u00a0& Gamble Company (the Company) is focused on providing branded products of superior quality and value to improve the lives of the world's consumers, now and for generations to come. The Company was incorporated in Ohio in 1905, having first been established as a New Jersey corporation in 1890, and was built from a business founded in Cincinnati in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble. \nAdditional information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A); and Notes 1 and 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms \"Company,\" \"P&G,\" \"we,\" \"our\" or \"us\" as used herein refer to The Procter\u00a0& Gamble Company (the registrant) and its subsidiaries. Throughout this Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference information from other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).\nThe Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments thereto, are filed electronically with the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains these reports at: www.sec.gov. Reports can also be accessed through links from our website at: www.pginvestor.com. P&G includes the website link solely as a textual reference and the information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report.\nCopies of these reports are also available, without charge, by contacting EQ Shareowner Services, 1100 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101, Mendota, MN 55120-4100.\nFinancial Information about Segments\nInformation about our reportable segments can be found in the MD&A and Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.\nNarrative Description of Business\nBusiness Model\n. Our business model is built to deliver balanced top- and bottom-line growth and value creation. We rely on the continued growth and success of existing brands and products, as well as the creation of new innovative products and brands. We offer products in markets and industry segments that are highly competitive. Our products are sold in approximately 180 countries and territories through numerous channels as well as direct-to-consumer. Our growth strategy is to deliver meaningful and noticeable superiority across five key vectors of our consumer proposition - product performance, packaging, brand communication, retail execution and consumer and customer value. We use our research and development (R&D) and consumer insights to provide superior products and packaging. We utilize our marketing and online presence to deliver superior brand messaging to our consumers. We partner with our customers to deliver superior retail execution, both in-store and online. In conjunction with the above vectors, we provide superior value to consumers and our retail customers in each price tier in which we compete. Productivity improvement is also critical to delivering our objectives of balanced top- and bottom-line growth and value creation. \nKey Product Categories\n. Information on key product categories can be found in the MD&A and Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.\nKey Customers\n. Our customers include mass merchandisers, e-commerce (including social commerce) channels, grocery stores, membership club stores, drug stores, department stores, distributors, wholesalers, specialty beauty stores (including airport duty-free stores), high-frequency stores, pharmacies, electronics stores and professional channels. We also sell direct to consumers. Sales to Walmart Inc. and its affiliates represent approximately 15% of our total sales in 2023, 2022 and 2021. No other customer represents more than 10% of our total sales. Our top ten customers accounted for 40% of our total net sales in 2023 and 39% in 2022 and 2021. \nSources and Availability of Materials\n. Almost all of the raw and packaging materials used by the Company are purchased from third parties, some of whom are single-source suppliers. We produce certain raw materials, primarily chemicals, for further use in the manufacturing process. In addition, fuel, natural gas and derivative products are important commodities consumed in our manufacturing processes and in the transportation of input materials and finished products. The prices we pay for materials and other commodities are subject to fluctuation. When prices for these items change, we may or may not pass the change to our customers. The Company purchases a substantial variety of other raw and packaging materials, none of which are material to our business taken as a whole.\nTrademarks and Patents\n. We own or have licenses under patents and registered trademarks, which are used in connection with our activity in all businesses. Some of these patents or licenses cover significant product formulation and processes used to manufacture our products. The trademarks are important to the overall marketing and branding of our products. All major trademarks in each business are registered. In part, our success can be attributed to the existence and continued protection of these trademarks, patents and licenses.\nCompetitive Condition\n. The markets in which our products are sold are highly competitive. Our products compete against similar products from many large and small companies, including well-known global competitors. In many of the markets and industry segments in which we sell our products, we compete against other branded products as well as retailers' private-label brands. We are well positioned in the industry segments and markets in which we operate, often holding a leadership or significant market share position. We support our products with advertising, promotions and other marketing vehicles to build awareness and trial of our brands and products in conjunction with our sales force. We believe this combination provides the \n2 The Procter & Gamble Company\nmost efficient method of marketing for these types of products. Product quality, performance, value and packaging are also important differentiating factors.\nGovernment Regulation\n. Our Company is subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations across the countries in which we do business. In the United States, many of our products and manufacturing operations are subject to one or more federal or state regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). We are also subject to anti-corruption laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and antitrust and competition laws and regulations that govern our dealings with suppliers, customers, competitors and government officials. \nIn addition, many foreign jurisdictions in which we do business have regulations and regulatory bodies that govern similar aspects of our operations and products, in some cases to an even more significant degree. We are also subject to expanding laws and regulations related to environmental protection and other sustainability-related matters, non-financial reporting and diligence, labor and employment, trade, taxation and data privacy and protection, including the European Union\u2019s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and similar regulations in states within the United States and in countries around the world.\nThe Company has in place compliance programs and internal and external experts to help guide our business in complying with these and other existing laws and regulations that apply to us around the globe; and we have made, and plan to continue making, necessary expenditures for compliance with these laws and regulations. We also expect that our many suppliers, consultants and other third parties working on our behalf share our commitment to compliance, and we have policies and procedures in place to manage these relationships, though they inherently involve a lesser degree of control over operations and governance. We do not expect that the Company\u2019s expenditures for compliance with current government regulations, including current environmental regulations, will have a material effect on our total capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position in fiscal year 2024 as compared to prior periods.\nHuman Capital\n. Our employees are a key source of competitive advantage. Their actions, guided by our Purpose, Values and Principles (PVPs), are critical to the long-term success of our business. We aim to retain our talented employees by offering competitive compensation and benefits, strong career development and a respectful and inclusive culture that provides equal opportunity for all. \nOur Board of Directors, through the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee (C&LD Committee), provides oversight of the Company\u2019s policies and strategy relating to talent including diversity, equality and inclusion as well as the Company\u2019s compensation principles and practices. The C&LD Committee also evaluates and approves the Company\u2019s compensation plans, policies and programs applicable to our senior executives.\nEmployees\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company had approximately 107,000 employees, an increase of 1% versus the prior year due primarily to business growth. The total number of employees is an estimate of total Company employees excluding interns, co-ops, contractors and employees of joint ventures. 49% of our employees are in manufacturing roles and 27% of our employees are located in the United States. 41% of our global employees are women and 30% of our U.S. employees identify as multicultural.\nTraining and Development\nWe focus on attracting, developing and retaining skilled and diverse talent, both from universities and the broader market. We recruit from among the best universities across markets in which we compete and are generally able to select from the top talent. We focus on developing our employees by providing a variety of job experiences, training programs and skill development opportunities. Given our develop-from-within model for staffing most of our senior leadership positions, it is particularly important for us to ensure holistic growth and full engagement of our employees. \nDiversity, Equality and Inclusion\nAs a consumer products company, we believe that it is important for our workforce to reflect the diversity of our consumers worldwide. We also seek to foster an inclusive work environment where each individual can bring their authentic self, which helps drive innovation and enables us to better serve our consumers. We aspire to achieve equal gender representation globally and at key management and leadership levels. Within the U.S. workforce, our aspiration is to achieve 40% multicultural representation overall as well as at management and leadership levels. \nCompensation and Benefits\nMarket-competitive compensation and reward programs are critical elements of our employee value equation to attract and retain the best talent. Our total rewards programs are based on the principles of paying for performance, paying competitively versus peer companies that we compete with for talent in the marketplace and focusing on long-term success through a combination of short-term and long-term incentive programs. We also offer competitive benefit programs, including retirement plans and health insurance in line with local country practices with flexibility to accommodate the needs of a diverse workforce.\nSustainability\n. Environmental sustainability is integrated into our business strategy to offer consumers irresistibly superior products that are more sustainable. Our aim is to deliver balanced top- and bottom-line growth, value creation and key sustainability objectives. In 2021, the Company announced a 2040 net zero ambition and published a Climate Transition Action \nThe Procter & Gamble Company 3\nPlan, which describes the Company\u2019s ongoing efforts toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions across scopes 1 and 2 and elements of scope 3. This includes a long-term objective of net zero emissions for scopes 1 and 2, elements of scope 3 and interim goals to help us pace our progress. The Company has also declared goals towards using renewable electricity for our operations, reducing use of virgin petroleum-based plastic in packaging, increasing the recyclability or reusability of packaging, responsible sourcing of key forest-based commodities, improving efficiency of water usage in our operations and driving a global portfolio of water restoration projects to address water scarcity. \nWe use the standards and guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) industry specific standards and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to inform our sustainability and related disclosures included in this Annual Report, our Proxy Statement and our sustainability reports. The \u201cmateriality\u201d thresholds in those standards and guidelines may differ from the concept of \u201cmateriality\u201d for purposes of the federal securities laws and disclosures required by the Commission\u2019s rules in this Annual Report. References to our sustainability reports and website are for informational purposes only and neither the sustainability reports nor the other information on our website is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional detailed information on our sustainability efforts can be found on our website at https://pginvestor.com/esg. ",
+ "item1a": ">Item\u00a01A. \nRisk Factors.\nWe discuss our expectations regarding future performance, events and outcomes, such as our business outlook and objectives in this Form 10-K, as well as in our quarterly and annual reports, current reports on Form 8-K, press releases and other written and oral communications. All statements, except for historical and present factual information, are \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d and are based on financial data and business plans available only as of the time the statements are made, which may become outdated or incomplete. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or other factors, except to the extent required by law. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that events could significantly differ from our expectations.\nThe following discussion of \u201crisk factors\u201d identifies significant factors that may adversely affect our business, operations, financial position or future financial performance. This information should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes incorporated in this report. The following discussion of risks is not all inclusive but is designed to highlight what we believe are important factors to consider when evaluating our expectations. These and other factors could cause our future results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements and from historical trends, perhaps materially.\nMACROECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND RELATED FINANCIAL RISKS\nOur business is subject to numerous risks as a result of having significant operations and sales in international markets, including foreign currency fluctuations, currency exchange or pricing controls and localized volatility.\nWe are a global company, with operations in approximately 70 countries and products sold in approximately 180 countries and territories around the world. We hold assets, incur liabilities, generate sales and pay expenses in a variety of currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and our operations outside the U.S. generate more than 50% of our annual net sales. Fluctuations in exchange rates for foreign currencies have and could continue to reduce the U.S. dollar value of sales, earnings and cash flows we receive from non-U.S. markets, increase our supply costs (as measured in U.S. dollars) in those markets, negatively impact our competitiveness in those markets or otherwise adversely impact our business results or financial condition. Further, we have a significant amount of foreign currency debt and derivatives as part of our capital markets activities. The maturity cash outflows of these instruments could be adversely impacted by significant appreciation of foreign currency exchange rates (particularly the Euro), which could adversely impact our overall cash flows. Moreover, discriminatory or conflicting fiscal or trade policies in different countries, including changes to tariffs and existing trade policies and agreements, could adversely affect our results. See also the Results of Operations and Cash Flow, Financial Condition and Liquidity sections of the MD&A and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes. \nWe also have businesses and maintain local currency cash balances in a number of countries with currency exchange, import authorization, pricing or other controls or restrictions, such as Egypt, Argentina and Pakistan. Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely impacted if we are unable to successfully manage such controls and restrictions, continue existing business operations and repatriate earnings from overseas, or if new or increased tariffs, quotas, exchange or price controls, trade barriers or similar restrictions are imposed on our business.\nAdditionally, our business, operations or employees have been and could continue to be adversely affected (including by the need to de-consolidate or even exit certain businesses in particular countries) by geopolitical conflicts, political volatility, trade controls, labor market disruptions or other crises or vulnerabilities in individual countries or regions. This could include political instability, upheaval or acts of war (such as the Russia-Ukraine War) and the related government and other entity responses, broad economic instability or sovereign risk related to a default by or deterioration in the creditworthiness of local governments, particularly in emerging markets.\nUncertain economic or social conditions may adversely impact demand for our products or cause our customers and other business partners to suffer financial hardship, which could adversely impact our business.\nOur business could be negatively impacted by reduced demand for our products related to one or more significant local, regional or global economic or social disruptions. These disruptions have included and may in the future include: a slow-down, \n4 The Procter & Gamble Company\nrecession or inflationary pressures in the general economy; reduced market growth rates; tighter credit markets for our suppliers, vendors or customers; a significant shift in government policies; significant social unrest; the deterioration of economic relations between countries or regions; potential negative consumer sentiment toward non-local products or sources; or the inability to conduct day-to-day transactions through our financial intermediaries to pay funds to or collect funds from our customers, vendors and suppliers. Additionally, these and other economic conditions may cause our suppliers, distributors, contractors or other third-party partners to suffer financial or operational difficulties that they cannot overcome, resulting in their inability to provide us with the materials and services we need, in which case our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. Customers may also suffer financial hardships due to economic conditions such that their accounts become uncollectible or are subject to longer collection cycles. In addition, if we are unable to generate sufficient sales, income and cash flow, it could affect the Company\u2019s ability to achieve expected share repurchase and dividend payments.\nDisruptions in credit markets or to our banking partners or changes to our credit ratings may reduce our access to credit or overall liquidity.\nA disruption in the credit markets or a downgrade of our current credit rating could increase our future borrowing costs and impair our ability to access capital and credit markets on terms commercially acceptable to us, which could adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources or significantly increase our cost of capital. In addition, we rely on top-tier banking partners in key markets around the world, who themselves face economic, societal, political and other risks, for access to credit and to facilitate collection, payment and supply chain finance programs. A disruption to one or more of these top-tier partners could impact our ability to draw on existing credit facilities or otherwise adversely affect our cash flows or the cash flows of our customers and vendors.\nChanging political and geopolitical conditions could adversely impact our business and financial results.\nChanges in the political conditions in markets in which we manufacture, sell or distribute our products, as well as changing geopolitical conditions, may be difficult to predict and may adversely affect our business and financial results. Results of elections, referendums, sanctions or other political processes and pressures in certain markets in which our products are manufactured, sold or distributed could create uncertainty regarding how existing governmental policies, laws and regulations may change, including with respect to sanctions, taxes, tariffs, import and export controls and the general movement of goods, materials, services, capital, data and people between countries. The potential implications of such uncertainty, which include, among others, exchange rate fluctuations, new or increased tariffs, trade barriers and market contraction, could adversely affect the Company\u2019s results of operations and cash flows.\nThe Company operates a global business with sales, manufacturing, distribution and research and development organizations globally that contribute to our overall growth. If geopolitical tensions and trade controls were to increase or disrupt our business in markets where we have significant sales or operations, including disruptions due to governmental responses to such conflicts (such as the imposition of sanctions, retaliatory tariffs, increased business licensing requirements or limitations on profits), such disruptions could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. \nThe war between Russia and Ukraine has adversely impacted and could continue to adversely impact our business and financial results.\nThe war between Russia and Ukraine has negatively impacted, and the situation it generates may continue to negatively impact, our operations. Beginning in March 2022, the Company reduced its product portfolio, discontinued new capital investments and suspended media, advertising and promotional activity in Russia. Future impacts to the Company are difficult to predict due to the high level of uncertainty as to how the overall situation will evolve. Within Ukraine, there is a possibility of physical damage and destruction of our two manufacturing facilities, our distribution centers or those of our customers. We may not be able to operate our manufacturing sites and source raw materials from our suppliers or ship finished products to our customers. Within Russia, we may reduce further or discontinue our operations due to sanctions and export controls and counter-sanctions, monetary, currency or payment controls, restrictions on access to financial institutions, supply and transportation challenges or other circumstances and considerations. Ultimately, these could result in loss of assets or impairments of our manufacturing plants and fixed assets or write-downs of other operating assets and working capital. \nThe war between Russia and Ukraine could also amplify or affect the other risk factors set forth in this Part I, Item 1A, including, but not limited to, foreign exchange volatility, disruptions to the financial and credit markets, energy supply and supply chain disruptions, increased risks of an information security or operational technology incident, cost fluctuations and commodity cost increases and increased costs to ensure compliance with global and local laws and regulations. The occurrence of any of these risks, combined with the increased impact from the war between Russia and Ukraine, could adversely impact our business and financial results.\nMore broadly, there could be additional negative impacts to our net sales, earnings and cash flows should the situation worsen, including, among other potential impacts, economic recessions in certain neighboring countries or globally due to inflationary pressures, energy and supply chain cost increases or the geographic proximity of the war relative to the rest of Europe.\nBUSINESS OPERATIONS RISKS\nOur business results depend on our ability to manage disruptions in our global supply chain.\nOur ability to meet our customers\u2019 needs and achieve cost targets depends on our ability to maintain key manufacturing and supply arrangements, including execution of supply chain optimizations and certain sole supplier or sole manufacturing plant \nThe Procter & Gamble Company 5\narrangements. The loss or disruption of such manufacturing and supply arrangements, including for issues such as labor disputes or controversies, loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites, discontinuity or disruptions in our internal information and data systems or those of our suppliers, cybersecurity incidents, inability to procure sufficient raw or input materials (including water, recycled materials and materials that meet our labor standards), significant changes in trade policy, natural disasters, increasing severity or frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change or otherwise, acts of war or terrorism, disease outbreaks or other external factors over which we have no control, have at times interrupted and could, in the future, interrupt product supply and, if not effectively managed and remedied, could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.\nOur businesses face cost fluctuations and pressures that could affect our business results.\nOur costs are subject to fluctuations, particularly due to changes in the prices of commodities (including certain petroleum-derived materials like resins and paper-based materials like pulp) and raw and packaging materials and the costs of labor, transportation (including trucks and containers), energy, pension and healthcare. Inflation pressures could also result in increases in these input costs. Therefore, our business results depend, in part, on our continued ability to manage these fluctuations through pricing actions, cost saving projects and sourcing decisions, while maintaining and improving margins and market share. Failure to manage these fluctuations and to anticipate consumer reaction to our management of these fluctuations could adversely impact our results of operations or cash flows.\nThe ability to achieve our business objectives depends on how well we can compete with our local and global competitors in new and existing markets and channels.\nThe consumer products industry is highly competitive. Across all of our categories, we compete against a wide variety of global and local competitors. As a result, we experience ongoing competitive pressures in the environments in which we operate, which may result in challenges in maintaining sales and profit margins. To address these challenges, we must be able to successfully respond to competitive factors and emerging retail trends, including pricing, promotional incentives, product delivery windows and trade terms. In addition, evolving sales channels and business models may affect customer and consumer preferences as well as market dynamics, which, for example, may be seen in the growing consumer preference for shopping online, ease of competitive entry into certain categories and growth in hard discounter channels. Failure to successfully respond to competitive factors and emerging retail trends and effectively compete in growing sales channels and business models, particularly e-commerce and mobile or social commerce applications, could negatively impact our results of operations or cash flows.\nA significant change in customer relationships or in customer demand for our products could have a significant impact on our business.\nWe sell most of our products via retail customers, which include mass merchandisers, e-commerce (including social commerce) channels, grocery stores, membership club stores, drug stores, department stores, distributors, wholesalers, specialty beauty stores (including airport duty-free stores), high-frequency stores, pharmacies, electronics stores and professional channels. Our success depends on our ability to successfully manage relationships with our retail trade customers, which includes our ability to offer trade terms that are mutually acceptable and are aligned with our pricing and profitability targets. Continued concentration among our retail customers could create significant cost and margin pressure on our business, and our business performance could suffer if we cannot reach agreement with a key customer on trade terms and principles. Our business could also be negatively impacted if a key customer were to significantly reduce the inventory level of or shelf space allocated to our products as a result of increased offerings of other branded manufacturers, private label brands and generic non-branded products or for other reasons, significantly tighten product delivery windows or experience a significant business disruption.\nIf the reputation of the Company or one or more of our brands erodes significantly, it could have a material impact on our financial results.\nThe Company's reputation, and the reputation of our brands, form the foundation of our relationships with key stakeholders and other constituencies, including consumers, customers and suppliers. The quality and safety of our products are critical to our business. Many of our brands have worldwide recognition and our financial success directly depends on the success of our brands. The success of our brands can suffer if our marketing plans or product initiatives do not have the desired impact on a brand's image or its ability to attract consumers. Our results of operations or cash flows could also be negatively impacted if the Company or one of our brands suffers substantial harm to its reputation due to a significant product recall, product-related litigation, defects or impurities in our products, product misuse, changing consumer perceptions of certain ingredients, negative perceptions of packaging (such as plastic and other petroleum-based materials), lack of recyclability or other environmental impacts, concerns about actual or alleged labor or equality and inclusion practices, privacy lapses or data breaches, allegations of product tampering or the distribution and sale of counterfeit products. Additionally, negative or inaccurate postings or comments on social media or networking websites about the Company or one of its brands could generate adverse publicity that could damage the reputation of our brands or the Company. If we are unable to effectively manage real or perceived issues, including concerns about safety, quality, ingredients, efficacy, environmental or social impacts or similar matters, sentiments toward the Company or our products could be negatively impacted, and our results of operations or cash flows could suffer. Our Company also devotes time and resources to citizenship efforts that are consistent with our corporate values and are designed to strengthen our business and protect and preserve our reputation, including programs driving ethics and corporate responsibility, strong communities, equality and inclusion and environmental sustainability. While the Company has many programs and \n6 The Procter & Gamble Company\ninitiatives to further these goals, our ability to achieve these goals is impacted in part by the actions and efforts of third parties including local and other governmental authorities, suppliers, vendors and customers. Consumer or broader stakeholder perceptions of these programs and initiatives widely vary and could adversely affect our business. If these programs are not executed as planned or suffer negative publicity, the Company's reputation and results of operations or cash flows could be adversely impacted.\nWe rely on third parties in many aspects of our business, which creates additional risk.\nDue to the scale and scope of our business, we must rely on relationships with third parties, including our suppliers, contract manufacturers, distributors, contractors, commercial banks, joint venture partners and external business partners, for certain functions. If we are unable to effectively manage our third-party relationships and the agreements under which our third-party partners operate, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely impacted. Further, failure of these third parties to meet their obligations to the Company or substantial disruptions in the relationships between the Company and these third parties could adversely impact our operations and financial results. Additionally, while we have policies and procedures for managing these relationships, they inherently involve a lesser degree of control over business operations, governance and compliance, thereby potentially increasing our financial, legal, reputational and operational risk.\nA significant information security or operational technology incident, including a cybersecurity breach, or the failure of one or more key information or operations technology systems, networks, hardware, processes and/or associated sites owned or operated by the Company or one of its service providers could have a material adverse impact on our business or reputation.\nWe rely extensively on information and operational technology (IT/OT) systems, networks and services, including internet and intranet sites, data hosting and processing facilities and technologies, physical security systems and other hardware, software and technical applications and platforms, many of which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used by third parties or their vendors, to assist in conducting our business. The various uses of these IT/OT systems, networks and services include, but are not limited to:\n\u2022\nordering and managing materials from suppliers;\n\u2022\nconverting materials to finished products;\n\u2022\nshipping products to customers;\n\u2022\nmarketing and selling products to consumers;\n\u2022\ncollecting, transferring, storing and/or processing customer, consumer, employee, vendor, investor and other stakeholder information and personal data, including such data from persons covered by an expanding landscape of privacy and data regulations, such as citizens of the European Union who are covered by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), residents of California covered by the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), citizens of China covered by the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and citizens of Brazil covered by the General Personal Data Protection Law (LGPD); \n\u2022\nsummarizing and reporting results of operations, including financial reporting;\n\u2022\nmanaging our banking and other cash liquidity systems and platforms;\n\u2022\nhosting, processing and sharing, as appropriate, confidential and proprietary research, business plans and financial information;\n\u2022\ncollaborating via an online and efficient means of global business communications;\n\u2022\ncomplying with regulatory, legal and tax requirements;\n\u2022\nproviding data security; and\n\u2022\nhandling other processes necessary to manage our business.\nNumerous and evolving information security threats, including advanced persistent cybersecurity threats, pose a risk to the security of our services, systems, networks and supply chain, as well as to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and of our critical business operations. In addition, because the techniques, tools and tactics used in cyber-attacks frequently change and may be difficult to detect for periods of time, we may face difficulties in anticipating and implementing adequate preventative measures or fully mitigating harms after such an attack. \nOur IT/OT databases and systems and our third-party providers\u2019 databases and systems have been, and will likely continue to be, subject to advanced computer viruses or other malicious codes, ransomware, unauthorized access attempts, denial of service attacks, phishing, social engineering, hacking and other cyber-attacks. Such attacks may originate from outside parties, hackers, criminal organizations or other threat actors, including nation states. In addition, insider actors - malicious or otherwise - could cause technical disruptions and/or confidential data leakage. We cannot guarantee that our security efforts or the security efforts of our third-party providers will prevent material breaches, operational incidents or other breakdowns to our or our third-party providers\u2019 IT/OT databases or systems.\nA breach of our data security systems or failure of our IT/OT databases and systems may have a material adverse impact on our business operations and financial results. If the IT/OT systems, networks or service providers we rely upon fail to function properly or cause operational outages or aberrations, or if we or one of our third-party providers suffer significant unavailability of key operations, or inadvertent disclosure of, lack of integrity of, or loss of our sensitive business or stakeholder information, \nThe Procter & Gamble Company 7\nincluding personal information, due to any number of causes, including catastrophic events, natural disasters, power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, improper data handling, viruses, phishing attempts, cyber-attacks, malware and ransomware attacks, security breaches, security incidents or employee error or malfeasance, and our business continuity plans do not effectively address these failures on a timely basis, we may suffer interruptions in our ability to manage operations and be exposed to reputational, competitive, operational, financial and business harm as well as litigation and regulatory action. If our critical IT systems or back-up systems or those of our third-party vendors are damaged or cease to function properly, we may have to make a significant investment to repair or replace them.\nIn addition, if a ransomware attack or other cybersecurity incident occurs, either internally or at our third-party technology service providers, we could be prevented from accessing our data or systems, which may cause interruptions or delays in our business operations, cause us to incur remediation costs, subject us to demands to pay a ransom or damage our reputation. In addition, such events could result in unauthorized disclosure of confidential information or stakeholder information, including personal information, and we may suffer financial and reputational damage because of lost or misappropriated information belonging to us or to our partners, our employees, customers and suppliers. Additionally, we could be exposed to potential liability, litigation, governmental inquiries, investigations or regulatory enforcement actions; and we could be subject to payment of fines or other penalties, legal claims by our suppliers, customers or employees and significant remediation costs.\nPeriodically, we also upgrade our IT/OT systems or adopt new technologies. If such a new system or technology does not function properly or otherwise exposes us to increased cybersecurity breaches and failures, it could affect our ability to order materials, make and ship orders and process payments in addition to other operational and information integrity and loss issues. The costs and operational consequences of responding to the above items and implementing remediation measures could be significant and could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.\nWe must successfully manage the demand, supply and operational challenges associated with the effects of any future disease outbreak, including epidemics, pandemics or similar widespread public health concerns.\nOur business may be negatively impacted by the fear of exposure to or actual effects of a disease outbreak, epidemic, pandemic or similar widespread public health concern. These impacts may include, but are not limited to:\n\u2022\nSignificant reductions in demand or significant volatility in demand for one or more of our products, which may be caused by, among other things: the temporary inability of consumers to purchase our products due to illness, quarantine or other travel restrictions or financial hardship, shifts in demand away from one or more of our more discretionary or higher priced products to lower priced products, or stockpiling or similar pantry-loading activity. If prolonged, such impacts can further increase the difficulty of business or operations planning and may adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows; or\n\u2022\nSignificant changes in the political conditions in markets in which we manufacture, sell or distribute our products, including quarantines, import/export restrictions, price controls, or governmental or regulatory actions, closures or other restrictions that limit or close our operating and manufacturing facilities, restrict our employees\u2019 ability to travel or perform necessary business functions, or otherwise prevent our third-party partners, suppliers or customers from sufficiently staffing operations.\nDespite efforts to manage and remedy these impacts, their ultimate impact also depends on factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of any such outbreak as well as third-party actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects. \nBUSINESS STRATEGY & ORGANIZATIONAL RISKS\nOur ability to meet our growth targets depends on successful product, marketing and operations innovation and successful responses to competitive innovation, evolving digital marketing and selling platforms and changing consumer habits\n.\nWe are a consumer products company that relies on continued global demand for our brands and products. Achieving our business results depends, in part, on successfully developing, introducing and marketing new products and on making significant improvements to our equipment and manufacturing processes. The success of such innovation depends on our ability to correctly anticipate customer and consumer acceptance and trends, to obtain, maintain and enforce necessary intellectual property protections and to avoid infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others and to continue to deliver efficient and effective marketing across evolving media and mobile platforms with dynamic and increasingly more restrictive privacy requirements. We must also successfully respond to technological advances made by, and intellectual property rights granted to, competitors, customers and vendors. Failure to continually innovate, improve and respond to competitive moves, platform evolution and changing consumer habits could compromise our competitive position and adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.\nWe must successfully manage ongoing acquisition, joint venture and divestiture activities.\nAs a company that manages a portfolio of consumer brands, our ongoing business model includes a certain level of acquisition, joint venture and divestiture activities. We must be able to successfully manage the impacts of these activities, while at the same time delivering against our business objectives. Specifically, our financial results have been, and in the future could be, adversely impacted by the dilutive impacts from the loss of earnings associated with divested brands or dissolution of joint ventures. Our results of operations and cash flows have been, and in the future could also be, impacted by acquisitions or joint \n8 The Procter & Gamble Company\nventure activities, if: 1) changes in the cash flows or other market-based assumptions cause the value of acquired assets to fall below book value, or 2) we are not able to deliver the expected cost and growth synergies associated with such acquisitions and joint ventures, including as a result of integration and collaboration challenges, which could also result in an impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.\nOur business results depend on our ability to successfully manage productivity improvements and ongoing organizational change, including attracting and retaining key talent as part of our overall succession planning.\nOur financial projections assume certain ongoing productivity improvements and cost savings, including staffing adjustments and employee departures. Failure to deliver these planned productivity improvements and cost savings, while continuing to invest in business growth, could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, successfully executing organizational change, management transitions at leadership levels of the Company and motivation and retention of key employees is critical to our business success. Factors that may affect our ability to attract and retain sufficient numbers of qualified employees include employee morale, our reputation, competition from other employers and availability of qualified individuals. Our success depends on identifying, developing and retaining key employees to provide uninterrupted leadership and direction for our business. This includes developing and retaining organizational capabilities in key growth markets where the depth of skilled or experienced employees may be limited and competition for these resources is intense as well as continuing the development and execution of robust leadership succession plans.\n \nLEGAL & REGULATORY RISKS\nWe must successfully manage compliance with current and expanding laws and regulations, as well as manage new and pending legal and regulatory matters in the U.S. and abroad.\nOur business is subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations across the countries in which we do business, including those laws and regulations involving intellectual property, product liability, product composition or formulation, packaging content or corporate responsibility for packaging and product disposal, marketing, antitrust and competition, privacy, data protection, environmental (including increasing focus on the climate, water and waste impacts of consumer packaged goods companies' operations and products), employment, healthcare, anti-bribery and anti-corruption (including interactions with health care professionals and government officials as well as corresponding internal controls and record-keeping requirements), trade (including tariffs, sanctions and export controls), tax, accounting and financial reporting or other matters. In addition, increasing governmental and societal attention to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, including expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence and disclosure on topics such as climate change, waste production, water usage, human capital, labor and risk oversight, could expand the nature, scope and complexity of matters that we are required to control, assess and report. These and other rapidly changing laws, regulations, policies and related interpretations as well as increased enforcement actions by various governmental and regulatory agencies, create challenges for the Company, may alter the environment in which we do business, may increase the ongoing costs and complexities of compliance including by requiring investments in technology or other compliance systems, and may ultimately result in the need to cease manufacturing, sales or other business activities in certain jurisdictions, which could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows. If we are unable to continue to meet these challenges and comply with all laws, regulations, policies and related interpretations, it could negatively impact our reputation and our business results. Additionally, we are currently, and in the future may be, subject to a number of inquiries, investigations, claims, proceedings and requests for information from governmental agencies or private parties, the adverse outcomes of which could harm our business. Failure to successfully manage these new or pending regulatory and legal matters and resolve such matters without significant liability or damage to our reputation may materially adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, if new or pending legal or regulatory matters result in fines or costs in excess of the amounts accrued to date, that may also materially impact our results of operations and financial position.\nChanges in applicable tax laws and regulations and resolutions of tax disputes could negatively affect our financial results.\nThe Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Changes in the various tax laws can and do occur. For example, in December 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the U.S. Tax Act). The changes included in the U.S. Tax Act were broad and complex. Under the current U.S. presidential administration, comprehensive federal income tax reform has been proposed, including an increase in the U.S. Federal corporate income tax rate, elimination of certain investment incentives and an increase in U.S. taxation of non-U.S. earnings. While these proposals are controversial, likely to change during the legislative process and may prove difficult to enact as proposed in the current closely divided U.S. Congress, their impact could nonetheless be significant.\nAdditionally, longstanding international tax norms that determine each country\u2019s jurisdiction to tax cross-border international trade are subject to potential evolution. An outgrowth of the original Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project is a project undertaken by the approximately 140 member countries of the expanded Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Inclusive Framework focused on \"Addressing the Challenges of the Digitalization of the Economy.\" The breadth of this project extends beyond pure digital businesses and, as proposed, would likely impact a large portion of multinational businesses by potentially redefining jurisdictional taxation rights in market countries and establishing a global minimum tax. In December 2022, the European Union (EU) approved a directive requiring member states to incorporate a 15% global minimum tax into their respective domestic laws effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 31, 2023.\n \nIn \nThe Procter & Gamble Company 9\naddition, several non-EU countries have recently proposed and/or adopted legislation consistent with the global minimum tax framework. Important details of these minimum tax developments are still to be determined and, in some cases, enactment and timing remain uncertain. \nWhile it is too early to assess the overall impact of these potential changes, as these and other tax laws and related regulations are revised, enacted and implemented, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially impacted.\nFurthermore, we are subject to regular review and audit by both foreign and domestic tax authorities. While we believe our tax positions will be sustained, the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation, including maintaining our intended tax treatment of divestiture transactions such as the fiscal 2017 Beauty Brands transaction with Coty, may differ materially from the tax amounts recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements, which could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.",
+ "item7": ">Item\u00a07. \nManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\nForward-Looking Statements\nCertain statements in this report, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section\u00a027A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section\u00a021E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report, including without limitation, the following sections: \u201cManagement's Discussion and Analysis,\u201d \u201cRisk Factors\u201d and \"Notes 4, 8 and 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\" These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cproject,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cstrategy,\u201d \u201cfuture,\u201d \u201copportunity,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cwould,\u201d \u201cwill be,\u201d \u201cwill continue,\u201d \u201cwill likely result\u201d and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.\nThe Procter & Gamble Company 13\nRisks and uncertainties to which our forward-looking statements are subject include, without limitation: (1) the ability to successfully manage global financial risks, including foreign currency fluctuations, currency exchange or pricing controls and localized volatility; (2) the ability to successfully manage local, regional or global economic volatility, including reduced market growth rates, and to generate sufficient income and cash flow to allow the Company to effect the expected share repurchases and dividend payments; (3) the ability to manage disruptions in credit markets or to our banking partners or changes to our credit rating; (4) the ability to maintain key manufacturing and supply arrangements (including execution of supply chain optimizations and sole supplier and sole manufacturing plant arrangements) and to manage disruption of business due to various factors, including ones outside of our control, such as natural disasters, acts of war (including the Russia-Ukraine War) or terrorism or disease outbreaks; (5) the ability to successfully manage cost fluctuations and pressures, including prices of commodities and raw materials and costs of labor, transportation, energy, pension and healthcare; (6) the ability to stay on the leading edge of innovation, obtain necessary intellectual property protections and successfully respond to changing consumer habits, evolving digital marketing and selling platform requirements and technological advances attained by, and patents granted to, competitors; (7) the ability to compete with our local and global competitors in new and existing sales channels, including by successfully responding to competitive factors such as prices, promotional incentives and trade terms for products; (8) the ability to manage and maintain key customer relationships; (9) the ability to protect our reputation and brand equity by successfully managing real or perceived issues, including concerns about safety, quality, ingredients, efficacy, packaging content, supply chain practices or similar matters that may arise; (10) the ability to successfully manage the financial, legal, reputational and operational risk associated with third-party relationships, such as our suppliers, contract manufacturers, distributors, contractors and external business partners; (11) the ability to rely on and maintain key company and third-party information and operational technology systems, networks and services and maintain the security and functionality of such systems, networks and services and the data contained therein; (12) the ability to successfully manage uncertainties related to changing political and geopolitical conditions and potential implications such as exchange rate fluctuations and market contraction; (13) the ability to successfully manage current and expanding regulatory and legal requirements and matters (including, without limitation, those laws and regulations involving product liability, product and packaging composition, intellectual property, labor and employment, antitrust, privacy and data protection, tax, the environment, due diligence, risk oversight, accounting and financial reporting) and to resolve new and pending matters within current estimates; (14) the ability to manage changes in applicable tax laws and regulations; (15) the ability to successfully manage our ongoing acquisition, divestiture and joint venture activities, in each case to achieve the Company\u2019s overall business strategy and financial objectives, without impacting the delivery of base business objectives; (16) the ability to successfully achieve productivity improvements and cost savings and manage ongoing organizational changes while successfully identifying, developing and retaining key employees, including in key growth markets where the availability of skilled or experienced employees may be limited; (17) the ability to successfully manage the demand, supply and operational challenges, as well as governmental responses or mandates, associated with a disease outbreak, including epidemics, pandemics or similar widespread public health concerns; (18) the ability to manage the uncertainties, sanctions and economic effects from the war between Russia and Ukraine; and (19) the ability to successfully achieve our ambition of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and delivering progress towards our environmental sustainability priorities. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those projected herein is included in the section titled \"Economic Conditions and Uncertainties\" and the section titled \"Risk Factors\" (Part I, Item 1A) of this Form 10-K.\nPurpose, Approach and Non-GAAP Measures\nThe purpose of Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is to provide an understanding of Procter & Gamble's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year to year. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. The MD&A is organized in the following sections:\n\u2022\nOverview\n\u2022\nSummary of 2023 Results \n\u2022\nEconomic Conditions and Uncertainties\n\u2022\nResults of Operations\n\u2022\nSegment Results\n\u2022\nCash Flow, Financial Condition and Liquidity\n\u2022\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\n\u2022\nOther Information\nThroughout the MD&A we refer to measures used by management to evaluate performance, including unit volume growth, net sales, net earnings, diluted net earnings per common share (diluted EPS) and operating cash flow. We also refer to a number of financial measures that are not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP), consisting of organic sales growth, core earnings per share (Core EPS), adjusted free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow productivity. Organic sales growth is net sales growth excluding the impacts of acquisitions and divestitures and foreign exchange from year-over-year comparisons. Core EPS is diluted EPS excluding certain items that are not judged by management to be part of the Company's sustainable results or trends.\n Adjusted free cash flow is operating cash flow less \n14 The Procter & Gamble Company\ncapital spending and \nexcluding payments for the transitional tax resulting from\n the U.S. Tax Act. Adjusted free cash flow productivity is the ratio of adjusted free cash flow to net earnings excluding certain one-time items. We believe these m\neasures provide our investors with additional information about our underlying results and trends as well as insight to some of the metrics used to evaluate management. The explanation at the end of the MD&A provides more details on the use and the derivation of these measures as well as reconciliations to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.\nManagement also uses certain market share and market consumption estimates to evaluate performance relative to competition despite some limitations on the availability and comparability of share and consumption information. References to market share and consumption in the MD&A are based on a combination of vendor-purchased traditional brick-and-mortar and online data in key markets as well as internal estimates. All market share references represent the percentage of sales of our products in dollar terms on a constant currency basis relative to all product sales in the category. The Company measures quarter and fiscal year-to-date market shares through the most recent period for which market share data is available, which typically reflects a lag time of one or two months as compared to the end of the reporting period. Management also uses unit volume growth to evaluate drivers of changes in net sales. Organic volume growth reflects year-over-year changes in unit volume excluding the impacts of acquisitions, divestitures and certain one-time items, if applicable, and is used to explain changes in organic sales. \nOVERVIEW\nProcter & Gamble is a global leader in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, focused on providing branded consumer packaged goods of superior quality and value to our consumers around the world. Our products are sold in approximately 180 countries and territories primarily through mass merchandisers, e-commerce (including social commerce) channels, grocery stores, membership club stores, drug stores, department stores, distributors, wholesalers, specialty beauty stores (including airport duty-free stores), high-frequency stores, pharmacies, electronics stores and professional channels. We also sell direct to individual consumers. We have on-the-ground operations in approximately 70 countries.\nOur market environment is highly competitive with global, regional and local competitors. In many of the markets and industry segments in which we sell our products, we compete against other branded products, as well as retailers' private-label brands. Additionally, many of the product segments in which we compete are differentiated by price tiers (referred to as super-premium, premium, mid-tier and value-tier products). We believe we are well positioned in the industry segments and markets in which we operate, often holding a leadership or significant market share position.\nOrganizational Structure\nOur organizational structure is comprised of Sector Business Units (SBUs), Enterprise Markets (EMs), Corporate Functions (CF) and Global Business Services (GBS).\nSector Business Units\nThe Company's ten product categories are organized into five SBUs and five reportable segments (under U.S. GAAP): Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The SBUs are responsible for global brand strategy, product upgrades and innovation, marketing plans and supply chain. They have direct profit responsibility for markets (referred to as Focus Markets) representing the large majority of the Company's sales and earnings and are also responsible for innovation plans, supply plans and operating frameworks to drive growth and value creation in the remaining markets (referred to as Enterprise Markets). Throughout the MD&A, we reference business results by region, which are comprised of North America, Europe, Greater China, Latin America, Asia Pacific and India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA). \nThe Procter & Gamble Company 15\nThe following provides additional detail on our reportable segments and the ten product categories and brand composition within each segment.\nReportable Segments\n% of\nNet\u00a0Sales \n(1)\n% of Net\nEarnings \n(1)\nProduct Categories (Sub-Categories)\nMajor Brands\nBeauty\n18%\n21%\nHair Care (\nConditioners, Shampoos, Styling Aids, Treatments\n)\nHead & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, Rejoice\nSkin and Personal Care (\nAntiperspirants and Deodorants, Personal Cleansing, Skin Care\n)\nOlay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, SK-II\nGrooming \n(2)\n8%\n10%\nGrooming (\nAppliances, Female Blades & Razors, Male Blades & Razors, Pre- and Post-Shave Products, Other Grooming\n)\nBraun, Gillette, Venus\nHealth Care\n14%\n14%\nOral Care (\nToothbrushes, Toothpastes, Other Oral Care\n)\nCrest, Oral-B\nPersonal Health Care (\nGastrointestinal, Pain Relief, Rapid Diagnostics, Respiratory, Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements, Other Personal Health Care\n)\nMetamucil, Neurobion, Pepto-Bismol, Vicks\nFabric & Home Care\n35%\n32%\nFabric Care (\nFabric Enhancers, Laundry Additives, Laundry Detergents\n)\nAriel, Downy, Gain, Tide\nHome Care (\nAir Care, Dish Care, P&G Professional, Surface Care\n)\nCascade, Dawn, Fairy, Febreze, Mr. Clean, Swiffer\nBaby, Feminine & Family Care\n25%\n23%\nBaby Care (\nBaby Wipes, Taped Diapers and Pants\n)\nLuvs, Pampers\nFeminine Care (\nAdult Incontinence, Feminine Care\n)\nAlways, Always Discreet, Tampax\nFamily Care (\nPaper Towels, Tissues, Toilet Paper\n)\nBounty, Charmin, Puffs\n(1)\nPercent of Net sales and Net earnings for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 (excluding results held in Corporate).\n(2)\nEffective July 1, 2022, the Grooming Sector Business Unit completed the full integration of its Shave Care and Appliances categories to cohesively serve consumers' grooming needs. This transition included the integration of the management team, strategic decision-making, innovation plans, financial targets, budgets and internal management reporting.\n \nOrganization Design:\nSector Business Units\nBeauty:\n We are a global market leader amongst the beauty categories in which we compete, including hair care and skin and personal care. We are a global market leader in the retail hair care market with nearly 20% global market share primarily behind our Pantene and Head\u00a0& Shoulders brands. In skin and personal care, we offer a wide variety of products, ranging from deodorants to personal cleansing to skin care, such as our Olay brand, which is one of the top facial skin care brands in the world with nearly 5% global market share. \nGrooming:\n We are the global market leader in the blades and razors market. Our global blades and razors market share is more than 60%, primarily behind our Gillette and Venus brands. Our appliances, such as electric shavers and epilators, are sold primarily under the Braun brand in a number of markets around the world where we compete against both global and regional competitors. We hold nearly 25% of the male electric shavers market and over 50% of the female epilators market.\nHealth Care:\n We compete in oral care and personal health care. In oral care, there are several global competitors in the market, and we have the number two market share position with nearly 20% global market share behind our Crest and Oral-B brands. In personal health care, we are a global market leader among the categories in which we compete, including respiratory treatments, digestive wellness, vitamins and analgesics behind our Vicks, Metamucil, Pepto-Bismol and Neurobion brands.\nFabric & Home Care:\n This segment is comprised of a variety of fabric care products, including laundry detergents, additives and fabric enhancers; and home care products, including dishwashing liquids and detergents, surface cleaners and air fresheners. In fabric care, we generally have the number one or number two market share position in the markets in which we compete and are the global market leader with over 35% global market share, primarily behind our Tide, Ariel and Downy brands. Our global home care market share is about 25% across the categories in which we compete, primarily behind our Cascade, Dawn, Febreze and Swiffer brands.\nBaby, Feminine & Family Care: \nIn baby care, we are a global market leader and compete mainly in taped diapers, pants and baby wipes, with more than 20% global market share. We have the number one or number two market share position in the markets in which we compete, primarily behind our Pampers brand. We are a global market leader in the feminine care category with over 25% global market share, primarily behind our Always and Tampax brands. We also compete in the adult incontinence category in certain markets behind Always Discreet, with over 10% market share in the key markets in which we compete. Our family care business is predominantly a North American business comprised primarily of the Bounty paper towel and Charmin toilet paper brands. North America market shares are over 40% for Bounty and over 25% for Charmin.\n16 The Procter & Gamble Company\nEnterprise Markets\nEnterprise Markets are responsible for sales and profit delivery in specific countries, supported by SBU-agreed innovation and supply chain plans, along with scaled services like planning, distribution and customer management.\nCorporate Functions\nCorporate Functions provides company-level strategy and portfolio analysis, corporate accounting, treasury, tax, external relations, governance, human resources, information technology and legal services.\nGlobal Business Services\nGlobal Business Services provides scaled services in technology, process and data tools to enable the SBUs, the EMs and CF to better serve consumers and customers. The GBS organization is responsible for providing world-class services and solutions that drive value for P&G.\nStrategic Focus\nProcter & Gamble aspires to serve the world\u2019s consumers better than our best competitors in every category and in every country in which we compete and, as a result, deliver total shareholder return in the top one-third of our peer group.\u00a0Delivering and sustaining leadership levels of shareholder value creation requires balanced top- and bottom-line growth and strong cash generation.\nThe Company competes in daily-use product categories where performance plays a significant role in the consumer's choice of brands, and therefore, play to P&G's strengths. Our focused portfolio of businesses consists of ten product categories where P&G has leading market positions, strong brands and consumer-meaningful product technologies.\nWithin these categories, our strategic choices are focused on delighting and winning with consumers. Our consumers are at the center of everything we do. We win with consumers by delivering irresistible superiority across five key vectors - product performance, packaging, brand communication, retail execution and value. Winning with consumers around the world and against our best competitors requires superior innovation. Innovation has always been, and continues to be, P&G\u2019s lifeblood.\u00a0Superior products delivered with superior execution drive market growth, value creation for retailers and build share growth for P&G.\nOngoing productivity improvement is crucial to delivering our balanced top- and bottom-line growth, cash generation and value creation objectives. Productivity improvement enables investments to strengthen the superiority of our brands via product and packaging innovation, more efficient and effective supply chains, equity and awareness-building brand advertising and other programs and expansion of sales coverage and R&D programs. Productivity improvements also enable us to mitigate challenging cost environments (including periods of increasing commodity and negative foreign exchange impacts). Our objective is to drive productivity improvements across all elements of the statement of earnings and balance sheet, including cost of goods sold, marketing and promotional spending, overhead costs and capital spending. \nWe act with agility and are constructively disrupting our highly competitive industry and the way we do business, including how we innovate, communicate and leverage new technologies, to create more value.\nWe are improving operational effectiveness and organizational culture through enhanced clarity of roles and responsibilities, accountability and incentive compensation programs.\nAdditionally, within this strategy of superiority, productivity, constructive disruption and organization, we have declared four focus areas to strengthen our performance going forward. These are 1) leveraging environmental sustainability as an additional driver of superior performing products and packaging innovations, 2) increasing digital acumen to drive consumer and customer preference, reduce cost and enable rapid and efficient decision making, 3) developing next-level supply chain capabilities to enable flexibility, agility, resilience and a new level of productivity and 4) delivering employee value equation for all gender identities, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, ages and abilities for all roles to ensure we continue to attract, retain and develop the best talent.\nWe believe this strategy is right for the long-term health of the Company and our objective of delivering total shareholder return in the top one-third of our peer group.\nThe Company expects the delivery of the following long-term growth algorithm will result in total shareholder returns in the top third of the competitive, fast-moving consumer goods peer group:\n\u2022\nOrganic sales growth above market growth rates in the categories and geographies in which we compete;\n\u2022\nCore EPS growth of mid-to-high single digits; and\n\u2022\nAdjusted free cash flow productivity of 90% or greater.\nWhile periods of significant macroeconomic pressures may cause short-term results to deviate from the long-term growth algorithm, we intend to maintain a disciplined approach to investing in our business.\nThe Procter & Gamble Company 17\nSUMMARY OF 2023 RESULTS\nAmounts in millions, except per share amounts\n2023\n2022\nChange vs. Prior Year\nNet sales\n$\n82,006\n\u00a0\n$\n80,187\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\nOperating income\n18,134\n\u00a0\n17,813\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\nNet earnings\n14,738\n\u00a0\n14,793\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nNet earnings attributable to Procter & Gamble\n14,653\n\u00a0\n14,742\u00a0\n(1)\n%\nDiluted net earnings per common share\n5.90\n\u00a0\n5.81\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\nCore earnings per share\n5.90\n\u00a0\n5.81\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\nCash flow from operating activities\n16,848\n\u00a0\n16,723\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n\u2022\nNet sales increased 2% to $82.0 billion versus the prior year. The net sales growth was driven by a mid-single-digit increase in Health Care, low single-digit increases in Fabric & Home Care, Baby, Feminine & Family Care and Beauty, partially offset by a low single-digit decrease in Grooming. Organic sales, which excludes the impact of acquisitions and divestitures and foreign exchange, increased 7%. Organic sales increased high single digits in Health Care and Fabric & Home Care and mid-single digits in Baby, Feminine & Family Care, Beauty and Grooming.\n\u2022\nOperating income increased $321 million, or 2%, to $18.1 billion versus year ago due to the increase in net sales, partially offset by a modest decrease in operating margin.\n\u2022\nNet earnings decreased modestly by $55 million to $14.7 billion versus year ago as the increase in operating income was more than fully offset by a higher effective tax rate. Foreign exchange impacts reduced net earnings by approximately $1.4 billion\n. \n\u2022\nNet earnings attributable to Procter & Gamble decreased $89 million, or 1%, to $14.7 billion versus the prior year due primarily to the decrease in net earnings.\n\u2022\nDiluted EPS increased 2% to $5.90 as the decrease in net earnings was more than offset by a reduction in shares outstanding. \n\u2022\nCash flow from operating activities was $16.8 billion.\n\u25e6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adjusted free cash flow, which is operating cash flow less capital expenditures and certain other impacts, was $14.0 billion.\n\u25e6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adjusted free cash flow productivity, which is the ratio of adjusted free cash flow to net earnings, was 95%.\nECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES\nWe discuss expectations regarding future performance, events and outcomes, such as our business outlook and objectives, in annual and quarterly reports, press releases and other written and oral communications. All such statements, except for historical and present factual information, are \"forward-looking statements\" and are based on financial data and our business plans available only as of the time the statements are made, which may become out-of-date or incomplete. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or other factors, except as required by law. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and investors must recognize that events could be significantly different from our expectations. For more information on risk factors that could impact our results, please refer to \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.\nGlobal Economic Conditions. \nOur products are sold in numerous countries across North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and Africa, with more than half our sales generated outside the United States. Our largest international markets are Greater China, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and Germany and collectively comprise more than 20% of our net sales in fiscal 2023. As such, we are exposed to and impacted by global macroeconomic factors, geopolitical tensions, U.S. and foreign government policies and foreign exchange fluctuations. We are also exposed to market risks from operating in challenging environments including unstable economic, political and social conditions, civil unrest, natural disasters, debt and credit issues and currency controls or fluctuations. These risks can reduce our net sales or erode our operating margins and consequently reduce our net earnings and cash flows.\nChanges in Costs. \nOur costs are subject to fluctuations, particularly due to changes in commodity and input material prices, transportation costs, other broader inflationary impacts and our own productivity efforts. We have significant exposures to certain commodities and input materials, in particular certain oil-derived materials like resins and paper-based materials like pulp. Volatility in the market price of these commodities and input materials has a direct impact on our costs. Disruptions in our manufacturing, supply and distribution operations due to energy shortages, natural disasters, labor or freight constraints have impacted our costs and could do so in the future. New or increased legal or regulatory requirements, along with initiatives to meet our sustainability goals, could also result in increased costs due to higher material costs and investments in facilities and equipment. We strive to implement, achieve and sustain cost improvement plans, including supply chain optimization and general overhead and workforce optimization. Increased pricing in response to certain inflationary or cost increases may also offset portions of the cost impacts; however, such price increases may impact product consumption. If we are unable to manage cost impacts through pricing actions and consistent productivity improvements, it may adversely impact our net sales, gross margin, operating margin, net earnings and cash flows.\n18 The Procter & Gamble Company\nForeign Exchange. \nWe have significant translation and transaction exposure to the fluctuation of exchange rates. Translation exposures relate to exchange rate impacts of measuring income statements of foreign subsidiaries that do not use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. Transaction exposures relate to 1) the impact from input costs that are denominated in a currency other than the local reporting currency and 2) the revaluation of transaction-related working capital balances denominated in currencies other than the functional currency. In the past three years, weakening of certain foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar has resulted in significant foreign exchange impacts leading to lower net sales, net earnings and cash flows. Certain countries that recently had and are currently experiencing significant exchange rate fluctuations include Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Japan, Russia and Turkey. These fluctuations have significantly impacted our historical net sales, net earnings and cash flows and could do so in the future. Increased pricing in response to certain fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may offset portions of the currency impacts but could also have a negative impact on the consumption of our products, which would negatively affect our net sales, gross margin, operating margin, net earnings and cash flows.\nGovernment Policies. \nOur net sales, gross margin, operating margin, net earnings and cash flows could be affected by changes in U.S. or foreign government legislative, regulatory or enforcement policies. For example, our net earnings and cash flows could be affected by any future legislative or regulatory changes in U.S. or non-U.S. tax policy, including changes resulting from the current work being led by the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework focused on \"Addressing the Challenges of the Digitalization of the Economy.\" The breadth of the OECD project extends beyond pure digital businesses and, as proposed, is likely to impact most large multinational businesses by both redefining jurisdictional taxation rights and establishing a 15% global minimum tax. Our net sales, gross margin, operating margin, net earnings and cash flows may also be impacted by changes in U.S. and foreign government policies related to environmental and climate change matters. Additionally, we attempt to carefully manage our debt, currency and other exposures in certain countries with currency exchange, import authorization and pricing controls, such as Egypt, Argentina and Pakistan. Further, our net sales, gross margin, operating margin, net earnings and cash flows could be affected by changes to international trade agreements in North America and elsewhere.\n \nChanges in government policies in the above areas might cause an increase or decrease in our net sales, gross margin, operating margin, net earnings and cash flows.\nRussia-Ukraine War\n. The war between Russia and Ukraine has negatively impacted our operations. Our Ukraine business includes two manufacturing sites and accounted for less than 1% of consolidated net sales and consolidated net earnings in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. Net assets of our Ukraine business accounted for less than 1% of consolidated net assets as of June 30, 2023. Our Russia business includes two manufacturing sites. Beginning in March 2022, the Company reduced its product portfolio, discontinued new capital investments and suspended media, advertising and promotional activity in Russia. The Russia business accounted for approximately 2% of consolidated net sales and consolidated net earnings in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. Net assets of our Russia business accounted for less than 2% of consolidated net assets as of June 30, 2023. \nFuture impacts to the Company are difficult to predict due to the high level of uncertainty related to the war's duration, evolution and ultimate resolution. Within Ukraine, there is a possibility of physical damage and destruction of our two manufacturing facilities. We may not be able to operate our manufacturing sites and source raw materials from our suppliers or ship finished products to our customers. \nWithin Russia, we may not be able to continue our reduced operations at current levels due to sanctions and counter-sanctions, monetary, currency or payment controls, legislative restrictions or policies, restrictions on access to financial institutions and supply and transportation challenges. Our suppliers, distributors and retail customers are also impacted by the war and their ability to successfully maintain their operations could also impact our operations or negatively impact the sales of our products. \nMore broadly, there could be additional negative impacts to our net sales, earnings and cash flows should the situation escalate beyond its current scope, including, among other potential impacts, economic recessions in certain neighboring countries or globally due to inflationary pressures and supply chain cost increases or the geographic proximity of the war relative to the rest of Europe. \nFor additional information on risk factors that could impact our business results, please refer to \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThe key metrics included in the discussion of our consolidated results of operations include net sales, gross margin, selling, general and administrative costs (SG&A), operating margin, other non-operating items, income taxes and net earnings. The primary factors driving year-over-year changes in net sales include overall market growth in the categories in which we compete, product initiatives, competitive activities (the level of initiatives, pricing and other activities by competitors), marketing spending, retail executions (both in-store and online) and acquisition and divestiture activity, all of which drive changes in our underlying unit volume, as well as our pricing actions (which can also impact volume), changes in product and geographic mix and foreign exchange impacts on sales outside the U.S.\nFor most of our categories, our cost of products sold and SG&A are variable in nature to some extent. Accordingly, our discussion of these operating costs focuses primarily on relative margins rather than the absolute year-over-year changes in total costs. The primary drivers of changes in gross margin are input costs (energy and other commodities), pricing impacts, geographic mix (for example, gross margins in North America are generally higher than the Company average for similar products), product mix (for example, the Beauty segment has higher gross margins than the Company average), foreign \nThe Procter & Gamble Company 19\nexchange rate fluctuations (in situations where certain input costs may be tied to a different functional currency than the underlying sales), the impacts of manufacturing savings projects and reinvestments (for example, product or package improvements) and, to a lesser extent, scale impacts (for costs that are fixed or less variable in nature). The primary components of SG&A are marketing-related costs and non-manufacturing overhead costs. Marketing-related costs are primarily variable in nature, although we may achieve some level of scale benefit over time due to overall growth and other marketing efficiencies. While overhead costs are variable to some extent, we generally experience more scale-related impacts for these costs due to our ability to leverage our organization and systems' infrastructures to support business growth. The main drivers of changes in SG&A as a percentage of net sales are overhead and marketing cost savings, reinvestments (for example, increased advertising), inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations and scale impacts.\nFor a detailed discussion of the fiscal 2022 year-over-year changes, please refer to the MD&A in Part II, Item 7 of the Company's \nForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022\n.\nNet Sales\nNet sales increased 2% to $82.0 billion in fiscal 2023. The increase in net sales was driven by higher pricing of 9% and a favorable mix of 1%, partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange of 5% and a 3% decrease in unit volume versus the prior year. Favorable mix was driven by a higher proportion of sales in North America (with higher than Company-average selling prices) and decline in Europe (with lower than Company-average selling prices). Excluding the impacts of foreign exchange and acquisitions and divestitures, organic sales grew 7%. \nNet sales increased mid-single digits in Health Care, increased low single digits in Fabric & Home Care, Baby, Feminine & Family Care and Beauty and decreased low single digits in Grooming. On a regional basis, volume decreased double digits in Europe, mid-single digits in Greater China and low single digits in Asia Pacific, IMEA and North America. Volume increased low single digits in Latin America. \nOperating Costs\nComparisons as a percentage of net sales; fiscal years ended June 30\n2023\n2022\nBasis Point Change\nGross margin\n47.9\n\u00a0\n%\n47.4\u00a0\n%\n50 bps\nSelling, general and administrative expense\n25.7\n\u00a0\n%\n25.2\u00a0\n%\n50 bps\nOperating margin\n22.1\n\u00a0\n%\n22.2\u00a0\n%\n(10) bps\nEarnings before income taxes\n22.4\n\u00a0\n%\n22.4\u00a0\n%\n0 bps\nNet earnings\n18.0\n\u00a0\n%\n18.4\u00a0\n%\n(40) bps\nNet earnings attributable to Procter & Gamble\n17.9\n\u00a0\n%\n18.4\u00a0\n%\n(50) bps\nGross margin increased 50 basis points to 47.9% of net sales. The increase in gross margin was due to:\n\u2022\na 430 basis-point increase from higher pricing and\n\u2022\na 150 basis-point increase from manufacturing productivity savings.\nThese increases were partially offset by \n\u2022\n320 basis points of increased commodity and input material costs,\n\u2022\na 110 basis-point decline from unfavorable mix due to the launch and growth of premium products (which have lower than Company-average gross margins) and the disproportionate decline of the super-premium SK-II brand,\n\u2022\na 50 basis-point decline from unfavorable foreign exchange impacts,\n\u2022\n30 basis points due to capacity start-up costs and other manufacturing impacts and\n\u2022\n20 basis points of product and packaging investments.\nTotal SG&A increased 4% to $21.1 billion due primarily to an increase in overhead costs and other net operating \ncosts. SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased 50 basis points to 25.7% due to an increase in overhead and other net operating costs as a percentage of net sales, partially offset by a decrease in marketing spending as a percentage of net sales. \n\u2022\nMarketing spending as a percentage of net sales decreased 40 basis points due to the positive scale impacts of the net sales increase and increased productivity savings, partially offset by increased media reinvestments.\n\u2022\nOverhead costs as a percentage of net sales increased 40 basis points due to wage inflation and other cost increases, partially offset by the positive scale impacts of the net sales increase and productivity savings.\n\u2022\nOther net operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 60 basis points due primarily to higher foreign exchange transactional charges.\nProductivity-driven cost savings delivered 90 basis points of benefit to SG&A as a percentage of net sales.\nOperating margin decreased 10 basis points to 22.1% as the increase in gross margin was more than fully offset by the increase in SG&A as a percentage of net sales as discussed above.\n20 The Procter & Gamble Company\nNon-Operating Items\n\u2022\nInterest expense was $756\u00a0million, an increase of $317 million versus the prior year due to higher interest rates and an increase in short-term debt in the current year.\n\u2022\nInterest income was $307\u00a0million, an increase of $256 million versus the prior year due to higher interest rates.\n\u2022\nOther non-operating income increased $98 million to $668 million due primarily to a prior year unrealized loss on equity investments and a current year gain on divestiture of minor brands. \nIncome Taxes\nThe effective tax rate increased 190 basis points versus the prior year period to 19.7% d\nue to:\n\u2022\na 100 basis-point increase from lower excess tax benefits of share-based compensation,\n\u2022\na 50 basis-point increase from discrete impacts related to uncertain tax positions and\n\u2022\na 40 basis-point increase primarily from lower current year deductions for foreign-derived intangible income versus prior year.\nNet Earnings\nOperating income increased $321 million, or 2%, to $18.1 billion due to the increase in net sales, partially offset by a modest decrease in operating margin, both of which are discussed above. \nEarnings before income taxes increased $358 million, or 2%, to $18.4 billion due primarily to the increase in operating income\n. \nNet earnings declined modestly by $55 million to $14.7 billion due to the increase in earnings before income taxes, more than fully offset by the increase in the effective income tax rate discussed above. Foreign exchange impacts reduced net earnings by approximately $1.4 billion due to a weakening of certain currencies against the U.S. dollar. This impact includes both transactional charges and translational impacts from converting earnings from foreign subsidiaries to U.S. dollars.\nNet earnings attributable to Procter & Gamble decreased $89 million, or 1%, to $14.7 billion. \nDiluted EPS increased $0.09, or 2%, to $5.90 as the decrease in net earnings was more than fully offset by a reduction in shares outstanding. \nSEGMENT RESULTS\nSegment results reflect information on the same basis we use for internal management reporting and performance evaluation. The results of these reportable segments do not include certain non-business unit specific costs which are reported in our Corporate segment and are included as part of our Corporate segment discussion. Additionally, we apply blended statutory tax rates in the segments. Eliminations to adjust segment results to arrive at our consolidated effective tax rate are included in Corporate. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on items included in the Corporate segment.\n \nNet Sales Change Drivers 2023 vs. 2022\n (1)\nVolume with Acquisitions & Divestitures\nVolume Excluding Acquisitions & Divestitures\nForeign Exchange\nPrice\nMix\nOther \n(2)\nNet Sales Growth\nBeauty\n(1)\n%\n(2)\n%\n(5)\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n(1)\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n2\u00a0\n%\nGrooming\n(3)\n%\n(3)\n%\n(7)\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\n(2)\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(3)\n%\nHealth Care\n(1)\n%\n(1)\n%\n(4)\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\nFabric & Home Care\n(4)\n%\n(4)\n%\n(5)\n%\n11\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n3\u00a0\n%\nBaby, Feminine & Family Care\n(3)\n%\n(3)\n%\n(4)\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n2\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL COMPANY\n(3)\n%\n(3)\n%\n(5)\n%\n9\n\u00a0\n%\n1\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n2\n\u00a0\n%\n(1)\nNet sales percentage changes are approximations based on quantitative formulas that are consistently applied.\n(2)\nOther includes the sales mix impact from acquisitions and divestitures and rounding impacts necessary to reconcile volume to net sales.\n \nBEAUTY\n($ millions)\n2023\n2022\nChange vs. 2022\nVolume\nN/A\nN/A\n(1)%\nNet sales\n$15,008\n$14,740\n2%\nNet earnings\n$3,178\n$3,160\n1%\n% of net sales\n21.2%\n21.4%\n(20) bps\nBeauty net sales increased 2% to $15.0 billion as the positive impacts of higher pricing of 8% and benefit from acquisitions of 1% were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange of 5%, unfavorable mix of 1% (due primarily to the decline of the super-premium SK-II brand, which has higher than segment-average selling prices) and a 1% decrease in unit volume. \nThe Procter & Gamble Company 21\nExcluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures and foreign exchange, organic sales increased 6%. Global market share of the Beauty segment increased 0.3 points. \n\u2022\nHair Care net sales increased low single digits. Positive impacts of higher pricing (driven by all regions) and benefit from acquisitions were partially offset by the negative impacts of unfavorable foreign exchange and a decrease in unit volume. Mix had a neutral impact on net sales. The volume decrease was driven primarily by declines in Europe (due to portfolio reduction in Russia and increased pricing), Greater China (due to market contraction and pandemic-related disruptions) and Asia Pacific (due to increased pricing). Organic sales increased high single digits driven by 20% growth in Latin America and double-digit growth in Europe and North America, partially offset by a mid-single-digit decline in Greater China. Global market share of the hair care category decreased more than half a point.\n\u2022\nSkin and Personal Care net sales increased low single digits. Positive impacts of higher pricing (across all regions), a unit volume increase and a benefit from acquisitions were partially offset by the negative impacts from unfavorable mix (due primarily to the decline of the super-premium SK-II brand) and unfavorable foreign exchange. The volume increase was driven primarily by growth in North America, Latin America and Greater China (all due to innovation), partially offset by a decline in Asia Pacific (due to the decline of the super-premium SK-II brand in the travel retail channel). Organic sales increased mid-single digits as more than 20% increases in Latin America and Europe and a double-digit increase in North America were partially offset by a double-digit decrease in Asia Pacific. Global market share of the skin and personal care category increased nearly a point.\nNet earnings increased 1% to $3.2 billion due to the increase in net sales, partially offset by a 20 basis-point decrease in net earnings margin. Net earnings margin decreased due to a reduction in gross margin, partially offset by a reduction in SG&A as a percentage of net sales. The gross margin reduction was driven by negative product mix (due to the decline of the super-premium SK-II brand), increased commodity costs and unfavorable foreign exchange, partially offset by increased pricing. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to a decrease in marketing spending.\nGROOMING\n($ millions)\n2023\n2022\nChange vs. 2022\nVolume\nN/A\nN/A\n(3)%\nNet sales\n$6,419\n$6,587\n(3)%\nNet earnings\n$1,461\n$1,490\n(2)%\n% of net sales\n22.8%\n22.6%\n20 bps\nGrooming net sales decreased 3% to $6.4 billion driven by unfavorable foreign exchange of 7%, a 3% decrease in unit volume and unfavorable mix of 2% (due to decline of appliances, which have higher than segment-average selling prices), partially offset by higher pricing of 9% (driven by all regions). The volume decrease was primarily driven by decreases in Europe (due to portfolio reduction in Russia and increased pricing) and North America (due to market contraction and increased pricing). Excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures and foreign exchange, organic sales increased 5% driven by growth in all regions led by a more than 20% growth in Latin America and a double-digit growth in Asia Pacific. Global market share of the Grooming segment increased 1 point.\nNet earnings decreased 2% to $1.5 billion due to the decrease in net sales, partially offset by a 20 basis-point increase in net earnings margin. Net earnings margin increased as a decrease in gross margin was more than fully offset by a decrease in SG&A as a percentage of net sales. The gross margin decrease was driven by unfavorable product mix (due to a disproportionate decline of higher gross margin appliances such as premium shavers), commodity cost increases and unfavorable foreign exchange, partially offset by higher pricing and productivity savings. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased due primarily to a decrease in marketing spending. \nHEALTH CARE\n($ millions)\n2023\n2022\nChange vs. 2022\nVolume\nN/A\nN/A\n(1)%\nNet sales\n$11,226\n$10,824\n4%\nNet earnings\n$2,125\n$2,006\n6%\n% of net sales\n18.9%\n18.5%\n40 bps\nHealth Care net sales increased 4% to $11.2 billion driven by higher pricing of 5% and favorable mix of 4% (due to growth in North America and the Personal Health Care category, both of which have higher than segment-average selling prices), partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange of 4% and a 1% decrease in unit volume. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions and divestitures, organic sales increased 8%. Global market share of the Health Care segment decreased 0.2 points.\n22 The Procter & Gamble Company\n\u2022\nOral Care net sales decreased low single digits. Negative impacts of unfavorable foreign exchange and a unit volume decrease were partially offset by increased pricing (driven primarily by North America and Europe) and favorable premium product mix. Volume decline was primarily driven by Europe (due to portfolio reduction in Russia and increased pricing), North America (due to increased pricing) and Greater China (due to market contraction, especially in the power brush market). Organic sales increased low single digits driven by a more than 20% growth in Latin America and a low single-digit growth in North America. Global market share of the oral care category was unchanged.\n\u2022\nPersonal Health Care net sales increased double digits. Positive impacts of favorable mix (due to the disproportionate growth of North America and respiratory products, both of which have higher than category-average selling prices), higher pricing (driven primarily by North America, Europe and Latin America) and a unit volume increase were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange. Volume increase was primarily driven by growth in North America (due to innovation and a stronger respiratory season) and Latin America, partially offset by a decline in IMEA (versus a prior year impacted by pandemic-related consumption increases in certain markets). Organic sales increased mid-teens driven by a high teens increase in North America, a mid-teens increase in Europe and a low teens increase in Latin America. Global market share of the personal health care category was unchanged.\nNet earnings increased 6% to $2.1 billion due to the increase in net sales and a 40 basis-point increase in net earnings margin. Net earnings margin increased as a decrease in gross margin was more than fully offset by a decrease in SG&A as a percentage of net sales. The decrease in gross margin was driven by unfavorable product mix (due to the growth of products such as manual brushes, which have lower gross margins) and increased commodity and input material costs, partially offset by increased pricing. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased due to the positive scale impacts of the net sales increase and lower marketing spending, partially offset by increased overhead spending.\nFABRIC & HOME CARE\n($ millions)\n2023\n2022\nChange vs. 2022\nVolume\nN/A\nN/A\n(4)%\nNet sales\n$28,371\n$27,556\n3%\nNet earnings\n$4,828\n$4,386\n10%\n% of net sales\n17.0%\n15.9%\n110 bps\nFabric & Home Care net sales increased 3% to $28.4 billion driven by higher pricing of 11% and favorable mix of 1% (due to a disproportionate volume decline in Europe, which has lower than segment-average selling prices), partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange of 5% and a 4% decrease in unit volume. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions and divestitures, organic sales increased 8%. Global market share of the Fabric & Home Care segment was unchanged.\n\u2022\nFabric Care net sales increased low single digits. Positive impacts of higher pricing (driven by all regions) and favorable geographic mix (due to decline in Europe, which has lower than category-average selling prices) were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange and a decrease in unit volume. The volume decrease was primarily driven by declines in Europe (due to increased pricing and portfolio reduction in Russia), North America (due to increased pricing and market contraction) and Greater China (due to portfolio reductions and market contraction). Organic sales increased high single digits driven by more than 20% increases in Latin America and IMEA, high single-digit increases in Asia Pacific and Europe and a low single-digit increase in North America. Global market share of the fabric care category decreased nearly a point.\n\u2022\nHome Care net sales increased mid-single digits. Positive impacts of higher pricing (driven primarily by Europe and North America) and favorable product mix were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange and a decrease in unit volume. The volume decrease was driven by declines in Europe (due to market contraction and increased pricing) and North America (due to market contraction). Organic sales increased high single digits driven by a mid-teens growth in Europe and a high single-digit growth in North America. Global market share of the home care category increased more than a point.\nNet earnings increased 10% to $4.8 billion due to the increase in net sales and a 110 basis-point increase in net earnings margin. Net earnings margin increased due to an increase in gross margin, partially offset by an increase in SG&A as a percentage of net sales. The gross margin increase was driven by increased pricing, partially offset by an increase in commodity and input material costs, unfavorable foreign exchange and unfavorable product mix. SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased due to an increase in media spending, partially offset by the positive scale effects of the net sales increase. \nThe Procter & Gamble Company 23\nBABY, FEMININE & FAMILY CARE\n($ millions)\n2023\n2022\nChange vs. 2022\nVolume\nN/A\nN/A\n(3)%\nNet sales\n$20,217\n$19,736\n2%\nNet earnings\n$3,545\n$3,266\n9%\n% of net sales\n17.5%\n16.5%\n100 bps\nBaby, Feminine & Family Care net sales increased 2% to $20.2 billion as the positive impacts of higher pricing of 8% and favorable mix of 1% (due to a higher proportion of sales in North America, which has higher than segment-average selling prices) were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange of 4% and a 3% decrease in unit volume. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions and divestitures, organic sales increased 6%. Global market share of the Baby, Feminine & Family Care segment was unchanged. \n\u2022\nBaby Care net sales decreased low single digits. Negative impacts of a decrease in unit volume and unfavorable foreign exchange were partially offset by higher pricing (across all regions) and favorable product and geographic mix (due to a higher proportion of sales in North America). The volume decrease was driven primarily by declines in Europe (due to increased pricing and portfolio reduction in Russia), North America (due to increased pricing) and Greater China. Organic sales increased mid-single digits driven by a more than 30% growth in Latin America, high single-digit growth in IMEA and mid-single-digit growth in North America and Europe, partially offset by a double-digit decline in Greater China. Global market share of the baby care category was unchanged.\n\u2022\nFeminine Care net sales increased mid-single digits. Positive impacts of higher pricing (driven by all regions) and favorable product and geographic mix (due to a decline in Europe, which has lower than category-average selling prices) were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange and a decrease in unit volume. The volume decrease was driven primarily by declines in Europe (due to portfolio reduction in Russia and increased pricing) and IMEA (due to increased pricing). Organic sales increased double digits driven by growth in all regions led by a mid-teens increase in Europe and a double-digit increase in North America. Market share of the feminine care category increased nearly half a point.\n\u2022\nNet sales in Family Care, which is predominantly a North American business, increased low single digits driven by higher pricing. Unit volume had a neutral impact on net sales. Organic sales increased mid-single digits. North America's share of the family care category decreased nearly half a point.\nNet earnings increased 9% to $3.5 billion due to the increase in net sales and a 100 basis-point increase in net earnings margin. Net earnings margin increased primarily due to an increase in gross margin and a modest decrease in SG&A as a percentage of net sales. Gross margin increased due to increased pricing, partially offset by an increase in commodity and input material costs. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased due to the positive scale effects of the net sales increase partially offset by an increase in other operating expense.\nCORPORATE\n($ millions)\n2023\n2022\nChange vs. 2022\nNet sales\n$765\n$744\n3%\nNet earnings/(loss)\n$(399)\n$485\nN/A\nCorporate includes certain operating and non-operating activities not allocated to specific business segments. These include but are not limited to incidental businesses managed at the corporate level, gains and losses related to certain divested brands or businesses, impacts from various financing and investing activities, impacts related to employee benefits, asset impairments and restructuring activities including manufacturing and workforce optimization. Corporate also includes reconciling items to adjust the accounting policies used within the reportable segments to U.S. GAAP. The most notable ongoing reconciling item is income taxes, which adjusts the blended statutory rates that are reflected in the reportable segments to the overall Company effective tax rate.\nCorporate net sales increased 3% to $765 million due to an increase in net sales of the incidental businesses managed at the corporate level. Corporate net earnings decreased $884 million to a loss of $399 million primarily due to higher interest expense, lower excess tax benefits of share-based compensation and \nhigher foreign exchange transactional charges, partially offset by the increase in net sales of the incidental businesses and higher interest income.\nRestructuring Program to Deliver Productivity and Cost Savings\nThe Company has historically had an ongoing restructuring program with annual spending in the range of $250 to $500 million. Savings generated from the Company's restructuring program are difficult to estimate, given the nature of the activities, the timing of the execution and the degree of reinvestment. In fiscal 2023, the Company incurred before tax restructuring costs within the range of our historical annual ongoing level of $250 to $500 million.\n24 The Procter & Gamble Company\nRestructuring accruals of $174 million as of June\u00a030, 2023, are classified as current liabilities. Approximately 87% of the restructuring charges incurred in fiscal 2023 either have been or will be settled with cash. Consistent with our policies for ongoing restructuring-type activities, the resulting charges are funded by and included within Corporate for segment reporting.\nIn addition to our restructuring programs, we have additional ongoing savings efforts in our supply chain, marketing and overhead areas that yield additional benefits to our operating margins.\nCASH FLOW, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY\nWe believe our financial condition continues to be of high quality, as evidenced by our ability to generate substantial cash from operations and to readily access capital markets at competitive rates.\nOperating cash flow provides the primary source of cash to fund operating needs and capital expenditures. Excess operating cash is used first to fund shareholder dividends. Other discretionary uses include share repurchases and acquisitions to complement our portfolio of businesses, brands and geographies. As necessary, we may supplement operating cash flow with debt to fund these activities. The overall cash position of the Company reflects our strong business results and a global cash management strategy that takes into account liquidity management, economic factors and tax considerations.\nCash Flow Analysis\n($ millions)\n2023\n2022\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n$\n16,848\u00a0\n$\n16,723\u00a0\nNet cash used in investing activities\n(3,500)\n(4,424)\nNet cash used in financing activities\n(12,146)\n(14,876)\nAdjusted Free Cash Flow\n14,011\u00a0\n13,792\u00a0\nAdjusted Free Cash Flow Productivity\n95\u00a0\n%\n93\u00a0\n%\nOperating Cash Flow\nOperating cash flow was $16.8 billion in 2023, a 1% increase versus the prior year. Net earnings, adjusted for non-cash items (depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, deferred income taxes and gain on sale of assets) generated approximately $17.5 billion of operating cash flow. Working capital and other impacts used $656 million of operating cash flow as summarized below.\n\u2022\nAn increase in Accounts receivable used $307 million of cash primarily due to sales growth. The number of days sales outstanding increased approximately 1 day versus prior year.\n\u2022\nHigher inventory used $119 million of cash due to increased safety stock levels to strengthen supply chain sufficiency. Inventory days on hand was flat versus year ago. \n\u2022\nAccounts payable and Accrued and other liabilities provided $313 million of cash, primarily driven by increases in taxes payable and accrued compensation expense, partially offset by a reduction in trade payables. The reduction in trade payables was due to lower supply chain payables from a decrease in commodity and transportation costs, partially offset by the impact of extended payment terms with suppliers (see \nExtended Payment Terms and Supply Chain Financing \nbelow). Days payable outstanding decreased approximately 3 days versus prior year.\n\u2022\nOther net operating assets and liabilities used $543 million of cash primarily driven by pension-related contributions.\nAdjusted Free Cash Flow. \nWe view adjusted free cash flow as an important non-GAAP measure because it is a factor impacting the amount of cash available for dividends, share repurchases, acquisitions and other discretionary investments. It is defined as operating cash flow less capital expenditures and excluding payments for the transitional tax resulting from the U.S. Tax Act. Adjusted free cash flow is one of the measures used to evaluate senior management and determine their at-risk compensation. \nAdjusted free cash flow was $14.0 billion in 2023, an increase of 2% versus the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by the increase in operating cash flows as discussed above. Adjusted free cash flow productivity, defined as the ratio of adjusted free cash flow to net earnings, was 95% in 2023. \nExtended Payment Terms and Supply Chain Financing.\n Beginning in fiscal 2014, in response to evolving market practices, the Company began a program to negotiate extended payment terms with its suppliers. At the same time, the Company initiated a Supply Chain Finance program (the \"SCF\") with a number of global financial institutions (the \"SCF Banks\"). Under the SCF, qualifying suppliers may elect to sell their receivables from the Company to an SCF Bank. These participating suppliers negotiate their receivables sales arrangements directly with the respective SCF Bank. While the Company is not party to those agreements, the SCF Banks allow the participating suppliers to utilize the Company\u2019s creditworthiness in establishing credit spreads and associated costs. This generally provides the suppliers with more favorable terms than they would be able to secure on their own. The Company has no economic interest in a supplier\u2019s decision to sell a receivable. Once a qualifying supplier elects to participate in the SCF and reaches an agreement with an SCF Bank, they elect which individual Company invoices they sell to the SCF bank. However, all the Company\u2019s payments to participating suppliers are paid to the SCF Bank on the invoice due date, regardless of whether the individual invoice is sold by the supplier to the SCF Bank. The SCF Bank pays the supplier on the invoice due date for any invoices that were not previously sold to the SCF Bank under the SCF.\nThe Procter & Gamble Company 25\nThe terms of the Company\u2019s payment obligation are not impacted by a supplier\u2019s participation in the SCF. Our payment terms with our suppliers for similar services and materials within individual markets are consistent between suppliers that elect to participate in the SCF and those that do not participate. Accordingly, our average days outstanding are not significantly impacted by the portion of suppliers or related input costs that are included in the SCF. In addition, the SCF is available to both material suppliers, where the underlying costs are largely included in Cost of goods sold, and to service suppliers, where the underlying costs are largely included in SG&A. As of June\u00a030, 2023, approximately 3% of our global suppliers have elected to participate in the SCF. Payments to those suppliers during fiscal year 2023 were approximately $18 billion, which equals approximately 29% of our total Cost of goods sold and SG&A for the year. For participating suppliers, we believe substantially all of their receivables with the Company are sold to the SCF Banks. Accordingly, we would expect that at each balance sheet date, a similar proportion of amounts originally due to suppliers would instead be payable to SCF Banks. All outstanding amounts related to suppliers participating in the SCF are recorded within Accounts payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the associated payments are included in operating activities within our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the amounts due to suppliers participating in the SCF and included in Accounts payable were approximately $6 billion.\nAlthough difficult to project due to market and other dynamics, we anticipate incremental cash flow benefits from the extended payment terms with suppliers could increase at a slower rate in fiscal 2024. Future changes in our suppliers\u2019 financing policies or economic developments, such as changes in interest rates, general market liquidity or the Company\u2019s credit-worthiness relative to participating suppliers, could impact suppliers\u2019 participation in the SCF and/or our ability to negotiate extended payment terms with our suppliers. However, any such impacts are difficult to predict.\nInvesting Cash Flow\nNet investing activities used $3.5\u00a0billion of cash in 2023, primarily due to capital spending and acquisitions. \nCapital Spending. \nCapital expenditures, primarily to support capacity expansion, innovation and cost efficiencies, were $3.1 billion in 2023. Capital spending as a percentage of net sales decreased 20 basis points to 3.7% in 2023. \nAcquisitions. \nAcquisition activity used cash of $765 million in 2023, primarily related to a Beauty acquisition.\nFinancing Cash Flow\nNet financing activities consumed $12.1 billion of cash in 2023, mainly due to dividends to shareholders and treasury stock purchases, partially offset by a net debt increase and the impact of stock options and other.\nDividend Payments. \nOur first discretionary use of cash is dividend payments. Dividends per common share increased 4% to $3.6806 per share in 2023. Total dividend payments to common and preferred shareholders were $9.0 billion in 2023. In April 2023, the Board of Directors declared a 3% increase in our quarterly dividend from $0.9133 to $0.9407 per share on Common Stock and Series A and B Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Convertible Class\u00a0A Preferred Stock. This is the 67th consecutive year that our dividend has increased. We have paid a dividend for 133 consecutive years, every year since our incorporation in 1890.\nLong-Term and Short-Term Debt. \nWe maintain debt levels we consider appropriate after evaluating a number of factors, including cash flow expectations, cash requirements for ongoing operations, investment and financing plans (including acquisitions and share repurchase activities) and the overall cost of capital. Total debt was $34.6 billion as of June\u00a030, 2023. We generated $2.9 billion from net debt issuances in short-term debt and long-term debt markets.\nTreasury Purchases. \nTotal share repurchases were $7.4 billion in 2023. \nImpact of Stock Options and Other. \nThe exercise of stock options and other financing activities generated $1.3 billion of cash in 2023. \nLiquidity\nAt June\u00a030, 2023, our current liabilities exceeded current assets by $13.1 billion, largely due to short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program. We anticipate being able to support our short-term liquidity and operating needs largely through cash generated from operations. The Company regularly assesses its cash needs and the available sources to fund these needs. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company had $5.1 billion of cash and cash equivalents related to foreign subsidiaries, primarily in various European and Asian countries. We did not have material cash and cash equivalents related to any country subject to exchange controls that significantly restrict our ability to access or repatriate the funds. Under current law, we do not expect restrictions or taxes on repatriation of cash held outside of the U.S. to have a material effect on our overall liquidity, financial condition or the results of operations for the foreseeable future. \nWe utilize short- and long-term debt to fund discretionary items, such as acquisitions and share repurchases. We have strong short- and long-term debt ratings, which have enabled and should continue to enable us to refinance our debt as it becomes due at favorable rates in commercial paper and bond markets. In addition, we have agreements with a diverse group of financial institutions that, if needed, should provide sufficient funding to meet short-term financing requirements.\nOn June\u00a030, 2023, our short-term credit ratings were P-1 (Moody's) and A-1+ (Standard\u00a0& Poor's), while our long-term credit ratings were Aa3 (Moody's) and AA- (Standard\u00a0& Poor's), all with a stable outlook.\nWe maintain bank credit facilities to support our ongoing commercial paper program. The current facility is an $8.0 billion facility split between a $3.2 billion five-year facility and a $4.8 billion 364-day facility, which expire in November 2027 and \n26 The Procter & Gamble Company\nNovember 2023, respectively. Both facilities can be extended for certain periods of time as specified in the terms of the credit agreement. These facilities are currently undrawn and we anticipate that they will remain undrawn. These credit facilities do not have cross-default or ratings triggers, nor do they have material adverse events clauses, except at the time of signing. In addition to these credit facilities, we have an automatically effective registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC that is available for registered offerings of short- or long-term debt securities. For additional details on debt, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nGuarantees and Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements\nWe do not have guarantees or other off-balance sheet financing arrangements, including variable interest entities, which we believe could have a material impact on our financial condition or liquidity.\nContractual Commitments\nThe following table provides information on the amount and payable date of our contractual commitments as of June\u00a030, 2023.\n($ millions)\nTotal\nLess Than 1 Year\n1-3 Years\n3-5 Years\nAfter 5 Years\nRECORDED LIABILITIES\nTotal debt\n$\n35,248\n\u00a0\n$\n10,316\u00a0\n$\n5,328\u00a0\n$\n5,899\u00a0\n$\n13,705\u00a0\nLeases\n911\n\u00a0\n222\u00a0\n322\u00a0\n171\u00a0\n196\u00a0\nU.S. Tax Act transitional charge\n (1)\n1,575\n\u00a0\n421\u00a0\n1,154\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nOTHER\nInterest payments relating to long-term debt\n5,727\n\u00a0\n713\u00a0\n1,245\u00a0\n946\u00a0\n2,823\u00a0\nMinimum pension funding \n(2)\n591\n\u00a0\n192\u00a0\n399\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPurchase obligations \n(3)\n2,989\n\u00a0\n1,169\u00a0\n976\u00a0\n482\u00a0\n362\u00a0\nTOTAL CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS\n$\n47,041\n\u00a0\n$\n13,033\u00a0\n$\n9,424\u00a0\n$\n7,498\u00a0\n$\n17,086\u00a0\n(1)\nRepresents the U.S. federal tax liability associated with the repatriation provisions of the U.S. Tax Act. \n(2)\nRepresents future pension payments to comply with local funding requirements. These future pension payments assume the Company continues to meet its future statutory funding requirements. Considering the current economic environment in which the Company operates, the Company believes its cash flows are adequate to meet the future statutory funding requirements. The projected payments beyond fiscal year 2026 are not currently determinable.\n(3)\nPrimarily reflects future contractual payments under various take-or-pay arrangements entered into as part of the normal course of business. Commitments made under take-or-pay obligations represent minimum commitments with suppliers and are in line with expected usage. This includes service contracts for information technology, human resources management and facilities management activities that have been outsourced. While the amounts listed represent contractual obligations, we do not believe it is likely that the full contractual amount would be paid if the underlying contracts were canceled prior to maturity. In such cases, we generally are able to negotiate new contracts or cancellation penalties, resulting in a reduced payment. The amounts do not include other contractual purchase obligations that are not take-or-pay arrangements. Such contractual purchase obligations are primarily purchase orders at fair value that are part of normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. We do not believe such purchase obligations will adversely affect our liquidity position. \nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES\nIn preparing our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, there are certain accounting policies that may require a choice between acceptable accounting methods or may require substantial judgment or estimation in their application. These include revenue recognition, income taxes, certain employee benefits and goodwill and intangible assets. We believe these accounting policies, and others set forth in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, should be reviewed as they are integral to understanding the results of operations and financial condition of the Company.\nThe Company has discussed the selection of critical accounting policies and the effect of estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.\nRevenue Recognition\nOur revenue is primarily generated from the sale of finished product to customers. Those sales predominantly contain a single performance obligation and revenue is recognized at a single point in time when ownership, risks and rewards transfer, which can be on the date of shipment or the date of receipt by the customer. Trade promotions, consisting primarily of customer pricing allowances, in-store merchandising funds, advertising and other promotional activities and consumer coupons, are offered through various programs to customers and consumers.\u00a0Sales are recorded net of trade promotion spending, which is recognized as incurred at the time of the sale.\u00a0Amounts accrued for trade promotions at the end of a period require estimation, based on contractual terms, sales volumes and historical utilization and redemption rates.\u00a0The actual amounts paid may be different from such estimates.\u00a0These differences, which have historically not been significant, are recognized as a change in management estimate in a subsequent period.\nIncome Taxes\nOur annual tax rate is determined based on our income, statutory tax rates and the tax impacts of items treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes. Also inherent in determining our annual tax rate are judgements and \nThe Procter & Gamble Company 27\nassumptions regarding the recoverability of certain deferred tax balances, primarily net operating loss and other carryforwards, and our ability to uphold certain tax positions.\nRealization of net operating losses and other carryforwards is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income in the appropriate jurisdiction prior to the expiration of the carryforward periods, which involves business plans, planning opportunities and expectations about future outcomes. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, will be realized.\nWe operate in multiple jurisdictions with complex tax policy and regulatory environments. In certain of these jurisdictions, we may take tax positions that management believes are supportable but are potentially subject to successful challenge by the applicable taxing authority. These interpretational differences with the respective governmental taxing authorities can be impacted by the local economic and fiscal environment.\nA core operating principle is that our tax structure is based on our business operating model, such that profits are earned in line with the business substance and functions of the various legal entities in the jurisdictions where those functions are performed. However, because of the complexity of transfer pricing concepts, we may have income tax uncertainty related to the determination of intercompany transfer prices for our various cross-border transactions. We have obtained and continue to prioritize the strategy of seeking advance rulings with tax authorities to reduce this uncertainty. We estimate that our current portfolio of advance rulings reduces this uncertainty with respect to over 70% of our global earnings. We evaluate our tax positions and establish liabilities in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance on uncertainty in income taxes. We review these tax uncertainties considering changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, and adjust them accordingly. We have several audits in process in various jurisdictions. Although the resolution of these tax positions is uncertain, based on currently available information, we believe that the ultimate outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.\nBecause there are several estimates and assumptions inherent in calculating the various components of our tax provision, certain future events such as changes in tax legislation, geographic mix of earnings, completion of tax audits or earnings repatriation plans could have an impact on those estimates and our effective tax rate. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on the Company's income taxes.\nEmployee Benefits\nWe sponsor various postretirement benefits throughout the world. These include pension plans, both defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans, and other postretirement benefit (OPRB) plans consisting primarily of health care and life insurance for retirees. For accounting purposes, the defined benefit pension and OPRB plans require assumptions to estimate the net projected and accumulated benefit obligations, including the following variables: discount rate; expected salary increases; certain employee-related factors, such as turnover, retirement age and mortality; expected return on assets; and health care cost trend rates. These and other assumptions affect the annual expense and net obligations recognized for the underlying plans. Our assumptions reflect our historical experiences and management's best judgment regarding future expectations. As permitted by U.S. GAAP, the net amount by which actual results differ from our assumptions is deferred. If this net deferred amount exceeds 10% of the greater of plan assets or liabilities, a portion of the deferred amount is included in expense for the following year. The cost or benefit of plan changes, such as increasing or decreasing benefits for prior employee service (prior service cost), is deferred and included in expense on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the employees expected to receive benefits.\nThe expected return on plan assets assumption impacts our defined benefit expense since many of our defined benefit pension plans and our primary OPRB plan are partially funded. The process for setting the expected rates of return is described in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For 2023, the average return on assets assumptions for pension plan assets and OPRB assets was 5.9% and 8.4%, respectively. A change in the rate of return of 100 basis points for both pension and OPRB assets would impact annual after-tax benefit/expense by approximately $135 million.\nSince pension and OPRB liabilities are measured on a discounted basis, the discount rate impacts our plan obligations and expenses. Discount rates used for our U.S. defined benefit pension and OPRB plans are based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high-quality bonds for which the timing and amount of cash outflows approximate the estimated payouts of the plan. For our international plans, the discount rates are set by benchmarking against investment grade corporate bonds rated AA or better. The average discount rate on the defined benefit pension plans of 4.2% represents a weighted average of local rates in countries where such plans exist. A 100 basis-point change in the discount rate would impact annual after-tax benefit expense by approximately $130 million. The average discount rate on the OPRB plan of 5.6% reflects the higher interest rates generally applicable in the U.S., which is where most of the plan participants receive benefits. A 100 basis-point change in the discount rate would impact annual after-tax OPRB expense by approximately $30 million. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on our defined benefit pension and OPRB plans.\nGoodwill and Intangible Assets\nSignificant judgment is required to estimate the fair value of our goodwill reporting units and intangible assets. Accordingly, we typically obtain the assistance of third-party valuation specialists for significant goodwill reporting units and intangible assets. Determining the useful life of an intangible asset also requires judgment. Certain brand intangible assets are expected to have indefinite lives based on their history and our plans to continue to support and build the acquired brands. Other acquired intangible assets (e.g., certain brands, customer relationships, patents and technologies) are expected to have determinable \n28 The Procter & Gamble Company\nuseful lives. Our assessment as to brands that have an indefinite life and those that have a determinable life is based on a number of factors including competitive environment, market share, brand history, underlying product life cycles, operating plans and the macroeconomic environment of the countries in which the brands are sold. Determinable-lived intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated lives. An impairment assessment for determinable-lived intangibles is only required when an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. \nGoodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment. We use the income method to estimate the fair value of these assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. If the resulting fair value is less than the asset's carrying value, that difference represents an impairment. Our annual impairment testing for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets occurs during the three months ended December 31. \nMost of our goodwill reporting units have fair value cushions that significantly exceed their underlying carrying values. In connection with the Grooming operating segment integration as described further in Note 2, we concluded that the Shave Care and Appliances categories now operate as one reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. Based on our annual impairment testing during the three months ended December 31, 2022, our Grooming reporting unit goodwill has a fair value cushion of over 30%. As of June 30, 2023, the carrying value of the Grooming reporting unit goodwill was $12.7 billion.\nMost of our indefinite-lived intangible assets have fair value cushions that significantly exceed their underlying carrying value. Based on our annual impairment testing during the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Gillette indefinite-lived intangible asset's fair value exceeded its carrying value by approximately 5%. As of June 30, 2023, the carrying value of the Gillette indefinite-lived intangible asset was $14.1 billion. While we have concluded that no triggering event has occurred during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the Gillette indefinite-lived intangible asset is most susceptible to future impairment risk. Adverse changes in the business or in the macroeconomic environment, including foreign currency devaluation, increasing global inflation, market contraction from an economic recession and the Russia-Ukraine War, could reduce the underlying cash flows used to estimate the fair value of the Gillette indefinite-lived intangible asset and trigger a future impairment charge. Further reduction of the Gillette business activities in Russia could reduce the estimated fair value by up to 5%. \nThe most significant assumptions utilized in the determination of the estimated fair value of the Gillette indefinite-lived intangible asset are the net sales growth rates (including residual growth rates), discount rate and royalty rates. \nNet sales growth rates could be negatively impacted by reductions or changes in demand for our Gillette products, which may be caused by, among other things: changes in the use and frequency of grooming products, shifts in demand away from one or more of our higher priced products to lower priced products or potential supply chain constraints. In addition, relative global and country/regional macroeconomic factors, including the Russia-Ukraine War, could result in additional and prolonged devaluation of other countries\u2019 currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. The residual growth rates represent the expected rate at which the Gillette brand is expected to grow beyond the shorter-term business planning period. The residual growth rates utilized in our fair value estimates are consistent with the brand operating plans and approximates expected long-term category market growth rates. The residual growth rates depend on overall market growth rates, the competitive environment, inflation, relative currency exchange rates and business activities that impact market share. As a result, the residual growth rates could be adversely impacted by a sustained deceleration in category growth, grooming habit changes, devaluation of currencies against the U.S. dollar or an increased competitive environment. \nThe discount rate, which is consistent with a weighted average cost of capital that is likely to be expected by a market participant, is based upon industry required rates of return, including consideration of both debt and equity components of the capital structure. Our discount rate may be impacted by adverse changes in the macroeconomic environment, volatility in the equity and debt markets or other country specific factors, such as further devaluation of currencies against the U.S. dollar. Spot rates as of the fair value measurement date are utilized in our fair value estimates for cash flows outside the U.S. \nThe royalty rates are driven by historical and estimated future profitability of the underlying Gillette business. The royalty rate may be impacted by significant adverse changes in long-term operating margins. \nWe performed a sensitivity analysis for the Gillette indefinite-lived intangible asset as part of our annual impairment testing during the three months ended December 31, 2022, utilizing reasonably possible changes in the assumptions for the discount rate, the short-term and residual growth rates and the royalty rates to demonstrate the potential impacts to the estimated fair values. The table below provides, in isolation, the estimated fair value impacts related to a 25 basis-point increase in the discount rate, a 25 basis-point decrease in our shorter-term and residual growth rates, or a 50 basis-point decrease in our royalty rates, which may result in an impairment of the Gillette indefinite-lived intangible asset.\n \nApproximate Percent Change in Estimated Fair Value\n+25 bps Discount Rate\n-25 bps\nGrowth Rate\n-50 bps Royalty Rate\nGillette indefinite-lived intangible asset\n(6)%\n(6)%\n(4)%\nSee Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion on goodwill and intangible assets.\nThe Procter & Gamble Company 29\nNew Accounting Pronouncements\nRefer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of June\u00a030, 2023.\nOTHER INFORMATION\nHedging and Derivative Financial Instruments\nAs a multinational company with diverse product offerings, we are exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We evaluate exposures on a centralized basis to take advantage of natural exposure correlation and netting. We leverage the Company's diversified portfolio of exposures as a natural hedge and prioritize operational hedging activities over financial market instruments. To the extent we choose to further manage volatility within our financing operations, as discussed below, we enter into various financial transactions which we account for using the applicable accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. These financial transactions are governed by our policies covering acceptable counterparty exposure, instrument types and other hedging practices. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our accounting policies for derivative instruments.\nDerivative positions are monitored using techniques including market valuation, sensitivity analysis and value-at-risk modeling. The tests for interest rate, currency rate and commodity derivative positions discussed below are based on the RiskManager\u2122 value-at-risk model using a one-year horizon and a 95% confidence level. The model incorporates the impact of correlation (the degree to which exposures move together over time) and diversification (from holding multiple currency, commodity and interest rate instruments) and assumes that financial returns are normally distributed. Estimates of volatility and correlations of market factors are drawn from the RiskMetrics\u2122 dataset as of June\u00a030, 2023. In cases where data is unavailable in RiskMetrics\u2122, a reasonable proxy is included.\nOur market risk exposures relative to interest rates, currency rates and commodity prices, as discussed below, have not changed materially versus the previous reporting period. In addition, we are not aware of any facts or circumstances that would significantly impact such exposures in the near term.\nInterest Rate Exposure on Financial Instruments. \nInterest rate swaps are used to manage exposures to interest rates on underlying debt obligations. Certain interest rate swaps denominated in foreign currencies are designated to hedge exposures to currency exchange rate movements on our investments in foreign operations. These currency interest rate swaps are designated as hedges of the Company's foreign net investments.\nBased on our interest rate exposure as of and during the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, including derivative and other instruments sensitive to interest rates, we believe a near-term change in interest rates, at a 95% confidence level based on historical interest rate movements, would not materially affect our financial statements.\nCurrency Rate Exposure on Financial Instruments. \nBecause we manufacture and sell products and finance operations in a number of countries throughout the world, we are exposed to the impact on revenue and expenses of movements in currency exchange rates. Corporate policy prescribes the range of allowable hedging activity. To manage the exchange rate risk associated with the financing of our operations, we primarily use forward contracts and currency swaps with maturities of less than 18 months. \nBased on our currency rate exposure on derivative and other instruments as of and during the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, we believe, at a 95% confidence level based on historical currency rate movements, the impact on such instruments of a near-term change in currency rates would not materially affect our financial statements.\nCommodity Price Exposure on Financial Instruments. \nWe use raw materials that are subject to price volatility caused by weather, supply conditions, political and economic variables and other unpredictable factors. We may use futures, options and swap contracts to manage the volatility related to the above exposures. During the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, we did not have any financial commodity hedging activity. \nMeasures Not Defined By U.S. GAAP\nIn accordance with the SEC's Regulation S-K Item 10(e), the following provides definitions of the non-GAAP measures and the reconciliation to the most closely related GAAP measure. We believe that these measures provide useful perspective on underlying business trends (i.e., trends excluding non-recurring or unusual items) and results and provide a supplemental measure of year-on-year results. The non-GAAP measures described below are used by management in making operating decisions, allocating financial resources and for business strategy purposes. These measures may be useful to investors, as they provide supplemental information about business performance and provide investors a view of our business results through the eyes of management. These measures are also used to evaluate senior management and are a factor in determining their at-risk compensation. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to be considered by the user in place of the related GAAP measures but rather as supplemental information to our business results. These non-GAAP measures may not be the same as similar measures used by other companies due to possible differences in method and in the items or events being adjusted. These measures include:\nOrganic Sales Growth. \nOrganic sales growth is a non-GAAP measure of sales growth excluding the impacts of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign exchange from year-over-year comparisons. We believe this measure provides investors with a \n30 The Procter & Gamble Company\nsupplemental understanding of underlying sales trends by providing sales growth on a consistent basis. This measure is used in assessing the achievement of management goals for at-risk compensation.\nThe following tables provide a numerical reconciliation of organic sales growth to reported net sales growth:\nFiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023\nNet Sales Growth\nForeign Exchange Impact\nAcquisition & Divestiture \nImpact/Other \n(1)\nOrganic Sales Growth\nBeauty\n2\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n(1)\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\nGrooming\n(3)\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\nHealth Care\n4\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\nFabric & Home Care\n3\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\nBaby, Feminine & Family Care\n2\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL COMPANY\n2\n\u00a0\n%\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n7\n\u00a0\n%\n(1)\nAcquisition & Divestiture Impact/Other includes the volume and mix impact of acquisitions and divestitures and rounding impacts necessary to reconcile net sales to organic sales.\nAdjusted Free Cash Flow. \nAdjusted free cash flow is defined as operating cash flow less capital spending and excluding payments for the transitional tax resulting from the U.S. Tax Act. Adjusted free cash flow represents the cash that the Company is able to generate after taking into account planned maintenance and asset expansion. We view adjusted free cash flow as an important measure because it is one factor used in determining the amount of cash available for dividends, share repurchases, acquisitions and other discretionary investments.\nThe following table provides a numerical reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow ($ millions):\nOperating Cash Flow \nCapital Spending\nAdjustments to Operating Cash Flow \n(1)\nAdjusted Free Cash\u00a0Flow\n2023\n$\n16,848\n\u00a0\n$\n(3,062)\n$\n225\n\u00a0\n$\n14,011\n\u00a0\n2022\n$\n16,723\u00a0\n$\n(3,156)\n$\n225\u00a0\n$\n13,792\u00a0\n(1)\nAdjustments to Operating Cash Flow include transitional tax payments resulting from the U.S. Tax Act of $225 in 2023 and 2022.\nAdjusted Free Cash Flow Productivity. \nAdjusted free cash flow productivity is defined as the ratio of adjusted free cash flow to net earnings. We view adjusted free cash flow productivity as a useful measure to help investors understand P&G\u2019s ability to generate cash. Adjusted free cash flow productivity is used by management in making operating decisions, in allocating financial resources and for budget planning purposes. This measure is used in assessing the achievement of management goals for at-risk compensation. \nThe following table provides a numerical reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow productivity ($ millions):\nAdjusted Free\nCash Flow\nNet Earnings\nAdjusted Free \nCash\u00a0Flow Productivity\n2023\n$\n14,011\n\u00a0\n$\n14,738\n\u00a0\n95\n\u00a0\n%\n2022\n$\n13,792\u00a0\n$\n14,793\u00a0\n93\u00a0\n%\nCore EPS. \nCore EPS is a measure of the Company's diluted EPS excluding items that are not judged by management to be part of the Company's sustainable results or trends. Management views this non-GAAP measure as a useful supplemental measure of Company performance over time. This measure is also used in assessing the achievement of management goals for at-risk compensation. For the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, there were no adjustments to or reconciling items for diluted EPS.",
+ "item7a": ">Item\u00a07A. \nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.\nThe information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled Other Information in the MD&A and Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nThe Procter & Gamble Company 31",
+ "cik": "80424",
+ "cusip6": "742718",
+ "cusip": ["742718109", "742718959", "742718909"],
+ "names": ["PROCTER & GAMBLE CO PUT", "PROCTER & GAMBLE CO CALL", "PROCTER AND GAMBLE CO"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/80424/000008042423000073/0000080424-23-000073-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000091419-23-000072.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000091419-23-000072.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..acfe027f54
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000091419-23-000072.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business. \nThe Company:\n The J. M. Smucker Company (\u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cregistrant,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d or \u201cour\u201d), often referred to as Smucker\u2019s (a registered trademark), was established in 1897 and incorporated in Ohio in 1921. We operate principally in one industry, the manufacturing and marketing of branded food and beverage products on a worldwide basis, although the majority of our sales are in the United States (the \u201cU.S.\u201d). Operations outside the U.S. are principally in Canada, although our products are exported to other countries as well. Net sales outside the U.S., subject to foreign currency translation, represented 5 percent of consolidated net sales for 2023. Our branded food and beverage products include a strong portfolio of trusted, iconic, market-leading brands that are sold to consumers through retail outlets in North America.\nWe have three reportable segments: U.S. Retail Pet Foods, U.S. Retail Coffee, and U.S. Retail Consumer Foods. The U.S. retail market segments in total comprised 87 percent of 2023 consolidated net sales and represent a major portion of our strategic focus \u2013 the sale of branded food and beverage products with leadership positions to consumers through retail outlets in North America. International and Away From Home represents sales outside of the U.S. retail market segments. For additional information on our reportable segments, see Note 4: Reportable Segments.\nOn April 28, 2023, we sold certain pet food brands to Post Holdings, Inc. (\u201cPost\u201d). The transaction included the\n Rachael Ray\n\u00ae\n Nutrish\n\u00ae\n, 9Lives\n\u00ae\n, Kibbles \u2019n Bits\n\u00ae\n, Nature\u2019s Recipe\n\u00ae\n, and \nGravy Train\n\u00ae\n brands, as well as our private label pet food business, inclusive of certain trademarks and licensing agreements, manufacturing and distribution facilities in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, manufacturing facilities in Meadville, Pennsylvania and Lawrence, Kansas, and approximately 1,100 employees who supported these pet food brands. Under our ownership, these brands generated net sales of $1.5 billion in 2023, and $1.4 billion in both 2022 and 2021, primarily included in the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment.\nOn January 31, 2022, we sold the natural beverage and grains businesses to Nexus Capital Management LP (\u201cNexus\u201d). The transaction included products sold under the \nR.W. Knudsen\n\u00ae\n \nand \nTruRoots\n\u00ae\n \nbrands, inclusive of certain trademarks, a licensing agreement for \nSanta Cruz Organic\n\u00ae\n beverages, dedicated\n \nmanufacturing and distribution facilities in Chico, California and Havre de Grace, Maryland, and approximately 150 employees who supported the natural beverage and grains businesses. The transaction did not include \nSanta Cruz Organic\n nut butters, fruit spreads, syrups, or applesauce. Under our ownership, the businesses generated net sales of $106.7 and $143.4 in 2022 and 2021, respectively, primarily included in the U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segment. \nOn December 1, 2021, we sold the private label dry pet food business to Diamond Pet Foods, Inc. (\u201cDiamond Pet Foods\u201d). The transaction included dry pet food products sold under private label brands, a dedicated manufacturing facility located in Frontenac, Kansas, and approximately 220 employees who supported the private label dry pet food business. The transaction did not include any branded products or our private label wet pet food business. Under our ownership, the business generated net sales of $62.3 and $94.0 in 2022 and 2021, respectively, included in the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment.\nOn January 29, 2021, we sold the \nNatural Balance\n\u00ae\n premium pet food business to Nexus. The transaction included pet food products sold under the \nNatural Balance\n brand, certain trademarks and licensing agreements, and select employees who supported the \nNatural Balance\n business. Under our ownership, the business generated net sales of $156.7 in 2021, included in the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment.\nOn December 1, 2020, we sold the \nCrisco\n\u00ae\n oils and shortening business to B&G Foods, Inc. (\u201cB&G Foods\u201d). The transaction included oils and shortening products sold under the \nCrisco\n brand, primarily in the U.S. and Canada, certain trademarks and licensing agreements, dedicated manufacturing and warehouse facilities located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and approximately 160 employees who supported the \nCrisco\n business. Under our ownership, the business generated net sales of $198.9 in 2021, primarily included in the U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segment. \nFor additional information on these divestitures, see Note 3: Divestitures.\nPrincipal Products:\n In 2023, our principal products were coffee, cat food, pet snacks, dog food, frozen handheld products, peanut butter, fruit spreads, portion control products, as well as baking mixes and ingredients. Product sales information for the years 2023, 2022, and 2021 is included within Note 4: Reportable Segments.\n2\nIn the U.S. retail market segments, our products are primarily sold through a combination of direct sales and brokers to food retailers, club stores, discount and dollar stores, online retailers, pet specialty stores, drug stores, military commissaries, mass merchandisers, and natural foods stores and distributors. In International and Away From Home, our products are distributed domestically and in foreign countries through retail channels and foodservice distributors and operators (e.g., health care operators, restaurants, lodging, hospitality, offices, K-12, colleges and universities, and convenience stores). \nSources and Availability of Raw Materials:\n The raw materials used in each of our segments are primarily commodities, agricultural-based products, and packaging materials. Green coffee, protein meals, peanuts, grains, plastic containers, oils and fats, fruit, and other ingredients are obtained from various suppliers. The availability, quality, and costs of many of these commodities have fluctuated, and may continue to fluctuate over time, partially driven by the elevated commodity and supply chain costs we experienced in 2023. We actively monitor changes in commodity and supply chain costs, and to mitigate the fluctuation of costs, we may be required to implement material price increases or decreases across our business. Futures, basis, options, and fixed price contracts are used to manage price volatility for a significant portion of our commodity costs. Green coffee, along with certain other raw materials, is sourced solely from foreign countries, and its supply and price is subject to high volatility due to factors such as weather, global supply and demand, product scarcity, plant disease, investor speculation, armed hostilities (including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine), changes in governmental agricultural and energy policies and regulation, and political and economic conditions in the source countries. We source peanuts, protein meals, and oils and fats mainly from North America. The principal packaging materials we use are plastic, glass, metal cans, caps, carton board, and corrugate.\n \nFor additional information on the commodities we purchase, see \u201cCommodities Overview\u201d within Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nRaw materials are generally available from numerous sources, although we have elected to source certain plastic packaging materials for our \nFolgers\n\u00ae\n coffee products, as well as our \nJif\n\u00ae\n \npeanut butter, and certain finished goods, such as K-Cup\n\u00ae\n pods, our \nPup-Peroni\n\u00ae\n \ndog snacks, and liquid coffee, from single sources of supply pursuant to long-term contracts. While availability may vary year-to-year, we believe that we will continue to obtain adequate supplies and that alternatives to single-sourced materials are available. We have not historically encountered significant shortages of key raw materials. We consider our relationships with key raw material suppliers to be in good standing. \nTrademarks and Patents\n: Many of our products are produced and sold under various patents and patents pending, and marketed under trademarks owned or licensed by us or one of our subsidiaries. Our major trademarks as of April\u00a030, 2023, are listed below. \nPrimary Reportable Segment\n\u00a0\u00a0\nMajor\u00a0Trademark\nU.S. Retail Pet Foods\nMeow Mix\n\u00ae\n, Milk-Bone\n\u00ae\n,\n \nPup-Peroni\n\u00ae\n,\n and \nCanine Carry Outs\n\u00ae\nU.S.\u00a0Retail\u00a0Coffee\n\u00a0\u00a0\nFolgers\n\u00ae\n,\n \nDunkin\u2019\n\u00ae\n,\n and \nCaf\u00e9 Bustelo\n\u00ae\nU.S.\u00a0Retail\u00a0Consumer\u00a0Foods\n\u00a0\u00a0\nUncrustables\n\u00ae\n, \nJif\n\u00ae\n, \nand \nSmucker\u2019s\n\u00ae\n \nOther \n(A)\n\u00a0\u00a0\nSmucker\u2019s,\n \nFolgers, \nand\n Uncrustables\n (A) Represents the combined International and Away From Home operating segments. \nDunkin\u2019 \nis a trademark of DD IP Holder LLC used under three licenses (the \u201cDunkin\u2019 Licenses\u201d) for packaged coffee products, including K-Cup\n\u00ae\n pods, sold in retail channels, such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, e-commerce, and drug stores, as well as in certain away from home channels. The Dunkin\u2019 Licenses do not pertain to coffee or other products for sale in \nDunkin\u2019\n restaurants. The terms of the Dunkin\u2019 Licenses include the payment of royalties to an affiliate of DD IP Holder, LLC and other financial commitments by the Company. The Dunkin\u2019 Licenses are in effect until January\u00a01, 2039. Keurig\n\u00ae\n and K-Cup\n\u00ae\n are trademarks of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (\u201cKeurig\u201d), used with permission.\nSlogans or designs considered to be important trademarks include, without limitation, \u201c\nWith A Name Like Smucker\u2019s, It Has To Be Good\n\u00ae\n,\n\u201d \u201c\nThe Best Part of Wakin\u2019 Up Is Folgers In Your Cup\n\u00ae\n,\n\u201d \u201c\nChoosy Moms Choose Jif\n\u00ae\n,\n\u201d \u201c\nThat Jif\u2019ing Good\nTM\n,\n\u201d\n \n\u201c\nThe Only One Cats Ask For By Name\n\u00ae\n,\n\u201d the \nSmucker\u2019s\n banner, the Crock Jar shape, the Gingham design, the \nJif \nColor Banner design, the\n Caf\u00e9 Bustelo \nAngelina design, and the \nMilk-Bone\n and \nMeow Mix\n logos.\nWe own many patents worldwide in addition to utilizing proprietary trade secrets, technology, know-how processes, and other intellectual property rights that are not registered.\nWe consider all of our owned and licensed intellectual property, taken as a whole, to be essential to our business.\n3\nSeasonality:\n The U.S. Retail Pet Foods, U.S. Retail Coffee, and U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segments do not experience significant seasonality, as demand for our products is generally consistent throughout the year.\nCustomers: \nSales to Walmart Inc. and subsidiaries amounted to 34 percent of net sales in both 2023 and 2022, and 32 percent of net sales in 2021. These sales are primarily included in our U.S. retail market segments. No other customer exceeded 10 percent of net sales for any year.\nDuring 2023, our top 10 customers, collectively, accounted for approximately 60 percent of consolidated net sales. Supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and food distributors continue to consolidate, and we expect that a significant portion of our revenues will continue to be derived from a limited number of customers. Although the loss of any large customer for an extended length of time could negatively impact our sales and profits, we do not anticipate that this will occur to a significant extent due to strong consumer demand for our brands.\nGovernment Business: \nNo material portion of our business is subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts at the election of the government.\nCompetition:\n We are the branded market leader in the coffee, dog snacks, peanut butter, and fruit spreads categories in the U.S. In Canada, we are the branded market leader in the flour, pickles, fruit spreads, canned milk, and ice cream toppings categories.\n \nOur business is highly competitive as all of our brands compete with other branded products as well as private label products. \nIn order to remain competitive, companies in the food industry need to consider emerging consumer preferences, technological advances, product and packaging innovations, and the growth of certain retail channels, such as the \ne-commerce market. The primary ways in which products and brands are distinguished are brand recognition, product quality, price, packaging, new product introductions, nutritional value, convenience, advertising, promotion, and the ability to identify and satisfy consumer preferences. Positive factors pertaining to our competitive position include well-recognized brands, high-quality products, consumer trust, experienced brand and category management, varied product offerings, product innovation, responsive customer service, and an integrated distribution network.\nThe packaged foods industry has been challenged by a general long-term decline in sales volume in the center of the store. However, there has been an increase in sales primarily driven by changes in consumer behaviors, including employees working at home more frequently as a result of the novel coronavirus (\u201cCOVID-19\u201d) pandemic. Certain evolving consumer trends have contributed to the longer-term decline, such as a heightened focus on health and wellness, an increased desire for fresh foods, and the growing impact of social media and e-commerce on consumer behavior. To address these dynamics, we continue to focus on innovation with an increased emphasis on products that satisfy evolving consumer trends.\nIn addition, private label continues to be a competitor in the categories in which we compete, partially due to improvements in private label quality, the increased emphasis of store brands by retailers in an effort to cultivate customer loyalty, and a movement toward lower-priced offerings during economic downturns or instances of increased inflationary pressures. In our total U.S. retail categories, private label held a 12.1 dollar average market share during the 52 weeks ended April 23, 2023, as compared to a 11.5 dollar average market share during the same period in the prior year. We believe that both private label and leading brands play an important role in the categories in which we compete, appealing to different consumer segments. We closely monitor the price gap, or price premium, between our brands and private label brands, with the view that value is about more than price and the expectation that number one brands will continue to be an integral part of consumers\u2019 shopping baskets. \n4\nOur primary brands and major competitors as of April\u00a030, 2023, are listed below. \nOur Primary Products\nOur Primary Brands\nCompeting Brands\nCompetitors\nU.S. Retail Pet Foods\nMainstream cat food\nMeow Mix\nCat Chow \n(A)\n, Friskies, Kit & Kaboodle, \nand\n Fancy Feast\nNestl\u00e9 Purina PetCare Company\nIams \nand\n Sheba\nMars, Incorporated\nPet snacks\nMilk-Bone \n(A)\n,\n Pup-Peroni, \nand \nCanine Carry Outs\nBeggin\u2019 Strips\nNestl\u00e9 Purina PetCare Company\nBlue Buffalo \nand \nNudges\nGeneral Mills, Inc.\nDentastix \nand\n Greenies\nMars, Incorporated\nPrivate label brands\nVarious\nU.S. Retail Coffee\nMainstream roast and ground coffee\nFolgers \n(A)\n \nand \nCaf\u00e9 Bustelo\nMaxwell House \nand\n Yuban\nThe Kraft Heinz Company\nPrivate label brands\nVarious\nMcCaf\u00e9\nKeurig Dr. Pepper\nCafe La Llave\nF. Gavi\u00f1a & Sons, Inc.\nSingle serve coffee - K-Cup\n\u00ae\nDunkin\u2019, Folgers, \nand\n Caf\u00e9 Bustelo\nPrivate label brands\nVarious\nGreen Mountain Coffee \n(A) \n, Donut Shop, \nand \nMcCaf\n\u00e9\nKeurig Dr. Pepper\nStarbucks\nNestl\u00e9 S.A.\nPeet\u2019s Coffee & Tea\nJDE Peet\u2019s N.V.\nMaxwell House\n and \nGevalia\nThe Kraft Heinz Company\nPremium coffee\nDunkin'\nStarbucks \n(A)\n and\n Seattle\u2019s Best Coffee\nNestl\u00e9 S.A.\nPrivate label brands\nVarious\nPeet\u2019s Coffee & Tea\nJDE Peet\u2019s N.V.\nEight O\u2019Clock\nTata Global Beverages Limited\nCommunity Coffee\nCommunity Coffee Company\nGevalia \nThe Kraft Heinz Company\nU.S. Retail Consumer Foods\nPeanut butter and specialty spreads\nJif \n(A)\nPrivate label brands\nVarious\nSkippy\nHormel Foods Corporation\nNutella\nFerrero SpA\nPeter Pan\nPost Holdings, Inc.\nFruit spreads\nSmucker\u2019s \n(A)\nPrivate label brands\nVarious\nWelch\u2019s\nWelch Foods Inc.\nBonne Maman\nAndros Foods USA, Inc.\nFrozen sandwiches and snacks\nSmucker\u2019s Uncrustables\nHot Pockets \n(A)\nNestl\u00e9 S.A.\nTotino\u2019s\nGeneral Mills, Inc.\nEl Monterrey\nRuiz Foods\nInternational and Away From Home\nFoodservice hot beverage\nFolgers, 1850\n\u00ae\n,\n and\n Caf\u00e9 Bustelo\nStarbucks\nNestl\u00e9 S.A.\nPrivate label brands\nVarious\nNescaf\u00e9\nSoci\u00e9t\u00e9 des Produits Nestl\u00e9 S.A.\nFoodservice portion control\nSmucker\u2019s\n and \nJif\nPrivate label brands\nVarious, including Diamond Crystal Brands\nHeinz, Welch\u2019s, \nand\n \nPrivate Label Brands\nThe Kraft Heinz Company\nFoodservice frozen handheld\nSmucker\u2019s Uncrustables\nHot Off the Grill\nIntegrated Food Service\nClassic Delight\nClassic Delight Inc.\nCanada coffee\nFolgers\nTim Hortons \n(A)\nRestaurant Brands International Inc.\nMaxwell House\nThe Kraft Heinz Company\nPrivate label brands\nVarious\nCanada flour\nRobin Hood\n\u00ae (A)\n \nand\n Five Roses\n\u00ae\nPrivate label brands\nVarious\n(A) Identifies the current market leader within the product category. In certain categories, the market leader is not identified as two or more brands compete for the largest share. \n5\nGovernment Regulations: \nOur operations are subject to various regulations and laws administered by federal, state, and local government agencies in the U.S., including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the \u201cFDA\u201d), U.S. Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Labor, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, we are subject to regulations and laws administered by government agencies in Canada and other countries in which we have operations and our products are sold. In particular, the manufacturing, marketing, transportation, storage, distribution, and sale of food products are each subject to governmental regulation that is increasingly extensive. Governmental regulation encompasses such matters as ingredients (including whether a product contains bioengineered ingredients), packaging, labeling, pricing, advertising, relations with distributors and retailers, health, safety, data privacy and security, and anti-corruption, as well as an increased focus regarding environmental policies relating to climate change, regulating greenhouse gas emissions, energy policies, and sustainability, including single-use plastics. We are subject to tax and securities regulations, accounting and reporting standards, and other financial laws and regulations. We rely on legal and operational compliance programs, including in-house and outside counsel, to guide our business in complying with applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which we do business. We believe we are in compliance with such laws and regulations and do not expect continued compliance to have a material impact on our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position in 2024. \nEnvironmental Matters:\n Compliance with environmental regulations and prioritizing our environmental sustainability efforts are important to us as a responsible corporate citizen. As such, we have public goals related to waste diversion, water usage, energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable packaging. In support of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we have implemented and manage a variety of programs across our operations, including energy optimization, utilization of renewable energy, water conservation, recycling, and, in our supply chains, we have partnerships with farmers who implement sustainable practices. We continue to evaluate and modify our processes to further limit our impact on the environment.\nHuman Capital Management: \nOur values and principles are rooted in our \nBasic Beliefs\n and serve as the foundation for our strategic and daily decisions. With 2023 marking our 125\nth\n year in business, we updated and strengthened the language of our \nBasic Beliefs \nto be as clear, concise, and actionable as possible. While we are incredibly proud of our past, we believe strongly in the concept of working to be better tomorrow than we are today, which is why we evolved our \nBasic Beliefs\n during 2023, to\n Be Bold, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Play to Win, \nand\n Thrive Together.\n Our employees are among our most important resources and are critical to our success as a company. Therefore, we are committed to supporting our employees holistically, both personally and professionally. With almost 5,800 full-time employees worldwide, every employee makes a difference to our Company. We believe it is critical that we have an inclusive and diverse environment and that we take proactive steps to ensure we are enabling our employees to reach their full potential. To hold ourselves accountable, we conduct an employee engagement survey annually to provide an opportunity for open and confidential feedback from our employees and to help guide our organization priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, we conduct functional pulse surveys as needed to gain additional information based on responses to the larger engagement survey, or in sub-groups of our employee population where a specific topic or question may be needed. These surveys are supplemented by regular Company Town Halls, which help to foster an environment of transparency and two-way communication. Employees also have the opportunity to anonymously report violations of the Commitment to Integrity: Our Code (\u201cCode of Conduct\u201d) or complaints regarding accounting, auditing, and financial-related matters through our Smucker Voice Line \u2013 the Integrity Portal (\u201cPortal\u201d). The Portal also can be utilized by customers, contractors, vendors, and their employees, as well as any others in a business relationship with our Company. To further support our commitment to ethics and our basic belief, \nDo the Right Thing\n, our employees were also asked to participate in an Ethics and Compliance Survey in 2023, to help us understand our strengths and identify opportunities for future ethics and compliance programs and training. We conduct this assessment on a biennial basis.\nAdditional information regarding our human capital management is available in our 2022 Corporate Impact Report that can be found on our website at www.jmsmucker.com/news-stories/corporate-publications. Information on our website, including our 2022 Corporate Impact Report, is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \nHealth and Wellness:\n \nMaintaining a safe and healthy workplace is among our top priorities and is aligned with our basic belief,\n Do the Right Thing\n. We are diligent in ensuring workforce health and safety through education and training which is provided at all locations. These efforts resulted in our achievement of a total recordable incident rate during 2023, that is three times below the industry average. Our health and safety internal assessments conducted at each of our production facilities quarterly, as well as periodic external assessments, confirm our compliance with safety regulations and corporate policies. The teams document the results and determine corrective actions to ensure we hold ourselves accountable for providing a safe work environment. \n6\nAs part of our focus on well-being, we emphasize the need for our employees to embrace healthy lifestyles. We offer all employees a variety of free and discounted services, as well as education opportunities, to support their physical, emotional, and financial well-being, including free sessions through our Employee Assistance Program. We also offer on-site conveniences, such as health and wellness centers at several of our locations and a Child Development Center at our corporate headquarters in Orrville, Ohio. In addition, we provide our employees with paid time off to renew and programs to promote workplace flexibility.\nFurther, we have continued to promote the importance of self-care and the availability of mental health resources to our employees. In recognition of the need for mental health resources across society, we have partnered with the United Way\n\u00ae\n of Summit County 211 program and the National Council for Behavioral Health to provide support for our employees and communities. In 2022, we supported the Akron Children\u2019s Hospital\u2019s (\u201cACH\u201d) Lois and John Orr Family Behavioral Health Center and its scholarship program, which will help fund scholarships to help four nurses at ACH get the training they need to become psychiatric-mental health nurses. The scholarship program will support ACH\u2019s ability to provide behavioral health care to meet the growing need for this specialized treatment. \nDiversity and Inclusion:\n \nWe believe having an inclusive culture and the expertise of diverse professionals across our business that reflects our consumers is critical to our success and is in alignment with our basic belief, \nThrive Together\n. Our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity (\u201cID&E\u201d) is focused around the following three aspirations:\nEnhance Workplace Diversity\n\u2022\nAspire to double the representation of People of Color within our U.S. salaried employee community by 2027 \n\u2022\nAspire to increase women at all senior levels within our U.S. salaried employee community to 45 percent by 2027\n\u2022\nComplete foundational work across other key demographics to establish baselines to inform future quantitative growth aspirations \nIncrease Equity Through Expanded Opportunities \n\u2022\nEvaluate and evolve practices, including lateral assignments and promotions, to support equitable opportunities\nFoster an Inclusive Workplace \n\u2022\nEstablish measurable expectations for participation in select employee resource group (\u201cERG\u201d) sponsored events and education \n\u2022\nDevelop integrated strategy, aspirations, and prioritized initiatives across our ERGs\nIn support of these aspirations, we have made important progress over the past year on our commitment to create an environment where our employees are supported and differences are truly celebrated. We have successfully introduced ERGs, which are all voluntary, employee-led groups that represent a unique community. The purpose of these groups is to create inclusion where all can see themselves and feel a part of our Company. We have seven ERGs, as well as our Advocate Alliance group, to support employees and encourage allyship. Our ERGs include BLAC (Black Leadership and Ally Council); PRIDE Alliance (i.e., LGBTQ+); GROW (Greater Resources and Opportunities for Women); RAICES (i.e., Latino/a/x and Hispanic contributions); AFVA (Armed Forces Veterans and Allies); CAPIA (Community of Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Allies); and ADDAPT (Advocating for Disabilities and Diverse Abilities by Partnering Together), which all employees are encouraged to join as either a member or ally. Additionally, we have coordinated more than 750 hours of employee programming on education and understanding, hosted panels to reflect the unique experiences of underrepresented groups to increase employee awareness while encouraging empathy and allyship, and published regular content to celebrate our differences and increase understanding.\nWe approach diversity from the top-down, exemplified by our Board of Directors (the \u201cBoard\u201d), where 4 of 11 directors are women and 2 of 11 directors are racially or ethnically diverse. Additionally, 46 percent of our executive and senior management team members are women, inclusive of 4 of 7 members of our Executive Leadership Team, demonstrating our belief that a diverse team with a variety of viewpoints is important and further contributes to a more effective decision-making process and overall greater success. Furthermore, approximately 39 percent of our salaried workforce in senior-level roles are women and 12 percent of our salaried workforce are racially or ethnically diverse. We recognize we have work to do to ensure a more inclusive and diverse organization, which is why we are implementing changes to our recruiting, hiring, and retention programs to improve diversity at all levels within our Company. To further these efforts, in 2023, we established human resource positions focused on improving our diversity and inclusion, specifically within talent acquisition and recruiting. Our Company Leadership Team, beginning in 2022 with all Officers, and further expanding to Senior Directors \n7\nand above in 2023, has 10 percent of their annual cash incentive awards based on the achievement of our environmental, social, and governance objectives, which includes our ID&E efforts, among others.\nFurther, we have partnered with the Akron Urban League, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, the Equal Justice Initiative, the Human Rights Campaign, and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund to further our commitment to this cause and have committed more than $600,000 to these partners as part of multi-year partnerships. These organizations advocate for inclusion, racial justice, and the advancement of underrepresented and vulnerable people. To ensure ongoing progress against our commitments, we are evaluating our success through several measures, including reviews of organization health assessments, evaluation of workforce composition and minority representation across all levels of the organization, and successful integration of key programming. In addition, to further support our ERGs and charitable giving efforts, we have committed over $250,000 as an ongoing annual charitable donation to support organizations that align and are supported by our ERGs.\nDuring calendar year 2022, due to our increased effort to support diversity and inclusion, our Corporate Equality Index (\u201cCEI\u201d) from the Human Rights Campaign was 95 out of 100 points, which increased from 80 in calendar year 2021. Specifically, we were able to increase the CEI index through enhancements to our transgender-inclusive health benefits, philanthropic contributions to and partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations, pledging our support of the Human Rights Campaign\u2019s Business Coalition for the Equality Act, enhancement of charitable giving guidelines to prohibit philanthropic support of organizations with an explicit policy of sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination, having a supplier diversity program that includes the outreach to LGBTQ+ owned businesses, and the establishment of the PRIDE Alliance ERG.\nLearning and Development:\n \nWe strive to foster an environment of growth for our people and support our culture of continuous learning and our focus on our basic belief,\n Play to Win\n. We support and challenge our employees to increase their knowledge, skills, and capabilities through all phases of their career. Our Employee Development programs offer foundational instruction on Company culture and provide employees additional learning opportunities throughout their careers. This is reflected in annual reviews, which allow management and employees to partner and determine specific opportunities for growth within each role through important work, new experiences generated through a dynamic environment, regular feedback, and purposeful development opportunities. Building a career at our Company is fundamental to who we are and is evidenced by our Executive Leadership Team, where 5 of 7 members were promoted from within, and our trailing 12-month turnover remains below industry average.\nIn addition, we are committed to providing the tools and resources our employees need to learn, develop, and grow with us, including virtual sessions. A suite of online training and education programs are available to our employees, ranging from role-specific training to education on soft skills and our Company culture. Through these tools and resources, in 2023, we coordinated nearly 8,000 hours of professional development training for our employees. Our best-in-class \u201cDiscovering the Art of Leadership\u201d series, developed in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University, teaches our people managers how to effectively lead teams and develop employees. We dedicate time to developing and coaching our people managers to provide support to our employees holistically. This means promoting resonant leadership and the practice of emotional intelligence and mindfulness, so our people managers have the knowledge and tools to support the unique needs of each employee.\nFostering an environment for growth and continuous learning for our employees is an important priority of our Company. However, our commitment to education also includes our communities as evidenced by our partnerships with organizations passionate about improving access to quality education. We have partnered with The University of Akron Zip Assist Program, which offers emergency aid to students, and have acted as a founding sponsor of Opening Track, a unique music education program from Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio. We also donated $100,000 to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History capital campaign. Finally, our \nCaf\u00e9 Bustelo \nbrand continues to sponsor the El Caf\u00e9 del Futuro Scholarship, a program that invests in the Latino community by awarding scholarships to college students at HACU-member institutions seeking a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities. To date, $550,000 in college funds have been awarded to 110 Latino students nationwide.\nCompensation and Benefits:\n In support of our basic beliefs,\n Be Kind \nand \nPlay to Win\n,\n \nwe believe in paying for performance and compensating our employees at market competitive rates and utilizing performance-based awards to support the overall well-being of our employees. Additionally, we employ an incentive program for eligible participants to reward both shared Company results and strong individual performance. Our Total Rewards program offers competitive, comprehensive benefits to meet the unique needs of each employee at each life stage, including insurance coverage options for domestic partners in \n8\naddition to married couples, and a Company-matched retirement savings program. Our rewards program also addresses the holistic needs of our employees by supporting their physical well-being, providing tools and resources to help them actively take responsibility, share in the cost, and make the best decisions regarding their personal well-being. These programs provide resources that respond to their changing needs throughout their careers, including access to our Child Development Center, flexible work schedules, tuition assistance, pet insurance, and expanded parental leave. Additionally, our approach to paid time off is competitive with our industry peers, which includes at least three weeks of paid time off (and increases based on an employee\u2019s tenure), 12 paid Company holidays per calendar year, including a floating holiday, which can be used at the employee\u2019s discretion to observe and celebrate occasions that align with their personal interests and beliefs, 12 weeks of parental leave, in addition to short-term disability available to birth mothers, and pet bereavement leave. In 2022, we extended our Total Rewards benefits package to include advocacy resources to help LGBTQ+ employees navigate obstacles and identify LGBTQ+ knowledgeable providers. In addition, we broadened our family building benefits to support the desire for all aspiring parents to build their family through enhanced fertility benefits through a third-party partner as well as enhanced adoption and surrogacy financial support.\nCommunity and Social Impact:\n \nSupporting the communities where we live and work has been a Company priority since our inception and is aligned with our basic belief, \nBe Kind\n. Through our many partnerships, we are able to understand the needs and support required within our local communities and leverage these relationships to make the connections necessary to offer this critical assistance. With our partners, including the American Red Cross\n\u00ae\n, United Way\n\u00ae\n, Feeding America\n\u00ae\n, and Habitat for Humanity\n\u00ae\n, we have helped support disaster relief efforts with product and financial donations. Specifically, through the American Red Cross\n\u00ae\n and United Way\n\u00ae\n, we have donated more than $1.2 to support the communities where we live and work. We have supported the LeBron James Family Foundation, and its work with the I PROMISE School, including helping supply the school\u2019s on-site food pantry, donating funds to the school\u2019s library, and the development of the I PROMISE School\u2019s J. M. Smucker Hometown Hall. In addition to our work to support those in the communities where we live and work, we believe it is important that we help facilitate business success globally and are proud that our employees share in this belief. Through our relationship with Partners in Food Solutions and TechnoServe\n\u00ae\n, we have opened up skills-based employee volunteer opportunities to our workforce, allowing our people to share their talents and expertise with companies that work to help provide a secure and consistent food supply for families in Africa.\nWe are fortunate to have the expertise and passion of talented employees who help us deliver high-quality products to our customers and consumers across North America. We are also fortunate to have employees who share our commitment to ensure that people, pets, and communities where we live and work have access to the support and essential resources they need. We believe it is important to celebrate their contributions, including recognizing organizations about which they are especially passionate about. One way we do this is through our Company Matching Gift Program, which gives employees the opportunity to donate to partner charities and have their donation matched by the Company, dollar-for-dollar, from a minimum of $5 up to a maximum of $2,500 per calendar year per employee. In addition, each year we offer employees the opportunity to nominate the organizations most important to them to be added to the program. In 2023, the Company Matching Gift Program was expanded to credit our employees\u2019 Smucker Giving accounts for each hour of volunteering done for a non-profit charity, and these funds can be donated to an approved charity of the employee\u2019s choice.\nInformation about our Executive Officers: \nThe names, ages as of June\u00a013, 2023, and current positions of our executive officers are listed below. All executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board, with no fixed term of office.\nName\nAge\nYears\nwith\nCompany\nPosition\nServed\u00a0as\nan\u00a0Officer\nSince\nMark T. Smucker\n53\n25\nChair of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer \n(A)\n2001\nJohn P. Brase\n55\n3\nChief Operating Officer \n(B)\n2020\nAmy C. Held\n49\n10\nChief Transformation Officer \n(C)\n2018\nJeannette L. Knudsen\n53\n20\nChief Legal Officer and Secretary \n(D)\n2009\nTucker H. Marshall\n47\n11\nChief Financial Officer \n(E)\n2020\nJill R. Penrose\n50\n19\nChief People and Corporate Services Officer \n(F)\n2014\n(A)\nMr.\u00a0Mark Smucker was elected to his present position in August 2022, having previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2016.\n(B)\nMr. Brase was elected to his present position in April 2020, having previously served at The Procter & Gamble Company (\u201cP&G\u201d) for 30 years. He was the Vice President and General Manager of P&G\u2019s North American Family Care business from April 2016 through March 2020.\n9\n(C)\nMs. Held was elected to her present position in September 2022, having served as Chief Strategy and International Officer since November 2019. Prior to that time, she served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy, M&A, and International since March 2018.\n(D)\nMs.\u00a0Knudsen was elected to her present position in September 2022, having served as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and Secretary since November 2019. Prior to that time, she served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since May 2016.\n(E)\nMr. Marshall was elected to his present position in May 2020, having served as Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer since November 2019. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President, Finance since May 2016.\n(F)\nMs.\u00a0Penrose was elected to her present position in March 2023, having served as Chief People and Administrative Officer since November 2019. Prior to that time, she served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications since May 2016. \nAvailable Information:\n Access to all of our Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d) filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section\u00a013(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the \u201cExchange Act\u201d), is provided, free of charge, on our website (investors.jmsmucker.com/sec-filings) as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Risk Factors. \nOur business, operations, and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The risk factors described below should be carefully considered, together with the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, in connection with evaluating the Company, our business, and the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. Although the risks are organized and described separately, many of the risks are interrelated. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may affect us. The occurrence of any of these known or unknown risks could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nRisks Related to Our Business\nDeterioration of national and global macroeconomic conditions, an economic recession, periods of inflation, or economic uncertainty in key markets may adversely affect consumer spending and demand for our products.\nNational and global macroeconomic conditions can be uncertain and volatile. We have in the past been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by changes in national and global macroeconomic conditions, such as inflation, rising interest rates, tax rates, availability of capital markets, consumer spending rates, energy availability and costs, supply chain challenges, labor shortages, and growing recession risk. The macroeconomic conditions recently experienced were in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and global supply chain challenges.\nVolatility in financial markets and deterioration of national and global macroeconomic conditions could impact our business and results of operations in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, the following:\n\u2022\nfinancial instability of our customers and suppliers could result in additional bad debts or non-performance;\n\u2022\nvalue of our investments in debt and equity securities may decline, including our investment in Post common stock;\n\u2022\nfuture volatility or disruption in the capital and credit markets could negatively impact our liquidity or increase costs of borrowing; \n\u2022\nan impairment in the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long-lived assets, or a change in the useful life of finite-lived intangible assets could occur if there are sustained changes in consumer purchasing behaviors, government restrictions, financial results, or a deterioration of macroeconomic conditions;\n\u2022\nvolatility in commodity and other input costs could continue due to adverse macroeconomic conditions; and\n\u2022\nconsumers could choose to purchase private label or competitive products of our lower-priced products as a result of an economic downturn.\nThese and other impacts of global and national macroeconomic conditions could also heighten many of the other risk factors discussed in this section. Our sensitivity to economic cycles and any related fluctuation in consumer demand could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.\n10\nOur proprietary brands, packaging designs, and manufacturing methods are essential to the value of our business, and the inability to protect our intellectual property could harm the value of our brands and adversely affect our sales and profitability.\nThe success of our business depends significantly on our brands, know-how, and other intellectual property. We rely on a combination of trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, patents, copyrights, licensing agreements, and similar rights to protect our intellectual property. The success of our growth strategy depends on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks and service marks in order to maintain and increase brand awareness and further develop our brands. If our efforts to protect our intellectual property are not adequate, if any third party misappropriates or infringes on our intellectual property, or if we are alleged to be misappropriating or infringing on the intellectual property rights of others, the value of our brands may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. From time to time, we are engaged in litigation to protect our intellectual property, which could result in substantial costs as well as diversion of management attention.\nIn particular, we consider our proprietary coffee roasting methods essential to the consistent flavor and richness of our coffee products and, therefore, essential to our coffee brands. Because many of the roasting methods we use are considered our trade secrets and not protected by patents, it may be difficult for us to prevent competitors from copying our coffee products if such coffee roasting methods are independently discovered or become generally known in the industry. We also believe that our packaging innovations, such as our \nAromaSeal\n\u2122\n canisters, are important to the coffee business\u2019 marketing and operational efforts. In addition, we utilize a number of proprietary methods for manufacturing our \nSmucker\u2019s Uncrustables\n frozen sandwiches, which we believe are essential to producing high-quality sandwiches that consistently meet consumer expectations. Since the current methods used in making our sandwiches are considered our trade secrets and not protected by patents, it may be difficult for us to prevent competitors from copying our sandwiches if such sandwich-making methods are independently discovered or become generally known in the industry. If our competitors copy or develop more advanced coffee roasting or packaging or sandwich-making methods then the value of our coffee products or \nSmucker\u2019s Uncrustables\n brand, respectively, may be diminished, and we could lose customers to our competitors. \nIn addition, certain of our intellectual property rights, including the \nDunkin\u2019 \ntrademarks, are owned by third parties and licensed to us. These trademarks are renegotiated and renewed pursuant to their terms, and if in the future, we are unable to renew or fail to renegotiate the licensing arrangements, then our financial results could be materially and negatively affected.\nLoss or interruption of supply from single-source suppliers of raw materials and finished goods could have a disruptive effect on our business and adversely affect our results of operations.\nWe have elected to source certain raw materials, such as packaging for our \nFolgers\n coffee products, as well as our \nJif \npeanut butter, and certain finished goods, such as K-Cup\n\u00ae\n pods, our \nPup-Peroni\n dog snacks, and liquid coffee, from single sources of supply. While we believe that, except as set forth below, alternative sources of these raw materials and finished goods could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms, loss or an extended interruption in supplies from a single-source supplier would result in additional costs, could have a disruptive short-term effect on our business, and could adversely affect our results of operations.\nKeurig is our single-source supplier for K-Cup\n\u00ae\n pods, which are used in its proprietary Keurig\n\u00ae\n K-Cup\n\u00ae\n brewing system. There are a limited number of manufacturers other than Keurig that are making pods that will work in such proprietary brewing system. In addition, JDE Peet\u2019s N.V. (\u201cJDE Peet\u2019s\u201d) is our single-source supplier for liquid coffee for our Away From Home business, and there are a limited number of manufacturers other than JDE Peet\u2019s that are able to manufacture liquid coffee. If either Keurig or JDE Peet\u2019s are unable to supply K-Cup\n\u00ae\n pods or liquid coffee, respectively, to us for any reason, it could be difficult to find an alternative supplier for such goods on commercially reasonable terms, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\nCertain of our products are produced at single manufacturing sites.\nWe have consolidated our production capacity for certain products into single manufacturing sites, including substantially all of our coffee, \nMilk-Bone\n dog snacks, and fruit spreads. We could experience a production disruption at these or any of our manufacturing sites resulting in a reduction or elimination of the availability of some of our products. If we are not able to obtain alternate production capability in a timely manner, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.\n11\nA significant interruption in the operation of any of our supply chain or distribution capabilities could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nOur ability and the ability of our third-party suppliers and service providers, distributors, and contract manufacturers to manufacture, distribute, and sell products is critical to our success. A significant interruption in the operation of any of our manufacturing or distribution capabilities, or the manufacturing or distribution capabilities of our suppliers, distributors, or contract manufacturers, or a service failure by a third-party service provider, whether as a result of adverse weather conditions or a natural disaster, fire, or water availability, whether caused by climate change or otherwise; work stoppage or labor shortages; or political instability, terrorism, armed hostilities (including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine), pandemic illness (such as COVID-19), government restrictions, or other causes could significantly impair our ability to operate our business. In particular, substantially all of our coffee production takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana and is subject to risks associated with hurricane and other weather-related events, and some of our production facilities are located in places where tornadoes or wildfires can frequently occur, such as Alabama, Kansas, and California. Failure to take adequate steps to mitigate or insure against the likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. While we insure against many of these events and certain business interruption risks and have policies and procedures to manage business continuity planning, such insurance may not compensate us for any losses incurred and our business continuity plans may not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner.\nIn November 2021, we announced plans to invest $1.1 billion to build a new manufacturing facility and distribution center in McCalla, Alabama dedicated to the production of \nSmucker\u2019s Uncrustables\n frozen sandwiches. Construction of this facility began in 2022, with production expected to begin in calendar year 2025. Production of new manufacturing facilities and distribution centers could cause delays and increased costs, such as shortages of materials or skilled labor, unforeseen construction, scheduling, engineering, or environmental problems, impacts of adverse weather, and unanticipated cost increases. In addition, any construction delays may impact the future demand for \nSmucker\u2019s Uncrustables \nfrozen sandwiches. If we are unable to complete the construction of the McCalla facility within the anticipated timeframe and within our cost estimates, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.\nOur business could be harmed by strikes or work stoppages.\nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, 22 percent of our full-time employees, located at seven manufacturing locations, are covered by collective bargaining agreements. These contracts vary in term depending on location, with one contract expiring in 2024, representing approximately one percent of our total employees. We cannot assure that we will be able to renew these collective bargaining agreements on the same or more favorable terms as the current agreements, or at all, without production interruptions caused by labor stoppages. If a strike or work stoppage were to occur in connection with negotiations of new collective bargaining agreements or as a result of disputes under collective bargaining agreements with labor unions, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.\nThe success of our business depends substantially on consumer perceptions of our brands.\nWe are the branded market leader in several categories both in the U.S. and Canada. We believe that maintaining and continually enhancing the value of our brands is critical to the success of our business. Brand value is based in large part on consumer perceptions. Success in promoting and enhancing brand value depends on our ability to provide high-quality products. Brand value could diminish significantly as a result of a number of factors, such as if we fail to preserve the quality of our products, if there are concerns about the safety of our products, if we are perceived to act in an irresponsible manner, if the Company or our brands otherwise receive negative publicity, if our brands fail to deliver a consistently positive consumer experience, or if our products become unavailable to consumers. The growing use of social and digital media by consumers increases the speed and extent that information and opinions can be shared. Negative posts or comments about us or our brands or products on social or digital media could damage our brands and reputation. If we are unable to build and sustain brand equity by offering recognizably superior products, we may be unable to maintain premium pricing over private label products. If our brand values are diminished, our revenues and operating results could be materially adversely affected. In addition, anything that harms the \nDunkin\u2019 \nbrand could adversely affect the success of our exclusive licensing agreements with the owner of that brand.\n12\nWe may not be able to attract, develop, and retain the highly skilled people we need to support our business.\nWe depend on the skills and continued service of key employees, including our experienced management team. In addition, our ability to achieve our strategic and operating goals depends on our ability to identify, recruit, hire, train, and retain qualified individuals, including, for example, all levels of skilled labor in our manufacturing facilities. We compete with other companies both within and outside of our industry for talented people, and we may lose key employees or fail to attract, recruit, train, develop, and retain other talented individuals. Any such loss, failure, or negative perception with respect to these individuals may adversely affect our business or financial results. In addition, activities related to identifying, recruiting, hiring, integrating, and training qualified individuals may require significant time and expense. We may not be able to locate suitable replacements for any key employees who leave or to offer employment to potential replacements on reasonable terms, each of which may adversely affect our business and financial results. \nDuring 2023, we continued to experience an increasingly competitive labor market, increased employee turnover, changes in the availability of our workers, and labor shortages in our supply chain. These challenges have resulted in, and could continue to result in, increased costs and could impact our ability to meet consumer demand, each of which may adversely affect our business and financial results.\nOur operations are subject to the general risks associated with acquisitions, divestitures, and restructurings. \nOur stated strategic vision is to engage, delight, and inspire consumers by building brands they love and leading in growing categories. We have historically made strategic acquisitions of brands and businesses, and intend to do so in the future in support of this strategy. If we are unable to complete acquisitions or to successfully integrate and develop acquired businesses, including the effective management of integration and related restructuring costs, we could fail to achieve the anticipated synergies and cost savings, or the expected increases in revenues and operating results. Additional acquisition risks include the diversion of management attention from our existing business, potential loss of key employees, suppliers, or consumers from the acquired business, assumption of unknown risks and liabilities, and greater than anticipated operating costs of the acquired business. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.\nIn addition, we have made strategic divestitures of brands and businesses, including the recent sale of certain pet food brands, as well as the natural beverage and grains, private label dry pet food, \nCrisco\n, and \nNatural Balance\n businesses, and we may do so in the future. If we are unable to complete divestitures or successfully transition divested businesses, including the effective management of the related separation and stranded overhead costs, transition services, and the maintenance of relationships with customers, suppliers, and other business partners, our business and financial results could be negatively impacted. Further, we may incur asset impairment charges related to divestitures that reduce our profitability. Divestitures and related restructuring costs, such as the restructuring plan entered into in 2021, and concluded in 2023, require a significant amount of management and operational resources. These additional demands could divert management\u2019s attention from core business operations, potentially adversely impacting existing business relationships and employee morale, resulting in negative impacts on our financial performance. For more information, see Note 2: Special Project Costs and Note 3: Divestitures.\nWe may not realize the benefits we expect from our cost reduction and other cash management initiatives. \nWe continuously pursue initiatives to reduce costs, increase effectiveness, and optimize cash flow. We may not realize all of the anticipated cost savings or other benefits from such initiatives. Other events and circumstances, such as financial or strategic difficulties, delays, or unexpected costs, may also adversely impact our ability to realize all of the anticipated cost savings or other benefits, or cause us not to realize such cost savings or other benefits on the expected timetable. If we are unable to realize the anticipated benefits, our ability to fund other initiatives may be adversely affected. Finally, the complexity of the implementation may require a substantial amount of management and operational resources. Our management team must successfully execute the administrative and operational changes necessary to achieve the anticipated benefits of the initiatives. These and related demands on our resources may divert the organization\u2019s attention from other business issues, have adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers, and impact employee morale. Any failure to implement these initiatives in accordance with our plans could adversely affect our business and financial results.\nDuring 2023, we created a Transformation Office to support our multi-year commitment to ongoing margin enhancement efforts, inclusive of the removal of stranded overhead costs associated with the recent sale of certain pet food brands. The Transformation Office is focused on enterprise-wide continuous improvement strategies to ensure a pipeline of productivity \n13\ninitiatives and profit growth opportunities. It is compiled of cross-functional leaders at every level of our organization who help to establish new ways of working, along with sustainable efficiencies and cost reduction efforts throughout our Company. If we are unable to successfully implement our transformation initiatives, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.\nRisks Related to Our Industry\nOur operations are subject to the general risks of the food industry.\nThe food industry is subject to risks posed by food spoilage and contamination, product tampering, mislabeling, food allergens, adulteration of food products resulting in product recall, consumer product liability claims, or regulatory investigations or actions. Our operations could be impacted by both genuine and fictitious claims regarding our products as well as our competitors\u2019 products. In the event of product contamination, tampering, or mislabeling, we may need to recall some of our products. A widespread product recall could result in significant loss due to the cost of conducting a product recall, including destruction of inventory and the loss of sales resulting from the unavailability of product for a period of time. We could also suffer losses from a significant judgment or settlement of a claim or litigation or a regulatory action taken against us. In addition, we could be the target of claims of false or deceptive advertising under U.S. federal and state laws as well as foreign laws, including consumer protection statutes of some states. A significant product recall, a product liability judgment or settlement, a regulatory action, or false advertising claim, involving either us or our competitors, could also result in a loss of consumer confidence in our food products or the food category, and an actual or perceived loss of value of our brands, materially impacting consumer demand. \nIn May 2022, we initiated a voluntary recall of select \nJif\n peanut butter products produced at our Lexington, Kentucky facility and sold primarily in the U.S., due to potential salmonella contamination. At that time, we also suspended the manufacturing of \nJif \npeanut butter products at the Lexington facility and temporarily paused shipments from our Memphis, Tennessee facility to eliminate confusion while customers cleared their shelves of potentially impacted products manufactured at the Lexington facility. No other products produced at our other facilities were affected by the recall. In June 2022, we resumed manufacturing \nJif\n peanut butter products at our Lexington facility, as well as shipping from our Memphis facility. We partnered with retailers to restock \nJif \npeanut butter products during the first quarter of 2023, and as of April 30, 2023, we have returned to normal levels. To date, we have recognized total direct costs associated with the recall of approximately $120.0, net of insurance recoveries, related to customer returns, fees, unsaleable inventory, and other product recall-related costs, primarily within our U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segment. We expect costs associated with the recall to be minimal in 2024.\nFurther, the FDA issued a Warning Letter on January 24, 2023, following an inspection of our Lexington facility completed in June 2022 in connection with the \nJif\n voluntary recall, identifying concerns regarding certain practices and controls at the facility. We have responded to the Warning Letter with a detailed explanation of our food safety plan and extensive verification activities to prevent contamination in \nJif\n peanut butter products. In addition, we have worked diligently to further strengthen our already stringent quality processes, including doubling our finished product testing and tripling our environmental testing to verify the efficacy of our actions. The FDA or other agencies may nonetheless conclude that certain practices or controls were not in compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or other laws. Any potential regulatory action based on such an agency conclusion could result in the imposition of injunctive terms and monetary payments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, brand, results of operations, and financial performance, as well as affect ongoing consumer litigation associated with the voluntary recall of \nJif\n peanut butter products. The outcome and financial impact of the ongoing consumer litigation or any potential regulatory action associated with the \nJif \nvoluntary recall cannot be predicted at this time. Accordingly, no loss contingency has been recorded for these matters as of April 30, 2023, and the likelihood of loss is not considered probable or estimable.\nChanges in our relationships with significant customers, including the loss of our largest customer, could adversely affect our results of operations.\nSales to Walmart Inc. and subsidiaries amounted to 34 percent of net sales in 2023. These sales are primarily included in our U.S. retail market segments. Trade receivables \u2013 net at April\u00a030, 2023, included amounts due from Walmart Inc. and subsidiaries of $211.5, or 35 percent of the total trade receivables \u2013 net balance. During 2023, our top 10\u00a0customers, collectively, accounted for approximately 60 percent of consolidated net sales. We expect that a significant portion of our revenues will continue to be derived from a limited number of customers as the traditional retail grocery environment continues to consolidate and as dollar stores, club stores, and e-commerce retailers have experienced growth. Our customers \n14\nare generally not contractually obligated to purchase from us. These customers make purchase decisions based on a combination of price, promotional support, product quality, consumer demand, customer service performance, their desired inventory levels, and other factors. Changes in customers\u2019 strategies, including a reduction in the number of brands they carry or a shift of shelf space to private label products, may adversely affect sales and profitability. Customers also may respond to price increases by reducing distribution, resulting in reduced sales of our products. Additionally, our customers may face financial or other difficulties that may impact their operations and their purchases from us, which could adversely affect our results of operations. A reduction in sales to one or more major customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nWe operate in the competitive food industry and continued demand for our products may be affected by our failure to effectively compete or by changes in consumer preferences.\nWe face competition across our product lines from other food companies with the primary methods and factors in competition being product quality, price, packaging, product innovation, nutritional value, taste, convenience, customer service, advertising, promotion, and brand recognition and loyalty. Continued success is dependent on product innovation, the ability to secure and maintain adequate retail shelf space and to compete in new and growing channels, and effective and sufficient trade merchandising, advertising, and marketing programs. In particular, technology-based systems, which give consumers the ability to shop through e-commerce websites and mobile commerce applications, are also significantly altering the retail landscape in many of our markets and intensifying competition by simplifying distribution and lowering barriers to entry. We are committed to serving customers and consumers in e-commerce, transforming our manufacturing, commercial, and corporate operations through digital technologies, and enhancing our data analytics capabilities to develop new commercial insights. However, if we are unable to effectively compete in the expanding e-commerce market, adequately leverage technology to improve operating efficiencies, or develop the data analytics capabilities needed to generate actionable commercial insights, our business performance may be impacted, which may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations. \nSome of our competitors have substantial financial, marketing, and other resources, and competition with them in our various markets, channels, and product lines could cause us to reduce prices, increase marketing or other expenditures, or lose category share. Category share and growth could also be adversely impacted if we are not successful in introducing new products. Introduction of new products and product extensions requires significant development, marketing investment, and consideration of our diverse consumer base. If our products fail to meet consumer preferences, or we fail to introduce new and improved products on a timely basis, then the return on that investment will be less than anticipated and our strategy to grow sales and profits through investment in innovation will be less successful. In addition, if sales generated by new products cause a decline in our sales of our existing products, our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected. In order to generate future revenues and profits, we must continue to sell products that appeal to our customers and consumers. Specifically, there are a number of trends in consumer preferences that may impact us and the food industry as a whole, including convenience, flavor variety, an emphasis on protein and snacking, and the desire for transparent product labeling and simple and natural ingredients.\nFurther, weak economic conditions, recessions, significant inflation, severe or unusual weather events, pandemics (such as COVID-19), and other factors could affect consumer preferences and demand causing a strain on our supply chain due, in part, to retailers, distributors, or carriers modifying their restocking, fulfillment, or shipping procedures. Failure to respond to these changes could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.\nWe may be limited in our ability to pass cost increases on to our customers in the form of price increases or may realize a decrease in sales volume to the extent price increases are implemented.\nWe may not be able to pass some or all of any increases in the price of raw materials, energy, and other input costs to our customers by raising prices or decreasing product size. To the extent competitors do not also increase their prices or decrease product size, customers and consumers may choose to purchase competing products, including private label or other lower-priced offerings, which may adversely affect our results of operations.\nConsumers may be less willing or able to pay a price differential for our branded products and may increasingly purchase lower-priced offerings or may forego some purchases altogether, especially during economic downturns or instances of increased inflationary pressures. Retailers may also increase levels of promotional activity for lower-priced offerings as they seek to maintain sales volumes during times of economic uncertainty. Accordingly, sales volumes of our branded products \n15\ncould be reduced or lead to a shift in sales mix toward our lower-margin offerings. As a result, decreased demand for our products or a shift in sales mix toward lower-margin offerings may adversely affect our results of operations. \nOur ability to competitively serve customers depends on the availability of reliable transportation. Increases in logistics and other transportation-related costs could adversely impact our results of operations.\nLogistics and other transportation-related costs have a significant impact on our earnings and results of operations. We use multiple forms of transportation, including ships, trucks, and railcars, to bring our products to market. Disruption to the timely supply of these services or increases in the cost of these services for any reason, including availability or cost of fuel, regulations affecting the industry, labor shortages in the transportation industry, service failures by third-party service providers, accidents, natural disasters, inflation, or a pandemic illness (such as COVID-19), which may impact the transportation infrastructure or demand for transportation services, could have an adverse effect on our ability to serve our customers, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. \nWe must leverage our brand value to compete against private label products. \nIn nearly all of our product categories, we compete against branded products as well as private label products. Our products must provide higher value and/or quality to our consumers than alternatives, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty, weakness, or inflation. Consumers may not buy our products if relative differences in value and/or quality between our products and private label products change in favor of competitors\u2019 products or if consumers perceive this type of change. If consumers prefer private label products, which are typically sold at lower prices, then we could lose category share or sales volumes or shift our product mix to lower margin offerings, which could have a material effect on our business, financial position, and results of operations.\nFinancial Risks\nOur results may be adversely impacted as a result of increased cost, limited availability, and/or insufficient quality of raw materials, including commodities and agricultural products.\nWe and our business partners purchase and use large quantities of many different commodities and agricultural products in the manufacturing of our products, including green coffee, protein meals, peanuts, grains, oils and fats, fruit, and other ingredients. In addition, we and our business partners utilize significant quantities of plastic, glass, metal cans, caps, carton board, and corrugate to package our products and natural gas and fuel oil to manufacture, package, and distribute our products. The prices of these commodities, agricultural-based products, and other materials are subject to volatility and can fluctuate due to conditions that are difficult to predict, including global supply and demand, commodity market fluctuations, crop sizes and yield fluctuations, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, water supply, pandemic illness (such as COVID-19), foreign currency fluctuations, investor speculation, trade agreements (such as tariffs and sanctions), political instability, armed hostilities (including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine), consumer demand, general economic conditions (such as inflationary pressures and rising interest rates), and changes in governmental agricultural programs. In particular, the supply chain for protein meals, fats, corn products, and green coffee has been significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore, the prices for these commodities reached a high level during 2023, and could continue to remain high into 2024. Furthermore, commodity and oil prices have been impacted by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.\nWe also compete for certain raw materials, notably corn and soy-based agricultural products, with the biofuels industry, which has resulted in increased prices for these raw materials. Additionally, farm acreage currently devoted to other agricultural products we purchase may be utilized for biofuels crops resulting in higher costs for the other agricultural products we utilize. Although we use futures, basis, options, and fixed price contracts to manage commodity price volatility in some instances, commodity price increases ultimately result in corresponding increases in our raw material and energy costs. \nDuring 2023, we continued to experience materially higher commodity and supply chain costs, including manufacturing, ingredient, and packaging costs, due to inflationary pressures. We expect the pressures of cost inflation to continue into 2024. Although we take measures to mitigate inflation through the use of derivatives and pricing actions, if these measures are not effective, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.\n16\nWe expect the green coffee commodity markets to continue to be challenging due to the significant ongoing price volatility. For example, during 2022, we experienced drought and frost impacts, which substantially reduced green coffee production in Brazil. Due to the significance of green coffee to our coffee business, combined with our ability to only partially mitigate future price risk through purchasing practices and hedging activities, significant increases or decreases in the cost of green coffee could have an adverse impact on our profitability, as compared to that of our competitors. In addition, if we are not able to purchase sufficient quantities of green coffee due to any of the above factors or to a worldwide or regional shortage, we may not be able to fulfill the demand for our coffee, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nOur efforts to manage commodity, foreign currency exchange, and other price volatility through derivative instruments could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\nWe use derivative instruments, including commodity futures and options, to reduce the price volatility associated with anticipated commodity purchases. The extent of our derivative position at any given time depends on our assessment of the markets for these commodities. If we fail to take a derivative position and costs subsequently increase, or if we institute a position and costs subsequently decrease, our costs may be greater than anticipated or higher than our competitors\u2019 costs and our financial results could be adversely affected. In addition, our liquidity may be adversely impacted by the cash margin requirements of the commodities exchanges or the failure of a counterparty to perform in accordance with a contract.\nWe currently do not qualify any of our commodity or foreign currency exchange derivatives for hedge accounting treatment. We instead mark-to-market our derivatives through the Statements of Consolidated Income, which results in changes in the fair value of all of our derivatives being immediately recognized in consolidated earnings, resulting in potential volatility in both gross profit and net income (loss). These gains and losses are reported in cost of products sold in our Statements of Consolidated Income but are excluded from our segment operating results and non-GAAP earnings until the related inventory is sold, at which time the gains and losses are reclassified to segment profit and non-GAAP earnings. Although this accounting treatment aligns the derivative gains and losses with the underlying exposure being hedged within segment results, it may result in volatility in our consolidated earnings.\nWeak financial performance, downgrades in our credit ratings, or disruptions in the financial markets may adversely affect our ability to access capital in the future.\nWe may need new or additional financing in the future to conduct our operations, expand our business, or refinance existing indebtedness, which would be dependent upon our financial performance. Any downgrade in our credit ratings, particularly our short-term rating, would likely impact the amount of commercial paper we could issue and increase our commercial paper borrowing costs. The liquidity of the overall capital markets and the state of the economy, including the food and beverage industry, may make credit and capital markets more difficult for us to access, even though we have an established revolving credit facility. From time to time, we have relied, and also may rely in the future, on access to financial markets as a source of liquidity for working capital requirements, acquisitions, and general corporate purposes. In particular, our access to funds under our revolving credit facility is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to that facility to meet their funding commitments. The obligations of the financial institutions under our revolving credit facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others. In addition, long-term volatility and disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation of financial institutions, reduced alternatives, or the failure of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to the liquidity needed for our business in the longer term. Such disruptions could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets could also result in higher interest rates on publicly issued debt securities and increased costs under credit facilities. Continuation of these disruptions would increase our interest expense and capital costs and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.\nThe Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom no longer requires banks to submit London Interbank Offered Rate (\u201cLIBOR\u201d), and as a result, the U.S. Federal Reserve has selected the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (\u201cSOFR\u201d) as the preferred alternative to LIBOR. We have transitioned and amended our contracts to accommodate the SOFR rate where required. Although we do not anticipate a significant impact to our financial position as a result of this transition given our current mix of fixed- and variable-rate debt, our interest expense could increase, and our available cash flow for general corporate requirements may be adversely affected.\n17\nOur substantial debt obligations could restrict our operations and financial condition. Additionally, our ability to generate cash to make payments on our indebtedness depends on many factors beyond our control. \nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, we had $4.3 billion of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. We may also incur additional indebtedness in the future. Our debt service obligations will require us to use a portion of our operating cash flow to pay interest and principal on indebtedness rather than for other corporate purposes, including funding future expansion of our business and ongoing capital expenditures, which could impede our growth. Our substantial indebtedness could have other adverse consequences, including:\n\u2022\nmaking it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations;\n\u2022\nincreasing our vulnerability to adverse economic, regulatory, and industry conditions, and placing us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that are less leveraged;\n\u2022\nlimiting our ability to compete and our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;\n\u2022\nlimiting our ability to borrow additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and general corporate or other purposes; and\n\u2022\nexposing us to greater interest rate risk, including the risk to variable borrowings of a rate increase and the risk to fixed borrowings of a rate decrease.\nOur ability to make payments on our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our ability to generate cash is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, and future borrowings may not be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness when scheduled payments are due or to fund other liquidity needs. In these circumstances, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require make-whole payments and compliance with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness or obtain additional financing would depend on, among other things, our financial condition at the time, restriction in the agreements governing our indebtedness, and the condition of the financial markets and the industry in which we operate. As a result, we may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Without this financing, we may have to seek additional equity or debt financing or restructure our debt, which could harm our long-term business prospects. Our failure to comply with the terms of any existing or future indebtedness could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of the payment of all of our debt.\nIn addition, there are various covenants and restrictions in our debt and financial instruments. If we fail to comply with any of these requirements, the related indebtedness could become due and payable prior to its stated maturity, and our ability to obtain additional or alternative financing may also be negatively affected.\nThe value of our investment in equity securities is subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could make it difficult to dispose of some or all of such securities at favorable market prices.\nAs of April 30, 2023, we beneficially owned approximately 5.4 million shares of Post common stock. Investments in equity securities of any publicly-traded company, including Post, are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to such company\u2019s business and ownership of such company\u2019s common stock, some of which are disclosed in such company\u2019s filings with the SEC, as well as risks and uncertainties relating to fluctuations in the global economy and public equity markets generally. Any such risk or uncertainty may cause the share price of such company\u2019s common stock, and the value of our equity in such company to decline, including our investment in Post common stock, which could hinder our ability to dispose of these equity securities at favorable market prices. We also may not be able to realize gains from these equity securities, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of these equity securities may not be sufficient to offset any losses we may experience. Further, our ability to dispose of the Post common stock is subject to certain restrictions set forth in our agreements with Post and arising under applicable laws and regulations, which in some circumstances could adversely impact our ability to sell the Post common stock in amounts and at the times desired.\n18\nA material impairment in the carrying value of acquired goodwill or other intangible assets could negatively affect our consolidated operating results and net worth.\nA significant portion of our assets is composed of goodwill and other intangible assets, the majority of which are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment at least annually on February 1, and more often if indicators of impairment exist. At April\u00a030, 2023, the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets totaled $9.6 billion, compared to total assets of $15.0 billion and total shareholders\u2019 equity of $7.3 billion. If the carrying value of these assets exceeds the current estimated fair value, the asset would be considered impaired, and this would result in a noncash charge to earnings, which could be material. Events and conditions that could result in impairment include a sustained drop in the market price of our common shares, increased competition or loss of market share, obsolescence, product claims that result in a significant loss of sales or profitability over the product life, deterioration in macroeconomic conditions, declining financial performance in comparison to projected results, increased input costs beyond projections, or divestitures of significant brands.\nSubsequent to the annual test date, on April 28, 2023, we divested certain pet food brands, and as a result, we disposed $790.3 and $1,014.4 of goodwill and finite-lived intangible assets, respectively, primarily within the Pet Foods reporting unit. As a result, the impacted reporting units were assessed for impairment as of April 30, 2023, and we concluded there were no indicators of impairment, as the estimated fair values were in excess of the carrying values for all reporting units. For additional information, see Note 3: Divestitures.\nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets totaled $5.2 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively. The carrying values of the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were $1.6 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, within the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment, and $2.1 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, within the U.S. Retail Coffee segment, which represent approximately 80 percent of the total goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of April 30, 2023. Furthermore, the goodwill within the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment remains susceptible to future impairment charges due to narrow differences between fair value and carrying value, which is primarily attributable to the recognition of these assets at fair value resulting from impairment charges in recent years. To date, we have recognized $465.0 of impairment charges related to the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired as part of the Big Heart Pet Brands (\u201cBig Heart\u201d) acquisition in 2015, primarily as a result of reductions in our long-term net sales and profitability projections. Furthermore, during 2022, we recognized an impairment charge of $150.4 related to the divested \nRachael Ray Nutrish \nbrand within the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment, primarily driven by the re-positioning of this brand within the Pet Foods brand portfolio, which led to a decline in the current and long-term net sales expectations and the royalty rate used in the valuation analysis. For additional information, refer to Note 6: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.\nWe do not believe that the Pet Foods reporting unit or any of the indefinite-lived assets within the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment are more likely than not impaired as of April\u00a030, 2023. However, significant adverse changes to the assumptions regarding the future performance of the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment or its brands, a sustained adverse change to macroeconomic conditions, or a change to other assumptions could result in additional impairment losses in the future, which could be significant. As of April\u00a030, 2023, the estimated fair value was substantially in excess of the carrying value for all reporting units and material indefinite-lived intangible assets, and in all such instances, the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value by greater than 10 percent. \nWhile we concluded there were no indicators of impairment as of April 30, 2023, any significant sustained adverse change in consumer purchasing behaviors, financial results, or macroeconomic conditions could result in future impairment.\nWe work with our suppliers to extend our payment terms, which are then supplemented by a third-party administrator to assist in effectively managing our working capital. If the extension of payment terms is reversed or the financial institution terminates its participation in the program, our ability to maintain acceptable levels of working capital may be adversely affected.\nAs part of ongoing efforts to maximize working capital, we work with our suppliers to optimize our terms and conditions, which includes the extension of payment terms. Payment terms with our suppliers, which we deem to be commercially reasonable, range from 0 to 180 days. We have an agreement with a third-party administrator to provide an accounts payable tracking system and facilitate a supplier financing program, which allows participating suppliers the ability to monitor and voluntarily elect to sell our payment obligations to a designated third-party financial institution. Participating suppliers can sell one or more of our payment obligations at their sole discretion. We have no economic interest in a supplier\u2019s decision to enter into these agreements. Our rights and obligations to our suppliers, including amounts due and scheduled payment terms, are not impacted by our suppliers\u2019 decisions to sell amounts under these arrangements. As of April 30, 2023 and 2022, \n19\n$414.2 and $314.3 of our outstanding payment obligations, respectively, were elected and sold to a financial institution by participating suppliers.\nIf the financial institution terminates its participation in our supplier financing program and we are unable to modify related consumer payment terms or payment terms are shortened as a result of supplier negotiations, working capital could be adversely affected. In addition, due to terminations or negotiations, we may be unable to secure alternative programs and may have to utilize various financing arrangements for short-term liquidity or increase our long-term debt.\nRisks Related to Regulation and Litigation\nWe could be subject to adverse publicity or claims from consumers.\nCertain of our products contain ingredients which are the subject of public scrutiny, including the suggestion that consumption may have adverse health effects. Although we strive to respond to consumer preferences and social expectations, we may not be successful in these efforts. An unfavorable report on the effects of ingredients present in our products, product recalls, such as the \nJif\n peanut butter product recall, or negative publicity or litigation could influence consumer preferences, significantly reduce the demand for our products, and adversely affect our profitability.\nWe may also be subject to complaints from or litigation by consumers who allege food and beverage-related illness, or other quality, health, or operational concerns. Adverse publicity resulting from such allegations could materially adversely affect us, regardless of whether such allegations are true or whether we are ultimately held liable. A lawsuit or claim could result in an adverse decision against us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nChanges in tax, environmental, or other regulations and laws, or their application, or failure to comply with existing licensing, trade, and other regulations and laws could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. \nWe are subject to income and other taxes, primarily in the U.S. and Canada, based upon the jurisdictions in which our sales and profits are determined to be earned and taxed. Federal, state, and foreign statutory income tax rates and taxing regimes have been subject to significant change and continue to evolve. Our interpretation of current tax laws and their applicability to our business, as well as any changes to existing laws, can significantly impact our effective income tax rate and deferred tax balances. In particular, proposals brought forth by the U.S. presidential administration include increases to federal income tax rates that, if enacted, could have a material impact to our financial results. We are also subject to regular reviews, examinations, and audits by the Internal Revenue Service (the \u201cIRS\u201d) and other taxing authorities with respect to taxes within and outside of the U.S. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final outcome of tax controversies could result in material incremental tax liabilities, including interest and penalties. Our effective income tax rate is also influenced by the geography, timing, nature, and magnitude of transactions, such as acquisitions and divestitures, restructuring activities, and impairment charges. Further, we continue to monitor \nThe Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, H.R. 5376\n (the \u201cInflation Reduction Act\u201d) and related regulatory developments to evaluate their potential impact on our business, tax rate, and financial results.\nOur operations are subject to various regulations and laws, in addition to tax laws, administered by federal, state, and local government agencies in the U.S., including the FDA, U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Labor, state regulatory agencies, and other agencies, as well as to regulations and laws administered by government agencies in Canada and other countries in which we have operations and our products are sold. In particular, the manufacturing, marketing, transportation, storage, distribution, and sale of food products are each subject to governmental regulation that is increasingly extensive. Governmental regulation encompasses such matters as ingredients (including whether a product contains bioengineered ingredients), packaging, labeling, pricing, advertising, relations with distributors and retailers, health, safety, data privacy and security, and anti-corruption, as well as an increased focus regarding environmental policies relating to climate change, regulating greenhouse gas emissions, energy policies, and sustainability, including single-use plastics. Additionally, we are routinely subject to new or modified securities regulations, other laws and regulations, and accounting and reporting standards. \nIn the U.S., we are required to comply with federal laws, such as the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Food Safety Modernization Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Tariff Act, laws governing equal employment opportunity, and various other federal statutes and regulations. \n20\nWe are also subject to various laws and regulations that are continuously evolving in the U.S. and other jurisdictions regarding privacy, data protection, and data security, including those related to the collection, storage, handling, use, disclosure, transfer, and security of personal data. For example, in the U.S., the California Consumer Privacy Act (the \u201cCCPA\u201d) imposes requirements on companies that do business in California and collect personal information from certain individuals, providing civil penalties for companies that fail to comply with these requirements as well as a private right of action for data breaches. Further, the California Privacy Rights Act, which took effect January 1, 2023, builds on the CCPA requiring the establishment of a dedicated agency to regulate privacy issues. Similarly, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah have all adopted laws that take effect in calendar year 2023, introducing new privacy obligations that will require developing additional compliance mechanisms and processes. There also is a wide range of enforcement agencies at both state and federal levels that can review companies for privacy and data security concerns based on general consumer protection laws. Accordingly, failure to comply with federal and state laws regarding privacy and security of personal information could expose us to fines and penalties under such laws. \nComplying with new regulations and laws, or changes to existing regulations and laws, or their application could increase our costs or adversely affect our sales of certain products. In addition, our failure or inability to comply with applicable regulations and laws could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, and potential criminal sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.\nOur operations in certain developing markets expose us to regulatory risks.\nIn many countries outside of the U.S., particularly in those with developing economies, it may be common for others to engage in business practices prohibited by laws and regulations applicable to us, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or similar local anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws. These laws generally prohibit companies and their employees, contractors, or agents from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Failure to comply with these laws could subject us to civil and criminal penalties that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the enforcement of remedies in foreign jurisdictions may be less certain, resulting in varying abilities to enforce intellectual property and contractual rights.\nRisks associated with climate change and other environmental impacts or legal, regulatory, or market measures to address climate change may negatively affect our business and operations.\nAs set forth in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report, global average temperatures are gradually increasing due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which have contributed to and are expected to continue contributing to significant changes in weather patterns around the globe and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. In the event that climate change has a negative effect on agricultural productivity, we may be subject to decreased availability or less favorable pricing for certain commodities that are necessary for our products, such as green coffee, protein meals, peanuts, grains, plastic containers, oils and fats, fruit, and other ingredients. We may also be subjected to decreased availability or less favorable pricing for water or energy as a result of such change, which could impact our manufacturing and distribution operations. In addition, natural disasters and extreme weather conditions may disrupt the productivity of our facilities or the operation of our supply chain, which could increase our insurance or other operating costs or require us to make additional, unplanned capital expenditures. Specifically, in 2022, Hurricane Ida caused our coffee manufacturing facilities in New Orleans, Louisiana to be temporarily shut down, and in 2021, unforeseen weather events in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas temporarily shut down our pet manufacturing facilities in Kansas. Although we consider these to be uncommon events and we were able to effectively minimize any disruptions through our business continuity planning efforts, extreme weather could disrupt our production in the future, adversely affecting our ability to meet customer deadlines and supply demands.\nAdditionally, there is an increased focus by foreign, federal, state, and local regulatory and legislative bodies regarding environmental policies relating to climate change, regulating greenhouse gas emissions, energy policies, and sustainability, including single-use plastics. Increased energy or compliance costs and expenses due to the impacts of climate change and additional legal or regulatory requirements regarding climate change designed to reduce or mitigate the effects of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions on the environment could be costly and may cause disruptions in, or an increase in the costs associated with, our manufacturing and distribution facilities, as well as increase supply chain costs. Moreover, compliance with any such legal or regulatory requirements may require us to make significant changes to our business operations, strategy, and reporting, which will likely require substantial time, attention, and costs. \nFinally, we might fail to effectively address increased attention from the media, shareholders, activists, and other stakeholders on climate change and related environmental sustainability matters. Such failure, or the perception that we have failed to act \n21\nresponsibly with respect to such matters or to effectively respond to new or additional regulatory requirements regarding climate change, whether or not valid, could result in adverse publicity and negatively affect our business and reputation. In addition, from time to time we establish and publicly announce goals and commitments, including goals to reduce our impact on the environment. For example, in 2022, we established science-based targets for Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Our ability to achieve any stated goal, target, or objective is subject to numerous factors and conditions, many of which are outside of our control, including evolving regulatory requirements and the availability of suppliers that can meet our sustainability and other standards. Furthermore, standards for tracking and reporting such matters continue to evolve. Our selection of voluntary disclosure frameworks and standards, and the interpretation or application of those frameworks and standards, may change from time to time or differ from those of others. Methodologies for reporting this data may be updated and previously reported data may be adjusted to reflect improvement in availability and quality of third-party data, changing assumptions, changes in the nature and scope of our operations (including from acquisitions and divestitures), and other changes in circumstances, which could result in significant revisions to our current goals, reported progress in achieving such goals, or ability to achieve such goals in the future. If we fail to achieve, are perceived to have failed, or are delayed in achieving these goals and commitments, it could negatively affect consumer preference for our products or investor confidence in our stock, as well as expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation.\nThe physical effects and transitional costs of climate change and legal, regulatory, or market initiatives to address climate change could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nGeneral Risk Factors\nWe may be unable to grow market share of our products.\nWe operate in the competitive food industry whose growth potential is positively correlated to population growth. Our success depends in part on our ability to grow our brands faster than the population in general. We consider our ability to build and sustain the equity of our brands critical to our market share growth. If we do not succeed in these efforts, our market share growth may slow, which could have a material impact on our results of operations.\n\u00a0\nIf our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or we are unable to protect such information technology systems against data corruption, cyber-based attacks, or network security breaches, our operations could be disrupted, and we may suffer financial damage or loss because of lost or misappropriated information.\nWe rely on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit, and store electronic information, and the importance of such networks and systems has increased due to many of our employees working remotely. In particular, we depend on our information technology infrastructure to effectively manage our business data, supply chain, logistics, finance, manufacturing, and other business processes and for digital marketing activities and electronic communications between Company personnel and our customers and suppliers. If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build, sustain, and protect an appropriate technology infrastructure, or we do not effectively implement system upgrades, our business or financial results could be negatively impacted. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber and other security threats. Therefore, we continuously monitor and update our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address, and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, social engineering, password theft, physical breaches, and other events that could have a security impact. In addition, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has heightened the risk of cyberattacks. We invest in industry standard security technology to protect our data and business processes against the risk of data security breaches and cyber-based attacks. We believe our security technology tools and processes provide adequate measures of protection against security breaches and in reducing cybersecurity risks. Nevertheless, despite continued vigilance in these areas, security breaches or system failures of our infrastructure, whether due to attacks by hackers, employee error, or other causes, can create system disruptions, shutdowns, transaction errors, or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. If we are unable to prevent such breaches or failures, our operations could be disrupted, or we may suffer financial damage or loss because of lost or misappropriated information. In addition, the cost to remediate any damages to our information technology systems suffered as a result of a cyber-based attack could be significant.\nFurther, we have outsourced several information technology support services and administrative functions, including benefit plan administration and other functions, to third-party service providers, and may outsource other functions in the future to achieve cost savings and efficiencies. In addition, certain of our processes rely on third-party cloud computing services. If the service providers to which we outsource these functions do not perform effectively, we may not be able to achieve the \n22\nexpected benefits and may have to incur additional costs to correct errors made by such service providers. Depending on the function involved, such errors may also lead to business disruption, processing inefficiencies, inaccurate financial reporting, the loss of or damage to intellectual property through security breach, the loss of sensitive data through security breach, or otherwise.\nWe may face complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise performance management system, which may negatively affect our business and operations.\nWe rely on information technology networks and systems to manage our business and operations. We are in the process of a multi-year implementation of a new enterprise performance management (\u201cEPM\u201d) system, inclusive of an enterprise resource planning system (i.e., general ledger), through the use of Oracle Cloud Solutions. The EPM system will replace our existing financial system and is designed to accurately maintain our financial records, enhance operational functionality and efficiency, and provide timely information to our management team. The EPM system implementation process has required, and will continue to require, the investment of significant personnel and financial resources over the duration of the project. We anticipate full integration of the EPM system by the end of 2025. Further, we may not be able to successfully implement the EPM system without experiencing delays, increased costs, and other complications. If we are unable to successfully design and implement the new EPM system as planned, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be negatively impacted. In addition, if the EPM system does not operate as intended, the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting could be negatively affected.\nThe ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the related disruptions to the global economy could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.\nThe global economy has been negatively impacted by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Governments in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union have imposed sanctions on certain products, industry sectors, and parties in Russia. Although we do not have any operations in Russia or Ukraine, we have experienced and may continue to experience shortages in materials and increased costs for transportation, energy, and raw materials due in part to the negative impact of the conflict on the global economy. If the conflict continues for an extended period of time, it could result in cyberattacks, supply chain disruptions, lower consumer demand, changes in foreign exchange rates, increased trade barriers and restrictions on global trade, and other impacts, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. These and other impacts of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine could also heighten many of the other risk factors discussed in this section.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. \n(Dollars and shares in millions, unless otherwise noted, except per share data)\nThis Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide an understanding of our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year-to-year, and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes presented in Item 8. \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed in Item 1A. \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \nCompany Background\nAt The J. M. Smucker Company, it is our privilege to make food people and pets love by offering a diverse portfolio of brands available across North America. We are proud to lead in the coffee, consumer foods, dog snacks, and cat food categories by offering brands consumers trust for themselves and their families each day including \nFolgers\n, \nDunkin\u2019\n, \nCaf\u00e9 Bustelo\n, \nJif\n, \nSmucker\u2019s Uncrustables\n, \nSmucker\u2019s\n, \nMilk-Bone,\n and \nMeow Mix\n. Through our unwavering commitment to producing quality products, operating responsibly and ethically, and delivering on our purpose, we will continue to grow our business and the positive impact we have on society.\nWe have three reportable segments: U.S. Retail Pet Foods, U.S. Retail Coffee, and U.S. Retail Consumer Foods. The U.S. retail market segments in total comprised 87 percent of net sales in 2023, and represent a major portion of our strategic \nfocus \u2013 the sale of branded food and beverage products with leadership positions to consumers through retail outlets in North America. In the U.S. retail market segments, our products are primarily sold to food retailers, club stores, discount and dollar stores, online retailers, pet specialty stores, drug stores, military commissaries, mass merchandisers, and natural foods stores and distributors. International and Away From Home includes the sale of products distributed domestically and in foreign countries through retail channels and foodservice distributors and operators (e.g., health care operators, restaurants, lodging, hospitality, offices, K-12, colleges and universities, and convenience stores).\nStrategic Overview\nOur \nBasic Beliefs\n are the foundation for everything we do as an organization. They serve as guideposts for decision-making and how we interact with our colleagues and partners. As we have grown, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to these values but also recognize how we are called to act upon them must evolve as the world around us does. In this spirit, with 2023 marking our 125\nth\n year in business, we introduced an evolution of our \nBasic Beliefs\n, building from the original \nBasic Beliefs\n, to ensure they are as actionable as possible in order to help our employees continue to bring our unique culture to life. As such, we evolved our \nBasic Beliefs \nto\n Be Bold, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Play to Win, \nand\n Thrive Together, \nwhich are clear, concise, and actionable\n.\n In addition, we have been led by five generations of family leadership, having had only six chief executive officers in 125 years. This continuity of management and thought extends to the broader leadership team that embodies the values and embraces the business practices that have contributed to our consistent growth. \nOur strategic vision is to engage, delight, and inspire consumers by building brands they love and leading in growing categories. This vision is our long-term direction that guides business priorities and aligns our organization. We will continue to drive balanced, long-term growth by advancing on the following strategic pillars: \n\u2022\nWinning with superior execution;\n\u2022\nImproving profitability and cost discipline;\n\u2022\nTransforming our portfolio;\n\u2022\nDoing our part: Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability, and ID&E; and\n\u2022\nNurturing and evolving our culture.\nOur strategic growth objectives include net sales increasing by a low-single digit percentage and operating income excluding non-GAAP adjustments (\u201cadjusted operating income\u201d) increasing by a mid-single digit percentage on average over the long-term. Related to income per diluted share excluding non-GAAP adjustments (\u201cadjusted earnings per share\u201d), our strategic growth objective is to increase by a high-single digit percentage over the long-term. We expect organic growth, including new products, to drive much of our top-line growth, while the contribution from acquisitions will vary from year-to-year. Our \n26\nnon-GAAP adjustments include amortization expense and impairment charges related to intangible assets, certain divestiture, acquisition, integration, and restructuring costs (\u201cspecial project costs\u201d), gains and losses on divestitures, the net change in cumulative unallocated gains and losses on commodity and foreign currency exchange derivative activities (\u201cchange in net cumulative unallocated derivative gains and losses\u201d), and other infrequently occurring items that do not directly reflect ongoing operating results, such as unrealized gains and losses on the investment in equity securities. Refer to \u201cNon-GAAP Financial Measures\u201d in this discussion and analysis for additional information. Due to the unknown and potentially prolonged impact of the inflationary environment, challenged supply network, and increased labor shortages, we may experience difficulties or be delayed in achieving our long-term strategies; however, we continue to evaluate the effects of the macroeconomic environment on our long-term growth objectives. \nOver the past five years, net sales and adjusted earnings per share increased at a compound annual growth rate of 3 percent and 2 percent, respectively, while adjusted operating income has remained consistent. These changes were primarily driven by increased at-home consumption for the U.S. Retail Coffee and U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segments, partially offset by the reduction in net sales from the divestitures of\n \nthe private label dry pet food and natural beverage and grains businesses in 2022, \nCrisco \nand \nNatural Balance \nbusinesses\n \nin 2021, and the U.S. baking business in 2019. Net cash provided by operating activities has remained consistent over the past five years. Our cash deployment strategy is to balance reinvesting in our business through acquisitions and capital expenditures with returning cash to our shareholders through the payment of dividends and share repurchases. Our deployment strategy also includes a significant focus on debt repayment.\nDivestitures \nOn April 28, 2023, we sold certain pet food brands to Post. The transaction included the\n Rachael Ray Nutrish, 9Lives, Kibbles \u2019n Bits, Nature\u2019s Recipe\n, and \nGravy Train\n brands, as well as our private label pet food business, inclusive of certain trademarks and licensing agreements, manufacturing and distribution facilities in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, manufacturing facilities in Meadville, Pennsylvania and Lawrence, Kansas, and approximately 1,100 employees who supported these pet food brands. Under our ownership, these brands generated net sales of $1.5 billion in 2023, and $1.4 billion in both 2022 and 2021, primarily included in the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment. Net proceeds from the divestiture were $1.2\u00a0billion, consisting of $684.7 in cash, net of a preliminary working capital adjustment and cash transaction costs, and approximately 5.4\u00a0million shares of Post common stock, valued at $491.6 at the close of the transaction. Upon completion of this transaction, we recognized a pre-tax loss of $1.0 billion. The net proceeds and pre-tax loss will be finalized during the first quarter of 2024, upon finalization of the working capital adjustment and cash transaction costs.\nOn January 31, 2022, we sold the natural beverage and grains businesses to Nexus. The transaction included products sold under the \nR.W. Knudsen \nand \nTruRoots \nbrands, inclusive of certain trademarks, a licensing agreement for \nSanta Cruz Organic\n beverages, dedicated\n \nmanufacturing and distribution facilities in Chico, California and Havre de Grace, Maryland, and approximately 150 employees who supported the natural beverage and grains businesses. The transaction did not include \nSanta Cruz Organic\n nut butters, fruit spreads, syrups, or applesauce. Under our ownership, the businesses generated net sales of $106.7 in 2022, primarily included in the U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segment. Final net proceeds from the divestiture were $98.7, inclusive of a working capital adjustment and cash transaction costs. We recognized a pre-tax gain of $28.3 related to the natural beverage and grains businesses, of which $26.7 was recognized during 2022, and the remaining $1.6 was recognized upon finalization of the working capital adjustment during 2023.\nOn December 1, 2021, we sold the private label dry pet food business to Diamond Pet Foods. The transaction included dry pet food products sold under private label brands, a dedicated manufacturing facility located in Frontenac, Kansas, and approximately 220 employees who supported the private label dry pet food business. The transaction did not include any branded products or our private label wet pet food business. Under our ownership, the business generated net sales of $62.3 in 2022, included in the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment. Final net proceeds from the divestiture were $32.9, net of cash transaction costs. Upon completion of this transaction during 2022, we recognized a pre-tax loss of $17.1. \nTrends Affecting our Business\nDuring 2023, we experienced significant input cost inflation and a dynamic macroeconomic environment, which we anticipate will persist into 2024. In addition, the higher costs required us to implement material price increases across our business in 2023, and we anticipate the price elasticity of demand will remain elevated into 2024 as consumers continue to respond to broader inflationary pressures. In response to the inflationary pressures, we have introduced a company-wide transformation initiative to focus on deliberately translating our continuous improvement mindset into sustainable productivity initiatives to grow our profit margins and reinvest in the Company to enable future growth and cost savings.\nIn addition, we continued to experience disruption in our supply chain network, including labor shortages and the supply of certain ingredients, packaging, and other sourced materials, which has resulted in the continued elevation of transportation \n27\nand other supply chain costs during 2023. It is possible that more significant disruptions could occur if the COVID-19 pandemic and certain geopolitical events continue to impact markets around the world, including the impact of e-commerce pressures on freight charges and potential shipping delays due to supply and demand imbalances, as well as labor shortages. We also continue to work closely with our customers and external business partners, taking additional actions to ensure safety and business continuity and maximize product availability. We have maintained production at all our facilities and availability of appointments at distribution centers. Furthermore, we have implemented measures to manage order volumes to ensure a consistent supply across our retail partners during periods of high demand. However, to the extent that high demand levels or the current supply chain environment continues to disrupt order fulfillment, we may experience volume loss and elevated penalties.\nAlthough we do not have any operations in Russia or Ukraine, we continue to monitor the environment for any significant escalation or expansion of economic or supply chain disruptions, including broader inflationary costs, as well as regional or global economic recessions. During 2023, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine primarily impacted the price of grains, oils, and fat-based products, which may continue to have an adverse impact on our results of operations into 2024.\nOverall, broad-based supply chain disruptions and rising levels of inflation, including the impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, remain uncertain and ultimately depend on the length and severity of the conflict and the pandemic. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent to which supply chain disruptions and inflation will impact our business; supply chain, including labor availability and attrition; results of operations; financial condition; and liquidity.\nResults of Operations\nThis discussion and analysis deals with comparisons of material changes in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended\u00a0April\u00a030, 2023\u00a0and\u00a02022.\u00a0For the comparisons of the years ended April\u00a030, 2022 and 2021, see the Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\u00a0\u00a0\nYear Ended April 30,\n\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n%\u00a0Increase\n(Decrease)\nNet sales\n$\n8,529.2\u00a0\n$\n7,998.9\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n$\n2,801.8\u00a0\n$\n2,700.7\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n% of net sales\n32.8\u00a0\n%\n33.8\u00a0\n%\nOperating income\n$\n157.5\u00a0\n$\n1,023.8\u00a0\n(85)\n% of net sales\n1.8\u00a0\n%\n12.8\u00a0\n%\nNet income (loss):\nNet income (loss)\n$\n(91.3)\n$\n631.7\u00a0\n(114)\nNet income (loss) per common share \u2013 assuming dilution\n$\n(0.86)\n$\n5.83\u00a0\n(115)\nAdjusted gross profit \n(A)\n$\n2,829.6\u00a0\n$\n2,744.6\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n% of net sales\n33.2\u00a0\n%\n34.3\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted operating income \n(A)\n$\n1,415.4\u00a0\n$\n1,440.1\u00a0\n(2)\n% of net sales\n16.6\u00a0\n%\n18.0\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted income: \n(A)\nIncome\n$\n950.8\u00a0\n$\n962.2\u00a0\n(1)\nEarnings per share \u2013 assuming dilution\n$\n8.92\u00a0\n$\n8.88\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(A)\nWe use non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our performance. Refer to \u201cNon-GAAP Financial Measures\u201d in this discussion and analysis for a reconciliation to the comparable generally accepted accounting principles (\u201cGAAP\u201d) financial measure.\n28\nNet Sales\nYear Ended April 30,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nIncrease \u00a0\n(Decrease)\n\u00a0\u00a0%\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nNet sales\n$\n8,529.2\u00a0\n$\n7,998.9\u00a0\n$\n530.3\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\nPrivate label dry pet food divestiture\n\u2014\u00a0\n(62.3)\n62.3\u00a0\n1\u00a0\nNatural beverage and grains divestiture\n\u2014\u00a0\n(106.7)\n106.7\u00a0\n1\u00a0\nPet food brands divestiture\n\u2014\u00a0\n(12.2)\n12.2\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nForeign currency exchange\n26.3\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n26.3\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nNet sales excluding divestitures and foreign currency exchange \n(A)\n$\n8,555.5\u00a0\n$\n7,817.7\u00a0\n$\n737.8\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n%\nAmounts may not add due to rounding\n.\n(A)\nNet sales excluding divestitures and foreign currency exchange is a non-GAAP financial measure used to evaluate performance internally. This measure provides useful information to investors because it enables comparison of results on a year-over-year basis. \nNet sales in 2023 increased $530.3, or 7 percent, which includes $181.2 of noncomparable net sales in the prior year related to divestitures. Net sales excluding divestitures and foreign currency exchange increased $737.8, or 9 percent. Higher net price realization contributed a 14 percentage point increase to net sales, primarily reflecting list price increases for each of our U.S. Retail segments and for International and Away From Home, which was partially offset by a 5 percentage point decrease from volume/mix, primarily driven by the U.S. Retail Coffee segment and manufacturing downtime related to the \nJif\n peanut butter product recall.\nOperating Income\nThe following table presents the components of operating income as a percentage of net sales. \n\u00a0\u00a0\nYear Ended April 30,\n\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nGross profit\n32.8\u00a0\n%\n33.8\u00a0\n%\nSelling, distribution, and administrative expenses:\nMarketing\n3.3\u00a0\n%\n3.5\u00a0\n%\nAdvertising\n1.9\u00a0\n2.2\u00a0\nSelling\n2.8\u00a0\n2.8\u00a0\nDistribution\n3.5\u00a0\n3.6\u00a0\nGeneral and administrative\n5.5\u00a0\n5.0\u00a0\nTotal selling, distribution, and administrative expenses\n17.1\u00a0\n%\n17.0\u00a0\n%\nAmortization\n2.4\u00a0\n2.8\u00a0\nOther intangible assets impairment charge\n\u2014\u00a0\n1.9\u00a0\nOther special project costs\n0.1\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\nLoss (gain) on divestitures \u2013 net\n11.9\u00a0\n(0.1)\nOther operating expense (income) \u2013 net\n(0.5)\n(0.7)\nOperating income\n1.8\u00a0\n%\n12.8\u00a0\n%\nAmounts may not add due to rounding.\nGross profit increased $101.1, or\u00a04 percent, in 2023, reflecting a favorable net impact of higher net price realization and increased commodity and ingredient, manufacturing, and packaging costs, inclusive of the unfavorable impact related to the \nJif\n peanut butter product recall, partially offset by a lower contribution from volume/mix and the noncomparable impact of the divested natural beverage and grains businesses.\nOperating income decreased $866.3, or\u00a085 percent, primarily driven by the $1.0 billion pre-tax loss related to the divestiture of certain pet food brands and a $94.7 increase in selling, distribution, and administrative (\u201cSD&A\u201d) expenses, primarily driven by increased incentive compensation, partially offset by lapping a $150.4 intangible asset impairment charge in the prior year and the increase in gross profit.\n29\nOur non-GAAP adjustments include amortization expense and impairment charges related to intangible assets, special project costs, gains and losses on divestitures, the change in net cumulative unallocated derivative gains and losses, and other infrequently occurring items that do not directly reflect ongoing operating results, such as unrealized gains and losses on the investment in equity securities. Refer to \u201cNon-GAAP Financial Measures\u201d in this discussion and analysis for additional information. Gross profit excluding non-GAAP adjustments (\u201cadjusted gross profit\u201d) increased $85.0, or 3 percent, in 2023, primarily reflecting the exclusion of special project costs, as compared to GAAP gross profit. Adjusted operating income decreased $24.7, or\u00a02 percent, as compared to the prior year, further reflecting the exclusion of the pre-tax loss related to the divestiture of certain pet food brands and the prior year impairment charge.\nInterest Expense\nNet interest expense decreased $8.9, or 6 percent, in 2023, primarily due to a net favorable impact of the repayment of Senior Notes and the issuance of debt in the prior year. For additional information, refer to Note 7: Debt and Financing Arrangements.\nIncome Taxes \nIncome taxes decreased $130.0, or 61 percent, in 2023, as compared to the prior year. The effective income tax rate for 2023 varied from the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 21.0 percent primarily due to an unfavorable permanent impact of the divestiture of certain pet food brands, as well as state income taxes. The effective income tax rate for 2022 varied from the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 21.0 percent primarily due to state income taxes, including an unfavorable one-time deferred tax impact of an internal legal entity simplification. We anticipate a full-year effective income tax rate for 2024 to be approximately 24.2 percent. For additional information, refer to Note 13: Income Taxes. \nSpecial Project Costs\nA restructuring program was approved by the Board during 2021, associated with opportunities identified to reduce our overall cost structure, optimize our organizational design, and support our portfolio reshape. This is inclusive of certain restructuring costs associated with the divestitures of the \nCrisco\n, \nNatural Balance\n, private label dry pet food, and natural beverage and grains businesses. For additional information related to the divestitures, see Note 3: Divestitures. \nDuring 2021, we substantially completed an organizational redesign related to our corporate headquarters and announced plans to close our Suffolk, Virginia facility as a result of a new strategic partnership for the production of our liquid coffee products. During 2022, we completed the transition of production to JDE Peet\u2019s, and expanded the restructuring program to include certain costs associated with the divestitures of the private label dry pet food and natural beverage and grains businesses, as well as the closure of our Ripon, Wisconsin production facility to further optimize operations for our U.S. Retail Consumer Foods business. We completed the closure of the Ripon facility during 2023, as planned, and the remaining restructuring activities were completed as of April 30, 2023. The costs incurred associated with these restructuring activities include other transition and termination costs associated with our cost reduction and margin management initiatives, inclusive of accelerated depreciation, as well as employee-related costs. We have incurred total cumulative restructuring costs of $63.7, of which $11.1 and $28.5 were incurred during 2023 and 2022, respectively. For further information, refer to Note 2: Special Project Costs.\nCommodities Overview\nThe raw materials we use in each of our segments are primarily commodities, agricultural-based products, and packaging materials. The most significant of these materials, based on 2023 annual spend, are green coffee, protein meals, peanuts, grains, and plastic containers. Green coffee, corn, certain meals, oils, and grains are traded on active regulated exchanges, and the price of these commodities fluctuates based on market conditions. Derivative instruments, including futures and options, are used to minimize the impact of price volatility for these commodities.\nWe source green coffee from more than 20 coffee-producing countries. Its price is subject to high volatility due to factors such as weather, global supply and demand, plant disease, investor speculation, and political and economic conditions in the source countries.\nWe source peanuts, protein meals, and oils and fats mainly from North America. We are one of the largest procurers of peanuts in the U.S. and frequently enter into long-term purchase contracts for various periods of time to mitigate the risk of a shortage of this commodity. The oils we purchase are mainly peanut and soybean. The price of peanuts, protein meals, and oils are driven primarily by weather, which impacts crop sizes and yield, as well as global demand, especially from large importing countries such as China and India. In particular, the supply chain for protein meals, fats, corn products, and green coffee has been significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore, the price for these commodities has \n30\nincreased and may continue to increase due to such disruptions. Furthermore, the price of grains and oils and fat-based products has been impacted by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.\nWe frequently enter into long-term contracts to purchase plastic containers, which are sourced mainly from within the U.S. Plastic resin is made from petrochemical feedstock and natural gas feedstock, and the price can be influenced by feedstock, energy, and crude oil prices as well as global economic and geopolitical conditions. \nExcluding the impact of derivative gains and losses, our overall commodity costs in 2023 were higher than in 2022, primarily due to higher costs for green coffee, protein meals, oils and fats, and grains.\nSegment Results\nWe have\u00a0three\u00a0reportable segments: U.S. Retail Pet Foods, U.S. Retail Coffee, and U.S. Retail Consumer Foods. The presentation of International and Away From Home represents a combination of all other operating segments that are not individually reportable.\nThe U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment primarily includes the domestic sales of \nMeow Mix\n,\n Milk-Bone\n, \nPup-Peroni, \nand \nCanine Carry Outs \nbranded products; the U.S. Retail Coffee segment primarily includes the domestic sales of \nFolgers\n, \nDunkin\u2019\n, and \nCaf\u00e9 Bustelo\n \nbranded coffee; and the U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segment primarily includes the domestic sales of \nSmucker\u2019s \nand \nJif \nbranded products. International and Away From Home includes the sale of products distributed domestically and in foreign countries through retail channels and foodservice distributors and operators (e.g., health care operators, restaurants, lodging, hospitality, offices, K-12, colleges and universities, and convenience stores). Under our ownership, the divested \nRachael Ray Nutrish, 9Lives, Kibbles \u2019n Bits, Nature\u2019s Recipe\n, and \nGravy Train \nbrands generated net sales of $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion in 2023 and 2022, respectively, primarily included in the U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment. \n\u00a0\u00a0\nYear Ended April 30,\n\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n%\u00a0Increase (Decrease)\nNet sales:\nU.S. Retail Pet Foods\n$\n3,038.1\u00a0\n$\n2,764.3\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\nU.S. Retail Coffee\n2,735.3\u00a0\n2,497.3\u00a0\n10\u00a0\nU.S. Retail Consumer Foods\n1,630.9\u00a0\n1,707.2\u00a0\n(4)\nInternational and Away From Home\n1,124.9\u00a0\n1,030.1\u00a0\n9\u00a0\nSegment profit:\nU.S. Retail Pet Foods\n$\n494.9\u00a0\n$\n395.9\u00a0\n25\u00a0\n%\nU.S. Retail Coffee\n737.7\u00a0\n736.7\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nU.S. Retail Consumer Foods\n352.6\u00a0\n424.2\u00a0\n(17)\nInternational and Away From Home\n143.3\u00a0\n142.0\u00a0\n1\u00a0\nSegment profit margin:\nU.S. Retail Pet Foods\n16.3\u00a0\n%\n14.3\u00a0\n%\nU.S. Retail Coffee\n27.0\u00a0\n29.5\u00a0\nU.S. Retail Consumer Foods\n21.6\u00a0\n24.8\u00a0\nInternational and Away From Home\n12.7\u00a0\n13.8\u00a0\n\u00a0\nU.S. Retail Pet Foods\nThe U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment net sales increased $273.8 in 2023, inclusive of the impact of $74.3 of noncomparable net sales in the prior year related to the divested private label dry pet food business and the divestiture of certain pet food brands. Excluding the noncomparable impact of the divested businesses, net sales increased $348.1, or 13 percent. Higher net price realization increased net sales by 16 percentage points, primarily reflecting list price increases across the portfolio, partially offset by increased trade spend. The higher net price realization was partially offset by a lower contribution from volume/mix of 3 percentage points, primarily reflecting decreases for cat food and dog food. Segment profit increased $99.0, primarily reflecting a favorable net impact of higher net price realization and increased commodity and ingredient, packaging, and manufacturing costs, partially offset by higher marketing spend.\n31\nU.S. Retail Coffee\nThe U.S. Retail Coffee segment net sales increased $238.0 in 2023. Net price realization contributed a 19 percentage point increase to net sales, primarily reflecting list price increases across the portfolio, partially offset by increased trade spend. Unfavorable volume/mix decreased net sales by 9 percentage points driven by mainstream and premium coffee. Segment profit was comparable to the prior year as a favorable net impact of higher net price realization and increased commodity and manufacturing costs was mostly offset by the unfavorable volume/mix. \nU.S. Retail Consumer Foods\nThe U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segment net sales decreased $76.3 in 2023, inclusive of the impact of $101.8 of noncomparable net sales in the prior year related to the divested natural beverage and grains businesses. Excluding the noncomparable impact of the divested businesses, net sales increased $25.5, or 2 percent. Net price realization contributed a \n6 percentage point increase to net sales, primarily driven by list price increases for the \nSmucker\u2019s\n brand, partially offset by declines for \nJif\n peanut butter, inclusive of the unfavorable impact of customer returns and fees related to the \nJif\n peanut butter product recall. Volume/mix decreased net sales by 4 percentage points, primarily driven by downtime related to the recall, partially offset by an increase for \nSmucker\u2019s Uncrustables \nfrozen sandwiches. Segment profit decreased $71.6, primarily reflecting higher commodity and ingredient, manufacturing, and packaging costs, inclusive of costs related to the recall, and the impact of the noncomparable segment profit in the prior year related to the divested natural beverage and grains businesses, partially offset by higher net pricing and favorable volume/mix.\nInternational and Away From Home\nInternational and Away From Home net sales increased $94.8 in\u00a02023, including $26.3 of unfavorable foreign currency exchange and the noncomparable impact of $5.1 of net sales in the prior year primarily related to the divested natural beverage and grains businesses. Excluding the noncomparable impact of foreign currency exchange and the divested businesses, net sales increased $126.2, or 12 percent, reflecting a 19 percent and 5 percent increase for the Away From Home and International operating segments, respectively. Net price realization contributed a 13 percentage point increase to net sales for the combined businesses, primarily driven by increases for coffee products, baking mixes and ingredients, and frozen handheld products, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of customer returns and fees related to the \nJif\n peanut butter product recall. Segment profit increased $1.3, primarily reflecting a favorable net impact of higher net price realization and increased commodity costs, as well as decreased marketing spend, partially offset by the unfavorable foreign currency exchange.\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nLiquidity\nOur principal source of funds is cash generated from operations, supplemented by borrowings against our commercial paper program and revolving credit facility. Further benefiting from proceeds from divestitures, total cash and cash equivalents increased to $655.8 at April\u00a030, 2023, compared to $169.9 at April\u00a030, 2022.\nThe following table presents selected cash flow information.\n\u00a0\u00a0\nYear Ended April 30,\n\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nNet cash provided by (used for) operating activities\n (A)\n$\n1,194.4\u00a0\n$\n1,136.3\u00a0\nNet cash provided by (used for) investing activities\n (A)\n256.2\u00a0\n(355.5)\nNet cash provided by (used for) financing activities\n(964.6)\n(944.5)\nNet cash provided by (used for) operating activities\n (A)\n$\n1,194.4\u00a0\n$\n1,136.3\u00a0\nAdditions to property, plant, and equipment \n(A)\n(477.4)\n(417.5)\nFree cash flow \n(B)\n$\n717.0\u00a0\n$\n718.8\u00a0\n(A)\nNet cash provided by (used for) operating activities and net cash provided by (used for) investing activities differ immaterially from the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow for the year ended April 30, 2023, as previously furnished within the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 6, 2023, reflecting the reclassification of certain items, inclusive of additions to property, plant, and equipment. Free cash flow and the net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the year ended April 30, 2023, were not impacted by the reclassifications and remain unchanged.\n32\n(B)\nFree cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management to evaluate the amount of cash available for debt repayment, dividend distribution, acquisition opportunities, share repurchases, and other corporate purposes.\nThe\u00a0$58.1\u00a0increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2023 was primarily driven by lower working capital requirements in 2023, partially offset by the $70.0 contribution to our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plans during the first quarter of 2023. The cash required to fund working capital decreased compared to the prior year primarily related to insurance proceeds related to the \nJif\n peanut butter product recall that were received in 2023, a decrease in inventory, and changes in accrued incentive compensation, which were partially offset by a decrease in cash from trade receivables due to timing of sales and payments.\nCash provided by investing activities in 2023 consisted primarily of net proceeds received from the sale of certain pet food brands of $684.7 and a decrease of $37.6 in our derivative cash margin account balances. These increases were partially offset by $477.4\u00a0in capital expenditures, primarily driven by investments in \nSmucker\u2019s Uncrustables \nfrozen sandwiches to support the new manufacturing and distribution facilities in McCalla, Alabama and capacity expansion in Longmont, Colorado, as well as plant maintenance across our facilities. Cash used for investing activities in 2022 consisted primarily of $417.5 in capital expenditures, primarily driven by investments in \nSmucker's Uncrustables \nfrozen sandwiches to support the new manufacturing and distribution facilities, and an increase of $65.4 in our derivative cash margin account balances. These decreases in 2022 were partially offset by net proceeds received from the divested private label dry pet food and natural beverage and grains businesses of $130.0.\nCash used for financing activities in 2023\u00a0consisted primarily of dividend payments of $430.2, purchase of treasury shares of $367.5, and a net decrease in short-term borrowings of $185.9. Cash used for financing activities in 2022\u00a0consisted primarily of\u00a0long-term debt repayments of $1,157.0, dividend payments of $418.1, and purchase of treasury shares of $270.4, partially offset by $797.6 in long-term debt proceeds and a net increase in short-term borrowings of $97.6.\nSupplier Financing Program\nAs part of ongoing efforts to maximize working capital, we work with our suppliers to optimize our terms and conditions, which includes the extension of payment terms. Payment terms with our suppliers, which we deem to be commercially reasonable, range from 0 to 180 days. We have an agreement with a third-party administrator to provide an accounts payable tracking system and facilitate a supplier financing program, which allows participating suppliers the ability to monitor and voluntarily elect to sell our payment obligations to a designated third-party financial institution. Participating suppliers can sell one or more of our payment obligations at their sole discretion, and our rights and obligations to our suppliers are not impacted. We have no economic interest in a supplier\u2019s decision to enter into these agreements. Our rights and obligations to our suppliers, including amounts due and scheduled payment terms, are not impacted by our suppliers\u2019 decisions to sell amounts under these arrangements. As of April 30, 2023 and 2022, $414.2 and $314.3 of our outstanding payment obligations, respectively, were elected and sold to a financial institution by participating suppliers. During 2023 and 2022, we paid $1,495.2 and $1,042.9, respectively, to a financial institution for payment obligations that were settled through the supplier financing program. \nContingencies\nWe, like other food manufacturers, are from time to time subject to various administrative, regulatory, and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We are currently a defendant in a variety of such legal proceedings, including certain lawsuits related to the alleged price-fixing of shelf stable tuna products prior to 2011 by a business previously owned by, but divested prior to our acquisition of, Big Heart, the significant majority of which were settled and paid during 2019 and 2020. While we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate results of these proceedings or potential settlements associated with these or other matters, we have accrued losses for certain contingent liabilities that we have determined are probable and reasonably estimable at April\u00a030, 2023. Based on the information known to date, with the exception of the matters discussed below, we do not believe the final outcome of these proceedings would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.\nIn addition to the legal proceedings discussed above, we are defendants in a series of putative class action lawsuits that were transferred to the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri for coordinated pre-trial proceedings. The plaintiffs assert claims arising under various state laws for false advertising, consumer protection, deceptive and unfair trade practices, and similar statutes. Their claims are premised on allegations that we have misrepresented the number of servings that can be made from various canisters of \nFolgers\n coffee on the packaging for those products.\nThe outcome and the financial impact of these cases, if any, cannot be predicted at this time. Accordingly, no loss contingency has been recorded for these matters as of April 30, 2023, and the likelihood of loss is not considered probable or \n33\nestimable. However, if we are required to pay significant damages, our business and financial results could be adversely impacted, and sales of those products could suffer not only in these locations but elsewhere. For additional information, see Note 15: Contingencies.\nProduct Recall\nIn May 2022, we initiated a voluntary recall of select \nJif\n peanut butter products produced at our Lexington, Kentucky facility and sold primarily in the U.S., due to potential salmonella contamination. At that time, we also suspended the manufacturing of \nJif \npeanut butter products at the Lexington facility and temporarily paused shipments from our Memphis, Tennessee facility to eliminate confusion while customers cleared their shelves of potentially impacted products manufactured at the Lexington facility. No other products produced at our other facilities were affected by the recall. In June 2022, we resumed manufacturing \nJif\n peanut butter products at our Lexington facility, as well as shipping from our Memphis facility. We partnered with retailers to restock \nJif \npeanut butter products during the first quarter of 2023, and as of April 30, 2023, we have returned to normal levels. To date, we have recognized total direct costs associated with the recall of approximately $120.0, net of insurance recoveries, related to customer returns, fees, unsaleable inventory, and other product recall-related costs, primarily within our U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segment. We expect costs associated with the recall to be minimal in 2024.\nFurther, the FDA issued a Warning Letter on January 24, 2023, following an inspection of our Lexington facility completed in June 2022 in connection with the \nJif\n voluntary recall, identifying concerns regarding certain practices and controls at the facility. We have responded to the Warning Letter with a detailed explanation of our food safety plan and extensive verification activities to prevent contamination in \nJif\n peanut butter products. In addition, we have worked diligently to further strengthen our already stringent quality processes, including doubling our finished product testing and tripling our environmental testing to verify the efficacy of our actions. The FDA or other agencies may nonetheless conclude that certain practices or controls were not in compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or other laws. Any potential regulatory action based on such an agency conclusion could result in the imposition of injunctive terms and monetary payments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, brand, results of operations, and financial performance, as well as affect ongoing consumer litigation associated with the voluntary recall of \nJif\n peanut butter products. The outcome and financial impact of the ongoing consumer litigation or any potential regulatory action associated with the \nJif \nvoluntary recall cannot be predicted at this time. Accordingly, no loss contingency has been recorded for these matters as of April 30, 2023, and the likelihood of loss is not considered probable or estimable.\nCapital Resources\nThe following table presents our capital structure.\n\u00a0\u00a0\nApril 30,\n\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nShort-term borrowings\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n180.0\u00a0\nLong-term debt\n4,314.2\u00a0\n4,310.6\u00a0\nTotal debt\n$\n4,314.2\u00a0\n$\n4,490.6\u00a0\nShareholders\u2019 equity\n7,290.8\u00a0\n8,140.1\u00a0\nTotal capital\n$\n11,605.0\u00a0\n$\n12,630.7\u00a0\nWe have available a $2.0\u00a0billion unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of 11 banks that matures in August 2026. Additionally, we participate in a commercial paper program under which we can issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper not to exceed $2.0\u00a0billion at any time. The commercial paper program is backed by our revolving credit facility and reduces what we can borrow under the revolving credit facility by the amount of commercial paper outstanding. Commercial paper is used as a continuing source of short-term financing for general corporate purposes. As of April 30, 2023, we did not have a balance outstanding under the commercial paper program.\nWe are in compliance with all our debt covenants as of April 30, 2023, and expect to be for the next 12 months. For additional information on our long-term debt, sources of liquidity, and debt covenants, see Note 7: Debt and Financing Arrangements.\nDividend payments were $430.2 and $418.1 in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and quarterly dividends declared per share were $4.08 and $3.96 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board and depends on various factors, such as our net income, financial condition, cash requirements, future events, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board. \n34\nDuring the fourth quarter of 2023, we repurchased approximately 2.4\u00a0million common shares for $358.0 pursuant to the authorizations of the Board. Under the repurchase plan, a total of approximately 3.5\u00a0million common shares remain available for repurchase as of April 30, 2023. In accordance with the Inflation Reduction Act, a one percent excise tax was applied to share repurchases after December 31, 2022. As a result, an excise tax of $3.6 was accrued on the repurchased shares during 2023, and included within additional capital in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. A total of 2.0\u00a0million common shares were repurchased for $262.5 during 2022 under authorizations by the Board, and no excise tax was accrued on the repurchased shares. All other share repurchases during 2023 and 2022 consisted of shares repurchased from stock plan recipients in lieu of cash payments.\nOn March 2, 2023, we also entered into a share repurchase plan (the \u201c10b5-1 Plan\u201d) established in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act in connection with the remaining common shares authorized for repurchase by the Board. In accordance with the 10b5-1 Plan, our designated broker has the authority to repurchase approximately 2.4\u00a0million commons shares, which commenced on the consummation of the sale of certain pet food brands on April 28, 2023, and will expire 45 calendar days after the closure of the transaction, which is in the first quarter of 2024, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms of the 10b5-1 Plan. Subsequent to April 30, 2023, we repurchased approximately 2.4 million common shares for $362.8 under this 10b5-1 Plan and approximately 1.1 million common shares remain available for repurchase. An excise tax of $3.6 was also accrued on the repurchased shares during the first quarter of 2024.\nIn November 2021, we announced plans to invest $1.1 billion to build a new manufacturing facility and distribution center in McCalla, Alabama dedicated to production of\n Smucker\u2019s Uncrustables\n frozen sandwiches. Construction of this facility began in 2022, with production expected to begin in calendar year 2025. The project demonstrates our commitment to meet increasing demand for this highly successful product and deliver on our strategy to focus on brands with the most significant growth opportunities. Construction of the facility and production will occur in three phases over multiple years and will result in the creation of up to 750 jobs. Financial investments and job creation will align with each of the three phases.\nThe following table presents certain cash requirements related to 2024 investing and financing activities based on our current expectations. Although no principal payments are required on our debt obligations in 2024, we may utilize a portion of our cash for debt repayment. \nProjection \nYear Ending \nApril 30, 2024\nDividend payments \u2013 based on current rates and common shares outstanding\n$\n425.9\u00a0\nCapital expenditures\n565.0\u00a0\nInterest payments\n138.9\u00a0\nAbsent any material acquisitions or other significant investments, we believe that cash on hand, combined with cash provided by operations, borrowings available under our revolving credit facility and commercial paper program, and access to capital markets, will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements for the next 12 months, including the payment of quarterly dividends, principal and interest payments on debt outstanding, and capital expenditures. However, as a result of the current macroeconomic environment, we may experience an increase in the cost or the difficulty to obtain debt or equity financing, or to refinance our debt in the future. We continue to evaluate these risks, which could affect our financial condition or our ability to fund operations or future investment opportunities.\nAs of April 30, 2023, total cash and cash equivalents of $35.8 was held by our foreign subsidiaries, primarily in Canada. We did not repatriate foreign cash to the U.S. during 2023.\nMaterial Cash Requirements\nThe following table summarizes our material cash requirements by fiscal year at April 30, 2023.\nTotal\n2024\n2025-2026\n2027-2028\n2029 and\nbeyond\nLong-term debt obligations \n(A)\n$\n4,350.0\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n1,000.0\u00a0\n$\n500.0\u00a0\n$\n2,850.0\u00a0\nInterest payments \n(B)\n1,682.3\u00a0\n147.2\u00a0\n259.3\u00a0\n224.3\u00a0\n1,051.5\u00a0\nPurchase obligations \n(C)\n2,146.2\u00a0\n1,774.3\u00a0\n228.6\u00a0\n93.9\u00a0\n49.4\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n8,178.5\u00a0\n$\n1,921.5\u00a0\n$\n1,487.9\u00a0\n$\n818.2\u00a0\n$\n3,950.9\u00a0\n(A)\nLong-term debt obligations excludes the impact of offering discounts, make-whole payments, and debt issuance costs.\n35\n(B)\nInterest payments consists of the interest payments for our fixed-rate Senior Notes. \n(C)\nPurchase obligations includes agreements that are enforceable and legally bind us to purchase goods or services, which primarily consist of obligations related to normal, ongoing purchase obligations in which we have guaranteed payment to ensure availability of raw materials. We expect to receive consideration for these purchase obligations in the form of materials and services. These purchase obligations do not represent all future purchases expected but represent only those items for which we are contractually obligated. Amounts included in the table above represent our current best estimate of payments due. Actual cash payments may vary due to the variable pricing components of certain purchase obligations.\nOur other cash requirements at April 30, 2023, primarily included operating and finance lease obligations, which consist of the minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating and finance leases. As of April 30, 2023, we had total undiscounted minimum lease payments of $120.9 and $3.5 related to our operating and finance leases, respectively. For additional information, see Note 11: Leases.\nIn addition, we have other liabilities which consisted primarily of projected commitments associated with our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, as disclosed in Note 8: Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. The total liability for our unrecognized tax benefits and tax-related net interest at April 30, 2023, was $6.3 under Financial Accounting Standards Board (\u201cFASB\u201d) Accounting Standards Codification (\u201cASC\u201d) 740, \nIncome Taxes\n; however, we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities. For additional information, see Note 13: Income Taxes.\nAs of April 30, 2023, we do not have material off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as variable interest entities. Transactions with related parties are in the ordinary course of business and are not material to our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.\nNON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES\nWe use non-GAAP financial measures including: net sales excluding divestitures and foreign currency exchange, adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating income, adjusted income, adjusted earnings per share, and free cash flow, as key measures for purposes of evaluating performance internally. We believe that investors\u2019 understanding of our performance is enhanced by disclosing these performance measures. Furthermore, these non-GAAP financial measures are used by management in preparation of the annual budget and for the monthly analyses of our operating results. The Board also utilizes certain non-GAAP financial measures as components for measuring performance for incentive compensation purposes.\nNon-GAAP financial measures exclude certain items affecting comparability that can significantly affect the year-over-year assessment of operating results, which include amortization expense and impairment charges related to intangible assets, special project costs, gains and losses on divestitures, the change in net cumulative unallocated derivative gains and losses, and other infrequently occurring items that do not directly reflect ongoing operating results, such as unrealized gains and losses on the investment in equity securities. Income taxes, as adjusted is calculated using an adjusted effective income tax rate that is applied to adjusted income before income taxes and reflects the exclusion of the previously discussed items, as well as any adjustments for one-time tax related activities, when they occur. While this adjusted effective income tax rate does not generally differ materially from our GAAP effective income tax rate, certain exclusions from non-GAAP results, such as the unfavorable permanent impact of the divestiture of certain pet food brands during 2023, and the one-time deferred state tax impact of the internal legal entity simplification during 2022, can significantly impact our adjusted effective income tax rate. \nThese non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to replace the presentation of financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Rather, the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures supplements other metrics we use to internally evaluate our business and facilitate the comparison of past and present operations and liquidity. These non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and may exclude certain nondiscretionary expenses and cash payments.\nThe following table reconciles certain non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measure. See page 29 for a reconciliation of net sales adjusted for certain noncomparable items to the comparable GAAP financial measure.\n\u00a0\u00a0\nYear Ended April 30,\n\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nGross profit reconciliation:\nGross profit\n$\n2,801.8\u00a0\n$\n2,700.7\u00a0\nChange in net cumulative unallocated derivative gains and losses\n21.4\u00a0\n23.4\u00a0\nCost of products sold \u2013 special project costs \n(A)\n6.4\u00a0\n20.5\u00a0\nAdjusted gross profit \n$\n2,829.6\u00a0\n$\n2,744.6\u00a0\n% of net sales\n33.2\u00a0\n%\n34.3\u00a0\n%\nOperating income reconciliation:\nOperating income\n$\n157.5\u00a0\n$\n1,023.8\u00a0\nAmortization\n206.9\u00a0\n223.6\u00a0\nOther intangible assets impairment charge\n\u2014\u00a0\n150.4\u00a0\nLoss (gain) on divestitures \u2013 net\n1,018.5\u00a0\n(9.6)\nChange in net cumulative unallocated derivative gains and losses\n21.4\u00a0\n23.4\u00a0\nCost of products sold \u2013 special project costs\n (A)\n6.4\u00a0\n20.5\u00a0\nOther special project costs\n (A)\n4.7\u00a0\n8.0\u00a0\nAdjusted operating income\n$\n1,415.4\u00a0\n$\n1,440.1\u00a0\n% of net sales\n16.6\u00a0\n%\n18.0\u00a0\n%\nNet income (loss) reconciliation:\nNet income (loss)\n$\n(91.3)\n$\n631.7\u00a0\nIncome tax expense \n82.1\u00a0\n212.1\u00a0\nAmortization\n206.9\u00a0\n223.6\u00a0\nOther intangible assets impairment charge\n\u2014\u00a0\n150.4\u00a0\nLoss (gain) on divestitures \u2013 net\n1,018.5\u00a0\n(9.6)\nChange in net cumulative unallocated derivative gains and losses\n21.4\u00a0\n23.4\u00a0\nCost of products sold \u2013 special project costs\n (A)\n6.4\u00a0\n20.5\u00a0\nOther special project costs\n (A)\n4.7\u00a0\n8.0\u00a0\nOther infrequently occurring items:\nUnrealized loss (gain) on investment in equity securities\n (B)\n3.8\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAdjusted income before income taxes\n$\n1,252.5\u00a0\n$\n1,260.1\u00a0\nIncome taxes, as adjusted\n301.7\u00a0\n297.9\u00a0\nAdjusted income\n$\n950.8\u00a0\n$\n962.2\u00a0\nWeighted-average shares \u2013 assuming dilution\n(C)\n106.6\u00a0\n108.4\u00a0\nAdjusted earnings per share \u2013 assuming dilution\n(C)\n$\n8.92\u00a0\n$\n8.88\u00a0\nFree cash flow reconciliation:\nNet cash provided by (used for) operating activities\n$\n1,194.4\u00a0\n$\n1,136.3\u00a0\nAdditions to property, plant, and equipment\n(477.4)\n(417.5)\nFree cash flow\n$\n717.0\u00a0\n$\n718.8\u00a0\n(A)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Special project costs include certain restructuring costs, which are recognized in cost of products sold and other special project costs. For more information, see\n \nNote 2: Special Project Costs and Note 4: Reportable Segments.\n(B)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Unrealized loss (gain) on investment in equity securities includes unrealized gains and losses on the change in fair value on our investment in Post common stock. For more information, see Note 3: Divestitures and Note 10: Other Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements.\n(C)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adjusted earnings per common share \u2013 assuming dilution for 2023 and 2022 was computed using the treasury stock method. Further, in 2023, the weighted-average shares \u2013 assuming dilution differed from our GAAP weighted-average common shares outstanding \u2013 assuming dilution as a result of the anti-dilutive effect of our stock-based awards, which were excluded from the computation of net loss per share \u2013 assuming dilution. For more information see Earnings Per Share in Note 1: Accounting Policies and Note 5: Earnings Per Share. \n36\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES\nThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In preparing these financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. We do not believe there is a great likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions related to the accounting policies described below. However, application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.\nTrade Marketing and Merchandising Programs:\n In order to support our products, various promotional activities are conducted through retailers, distributors, or directly with consumers, including in-store display and product placement programs, price discounts, coupons, and other similar activities. The costs of these programs are classified as a reduction of sales. We regularly review and revise, when we deem necessary, estimates of costs for these promotional programs based on estimates of what will be redeemed by retailers, distributors, or consumers. These estimates are made using various techniques, including historical data on performance of similar promotional programs. Differences between estimated expenditures and actual performance are recognized as a change in estimate in a subsequent period. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, subsequent period adjustments were less than 3 percent of both consolidated pre-tax adjusted income and cash provided by operating activities. \n\u00a0\nIncome Taxes:\n We account for income taxes using the liability method. In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to uncertainties related to tax filing positions and periodically assess the technical merits of these tax positions for all tax years that remain subject to examination, based upon the latest information available. We recognize a tax benefit when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination, based on its technical merits. The tax position is then measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. \nWe routinely evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, we determine that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of such assets will not be realized. Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets can be affected by changes in tax laws, statutory tax rates, and projected future taxable income levels. Changes in estimated realization of deferred tax assets would result in an adjustment to income in the period in which that determination is made, unless such changes are determined to be an adjustment to goodwill within the allowable measurement period under the acquisition method of accounting.\nThe future tax benefit arising from the net deductible temporary differences and tax carryforwards was $196.8 and $193.4 at April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and results of operations. For those jurisdictions where the expiration date of tax carryforwards or the projected operating results indicate that realization is not likely, a valuation allowance has been provided.\nAs of April 30, 2023, a portion of our undistributed foreign earnings, primarily in Canada, is not considered permanently reinvested, and an immaterial deferred tax liability has been recognized accordingly. Further, we have not repatriated foreign cash to the U.S during 2023. For additional information, see Note 13: Income Taxes.\nGoodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets: \nA significant portion of our assets is composed of goodwill and other intangible assets, the majority of which are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment at least annually on \nFebruary 1, and more often if indicators of impairment exist. At April\u00a030, 2023, the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets totaled $9.6 billion, compared to total assets of $15.0 billion and total shareholders\u2019 equity of $7.3 billion. If the carrying value of these assets exceeds the current estimated fair value, the asset is considered impaired, and this would result in a noncash impairment charge to earnings. Any such impairment charge would reduce earnings and could be material. Events and conditions that could result in impairment include a sustained drop in the market price of our common shares, increased competition or loss of market share, obsolescence, product claims that result in a significant loss of sales or profitability over the product life, deterioration in macroeconomic conditions, or declining financial performance in comparison to projected results.\nTo test for goodwill impairment, we estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units using both a discounted cash flow valuation technique and a market-based approach. The impairment test incorporates estimates of future cash flows; allocations of certain assets, liabilities, and cash flows among reporting units; future growth rates; terminal value amounts; \n37\nand the applicable weighted-average cost of capital used to discount those estimated cash flows. The estimates and projections used in the calculation of fair value are consistent with our current and long-range plans, including anticipated changes in market conditions, industry trends, growth rates, and planned capital expenditures. Changes in forecasted operations and other estimates and assumptions could impact the assessment of impairment in the future. \nAs a result of the divestiture of certain pet food brands on April 28, 2023, we disposed of $790.3 of goodwill, primarily within the Pet Foods reporting unit. The amount of goodwill allocated to the disposal group was determined based on a relative fair value analysis, utilizing a discounted cash flow valuation technique, which required management to make certain estimates and assumptions utilizing Level 3 inputs, consistent with our approach for an impairment test.\nAt April\u00a030, 2023, goodwill totaled $5.2 billion. Goodwill is substantially concentrated within the U.S. Retail Coffee, U.S. Retail Pet Foods, and U.S. Retail Consumer Foods segments. During 2023, no goodwill impairment was recognized as a result of the evaluations performed throughout the year, inclusive of an assessment performed following the divestiture. The estimated fair value of each of our reporting units for which there is a goodwill balance was substantially in excess of its carrying value as of the annual test date, with the exception of the Pet Foods reporting unit, for which its fair value exceeded its carrying value by approximately 7 percent. However, subsequent to the annual test, the reporting units impacted by the divestiture were assessed for impairment as of April 30, 2023, and we concluded there were no indicators of impairment, as the estimated fair values were in excess of the carrying values for all reporting units. For additional information, see Note 3: Divestitures and Note 6: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.\nOther indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting entirely of trademarks, are also tested for impairment at least annually and more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying values may be below their fair values. To test these assets for impairment, we estimate the fair value of each asset based on a discounted cash flow model using various inputs, including projected revenues, an assumed royalty rate, and a discount rate. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could impact the assessment of impairment in the future. \nAt April\u00a030, 2023, other indefinite-lived intangible assets totaled $2.6 billion. Trademarks that represent our leading brands comprise approximately 95 percent of the total carrying value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets. As of April\u00a030, 2023, the estimated fair value was substantially in excess of the carrying value for the majority of these leading brand trademarks, and in all instances, the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value by greater than 10 percent.\nPension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans:\n To determine the ultimate obligation under our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, we must estimate the future cost of benefits and attribute that cost to the time period during which each covered employee works. Various actuarial assumptions must be made in order to predict and measure costs and obligations many years prior to the settlement date, the most significant being the interest rates used to discount the obligations of the plans, the long-term rates of return on the plans\u2019 assets, and mortality assumptions. We, along with third-party actuaries and investment managers, review all of these assumptions on an ongoing basis to ensure that the most reasonable information available is being considered.\nWe employ a total return on investment approach for the defined benefit pension plans\u2019 assets. A mix of equity, fixed-income, and alternative investments is used to maximize the long-term rate of return on assets for the level of risk. In determining the expected long-term rate of return on the defined benefit pension plans\u2019 assets, we consider the historical rates of return, the nature of investments, the asset allocation, and expectations of future investment strategies. The actual rate of return was a loss of 2.3 percent and a loss of 4.6 percent for the years ended April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which excludes administrative and investment expenses. \nWe utilize a spot rate methodology for the estimation of service and interest cost for our plans by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows to provide a better estimate of service and interest costs. For 2024 expense recognition, we will use weighted-average discount rates for the U.S. defined benefit pension plans of 5.19 percent to determine benefit obligation, 5.38 percent to determine service cost, and 5.08 percent to determine interest cost. As of April 30, 2023, a 50 basis-point decrease in the discount rate assumption would increase the 2024 net periodic benefit cost by approximately $0.4, and the benefit obligation would increase by approximately $18.4. In addition, we anticipate using an expected rate of return on plan assets of 5.35 percent for the U.S. defined benefit pension plans. A 50 basis-point decrease in the expected rate of return on plan assets assumption would increase the 2024 net periodic benefit cost by approximately $1.5. \n38\nFor the Canadian defined benefit pension plans, we will use weighted-average discount rates of 4.59 percent to determine benefit obligation and 4.65 percent to determine interest cost for 2024 expense recognition. In addition, we anticipate using an expected rate of return on plan assets of 3.30 percent for the Canadian defined pension plans. A change in the assumptions used for the Canadian defined benefit pension plans would not have a material impact on the net periodic benefit cost and benefit obligation. For additional information, see Note 8: Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.\nFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS\nCertain statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements may include statements concerning our current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and beliefs concerning future events, conditions, plans, and strategies that are not historical fact. Any statement that is not historical in nature is a forward-looking statement and may be identified by the use of words and phrases such as \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d and similar phrases.\nFederal securities laws provide a safe harbor for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information. We are providing this cautionary statement in connection with the safe harbor provisions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such statements are by nature subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements and from our historical results and experience. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those set forth under the caption \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the following:\n\u2022\nthe effect of the sale of certain pet food brands on our ability to retain key personnel and to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, and other business partners, and any impact to the value of our investment in Post common stock or our ability to dispose of some or all of such securities at favorable market prices;\n\u2022\ndisruptions or inefficiencies in our operations or supply chain, including any impact caused by product recalls (including the \nJif\n peanut butter product recall), political instability, terrorism, armed hostilities (including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine), extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics (including COVID-19), work stoppages or labor shortages, or other calamities;\n\u2022\nrisks related to the availability, and cost inflation in, supply chain inputs, including labor, raw materials, commodities, packaging, and transportation;\n\u2022\nthe impact of food security concerns involving either our products or our competitors\u2019 products, including changes in consumer preference, consumer litigation, actions by the FDA or other agencies, and product recalls;\n\u2022\nrisks associated with derivative and purchasing strategies we employ to manage commodity pricing and interest rate risks;\n\u2022\nthe availability of reliable transportation on acceptable terms;\n\u2022\nour ability to achieve cost savings related to our restructuring and cost management programs in the amounts and within the time frames currently anticipated;\n\u2022\nour ability to generate sufficient cash flow to continue operating under our capital deployment model, including capital expenditures, debt repayment, dividend payments, and share repurchases;\n\u2022\nour ability to implement and realize the full benefit of price changes, and the impact of the timing of the price changes to profits and cash flow in a particular period;\n\u2022\nthe success and cost of marketing and sales programs and strategies intended to promote growth in our business, including product innovation;\n\u2022\ngeneral competitive activity in the market, including competitors\u2019 pricing practices and promotional spending levels;\n\u2022\nour ability to attract and retain key talent;\n\u2022\nthe concentration of certain of our businesses with key customers and suppliers, including single-source suppliers of certain key raw materials and finished goods, and our ability to manage and maintain key relationships;\n\u2022\nimpairments in the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long-lived assets or changes in the useful lives of other intangible assets or other long-lived assets;\n\u2022\nthe impact of new or changes to existing governmental laws and regulations and their application;\n\u2022\nthe outcome of tax examinations, changes in tax laws, and other tax matters;\n\u2022\na disruption, failure, or security breach of our or our suppliers\u2019 information technology systems, including ransomware attacks;\n39\n\u2022\nforeign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations; and\n\u2022\nrisks related to other factors described under \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in other reports and statements we have filed with the SEC.\nReaders are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, when evaluating the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances subsequent to the filing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.\nDERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND MARKET RISK\nThe following discussions about our market risk disclosures involve forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates. \nInterest Rate Risk:\n The fair value of our cash and cash equivalents at April\u00a030, 2023, approximates carrying value. We are exposed to interest rate risk with regard to existing debt consisting of fixed- and variable-rate maturities. Our interest rate exposure primarily includes U.S. Treasury rates, SOFR, and commercial paper rates in the U.S. \nWe utilize derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk associated with anticipated debt transactions, as well as to manage changes in the fair value of our long-term debt. At the inception of an interest rate contract, the instrument is evaluated and documented for qualifying hedge accounting treatment. If the contract is designated as a cash flow hedge, the mark-to-market gains or losses on the contract are deferred and included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and generally reclassified to interest expense in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. If the contract is designated as a fair value hedge, the contract is recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, and changes in the fair value are recognized in interest expense. Generally, changes in the fair value of the contract are equal to changes in the fair value of the underlying debt and have no net impact on earnings.\nIn 2020, we terminated all outstanding interest rate contracts concurrent with the pricing of the Senior Notes due March 15, 2030, and March 15, 2050. The contracts were designated as cash flow hedges and were used to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility associated with the anticipated debt financing. The termination resulted in a pre-tax loss of $239.8, which was deferred and included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is being amortized as interest expense over the life of the debt.\nIn 2015, we terminated the interest rate swap on the Senior Notes due October 15, 2021, which was designated as a fair value hedge and used to hedge against the changes in the fair value of the debt. As a result of the early termination, we received $58.1 in cash, which included $4.6 of accrued and prepaid interest. The gain on termination was recorded as an increase in the long-term debt balance and was recognized over the life of the debt as a reduction of interest expense. As of 2022, we had fully recognized the gain of $53.5, of which $4.0 was recognized in 2022. For more information on our derivative financial instruments and terminated contracts, see Note 9: Derivative Financial Instruments.\nIn measuring interest rate risk by the amount of net change in the fair value of our financial liabilities, \na hypothetical \n100 basis-point decrease in interest rates at April\u00a030, 2023, would increase the fair value of our long-term debt by\n $307.7.\nCommodity Price Risk:\n We use certain raw materials and other commodities that are subject to price volatility caused by supply and demand conditions, political and economic variables, weather, investor speculation, and other unpredictable factors. To manage the volatility related to anticipated commodity purchases, we use derivatives with maturities of generally less than one year. We do not qualify commodity derivatives for hedge accounting treatment. As a result, the gains and losses on all commodity derivatives are immediately recognized in cost of products sold.\n40\nThe following sensitivity analysis presents our potential loss of fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10 percent change in market prices related to commodities.\n\u00a0\u00a0\nYear Ended April 30,\n\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nHigh\n$\n53.9\u00a0\n$\n72.3\u00a0\nLow\n21.6\u00a0\n14.8\u00a0\nAverage\n39.7\u00a0\n37.1\u00a0\nThe estimated fair value was determined using quoted market prices and was based on our net derivative position by commodity for the previous four quarters. The calculations are not intended to represent actual losses in fair value that we expect to incur. In practice, as markets move, we actively manage our risk and adjust hedging strategies as appropriate. The commodities hedged have a high inverse correlation to price changes of the derivative instrument. Thus, we would expect that over time any gain or loss in the estimated fair value of its derivatives would generally be offset by an increase or decrease in the estimated fair value of the underlying exposures.\nForeign Currency Exchange Risk:\n We have operations outside the U.S. with foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, primarily denominated in Canadian currency. Because we have foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, financial exposure may result, primarily from the timing of transactions and the movement of exchange rates.\n The foreign currency balance sheet exposures as of April\u00a030, 2023, are not expected to result in a significant impact on future earnings or \ncash flows.\nWe utilize foreign currency derivatives to manage the effect of foreign currency exchange fluctuations on future cash payments primarily related to purchases of certain raw materials and finished goods. The contracts generally have maturities of less than one year. We do not qualify instruments used to manage foreign currency exchange exposures for hedge accounting treatment. Therefore, the change in value of these instruments is immediately recognized in cost of products sold. \nBased on our hedged foreign currency positions as of April\u00a030, 2023, a hypothetical 10 percent change in exchange rates would not materially impact the fair value.\nRevenues from customers outside the U.S., subject to foreign currency exchange, represented 5 percent of net sales during 2023. Thus, certain revenues and expenses have been, and are expected to be, subject to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, and these fluctuations may have an impact on operating results.\n41",
+ "cik": "91419",
+ "cusip6": "832696",
+ "cusip": ["832696955", "832696405", "832696905"],
+ "names": ["The J M Smucker Co.", "SMUCKER J M CO"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/91419/000009141923000072/0000091419-23-000072-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000096021-23-000117.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000096021-23-000117.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3d4bfd53e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000096021-23-000117.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\n \n\u00a0Business\nUnless this Form 10-K indicates otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d \u201cSysco,\u201d or the \u201ccompany\u201d as used in this Form 10-K refer to Sysco Corporation together with its consolidated subsidiaries and divisions.\nOverview\nSysco Corporation, acting through its subsidiaries and divisions, is the largest global distributor of food and related products primarily to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry.\u00a0Our purpose is \u201cConnecting the World to Share Food and Care for One Another.\u201d We provided products and related services to approximately 725,000 customer locations, including restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers during fiscal 2023. \nFounded in 1969, Sysco commenced operations as a public company in March 1970 when the stockholders of nine companies exchanged their stock for Sysco common stock.\u00a0Since our formation, we have grown from $115 million to our all-time high of $76.3 billion in annual sales in fiscal 2023, both through internal expansion of existing operations and acquisitions. \nSysco\u2019s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to June 30th.\u00a0This resulted in a 52-week year ended July 1, 2023 for fiscal 2023, a 52-week year ended July 2, 2022 for fiscal 2022 and a 53-week year ended July 3, 2021 for fiscal 2021. We will have a 52-week year ending June\u00a029, 2024 for fiscal 2024. \nSysco Corporation is organized under the laws of Delaware.\u00a0The address and telephone number of our executive offices are 1390 Enclave Parkway, Houston, Texas 77077-2099, (281) 584-1390. This annual report on Form 10-K, as well as all other reports filed or furnished by Sysco pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), are available free of charge on Sysco\u2019s website at \nwww.sysco.com\n as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).\nReporting Segments\nSysco distributes food and related products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers.\u00a0Our primary operations are in North America and Europe.\u00a0Under the accounting provisions related to disclosures about segments of an enterprise, we have combined certain operations into three reportable segments. \u201cOther\u201d financial information is attributable to our other operations that do not meet the quantitative disclosure thresholds.\n\u2022\nU.S. Foodservice Operations\n \u2013 primarily includes (a) our U.S. Broadline operations, which distribute a full line of food products, including custom-cut meat, seafood, produce, specialty Italian, specialty imports and a wide variety of non-food products and (b) our U.S. Specialty operations, which include our FreshPoint fresh produce distribution business, our Specialty Meats and Seafood Group specialty protein operations, our growing Italian Specialty platform anchored by Greco & Sons, our Asian specialty distribution company and a number of other small specialty businesses that are not material to the operations of Sysco; \n\u2022\nInternational Foodservice Operations\n \u2013 includes operations outside of the United States (U.S.), which distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products. The Americas primarily consists of operations in Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, as well as our export operations that distribute to international customers. Our European operations primarily consist of operations in the United Kingdom (U.K.), France, Ireland and Sweden;\n\u2022\nSYGMA\n \u2013 our U.S. customized distribution operations serving quick-service chain restaurant customer locations; and\n\u2022\nOther\n \u2013 primarily our hotel supply operations, Guest Worldwide.\nFoodservice operating sites distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to both independent and chain restaurant customers, hospitals, schools, hotels, industrial caterers and other venues where foodservice products are served.\u00a0SYGMA operating sites distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to certain chain restaurant customer locations. Selected financial data for each of our reportable segments, as well as financial information concerning geographic areas, can be found in Note 21, \u201cBusiness Segment Information,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.\n1\nCustomers and Products\nSysco\u2019s customers in the foodservice industry include restaurants, hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, schools and colleges, hotels and motels, industrial caterers and other similar venues where foodservice products are served.\nThe products we distribute include:\n\u2022\nfrozen foods, such as meats, seafood, fully prepared entr\u00e9es, fruits, vegetables and desserts;\n\u2022\ncanned and dry foods;\n\u2022\nfresh meats and seafood;\n\u2022\ndairy products;\n\u2022\nbeverage products;\n\u2022\nimported specialties; and\n\u2022\nfresh produce.\nWe also supply a wide variety of non-food items, including:\n\u2022\npaper products such as disposable napkins, plates and cups;\n\u2022\ntableware such as glassware and silverware;\n\u2022\ncookware such as pots, pans and utensils;\n\u2022\nrestaurant and kitchen equipment and supplies; and\n\u2022\ncleaning supplies.\nA comparison of the sales mix in the principal product categories during the last three years is presented below:\nPrincipal product categories\n2023\n2022\n2021\nCanned and dry products\n19\u00a0\n%\n17\u00a0\n%\n16\u00a0\n%\nFresh and frozen meats\n18\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n19\u00a0\nFrozen fruits, vegetables, bakery and other\n15\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n15\u00a0\nDairy products\n11\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n10\u00a0\nPoultry\n10\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n11\u00a0\nFresh produce\n9\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n8\u00a0\nPaper and disposables\n7\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n8\u00a0\nSeafood\n4\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n5\u00a0\nBeverage products\n3\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n3\u00a0\nOther \n(1)\n4\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n5\u00a0\nTotals\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n(1)\nOther sales relate to non-food products, including textiles and amenities for our hotel supply business, equipment, other janitorial products, medical supplies and smallwares.\nOur distribution centers, which we refer to as operating sites, distribute branded merchandise, as well as products packaged under our private brands. Products packaged under our private brands have been manufactured for Sysco according to specifications that have been developed by our quality assurance team. In addition, our quality assurance team certifies the manufacturing and processing plants where these products are packaged, enforces our quality control standards and identifies supply sources that satisfy our requirements.\nWe believe that prompt and accurate delivery of orders, competitive pricing, customer service and the ability to provide a full array of products and services to assist customers in their foodservice operations are of primary importance in the marketing and distribution of foodservice products to our customers. Our operating sites offer daily delivery to certain customer locations and have the capability of delivering special orders on short notice. Through the sales and marketing representatives and support staff, we stay informed of the needs of our customers and acquaint them with new products and services. We also provide ancillary services relating to foodservice distribution, such as providing customers with product usage reports and other data, menu-planning advice, food safety training and assistance in inventory control. Additionally, we provide access to various third-party services designed to add value to our customers\u2019 businesses.\nNo single customer accounted for 10% or more of Sysco\u2019s total sales for the fiscal year ended July 1, 2023.\n2\nWe estimate that our sales by type of customer during the past three fiscal years were as follows:\nType of Customer\n2023\n2022\n2021\nRestaurants \n(1)\n62\u00a0\n%\n63\u00a0\n%\n66\u00a0\n%\nEducation, government\n8\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n6\u00a0\nTravel and leisure\n8\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n5\u00a0\nHealthcare\n7\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n9\u00a0\nOther \n(2)\n15\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n14\u00a0\nTotals\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n(1)\nRestaurants returned to a pre-pandemic percentage of total sales in fiscal year 2023. For comparability purposes, in both fiscal years 2020 and 2019, restaurants constituted 62% of total sales. \n(2)\nOther includes cafeterias that are not stand-alone restaurants, bakeries, caterers, churches, civic and fraternal organizations, vending distributors, other distributors and international exports, as well as retail food sales and logistics services. None of these types of customers, as a group, exceeded 5% of total sales in any of the years for which information is presented.\nWe estimate that sales to our customers in the food service management (FSM) sector, which include large customers that service cafeterias in institutions such as universities, hospitals, and sporting venues, accounted for 7% of sales in fiscal 2023, as compared to 6% of sales in fiscal 2022. These sales are reflected within the respective customer types listed in the table above, depending on the type of customer the FSM operator serves.\nSources of Supply\nWe purchase from thousands of suppliers, both domestic and international, none of which individually accounted for more than 10% of our purchases for fiscal 2023.\u00a0These suppliers consist generally of large corporations selling brand name and private label merchandise, as well as independent regional brand and private label processors and packers.\u00a0We also provide specialty and seasonal products from small to mid-sized producers to meet a growing demand for locally sourced products. Our locally sourced products, including produce, meats, cheese and other products, help differentiate our customers\u2019 offerings, satisfy demands for new products, and support local communities. Merchandise is generally purchased through both centrally developed programs, domestically and internationally, and direct programs established by our various operating sites.\nWe administer a consolidated product procurement program designed to develop, obtain and ensure consistent quality food and non-food products. The program covers the purchasing and marketing of branded merchandise, as well as products from several national brand suppliers, encompassing substantially all product lines. Some of our products are purchased internationally within global procurement centers to build strategic relationships with international suppliers and to optimize our supply chain network. We also focus on increasing profitability by lowering operating costs and aggregate inventory levels. This reduces future facility expansion needs at our operating sites, while providing greater value to our suppliers and customers.\nWorking Capital Practices\nOur growth is funded through a combination of cash on hand, cash flow from operations, commercial paper issuances and long-term borrowings. See the discussion in Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations \u2013 Liquidity and Capital Resources\u201d regarding our liquidity, financial position and sources and uses of funds. \nWe extend credit terms to some of our customers based on our assessment of each customer\u2019s creditworthiness. We monitor each customer\u2019s account and will suspend shipments if necessary.\nA majority of our sales orders are filled within 24 hours of customer order placement. We generally maintain inventory on hand to meet customer demand. The level of inventory on hand will vary by product depending on shelf-life, supplier order fulfillment lead times and customer demand. We also purchase additional volumes of certain products based on supply or pricing opportunities. We take advantage of suppliers\u2019 cash discounts where appropriate. Otherwise, we pay our suppliers according to our payment terms.\nGlobal Support Center\nOur Global Support Center (GSC) provides numerous centralized services to our operating sites and performs support activities for employees, suppliers and customers. GSC team members possess experience and expertise in, among other areas, \n3\ncustomer and vendor contract administration, accounting and finance, treasury, legal, information technology, payroll and employee benefits, risk management and insurance, sales and marketing, merchandising, inbound logistics, human resources, strategy and tax compliance services. The GSC also makes available supply chain expertise in warehousing, distribution, and omni-channel strategic services, which provide assistance in operational best practices, including space utilization, energy conservation, fleet management and workflow.\nCapital Improvements\nDuring fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, $793.3 million, $632.8 million and $470.7 million, respectively, were invested in facilities, technology, equipment, delivery fleet and other capital asset enhancements. From time to time, we dispose of assets in the normal course of business and we consider proceeds from these asset sales to be an offset to capital expenditures. During fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of assets, were $751.2 million, $608.7 million and $411.5 million, respectively. Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of assets, as a percentage of sales during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 were 1.0%, 0.9% and 0.8%, respectively. During the three years ended July 1, 2023, capital expenditures were financed primarily by internally generated funds along with bank and other borrowings. We expect our capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of assets, to continue to approximate 1% of sales in fiscal 2024, and we expect to finance these capital expenditures from cash flows from operations and bank and other borrowings.\nHuman Capital Resources\nWe believe engaged and empowered colleagues are key to business success. Attracting, developing and retaining the best talent globally drives the company\u2019s long-term value. Our diverse colleagues and inclusive culture create an environment where colleagues can develop their skills and contribute to our success. As of July 1, 2023, we employed approximately 72,000 employees, including 50,000 U.S. employees and 22,000 employees outside the U.S., as compared to approximately 71,000 employees as of July 2, 2022. Also, approximately 99% of our U.S.-based colleagues are classified as full-time, defined as employees who work 30 or more hours per week. Approximately 15% of our employees were represented by unions, primarily the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and unions in France and Sweden. Approximately 8% of our union U.S. employees and 20% of our union international employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements that are subject to renegotiation in fiscal 2024.\nTalent Acquisition and Talent Management \n\u2014 Maintaining a pipeline of talent is critical to our ongoing success and is essential to our succession planning efforts and to growing leaders throughout the organization. Our leadership is responsible for attracting and retaining top talent by facilitating an environment where employees feel supported and encouraged in their professional and personal development. Specifically, we promote employee development by cultivating a high-impact learning culture for our colleagues through a variety of enterprise development programs and learning resources, including goal-setting and career development processes. We commit to investing in our employees through on the job training and coaching. Additionally, through our Sysco Speaks program, we conduct annual, confidential engagement surveys of our global workforce that are administered and analyzed by an independent third party.\nTotal Rewards \n\u2014 We are committed to equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or other personal characteristics. To deliver on that commitment, we benchmark and set pay ranges based on market data and consider various factors, such as an employee\u2019s role and experience, job location and individual performance. We also regularly review our compensation practices to promote fair and equitable pay. In fiscal 2023, our hourly colleagues received an average hourly wage of $24.15, and 100% of colleagues in our U.S. distribution facilities received pay above state minimum wage thresholds. Also, some of our full-time colleagues receive paid vacation and sick time benefits, short-term and long-term incentives, retirement plans, training and development, access to career opportunities, paid pregnancy and adoption leave benefits, short-term and long-term disability benefits, health and welfare benefits, and recognition, as well as other programs like employee discounts.\nDiversity, Equity and Inclusion \n\u2014 Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team develops global strategic initiatives that are implemented to ensure that the needs specific to each region are addressed. Our vision is to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment that reflects the customers and communities we serve. We use our Global DEI Advisory Council to monitor and enhance our three-year DEI Roadmap and Real Talk Dialogues which provide leaders and colleagues safe forums to have open, honest, two-way and completely voluntary conversations. Our Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) are voluntary, colleague-led groups organized to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace at Sysco. They are a critical element of our engagement and DEI efforts at both our headquarters and at operating sites. \n4\nAs of July 1, 2023, our U.S. employee population possessed the gender, ethnic and racial attributes identified below:\nUnited States Employee Population \n(1)\nMale\nFemale\nWhite\nHispanic or Latino\nBlack or African American\nAsian\nAmerican Indian or Alaskan Native\nNative Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander\nTwo or more races\nNot Available\nIndividual Contributors\n81\u00a0\n%\n19\u00a0\n%\n42\u00a0\n%\n26\u00a0\n%\n23\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n2\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\nManagement\n74\u00a0\n26\u00a0\n63\u00a0\n16\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nSenior Management\n74\u00a0\n26\u00a0\n79\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n1\u00a0\nOfficers\n72\u00a0\n28\u00a0\n66\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n6\u00a0\nTotal Sysco\n80\u00a0\n20\u00a0\n45\u00a0\n25\u00a0\n21\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n(1)\nInformation is based on self-reported identification.\nCompetition\nA large number of companies are engaged in the distribution of food and non-food products to the foodservice industry. Our customers may choose to purchase products directly from wholesale or retail outlets, including club, cash and carry and grocery stores, online retailers, or negotiate prices directly with our suppliers. We compete with local and regional distributors and some organizations that operate on a multi-region basis. In addition, these local, regional and multi-regional distributors can create purchasing cooperatives and marketing groups to enhance their competitive abilities by expanding their product mix, improving purchasing power and extending their geographic capabilities. Our customers are accustomed to purchasing from multiple suppliers and channels concurrently. Customers can choose from many broadline foodservice distributors; specialty distributors that focus on specific categories such as produce, meat or seafood; other wholesale channels; club stores; cash and carry stores; grocery stores; and numerous online retailers. Since switching costs are very low, customers can make supplier and channel changes very quickly. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the foodservice industry are effective customer contacts, the ability to deliver a wide range of quality products and related services on a timely and dependable basis, and competitive prices. There are few barriers to market entry. \nWe estimate we serve more than 17% of the approximately $350 billion annual foodservice market in the U.S., as estimated by Technomic, Inc., for calendar year 2022. Technomic projects the market size to increase to approximately $370\u00a0billion by the end of calendar 2023. We also serve certain international geographies that vary in size and amount of market share. We believe, based upon industry trade data, our sales to the U.S. and Canada food-away-from-home industry were the highest of any foodservice distributor during fiscal 2023. While comprehensive industry statistics are not available, we believe that, in most instances, our operations in the U.S. and Canada are among the leading distributors of food and related non-food products to foodservice customers in those trade areas.\u00a0We believe our competitive advantages include our sales consultants; our diversified product base, which includes quality-assured Sysco brand products; our service reliability; the ancillary services we provide to our customers, such as business reviews and menu analysis; and our multi-regional presence in North America and Europe. These advantages combined with a large geographical footprint of multi-temperature warehouses, mitigates some of the impact of regional economic declines that may occur over time.\nGovernment Regulation\nOur company is required to comply, and it is our policy to comply, with all applicable laws and regulations in the numerous countries throughout the world in which we do business.\nIn the U.S., as a marketer and distributor of food products, we are subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA regulates food safety and quality through various statutory and regulatory mandates, including manufacturing and holding requirements for foods through good manufacturing practice regulations, hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) requirements for certain foods, and the food and color additive approval process. The agency also specifies the standards of identity for certain foods; prescribes the format and content of information required to appear on food product labels; regulates food contact packaging and materials; and maintains a Reportable Food Registry for the industry to report when there is a reasonable probability that an article of food will cause serious adverse health consequences. For certain product lines, we are also subject to the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, the Packers and Stockyard Act and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to interpret and implement these statutory provisions. The USDA imposes standards for product safety, quality and sanitation through the federal meat and poultry \n5\ninspection program. The USDA reviews and approves the labeling of these products and establishes standards for the grading and commercial acceptance of produce shipments from our suppliers. We are also subject to the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, which imposes certain registration and record keeping requirements on facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption.\nThe Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has significantly expanded our food safety requirements. The FDA has finalized regulations implementing the FSMA, recognizing that ensuring the safety of the food supply is a shared responsibility among many different points in the global supply chain. The FSMA rules are designed to identify specific actions that must be taken at each of these points to prevent contamination. We have established and continue to maintain comprehensive, prevention-based controls across the food supply chain that are both verified and validated, as required by FDA regulations implementing FSMA. The FSMA further imposes requirements for food products imported into the U.S. and provides the FDA with mandatory recall authority. \nWe and our products are also subject to state and local regulation through such measures as the licensing of our facilities; enforcement by state and local health agencies of state and local standards for our products; and regulation of our trade practices in connection with the sale of our products. Our facilities are subject to regulations issued pursuant to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act by the U.S. Department of Labor. These regulations require us to comply with certain manufacturing, health and safety standards to protect our employees from accidents and to establish hazard communication programs to transmit information on the hazards of certain chemicals present in products we distribute. We are also subject to the National Labor Relations Act, which governs the process for collective bargaining between employers and employees and protects the rights of both employers and employees in the workplace.\nOur processing and distribution facilities must be registered with the FDA biennially and are subject to periodic government agency inspections by the FDA and USDA. Our facilities are generally inspected at least annually by federal and/or state authorities. We also must comply with Federal Trade Commission standards with respect to any claims made about our food products in advertising and marketing materials.\nOur customers include several departments of the federal government, including the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, as well as certain state and local entities. These customer relationships subject us to additional regulations applicable to government contractors.\nWe are also subject to regulation by numerous federal, state and local regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Labor, which sets employment practice standards for workers. We are also subject to regulations by the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as its agencies, the Surface Transportation Board, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which collectively regulate our trucking operations through the regulation of operations, safety, insurance and hazardous materials. We must comply with the safety and fitness regulations promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, including those relating to drug and alcohol testing and hours-of service. Such matters as weight and dimension of equipment also fall under federal and state regulations. We are subject to regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration covering items transported by air. In addition, we are subject to the federal False Claims Act, and similar state statutes, which prohibit knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment to the government and the knowing and improper retention of overpayments. \nThe U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits bribery of public officials to obtain or retain business in foreign jurisdictions. The FCPA also requires us to keep accurate books and records and to maintain internal accounting controls to detect and prevent bribery and to ensure that transactions are properly authorized and recorded. We have implemented and continue to develop an anti-corruption compliance program applicable to our global operations intended to detect and prevent bribery and to comply with these and other anti-corruption laws in countries where we operate.\nOur business is subject to competition laws in the various jurisdictions where we operate, including the Sherman Antitrust Act and related federal and state antitrust laws in the U.S. These laws and regulations generally prohibit competitors from fixing prices, boycotting competitors, or engaging in other conduct that unreasonably restrains competition. In many jurisdictions, compliance with these competition laws is of special importance to us. Our operations may come under special scrutiny by competition law authorities due to our competitive position in those jurisdictions.\nOutside the U.S., our business is subject to numerous similar statutes, regulations, and other regulatory requirements. For example, we are subject to legal and regulatory requirements of the European Union (EU), as well as those of EU countries, where we conduct business (including Ireland, France and Sweden). Those requirements relate to, among other things, \n6\ncompetition, product composition, packaging, labeling, advertisement (including nutrition and health claims) and the safety of food products, as well as the health, safety and working conditions of employees. We are subject to privacy laws in the EU, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires companies to meet certain requirements regarding the handling of personal data. In addition, our business is subject to the U.K. Modern Slavery Act 2015, which requires certain companies that operate in the U.K. to prepare a report describing steps that they have taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in their supply chain or business. Our business is also subject to the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, an anti-corruption law that criminalizes the failure by a company to prevent persons associated with that company from offering or paying bribes to government officials or non-government persons in order to obtain or retain business or a business advantage for the company, as well as restricting the offer, payment or receipt of bribes to or from governmental officials and non-governmental persons.\nAll of our company\u2019s facilities and other operations in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world are subject to various environmental protection statutes and regulations, including those in the U.S., the U.K. and the EU, relating to: (1) the use of water resources and the discharge of wastewater; (2) the discharge of pollutants into the air, including vehicle emissions; (3) proper handling, treatment and disposing of solid and hazardous wastes; and (4) protecting against and appropriately investigating and remediating spills and releases. Further, most of our distribution facilities have ammonia-based refrigeration systems and tanks for the storage of diesel fuel and other petroleum products which are subject to laws regulating such systems and storage tanks (including the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination associated with the use of underground storage tanks). See \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors - Business and Operational Risks - We may incur significant costs to comply with environmental laws and regulations, and we may be subject to substantial fines, penalties, or third-party claims for non-compliance.\u201d\nGeneral\nWe have numerous trademarks that are of significant importance, including the SYSCO\u00ae and Brakes\u00ae trademarks, in addition to our privately branded product trademarks that include these trademarks. These trademarks and the private brands on which they are used are widely recognized within the foodservice industry. Both our U.S. and European trademarks are effective for a ten-year period, and we generally renew our trademarks before their expiration dates unless a particular trademark is no longer in use. We believe the loss of the SYSCO\u00ae trademark would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We do not have any material patents or licenses.\nWe are not engaged in material research and development activities relating to the development of new products or the improvement of existing products.\nOur sales do not generally fluctuate significantly on a seasonal basis; therefore, our business is not deemed to be seasonal.\nAs of July 1, 2023, we operated 334 distribution facilities throughout North America and Europe.\n Item 1A. \nRisk Factors\nThe following discussion of \u201crisk factors\u201d identifies the most significant factors that may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position and future financial performance. This information should be read in conjunction with Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this report. The following discussion of risks is not all inclusive, but is designed to highlight what we believe are the most significant factors to consider when evaluating our business. These factors could cause our future results to differ from our expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements identified within \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d and from other historical trends.\nIndustry and General Economic Risks\nOur industry is characterized by low margins, and periods of significant or prolonged inflation or deflation affect our product costs and may negatively impact our profitability and results of operations.\nThe foodservice distribution industry is characterized by relatively high inventory turnover with relatively low profit margins. Volatile food costs have a direct impact on our industry. We experienced an elevated inflation rate of approximately 6.1% in our total company operations during fiscal 2023, primarily in the dairy, frozen and canned and dry categories. In periods of significant product cost inflation, if we are unable to pass on all or a portion of such product cost increases to our customers in a timely manner, our results of operations would be adversely affected. In addition, periods of rapidly increasing \n7\ninflation may adversely affect our results of operations due to the impact of such inflation on discretionary spending by consumers and our limited ability to increase prices in the current, highly competitive environment. Conversely, our results of operations may be adversely affected by periods of product cost disinflation and deflation, because we make a significant portion of our sales at prices that are based on the cost of products we sell plus a percentage margin, mark-up or fee per case. As a result, our results of operations may be adversely affected during periods of product cost disinflation and deflation, even though our gross profit percentage may remain relatively constant.\nA shortage of qualified labor and increases in labor costs could adversely affect our business and materially reduce earnings\n.\nThe future success of our operations, including the achievement of our strategic objectives, depends on our ability, and the ability of certain third parties on which we rely, to identify, recruit, develop and retain diverse, qualified and talented individuals. As a result, a shortage of qualified labor could adversely affect our business, decrease our ability to effectively serve our customers, and achieve our strategic objectives. We are experiencing a shortage of qualified labor in certain geographies, particularly in the area of warehouse workers and drivers. Such shortages frequently result in increased costs from certain temporary wage actions, such as hiring, referral, and retention bonus programs. See the discussion under \u201cHuman Capital Resources\u201d in Item 1, \u201cBusiness\u201d for additional information regarding our talent acquisition and talent management efforts in the context of these labor shortages. Unsuccessful recruiting and retention efforts as a result of such continuing shortages for a prolonged period of time could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.\nLabor shortages also likely lead to higher wages for employees and higher costs to purchase the services of third parties. Increases in labor costs, such as increases in minimum wage requirements, wage inflation and/or increased overtime, reduce our profitability and that of our customers. Increases in such labor costs for a prolonged period of time could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. \nFurther, potential changes in labor legislation and case law could result in current non-union portions of our workforce, including warehouse and delivery personnel, being subjected to greater organized labor influence. If additional portions of our workforce became subject to collective bargaining agreements, this could result in increased costs of doing business as we would become subject to mandatory, binding arbitration or labor scheduling, costs and standards, which may reduce our operating flexibility.\nGlobal health developments and economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic or other future public health crises may continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. \nPublic health crises, pandemics and epidemics could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic adversely impacted our business, results of operations and financial condition directly and disrupted the operations of our business partners, suppliers and customers. \n \nWhile our operations have generally stabilized since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot predict with certainty the extent to which our operations may be impacted in the future by any continuing effects of COVID-19 on us or on our business partners, suppliers and customers. \n \nFear of COVID-19 or similar events may further alter consumer confidence, behavior and spending patterns, and could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries (or globally), resulting in an economic downturn that could affect customers\u2019 demand for our products. \nIn response to the outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic, governmental authorities in many countries in which we, our customers and our suppliers were present and operated, imposed mandatory closures, sought voluntary closures and imposed restrictions on, or advisories with respect to, travel, business operations and public gatherings or interactions. Among other matters, these actions required or strongly urged various venues where foodservice products were served, including restaurants, schools, hotels and cruise liners, to reduce or discontinue operations, which adversely affected demand in the foodservice industry, including demand for our products and services. Mutations of the virus have arisen, and may arise in the future, some of which could prove to be particularly aggressive variants, causing some governmental authorities to reintroduce certain restrictions in the future, which could adversely affect demand in the foodservice industry.\nThe future outbreak of a public health crisis (including the reemergence of COVID-19) that adversely affects our business, results of operations and financial condition, could also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the SEC, such as those risks relating to our level of indebtedness, and may have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock.\n8\nUnfavorable macroeconomic conditions, as well as unfavorable conditions in particular local markets, may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\nOur results of operations are susceptible to regional, national and international economic trends and uncertainties. Economic conditions can affect us in the following ways:\n\u2022\nUnfavorable conditions can depress sales and/or gross margins in a given market.\n\u2022\nFood cost and fuel cost inflation can lead to reductions in the frequency of dining out and the amount spent by consumers for food-away-from-home purchases, reducing demand for our products.\n\u2022\nHeightened uncertainty in the financial markets negatively affects consumer confidence and discretionary spending.\n\u2022\nThe inability to consistently access credit markets could impair our ability to market and distribute food products, support our operations and meet our customers\u2019 needs.\n\u2022\nLiquidity and the inability of our customers and suppliers to consistently access credit markets to obtain cash to support their operations can cause temporary interruptions in our ability to collect funds from our customers and obtain the products and supplies that we need in the quantities and at the prices that we request.\n\u2022\nForeign exchange rate fluctuations can adversely impact our competitiveness and/or financial results.\nThe countries in which we operate have experienced and are experiencing, from time to time, deteriorating economic conditions and heightened uncertainty in financial markets, which have adversely impacted business and consumer confidence and spending and depressed capital investment and economic activity in the affected regions. Such conditions and high levels of uncertainty make it difficult to predict when, or if, a recession may occur. In fact, some commentators have suggested that the U.S. is already in a recession.\n \nA prolonged economic downturn or recession in the U.S. or global economies, and the impact on gross domestic product growth, corporate earnings, consumer confidence, employment rates, income levels and/or personal wealth, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\nWe may not be able to fully compensate for increases in fuel costs, and fuel hedging arrangements intended to contain fuel costs could result in above market fuel costs, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations.\nThe cost of fuel affects the prices we pay for products, as well as the costs we incur to deliver products to our customers. We require significant quantities of fuel for our delivery vehicles and are exposed to the risk associated with fluctuations in the market price for fuel. The price and supply of fuel can fluctuate significantly based on international, political and economic circumstances (such as the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation (Russia)) as well as other factors outside our control, such as actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other oil and gas producers, regional production patterns, weather conditions and environmental concerns. Although we have been able to pass along a portion of increased fuel costs to our customers in the past through, among other things, our fuel surcharge program, we may not be able to do so in the future. If fuel costs continue to increase in the future, we may experience difficulties in passing all or a portion of these costs along to our customers, which may adversely affect our results of operations.\nWe routinely enter into fuel hedging arrangements, including fuel derivatives, to hedge our exposure to volatile fuel prices. Nevertheless, our fuel hedging transactions may not be effective in protecting us from changes in fuel prices. If fuel prices were to decrease significantly, these hedging arrangements would result in our paying higher-than-market costs for a portion of our diesel fuel. In addition, our future use of fuel derivatives would expose us to the risk that any of our counterparties fails to perform its obligations, whether due to its insolvency or otherwise, which could result in financial losses.\nEconomic and political instability and changes in laws and regulations could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\nOur international operations subject us to certain risks, including economic and political instability and potential unfavorable changes in laws and regulations in international markets in which we operate. Local or regional geopolitical events, such as Brexit and, civil unrest in France in 2023 related to socioeconomic issues, have negatively impacted our operations. Similar future trade or labor disruptions or disputes could have a negative impact on our operations in the EU and other parts of the world.\nIn addition, military conflicts, such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, can negatively impact global demand. In response to such conflicts, various governments can and have recently imposed export controls on certain products and financial and economic sanctions on certain industry sectors and parties, which actions can have a negative impact on our operations. Although our business has not been materially impacted to date by the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, it is impossible to predict the extent to which our operations, or those of our suppliers and customers, will be impacted in the short \n9\nand long term, or the ways in which the conflict may impact our business. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market disruptions are difficult to predict, but could be substantial. Further escalation of geopolitical tensions related to the military conflict, including increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, could result in, among other things, cyberattacks, supply disruptions, lower consumer demand and changes to foreign exchange rates and financial markets. Any or all of these factors could disrupt our business directly and could disrupt the business of our customers, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Any such disruptions may also magnify the impact of other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nCompetition and the impact of GPOs may reduce our margins and make it difficult for us to maintain our market share, growth rate and profitability\n.\nThe foodservice distribution industry is fragmented and highly competitive, with local, regional and multi-regional distributors and specialty competitors. Local and regional companies often align themselves with other smaller distributors through purchasing cooperatives and marketing groups, with the goal of enhancing their geographic reach, private label offerings, overall purchasing power, cost efficiencies and ability to meet customer distribution requirements. These suppliers may also rely on local presence as a source of competitive advantage, and they may have lower costs and other competitive advantages due to geographic proximity. Furthermore, barriers to entry by new competitors, or geographic or product line expansion by existing competitors, are low. Additionally, increased competition from non-traditional sources (such as club stores and commercial wholesale outlets with lower cost structures), online direct food wholesalers and cash and carry operations have served to further increase pressure on the industry\u2019s profit margins.\n \nContinued margin pressure within the industry may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\nMoreover, some of our customers purchase their products from us through group purchasing organizations (GPOs) in an effort to lower the prices paid by these customers on their foodservice orders. GPOs have a relatively larger presence in the healthcare, lodging and foodservice management customer segments. If these GPOs are able to add a significant number of our customers as members,\n \nour business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.\nFinally, demand for food-away-from-home products is volatile and price sensitive, imposing limits on our customers\u2019 ability to absorb cost increases. New and increasing competitive sources may result in increased focus on pricing and on limiting price increases or may require increased discounting or other concessions. Such competition or other industry pressures may result in margin erosion and/or make it difficult for us to attract and retain customers.\nIf we are unable to effectively differentiate ourselves from our competitors, our results of operations could be adversely impacted. In addition, even if we are able to effectively differentiate ourselves, we may only be able to do so through increased expenditures or decreased prices, which could also adversely impact our results of operations.\nBusiness and Operational Risks\nConditions beyond our control can interrupt our supplies, increase our product costs and impair our ability to deliver products and services to our customers, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition\n.\nWe obtain substantially all of our foodservice and related products from third-party suppliers. Although our purchasing volume can provide benefits when dealing with suppliers, suppliers may not be able to provide the foodservice products and supplies that we need due to conditions outside of their control. We are also subject to delays caused by interruptions in production and increases in product costs based on conditions outside of our control. These conditions include shortages of qualified labor for our suppliers, work slowdowns, work interruptions, strikes or other job actions by employees of suppliers, short-term weather conditions or more prolonged climate change, crop and other agricultural conditions, water shortages, transportation interruptions (such as shortages of ocean cargo containers), unavailability of fuel or increases in fuel costs, product recalls, competitive demands, civil insurrection or social unrest, terrorist attacks or international hostilities (such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia) and natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) or other human or animal disease outbreaks or other catastrophic events (including, but not limited to, foodborne illnesses). Many of these conditions outside of our control could also impair our ability to provide our products and services to our customers or increase the cost of doing so. While our operations have generally stabilized since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot predict with certainty the extent that our operations may continue to be impacted by any continuing effects of COVID-19 on us or on our business partners, suppliers and customers. Customer demand is currently outpacing available supply in certain categories. Certain suppliers are struggling to meet demand for our orders and may also be affected by higher costs to source or \n10\nproduce and transport products, which impairs our ability to deliver products and services to our customers. Prolonged future supply shortages could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.\nFurther, increased frequency or duration of extreme weather conditions, which may be from climate change, could also impair production capabilities, disrupt our supply chain or adversely affect demand for our products. At any time, input costs could increase for a prolonged period for a large portion of the products that we sell. Additionally, we procure products from suppliers outside of the U.S., and we are subject to the risks associated with political or financial instability, military conflict, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates, transport capacity and costs and other factors relating to foreign trade, including health and safety restrictions related to epidemics and pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), any or all of which could delay our receipt of products or increase our input costs. \nIn addition, as a foodservice distributor, it is necessary for us to maintain an inventory of products. Declines in product pricing levels between the time we purchase a product from our suppliers and the time we sell the product to our customers could reduce our margin on that inventory, adversely affecting our results of operations.\nAdverse publicity about us or lack of confidence in our products could negatively impact our reputation and reduce earnings.\nMaintaining a good reputation and public confidence in the safety of the products we distribute is critical to our business. Our brand names, trademarks, logos and reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Anything that damages our reputation or public confidence in our products, whether or not justified, could tarnish our reputation and diminish the value of our brand, which could adversely affect our results of operations, and require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand.\nReports, whether true or not, of foodborne illnesses or injuries caused by food tampering could also severely injure our reputation or reduce public confidence in our products. If patrons of our restaurant customers were to become ill from foodborne illnesses, our customers could be forced to temporarily close restaurant locations, which would have an adverse effect on our sales and profitability. In addition, adverse publicity about regulatory or legal action against us could damage our reputation and image, undermine our customers\u2019 confidence in us and reduce short-term or long-term demand for our products and\n \nservices, even if the regulatory or legal action is unfounded or not material to our operations. \n \nAny of these developments or circumstances could adversely affect our results of operations.\nOur relationships with long-term customers may be materially diminished or terminated, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nWe have long-standing relationships and agreements with a number of our customers. Some of our customer agreements are terminable upon written notice by either us or the customer, which provides some customers with the opportunity to renegotiate their contracts with us on less favorable terms or to award more business to our competitors. Market competition, customer requirements, customer financial condition and customer consolidation through mergers or acquisitions also could adversely affect our ability to continue or expand these relationships. We may not be able to retain or renew existing agreements, maintain relationships with any of our customers on acceptable terms, or at all, or collect amounts that insolvent customers might owe us. The loss of one or more of our major customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nOur anticipated change to the mix of locally managed customers versus multi-unit customers could reduce our gross and operating margins.\nGross margin from our multi-unit customers, which includes primarily national and regional casual dining and quick service restaurant chains, is generally lower than that of our locally managed customers because we typically sell higher volumes of products to multi-unit customers and provide a relatively lower level of value-added services than we do to locally managed customers. If sales to our locally managed customers do not grow at the same (or a greater) rate as sales to our multi-unit customers, our operating margins could decline. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic generally negatively affected multi-unit customers less than locally managed customers.\nIf our sales to multi-unit customers were to continue to increase at a faster pace of growth than sales to our locally managed customers, we will become more dependent on multi-unit customers, as they begin to represent a greater proportion of our total sales. Therefore, a future loss of sales to the larger of these multi-unit customers could have a material negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, as a result of our greater dependence on these customers, \n11\nthese customers could pressure us to lower our prices and/or offer expanded or additional services at the same prices. In that event, if we were unable to achieve additional cost savings to offset these price reductions and/or cost increases, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. We may be unable to change our cost structure and pricing practices rapidly enough to successfully compete in such an environment.\nChanges in consumer eating habits could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nChanges in consumer eating habits (such as a decline in consuming food away from home, a decline in portion sizes, or a shift in preferences toward restaurants that are not our customers) could reduce demand for our products. Consumer eating habits could be affected by a number of factors, including changes in attitudes regarding diet and health (including shifting preferences for sustainable, organic and locally grown products, as well as alternative proteins) or new information regarding the health effects of consuming certain foods.\nChanging consumer eating habits also occur due to generational shifts. Millennials, the largest demographic group in terms of spend, seek new and different, as well as more ethnic, menu options and menu innovation. If consumer eating habits change significantly, we may be required to modify or discontinue sales of certain items in our product portfolio, and we may experience higher costs and/or supply shortages associated with our efforts to accommodate those changes as our suppliers adapt to new eating preferences. Changing consumer eating habits may reduce the frequency with which consumers purchase meals outside of the home. Additionally, changes in consumer eating habits may result in the enactment or amendment of laws and regulations that impact the ingredients and nutritional content of our food products, or laws and regulations requiring us to disclose the nutritional content of our food products. Compliance with these laws and regulations, as well as others regarding the ingredients and nutritional content of our food products, may be costly and time-consuming. We may not be able to effectively respond to changes in consumer health perceptions or resulting new laws or regulations or to adapt our menu offerings to trends in eating habits.\nIn addition, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic downturn, many consumers preferred to eat at home rather than consume food away from home. If these preferences return and consumers choose to avoid gathering in public places in large groups, the demand for our products and services could be adversely affected. Moreover, if governmental restrictions were to resume, it is unclear how quickly customers will return to their prior eating habits, which may be a function of continued concerns over safety or depressed consumer sentiment due to adverse economic conditions, including job losses. \nExpanding into new markets and complementary lines of business presents unique challenges and may not be successful, and failure to successfully expand may adversely affect the implementation of our business strategy.\nAn element of our strategy includes further expansion of operations into new markets and the establishment of new procurement organizations. Our ability to successfully operate in these new markets may be adversely affected by political, economic and social conditions beyond our control, public health crises, epidemics and pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), local laws and customs, and legal and regulatory constraints, including compliance with applicable anti-corruption and currency laws and regulations, of the countries or regions in which we currently operate or intend to operate in the future. Risks inherent in such expansion also include, among others, the costs and difficulties of identifying and gaining access to local suppliers, suffering possible adverse tax consequences from changes in tax laws or the unfavorable resolution of tax assessments or audits, maintaining product quality and greater difficulty in enforcing intellectual property rights. \nOur business strategy also includes the possibility of expansion into businesses that are closely related or complementary to, but not currently part of, our core foodservice distribution business. Our ability to successfully operate in these complementary business markets may be adversely affected by legal and regulatory constraints, including compliance with regulatory programs to which we become subject. Risks inherent in branching out into such complementary markets also include the costs and difficulties of managing operations outside of our core business, which may require additional skills and competencies, as well as difficulties in identifying and gaining access to suppliers or customers in new markets.\nChanges in applicable tax laws or regulations and the resolution of tax disputes could negatively affect our financial results.\nAs a multinational corporation, we are subject to income taxes, as well as non-income-based taxes, in both the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities. Changes in tax laws or tax rulings may have a significant adverse impact on our effective tax rate. For example:\n12\n\u2022\nThe U.S. and many countries where we do business are actively considering or have recently enacted changes in relevant tax, accounting and other laws, regulations and interpretations, including changes to tax laws applicable to corporate multinationals. \n\u2022\nOn August 16, 2022, the U.S. Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Inflation Reduction Act), which, among other provisions, creates a new corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) of at least 15% for certain large corporations that have at least an average of $1\u00a0billion in adjusted financial statement income over a consecutive three-year period effective after December 31, 2022. The Inflation Reduction Act also includes a 1% excise tax on certain stock repurchases beginning in 2023. We do not expect to meet the CAMT threshold in the near term. \n\u2022\nOn October 8, 2021, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) announced the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, which provides for a two-pillar solution to address tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy. Pillar One expands a country\u2019s authority to tax profits from companies that make sales into their country but do not have a physical location in the country. Pillar Two includes an agreement on international tax reform, including rules to ensure that large corporations pay a minimum rate of corporate income tax. On December 20, 2021, the OECD released Pillar Two Model Rules defining the global minimum tax, which calls for the taxation of large corporations at a minimum rate of 15%. The OECD continues to release additional guidance on the two-pillar framework, with widespread implementation anticipated by 2024. We are continuing to evaluate the potential impact on future periods of the Pillar Two Framework, pending legislative adoption by individual countries.\nFurther, in the ordinary course of a global business, there are many intercompany transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination could change if tax laws or tax rulings were to be modified. We are also subject to non-income-based taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, net worth, property and goods and services taxes, in both the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. Although we believe that our income and non-income-based tax estimates are appropriate, there is no assurance that the final determination of tax audits or tax disputes will not be different from what is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals.\nGiven the unpredictability of possible further changes to the U.S. or foreign tax laws and regulations and their potential interdependency, it is very difficult to predict the cumulative effect of such tax laws and regulations on our results of operations and cash flow, but such laws and regulations (and changes thereto) could adversely impact our financial results. \nAdditionally, we are subject to regular review and audit by both domestic and foreign tax authorities as well as to the prospective and retrospective effects of changing tax regulations and legislation. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may materially differ from the tax amounts recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements and may materially affect our income tax provision, net income, or cash flows in the period or periods for which such determination and settlement occurs.\nIf our products are alleged to have caused injury or illness, or to have failed to comply with governmental regulations, we may need to recall or withdraw our products and may experience product liability claims.\nWe, like any other foodservice distributor, may be subject to product recalls, including voluntary recalls or withdrawals, if the products we distribute are alleged to have caused injury or illness, to have been mislabeled, misbranded, or adulterated or to otherwise have violated applicable governmental regulations. We may also choose to voluntarily recall or withdraw products that we determine do not satisfy our quality standards, in order to protect our brand and reputation. Any future product recall or withdrawal that results in substantial and unexpected expenditures, destruction of product inventory, damage to our reputation and/or lost sales due to the unavailability of the product for a period of time could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\nWe also face the risk of exposure to product liability claims if the use of products sold by Sysco is alleged to have caused injury or illness. We cannot be sure that consumption of our products will not cause a health-related illness in the future or that we will not be subject to claims or lawsuits relating to such matters. Further, even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness or injury could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and our corporate and brand image. Umbrella liability insurance that we maintain for product liability claims may not continue to be available at a reasonable cost or, if available, may not be adequate to cover all of our liabilities. We generally seek contractual indemnification and insurance coverage from parties supplying our products, but this indemnification or insurance coverage is limited, as a practical matter, to the creditworthiness of the indemnifying party and the insured limits of any insurance provided by suppliers. If we do not have \n13\nadequate insurance or contractual indemnification available, product liability relating to defective products could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\nIf we fail to comply with requirements imposed by applicable law or other governmental regulations, we could become subject to lawsuits, investigations and other liabilities and restrictions on our operations that could materially adversely affect our business\n.\nWe are subject to various federal, state, provincial, regional and local laws, rules and regulations in the countries in which we operate with respect to many aspects of our business, such as food safety and sanitation, ethical business practices, transportation, minimum wage, overtime, wage payment, wage and hour and employment discrimination, immigration, human health and safety. Due to the services we provide in connection with governmentally funded entitlement programs, we are also subject to additional laws and regulations. For a detailed discussion of the laws and regulations to which our business is subject, please refer to \u201cBusiness \u2013 Government Regulation\u201d in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nFrom time to time, both federal and state governmental agencies conduct audits of various aspects of our operations, as part of investigations of providers of services under governmental contracts, or otherwise. We also receive requests for information from governmental agencies in connection with these audits. While we attempt to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, we may not be in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations or interpretations of these laws and regulations at all times; moreover, we may not be able to comply with all future laws, regulations or interpretations of these laws and regulations.\nIf we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations or encounter disagreements with respect to our contracts subject to governmental regulations, including those referred to above, we may be subject to investigations, criminal sanctions or civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, prohibitions on exporting, or seizures or debarments from contracting with such government. The cost of compliance or the consequences of non-compliance, including debarments, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, governmental units may make changes in the regulatory frameworks within which we operate that may require us to incur substantial increases in costs in order to comply with such laws and regulations.\nWe may incur significant costs to comply with environmental laws and regulations, and we may be subject to substantial fines, penalties or third-party claims for non-compliance.\nOur operations are subject to various federal, state, provincial, regional and local laws, rules and regulations in the various countries in which we operate relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing:\n\u2022\nthe discharge of pollutants into the air, soil, and water;\n\u2022\nthe management and disposal of solid and hazardous materials and wastes;\n\u2022\nemployee exposure to hazards in the workplace; and\n\u2022\nthe investigation and remediation of contamination resulting from releases of petroleum products and other regulated materials.\nIn the course of our operations, we: operate, maintain and fuel fleet vehicles; store fuel in on-site above and underground storage tanks; operate refrigeration systems; and use and dispose of hazardous substances and food wastes. We could incur substantial costs, including fines or penalties and third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, as a result of any violations of environmental or workplace safety laws and regulations or releases of regulated materials into the environment. In addition, we could incur substantial investigation, remediation or other costs related to environmental conditions at our currently or formerly owned or operated properties.\nFor example, most of our distribution facilities have ammonia-based refrigeration systems and tanks for the storage of diesel fuel and other petroleum products, which are subject to laws regulating such systems and storage tanks (including the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination associated with the use of underground storage tanks). Certain of these laws and regulations in the EU may impose liability for costs of investigation or remediation of contamination (which could be material), regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal, even if such contamination was present prior to the commencement of our operations at the site and was not caused by our activities. In addition, many of our facilities have propane and battery-powered forklifts. Proposed or recently enacted legal requirements, such as those requiring the phase-out of certain ozone-depleting substances, and proposals for the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, may require us to upgrade or replace equipment, or may increase our transportation or other operating costs.\n14\nIf we are unable to finance and integrate acquired businesses effectively, our earnings per share could be materially adversely affected\n.\nHistorically, a portion of our growth has come through acquisitions. If we are unable to integrate acquired businesses successfully or realize anticipated economic, operational and other benefits and synergies in a timely manner, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected. For example, we are experiencing ongoing operational challenges related to our efforts to integrate two businesses in France, adversely affecting our ability to drive growth in sales. Integration of an acquired business may be more difficult when we acquire a business in a market in which we have limited expertise, or with a culture different from Sysco\u2019s.\nA significant expansion of our business and operations, in terms of geography or magnitude, could strain our administrative and operational resources. Significant acquisitions may also require the issuance of material additional amounts of debt or equity, which could materially alter our debt-to-equity ratio, increase our interest expense and decrease earnings per share, and make it difficult for us to obtain favorable financing for other acquisitions or capital investments. In addition, our failure to implement effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures with respect to a significant acquired business could result in material weaknesses and/or a failure to file our periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a timely basis.\nWe rely on technology in our business, and any cybersecurity incident, other technology disruption or delay in implementing new technology could negatively affect our business and our relationships with customers\n.\nWe use technology in substantially all aspects of our business operations, and our ability to serve customers most effectively depends on the reliability of our technology systems. We use software and other technology systems, among other things, to generate and select orders, to load and route trucks, to make purchases, to manage our warehouses and to monitor and manage our business on a day-to-day basis. We also use mobile devices, social networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, suppliers, business partners and customers. Further, our business involves the storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property, including customers\u2019 and suppliers\u2019 personal information, private information about employees and financial and strategic information about us and our business partners. This sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property are stored on information technology systems controlled by us, as well as systems controlled by third parties, such as our service providers.\nThese technology systems and the operation thereof are vulnerable to disruption from circumstances beyond our control, including fire, natural disasters, power outages, systems failures, security breaches, espionage, cyber-attacks, viruses, theft and inadvertent release of information. We and our third-party providers experience cybersecurity incidents of varying degrees from time-to-time, including ransomware and phishing attacks, as well as distributed denial of service attacks and the theft of data. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, are becoming more sophisticated and are being made by groups and individuals with a wide range of expertise and motives, and this increases the difficulty of detecting and successfully defending against them. For example, as disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our third quarter of fiscal 2023, in March 2023, Sysco became aware of a cybersecurity event perpetrated by a threat actor believed to have begun in January 2023. Immediately upon detection, Sysco initiated an investigation, with the assistance of cybersecurity and forensics professionals, determining that the threat actor had extracted certain company data, including data relating to operation of the business, customers, employees and personal data. This data extraction did not impact Sysco\u2019s operational systems and related business functions, and its service to customers continued uninterrupted. Sysco also notified federal law enforcement and provided other required notifications.\n \nTo date, these cybersecurity incidents have not had a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, there is no assurance that there will not be a material adverse effect in the future, especially if the amount of insurance coverage we maintain is not sufficient to cover claims or liabilities relating to an incident. \nPotential consequences of a future material cybersecurity incident include: business disruption; disruption to systems; theft, destruction, loss, corruption, misappropriation or unauthorized release of sensitive and/or confidential information or intellectual property (including personal information in violation of one or more privacy laws); loss of revenue; reputational and brand damage; and potential liability, including litigation or other legal actions against us or the imposition by governmental authorities of penalties, fines, fees or liabilities, which, in turn, could cause us to incur significantly increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs and the loss of customers. In addition, if our suppliers or customers experience such a breach or unauthorized disclosure or system failure, their businesses could be disrupted or otherwise negatively affected.\n \nThis may result in a disruption in our supply chain or reduced customer orders, which would adversely affect our business operations. We have also outsourced several information technology support services and administrative functions to third-party service providers, including cloud-based service providers, and may outsource other functions in the future to achieve cost savings and \n15\nefficiencies. If these service providers do not perform effectively due to breach or system failure, we may not be able to achieve the expected benefits and our business may be disrupted.\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many of our employees, contractors and other corporate partners working remotely, increasing reliance on information technology systems that are outside our direct control. These systems are potentially vulnerable to cyber-based attacks and security breaches. In addition, cyber criminals are increasing their attacks on individual employees with business email compromise scams designed to trick victims into transferring sensitive data or funds, or steal credentials that compromise information systems. \nThe actions and controls we have implemented and are implementing to date, or which we seek to cause or have caused third-party providers to implement, may be insufficient to protect our systems, information or other intellectual property. Further, we anticipate continuing to devote significant resources to maintaining and upgrading our security measures generally, including those we employ to protect personal information against these cybersecurity threats.\nFurther, as we pursue our strategy to grow through acquisitions and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, we are also expanding and improving our information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. Failure to adequately assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives could increase our vulnerability to such risks.\nOur efforts to prevent security breaches and cybersecurity incidents, and to implement effective disaster recovery plans, may not be entirely effective to insulate us from technology disruption or protect us from adverse effects on our results of operations. Additionally, information technology systems continue to evolve and, in order to remain competitive, we must implement new technologies in a timely and efficient manner. For example, we may incorporate emerging artificial intelligence (AI) solutions into our platform, offerings, services and features, and these applications may become important in our operations over time. Our failure to implement timely and/or successfully new technologies, including AI, may adversely affect our competitiveness and, consequently, our results of operations.\nOur failure to comply with data privacy regulations could adversely affect our business.\nThere are new and emerging data privacy laws, as well as frequent updates and changes to existing data privacy laws, in most jurisdictions in which we operate. Given the complexity of these laws and the often-onerous requirements they place on businesses regarding the collection, storage, handling, use, disclosure, transfer, and security of personal data, it is important for us to understand their impact and respond accordingly. Failure to comply with data privacy laws can result in substantial fines or penalties, legal liability and / or reputational damage. \nIn the UK and Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (the GDPR), which came into effect in 2018, places stringent requirements on companies when handling personal data. There continues to be a growing trend of other countries adopting similar laws. \nAdditionally, there continues to be significant uncertainty with respect to the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the CCPA), which went into effect on January 1, 2020, and imposes additional obligations on companies regarding the handling of personal information and provides certain individual privacy rights to persons whose information is collected. Both the GDPR and the CCPA are continuously evolving and developing and may be interpreted and applied differently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may create inconsistent or conflicting requirements. For example, the California Privacy Rights Act (the CPRA), which was approved by California voters as a ballot initiative in November 2020, modifies the CCPA significantly, further enhancing and extending an individual\u2019s rights over their personal data and the obligations placed on companies that handle this data. The resulting new regulations became effective on January 1, 2023. Most notably, employee and business data were brought into scope, which raises the compliance requirements for us significantly, in terms of internal controls, processes and governance requirements. \nFurthermore, since 2020, several other U.S. states have enacted (and additional U.S. states are considering enacting) stringent consumer privacy laws, which may impose varying standards and requirements on our data collection, use and processing activities. Continued state by state introduction of privacy laws can be expected to lead to significantly greater complexity in our compliance requirements globally, which could result in complaints from data subjects and/or action from regulators. If we do not provide sufficient resources to ensure we are able to respond, adapt and implement the necessary requirements to respond to the various forthcoming changes, which could include federal data privacy requirements in the US, while continuing to maintain our compliance with global data privacy laws, this could adversely impact our reputation and we could face exposure to fines levied by regulators, which could have a significant financial impact on our business.\n16\nOur level of indebtedness and the terms of our indebtedness could adversely affect our business and liquidity position\n.\nAs described in Note 12, \u201cDebt and Other Financing Arrangements,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, as of July 1, 2023, we had approximately $10.4 billion of total indebtedness, which primarily includes our outstanding senior notes. Additionally, we have the ability to borrow under our revolving credit facility, which supports our U.S. commercial paper program. \nOur level of indebtedness could have important consequences for us, including:\n\u2022\nlimiting our ability to obtain additional financing, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements or other purposes;\n\u2022\nincreasing our vulnerability to adverse economic, industry or competitive developments;\n\u2022\nlimiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry; and\n\u2022\nplacing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.\nOur indebtedness may increase from time to time for various reasons, including fluctuations in operating results, working capital needs, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions, joint ventures and/or share repurchase programs. Our level of indebtedness and the ultimate cost of such indebtedness could have a negative impact on our liquidity, cost of future debt financing and financial results, and our credit ratings may be adversely affected as a result of the incurrence of additional indebtedness. A significant downgrade in our credit ratings or adverse conditions in the capital markets may increase the cost of borrowing for us or limit our access to capital. In the future, our cash flow and capital resources may not be sufficient for payments of interest on and principal of our debt, and any alternative financing measures available may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations.\nWe may be required to pay material amounts under multiemployer defined benefit pension plans, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows\n.\nWe contribute to several multiemployer defined benefit pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees. In fiscal 2023, our total contributions to these plans were approximately $52.6 million. The costs of providing benefits through such plans have increased in recent years. The amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to these multiemployer plans will depend upon many factors, including collective bargaining negotiations, actions taken by trustees who manage the plans, government regulations, changes in the funded status of these plans and the potential payment of a withdrawal liability if we, for any reason, cease to have an ongoing obligation to contribute to a given plan. Based upon the information available to us from the administrators of these plans, none of these plans have assets sufficient to fully pay their liabilities, and therefore all such plans have unfunded vested benefits. Increases in the unfunded liabilities of these plans may result in increased future contribution obligations imposed on us and on other participating employers. Under federal law, significant underfunding experienced by a given plan generally results in increased contribution obligations in the form of surcharges and supplemental contribution obligations. Our risk of such increased payments may be greater if any of the participating employers in these underfunded plans withdraws from a given plan due to insolvency and is not able to contribute an amount sufficient to fund the unfunded liabilities associated with its participants in the plan. We could also be treated as partially withdrawing from participation in one of these plans if the number of our employees participating in a given plan is reduced to a certain percentage over a certain period of time, or if we cease to have an obligation to contribute under one or more, but fewer than all, of the collective bargaining agreements that require us to make contributions to a particular plan. Such reductions in the number of employees participating in these plans could occur as a result of changes in our business operations, such as facility closures or consolidations. We estimate our share of the aggregate withdrawal liability on the multiemployer plans in which we participate could have been as much as $142.6 million as of August 18, 2023. This estimate is based on the information available from plan administrators, which had valuation dates between February 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. As the valuation dates for all of the plans was between February 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022, the company\u2019s estimate reflects the condition of the financial markets as of this date range. Due to the lack of current information, management believes Sysco\u2019s current share of the withdrawal liability could materially differ from this estimate. A significant increase to funding requirements could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.\nOur funding requirements for our company-sponsored qualified pension plan may increase should financial markets experience future declines, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows\n.\n17\nWe had a pension obligation of $2.6\u00a0billion, as compared to assets totaling $2.6 billion, as of July 1, 2023, both of which have sensitivity to financial market factors that could impact our funding requirements. See Note 14, \u201cCompany-Sponsored Employee Benefit Plans\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for a discussion of the funded status of the U.S. Retirement Plan. At the end of fiscal 2012, we decided to freeze future benefit accruals under our company-sponsored qualified pension plan (the U.S. Retirement Plan) as of December 31, 2012 for all U.S.-based salaried and non-union hourly employees. Effective January 1, 2013, these employees were eligible for additional contributions under an enhanced, defined contribution plan. \nThe amount of our annual contribution to the U.S. Retirement Plan is dependent upon, among other things, the returns on the U.S. Retirement Plan\u2019s assets and discount rates used to calculate the plan\u2019s liability. In fiscal 2018, we made voluntary contributions of $380 million to the U.S. Retirement Plan, allowing us to set an investment strategy that more closely aligns the duration of the U.S. Retirement Plan\u2019s assets with the duration of its liabilities. As a result, our U.S. Retirement Plan holds a greater amount of investments in fixed income securities, but also holds equity securities. Fluctuations in asset values can cause the amount of our anticipated future contributions to the plan to increase. The projected liability of the U.S. Retirement Plan will be impacted by the fluctuations of interest rates on high quality bonds in the public markets as these are inputs in determining our minimum funding requirements. \nFailure to successfully renegotiate union contracts could result in work stoppages, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations\n.\nAs of July 1, 2023, we had approximately 72,000 employees, approximately 15% of whom were represented by unions, primarily the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and unions in France and Sweden. Approximately 15% of our union employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements that are subject to renegotiation in fiscal 2024. Failure to effectively renegotiate these contracts could result in work stoppages. We believe our operating sites have good relationships with their unions, but a work stoppage due to failure of multiple operating subsidiaries to renegotiate union contracts could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nOrganization and Common Stock Risks\nOur authorized preferred stock provides anti-takeover benefits that may not be viewed as beneficial to stockholders\n.\nUnder our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 1,500,000 shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval. Issuance of these shares could make it more difficult for anyone to acquire Sysco without approval of our Board of Directors, depending on the rights and preferences of the stock issued. In addition, if anyone attempts to acquire Sysco without approval of our Board of Directors, the existence of this undesignated preferred stock could allow our Board of Directors to adopt a shareholder rights plan without obtaining stockholder approval, which could result in substantial dilution to a potential acquirer. As a result, hostile takeover attempts that might result in an acquisition of Sysco, which could otherwise have been financially beneficial to our stockholders, could be deterred.\nOur amended and restated bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders\u2019 ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.\nOur amended and restated bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws, or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for any action (A) as to which such court determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of such court (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of such court within 10 days following such determination), (B) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than such court, or (C) for which such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction.\nThis provision may limit a stockholder\u2019s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision in our amended and restated bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in any action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n18",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\nRisk Factors\n7\nItem 1B.\nUnresolved Staff Comments\n19\nItem 2.\nProperties\n19\nItem 3.\nLegal Proceedings\n19\nItem 4.\nMine Safety Disclosures\n20\nPART II\nItem 5.\nMarket for Registrant\u2019s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities\n21\nItem 6.\n[Reserved]\n22\nItem 7.\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n22\nItem 7A.\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\n52\nItem 8.\nFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\n54\nItem 9.\nChanges in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n111\nItem 9A.\nControls and Procedures\n111\nItem 9B.\nOther Information\n112\nItem 9C.\nDisclosure Reporting Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n112\n\u00a0\nPART III\nItem 10.\nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n113\nItem 11.\nExecutive Compensation\n113\nItem 12.\nSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\n113\nItem 13.\nCertain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n113\nItem 14.\nPrincipal Accountant Fees and Services\n113\n\u00a0\nPART IV\nItem 15.\nExhibit and Financial Statement Schedules\n113\nItem 16.\nForm 10-K Summary\n119\nSignatures\nPART I",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\u00a0 \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nThe following discussion and analysis of Sysco\u2019s financial condition, results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the fiscal years ended July 1, 2023 and July 2, 2022 should be read as a supplement to our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes contained in Item 8 of this report, and in conjunction with the \u201cForward-looking Statements\u201d section set forth in Part II and the \u201cRisk Factors\u201d section set forth in Item 1A of Part I. All discussion of changes in our results of operations from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2021 has been omitted from this Form 10-K, but may be found in Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d of our Form 10-K for the year ended July 2, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2022.\nOverview\nSysco distributes food and related products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers.\u00a0Our primary operations are in North America and Europe.\u00a0Under the accounting provisions related to disclosures about segments of an enterprise, we have combined certain operations into three reportable segments. \u201cOther\u201d financial information is attributable to our other operations that do not meet the quantitative disclosure thresholds.\n\u2022\nU.S. Foodservice Operations\n \u2013 primarily includes (a) our U.S. Broadline operations, which distribute a full line of food products, including custom-cut meat, seafood, produce, specialty Italian, specialty imports and a wide variety of non-food products and (b) our U.S. Specialty operations, which include our FreshPoint fresh produce \n22\ndistribution business, our Specialty Meats and Seafood Group specialty protein operations, our growing Italian Specialty platform anchored by Greco & Sons, our Asian specialty distribution company and a number of other small specialty businesses that are not material to the operations of Sysco; \n\u2022\nInternational Foodservice Operations\n \u2013 includes operations outside of the United States (U.S.), which distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products. The Americas primarily consists of operations in Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, as well as our export operations that distribute to international customers. Our European operations primarily consist of operations in the United Kingdom (U.K.), France, Ireland and Sweden;\n\u2022\nSYGMA\n \u2013 our U.S. customized distribution operations serving quick-service chain restaurant customer locations; and\n\u2022\nOther\n \u2013 primarily our hotel supply operations, Guest Worldwide.\nWe estimate that we serve about 17% of an approximately $350 billion annual foodservice market in the U.S. based on industry data obtained from Technomic, Inc. (Technomic) as of the end of calendar year 2022. Technomic projects the market size to increase to approximately $370 billion by the end of calendar year 2023. From time to time, Technomic may revise the methodology used to calculate the size of the foodservice market and, as a result, our percentage can change not only from our sales results, but also from such revisions. We also serve certain international geographies that vary in size and amount of market share.\nAccording to industry sources, the foodservice, or food-away-from-home, market represents approximately 53% of the total dollars spent on food purchases made at the consumer level in the U.S. as of the end of calendar year 2022.\nHighlights\nOur fiscal 2023 results were strong, reflecting growth in volumes and market share. Our market share gains in the U.S. segments continued to accelerate through the fiscal year. This demonstrates the favorable impact of our Recipe for Growth strategy on our business, now in its third year. This strategy is helping us advance our capabilities in supply chain and sales. As a result, Sysco achieved an all-time record for annual sales and operating income. We made significant improvements in operating expense leverage, resulting in improved productivity that drove profitable growth. See below for a comparison of our fiscal 2023 results to our fiscal 2022 results, both including and excluding Certain Items (as defined below).\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Below is a comparison of results from fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2022:\n\u2022\nSales:\n\u25e6\nincreased 11.2%, or $7.7 billion, to $76.3 billion; \n\u2022\nOperating income:\n\u25e6\nincreased 29.5%, or $692.0 million, to $3.0 billion;\n\u25e6\nadjusted operating income increased 21.7%, or $572.0 million, to $3.2 billion; \n\u2022\nNet earnings:\n\u25e6\nincreased 30.3%, or $411.4 million, to $1.8 billion;\n\u25e6\nadjusted net earnings increased 22.2%, or $371.2 million, to $2.0 billion; \n\u2022\nBasic earnings per share:\n\u25e6\nincreased 31.2%, or $0.83, to $3.49 from the comparable prior year amount of $2.66 per share;\n\u2022\nDiluted earnings per share:\n\u25e6\nincreased 31.4%, or $0.83, to $3.47 from the comparable prior year amount of $2.64 per share;\n\u25e6\nadjusted diluted earnings per share were $4.01 in fiscal 2023, a $0.76 increase from the comparable prior year amount of $3.25 per share. \n\u2022\nEBITDA:\n\u25e6\nincreased 14.1%, or $444.4 million, to $3.6 billion; and\n\u25e6\nadjusted EBITDA increased 15.6%, or $519.2 million, to $3.8 billion. \nThe discussion of our results includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, that we believe provide important perspective with respect to underlying business trends. Other than free cash flow, any non-GAAP financial measures will be denoted as adjusted measures to remove the impact of restructuring and transformational project costs consisting of: (1) restructuring charges, (2) expenses associated with our various transformation initiatives and (3) severance charges; acquisition-related costs consisting of: (a) intangible amortization expense and (b) acquisition costs and due diligence costs related to our acquisitions; and the reduction of bad debt expense previously \n23\nrecognized in fiscal 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the collectability of our pre-pandemic trade receivable balances. Our results for fiscal 2023 were also impacted by adjustments to a product return allowance pertaining to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory, a pension settlement charge that resulted from the purchase of a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract that transferred defined benefit plan obligations to an insurer, and a litigation financing agreement. Our results for fiscal 2022 were also impacted by a write-down of COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory due to the reduction in the net realizable value of inventory, losses on the extinguishment of long-term debt and an increase in reserves for uncertain tax positions.\nThe fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 items discussed above are collectively referred to as \u201cCertain Items.\u201d The results of our operations can be impacted by changes in exchange rates applicable to converting from local currencies to U.S. dollars. We measure our results on a constant currency basis. Our discussion below of our results includes certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe provide important perspective with respect to underlying business trends. Other than free cash flow, any non-GAAP financial measures will be denoted as adjusted measures and exclude the impact from Certain Items, and certain metrics are stated on a constant currency basis.\nManagement believes that adjusting its operating expenses, operating income, interest expense, other (income) expense, net earnings and diluted earnings per share to remove these Certain Items, provides an important perspective with respect to our underlying business trends and results. Additionally, it provides meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors that (1) is indicative of the performance of the company\u2019s underlying operations, (2) facilitates comparisons on a year-over-year basis and (3) removes those items that are difficult to predict and are often unanticipated and that, as a result, are difficult to include in analysts\u2019 financial models and our investors\u2019 expectations with any degree of specificity.\nThe company uses these non-GAAP measures when evaluating its financial results as well as for internal planning and forecasting purposes. These financial measures should not be used as a substitute for GAAP measures in assessing the company\u2019s results of operations for periods presented. An analysis of any non-GAAP financial measure should be used in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. Any metric within this section referred to as \u201cadjusted\u201d will reflect the applicable impact of Certain Items. More information on the rationale for the use of these measures and reconciliations to GAAP numbers can be found under \u201cNon-GAAP Reconciliations.\u201d\nKey Performance Indicators\nSysco seeks to meet its strategic goals by continually measuring its success in its key performance metrics that drive stakeholder value through sales growth and capital allocation and deployment. We believe the following are our most significant performance metrics in our current business environment: \n\u2022\nAdjusted operating income growth (non-GAAP); \n\u2022\nAdjusted diluted earnings per share growth (non-GAAP); \n\u2022\nAdjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP);\n\u2022\nCase volume growth by customer type for U.S. Foodservice operations;\n\u2022\nSysco brand penetration for U.S. Broadline operations;\n\u2022\nFree cash flow (non-GAAP); and\n\u2022\nAdjusted return on invested capital (non-GAAP).\nWe use these financial metrics and related computations, as well as sales and gross profit growth, to evaluate our business and to plan for near and long-term operating and strategic decisions. We believe it is useful to provide investors with the same financial information that we use internally to make comparisons of our historical operating results, identify trends in our underlying operating results and evaluate our business. \nKey Financial Definitions\n \n\u2022\nSales \u2013 Sales is equal to gross sales subtracted by, (1) sales returns and (2) sales incentives that we offer to certain customers, such as upfront monies and discounts. Our sales are driven by changes in case volumes, product inflation that is reflected in the pricing of our products and mix of products sold.\n\u2022\nGross profit \u2013 Gross profit is equal to our net sales subtracted by our cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold primarily includes inventory costs (net of supplier consideration) and inbound freight. Cost of goods sold generally changes as we incur higher or lower costs from our suppliers and as our customer and product mix changes.\n24\nAdjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share Growth\nAdjusted operating income represents our consolidated operating income, adjusted for the impact of Certain Items that we do not consider representative of our underlying performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share represents our consolidated diluted earnings per share, adjusted for the impact of Certain Items that we do not consider representative of our underlying performance. Sysco\u2019s management considers growth in these metrics to be useful measures of operating efficiency and profitability as they facilitate comparison of performance on a consistent basis from period to period by providing a measurement of recurring factors and trends affecting our business.\nAdjusted EBITDA\nEBITDA represents net earnings plus: (1) interest expense, (2) income tax expense and benefit, (3) depreciation and (4) amortization. The net earnings component of our EBITDA calculation is impacted by Certain Items that we do not consider representative of our underlying performance. As a result, in the non-GAAP reconciliations below for each period presented, adjusted EBITDA is computed as EBITDA plus the impact of Certain Items, excluding Certain Items related to interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Sysco\u2019s management considers growth in this metric to be a measure of overall financial performance that provides useful information to management and investors about the profitability of the business. It facilitates comparison of performance on a consistent basis from period to period by providing a measurement of recurring factors and trends affecting our business. Additionally, it is a commonly used component metric used to inform on capital structure decisions.\nCase Volume Growth by Customer Type for U.S. Foodservice Operations\nCase volume represents the volume of product sold to customers during a period of time and improvements in this metric are a primary driver of Sysco\u2019s top line performance. We define a case, specifically for our U.S. Foodservice operations, as the lowest level of packaged products that are sold from our warehouses, with one case potentially containing several pieces of a product packaged in bulk. Case size does not generally vary by location or from period to period due to the design of our warehouses. Case volume growth is calculated by dividing the change in the volume of cases sold year-over-year by the volume of cases sold in the prior year. Sysco management considers case volume growth within its U.S. Foodservice operations to be a measure that provides useful information to management and investors in evaluating sales performance and as an indicator of gross margin performance. Management monitors case volume growth by customer type, with bifurcation between local customers and national customers, as this provides a measure of gross profit performance due to the pricing strategies attached to each customer type. Local customers are primarily street customers, such as independent restaurants that do not have long-term contracts, or locally managed customers, such as local chain restaurants, while national customers are the multi-unit customers requiring national coverage from a customer-centric view and are managed centrally from our Global Shared Center. Sysco management seeks to drive higher case volume growth to local customers, which allows more favorable pricing terms for our U.S. Foodservice operations and generates higher gross margins as a result. National customers benefit from purchasing power as they are able to negotiate pricing agreements across multiple businesses reducing our gross profit potential, but reducing our overall cost per case, as national customers have bigger drop sizes. While overall case volume growth reflects a key component of sales growth, local customer case growth provides additional context around gross profit performance.\nSysco Brand Penetration for U.S. Broadline Operations\nSysco management considers Sysco brand penetration to be a measure that provides useful information to management and investors in evaluating the gross profit performance of the company\u2019s U.S. Broadline operations. Sysco offers an assortment of Sysco-branded products which are differentiated from privately branded products. These Sysco Branded products enable us to achieve higher gross margin by administering and leveraging a consolidated product procurement program for quality food and non-food products. Due to cost efficiencies, Sysco-branded products generate a higher gross margin than sales from other privately branded products. We define Sysco brand penetration as the percentage of Sysco-branded case volume sold to U.S. Broadline customers over all cases sold to U.S. Broadline customers. It is calculated by dividing Sysco-branded case volume sold to U.S. Broadline customers by total cases sold to U.S. Broadline customers. This performance indicator, also measured at the customer type level, including local and national customers, is driven by growth in the distribution of Sysco branded products to more customers and more geographies, as well as increasing Sysco branded offerings through innovation and the launch of new products.\nFree Cash Flow\nFree cash flow represents net cash provided from operating activities, subtracted by purchases of plant and equipment, added to proceeds from sales of plant and equipment. Sysco management considers free cash flow to be a non-GAAP liquidity \n25\nmeasure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after the purchases and sales of buildings, fleet, equipment and technology, which may potentially be used to pay for, among other things, strategic uses of cash, including dividend payments, share repurchases and acquisitions. However, free cash flow may not be available for discretionary expenditures as it may be necessary that we use it to make mandatory debt service or other payments. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, consolidated net income as a measure of our performance and net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. See \u201cLiquidity and Capital Resources\u201d for discussions of GAAP metrics, including net cash provided by operating activities and our reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure. \nAdjusted Return on Invested Capital\nAlthough adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) is considered a non-GAAP financial measure, Sysco management considers adjusted ROIC to be a measure that provides useful information to management and investors in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the company\u2019s long-term capital investments and it has been reintroduced as a component of long-term incentive compensation for fiscal 2024. We calculate adjusted ROIC as adjusted net earnings divided by the sum of: (1) stockholders\u2019 equity, computed as the average of adjusted stockholders\u2019 equity at the beginning of the year and at the end of each fiscal quarter during the year; and (2) long-term debt, computed as the average of the long-term debt at the beginning of the year and at the end of each fiscal quarter during the year. Trends in ROIC can fluctuate over time as management balances long-term strategic initiatives with possible short-term impacts. \nTrends\nEconomic and Industry Trends\n \nSysco continues to outperform the foodservice market due to the success of the Recipe for Growth strategy. The food-away-from-home sector is a healthy long-term market. Sysco is diversified and well positioned as a market leader in food service. We expect the foodservice market to grow at a lower rate in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023. \nSales and Gross Profit Trends\nOur sales and gross profit performance are influenced by multiple factors including price, volume, inflation, customer mix and product mix. The most significant factor affecting performance in fiscal 2023 was volume growth, as we experienced a 5.2% improvement in U.S. Foodservice case volume and a 3.3% improvement in local case volume within our U.S. segment in each instance as compared to fiscal 2022. This volume reflects our broadline and specialty businesses, except for our specialty meats business, which measures its volume in pounds. This growth enabled us to gain market share during fiscal 2023 and contributed to Sysco achieving an all-time record for annual sales.\nProduct cost inflation has also been a driver of our sales and gross profit performance. We experienced inflation at a rate of 2.1% and 6.1% in the fourth quarter and fiscal 2023, respectively, at the total enterprise level, primarily driven by inflation in the dairy, frozen, and canned and dry categories. The rate of inflation, as compared to the prior year, declined at an accelerated rate during the fourth quarter. We have been successful in managing inflation, resulting in an increase in gross profit dollars. Gross margin increased 51 basis points in the fourth quarter and increased 33 basis points for fiscal 2023, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods, primarily driven by higher volumes, the effective management of inflation and progress with our partnership growth management initiatives.\nWe expect the rate of inflation for fiscal 2024 to be below historical trends. We expect deflation within our U.S. Broadline operations for the first half of fiscal 2024, followed by minimal inflation in the second half of fiscal 2024. Our International Foodservice operations are expected to remain inflationary during fiscal 2024 given the unique marketplace conditions present in those operations. At the total enterprise level, inflation is expected to be slightly positive for fiscal 2024.\nGiven our expectation for slower market growth and inflation as noted previously, we expect sales growth to increase in the mid-single digits in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023, as we reach approximately $80\u00a0billion in annual sales. \n26\nOperating Expense Trends\nTotal operating expenses increased 9.4% during fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, driven by increased volumes, cost inflation, continued operational cost pressures from the operating environment and our planned investments to drive our transformation initiatives under our Recipe for Growth strategy. We continued to improve our supply chain efficiency, while investing in associate retention and best-in-class training, primarily for transportation and warehouse colleagues. These efficiency efforts are expected to continue to improve in fiscal 2024. Our Sysco Driver Academy and industry leading training programs are contributing to improved retention and productivity, and we expect to see this trend improve as the percentage of drivers and warehouse colleagues trained from within Sysco continues to grow. We believe the advancements we are making in our physical capabilities, and the investments we are making in improved training, will provide higher service levels to our customers and strengthen Sysco\u2019s ability to profitably win market share.\nNon-Routine Gains and Losses\nIn fiscal 2023, we completed two transactions that created non-routine gains and losses, both of which were treated as Certain Items. First, the Sysco Corporation Retirement Plan (the Plan) executed a commitment agreement to purchase a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract that transferred $695.0\u00a0million of the Plan\u2019s defined benefit pension obligations related to certain pension benefits. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a one-time, non-cash pre-tax pension settlement charge of $315.4\u00a0million in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. Second, Sysco had been pursuing claims against a variety of vendors from which the company purchased products. To mitigate the risk of incurring significant legal fees on these claims without any ultimate gain, in calendar 2019 and 2020, we entered into agreements with a third party whereby the company secured a minimum amount of cash proceeds from the third party in exchange for assigning to the third party the rights to a portion of the future litigation proceeds. At the time of receipt of these cash proceeds, the amounts were deferred in \u201cOther long-term liabilities.\u201d In June 2023, an agreement was reached in which the company assigned all its remaining claims against these vendors to the third party. As a result, Sysco is no longer obligated to pursue litigation against these vendors; therefore, previous deferred proceeds were recognized within \u201cOther expense (income), net.\u201d In total, this agreement resulted in $122.0\u00a0million being recognized in \u201cOther expense (income), net\u201d in June 2023. We do not expect similar transactions to these in fiscal 2024.\nIncome Tax Trends\nOur provision for income taxes primarily reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state as well as foreign jurisdictions. Tax law changes, increases or decreases in book versus tax basis differences, accruals or adjustments of accruals for unrecognized tax benefits or valuation allowances, and our change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 was 22.55% and is expected to increase to approximately 24.50% in fiscal 2024 due to geographic mix, strong international growth and increases in state tax rates.\nMergers and Acquisitions\nWe continue to focus on mergers and acquisitions as a part of our growth strategy. We plan to reinforce our existing businesses, while cultivating new channels, new segments and new capabilities. In the first and second quarters of fiscal 2023, we acquired a total of three small U.S.-based independent Italian food distributors as part of our plan to meaningfully scale our growing Italian platform. The results of these acquisitions were not material to the consolidated results of the company for fiscal 2023. In August 2023, we acquired BIX Produce, a leading produce specialty distributor based in Minnesota. This acquisition is expected to provide a strategic opportunity for specialty produce operations to expand its geographic footprint in an area of the country where it does not currently have operations.\nStrategy \nOur purpose is \u201cConnecting the World to Share Food and Care for One Another.\u201d Purpose driven companies are believed to perform better, and we believe our purpose will assist us to grow substantially faster than the foodservice distribution industry and deliver profitable growth through our \u201cRecipe for Growth\u201d transformation. This growth transformation is supported by strategic pillars that we believe will continue to enable us to better serve our customers, including: \n\u2022\nDigital\n \u2013 We have and will continue to enrich the customer experience through personalized digital tools that reduce friction in the purchase experience and introduce innovation to our customers. We continue to invest in our personalization engine and upgraded our digital shopping platform with more than 100 new feature enhancements, including Spanish language capability, implemented in fiscal 2023. We successfully leveraged our centralized pricing \n27\ntool in the U.S. in fiscal 2023 that gave us the ability to be right on price at the region, customer, and item level even during periods of rapid inflation, dis-inflation, and even deflation.\n\u2022\nProducts and Solutions\n \u2013 We are providing customer-focused marketing and merchandising solutions that inspire increased sales of our broad assortment of fair priced products and services. We continue to improve our merchandising strategies globally to secure the best possible cost for our customers and in fiscal 2023, we stood up a Sysco Brand team to accelerate progress within our owned-brands.\n\u2022\nSupply Chain\n \u2013 We are efficiently and consistently serving customers with the products they need, when and how they need them, through a flexible delivery framework. We are developing a more nimble, accessible and productive supply chain that is better positioned to support our customers. In fiscal 2023, our work on deploying strengthened engineered labor standards allowed us to consistently improve supply chain efficiency quarter over quarter. We also completed the roll out of our Driver Academy nationally. Our strategic initiatives to enable omni-channel inventory fulfillment are being piloted.\n\u2022\nCustomer Teams\n \u2013 Our greatest strength is our people, people who are passionate about food and food service. Our diverse team delivers expertise and differentiated services designed to help our customers grow their businesses. We intend to improve the effectiveness of our sales organization by leveraging data to increase the yield of the sales process. In fiscal 2023, we meaningfully advanced our Total Team Selling model that brings together our Broadline and Specialty businesses in shared geography to best meet the needs of our customers.\n\u2022\nFuture Horizons\n \u2013 We are committed to responsible growth. We will cultivate new channels, new segments, and new capabilities while being stewards of our company and our planet for the long-term. We will fund our journey through cost-out and efficiency improvements. In August 2023, we acquired BIX Produce \u2013 a leading produce specialty distributor based in Minnesota that allows us to expand our geographic footprint and continue to add new capabilities, including fresh cut produce, grab-and-go sandwiches, and value-added products.\nResults\n \nof Operations\nThe following table sets forth the components of our consolidated results of operations expressed as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nSales\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nCost of sales\n81.7\u00a0\n82.0\u00a0\nGross profit\n18.3\u00a0\n18.0\u00a0\nOperating expenses\n14.3\u00a0\n14.6\u00a0\nOperating income\n4.0\u00a0\n3.4\u00a0\nInterest expense\n0.7\u00a0\n0.9\u00a0\nOther (income) expense, net\n0.3\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nEarnings before income taxes\n3.0\u00a0\n2.5\u00a0\nIncome taxes\n0.7\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\nNet earnings\n2.3\u00a0\n%\n2.0\u00a0\n%\n28\nThe following table sets forth the change in the components of our consolidated\u00a0results of operations expressed as a percentage increase or decrease over the comparable period in the prior year:\n\u00a0\n2023\nSales\n11.2\u00a0\n%\nCost of sales\n10.8\u00a0\nGross profit\n13.3\u00a0\nOperating expenses\n9.4\u00a0\nOperating income\n29.5\u00a0\nInterest expense\n(15.5)\nOther (income) expense, net \n(1)\n(1,046.8)\nEarnings before income taxes\n30.8\u00a0\nIncome taxes\n32.8\u00a0\nNet earnings\n30.3\u00a0\n%\nBasic earnings per share\n31.2\u00a0\n%\nDiluted earnings per share\n31.4\u00a0\nAverage shares outstanding\n(0.6)\nDiluted shares outstanding\n(0.8)\n(1)\nOther (income) expense, net was expense of $226.4 million in fiscal 2023 and income of $23.9 million in fiscal 2022.\nSegment Results \nThe following represents our results by reportable segments:\n\u00a0\nYear Ended Jul. 1, 2023\n\u00a0\nU.S. Foodservice Operations\nInternational Foodservice Operations\nSYGMA\nOther\nGlobal Support Center\nConsolidated\nTotals\n\u00a0\n(In thousands)\nSales\n$\n53,682,894\u00a0\n$\n13,559,610\u00a0\n$\n7,843,111\u00a0\n$\n1,239,060\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n76,324,675\u00a0\nSales increase\n10.6\u00a0\n%\n15.0\u00a0\n%\n8.2\u00a0\n%\n14.5\u00a0\n%\n11.2\u00a0\n%\nPercentage of total\n70.3\u00a0\n%\n17.8\u00a0\n%\n10.3\u00a0\n%\n1.6\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nOperating income (loss)\n$\n3,586,576\u00a0\n$\n313,449\u00a0\n$\n56,526\u00a0\n$\n56,877\u00a0\n$\n(974,879)\n$\n3,038,549\u00a0\nOperating income increase\n12.8\u00a0\n%\n213.3\u00a0\n%\nNM\n227.0\u00a0\n%\n29.5\u00a0\n%\nPercentage of total segments \n89.4\u00a0\n%\n7.8\u00a0\n%\n1.4\u00a0\n%\n1.4\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nOperating income as a percentage of sales\n6.7\u00a0\n%\n2.3\u00a0\n%\n0.7\u00a0\n%\n4.6\u00a0\n%\n4.0\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\nYear Ended Jul. 2, 2022\n\u00a0\nU.S. Foodservice Operations\nInternational Foodservice Operations\nSYGMA\nOther\nGlobal Support Center\nConsolidated\nTotals\n\u00a0\n(In thousands)\nSales\n$\n48,520,562\u00a0\n$\n11,787,449\u00a0\n$\n7,245,824\u00a0\n$\n1,082,311\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n68,636,146\u00a0\nPercentage of total\n70.7\u00a0\n%\n17.2\u00a0\n%\n10.6\u00a0\n%\n1.5\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nOperating income (loss)\n$\n3,180,705\u00a0\n$\n100,033\u00a0\n$\n(3,124)\n$\n17,392\u00a0\n$\n(948,506)\n$\n2,346,500\u00a0\nPercentage of total segments\n96.5\u00a0\n%\n3.1\u00a0\n%\n(0.1)\n%\n0.5\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nOperating income (loss) as a percentage of sales\n6.6\u00a0\n%\n0.8\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n1.6\u00a0\n%\n3.4\u00a0\n%\nIn fiscal 2023, U.S. Foodservice Operations and International Foodservice Operations represented approximately 70.3% and 17.8%, respectively, of Sysco\u2019s overall sales, compared to 70.7% and 17.2%, respectively, in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, U.S. Foodservice Operations represented approximately 89.4% and 96.5%, respectively, of the total segment operating income. This illustrates that these segments represent a substantial majority of our total segment results when \n29\ncompared to other reportable segments. See Note 21, \u201cBusiness Segment Information,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.\nCost of sales primarily includes our product costs, net of vendor consideration, and includes in-bound freight. Operating expenses include the costs of facilities, product handling, delivery, selling and general and administrative activities. Fuel surcharges are reflected within sales and gross profit; fuel costs are reflected within operating expenses. Along with sales, operating income is the most relevant measure for evaluating segment performance and allocating resources, as operating income includes cost of goods sold in addition to the costs to warehouse and deliver goods, which are significant and relevant costs when evaluating a distribution business.\nResults of U.S. Foodservice Operations\nIn fiscal 2023, the U.S. Foodservice Operations operating results represented approximately 70.3% of Sysco\u2019s overall sales and 89.4% of the aggregated operating income of Sysco\u2019s reporting segments. Several factors contributed to these higher operating results as compared to the other operating segments.\u00a0We invested substantial amounts in assets, operating methods, technology and management expertise in this segment.\u00a0The breadth of its sales force, geographic reach of its distribution area and its purchasing power enable this segment to generate its relatively stronger results of operations.\nThe following table sets forth a summary of the components of operating income and adjusted operating income expressed as a percentage increase or decrease over the prior year:\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nChange in Dollars\n\u00a0% Change\n\u00a0\n(Dollars in thousands)\nSales\n$\n53,682,894\u00a0\n$\n48,520,562\u00a0\n$\n5,162,332\u00a0\n10.6\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n10,359,003\u00a0\n9,196,133\u00a0\n1,162,870\u00a0\n12.6\u00a0\nOperating expenses\n6,772,427\u00a0\n6,015,428\u00a0\n756,999\u00a0\n12.6\u00a0\nOperating income\n$\n3,586,576\u00a0\n$\n3,180,705\u00a0\n$\n405,871\u00a0\n12.8\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n$\n10,359,003\u00a0\n$\n9,196,133\u00a0\n$\n1,162,870\u00a0\n12.6\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP) \n(1)\n6,729,738\u00a0\n5,998,824\u00a0\n730,914\u00a0\n12.2\u00a0\nAdjusted operating income (Non-GAAP) \n(1)\n$\n3,629,265\u00a0\n$\n3,197,309\u00a0\n$\n431,956\u00a0\n13.5\u00a0\n%\n(1)\nSee \u201cNon-GAAP Reconciliations\u201d below.\nSales\nThe following table sets forth the percentage and dollar value increase or decrease in sales over the prior year in order to demonstrate the cause and magnitude of change.\nIncrease (Decrease)\n2023\n(Dollars in millions)\nCause of change\nPercentage\nDollars\nCase volume \n(1)\n4.5\u00a0\n%\n$\n2,175.3\u00a0\nInflation\n5.6\u00a0\n2,716.7\u00a0\nOther \n(2)\n0.5\u00a0\n270.3\u00a0\nTotal change in sales\n10.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n5,162.3\u00a0\n(1)\nCase volumes increased 5.2% compared to fiscal 2022. This volume increase resulted in a 4.5% increase in the dollar value of sales compared to fiscal 2022.\n(2)\nCase volume reflects our broadline and specialty businesses, with the exception of our specialty meats business, which measures its volume in pounds. Any impact in volumes from our specialty meats operations is included within \u201cOther.\u201d\nThe sales growth in our U.S. Foodservice Operations was fueled by three factors: inflation, market growth, and strong market share gains. Case volumes from our U.S. Foodservice Operations increased 5.2%, as compared to fiscal 2022. This included a 3.3% increase in local customer case volume as compared to fiscal 2022.\n30\nOperating Income\nThe increase in operating income for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, was driven by gross profit dollar growth and partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. \nGross profit dollar growth was driven primarily by higher volumes as well as continued progress with effective management of product cost inflation and our strategic sourcing initiatives. The estimated change in product costs, an internal measure of inflation or deflation, increased in fiscal 2023. For fiscal 2023, this change in product costs was primarily driven by inflation in the dairy, frozen, and canned and dry categories. Sysco brand penetration for U.S. Broadline improved by 36 basis points to 37.0% for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022. Specific to local customers, Sysco brand penetration for U.S. Broadline improved by 118 basis points to 46.8% for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022. \nGross margin, which is gross profit as a percentage of sales, was 19.3% in fiscal 2023. This was an increase of 35 basis points compared to gross margin of 19.0% in fiscal 2022 due to the effective management of inflation, along with specific efforts to optimize our gross profit dollars.\nThe increase in operating expenses for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, was primarily driven by increased volumes, operational pressures from the operating environment, cost inflation and our planned investments to drive our transformation initiatives. We also experienced an increase in operating expenses due to investments for our Recipe for Growth strategy in fiscal 2023. \nResults of International Foodservice Operations\nIn fiscal 2023, the International Foodservice Operations operating results represented approximately 17.8% of Sysco\u2019s overall sales.\u00a0\n31\nThe following table sets forth a summary of the components of operating income and adjusted operating income expressed as a percentage increase or decrease over the prior year:\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nChange in Dollars\n\u00a0% Change\n\u00a0\n(Dollars in thousands)\nSales\n$\n13,559,610\u00a0\n$\n11,787,449\u00a0\n$\n1,772,161\u00a0\n15.0\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n2,640,860\u00a0\n2,377,093\u00a0\n263,767\u00a0\n11.1\u00a0\nOperating expenses\n2,327,411\u00a0\n2,277,060\u00a0\n50,351\u00a0\n2.2\u00a0\nOperating income\n$\n313,449\u00a0\n$\n100,033\u00a0\n$\n213,416\u00a0\n213.3\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n$\n2,640,860\u00a0\n$\n2,377,093\u00a0\n$\n263,767\u00a0\n11.1\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP) \n(1)\n2,243,137\u00a0\n2,148,551\u00a0\n94,586\u00a0\n4.4\u00a0\nAdjusted operating income (Non-GAAP) \n(1)\n$\n397,723\u00a0\n$\n228,542\u00a0\n$\n169,181\u00a0\n74.0\u00a0\n%\nComparable sales using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) \n(1)\n$\n14,451,906\u00a0\n$\n11,787,449\u00a0\n$\n2,664,457\u00a0\n22.6\u00a0\n%\nComparable gross profit using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) \n(1)\n2,823,663\u00a0\n2,377,093\u00a0\n446,570\u00a0\n18.8\u00a0\nComparable operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) \n(1)\n2,409,493\u00a0\n2,148,551\u00a0\n260,942\u00a0\n12.1\u00a0\nComparable operating income adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) \n(1)\n$\n414,170\u00a0\n$\n228,542\u00a0\n$\n185,628\u00a0\n81.2\u00a0\n%\n(1)\nSee \u201cNon-GAAP Reconciliations\u201d below.\nSales\nThe following table sets forth the percentage and dollar value increase or decrease in sales over the comparable prior year period in order to demonstrate the cause and magnitude of change.\nIncrease (Decrease)\n2023\n(Dollars in millions)\nCause of change\nPercentage\nDollars\nInflation\n14.3\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,680.7\u00a0\nForeign currency\n(7.6)\n(892.3)\nOther \n(1)\n8.3\u00a0\n983.8\u00a0\nTotal change in sales\n15.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,772.2\u00a0\n(1)\nThe impact of volumes as a component of sales growth from international operations are included within \u201cOther.\u201d Volume in our foreign operations includes volume metrics that differ from country to country and cannot be aggregated on a consistent comparable basis.\nSales in fiscal 2023 were higher primarily due to inflation, along with an increase in volume, some of which was attributable to our Recipe for Growth initiatives. Partially offsetting these increases was the negative impact of foreign currency translation.\nOperating Income\nThe $213.4 million increase in operating income for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, was primarily a result of the continuing increase in sales volumes along with specific efforts to optimize our gross profit while managing our operating expenses.\nThe increase in gross profit dollars in fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, was attributable to the increase in sales volume and the management of inflation along with specific efforts to optimize our gross profit dollars.\n32\nThe increase in operating expenses for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, was primarily due to increased volume and inflation. \nResults of SYGMA and Other Segment\nFor SYGMA, sales were 8.2% higher in fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, primarily from inflation and fee increases to customers. Operating income increased by $59.7 million in fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to fee increases to customers.\nFor the operations that are grouped within our Other segment, operating income increased $39.5 million in fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to the recovery of our hospitality business, Guest Worldwide. Volume for this business has improved as hospitality occupancy rates have grown from prior year levels.\nGlobal Support Center Expenses\nOur Global Support Center generally includes all expenses of the corporate office and Sysco\u2019s shared service operations. These expenses increased $101.2 million in fiscal 2023, or 11.6% as compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to increases in self-insurance costs, technology expense and employee-related expenses, partially offset by reduced acquisition-related costs.\nIncluded in Global Support Center expenses are Certain Items that totaled $44.9 million in fiscal 2023, as compared to $146.8 million in fiscal 2022. Certain Items impacting fiscal 2023 were primarily expenses associated with our business technology transformation initiatives. In fiscal 2022, Certain Items that impacted the year were primarily expenses associated with our business technology transformation initiatives and acquisitions, as well as a write-down of COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory due to the reduction in the net realizable value of inventory.\nInterest Expense\nInterest expense decreased $96.9 million for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to a $115.6 million charge taken for debt extinguished in fiscal 2022.\nOther income and expense \nOther income decreased $250.4\u00a0million for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to a pension settlement charge partially offset by a gain on a litigation financing agreement.\nNet Earnings\nNet earnings increased 30.3% in fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, due primarily to the items noted previously for operating income and interest expense, as well as items impacting our income taxes that are discussed in Note 19, \u201cIncome Taxes,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Adjusted net earnings, excluding Certain Items, increased 22.2% in fiscal 2023, primarily due to an increase in sales volume.\nEarnings Per Share\nBasic earnings per share in fiscal 2023 were $3.49, a 31.2% increase from the comparable prior year period amount of $2.66 per share. Diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2023 were $3.47, a 31.4% increase from the comparable prior year period amount of $2.64 per share. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding Certain Items (which is a non-GAAP financial measure for which a reconciliation is provided in \u201cNon-GAAP Reconciliations\u201d on the subsequent page), in fiscal 2023 were $4.01, a 23.4% increase from the comparable prior year period amount of $3.25 per share. These results were primarily attributable to the factors discussed previously related to net earnings in fiscal 2023. \n33\nNon-GAAP Reconciliations\nThe discussion of our results includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, that we believe provide important perspective with respect to underlying business trends. Other than free cash flow, any non-GAAP financial measures will be denoted as adjusted measures to remove the impact of restructuring and transformational project costs consisting of: (1) restructuring charges, (2) expenses associated with our various transformation initiatives and (3) severance charges; acquisition-related costs consisting of: (a) intangible amortization expense and (b) acquisition costs and due diligence costs related to our acquisitions; and the reduction of bad debt expense previously recognized in fiscal 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the collectability of our pre-pandemic trade receivable balances. Our results for fiscal 2023 were also impacted by adjustments to a product return allowance pertaining to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory, a pension settlement charge that resulted from the purchase of a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract that transferred defined benefit plan obligations to an insurer, and a litigation financing agreement. Our results for fiscal 2022 were also impacted by a write-down of COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory due to the reduction in the net realizable value of inventory, losses on the extinguishment of long-term debt and an increase in reserves for uncertain tax positions.\nThe results of our operations can be impacted due to changes in exchange rates applicable in converting local currencies to U.S. dollars. We measure our results on a constant currency basis. Constant currency operating results are calculated by translating current-period local currency operating results with the currency exchange rates used to translate the financial statements in the comparable prior-year period to determine what the current-period U.S. dollar operating results would have been if the currency exchange rate had not changed from the comparable prior-year period.\nManagement believes that adjusting its operating expenses, operating income, net earnings and diluted earnings per share to remove these Certain Items and presenting its results on a constant currency basis, provides an important perspective with respect to our underlying business trends and results. It provides meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors that (1) is indicative of the performance of the company\u2019s underlying operations and (2) facilitates comparisons on a year-over-year basis.\nSysco has a history of growth through acquisitions and excludes from its non-GAAP financial measures the impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization, acquisition costs and due-diligence costs for those acquisitions. We believe this approach significantly enhances the comparability of Sysco\u2019s results for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022.\nSet forth on the following page is a reconciliation of sales, operating expenses, operating income, other (income) expense, net earnings and diluted earnings per share to adjusted results for these measures for the periods presented. Individual components of diluted earnings per share may not be equal to the total presented when added due to rounding. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by diluted shares outstanding.\n34\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nChange in Dollars\n%/bps \nChange\n\u00a0\n(In thousands, except for share and per share data)\nSales (GAAP)\n$\n76,324,675\u00a0\n$\n68,636,146\u00a0\n$\n7,688,529\u00a0\n11.2\u00a0\n%\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(1)\n910,290\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n910,290\u00a0\n1.3\u00a0\nComparable sales using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n$\n77,234,965\u00a0\n$\n68,636,146\u00a0\n$\n8,598,819\u00a0\n12.5\u00a0\n%\nCost of sales (GAAP)\n$\n62,369,678\u00a0\n$\n56,315,622\u00a0\n$\n6,054,056\u00a0\n10.8\u00a0\n%\nImpact of inventory valuation adjustment \n(2)\n2,571\u00a0\n(73,224)\n75,795\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\nCost of sales adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n62,372,249\u00a0\n$\n56,242,398\u00a0\n$\n6,129,851\u00a0\n10.9\u00a0\n%\nGross profit (GAAP)\n$\n13,954,997\u00a0\n$\n12,320,524\u00a0\n$\n1,634,473\u00a0\n13.3\u00a0\n%\nImpact of inventory valuation adjustment \n(2)\n(2,571)\n73,224\u00a0\n(75,795)\n(0.7)\nGross profit adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n13,952,426\u00a0\n12,393,748\u00a0\n1,558,678\u00a0\n12.6\u00a0\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(1)\n188,796\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n188,796\u00a0\n1.5\u00a0\nComparable gross profit adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n$\n14,141,222\u00a0\n$\n12,393,748\u00a0\n$\n1,747,474\u00a0\n14.1\u00a0\n%\nGross margin (GAAP)\n18.28\u00a0\n%\n17.95\u00a0\n%\n33 bps\nImpact of inventory valuation adjustment \n(2)\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.11\u00a0\n-11 bps\nGross margin adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n18.28\u00a0\n18.06\u00a0\n22 bps\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(1)\n0.03\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n3 bps\nComparable gross margin adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n18.31\u00a0\n%\n18.06\u00a0\n%\n25 bps\nOperating expenses (GAAP)\n$\n10,916,448\u00a0\n$\n9,974,024\u00a0\n$\n942,424\u00a0\n9.4\u00a0\n%\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(3)\n(62,965)\n(107,475)\n44,510\u00a0\n41.4\u00a0\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(4)\n(115,889)\n(139,173)\n23,284\u00a0\n16.7\u00a0\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments \n(5)\n4,425\u00a0\n27,999\u00a0\n(23,574)\n(84.2)\nOperating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n10,742,019\u00a0\n9,755,375\u00a0\n986,644\u00a0\n10.1\u00a0\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(1)\n182,873\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n182,873\u00a0\n1.9\u00a0\nComparable operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n$\n10,924,892\u00a0\n$\n9,755,375\u00a0\n$\n1,169,517\u00a0\n12.0\u00a0\n%\nOperating expense as a percentage of sales (GAAP)\n14.30\u00a0\n%\n14.53\u00a0\n%\n-23 bps\nImpact of certain item adjustments\n(0.23)\n(0.32)\n9 bps\nAdjusted operating expense as a percentage of sales (Non-GAAP)\n14.07\u00a0\n%\n14.21\u00a0\n%\n-14 bps\nOperating income (GAAP)\n$\n3,038,549\u00a0\n$\n2,346,500\u00a0\n$\n692,049\u00a0\n29.5\u00a0\n%\nImpact of inventory valuation adjustment \n(2)\n(2,571)\n73,224\u00a0\n(75,795)\nNM\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(3)\n62,965\u00a0\n107,475\u00a0\n(44,510)\n(41.4)\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(4)\n115,889\u00a0\n139,173\u00a0\n(23,284)\n(16.7)\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments \n(5)\n(4,425)\n(27,999)\n23,574\u00a0\n84.2\u00a0\nOperating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n3,210,407\u00a0\n2,638,373\u00a0\n572,034\u00a0\n21.7\u00a0\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(1)\n5,923\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n5,923\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\nComparable operating income adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n$\n3,216,330\u00a0\n$\n2,638,373\u00a0\n$\n577,957\u00a0\n21.9\u00a0\n%\nOperating margin (GAAP)\n3.98\u00a0\n%\n3.42\u00a0\n%\n56 bps\nOperating margin adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n4.21\u00a0\n%\n3.84\u00a0\n%\n37 bps\nOperating margin adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n4.16\u00a0\n%\n3.83\u00a0\n%\n33 bps\nInterest expense (GAAP)\n$\n526,752\u00a0\n$\n623,643\u00a0\n$\n(96,891)\n(15.5)\n%\nImpact of loss on extinguishment of debt\n\u2014\u00a0\n(115,603)\n115,603\u00a0\nNM\n35\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nChange in Dollars\n%/bps \nChange\n\u00a0\n(In thousands, except for share and per share data)\nInterest expense adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n526,752\u00a0\n$\n508,040\u00a0\n$\n18,712\u00a0\n3.7\u00a0\n%\nOther expense (income) (GAAP)\n$\n226,442\u00a0\n$\n(23,916)\n$\n250,358\u00a0\nNM\nImpact of other non-routine gains and losses \n(6)\n(194,459)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(194,459)\nNM\nOther expense (income) adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n31,983\u00a0\n$\n(23,916)\n$\n55,899\u00a0\nNM\nNet earnings (GAAP)\n$\n1,770,124\u00a0\n$\n1,358,768\u00a0\n$\n411,356\u00a0\n30.3\u00a0\n%\nImpact of inventory valuation adjustment \n(2)\n(2,571)\n73,224\u00a0\n(75,795)\nNM\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(3)\n62,965\u00a0\n107,475\u00a0\n(44,510)\n(41.4)\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(4)\n115,889\u00a0\n139,173\u00a0\n(23,284)\n(16.7)\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments \n(5)\n(4,425)\n(27,999)\n23,574\u00a0\n84.2\u00a0\nImpact of loss on extinguishment of debt\n\u2014\u00a0\n115,603\u00a0\n(115,603)\nNM\nImpact of other non-routine gains and losses \n(6)\n194,459\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n194,459\u00a0\nNM\nTax impact of inventory valuation adjustment\n (7)\n647\u00a0\n(18,902)\n19,549\u00a0\nNM\nTax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(7)\n(15,847)\n(27,743)\n11,896\u00a0\n42.9\u00a0\nTax impact of acquisition-related costs \n(7)\n(29,166)\n(35,926)\n6,760\u00a0\n18.8\u00a0\nTax impact of bad debt reserves adjustments \n(7)\n1,114\u00a0\n7,228\u00a0\n(6,114)\n(84.6)\nTax impact of loss on extinguishment of debt \n(7)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(29,841)\n29,841\u00a0\nNM\nTax impact of other non-routine gains and losses \n(7)\n(48,941)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(48,941)\nNM\nImpact of adjustments to uncertain tax positions\n\u2014\u00a0\n12,000\u00a0\n(12,000)\nNM\nNet earnings adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n2,044,248\u00a0\n$\n1,673,060\u00a0\n$\n371,188\u00a0\n22.2\u00a0\n%\nDiluted earnings per share (GAAP)\n$\n3.47\u00a0\n$\n2.64\u00a0\n$\n0.83\u00a0\n31.4\u00a0\n%\nImpact of inventory valuation adjustment \n(2)\n(0.01)\n0.14\u00a0\n(0.15)\nNM\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(3)\n0.12\u00a0\n0.21\u00a0\n(0.09)\n(42.9)\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(4)\n0.23\u00a0\n0.27\u00a0\n(0.04)\n(14.8)\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments \n(5)\n(0.01)\n(0.05)\n0.04\u00a0\n80.0\u00a0\nImpact of loss on extinguishment of debt\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.22\u00a0\n(0.22)\nNM\nImpact of other non-routine gains and losses \n(6)\n0.38\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.38\u00a0\nNM\nTax impact of inventory valuation adjustment\n (7)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(0.04)\n0.04\u00a0\nNM\nTax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(7)\n(0.03)\n(0.05)\n0.02\u00a0\n40.0\u00a0\nTax impact of acquisition-related costs \n(7)\n(0.06)\n(0.07)\n0.01\u00a0\n14.3\u00a0\nTax impact of bad debt reserves adjustments \n(7)\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.01\u00a0\n(0.01)\nNM\nTax impact of loss on extinguishment of debt \n(7)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(0.06)\n0.06\u00a0\nNM\nTax impact of other non-routine gains and losses \n(7)\n(0.10)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(0.10)\nNM\nImpact of adjustments to uncertain tax positions\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.02\u00a0\n(0.02)\nNM\nDiluted earnings per share adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) \n(8)\n$\n4.01\u00a0\n$\n3.25\u00a0\n$\n0.76\u00a0\n23.4\u00a0\n%\nDiluted shares outstanding\n509,719,756\n514,005,827\n36\n(1)\nRepresents a constant currency adjustment which eliminates the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the current year results. \n(2)\nFiscal 2023 represents an adjustment to a product return allowance related to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory. Fiscal 2022 represents a write-down of COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory due to the reduction in the net realizable value of inventory.\n(3)\nFiscal 2023 includes $20 million related to restructuring and severance charges and $43 million related to various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy. Fiscal 2022 includes $59 million related to restructuring and severance charges and $49 million related to various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy.\n(4)\nFiscal 2023 includes $105 million of intangible amortization expense and $10 million in acquisition and due diligence costs. Fiscal 2022 includes $106 million of intangible amortization expense and $33 million in acquisition and due diligence costs. \n(5)\nFiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 represent the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020.\n(6)\nFiscal 2023 primarily includes a pension settlement charge of $315 million that resulted from the purchase of a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract that transferred defined benefit plan obligations to an insurer and $122 million in income from a litigation financing agreement.\n(7)\nThe tax impact of adjustments for Certain Items is calculated by multiplying the pretax impact of each Certain Item by the statutory rates in effect for each jurisdiction where the Certain Item was incurred.\n(8)\nIndividual components of diluted earnings per share may not add up to the total presented due to rounding. Total diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by diluted shares outstanding.\nNM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.\n37\nSet forth below is a reconciliation by segment of actual operating expenses and operating income to adjusted results for these measures for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):\n2023\n2022\nChange in Dollars\n%/bps \nChange\nU.S. FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS\nSales (GAAP)\n$\n53,682,894\u00a0\n$\n48,520,562\u00a0\n$\n5,162,332\u00a0\n10.6\u00a0\n%\nGross profit (GAAP)\n10,359,003\u00a0\n9,196,133\u00a0\n1,162,870\u00a0\n12.6\u00a0\n%\nGross margin (GAAP)\n19.30\u00a0\n%\n18.95\u00a0\n%\n35 bps\nOperating expenses (GAAP)\n$\n6,772,427\u00a0\n$\n6,015,428\u00a0\n$\n756,999\u00a0\n12.6\u00a0\n%\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(817)\n(1,162)\n345\u00a0\n29.7\u00a0\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(1)\n(46,042)\n(36,207)\n(9,835)\n(27.2)\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments \n(2)\n4,170\u00a0\n20,765\u00a0\n(16,595)\n(79.9)\nOperating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n6,729,738\u00a0\n$\n5,998,824\u00a0\n$\n730,914\u00a0\n12.2\u00a0\n%\nOperating income (GAAP)\n$\n3,586,576\u00a0\n$\n3,180,705\u00a0\n$\n405,871\u00a0\n12.8\u00a0\n%\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n817\u00a0\n1,162\u00a0\n(345)\n(29.7)\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(1)\n46,042\u00a0\n36,207\u00a0\n9,835\u00a0\n27.2\u00a0\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments \n(2)\n(4,170)\n(20,765)\n16,595\u00a0\n79.9\u00a0\nOperating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n3,629,265\u00a0\n$\n3,197,309\u00a0\n$\n431,956\u00a0\n13.5\u00a0\n%\nINTERNATIONAL FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS\nSales (GAAP)\n$\n13,559,610\u00a0\n$\n11,787,449\u00a0\n$\n1,772,161\u00a0\n15.0\u00a0\n%\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(3)\n892,296\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n892,296\u00a0\n7.6\u00a0\nComparable sales using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n$\n14,451,906\u00a0\n$\n11,787,449\u00a0\n$\n2,664,457\u00a0\n22.6\u00a0\n%\nGross profit (GAAP)\n$\n2,640,860\u00a0\n$\n2,377,093\u00a0\n$\n263,767\u00a0\n11.1\u00a0\n%\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(3)\n182,803\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n182,803\u00a0\n7.7\u00a0\nComparable gross profit using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n$\n2,823,663\u00a0\n$\n2,377,093\u00a0\n$\n446,570\u00a0\n18.8\u00a0\n%\nGross margin (GAAP)\n19.48\u00a0\n%\n20.17\u00a0\n%\n-69 bps\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(3)\n0.06\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n6 bps\nComparable gross margin using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n19.54\u00a0\n%\n20.17\u00a0\n%\n-63 bps\nOperating expenses (GAAP)\n$\n2,327,411\u00a0\n$\n2,277,060\u00a0\n$\n50,351\u00a0\n2.2\u00a0\n%\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(4)\n(19,018)\n(57,683)\n38,665\u00a0\n67.0\u00a0\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(5)\n(65,511)\n(78,062)\n12,551\u00a0\n16.1\u00a0\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments \n(2)\n255\u00a0\n7,236\u00a0\n(6,981)\n(96.5)\nOperating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n2,243,137\u00a0\n2,148,551\u00a0\n94,586\u00a0\n4.4\u00a0\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(3)\n166,356\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n166,356\u00a0\n7.7\u00a0\nComparable operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n$\n2,409,493\u00a0\n$\n2,148,551\u00a0\n$\n260,942\u00a0\n12.1\u00a0\n%\nOperating income (GAAP)\n$\n313,449\u00a0\n$\n100,033\u00a0\n$\n213,416\u00a0\nNM\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(4)\n19,018\u00a0\n57,683\u00a0\n(38,665)\n(67.0)\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(5)\n65,511\u00a0\n78,062\u00a0\n(12,551)\n(16.1)\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments \n(2)\n(255)\n(7,236)\n6,981\u00a0\n96.5\u00a0\nOperating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n397,723\u00a0\n228,542\u00a0\n169,181\u00a0\n74.0\u00a0\nImpact of currency fluctuations \n(3)\n16,447\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n16,447\u00a0\n7.2\u00a0\nComparable operating income adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)\n$\n414,170\u00a0\n$\n228,542\u00a0\n$\n185,628\u00a0\n81.2\u00a0\n%\nSYGMA\nSales (GAAP)\n$\n7,843,111\u00a0\n$\n7,245,824\u00a0\n$\n597,287\u00a0\n8.2\u00a0\n%\n38\n2023\n2022\nChange in Dollars\n%/bps \nChange\nGross profit (GAAP)\n631,135\u00a0\n576,280\u00a0\n54,855\u00a0\n9.5\u00a0\n%\nGross margin (GAAP)\n8.05\u00a0\n%\n7.95\u00a0\n%\n10 bps\nOperating expenses (GAAP)\n$\n574,609\u00a0\n$\n579,404\u00a0\n$\n(4,795)\n(0.8)\n%\nOperating income (loss) (GAAP)\n56,526\u00a0\n(3,124)\n59,650\u00a0\nNM\nOTHER\nSales (GAAP)\n$\n1,239,060\u00a0\n$\n1,082,311\u00a0\n$\n156,749\u00a0\n14.5\u00a0\n%\nGross profit (GAAP)\n326,315\u00a0\n248,125\u00a0\n78,190\u00a0\n31.5\u00a0\n%\nGross margin (GAAP)\n26.34\u00a0\n%\n22.93\u00a0\n%\n341 bps\nOperating expenses (GAAP)\n$\n269,438\u00a0\n$\n230,733\u00a0\n$\n38,705\u00a0\n16.8\u00a0\n%\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments\n (2)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(2)\n2\u00a0\nNM\nOperating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n269,438\u00a0\n$\n230,731\u00a0\n$\n38,707\u00a0\n16.8\u00a0\n%\nOperating income (GAAP)\n$\n56,877\u00a0\n$\n17,392\u00a0\n$\n39,485\u00a0\nNM\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments\n (2)\n\u2014\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n(2)\nNM\nOperating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n56,877\u00a0\n$\n17,394\u00a0\n$\n39,483\u00a0\nNM\nGLOBAL SUPPORT CENTER\nGross loss (GAAP)\n$\n(2,316)\n$\n(77,107)\n$\n74,791\u00a0\n97.0\u00a0\n%\nImpact of inventory valuation adjustment \n(6)\n(2,571)\n73,224\u00a0\n(75,795)\nNM\nGross loss adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n(4,887)\n$\n(3,883)\n$\n(1,004)\n(25.9)\n%\nOperating expenses (GAAP)\n$\n972,563\u00a0\n$\n871,399\u00a0\n$\n101,164\u00a0\n11.6\u00a0\n%\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(7)\n(43,130)\n(48,630)\n5,500\u00a0\n11.3\u00a0\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(8)\n(4,336)\n(24,904)\n20,568\u00a0\n82.6\u00a0\nOperating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n925,097\u00a0\n$\n797,865\u00a0\n$\n127,232\u00a0\n15.9\u00a0\n%\nOperating loss (GAAP)\n$\n(974,879)\n$\n(948,506)\n$\n(26,373)\n(2.8)\n%\nImpact of inventory valuation adjustment \n(6)\n(2,571)\n73,224\u00a0\n(75,795)\nNM\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(7)\n43,130\u00a0\n48,630\u00a0\n(5,500)\n(11.3)\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(8)\n4,336\u00a0\n24,904\u00a0\n(20,568)\n(82.6)\nOperating loss adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n$\n(929,984)\n$\n(801,748)\n$\n(128,236)\n(16.0)\n%\n(1)\nFiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 include intangible amortization expense and acquisition costs. \n(2)\nFiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 represent the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020. \n(3)\nRepresents a constant currency adjustment, which eliminates the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on current year results.\n(4)\nIncludes restructuring and severance costs, primarily in Europe.\n(5)\nRepresents intangible amortization expense.\n(6)\nFiscal 2023 represents an adjustment to a product return allowance related to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory. Fiscal 2022 represents a write-down of COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory due to the reduction in the net realizable value of inventory.\n(7)\nIncludes various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy.\n(8)\nRepresents due diligence costs.\nNM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.\n39\nEBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA\nEBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be used as a substitute for the most comparable GAAP measure in assessing Sysco\u2019s overall financial performance for the periods presented. An analysis of any non-GAAP financial measure should be used in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. See \u201cKey Performance Indicators\u201d for further discussion regarding this non-GAAP financial measure. Set forth below is a reconciliation of actual net earnings (loss) to EBITDA and to adjusted EBITDA results for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):\n2023\n2022\nChange in Dollars\n% Change\nNet earnings (GAAP)\n$\n1,770,124\u00a0\n$\n1,358,768\u00a0\n$\n411,356\u00a0\n30.3\u00a0\n%\nInterest (GAAP)\n526,752\u00a0\n623,643\u00a0\n(96,891)\n(15.5)\nIncome taxes (GAAP)\n515,231\u00a0\n388,005\u00a0\n127,226\u00a0\n32.8\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization (GAAP)\n775,604\u00a0\n772,881\u00a0\n2,723\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\nEBITDA (Non-GAAP)\n$\n3,587,711\u00a0\n$\n3,143,297\u00a0\n$\n444,414\u00a0\n14.1\u00a0\n%\nCertain Item adjustments:\nImpact of inventory valuation adjustment \n(1)\n$\n(2,571)\n$\n73,224\u00a0\n$\n(75,795)\nNM\nImpact of restructuring and transformational project costs \n(2)\n61,009\u00a0\n106,091\u00a0\n(45,082)\n(42.5)\nImpact of acquisition-related costs \n(3)\n10,393\u00a0\n32,738\u00a0\n(22,345)\n(68.3)\nImpact of bad debt reserve adjustments\n (4)\n(4,425)\n(27,999)\n23,574\u00a0\n84.2\u00a0\nImpact of other non-routine gains and losses \n (5)\n194,459\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n194,459\u00a0\nNM\nEBITDA adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)\n(6)\n$\n3,846,576\u00a0\n$\n3,327,351\u00a0\n$\n519,225\u00a0\n15.6\u00a0\n%\n(1)\nFiscal 2023 represents an adjustment to a product return allowance related to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory. Fiscal 2022 represents a write-down of COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory due to the reduction in the net realizable value of inventory.\n(2)\nFiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 include charges related to restructuring and severance, as well as various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy and exclude charges related to accelerated depreciation.\n(3)\nFiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 include acquisition and due diligence costs.\n(4)\nFiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 represent the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020.\n(5)\nFiscal 2023 primarily includes a pension settlement charge of $315 million that resulted from the purchase of a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract that transferred defined benefit plan obligations to an insurer and $122 million in income from a litigation financing agreement.\n(6)\nIn arriving at adjusted EBITDA, Sysco does not exclude interest income of $24 million and $7 million or non-cash stock compensation expense of $95 million and $122 million for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.\nNM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nHighlights\nBelow are comparisons of the cash flows from fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2022:\n\u2022\nCash flows from operations were $2.9 billion in fiscal 2023, compared to $1.8 billion in fiscal 2022;\n\u2022\nNet capital expenditures totaled $751.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $608.7 million in fiscal 2022;\n\u2022\nFree cash flow was $2.1 billion in fiscal 2023, compared to $1.2 billion in fiscal 2022 (see \u201cCash Flows \u2013 Free Cash Flow \u2013 Non-GAAP Reconciliation\u201d below for an explanation of this non-GAAP financial measure);\n\u2022\nCash used for acquisition of businesses was $37.4 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $1.3 billion in fiscal 2022;\n\u2022\nDividends paid were $996.0 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $958.9 million in fiscal 2022; \n\u2022\nCash paid for treasury stock repurchases was $500.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $499.8 million in fiscal 2022;\n\u2022\nWe repaid senior notes in the amount of $549.3 million in fiscal 2023; and\n\u2022\nThere were no commercial paper amounts outstanding as of the end of fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022.\n40\nAs of July 1, 2023, there were no borrowings outstanding under our long-term revolving credit facility and the company had approximately $3.7 billion in cash and available liquidity. As of August\u00a08, 2023, the company had approximately $3.1 billion in cash and available liquidity. \nSources and Uses of Cash\nSysco generates cash in the U.S. and internationally. Sysco\u2019s strategic objectives include continuous investment in our business; these investments are funded primarily by cash from operations and, to a lesser extent, external borrowings. Traditionally, our operations have produced significant cash flow and, due to our strong financial position, we believe that we will continue to be able to effectively access capital markets, as needed. Cash generated from operations is generally allocated to:\n\u2022\nworking capital-investments;\n\u2022\ncapital investments in facilities, systems, fleet, other equipment and technology;\n\u2022\nacquisitions consistent with our growth strategy;\n\u2022\ndebt repayments;\n\u2022\ncash dividends; and\n\u2022\nshare repurchases. \nAny remaining cash generated from operations may be invested in high-quality, short-term instruments. As a part of our ongoing strategic analysis, we regularly evaluate business opportunities, including potential acquisitions and sales of assets and businesses, and our overall capital structure. Any transactions resulting from these evaluations may materially impact our liquidity, borrowing capacity, leverage ratios and capital availability.\nWe continue to be in a strong financial position based on our balance sheet and operating cash flows; however, our liquidity and capital resources can be influenced by macro-economic trends and conditions that impact our results of operations. We believe our mechanisms to manage working capital, such as actively working with customers to receive payments on receivables, optimizing inventory levels and maximizing payment terms with vendors, have been sufficient to limit a significant unfavorable impact on our cash flows from operations. We believe these mechanisms will continue to mitigate any unfavorable impact on our cash flows from operations arising from macro-economic trends and conditions.\nWe extend credit terms to some of our customers based on our assessment of each customer\u2019s creditworthiness. We monitor each customer\u2019s account and will suspend shipments if necessary. In the ordinary course of business, customers periodically negotiate extended payment terms on trade accounts receivable. The company may utilize purchase arrangements with third-party financial institutions to transfer portions of our trade accounts receivable balance on a non-recourse basis in order to extend terms for the customer without negatively impacting our cash flow. The arrangements meet the requirements for the receivables transferred to be accounted for as sales. See Note 1, \u201cSummary of Accounting Policies,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for additional information.\nAs of July 1, 2023, we had $745.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, approximately 83% of which was held by our international subsidiaries and generated from our earnings of international operations. If these earnings were transferred among countries or repatriated to the U.S., such amounts may be subject to withholding and additional foreign tax obligations. Additionally, Sysco Corporation has provided intercompany loans to certain of its international subsidiaries. When interest and principal payments are made, some of this cash will move to the U.S.\nOur wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary (the Captive) must maintain a sufficient level of liquidity to fund future reserve payments. As of July 1, 2023, the Captive held $120.7 million of fixed income marketable securities and $220.8 million of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in a restricted investment portfolio in order to meet solvency requirements. We purchased $16.2 million in marketable securities in fiscal 2023 and received $11.6 million in proceeds from the sale of marketable securities in the period.\n41\nCash Requirements\nThe Company\u2019s cash requirements within the next twelve months include accounts payable and accrued liabilities, current maturities of long-term debt, other current liabilities, purchase commitments and other obligations. We expect the cash required to meet these obligations to be primarily generated through a combination of cash from operations and access to capital from financial markets.\nOur long-term cash requirements under our various contractual obligations and commitments include:\n\u2022\nDebt Obligations and Interest Payments \n\u2013 See Note 12, \u201cDebt and Other Financing Arrangements,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for further detail of our debt and the timing of expected future principal and interest payments.\n\u2022\nOperating and Finance Leases\n \u2013 See Note 13, \u201cLeases,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for further detail of our obligations and the timing of expected future payments.\n\u2022\nDeferred Compensation\n \u2013 The estimate of the timing of future payments under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and Management Savings Plan involves the use of certain assumptions, including retirement ages and payout periods. See Note 14, \u201cCompany-Sponsored Employee Benefit Plans,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for further detail of our obligations and the timing of expected future payments.\n\u2022\nPurchase and Other Obligations \n\u2013 Purchase obligations include agreements for purchases of product in the normal course of business for which all significant terms have been confirmed, including minimum quantities resulting from our category management process. Such amounts are based on estimates. Purchase obligations also include amounts committed with various third-party service providers to provide information technology services for periods up to fiscal 2029. See discussion under Note 20, \u201cCommitments and Contingencies,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Purchase obligations exclude full requirements electricity contracts where no stated minimum purchase volume is required.\n\u2022\nOther Liabilities \n\u2013 These include other long-term liabilities reflected in our consolidated balance sheets as of July 1, 2023, including obligations associated with certain employee benefit programs, unrecognized tax benefits and various long-term liabilities which have some inherent uncertainty in the timing of these payments.\n\u2022\nContingent Consideration\n \u2013 Certain acquisitions involve contingent consideration typically payable only if certain operating results are attained or certain outstanding contingencies are resolved. See Note 4, \u201cAcquisitions,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for aggregate contingent consideration amounts outstanding as of July 1, 2023.\nWe believe the following sources will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for at least the next twelve months while maintaining sufficient liquidity for normal operating purposes:\n\u2022\nour cash flows from operations;\n\u2022\nthe availability of additional capital under our existing commercial paper programs, supported by our revolving credit facility; and\n\u2022\nour ability to access capital from financial markets, including issuances of debt securities, either privately or under our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC.\nDue to our strong financial position, we believe that we will continue to be able to effectively access the commercial paper market and long-term capital markets if necessary.\n42\nCash Flows\nOperating Activities\nWe generated $2.9 billion in cash flows from operations in fiscal 2023, compared to cash flows from operations of $1.8 billion in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, these amounts included year-over-year favorable comparisons on working capital of $772.1 million\u00a0due to a favorable comparison on accounts receivable and inventory of $700.5 million and $686.4 million, respectively, partially offset by an unfavorable comparison on accounts payable of $614.8 million. Accrued expenses also had an unfavorable comparison of $401.1 million, primarily from accrued payroll. Income taxes positively impacted cash flows from operations by $149.8 million, as estimated payments made were lower than in fiscal 2022 due to overpayments in the prior year. \nInvesting Activities\nFiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022 capital expenditures included:\n\u2022\nbuildings and building improvements; \n\u2022\nfleet replacements; \n\u2022\ninvestments in technology; and\n\u2022\nwarehouse equipment.\nThe Company had net cash used by plant and equipment purchases and sales of $751.2 million and financed $311.2 million of non-cash capital expenditures for the year ended July 1, 2023. \nThe following table sets forth the company\u2019s total plant and equipment additions:\n2023\n2022\n(In thousands)\nNet cash capital expenditures\n$\n751,178\u00a0\n$\n608,658\u00a0\nPlant and equipment acquired through financing programs\n197,096\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAssets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations\n114,098\u00a0\n191,523\u00a0\nTotal net plant and equipment additions\n$\n1,062,372\u00a0\n$\n800,181\u00a0\nOur capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 were $160.5 million higher than in fiscal 2022, as we made investments to advance our Recipe for Growth strategy. Consistent with fiscal 2023, we expect our capital expenditures in fiscal 2024 to be approximately 1.0% of sales. \nDuring fiscal 2023, we paid $37.4 million, net of cash acquired, for acquisitions. During fiscal 2022, we paid $1.3 billion, net of cash acquired, for acquisitions. These payments decreased in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 due to the smaller size of acquisitions during the year. \nFree Cash Flow\nOur free cash flow for fiscal 2023 increased by $933.8 million, to $2.1 billion, as compared to fiscal 2022, principally as a result of an increase in cash flows from operations, offset by a year-over-year increase in capital expenditures. \n43\nNon-GAAP Reconciliation\nFree cash flow should not be used as a substitute for the most comparable GAAP measure in assessing the company\u2019s liquidity for the periods presented.\u00a0An analysis of any non-GAAP financial measure should be used in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. See \u201cKey Performance Indicators\u201d for further discussion regarding this non-GAAP financial measure. In the table that follows, free cash flow for each period presented is reconciled to net cash provided by operating activities.\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nChange in Dollars\n% Change\n\u00a0\n(In thousands)\nNet cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)\n$\n2,867,602\u00a0\n$\n1,791,286\u00a0\n$\n1,076,316\u00a0\n60.1\u00a0\n%\nAdditions to plant and equipment\n(793,325)\n(632,802)\n(160,523)\n(25.4)\nProceeds from sales of plant and equipment\n42,147\u00a0\n24,144\u00a0\n18,003\u00a0\n74.6\u00a0\nFree Cash Flow (Non-GAAP)\n$\n2,116,424\u00a0\n$\n1,182,628\u00a0\n$\n933,796\u00a0\n79.0\u00a0\n%\nFinancing Activities\nEquity Transactions \nProceeds from exercises of share-based compensation awards were $79.2 million and $128.2 million in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively. The level of option exercises, and thus proceeds, will vary from period to period and is largely dependent on movements in our stock price and the time remaining before option grants expire.\nWe have traditionally engaged in share repurchase programs to allow Sysco to continue offsetting dilution resulting from shares issued under the company\u2019s benefit plans and to make opportunistic repurchases. In May 2021, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program to authorize the repurchase of up to $5.0\u00a0billion of the company\u2019s common stock which will remain available until fully utilized. We repurchased 6,231,071 shares for $500.1 million during fiscal 2023. As of July 1, 2023, we had a remaining authorization of approximately $4.0 billion. We expect to complete approximately $750\u00a0million in shares repurchases in fiscal 2024. Depending on the volume of acquisitions completed in fiscal 2024, we could increase share repurchases above this amount. We repurchased 552,463 additional shares for $41.3 million under our authorization through August\u00a08, 2023.\nWe have made dividend payments to our shareholders in each fiscal year since our company\u2019s inception. Dividends paid in fiscal 2023 were $996.0 million, or $1.96 per share, as compared to $958.9 million, or $1.88 per share, in fiscal 2022.\u00a0In April 2023, we declared our regular quarterly dividend for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 of $0.50 per share, a $0.01 per share increase from the prior quarter, which was paid in July 2023. \nIn August 2021, we filed a universal shelf registration statement with the SEC under which we, as a well-known seasoned issuer, have the ability to issue and sell an indeterminate amount of various types of debt and equity securities. The specific terms of any securities we issue under this registration statement will be provided in the applicable prospectus supplements.\nIn November 2000, we filed with the SEC a shelf registration statement covering 30,000,000 shares of common stock to be offered from time to time in connection with acquisitions. As of August\u00a08, 2023, 29,477,835 shares remained available for issuance under this registration statement.\nDebt Activity and Borrowing Availability \nOur debt activity, including issuances and repayments, and our borrowing availability is described in Note 12, \u201cDebt and Other Financing Arrangements,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.\u00a0Our outstanding borrowings at July 1, 2023, and repayment activity since the end of fiscal 2023 are disclosed within those notes.\u00a0Updated amounts at August\u00a08, 2023, include:\n\u2022\nNo outstanding borrowings from the long-term revolving credit facility supporting our U.S. commercial paper program; and\n\u2022\n$339.0 million outstanding borrowings under our U.S. commercial paper program.\n44\nOur aggregate commercial paper issuances and short-term bank borrowings had weighted average interest rates of 4.10% for fiscal 2023 and 1.35% for fiscal 2022.\nThe availability of financing in the form of debt is influenced by many factors, including our profitability, free cash flows, debt levels, credit ratings, debt covenants and economic and market conditions. A\ns of August\u00a08, 2023,\n Moody\u2019s Investors Service has assigned us an unsecured debt credit rating of Baa1 and a ratings outlook of \u201cstable.\u201d Standard & Poor\u2019s has assigned us an unsecured debt credit rating of BBB and a ratings outlook of \u201cstable.\u201d Fitch Ratings Inc. has assigned us an unsecured debt credit rating of BBB and a ratings outlook of \u201cstable.\u201d A significant downgrade in our credit ratings or adverse conditions in the capital markets may increase the cost of borrowing for us or limit our access to capital. To date, we have not experienced difficulty accessing the credit markets. As of August\u00a08, 2023, the company had approximately $3.1 billion in cash and available liquidity. \nOur long-term revolving credit facility includes aggregate commitments of the lenders thereunder of $3.0\u00a0billion with an option to increase such commitments to $4.0\u00a0billion. The facility includes a covenant, among others, requiring Sysco to maintain a ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense of 3.0 to 1.0 over four consecutive fiscal quarters. The revolving credit facility expires on April 29, 2027. As of July 1, 2023, Sysco was in compliance with all of its debt covenants and the company expects to remain in compliance through the next twelve months.\nSysco\u2019s commercial paper dealer agreement includes an issuance allowance for an aggregate amount not to exceed $3.0 billion. Any outstanding amounts are classified within long-term debt, as the program is supported by the long-term revolving credit facility.\nGuarantor Summarized Financial Information \nOn January 19, 2011, the wholly owned U.S. Broadline subsidiaries of Sysco Corporation, which distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products, entered into full and unconditional guarantees of all outstanding senior notes and debentures of Sysco Corporation. A list of the current guarantors is included in Exhibit 22 to this Form 10-K. All subsequent issuances of senior notes and debentures in the U.S. and borrowings under the company\u2019s $3.0\u00a0billion long-term revolving credit facility have also been guaranteed by these subsidiaries, as discussed in Note 12, \u201cDebt and Other Financing Arrangements,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. As of July 1, 2023, Sysco had a total of $9.5 billion in senior notes, debentures and borrowings under the long-term revolving credit facility that were guaranteed by these subsidiary guarantors. Our remaining consolidated subsidiaries (non-guarantor subsidiaries) are not obligated under the senior notes indenture, debentures indenture or our long-term revolving credit facility.\nAll subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned by the parent company, all guarantees are full and unconditional, and all guarantees are joint and several. The guarantees rank equally and ratably in right of payment with all other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the respective guarantors.\nThe assets of Sysco Corporation consist principally of the stock of its subsidiaries. Therefore, the rights of Sysco Corporation and the rights of its creditors to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon liquidation, recapitalization or otherwise will be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary\u2019s creditors, except to the extent that claims of Sysco Corporation itself and/or the claims of those creditors themselves may be recognized as creditor claims of the subsidiary. Furthermore, the ability of Sysco Corporation to service its indebtedness and other obligations is dependent upon the earnings and cash flow of its subsidiaries and the distribution or other payment to it of such earnings or cash flow. If any of Sysco Corporation\u2019s subsidiaries becomes insolvent, the direct creditors of that subsidiary will have a prior claim on its assets. Sysco Corporation\u2019s rights and the rights of its creditors, including the rights of a holder of senior notes as an owner of debt securities, will be subject to that prior claim unless Sysco Corporation or such noteholder, if such noteholder\u2019s debt securities are guaranteed by such subsidiary, also is a direct creditor of that subsidiary.\nThe guarantee of any subsidiary guarantor with respect to a series of senior notes or debentures may be released under certain customary circumstances. If we exercise our defeasance option with respect to the senior notes or debentures of any series, then any subsidiary guarantor effectively will be released with respect to that series. Further, each subsidiary guarantee will remain in full force and effect until the earliest to occur of the date, if any, on which (1) the applicable subsidiary guarantor shall consolidate with or merge into Sysco Corporation or any successor of Sysco Corporation or (2) Sysco Corporation or any successor of Sysco Corporation consolidates with or merges into the applicable subsidiary guarantor.\n45\nBasis of Preparation of the Summarized Financial Information \nThe summarized financial information of Sysco Corporation (issuer), and certain wholly owned U.S. Broadline subsidiaries (guarantors) (together, the obligor group) is presented on a combined basis with intercompany balances and transactions between entities in the obligor group eliminated. Investments in and equity in the earnings of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, which are not members of the obligor group, have been excluded from the summarized financial information. The obligor group\u2019s amounts due to, amounts due from and transactions with non-guarantor subsidiaries have been presented in separate line items, if they are material to the obligor financials. The following table includes summarized financial information of the obligor group for the periods presented. \nCombined Parent and Guarantor Subsidiaries Summarized Balance Sheet\nJul. 1, 2023\n(In thousands)\nASSETS\nReceivables due from non-obligor subsidiaries\n$\n321,476\u00a0\nCurrent assets\n5,149,509\u00a0\nTotal current assets\n$\n5,470,985\u00a0\nNotes receivable from non-obligor subsidiaries \n$\n108,380\u00a0\nOther noncurrent assets\n4,254,145\u00a0\nTotal noncurrent assets\n$\n4,362,525\u00a0\nLIABILITIES\nPayables due to non-obligor subsidiaries \n$\n71,175\u00a0\nOther current liabilities \n2,305,435\u00a0\nTotal current liabilities\n$\n2,376,610\u00a0\nNotes payable to non-obligor subsidiaries\n$\n240,874\u00a0\nLong-term debt\n9,793,541\u00a0\nOther noncurrent liabilities\n1,121,884\u00a0\nTotal noncurrent liabilities\n$\n11,156,299\u00a0\nCombined Parent and Guarantor Subsidiaries Summarized Results of Operations\n2023\n(In thousands)\nSales\n$\n47,919,810\u00a0\nGross profit\n8,722,554\u00a0\nOperating income\n2,621,532\u00a0\nInterest expense from non-obligor subsidiaries\n16,754\u00a0\nNet earnings\n1,390,966\u00a0\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements\nWe have no off-balance sheet arrangements.\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\nThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses in the accompanying financial statements. Significant accounting policies employed by Sysco are presented in the notes to the financial statements.\nCritical accounting policies and estimates are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations. These policies require our most subjective or complex judgments, often employing the use of estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We have reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors the development and selection of the critical accounting policies and estimates and this related disclosure. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates pertain to the goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes, company-sponsored pension plans and inventory valuation.\n46\nGoodwill and Intangible Assets\nWe account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that once control of a business is obtained, 100% of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. We use multiple valuation methods to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. For intangible assets, we generally use the income method which uses a forecast of the expected future net cash flows associated with each asset. These cash flows are then adjusted to present value by applying an appropriate discount rate that reflects the risk factors associated with the cash flow streams. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the income method or other methods include the amount and timing of projected future cash flows and the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows. Determining the useful life of an intangible asset also requires judgment, as different types of intangible assets will have different useful lives. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. More information on our acquisitions can be found in Note 4, \u201cAcquisitions,\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.\nAnnually in our fiscal fourth quarter, we assess the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles by determining whether the fair values exceed the carrying values of these assets. Impairment reviews, outside our annual review time frame, are performed if events or circumstances occur that include changes in macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, other relevant entity-specific events, specific events affecting the reporting unit or sustained decrease in share price. Our testing may be performed utilizing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment; however, if a qualitative assessment is performed and we determine that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not (\ni.e.\n, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) to be less than its carrying amount, a quantitative test is performed.\nWhen using a quantitative test, we arrive at our estimates of fair value using a combination of discounted cash flow and earnings or revenue multiple models. The results from each of these models are then weighted and combined into a single estimate of fair value for each reporting unit. We use a higher weighting for our discounted cash flow valuation compared to the earnings multiple models because the forecasted operating results that serve as a basis for the analysis incorporate management\u2019s outlook and anticipated changes for the businesses consistent with a market participant. The primary assumptions used in these various models include estimated earnings multiples of comparable acquisitions in the industry, including control premiums, earnings or revenue multiples on acquisitions completed by Sysco in the past, future cash flow estimates of the reporting units which are dependent on internal forecasts and projected growth rates, and weighted average cost of capital, along with working capital and capital expenditure requirements.\u00a0When possible, we use observable market inputs in our models to arrive at the fair values of our reporting units.\nCertain reporting units have a greater proportion of goodwill recorded to estimated fair value as compared to the U.S. Broadline, Canada Broadline or SYGMA reporting units.\u00a0This is primarily due to these businesses having been more recently acquired, and as a result there has been less history of organic growth than in the U.S. Broadline, Canadian Broadline and SYGMA reporting units.\u00a0As such, these reporting units have a greater risk of future impairment if their operations were to suffer a significant downturn. In the annual fiscal 2023 assessment, we concluded that all reporting units have a fair value that exceeded book value by at least 30%, with one exception. Impairment charges would have been applicable for this reporting unit if our estimate of fair value was decreased by approximately 6%, with goodwill of $119.0 million in the aggregate as of July 1, 2023.\nThe company estimated the fair value of these reporting units using a combination of discounted cash flow and earnings or revenue multiple models. For the purposes of the discounted cash flow models, fair value was determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate risk adjusted rate. The fair value conclusions as of July 1, 2023 for the reporting units are highly sensitive to changes in the assumptions used in the income approach which include forecasted revenues, perpetual growth rates, and long-term discount rates, among others, all of which require significant judgments by management. Fair value of the reporting unit is: therefore, determined using significant unobservable inputs, or level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The company has used recent historical performance, current forecasted financial information, and broad-based industry and economic statistics as a basis to estimate the key assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow model. These key assumptions are inherently uncertain and require a high degree of estimation and judgment and are subject to change based on future changes, industry and global economic and geo-political conditions, and the timing and success of the implementation of current strategic initiatives.\nIncome Taxes\nThe determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Our provision for income taxes primarily reflects a combination of income \n47\nearned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state as well as foreign jurisdictions. Tax law changes, increases or decreases in book versus tax basis differences, accruals or adjustments of accruals for unrecognized tax benefits or valuation allowances, and our change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate. Certain of our operations have carryforward attributes, such as operating losses. If these operations do not produce sufficient income, it could lead to the recognition of valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets in the future if losses occur or growth is insufficient beyond our current expectations. This would negatively impact our income tax expense, net earnings, and balance sheet.\nOur liability for unrecognized tax benefits contains uncertainties because management is required to make assumptions and to apply judgment in estimating the exposures associated with our various filing positions. We believe that the judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable; however, actual results could differ, and we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. To the extent we prevail in matters for which a liability has been established, or pay amounts in excess of recorded liabilities, our effective income tax rate in a given financial statement period could be materially affected. An unfavorable tax settlement generally would require use of our cash and may result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement may be recognized as a reduction in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, Sysco received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency from the Internal Revenue Service, mainly related to foreign tax credits generated in fiscal 2018 from repatriated earnings primarily from our Canadian operations. On April 18, 2023, during the company\u2019s fourth fiscal quarter, the company filed suit in the U.S. Tax Court challenging the validity of certain tax regulations related to the one-time transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings, which was enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). The lawsuit seeks to have the court invalidate these regulations, which would affirm the company\u2019s position regarding its foreign tax credits. Sysco previously recorded a benefit of $131.0\u00a0million attributable to its interpretation of the TCJA and the Internal Revenue Code. If the company is ultimately unsuccessful in defending its position, it may be required to reverse all, or some portion, of the benefit previously recorded.\nCompany-Sponsored Pension Plans\nAmounts related to defined benefit plans recognized in the financial statements are determined on an actuarial basis. Two of the more critical assumptions in the actuarial calculations are the discount rate for determining the current value of plan benefits and the expected rate of return on plan assets. Our U.S. Retirement Plan is largely frozen and is only open to a small number of employees. Our Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) is frozen and is not open to any employees. None of these plans have a significant sensitivity to changes in discount rates s\npecific to our results of operations, but such changes could impact our balance sheet due to a change in our funded status. Due to the low level of active employees in our retirement plans, our assumption for the rate of increase in future compensation is n\not a critical assumption.\nThe expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of the U.S. Retirement Plan was 4.50% for the period of July 2022 to October 2022. Due to the settlement that occurred, as discussed in Note 14, \u201cCompany-Sponsored Employee Benefit Plans\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, the rate changed to 6.00% from November 2022 to June 2023. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 4.50% for fiscal 2022.\u00a0The expectations of future returns are derived from a mathematical asset model that incorporates assumptions as to the various asset class returns reflecting a combination of historical performance analysis, the forward-looking views of the financial markets regarding the yield on bonds, historical returns of the major stock markets, and returns on alternative investments. The rate of return assumption is reviewed annually and revised as deemed appropriate.\nThe expected return on plan assets impacts the recorded amount of net pension costs. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of the U.S. Retirement Plan is 5.50% for fiscal 2024. A 25 basis point increase (decrease) in the assumed rate of return in the Plan for fiscal 2024 would decrease (increase) Sysco\u2019s net company-sponsored pension costs for fiscal 2024 by approximately $6.0 million.\nPension accounting standards require the recognition of the funded status of our defined benefit plans in the Statement of Financial Position, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.\u00a0The amount reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the recognition of the funded status of our defined benefit plans as of July 1, 2023 was a charge, net of tax, of $839.5 million.\u00a0The amount reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the recognition of the funded status of our defined benefit plans as of July 2, 2022 was a charge, net of tax, of $1.0 billion. The decrease compared to July 2, 2022 is due to a portion of the accumulated other comprehensive loss being recognized in our consolidated results of operations as a result of the purchase of a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract that transferred a portion of the U.S. Retirement Plan\u2019s pension obligations related to certain pension benefits over to an insurer.\n48\nInventory Valuation\nInventories consisting primarily of finished goods include food and related products and lodging products held for sale. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) and net realizable value. Inventory balances are adjusted for slow-moving, excess, and obsolete inventories. Inventory valuation reserves require certain management estimates and judgments which may significantly affect the ending inventory valuation. We estimate our reserves based on the consideration of a variety of factors, including but not limited to, current economic conditions and business trends, seasonal demand, future merchandising strategies and the age of our products. \nWe have not made any material changes in the methodology used to establish our inventory valuation or the related reserves. We believe that we have sufficient current and historical knowledge to record reasonable estimates, and the risk of inventory obsolescence is largely mitigated because of the speed with which our inventory typically turns. However, these assumptions are inherently uncertain and require estimation and judgment and are subject to change. During fiscal year 2023, the change in our inventory valuation reserve was not material to our results of operations or balance sheet.\nForward-Looking Statements\nCertain statements made herein that look forward in time or express management\u2019s expectations or beliefs with respect to the occurrence of future events are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as \u201cfuture,\u201d \u201canticipates,\u201d \u201cbelieves,\u201d \u201cestimates,\u201d \u201cexpects,\u201d \u201cintends,\u201d \u201cplans,\u201d \u201cpredicts,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cwould,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d \u201ccan,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cprojected,\u201d \u201ccontinues,\u201d \u201ccontinuously,\u201d variations of such terms, and similar terms and phrases denoting anticipated or expected occurrences or results. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:\n\u2022\nour expectations of an improving market over the course of fiscal 2024;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding the ability of our supply chain and facilities to remain in place and operational;\n\u2022\nour plans regarding our transformation initiatives and the expected effects from such initiatives, including the Sysco Driver Academy;\n\u2022\nstatements regarding uncollectible accounts, including that if collections continue to improve, additional reductions in bad debt expense could occur;\n\u2022\nour expectations that our Recipe for Growth strategy will allow us to better serve our customers and differentiate Sysco from our competition;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding our fiscal 2024 sales and our rate of sales growth in fiscal 2024 and the three years of our long-range plan;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding the impact of inflation on sales, gross margin rates and gross profit dollars;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding gross margins in fiscal 2024;\n\u2022\nour plans regarding cost savings, including our target for cost savings through fiscal 2024 and the impact of costs savings on the company;\n\u2022\nour belief that our purpose will allow us to grow substantially faster than the foodservice distribution industry and deliver profitable growth through our Recipe for Growth transformation, and statements regarding our plans with respect to our strategic pillars that support this growth transformation;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding the use and investment of remaining cash generated from operations;\n\u2022\nthe effect, impact, potential duration or other implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and any expectations we may have with respect thereto, including our ability to withstand and recover from the crisis;\n\u2022\nthe expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of the U.S. Retirement Plan; \n\u2022\nthe sufficiency of our available liquidity to sustain our operations for multiple years;\n\u2022\nestimates regarding the outcome of legal proceedings;\n49\n\u2022\nthe impact of seasonal trends on our free cash flow; \n\u2022\nestimates regarding our capital expenditures and the sources of financing for our capital expenditures;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding the impact of potential acquisitions and sales of assets on our liquidity, borrowing capacity, leverage ratios and capital availability;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding real sales growth in the U.S. foodservice market and trends in produce markets;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding the calculation of adjusted return on invested capital, adjusted operating income, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per share;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding the impact of future Certain Items on our projected future non-GAAP and GAAP results;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding our effective tax rate in fiscal 2024;\n\u2022\nthe sufficiency of our mechanisms for managing working capital and competitive pressures, and our beliefs regarding the impact of these mechanisms;\n\u2022\nour ability to meet future cash requirements, including the ability to access financial markets effectively, including issuances of debt securities, and maintain sufficient liquidity;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding the payment of dividends, and the growth of our dividend, in the future;\n\u2022\nour expectations regarding future activity under our share repurchase program;\n\u2022\nfuture compliance with the covenants under our revolving credit facility;\n\u2022\nour ability to effectively access the commercial paper market and long-term capital markets;\n\u2022\nour intention to repay our long-term debt with cash on hand, cash flow from operations, issuances of commercial paper, issuances of senior notes, or a combination thereof.\nThese statements are based on management\u2019s current expectations and estimates; actual results may differ materially due in part to the risk factors set forth below and those within Part I, Item 1A of this document:\n\u2022\nthe risk that if sales from our locally managed customers do not grow at the same rate as sales from multi-unit customers, our gross margins may decline; \n\u2022\nperiods of significant or prolonged inflation or deflation and their impact on our product costs and profitability generally;\n\u2022\nthe risk that we are unlikely to be able to predict inflation over the long term, and lower inflation is likely to produce lower gross profit;\n\u2022\nthe risk that our efforts to modify truck routing, including our small truck initiative, in order to reduce outbound transportation costs may be unsuccessful;\n\u2022\nthe risk that we may not be able to accelerate and/or identify additional administrative cost savings in order to compensate for any gross profit or supply chain cost leverage challenges; \n\u2022\nrisks related to unfavorable conditions in the Americas and Europe and the impact on our results of operations and financial condition;\n\u2022\nthe risks related to our efforts to implement our transformation initiatives and meet our other long-term strategic objectives, including the risk that these efforts may not provide the expected benefits in our anticipated time frame, if at all, and may prove costlier than expected;\n\u2022\nthe impact of unexpected future changes to our business initiatives based on management\u2019s subjective evaluation of our overall business needs;\n\u2022\nthe risk that the actual costs of any business initiatives may be greater or less than currently expected;\n50\n\u2022\nthe risk that competition in our industry and the impact of GPOs may adversely impact our margins and our ability to retain customers and make it difficult for us to maintain our market share, growth rate and profitability;\n\u2022\nthe risk that our relationships with long-term customers may be materially diminished or terminated; \n\u2022\nthe risk that changes in consumer eating habits could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations;\n\u2022\nthe impact and effects of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, such as the recent outbreak of COVID-19, and the adverse impact thereof on our business, financial condition and results of operations;\n\u2022\nthe risk that changes in applicable tax laws or regulations and the resolution of tax disputes could negatively affect our financial results; \n\u2022\nthe risk that we may not be able to fully compensate for increases in fuel costs, and forward purchase commitments intended to contain fuel costs could result in above market fuel costs;\n\u2022\nthe risk of interruption of supplies and increase in product costs as a result of conditions beyond our control;\n\u2022\nthe potential impact on our reputation and earnings of adverse publicity or lack of confidence in our products;\n\u2022\nrisks related to unfavorable changes to the mix of locally managed customers versus corporate-managed customers;\n\u2022\nthe risk that we may not realize anticipated benefits from our operating cost reduction efforts;\n\u2022\ndifficulties in successfully expanding into international markets and complimentary lines of business;\n\u2022\nthe potential impact of product liability claims;\n\u2022\nthe risk that we fail to comply with requirements imposed by applicable law or government regulations;\n\u2022\nrisks related to our ability to effectively finance and integrate acquired businesses;\n\u2022\nrisks related to our access to borrowed funds in order to grow and any default by us under our indebtedness that could have a material adverse impact on cash flow and liquidity;\n\u2022\nour level of indebtedness and the terms of our indebtedness could adversely affect our business and liquidity position;\n\u2022\nthe risk that the implementation of various initiatives, the timing and successful completion of acquisitions, construction schedules and the possibility that other cash requirements could result in delays or cancellations of capital spending;\n\u2022\nthe risk that divestiture of one or more of our businesses may not provide the anticipated effects on our operations;\n\u2022\nthe risk that future labor disruptions or disputes could disrupt the integration of Brake France and Davigel into Sysco France and our operations in France and the EU generally;\n\u2022\nthe risk that factors beyond management\u2019s control, including fluctuations in the stock market, as well as management\u2019s future subjective evaluation of the company\u2019s needs, would impact the timing of share repurchases;\n\u2022\ndue to our reliance on technology, any technology disruption or delay in implementing new technology could have a material negative impact on our business;\n\u2022\nthe risk of negative impacts to our business and our relationships with customers from a cybersecurity incident and/or other technology disruptions;\n\u2022\nthe risk that changes in the method of determining LIBOR, or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate, may adversely affect interest expense related to outstanding debt;\n\u2022\nthe potential requirement to pay material amounts under our multiemployer defined benefit pension plans;\n\u2022\nour funding requirements for our company-sponsored qualified pension plan may increase should financial markets experience future declines;\n51\n\u2022\nlabor issues, including the renegotiation of union contracts and shortage of qualified labor;\n\u2022\ncapital expenditures may vary based on changes in business plans and other factors, including risks related to the implementation of various initiatives, the timing and successful completion of acquisitions, construction schedules and the possibility that other cash requirements could result in delays or cancellations of capital spending; \n\u2022\nthe risk that the anti-takeover benefits provided by our preferred stock may not be viewed as beneficial to stockholders; and\n\u2022\nthe risk that the exclusive forum provisions in our amended and restated bylaws could limit our stockholders\u2019 ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\u00a0 \nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\nOur market risks consist of interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, fuel price risk and investment risk.\nInterest Rate Risk\nWe do not utilize financial instruments for trading purposes.\u00a0Our use of debt directly exposes us to interest rate risk.\u00a0Floating rate debt, where the interest rate fluctuates periodically, exposes us to short-term changes in market interest rates.\u00a0Fixed rate debt, where the interest rate is fixed over the life of the instrument, exposes us to changes in market interest rates reflected in the fair value of the debt and to the risk that we may need to refinance maturing debt with new debt at higher rates.\nWe manage our debt portfolio to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates and may employ interest rate swaps as a tool to achieve that position.\u00a0The major risks from interest rate derivatives include changes in the interest rates affecting the fair value of such instruments, potential increases in interest expense due to market increases in floating interest rates and the creditworthiness of the counterparties in such transactions.\nAt\u00a0July 1, 2023,\u00a0there were no commercial paper issuances outstanding under our U.S. commercial paper program. Total debt as of July 1, 2023 was $10.4 billion, of which approximately 100% was at fixed rates of interest.\nAt July 2, 2022, there were no commercial paper issuances outstanding under our U.S. commercial paper program.\u00a0Total debt as of July 2, 2022 was $10.6 billion, of which approximately 95% was at fixed rates of interest, including the impact of our interest rate swap agreements.\nThe following tables present our interest rate position as of July 1, 2023. All amounts are stated in U.S. dollar equivalents.\n\u00a0\nInterest Rate Position as of July 1, 2023\n\u00a0\nPrincipal Amount by Expected Maturity\n\u00a0\nAverage Interest Rate\n\u00a0\n2024\n2025\n2026\n2027\n2028\nThereafter\nTotal\nFair Value\n\u00a0\n(Dollars in thousands)\nU.S. Dollar Denominated:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFixed Rate Debt\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n750,000\u00a0\n$\n1,043,176\u00a0\n$\n750,000\u00a0\n$\n7,038,879\u00a0\n$\n9,582,055\u00a0\n$\n8,942,071\u00a0\nAverage Interest Rate\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n3.75\u00a0\n%\n3.46\u00a0\n%\n3.25\u00a0\n%\n4.82\u00a0\n%\n4.47\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\nCanadian Dollar Denominated:\nFixed Rate Debt\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n377,815\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n377,815\u00a0\n$\n365,385\u00a0\nAverage Interest Rate\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n3.65\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n3.65\u00a0\n%\nForeign Currency Exchange Rate Risk\nThe majority of our foreign subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency.\u00a0To the extent that business transactions are not denominated in a foreign subsidiary\u2019s functional currency, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk.\u00a0We will also incur gains and losses within our shareholders\u2019 equity due to the translation of our financial statements from foreign currencies into U.S. dollars.\u00a0Our largest currency exposures are with Canadian dollars, British pound sterling and Euro currencies. Our income statement trends may be impacted by the translation of the income statements of our \n52\nforeign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars.\u00a0The exchange rates used to translate our foreign sales into U.S. dollars negatively affected sales by 1.3% in fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022.\u00a0The exchange rate used to translate our foreign sales into U.S. dollars negatively affected sales by 0.3% in fiscal 2022 when compared to fiscal 2021.\u00a0The impact to our operating income, net earnings and earnings per share was not material in fiscal 2023\u00a0or fiscal 2022.\u00a0A 10% unfavorable change in the fiscal 2023 weighted year-to-date exchange rate and the resulting impact on our financial statements would have negatively affected fiscal 2023 sales by 1.7% and would not have materially affected our operating income, net earnings and earnings per share.\nOur investments and loans to foreign operations create additional foreign currency exposure and from time to time, we enter into agreements to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risks and mitigate impact to our consolidated results of operations. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we extinguished \u20ac500 million of Euro notes issued in June 2016 as a hedge of a portion of our net investment in Euro-denominated foreign operations to reduce foreign currency risk associated with the investment in these operations. Changes in the value of these items resulting from fluctuations in the underlying exchange rates to U.S. Dollar exchange rates were recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, we periodically enter into agreements to hedge foreign currency risk associated with changes in spot rates on foreign denominated debt instruments, which are designated as fair value hedges. Gains or losses from fair value hedges impact the same category on the consolidated statements of income as the item being hedged, including the earnings impact of the excluded components. Unrealized gains or losses on components excluded from hedge effectiveness are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized into earnings over the life of the hedged instrument. \nFuel Price Risk\nDue to the nature of our distribution business, we are exposed to potential volatility in fuel prices.\u00a0The price and availability of diesel fuel fluctuates due to changes in production, seasonality and other market factors generally outside of our control. Increased fuel costs may have a negative impact on our results of operations in three areas.\u00a0First, the high cost of fuel can negatively impact consumer confidence and discretionary spending and thus reduce the frequency and amount spent by consumers for food-away-from-home purchases.\u00a0Second, the high cost of fuel can increase the price we pay for product purchases and we may not be able to pass these costs fully to our customers.\u00a0Third, increased fuel costs impact the costs we incur to deliver product to our customers. Fuel costs related to outbound deliveries represented approximately 0.6% of sales during fiscal 2023 and 0.5% of sales in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.\nOur activities to mitigate fuel costs include routing optimization with the goal of reducing miles driven, improving fleet utilization by adjusting idling time and maximum speeds and using fuel surcharges that primarily track with the change in market prices of fuel. We use diesel fuel swap contracts to fix the price of a portion of our projected monthly diesel fuel requirements.\u00a0As of July 1, 2023, we had diesel fuel swaps with a total notional amount of approximately 71 million gallons through September 2025.\u00a0These swaps are expected to lock in the price of approximately 80% of our bulk fuel purchases for fiscal 2024, or 70% of our total projected fuel purchase needs for fiscal 2024. Our remaining fuel purchase needs will occur at market rates unless contracted for a fixed price or hedged at a later date. Using current, published quarterly market price projections for diesel and estimates of fuel consumption, a 10% unfavorable change in diesel prices from the market price would result in a potential increase of approximately $6.1 million in our fuel costs on our non-contracted volumes.\nInvestment Risk\nOur U.S. Retirement Plan holds various investments, including public and private equity, fixed income securities and real estate funds. The amount of our annual contribution to the plan is dependent upon, among other things, the return on the plan\u2019s assets and discount rates used to calculate the plan\u2019s liability. Fluctuations in asset values can cause the amount of our anticipated future contributions to the plan to increase\u00a0and can result in a reduction to shareholders\u2019 equity on our balance sheet as of fiscal year-end, which is when this plan\u2019s funded status is measured. Also, the projected liability of the plan will be impacted by the fluctuations of interest rates on high quality bonds in the public markets. To the extent the financial markets experience declines, our anticipated future contributions and funded status will be affected for future years. A 10% unfavorable change in the value of the investments held by our company-sponsored retirement plans at the plans\u2019 fiscal year end (December 31, 2022)\u00a0would not have a material impact on our anticipated future contributions for fiscal 2024; however, such an unfavorable change would increase our pension expense for fiscal 2024 by $23.4 million and would reduce our shareholders\u2019 equity on our balance sheet as of July 1, 2023 by $264.1 million.\n53",
+ "cik": "96021",
+ "cusip6": "871829",
+ "cusip": ["871829957", "871829107", "871829907"],
+ "names": ["Sysco Corp", "SYSCO CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/96021/000009602123000117/0000096021-23-000117-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000106040-23-000024.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000106040-23-000024.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f5c654f9ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000106040-23-000024.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business \nGeneral \n \n \nWestern Digital Corporation (\u201cWestern Digital\u201d) is on a mission to unlock the potential of data by harnessing the possibility to use it. We are a leading developer, manufacturer, and provider of data storage devices and solutions based on both NAND flash and hard disk drive technologies. With dedicated flash-based products (\u201cFlash\u201d) and hard disk drives (\u201cHDD\u201d) business units driving advancements in storage technologies, our broad and ever-expanding portfolio delivers powerful Flash and HDD storage solutions for everyone from students, gamers, and home offices, to the largest enterprises and public clouds to capture, preserve, access, and transform an ever-increasing diversity of data. Our broad portfolio of technology and products in Flash and HDD address multiple end markets of \u201cCloud\u201d, \u201cClient\u201d and \u201cConsumer.\u201d \nCloud is comprised primarily of products for public or private cloud environments and end customers, which we believe we are uniquely positioned to address as the only provider of both\n \nFlash and HDD. Through the Client end market, we provide our original equipment manufacturer (\u201cOEM\u201d) and channel customers a broad array of high-performance flash and hard drive solutions across personal computer, mobile, gaming, automotive, virtual reality headsets, at-home entertainment, and industrial spaces. The Consumer end market is highlighted by our broad range of retail and other end-user products, which capitalize on the strength of our product brand recognition and vast points of presence around the world.\nFounded in 1970 in Santa Ana, California, Western Digital is now a Standard & Poor\u2019s 500 (\u201cS&P 500\u201d) company headquartered in San Jose, California. We have one of the technology industry\u2019s most valuable patent portfolios with approximately 13,000 active patents worldwide. We have a rich heritage of innovation and operational excellence, a wide range of intellectual property (\u201cIP\u201d) assets, broad research and development (\u201cR&D\u201d) capabilities, and large-scale, efficient manufacturing supply chains. The strong growth in the amount, value, and use of data continues, creating a global need for larger, faster and more capable storage solutions. \nWe are a customer-focused organization that has developed deep relationships with industry leaders to continue to deliver innovative solutions to help users capture, store and transform data across a boundless range of applications. With much of the world\u2019s data stored on Western Digital products, our innovation powers the global technology ecosystem from consumer devices to the edge, to the heart of the cloud. We enable cloud, Internet, and social media infrastructure players to build more powerful, cost-effective and efficient data centers. We help OEMs address storage opportunities and solutions to capture and transform data in a myriad of devices and edge technologies. We have also built strong consumer brands with tools to manage vast libraries of personal content and to push the limits of what\u2019s possible for storage. At Western Digital, we continue to transform ourselves to address the growth in data by providing what we believe to be the broadest range of storage technologies in the industry with a comprehensive product portfolio and global reach. \nIndustry \n \n \nWe operate in the data storage industry. The ability to access, store and share data from anywhere on any device is increasingly important to our customers and end users. From the intelligent edge to the cloud, data storage is a fundamental component underpinning the global technology architecture. Our strengths in innovation and cost leadership, diversified product portfolio and broad routes to market provide a foundation upon which we are solidifying our position as an essential building block of the digital economy. There is tremendous market opportunity flowing from the rapid global adoption of the technology architecture built with cloud infrastructure tied to intelligent endpoints all connected by high-performance networks. The value and urgency of data storage at every point across this architecture have never been clearer.\nThe increase in computing complexity and advancements in artificial intelligence, along with growth in cloud computing applications, connected mobile devices and Internet-connected products, and edge devices is driving unabated growth in the volume of digital content to be stored and used. This growth has led to the creation of new form factors for data storage. The storage industry is increasingly utilizing tiered architectures with solid state drives (\u201cSSD\u201d), HDD and other non-volatile memory-based storage to address an expanding set of uses and applications. We believe our expertise and innovation across both Flash and HDD technologies enable us to bring powerful solutions to a broader range of applications. We continuously monitor the full array of storage technologies, including reviewing these technologies with our customers, to ensure we are appropriately resourced to meet our customers\u2019 storage needs.\n4\nTable of Content\ns\nTechnology \n \nFlash Technologies\n. Flash products provide non-volatile data storage based on flash technology. We develop and manufacture solid state storage products for a variety of applications including enterprise or cloud storage, client storage, automotive, mobile devices and removable memory devices. Over time, we have successfully developed and commercialized successive generations of 3-dimensional flash technology with increased numbers of storage bits per cell in an increasingly smaller form factor, further driving cost reductions. We devote significant research and development resources to the development of highly reliable, high-performance, cost-effective flash-based technology and are continually pursuing developments in next-generation flash-based technology capacities. We are leveraging our expertise, resources and strategic investments in non-volatile memories to explore a wide spectrum of persistent memory and storage class memory technologies. We have also initiated, defined and developed standards to meet new market needs and to promote wide acceptance of flash storage standards through interoperability and ease of use.\nHard Disk Drives. \nHDD products provide non-volatile data storage by recording magnetic information on a rotating disk. We develop and manufacture substantially all of the recording heads and magnetic media used in our HDD products. We have led the industry in innovation to drive increased areal density and high-performance attributes. Our improvements in HDD capacity, which lower product costs over time, have been enabled largely through advancements in magnetic recording head and media technologies. Our multi-year product roadmap for high-capacity HDD, which combine ePMR, OptiNAND, UltraSMR and triple stage actuators to deliver a cutting-edge portfolio of drives, in commercial volumes, at a wide variety of capacity points, puts Western Digital in a strong position to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the large and growing storage markets. We invest considerable resources in R&D, manufacturing infrastructure and capital equipment for recording head and media technology, as well as other aspects of the magnetic recording system such as HDD mechanics, controller and firmware technology, in order to secure our competitive position and cost structure. \nOur products generally leverage a common platform for various products within product families, and in some cases across product families, resulting in the commonality of components which reduces our exposure to changes in demand, facilitates inventory management and allows us to achieve lower costs through purchasing economies. This platform strategy also enables our customers to leverage their qualification efforts onto successive product models.\nOur Data Solutions \n \n \nOur broad portfolio of technology and products address multiple end markets of \u201cCloud\u201d, \u201cClient\u201d and \u201cConsumer\u201d and are comprised of the Western Digital\u00ae, SanDisk\u00ae and WD\u00ae brands. \nCloud represents a large and growing end market comprised primarily of products for public or private cloud environments and enterprise customers, which we believe we are uniquely positioned to address as the only provider of both flash and hard drive products. We provide the Cloud end market with an array of high-capacity enterprise HDD and high-performance enterprise SSD, and platforms. Our capacity enterprise hard drives provide high-capacity storage needs and a low total cost of ownership per gigabyte for the growing cloud data center and smart video system markets. These drives are primarily for use in data storage systems, in tiered storage models and where data must be stored reliably for years. Our high-performance enterprise class SSD include high-performance flash-based SSD and software solutions that are optimized for performance applications providing a range of capacity and performance levels primarily for use in enterprise servers and supporting high-volume online transactions, data analysis and other enterprise applications. We also provide higher value data storage platforms to the market.\nThrough the Client end market, we provide numerous data solutions that we incorporate into our client\u2019s devices, which consist of HDD and SSD desktop and notebook PCs, gaming consoles and set top boxes, as well as flash-based embedded storage products for mobile phones, tablets, notebook PCs and other portable and wearable devices, automotive applications, Internet of Things, industrial and connected home applications. Our HDD and SSD are designed for use in devices requiring high performance, reliability and capacity with various attributes such as low cost per gigabyte, quiet acoustics, low power consumption and protection against shocks.\n5\nTable of Content\ns\nThe Consumer end market provides consumers with a portfolio of HDD and SSD embedded into external storage products and removable Flash, which include cards, universal serial bus (\u201cUSB\u201d) flash drives and wireless drives, through our retail and channel routes to market. Our external HDD storage products in both mobile and desktop form factors provide affordable, high quality, reliable storage for backup and capacity expansion that are designed to keep digital content secure. We offer client portable SSD with a range of capacities and performance characteristics to address a broad spectrum of the client storage market. Our removable cards are designed primarily for use in consumer devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, imaging systems, cameras and smart video systems. Our USB flash drives are used in the computing and consumer markets and are designed for high-performance and reliability. Our wireless drive products allow in-field backup of created content, as well as wireless streaming of high-definition movies, photos, music and documents to tablets, smartphones and PCs.\nCompetition \n \n \nOur industry is highly competitive. We compete with manufacturers of Flash and HDD for Cloud, Client, and Consumer end markets. In Flash, we compete with vertically integrated suppliers such as Kioxia, Micron Technology, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SK hynix, Inc., Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd. and numerous smaller companies that assemble flash into products. In HDD, we compete with Seagate Technology Holdings plc and Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation. \nBusiness Strategy \n \n \nOur overall strategy is to leverage our innovation, technology and execution capabilities to be an industry-leading and broad-based developer, manufacturer and provider of storage devices and solutions that support the infrastructure that has enabled the unabated proliferation of data. We believe we are the only company in the world with large-scale capabilities to develop and manufacture a portfolio of integrated data storage solutions that are based on both Flash and HDD technologies. We strive to successfully execute our strategy through the following foundational elements in order to create long-term value for our customers, partners, investors and employees:\n\u2022\nInnovation and Cost Leadership: \nWe continue to innovate and develop advanced technologies across platforms for both Flash and HDD to deliver timely new products and solutions to meet growing demands for scale, performance and cost efficiency in the market.\n\u2022\nBroad Product Portfolio: \nWe leverage our capabilities in firmware, software and systems in both Flash and HDD to deliver compelling and differentiated integrated storage solutions to our customers that offer the best combinations of performance, cost, power consumption, form factor, quality and reliability, while creating new use cases for our solutions in emerging markets.\n\u2022\nOperational Excellence: \nWe are focused on delivering the best value for our customers in Cloud, Client and Consumer end markets through a relentless focus on appropriately scaling our operations across both Flash and HDD technologies to efficiently support business growth; achieving best in class cost, quality and cycle-time; maintaining industry leading manufacturing capabilities; and having a competitive advantage in supply-chain management.\nOur strategy provides the following benefits, which distinguish us in the dynamic and competitive data storage industry:\n\u2022\na broad product portfolio that differentiates us as a leading developer and manufacturer of integrated products and solutions based on both Flash and HDD, making us a more strategic supply partner to our large-scale customers who have storage needs across the data infrastructure ecosystem;\n\u2022\nefficient and flexible manufacturing capabilities, allowing us to leverage our Flash and HDD R&D and capital expenditures to deliver innovative and cost-effective storage solutions to multiple markets;\n\u2022\ndeep relationships with industry leaders across the data ecosystems that give us the broadest routes to market; and\n\u2022\nindustry leading consumer brand awareness and global retail distribution presence.\nIn June 2022, we announced that we are reviewing potential strategic alternatives aimed at further optimizing long-term value for our stockholders. The Executive Committee of our Board, chaired by our CEO, is overseeing the assessment process, and the potential strategic alternatives include, among other things, options for separating our Flash and HDD business units.\n6\nTable of Content\ns\nResearch and Development \n \n \nWe devote substantial resources to the development of new products and the improvement of existing products. We focus our engineering efforts on optimizing our product design and manufacturing processes to bring our products to market in a cost-effective and timely manner. For a discussion of associated risks, see Part I, Item 1A, \nRisk Factors\n, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nPatents, Licenses and Proprietary Information \n \n \nWe rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures and licensing arrangements to protect our IP rights.\nWe have approximately 13,000 active patents worldwide and have many patent applications in process. We continually seek additional United States (\u201cU.S.\u201d) and international patents on our technology. We believe that, although our active patents and patent applications have considerable value, the successful manufacturing and marketing of our products also depends upon the technical and managerial competence of our staff. Accordingly, the patents held and applied for cannot alone ensure our future success.\nIn addition to patent protection of certain IP rights, we consider elements of our product designs and processes to be proprietary and confidential. We believe that our non-patented IP, particularly some of our process technology, is an important factor in our success. We rely upon non-disclosure agreements, contractual provisions and a system of internal safeguards to protect our proprietary information. Despite these safeguards, there is a risk that competitors may obtain and use such information. The laws of foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct business may provide less protection for confidential information than the laws of the U.S.\nWe rely on certain technology that we license from other parties to manufacture and sell our products. We believe that we have adequate cross-licenses and other agreements in place in addition to our own IP portfolio to compete successfully in the storage industry. For a discussion of associated risks, see Part I, Item 1A, \nRisk Factors\n, of this Annual Report on Form 10\u2011K.\nManufacturing \n \n \nWe believe that we have significant know-how, unique product manufacturing processes, test and tooling, execution skills, human resources and training to continue to be successful and to adjust our manufacturing operations as necessary. We strive to maintain manufacturing flexibility, high manufacturing yields, reliable products and high-quality components. The critical elements of our production of Flash and HDD are high volume and utilization, low-cost assembly and testing, strict adherence to quality metrics and maintaining close relationships with our strategic component suppliers to access best-in-class technology and manufacturing capacity. We continually monitor our manufacturing capabilities to respond to the changing requirements of our customers and maintain our competitiveness and position as a data technology leader. \nFlash and HDD manufacturing are complex processes involving the production and assembly of precision components with narrow tolerances and rigorous testing. The manufacturing processes involve a number of steps that are dependent on each other and occur in \u201cclean room\u201d environments that demand skill in process engineering and efficient space utilization to control the operating costs of these manufacturing environments. We continually evaluate our manufacturing processes in an effort to increase productivity, sustain and improve quality and decrease manufacturing costs. For example, we have taken aggressive actions to restructure our client HDD manufacturing footprint in light of ongoing trends in the HDD Client market as PCs shift from using HDD to Flash technology. We continually evaluate which steps in the manufacturing process would benefit from automation and how automated manufacturing processes can improve productivity and reduce manufacturing costs. We also leverage contract manufacturers when strategically advantageous. \nOur vertically integrated, in-house assembly and test operations for our HDD products are concentrated in Prachinburi and Bang Pa-In, Thailand; Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kuching, Malaysia; Laguna, Philippines; Shenzhen, China; San Jose and Fremont, CA, USA.\n7\nTable of Content\ns\nVentures with Kioxia\n \n \n \nSubstantially all of our flash-based supply requirements for Flash is obtained from our ventures with Kioxia, which provide us with leading-edge, high-quality and low-cost flash memory wafers. While substantially all of our flash memory supply utilized for our products is purchased from these ventures, from time to time, we also purchase flash memory from other flash manufacturers. While we do not unilaterally control the operations of our ventures with Kioxia, we believe that our business venture relationship with Kioxia helps us reduce product costs, increases our ability to control the quality of our products and speeds delivery of our products to our customers. Our business ventures with Kioxia are located primarily in Yokkaichi and Kitakami, Japan, and our in-house assembly and test operations are located in Shanghai, China and Penang, Malaysia.\nWe and Kioxia currently operate three business ventures in 300-millimeter flash-based manufacturing facilities in Japan, which provide us leading-edge, cost-competitive flash-based memory wafers for our end products. Through Flash Partners Ltd., Flash Alliance Ltd., and Flash Forward Ltd., which we collectively refer to as Flash Ventures, we and Kioxia collaborate in the development and manufacture of flash-based memory wafers using semiconductor manufacturing equipment owned or leased by each of the Flash Venture entities. We hold a 49.9% ownership position in each of the Flash Venture entities. Each Flash Venture entity purchases wafers from Kioxia at cost and then resells those wafers to us and Kioxia at cost plus a small markup. We are obligated to take our share of the output from these ventures or pay for variable costs incurred in producing our share of Flash Ventures\u2019 flash-based memory wafer supply, based on our three-month forecast, which generally equals 50% of Flash Ventures\u2019 output. In addition, we are obligated to pay for half of Flash Ventures\u2019 fixed costs regardless of the output we choose to purchase. We are also obligated to fund 49.9% to 50.0% of each Flash Ventures entity\u2019s capital investments to the extent that the Flash Ventures entity\u2019s operating cash flow is insufficient to fund these investments. We co-develop flash technologies (including process technology and memory design) with Kioxia and contribute IP for Flash Ventures\u2019 use.\nThe agreements governing the operations of the Flash Venture entities also set out a framework for any investment by the joint venture partners in flash manufacturing capacity. Since its inception, Flash Ventures\u2019 primary manufacturing site has been located in Yokkaichi, Japan. The Yokkaichi site, which is owned and operated by Kioxia, currently includes six wafer fabrication facilities. We have jointly invested, and intend to continue to jointly invest, with Kioxia in manufacturing equipment for the Yokkaichi fabrication facilities. We also have agreements that extend Flash Ventures to a wafer fabrication facility located in Kitakami, Japan, referred to as \u201cK1\u201d, which is operated by Kioxia Iwate Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kioxia. In January 2022, we entered into agreements regarding Flash Ventures\u2019 investment in a new wafer fabrication facility in Yokkaichi, Japan, referred to as \u201cY7\u201d, which is the sixth wafer fabrication facility at the Yokkaichi site. The primary purpose of Y7 is to provide clean room space to continue the transition of existing flash-based wafer capacity to newer flash technology nodes. The first phase of construction of Y7 is now complete and has commenced output.\nFor a discussion of risks associated with our business ventures with Kioxia, see Part I, Item 1A, \nRisk Factors\n, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nMaterials and Supplies \n \n \nOur Flash consists of flash-based memory, controllers and firmware and other components. Substantially all of our flash-based memory is supplied by our business ventures with Kioxia. Controllers are primarily designed in-house and manufactured by third-party foundries or acquired from third-party suppliers. We believe the use of our in-house assembly and test facilities, as well as contract manufacturers, provides flexibility and gives us access to increased production capacity. We have developed deep relationships with these vendors and Kioxia to establish a continuous supply of flash-based memory and controllers.\nHDD consists primarily of recording heads, magnetic media, controllers and firmware, and a printed circuit board assembly. We design and manufacture substantially all of the recording heads and magnetic media required for our products. As a result, we are more dependent upon our own development and execution efforts for these components and less reliant on recording head and magnetic media technologies developed by other manufacturers. We depend on an external supply base for all remaining components and materials for use in our HDD product design, manufacturing, and testing. We believe the use of our in-house manufacturing, assembly and test facilities provides the controls necessary to provide the demanding capabilities, performance and reliability our customers require.\nWe generally retain multiple suppliers for our component requirements, but for business or technology reasons, we source some of our components from a limited number of sole or single source providers. For a discussion of associated risks, see Part I, Item 1A, \nRisk Factors\n, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n8\nTable of Content\ns\nSales and Distribution \n \n \nWe sell our products to computer manufacturers and OEMs, cloud service providers, resellers, distributors and retailers throughout the world. We maintain sales offices in selected parts of the world including the major geographies of the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Our international sales, which include sales to foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies but do not include sales to U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies, represented \n69%,\n 71% and 78% of our net revenue for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Sales to international customers are subject to certain risks not normally encountered in domestic operations, including exposure to tariffs and various trade regulations. For a discussion of such risks, see Part\u00a0I, Item\u00a01A, \nRisk Factors\n, of this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\nWe perform our marketing and advertising functions both internally and through outside firms utilizing both consumer media and trade publications targeting various reseller and end-user markets. We also maintain customer relationships through direct communication and by providing information and support through our website. In accordance with standard storage industry practice, we provide distributors and retailers with limited price protection and programs under which we reimburse certain marketing expenditures. We also provide distributors, resellers and OEMs with other sales incentive programs. \nFor each of 2023, 2022 and 2021, \nno single customer\n accounted for 10% or more of our net revenue.\nSeasonality\nWe have historically experienced seasonal fluctuations in our business with higher levels of demand in the first and second quarters as a result of increased customer spending. Seasonality can also be impacted by cyclicality in the industry and macroeconomic conditions. For a discussion of associated risks, see Part I, Item 1A, \nRisk Factors\n, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nService and Warranty \n \n \nWe generally warrant our newly manufactured products against defects in materials and workmanship from one to five years from the date of sale depending on the type of product, with a small number of products having a warranty ranging up to ten years or more. Our warranty obligation is generally limited to repair or replacement. We have engaged third parties in various countries in multiple regions to provide various levels of testing, processing, or recertification of returned products for our customers. For additional information regarding our service and warranty policy, see Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a01, \nOrganization and Basis of Presentation,\n and Note 5, \nSupplemental Financial Statement Data, \nof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\nHuman Capital Management \n \nIn order to support our company\u2019s strategy, a continued emphasis on talent is required. Despite the current industry headwinds, we continue to focus on attracting, developing, engaging and retaining the best talent for our company. At the end of 2023, we employed approximately 53,000 people worldwide. Our diverse team spans 38 countries with approximately 85% of our employees in Asia Pacific, 13% in the Americas and 2% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. \nDiversity, Equity and Inclusion\nWe are committed to diversity and promoting an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution. We support inclusive hiring, training and development opportunities and ensuring equitable pay for employees, and we continue to focus on increasing diverse representation at every level of our company. As of June 30, 2023, women represented 26% of our management positions and 23% of our technical staff. Additionally, members of Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or other racially or ethnically diverse communities, represented 62% of our U.S. management positions, which is a 1.4 percentage point increase compared to 2022. \nWe have a number of initiatives that focus on increasing our diverse representation, including our new college graduate recruitment and hiring programs as well as veteran hiring and training programs. Our Employee Resource Groups (\u201cERGs\u201d) help create an inclusive culture that embraces the uniqueness of our employees. We have several ERG communities, focusing on women, LGBTQ+, racial and ethnic minorities, military and people with disabilities. For additional detail about our workforce, we encourage you to review our Sustainability Report, which we publish annually and make available on our corporate website. Nothing on our website shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n9\nTable of Content\ns\nIn 2023, we continued the self-identification initiative launched in the previous year by inviting new hires to share more about who they are across dimensions of gender, gender identity, veterans and disabilities. Participation was optional, data was protected and the results were anonymized. We believe an in-depth understanding of our employee population will enable us to better engage and retain our talent.\nCompensation and Benefits\nWe believe in the importance of investing in our people, and we do that through a robust Total Rewards program. We benchmark our compensation and benefits programs annually using market data from reputable third-party consultants. We also conduct internal focus groups and employee surveys to inform programs and identify opportunities.\nWe promote a pay-for-performance culture and offer employees competitive compensation consisting of base salary and both short-term and long-term incentives. We also offer a global recognition program to celebrate the contributions of employees who bring our core values to life. \nTo ensure that our pay practices are fair and equitable, we conduct an annual pay equity assessment to promote equal pay for equal work for men and women. As part of this review, we analyze current pay which takes into consideration various, non-discriminatory factors, such as seniority, experience, skills, performance, location, track and hiring and promotion dates. We use the results to make pay adjustments as needed. In 2023, we expanded our assessment to cover 100% of our employee population globally. In the coming year, we plan to further our pay equity efforts by engaging in a living wage analysis.\nWe also believe in creating an environment that allows our employees to prioritize their physical, mental and financial well-being. We provide competitive benefits, including health coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement, paid time off, an employee assistance program and an employee stock purchase plan. In 2023, we continued our multi-year journey to modernize and improve our benefits portfolio with the goal of offering more choice to meet the unique needs of our diverse employees.\nTalent Attraction, Development and Engagement\nFoundational to our people strategy is the attraction, development and engagement of our employees. We continued our skills-based screening to hire employees based on capabilities and potential as well as our anonymous hiring pilot to identify and remove any potential for bias from our hiring process for interns. Additionally, we revamped our event experience by focusing on career fairs and conferences.\nFostering the next generation of talent continues to be a key priority, and in 2023 we increased our U.S. intern conversion rate by over 40 percentage points. We are also a corporate sponsor for the Quad Fellowship by Schmidt Futures, which aims to \u201cempower exceptional engineering, mathematics, science, and technology graduate students to advance research and innovation with a lens of positive social impact.\u201d\nDeveloping our talent is key to helping us reach our business goals and retaining our people. We foster an environment of continuous learning through on-demand tools to help employees chart their career journey and track their progress. To equip employees with the skills needed to build resilience and manage the economic uncertainty, we shifted our focus to address critical capabilities in real-time. Alongside our flagship program Leader Essentials, we introduced self-directed development modules to help employees at all levels cultivate skills such as how to navigate dynamic times, have a learning mindset, seek insights and communicate effectively. We were recognized by Fast Company as one of the 10 most innovative companies in manufacturing in calendar year 2023 for upskilling 42% of our workforce at our Penang, Malaysia facility while working towards our sustainability goals. \nOngoing engagement is a keystone to our people strategy. We believe that listening is crucial to identifying opportunities to strengthen employee engagement as well as influencing our overall strategy. We also engage employees by taking actions to promote and ground them in our core values and beliefs as a company, so that we are conducting business in an ethical way. As a result of this focus, in 2023, we were named one of the World\u2019s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for the fifth consecutive year. Our employees regularly engage in philanthropy to support the communities in which they work and live. In 2023, 32% of our employees participated in a company-sponsored volunteer event, which was bolstered by a 27-percentage point increase in participation among our factory worker population.\nHealth and Safety\nWe are committed to creating a safe work environment everywhere we operate. We provide extensive health and safety resources and training to all of our employees, especially for those who work in our manufacturing and operations. We use an integrated management system to manage health and safety standards at our manufacturing facilities.\n10\nTable of Content\ns\nGovernment Regulation \n \n \nOur worldwide business activities are subject to various laws, rules, and regulations of the United States as well as of foreign governments. Compliance with existing or future governmental regulations, including, but not limited to, those pertaining to global trade, the environment, consumer and data protection, employee health and safety, and taxes, could have a material impact on our capital expenditures, earnings, competitive position and overall business in subsequent periods. See Part I, Item 1A, \nRisk Factors\n for a discussion of these potential impacts.\nCorporate Responsibility and Sustainability \nWe believe responsible and sustainable business practices support our long-term success. As a company, we are deeply committed to protecting and supporting our people, our environment, and our communities. That commitment is reflected through sustainability-focused initiatives as well as day-to-day activities, including our adoption of sustainability-focused policies and procedures, our publicly-recognized focus on fostering an inclusive workplace, our constant drive toward more efficient use of materials and energy, our careful and active management of our supply chain, our community-focused volunteerism programs and philanthropic initiatives, and our impactful, globally-integrated ethics and compliance program.\n\u2022\nWe seek to protect the human rights and civil liberties of our employees through policies, procedures, and programs that avoid risks of compulsory and child labor, both within our company and throughout our supply chain.\n\u2022\nWe foster a workplace of dignity, respect, diversity, and inclusion through our recruiting and advancement practices, internal communications, and employee resource groups.\n\u2022\nWe educate our employees annually on relevant ethics and compliance topics, publish accessible guidance on ethical issues and related company resources in our Global Code of Conduct, and encourage reporting of ethical concerns through any of several global and local reporting channels.\n\u2022\nWe support local communities throughout the world, focusing on hunger relief, environmental quality, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, especially for underrepresented and underprivileged youth.\n\u2022\nWe utilize a robust integrated management system, with associated policies and procedures, to evaluate and manage occupational health and safety risks, environmental compliance, and chemical and hazardous substance risks.\n\u2022\nWe work to minimize our impacts on the environment through emissions reduction targets and other initiatives and to evaluate and enhance our climate resiliency.\n\u2022\nWe innovate to reduce the energy used by our products, the energy used to manufacture them, and the amount of new materials required to manufacture them.\nAvailable Information \n \n \nWe maintain an Internet website at \nwww.westerndigital.com\n. The information on our website is not incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available on our website at \nwww.westerndigital.com\n, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after the electronic filing of these reports with, or furnishing of these reports to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d). The SEC maintains a website at \nwww.sec.gov\n that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRisk Factors\n \n \n \nOur business can be affected by a number of risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause material harm to our actual operating results and financial condition. The risks discussed below are not the only ones facing our business but represent risks that we believe are material to us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also negatively affect our business.\nOPERATIONAL RISKS\n Adverse global or regional conditions could harm our business.\n11\nTable of Content\ns\nA large portion of our revenue is derived from our international operations, and many of our products and components are produced overseas. As a result, our business depends significantly on global and regional conditions. Adverse changes in global or regional economic conditions, including, but not limited to, volatility in the financial markets, tighter credit, recession, inflation, rising interest rates, slower growth in certain geographic regions, political uncertainty, geopolitical tensions or conflicts, other macroeconomic factors, changes to social conditions and regulations, could significantly harm demand for our products, increase credit and collectability risks, result in revenue reductions, reduce profitability as a result of underutilization of our assets, cause us to change our business practices, increase manufacturing and operating costs or result in impairment charges or other expenses.\nOur revenue growth is significantly dependent on the growth of international markets, and we may face challenges in international sales markets. We are subject to risks associated with our global manufacturing operations and global sales efforts, as well as risks associated with our utilization of contract manufacturers, including:\n\u2022\nobtaining governmental approvals and compliance with evolving foreign regulations;\n\u2022\nthe need to comply with regulations on international business, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, the anti-bribery laws of other countries and rules regarding conflict minerals;\n\u2022\nexchange, currency and tax controls and reallocations;\n\u2022\nweaker protection of IP rights; \n\u2022\npolicies and financial incentives by governments in China, the United States, and countries in Europe and Asia designed to reduce dependence on foreign semiconductor manufacturing capabilities;\n\u2022\ntrade restrictions, such as export controls, export bans, import restrictions, embargoes, sanctions, license and certification requirements (including semiconductor, encryption and other technology), tariffs and complex customs regulations; and\n\u2022\ndifficulties in managing international operations, including appropriate internal controls.\nAs a result of these risks, our business could be harmed. \n We are dependent on a limited number of qualified suppliers who provide critical services, materials or components, and a disruption in our supply chain could negatively affect our business.\nWe depend on an external supply base for technologies, software (including firmware), preamps, controllers, dynamic random-access memory, components, equipment and materials for use in our product design and manufacturing. We also depend on suppliers for a portion of our wafer testing, chip assembly, product assembly and product testing, and on service suppliers for providing technical support for our products. In addition, we use logistics partners to manage our worldwide just-in-time hubs and distribution centers and to meet our freight needs. Many of the components and much of the equipment we acquire must be specifically designed for use in our products or for developing and manufacturing our products, and are only available from a limited number of suppliers, some of whom are our sole-source suppliers. We therefore depend on these suppliers to meet our business needs including dedicating adequate engineering resources to develop components that can be successfully integrated into our products. \nOur suppliers have in the past been, and may in the future be, unable or unwilling to meet our requirements, including as a result of events outside of their control such as trade restrictions (including tariffs, quotas and embargoes), geopolitical conflicts, public health emergencies, or natural disasters. If we are unable to purchase sufficient quantities from our current suppliers or qualify and engage additional suppliers, or if we cannot purchase materials at a reasonable price, we may not be able to meet demand for our products. Trade restrictions, including tariffs, quotas and embargoes, demand from other high-volume industries for materials or components used in our products, disruptions in supplier relationships or shortages in other components and materials used in our customers\u2019 products could result in increased costs to us or decreased demand for our products, which could negatively impact our business. Delays, shortages or cost increases experienced by our suppliers in developing or sourcing materials and components for use in our products or incompatibility or quality issues relating to our products, could also harm our business. \n12\nTable of Content\ns\nWe do not have long-term contracts with some of our existing suppliers, nor do we always have guaranteed manufacturing capacity with our suppliers, so we cannot guarantee that they will devote sufficient resources or capacity to manufacturing our products. Any significant problems that occur at our suppliers could lead to product shortages or quality assurance problems. When we do have contractual commitments with suppliers in an effort to stabilize the supply of our components, those commitments may require us to buy a substantial number of components or make significant cash advances to the supplier and may not result in a satisfactory supply of our components. We have cancelled or deferred and may continue to cancel or defer outstanding purchase commitments with certain suppliers due to changes in actual and forecasted demand, which has resulted, and may continue to result in fees, penalties and other associated charges. Such cancellations or deferments can also negatively impact our relationships with certain suppliers or lead to a decline in the financial performance of certain suppliers, each of which could result in even more limited availability of components needed for our products.\nIn addition, our supply base has experienced industry consolidation. Our suppliers may be acquired by our competitors, decide to exit the industry, or redirect their investments and increase costs to us. In addition, some of our suppliers have experienced a decline in financial performance, including as a result of cancelled or deferred purchase commitments. Where we rely on a limited number of suppliers or a single supplier, the risk of supplier loss due to industry consolidation or a decline in financial performance is increased. Some of our suppliers may also be competitors in other areas of our business, which could lead to difficulties in price negotiations or meeting our supply requirements. \n Public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have had, and could in the future have, a negative effect on our business.\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted and future public health crises, including resurgences of COVID-19 may negatively impact our workforce and operations in the future, as well as those of our strategic partners, customers, suppliers and logistics providers. The impacts we experienced in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic included temporary closures of certain manufacturing facilities; under-absorbed overhead; increased logistics, component and other costs; decreased demand for our products; and manufacturing challenges. Future outbreaks of infectious disease or other public health crises may have similar impacts.\nThe effects of public health crises are uncertain and difficult to predict, but may include:\n\u2022\nDisruptions to our supply chain, our operations or those of our strategic partners, customers or suppliers caused by employees or others contracting infectious diseases, or by governmental orders to contain the spread of infectious disease, such as travel restrictions, quarantines, shelter in place orders, trade controls and business shutdowns;\n\u2022\nDeterioration of worldwide credit markets that may limit our ability or increase our cost to obtain external financing to fund our operations and capital expenditures and result in a higher rate of losses on our accounts receivables due to customer credit defaults;\n\u2022\nExtreme volatility in financial markets, which may harm our ability to access the financial markets on acceptable terms; \n\u2022\nIncreased data security and technology risk as some employees work from home, including possible outages to systems and technologies critical to remote work and increased data privacy risk with cybercriminals attempting to take advantage of the disruption; and\n\u2022\nReduced productivity or other disruptions of our operations if workers in our factories or our other worksites are exposed to or spread infectious diseases to other employees.\nThe degree to which any future public health crises, including resurgences of COVID-19, ultimately impact our business will depend on many factors beyond our control, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time. \n Our operations, and those of certain of our suppliers and customers, are subject to substantial risk of damage or disruption.\nWe conduct our operations at large, high-volume, purpose-built facilities in California and throughout Asia. The facilities of many of our customers, our suppliers and our customers\u2019 suppliers are also concentrated in certain geographic locations throughout Asia and elsewhere. If a fire (including a climate change-related fire), flood, earthquake, tsunami or other natural disaster, condition or event such as a power outage, contamination event, terrorist attack, cybersecurity incident, physical security breach, political instability, civil unrest, localized labor unrest or other employment issues, or a health epidemic \n13\nTable of Content\ns\nnegatively affects any of these facilities, it would significantly affect our ability to manufacture or sell our products and source components and would harm our business. Possible impacts include work and equipment stoppages and damage to or closure of our facilities, or those of our suppliers or customers, for an indefinite period of time. Climate change has in the past and is expected to continue to increase the incidence and severity of certain natural disasters, including wildfires and adverse weather events. In addition, the geographic concentration of our manufacturing sites could exacerbate the negative impacts resulting from any of these problems. \nWe may incur losses beyond the limits of, or outside the scope of, the coverage of our insurance policies. There can be no assurance that in the future we will be able to maintain existing insurance coverage or that premiums will not increase substantially. Due to market availability, pricing or other reasons, we may elect not to purchase insurance coverage or to purchase only limited coverage. We maintain limited insurance coverage and, in some cases, no coverage at all, for natural disasters and damage to our facilities, as these types of insurance are sometimes not available or available only at a prohibitive cost. Climate change may reduce the availability or increase the cost of certain types of insurance by contributing to an increase in the incidence and severity of certain natural disasters. We depend upon Kioxia to obtain and maintain sufficient property, business interruption and other insurance for Flash Ventures. If Kioxia fails to do so, we could suffer significant unreimbursable losses, and such failure could also cause Flash Ventures to breach various financing covenants.\n The loss of our key management, staff and skilled employees; the inability to hire and develop new employees; or decisions to realign our business could negatively impact our business prospects.\nOur success depends upon the continued contributions of our talent. Changes in our key management team can result in loss of continuity, loss of accumulated knowledge, departure of other key employees, disruptions to our operations and inefficiency during transitional periods. Global competition for skilled employees in the technology industry is intense, and our business success is increasingly dependent on our ability to attract, develop and retain top talent; implement succession plans for key management and staff and replace aging skilled employees. Additionally, uncertainty about business realignment actions or the structure and organization of our business as a result of our ongoing strategic review could negatively impact our ability to recruit and retain key staff and skilled employees. Changes in immigration policies may also impair our ability to recruit and hire technical and professional talent. \nOur ability to hire and retain employees also depends on our ability to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace culture and to fund competitive compensation and benefits, each of which contribute to being viewed as an employer of choice. Additionally, because a substantial portion of our key employees\u2019 compensation is linked to the performance of our business, we may be at a competitive disadvantage for hiring and retaining talent when our operating results are negatively impacted. If we are unable to hire and retain key talent, our operating results would likely be harmed.\n The compromise, damage or interruption of our technology infrastructure, systems or products by cyber incidents, data security breaches, other security problems, design defects or system failures could have a material negative impact on our business.\nWe experience cyber incidents of varying degrees on our technology infrastructure and systems and, as a result, unauthorized parties have obtained in the past, and may obtain in the future, access to our computer systems and networks, including cloud-based platforms. For example, an unauthorized third party gained access to a number of our systems in March 2023, which caused disruption to parts of our business operations and resulted in various investigation, recovery, and remediation expenses. In addition, the technology infrastructure and systems of some of our suppliers, vendors, service providers, cloud solution providers and partners have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, such incidents. Cyber incidents can be caused by ransomware, computer denial-of-service attacks, worms, and other malicious software programs or other attacks, including the covert introduction of malware to computers and networks, and the use of techniques or processes that change frequently, may be disguised or difficult to detect, or are designed to remain dormant until a triggering event, and may continue undetected for an extended period of time. Cyber incidents have in the past resulted from, and may in the future result from, social engineering or impersonation of authorized users, and may also result from efforts to discover and exploit any design flaws, bugs, security vulnerabilities or security weaknesses, intentional or unintentional acts by employees or other insiders with access privileges, intentional acts of vandalism or fraud by third parties and sabotage. In some instances, efforts to correct vulnerabilities or prevent incidents have in the past and may in the future reduce the functionality or performance of our computer systems and networks, which could negatively impact our business. We believe malicious cyber acts are increasing in number and that cyber threat actors are increasingly organized and well-financed or supported by state actors, and are developing increasingly sophisticated systems and means to not only infiltrate systems, but also to evade detection or to obscure their activities. Geopolitical tensions or conflicts may create heightened risk of cyber incidents.\n14\nTable of Content\ns\nOur products are also targets for malicious cyber acts, including those products utilized in cloud-based environments as well as our cloud service offerings. Our cloud services have in the past and may in the future be taken offline as a result of or in order to prevent or mitigate cyber incidents. While some of our products contain encryption or security algorithms to protect third-party content or user-generated data stored on our products, these products could still be hacked or the encryption schemes could be compromised, breached, or circumvented by motivated and sophisticated attackers. Further, our products contain sophisticated hardware and operating system software and applications that may contain security problems, security vulnerabilities, or defects in design or manufacturing, including \u201cbugs\u201d and other problems that could interfere with the intended operation of our products. To the extent our products include design defects, suffer system failure or are hacked, or if the encryption schemes are compromised or breached, this could harm our business by requiring us to employ additional resources to fix the errors or defects, exposing us to litigation and indemnification claims and hurting our reputation.\nIf efforts to breach our infrastructure, systems or products are successful or we are unable to protect against these risks, we could suffer interruptions, delays, or cessation of operations of our systems, and loss or misuse of proprietary or confidential information, IP, or sensitive or personal information. For example, as a result of a network security incident in March 2023, an unauthorized party obtained a copy of a Western Digital database used for our online store that contained some personal information of our online store customers. Compromises of our infrastructure, systems or products could also cause our customers and other affected third parties to suffer loss or misuse of proprietary or confidential information, IP, or sensitive or personal information, and could harm our relationships with customers and other third parties and subject us to liability. As a result of actual or perceived breaches, we have in the past experienced and may in the future experience additional costs, notification requirements, civil and administrative fines and penalties, indemnification claims, litigation, or damage to our brand and reputation. All of these consequences could harm our reputation and our business and materially and negatively impact our operating results and financial condition.\n We are subject to risks related to product defects, which could result in product recalls or epidemic failures and could subject us to warranty claims in excess of our warranty provisions or which are greater than anticipated, litigation or indemnification claims.\nWe warrant the majority of our products for periods of one to five years. We test our products in our manufacturing facilities through a variety of means. However, our testing may fail to reveal defects in our products that may not become apparent until after the products have been sold into the market. In addition, our products may be used in a manner that is not intended or anticipated by us, resulting in potential liability. Accordingly, there is a risk that product defects will occur, including as a result of third-party components or applications that we incorporate in our products, which could require a product recall. Product recalls can be expensive to implement. As part of a product recall, we may be required or choose to replace the defective product. Moreover, there is a risk that product defects may trigger an epidemic failure clause in a customer agreement. If an epidemic failure occurs, we may be required to replace or refund the value of the defective product and to cover certain other costs associated with the consequences of the epidemic failure. In addition, product defects, product recalls or epidemic failures may cause damage to our reputation or customer relationships, lost revenue, indemnification for a recall of our customers\u2019 products, warranty claims, litigation or loss of market share with our customers, including our OEM and original design manufacturer (\u201cODM\u201d) customers. Our business liability insurance may be inadequate or future coverage may be unavailable on acceptable terms, which could negatively impact our operating results and financial condition.\nOur standard warranties contain limits on damages and exclusions of liability for consequential damages and for misuse, improper installation, alteration, accident or mishandling while in the possession of someone other than us. We record an accrual for estimated warranty costs at the time revenue is recognized. We may incur additional expenses if our warranty provisions do not reflect the actual cost of resolving issues related to defects in our products, whether as a result of a product recall, epidemic failure or otherwise. If these additional expenses are significant, they could harm our business.\nBUSINESS AND STRATEGIC RISKS\n Our review of potential strategic alternatives may not result in an executed or consummated transaction or other strategic alternative, and the process of reviewing strategic alternatives or its conclusion could adversely affect our business and our stockholders.\nIn June 2022, we announced that we are reviewing potential strategic alternatives aimed at further optimizing long-term value for our stockholders. The potential strategic alternatives include, among other things, the option to separate our Flash and HDD business units. We are actively working with financial advisors and the Company\u2019s legal counsel in this strategic review process.\n15\nTable of Content\ns\nAny potential transaction or other strategic alternative would be dependent on a number of factors that may be beyond our control, including, among other things, market conditions, industry trends, regulatory approvals, and the availability of financing for a potential transaction on reasonable terms. The process of reviewing potential strategic alternatives is time consuming and may be distracting and disruptive to our business operations and long-term planning, which may cause concern to our current or potential customers, employees, investors, strategic partners and other constituencies and may have a material impact on our business and operating results or result in increased volatility in our share price. We have and will continue to incur substantial expenses associated with identifying, evaluating and negotiating potential strategic alternatives. There can be no assurance that any potential transaction or other strategic alternative, if consummated, will provide greater value to our stockholders than that reflected in the current price of our common stock. Until the review process is concluded, perceived uncertainties related to our future may result in the loss of potential business opportunities, volatility in the market price of our common stock and difficulty attracting and retaining qualified talent and business partners. Similarly, activist investors may engage in proxy solicitations or advance shareholder proposals, or otherwise attempt to affect changes and assert influence on our Board and management, which could lead to the impacts on our business, board, management and employees discussed above.\n We rely substantially on strategic relationships with various partners, including Kioxia, which subjects us to risks and uncertainties that could harm our business.\nWe have entered into and expect to continue to enter into strategic relationships with various partners for product development, manufacturing, sales growth and the supply of technologies, components, equipment and materials for use in our product design and manufacturing, including our business ventures with Kioxia. We depend on Flash Ventures for the development and manufacture of flash-based memory. Our strategic relationships, including Flash Ventures, are subject to various risks that could harm the value of our investments, our revenue and costs, our future rate of spending, our technology plans and our future growth opportunities.\nSubstantially all of our flash-based memory is supplied by Flash Ventures, which limits our ability to respond to market demand and supply changes and makes our financial results particularly susceptible to variations from our forecasts and expectations. A failure to accurately forecast supply and demand could cause us to over-invest or under-invest in technology transitions or the expansion of Flash Ventures\u2019 capacity. Over-investment by us or our competitors could result in excess supply, which could cause significant decreases in our product prices, significant excess, obsolete inventory or inventory write-downs or underutilization charges, and the potential impairment of our investments in Flash Ventures. We are contractually obligated to pay for 50% of the fixed costs of Flash Ventures regardless of whether we order any flash-based memory, and our orders placed with Flash Ventures on a three-month rolling basis are binding. On the other hand, if we under-invest in Flash Ventures, or otherwise grow or transition Flash Ventures\u2019 capacity too slowly, we may not have enough supply of flash-based memory, or the right type of flash-based memory, to meet demand on a timely and cost effective basis, and we may lose opportunities for revenue, gross margin and market share as a result. If our supply is limited, we might make strategic decisions with respect to the allocation of our supply among our products and customers, which could result in less favorable gross margins or damage customer relationships. \nOur control over the operations of our business ventures may be limited, and our interests could diverge from our strategic partners\u2019 interests regarding ongoing and future activities. For example, under the Flash Ventures agreements, we cannot unilaterally direct most of Flash Ventures\u2019 activities, and we have limited ability to source or fabricate flash outside of Flash Ventures. Flash Ventures requires significant investments by both Kioxia and us for technology transitions and capacity expansions, and our business could be harmed if our technology roadmap and investment plans are not sufficiently aligned with Kioxia\u2019s. Lack of alignment with Kioxia with respect to Flash Ventures could negatively impact our ability to react quickly to changes in the market, or to stay at the forefront of technological advancement. Misalignment could arise due to changes in Kioxia\u2019s strategic priorities, management, ownership or access to capital, which have changed in recent years and could continue to change. Kioxia\u2019s stakeholders may include, or have included in the past, competitors, customers, a private equity firm, government entities or public stockholders. Kioxia\u2019s management changes, ownership and capital structure could lead to delays in decision-making, disputes or changes in strategic direction that could negatively impact the strategic partnership, and therefore us. There may exist conflicts of interest between Kioxia\u2019s stakeholders and Flash Ventures or us with respect to, among other things, protecting and growing Flash Ventures\u2019 business, IP and competitively sensitive confidential information.\nTogether with Kioxia, we fund a portion of the investments required for Flash Ventures through lease financings. Continued availability of lease financings for Flash Ventures is not guaranteed and could be limited by several factors, including investor capacity and risk allocation policies, our or Kioxia\u2019s financial performance and changes to our or Kioxia\u2019s \n16\nTable of Content\ns\nbusiness, ownership or corporate structure. To the extent that lease financings are not accessible on favorable terms or at all, more cash would be required to fund investments. \nOur strategic relationships are subject to additional risks that could harm our business, including, but not limited to, the following:\n\u2022\nfailure by our strategic partners to comply with applicable laws or employ effective internal controls; \n\u2022\ndifficulties and delays in product and technology development at, ramping production at, and transferring technology to, our strategic partners;\n\u2022\ndeclining financial performance of our strategic partners, including failure by our strategic partners to timely fund capital investments with us or otherwise meet their commitments, including paying amounts owed to us or third parties when due;\n\u2022\nwe may lose the rights to, or ability to independently manufacture, certain technology or products being developed or manufactured by strategic partners, including if any of them is acquired by another company, files for bankruptcy or experiences financial or other losses;\n\u2022\na bankruptcy event involving a strategic partner could result in structural changes to or termination of the strategic partnership; and\n\u2022\nchanges in tax or regulatory requirements may necessitate changes to the agreements governing our strategic partnerships.\n We participate in a highly competitive industry that is subject to declining average selling prices (\u201cASPs\u201d), volatile demand, rapid technological change and industry consolidation, as well as lengthy product qualifications, all of which can negatively impact our business.\nDemand for our devices, software and solutions, which we refer to in this Item 1A as our \u201cproducts\u201d, depends in large part on the demand for systems manufactured by our customers and on storage upgrades to existing systems. The demand for systems has been volatile in the past and often has had an exaggerated effect on the demand for our products in any given period. Demand for and prices of our products are influenced by, among other factors, actual and projected data growth, the balance between supply and demand in the storage market, including the effects of new fab capacity, macroeconomic factors, business conditions, technology transitions and other actions taken by us or our competitors. The storage market has recently experienced, and may continue to experience, periods of excess capacity leading to liquidation of excess inventories, inventory write-downs, significant reductions in ASPs and negative impacts on our revenue and gross margins, and volatile product life cycles that harm our ability to recover the cost of product development. \nFurther, our ASPs and gross margins tend to decline when there is a shift in the mix of product sales to lower priced products. We face potential gross margin pressures resulting from our ASPs declining more rapidly than our cost of revenue. Rapid technological changes often reduce the volume and profitability of sales of existing products and increase the risk of inventory obsolescence and write-downs. Finally, the data storage industry has experienced consolidation over the past several years, which could enhance the resources and lower the cost structure of some competitors. These factors could result in a substantial decrease in our market share and harm our business.\nAs we compete in new product areas, the overall complexity of our business may increase and may result in increases in R&D expenses and substantial investments in manufacturing capability, technology enhancements and go-to-market capability. We must also qualify our products with customers through potentially lengthy testing processes with uncertain results. Some of our competitors offer products that we do not offer, which may allow them to win sales from us, and some of our customers may be developing storage solutions internally, which may reduce their demand for our products. We expect that competition will continue to be intense, and our competitors may be able to gain a product offering or cost structure advantage over us, which would harm our business. Further, our competitors may utilize pricing strategies, including offering products at prices at or below cost, that we may be unable to competitively match. We may also have difficulty effectively competing with manufacturers benefiting from governmental investments and may be subject to increased complexity and reduced efficiency in our supply chain as a result of governmental efforts to promote domestic semiconductor industries in various jurisdictions.\n If we do not properly manage technology transitions and product development and introduction, our competitiveness and operating results may be negatively affected.\n17\nTable of Content\ns\nThe markets for our products continuously undergo technology transitions that can impact our product roadmaps and that we must anticipate in order to adapt our existing products or develop new products effectively. If we fail to adapt to or implement new technologies or develop new products desired by our customers quickly and cost-effectively, or if technology transitions negatively impact our existing product roadmaps, our business may be harmed.\nIn addition, the success of our technology transitions and product development depends on a number of other factors, including:\n\u2022\nR&D expenses and results;\n\u2022\ndifficulties faced in manufacturing ramp;\n\u2022\nmarket acceptance/qualification;\n\u2022\neffective management of inventory levels in line with anticipated product demand;\n\u2022\nthe vertical integration of some of our products, which may result in more capital expenditures and greater fixed costs than if we were not vertically integrated;\n\u2022\nour ability to cost effectively respond to customer requests for new products or features (including requests for more efficient and efficiently-produced products with reduced environmental impacts) and software associated with our products;\n\u2022\nour ability to increase our software development capability; and\n\u2022\nthe effectiveness of our go-to-market capability in selling new products.\nMoving to new technologies and products may require us to align to, and build, a new supply base. Our success in new product areas may depend on our ability to enter into favorable supply agreements. In addition, if our customers choose to delay transition to new technologies, if demand for the products that we develop is lower than expected or if the supporting technologies to implement these new technologies are not available, we may be unable to achieve the cost structure required to support our profit objectives or may be unable to grow or maintain our market position.\nAdditionally, new technologies could impact demand for our products in unforeseen or unexpected ways and new products could substitute for our current products and make them obsolete, each of which would harm our business. We also develop products to meet certain industry and technical standards, which may change and cause us to incur substantial costs as we adapt to new standards or invest in different manufacturing processes to remain competitive.\n We experience sales seasonality and cyclicality, which could cause our operating results to fluctuate. In addition, accurately forecasting demand has become more difficult, which could harm our business.\nSales of many of our products tend to be seasonal and subject to supply-demand cycles. Changes in seasonal and cyclical supply and demand patterns have made it, and could continue to make it, more difficult for us to forecast demand. Changes in the product or channel mix of our business can also impact seasonal and cyclical patterns. For example, we often ship a high percentage of our total quarterly sales in the third month of the quarter, which makes it difficult for us to forecast our financial results before the end of each quarter. As a result of the above or other factors, our forecast of financial results for a given quarter may differ materially from our actual financial results.\nThe variety and volume of products we manufacture are based in part on accurately forecasting market and customer demand for our products. Accurately forecasting demand has become increasingly difficult for us, our customers and our suppliers due to volatility in global economic conditions, end market dynamics and industry consolidation, resulting in less availability of historical market data for certain product segments. Further, for many of our OEM customers utilizing just-in-time inventory, we do not generally require firm order commitments and instead receive a periodic forecast of requirements, which may prove to be inaccurate. In addition, because our products are designed to be largely interchangeable with competitors\u2019 products, our demand forecasts may be impacted significantly by the strategic actions of our competitors. As forecasting demand becomes more difficult, the risk that our forecasts are not in line with demand increases. This has caused, and may in the future cause, our forecasts to exceed actual market demand, resulting in periods of product oversupply, excess inventory, asset underutilization and price decreases, which has impacted and could further impact our sales, ASPs and gross \n18\nTable of Content\ns\nmargin, thereby negatively affecting our operating results and our financial condition. If market demand increases significantly beyond our forecasts or beyond our ability to add manufacturing capacity, then we may not be able to satisfy customer product needs, possibly resulting in a loss of market share if our competitors are able to meet customer demands. In addition, some of our components have long lead-times, requiring us to place orders several months in advance of anticipated demand. Such long lead-times increase the risk of excess inventory, potentially resulting in inventory write-downs, or loss of sales in the event our forecasts vary substantially from actual demand.\n Failure to successfully execute on strategic initiatives including acquisitions, divestitures or cost saving measures may negatively impact our future results.\nWe have made and expect to continue to make acquisitions and divestitures, and engage in cost saving measures. Acquisitions of, investment opportunities in, or other significant transactions with companies that are complementary to our business are an important part of our overall business strategy. In order to pursue this part of our growth strategy successfully, we must continue to identify attractive acquisition or investment opportunities, successfully complete the transactions, some of which may be large and complex, and manage post-closing issues such as integration of the acquired company or employees and integration of processes and systems. We may not be able to continue to identify or complete appealing acquisition or investment opportunities given the intense competition for these transactions. Even if we identify and complete suitable corporate transactions, we may not be able to successfully address any integration challenges in a timely manner, or at all. There have been and may continue to be difficulties with implementing new systems and processes or with integrating systems and processes of companies with complex operations, which can result in inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies and may increase the risk that our internal controls are found to be ineffective. \nFailing to successfully integrate or realign our business to take advantage of efficiencies or reduce redundancies of an acquisition may result in not realizing all or any of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. In addition, failing to achieve the financial model projections for an acquisition or changes in technology development and related roadmaps following an acquisition may result in the incurrence of impairment charges (including goodwill impairments or other asset write-downs) and other expenses, both of which could negatively impact our results of operations or financial condition. Acquisitions and investments may also result in the issuance of equity securities that may be dilutive to our stockholders as well as earn-out or other contingent consideration payments and the issuance of additional indebtedness that would put additional pressure on liquidity. Furthermore, we may agree to provide continuing service obligations or enter into other agreements in order to obtain certain regulatory approvals of our corporate transactions, and failure to satisfy these additional obligations could result in our failing to obtain regulatory approvals or the imposition of additional obligations on us, any of which could negatively affect our business. In addition, new legislation or additional regulations may affect or impair our ability to invest with or in certain other countries or require us to obtain regulatory approvals to do so, including investments in joint ventures, minority investments and outbound technology transfers to certain countries.\nCost saving measures, restructurings and divestitures may result in workforce reduction and consolidation of our manufacturing or other facilities. As a result of these actions, we may experience a loss of continuity, loss of accumulated knowledge, disruptions to our operations and inefficiency during transitional periods. These actions could also impact employee retention. In addition, we cannot be sure that these actions will be as successful in reducing our overall expenses as we expect, that additional costs will not offset any such reductions or consolidations or that we do not forego future business opportunities as a result of these actions. \n Loss of revenue from a key customer, or consolidation among our customer base, could harm our operating results.\nHistorically, nearly one half of our total revenue came from sales to our top 10 customers. These customers have a variety of suppliers to choose from and therefore can make substantial demands on us, including demands on product pricing, contractual terms and the environmental impact and attributes of our products, often resulting in the allocation of risk or increased costs to us as the supplier. Our ability to maintain strong relationships with our principal customers is essential to our future performance. We have experienced and may in the future experience events such as the loss of a key customer, prohibition or restriction of sales to a key customer by law, regulation or other government action, reductions in sales to or orders by a key customer, customer requirements to reduce our prices before we are able to reduce costs or the acquisition of a key customer by one of our competitors. These events have impacted, and may in the future impact, our operating results and financial condition. Further, government authorities may implement laws or regulations or take other actions that could result in significant changes to the business or operating models of our customers. Such changes could negatively impact our operating results. \n19\nTable of Content\ns\nAdditionally, if there is consolidation among our customer base, our customers may be able to command increased leverage in negotiating prices and other terms of sale, which could negatively impact our profitability. Consolidation among our customer base may also lead to reduced demand for our products, increased customer pressure on our prices, replacement of our products by the combined entity with those of our competitors and cancellations of orders, each of which could harm our operating results.\nAlso, the storage ecosystem is constantly evolving, and our traditional customer base is changing. Fewer companies now hold greater market share for certain applications and services, such as cloud storage and computing platforms, mobile, social media, shopping and streaming media. As a result, the competitive landscape is changing, giving these companies increased leverage in negotiating prices and other terms of sale, which could negatively impact our profitability. In addition, the changes in our evolving customer base create new selling and distribution patterns to which we must adapt. To remain competitive, we must respond to these changes by ensuring we have proper scale in this evolving market, as well as offer products that meet the technological requirements of this customer base at competitive pricing points. To the extent we are not successful in adequately responding to these changes, our operating results and financial condition could be harmed.\n Sales in the distribution channel and to the retail market are important to our business, and if we fail to respond to demand changes within these markets, or maintain and grow our applicable market share, our business could suffer.\nOur distribution customers typically sell to small computer manufacturers, dealers, systems integrators and other resellers. We face significant competition in this channel as a result of limited product qualification programs and a significant focus on price and availability of product. As a result of the shift to mobile devices, more computing devices are being delivered to the market as complete systems, which could weaken the distribution market. If we fail to respond to changes in demand in the distribution market, our business could suffer. Additionally, if the distribution market weakens as a result of technology transitions or a significant change in consumer buying preference, or if we experience significant price declines due to demand changes in the distribution channel, our operating results would be negatively impacted. Negative changes in the creditworthiness or the ability to access credit, or the bankruptcy or shutdown of any of our significant retail or distribution partners would harm our revenue and our ability to collect outstanding receivable balances.\nA significant portion of our sales is also made through retailers. Our success in the retail market depends in large part on our ability to maintain our brand image and corporate reputation and to expand into and gain market acceptance of our products in multiple retail market channels. Particularly in the retail market, negative publicity, whether or not justified, or allegations of product or service quality issues, even if false or unfounded, could damage our reputation and cause our customers to choose products offered by our competitors. Further, changes to the retail environment, such as store closures caused by macroeconomic conditions or changing customer preferences, may reduce the demand for our products. If customers no longer maintain a preference for our product brands or if our retailers are not successful in selling our products, our operating results may be negatively impacted.\nFINANCIAL RISKS\n Our level of debt may negatively impact our liquidity, restrict our operations and ability to respond to business opportunities, and increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions.\nWe utilize debt financing in our capital structure and may incur additional debt, including under our revolving credit facility subject to customary conditions in our loan agreements. Our level of debt could have significant consequences, which include, but are not limited to, the following:\n\u2022\nlimiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate purposes;\n\u2022\nrequiring a substantial portion of our cash flows to be dedicated to debt service payments instead of other purposes;\n\u2022\nimposing financial and other restrictive covenants on our operations, including minimum liquidity and free cash flow requirements and limitations on our ability to (i) declare or pay dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock; (ii) purchase assets, make investments, complete acquisitions, consolidate or merge with or into, or sell all or substantially all of our assets to, another person; (iii) enter into sale/leaseback transactions or certain transactions with affiliates; (iv) incur additional indebtedness and (v) incur liens; and\n\u2022\nmaking us more vulnerable to economic downturns and limiting our ability to withstand competitive pressures or take advantage of new opportunities to grow our business.\n20\nTable of Content\ns\nOur ability to meet our debt service obligations, comply with our debt covenants and deleverage depends on our cash flows and financial performance, which are affected by financial, business, economic and other factors. The rate at which we will be able to or choose to deleverage is uncertain. Failure to meet our debt service obligations or comply with our debt covenants could result in an event of default under the applicable indebtedness. We may be unable to cure, or obtain a waiver of, an event of default or otherwise amend our debt agreements to prevent an event of default thereunder on terms acceptable to us or at all. In that event, the debt holders could accelerate the related debt, which may result in the cross-acceleration or cross-default of other debt, leases or other obligations. If we do not have sufficient funds available to repay indebtedness when due, whether at maturity or by acceleration, we may be required to sell important strategic assets; refinance our existing debt; incur additional debt or issue common stock or other equity securities, which we may not be able to do on terms acceptable to us, in amounts sufficient to meet our needs or at all. Our inability to service our debt obligations or refinance our debt could harm our business. Further, if we are unable to repay, refinance or restructure our secured indebtedness, the holder of such debt could proceed against the collateral securing the indebtedness. Refinancing our indebtedness may also require us to expense previous debt issuance costs or to incur new debt issuance costs.\nAs our bank debt contains a variable interest rate component based on our corporate credit ratings, a decline in our ratings could result in increased interest rates and debt service obligations. In addition, our ratings impact the cost and availability of future borrowings and, accordingly, our cost of capital. Our ratings reflect the opinions of the ratings agencies as to our financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet our debt obligations. There can be no assurance that we will achieve a particular rating or maintain a particular rating in the future.\nWe also guarantee a significant amount of lease obligations of Flash Ventures owed to third parties. Flash Ventures sells to and leases back a portion of its equipment from a consortium of financial institutions. Most of the lease obligations are guaranteed 50% by us and 50% by Kioxia. Some of the lease obligations are guaranteed in full by us. The leases are subject to customary covenants and cancellation events that relate to Flash Ventures and each of the guarantors. If a cancellation event were to occur, Flash Ventures would be required to negotiate a resolution with the other parties to the lease transactions to avoid cancellation and acceleration of the lease obligations. Such resolution could include, among other things, supplementary security to be supplied by us, increased interest rates or waiver fees. If a resolution is not reached, we may be required to pay all of the outstanding lease obligations covered by our guarantees, which would significantly reduce our cash position and may force us to seek additional financing, which may not be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all.\nWe may from time to time seek to further refinance our substantial indebtedness by issuing additional shares of common stock or other securities that are convertible into common stock or grant the holder the right to purchase common stock, each of which may dilute our existing stockholders, reduce the value of our common stock, or both.\n Tax matters may materially affect our financial position and results of operations.\nChanges in tax laws in the United States, the European Union and around the globe have impacted and will continue to impact our effective worldwide tax rate, which may materially affect our financial position and results of operations. Further, the majority of countries in the G20 and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) have agreed to adopt a two-pillar approach to taxation, which includes the implementation of a global corporate minimum tax rate of 15%, which when effective could materially increase our tax obligations in these countries. Due to the large scale of our U.S. and international business activities, many of these enacted and proposed changes to the taxation of our activities, including cash movements, could increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our business. Beginning in our fiscal year 2023, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated the option to deduct research and development expenditures in the year incurred, requiring amortization in accordance with IRC Section 174. Depending on our operating results, this requirement could materially increase our effective tax rate and reduce our operating cash flows. Additionally, portions of our operations are subject to a reduced tax rate or are free of tax under various tax holidays that expire in whole or in part from time to time, or may be terminated if certain conditions are not met. Although many of these holidays may be extended when certain conditions are met, we may not be able to meet such conditions. If the tax holidays are not extended, or if we fail to satisfy the conditions of the reduced tax rate, then our effective tax rate could increase in the future.\nOur determination of our tax liability in the U.S. and other jurisdictions is subject to review by applicable domestic and foreign tax authorities. For example, as disclosed in Part I, Item 1, Note 14, \nIncome Tax Expense\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for certain fiscal years. Although we believe our tax positions are properly supported, the final timing and resolution of any tax examinations are subject to significant uncertainty and could result in litigation or the payment of significant amounts to the \n21\nTable of Content\ns\napplicable tax authority in order to resolve examination of our tax positions, which could result in an increase of our current estimate of unrecognized tax benefits and may harm our business.\n Fluctuations in currency exchange rates as a result of our international operations may negatively affect our operating results. \nBecause we manufacture and sell our products abroad, our revenue, cost of revenue, margins, operating costs and cash flows are impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. If the U.S. dollar exhibits sustained weakness against most foreign currencies, the U.S. dollar equivalents of unhedged manufacturing costs could increase because a significant portion of our production costs are foreign-currency denominated. Conversely, there would not be an offsetting impact to revenues since revenues are substantially U.S. dollar denominated. Additionally, we negotiate and procure some of our component requirements in U.S. dollars from non-U.S. based vendors. If the U.S. dollar weakens against other foreign currencies, some of our component suppliers may increase the price they charge for their components in order to maintain an equivalent profit margin. In addition, our purchases of flash-based memory from Flash Ventures and our investment in Flash Ventures are denominated in Japanese yen. If the Japanese yen appreciates against the U.S. dollar, our cost of purchasing flash-based memory wafers and the cost to us of future capital funding of Flash Ventures would increase. When such events occur, they have had, and may in the future have, a negative impact on our business.\nPrices for our products are substantially U.S. dollar denominated, even when sold to customers that are located outside the U.S. Therefore, as a substantial portion of our sales are from countries outside the U.S., fluctuations in currency exchanges rates, most notably the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other foreign currencies, contribute to variations in sales of products in impacted jurisdictions and could negatively impact demand and revenue growth. In addition, currency variations can adversely affect margins on sales of our products in countries outside the U.S.\nWe attempt to manage the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes by, among other things, entering into short-term foreign exchange contracts. However, these contracts may not cover our full exposure, and can be canceled by the counterparty if currency controls are put in place. Thus, our decisions and hedging strategy with respect to currency risks may not be successful and may actually harm our operating results. Further, the ability to enter into foreign exchange contracts with financial institutions is based upon our available credit from such institutions and compliance with covenants and other restrictions. Operating losses, third party downgrades of our credit rating or instability in the worldwide financial markets could impact our ability to effectively manage our foreign currency exchange rate risk. Hedging also exposes us to the credit risk of our counterparty financial institutions.\n Increases in our customers\u2019 credit risk could result in credit losses and term extensions under existing contracts with customers with credit losses could result in an increase in our operating costs.\nSome of our OEM customers have adopted a subcontractor model that requires us to contract directly with companies, such as ODMs, that provide manufacturing and fulfillment services to our OEM customers. Because these subcontractors are generally not as well capitalized as our direct OEM customers, this subcontractor model exposes us to increased credit risks. Our agreements with our OEM customers may not permit us to increase our product prices to alleviate this increased credit risk. Additionally, as we attempt to expand our OEM and distribution channel sales into emerging economies, the customers with the most success in these regions may have relatively short operating histories, making it more difficult for us to accurately assess the associated credit risks. Our customers\u2019 credit risk may also be exacerbated by an economic downturn or other adverse global or regional economic conditions. Any credit losses we may suffer as a result of these increased risks, or as a result of credit losses from any significant customer, especially in situations where there are term extensions under existing contracts with such customers, would increase our operating costs, which may negatively impact our operating results.\nLEGAL AND COMPLIANCE RISKS\n We are subject to laws, rules, and regulations relating to the collection, use, sharing, and security of data, including personal data, and our failure to comply with these laws, rules and regulations could subject us to proceedings by governmental entities or others and cause us to incur penalties, significant legal liability, or loss of customers, loss of revenue, and reputational harm.\nWe are subject to laws, rules, and regulations relating to the collection, use, and security and privacy of third-party data including data that relates to or identifies an individual person. In many cases, these laws apply not only to third-party transactions, but also to transfers of information between us and our subsidiaries, and among us, our subsidiaries and other parties with which we have commercial relations. Our possession and use of third-party data, including personal data and \n22\nTable of Content\ns\nemployee data in conducting our business, subjects us to legal and regulatory burdens that require us to notify vendors, customers or employees or other parties with which we have commercial relations of a data security breach and to respond to regulatory inquiries and to enforcement proceedings. Laws and regulations relating to the collection, use, security and privacy of third-party data change over time and new laws and regulations become effective from time to time. We are subject to notice and privacy policy requirements, as well as obligations to respond to requests to know and access personal information, correct personal information, delete personal information and say no to the sale of personal information. Global privacy and data protection legislation, enforcement, and policy activity in this area are rapidly expanding and evolving, and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. We may also be subject to restrictions on cross-border data transfers and requirements for localized storage of data that could increase our compliance costs and risks and affect the ability of our global operations to coordinate activities and respond to customers. Compliance requirements and even our inadvertent failure to comply with applicable laws may cause us to incur substantial costs, subject us to proceedings by governmental entities or others, and cause us to incur penalties or other significant legal liability, or lead us to change our business practices.\n We are subject to state, federal and international legal and regulatory requirements, such as environmental, labor, health and safety, trade and public-company reporting and disclosure regulations, customers\u2019 standards of corporate citizenship, and industry and coalition standards, such as those established by the Responsible Business Alliance (\u201cRBA\u201d), and compliance with those regulations and requirements could cause an increase in our operating costs and failure to comply may harm our business.\nWe are subject to, and may become subject to additional, state, federal and international laws and regulations governing our environmental, labor, trade, health and safety practices and public-company reporting and disclosures requirements. These laws and regulations, particularly those applicable to our international operations, are or may be complex, extensive and subject to change. We will need to ensure that we and our suppliers, customers and partners timely comply with such laws and regulations, which may result in an increase in our operating costs. Legislation has been, and may in the future be, enacted in locations where we manufacture or sell our products, which could impair our ability to conduct business in certain jurisdictions or with certain customers and harm our operating results. In addition, climate change and financial reform legislation is a significant topic of discussion and has generated and may continue to generate federal, international or other regulatory responses in the near future, which could substantially increase the complexity of our public-company reporting and disclosure requirements and our compliance and operating costs. If we or our suppliers, customers or partners fail to timely comply with applicable legislation, certain customers may refuse to purchase our products or we may face increased operating costs as a result of taxes, fines or penalties, or legal liability and reputational damage, which could harm our business.\nIn connection with our compliance with environmental laws and regulations, as well as our compliance with industry and coalition environmental initiatives, such as those established by the RBA, the standards of business conduct required by some of our customers, and our commitment to sound corporate citizenship in all aspects of our business, we could incur substantial compliance and operating costs and be subject to disruptions to our operations and logistics. In addition, if we or our suppliers, customers or partners were found to be in violation of these laws or noncompliant with these initiatives or standards of conduct, we could be subject to governmental fines, liability to our customers and damage to our reputation and corporate brand, which could cause our financial condition and operating results to suffer.\n Our aspirations, disclosures, and actions related to environmental, social and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) matters expose us to risks that could adversely affect our reputation and performance.\nThere is an increased focus from investors, customers, associates, business partners and other stakeholders concerning ESG matters, and we announce initiatives and goals related to ESG matters from time to time, including renewable energy and net zero emissions commitments.\n \nThese statements reflect our current plans and aspirations and are not guarantees that we will be able to achieve them. Our ability to achieve any ESG objective is subject to numerous risks, many of which are outside of our control, including the availability and cost of alternative energy sources; the evolving regulatory and reporting requirements affecting ESG practices and disclosures; the locations and usage of our products and the implications on their greenhouse gas emissions; and the successful execution of our strategy.\n \nOur failure to accomplish or accurately track and report on these goals on a timely basis, or at all, and the potential added costs involved, could adversely affect our reputation; financial performance and growth; our ability to attract or retain talent; and our attractiveness as a business partner or supplier, and could expose us to increased litigation risk, as well as increased scrutiny from the investment community and enforcement authorities.\n We and certain of our officers are at times involved in litigation, investigations and governmental proceedings, which may be costly, may divert the efforts of our key personnel and could result in adverse court rulings, fines or penalties, which could materially harm our business.\n23\nTable of Content\ns\nFrom time to time, we are involved in litigation, including antitrust and commercial matters, putative securities class action suits and other actions. We are the plaintiff in some of these actions and the defendant in others. Some of the actions seek injunctive relief, including injunctions against the sale of our products, and substantial monetary damages, which if granted or awarded, could materially harm our business. From time to time, we may also be the subject of inquiries, requests for information, investigations and actions by government and regulatory agencies regarding our businesses. Any such matters could result in material adverse consequences to our results of operations, financial condition or ability to conduct our business, including fines, penalties or restrictions on our business activities.\nLitigation is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. In the event of an adverse outcome in any litigation, investigation or governmental proceeding, we could be required to pay substantial damages, fines or penalties and cease certain practices or activities, including the manufacture, use and sale of products. With or without merit, such matters can be complex, can extend for a protracted period of time, can be very expensive and the expense can be unpredictable. Litigation initiated by us could also result in counter-claims against us, which could increase the costs associated with the litigation and result in our payment of damages or other judgments against us. In addition, litigation, investigations or governmental proceedings and any related publicity may divert the efforts and attention of some of our key personnel, affect demand for our products and harm the market prices of our securities.\nWe may be obligated to indemnify our current or former directors or employees, or former directors or employees of companies that we have acquired, in connection with litigation, investigations or governmental proceedings. These liabilities could be substantial and may include, among other things: the costs of defending lawsuits against these individuals; the cost of defending shareholder derivative suits; the cost of governmental, law enforcement or regulatory investigations or proceedings; civil or criminal fines and penalties; legal and other expenses; and expenses associated with the remedial measures, if any, which may be imposed.\n The nature of our industry and its reliance on IP and other proprietary information subjects us and our suppliers, customers and partners to the risk of significant litigation.\nThe data storage industry has been characterized by significant litigation. This includes litigation relating to patent and other IP rights, product liability claims and other types of litigation. We have historically been involved in frequent disputes regarding patent and other IP rights, and we have in the past received, and we may in the future receive, communications from third parties asserting that certain of our products, processes or technologies infringe upon their patent rights, copyrights, trademark rights or other IP rights. We may also receive claims of potential infringement if we attempt to license IP to others. IP risks increase when we enter into new markets where we have little or no IP protection as a defense against litigation. The complexity of the technology involved and the uncertainty of IP litigation increase the IP risks we face. Litigation can be expensive, lengthy and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of litigation are inherently uncertain and may result in adverse rulings or decisions. We may be subject to injunctions, enter into settlements or be subject to judgments that may harm our business.\nIf we incorporate third-party technology into our products or if claims or actions are asserted against us for alleged infringement of the IP of others, we may be required to obtain a license or cross-license, modify our existing technology or design a new non-infringing technology. Such licenses or design modifications can be extremely costly. We evaluate notices of alleged patent infringement and notices of patents from patent holders that we receive from time to time. We may decide to settle a claim or action against us, which settlement could be costly. We may also be liable for any past infringement. If there is an adverse ruling against us in an infringement lawsuit, an injunction could be issued barring production or sale of any infringing product. It could also result in a damage award equal to a reasonable royalty or lost profits or, if there is a finding of willful infringement, treble damages. Any of these results would increase our costs and harm our operating results. In addition, our suppliers, customers and partners are subject to similar risks of litigation, and a material, adverse ruling against a supplier, customer or partner could negatively impact our business.\nMoreover, from time to time, we agree to indemnify certain of our suppliers and customers for alleged IP infringement. The scope of such indemnity varies but may include indemnification for direct and consequential damages and expenses, including attorneys\u2019 fees. We may be engaged in litigation as a result of these indemnification obligations. Third party claims for patent infringement are excluded from coverage under our insurance policies. A future obligation to indemnify our customers or suppliers may harm our business.\n Our reliance on IP and other proprietary information subjects us to the risk that these key components of our business could be copied by competitors.\n24\nTable of Content\ns\nOur success depends, in significant part, on the proprietary nature of our technology, including non-patentable IP such as our process technology. We primarily rely on patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods, to protect our proprietary technologies and processes. There can be no assurance that our existing patents will continue to be held valid, if challenged, or that they will have sufficient scope or strength to protect us. It is also possible that competitors or other unauthorized third parties may obtain, copy, use or disclose, illegally or otherwise, our proprietary technologies and processes, despite our efforts to protect our proprietary technologies and processes. If a competitor is able to reproduce or otherwise capitalize on our technology despite the safeguards we have in place, it may be difficult, expensive or impossible for us to obtain necessary legal protection. There are entities whom we believe may infringe our IP. Enforcement of our rights often requires litigation. If we bring a patent infringement action and are not successful, our competitors would be able to use similar technology to compete with us. Moreover, the defendant in such an action may successfully countersue us for infringement of their patents or assert a counterclaim that our patents are invalid or unenforceable. Also, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our IP to the same extent as do U.S. laws. In addition to patent protection of IP rights, we consider elements of our product designs and processes to be proprietary and confidential. We rely upon employee, consultant and vendor non-disclosure agreements and contractual provisions and a system of internal safeguards to protect our proprietary information. However, any of our registered or unregistered IP rights may be challenged or exploited by others in the industry, which could harm our operating results.\nThe success of our branded products depends in part on the positive image that consumers have of our brands. We believe the popularity of our brands makes them a target of counterfeiting or imitation, with third parties attempting to pass off counterfeit products as our products. Any occurrence of counterfeiting, imitation or confusion with our brands could negatively affect our reputation and impair the value of our brands, which in turn could negatively impact sales of our branded products, our share and our gross margin, as well as increase our administrative costs related to brand protection and counterfeit detection and prosecution.\n The exclusive forum provisions in our Bylaws could limit our stockholders' ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with the Company or its directors, officers or other employees.\nOur Bylaws provide that, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or the federal district court in the State of Delaware if the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction) is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Company or its stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or the Company\u2019s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine (the \u201cDelaware Exclusive Forum Provision\u201d). Our Bylaws further provide that the federal district courts of the United States of America will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the \u201cFederal Forum Provision\u201d). \nThe Delaware Exclusive Forum Provision is intended to apply to claims arising under Delaware state law and would not apply to claims brought pursuant to the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. In addition, the Federal Forum Provision is intended to apply to claims arising under the Securities Act and would not apply to claims brought pursuant to the Exchange Act. The exclusive forum provisions in the Company\u2019s Bylaws will not relieve us of our duties to comply with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder and, accordingly, actions by our stockholders to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder must be brought in federal courts. Our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with these laws, rules and regulations. \nThe exclusive forum provisions in the Company\u2019s Bylaws may limit a stockholder\u2019s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with the company or its directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against the Company and its directors, officers and other employees. In addition, stockholders who do bring a claim in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware pursuant to the Delaware Exclusive Forum Provision could face additional litigation costs in pursuing any such claim, particularly if they do not reside in or near Delaware. The court in the designated forum under our exclusive forum provisions may also reach different judgments or results than would other courts, including courts where a stockholder would otherwise choose to bring the action, and such judgments or results may be more favorable to the Company than to our stockholders. Further, the enforceability of similar exclusive forum provisions in other companies\u2019 organizational documents has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that a court could find any of our exclusive forum provisions to be inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings. If a court were to find all or any part of our exclusive forum provisions to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we might incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.\n25\nTable of Content\ns",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nThe following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and should be read in conjunction with the disclosures we make concerning risks and other factors that may affect our business and operating results. You should read this information in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See also \u201cForward-Looking Statements\u201d immediately prior to Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \nOur Company\nWe are on a mission to unlock the potential of data by harnessing the possibility to use it. We are a leading developer, manufacturer, and provider of data storage devices based on both NAND flash and hard disk drive technologies. With dedicated flash-based products (\u201cFlash\u201d) and hard disk drives (\u201cHDD\u201d) business units driving advancements in storage technologies, our broad and ever-expanding portfolio delivers powerful Flash and HDD storage solutions for everyone from students, gamers, and home offices to the largest enterprises and public clouds to capture, preserve, access, and transform an ever-increasing diversity of data.\nOur broad portfolio of technology and products address our multiple end markets: \u201cCloud\u201d, \u201cClient\u201d and \u201cConsumer\u201d. Cloud represents a large and growing end market comprised primarily of products for public or private cloud environments and enterprise customers, which we believe we are uniquely positioned to address as the only provider of both Flash and HDD. Through the Client end market, we provide our original equipment manufacturer (\u201cOEM\u201d) and channel customers a broad array of high-performance flash and hard drive solutions across personal computer, mobile, gaming, automotive, virtual reality headsets, at-home entertainment, and industrial spaces. The Consumer end market is highlighted by our broad range of retail and other end-user products, which capitalize on the strength of our product brand recognition and vast points of presence around the world.\nOur fiscal year ends on the Friday nearest to June 30 and typically consists of 52 weeks. Approximately every five to six years, we report a 53-week fiscal year to align the fiscal year with the foregoing policy. Fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, which ended on June\u00a030, 2023, July\u00a01, 2022, and July\u00a02, 2021, respectively, each comprised 52 weeks, with all quarters presented consisting of 13 weeks.\nKey Developments\nNetwork Security Incident \nAs previously disclosed, on March 26, 2023, we identified a network security incident in which an unauthorized third party gained access to a number of our systems. Upon discovery of the incident, we implemented incident response efforts, which included taking various systems and services offline as a proactive measure to secure our business operations and initiating an investigation with the assistance of leading outside security and forensic experts. In collaboration with outside forensic experts, we confirmed that an unauthorized party obtained a copy of a Western Digital database used for our online store that contained some personal information of our online store customers. This information included customer names, billing and shipping addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers. In addition, the database contained, in encrypted format, hashed and salted passwords and partial credit card numbers. We have provided notifications to impacted customers and relevant governmental authorities.\nThe incident, together with the incident response efforts discussed above, resulted in some disruptions to our business operations, including manufacturing, sales, fulfillment and general corporate activities. We were able to stabilize core operations after a short period of time and brought impacted systems back online in order of \noperational priority. The incident did not have a material impact on the financial results in 2023.\nInvestigation, recovery, and remediation expenses, including costs for forensics activities, third-party consulting and service providers, outside legal advisors, and other IT professionals, as a result of the network security incident were not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We maintain cyber insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limitations, typical for our size and industry.\n33\nTable of Content\ns\nStrategic Alternatives\n In June 2022, we announced that we are reviewing potential strategic alternatives aimed at further optimizing long-term value for stockholders. The Executive Committee of our Board of Directors is overseeing the assessment process and evaluating a range of alternatives, including options for separating our Flash and HDD business units. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we are still actively working with financial advisors and our legal counsel in this strategic review process.\nTax Resolution\nAs disclosed in previous periods, we have received statutory notices of deficiency and notices of proposed adjustments from the Internal Revenue Service (\u201cIRS\u201d) with respect to 2008 through 2015. During the third quarter of 2023, we and the IRS reached an agreement on the federal tax and interest calculations with respect to the years 2008 through 2012 and a tentative settlement for the years 2013 through 2015. Additional information is provided in our discussion of Income tax expense in our results of operations below, as well as in Part II, Item 8, Note 14, \nIncome Tax Expense\n, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and in the \u201cShort- and Long-Term Liquidity \n- \nUnrecognized Tax Benefits\u201d section below.\nFinancing Activities\nIn December 2022 and in June 2023, we amended the loan agreement governing our Term Loan A-2 and revolving credit facility to provide additional financial flexibility as we navigate through the current dynamic economic environment. The amendments modified our financial covenant requirements, including modifying the leverage ratio requirements, and introducing a minimum liquidity covenant applicable through the quarter ending September 27, 2024 and a minimum free cash flow requirement applicable through the quarter ending December 29, 2023.\nThe amendment also accelerates the due date for amounts outstanding under the loan agreement from January 7, 2027 to November 2, 2023 if, as of that date, our cash and cash equivalents plus available unused capacity under our credit facilities do not exceed by $1.40 billion the sum of the outstanding balance of our 1.50% convertible notes due 2024 plus the outstanding principal amount of any other debt maturing within twelve months.\nIn January 2023, we entered into a new delayed draw term loan agreement, which was then amended in June 2023. As amended, the agreement allowed us to draw a loan of up to $600 million which we exercised in full in August 2023 (the \u201cDelayed Draw Term Loan\u201d). Borrowings on this loan will mature on June 28, 2024 or such earlier date that conditions for acceleration of amounts due under the loan agreement governing our Term Loan A-2 and revolving credit facility have been triggered as described above.\nAlso in January, 2023, we issued an aggregate of 900,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $900 million. We believe these transactions will provide us with greater financial flexibility to manage our business. \nAdditional information regarding our indebtedness, including the principal repayment terms, interest rates, covenants and other key terms of our outstanding indebtedness, and additional information on the terms of our convertible preferred shares is included in Part II, Item 8, Note 8, \nDebt\n, and Note 13, \nShareholders\u2019 Equity and Convertible Preferred Stock\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nOperational Update\nMacroeconomic factors such as inflation, higher interest rates and recession concerns have softened demand for our products, with certain customers reducing purchases as they adjust their production levels and right-size their inventories. As a result, we and our industry are experiencing a supply-demand imbalance, which has resulted in reduced shipments and negatively impacted pricing, particularly in Flash. While supply-demand imbalance has somewhat stabilized beginning in the third quarter of 2023, particularly in Client and Consumer, we continue to face a dynamic market environment. To adapt to these conditions, since the beginning of 2023, we have scaled back on capital expenditures, consolidated production lines and reduced bit growth to align with market demand and implemented measures to reduce operating expenses. This has resulted in incremental charges for employee termination, asset impairment and other charges and manufacturing underutilization charges in Flash and HDD in 2023, and is expected to impact near-term results. However, we believe digital transformation will continue to drive long-term growth for data storage in both Flash and HDD and believe that the actions we are taking will position us to capitalize on market conditions when they improve to address long-term growth opportunities in data storage across all our end markets.\nWe will continue to actively monitor developments impacting our business and may take additional responsive actions that we determine to be in the best interest of our business and stakeholders.\n34\nTable of Content\ns\nWe believe we have made significant progress in strengthening our product portfolio to meet our customers\u2019 growing and evolving storage needs. Our new industry-leading 22-terabyte conventional magnetic recording drives and 26-terabyte shingled magnetic recording drives, utilizing OptiNAND technology, have commenced commercial shipments. We also have commenced product sampling of our latest 28-terabyte Ultra SMR drive, which built upon proven ePMR and UltraSMR technology, with full feature and performance compatibility, as well as the reliability trusted by our customers worldwide.\n During 2023, we announced BiCS8 node, the newest 3D-flash memory technology based on a chip-bonded-to-array architecture. \nSee Part I, Item 1A,\n Risk Factors\n, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding the risks we face as a result of macroeconomic conditions, and supply chain disruptions.\n35\nTable of Content\ns\nResults of Operations\nSummary Comparison of 2023, 2022 and 2021 \nThe following table sets forth, for the periods presented, selected summary information from our Consolidated Statements of Operations by dollars and percentage of net revenue\n(1)\n:\n2023\n2022\n2021\n(in millions, except percentages)\nRevenue, net\n$\n12,318\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n18,793\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n16,922\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nCost of revenue\n10,431\u00a0\n84.7\u00a0\n12,919\u00a0\n68.7\u00a0\n12,401\u00a0\n73.3\u00a0\nGross profit\n1,887\u00a0\n15.3\u00a0\n5,874\u00a0\n31.3\u00a0\n4,521\u00a0\n26.7\u00a0\nOperating expenses:\nResearch and development\n2,009\u00a0\n16.3\u00a0\n2,323\u00a0\n12.4\u00a0\n2,243\u00a0\n13.3\u00a0\nSelling, general and administrative\n970\u00a0\n7.9\u00a0\n1,117\u00a0\n5.9\u00a0\n1,105\u00a0\n6.5\u00a0\nEmployee termination, asset impairment, and other charges\n193\u00a0\n1.6\u00a0\n43\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\n(47)\n(0.3)\nTotal operating expenses\n3,172\u00a0\n25.8\u00a0\n3,483\u00a0\n18.5\u00a0\n3,301\u00a0\n19.5\u00a0\nOperating income (loss)\n(1,285)\n(10.4)\n2,391\u00a0\n12.7\u00a0\n1,220\u00a0\n7.2\u00a0\nInterest and other income:\nInterest income\n24\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nInterest expense\n(312)\n(2.5)\n(304)\n(1.6)\n(326)\n(1.9)\nOther income, net\n13\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\n30\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\n26\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\nTotal interest and other income, net\n(275)\n(2.2)\n(268)\n(1.4)\n(293)\n(1.7)\nIncome (loss) before taxes\n(1,560)\n(12.7)\n2,123\u00a0\n11.3\u00a0\n927\u00a0\n5.5\u00a0\nIncome tax expense\n146\u00a0\n1.2\u00a0\n623\u00a0\n3.3\u00a0\n106\u00a0\n0.6\u00a0\nNet income (loss)\n(1,706)\n(13.8)\n1,500\u00a0\n8.0\u00a0\n821\u00a0\n4.9\u00a0\nLess: cumulative dividends allocated to preferred shareholders\n24\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nNet income (loss) attributable to common shareholders\n$\n(1,730)\n(14.0)\n%\n$\n1,500\u00a0\n8.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n821\u00a0\n4.9\u00a0\n%\n(1)\nPercentage may not total due to rounding.\n36\nTable of Content\ns\nThe following table sets forth, for the periods presented, a summary of our segment information:\n2023\n2022\n2021\n(in millions, except percentages)\nNet revenue:\nFlash\n$\n6,063\n$\n9,753\n$\n8,706\nHDD\n6,255\n9,040\n8,216\nTotal net revenue\n$\n12,318\n$\n18,793\n$\n16,922\nGross profit:\nFlash\n$\n433\n$\n3,527\n$\n2,611\nHDD\n1,505\n2,661\n2,221\nUnallocated corporate items:\nStock-based compensation expense\n(49)\n(48)\n(55)\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets\n\u2014\n(66)\n(331)\nContamination related charges\n\u2014\n(207)\n\u2014\nRecoveries from a power outage incident\n\u2014\n7\n75\nOther\n(2)\n\u2014\n\u2014\nTotal unallocated corporate items\n(51)\n(314)\n(311)\nConsolidated gross profit\n$\n1,887\n$\n5,874\n$\n4,521\nGross margin:\nFlash\n7.1%\n36.2%\n30.0%\nHDD\n24.1%\n29.4%\n27.0%\nConsolidated gross margin\n15.3%\n31.3%\n26.7%\nThe following table sets forth, for the periods presented, summary information regarding our disaggregated revenue:\n2023\n2022\n2021\n(in millions)\nRevenue by End Market \nCloud\n$\n5,252\u00a0\n$\n8,017\u00a0\n$\n5,723\u00a0\nClient\n4,328\u00a0\n7,076\u00a0\n7,281\u00a0\nConsumer\n2,738\u00a0\n3,700\u00a0\n3,918\u00a0\nTotal Revenue\n$\n12,318\u00a0\n$\n18,793\u00a0\n$\n16,922\u00a0\nRevenue by Geography\nAsia\n$\n6,046\u00a0\n$\n10,054\u00a0\n$\n9,455\u00a0\nAmericas\n4,172\u00a0\n5,867\u00a0\n4,406\u00a0\nEurope, Middle East and Africa\n2,100\u00a0\n2,872\u00a0\n3,061\u00a0\nTotal Revenue\n$\n12,318\u00a0\n$\n18,793\u00a0\n$\n16,922\u00a0\nExabytes Shipped\n501\u00a0\n645\u00a0\n541\u00a0\nNet Revenue\nNet revenue decrease\nd \n34% in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily reflecting the supply-demand imbalance and macroeconomic pressures described in the \u201cOperational Update\u201d above.\nFlash revenue decreased 38% in 2023 compared to 2022, substantially all driven by a decline in the average selling prices per gigabyte across all our end markets.\n37\nTable of Content\ns\nHDD revenue decreased 31% in 2023, compared to 2022, primarily driven by an approximately 26% decrease in exabytes sold and a decline in the average selling prices. The decrease in exabytes sold was primarily driven by lower shipments to customers in our Cloud end market and to a lesser extent in Client and Consumer end markets.\nThe 34% decrease in Cloud revenue in 2023 compared to 2022, reflects approximately 25 percentage points driven by a decline in HDD revenue as customers reduced purchases to right-size their inventories, and approximately 9 percentage points driven by a decline in Flash revenue resulting primarily from a decrease in shipments, as well as from lower average selling prices of our flash-based products. In Client, the 39% decrease in revenue in 2023 compared to 2022 reflects approximately 34 percentage points driven by a decline in Flash revenue due to pricing pressure across Flash and approximately 5 percentage points driven by a decline in HDD shipments. In Consumer, the 26% decrease in revenues in 2023 compared to 2022, was relatively evenly split between decreases in average selling price per gigabyte in Flash and a decline in retail HDD shipments.\nThe changes in net revenue by geography in 2023, compared to 2022, primarily reflect a larger decline in Asia from lower Client revenue from OEMs in this region as they reduced purchases to align with current market demand, as well as routine variations in the mix of business.\nFor 2023, 2022 and 2021, our top 10 customers accounted for 43%, 45% and 39%, respectively, of our net revenue. For each of 2023, 2022 and 2021, no single customer accounted for 10% or more of our net revenue.\nConsistent with standard industry practice, we have sales incentive and marketing programs that provide customers with price protection and other incentives or reimbursements that are recorded as a reduction to gross revenue. For 2023, 2022 and 2021, these programs represented 20%, 17% and 19%, respectively, of gross revenues, and adjustments to revenue due to changes in accruals for these programs have generally averaged less than 1% of gross revenue over the last three years. The amounts attributed to our sales incentive and marketing programs generally vary according to several factors including industry conditions, list pricing strategies, seasonal demand, competitor actions, channel mix and overall availability of products. Changes in future customer demand and market conditions may require us to adjust our incentive programs as a percentage of gross revenue.\nGross Profit and Gross Margin \nConsolidated gross profit decreased $3.99 billion, or 68%, in 2023 compared to 2022, which reflected the decrease in revenue described above as well as an aggregate of approximately $605 million for manufacturing underutilization and related charges and a write-down of certain Flash inventory to the lower of cost or market value ($404 million in Flash and $201 million in HDD), partially offset by $207 million of charges related to a contamination event in the Flash Ventures\u2019 fabrication facilities incurred in the prior year, and a $66 million decrease in charges related to amortization expense on acquired intangible assets, some of which became fully amortized in 2023. Consolidated gross margin decreased 16 percentage points over the prior year with approximately 4 percentage points of the decline due to the net charges noted above and the remainder driven by the lower average selling prices per gigabyte in Flash. Flash gross margin decreased by 29.1 percentage points year over year, substantially driven by lower average selling prices per gigabyte in Flash with approximately 4 percentage points driven by year-over-year changes in the charges noted above. HDD gross margin decreased by 5.3 percentage points year over year, with approximately 3 percentage points of the decline due to the underutilization charges noted above and the remainder primarily reflecting lower average selling prices per gigabyte and variation in the mix of products.\nOperating Expenses \nR&D expense decreased \n$314 million or 14%\n in 2023 compared to 2022, which reflects reductions in headcount and variable compensation expense as well as savings resulting from our actions to reduce expenses in the current dynamic economic environment. \nSelling, general and administrative (\u201cSG&A\u201d) expense decreased $147 million or 13% in 2023 compared to 2022, which reflects reductions in headcount, variable compensation expense and professional fees as well as savings resulting from our actions to reduce expenses in the current dynamic economic environment.\nEmployee termination, asset impairment and other charges increased $150 million compared to 2022, primarily due to restructuring actions taken to adjust our cost structure to align with the current demand environment.\n For additional information regarding employee termination, asset impairment and other charges, see Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a016, \nEmployee Termination, Asset Impairment, and Other Charges\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\n38\nTable of Content\ns\nInterest and Other Income \nThe total interest and other income, net in 2023 was relatively flat compared to 2022, which reflected higher interest expense as a result of increases in interest rates and lower other income, partially offset by $29 million of lower amortization of the debt discount as a result of the adoption of ASU 2020-06 (as defined and described in Note 2, \nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) and higher interest income on our cash and investments due to higher interest rates. \nIncome Tax Expense\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the \u201c2017 Act\u201d) includes a broad range of tax reform proposals affecting businesses. We completed our accounting for the tax effects of the enactment of the 2017 Act during the second quarter of fiscal 2019. However, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS have issued tax guidance on certain provisions of the 2017 Act since the enactment date, and we anticipate the issuance of additional regulatory and interpretive guidance. We applied a reasonable interpretation of the 2017 Act along with the then-available guidance in finalizing our accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Act. Any additional regulatory or interpretive guidance would constitute new information, which may require further refinements to our estimates in future periods.\nOn August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which contained significant law changes related to tax, climate, energy, and health care. The tax measures include, among other things, a corporate alternative minimum tax (\u201cCAMT\u201d) of 15% on corporations with three-year average annual adjusted financial statement income (\u201cAFSI\u201d) exceeding $1.00 billion. The CAMT will be effective for us beginning with fiscal year 2024. We are currently evaluating the potential effects of these legislative changes.\nThe following table sets forth Income tax information from our Consolidated Statement of Operations by dollar and effective tax rate:\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\n(in millions, except percentages)\nIncome (loss) before taxes\n$\n(1,560)\n$\n2,123\u00a0\n$\n927\u00a0\nIncome tax expense\n146\u00a0\n623\u00a0\n106\u00a0\nEffective tax rate\n(9)\n%\n29\u00a0\n%\n11\u00a0\n%\nBeginning in 2023, the 2017 Act requires us to capitalize and amortize R&D expenses rather than expensing them in the year incurred. The tax effects related to the capitalization of R&D expenses are included in Income tax expense, but did not have a material impact on our effective tax rate. \nThe primary drivers of the difference between the effective tax rate for 2023 and the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% are the relative mix of earnings and losses by jurisdiction, the deduction for foreign derived intangible income, credits, and tax holidays in Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand that will expire at various dates during years 2024 through 2031.\nThe primary drivers of the difference between the effective tax rate for 2022 and the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% are the relative mix of earnings and losses by jurisdiction, the deduction for foreign derived intangible income, credits, and tax holidays in Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand that will expire at various dates during years 2024 through 2031. In addition, the effective tax rate for 2022 includes a net increase of $352 million to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which includes interest and offsetting tax benefits, as a result of our discussions with various taxing authorities. This amount includes $324 million related to the effects of the final settlement with the IRS resolving the statutory notices of deficiency with respect to 2008 through 2012 and the tentative settlement reached with the IRS resolving the notices of proposed adjustments with respect to 2013 through 2015.\nOur future effective tax rate is subject to future regulatory developments and changes in the mix of our U.S. earnings compared to foreign earnings. Our total tax expense in future years may also vary as a result of discrete items such as excess tax benefits or deficiencies.\nFor additional information regarding Income tax expense, see Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a014, \nIncome Tax Expense\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\n39\nTable of Content\ns\nA discussion of our results of operations for 2021, including a comparison of such results of operations to 2022, is included in Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a07, \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n, included in our Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K for the year ended July\u00a01, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 25, 2022.\n40\nTable of Content\ns\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nThe following table summarizes our statements of cash flows: \n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\n(in millions)\nNet cash provided by (used in):\nOperating activities\n$\n(408)\n$\n1,880\u00a0\n$\n1,898\u00a0\nInvesting activities\n(762)\n(1,192)\n(765)\nFinancing activities\n875\u00a0\n(1,718)\n(817)\n\u00a0Effect of exchange rate changes on cash\n(9)\n(13)\n6\u00a0\nNet increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents\n$\n(304)\n$\n(1,043)\n$\n322\u00a0\nWe reached a final agreement with the IRS and received notices of deficiency with respect to years 2008 through 2012. In addition, we have tentatively reached a basis for resolving the notices of proposed adjustments with respect to years 2013 through 2015. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we have recognized a liability for tax and interest of $753 million related to all years from 2008 through 2015. We expect to pay $523 million in the first quarter of 2024 with respect to years 2008 through 2012 and expect to pay any remaining balance with respect to this matter within the next twelve months. \nIn connection with settlements for years 2008 through 2015, we expect to realize reductions to our mandatory deemed repatriation tax obligations and tax savings from interest deductions in future years aggregating to approximately $160 million to $180 million. See Part I, Item 1, Note 14, \nIncome Tax Expense\n for further details.\nThe $1.10 billion principal amount of our 1.50% convertible notes due 2024 will mature on February 1, 2024, and we are required to settle any conversion value with the principal amount settled in cash and any excess in cash, shares of the Company\u2019s common stock, or a combination thereof pursuant to the terms of the indenture, dated as of February 13, 2018. See Part I, Item 1, Note 8, \nDebt\n for further details.\nAs further described under \u201cKey Developments - Financing Activities\u201d above, in December 2022 and June 2023, we modified certain financial covenant requirements in the loan agreement governing our Term Loan A-2 and revolving credit facility. In addition, in January 2023, we entered into a delayed draw term loan agreement, which was then amended in June 2023 and fully drawn in the amount of $600 million in August 2023. In January 2023, we also issued an aggregate of 900,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $900 million. We believe these transactions will provide us with greater financial flexibility to manage our business.\nWe have an existing shelf registration statement (the \u201cShelf Registration Statement\u201d) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that expires in August 2024, which allows us to offer and sell shares of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, and debt securities. We may use the Shelf Registration Statement or other capital sources, including other offerings of equity or debt securities or the credit markets, to satisfy future financing needs, including planned or unanticipated capital expenditures, investments, debt repayments or other expenses. Any such additional financing will be subject to market conditions and may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.\nAs noted previously, we have been scaling back on capital expenditures, consolidating production lines and reducing bit growth to align with market demand. We reduced our expenditures for property, plant and equipment for our company plus our portion of the capital expenditures by our Flash Ventures joint venture with Kioxia for its operations to approximately $1.4 billion in 2023 from approximately $1.5 billion in 2022. After consideration of the Flash Ventures\u2019 lease financing of its capital expenditures and net operating cash flow, we reduced our net cash used for our purchases of property, plant and equipment and net activity in notes receivable relating to Flash Ventures to $793 million in 2023 from $1.2 billion in 2022. We expect the capital expenditures for 2024 to be less than 2023.\nWe believe our cash, and cash equivalents including the proceeds from the drawdown of the Delayed Draw Term Loan, as discussed in \u201cKey Developments - Financing Activities\u201d above, as well as our available revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our working capital, debt and capital expenditure needs for at least the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future thereafter, as we navigate the current market downturn before returning to profitable operations and positive cash flows when the market normalizes. We believe we can also access the various capital markets to further supplement our liquidity position if necessary. Our ability to sustain our working capital position is subject to a number of risks that we discuss in Part\u00a0I, Item\u00a01A, \nRisk Factors\n, in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K. \n41\nTable of Content\ns\nA total of \n$1.28\u00a0billion\n and \n$1.82\u00a0billion\n of our cash and cash equivalents were held outside of the U.S. as of June\u00a030, 2023 and July\u00a01, 2022, respectively. There are no material tax consequences that were not previously accrued for on the repatriation of this cash. \nOur cash equivalents are primarily invested in money market funds that invest in U.S.\u00a0Treasury securities and U.S.\u00a0Government agency securities. In addition, from time to time, we also invest directly in certificates of deposit, asset-backed securities and corporate and municipal notes and bonds.\nOperating Activities\nNet cash provided by or used in operating activities primarily consists of net income or loss, adjusted for non-cash charges, plus or minus changes in operating assets and liabilities. Net cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities was \n$90\u00a0million\n for 2023, as compared to $1.08\u00a0billion for 2022, which reflects the reduction in the volume of our business. Changes in our operating assets and liabilities are largely affected by our working capital requirements, which are dependent on the effective management of our cash conversion cycle as well as timing of payments for taxes. Our cash conversion cycle measures how quickly we can convert our products into cash through sales. At the end of the respective fourth quarters, the cash conversion cycles were as follows (in days):\n2023\n2022\n2021\n(in days)\nDays sales outstanding\n54\u00a0\n56\u00a0\n42\u00a0\nDays in inventory\n130\u00a0\n107\u00a0\n98\u00a0\nDays payables outstanding\n(56)\n(66)\n(63)\nCash conversion cycle\n128\u00a0\n97\u00a0\n77\u00a0\nChanges in days sales outstanding (\u201cDSO\u201d) are generally due to the timing of shipments. Changes in days in inventory (\u201cDIO\u201d) are generally related to the timing of inventory builds. Changes in days payables outstanding (\u201cDPO\u201d) are generally related to production volume and the timing of purchases during the period. From time to time, we modify the timing of payments to our vendors. We make modifications primarily to manage our vendor relationships and to manage our cash flows, including our cash balances. Generally, we make the payment term modifications through negotiations with our vendors or by granting to, or receiving from, our vendors\u2019 payment term accommodations.\nDSO decreased by 2 days over the prior year, reflecting timing of shipments and customer collections. DIO increased by 23 days over the prior year, primarily reflecting a decline in products shipped in light of the current market environment. DPO decreased 10 days over the prior year, primarily due to reductions in production volume and capital expenditures as well as routine variations in the timing of purchases and payments during the period.\nInvesting Activities\nN\net cash used in investing activities in 2023 primarily consisted of $821 million in capital expenditures, partially offset by a $14 million net decrease in notes receivable issuance to Flash Ventures and $14 million in net proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities in 2022 primarily consisted of a $1.12 billion of capital expenditures, partially offset by a $91\u00a0million net increase in notes receivable issuances to Flash Ventures.\nFinancing Activities\nDuring 2023, net cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of $881 million from the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock and $93 million from issuance of stock under employee stock plans, partially offset by $80 million used for taxes paid on vested stock awards under employee stock plans. In addition, we drew and repaid $1.18 billion under our revolving credit facility within the period. Cash used in financing activities in 2022 primarily consisted of $3.62 billion for repayment of debt, as well as $122 million for taxes paid on vested stock awards under employee stock plans, partially offset by net proceeds of $1.87\u00a0billion from the issuance of new debt and $90 million from the issuance of stock under employee stock plans.\nA discussion of our cash flows for the year ended July\u00a02, 2021 is included in Part II, Item 7, \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources\n, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July\u00a01, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on\n August 25, 2022.\n42\nTable of Content\ns\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements\nOther than the commitments related to Flash Ventures incurred in the normal course of business and certain indemnification provisions (see \u201cShort- and Long-term Liquidity - Indemnifications\u201d below), we do not have any other material off-balance sheet financing arrangements or liabilities, guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interests in transferred assets, or any other obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity. We do not have any majority-owned subsidiaries that are not included in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, with the exception of Flash Ventures and our joint venture with Unisplendour Corporation Limited and Unissoft (Wuxi) Group Co. Ltd. (\u201cUnis\u201d), referred to as the \u201cUnis Venture\u201d, we do not have an interest in, or relationships with, any variable interest entities. For additional information regarding our off-balance sheet arrangements, see Part II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a010, \nRelated Parties and Related Commitments and Contingencies\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\n43\nTable of Content\ns\nShort- and Long-term Liquidity\nMaterial Cash Requirements \nIn addition to cash requirements for unrecognized tax benefits and dividend rights with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock discussed below, the following is a summary of our known material cash requirements, including those for capital expenditures, as of June\u00a030, 2023:\nTotal\n1\u00a0Year (2024)\n2-3\u00a0Years (2025-2026)\n4-5\u00a0Years (2027-2028)\nMore than 5\u00a0Years (Beyond 2028)\n(in millions)\nLong-term debt, including current portion\n(1)\n$\n7,100\u00a0\n$\n1,213\u00a0\n$\n2,600\u00a0\n$\n2,287\u00a0\n$\n1,000\u00a0\nInterest on debt\n1,091\u00a0\n342\u00a0\n555\u00a0\n118\u00a0\n76\u00a0\nFlash Ventures related commitments\n(2)\n3,912\u00a0\n1,859\u00a0\n1,613\u00a0\n537\u00a0\n(97)\nOperating leases\n334\u00a0\n49\u00a0\n94\u00a0\n77\u00a0\n114\u00a0\nPurchase obligations and other commitments\n3,102\u00a0\n2,589\u00a0\n316\u00a0\n67\u00a0\n130\u00a0\nMandatory deemed repatriation tax\n663\u00a0\n199\u00a0\n464\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n16,202\u00a0\n$\n6,251\u00a0\n$\n5,642\u00a0\n$\n3,086\u00a0\n$\n1,223\u00a0\n(1)\nPrincipal portion of debt, excluding discounts and issuance costs.\n(2)\nIncludes reimbursement for depreciation and lease payments on owned and committed equipment, funding commitments for loans and equity investments and payments for other committed expenses, including R&D and building depreciation. Funding commitments assume no additional operating lease guarantees. Additional operating lease guarantees can reduce funding commitments.\nDividend rights \nOn January 31, 2023, we issued an aggregate of 900,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $900 million. These shares are entitled to cumulative preferred dividends. See Part II, Item 8, Note 13, \nShareholders\u2019 Equity and Convertible Preferred Stock\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K for more information regarding the dividend provisions.\nDebt\nIn addition to our existing debt, as of \nJune\u00a030, 2023\n, we had $2.25 billion available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility until January 2027, subject to customary conditions under the loan agreement. Furthermore, we drew the Delayed Draw Term Loan in the amount of $600 million as noted in \u201cKey Developments - Financing Activities\u201d. The agreements governing these credit facilities each include limits on secured indebtedness and certain types of unsecured subsidiary indebtedness and require certain of our subsidiaries to provide guarantees and collateral to the extent the conditions providing for such guarantees and collateral are met. Additional information regarding our indebtedness, including information about availability under our revolving credit facility and the principal repayment terms, interest rates, covenants and other key terms of our outstanding indebtedness, is included in Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a08, \nDebt\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K. Our delayed draw term loan agreement and the loan\n agreement governing our revolving credit facility and our term loan A-2 due 2027 require us to comply with certain financial covenants, consisting of a leverage ratio, a minimum liquidity and a free cash flow requirements. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.\nFlash Ventures\nFlash Ventures sells to, and leases back from, a consortium of financial institutions a portion of its tools and has entered into equipment lease agreements, of which we guarantee half or all of the outstanding obligations under each lease agreement. The leases are subject to customary covenants and cancellation events that relate to Flash Ventures and each of the guarantors. The occurrence of a cancellation event could result in an acceleration of the lease obligations and a call on our guarantees. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants under these Japanese lease facilities. See Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a010, \nRelated Parties and Related Commitments and Contingencies\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K for information regarding Flash Ventures. \n44\nTable of Content\ns\nPurchase Obligations and Other Commitments\nIn the normal course of business, we enter into purchase orders with suppliers for the purchase of components used to manufacture our products. These purchase orders generally cover forecasted component supplies needed for production during the next quarter, are recorded as a liability upon receipt of the components, and generally may be changed or canceled at any time prior to shipment of the components. We also enter into long-term agreements with suppliers that contain fixed future commitments, which are contingent on certain conditions such as performance, quality and technology of the vendor\u2019s components. These arrangements are included under \u201cPurchase obligations and other commitments\u201d in the table above.\nMandatory Deemed Repatriation Tax\nThe following is a summary of our estimated mandatory deemed repatriation tax obligations under the 2017 Act that are payable in the following years (in millions): \nJune 30,\n2023\n2024\n$\n199\u00a0\n2025\n206\u00a0\n2026\n258\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n663\u00a0\nFor additional information regarding our estimate of the total tax liability for the mandatory deemed repatriation tax, see Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a013, \nIncome Tax Expense\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K for the year ended\n June 28, 2019.\nUnrecognized Tax Benefits \nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits (excluding accrued interest and penalties) was approximately $1.02 billion. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of June\u00a030, 2023, were approximately $289 million. Of these amounts, approximately $1.14 billion could result in potential cash payments. \nAs noted above, we reached a final agreement with the IRS and received notices of deficiency with respect to years 2008 through 2012. In addition, we have tentatively reached a basis for resolving the notices of proposed adjustments with respect to years 2013 through 2015. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we have recognized a liability for tax and interest of $753\u00a0million related to all years from 2008 through 2015. We expect to pay $523\u00a0million in the first quarter of 2024 with respect to years 2008 through 2012 and expect to pay any remaining balance with respect to this matter within the next twelve months.\n \nIn connection with settlements for years 2008 through 2015, we expect to realize reductions to our mandatory deemed repatriation tax obligations and tax savings from interest deductions in future years aggregating to approximately $160\u00a0million to $180\u00a0million. See Part I, Item 1, Note 14,\n Income Tax Expense\n for further details.\nMandatory Research and Development Expense Capitalization\nBeginning in 2023, the 2017 Act requires us to capitalize and amortize research and development expenses rather than expensing them in the year incurred, which is expected to result in higher cash tax payments once we return to profitability.\nForeign Exchange Contracts\nWe purchase foreign exchange contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on certain underlying assets, liabilities and commitments for Operating expenses and product costs denominated in foreign currencies. For a description of our current foreign exchange contract commitments, see Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a07, \nDerivative Instruments and Hedging Activities\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\n45\nTable of Content\ns\nIndemnifications\nIn the ordinary course of business, we may provide indemnifications of varying scope and terms to customers, vendors, lessors, business partners and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of our breach of agreements, products or services to be provided by us, environmental compliance, or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and certain of our officers that will require us, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers. We maintain director and officer insurance, which may cover certain liabilities arising from our obligation to indemnify our directors and officers in certain circumstances.\nIt is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Such indemnification agreements may not be subject to maximum loss clauses. Historically, we have not incurred material costs as a result of obligations under these agreements.\nCash Dividend\nWe issued a quarterly cash dividend from the first quarter of 2013 up to the third quarter of 2020. In April 2020, we suspended our dividend to reinvest in the business and to support our ongoing deleveraging efforts. We will reevaluate our dividend policy as our leverage ratio improves.\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\nFor a description of recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements, including the respective dates of adoption and expected effects on our results of operations and financial condition, see Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a02, \nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K. \nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\nWe have prepared the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (\u201cU.S. GAAP\u201d). The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and shareholders\u2019 equity. We have adopted accounting policies and practices that are generally accepted in the industry in which we operate. If these estimates differ significantly from actual results, the impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements may be material.\nRevenue\nWe provide distributors and retailers (collectively referred to as \u201cresellers\u201d) with limited price protection for inventories held by resellers at the time of published list price reductions. We also provide resellers and OEMs with other sales incentive programs. The Company records estimated variable consideration related to these items as a reduction to revenue at the time of revenue recognition. We use judgment in our assessment of variable consideration in contracts to be included in the transaction price. We use the expected value method to arrive at the amount of variable consideration. The Company constrains variable consideration until the likelihood of a significant revenue reversal is not probable and believes that the expected value method is the appropriate estimate of the amount of variable consideration based on the fact that we have a large number of contracts with similar characteristics.\nFor sales to OEMs, the Company\u2019s methodology for estimating variable consideration is based on the amount of consideration expected to be earned based on the OEMs\u2019 volume of purchases from the Company or other agreed upon sales incentive programs. For sales to resellers, the methodology for estimating variable consideration is based on several factors including historical pricing information, current pricing trends and channel inventory levels. Estimating the impact of these factors requires significant judgment and differences between the estimated and actual amounts of variable consideration can be significant.\n46\nTable of Content\ns\nInventories\nWe value inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value (\u201cNRV\u201d), with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. We record inventory write-downs of our inventory to lower of cost or net realizable value or for obsolete or excess inventory based on assumptions, which requires significant judgement. The determination of NRV involves estimating the average selling prices less any selling expenses of inventory based on market conditions and customer demand. To estimate the average selling prices and selling expenses of inventory, we review historical sales, future demand, economic conditions, contract prices and other information.\nWe periodically perform an excess and obsolete analysis of our inventory based on assumptions, which includes changes in business and economic conditions, changes in technology and projected demand of our products. If in any period we anticipate a change in those assumptions to be less favorable than our previous estimates, additional inventory write-downs may be required and could materially and negatively impact our gross margin. If in any period, we can sell inventories that had been written down to a level below the realized selling price in previous period, higher gross profit would be recognized in that period. While adjustments to these reserves have generally not been material, in 2023, we recorded a charge to Cost of revenue of $130 million, primarily to reduce component inventory to net realizable value as a result of a sudden change in demand for certain products.\nIncome Taxes\nWe account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Each quarter, we evaluate the need for a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets and we adjust the valuation allowance so that we record net deferred tax assets only to the extent that we conclude it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized. The assessment of valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets requires estimations and significant judgment. We continue to assess and adjust its valuation allowance based on operating results and market conditions. We account for interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of the provision for income taxes.\nWe recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. To the extent a tax position does not meet a more-likely-than-not level of certainty, no benefit is recognized in the financial statements. If a position meets the more-likely-than-not level of certainty, it is recognized in the financial statements at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized on liabilities recorded for uncertain tax positions and are recorded in our provision for income taxes. The actual liability for unrealized tax benefits in any such contingency may be materially different from our estimates, which could result in the need to record additional liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits or potentially adjust previously-recorded liabilities for unrealized tax benefits and materially affect our operating results.\nGoodwill\nGoodwill is not amortized. Instead, it is tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. We perform our annual impairment test as of the first day of our fourth quarter for each reporting unit. As disclosed in Part II, Item 8. Note 3, \nBusiness Segments, Geographic Information, and Concentrations of Risk,\n of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our management identified several factors that warranted a quantitative analysis of impairment for both the Flash and HDD reporting units during 2023. As disclosed, we \nare required to use judgment when applying the goodwill impairment test, including in the identification of our reporting units. We also make judgments and assumptions in the assignment of assets and liabilities to our reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. In addition, the estimates used to determine the fair value of each of our reporting units may change based on results of operations, macroeconomic conditions or other factors. Changes in these estimates could materially affect our assessment of the fair value and go\nodwill impairment for each reporting unit. If our stock price decreases significantly, goodwill could become impaired, which could result in a material charge and adversely affect our results of operations. Our recent assessments have indicated that fair value exceeds carrying value by a reasonable margin and we have not identified any impairment indicators for our reporting units.\n47\nTable of Content\ns",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nDisclosure About Foreign Currency Risk\nAlthough the majority of our transactions are in U.S. dollars, some transactions are based in various foreign currencies. We purchase short-term foreign exchange contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations on certain underlying assets, liabilities and commitments for product costs and Operating expenses denominated in foreign currencies. The purpose of entering into these hedge transactions is to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on our results of operations. Substantially all of the contract maturity dates do not exceed 12\u00a0months. We do not purchase foreign exchange contracts for speculative or trading purposes. For additional information, see Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a06, \nFair Value Measurements and Investments,\n and Note\u00a07, \nDerivative Instruments and Hedging Activities\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\nDue to macroeconomic changes and volatility experienced in the foreign exchange market recently, we believe sensitivity analysis is more informative in representing the potential impact to the portfolio as a result of market movement. Therefore, we have performed sensitivity analyses for 2023 and 2022, using a modeling technique that measures the change in the fair values arising from a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in the levels of foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar, with all other variables held constant. The analyses cover all of our foreign currency derivative contracts used to offset the underlying exposures. The foreign currency exchange rates used in performing the sensitivity analyses were based on market rates in effect at June\u00a030, 2023 and July\u00a01, 2022. The sensitivity analyses indicated that a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar would result in a foreign exchange fair value loss of $285\u00a0million and $306\u00a0million at June\u00a030, 2023 and July\u00a01, 2022, respectively. \nDuring 2023, 2022 and 2021, total net realized and unrealized transaction and foreign exchange contract currency gains and losses were not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.\nNotwithstanding our efforts to mitigate some foreign exchange risks, we do not hedge all of our foreign currency exposures, and there can be no assurance that our mitigating activities related to the exposures that we hedge will adequately protect us against risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations.\nDisclosure About Interest Rate Risk\nVariable Interest Rate Risk \nWe have generally held a balance of fixed and variable rate debt. As of June\u00a030, 2023, our only variable rate debt outstanding was our Term Loan A-2 Loan, which bears interest, at the Company\u2019s option, at a per annum rate equal to either (x) the Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (\u201cSOFR\u201d) (as defined in the Loan Agreement) plus an applicable margin varying from 1.125% to 2.000% or (y) a base rate plus an applicable margin varying from 0.125% to 1.000%, in each case depending on the corporate family ratings of the Company from at least two of Standard & Poor\u2019s Ratings Services, Moody\u2019s Investors Service, Inc. and Fitch Ratings, Inc., with an initial interest rate of Adjusted Term SOFR plus 1.375%. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the outstanding balance on our Term Loan A-2 was $2.70 billion and a one percent increase in the variable rate of interest would increase annual interest expense by $27 million. \nFor additional information regarding our variable interest rate debt, see Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, Note\u00a08, \nDebt\n, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\n48\nTable of Content\ns",
+ "cik": "106040",
+ "cusip6": "958102",
+ "cusip": ["958102905", "958102955", "958102105", "958102AM7"],
+ "names": ["WESTERN DIGITAL CORP", "WESTERN DIGITAL CORP."],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/106040/000010604023000024/0000106040-23-000024-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000107140-23-000092.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000107140-23-000092.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..06195a9cad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000107140-23-000092.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. Business\nThe Company, founded in 1807, was incorporated in the state of New York on January 15, 1904. Throughout this report, when we refer to \u201cWiley,\u201d the \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d or \u201cus,\u201d we are referring to John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and all of our subsidiaries, except where the context indicates otherwise.\nPlease refer to Part II, Item 8, \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data,\u201d for financial information about the Company and its subsidiaries, which is incorporated herein by reference. Also, when we cross reference to a \u201cNote,\u201d we are referring to our \u201cNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements,\u201d in Part II, Item 8, \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d unless the context indicates otherwise.\nWiley is a global leader in scientific research and career-connected education, unlocking human potential by enabling discovery, powering education, and shaping workforces. For over 200 years, Wiley has fueled the world\u2019s knowledge ecosystem. Today, our high-impact content, platforms, and services help researchers, learners, institutions, and corporations achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. Wiley is a predominantly digital company with approximately 85% of revenue generated by digital products and tech-enabled services. For the year ended April 30, 2023, approximately 57% of our revenue is recurring which includes revenue that is contractually obligated or set to recur with a high degree of certainty. \nWe have reorganized our Education lines of business into two new customer-centric segments. The Academic segment addresses the university customer group and includes Academic Publishing and University Services. The Talent segment addresses the corporate customer group and is focused on delivering training, sourcing, and upskilling solutions. Prior period segment results have been revised to the new segment presentation. There were no changes to our consolidated financial results. Our new segment reporting structure consists of three reportable segments, as well as a Corporate expense category (no change), which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments:\n\u2022\nResearch includes Research Publishing and Research Solutions, and no changes were made as a result of this realignment;\n\u2022\nAcademic includes the Academic Publishing and University Services lines. Academic Publishing is the combination of the former Education Publishing line and professional publishing offerings;\n\u2022\nTalent is the combination of the former Talent Development line, and our assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings.\nThrough the Research segment, we provide peer-reviewed scientific, technical, and medical (STM) publishing, content platforms, and related services to academic, corporate, and government customers, academic societies, and individual researchers. The Academic segment provides scientific, professional, and education print and digital books, digital courseware, and test preparation services, as well as engages in the comprehensive management of online degree programs for universities. The Talent segment services include sourcing, training, and preparing aspiring students and professionals to meet the skill needs of today\u2019s technology careers and placing them with large companies and government agencies. It also includes assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings. Our operations are primarily located in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), India, Sri Lanka, and Germany. In the year ended April 30, 2023, approximately 45% of our consolidated revenue was from outside the US. \nWiley\u2019s business strategies are tightly aligned with long term growth trends, including open research, career-connected education, and workforce optimization. Research strategies include driving publishing output to meet the global demand for peer-reviewed research and expanding platform and service offerings for corporations and societies. Education strategies include expanding online degree programs and driving online enrollment for university partners, scaling digital content and courseware, and expanding IT talent placement and reskilling programs for corporate partners.\n5\nIndex\nBusiness Segments\nWe report financial information for the following reportable segments, as well as a Corporate expense category, which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments:\n\u2022\nResearch \n\u2022\nAcademic\n\u2022\nTalent\nResearch:\nResearch\u2019s mission is to support researchers, professionals and learners in the discovery and use of research knowledge to help them achieve their goals. Research provides scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, as well as related content and services, to academic, corporate, and government libraries, learned societies, and individual researchers and other professionals. Journal publishing categories include the physical sciences and engineering, health sciences, social sciences and humanities, and life sciences. Research also includes Atypon Systems, Inc. (Atypon), a publishing software and service provider that enables scholarly and professional societies and publishers to deliver, host, enhance, market, and manage their content on the web through the \nLiteratum\n\u2122 platform. Research customers include academic, corporate, government, and public libraries, funders of research, researchers, scientists, clinicians, engineers and technologists, scholarly and professional societies, and students and professors. Research products are sold and distributed globally through multiple channels, including research libraries and library consortia, independent subscription agents, direct sales to professional society members, and other customers. Publishing centers include Australia, China, Germany, India, the UK, and the US. Research revenue accounted for approximately 54% of our consolidated revenue in the year ended April 30, 2023, with a 34.9% Adjusted EBITDA margin. See Part II, Item 7, \"Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" in the section \"Segment Operating Results\" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. Approximately 95% of Research revenue is generated by digital and online products, and services. \nResearch revenue by product type includes Research Publishing and Research Solutions. The graphs below present revenue by product type for the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022:\n2023\n2022\nKey growth strategies for the Research segment include evolving and developing new licensing models for our institutional customers (\u201cpay to read and publish\u201d), developing new open access journals and revenue streams (\u201cpay to publish\u201d), focusing resources on high-growth and emerging markets, and developing new digital products, services, and workflow solutions to meet the needs of researchers, authors, societies, and corporate customers.\nResearch Publishing\nResearch Publishing generates the majority of its revenue from contracts with its customers in the following revenue streams:\n\u2022\nJournal Subscriptions (\u201cpay to read\u201d), Open Access (\u201cpay to publish\u201d), and Transformational Models (\u201cpay to read and publish\u201d); and\n\u2022\nLicensing, Backfiles, and Other.\n6\nIndex\nJournal Subscriptions, Open Access, and Transformational Model\ns\nAs of April 30, 2023, we publish over 1,900 academic research journals. We sell journal subscriptions\n \ndirectly to thousands of research institutions worldwide through our sales representatives, indirectly through independent subscription agents, through promotional campaigns, and through memberships in professional societies for those journals that are sponsored by societies. Journal subscriptions are primarily licensed through contracts for digital content available online through our \nWiley Online Library \nplatform. Contracts are negotiated by us directly with customers or their subscription agents. Subscription periods typically cover calendar years. Subscription revenue is generally collected in advance. Approximately 53% of Journal Subscription revenue is derived from publishing rights owned by Wiley. Long-term publishing alliances also play a major role in Research Publishing\u2019s success. Approximately 47% of Journal Subscriptions revenue is derived from publication rights that are owned by professional societies and other publishing partners such as charitable organizations or research institutions, and are published by us pursuant to long-term contracts or owned jointly with such entities\n.\n These alliances bring mutual benefit: The partners gain Wiley\u2019s publishing, marketing, sales, and distribution expertise, while Wiley benefits from being affiliated with prestigious organizations and their members. Societies that sponsor or own such journals generally receive a royalty and/or other financial consideration. We may procure editorial services from such societies on a prenegotiated fee basis. We also enter into agreements with outside independent editors of journals that define their editorial duties and the fees and expenses for their services. Contributors of articles to our journal portfolio transfer publication rights to us or a professional society, as applicable. We publish the journals of many prestigious societies, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Anthropological Association, the American Geophysical Union, and the German Chemical Society.\nWiley Online Library, \nwhich is delivered through our \nLiteratum\n platform, provides the user with intuitive navigation, enhanced discoverability, expanded functionality, and a range of personalization options. Access to abstracts is free and full content is accessible through licensing agreements or as individual article purchases. Large portions of the content are provided free or at nominal cost to developing nations through partnerships with certain nonprofit organizations. Our online publishing platforms provide revenue growth opportunities through new applications and business models, online advertising, deeper market penetration, and individual sales and pay-per-view options.\nWiley\u2019s performance in the 2021 release of Clarivate Analytics\u2019 Journal Citation Reports (JCR) remains strong, maintaining its top 3 position in terms of citations received and sits in 4\nth\n place for journals indexed and articles published. Wiley has 7% of titles, 8% of articles, and 11% of citations.\nA total of 1,540 Wiley journals were included in the reports. Wiley journals ranked #1 in 19 categories across 17 of its titles and achieved 270 top-10 category rankings.\nThe annual JCR are one of the most widely used sources of citation metrics used to analyze the performance of peer-reviewed journals. The most famous of these metrics, the Impact Factor, is based on the frequency with which an average article is cited in the JCR report year. Alongside other metrics, this makes it an important tool for evaluating a journal\u2019s impact on ongoing research.\nUnder the Open Access business model, accepted research articles are published subject to payment of Article Publication Charges (APCs) and then all open articles are immediately free to access online. Contributors of open access articles retain many rights and typically license their work under terms that permit reuse.\nOpen Access offers authors choices in how to share and disseminate their work, and it serves the needs of researchers who may be required by their research funder to make articles freely accessible without embargo. APCs are typically paid by the individual author or by the author\u2019s funder, and payments are often mediated by the author\u2019s institution. We provide specific workflows and infrastructure to authors, funders, and institutions to support the requirements of Open Access.\nWe offer two Open Access publishing models. The first of these is \nHybrid Open Access \nwhere authors publishing in the majority of our paid subscription journals, after article acceptance, are offered the opportunity to make their individual research article openly available online.\nThe second offering of the Open Access model is a growing portfolio of fully open access journals, also known as \nGold Open Access Journals.\n All Open Access articles are subject to the same rigorous peer-review process applied to our subscription-based journals. As with our subscription portfolio, a number of the \nGold Open Access Journals\n are published under contract for, or in partnership with, prestigious societies, including the American Geophysical Union, the American Heart Association, the European Molecular Biology Organization, and the British Ecological Society. The Open Access portfolio spans life, physical, medical, and social sciences and includes a choice of high impact journals and broad-scope titles that offer a responsive, author-centered service.\n7\nIndex\nTransformational agreements (\u201cread and publish\u201d), are an innovative model that blends Journal Subscription and Open Access offerings. Essentially, for a single fee, a national or regional consortium of libraries pays for and receives full read access to our journal portfolio and the ability to publish under an open access arrangement. Like subscriptions, transformational agreements involve recurring revenue under multiyear contracts. Transformational models accelerate the transition to open access while maintaining subscription access.\nLicensing, Backfiles, and Other\nLicensing, Backfiles, and Other\n \nincludes backfile sales, the licensing of publishing rights, and individual article sales. A backfile\n \nlicense provides access to a historical collection of Wiley journals, generally for a one-time fee. We also engage with international publishers and receive licensing revenue from reproductions, translations, and other digital uses of our content. Through the \nArticle Select\n and \nPayPerView\n programs, we provide fee-based access to non-subscribed journal articles, content, book chapters, and major reference work articles. The Research Publishing business is also a provider of content and services in evidence-based medicine (EBM). Through our alliance with The Cochrane Collaboration, we publish \nThe Cochrane Library\n, a premier source of high-quality independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making. EBM facilitates the effective management of patients through clinical expertise informed by best practice evidence that is derived from medical literature.\nResearch Solutions\nResearch Solutions is principally comprised of our Atypon platforms business and our corporate and society services offerings, including advertising, career-centers, knowledge hubs, databases, consulting, and reprints. \nAtypon Platforms and Services\nLiteratum\n, our online publishing platform for societies and other research publishers, delivers integrated access to more than 10 million articles from approximately 2,100 publishers and societies, as well as over 27,000 online books and hundreds of multivolume reference works, laboratory protocols and databases. \nCorporate and Society Service Offerings\nCorporate and society service offerings include advertising, spectroscopy software and spectral databases, and job board software and career center services, which includes the products and services from our acquisition of Madgex Holdings Limited (Madgex) and Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.\u2019s Informatics products (Informatics). In addition, it also includes product and service offerings related to recent acquisitions such as \nJ&J Editorial Services, LLC. (J&J) on October 1, 2021, \nand the e\nJournalPress business (EJP) on November 30, 2021. \nJ&J is a publishing services company providing expert offerings in editorial operations, production, copyediting, system support and consulting. EJP is a technology platform company with an established journal submission and peer-review management system.\nWe generate advertising revenue from print and online journal subscription and controlled circulation products, our online publishing platform, \nLiteratum, \nonline events such as webinars and virtual conferences, community interest websites such as \nanalyticalscience.wiley.com,\n and other websites. Journal and article reprints\n \nare primarily used by pharmaceutical companies and other industries for marketing and promotional purposes. \nAcademic:\nOur Academic segment includes Academic Publishing and University Services, whose products and services include scientific, professional, and education print and digital books, and digital courseware to support libraries, corporations, students, professionals, and researchers, as well as online program management or OPM services for higher education institutions. Communities served include business, finance, accounting, management, leadership, computer science, data science, technology, behavioral health, engineering and architecture, mathematics, science and medicine, and education. Products are developed for worldwide distribution through multiple channels, including brick-and-mortar and online retailers, libraries, colleges and universities, corporations, direct-to-consumer, distributor networks, and through other channels. Publishing centers include Australia, Germany, India, the UK, and the US. Academic accounted for approximately 34% of our consolidated revenue in the year ended April 30, 2023, with a 21.4% Adjusted EBITDA margin. See Part II, Item 7, \"Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" in the section \"Segment Operating Results\" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. Approximately 65% of Academic revenue is from digital and online products and services.\n8\nIndex\nAcademic revenue by product type includes Academic Publishing and University Services. The graphs below present revenue by product type for the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022:\n2023\n2022\nKey strategies for the Academic business include developing high-impact, career-aligned courseware, products, brands, franchises, and solutions to meet the evolving needs of global learners and university partners while expanding global discoverability and distribution. We continue to implement strategies to efficiently and effectively manage print revenue declines while driving growth in our digital lines of business. \nBook sales for Academic Publishing are generally made on a returnable basis with certain restrictions. We provide for estimated future returns on sales made during the year based on historical return experience and current market trends.\nMaterials for book publications are obtained from authors throughout most of the world, utilizing the efforts of a best-in-class internal editorial staff, external editorial support, and advisory boards. Most materials originate by the authors themselves or as the result of suggestions or solicitations by editors. We enter into agreements with authors that state the terms and conditions under which the materials will be published, the name in which the copyright will be registered, the basis for any royalties, and other matters. Author compensation models include royalties, which vary depending on the nature of the product and work-for-hire. We may make advance royalty payments against future royalties\n \nto authors of certain publications. Royalty advances are reviewed for recoverability and a reserve for loss is maintained, if appropriate.\nWe continue to add new titles, revise existing titles, and discontinue the sale of others in the normal course of our business. We also create adaptations of original content for specific markets based on customer demand. Our general practice is to revise our textbooks every 3-5 years, as warranted, and to revise other titles as appropriate. Subscription-based products are updated on a more frequent basis.\nWe generally contract independent printers and binderies globally for their services, using a variety of suppliers and materials to support our range of needs.\nWe have an agreement to outsource our US-based book distribution operations to Cengage Learning, with the continued aim of improving efficiency in our distribution activities and moving to a more variable cost model. As of April 30, 2023, we had one global warehousing and distribution facility remaining, which is in the UK.\nAcademic Publishing\nAcademic Publishing generates the majority of its revenue from contracts with its customers in the following revenue streams:\n\u2022\nPrint and Digital Publishing\n\u2022\nDigital Courseware\n\u2022\nTest Preparation and Certification\n\u2022\nLicensing and Other\n9\nIndex\nPrint and Digital Publishing\nEducation textbooks, related supplementary material, and digital products are sold primarily to bookstores and online retailers serving both for-profit and nonprofit educational institutions (primarily colleges and universities), and direct-to-students. We employ sales representatives who call on faculty responsible for selecting books to be used in courses and on the bookstores that serve such institutions and their students. The textbook business is seasonal, with the majority of textbook sales occurring during the July-through-October and December-through-February periods. There are various channels to drive affordability for print and digital materials within the higher education market, including used, rental, and inclusive access. \nSTM books (Reference) are sold and distributed globally in digital and print formats through multiple channels, including research libraries and library consortia, independent subscription agents, direct sales to professional society members, bookstores, online booksellers, and other customers.\nProfessional books, which include business and finance, technology, professional development for educators, and other professional categories, as well as the \nFor Dummies\n\u00ae brand, are sold to brick-and-mortar and online retailers, wholesalers who supply such bookstores, college bookstores, individual practitioners, corporations, and government agencies. We employ sales representatives who call upon independent bookstores, national and regional chain bookstores, wholesalers, and corporations globally. Sales of professional books also result from direct marketing outreach, conferences, and other industry-relevant outreach. \nWe also promote active and growing custom professional and education publishing programs. Professional organizations use our custom professional publications for marketing outreach. This outreach includes customized digital and print books written for a specific customer and includes custom cover art, such as imprints, messages, and slogans. More specific are customized \nFor Dummies\n\u00ae publications, which leverage the power of this well-known brand to meet the specific information needs of a wide range of organizations around the world. \nWe develop content in a digital format that can be used for both digital and print products, resulting in productivity and efficiency savings and enabling print-on-demand delivery. Book content is available online through \nWiley Online Library \n(delivered through our\n Literatum \nplatform), \nWileyPLUS\n, \nzyBooks\u00ae, alta\n\u2122,\n \nand other proprietary platforms. Digital books are delivered to intermediaries, including Amazon, Apple, and Google, for sale to individuals in various industry-standard formats. These are now the preferred deliverable for licensees of all types, including foreign language publishers. Digital books are also licensed to libraries through aggregators. Specialized formats for digital textbooks go to distributors servicing the academic market, and digital book collections are sold by subscription through independent third-party aggregators servicing distinct communities. Custom deliverables are provided to corporations, institutions, and associations to educate their employees, generate leads for their products, and extend their brands. Digital content is also used to create online articles, mobile apps, newsletters, and promotional collateral. Continually reusing content improves margins, speeds delivery, and helps satisfy a wide range of evolving customer needs. Our online presence not only enables us to deliver content online, but also to sell more books. The growth of online booksellers benefits us because they provide unlimited virtual \u201cshelf space\u201d for our entire backlist. Publishing alliances and franchise products are important to our strategy. Education and STM publishing alliance partners include IEEE, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and many others. The ability to join Wiley\u2019s product development, sales, marketing, distribution, and technology with a partner\u2019s content, technology, and/or brand name has contributed to our success.\nDigital Courseware\nWe offer high-quality online learning solutions, including \nWileyPLUS\n, a research-based online environment for effective teaching and learning that is integrated with a complete digital textbook. \nWileyPLUS \nimproves student learning through instant feedback, personalized learning plans, and self-evaluation tools, as well as a full range of course-oriented activities, including online planning, presentations, study, homework, and testing. In selected courses, \nWileyPLUS\n includes a personalized adaptive learning component. \nThe highly interactive \nzyBooks\n platform enables learners to learn by doing while allowing professors to be more efficient and devote more time to teaching. The platform maximizes learner engagement and retention through demonstration and hands-on learning experiences using interactive question sets, animations, tools, and embedded labs. The \nzyBooks\n platform will become an essential component of Wiley\u2019s differentiated digital learning experience and, when combined with \nalta\u2019s\n adaptive learning technology and \nWileyPLUS, \npowers high-impact education across Wiley\u2019s Academic segment. \n10\nIndex\nTest Preparation and Certification\nThe Test Preparation and Certification business represents learning solutions, training activities, and print and digital formats that are delivered to customers directly through online digital delivery platforms, bookstores, online booksellers, and other customers. Products include CPAExcel\u00ae, a modular, digital platform comprised of online self-study, videos, mobile apps, and sophisticated planning tools to help professionals prepare for the CPA exam, and test preparation products for the GMAT\u2122, ACT\u00ae, CFA\u00ae, CMA\u00ae, CIA\u00ae, CMT\u00ae, FRM\u00ae, FINRA\u00ae, Banking, and PMP\u00ae exams. In the last quarter of fiscal year 2023 we sold a portion of our test preparation and certification products referred to as Wiley's Efficient Learning test prep portfolio which focused on test prep for finance, accounting and business certifications. See Note 4, \"Acquisitions and Divestitures\" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. \nLicensing and Other\nLicensing and distribution services are made available to other publishers under agency arrangements. We also engage in co-publishing titles with international publishers and receive licensing revenue from photocopies, reproductions, translations, and digital uses of our content and use of the Knewton\u00ae adaptive engine. Wiley also realizes advertising revenue from branded websites (e.g., Dummies.com) and online applications.\nUniversity Services\nOur University Services business offers institutions and their students a rich portfolio of education technology and student and faculty support services, allowing the institutions to reach more students online with their own quality academic programs. \nMany of Wiley\u2019s client institutions are regional state universities or small liberal arts colleges. Our resources, expertise and innovations meaningfully impact their ability to increase access to their programs online, as many students now seek these types of flexible offerings. University Services provides institutions with a bespoke suite of services that each institution has determined it needs to serve students, including market research, marketing and recruitment, program development, online platform technology, student retention support, instructional design, faculty development and support, and access to the Engage Learning Management System, which facilitates the online education experience. Graduate degree programs include Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Healthcare, Engineering, Communications, and others. Revenue is derived from pre-negotiated contracts with institutions that provide for a share of revenue generated after students have enrolled and demonstrated initial persistence. While the majority of our contracts are revenue-share arrangements, we also offer the opportunity to contract on a fee-for-service basis, unlike many other third-party online providers. As of April 30, 2023, the University Services business had 64 university partners under contract. \nTalent:\nOur Talent segment consists of talent development (Wiley Edge, formerly mthree) for professionals and businesses, assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings. Our key growth strategy includes bridging the IT skills gap through talent development for corporations around the world. Talent accounted for approximately 12% of our consolidated revenue in the year ended April 30, 2023, with a 21.1% Adjusted EBITDA margin. See Part II, Item 7, \"Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" in the section \"Segment Operating Results\" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. Talent generated 98% of its revenue from digital and online products and services.\nOn January 1, 2020, Wiley acquired mthree, a talent placement provider that addresses the IT skills gap by finding, training, and placing job-ready technology talent in roles with leading corporations worldwide. In late May 2022, Wiley renamed mthree as Wiley Edge. Wiley Edge sources, trains, and prepares aspiring students and professionals to meet the skill needs of today\u2019s technology and banking services careers, and then places them with some of the world\u2019s largest financial institutions, technology companies, and government agencies. Wiley Edge also works with its clients to retrain and retain existing employees so they can continue to meet the changing demands of today\u2019s technology landscape. In fiscal year 2023, Wiley Edge signed 15 new corporate clients and expanded into new industry verticals beyond financial services, such as technology and consumer goods.\n11\nIndex\nOur assessments (corporate training) offerings include high-demand soft-skills training solutions that are delivered to organizational clients through online digital delivery platforms, either directly or through an authorized distributor network of independent consultants, trainers, and coaches. Wiley\u2019s branded assessment solutions include Everything DiSC\u00ae, The Five Behaviors\u00ae based on Patrick Lencioni\u2019s perennial bestseller \nThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team\n, and Leadership Practices Inventory\u00ae from Kouzes and Posner\u2019s bestselling \nThe Leadership Challenge\n\u00ae, as well as PXT Select\u2122, a pre-hire selection tool. Our solutions help organizations hire and develop effective managers, leaders, and teams.\nWe also offer online learning and training solutions for global corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises, which are sold on a subscription or fee basis. Learning experiences, formats and modules on topics such as leadership development, value creation, client orientation, change management, and corporate strategy are delivered on a cloud-based CrossKnowledge Learning Management System (LMS) platform that hosts more than 20,000 content assets (videos, digital learning modules, written files, etc.) in 18 languages. Its offering includes a collaborative e-learning publishing and program creation system. In addition, learning experiences, content, and LMS offerings are continuously refreshed and expanded to serve a wider variety of customer needs. These digital learning solutions are either sold directly to corporate customers or through our global partners\u2019 network.\nFiscal Year 2024 Dispositions, Segment Realignment, and Restructuring\nOn June 1, 2023, Wiley\u2019s Board of Directors approved a plan to dispose of certain education businesses. Those businesses are University Services (formerly Online Program Management) in our Academic segment, and Wiley Edge (formerly Talent Development) and CrossKnowledge in our Talent segment. These dispositions are expected to be completed in fiscal year 2024, and will be reported as held for sale in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. In fiscal year 2023, these businesses, combined with the two dispositions disclosed in Note 4, \"Acquisitions and Divestitures\" generated approximately $393 million of revenue (approximately 19% of our consolidated revenue) and $43 million of Adjusted EBITDA (approximately 10% of our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA). \nWe are evaluating the financial statement impact of these planned dispositions.\n During fiscal year 2024, it is anticipated that additional restructuring actions will be undertaken to rightsize the Company\u2019s expenses. The timing of much of these restructuring actions will be influenced by the completion of the dispositions. The amount of such charges has not yet been determined. \nIn the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, we are realigning our segments. Our new segment structure will consist of two reportable segments which includes (1) Research (no change) and (2) Learning, as well as a Corporate expense category (no change), which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments. Research will continue to have reporting lines of Research Publishing and Research Solutions. Learning will include reporting lines of Academic (education publishing) and Professional (professional publishing and assessments). \nHuman Capital \nAs of April 30, 2023, we employed approximately 8,800 colleagues, including 1,800 placement candidates in the Wiley Edge product offering, on a full-time equivalent basis worldwide.\nWe view our colleagues as one of our most significant assets and investments to deliver on our mission to unlock human potential and to champion and advocate for our customers who want to make impacts in their fields, their workplaces, and their lives, through knowledge creation, use and dissemination. Our success depends on our ability to develop, attract, reward, and retain a diverse population of talented, qualified, and highly skilled colleagues at all levels of our organization and across our global workforce so that they can deliver on our promise to our customers to clear the way to their successes. \nThis includes programs, policies, and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); talent acquisition; ongoing employee learning and development; competitive compensation and benefits; health and well-being; and emphasis on employee satisfaction and engagement. \nOur culture differentiates us as an organization and our core values define how we work together. We ask colleagues to embody our three values\u2014Learning Champion, Needle Mover, and Courageous Teammate\u2014and assess their performance against these in addition to what they achieve against their goals. These values define who we are as a company and what we stand for.\n12\nIndex\nOur human capital metrics summary (excluding placement candidates in Wiley Edge) as of April 30, 2023:\nCATEGORY\nMETRIC\nEMPLOYEES\nBy Region\nAmericas\n48\u00a0\n%\nAPAC\n20\u00a0\n%\nEMEA\n32\u00a0\n%\nDIVERSITY AND INCLUSION\nGlobal Gender Representation\n% Female Colleagues\n59\u00a0\n%\n% Female Senior Leaders\n(Vice President and Above)\n43\u00a0\n%\nUS Person of Color (POC) Representation*\n% POC\n27\u00a0\n%\n% POC Senior Leaders\n(Vice President and Above)\n19\u00a0\n%\n*\n US POC includes employees who self-identify as Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Other, or two or more races.\nHealth & Well-Being\nSafeguarding and promoting colleague well-being is central to what we do, as it is critical we provide tools and resources to help colleagues be healthy, and an environment that allows us to be at our best. We support our colleagues in maintaining their physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being through working practices, education, and benefit programs.\nOur recently implemented post pandemic hybrid work model provides the majority of our colleagues the flexibility to work remotely at least some of the time. The hybrid work model is intended to support colleague health and well-being, while maintaining a \nculture of innovation and collaboration.\nDiversity, Equity & Inclusion\nThrough our DEI strategy, we are operationalizing critical priorities. We are focused on four DEI Strategic Pillars\u2014Fostering an Inclusive Community, Enhancing our Foundation, Understanding our People, and Creating Impact Through our Business. \nThese pillars reflect our DEI near-term priorities to propel a sustainable, inclusive organization that embodies diversity and equity throughout our policies, programs, and processes, and fosters an inclusive culture that celebrates the unique contributions of our colleagues and supports human connectivity. In addition, we develop partnerships and launch pilot programs to support communities that are underrepresented in higher education, the workforce, and the field of publishing. \nOur Employee Resource Groups help amplify our DEI priorities through learning, community engagement, and allyship and advocacy. As a member of the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, Wiley demonstrates its commitment to sustained, concrete actions that advance diversity and inclusive thinking, behavior, and business practices in the workplace. \nCareers & Engagement\nInvestment in colleague development and growth for current and future roles is central to our culture. Our goal is to provide colleagues with learning opportunities and experiences at every stage of their journey at Wiley. We help colleagues upskill and thrive by leveraging the power of our internal products and tapping into our external partnerships. We focus on delivering quality curated resources, customized learning paths, and comprehensive development programs. We offer interactive development programs that allow our colleagues to share lessons learned, adopt best practices, and have interactive opportunities with their peers. Through our Champion Your Career program, our colleagues get practical advice on updating their resumes and honing their interviewing skills, and have career conversations with our Talent team. Leveraging Wiley's Everything DiSC assessment tools and resources, our colleagues can better understand themselves and others, creating a common language that makes interactions more collaborative and effective. \n13\nIndex\nThrough our Pay@Wiley journey, we enhanced our colleague and manager understanding of pay through our education programs, and raised transparency by sharing segment in range and publishing our first global equitable pay study. We introduced Achievers, our recognition platform that was designed so our colleagues can recognize each other to create a culture of recognition and celebrate success. \nWe conduct our Talent Review annually, focusing on high-performing and high-potential talent, diversity, and succession for our most critical roles. We are committed to identifying, growing, and retaining top talent and ensuring we have the right skills for the future. We establish key development action planning opportunities for each colleague to build bench strength and review development progress and mobility regularly.\nEnvironment\nWe continue our journey to support the sustainability of our planet. We believe environmental responsibility and business objectives are fundamentally connected and essential to our operations. This is why we are acting now to protect the environment by making informed choices and limiting our impact on natural resources. \nFor the fourth consecutive year, we are a CarbonNeutral\u00ae certified company across our global operations, in accordance with the CarbonNeutral Protocol. Our locations use 100% renewable energy through green tariffs and energy attribute certificates (EACs). Most of our global office real estate is leased and, whenever possible, we work with property owners to optimize sustainability. \nThis year, we furthered our commitment by setting a science-based target with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). We set a near and long-term company-wide emissions target, including being net zero by 2040. We are responding to the SBTi\u2019s urgent call for corporate climate action by aligning with 1.5\u00b0C and net-zero through the Business Ambition for 1.5\u00b0C campaign. \nWe also work with publishing partners, where possible, to reduce print production and consumption, reduce excess inventory through print-on-demand, and encourage digital consumption of our products. We begun implementing measures to ensure our subcontractors who assist us in providing material aspects of the products and services are held to the same high standards as we hold ourselves. \nIn July 2022, we submitted to Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Climate for the first time. We continue to track and trace our paper usage and submitted a CDP Forests disclosure for the second year. Our commitment to sustainably sourced paper is supported by our Paper Selection and Use Policy. We continually evaluate climate and environmental reporting and plan to expand our disclosures in the coming years. \nOur partnership with Trees for the Future continues. We plant a tree for every copy of a journal we actively stop printing, up to one million trees, resulting in more than 600,000 trees to date. \nWe are always seeking opportunities to improve environmental performance. We comply with environmental laws and regulations, thoughtfully investing resources toward managing environmental affairs and raising awareness of global environmental issues through education and research. \nFinancial Information About Business Segments\nThe information set forth in Part II, Item 8, \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d in Note 3, \u201cRevenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers,\u201d and Note 20, \u201cSegment Information,\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated herein by reference.\nAvailable Information\nOur investor site is\n investors.wiley.com.\n Our internet address is \nwww.wiley.com\n. We make available, free of charge, on or through our \ninvestors.wiley.com\n website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports that we file or furnish pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n14\nIndex",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. Risk Factors\nIntroduction\nThe risks described below should be carefully considered before making an investment decision. You should carefully consider all the information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the following risk factors, before deciding to invest in any of our securities. This Annual Report on Form 10-K also contains, or may incorporate by reference, forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See the \u201cCautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,\u201d immediately preceding Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks below are not the only risk factors we face. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we presently deem insignificant could impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Our businesses, consolidated financial position, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and investors may lose all or part of their investment.\nStrategic Risks \nWe may not be able to realize the expected benefits of our growth strategies, which are described in Item 1. Business, including successfully integrating acquisitions, which could adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations\n.\nOur growth strategy includes business acquisitions, including knowledge-enabled services, which complement our existing businesses. Acquisitions may have a substantial impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Acquisitions involve risks and uncertainties, including difficulties in integrating acquired operations and in realizing expected opportunities, cost synergies, diversions of management resources, loss of key employees, challenges with respect to operating new businesses, and other uncertainties.\nWe have announced our intent to explore the sale of certain of our businesses, and such proposed divestitures may introduce significant risks and uncertainties.\nWe have initiated a strategic review of our non-core education businesses which could result in the future divestiture of certain assets or businesses that no longer fit with our strategic direction or growth targets. Divestitures involve significant risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations. These include, among others, the inability to find potential buyers on favorable terms, disruption to our business and/or diversion of management attention from other business concerns, the potential loss of key employees, difficulties in separating the operations of the divested business, and retention of certain liabilities related to the divested business. Significant time and expenses could be incurred to divest these non-core businesses which may adversely affect operations as dispositions may require our continued financial involvement, such as through transition service agreements, guarantees, and indemnities or other current or contingent financial obligations and liabilities.\nThe demand for digital and lower cost books could impact our sales volumes and pricing in an adverse way.\nA common trend facing each of our businesses is the digitization of content and proliferation of distribution channels through the Internet and other electronic means, which are replacing traditional print formats. This trend towards digital content has also created contraction in the print book retail market which increases the risk of bankruptcy for certain retail customers, potentially leading to the disruption of short-term product supply to consumers, as well as potential bad debt write-offs. New distribution channels, such as digital formats, the Internet, online retailers, and growing delivery platforms (e.g., tablets and e-readers), combined with the concentration of retailer power, present both risks and opportunities to our traditional publishing models, potentially impacting both sales volumes and pricing.\nAs the market has shifted to digital products, customer expectations for lower-priced products have increased due to customer awareness of reductions in production costs and the availability of free or low-cost digital content and products. As a result, there has been pressure to sell digital versions of products at prices below their print versions. Increased customer demand for lower prices could reduce our revenue.\n15\nIndex\nWe publish educational content for undergraduate, graduate, and advanced placement students, lifelong learners, and, in Australia, for secondary school students. Due to growing student demand for less expensive textbooks, many college bookstores, online retailers, and other entities, offer used or rental textbooks to students at lower prices than new textbooks. The Internet has made the used and rental textbook markets more efficient and has significantly increased student access to used and rental textbooks. Further expansion of the used and rental textbook markets could further adversely affect our sales of print textbooks, subsequently affecting our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nA reduction in enrollment at colleges and universities could adversely affect the demand for our higher education products.\nEnrollment in US colleges and universities can be adversely affected by many factors, including changes in government and private student loan and grant programs, uncertainty about current and future economic conditions, increases in tuition, general decreases in family income and net worth, and record low unemployment due to an active job market. In addition, enrollment levels at colleges and universities outside the US are influenced by global and local economic factors, local political conditions, and other factors that make predicting foreign enrollment levels difficult. Reductions in expected levels of enrollment at colleges and universities both within and outside the US could adversely affect demand for our higher education offerings, which could adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nIf we are unable to retain key talent and other colleagues, our consolidated financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.\nThe Company and industry are highly dependent on the loyal engagement of key leaders and colleagues. Loss of talent due to inadequate skills and career path development or maintaining competitive salaries and benefits could have a significant impact on Company performance.\nWe are highly dependent on the continued services of key talent who have in-depth market and business knowledge and/or key relationships with business partners. The loss of the services of key talent for any reason and our inability to replace them with suitable candidates quickly or at all, as well as any negative market perception resulting from such loss, could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, and results of operations.\nWe have a significant investment in our colleagues around the world. We offer competitive salaries and benefits in order to attract and retain the highly skilled workforce needed to sustain and develop new products and services required for growth. Employment costs are affected by competitive market conditions for qualified individuals and factors such as healthcare and retirement benefit costs.\nThe competitive pressures we face in our business, as well as our ability to retain our business relationships with our authors and professional societies, could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nThe contribution of authors and their professional societies is one of the more important elements of the highly competitive publishing business. Success and continued growth depend greatly on developing new products and the means to deliver them in an environment of rapid technological change. Attracting new authors and professional societies while retaining our existing business relationships is critical to our success. If we are unable to retain our existing business relationships with authors and professional societies, this could have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\n16\nIndex\nInformation Technology Systems and Cybersecurity Risks\nOur company is highly dependent on information technology systems and their business management and customer-facing capabilities critical for the long-term competitive sustainability of the business. If we fail to innovate in response to rapidly evolving technological and market developments, our competitive position may be negatively impacted.\nWe must continue to invest in technology and other innovations to adapt and add value to our products and services to remain competitive. This is particularly true in the current environment, where investment in new technology is ongoing and there are rapid changes in the products competitors are offering, the products our customers are seeking, and our sales and distribution channels. In some cases, investments will take the form of internal development; in others, they may take the form of an acquisition. There are uncertainties whenever developing or acquiring new products and services, and it is often possible that such new products and services may not be launched, or, if launched, may not be profitable or as profitable as existing products and services. If we are unable to introduce new technologies, products, and services, our ability to be profitable may be adversely affected.\nIn addition, our ability to effectively compete, may be affected by our ability to anticipate and respond effectively to the opportunity and threat presented by new technology disruption and developments, including generative artificial intelligence (GAI). We may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption and application of new technologies by established market participants or new entrants, and others. \nWe cannot predict the effect of technological changes on our business. Failure to keep pace with these technological developments or otherwise bring to market products that reflect these technologies could have a material adverse impact on our overall business and results of operations. We may not be successful in anticipating or responding to these developments on a timely and cost-effective basis. Additionally, the effort to gain technological expertise and develop new technologies in our business requires us to incur significant expenses. If we cannot offer new technologies as quickly as our competitors, or if our competitors develop more cost-effective technologies or product offerings, we could experience a material adverse effect on our operating results, growth and financial condition.\nWe may be susceptible to information technology risks that may adversely impact our business, consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nInformation technology is a key part of our business strategy and operations. As a business strategy, Wiley\u2019s technology enables us to provide customers with new and enhanced products and services and is critical to our success in migrating from print to digital business models. Information technology is also a fundamental component of all our business processes, collecting and reporting business data, and communicating internally and externally with customers, suppliers, employees, and others. We face technological risks associated with digital products and service delivery in our businesses, including with respect to information technology capability, reliability, security, enterprise resource planning, system implementations, and upgrades. Across our businesses, we hold personal data, including that of employees and customers. Failures of our information technology systems and products (including operational failure, natural disaster, computer virus, or cyberattacks) could interrupt the availability of our digital products and services, result in corruption or loss of data or breach in security, and result in liability or reputational damage to our brands and/or adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations. \nManagement has designed and implemented policies, processes, and controls to mitigate risks of information technology failure and to provide security from unauthorized access to our systems. In addition, we have disaster recovery plans in place to maintain business continuity for our key financial systems.\u202fWhile key financial systems have backup and tested disaster recovery systems, other applications and services have limited backup and recovery procedures which may delay or prevent recovery in case of disaster. The size and complexity of our information technology and information security systems, and those of our third-party vendors with whom we contract, make such systems potentially vulnerable to cyberattacks common to most industries from inadvertent or intentional actions by employees, vendors, or malicious third parties. While we have taken steps to address these risks, there can be no assurance that a system failure, disruption, or data security breach would not adversely affect our business and could have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. \n17\nIndex\nWe are continually improving and upgrading our computer systems and software.\u202fWe have implemented a global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system as part of a multiyear plan to integrate and upgrade our operational and financial systems and processes. We have also implemented record-to-report, purchase-to-pay, and several other business processes within all locations. We implemented order-to-cash for certain businesses and have continued to roll out additional processes and functionality of the ERP system in phases. Implementation of an ERP system involves risks and uncertainties. Any disruptions, delays, or deficiencies in the design or implementation of a new system could result in increased costs, disruptions in operations, or delays in the collection of cash from our customers, as well as having an adverse effect on our ability to timely report our financial results, all of which could materially adversely affect our business, consolidated financial position, and results of operations. We currently use out of support systems for order management for certain businesses. While we have contingency support available, any major disruptions, while unlikely, may require longer remediation time. This could impact our ability to process and fulfill orders for those businesses. We currently use a legacy platform with limited support for order management of the global Academic business. Any defects and disruptions in the legacy systems which cannot be addressed in a timely manner could impact our ability to process orders and reconcile financial statements. \nCyber risk and the failure to maintain the integrity of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties with which we do business, could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, and results of operations.\nThe cybersecurity risks we face range from cyberattacks common to most industries, such as the development and deployment of malicious software to gain access to our networks and attempt to steal confidential information, launch distributed denial of service attacks, or attempt other coordinated disruptions, to more advanced threats that target us because of our prominence in the global research and advisory field. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our employees continue to work remotely, at least some of the time, which magnifies the importance of the integrity of our remote access security measures. \nLike many multinational corporations, we, and some third parties upon which we rely, have experienced cyberattacks on our computer systems and networks in the past and may experience them in the future, likely with more frequency and sophistication and involving a broader range of devices and modes of attack, all of which will increase the difficulty of detecting and successfully defending against them. To date, none have resulted in any material adverse impact to our business, operations, products, services, or customers. Wiley has invested heavily in Cybersecurity tools and resources to keep our systems safe. We have implemented various security controls to meet our security obligations, while also defending against constantly evolving security threats. Our security controls help to secure our information systems, including our computer systems, intranet, proprietary websites, email and other telecommunications and data networks, and we scrutinize the security of outsourced website(s) and service providers prior to retaining their services. However, the security measures implemented by us or by our outside service providers may not be effective, and our systems (and those of our outside service providers) may be vulnerable to theft, loss, damage and interruption from a number of potential sources and events, including unauthorized access or security breaches, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, power loss, or other disruptive events. \nThe security compliance landscape continues to evolve, requiring us to stay apprised of changes in cybersecurity, privacy laws and regulations, such as the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (LGPD), the Chinese Cybersecurity, Data Security and Personal Information Protection laws (PIPL). The United Kingdom ceased to be an EU Member State on January 31, 2020, but enacted the UK data protection law. It is unclear how UK data protection laws will continue to develop; however, contractual clauses have been established regulating data transfers to and from the United Kingdom. Some countries also are considering or have enacted legislation requiring local storage and processing of data that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services. \nIn addition, to new and proposed data protection laws, we also stay apprised and adopt certain security standards required by our clients, such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Center for Internet Security (CIS). Recent well-publicized security breaches at other companies have led to enhanced government and regulatory scrutiny of the measures taken by companies to protect against cyberattacks and may in the future result in heightened cybersecurity requirements, including additional regulatory expectations for oversight of vendors and service providers.\n18\nIndex\nA cyberattack could cause delays in initiating or completing sales, impede delivery of our products and services to our clients, disrupt other critical client-facing or business processes, or dislocate our critical internal functions. Additionally, any material breaches or other technology-related catastrophe, or media reports of perceived security vulnerabilities to our systems or those of our third parties, even if no breach has been attempted or has occurred, could cause us to experience reputational harm, loss of customers and revenue, fines, regulatory actions and scrutiny, sanctions or other statutory penalties, litigation, liability for failure to safeguard our customers information, or financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance maintained by us. \nOperational Risks\nWe may not realize the anticipated cost savings and benefits from, or our business may be disrupted by, our business transformation and restructuring efforts.\nWe continue to transform our business from a traditional publishing model to a global provider of content-enabled solutions with a focus on digital products and services. We have made several acquisitions over the past few years that represent examples of strategic initiatives that were implemented as part of our business transformation. We will continue to explore opportunities to develop new business models and enhance the efficiency of our organizational structure. The rapid pace and scope of change increases the risk that not all our strategic initiatives will deliver the expected benefits within the anticipated timeframes. In addition, these efforts may disrupt our business activities, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nWe continue to restructure and realign our cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions, including our Business Optimization Program and Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program. Significant risks associated with these actions that may impair our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings or that may disrupt our business, include delays in the implementation of anticipated workforce reductions in highly regulated locations outside of the US, decreases in employee morale, the failure to meet operational targets due to the loss of key employees, and disruptions of third parties to whom we have outsourced business functions. In addition, our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings and other benefits from these actions within the expected timeframe is subject to many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to significant economic, competitive, and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If these estimates and assumptions are incorrect, if we experience delays, or if other unforeseen events occur, our business and consolidated financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.\nWe may not realize the anticipated cost savings and processing efficiencies associated with the outsourcing of certain business processes.\nWe have outsourced certain business functions, principally in technology, content management, printing, warehousing, fulfillment, distribution, returns processing, and certain other transactional processing functions, to third-party service providers to achieve cost savings and efficiencies. If these third-party service providers do not perform effectively, we may not be able to achieve the anticipated cost savings, and depending on the function involved, we may experience business disruption or processing inefficiencies, all with potential adverse effects on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nChallenges and uncertainties associated with operating in certain global markets has a higher risk due to political instability, economic volatility, crime, terrorism, corruption, social and ethnic unrest, and other factors, which may adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nWe sell our products to customers in certain sanctioned and previously sanctioned developing markets in accordance with such restrictions. While sales in these markets are not material to our consolidated financial position and results of operations, adverse developments related to the risks associated with these markets may cause actual results to differ from historical and forecasted future consolidated operating results.\nWe have certain technology development operations in Sri Lanka, and previously in Russia, related to software development and architecture, digital content production, and system testing services. Due to the political instability within these regions, there is the potential for future government embargos and sanctions, which could disrupt our operations in these areas. While we have developed business continuity plans to address these issues, further adverse developments in the region could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\n19\nIndex\nIn February 2022, the Russian Federation and Belarus commenced a military action with Ukraine. As a result, the United States, as well as other nations, instituted economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The impact of this action and related sanctions on the world economy is not currently determinable but the impact of this conflict has not been material to our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nIn the third quarter of fiscal year 2023, due to the political instability and military actions between Russia and Ukraine, we made the decision to close our operations in Russia, which primarily consists of technology development resources. We are substantially complete with this closure as of April 30, 2023, except for the formal liquidation of our Russian legal entity, which we expect to complete in fiscal year 2024. This action did not materially impact our overall operations. Prior to the closure, the net assets of our Russian operations were not material to our overall consolidated financial position. We have customers in Russia, primarily for our Research offerings, which are not material to our overall consolidated results of operations. We do not have operations in Ukraine or Belarus, and the business conducted in those countries is also not material to our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nIn our Research segment, approximately 32% of the articles we published in 2022 included a China based author. This compares to the industry percentage which is approximately 30% of articles published in 2022 which included a China based author. Any restrictions on exporting intellectual property could adversely affect our business and consolidated financial position and results of operations. Chinese governments and institutions are producing early warning lists of journals published by non-Chinese publishers that have high proportions of Chinese content which could have an impact on future article volumes. \nIn our journal publishing business, we have a trade concentration and credit risk related to subscription agents, and in our book business the industry has a concentration of customers in national, regional, and online bookstore chains. Changes in the financial position and liquidity of our subscription agents and customers could adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nIn the journal publishing business, subscriptions are primarily sourced through journal subscription agents who, acting as agents for library customers, facilitate ordering by consolidating the subscription orders/billings of each subscriber with various publishers. Cash is generally collected in advance from subscribers by the subscription agents and is principally remitted to us between the months of December and April. Although at fiscal year-end we had minimal credit risk exposure to these agents, future calendar year subscription receipts from these agents are highly dependent on their financial condition and liquidity.\nSubscription agents account for approximately 15% of total annual consolidated revenue and no one agent accounts for more than 10% of total annual consolidated revenue.\nOur book business is not dependent upon a single customer; however, the industry is concentrated in national, regional, and online bookstore chains. Although no book customer accounts for more than 6% of total consolidated revenue and 10% of accounts receivable at April 30, 2023, the top 10 book customers account for approximately 10% of total consolidated revenue and approximately 20% of accounts receivable at April 30, 2023.\nIn our Research business, a lack of integrity in our published research could adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations. \nWe publish research authored by individuals outside our Company. The integrity of that research could be compromised due to the manipulation, misrepresentation and misconduct by those individuals or other outsiders involved in the publishing process. This activity could adversely impact our open access publishing and article output by causing us to potentially pause publication, retract articles, or halt publication of a journal, which could adversely impact our business and consolidated financial position and results of operations. \n20\nIndex\nFinancial Risks\nChanges in global economic conditions could impact our ability to borrow funds and meet our future financing needs.\nChanges in global financial markets have not had, nor do we anticipate they will have, a significant impact on our liquidity. Due to our significant operating cash flow, financial assets, access to capital markets, and available lines of credit and revolving credit agreements, we continue to believe that we have the ability to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future. As market conditions change, we will continue to monitor our liquidity position. However, there can be no assurance that our liquidity or our consolidated financial position and results of operations will not be adversely affected by possible future changes in global financial markets and global economic conditions. Unprecedented market conditions including illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency and interest rates, and economic recession, could affect future results. \nFluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates could materially impact our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.\nNon-US revenues, as well as our substantial non-US net assets, expose our consolidated results to volatility from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The percentage of consolidated revenue for the year ended April 30, 2023 recognized in the following currencies (on an equivalent US dollar basis) were approximately: 57% US dollar, 24% British pound sterling, 10% euro, and 9% other currencies. In addition, our interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subject to risk from changes in interest rates. We may, from time to time, use derivative instruments to hedge such risks. Notwithstanding our efforts to foresee and mitigate the effects of changes in external market or fiscal circumstances, we cannot predict with certainty changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, inflation, or other related factors affecting our business, consolidated financial position, and results of operations\n.\nWe may not be able to mitigate the impact of inflation and cost increases, which could have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nFrom time to time, we experience cost increases reflecting, in part, general inflationary factors. There is no guarantee that we can increase selling prices or reduce costs to fully mitigate the effect of inflation on our costs, which may adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nAs a result of acquisitions, we have and may record a significant amount of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets and we may never realize the full carrying value of these assets\n.\nAs a result of acquisitions, we recorded a significant amount of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets. At April 30, 2023, we had $1,204.1 million of goodwill and $854.8 million of intangible assets, of which $121.9 million are indefinite-lived intangible assets, on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The intangible assets are principally composed of content and publishing rights, customer relationships, brands and trademarks, and developed technology. Failure to achieve business objectives and financial projections could result in an asset impairment, which would result in a noncash charge to our consolidated results of operations. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment on an annual basis and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Intangible assets with definite lives, which were $732.9 million at April 30, 2023, are tested for impairment only when events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. Determining whether an impairment exists can be difficult as a result of increased uncertainty and current market dynamics and requires management to make significant estimates and judgments. A noncash intangible asset impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. See Note 11, \u201cGoodwill and Intangible Assets\u201d for further information related to goodwill and intangible assets, and the impairment charges recorded in the year ended April 30, 2023.\n21\nIndex\nChanges in pension costs and related funding requirements may impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nWe provide defined benefit pension plans for certain employees worldwide. Our Board of Directors approved amendments to the US, Canada, and UK defined benefit plans that froze the future accumulation of benefits effective June 30, 2013, December 31, 2015, and April 30, 2015, respectively. The retirement benefit pension plan in Russia was discontinued on February 28, 2023 and we retain no further obligations for retirement benefits in Russia. The funding requirements and costs of these plans are dependent upon various factors, including the actual return on plan assets, discount rates, plan participant population demographics, and changes in global pension regulations. Changes in these factors affect our plan funding, consolidated financial position, and results of operations.\nLegal, Regulatory, and Compliance Risks\nChanges in laws, tariffs, and regulations, including regulations related to open access, could adversely impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nWe maintain operations in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and the US. The conduct of our business, including the sourcing of content, distribution, sales, marketing, and advertising, is subject to various laws and regulations administered by governments around the world. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies, including tax regulations and accounting standards, may adversely affect our future consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nThe scientific research publishing industry generates much of its revenue from paid customer subscriptions to online and print journal content. There is interest within government, academic, and library communities for such journal content to be made available for free immediately or following a period of embargo after publication, referred to as open access. For instance, certain governments and privately held funding bodies have implemented mandates that require journal articles derived from government-funded research to be made available to the public at no cost immediately or after an embargo period. Open access can be achieved in two ways: Green, which enables authors to publish articles in subscription-based journals and self\u2013archive the author accepted version of the article for free public use after any embargo period; and Gold, which enables authors to publish their articles in journals that provide immediate free access to the final version of the article on the publisher\u2019s website, and elsewhere under permissive licensing terms, following payment or waiver of an APC. These mandates have the potential to put pressure on subscription-based publications. If such regulations are widely implemented, our consolidated financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.\nTo date, many of the governments and national research councils that have taken a position on open access have favored the Green model and have generally specified embargo periods of twelve months. The publishing community generally takes the view that this period should be sufficient to protect subscription revenues, provided that publishers\u2019 platforms offer sufficient added value to the article. Governments in Europe have been more supportive of the Gold model, which thus far is generating incremental revenue for publishers with active open access programs. Many institutions have signed on to the business model which combines the purchasing of subscription content with the purchase of open access publishing for affiliated authors. This development removes an element of risk by fixing revenues from that market, provided that the terms, price, and rate of transition negotiated are acceptable.\nOn January 31, 2020, the UK exited the European Union (EU), an action referred to as Brexit. The uncertainty concerning the UK\u2019s legal, political, and economic relationship with the EU after Brexit may be a source of instability in the international markets, create significant currency fluctuations, and/or otherwise adversely affect trading agreements or similar cross-border cooperation arrangements (whether economic, tax, fiscal, legal, regulatory, or otherwise) beyond the date of Brexit.\nAdditional Brexit-related impacts on our business could include potential inventory shortages in the UK, increased regulatory burdens and costs to comply with UK-specific regulations, and higher transportation costs for our products coming into and out of the UK. Any of these effects, among others, could materially and adversely affect our business and consolidated financial position and results of operations.\n22\nIndex\nChanges in global and local tax laws and regulations in, and the distribution of income among, jurisdictions in which the Company operates could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nWe are subject to tax laws in the jurisdictions where we conduct business, including the US and many foreign jurisdictions. Wiley's future results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in the effective tax rate as a result of a change in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the result of audits of previously filed tax returns, or changes in liabilities for uncertain tax positions, the cost of repatriation, or changes in tax laws and regulations and the interpretations thereof in the jurisdictions where we operate.\nA number of international legislative and regulatory bodies have proposed legislation and begun investigations of the tax practices of multinational companies and, in the European union, the tax policies of certain European Union member states. One of these efforts has been led by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which has finalized recommendations to revise corporate tax, transfer pricing, and tax treaty provisions in member countries. On December 15, 2022, European Union member states unanimously adopted the Minimum Tax Directive ensuring a global minimum level of taxation for multinational companies. Member states have until December 31, 2023, to transpose the Minimum Tax Directive into national legislation. The enactment of this and the heightened interest in and taxation of large multinational companies increase tax uncertainty and could ultimately have a material effect on our effective tax rate, income tax expense, net income, or cash flows.\nOn August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was enacted into law in the United States, which, among other things, created a new corporate alternative minimum tax of 15% for certain corporations and a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases made by publicly traded US.companies after December 31, 2022. In addition, there are proposals to increase the rate and otherwise change US tax laws, which could significantly increase the Company's tax rate. Given the unpredictability of possible further changes to, and the potential interdependency of, the United States or foreign tax laws and regulations, it is difficult to predict the cumulative effect of such laws and regulations on Wiley's results of operations.\nWe are also subject to potential taxes in jurisdictions where we have sales even though we do not have a physical presence. These potential taxes could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations as substantially all our taxable income is earned outside the US. In addition, we are subject to examination by tax authorities and although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nOur intellectual property rights may not be protected, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nA substantial portion of our publications are protected by copyright, held either in our name, in the name of the author of the work, or in the name of a sponsoring professional society. Such copyrights protect our exclusive right to publish the work in many countries abroad for specified periods, in most cases, the author\u2019s life plus 70 years. Our ability to continue to achieve our expected results depends, in part, upon our ability to protect our intellectual property rights. Our consolidated financial position and results of operations may be adversely affected by lack of legal and/or technological protections for its intellectual property in some jurisdictions and markets.\nA disruption or loss of data sources could limit our collection and use of certain kinds of information, which could adversely impact our communication with our customers.\nSeveral of our businesses rely extensively upon content and data from external sources. Data is obtained from public records, governmental authorities, customers, and other information companies, including competitors. Legal regulations, such as the EU\u2019s GDPR, relating to Internet communications, privacy and data protection, e-commerce, information governance, and use of public records, are becoming more prevalent worldwide. The disruption or loss of data sources, either because of changes in the law or because data suppliers decide not to supply them, may impose limits on our collection and use of certain kinds of information about individuals and our ability to communicate such information effectively with our customers. In addition, GDPR imposes a strict data protection compliance regime with severe penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenue or \u20ac20 million, whichever is greater.\n23\nIndex\nIf we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis could be impaired.\nWe are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) and the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We are required to perform system and process evaluations and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This may require us to incur substantial additional professional fees and internal costs to further expand our accounting and finance functions and expend significant management efforts.\nWe may in the future discover material weaknesses in our system of internal financial and accounting controls and procedures that could result in a material misstatement of our financial statements. In addition, our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system\u2019s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to errors or fraud will not occur, or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.\nIf we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, or if we are unable to maintain proper and effective internal controls, we may not be able to produce timely and accurate financial statements. If that were to happen, the market price of our stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities.\nGeneral Risks\nGlobal economic, market, public health and geopolitical conditions or other events could negatively impact our consolidated financial positions and results of operations.\nWe are exposed to risks and uncertainties caused by factors beyond our control, including global economic, public health and geopolitical conditions. These include economic weakness, softness in consumer and corporate spending, uncertainty and volatility, including the potential for a recession; a competitive labor market and evolving workforce expectations; inflation, rising interest rates; public health crisis, including pandemics; financial stability of the banking industry, and political and sociopolitical uncertainties and conflicts. These factors may result in declines and/or volatility in our results or stock price. Our general business strategy may be adversely affected by any such economic downturn, volatile business environment or continued unpredictable and unstable market conditions. Our business could also be impacted by volatility caused by geopolitical events, such as the conflict in Ukraine. In addition, the actual or perceived effects of a disease outbreak, epidemic, pandemic or similar widespread public health concern, such as COVID-19, could also materially and adversely affect our results. The future impact that global economic, public health and geopolitical conditions will have on our business operations and financial results is uncertain and will depend on numerous evolving factors and developments that we are not able to reliably predict or mitigate. It is also possible that these conditions may impact other risks discussed in this section. \n24\nIndex\nThe trading price of the shares of our common stock may fluctuate materially, and investors of our common stock could incur substantial losses.\nOur stock price may fluctuate materially. The stock market in general has experienced significant volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of companies. As a result of this volatility, investors may not be able to sell their common stock at or above the price paid for the shares. The market price for our common stock may be influenced by many factors, including:\n\u2022\nActual or anticipated changes in our consolidated operating results;\n\u2022\nVariances between actual consolidated operating results and the expectations of securities analysts, investors, and the financial community;\n\u2022\nChanges in financial estimates by us or by any securities analysts who might cover our stock;\n\u2022\nConditions or trends in our industry, the stock market, or the economy;\n\u2022\nThe level of demand for our stock, the stock market price, and volume fluctuations of comparable companies;\n\u2022\nAnnouncements by us or our competitors of new product or service offerings, significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, or divestitures;\n\u2022\nAnnouncements of investigations or regulatory scrutiny of our operations or lawsuits filed against us;\n\u2022\nCapital commitments;\n\u2022\nInvestors\u2019 general perception of the Company and our business;\n\u2022\nRecruitment or departure of key personnel; and\n\u2022\nSales of our common stock, including sales by our directors and officers or specific stockholders.\nAdverse publicity could negatively impact our reputation, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.\nOur professional customers worldwide rely upon many of our publications to perform their jobs. It is imperative that we consistently demonstrate our ability to maintain the integrity of the information included in our publications. Adverse publicity, whether valid or not, may reduce demand for our publications and adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nThe information in our Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes set forth in Part II, Item 8, as well as the discussion included in Part I, Item 1, \u201cBusiness,\u201d \u201cCautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements \u201cSafe Harbor\u201d Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995\u201d and \u201cNon-GAAP Financial Measures,\u201d along with Part I, Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors,\u201d of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All amounts and percentages are approximate due to rounding and all dollars are in thousands, except per share amounts or where otherwise noted. When we cross-reference to a \u201cNote,\u201d we are referring to our \u201cNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements,\u201d in Part II, Item 8, \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d unless the context indicates otherwise.\nOverview\nWiley is a global leader in scientific research and career-connected education, unlocking human potential by enabling discovery, powering education, and shaping workforces. For over 200 years, Wiley has fueled the world\u2019s knowledge ecosystem. Today, our high-impact content, platforms, and services help researchers, learners, institutions, and corporations achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. Wiley is a predominantly digital company with approximately 85% of revenue for the year ended April 30, 2023 generated by digital products and tech-enabled services. For the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, approximately 57% of our revenue is recurring which includes revenue that is contractually obligated or set to recur with a high degree of certainty.\nWe have reorganized our Education lines of business into two new customer-centric segments. The Academic segment addresses the university customer group and includes Academic Publishing and University Services. The Talent segment addresses the corporate customer group and will be focused on delivering training, sourcing, and upskilling solutions. Prior period segment results have been revised to the new segment presentation. There were no changes to our consolidated financial results. Our new segment reporting structure consists of three reportable segments, as well as a Corporate expense category (no change), which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments:\n\u2022\nResearch includes Research Publishing and Research Solutions, and no changes were made as a result of this realignment;\n\u2022\nAcademic includes the Academic Publishing and University Services lines. Academic Publishing is the combination of the former Education Publishing line and professional publishing offerings;\n\u2022\nTalent is the combination of the former Talent Development line, and our assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings.\nThrough the Research segment, we provide peer-reviewed STM publishing, content platforms, and related services to academic, corporate, and government customers, academic societies, and individual researchers. The Academic segment provides scientific, professional, and education print and digital books, digital courseware, and test preparation services, as well as engages in the comprehensive management of online degree programs for universities. The Talent segment services include sourcing, training, and preparing aspiring students and professionals to meet the skill needs of today\u2019s technology careers and placing them with large companies and government agencies. It also includes assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings.\nWiley\u2019s business strategies are tightly aligned with long term growth trends, including open research, career-connected education, and workforce optimization. Research strategies include driving publishing output to meet the global demand for peer-reviewed research and expanding platform and service offerings for corporations and societies. Education strategies include expanding online degree programs and driving online enrollment for university partners, scaling digital content and courseware, and expanding IT talent placement and reskilling programs for corporate partners.\nWiley has announced for fiscal year 2024 strategic actions that will focus Wiley on its strongest and most profitable businesses and large market opportunities in Research and Learning. We are divesting non-core education businesses, including University Services (known as online program management), Wiley Edge (formerly Talent Development) and CrossKnowledge. These assets will be reported as businesses held for sale starting in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. We will be streamlining our organization and rightsizing our cost structure to reflect these portfolio actions. In addition, we will be changing our reportable segments for fiscal year 2024 reporting. These actions and our fiscal year 2024 transition year outlook are described further below in the section \"Fiscal Year 2024 Transition Year Outlook.\"\n29\nIndex\nConsolidated Results of Operations\nFISCAL YEAR 2023 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2022 SUMMARY RESULTS\nSUMMARY \n\u2022\nUS GAAP Results:\n Revenue of $2,019.9 million (-3% compared with the prior year), Operating income of $55.9 million (-$163.4 million compared with the prior year), and EPS of $0.31 (-$2.31 compared with prior year). US GAAP earnings performance primarily due to $99.8 million ($1.77 per share) of non-cash goodwill impairment in Education Services/University Services and restructuring charges totaling $49.4 million ($0.66 per share). \n\u2022\nAdjusted Results (at constant currency compared with the prior year)\n: Revenue of $2,019.9 million (flat compared with the prior year), Adjusted EBITDA of $422.0 million (-2% compared with the prior year), and Adjusted EPS of $3.84 (-8% compared with the prior year). \n\u2022\nNet Cash Provided by Operating Activities of $277.1 million ($-62.0\u00a0million compared with the prior year) and Free Cash Flow of $173.0 million ($-50.3\u00a0million compared with the prior year). \nRevenue:\nRevenue for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023 decreased $63.0\u00a0million, or 3%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, revenue was flat as compared with the prior year including contributions from acquisitions. Excluding the contributions from acquisitions, revenue decreased 1% on a constant currency basis.\nSee the \u201cSegment Operating Results\u201d below for additional details on each segment\u2019s revenue and Adjusted EBITDA performance\n.\nCost of Sales:\nCost of sales for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023 decreased $8.1\u00a0million, or 1% as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, cost of sales increased 2% as compared with the prior year. This increase was primarily due to higher employee costs to support the growth in placements in the Talent segment, partially offset by lower royalty costs.\nOperating and Administrative Expenses:\nOperating and administrative expenses for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023 decreased $42.2\u00a0million, or 4%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, operating and administrative expenses were flat as compared with the prior year primarily reflecting higher technology related costs, travel and entertainment costs, and a $3.7 million charge related to the settlement of a litigation matter related to consideration for a previous acquisition. These were offset by lower professional fees, employment costs and facility related costs. \nImpairment of Goodwill:\nWe recorded an impairment of goodwill in the year ended April 30, 2023 of $99.8 million. T\nhis charge is reflected in the Impairment of goodwill in the Consolidated Statements of Income. \nIn accordance with applicable accounting standards, we were required to test goodwill for impairment immediately before and after our segment realignment. Prior to the realignment, we concluded that the fair value of the Education Services reporting unit was below its carrying value, which resulted in a pretax non-cash goodwill impairment of $31.0 million. \nEducation Services was adversely impacted by market conditions and headwinds for online degree programs. This has led to a decline in projected student enrollments from existing partners, pricing pressures and revenue share concessions, and a decline in new partner additions over both the short-term and long-term, which adversely impacted forecasted revenue growth and operating cash flows. This was partially offset by projected growth in talent placements, partially due to expansion into new regions and the addition of new corporate clients, which are forecasted to have a positive impact on revenue growth and operating cash flows. \n30\nIndex\nAfter the realignment, we concluded that the fair value of the University Services reporting unit within the Academic segment was below its carrying value, which resulted in an additional pretax non-cash goodwill impairment of $68.8 million. \nUniversity Services was adversely impacted by market conditions and headwinds for online degree programs, which lead to a decline in projected enrollments from existing partners, pricing pressures and revenue share concessions, and a decline in new partner additions over both the short-term and long-term which adversely impacted forecasted revenue growth and operating cash flows. \nSee Note 11, \"Goodwill and Intangible Assets\" for details on these charges. \nRestructuring and Related Charges (Credits):\nFiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program\nIn May 2022, the Company initiated a global program to restructure and align our cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions. This program includes \nseverance related charges for the elimination of certain positions, \nthe exit of certain leased office space which began in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 and the reduction of our occupancy at other facilities. We are reducing our real estate square footage occupancy by approximately 22%. We realized $35 million in savings from actions starting in fiscal year 2023.\nIn the three months ended January 31, 2023, due to the political instability and military actions between Russia and Ukraine, we made the decision to close our operations in Russia which primarily consisted of technology development resources. We were substantially complete with our closure as of April\u00a030, 2023, except for the formal liquidation of our Russian legal entity, which we expect to complete in our fiscal year 2024.\nFor the year ended April 30, 2023, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $48.9 million related to this program, which includes $8.3\u00a0million related to the closure of our operations in Russia as described above. These charges are reflected in Restructuring and related charges (credits) on our Consolidated Statements of Income. This restructuring charge primarily reflects the following charges:\n\u2022\nSeverance charges of $25.8 million for the elimination of certain positions; \n\u2022\nImpairment charges of $12.7 million, which included the impairment of operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets of $7.6 million related to certain leases that will be subleased, and the related property and equipment of $5.1 million;\n\u2022\nAcceleration of expense of $2.1 million, which included the acceleration of rent expense associated with operating lease ROU assets of $0.9 million related to certain leases that will be abandoned or terminated and the related depreciation and amortization of property and equipment of $1.2 million;\n\u2022\nOngoing facility-related costs with previously vacated properties that resulted in additional restructuring charges of $4.2 million; and\n\u2022\nConsulting, relocation and other costs of $4.1 million.\nThese actions are anticipated to yield annualized cost savings estimated to be approximately $70 million. We anticipate ongoing facility-related costs associated with certain properties to result in additional restructuring charges in future periods.\nSee Note 7, \u201cRestructuring and Related Charges (Credits)\u201d for more details on these charges.\nBusiness Optimization Program \nFor the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $0.5 million and credits of $1.4 million, respectively, related to this program. \nThese charges (credits) are reflected in Restructuring and related charges (credits) in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 7, \u201cRestructuring and Related Charges (Credits)\u201d for more details on these charges (credits).\nFor the impact of our restructuring programs on diluted earnings per share, see the section below, \u201cDiluted Earnings per Share (EPS).\u201d\n31\nIndex\nAmortization of Intangible Assets:\nAmortization of intangible assets was $84.9 million for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, and was flat as compared to the prior year. On a constant currency basis, amortization of intangible assets increased 3% as compared with the prior year primarily due to the acceleration of expense of $4.6 million related to the discontinued use of the mthree trademark. \nOn January 1, 2020, Wiley acquired mthree, a talent placement provider that addresses the IT skills gap by finding, training, and placing job-ready technology talent in roles with leading corporations worldwide. Its results of operations are included in our Talent segment. In late May 2022, Wiley renamed the mthree talent development solution to Wiley Edge and discontinued use of the mthree trademark during the three months ended July 31, 2022. As a result of these actions, we determined that a revision of the useful life was warranted, and the intangible asset was fully amortized over its remaining useful life resulting in accelerated amortization expense of $4.6 million in the three months ended July 31, 2022.\nOperating Income, Adjusted Operating Income (OI) and Adjusted EBITDA:\nOperating income for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, decreased $163.4\u00a0million, or 75% as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, operating income decreased 76% as compared with the prior year. The decrease was \nprimarily due to the impairment of goodwill in the three months ended January 31, 2023 as described above, an increase in restructuring charges and, to a lesser extent, higher cost of sales.\nAdjusted OI on a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges (credits), impairment of goodwill, legal settlement, and the accelerated amortization of an intangible asset, decreased 3% as compared with the prior year primarily due to an increase in cost of sales as described above, partially offset by lower operating and administrative expenses.\nAdjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges (credits), decreased 2% as compared with the prior year primarily due to a decrease in Adjusted OI.\nAdjusted OI\nBelow is a reconciliation of our consolidated US GAAP Operating Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted OI:\nYear Ended\nApril 30,\n2023\n2022\nOperating Income\n$\n55,890\u00a0\n$\n219,276\u00a0\nAdjustments:\nRestructuring charges (credits)\n49,389\u00a0\n(1,427)\nImpairment of goodwill\n99,800\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nLegal settlement \n(1)\n3,671\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAccelerated amortization of an intangible asset\n (2)\n4,594\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nNon-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income\n$\n213,344\u00a0\n$\n217,849\u00a0\n(1)\nWe settled a litigation matter related to consideration for a previous acquisition for $3.7 million during the three months ended January 31, 2023. This amount is reflected in Operating and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Income.\n(2)\nAs described above, we determined that a revision of the useful life of the mthree trademark was warranted, and the intangible asset was fully amortized over its remaining useful life resulting in accelerated amortization expense of $4.6 million in the three months ended July 31, 2022.\n32\nIndex\nAdjusted EBITDA\nBelow is a reconciliation of our consolidated US GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n2023\n2022\nNet Income\n$\n17,233\u00a0\n$\n148,309\u00a0\nInterest expense\n37,745\u00a0\n19,802\u00a0\nProvision for income taxes\n15,867\u00a0\n61,352\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization\n213,253\u00a0\n215,170\u00a0\nNon-GAAP EBITDA\n284,098\u00a0\n444,633\u00a0\nImpairment of goodwill\n99,800\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nLegal settlement\n3,671\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nRestructuring and related charges (credits)\n49,389\u00a0\n(1,427)\nForeign exchange (gains) losses on intercompany transactions, including the write off of certain cumulative translation adjustments\n(894)\n3,192\u00a0\nGain on sale of businesses and certain assets\n(10,177)\n(3,694)\nOther income, net\n(3,884)\n(9,685)\nNon-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA\n$\n422,003\u00a0\n$\n433,019\u00a0\nInterest Expense:\nInterest expense for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, was $37.7 million compared with the prior year of $19.8 million. This increase was primarily due to a higher weighted average effective interest rate.\nForeign Exchange Transaction Gains (Losses):\nForeign exchange transaction gains were $0.9 million for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, and were primarily due to the write off of the $1.1\u00a0million cumulative translation adjustment in earnings since the Russia entity was deemed substantially liquidated. As described above, we were substantially complete with our exit from Russia as of \nApril\u00a030, 2023.\nForeign exchange transaction losses were $3.2 million for the year ended April\u00a030, 2022, and were primarily due to losses on our foreign currency denominated third-party and, to a lesser extent, intercompany accounts receivable and payable balances due to the impact of the change in average foreign exchange rates as compared to the US dollar.\nGain on Sale of Businesses and Certain Assets:\nThe pretax gain on sale of businesses for the year ended \nApril\u00a030, 2023, was $10.2 million. As part of our ongoing initiatives to simplify our portfolio and focus our attention on strategic growth areas, we have completed two dispositions during the year ended April 30, 2023. Both were included in our Academic segment. On February 28, 2023, we completed the sale of Wiley's Efficient Learning test prep portfolio business. In addition, on March 31, 2023, we completed the sale of our advancement courses business. Neither disposition constituted a strategic shift, and the impact on our overall operations and financial results was not material. Accordingly, the operations associated with the dispositions are not reported in discontinued operations. See Note 4, \"Acquisitions and Divestitures\" for more details on these divestitures. \nThe gain on sale of certain assets for the year ended April\u00a030, 2022, was due to the sale of our world languages product portfolio which was included in our Academic segment and resulted in a pretax gain of approximately $3.7 million.\n33\nIndex\nOther Income, Net:\nOther income, net was $3.9 million for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, a decrease of $5.8\u00a0million, or 60%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, other income, net decreased 51%. This decrease was primarily due to \nlower pension income for our defined benefit plans, partially offset by a decrease in donations and pledges to humanitarian organizations to provide aid to those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine, and a curtailment and settlement credit due to the wind up of the Russia pension plan of $1.8 million.\nProvision for Income Taxes:\nBelow is a reconciliation of our US GAAP Income Before Taxes to Non-GAAP Adjusted Income Before Taxes:\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n2023\n2022\nUS GAAP Income Before Taxes\n$\n33,100\u00a0\n$\n209,661\u00a0\nPretax Impact of Adjustments:\nImpairment of goodwill \n99,800\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nLegal settlement\n3,671\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPension income related to the wind up of the Russia plan\n(1,750)\n\u2014\u00a0\nRestructuring and related charges (credits)\n49,389\u00a0\n(1,427)\nForeign exchange losses on intercompany transactions, including the write off of certain cumulative translation adjustments\n457\u00a0\n1,513\u00a0\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets\n89,177\u00a0\n89,346\u00a0\nGain on sale of businesses and certain assets\n(10,177)\n(3,694)\nNon-GAAP Adjusted Income Before Taxes\n$\n263,667\u00a0\n$\n295,399\u00a0\nBelow is a reconciliation of our US GAAP Income Tax Provision to Non-GAAP Adjusted Income Tax Provision, including our US GAAP Effective Tax Rate and our Non-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate:\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n2023\n2022\nUS GAAP Income Tax Provision\n$\n15,867\n$\n61,352\nIncome Tax Impact of Adjustments \n(1)\n:\nLegal settlement \n716\n\u2014\nPension income related to the wind up of the Russia plan\n(437)\n\u2014\nRestructuring and related charges (credits)\n12,151\n(260)\nForeign exchange losses on intercompany transactions, including the write off of certain cumulative translation adjustments\n132\n597\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets\n20,183\n20,816\nGain on sale of businesses and certain assets\n(3,860)\n(922)\nIncome Tax Adjustments\nImpact of increase in UK statutory rate on deferred tax balances \n(2)\n2,370\n(21,415)\nNon-GAAP Adjusted Income Tax Provision \n$\n47,122\n$\n60,168\nUS GAAP Effective Tax Rate\n47.9\u00a0\n%\n29.3\u00a0\n%\nNon-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate\n17.9\u00a0\n%\n20.4\u00a0\n%\n34\nIndex\n(1)\nFor the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, substantially all of the tax impact was from deferred taxes.\n(2)\nIn the three months ended July 31, 2021, the UK enacted legislation that increased its statutory rate from 19% to 25% effective April 1, 2023. This resulted in a $21.4 million non-cash deferred tax expense from the re-measurement of the Company\u2019s applicable UK net deferred tax liabilities during the three months ended July 31, 2021. These adjustments impacted deferred taxes.\u00a0For the year ended April 30, 2023, we recorded a $2.4 million non-cash deferred tax benefit related to pensions due to the UK statutory rate change. These adjustments impacted deferred taxes.\nThe effective tax rate was 47.9% for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, compared to 29.3% for the year ended April\u00a030, 2022. Our rate for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, was higher due to the rate differential with respect to certain restructuring charges, the impairment of non-deductible goodwill resulting from the segment realignment described in Note 11, \"Goodwill and Intangible Assets,\" offset by a benefit of $2.4 million relating to the effect of the increase in the UK statutory tax rate on UK pensions. On June 10, 2021, the UK increased its statutory corporate tax rate from 19% to 25% effective April 1, 2023. The 29.3% effective tax rate for the year ended April\u00a030, 2022, was increased by a similar $21.4 million nonrecurring, noncash US GAAP deferred tax expense relating to the UK statutory tax rate increase described above.\nExcluding the UK rate change, the tax implications of certain restructuring and related actions, and other unusual items, the Non-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, was 17.9%. The Non-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate for the year ended April\u00a030, 2022, excluding the impact of the UK statutory rate change, was 20.4%. The decrease in the Non-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate before these items was primarily due to a more favorable mix of earnings by jurisdiction for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023.\nDiluted Earnings Per Share (EPS):\nDiluted earnings per share for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, was $0.31 per share compared to $2.62 per share in the prior year. This decrease was due to lower operating income and, to a lesser extent, higher interest expense and lower other income. These were partially offset by a lower provision for income taxes and, to a lesser extent, an increase in the gain on sale of businesses and certain assets, and foreign exchange transaction gains.\nBelow is a reconciliation of our US GAAP EPS to Non-GAAP Adjusted EPS. The amount of the pretax and the related income tax impact for the adjustments included in the table below are presented in the section above, \u201cProvision for Income Taxes.\u201d\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n2023\n2022\nUS GAAP EPS\n$\n0.31\u00a0\n$\n2.62\u00a0\nAdjustments:\nImpairment of goodwill \n1.77\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nLegal settlement\n0.05\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPension income related to the wind up of the Russia plan\n(0.02)\n\u2014\u00a0\nRestructuring and related charges (credits)\n0.66\u00a0\n(0.02)\nForeign exchange losses on intercompany transactions, including the write off of certain cumulative translation adjustments\n0.01\u00a0\n0.02\u00a0\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets\n1.21\u00a0\n1.21\u00a0\nGain on sale of businesses and certain assets\n(0.11)\n(0.05)\nIncome tax adjustments\n(0.04)\n0.38\u00a0\nNon-GAAP Adjusted EPS\n$\n3.84\u00a0\n$\n4.16\u00a0\nOn a constant currency basis, Adjusted EPS decreased 8% primarily due to an increase in interest expense, lower pension income, and lower Adjusted OI. These were partially offset by a lower provision for income taxes.\n35\nIndex\nSEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS:\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n% Change \nFavorable \n(Unfavorable) \nConstant Currency\n% Change\nFavorable \n(Unfavorable) \nRESEARCH\n2023\n2022\nRevenue: \nResearch Publishing \n(1)\n$\n926,773\u00a0\n$\n963,715\u00a0\n(4)\n%\n(1)\n%\nResearch Solutions \n(1)\n153,538\u00a0\n147,628\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nTotal Research\n1,080,311\u00a0\n1,111,343\u00a0\n(3)\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nCost of Sales\n286,361\u00a0\n300,373\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n2\u00a0\n%\nOperating Expenses\n463,731\u00a0\n468,012\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n(4)\n%\nAmortization of Intangibles\n46,235\u00a0\n47,731\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\n(1)\n%\nRestructuring Charges (see Note 7)\n2,182\u00a0\n238\u00a0\n#\n#\nContribution to Profit \n281,802\u00a0\n294,989\u00a0\n(4)\n%\n(4)\n%\nRestructuring Charges (see Note 7)\n2,182\u00a0\n238\u00a0\n#\n#\nAdjusted Contribution to Profit\n283,984\u00a0\n295,227\u00a0\n(4)\n%\n(3)\n%\nDepreciation and Amortization\n93,008\u00a0\n94,899\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\n(1)\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n376,992\u00a0\n$\n390,126\u00a0\n(3)\n%\n(2)\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA Margin\n34.9\u00a0\n%\n35.1\u00a0\n%\n# Not meaningful\n(1)\nAs previously announced in May 2022, our revenue by product type previously referred to as Research Platforms was changed to Research Solutions. Research Solutions includes infrastructure and publishing services that help societies and corporations thrive in a complex knowledge ecosystem. In addition to Platforms (Atypon), certain product offerings such as corporate sales which included the recent acquisitions of Madgex Holdings Limited (Madgex), and Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.\u2019s Informatics products (Informatics) that were previously included in Research Publishing moved to Research Solutions to align with our strategic focus. Research Solutions also includes product offerings related to certain recent acquisitions such as J&J, and EJP. Prior period results have been revised to the new presentation. There were no changes to the total Research segment or our consolidated financial results. The revenue reclassified was $93.3 million and $80.3 million for the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nRevenue:\nResearch revenue for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023 decreased $31.0 million, or 3%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, revenue was flat as compared with the prior year. Excluding revenue from acquisitions, organic revenue decreased 1% on a constant currency basis. This decrease was primarily due to lower article volume in Research Publishing, notably in Hindawi, and to a lesser extent corporate spending headwinds in Research Solutions. Starting in the three months ended January 31, 2023, open access publishing was adversely impacted by the publishing pause in a Hindawi special issues program. The program was suspended temporarily due to the presence in certain special issues of compromised articles. As a result, Hindawi revenue for the year ended April 30, 2023 decreased $3.0 million on a constant currency basis as compared with the prior year. We have closed four Hindawi journals and retracted over 1,700 articles. We expect a decrease in fiscal year 2024 revenue of $30 to $35 million due to this disruption. \nExcluding Hindawi, Wiley\u2019s Research revenue for the year ended April 30, 2023 on a constant currency basis was flat as compared with the prior year. Open access article output was flat for the year ended April 30, 2023, as compared with the prior year. Excluding Hindawi, open access article output growth was approximately 6% for the year ended April 30, 2023.\n36\nIndex\nAdjusted EBITDA:\nOn a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 2% as compared with the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to \ninvestments to optimize and scale publishing and solutions, \nhigher employment costs and, \nto a lesser extent, \ntravel and entertainment costs due to the resumption of in-person activities. These were partially offset by lower royalty costs largely due to the product mix. We expect a decrease in fiscal year 2024 Adjusted EBITDA of $25 to $30 million due to the Hindawi disruption as described above. \nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n% Change\nFavorable \n(Unfavorable) \nConstant Currency\n% Change Favorable\n(Unfavorable) \nACADEMIC:\n2023\n2022\nRevenue:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAcademic Publishing\n$\n481,752\u00a0\n$\n531,705\u00a0\n(9)\n%\n(7)\n%\nUniversity Services\n208,656\u00a0\n227,407\u00a0\n(8)\n%\n(8)\n%\nTotal Academic Revenue \n690,408\u00a0\n759,112\u00a0\n(9)\n%\n(7)\n%\nCost of Sales\n286,647\u00a0\n309,220\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\nOperating Expenses\n312,159\u00a0\n333,098\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\nImpairment of Goodwill (see Note 11)\n99,800\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n#\n#\nAmortization of Intangibles\n23,323\u00a0\n25,547\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nRestructuring Charges (Credits) (see Note 7)\n10,366\u00a0\n(470)\n#\n#\nContribution to Profit \n(41,887)\n91,717\u00a0\n#\n#\nRestructuring Charges (Credits) (see Note 7)\n10,366\u00a0\n(470)\n#\n#\nImpairment of Goodwill (see Note 11)\n99,800\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n#\n#\nAdjusted Contribution to Profit\n68,279\u00a0\n91,247\u00a0\n(25)\n%\n(23)\n%\nDepreciation and Amortization\n79,741\u00a0\n81,721\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n148,020\u00a0\n$\n172,968\u00a0\n(14)\n%\n(13)\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA Margin\n21.4\u00a0\n%\n22.8\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n# Not meaningful\nRevenue:\nAcademic revenue decreased $68.7 million, or 9%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 7% as compared with prior year. Excluding revenue from acquisitions, organic revenue decreased 8% on a constant currency basis. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in Academic Publishing due to a decline in print, partially offset by an increase in digital courseware. University Services revenue decreased primarily due to continued online enrollment challenges, and lower tuition share in services. For the year ended April 30, 2023, University Services experienced a 5% decline in online enrollment.\nAdjusted EBITDA:\nOn a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 13% as compared with the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to lower revenues and, to a lesser extent, inflationary impacts on inventory, and higher technology and distribution costs. These were partially offset by expense savings from restructuring activities, and lower annual incentive compensation.\n37\nIndex\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n% Change\nFavorable\n(Unfavorable) \nConstant Currency\n% Change\nFavorable \n(Unfavorable) \nTALENT:\n2023\n2022\nTotal Talent Revenue \n$\n249,181\u00a0\n$\n212,473\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\n24\u00a0\n%\nCost of Sales\n119,533\u00a0\n91,065\u00a0\n(31)\n%\n(40)\n%\nOperating Expenses\n86,032\u00a0\n85,891\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(5)\n%\nAmortization of Intangibles\n15,203\u00a0\n11,558\u00a0\n(32)\n%\n(35)\n%\nRestructuring Charges (see Note 7)\n3,009\u00a0\n23\u00a0\n#\n#\nContribution to Profit \n25,404\u00a0\n23,936\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n10\u00a0\n%\nRestructuring Charges (see Note 7)\n3,009\u00a0\n23\u00a0\n#\n#\nAccelerated Amortization of an Intangible Asset\n4,594\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n#\n#\nAdjusted Contribution to Profit\n33,007\u00a0\n23,959\u00a0\n38\u00a0\n%\n41\u00a0\n%\nDepreciation and Amortization\n19,448\u00a0\n21,997\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n52,455\u00a0\n$\n45,956\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\n18\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA Margin\n21.1\u00a0\n%\n21.6\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\n# Not meaningful\nRevenue:\nTalent revenue increased $36.7 million, or 17%, as compared with the prior year on a reported basis. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 24% as compared with prior year. This increase was primarily due to double-digit growth in placements and, to a lesser extent, an increase in assessments (corporate training), partially offset by a decrease in corporate learning. For the year ended April 30, 2023, we delivered approximately 18% growth in talent placements in talent development (Wiley Edge).\nAdjusted EBITDA:\nOn a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased 18% as compared with the prior year. This was due to revenue, partially offset by increased inflationary impacts on placements, and investments to scale talent development (Wiley Edge).\nCORPORATE EXPENSES: \nCorporate expenses for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, increased $18.1\u00a0million, or 9%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring charges (credits) and a legal settlement, these expenses decreased 7% as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 8% as compared with the prior year. This was primarily due to lower employee related costs, including lower annual incentive compensation for fiscal year 2023.\nFISCAL YEAR 2022 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2021 SUMMARY RESULTS\nRevenue:\nRevenue for the year ended April 30, 2022, increased $141.4 million, or 7%, as compared with the prior year on a reported and on a constant currency basis including contributions from acquisitions. Excluding the contributions from acquisitions, revenue increased 5% on a constant currency basis.\nSee the \u201cSegment Operating Results\u201d below for additional details on each segment\u2019s revenue and Adjusted EBITDA performance\n.\n38\nIndex\nCost of Sales:\nCost of sales for the year ended April 30, 2022, increased $75.3 million, or 12%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, cost of sales increased 11% as compared with the prior year. This increase was primarily due to higher employee costs and, to a lesser extent, higher student acquisition costs in Academic and increased royalty costs in Research.\nOperating and Administrative Expenses:\nOperating and administrative expenses for the year ended April 30, 2022, increased $56.9 million, or 6%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, operating and administrative expenses increased 5% as compared with the prior year primarily reflecting higher editorial costs due to additional resources to support investments in growth, technology costs to support growth initiatives, higher advertising and marketing costs and, to a lesser extent, higher employee-related costs.\nRestructuring and Related (Credits) Charges:\nFor the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, we recorded pretax restructuring credits of $1.4 million and charges of $33.3 million, respectively primarily related to our Business Optimization Program. \nIn November 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Company\u2019s successful transition to a virtual work environment, we increased use of virtual work arrangements for postpandemic operations. As a result, we expanded the scope of the Business Optimization Program to include the exit of certain leased office space beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, and the reduction of our occupancy at other facilities. We are reducing our real estate square footage occupancy by approximately 12%. These actions resulted in a pretax restructuring charge of $18.3 million in the year ended April 30, 2021.\nIn addition, we also incurred ongoing facility-related costs associated with certain properties that resulted in additional restructuring charges of $1.8 million and $3.7 million in the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nWe anticipate ongoing facility-related costs associated with certain properties to result in additional restructuring charges in future periods.\nThese (credits) charges are reflected in Restructuring and related (credits) charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). See Note 7, \u201cRestructuring and Related (Credits) Charges\u201d for more details on these (credits) charges.\nFor the impact of our restructuring program on diluted earnings per share, see the section below, \u201cDiluted Earnings per Share (EPS).\u201d\nAmortization of Intangible Assets:\nAmortization of intangible assets was $84.8 million for the year ended April 30, 2022, an increase of $10.2 million, or 14%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis, amortization of intangible assets increased 13% as compared with the prior year primarily due to the intangibles acquired as part of the Hindawi acquisition completed in fiscal year 2021 and, to a lesser extent, other acquisitions completed in fiscal year 2022, partially offset by the completion of amortization of certain acquired intangible assets. See Note 4, \u201cAcquisitions and Divestitures\u201d for more details on our acquisitions.\nOperating Income, Adjusted Operating Income (OI) and Adjusted EBITDA:\nOperating income for the year ended April 30, 2022 increased $33.8 million, or 18% as compared with the prior year on a reported and on a constant currency basis. The increase was primarily due to the increase in revenue and, to a lesser extent, lower restructuring charges, partially offset by an increase in cost of sales and operating and administrative expenses.\n39\nIndex\nAdjusted OI on a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring (credits) charges decreased 1% as compared with the prior year primarily due to an increase in cost of sales, operating and administrative expenses and, to a lesser extent, amortization of intangible assets, partially offset by higher revenues as described above.\nAdjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring (credits) charges, increased 3%, as compared with the prior year primarily due to revenue performance, partially offset by an increase in operating and administrative expenses, and cost of sales.\nAdjusted OI\nBelow is a reconciliation of our consolidated US GAAP Operating Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted OI:\nYear Ended\nApril 30,\n2022\n2021\nUS GAAP Operating Income\n$\n219,276\u00a0\n$\n185,511\u00a0\nAdjustments:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nRestructuring and related (credits) charges\n(1,427)\n33,310\u00a0\nNon-GAAP Adjusted OI\n$\n217,849\u00a0\n$\n218,821\u00a0\nAdjusted EBITDA\nBelow is a reconciliation of our consolidated US GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n2022\n2021\nNet Income\n$\n148,309\u00a0\n$\n148,256\u00a0\nInterest expense\n19,802\u00a0\n18,383\u00a0\nProvision for income taxes\n61,352\u00a0\n27,656\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization\n215,170\u00a0\n200,189\u00a0\nNon-GAAP EBITDA\n444,633\u00a0\n394,484\u00a0\nRestructuring and related (credits) charges\n(1,427)\n33,310\u00a0\nForeign exchange transaction losses\n3,192\u00a0\n7,977\u00a0\nGain on sale of certain assets\n(3,694)\n\u2014\u00a0\nOther income, net\n(9,685)\n(16,761)\nNon-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA\n$\n433,019\u00a0\n$\n419,010\u00a0\nInterest Expense:\nInterest expense for the year ended April 30, 2022 was $19.8 million compared with the prior year of $18.4 million. This increase was due to a higher average debt balance outstanding, which included borrowings for the funding of acquisitions and, to a lesser extent, higher weighted average effective interest rate.\nForeign Exchange Transaction Losses:\nForeign exchange transaction losses were $3.2 million for the year ended April 30, 2022 and were primarily due to losses on our foreign currency denominated third-party and, to a lesser extent, intercompany accounts receivable and payable balances due to the impact of the change in average foreign exchange rates as compared to the US dollar.\n40\nIndex\nForeign exchange transaction losses were $8.0 million for the year ended April 30, 2021 and were due to the unfavorable impact of the changes in exchange rates on US dollar cash balances held in the UK to fund the acquisition of Hindawi and the net impact of changes in average foreign exchange rates as compared to the US dollar on our third-party accounts receivable and payable balances.\nGain on Sale of Certain Assets:\nThe gain on the sale of certain assets is due to the sale of our world languages product portfolio which was included in our Academic segment and resulted in a pretax gain of approximately $3.7 million during the year ended April 30, 2022.\nOther Income, Net:\nOther income, net was $9.7 million for the year ended April 30, 2022, a decrease of $7.1 million, or 42%, as compared with the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to $3 million in donations and pledges made in the year ended April 30, 2022 to humanitarian organizations to provide aid to those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.\nProvision for Income Taxes:\nBelow is a reconciliation of our US GAAP Income Before Taxes to Non-GAAP Adjusted Income Before Taxes:\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n2022\n2021\nUS GAAP Income Before Taxes\n$\n209,661\u00a0\n$\n175,912\u00a0\nPretax Impact of Adjustments:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nRestructuring and related (credits) charges\n(1,427)\n33,310\u00a0\nForeign exchange losses (gains) on intercompany transactions\n1,513\u00a0\n(1,457)\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets\n89,346\u00a0\n79,421\u00a0\nGain on sale of certain assets\n(3,694)\n\u2014\u00a0\nNon-GAAP Adjusted Income Before Taxes\n$\n295,399\u00a0\n$\n287,186\u00a0\nBelow is a reconciliation of our US GAAP Income Tax Provision to Non-GAAP Adjusted Income Tax Provision, including our US GAAP Effective Tax Rate and our Non-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate:\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n2022\n2021\nUS GAAP Income Tax Provision\n$\n61,352\n$\n27,656\nIncome Tax Impact of Adjustments\n(1)\n:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nRestructuring and related (credits) charges\n(260)\n8,065\nForeign exchange losses (gains) on intercompany transactions\n597\n(363)\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets\n20,816\n18,511\nGain on sale of certain assets\n(922)\n\u2014\nIncome Tax Adjustments:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nImpact of increase in UK statutory rate on deferred tax balances\n(2)\n(21,415)\n(3,511)\nImpact of US CARES Act\n(3)\n\u2014\n13,998\nImpact of change in certain US state tax rates in 2021\n(2)\n\u2014\n(3,225)\nNon-GAAP Adjusted Income Tax Provision\n$\n60,168\n$\n61,131\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nUS GAAP Effective Tax Rate\n29.3\u00a0\n%\n15.7\u00a0\n%\nNon-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate\n20.4\u00a0\n%\n21.3\u00a0\n%\n41\nIndex\n(1)\nFor the year ended April 30, 2022, substantially all of the tax impact was from deferred taxes. For the year ended April 30, 2021, except for the $8.4 million current tax impact from the US CARES Act noted below, substantially all of the tax impact was from deferred taxes.\n(2)\nThese adjustments impacted deferred taxes in the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021.\n(3)\nThe tax impact was $8.4 million from current taxes and $5.6 million from deferred taxes in the year ended April 30, 2021.\nThe effective tax rate was 29.3% for the year ended April 30, 2022, compared to 15.7% for the year ended April 30, 2021. Our effective tax rate for the year ended April 30, 2022, was increased by $21.4 million due to an increase in the UK statutory rate during the three months ended July 31, 2021. On June 10, 2021, the UK announced an increase to its statutory corporate income tax rate from 19% to 25% effective April 1, 2023, resulting in this nonrecurring, noncash US GAAP deferred tax expense. The 15.7% tax expense rate for the year ended April 30, 2021, benefited by $14.0 million from provisions in the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act) and certain regulations issued in late July 2020, which enabled us to carry certain net operating losses back to a year with a higher statutory tax rate.\nExcluding the expense from the UK rate change, the Non-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate for the year ended April 30, 2022, was 20.4%. The Non-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate for the year ended April 30, 2021, excluding the impact of the UK statutory rate change, the CARES Act, and state tax expense from rate changes, was 21.3%. The Non-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate before these items decreased because the year ended April 30, 2021, included US state tax expenses from our expanded presence due to employees working in additional locations given the COVID-19 pandemic.\nDiluted Earnings Per Share (EPS):\nDiluted earnings per share for the year ended April 30, 2022 was $2.62 per share compared to $2.63 per share in the prior year. This decrease was due to a higher weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the year ended April 30, 2022 as net income was flat compared to the year ended April 30, 2021. Net income was flat as higher operating income and, to a lesser extent, lower foreign exchange losses and the gain on sale of certain assets were offset by higher provision for income taxes and, to a lesser extent, lower other income, net.\nBelow is a reconciliation of our US GAAP EPS to Non-GAAP Adjusted EPS. The amount of the pretax and the related income tax impact for the adjustments included in the table below are presented in the section above, \u201cProvision for Income Taxes.\u201d\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n2022\n2021\nUS GAAP EPS\n$\n2.62\u00a0\n$\n2.63\u00a0\nAdjustments:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nRestructuring and related (credits) charges\n(0.02)\n0.44\u00a0\nForeign exchange losses (gains) on intercompany transactions\n0.02\u00a0\n(0.02)\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets\n1.21\u00a0\n1.08\u00a0\nGain on sale of certain assets\n(0.05)\n\u2014\u00a0\nIncome tax adjustments\n0.38\u00a0\n(0.13)\nNon-GAAP Adjusted EPS\n$\n4.16\u00a0\n$\n4.00\u00a0\nOn a constant currency basis, Adjusted EPS increased 1% primarily due to a lower Non-GAAP Adjusted Effective Tax Rate, partially offset by lower Other income, net and, to a lesser extent, lower Adjusted OI.\n42\nIndex\nSEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS:\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n% Change \nFavorable \n(Unfavorable) \nConstant Currency\n% Change\nFavorable \n(Unfavorable) \nRESEARCH:\n2022\n2021\nRevenue:\nResearch Publishing \n(1)\n$\n963,715\u00a0\n$\n892,176\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\nResearch Solutions \n(1)\n147,628\u00a0\n123,173\u00a0\n20\u00a0\n%\n20\u00a0\n%\nTotal Research Revenue\n1,111,343\u00a0\n1,015,349\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nCost of Sales\n300,373\u00a0\n275,377\u00a0\n(9)\n%\n(8)\n%\nOperating Expenses\n468,012\u00a0\n429,916\u00a0\n(9)\n%\n(9)\n%\nAmortization of Intangible Assets\n47,731\u00a0\n37,033\u00a0\n(29)\n%\n(28)\n%\nRestructuring Charges (Credits) (see Note 7)\n238\u00a0\n(36)\n#\n#\nContribution to Profit\n294,989\u00a0\n273,059\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nRestructuring Charges (Credits) (see Note 7)\n238\u00a0\n(36)\n#\n#\nAdjusted Contribution to Profit\n295,227\u00a0\n273,023\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nDepreciation and Amortization\n94,899\u00a0\n83,866\u00a0\n(13)\n%\n(13)\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n390,126\u00a0\n$\n356,889\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n%\n10\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA Margin\n35.1\u00a0\n%\n35.1\u00a0\n%\n# Not meaningful\n(1)\nAs previously announced in May 2022, our revenue by product type previously referred to as Research Platforms was changed to Research Solutions. Research Solutions includes infrastructure and publishing services that help societies and corporations thrive in a complex knowledge ecosystem. In addition to Platforms (Atypon), certain product offerings such as corporate sales which included the recent acquisitions of Madgex Holdings Limited (Madgex), and Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.\u2019s Informatics products (Informatics) that were previously included in Research Publishing moved to Research Solutions to align with our strategic focus. Research Solutions also includes product offerings related to certain recent acquisitions such as J&J, and EJP. Prior period results have been revised to the new presentation. There were no changes to the total Research segment or our consolidated financial results. The revenue reclassified was $93.3 million and $80.3 million for the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nRevenue:\nResearch revenue for the year ended April 30, 2022 increased $96.0 million, or 9%, as compared with the prior year on a reported and constant currency basis. Excluding revenue from acquisitions, organic revenue increased 5% on a constant currency basis. This increase was primarily due to an increase in publishing and, to a lesser extent corporate solutions. Research Publishing has continued growth due to Transformational Agreements (read and publish). Excluding the impact from acquisitions, Open Access article output growth was approximately 27% for the year ended April 30, 2022 as compared with the prior year.\nAdjusted EBITDA:\nOn a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased 10% as compared with the prior year. This increase was primarily due to higher revenue, partially offset by higher editorial costs due to additional resources to support investments in growth, which includes the impact of the acquisition of Hindawi and, to a lesser extent, higher cost of sales including the incremental impact of acquisitions, technology, and sales-related costs.\n43\nIndex\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n% Change\nFavorable \n(Unfavorable) \nConstant Currency\n% Change Favorable\n(Unfavorable) \nACADEMIC:\n2022\n2021\nRevenue:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAcademic Publishing\n$\n531,705\u00a0\n$\n538,643\u00a0\n(1)\n%\n(2)\n%\nUniversity Services\n227,407\u00a0\n230,371\u00a0\n(1)\n%\n(1)\n%\nTotal Academic Revenue\n759,112\u00a0\n769,014\u00a0\n(1)\n%\n(2)\n%\nCost of Sales\n309,220\u00a0\n294,365\u00a0\n(5)\n%\n(5)\n%\nOperating Expenses\n333,098\u00a0\n333,858\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\nAmortization of Intangible Assets\n25,547\u00a0\n23,786\u00a0\n(7)\n%\n(7)\n%\nRestructuring (Credits) Charges (see Note 7)\n(470)\n3,457\u00a0\n#\n#\nContribution to Profit\n91,717\u00a0\n113,548\u00a0\n(19)\n%\n(20)\n%\nRestructuring (Credits) Charges (see Note 7)\n(470)\n3,457\u00a0\n#\n#\nAdjusted Contribution to Profit\n91,247\u00a0\n117,005\u00a0\n(22)\n%\n(23)\n%\nDepreciation and Amortization\n81,721\u00a0\n77,823\u00a0\n(5)\n%\n(5)\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n172,968\u00a0\n$\n194,828\u00a0\n(11)\n%\n(12)\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA Margin\n22.8\u00a0\n%\n25.3\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n# Not meaningful\nRevenue:\nAcademic revenue decreased $9.9 million, or 1%, as compared with the prior year on a reported basis. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 2% as compared with prior year. Excluding revenue from acquisitions, organic revenue decreased 2% on a constant currency basis. This decrease was due to Academic Publishing due to a decrease in education publishing due to lower US college enrollment and some easing of prior year COVID-19-related favorability for courseware and content and, to a lesser extent, test preparation. This was partially offset by an increase in professional publishing. This decrease was also due University Services due to a decrease in student enrollments. For the year ended April 30, 2022, University Services experienced an 8% decrease in online enrollment.\nAdjusted EBITDA:\nOn a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 12% as compared with the prior year. This decrease was due to lower revenue, higher student acquisition costs in University Services, and higher print product costs. This was partially offset by lower operating expenses. \n44\nIndex\nYear Ended\nApril 30, \n% Change\nFavorable\n(Unfavorable) \nConstant Currency\n% Change\nFavorable \n(Unfavorable) \nTALENT:\n2022\n2021\nTotal Talent Revenue\n$\n212,473\u00a0\n$\n157,138\u00a0\n35\u00a0\n%\n35\u00a0\n%\nCost of Sales\n91,065\u00a0\n55,593\u00a0\n(64)\n%\n(63)\n%\nOperating Expenses\n85,891\u00a0\n91,833\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\nAmortization of Intangible Assets\n11,558\u00a0\n13,866\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\n17\u00a0\n%\nRestructuring Charges (see Note 7)\n23\u00a0\n577\u00a0\n(96)\n%\n(96)\n%\nContribution to Profit\n23,936\u00a0\n(4,731)\n#\n#\nRestructuring Charges (see Note 7)\n23\u00a0\n577\u00a0\n(96)\n%\n(96)\n%\nAdjusted Contribution to Profit\n23,959\u00a0\n(4,154)\n#\n#\nDepreciation and Amortization\n21,997\u00a0\n23,828\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n45,956\u00a0\n$\n19,674\u00a0\n#\n#\nAdjusted EBITDA Margin\n21.6\u00a0\n%\n12.5\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\n# Not meaningful\nRevenue:\nTalent revenue increased $55.3\u00a0million, or 35%, as compared with the prior year on a reported and constant currency basis. This increase was primarily due to an increase in placements in talent development (Wiley Edge) and, to a lesser extent, driven by a strong recovery in assessments (corporate training) from prior year COVID-19 lockdown impacts. For the year ended April 30, 2022, we delivered approximately 112% growth in IT talent placements in talent development (Wiley Edge).\nAdjusted EBITDA:\nOn a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased $26.3\u00a0million as compared with the prior year. This was due to an increase in revenue, partially offset by higher employee-related costs due to increased investments to accelerate growth in talent development (Wiley Edge).\nCORPORATE EXPENSES:\nCorporate expenses for the year ended April 30, 2022 decreased $5.0 million, or 3%, as compared with the prior year. On a constant currency basis and excluding restructuring (credits) charges, these expenses increased 16% as compared with the prior year. This was primarily due to higher employee-related costs, marketing costs and, to a lesser extent, technology-related spending.\n45\nIndex\nFISCAL YEAR 2024 TRANSITION YEAR OUTLOOK\nWiley has announced strategic actions that will focus Wiley on its strongest and most profitable businesses and large market opportunities in Research and Learning. We are divesting non-core education businesses, including University Services (known as online program management), Wiley Edge (formerly Talent Development) and CrossKnowledge. These assets will be reported as businesses held for sale starting in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. We will be streamlining our organization and rightsizing our cost structure to reflect these portfolio actions. The benefits of these actions will be realized in fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026. \nWiley\u2019s fiscal year 2024 outlook excludes businesses held for sale: University Services, Wiley Edge (Talent Development), and CrossKnowledge, as well as those businesses sold in fiscal year 2023 (test prep and advancement courses). Collectively, these businesses generated $393 million of revenue (19% of our consolidated revenue) and $43 million of Adjusted EBITDA (10% of our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA) in fiscal year 2023. \nWiley\u2019s go-forward reporting structure will consist of two reportable segments: (1) Research and (2) Learning, as well as a Corporate expense category (no change), which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments. Research is unchanged with reporting lines of Research Publishing and Research Solutions. Learning will include reporting lines of Academic (education publishing) and Professional (professional publishing and assessments). Wiley will begin to report on this structure in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. \n(amounts in millions, except Adjusted EPS)\nMetric\nFiscal Year 2023 \nAll Company\nFiscal Year 2023\nEx-Divestitures\nFiscal Year 2024 Outlook \nEx-Divestitures\nAdjusted Revenue \n(1)\n$2,020\n$1,627\n$1,580 to $1,630\nResearch\n$1,080\nFlat (+3% ex-Hindawi)\nLearning\n$547\nDown low single digits\nAdjusted EBITDA \n(1)\n$422\n$379\n$305 to $330\nAdjusted EPS \n(1)\n$3.84\n$3.48\n$2.05 to $2.40\n(1)\nWiley\u2019s fiscal year 2024 outlook (\u201cAdjusted Revenue,\u201d \u201cAdjusted EBITDA,\u201d and \u201cAdjusted EPS\u201d) exclude businesses held for sale, including University Services, Wiley Edge (formerly Talent Development), and CrossKnowledge, as well as those sold in fiscal year 2023, Test Prep and Advancement Courses. \nFiscal Year 2024 Transition Year Outlook\n\u2022\nAdjusted Revenue\n \u2013 Projected year-over-year performance excluding divestitures primarily due to the Hindawi special issues publishing pause and continued softness in consumer and corporate spending. Research revenue is expected to be flat. Excluding Hindawi, our base business is anticipated to grow 3% driven by open access and solutions. In Learning, we are anticipating a low-single decline. We expect steadier market conditions in professional publishing than we saw in fiscal year 2023, but enrollment and print demand remain constrained in higher education, offsetting a modest growth expectation in our professional line. Note, this is a new metric defined as revenue adjusted to exclude businesses held for sale or sold. \n\u2022\nAdjusted EBITDA\n \u2013 Projected year-over-year decline excluding divestitures primarily due to projected revenue performance, notably Hindawi, particularly in the first half of the year, and to a lesser extent the Learning revenue decline. Other contributors include higher employment costs, notably a standard reset of incentive compensation after fiscal year 2023 underperformance ($30 million of Adjusted EBITDA impact) and wage inflation ($20 million of Adjusted EBITDA impact). Wiley is implementing its multi-year business optimization program by expanding its scope to drive operating efficiency and modernization while reducing corporate overhead. Wiley\u2019s Adjusted EBITDA margin for its go-forward business is projected to be 19-20%, down from 23.3% in fiscal year 2023. The Company expects to more than recover its fiscal 2023 margin of 23.3% as it exits fiscal year 2024 and progress from there in fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026. \n\u2022\nAdjusted EPS\n \u2013 Projected year-over-year decline excluding divestitures due to lower projected Adjusted EBITDA, and further impacted by $0.42 of non-operational items including a higher tax rate (-$0.21/share), pension expense (-$0.11/share), and interest expense (-$0.10/share). Our Adjusted Effective Tax Rate is expected to rise from 17.9% in fiscal year 2023 to approximately 25% in fiscal year 2024. Wiley\u2019s higher tax rate is primarily due to a less favorable mix of earnings by country and an increase in the UK statutory rate. Wiley froze its US and UK pension programs in 2015, and they are approximately 90% funded.\n46\nIndex\nWiley is not providing a Free Cash Flow outlook due to the uncertainty around both the timing of divestitures and the size and scope of restructuring payments.\nIn August 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued guidance for US federal agencies to make federally funded research freely available starting no later than December 31, 2025, without an embargo. For reference, approximately 10% of Wiley\u2019s published articles today are funded by US federal departments impacted by this guidance, and approximately 27% of those articles are already open access. Wiley has been working for several years with the OSTP and other stakeholders around the world to support the orderly transition to open research. This new guidance is aligned with Wiley\u2019s stated strategy and mission and is supported by the growth the Company is seeing in open research publishing. Wiley supports multiple publishing models to execute against the industry\u2019s shared objective of unlocking access to scientific research and improving the efficiency of peer review and publication. Those models include journal subscriptions (\u201cpay to read\u201d), transformational agreements (\u201cpay to read and publish\u201d), and open access (\u201cpay to publish\u201d). In the past three years, our open access revenues, including from transformational agreements, have increased from less than 9% of total Research Publishing revenues to approximately 32% today. Based on our assessment of the guidance, we do not believe it will have a material financial impact on our Company.\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:\nPrincipal Sources of Liquidity\nWe believe that our operating cash flow, together with our revolving credit facilities and other available debt financing, will be adequate to meet our operating, investing, and financing needs in the foreseeable future. Operating cash flow provides the primary source of cash to fund operating needs and capital expenditures. Excess operating cash is used to fund shareholder dividends. Other discretionary uses of cash flow include share repurchases and acquisitions to complement our portfolio of businesses. As necessary, we may supplement operating cash flow with debt to fund these activities. The overall cash position of the Company reflects our durable business results and a global cash management strategy that considers liquidity management, economic factors and tax considerations. Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained at a number of financial institutions. To mitigate the risk of uninsured balances, we select financial institutions based on their credit ratings and financial strength, and we perform ongoing evaluations of these institutions to limit our concentration risk exposure to any financial institution.\nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $106.7 million, of which approximately $104.6 million, or 98%, was located outside the US. Maintenance of these cash and cash equivalent balances outside the US does not have a material impact on the liquidity or capital resources of our operations. We intend to repatriate earnings from our non-US subsidiaries, and to the extent we repatriate these funds to the US, we will be required to pay income taxes in various US state and local jurisdictions and applicable non-US withholding or similar taxes in the periods in which such repatriation occurs. Accordingly, as of April\u00a030, 2023, we have recorded an approximately $2.8 million deferred tax liability related to the estimated taxes that would be incurred upon repatriating certain non-US earnings to the US.\nOn November 30, 2022, we entered into the second amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the Amended and Restated CA). See Note 14, \u201cDebt and Available Credit Facilities\u201d for more details on the amendment. The Amended and Restated CA provided for senior unsecured credit facilities comprised of a (i) five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount up to $1.115\u00a0billion, (ii) a five-year term loan A facility consisting of $200\u00a0million, and (iii) $185\u00a0million aggregate principal amount revolving credit facility through May 2024. \n47\nIndex\nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, we had approximately $748.3 million of debt outstanding, net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.7 million, and approximately $749.5 million of unused borrowing capacity under our Amended and Restated CA and other facilities. Our Amended and Restated CA contains certain restrictive covenants related to our consolidated leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio, which we were in compliance with as of April\u00a030, 2023.\nContractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments\nA summary of contractual obligations and commercial commitments, excluding unrecognized tax benefits further described in Note 13, \u201cIncome Taxes,\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\n,\n as of April\u00a030, 2023 is as follows:\nPayments Due by Period\n(in millions)\nTotal\nWithin\nYear 1\n2\u20133\nYears\n4\u20135\nYears\nAfter 5\nYears\nTotal debt\n(1)\n$\n749.0\u00a0\n$\n5.0\u00a0\n$\n35.0\u00a0\n$\n709.0\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nInterest on debt\n(2)\n164.3\u00a0\n33.9\u00a0\n74.4\u00a0\n56.0\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nNon-cancellable leases\n171.5\u00a0\n26.5\u00a0\n48.5\u00a0\n32.3\u00a0\n64.2\u00a0\nMinimum royalty obligations\n385.5\u00a0\n98.1\u00a0\n147.5\u00a0\n93.6\u00a0\n46.3\u00a0\nOther operating commitments\n85.2\u00a0\n51.4\u00a0\n33.7\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n1,555.5\u00a0\n$\n214.9\u00a0\n$\n339.1\u00a0\n$\n891.0\u00a0\n$\n110.5\u00a0\n(1)\nTotal debt is exclusive of unamortized issuance costs of $0.7 million.\n(2)\nInterest on debt includes the effect of our interest rate swap agreements and the estimated future interest payments on our unhedged variable rate debt, assuming that the interest rates as of April\u00a030, 2023 remain constant until the maturity of the debt.\nAnalysis of Historical Cash Flow\nThe following table shows the changes in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:\nYears Ended April 30, \n2023\n2022\n2021\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n$\n277,071\u00a0\n$\n339,100\u00a0\n$\n359,923\u00a0\nNet cash used in investing activities\n(98,398)\n(194,024)\n(433,154)\nNet cash used in financing activities\n(168,568)\n(131,638)\n(47,086)\nEffect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash\n$\n(3,570)\n$\n(7,070)\n$\n11,629\u00a0\nCash flow from operations is seasonally a use of cash in the first half of Wiley\u2019s fiscal year principally due to the timing of collections for annual journal subscriptions, which typically occurs in the beginning of the second half of our fiscal year.\nFree cash flow less product development spending helps assess our ability, over the long term, to create value for our shareholders, as it represents cash available to repay debt, pay common dividends, and fund share repurchases, and acquisitions. Below are the details of Free cash flow less product development spending.\n48\nIndex\nFree Cash Flow Less Product Development Spending:\nYears Ended April 30,\n2023\n2022\n2021\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n$\n277,071\u00a0\n$\n339,100\u00a0\n$\n359,923\u00a0\nLess: Additions to technology, property and equipment\n(81,155)\n(88,843)\n(77,407)\nLess: Product development spending\n(22,958)\n(27,015)\n(25,954)\nFree cash flow less product development spending\n$\n172,958\u00a0\n$\n223,242\u00a0\n$\n256,562\u00a0\nNet Cash Provided By Operating Activities\n2023 compared to 2022\nThe following is a summary of the $62.0\u00a0million change in Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, as compared with the year ended April\u00a030, 2022 (amounts in millions).\nNet cash provided by operating activities \u2013 Year ended April\u00a030, 2022\n$\n339.1\u00a0\nNet income adjusted for items to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, which would include such noncash items as depreciation and amortization, impairment of goodwill, restructuring and related charges (credits), and the change in deferred taxes\n(27.8)\nWorking capital changes:\nAccounts receivable, net and contract liabilities \n6.6\u00a0\nAccounts payable and accrued royalties\n6.5\u00a0\nChanges in other assets and liabilities\n(47.3)\nNet cash provided by operating activities \u2013 Year ended April\u00a030, 2023\n$\n277.1\u00a0\nThe favorable change in accounts receivable, net and contract liabilities was primarily due to the timing of collections and billings with customers. \nThe favorable change in accounts payable and accrued royalties was due to the timing of payments.\nThe unfavorable changes in other assets and liabilities noted in the table above was primarily due to higher restructuring payments in fiscal year 2023, and lower employee related costs due to lower annual incentive compensation for fiscal year 2023.\nOur negative working capital (current assets less current liabilities) was $354.3 million and $418.6 million as of April\u00a030, 2023 and April\u00a030, 2022, respectively. The primary driver of the negative working capital is the benefit realized from unearned contract liabilities related to subscriptions for which cash has been collected in advance. The contract liabilities will be recognized as income when the products are shipped or made available online to the customers over the term of the subscription. Current liabilities as of April\u00a030, 2023 and as of April\u00a030, 2022 include contract liabilities of $504.7 million and $538.1 million, respectively, primarily related to deferred subscription revenue for which cash was collected in advance.\nCash collected in advance for subscriptions is used by us for a number of purposes, including funding operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt repayments, dividend payments, and share repurchases.\n2022 compared to 2021\nThe following is a summary of the $20.8\u00a0million change in Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended April 30, 2022 as compared with the year ended April 30, 2021 (amounts in millions).\n49\nIndex\nNet cash provided by operating activities \u2013 Year ended April 30, 2021\n$\n359.9\u00a0\nNet income adjusted for items to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, which would include such noncash items as depreciation and amortization and the change in deferred taxes\n(16.3)\nWorking capital changes:\nAccounts payable and accrued royalties\n47.5\u00a0\nAccounts receivable, net and contract liabilities\n(23.3)\nChanges in other assets and liabilities\n(28.7)\nNet cash provided by operating activities \u2013 Year ended April 30, 2022\n$\n339.1\u00a0\nThe favorable change in accounts payable and accrued royalties was due to the timing of payments.\nThe unfavorable change in accounts receivable, net and contract liabilities was primarily the result of sales growth, as well as the timing of billings and collections with customers.\nThe unfavorable changes in other assets and liabilities noted in the table above was primarily due to an increase in employee-related costs, including payments due to higher annual incentive compensation payments in fiscal year 2022, partially offset by a favorable change in income taxes, and a decrease in restructuring payments.\nOur negative working capital (current assets less current liabilities) was $418.6 million and $462.7 million as of April 30, 2022 and April 30, 2021, respectively. The primary driver of the negative working capital is the benefit realized from unearned contract liabilities related to subscriptions for which cash has been collected in advance. The contract liabilities will be recognized as income when the products are shipped or made available online to the customers over the term of the subscription. Current liabilities as of April 30, 2022 and as of April 30, 2021 include contract liabilities of $538.1 million and $545.4 million, respectively, primarily related to deferred subscription revenue for which cash was collected in advance.\nCash collected in advance for subscriptions is used by us for a number of purposes, including funding operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt repayments, dividend payments, and share repurchases.\nNet Cash Used In Investing Activities\n2023 Compared to 2022\nNet cash used in investing activities in the year ended April\u00a030, 2023 was $98.4 million compared to $194.0 million in the prior year. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a decrease of $68.4 million in cash used to acquire businesses. Additionally, cash proceeds related to the sale of businesses and certain assets increased $12.2 million. See Note 4, \u201cAcquisitions and Divestitures\u201d for more information related to the acquisitions and divestitures that occurred in the years ended April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022. For additions of technology, property, and equipment and product development spending decreased $7.7 million and $4.1 million, respectively. \n2022 Compared to 2021\nNet cash used in investing activities in the year ended April 30, 2022 was $194.0 million compared to $433.2 million in the prior year. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was due to a decrease of $224.2 million in cash used to acquire businesses. See Note 4, \u201cAcquisitions and Divestitures\u201d for more information related to the acquisitions that occurred in the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021. Additionally, cash outflows for the acquisitions of publication rights and other activities decreased $24.0 million. This was partially offset by an increase of $11.4 million for additions of technology, property, and equipment.\n50\nIndex\nNet Cash Used In Financing Activities\n2023 Compared to 2022\nNet cash used in financing activities in the year ended April\u00a030, 2023 was $168.6 million compared to $131.6 million in the year ended April\u00a030, 2022. This change was primarily due to an increase in net debt repayments of $27.9 million and, to a lesser extent, a $5.0 million increase in cash used for purchases of treasury shares, and $4.5 million of cash used for costs related to the second amendment of the Amended and Restated CA.\n2022 Compared to 2021\nNet cash used in financing activities was $131.6 million in the year ended April 30, 2022 compared to net cash used of $47.1 million in the year ended April 30, 2021. This change was primarily due to net debt repayments of $11.0 million in the year ended April 30, 2022 compared with net debt borrowings of $30.7 million in the year ended April 30, 2021 and, to a lesser extent, a $24.7 million change from book overdrafts, and a $14.2 million increase in cash used for purchases of treasury shares.\nDividends and Share Repurchases\nIn the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, we increased our quarterly dividend to shareholders to $1.39 per share annualized versus $1.38 per share annualized in the prior year.\nIn the year ended April\u00a030, 2022, we increased our quarterly dividend to shareholders to $1.38 per share annualized versus $1.37 per share annualized in the prior year.\nDuring the year ended April 30, 2020, our Board of Directors approved an additional share repurchase program of $200 million of Class A or B Common Stock. As of April 30, 2023, we had authorization from our Board of Directors to purchase up to $162.5 million that was remaining under this program. During the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, we purchased $35.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively, under this program. No share repurchases were made under this program during the year ended April 30, 2021. The share repurchase program described above is in addition to the share repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors during the year ended April 30, 2017 of four million shares of Class A or B Common Stock. As of April 30, 2022, no additional shares were remaining under this program for purchase.\nThe following table summarizes the shares repurchased of Class A and B Common Stock (shares in thousands):\nYears Ended April 30,\n2023\n2022\n2021\nShares repurchased \u2013 Class A\n831\n542\n308\nShares repurchased \u2013 Class B\n1\n2\n2\nAverage Price \u2013 Class A and Class B\n$\n42.07\u00a0\n$\n55.14\u00a0\n$\n50.93\u00a0\nRECENTLY ISSUED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS, ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE, AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS\nWe are subject to numerous recently issued statements of financial accounting standards, accounting guidance, and disclosure requirements. The information set forth in Part II, Item 8, \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d in Note 2, \u201cSummary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference and describes these new accounting standards.\n51\nIndex\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES:\nThe preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in conformity with US GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include, among other items, sales return reserves, allocation of acquisition purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, intangible assets with definite lives and other long-lived assets, and retirement plans. We review these estimates and assumptions periodically using historical experience and other factors and reflect the effects of any revisions on the Consolidated Financial Statements in the period we determine any revisions to be necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates, which could affect the reported results. In Part II, Item 8, \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d in Note 2, \u201cSummary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Set forth below is a discussion of our more critical accounting policies and methods.\nRevenue Recognition:\nIn Part II, Item 8, \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data,\u201d see Note 3, \u201cRevenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers,\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of our revenue recognition policy.\nSales Return Reserves:\nIn Part II, Item 8, \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data,\u201d see Note 2, \u201cSummary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards\u201d in the section \u201cSummary of Significant Accounting Policies\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of our sales return reserves.\nA one percent change in the estimated sales return rate could affect net income by approximately $2.6 million. A change in the pattern or trends in returns could also affect the estimated allowance.\nAllocation of Acquisition Purchase Price to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed\n:\nIn connection with acquisitions, we allocate the cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the estimates of fair value for such items, including intangible assets. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The determination of the acquisition date fair value of the assets acquired, and liabilities assumed, requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, such as, if applicable, forecasted revenue growth rates and operating cash flows, royalty rates, customer attrition rates, obsolescence rates of developed technology, and discount rates. We may use a third-party valuation consultant to assist in the determination of such estimates.\nIn Part II, Item 8, \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data,\u201d see Note 4, \u201cAcquisitions and Divestitures\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of our acquisitions.\nGoodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:\nGoodwill is reviewed for possible impairment at least annually on a reporting unit level during the fourth quarter of each year. Our annual impairment assessment date is February 1. A review of goodwill may be initiated before or after conducting the annual analysis if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may no longer be recoverable.\nA reporting unit is the operating segment unless, at businesses one level below that operating segment\u2013 the \u201ccomponent\u201d level, discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management, and the component has economic characteristics that are different from the economic characteristics of the other components of the operating segment, in which case the component is the reporting unit.\n52\nIndex\nAs part of the annual impairment test, we may elect to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. In a qualitative assessment, we would consider the macroeconomic conditions, including any deterioration of general conditions and industry and market conditions, including any deterioration in the environment where the reporting unit operates, increased competition, changes in the products/services and regulatory and political developments, cost of doing business, overall financial performance, including any declining cash flows and performance in relation to planned revenues and earnings in past periods, other relevant reporting unit specific facts, such as changes in management or key personnel or pending litigation, and events affecting the reporting unit, including changes in the carrying value of net assets.\nIf the results of our qualitative assessment indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we are required to perform a quantitative assessment to determine the fair value of the reporting unit.\nAlternatively, if an optional qualitative goodwill impairment assessment is not performed, we may perform a quantitative assessment. Under the quantitative assessment, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, there would be no indication of impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit were less than the carrying value, an impairment charge would be recognized for the difference.\nWe derive an estimate of fair values for each of our reporting units using a combination of an income approach and a market approach, each based on an applicable weighting. We assess the applicable weighting based on such factors as current market conditions and the quality and reliability of the data. Absent an indication of fair value from a potential buyer or similar specific transactions, we believe that the use of these methods provides a reasonable estimate of a reporting unit\u2019s fair value.\nFair value computed by these methods is arrived at using a number of key assumptions including forecasted revenues and related growth rates, forecasted operating cash flows, the discount rate, and the selection of relevant market multiples of comparable publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to the reporting unit. There are inherent uncertainties, however, related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them to this analysis. We believe that the combination of these methods provides a reasonable approach to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. Assumptions for sales, net earnings, and cash flows for each reporting unit were consistent among these methods.\nFiscal Year 2023 and 2022 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test\nAs of February 1, 2023, we completed a quantitative assessment for our annual goodwill impairment test for our University Services reporting unit. We concluded that the fair value of the reporting unit was above the carrying value and, therefore, there was no indication of impairment. For our other reporting units, we performed a qualitative assessment by reporting unit as of February 1, 2023. This assessment included consideration of key factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, financial performance, and other relevant entity and reporting unit-specific events. Based on our qualitative assessment, we determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. As such, it was not necessary to perform a quantitative test. There have been no significant events or circumstances affecting the valuation of goodwill subsequent to the qualitative assessment performed as of February 1, 2023.\nAs of February 1, 2022, we completed a quantitative assessment for our annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units. We concluded that the fair values of our reporting units were above their carrying values and, therefore, there was no indication of impairment.\nIncome Approach Used to Determine Fair Values\nThe income approach is based upon the present value of expected cash flows. Expected cash flows are converted to present value using factors that consider the timing and risk of the future cash flows. The estimate of cash flows used is prepared on an unleveraged debt-free basis. We use a discount rate that reflects a market-derived weighted average cost of capital. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit\u2019s expected long-term operating and cash flow performance. The projections are based upon our best estimates of forecasted economic and market conditions over the related period including growth rates, expected changes in forecasted operating cash flows, and cash expenditures. Other estimates and assumptions include terminal value long-term growth rates, provisions for income taxes, future capital expenditures, and changes in future cashless, debt-free working capital.\n53\nIndex\nChanges in any of these assumptions could materially impact the estimated fair value of our reporting units. As noted below, the University Services reporting unit incurred an interim goodwill impairment. If the University Services reporting unit fair value decreases further in future periods, we could potentially have an additional impairment which would be limited to the remaining allocated goodwill of approximately $11 million as of April 30, 2023. Our forecasts take into account the near and long-term expected business performance, considering the long-term market conditions and business trends within the reporting units. However, changes in these assumptions may impact our ability to recover the allocated goodwill in the future. For further discussion of the factors that could result in a change in our assumptions, see \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nMarket Approach Used to Determine Fair Values\nThe market approach estimates the fair value of the reporting unit by applying multiples of operating performance measures to the reporting unit\u2019s operating performance (the Guideline Public Company Method). These multiples are derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar investment characteristics to the reporting unit, and such comparable data are reviewed and updated as needed annually. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate using multiples from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units and Wiley.\nThe key estimates and assumptions that are used to determine fair value under this market approach include current and forward 12-month revenue and EBITDA results, as applicable, and the selection of the relevant multiples to be applied. Under the Guideline Public Company Method, a control premium, or an amount that a buyer is usually willing to pay over the current market price of a publicly traded company is considered, and applied to the calculated equity values to adjust the public trading value upward for a 100% ownership interest, where applicable.\nIn order to assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our reporting units, we also compare the sum of the reporting units\u2019 fair values to our market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units\u2019 fair values over the market capitalization). We evaluate the control premium by comparing it to control premiums of recent comparable market transactions. If the implied control premium is not reasonable in light of these recent transactions, we will reevaluate our fair value estimates of the reporting units by adjusting the discount rates and/or other assumptions.\nIf our assumptions and related estimates change in the future, or if we change our reporting unit structure or other events and circumstances change (such as a sustained decrease in the price of our common stock, a decline in current market multiples, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climates, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, heightened competition, strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions, or a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or disposed of), we may be required to record impairment charges in future periods. Any impairment charges that we may take in the future could be material to our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.\nFiscal Year 2023 Segment Realignment Goodwill Impairment Test\nIn the third quarter of fiscal year 2023, we began to operate under a new organizational structure, which resulted in a change in our composition of our reportable segments, which resulted in a change in our reporting units. See Note 20, \u201cSegment Information,\u201d for more details. The Academic reportable segment includes two reporting units, Academic Publishing and University Services, and the Talent reportable segment includes two reporting units, Talent Development and Professional Learning.\n \nNo changes were made to the Research reportable segment. As a result of this realignment, we are required to test goodwill for impairment immediately before and after the realignment. Since there were no changes to the Research reportable segment, no interim impairment test of the Research reportable segment goodwill was required. \nWe estimated the fair value of the reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from an income and a market approach. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on our best estimates of forecasted economic and market conditions over the period including growth rates, expected changes in operating cash flows. The discount rate used is based on a weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of the business and the projected cash flows. The market approach estimates fair value based on market multiples of current and forward 12-month revenue or EBITDA, as applicable, derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit.\n54\nIndex\nGoodwill Impairment Before Realignment\nPrior to the realignment, we concluded that the fair value of the Academic & Professional Learning reporting unit was above its carrying value.\n \nTherefore, there was no indication of impairment.\n \nThe carrying value of the Education Services reporting unit was above its fair value which resulted in a pretax non-cash goodwill impairment of $31.0 million. This charge is reflected in Impairment of goodwill in the Consolidated Statements of Income.\nEducation Services was adversely impacted by market conditions and headwinds for online degree programs. This has led to a decline in projected student enrollments from existing partners, pricing pressures and revenue share concessions, and a decline in new partner additions over both the short-term and long-term, which adversely impacted forecasted revenue growth and operating cash flows. This was partially offset by projected growth in talent placements, partially due to expansion into new regions and the addition of new corporate clients, which are forecasted to have a positive impact on revenue growth and operating cash flows. \nThe key assumptions underlying the estimate of the fair value of the Education Services reporting unit included the following:\n\u2022\nFuture cash flow assumptions \u2013 the projections for future cash flows utilized in the model were derived from historical experience and assumptions regarding future growth and profitability of the reporting unit. These projections include forecasted revenues and related growth rates, and forecasted operating cash flows, and are consistent with our operating budget and strategic plan. We applied a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 8.5% for forecasted sales in our projected cash flows through fiscal year 2036. Beyond the forecasted period, a terminal value was determined using a perpetuity growth rate of 3.0% to reflect our estimate of stable and perpetual growth.\n\u2022\nDiscount rate based on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) \u2013 the WACC is the rate used to discount the reporting unit\u2019s estimated future cash flows. The WACC is calculated based on a proportionate weighting of the cost of debt and equity. The cost of equity is based on a capital asset pricing model and includes a company-specific risk premium to capture the perceived risks and uncertainties associated with the reporting unit\u2019s projected cash flows. The cost of debt component is calculated based on the after-tax cost of debt of Moody\u2019s Baa-rated corporate bonds. The cost of debt and equity is weighted based on the debt to market capitalization ratio of publicly traded companies with similarities to the Education Services reporting unit. The WACC applied to the Education Services reporting unit was 15%.\n\u2022\nValuation Multiples \u2013 for the Guideline Public Company Method, we applied relevant current and forward 12-month revenue multiples based on an evaluation of multiples of publicly-traded companies with similarities to the Education Services reporting unit. The multiples applied ranged from 1.1x to 1.2x revenue.\nThe following hypothetical changes in the valuation of the Education Services reporting unit would have impacted the goodwill impairment as follows (absent of any related impact in discount rates applies):\n\u2022\nA hypothetical 1% increase to revenue growth and EBITDA margins would have reduced the impairment charge by approximately $30\u00a0million.\n\u2022\nA hypothetical 1% decrease to revenue growth and EBITDA margins would have increased the impairment charge by approximately $25\u00a0million.\nPrior to performing the goodwill impairment test for Education Services, we also evaluated the recoverability of long-lived assets of the reporting unit. The carrying value of the long-lived assets that were tested for impairment was approximately $467.0 million. When indicators of impairment are present, we test definite lived and long-lived assets for recoverability by comparing the carrying value of an asset group to an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. We considered the lower-than-expected revenue and forecasted operating cash flows over a sustained period of time, and downward revisions to our cash flow forecasts for this reporting unit to be indicators of impairment for their long-lived assets. Based on the results of the recoverability test, we determined that the undiscounted cash flows of the asset group of the Education Services reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. Therefore, there was no impairment.\nGoodwill Impairment After Realignment\nAfter the realignment, we concluded that the fair value of the Academic Publishing, Talent Development and Professional Learning reporting units were above their carrying values. Therefore, there was no indication of impairment. The carrying value of the University Services reporting unit was above its fair value which resulted in a pretax non-cash goodwill impairment of $68.8 million. This charge is reflected in Impairment of goodwill in the Consolidated Statements of Income.\n55\nIndex\nUniversity Services was adversely impacted by market conditions and headwinds for online degree programs which led to a decline in projected enrollments from existing partners, pricing pressures and revenue share concessions, and a decline in new partner additions over both the short-term and long-term which adversely impacted forecasted revenue growth and operating cash flows. \nThe key assumptions underlying the estimate of the fair value of the University Services reporting unit included the following:\n\u2022\nFuture cash flow assumptions \u2013 the projections for future cash flows utilized in the model were derived from historical experience and assumptions regarding future growth and profitability of the reporting unit. These projections include forecasted revenues and related growth rates, and forecasted operating cash flows, and are consistent with our operating budget and strategic plan. We applied a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 3.7% for forecasted sales in our projected cash flows through fiscal year 2036. Beyond the forecasted period, a terminal value was determined using a perpetuity growth rate of 3.0% to reflect our estimate of stable and perpetual growth.\n\u2022\nDiscount rate based on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) \u2013 the WACC is the rate used to discount the reporting unit\u2019s estimated future cash flows. The WACC is calculated based on a proportionate weighting of the cost of debt and equity. The cost of equity is based on a capital asset pricing model and includes a company-specific risk premium to capture the perceived risks and uncertainties associated with the reporting unit\u2019s projected cash flows. The cost of debt component is calculated based on the after-tax cost of debt of Moody\u2019s Baa-rated corporate bonds. The cost of debt and equity is weighted based on the debt to market capitalization ratio of publicly traded companies with similarities to the University Services reporting unit. The WACC applied to the University Services reporting unit was 11.0%.\n\u2022\nValuation Multiples \u2013 for the Guideline Public Company Method, we applied relevant current and forward 12-month EBITDA multiples based on an evaluation of multiples of publicly-traded companies with similarities to the University Services reporting unit. The multiples applied ranged from 6.0x to 7.0x EBITDA.\nThe following hypothetical changes in the valuation of the University Services reporting unit would have impacted the goodwill impairment as follows (absent of any related impact in discount rates applies):\n\u2022\nA hypothetical 1% increase to revenue growth and EBITDA margins would have reduced the impairment charge by approximately $15\u00a0million.\n\u2022\nA hypothetical 1% decrease to revenue growth and EBITDA margins would have increased the impairment charge by approximately $12\u00a0million.\nPrior to performing the goodwill impairment test for University Services, we also evaluated the recoverability of long-lived assets of the reporting unit. The carrying value of the long-lived assets that were tested for impairment was approximately $326.0 million. When indicators of impairment are present, we test definite lived and long-lived assets for recoverability by comparing the carrying value of an asset group to an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. We considered the lower-than-expected revenue and forecasted operating cash flows over a sustained period of time, and downward revisions to our cash flow forecasts for this reporting unit to be indicators of impairment for their long-lived assets. Based on the results of the recoverability test, we determined that the undiscounted cash flows of the asset group of the University Services reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. Therefore, there was no impairment.\nFiscal Year 2023 and 2022 Annual Indefinite-lived Intangible Impairment Test\nWe also review our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, which consists of brands and trademarks and certain acquired publishing rights. \nFor fiscal year 2023, we performed a qualitative assessment for our annual indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test. This assessment included consideration of key factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, financial performance, and other relevant entity and reporting unit-specific events. Based on our qualitative assessment, we determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any indefinite-lived intangible asset was less than its carrying amount. As such, it was not necessary to perform a quantitative test. \n56\nIndex\nFor fiscal year 2022, we estimated the fair value of these indefinite-lived intangible assets using a relief from royalty method under an income approach. The key assumptions for this method were revenue projections, a royalty rate as determined by management in consultation with valuation experts, and a discount rate. We concluded that the fair values of these indefinite-lived intangible assets were above their carrying values and therefore, there was no indication of impairment.\nIntangible Assets with Definite Lives and Other Long-Lived Assets:\nSee Note 2, \u201cSummary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,\u201d in the section \u201cSummary of Significant Accounting Policies\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of definite lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets.\nRetirement Plans:\nWe provide defined benefit pension plans for certain employees worldwide. Our Board of Directors approved amendments to the US, Canada, and UK defined benefit plans that froze the future accumulation of benefits effective June 30, 2013, December 31, 2015, and April 30, 2015, respectively. Under the amendments, no new employees will be permitted to enter these plans and no additional benefits for current participants for future services will be accrued after the effective dates of the amendments.\nThe accounting for benefit plans is highly dependent on assumptions concerning the outcome of future events and circumstances, including discount rates, long-term return rates on pension plan assets, healthcare cost trends, compensation increases, and other factors. In determining such assumptions, we consult with outside actuaries and other advisors.\nThe discount rates for the US, Canada, and UK pension plans are based on the derivation of a single-equivalent discount rate using a standard spot rate curve and the timing of expected benefit payments as of the balance sheet date. The spot rate curves are based upon portfolios of corporate bonds rated at Aa or above by a respected rating agency. The discount rate for Germany is based on the expected benefit payments for the sample mixed population plan. The expected long-term rates of return on pension plan assets are estimated using forecasted returns for the asset classifications within the asset portfolio, and a composite return assumption range is determined using a weighted average based on each plan\u2019s target asset allocation percentage. Salary growth and healthcare cost trend assumptions are based on our historical experience and future outlook. While we believe that the assumptions used in these calculations are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions could materially affect the expense and liabilities related to our defined benefit pension plans.\n A hypothetical one percent increase in the discount rate would increase net income and decrease the accrued pension liability by approximately $1.2 million and $76.2 million, respectively. A one percent decrease in the discount rate would decrease net income and increase the accrued pension liability by approximately $0.3 million and $89.2 million, respectively. A one percent change in the expected long-term rate of return would affect net income by approximately $5.1 million.\n57\nIndex",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\nWe are exposed to market risk primarily related to interest rates, foreign exchange, and credit risk. It is our policy to monitor these exposures, and to use derivative financial investments and/or insurance contracts from time to time to reduce fluctuations in earnings and cash flows when it is deemed appropriate to do so. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.\nInterest Rates:\nFrom time to time, we may use interest rate swaps, collars, or options to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. It is management\u2019s intention that the notional amount of interest rate swaps be less than the variable rate loans outstanding during the life of the derivatives.\nThe information set forth in Note 15, \u201cDerivative Instruments and Activities,\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption \u201cInterest Rate Contracts,\u201d is incorporated herein by reference.\nOn an annual basis, a hypothetical 1% change in interest rates for the $249.1 million of unhedged variable rate debt as of April\u00a030, 2023 would affect net income and cash flow by approximately $2 million.\nForeign Exchange Rates:\nFluctuations in the currencies of countries where we operate outside the US may have a significant impact on financial results. We are primarily exposed to movements in British pound sterling, euros, Canadian and Australian dollars, and certain currencies in Asia. The statements of financial position of non-US business units are translated into US dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and the Statements of Income are translated into US dollars using weighted-average exchange rates for revenues and expenses. The percentage of consolidated revenue for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023 recognized in the following currencies (on an equivalent US dollar basis) were approximately: 57% US dollar, 24% British pound sterling, 10% euro, and 9% other currencies.\nOur significant investments in non-US businesses are exposed to foreign currency risk. Adjustments resulting from translating assets and liabilities are reported as a separate component of Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax within Shareholders\u2019 Equity under the caption Foreign currency translation adjustment. During the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, we recorded foreign currency translation gains in Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax of approximately $3.2 million primarily as a result of the fluctuations of the US dollar relative to the euro and the British pound sterling, partially offset by fluctuations of the US dollar relative to the Australian dollar. During the year ended April\u00a030, 2022, we recorded foreign currency translation (losses) in Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax of approximately $(71.6) million primarily as a result of the fluctuations of the US dollar relative to the British pound sterling and, to a lesser extent, the euro. During the year ended April\u00a030, 2021, we recorded foreign currency translation gains in Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax of approximately $82.8 million, primarily as a result of the fluctuations of the US dollar relative to the British pound sterling and, to a lesser extent, the euro.\nExchange rate gains or losses related to foreign currency transactions are recognized as transaction gains or losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income as incurred. Under certain circumstances, we may enter into derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward contracts to hedge against specific transactions, including intercompany purchases and loans.\nThe information set forth in Note 15, \u201cDerivative Instruments and Activities,\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption \u201cForeign Currency Contracts,\u201d is incorporated herein by reference.\nCustomer Credit Risk:\nIn the journal publishing business, subscriptions are primarily sourced through journal subscription agents who, acting as agents for library customers, facilitate ordering by consolidating the subscription orders/billings of each subscriber with various publishers. Cash is generally collected in advance from subscribers by the subscription agents and is principally remitted to us between the months of December and April. Although at fiscal year-end we had minimal credit risk exposure to these agents, future calendar year subscription receipts from these agents are highly dependent on their financial condition and liquidity. Subscription agents account for approximately 15% of total annual consolidated revenue, and no one agent accounts for more than 10% of total annual consolidated revenue.\nOur book business is not dependent upon a single customer; however, the industry is concentrated in national, regional, and online bookstore chains. Although no book customer accounts for more than 6% of total consolidated revenue and 10% of accounts receivable at April\u00a030, 2023, the top 10 book customers account for approximately 10% of total consolidated revenue and approximately 20% of accounts receivable at April\u00a030, 2023.\n58\nIndex",
+ "cik": "107140",
+ "cusip6": "968223",
+ "cusip": ["968223206"],
+ "names": ["WILEY (JOHN) SONS CLASS A"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/107140/000010714023000092/0000107140-23-000092-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000108385-23-000022.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000108385-23-000022.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ec322ca278
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000108385-23-000022.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\u00a0\nDescription of Business\nGeneral.\n\u00a0The Company, which has continuously operated since July 1962, is now one of the nation's largest small-loan consumer finance companies, offering short-term small installment loans, medium-term larger installment loans, related credit insurance and ancillary products and services to individuals.\u00a0The Company offers traditional installment loans generally between $500 and $6,000, with the average loan origination being $2,359 in fiscal 2023. The Company operates 1,073 branches in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin as of March 31, 2023.\u00a0The Company generally serves individuals with limited access to other sources of consumer credit such as banks, credit unions, other consumer finance businesses and credit card lenders.\u00a0The Company also offers income tax return preparation services to its loan customers and other individuals.\nThe traditional installment loan industry is a highly fragmented segment of the consumer lending industry.\u00a0Installment loan finance companies generally make loans to individuals of less than $2,000 with maturities of less than 18 months.\u00a0These companies approve loans on the basis of the personal creditworthiness of their customers and maintain close contact with borrowers to encourage the repayment or, when appropriate to meet the borrower\u2019s needs, the refinancing of loans.\u00a0By contrast, commercial banks, credit unions and some other consumer finance businesses typically make loans of more than $5,000 with maturities of greater than one year.\u00a0Those financial institutions generally approve consumer loans on the security of qualifying personal property pledged as collateral or impose more stringent credit requirements than those of small-loan consumer finance companies.\u00a0As a result of their higher credit standards and specific collateral requirements, commercial banks, credit unions and other consumer finance businesses typically charge lower interest rates and fees and experience lower delinquency and charge-off rates than do small-loan consumer finance companies.\u00a0Traditional installment loan companies generally charge higher interest rates and fees to compensate for the greater risk of delinquencies and charge-offs and increased loan administration and collection costs.\nThe majority of the participants in the industry are independent operators with generally less than 100 branches. We believe that competition between small-loan consumer finance companies occurs primarily on the basis of the strength of customer relationships, customer service and reputation in the local community. We believe that our relatively large size affords us a competitive advantage over smaller companies by increasing our access to, and reducing our cost of capital.\nSmall-loan consumer finance companies are subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and licensing under various federal and state laws and regulations, as well as local ordinances. Consumer loan offices are licensed under state laws which, in many states, establish maximum loan amounts, interest rates, permissible fees and charges and other aspects of the operation of small-loan consumer finance companies. Furthermore, the industry is subject to numerous federal laws and regulations that affect lending operations. These federal laws require companies to provide complete disclosure of the terms of each loan to the borrower in accordance with specified standards prior to the consummation of the loan transaction. Federal laws also prohibit misleading advertising, protect against discriminatory lending practices and prohibit unfair, deceptive, and abusive credit practices.\nBranch Expansion and Consolidation.\n\u00a0As of March 31, 2023, the Company had 1,073 branches in 16 states, with over 100 branches located in Texas and Georgia. During fiscal 2023, the Company opened 2 new branches and merged 96 branches into other existing branches due to their inability to generate sufficient returns or for efficiency reasons.\u00a0In fiscal 2024, the Company may open or acquire new branches in its existing market areas or commence operations in new states where it believes demographic profiles and state regulations are attractive.\u00a0The Company may merge other branches on a case-by-case basis based on profitability or other factors. The Company's ability to continue existing operations and expand its operations in existing or new states is dependent upon, among other things, laws and regulations that permit the Company to operate its \n2\nTable of Contents\nbusiness profitably and its ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses. There can be no assurance that such laws and regulations will not change in ways that adversely affect the Company or that the Company will be able to obtain any such approvals or consents.\u00a0See Part 1, Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors\u201d for a further discussion of risks to our business and plans for expansion.\nThe Company's expansion is also dependent upon its ability to identify attractive locations for new branches and to hire suitable personnel to staff, manage, and supervise new branches.\u00a0In evaluating a particular community, the Company examines several factors, including the demographic profile of the community, the existence of an established small-loan consumer finance market and the availability of suitable personnel.\nProduct Offerings \nInstallment Loans.\n\u00a0We primarily offer pre-computed and interest bearing consumer installment loans with interest and fee income from such loans accounting for 82.4%, 83.0%, and 85.4% of our total revenues in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Our loans are payable in fully-amortizing monthly installments with terms generally from 7 to 27 months and are prepayable at any time without penalty.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe following table sets forth information about our loan products for fiscal 2023:\nMinimum\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Origination \n(1)\nMaximum\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Origination \n(1)\nMinimum Term\n(Months)\nMaximum Term\n(Months)\nSmall loans\n$\n500\u00a0\n$\n2,450\u00a0\n5\n31\nLarge loans\n$\n2,500\u00a0\n$\n33,450\u00a0\n10\n60\n_______________________________________________________\n(1)\n Gross loan net of finance charges.\nSpecific allowable interest, fees, and other charges vary by state.\u00a0The finance charge is a combination of origination or acquisition fees, account maintenance fees, monthly account handling fees, interest and other charges permitted by the relevant state laws. As of March 31, 2021, we no longer offered loans with annual percentage rates, including interest, fees and other charges as calculated in accordance with the Federal Truth in Lending Act, above 100%. The average annual percentage rate of our portfolio was 45.8% as of March 31, 2023. \nAs of March 31, 2023, annual percentage rates applicable to our gross loans receivable as defined by the Truth in Lending Act were as follows:\nLow\nHigh\nAmount\nPercentage of total\ngross loans\nreceivable\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n36\u00a0\n%\n$\n680,805,765\u00a0\n48.9\u00a0\n37\u00a0\n%\n50\u00a0\n%\n316,345,789\u00a0\n22.8\u00a0\n51\u00a0\n%\n60\u00a0\n%\n121,292,968\u00a0\n8.7\u00a0\n61\u00a0\n%\n70\u00a0\n%\n57,976,907\u00a0\n4.2\u00a0\n71\u00a0\n%\n80\u00a0\n%\n19,808,244\u00a0\n1.4\u00a0\n81\u00a0\n%\n90\u00a0\n%\n91,386,549\u00a0\n6.6\u00a0\n91\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n102,377,024\u00a0\n7.4\u00a0\n101\u00a0\n%\n120\u00a0\n%\n9,556\u00a0\n\u00a0\n1\n\u2014\u00a0\n121\u00a0\n%\n>121%\n12,766\u00a0\n\u00a0\n2\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n$\n1,390,015,568\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n1\n Gross loans receivable with an APR between 101% and 120% are a result of acquired loans receivable, and not loans originated by the Company.\n2\n Gross loans receivable with an APR of 121% or greater are a result of acquired loans receivable, and not loans originated by the Company.\n3\nTable of Contents\nInsurance Related Operations. \nThe Company, as an agent for an unaffiliated insurance company, markets and sells credit life, credit accident and health, credit property and auto, unemployment, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance in connection with its loans in selected states where the sale of such insurance is permitted by law.\u00a0Credit life insurance provides for the payment in full of the borrower's credit obligation to the lender in the event of death.\u00a0The Company offers credit insurance for all loans originated in Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah, and on a more limited basis in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri. Customers in those states typically obtain such credit insurance through the Company.\u00a0Charges for such credit insurance are made at filed, authorized rates and are stated separately in the Company's disclosure to customers, as required by the Truth in Lending Act and by various applicable state laws.\u00a0In the sale of insurance policies, the Company, as an agent, writes policies only within limitations established by its agency contracts with the insurer.\u00a0The Company does not sell credit insurance to non-borrowers. These insurance policies provide for the payment of the outstanding balance of the Company's loan upon the occurrence of an insured event. The Company earns a commission on the sale of such credit insurance, which, for most products, is directly impacted by the claims experience of the insurance company on policies sold on its behalf by the Company. In states where commissions on certain products are capped, the commission earned is not directly impacted by the claims experience.\nThe Company has a wholly-owned, captive insurance subsidiary that reinsures a portion of the credit insurance sold in connection with loans made by the Company.\u00a0Certain coverages currently sold by the Company on behalf of the unaffiliated insurance carrier are ceded by the carrier to the captive insurance subsidiary, providing the Company with an additional source of income derived from the earned reinsurance premiums. In fiscal 2023, the captive insurance subsidiary reinsured approximately 11.1% of the credit insurance sold by the Company and contributed approximately $3.1 million to the Company's total revenue.\nThe table below shows the types of insurance and ancillary products the Company sells by state as of March 31, 2023:\n\u00a0\nCredit Life\nCredit Accident\nand Health\nCredit Property and Auto\nUnemployment\nAccidental Death & Dismemberment\nNon-file\nAutomobile Club\nMembership\nAlabama \n(1)\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nGeorgia\nX\nX\nX\n\u00a0\nX\nX\nX\nIdaho\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nIllinois\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nIndiana\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nKentucky\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nLouisiana\nX\nX\nX\n\u00a0\nX\nX\nX\nMississippi\nX\nX\nX\nX\nMissouri\nX\nX\n\u00a0\nX\nX\nNew Mexico\nOklahoma \n(1)\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nSouth Carolina\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\n\u00a0X\nTennessee \n(1)\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nTexas \n(1)\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nUtah\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nX\nWisconsin\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nX\n_______________________________________________________\n(1)\n Credit insurance is offered for certain loans.\nNon-Filing Insurance.\n\u00a0The Company typically does not perfect its security interest in collateral securing its smaller loans by filing UCC financing statements.\u00a0Non-filing insurance premiums are equal in aggregate amount to the premiums paid by the Company to purchase non-filing insurance coverage from an unaffiliated insurance company.\u00a0Under its non-filing insurance coverage, the Company is reimbursed for losses on loans resulting from its policy not to perfect its security interest in collateral securing the loans.\nAutomobile Club Memberships.\n The Company also offers automobile club memberships to its borrowers in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin, as an agent for an unaffiliated automobile club.\u00a0Club memberships entitle members to automobile breakdown coverage, towing reimbursement and related services.\u00a0The Company is paid a commission on each membership sold, but has no \n4\nTable of Contents\nresponsibility for administering the club, paying benefits or providing services to club members.\u00a0The Company primarily sells automobile club memberships to borrowers.\nTax Preparation Services and Advances. \nThe Company also offers income tax return preparation and electronic filing services.\u00a0This program is provided in all but a few of the Company\u2019s branches.\u00a0The Company prepared approximately 75,000, 81,000 and 77,000 returns in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\u00a0Net revenue generated by the Company from this program during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 amounted to approximately $24.0 million, $24.5 million, and $20.6 million, respectively.\u00a0In addition, our tax customers are eligible to receive an interest and fee-free tax advance loan which is generally a percentage of the anticipated tax refund amount. The Company believes that this is a beneficial service for its existing customer base as well as non-loan customers, and it plans to continue to promote this program.\nThe following table sets forth information about our tax advance loan product for fiscal 2023:\nMinimum Origination\nMaximum Origination\nMinimum Term\n(Months)\nMaximum Term\n(Months)\nTax advance loans\n$\n500\u00a0\n$\n5,000\u00a0\n8\n8\nLoan Receivables.\n\u00a0The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's gross loans receivable by state at March 31 of each year from 2014 through 2023:\n\u00a0\nAt March 31,\nState\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2020\n2019\n2018\n2017\n2016\n2015\n2014\nAlabama\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\nGeorgia\n13\n\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n15\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n13\u00a0\nIdaho \n(1)\n1\n\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nIllinois\n10\n\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n8\u00a0\nIndiana\n2\n\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\nKentucky\n6\n\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n9\u00a0\nLouisiana\n4\n\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\nMississippi \n(2)\n2\n\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nMissouri\n7\n\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n7\u00a0\nNew Mexico\n4\n\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\nOklahoma\n6\n\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n7\u00a0\nSouth Carolina\n8\n\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n12\u00a0\nTennessee\n9\n\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n13\u00a0\nTexas\n20\n\u00a0\n20\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n21\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n21\u00a0\nUtah \n(3)\n1\n\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nWisconsin\n1\n\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\nTotal\n100\n\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n_______________________________________________________\n(1)\n The Company commenced operations in Idaho in October 2014.\n(2)\n The Company commenced operations in Mississippi in September 2013.\n(3)\n The Company commenced operations in Utah in October 2018.\n5\nTable of Contents\nThe following table sets forth the total number of loans, the average gross loan balance, and the gross loan balance by state at March\u00a031, 2023:\u00a0\n\u00a0\nTotal Number\nof Loans\nAverage Gross Loan Balance\nGross Loan Balance (thousands)\nAlabama\n46,330\u00a0\n$\n1,889\u00a0\n$\n87,538\u00a0\nGeorgia\n82,572\u00a0\n2,182\u00a0\n180,202\u00a0\nIdaho\n6,366\u00a0\n1,709\u00a0\n10,877\u00a0\nIllinois\n43,232\u00a0\n3,185\u00a0\n137,705\u00a0\nIndiana\n19,835\u00a0\n1,723\u00a0\n34,176\u00a0\nKentucky\n42,577\u00a0\n2,096\u00a0\n89,235\u00a0\nLouisiana\n29,886\u00a0\n1,752\u00a0\n52,368\u00a0\nMississippi\n21,252\u00a0\n1,348\u00a0\n28,650\u00a0\nMissouri\n32,402\u00a0\n2,992\u00a0\n96,944\u00a0\nNew Mexico\n25,979\u00a0\n2,164\u00a0\n56,230\u00a0\nOklahoma\n40,078\u00a0\n2,014\u00a0\n80,718\u00a0\nSouth Carolina\n50,623\u00a0\n2,141\u00a0\n108,365\u00a0\nTennessee\n60,203\u00a0\n2,050\u00a0\n123,409\u00a0\nTexas\n162,921\u00a0\n1,698\u00a0\n276,596\u00a0\nUtah\n4,389\u00a0\n2,017\u00a0\n8,854\u00a0\nWisconsin\n9,300\u00a0\n1,952\u00a0\n18,149\u00a0\nTotal\n677,945\u00a0\n$\n2,050\u00a0\n$\n1,390,016\u00a0\nSeasonality\n.\u00a0The Company's highest loan demand generally occurs from October to December, its third fiscal quarter.\u00a0Loan demand is generally lowest and loan repayment highest from January to March, its fourth fiscal quarter.\u00a0Consequently, the Company experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in its operating results and cash needs.\u00a0Operating results for the Company's third fiscal quarter are generally lower than in other quarters, and operating results for its fourth fiscal quarter are generally higher than in other quarters.\nOperations\nLending Operations.\n\u00a0The Company seeks to provide short-term consumer installment loans to the segment of the population that has limited access to other sources of credit.\u00a0In evaluating the creditworthiness of potential customers, the Company primarily examines the individual's discretionary income, length of current employment and/or sources of income, duration of residence, and prior credit experience.\u00a0Loans are made to individuals on the basis of their discretionary income and other factors and are limited to amounts we believe that customers can reasonably be expected to repay from that income given our assessment of their stability and ability and willingness to pay.\u00a0The Company also generates a proprietary credit score in assisting loan decisions to potential new customers that evaluates key attributes such as payment history, outstanding debt, length of credit history, number of credit inquiries as well as credit mix. All loan applicants are required to complete standardized credit applications online, in person, or by telephone.\u00a0Each of the Company's local branches are equipped to perform rapid background, employment, and credit bureau checks and approve loan applications promptly. The Company's employees verify the applicant's sources of income and credit history.\u00a0Substantially all new customers are required to submit a listing of personal property that will serve as collateral to secure the loan, but the Company does not rely on the value of such collateral in the loan approval process and generally does not perfect its security interest in that collateral.\u00a0Accordingly, if the customer were to default in the repayment of the loan, the Company may not be able to recover the outstanding loan balance by resorting to the sale of collateral.\u00a0\nNew Loans to Current and Former Customers\n. The Company believes that development and continual reinforcement of personal relationships with customers improves the Company's ability to monitor their creditworthiness, reduce credit risk, and generate customer loyalty.\u00a0It is not unusual for the Company to have made a number of loans to the same customer over the course of several years, many of which were refinanced with a new loan after the borrower had reduced the existing loan's outstanding balance by making multiple payments.\u00a0In determining whether to refinance existing loans, the Company typically requires loans to be current on a recency basis, and repeat customers are generally required to complete a new credit application if they have not completed one within the prior year.\n6\nTable of Contents\nA refinancing represents a new loan transaction with a present customer in which a portion of the new loan proceeds is used to repay the balance of an existing loan and the remaining portion is advanced to the customer.\u00a0In many cases the existing customer\u2019s past performance and established creditworthiness with the Company qualifies that customer for a larger loan.\u00a0For fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, the percentages of the Company's loan originations that were refinancings of existing loans were 71.4%, 63.9%, and 69.2%, respectively.\nThe Company allows refinancing of delinquent loans on a case-by-case basis for those customers who otherwise satisfy the Company's credit standards.\u00a0Each such refinancing is carefully examined before approval in an effort to avoid increasing credit risk.\u00a0A delinquent loan generally may be refinanced only if the customer has made payments that, together with any credits of insurance premiums or other charges to which the customer is entitled in connection with the refinancing, reduce the balance due on the loan to an amount equal to or less than the original cash advance made in connection with the loan.\u00a0The Company does not allow the amount of the new loan to exceed the original amount of the existing loan.\u00a0The Company believes that refinancing delinquent loans for certain customers who have made periodic payments allows the Company to increase its average loans outstanding and its interest, fees and other income without experiencing a significant increase in loan losses.\u00a0These refinancings also provide a resolution to temporary financial setbacks for these borrowers and sustain their credit rating.\u00a0Refinancings of delinquent loans represented 1.4%, 1.1%, and 1.5% of the Company\u2019s loan volume in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\nApproximately 16.9%, 15.0%, and 14.7% of the Company's loans were generated through the origination of new loans to previous customers in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. \nCollection Operations\n. To reduce late payment risk, local branch staff encourage customers to inform the Company in advance of expected payment problems.\u00a0Local branch staff also promptly contact delinquent customers following any payment due date and thereafter remain in close contact with such customers through phone calls or letters until payment is received or some other resolution is reached.\u00a0The Company also has a centralized collections team that primarily focuses on customers who have become more than 90 days past due on a recency basis.\u00a0In Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin, the Company is permitted under state laws to garnish customers' wages, within certain circumstances, for repayment of loans, but the Company does not otherwise generally resort to litigation for collection purposes and rarely attempts to foreclose on collateral.\nMonitoring and Supervision.\n\u00a0Several levels of management monitor and supervise the operations of each of the Company's branches.\u00a0Senior management has access to daily delinquency, loan volume, charge-off, and other statistical data on a consolidated, state and branch level. District managers evaluate branch performance in their geographic area, communicate regularly with branch managers regarding operations and submit standardized reports detailing their efforts and findings to the Company's senior management. Regional vice presidents monitor the performance of all branches within their states and communicate regularly with district managers. The Company takes a risk-based approach to determine internal audit frequency. Each branch undergoes periodic audits which include an examination of cash balances and compliance with Company loan approval, review and collection procedures, and compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.\nStaff and Training.\n\u00a0Local branches are staffed with a minimum of two employees.\u00a0The branch manager supervises and administers operations of the branch and is responsible for approving all borrower loan applications and requests for increases in the amount of credit extended.\u00a0Each branch generally has one or two financial service representatives who take loan applications, process loan applications, apply payments, and assist in the preparation of operational reports, collection efforts, and marketing activities.\u00a0Larger branches may employ additional financial service representatives.\nNew employees are required to review detailed training materials that explain the Company's operating policies and procedures.\u00a0The Company tests each employee on the training materials during the first year of employment.\u00a0In addition, each branch associate completes an online training session and attends periodic training sessions outside the branch.\u00a0The Company utilizes an enhanced training tool, which provides continuous, real-time, online training to all locations.\u00a0This allows for more training opportunities to be available to all employees throughout the course of their career with the Company.\nAdvertising.\n\u00a0The Company actively advertises through direct mail, digital platforms and by email and SMS/text, targeting both its present and former customers and potential customers who have used other sources of consumer credit. In addition to the general promotion of its loans for last-minute needs, back-to-school needs and other uses, the Company advertises extensively during the October through December holiday season and in connection with new branch openings. The Company believes its advertising contributes significantly to its ability to compete effectively with other providers of small-loan consumer credit.\u00a0Advertising expenses as a percent of revenue were approximately 1.0%, 3.1%, and 3.3% in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n7\nTable of Contents\nCompetition\n.\u00a0The small-loan consumer finance industry is highly fragmented, with numerous competitors.\u00a0The majority of the Company's competitors are independent operators with generally less than 100 branches.\u00a0Competition from community banks and credit unions is limited because they typically do not make loans of less than $5,000. We believe that online lending could be affecting the consumer lending market within which we operate. While it currently appears online lenders are marketing to a different customer segment than that of our primary customers, some of our customers may overlap.\nThe Company believes that competition between small-loan consumer finance companies occurs primarily on the basis of the strength of customer relationships, customer service, and reputation in the local community. The Company believes that its relatively larger size affords it a competitive advantage over smaller companies by increasing its access to, and reducing its cost of, capital.\u00a0\u00a0\nSeveral of the states in which the Company currently operates limit the size of loans made by small-loan consumer finance companies and prohibit the extension of more than one loan to a customer by any one company.\u00a0As a result, many customers borrow from more than one finance company, which enables the Company, subject to the limitations of various consumer protection and privacy statutes, including, but not limited to, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, to obtain information on the credit history of specific customers from other consumer finance companies.\nHuman Capital Resources\nOur Mission. \nAt World Acceptance Corporation, our employees (who we call our \u201cTeam Members\u201d) create possibilities by embracing our mission to partner with customers to unlock their financial good.\n \nCreating a culture of opportunity for our Team Members is key to supporting this mission. \nTeam Members. \nAs a people-focused finance company, we value our Team Members by investing in competitive compensation and benefit packages and a vibrant, team-oriented environment centered on professional service and open communication. We strive to build and maintain a high-performing culture and believe in operating by strong values. \nWe value feedback from our team and participate in an annual engagement survey that resulted in being named by Energage as a Top Workplaces USA winner in 2023, 2022, and 2021. \nDuring fiscal 2023, our human capital efforts were focused on accelerating the transformation of our technology for workforce management through investments in upgraded systems and processes, and continuing to increase our agility to meet the quickly changing needs of the business.\u00a0The Company maintains strong relations with its employees and seeks to hire people who will become long-term employees, and, as a result, the vast majority of our field leadership has been promoted from within.\nAs of March\u00a031, 2023, we employed 3,075 full and part-time employees across our sixteen-state footprint, approximately 287 of whom were corporate Team Members located in our main corporate office in Greenville, South Carolina and approximately 2,788 of whom were branch-based Team Members located in 16 states throughout the United States. None of our Team Members belong to a union or are party to any collective bargaining or similar agreement. \nWe strive toward having a powerful and diverse team of Team Members, knowing we are better together with our combined wisdom and intellect. With a commitment to equality, inclusion and workplace diversity, we focus on understanding, accepting, and valuing the differences between people. \nAs of March\u00a031, 2023, our Team Members had the following gender, race and ethnicity demographics:\nGender - All Team Members\nFemale\n85.94%\nMale\n13.96%\nUndeclared\n0.10%\nRace/Ethnicity - All Team Members\nWhite\n55.76%\nHispanic or Latino\n22.27%\nBlack or African American\n16.31%\n8\nTable of Contents\nOther Race/Ethnicity\n4.65%\nNot provided\n1.01%\nTotal Rewards. \nWe provide a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to help Team Members and their families stay healthy, meet their financial goals, protect their income and help them balance their work and personal lives. We provide competitive pay, as well as a wide array of benefits including the following:\n\u2022\nHealthcare benefits, including medical, dental and vision, and flexible spending accounts \n\u2022\nA 401(k) Plan (with an employer matching contribution)\n\u2022\nCompany-paid basic life insurance and long-term and short-term disability\n\u2022\nVacation, sick and holiday paid-time off, as well as volunteer paid time off and paid parental leave\n\u2022\nTime off donation program for Team Members experiencing medical emergencies\n\u2022\nFinancial assistance program for Team Members impacted by natural disasters\nTraining and Development. \nWe believe the development of our Team Members is key to our future success and are focused on delivering programs designed to increase our internal talent pools at all levels within the organization. Some examples of these programs include:\n\u2022\nBOLT \u2013 developing high performing and high potential Account Specialists to prepare them for Branch Manager roles\n\u2022\nEmerging Leaders \u2013 developing high performing and high potential Branch Managers to prepare them for District Manager roles\nInformation about our Executive Officers\n.\u00a0The names and ages, positions, terms of office and periods of service of each of the Company's executive officers (and other business experience for executive officers who have served as such for less than five years) are set forth below.\u00a0The term of office for each executive officer expires upon the earlier of the appointment and qualification of a successor or such officer's death, resignation, retirement, or removal. \nName and Age\nPosition\nPeriod of Service as Executive Officer and\nPre-Executive Officer Experience (if an \nExecutive Officer for Less Than Five Years)\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nR. Chad Prashad (42)\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\n\u2022\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer since June 2018\n\u2022\nSenior Vice President, Chief Strategy & Analytics Officer from February 2018 to June 2018\n\u2022\nVice President of Analytics from June 2014 to February 2018\n\u2022\nSenior Director of Strategy Development for Resurgent Capital Services (a consumer debt managing and servicing company) from 2013 to June 2014\n\u2022\nDirector of Legal Strategy for Resurgent Capital Services from 2009 to 2013\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nJohn L. Calmes Jr. (43)\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, and Treasurer\n\u2022\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer and Treasurer since October 2018\n\u2022\nSenior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from November 2015 to October 2018\n\u2022\nVice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from December 2013 to November 2015\n\u2022\nDirector of Finance - Corporate and Investment Banking Division of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ in 2013\n\u2022\nSenior Manager of PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2011 to 2013; Manager of PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2008 to 2011.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n9\nTable of Contents\nD. Clinton Dyer (50)\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Branch Operations Officer\n\u2022\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Branch Operations Officer since February 2018\n\u2022\nExecutive Vice President of Branch Operations from September 2016 to February 2018\n\u2022\nSenior Vice President, Southeastern Division from November 2015 to September 2016\n\u2022\nSenior Vice President, Central Division from June 2005 to November 2015; Vice President, Operations \u2013Tennessee and Kentucky from April 2002 to June 2005.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nLuke J. Umstetter (43)\nSenior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary\n\u2022\nSenior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel since August 2018\n\u2022\nGeneral Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing from December 2015 to August 2018\n\u2022\nGeneral Counsel for Global Lending Services from May 2015 to December 2015; Managing Counsel for Resurgent Capital Services, June 2009 to May 2015.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nA. Lindsay Caulder (47)\nSenior Vice President, Human Resources\n\u2022\nSenior Vice President, Human Resources since October 2018\n\u2022\nVice President, Human Resources from February 2016 to October 2018\n\u2022\nDivisional Vice President - Human Resources of Family Dollar Corporation, a nationwide variety retail chain, from 2012 to 2016\n\u2022\nDirector - Learning and Talent Acquisition of Family Dollar Corporation from 2009-2012.\nJason E. Childers (48)\nSenior Vice President, Information Technology\n\u2022\nSenior Vice President, Information Technology since October 2018\n\u2022\nVice President of IT Strategic Solutions from April 2016 to October 2018\n\u2022\nPartner and Head of IT at Sabal Financial Group, LP from March 2009 until April 2016.\nScott McIntyre (46)\nSenior Vice President, Accounting\n\u2022\nSenior Vice President of Accounting since October 2018\n\u2022\nVice President of Accounting-US from June 2013 to October 2018\n\u2022\nController-US from June 2011 to June 2013.\nGovernment Regulation\nSmall-loan consumer finance companies are subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and licensing under various federal and state statutes, ordinances, and regulations. See Part I, Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors\u201d, for a discussion of the risks related to our extensive regulation.\nState Regulations and Legislation\n. The Company is subject to numerous state laws and regulations that affect our lending activities. Many of these regulations impose detailed and complex constraints on the terms of our loans, lending forms and operations. Further, there is a trend of increased state regulation on loan origination, servicing, and collection procedures, as well as more detailed reporting and examinations, and coordination of examinations among the states. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment against us of civil, monetary, or other penalties. Generally, state regulations also establish minimum capital requirements for each local branch. Accordingly, the ability of the Company to expand by acquiring existing branches and opening new branches will depend in part on obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.\nFor example, Texas regulation requires the approval of the Texas Consumer Credit Commissioner for the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of the voting or common stock of a consumer finance company.\u00a0A Louisiana statute prohibits any person from acquiring control of 25% or more of the shares of stock of a licensed consumer lender, such as the Company, \n10\nTable of Contents\nwithout first obtaining a license as a consumer lender.\u00a0The overall effect of these laws, and similar laws in other states, is to make it more difficult to acquire a consumer finance company than it might be to acquire control of an unregulated company.\nAll of the Company's branches are licensed under the laws of the state in which the branch is located.\u00a0Licenses in these states are subject to renewal every year and may be revoked for failure to comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.\u00a0In the states in which the Company currently operates, licenses may be revoked only after an administrative hearing.\nThe Company and its operations are regulated by a variety of state agencies in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, including those related to banking, finance, financial institutions and consumer credit. These state regulatory agencies audit the Company's local branches from time to time, and most state agencies perform an annual compliance audit of the Company's operations in that state.\nInsurance Regulations\n. The Company is also subject to state regulations governing insurance agents in the states in which it sells credit insurance.\u00a0State insurance regulations require that insurance agents be licensed, govern the commissions that may be paid to agents in connection with the sale of credit insurance and limit the premium amount charged for such insurance.\u00a0The Company's captive insurance subsidiary is regulated by the insurance authorities of the Turks and Caicos Islands of the British West Indies, where the subsidiary is organized and domiciled.\nIn addition, state authorities regulate and supervise the Company's insurance operations. The extent of such regulation varies by product and by state, but relate primarily to the following: licensing; conduct of business, including marketing and sales practices; periodic financial and market conduct examination of the affairs of insurers; form and content of required financial reports; standards of solvency; limitations on the payment of dividends and other affiliate transactions; types of products offered; approval of policy forms and premium rates; formulas used to calculate any unearned premium refund due to an insured customer; permissible investments; deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders; reserve requirements for unearned premiums, losses, and other purposes; and claims processing.\nConsumer finance companies are affected by changes in state and federal statutes and regulations.\n The Company actively participates in trade associations and in lobbying efforts in the states in which it operates and at the federal level.\u00a0There have been, and the Company expects that there will continue to be, media attention, initiatives, discussions, proposals, and legislation regarding the entire consumer credit industry, as well as our particular installment loan business, and possible significant changes to the laws and regulations that govern our business, or the authority exercised pursuant to those laws and regulations.\u00a0In some cases, proposed or pending legislative or regulatory changes have been introduced that would, if enacted,\u00a0have a material adverse effect on, or possibly even eliminate, our ability to continue our current business.\u00a0We can give no assurance that the laws and regulations that govern our business, or the interpretation or administration of those laws and regulations, will remain unchanged or that any such future changes will not materially and adversely affect, or in the worst case, eliminate, the Company\u2019s lending practices, operations, profitability, or prospects.\u00a0See \u201cFederal legislation\u201d below and Part I, Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors,\u201d for a further discussion of the potential impact of regulatory changes on our business.\nFederal legislation\n.\u00a0In addition to state and local laws and regulations, we are subject to numerous federal laws and regulations that affect our lending operations.\u00a0These laws include the Truth in Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Military Lending Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the regulations thereunder, and the Federal Trade Commission's Credit Practices Rule.\u00a0These laws require the Company to provide complete disclosure of the principal terms of each loan to the borrower prior to the consummation of the loan transaction, prohibit misleading advertising, protect against discriminatory lending practices, and prohibit unfair, deceptive, or abusive credit practices.\u00a0Violations of these statutes and regulations may result in actions for damages, claims for refund of payments made, certain fines and penalties, injunctions against certain practices, and the potential forfeiture of rights to repayment of loans.\nAlthough these laws and regulations remained substantially unchanged for many years, over the last several years, the laws and regulations directly affecting our lending activities have been under review and are subject to change as a result of various developments and changes in economic conditions, the make-up of the executive and legislative branches of government, and the political and media focus on issues of consumer and borrower protection.\u00a0See Part I, Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors\".\n11\nTable of Contents\nVarious legislative proposals addressing consumer credit transactions have been passed in recent years or are currently pending in the U.S. Congress. Congressional members continue to receive pressure from consumer activists and other industry opposition groups to adopt legislation to address various aspects of consumer credit transactions. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the \u201cDodd-Frank Act\u201d) established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (commonly referred to as the CFPB), which has sweeping regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement powers over providers of consumer financial products and services, including explicit supervisory authority to examine and require registration of non-depository lenders and to promulgate rules that can affect the practices and activities of lenders. The CFPB continues to actively engage in the announcement and implementation of various plans and initiatives generally in the area of consumer financial transactions. Some of these CFPB announced plans and initiatives, if implemented, would directly affect certain loan products we currently offer and subject us to the CFPB\u2019s supervisory authority. See Part II, Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Regulatory Matters,\u201d for more information regarding the CFPB's regulatory initiatives.\nIn addition to the grant of certain regulatory powers to the CFPB, the Dodd-Frank Act gives the CFPB authority to pursue administrative proceedings or litigation for violations of federal consumer financial laws. In these proceedings, the CFPB can obtain cease and desist orders (which can include orders for restitution or rescission of contracts, as well as other kinds of affirmative relief) and monetary penalties. Also, where a company has violated Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act or CFPB regulations thereunder, the Dodd-Frank Act empowers state attorneys general and state regulators to bring civil actions to remedy violations of state law.\nAlthough the Dodd-Frank Act prohibits the CFPB from setting interest rates on consumer loans, efforts to\u00a0create a federal usury cap, applicable to all consumer credit transactions and substantially below rates at which the Company could continue to operate profitably, are still ongoing.\u00a0Any federal legislative or regulatory action that severely restricts or prohibits the provision of small-loan consumer credit and similar services on terms substantially similar to those we currently provide would, if enacted, have a material, adverse impact on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.\u00a0Any federal law that would impose a national 36% or similar annualized credit rate cap on our services would, if enacted, almost certainly eliminate our ability to continue our current operations.\u00a0See Part I, Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors\u201d - Federal legislative or regulatory proposals, initiatives, actions or changes that are adverse to our operations or result in adverse regulatory proceedings, or our failure to comply with existing or future federal laws and regulations, could force us to modify, suspend, or cease part or all of our nationwide operations,\u201d for further information regarding the potential impact of adverse legislative and regulatory changes.\nAvailable Information\n. The Company maintains an Internet website, \u201cwww.LoansByWorld.com,\u201d where interested persons will be able to access free of charge, among other information, the Company\u2019s annual reports on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and its current reports on Form 8-K as well as amendments to these filings via a link to a third-party website.\u00a0These documents are available for access as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these documents with the SEC.\u00a0The Company files these reports with the SEC via the SEC\u2019s EDGAR filing system, and such reports also may be accessed via the SEC\u2019s EDGAR database at www.sec.gov/edgar. Information included on or linked to our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\u00a0\nRisk Factors\nForward-Looking Statements\nThis annual report contains various \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on management\u2019s beliefs and assumptions, as well as information currently available to management.\u00a0Statements other than those of historical fact, including, but not limited to those identified by the use of words such as \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201cwould,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d and any variations of the foregoing and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements.\u00a0Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.\u00a0Any such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions.\u00a0Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual financial results, performance or financial condition may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, expected or implied by any forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.\nInvestors should consider the risk factors described in this annual report, in addition to the other information presented in this annual report and the other reports and registration statements the Company files with or furnishes to the SEC from time to time, in evaluating us, our business, and an investment in our securities.\u00a0Any of the risk factors described in this annual report, as well as other risks, uncertainties, and possibly inaccurate assumptions underlying our plans and expectations, could result in \n12\nTable of Contents\nharm to our business, results of operations and financial condition and cause the value of our securities to decline, which in turn could cause investors to lose all or part of their investment in our Company. These factors, among others, could also cause actual results to differ materially from those we have experienced in the past or those we may express or imply from time to time in any forward-looking statements we make.\u00a0Investors are advised that it is impossible to identify or predict all risks, and those risks not currently known to us or those we currently deem immaterial could also affect us in the future. The following risks should not be construed as exclusive and should be read with the other cautionary statements that are in this annual report on Form 10-K. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. \nMedia and public characterization of consumer installment loans as being predatory or abusive could have a materially adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.\nConsumer activist groups and various other media sources continue to advocate for governmental and regulatory action to prohibit or severely restrict our products and services. These critics frequently characterize our products and services as predatory or abusive toward consumers. If this negative characterization of the consumer installment loans we make and/or ancillary services we provide becomes widely accepted by government policy makers or is embodied in legislative, regulatory, policy or litigation developments that adversely affect our ability to continue offering our products and services or the profitability of these products and services, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, our industry is highly regulated, and announcements regarding new or expected governmental and regulatory action regarding consumer lending may adversely impact perceptions of our business even if such actions are not targeted at our operations and do not directly impact us.\nInterest rate fluctuations may adversely affect our borrowing costs, profitability and liquidity.\nInterest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect our results of operations and financial condition. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, in particular, the Federal Reserve Board. In response to elevated inflation, the Federal Reserve Board has increased interest rates on several occasions since early 2022. The Federal Reserve Board has indicated that it will raise rates further, if deemed necessary, to combat continued inflation growth.\nIn addition, our profitability may be directly affected by the level of and fluctuations in interest rates, whether caused by changes in economic conditions or other factors that affect our borrowing costs. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence the amount of interest we pay on our revolving credit facility or any other floating interest rate obligations we may incur. Our profitability and liquidity could be materially adversely affected during any period of higher interest rates. See Part II, Item 7A, \u201cQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk\u201d for additional information regarding our interest rate risk.\nWe are exposed to credit risk in our lending activities.\nOur ability to collect on loans to individuals, our single largest asset group, depends on the ability and willingness of our borrowers to repay such loans.\u00a0Our customers generally do not qualify for, or have difficulty qualifying for, credit from traditional sources of consumer credit. These traditional sources of consumer credit typically impose more stringent credit requirements than the personal loan products that we provide. As a result, the historical delinquency and default experience on our loans may be higher than those experienced by financial products arising from traditional sources of consumer credit. \nAny material adverse change in the ability or willingness of a significant portion of our borrowers to meet their obligations to us, whether due to changes in economic conditions, unemployment rates, the cost of consumer goods (particularly, but not limited to, food and energy costs) and inflationary pressures, disposable income, interest rates, health crises, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, political or social conditions, divorce, death, or other causes over which we have no control, would have a material adverse impact on our earnings and financial condition. Additionally, delinquency and default experience on our loans is likely to be more sensitive to changes in the economic climate in the areas in which our borrowers reside. Although new customers are required to submit a listing of personal property that will serve as collateral to secure their loans, the Company does not rely on the value of such collateral in the loan approval process and generally does not perfect its security interest in that collateral. Additionally, increases in the size of the loans we offer and average loan size could increase the chance a borrower does not meet their obligations to us and could further increase our credit risk. Additional information regarding our credit risk is included in Part II, Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation-Allowance for Credit Losses.\u201d\nOur insurance operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including claims, catastrophic events, underwriting risks and dependence on a primary distribution channel.\n13\nTable of Contents\nInsurance claims and policyholder liabilities are difficult to predict and may exceed the related reserves set aside for claims (losses) and associated expenses for claims adjudication (loss adjustment expenses). Additionally, events such as cyber security attacks and breaches and other types of catastrophes, and prolonged economic downturns, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Other risks relating to our insurance operations include changes to laws and regulations applicable to us, as well as changes to the regulatory environment, such as: changes to laws or regulations affecting capital and reserve requirements; frequency and type of regulatory monitoring and reporting; consumer privacy, use of customer data and data security; benefits or loss ratio requirements; insurance producer licensing or appointment requirements; required disclosures to consumers; and collateral protection insurance (i.e., insurance some of our lender companies purchase, at the customer\u2019s expense, on that customer\u2019s loan collateral for the periods of time the customer fails to adequately, as required by his loan, insure his collateral).\nIf our estimates of credit losses are not adequate to absorb actual losses, our provision for credit losses would increase, which would adversely affect our results of operations.\nTo estimate the appropriate level of allowance for credit losses, we consider known and relevant internal and external factors that affect loan collectability, including the total amount of loan receivables outstanding, historical loan receivable charge-offs, our current collection patterns, and economic trends. Our methodology for establishing our allowance for credit losses is based on the guidance in ASC 326, and, in part, on our historic loss experience. If customer behavior changes as a result of economic, political, social, or other conditions, or if we are unable to predict how these conditions may affect our allowance for credit losses, our allowance for credit losses may be inadequate. Our allowance for credit losses is an estimate, and if actual credit losses are materially greater than our allowance for credit losses, our provision for credit losses would increase, which would result in a decline in our future earnings, and thus our results of operations could be adversely affected. Neither state regulators nor federal regulators regulate our allowance for credit losses. Additional information regarding our allowance for credit losses is included in Part II, Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Allowance for Credit Losses.\u201d\nIn June of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (CECL). This ASU significantly changed the way that entities are required to measure credit losses. This standard requires that the estimated credit loss be based upon an \u201cexpected credit loss\u201d approach rather than the \u201cincurred loss\u201d approach previously required. The new approach requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable forecasts of collectability. As such, the expected credit loss model requires earlier recognition of credit losses than the incurred loss approach. CECL became effective for the Company April 1, 2020. Our financial results may be negatively affected as weak or deteriorating economic conditions are forecasted and alter our expectations for credit losses. In addition, due to the expansion of the time horizon over which we are required to estimate future credit losses under CECL, we may experience increased volatility in our future provisions for credit losses.\nThe concentration of our revenues in certain states could adversely affect us.\nWe currently operate consumer installment loan branches in sixteen states in the United States.\u00a0Any adverse legislative or regulatory change in any one of our states or an economic downturn or catastrophic event that disproportionately affects one or more of our states, including in any of our larger states, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, and results of operations or financial condition. See Part I, Item 1, \u201cDescription of Business\u201d for information regarding the size of our business in the various states in which we operate.\nWe may be unable to execute our business strategy due to economic conditions and these economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.\nUncertainty and deterioration in general economic conditions in the U.S. historically have created a difficult operating environment for consumer lending. Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of our borrowers to make payments on outstanding loans, is highly dependent upon the business and economic environments in the markets where we operate and in the United States as a whole. Many factors, including factors that are beyond our control, may impact our financial position, liquidity, and results of operations and depend on management\u2019s ability to execute our business strategy. The U.S. economy is undergoing a period of significant uncertainty. These macro-economic factors include general inflation, unemployment levels, housing markets, commodity prices, energy costs, volatile interest rates, natural disasters, acts of war and terrorism. Additionally, many of our customers are primarily non-prime borrowers, who have historically been more likely to be affected by adverse macro-economic factors than prime borrowers. Currently, due to a number of factors, the global economy is experiencing inflationary pressures not seen in a significant period of time. We cannot predict the timing or the \n14\nTable of Contents\nduration of any inflation or downturn in the economy and we are not immune to the effects of general worldwide economic conditions. During an economic downturn or recession, demand for credit products often decreases and credit losses in the financial services industry generally increase. Additionally, during an economic downturn, our loan servicing costs and collection costs may increase as we may have to expend greater time and resources on these activities.\nKey factors involved in the execution of our business strategy include achieving our desired loan volume and pricing strategies, the use of effective credit risk management techniques, marketing and servicing strategies, continued investment in technology to support operating efficiency, and continued access to funding and liquidity sources. Although our pricing strategy is intended to maximize the amount of economic profit we generate, within the confines of capital and infrastructure constraints, there can be no assurance that this strategy will have its intended effect. Our failure or inability to execute any element of our business strategy, due to economic conditions or otherwise, could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, and results of operations.\nOur ability to execute our growth strategy is subject to significant risks, including some beyond our control, and may be adversely affected.\nOur growth strategy includes opening and acquiring branches in existing and new markets and is subject to significant risks, some of which are beyond our control, including:\n\u2022\nthe prevailing laws and regulatory environment of each state in which we operate or seek to operate, and, to the extent applicable, federal laws and regulations, which are subject to change at any time;\n\u2022\nour ability to obtain and maintain any regulatory approvals, government permits, or licenses that may be required;\n\u2022\nthe degree of competition in new markets and its effect on our ability to attract new customers;\n\u2022\nour ability to obtain adequate financing for our expansion plans; and\n\u2022\nour ability to attract, train, and retain qualified personnel to staff our new operations.\nWe currently lack product and business diversification; as a result, our revenues and earnings may be disproportionately negatively impacted by external factors and may be more susceptible to fluctuations than more diversified companies.\nOur primary business activity is offering small consumer installment loans together with, in some states in which we operate, related ancillary products. Thus, any developments, whether regulatory, economic or otherwise, that would hinder, reduce the profitability of, or limit our ability to operate our small consumer installment loan business on the terms currently conducted would have a direct and adverse impact on our business, profitability, and perhaps even our viability.\u00a0Our current lack of product and business diversification could inhibit our opportunities for growth, reduce our revenues and profits, and make us more susceptible to earnings fluctuations than many other financial institutions whose operations are more diversified.\nA reduction in demand for our products and a failure by us to adapt to such reduction could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nThe demand for the products we offer may be reduced due to a variety of factors, such as demographic patterns, changes in customer preferences or financial condition, regulatory restrictions that decrease customer access to particular products, or the availability of competing products, including through alternative or competing marketing channels. For example, we are highly dependent upon selecting and maintaining attractive branch locations. These locations are subject to local market conditions, including the employment available in the area, housing costs, traffic patterns, crime, and other demographic influences, any of which may quickly change, thereby negatively impacting demand for our products in the area. Should we fail to adapt to significant changes in our customers\u2019 demand for, or access to, our products, our revenues could decrease significantly and our operations could be harmed. Even if we do make changes to existing products or introduce new products and channels to fulfill customer demand, customers may resist or may reject such products. Moreover, the effect of any product change on the results of our business may not be fully ascertainable until the change has been in effect for some time, and by that time it may be too late to make further modifications to such product without causing further harm to our business, results of operations, and financial condition. \nOur policies and procedures for underwriting, processing, and servicing loans are subject to potential failure or circumvention, which may adversely affect our results of operations. \nWe rely on certain inputs and verifications in the underwriting process to be performed by individual personnel at the branch level or a centralized location. If the training or supervision of our personnel fails to be effective, or if we are unable to attract and retain qualified employees, it is possible that our underwriting criteria would be improperly applied to a greater percentage of such applications. If such improper applications were to increase, delinquency and losses on our loan portfolio could increase and could increase significantly. In addition, we rely on certain third-party service providers in connection with loan \n15\nTable of Contents\nunderwriting and origination. Any error or failure by a third-party service provider in providing loan underwriting and origination services may cause us to originate loans to borrowers that do not meet our underwriting standards. \nIn addition, in deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with customers and counterparties, we rely heavily on information provided by customers, counterparties, and other third parties, including credit bureaus and data aggregators, the inaccuracy or incompleteness of which may adversely affect our results of operations. We further rely on representations of customers and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information. If a significant percentage of our customers were to intentionally or negligently misrepresent any of this information, or provide incomplete information, and our internal processes were to fail to detect such misrepresentations in a timely manner, or any or all of the other components of the underwriting process described above were to fail, it could result in our approval of a loan that, based on our underwriting criteria, we would not have otherwise made. As a result, our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted.\nWe operate in a highly competitive market, and we cannot ensure that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.\nThe consumer lending industry is highly competitive. We compete with other consumer finance companies as well as other types of financial institutions that offer similar consumer financial products and services. Some of these competitors may have greater financial, technical, and marketing resources than we possess. Some competitors may also have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that may not be available to us. While banks and credit card companies have decreased their lending to non-prime customers in recent years, there is no assurance that such lenders will not resume those lending activities. Further, because of increased regulatory pressure on payday lenders, many of those lenders are starting to make more traditional installment consumer loans in order to reduce regulatory scrutiny of their practices, which could increase competition in markets in which we operate. We cannot be sure that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.\nWe depend on secure information technology, and an attack on or a breach of those systems or those of third-party vendors could result in significant losses, unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer information, and reputational damage, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations, and could lead to significant financial and legal exposure and reputational harm.\nOur operations rely heavily on the secure collection, processing, storage, and transmission of personal, confidential, and other information about us, our customers and third parties with which we do business. We process a significant number of customer transactions on a continuous basis through our computer systems and networks and are subject to increasingly more risk related to security systems as we enhance our mobile payment technologies and otherwise attempt to keep pace with rapid technological changes in the financial services industry. \nWhile we commit resources to the design, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of our networks and systems, we may be required to expend significant additional resources in the future to modify and enhance our security controls in response to new or more sophisticated threats, new regulations related to cybersecurity and other developments. Additionally, there is no guarantee that our security controls can provide absolute security. \nDespite the measures we implement to protect our systems and data, we may not be able to anticipate, identify, prevent or detect cyber-attacks, ransomware, computer viruses or other security breaches, particularly because the techniques used by attackers change frequently and often are not immediately detected, and because cyber-attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources, including third parties who are or may be involved in organized crime or linked to terrorist organizations or hostile foreign governments. Such third parties may seek to gain unauthorized access to our systems directly, by fraudulently inducing employees, customers, or other users of our systems, or by using equipment or security passwords belonging to employees, customers, third-party service providers, or other users of our systems. Or, they may seek to disrupt or disable our services through attacks such as denial-of-service attacks and ransomware attacks. In addition, we may be unable to identify, or may be significantly delayed in identifying, cyber-attacks and incidents due to the increasing use of techniques and tools that are designed to circumvent controls, to avoid detection, and to remove or obfuscate forensic artifacts. As a result, our computer systems, software and networks, as well as those of third-party vendors we utilize, may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, malicious attacks and other events that could have a security impact beyond our control. Our staff, technologies, systems, networks, and those of third-parties we utilize also may become the target of cyber-attacks, unauthorized access, malicious code, computer viruses, denial of service attacks, ransomware, and physical attacks that could result in information security breaches, the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our or our customers\u2019 confidential, proprietary and other information, or otherwise disrupt our or our customers\u2019 operations. We also routinely transmit and receive personal, confidential and proprietary information through third parties, which may be vulnerable to interception, misuse, or mishandling.\n16\nTable of Contents\nIf one or more of such events occur, personal, confidential, and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through our computer systems and networks, or those of third-party vendors, could be compromised or could cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations that could result in significant losses, loss of confidence and business from customers, customer dissatisfaction, significant litigation, regulatory exposures, and harm to our reputation and brand.\nIn the event personal, confidential, or other information is threatened, intercepted, misused, mishandled, or compromised, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event, and implement mitigation and remediation measures. We also may be subject to fines, penalties, litigation (including securities fraud class action lawsuits), regulatory investigation costs and settlements and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance maintained by us. If one or more of such events occur, our business, financial condition and/or results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected.\nAny interruption of our information systems could adversely affect us.\nOur business and reputation may be materially impacted by information system failures or network disruptions. We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business.\u00a0Each branch is part of an information network that is designed to permit us to maintain adequate cash inventory, reconcile cash balances on a daily basis, and report revenues and expenses to our headquarters.\u00a0Any failure or interruption of these systems, including any failure of our back-up systems, network outages, slow performance, breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, or other failures or disruptions could result in disruption to our business or the loss or theft of confidential information, including customer information. A disruption could impair our ability to offer and process our loans, provide customer service, perform collections or other necessary business activities, which could result in a loss of customer confidence or business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny or negative publicity, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, or otherwise materially adversely affect our financial condition and operating results. Furthermore, we may not be able to immediately detect any such breach, which may increase the losses that we would suffer. In addition, our existing insurance policies may not reimburse us for all of the damages that we might incur as a result of a breach or other information system failure or network disruption.\nWe may not be able to make technological improvements as quickly as some of our competitors, which could harm our ability to compete with our competitors and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.\nThe financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes, with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial and lending institutions to better serve customers and reduce costs. Our future success and, in particular, the success of our centralized operations, will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services as quickly as some of our competitors or be successful in marketing these products and services to our existing and new customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could harm our ability to compete with our competitors and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.\nWe are subject to data privacy laws, which may significantly increase our compliance and technology costs resulting in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\nWe are subject to various federal and state privacy, data protection, and information security laws and regulations, including requirements concerning security breach notification. Various federal and state regulatory agencies require us to notify customers in the event of a security breach. Moreover, federal and state legislators are increasingly considering and implementing new guidance, laws, and regulations. Compliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws affecting customer or employee data to which we are subject could result in higher compliance and technology costs and could materially and adversely affect our profitability. Our failure to comply with privacy, data protection and information security laws may require us to change our business practices or operational structure, and could subject us to potentially significant regulatory and/or governmental investigations and/or actions, litigation, fines, sanctions, and damage to our reputation.\nWe are also subject to the risk of theft or misuse of physical customer and employee records at our facilities.\nOur branch offices and centralized headquarters have physical and electronic customer records necessary for day-to-day operations that contain extensive confidential information about our customers. We also retain physical records in various storage locations. The loss or theft of customer information and data from our branch offices, headquarters, or other storage \n17\nTable of Contents\nlocations could subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and penalties and could expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. In addition, if we cannot locate original documents (or copies, in some cases) for certain loans receivables, we may not be able to collect on those loans receivables.\nOur off-site data center and centralized IT functions are susceptible to disruption by catastrophic events, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.\nOur information systems, and administrative and management processes could be disrupted if a catastrophic event, such as severe weather, natural disaster, power outage, act of war or terror or similar event, destroyed or severely damaged our infrastructure.\u00a0Any such catastrophic event or other unexpected disruption of our headquarters' functions or off-site data center could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.\nA small number of our shareholders have the ability to significantly influence matters requiring shareholder approval and such shareholders may have interests which conflict with the interests of our other security holders.\nAs of March 31, 2023, based on filings made with the SEC and other information made available to us, Prescott General Partners, LLC and its affiliates beneficially owned approximately 43.8% of our common stock. As a result, these shareholders are able to significantly influence matters presented to shareholders, including the election and removal of directors, the approval of significant corporate transactions, such as any reclassification, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, and the control of our management and affairs, including executive compensation arrangements. Their interests may conflict with the interests of our other security holders. \nInitiating and processing potential acquisitions may be unsuccessful or difficult, leading to losses and increased delinquencies, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\nWe have previously acquired, and in the future may acquire, assets or businesses, including large portfolios of loans receivables, either through the direct purchase of such assets or the purchase of the equity of a company with such a portfolio. Since we will not have originated or serviced the loans we acquire, we may not be aware of legal or other deficiencies related to origination or servicing, and our due diligence efforts of the acquisition prior to purchase may not uncover those deficiencies. Further, we may have limited recourse against the seller of the portfolio.\nIn pursuing these transactions, we may experience, among other things:\n\u2022\novervaluing potential targets;\n\u2022\ndifficulties in integrating any acquired companies or branches into our existing business, including integration of account data into our information systems;\n\u2022\ninability to realize the benefits we anticipate in a timely fashion, or at all;\n\u2022\nunexpected losses due to the acquisition of loan portfolios with loans originated using less stringent underwriting criteria;\n\u2022\nsignificant costs, charges, or write-downs; or\n\u2022\nunforeseen operating difficulties that require significant financial and managerial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development and expansion of our existing operations.\nRisks Related to our Indebtedness\n \nWe depend to a substantial extent on borrowings under our revolving credit agreement to fund our liquidity needs.\nOur revolving credit agreement allows us to borrow up to $685.0 million, with an accordion feature permitting the maximum aggregate commitments to increase to $785.0 million provided that certain conditions are met, through June\u00a07, 2024. Pursuant to the terms of our revolving credit agreement, we are required to comply with a number of covenants and conditions, including a minimum borrowing base calculation.\u00a0If our existing sources of liquidity become insufficient to satisfy our financial needs or our access to these sources becomes unexpectedly restricted, we may need to try to raise additional capital in the future.\u00a0If such an event were to occur, we can give no assurance that such alternate sources of liquidity would be available to us at all or on favorable terms.\u00a0Additional information regarding our liquidity risk is included in Part II, Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources.\u201d\n \nOur current debt and any additional debt we may incur in the future could negatively impact our business, prevent us from satisfying our debt obligations and adversely affect our financial condition.\n18\nTable of Contents\nWe may incur a substantial amount of debt in the future. As of March 31, 2023, the Company's debt outstanding was $595.3 million, net of $3.5 million unamortized debt issuance costs related to the unsecured senior notes payable, and a total debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 1.6 to 1. The amount of debt we may incur in the future could have important consequences, including the following:\n\u2022\nour ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, debt refinancing, share repurchases or other purposes could be impaired;\n\u2022\na substantial portion of our cash flows from operations will be dedicated to paying principal and interest on our debt, reducing funds available for other purposes;\n\u2022\nwe may be vulnerable to interest rate increases, as borrowings under our revolving credit agreement bear interest at variable rates, as may any future debt that we incur;\n\u2022\nwe may be at a competitive disadvantage to competitors that are not as highly leveraged; \n\u2022\nwe could be more vulnerable to adverse developments in our industry or in general economic conditions;\n\u2022\nwe may be restricted from taking advantage of business opportunities or making strategic acquisitions;\n\u2022\nwe may be limited in our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; \n\u2022\nwe may have difficulty satisfying our obligations under the debt if accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default; and\n\u2022\nwe may be more vulnerable to periods of negative or slow growth in the general economy or in our business.\nIn addition, meeting our anticipated liquidity requirements is contingent upon our continued compliance with our revolving credit agreement. An acceleration of our debt would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to continue as a going concern. If our debt obligations increase, whether due to the increased cost of existing indebtedness or the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the consequences described above could be magnified.\nAlthough the terms of our revolving credit agreement contain restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt, as well as any future debt that we incur, these restrictions are subject, or likely to be subject, in the case of any future debt, to exceptions that could permit us to incur a substantial amount of additional debt. In addition, our existing and future debt agreements will not prevent us from incurring certain liabilities that do not constitute indebtedness as defined for purposes of those debt agreements. If new debt or other liabilities are added to our current debt levels, the risks associated with our having substantial debt could intensify. As of March 31, 2023, we had $318.7 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit agreement, subject to borrowing base limitations and other specified terms and conditions.\nWe may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding debt and fund operations and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under such debt.\nOur ability to make scheduled payments on the principal of, to pay interest on, or to refinance our indebtedness will depend in part on our cash flows from operations, which are subject to regulatory, economic, financial, competitive, and other factors beyond our control. We may not generate a level of cash flows from operations sufficient to permit us to meet our debt service obligations. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to service our debt, we may be required to sell assets, refinance all or a portion of our existing debt, obtain additional financing, or obtain additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. There can be no assurance that any refinancing will be possible or that any asset sales or additional financing can be completed on acceptable terms or at all.\nThe terms of our debt limit how we conduct our business.\nOur revolving credit agreement contains covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things:\n\u2022\nincur and guarantee debt;\n\u2022\npay dividends or make other distributions on or redeem or repurchase our stock;\n\u2022\nmake investments or acquisitions;\n\u2022\ncreate liens on our assets;\n\u2022\nsell assets;\n\u2022\nmerge with or into other companies;\n\u2022\nenter into transactions with shareholders and other affiliates; and\n\u2022\nmake capital expenditures.\n19\nTable of Contents\nOur revolving credit agreement also imposes requirements that we maintain specified financial measures not in excess of, or not below, specified levels. In particular, our revolving credit agreement requires, among other things, that we maintain (i) at all times a specified minimum consolidated net worth, (ii) as of the end of each fiscal quarter, a minimum ratio of consolidated net income available for fixed charges for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended to consolidated fixed charges for that period of not less than a specified minimum, (iii) at all times a specified maximum ratio of total debt on a consolidated basis to consolidated adjusted net worth and (iv) at all times a specified maximum collateral performance indicator. These covenants limit the manner in which we can conduct our business and could prevent us from engaging in favorable business activities or financing future operations and capital needs and impair our ability to successfully execute our strategy and operate our business.\nThe indenture governing our 7.0% senior notes due 2026 (the \u201cNotes\u201d) contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company\u2019s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to (i) incur additional indebtedness or issue certain disqualified stock and preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends or distributions or redeem or purchase capital stock; (iii) prepay subordinated debt or make certain investments; (iv) transfer and sell assets; (v) create or permit to exist liens; (vi) enter into agreements that restrict dividends, loans and other distributions from their subsidiaries; (vii) engage in a merger, consolidation or sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets; and (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates. However, these covenants are subject to a number of important detailed qualifications and exceptions.\nA breach of any of the covenants in our revolving credit agreement would result in an event of default thereunder. Any event of default would permit the creditors to accelerate the related debt, which could also result in the acceleration of any other or future debt containing a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision. In addition, an event of default under our revolving credit agreement would permit the lenders thereunder to terminate all commitments to extend further credit under the revolving credit agreement. Furthermore, if we were unable to repay the amounts due and payable under the revolving credit agreement or any other secured debt we may incur, the lenders thereunder could cause the collateral agent to proceed against the collateral securing that debt. In the event our creditors accelerate the repayment of our debt, there can be no assurance that we would have sufficient assets to repay that debt, and our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations would suffer. A breach of our covenants under the Notes would have similar consequences. Additional information regarding our revolving credit facility and Notes is included in Part II, Item 7 \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources.\u201d\nThe conditions of the U.S. and international capital markets may adversely affect lenders with which we have relationships, causing us to incur additional costs and reducing our sources of liquidity, which may adversely affect our financial position, liquidity and results of operations.\nTurbulence in the global or domestic capital markets or other macro-economic factors can result in disruptions in the financial sector, including bank failures, and can affect lenders with which we have relationships, including members of the syndicate of banks that are lenders under our revolving credit agreement. Disruptions in the financial sector may increase our exposure to credit risk and adversely affect the ability of lenders to perform under the terms of their lending arrangements with us. Failure by our lenders to perform under the terms of our lending arrangements could cause us to incur additional costs that may adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations.\n \nThere can be no assurance that future disruptions in the financial sector will not occur that could have\n \nadverse effects on our business. Additional information regarding our liquidity and related risks is included in Part II, Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources.\u201d\nRisks Related to Legal Proceedings and Regulation \nFederal legislative or regulatory proposals, initiatives, actions, or changes that are adverse to our operations or result in adverse regulatory proceedings, or our failure to comply with existing or future federal laws and regulations, could force us to modify, suspend, or cease part or all of our nationwide operations.\nWe are subject to numerous federal laws and regulations that affect our lending operations. From time to time, we may become involved in formal and informal reviews, investigations, examinations, proceedings, and information-gathering requests by federal and state government and self-regulatory agencies. Should we become subject to such an investigation, examination, or proceeding, the matter could result in material adverse consequences to us, including, but not limited to, increased compliance costs, adverse judgments, significant settlements, fines, penalties, injunction, or other actions.\nAlthough these laws and regulations have remained substantially unchanged for many years, the laws and regulations directly affecting our lending activities have been under review and subject to change in recent years as a result of various developments and changes in economic conditions, the make-up of the executive and legislative branches of government, and the political and \n20\nTable of Contents\nmedia focus on issues of consumer and borrower protection. Any changes in such laws and regulations could force us to modify, suspend, or cease part or, in the worst case, all of our existing operations. It is also possible that the scope of federal regulations could change or expand in such a way as to preempt what has traditionally been state law regulation of our business activities.\nIn July 2010 the Dodd-Frank Act was enacted. The Dodd-Frank Act restructured and enhanced the regulation and supervision of the financial services industry and created the CFPB, an agency with sweeping regulatory and enforcement authority over consumer financial transactions. The CFPB\u2019s rulemaking and enforcement authority extends to certain non-depository institutions, including us. The CFPB is specifically authorized, among other things, to take actions to prevent companies providing consumer financial products or services and their service providers from engaging in unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in connection with consumer financial products and services, and to issue rules requiring enhanced disclosures for consumer financial products or services. The CFPB also has authority to interpret, enforce, and issue regulations implementing enumerated consumer laws, including certain laws that apply to our business. Further, the CFPB has authority to designate non-depository \u201clarger participants\u201d in certain markets for consumer financial services and products for purposes of the CFPB\u2019s supervisory authority under the Dodd-Frank Act. Such designated \u201clarger participants\u201d are subject to reporting and on-site compliance examinations by the CFPB, which may result in increased compliance costs and potentially greater enforcement risks based on these supervisory activities. Although the CFPB has not yet developed a \u201clarger participant\u201d rule that directly covers the Company\u2019s installment lending business, the Company believes that the implementation of any such rules would likely bring the Company\u2019s business under the CFPB\u2019s direct supervisory authority. In addition, even in the absence of a \u201clarger participant\u201d rule, the CFPB has the power to order individual nonbank financial institutions to submit to supervision where the CFPB has reasonable cause to determine that the institution is engaged in \u201cconduct that poses risks to consumers\u201d under 12 USC 5514(a)(1)(C). In 2022, the CFPB announced that it has begun using this \u201cdormant authority\u201d to examine nonbank entities and the CFPB is attempting to expand the number of nonbank entities it currently supervises. Specifically, the CFPB has notified the Company that it is seeking to establish such supervisory authority over the Company. The Company disagrees that the CFPB has reasonable cause to to supervise the Company, has responded to the CFPB's notice, and is awaiting further response from the CFPB. If the CFPB ultimately determines it has supervisory authority over the Company, then the Company may be subject to,\n \namong other things, examination by the CFPB. \nAlthough the Dodd-Frank Act prohibits the CFPB from setting interest rates on consumer loans, efforts to create a federal usury cap, applicable to all consumer credit transactions and substantially below rates at which the Company could continue to operate profitably, are still ongoing. Any federal legislative or regulatory action that severely restricts or prohibits the provision of small-loan consumer credit and similar services on terms substantially similar to those we currently provide would, if enacted, have a material adverse impact on our business, prospects, results of operations, and financial condition. Any federal law that would impose a maximum annualized credit rate cap in the range of 36% on our products would, if enacted, almost certainly eliminate our ability to continue our current operations. Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which various expected provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have been and are expected to continue to be implemented by the various regulatory agencies and through regulations, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on our operations remains unclear; however, these regulations have increased and are expected to further increase our cost of doing business and time spent by management on regulatory matters, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s operations and results.\nIn 2017, the CFPB issued a final rule (the \"Rule\") under its unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices rulemaking authority relating to payday, vehicle title, and similar loans. The final rule originally required lenders originating short-term loans and longer-term balloon payment loans to first make a good-faith reasonable determination that the consumer has the ability to repay the covered loan along with current obligations and expenses (\u201cability to repay requirements\u201d); however, the ability to repay requirements was rescinded in July 2020. The final rule also curtails repeated unsuccessful attempts to debit consumers\u2019 accounts for short-term loans, balloon payment loans, and installment loans that involve a payment authorization and an annual percentage rate over 36% (\u201cpayment requirements\u201d). Although the Company does not make loans with terms of 45 days or less or obtain access to a customer\u2019s bank account or paycheck for repayment of any of its loans, it does make some vehicle-secured loans with an annual percentage rate within the scope of the final rule. The final rule has significant differences from the CFPB\u2019s proposed rules announced on June 2, 2016. Implementation of the Rule\u2019s payment requirements may require changes to the Company\u2019s practices and procedures for such loans, which could materially and adversely affect the Company\u2019s ability to make such loans, the cost of making such loans, the Company\u2019s ability to, or frequency with which it could, refinance any such loans, and the profitability of such loans. Additionally, any further regulatory changes could have effects beyond those currently contemplated that could further materially and adversely impact our business and operations. \nIn addition to the specific matters described above, other aspects of our business may be the subject of future CFPB rule-making. The enactment of one or more of such regulatory changes, or the exercise of broad regulatory authority by regulators, including but not limited to, the CFPB, having jurisdiction or supervisory authority over the Company\u2019s business or discretionary consumer financial transactions, generically, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of \n21\nTable of Contents\noperations and prospects. See Part I, Item 1, \u201cDescription of Business-Government Regulation\u201d for more information regarding legislation we are subject to and related risks.\nLitigation and regulatory actions, including challenges to the arbitration clauses in our customer agreements, could subject us to significant class actions, fines, penalties, judgments and requirements resulting in increased expenses and potential material adverse effects on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nIn the normal course of business, from time to time, we have been involved in various legal actions, including arbitration, class actions and other litigation, arising in connection with our business activities. All such legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable and, regardless or the merits of the claims, litigation is often expensive, time consuming, disruptive to our operations and resources, and distracting to management. If resolved against us, such legal proceedings could result in excessive verdicts and judgments, injunctive relief, equitable relief, and other adverse consequences that may affect our financial condition and how we operate our business. Similarly, if we settle such legal proceedings, it may affect our financial condition and how we operate our business. Future court decisions, alternative dispute resolution awards, business expansion or legislative activity may increase our exposure to litigation and regulatory investigations. In some cases, substantial non-economic remedies or punitive damages may be sought. \nAlthough we maintain liability insurance coverage, there can be no assurance that such coverage will cover any particular verdict, judgment, or settlement that may be entered against us, that such coverage will prove to be adequate, or that such coverage will continue to remain available on acceptable terms, if at all. If in any legal proceeding we incur liability or defense costs that exceed our insurance coverage or that are not within the scope of our insurance coverage, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. \nCertain legal actions include claims for substantial compensatory and punitive damages, or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages. While the arbitration provisions in our customer agreements historically have limited our exposure to consumer class action litigation, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in enforcing our arbitration clause in the future. There may also be legislative, administrative or regulatory efforts to directly or indirectly prohibit the use of pre-dispute arbitration clauses, or we may be compelled as a result of competitive pressure or reputational concerns to voluntarily eliminate pre-dispute arbitration clauses.\nAdditionally, if we are subject to regulatory actions or other litigation, we may not be able to maintain all requisite licenses and permits or obtain additional licenses and permits necessary for future business operations, and the failure to satisfy those or other regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Material changes in laws or regulations applicable to us could also subject us to additional licensing, registration and other regulatory requirements in the future or could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nUnfavorable state legislation, executive orders, or regulatory actions, adverse outcomes in litigation or regulatory proceedings or failure to comply with existing laws and regulations could force us to cease, suspend or modify our operations in a state, potentially resulting in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nIn addition to federal laws and regulations, we are subject to numerous state laws and regulations that affect our lending activities. Many of these regulations impose detailed and complex constraints on the terms of our loans, lending forms and operations. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment against us of civil, monetary, or other penalties, including the suspension or revocation of our licenses to lend in one or more jurisdictions.\nAs discussed elsewhere in this report, the Company\u2019s operations are subject to extensive state and federal laws and regulations, and changes in those laws or regulations or their application could have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business, results of operations, prospects, or ability to continue operations in the jurisdictions affected by these changes. See Part I, Item 1, \u201cDescription of Business-Government Regulation\u201d for more information regarding this legislation and related risks.\nPassage of adverse legislation, such as rate caps on financial lending products or similar initiatives, in any of the states in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business, results of operations, prospects, or ability to continue operations in the jurisdictions affected by such changes. We can give no assurance that the laws and regulations that govern our business, or the interpretation or administration of those laws and regulations, will remain unchanged or that any such future changes will not materially and adversely affect or in the worst case, eliminate the Company\u2019s lending practices, operations, profitability, or prospects.\n22\nTable of Contents\nIn addition, any adverse change in existing laws or regulations, or any adverse interpretation or litigation relating to existing laws and regulations in any state in which we operate, could subject us to liability for prior operating activities or could lower or eliminate the profitability of our operations going forward by, among other things, reducing the amount of interest and fees we can charge in connection with our loans. If these or other factors lead us to close our branches in a state, then in addition to the loss of net revenues attributable to that closing, we would also incur closing costs such as lease cancellation payments and we would have to write off assets that we could no longer use. If we were to suspend rather than permanently cease our operations in a state, we may also have continuing costs associated with maintaining our branches and our employees in that state, with little or no revenues to offset those costs.\nChanges in local laws and regulations or interpretations of local laws and regulations could negatively impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition. \nIn addition to state and federal laws and regulations, our business is subject to various local laws and regulations, such as local zoning regulations. Local zoning boards and other local governing bodies have been increasingly restricting the permitted locations of consumer finance companies. Any future actions taken to require special use permits for or impose other restrictions on our ability to provide products could adversely affect our ability to expand our operations or force us to attempt to relocate existing branches. If we were forced to relocate any of our branches, in addition to the costs associated with the relocation, we may be required to hire new employees in the new areas, which may adversely impact the operations of those branches. Relocation of an existing branch may also hinder our collection abilities, as our business model relies in part on the locations of our branches being close to where our customers live in order to successfully collect on outstanding loans.\nChanges in laws or regulations may have a material adverse effect on all aspects of our business in a particular state and on our overall business, financial condition, and results of operations, including our ability to generate new loans and the manner in which existing loans are serviced and collected.\nWe may be exposed to liabilities under follow-on litigation from our previous settlement with the SEC and DOJ for our previously disclosed FCPA issue in Mexico, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and liquidity.\nOn August 6, 2020, the Company announced that it had reached resolution with both the SEC and the DOJ with respect to the FCPA matter in Mexico. See Part II, Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Regulatory Matters,\u201d for more information.\nThe Company could face additional third-party claims by shareholders and/or other stakeholders of the Company relating to this settlement. Any such litigation may be expensive and would likely consume significant time and attention of the Company\u2019s senior management. We may incur substantial expenses responding to such actions, which may have a material impact on our business.\nOur use of third-party vendors and service providers is subject to regulatory review.\nThe CFPB and other regulators have issued regulatory guidance focusing on the need for financial institutions to perform due diligence and ongoing monitoring of third-party vendor and service provider relationships, which increases the scope of management involvement and decreases the benefit that we receive from using third-party vendors. Moreover, if our regulators conclude that we have not met the standards for oversight of our third-party vendors, we could be subject to enforcement actions, civil monetary penalties, supervisory orders to cease and desist or other remedial actions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition and operating results. Further, federal and state regulators have been scrutinizing the practices of lead aggregators and providers recently. If regulators place restrictions on certain practices by lead aggregators or providers, our ability to use them as a source for applicants could be affected.\nEmployee misconduct or misconduct by third parties acting on our behalf could harm us by subjecting us to monetary loss, significant legal liability, regulatory scrutiny, and reputational harm.\nThere is a risk that our employees or third-party contractors could engage in misconduct that adversely affects our business. Due to the general decentralized nature in which the loan application process occurs, employee misconduct or error in the application or closing process could also result in the origination of loans that do not satisfy our underwriting standards, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\n \nAdditionally, for example, if an employee or a third-party contractor were to engage in, or be accused of engaging in, illegal or suspicious activities including fraud or theft, we could suffer direct losses from the activity. Additionally, we could be subject to regulatory sanctions and suffer serious harm to our reputation, financial condition, customer relationships and ability to attract future customers. Employee or third-party misconduct could prompt regulators to allege or to determine based upon such misconduct that we have not established adequate supervisory systems and procedures to inform employees of applicable rules or to detect \n23\nTable of Contents\nviolations of such rules. Our branches have experienced employee fraud from time to time, and it is not always possible to deter employee or third-party misconduct. The precautions that we take to detect and prevent misconduct may not be effective in all cases. Misconduct by our employees or third-party contractors, or even unsubstantiated allegations of misconduct, could result in a material adverse effect on our reputation and our business.\nGeneral Risk Factor\ns\nOur risk management efforts may not be effective.\nWe could incur substantial losses and our business operations could be disrupted if we are unable to effectively identify, manage, monitor, and mitigate financial risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment risk, liquidity risk, and other market-related risks, as well as regulatory and operational risks related to our business, assets, and liabilities. Our risk management policies, procedures, and techniques may not be sufficient to identify all of the risks we are exposed to, mitigate the risks we have identified, or identify additional risks to which we may become subject in the future.\nWe may experience significant turnover in our senior management, and our business may be adversely affected by the transitions in our senior management team.\nExecutive leadership transitions can be inherently difficult to manage and may cause disruption to our business. In addition, management transition inherently causes some loss of institutional knowledge, which can negatively affect strategy and execution, and our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted as a result. The loss of services of one or more other members of senior management, or the inability to attract qualified permanent replacements, could have a material adverse effect on our business. If we fail to successfully attract and appoint permanent replacements with the appropriate expertise, we could experience increased employee turnover and harm to our business, results of operations, cash flow and financial condition. The search for permanent replacements could also result in significant recruiting and relocation costs.\nThe departure, transition, or replacement of key personnel could significantly impact the results of our operations. If we cannot continue to hire and retain high-quality employees, our business and financial results may be negatively affected.\nOur future success significantly depends on the continued service and performance of our key management personnel. Competition for these employees is intense. Our operating results could be adversely affected by higher employee turnover or increased salary and benefit costs. Like most businesses, our employees are important to our success and we are dependent in part on our ability to retain the services of our key management, operational, compliance, finance, and administrative personnel. We have built our business on a set of core values, and we attempt to hire employees who are committed to these values. We want to hire and retain employees who will fit our culture of compliance and of providing exceptional service to our customers. In order to compete and to continue to grow, we must attract, retain, and motivate employees, including those in executive, senior management, and operational positions. As our employees gain experience and develop their knowledge and skills, they become highly desired by other businesses. Therefore, to retain our employees, we must provide a satisfying work environment and competitive compensation and benefits. If costs to retain our skilled employees increase, then our business and financial results may be negatively affected. \nChanges in federal, state and local tax law, interpretations of existing tax law, or adverse determinations by tax authorities, could increase our tax burden or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.\nWe are subject to taxation at the federal, state and local levels. Furthermore, we are subject to regular review and audit by tax authorities. While we believe our tax positions will be sustained, the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation may differ materially from the tax amounts recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements, which could adversely impact our cash flows and financial results.\nDamage to our reputation could negatively impact our business. \nMaintaining a strong reputation is critical to our ability to attract and retain customers, investors, and employees. Harm to our reputation can arise from many sources, including employee misconduct, misconduct by third-party service providers or other vendors, litigation or regulatory actions, failure by us to meet minimum standards of service and quality, inadequate protection of customer information, and compliance failures. Negative publicity regarding our Company (or others engaged in a similar business or similar activities), whether or not accurate, may damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. \n24\nTable of Contents\nWe have goodwill, which is subject to periodic review and testing for impairment.\nAt March 31, 2023, our total assets contained $7.4 million of goodwill.\u00a0Under GAAP, goodwill is subject to periodic review and testing to determine if it is impaired.\u00a0Unfavorable trends in our industry and unfavorable events or disruptions to our operations resulting from adverse legislative or regulatory actions or from other unpredictable causes could result in goodwill impairment charges.\nIf we fail to maintain appropriate controls and procedures, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, and the trading price of our common stock.\nWe are required to maintain disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act requires us to include in our annual reports on Form 10-K an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act requires us to engage our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We expect to incur significant expenses and to devote resources to Section 404 compliance on an ongoing basis. It is difficult for us to predict how long it will take or costly it will be to complete the assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for each year and to remediate any deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. \nIf we identify a material weakness in our controls and procedures, our ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information accurately and within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC could be adversely affected. In addition, remediation of a material weakness would require our management to devote significant time and incur significant expense. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. If we are unable to maintain effective controls and procedures we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, and we may be subject to investigation or sanctions by the SEC. Any such consequence or other negative effect could adversely affect our operations, financial condition, and the trading price of our common stock.\nRegular turnover among our managers and other employees at our branches makes it more difficult for us to operate our branches and increases our costs of operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nThe annual turnover as of March 31, 2023 among our branch employees was approximately 47.1%.\u00a0This turnover increases our cost of operations and makes it more difficult to operate our branches. If we are unable to keep our employee turnover rates consistent with historical levels or if unanticipated problems arise from our high employee turnover, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected.\nAbsence of dividends could reduce our attractiveness to investors.\nSince 1989, we have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and may not pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.\u00a0As a result, our common stock may be less attractive to certain investors than the stock of dividend-paying companies. Investors may need to rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may not occur, as the only way to realize future gains on their investment.\nVarious provisions of our charter documents and applicable laws could delay or prevent a change of control that shareholders may favor.\nProvisions of our articles of incorporation, South Carolina law, and the laws in several of the states in which our operating subsidiaries are incorporated could delay or prevent a change of control that the holders of our common stock may favor or may impede the ability of our shareholders to change our management.\u00a0In particular, our articles of incorporation and South Carolina law, among other things, authorize our board of directors to issue preferred stock in one or more series, without shareholder approval, and will require the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of our outstanding shares of voting stock, to approve our merger or consolidation with another corporation.\u00a0Additional information regarding the similar effect of laws in certain states in which we operate is described in Part 1, Item 1, \u201cDescription of Business - Government Regulation.\u201d\nOverall stock market volatility may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.\n25\nTable of Contents\nThe Company\u2019s common stock price has been and is likely to continue to be subject to significant volatility.\u00a0Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market, or political conditions, could reduce the market price of shares of our common stock in spite of our operating performance. Additionally, a variety of factors could cause the price of the common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially, including: general market fluctuations resulting from factors not directly related to the Company\u2019s operations or the inherent value of its common stock; state or federal legislative or regulatory proposals, initiatives, actions or changes that are, or are perceived to be, adverse to our operations or the broader consumer finance industry in general; announcements of developments related to our business; fluctuations in our operating results and the provision for credit losses; low trading volume in our common stock; decreased availability of our common stock resulting from stock repurchases and concentrations of ownership by large or institutional investors; general conditions in the financial service industry; disruption to the domestic financial services industry, the domestic or global economy, including inflationary pressures, or the domestic or global credit or capital markets; changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; our failure to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors; negative commentary regarding our Company and corresponding short-selling market behavior; adverse developments in our relationships with our customers; investigations or legal proceedings brought against the Company or its officers; or significant changes in our senior management team.\nChanges to accounting rules, regulations or interpretations could significantly affect our financial results.\nNew accounting rules or regulations, changes to existing accounting rules or regulations, and changing interpretations of existing rules and regulations have been issued or occurred and may continue to be issued or occur in the future. Our methodology for valuing our receivables and otherwise accounting for our business is subject to change depending upon the changes in, and interpretation of, accounting rules, regulations, or interpretations. Any such changes to accounting rules, regulations, or interpretations could negatively affect our reported results of operations and could negatively affect our financial condition through increased cost of compliance.\nIn addition, the FASB may propose changes to financial accounting and reporting standards that govern key aspects of our financial statements, including areas where assumptions or estimates are required. As a result of changes to financial accounting or reporting standards, whether promulgated or required by the FASB or other regulators, we could be required to change certain assumptions or estimates we previously used in preparing our financial statements, which could negatively impact how we record and report our results of operations and financial condition.\nIf assumptions or estimates we use in preparing our financial statements are incorrect or are required to change, our reported results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected. \nWe are required to use certain assumptions and estimates in preparing our financial statements under GAAP, including determining allowances for credit losses, the fair value of financial instruments, asset impairment, reserves related to litigation and other legal matters, the fair value of share-based compensation, valuation of income, and other taxes and regulatory exposures. In addition, significant assumptions and estimates are involved in determining certain disclosures required under GAAP, including those involving the fair value of our financial instruments. If the assumptions or estimates underlying our financial statements are incorrect, the actual amounts realized on transactions and balances subject to those estimates will be different, and this could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. \nIn addition, the FASB may propose changes to several financial accounting and reporting standards that govern key aspects of our financial statements, including areas where assumptions or estimates are required. As a result of changes to financial accounting or reporting standards, whether promulgated or required by the FASB or other regulators, we could be required to change certain assumptions or estimates we previously used in preparing our financial statements, which could negatively impact how we record and report our results of operations and financial condition. \nThe future issuance of additional shares of our common stock in connection with potential acquisitions or otherwise will dilute all other shareholders.\nExcept in certain circumstances, we are not restricted from issuing additional shares of common stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock. The market price of shares of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of common stock in the market or the perception that such sales could occur. We intend to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities and may issue shares of common stock in connection with these acquisitions. Any shares of common stock issued in connection with acquisitions, the exercise of outstanding stock options, or otherwise would dilute the percentage ownership held by our existing shareholders.\n26\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\u00a0\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nGeneral\nThe Company's financial performance continues to be dependent in large part upon the growth in its outstanding loans receivable, the maintenance of loan quality and acceptable levels of operating expenses.\u00a0Since March\u00a031, 2019, gross loans receivable have increased at a 5.36% annual compounded rate from $1.13 billion to $1.39 billion at March\u00a031, 2023.\u00a0We believe we were able to improve our gross loans receivable growth rates through acquisitions, improved marketing processes, and analytics.\u00a0The Company plans to enter into new markets through opening new branches and acquisitions as opportunities arise.\nThe Company offers an income tax return preparation and electronic filing program in all but a few of its branches.\u00a0The Company prepared approximately 75,000, 81,000, and 77,000 returns in each of the fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\u00a0Revenues from the Company\u2019s tax preparation business in fiscal 2023 amounted to approximately $24.0 million, a 2.2% decrease over the $24.5 million earned during fiscal 2022.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe following table sets forth certain information derived from the Company's consolidated statements of operations and balance sheets, as well as operating data and ratios, for the periods indicated:\n29\nTable of Contents\n\u00a0\nYears Ended March 31,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\n\u00a0\n(Dollars in thousands)\nGross loans receivable\n$\n1,390,016\n\u00a0\n$\n1,522,789\u00a0\n$\n1,104,746\u00a0\nAverage gross loans receivable \n(1)\n$\n1,555,655\n\u00a0\n$\n1,377,740\u00a0\n$\n1,143,186\u00a0\nNet loans receivable \n(2)\n$\n1,013,341\n\u00a0\n$\n1,119,758\u00a0\n$\n825,382\u00a0\nAverage net loans receivable\n \n(3)\n$\n1,133,051\n\u00a0\n$\n1,014,984\u00a0\n$\n848,732\u00a0\nExpenses as a percentage of total revenue:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nProvision for credit losses\n42.1\n\u00a0\n%\n31.8\u00a0\n%\n16.3\u00a0\n%\nGeneral and administrative\n45.3\n\u00a0\n%\n51.3\u00a0\n%\n57.7\u00a0\n%\nInterest expense\n8.2\n\u00a0\n%\n5.7\u00a0\n%\n4.9\u00a0\n%\nOperating income as a % of total revenue \n(4)\n12.6\n\u00a0\n%\n16.9\u00a0\n%\n26.0\u00a0\n%\nLoan volume \n(5)\n3,078,672\n\u00a0\n3,267,860\u00a0\n2,371,981\u00a0\nNet charge-offs as percent of average net loans receivable\n23.7\n\u00a0\n%\n14.2\u00a0\n%\n14.1\u00a0\n%\nReturn on average assets (trailing 12 months)\n1.7\n\u00a0\n%\n4.8\u00a0\n%\n9.1\u00a0\n%\nReturn on average equity (trailing 12 months)\n5.8\n\u00a0\n%\n13.4\u00a0\n%\n22.8\u00a0\n%\nBranches opened or acquired (merged or closed), net\n(94)\n(38)\n(38)\nBranches open (at period end)\n1,073\n\u00a0\n1,167\u00a0\n1,205\u00a0\n_______________________________________________________\n(1)\n Average gross loans receivable have been determined by averaging month-end gross loans receivable over the indicated period, excluding tax advances.\n(2)\n Net loans receivable is defined as gross loans receivable less unearned interest and deferred fees.\n(3)\n Average net loans receivable have been determined by averaging month-end gross loans receivable less unearned interest and deferred fees over the indicated period, excluding tax advances.\n(4)\n Operating income is computed as total revenue less provision for credit losses and general and administrative expenses.\n(5)\n Loan volume includes all loan balances originated by the Company. It does not include loans purchased through acquisitions.\nComparison of Fiscal 2023 Versus Fiscal 2022\n \nNet income for fiscal 2023 was $21.2 million, a 60.6% decrease from the $53.9 million earned during fiscal 2022. The decrease in net income from was primarily due to a $73.3 million increase in the provision for credit losses partially offset by a $31.4 million increase in revenue.\nOperating income (revenues less provision for credit losses and general and administrative expenses) during fiscal 2023 decreased $21.4 million. \nTotal revenues increased $31.36 million, or 5.4%, to $616.55 million in fiscal 2023, from $585.19 million in fiscal 2022.\u00a0At March\u00a031, 2023, the Company had 1,073 branches in operation, a decrease of 94 branches from March\u00a031, 2022.\nInterest and fee income during fiscal 2023 increased by $22.7 million, or 4.7%, from fiscal 2022.\u00a0The\u00a0increase\u00a0was primarily due to an increase\u00a0in average net loans receivable, which increased 11.6% during fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.\u00a0Interest and fee income was also impacted by a shift to larger, lower interest rate loans. The large loan portfolio increased from 51.8% of the overall portfolio as of March\u00a031, 2022, to 58.1% as of March\u00a031, 2023. \nInsurance commissions and other income increased by $8.7 million, or 8.7%, from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2023.\u00a0Insurance commissions increased by $10.9 million, or 19.3%, from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2023 due to an increase in loan volume in states where we offer our insurance products along with the shift towards larger loans. The sale of insurance products is limited to \n30\nTable of Contents\nlarge loans in several states in which we operate. Other income decreased by $2.2 million, or 5.1%, from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2023 primarily due to a decrease in tax preparation income of $0.5 million and a decrease in revenue from the Company's motor club product of $5.1 million offset by a $4.0 million gain from acquisitions.\nThe provision for losses during fiscal 2023 increased by $73.3 million, or 39.3%, from the previous year.\u00a0This increase can mostly be attributed to an increase in charge-off rates during the year. Accounts that were 91 days or more past due represented 3.5% and 4.5% of our loan portfolio on a recency basis at March\u00a031, 2023 and March\u00a031, 2022, respectively. The Company's year-over-year net charge-off ratio (net charge-offs as a percentage of average net loans receivable) increased from 14.2% for the year ended March\u00a031, 2022 to 23.7% for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023.\nNet charge-offs and the net charge-off rate were negatively impacted by a higher proportion of new borrowers at the beginning of the current fiscal year. New borrowers are our riskiest customer type and typically perform worse than our longer tenured customers. Additionally, new borrowers originated in the prior fiscal year performed worse than expected due to macro-economic factors. Customers who are new borrowers to the Company (less than two years since their first origination at the time of their current loan) as a percentage of the year-end portfolio decreased 20.8% year over year. These \"new to World\" customers now account for 25.1% of the portfolio, a decrease from 31.7% last year. Customers who were with the Company for less than five months have decreased 54.9% from 13.1% to 5.9%. The reduction of new borrowers in the portfolio as well as better performance of the new borrowers originated in the current fiscal year should result in lower net-charge offs in fiscal year 2024. \nThe net charge-off rate for the past ten fiscal years averaged 16.0%, with a high of 23.7% (fiscal 2023) and a low of 12.8% (fiscal 2015). In fiscal 2023 the charge-off rate was 23.7%. The following table presents the Company's net charge-off ratios since 2013. \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0_______________________________________________________\n2015 \nIn fiscal 2015, the Company's net charge-off rate decreased to 12.8%. The net charge-off rate benefited from a change in branch level incentives during the year, which allowed branch managers to continue collection efforts on accounts that are 91 days or more past due without having their monthly bonus negatively impacted. As expected, the change resulted in an increase in accounts 91 \n31\nTable of Contents\ndays or more past due and fewer net charge-offs during fiscal 2015. We estimate the net charge-off rate would have been approximately 14.0% for fiscal 2015 excluding the impact of the change.\n2023 \nIn fiscal 2023, the Company's net charge-off rate increased to 23.7%. This increase is primarily attributable to the higher proportion of new borrowers at the beginning of the current fiscal year. Additionally, new borrowers originated in the prior fiscal year performed worse than expected due to macro-economic factors.\nGeneral and administrative expenses during fiscal 2023 decreased by $20.5 million, or 6.8%, over the previous fiscal year. General and administrative expenses, when divided by average open branches, increased 0.3% from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2023 and, overall, general and administrative expenses as a percent of total revenues decreased to 45.3% in fiscal 2023 from 51.3% in fiscal 2022. The change in general and administrative expense is explained in greater detail below.\nPersonnel\n expense totaled $177.7 million for fiscal 2023, a $5.4 million, or 2.9%, decrease over fiscal 2022. The decrease was largely due to an $8.5 million decrease in stock compensation expense and a $6.8 million decrease in bonus expense, offset by an $8.5 million increase in salary expense. On July 1, 2022, we increased base wages for our financial service representatives to a minimum of approximately $15 an hour and eliminated the monthly bonus for the same position. \nOccupancy and equipment\n expense totaled $52.1 million for fiscal 2023, remaining relatively flat when compared to fiscal year 2022. Occupancy and equipment expense is generally a function of the number of branches the Company has open throughout the year. In fiscal 2023, the expense per average open branch increased to $46.7 thousand, up from $43.4 thousand in fiscal 2022.\nAdvertising\n expense totaled $6.1 million for fiscal 2023, a $12.2 million, or 66.7%, decrease over fiscal 2022. The decrease was primarily due to decreased spending in our digital marketing and new customer acquisition programs.\nAmortization of intangible assets\n totaled $4.5 million for fiscal 2023, a $0.5 million, or 10.9%, decrease over fiscal 2022, which primarily relates to a corresponding decrease in intangible assets acquired in the current fiscal year compared to the previous fiscal year.\nOther\n expense totaled $39.1 million for fiscal 2023, a $2.4 million, or 5.8%, decrease over fiscal 2022.\nInterest expense increased by $17.0 million, or 51.0%, during fiscal 2023 when compared to the previous fiscal year as a result of an increase in average debt outstanding of 26.1% and an increase in the effective interest rate from 5.7% to 7.1%. \nIncome tax expense decreased $5.7 million, or 49.3% for fiscal 2023 compared to the prior fiscal year.\u00a0The effective tax rate increased to 21.8% for fiscal 2023 compared to 17.8% for fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily due to the Adoption of ASU 2023-02 in the current fiscal year which requires the recognition of tax credit investments as a portion of income tax expense rather than pretax other expense, along with a decrease in the permanent tax benefit related to non-qualified stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock recognized in the current fiscal year. This was partially offset by a decrease in the disallowed executive compensation under Section 162(m) in the current fiscal year.\nComparison of Fiscal 2022 Versus Fiscal 2021 \nFor a comparison of our results of operations for the years ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, see Part II, Item 7, \"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (which was filed with the SEC on May 27, 2022).\nRegulatory Matters\nMexico Investigation\nAs previously disclosed, in August 2020, the Company reached a resolution with both the SEC and the DOJ regarding allegations primarily involving the Company's former subsidiary in Mexico (the Company divested its operations in Mexico in 2018). The DOJ declined to prosecute the Company given its voluntary self-disclosure and full remediation.\n \nPursuant to a settlement and cease and desist order with the SEC, the Company paid $21,726,000 to the SEC in August of 2020.\nCFPB Rulemaking Initiative\n32\nTable of Contents\nOn October 5, 2017, the CFPB issued a final rule (the \"Rule\") imposing limitations on (i) short-term consumer loans, (ii) longer-term consumer installment loans with balloon payments, and (iii) higher-rate consumer installment loans repayable by a payment authorization. The Rule originally required lenders originating short-term loans and longer-term balloon payment loans to evaluate whether each consumer has the ability to repay the loan along with current obligations and expenses (\u201cability to repay requirements\u201d); however, the ability to repay requirements was rescinded in July 2020. The Rule also curtails repeated unsuccessful attempts to debit consumers\u2019 accounts for short-term loans, balloon payment loans, and installment loans that involve a payment authorization and an annual percentage rate over 36% (\u201cpayment requirements\u201d). Implementation of the Rule\u2019s payment requirements may require changes to the Company\u2019s practices and procedures for such loans, which could materially and adversely affect the Company\u2019s ability to make such loans, the cost of making such loans, the Company\u2019s ability to, or frequency with which it could, refinance any such loans, and the profitability of such loans.\nIn July 2020, the CFPB rescinded provisions of the Rule governing the ability to repay requirements. Currently, the payment requirements are scheduled to take effect in June 2022. However, on October 19, 2022, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled, in Community Financial Services Association of America v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, that the funding mechanism for the CFPB violates the appropriations clause of the U.S. Constitution, and as a result vacated the Rule. On February 27, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it would grant the CFPB\u2019s petition for certiorari, to decide the constitutionality of the CFPB\u2019s funding mechanism. Because all CFPB rulemakings depend on the expenditure of CFPB funds, there is a risk that if the Court finds the CFPB\u2019s funding mechanism to be unconstitutional, prior CFPB activities, including the promulgation of regulations impacting the lending market and upon which lenders, such as the Company, have relied in conducting their activities, may also be deemed unconstitutional. Although the Court could issue is decision at any time after oral argument, which is anticipated to occur as part of the Court\u2019s October 2023 Term, it is possible that a decision may not be issued until the end of the Court\u2019s term in June 2024. To the extent that the Rule is reinstated and takes effect, any regulatory changes could have effects beyond those currently contemplated that could further materially and adversely impact our business and operations. Unless rescinded or otherwise amended, the Company will have to comply with the Rule\u2019s payment requirements if it continues to allow consumers to set up future recurring payments online for certain covered loans such that it meets the definition of having a \u201cleveraged payment mechanism\u201d under the Rule. If the payment provisions of the Rule apply, the Company will have to modify its loan payment procedures to comply with the required notices and mandated timeframes set forth in the final rule.\nThe CFPB also has stated that it expects to conduct separate rulemaking to identify larger participants in the installment lending market for purposes of its supervision program. This initiative was classified as \u201cinactive\u201d on the CFPB\u2019s Spring 2018 rulemaking agenda and has remained inactive since, but the CFPB indicated that such action was not a decision on the merits. Though the likelihood and timing of any such rulemaking is uncertain, the Company believes that the implementation of such rules would likely bring the Company\u2019s business under the CFPB\u2019s supervisory authority which, among other things, would subject the Company to reporting obligations to, and on-site compliance examinations by, the CFPB. In addition, even in the absence of a \u201clarger participant\u201d rule, the CFPB has the power to order individual nonbank financial institutions to submit to supervision where the CFPB has reasonable cause to determine that the institution is engaged in \u201cconduct that poses risks to consumers\u201d under 12 USC 5514(a)(1)(C). In 2022, the CFPB announced that it has begun using this \u201cdormant authority\u201d to examine nonbank entities and the CFPB is attempting to expand the number of nonbank entities it currently supervises. Specifically, the CFPB has notified the Company that it is seeking to establish such supervisory authority over the Company. The Company disagrees that the CFPB has reasonable cause to to supervise the Company, has responded to the CFPB's notice, and is awaiting further response from the CFPB. If the CFPB ultimately determines it has supervisory authority over the Company, then the Company may be subject to,\n \namong other things, examination by the CFPB. See Part I, Item 1, \u201cDescription of Business - Government Regulation - Federal legislation,\u201d for a further discussion of these matters and the federal regulations to which the Company\u2019s operations are subject and Part I, Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors,\u201d for more information regarding these regulatory and related risks.\nQuarterly Information and Seasonality\nThe Company's loan volume and corresponding loans receivable follow seasonal trends.\u00a0The Company's highest loan demand typically occurs from October through December, its third fiscal quarter.\u00a0Loan demand has generally been the lowest and loan repayment highest from January to March, its fourth fiscal quarter.\u00a0Loan volume and average balances typically remain relatively level during the remainder of the year.\u00a0This seasonal trend affects quarterly operating performance through corresponding fluctuations in interest and fee income and insurance commissions earned and the provision for credit losses recorded, as well as fluctuations in the Company's cash needs.\u00a0Consequently, operating results for the Company's third fiscal quarter generally are significantly lower than in other quarters and operating results for its fourth fiscal quarter are significantly higher than in other quarters.\n33\nTable of Contents\nThe following table sets forth, on a quarterly basis, certain items included in the Company's unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and shows the number of branches open during fiscal years 2023 and 2022.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAt or for the Three Months Ended\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nJune\n30,\nSeptember\n30,\nDecember\n31,\nMarch\n31,\nJune\n30,\nSeptember\n30,\nDecember\n31,\nMarch\n31,\n(Dollars in thousands)\nTotal revenues\n$\n157,918\n\u00a0\n$\n151,258\n\u00a0\n$\n146,532\n\u00a0\n$\n160,837\n\u00a0\n$\n129,659\u00a0\n$\n137,827\u00a0\n$\n149,046\u00a0\n$\n168,656\u00a0\nProvision for credit losses\n$\n85,822\n\u00a0\n$\n68,620\n\u00a0\n$\n59,609\n\u00a0\n$\n45,412\n\u00a0\n$\n30,266\u00a0\n$\n42,044\u00a0\n$\n56,459\u00a0\n$\n57,439\u00a0\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n$\n73,174\n\u00a0\n$\n71,218\n\u00a0\n$\n66,475\n\u00a0\n$\n68,607\n\u00a0\n$\n73,351\u00a0\n$\n74,989\u00a0\n$\n74,703\u00a0\n$\n76,934\u00a0\nNet income (loss)\n$\n(8,803)\n$\n(1,366)\n$\n5,759\n\u00a0\n$\n25,643\n\u00a0\n$\n15,771\u00a0\n$\n12,439\u00a0\n$\n7,327\u00a0\n$\n18,382\u00a0\nGross loans receivable\n$\n1,641,798\n\u00a0\n$\n1,598,362\n\u00a0\n$\n1,553,985\n\u00a0\n$\n1,390,016\n\u00a0\n$\n1,223,139\u00a0\n$\n1,394,827\u00a0\n$\n1,606,111\u00a0\n$\n1,522,789\u00a0\nNumber of branches open\n1,146\n\u00a0\n1,104\n\u00a0\n1,084\n\u00a0\n1,073\n\u00a0\n1,205\u00a0\n1,202\u00a0\n1,202\u00a0\n1,167\u00a0\nCritical Accounting Policies\nThe Company\u2019s accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with GAAP and conform to general practices within the finance company industry.\u00a0The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements are discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\u00a0Certain critical accounting policies involve significant judgment by the Company\u2019s management, including the use of estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses.\u00a0As a result, changes in these estimates and assumptions could significantly affect the Company\u2019s financial position and results of operations.\u00a0The Company considers its policies regarding the allowance for credit losses, share-based compensation, and income taxes to be its most critical accounting policies due to the significant degree of management judgment involved.\nAllowance for Credit Losses\nAccounting policies related to the allowance for credit losses are considered to be critical as these policies involve considerable subjective judgement and estimation by management. As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report, our policies related to the allowances for credit losses changed on April 1, 2020 in connection with the adoption of a new accounting standard update as codified in ASC 326. In the case of loans, the allowance for credit losses is a contra-asset valuation account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326 that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected. The amount of the allowance account represents management\u2019s best estimate of current expected credit losses on these financial instruments considering available information, from internal and external sources, relevant to assessing exposure to credit loss over the contractual term of the instrument. Relevant available information includes historical credit loss experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.\nShare-Based Compensation\nThe Company measures compensation cost for share-based awards at fair value and recognizes compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of restricted stock is based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock at the time of grant, and the fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The Black-Scholes model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected life, changes to which can materially affect the fair value estimate. Actual results, and future changes in estimates, may differ substantially from our current estimates.\nIncome Taxes\n34\nTable of Contents\n\u00a0\nManagement uses certain assumptions and estimates in determining income taxes payable or refundable, deferred income tax liabilities and assets for events recognized differently in its financial statements and income tax returns, and income tax expense. Determining these amounts requires analysis of certain transactions and interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Management exercises considerable judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting income tax liabilities and assets. These judgments and estimates are re-evaluated on a periodic basis as regulatory and business factors change.\nPursuant to ASC 740, a deferred tax asset or liability is generally recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences, net operating losses, and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in assessing the realizability of the Company\u2019s deferred tax assets. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the extent to which a valuation allowance should be applied against its deferred tax asset. If, based on its assessment, the Company determines that it is more likely than not (intended to mean a likelihood that is more than 50%) that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon generation of future taxable income of the appropriate character during the periods in which the temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the timing of the reversal of deferred liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and the ability to carryback tax attributes in making this assessment. \nNo assurance can be given that either the tax returns submitted by management or the income tax reported on the Consolidated Financial Statements will not be adjusted by either adverse rulings, changes in the tax code, or assessments made by the Internal Revenue Service or by state or foreign taxing authorities. The Company is subject to potential adverse adjustments including, but not limited to: an increase in the statutory federal or state income tax rates, the permanent non-deductibility of amounts currently considered deductible either now or in future periods, and the dependency on the generation of future taxable income in order to ultimately realize deferred income tax assets.\nUnder FASB ASC 740, the Company includes the current and deferred tax impact of its tax positions in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (likelihood of greater than 50%) that such positions will be sustained by taxing authorities, with full knowledge of relevant information, based on the technical merits of the tax position. While the Company supports its tax positions by unambiguous tax law, prior experience with the taxing authority, and analysis that considers all relevant facts, circumstances and regulations, management must still rely on assumptions and estimates to determine the overall likelihood of success and proper quantification of a given tax position.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nThe Company has financed and continues to finance its operations, acquisitions and branch expansion through a combination of cash flows from operations and borrowings from its institutional lenders.\u00a0The Company has generally applied its cash flows from operations to fund its loan volume, fund acquisitions, repay long-term indebtedness and repurchase its common stock.\u00a0As the Company's gross loans receivable increased from $1.21 billion at March\u00a031, 2020 to $1.39 billion at March\u00a031, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $291.6 million, $272.4 million, and $227.0 million, respectively.\nOn September 27, 2021, we issued $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.0% senior notes due 2026 (the \u201cNotes\u201d). The Notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by all of the Company\u2019s existing and certain of its future subsidiaries that guarantee the revolving credit facility. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing May 1, 2022. At any time prior to November 1, 2023, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a make-whole premium, as described in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption. At any time on or after November 1, 2023, the Company may redeem the Notes at redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption. In addition, at any time prior to November 1, 2023, the Company may use the proceeds of certain equity offerings to redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued under the indenture at a redemption price equal to 107.0% of the principal amount of Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption.\nWe used the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes.\n35\nTable of Contents\nDuring fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased and extinguished $9.0 million of its Notes, net of $0.1 million unamortized debt issuance costs related to the extinguished debt, on the open market for a reacquisition price of $7.2 million. In accordance with ASC 470, the Company recognized the $1.8 million gain on extinguishment as a component of interest expense in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.\nThe indenture governing the Notes contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company\u2019s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to (i) incur additional indebtedness or issue certain disqualified stock and preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends or distributions or redeem or purchase capital stock; (iii) prepay subordinated debt or make certain investments; (iv) transfer and sell assets; (v) create or permit to exist liens; (vi) enter into agreements that restrict dividends, loans and other distributions from their subsidiaries; (vii) engage in a merger, consolidation or sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets; and (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates. However, these covenants are subject to a number of important detailed qualifications and exceptions.\nThe Company continues to believe stock repurchases are a viable component of the Company\u2019s long-term financial strategy and an excellent use of excess cash when the opportunity arises. However, our revolving credit facility and the Notes limit share repurchases up to $90.0 million from March 26, 2021 through June 30, 2022 plus up to 50% of consolidated adjusted net income for the period commencing January 1, 2019. As of March 31, 2023, subject to further approval from our Board of Directors, we could repurchase approximately $29.2 million of shares under the terms of our debt facilities. Additional share repurchases can be made subject to compliance with, among other things, applicable restricted payment covenants under the revolving credit facility and the Notes. \nThe Company acquired $28.3 million in loans receivable, net during fiscal 2023. The Company believes that attractive opportunities to acquire new branches or receivables from its competitors or to acquire branches in communities not currently served by the Company will continue to become available as conditions in local economies and the financial circumstances of owners change.\n\u00a0\nThe Company has a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks. The revolving credit facility provides for revolving borrowings of up to the lesser of (a)\u00a0the aggregate commitments under the facility and (b)\u00a0a borrowing base, and it includes a $300,000 letter of credit under a $1.5 million subfacility.\nSubject to a borrowing base formula, the Company may borrow at the rate of one month SOFR plus 0.10% and an applicable margin of 3.5% with a minimum rate of 4.5%. At March 31, 2023, the aggregate commitments under the revolving credit facility were $685.0 million. The $300,000 letter of credit outstanding under the subfacility expires on December 31, 2023; however, it automatically extends for one year on the expiration date. The borrowing base limitation is equal to the product of (a) the Company\u2019s eligible loans receivables, less unearned finance charges, insurance premiums and insurance commissions, and (b) an advance rate percentage that ranges from 70% (decreasing to as low as 62% for the calendar months ending October 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023) to 80% based on a collateral performance indicator, as more completely described below. Further, under the amended and restated revolving credit agreement, the administrative agent has the right to set aside reasonable reserves against the available borrowing base in such amounts as it may deem appropriate, including, without limitation, reserves with respect to certain regulatory events or any increased operational, legal, or regulatory risk of the Company and its subsidiaries.\nFor the year ended March 31, 2023, the effective interest rate, including the commitment fee, on borrowings under the revolving credit facility was 7.0%. The Company pays a commitment fee equal to 0.50% per annum of the daily unused portion of the commitments. On March 31, 2023, $307.9 million was outstanding under this facility, and there was $318.7 million of unused borrowing availability under the borrowing base limitations. \nThe Company\u2019s obligations under the revolving credit facility, together with treasury management and hedging obligations owing to any lender under the revolving credit facility or any affiliate of any such lender, are required to be guaranteed by each of the Company\u2019s wholly-owned subsidiaries. The obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors under the revolving credit facility, together with such treasury management and hedging obligations, are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors. \nThe agreement governing the Company\u2019s revolving credit facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur or guarantee indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends and repurchase or redeem capital stock, dispose of assets, engage in mergers and consolidations, make acquisitions or other investments, redeem or prepay subordinated debt, amend subordinated debt documents, make changes in the nature of its business, and engage in transactions with affiliates. The agreement allows the Company to incur subordinated debt that matures after the termination date for the revolving credit facility and that contains specified subordination terms, subject to limitations on amount imposed by the financial covenants under the agreement. The agreement's \n36\nTable of Contents\nfinancial covenants include (i) a minimum consolidated net worth of $325.0 million on and after December 31, 2020; (ii) a maximum ratio of total debt to consolidated adjusted net worth of 2.5 to 1.0 (decreasing to 2.25 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, 2.0 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2023, and 2.25 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2023); (iii) a maximum collateral performance indicator of 26.0% as of the end of each calendar month (increasing to 28.0% for the calendar months ending October 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023); and (iv) a minimum fixed charges coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022, 1.15 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, 1.50 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2023, 2.0 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2023, and 2.75 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter thereafter, where the ratio for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters must be at least 2.0 to 1.0 in order for the Company to declare dividends or purchase any class or series of its capital stock or other equity.\nThe collateral performance indicator is equal to the sum of (a) a three-month rolling average rate of receivables at least sixty days past due and (b) an eight-month rolling average net charge-off rate. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at March 31, 2023 and does not believe that these covenants will materially limit its business and expansion strategy.\nThe agreement contains events of default including, without limitation, nonpayment of principal, interest or other obligations, violation of covenants, misrepresentation, cross-default to other debt, bankruptcy and other insolvency events, judgments, certain ERISA events, actual or asserted invalidity of loan documentation, invalidity of subordination provisions of subordinated debt, certain changes of control of the Company, and the occurrence of certain regulatory events (including the entry of any stay, order, judgment, ruling or similar event related to the Company\u2019s or any of its subsidiaries\u2019 originating, holding, pledging, collecting or enforcing its eligible loans receivables that is material to the Company or any subsidiary) which remains unvacated, undischarged, unbonded or unstayed by appeal or otherwise for a period of 60 days from the date of its entry and is reasonably likely to cause a material adverse change. \nThe Company believes that cash flow from operations and borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other sources will be adequate to fund the expected cash requirements from contractual and other obligations and cost of opening or acquiring new branches, including funding initial operating losses of new branches and funding loans receivable originated by those branches and the Company's other branches (for the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future beyond that). Except as otherwise discussed in this report including, but not limited to, any discussions in Part 1, Item 1A, \"Risk Factors\" (as supplemented by any subsequent disclosures in information the Company files with or furnishes to the SEC from time to time), management is not currently aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that it believes will or could result in, or are or could be reasonably likely to result in, any material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s liquidity. \nShare Repurchase Program\nOn February 24, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $30.0 million of the Company\u2019s outstanding common stock, inclusive of the amount that remains available for repurchase under prior repurchase authorizations. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had $1.1 million in aggregate remaining repurchase capacity under its current share repurchase program. The timing and actual number of shares of common stock repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions under the Company's debt agreements and other market and economic conditions.\nThe Company continues to believe stock repurchases are a viable component of the Company\u2019s long-term financial strategy and an excellent use of excess cash when the opportunity arises. However, our revolving credit facility and the Notes limit share repurchases up to $90.0 million from March 26, 2021 through June 30, 2022 plus up to 50% of consolidated adjusted net income for the period commencing January 1, 2019. As of March 31, 2023, subject to further approval from our Board of Directors, we could repurchase approximately $29.2 million of shares under the terms of our debt facilities. Additional share repurchases can be made subject to compliance with, among other things, applicable restricted payment covenants under the revolving credit facility and the Notes. Our first priority is to ensure we have enough capital to fund loan growth. To the extent we have excess capital, we may repurchase stock, if appropriate and as authorized by our Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2023, the Company's debt outstanding was $595.3 million, net of $3.5 million unamortized debt issuance costs related to the unsecured senior notes payable, and its shareholders' equity was $385.2 million resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.6:1.0. Management will continue to monitor the Company's debt-to-equity ratio and is committed to maintaining a debt level that will allow the Company to continue to execute its business objectives, while not putting undue stress on its consolidated balance sheet.\nInflation\nThe Company does not believe that inflation, within reasonably anticipated rates, will have a materially adverse effect on its financial condition.\u00a0Although inflation would increase the Company\u2019s operating costs in absolute terms and may impact the ability or willingness of borrowers to repay their loans, the Company expects that the same decrease in the value of money \n37\nTable of Contents\nwould result in an increase in the size of loans demanded by its customer base.\u00a0It is reasonable to anticipate that such a change in customer preference would result in an increase in total loan receivables and an increase in absolute revenues to be generated from that larger amount of loans receivable.\u00a0The Company believes that this increase in absolute revenues should offset any increase in operating costs.\u00a0In addition, because the Company\u2019s loans have a relatively short contractual term and average life, it is unlikely that loans made at any given point in time will be repaid with significantly inflated dollars.\nLegal Matters\nFrom time to time the Company is involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business.\u00a0See Part I, Item 3, \u201cLegal Proceedings\u201d and Note 16 to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of legal matters.\u00a0",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\u00a0\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n\u00a0\nOur operations expose us to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates. We monitor and manage these financial exposures as an integral part of our overall risk management program.\nInterest Rate Risk\nThe Company\u2019s outstanding debt under its revolving credit facility was $307.9 million at March\u00a031, 2023.\u00a0Interest on borrowings under this facility is based on the greater of 4.5% or one month SOFR plus 0.10% and an applicable margin of 3.5%.\nBased on the outstanding balance under the Company's revolving credit facility at March\u00a031, 2023, a change of 1% in the interest rate would cause a change in interest expense of approximately $3.1 million on an annual basis.\n38\nTable of Contents\nPart II",
+ "cik": "108385",
+ "cusip6": "981419",
+ "cusip": ["981419904", "981419104"],
+ "names": ["WORLD ACCEP CORPORATION"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/108385/000010838523000022/0000108385-23-000022-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000109563-23-000075.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000109563-23-000075.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1edc973062
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000109563-23-000075.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1. \nBUSINESS.\nIn this annual report on Form 10-K, \u201cApplied\u201d refers to Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., an Ohio corporation. References to \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d and \u201cthe Company\u201d refer to Applied and its subsidiaries. \nWe are a leading distributor and solutions provider of industrial motion, power, control, and automation technologies. Through our comprehensive network of approximately 6,200 employee associates and approximately 580 facilities including service center, fluid power, flow control, and automation operations, as well as repair shops and distribution centers, we offer a selection of more than 8.8 million stock keeping units with a focus on industrial bearings, power transmission products, fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control, and advanced factory automation solutions. We market our products with a set of service solutions including inventory management, engineering, design, assembly, repair, and systems integration, as well as customized mechanical, fabricated rubber, and shop services. Our customers use our products and services for both MRO (maintenance, repair, and operating) and OEM (original equipment manufacturing) applications across a variety of end markets primarily in North America, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Applied and its predecessor companies have engaged in business since 1923.\nOur internet address is www.applied.com. The following documents are available via hyperlink from the investor relations area of our website:\n\u2022\nApplied's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, together with Section 16 insider beneficial stock ownership reports - these documents are posted as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission\n\u2022\nApplied's Code of Business Ethics\n\u2022\nApplied's Board of Directors Governance Principles and Practices\n\u2022\nApplied's Director Independence Standards\n\u2022\nCharters for the Audit, Corporate Governance & Sustainability, and Executive Organization & Compensation Committees of Applied's Board of Directors\nThe information available via hyperlink from our website is not incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K.\nGENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS\nInformation regarding developments in our business can be found in Item 7 under the caption \u201cManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\u201d This information is incorporated here by reference.\nVALUE PROPOSITION\nWe serve a segment of the industrial market that requires technical expertise and service given that our products and solutions are directly tied to companies\u2019 production and efficiency initiatives. As such, we believe we are integral to our customers\u2019 supply chains considering the critical nature and direct exposure our solutions have on our customers\u2019 core production equipment and plant capabilities. While we compete with other distributors and service providers offering products and solutions addressing this area of the industrial supply chain, we believe our industry position and value proposition benefits from relative advantages tied to the following key attributes:\n1) Technical expertise in motion control technologies and related service offerings\n2) Broad in-stock product offering, inventory availability, and repair capabilities\n3) Tenured relationships with industrial customers and leading suppliers\n4) Scale and proximity of our service center network relative to customer facilities\n5) Leading positions in engineered fluid power and flow control solutions\n6) Expanding capabilities in advanced automation solutions and smart technologies\n7) Talent acquisition and development of technically-oriented sales associates, engineers, and service personnel \n8) Business systems and distribution capabilities\n9) Complementary offerings including indirect consumable supply inventory management\nWe focus on helping customers minimize their production downtime, improve machine performance, and reduce overall procurement and maintenance costs, as well as optimize the efficiency and safety of their facilities and equipment. A primary focus for our service center network is responding to a critical \u201cbreak-fix\u201d situation, which requires knowledge of a customer\u2019s facility, localized inventory, timely delivery capabilities, service execution, and accountability. In addition, our fluid power, flow control, and automation operations design, engineer, and \n2\nTable of Contents\nintegrate solutions focused on making a customer\u2019s operations and equipment more productive, cost and energy-efficient, and automated. We believe our products and solutions are increasingly critical within the industrial supply chain given increased manufacturing activity in the U.S., potential reshoring or localization of supply chains across North America, greater supply chain investments following the pandemic, an aging and tighter customer labor force, more sophisticated production equipment and processes, a greater focus on plant floor optimization, and compliance and regulatory requirements.\nINDUSTRY AND COMPETITION\nWe primarily compete within North America which we believe offers significant growth potential given our industry position, established distribution and sales network, market fragmentation, and customer technical requirements, as well as opportunities tied to automation and smart technologies. In addition, reshoring and localization of supply chains could be a meaningful growth catalyst in years to come. Growth within our industry is influenced by broader industrial production and capacity utilization, as well as inflation, labor dynamics, capital spending, geopolitical events, factory optimization initiatives, changes in industrial equipment technologies, and supply chain requirements.\nOur principal competitors are specialist and general line distributors of bearings, power transmission products, fluid power components and systems, flow control solutions, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, and automation solutions, and, to a lesser extent, providers of tools, safety products, and other industrial and maintenance supplies. These competitors include local, regional, national, and multinational operations. We also compete with original equipment manufacturers and integrators. The identity and number of our competitors vary throughout the geographic, industry, and product markets we serve. \nSTRATEGIC GROWTH AND OPERATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES\n\u2022\nOptimize operations and capture market share across our core service center network\n.\n \n Our network of service centers located close to industrial companies allows us to respond quickly and effectively to critical MRO situations involving direct production infrastructure and industrial equipment. We believe more sophisticated industrial production processes and customer labor constraints, as well as increased industrial capacity and manufacturing activity across North America could drive greater demand for our products and services. We continue to deploy initiatives to further enhance our capabilities across our service center network and gain market share. These include investments in analytics, strategic account penetration, sales process optimization, talent development, and digital channel solutions, as well as fully leveraging and cross-selling our expanded product and service platform across fluid power, flow control, automation, and consumables solutions.\n\u2022\nExtend our leading fluid power and flow control position as demand for comprehensive solutions grows\n. We provide innovative fluid power and flow control solutions including systems design and engineering, electronic control integration, software programming, valve actuation, compliance consulting, fabrication and assembly, and dedicated service and repair. Demand for these solutions is increasing across a variety of industrial, off-highway mobile, technology, and process related applications given a greater focus on power consumption, plant efficiency and automation, emissions control, electrification, remote monitoring, advancements in machining, regulatory and compliance standards, and data analytics. We believe our service and engineering capabilities, shop network, and supplier relationships, combined with our software coding and smart technology application knowledge, are key competitive advantages. We see opportunities to leverage these advantages across new and underserved geographies, as well as through new commercial solutions that could drive a greater share gain of this market opportunity in coming years. \n\u2022\nExpand automation platform and develop growth around emerging industrial technologies\n. We are expanding our position and capabilities focused on advanced factory automation and smart technologies that optimize and connect customers\u2019 industrial supply chains. We believe we have a favorable position to capture this addressable market given our technical product focus, service capabilities, embedded customer relationships and knowledge across direct production infrastructure and equipment, and existing supplier relationships. Following several business acquisitions made in recent years, we now offer products and solutions focused on the design, assembly, integration, and distribution of machine vision, robotics, digital networking, and motion control technologies. Our emerging growth across these areas is diversifying our end-market exposure with greater penetration into technology, life sciences, logistics, and food and beverage industries. We expect to continue to expand our automation footprint and capabilities in coming years, as well as pursue opportunities tied to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). We believe this market potential could be meaningful as technology continues to converge within traditional industrial supply chains and end-markets. \n\u2022\nExecute ongoing operational initiatives supporting margin expansion\n. We have a number of initiatives focused on driving operational improvements throughout the organization. Systems investments in recent \n3\nTable of Contents\nyears including common ERP platforms are supporting opportunities in leveraging shared services, refining our sales management process, and standardizing pricing and sourcing functions, while we continue to optimize our shop and distribution network and analytics. We also remain focused on achieving margin synergies across our operations following expansion into flow control and automation. This includes enhanced pricing functions, leveraging vendor procurement, freight savings, and refined cost management. Combined with growth in more profitable areas of our business and our history of cost accountability, we see ongoing opportunity to optimize our margin profile and cash generation in coming years.\n\u2022\nPursue value-creating acquisitions to supplement growth and strengthen industry position\n. We expect to pursue additional acquisitions aligned with our growth strategy and long-term financial targets. We view acquisitions as an important growth consideration given high fragmentation, greater operational and technical requirements, and supplier authorizations within the markets we serve. We believe our sourcing strategy, cash generation capabilities, industry relationships, and operational discipline are key to our acquisition success. In addition, dedicated corporate teams and related support functions provide strategic oversight of critical work streams and integration execution, which we believe enhances our ability to capture synergistic value. Over the near to intermediate-term, our acquisition priorities are focused on continuing to expand our current offerings, while further enhancing our technical differentiation and value-added service capabilities.\nOPERATIONS\nOur distribution and sales network consists of approximately 450 locations in our Service Center Distribution segment and approximately 130 locations in our Engineered Solutions segment. This includes service centers, distribution centers, and facilities tied to our fluid power, flow control, and automation operations. Our service centers resemble local inventory hubs located in close proximity to our customers and focused primarily on MRO related fulfillment and service needs. Our fluid power, flow control, and automation locations support technical and shop-oriented services integral to the more specialized and integrated nature of the products and solutions they provide. Other operations and channels we market through include inventory management services for indirect consumable supplies and digital solutions including our Applied.com website, electronic data interchange (EDI) and other electronic interfaces with customers' technology platforms and plant maintenance systems. \nOur distribution centers provide daily service to our service centers, helping replenish inventories and shipping products directly to customers where appropriate. An efficient supply chain and timely delivery of our products is vital to our value proposition particularly when customers require products for emergency repairs. We utilize dedicated third-party transportation providers, our own delivery vehicles, as well as surface and air common carrier and courier services. Customers may also pick up items at our service centers. We maintain product inventory levels at each service center tailored to the local market. These inventories consist of standard items as well as other items specific to local customer demand. \nOur operations are primarily based in the U.S. where 87% of our fiscal 2023 sales were generated. We also have international operations, the largest of which is in Canada (7% of fiscal 2023 sales) with the balance (6% of fiscal 2023 sales) in Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. \nSUPPLIERS\nWe are a leading distributor of products including bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, advanced automation products, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, tools, safety products, and other industrial and maintenance supplies.\nThese products are generally supplied to us by manufacturers whom we serve as a non-exclusive distributor. The suppliers also may provide us product training, as well as sales and marketing support. Authorizations to represent particular suppliers and product lines vary by geographic region, particularly for our fluid power, flow control, and automation businesses. We believe our supplier relationships are generally good, and many have existed for decades. The disruption of relationships with certain suppliers, or the disruption of their operations, could adversely affect our business.\nOur product suppliers typically confine their direct sales activities to large-volume transactions, mainly with large original equipment manufacturers. The suppliers generally do not sell maintenance and repair products directly to the customer, but instead refer the customer to us or another distributor.\nMARKETS \nWe purchase from thousands of product manufacturers and resell the products to thousands of customers in a wide variety of industries, including agriculture and food processing, cement, chemicals and petrochemicals, fabricated \n4\nTable of Contents\nmetals, forest products, industrial machinery and equipment, life sciences, mining, oil and gas, primary metals, technology, transportation, and utilities, as well as to government entities. Customers range from very large businesses, with which we may have multiple-location relationships, to very small ones. We are not significantly dependent on a single customer or group of customers, the loss of which would have a material adverse effect on our business as a whole, and no single customer accounts for more than 4% of our fiscal 2023 sales.\nSERVICES\nWe believe part of our success, differentiation, and competitive advantage is attributable to the comprehensive set of services and solutions we provide, which we view as critical given the technical nature and application of our core product offering of motion, power, control, and automation technologies. The foundation of our service capabilities lies with our technically-oriented associate team, which includes engineers, industry segment specialists, mechanics, technicians, fluid power specialists, as well as our systems, shop network, and supplier relationships. We believe knowledge and service capabilities relating to our core product offering are increasingly needed across our customer base given skilled labor constraints within their operations, maintenance requirements, and more sophisticated plant equipment and processes. Our services and solutions help customers minimize production downtime, improve machine performance, expand their engineering capabilities, and reduce overall procurement and maintenance costs. By providing high levels of service, product and industry expertise, and technical support, while at the same time offering product breadth and competitive pricing, we believe we develop stronger, longer-lasting, and more profitable customer relationships. See the Reportable Segments section below for more detail on the various service solutions we provide to customers.\nREPORTABLE SEGMENTS\nWe report results of operations in two segments: 1) Service Center Based Distribution, and 2) Engineered Solutions. In fiscal 2023, our Service Center Based Distribution segment represented 67% of our total sales, while our Engineered Solutions segment represented 33% of our total sales. \nService Center Based Distribution\n. Our Service Center Based Distribution segment includes our legacy MRO distribution operations across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. This business operates through local service centers and distribution centers with a focus on providing products and services addressing the maintenance and repair of motion control infrastructure and production equipment. Products primarily include industrial bearings, motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, linear motion products, hydraulic and pneumatic components, filtration supplies, and hoses, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of customers\u2019 machinery and equipment.\nService center locations are stocked with product inventory tailored to each local market and staffed with customer sales and service representatives, account managers, as well as product and industry specialists. Customer sales and service representatives receive, process, and expedite customer orders, provide product information, and assist account managers in serving customers. Account managers make onsite calls to customers to provide product information, identify customer requirements, make recommendations, and assist in implementing equipment maintenance and storeroom management programs. Industry specialists assist with product applications in their areas of expertise. Service centers market product offerings with a suite of services that create additional value for the customer. This includes onsite training, product fabrication and repair, and inventory management solutions. We also provide analysis and measurement of productivity improvement and cost savings potential from these services through our Applied Documented Value-Added\n\u00ae\n (DVA\n\u00ae\n) reports. \nThe segment includes operations focused on certain end markets and indirect consumable supplies through vendor managed inventory solutions, as well as regional fabricated rubber shops and service field crews, which install, modify, and repair conveyor belts and rubber linings, and make hose assemblies in accordance with customer requirements.\nEngineered Solutions\n. Our Engineered Solutions segment includes our operations that specialize in distributing, engineering, designing, integrating, and repairing hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power technologies, and engineered flow control products and services. We believe we are the largest distributor and solutions provider of fluid power and industrial flow control products and solutions in the U.S. The segment also includes our operations that focus on advanced automation solutions, including machine vision, robotics, motion control, and smart technologies.\nOur fluid power operations offer products and services primarily used within industrial, off-highway mobile, and technology applications. Fluid power products include hydraulic and pneumatic technologies using liquids and gases to transmit power, typically in smaller spaces than other forms of power transmission. Hydraulic products offer high power to weight ratios, high torque at low speeds, and power reliability, while pneumatic products are focused on \n5\nTable of Contents\nlightweight applications in need of speed and precision. Our fluid power products and solutions are commonly used for off-highway equipment, heavy industrial equipment and machines at factories, marine and offshore equipment, factory automation, food processing equipment, packaging operations, and downstream energy process systems. Operations are supported by a team of certified fluid power specialists, mechanics, technicians, and engineers that provide technical services ranging from system design and integration, electronic control integration, hydraulic assemblies, repair and rebuild, manifold design and assembly, customized filtration solutions, software programming and repair, and hydraulic system retrofits, and integration of autonomous and electrification features.\nOur specialty flow control operations provide highly engineered process flow control products, solutions, and services. Products include pumps, valves, fittings, hoses, process instrumentation, actuators, and filtration supplies which are used to control the flow of liquids and gases in mission-critical industrial applications. Our flow control products and services are focused on MRO related applications; OEMs; and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms across a variety of industries including chemicals, steel, power, oil and gas, pulp and paper, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and general industrials. Similar to our fluid power operations, our flow control offering includes technical service capabilities such as flow control systems integration, repair services, valve actuation, process instrumentation, pipe and hose fabrication, and compliance consulting. Our flow control solutions are increasingly used in applications tied to required infrastructure for decarbonization initiatives, including providing technical support for the configuration, assembly, and testing of process systems.\nOur advanced automation operations provide solutions focused on the design, assembly, integration, and distribution of machine vision, collaborative robots, mobile robots, RFID, industrial networking, and machine learning technologies for OEMs, machine builders, integrators, and other industrial and technology end users. Products and solutions are marketed across a variety of industries including technology, medical, life sciences, biotechnology, data centers, food and beverage, logistics, consumer, and general industrial. Our automation business helps customers develop, produce, and integrate machine and facility automation solutions using comprehensive technology and application knowledge. A core element of our strategy and value proposition within automation is our value-added and engineered solution capabilities, enabling us to provide in-depth consultative, design, engineering, assembly, testing, and support services for various customer requirements. \nHUMAN CAPITAL\nWe attribute our business success to talented, dedicated employee associates who live our Core Values of integrity, respect, customer focus, commitment to excellence, accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and teamwork. \nAt June 30, 2023, we had approximately 6,200 associates across six countries, with geographic and segment counts as follows:\nCountry\nAssociates\nSegment\nAssociates\nUnited States\n4,800\nService Center Based Distribution\n4,050\nCanada\n650\nEngineered Solutions\n1,850\nOther Countries\n750\nOther\n300\nAssociate Development\n.\n \nWe strive to attract, retain, and develop a diverse group of high-performing associates, empowering them to achieve their potential and providing them opportunities to test their skills, increase their responsibilities, and advance their careers. Applied\u2019s commitment to associate development is reflected in our investments in a learning management system (offering a wide array of internal facilitated training courses, supplier product training, and other third-party courses), a modern social learning platform, and in-person training through which associates can continually expand their knowledge base and position themselves to achieve their professional goals. During the fiscal year we implemented manager training on the importance of identifying and providing resources for associate mental health needs. Approximately 55% of eligible managers have completed this training as of the end of the fiscal year.\nCompensation and Benefits\n. We seek to provide competitive compensation and benefits in order to help attract and retain high quality associates. In the U.S., Applied offers comprehensive benefits with choices to fit our associates\u2019 varied needs, including the following: medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance; short and long-term disability benefits; life insurance plans; Section 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match; paid vacations and holidays; incentive programs in support of our pay for performance culture; an employee assistance program; and an educational reimbursement program.\nDiversity and Inclusion\n. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that is respectful to all associates and believe this serves as a cornerstone for a strong company. We employ multiple initiatives to recruit, train, and \n6\nTable of Contents\nadvance diverse associates. In the area of recruitment, for example, we engage in on-campus events and recruitment strategies that increase our exposure to diverse populations in order to enhance the diversity of our applicant pool.\nHealth and Safety\n.\n \n Applied is also committed to the safety and well-being of our associates. In the U.S., all associates are required to complete specific assigned online training courses annually, which include offerings on workplace safety hazards and vehicle safety. In addition, role-specific training is assigned based on the types of hazards associates may face while carrying out their job function, such as training modules on operating in confined spaces, forklift operation, and lockout/tagout procedures. Our U.S. associates completed over 35,000 safety training courses during the fiscal year, helping to raise awareness of workplace risks.\nSEASONALITY \nOur business has exhibited minor seasonality. In particular, sales per day during the first half of our fiscal year have historically been slightly lower than the second half due, in part, to the impact of customer plant shutdowns, summer vacations and holidays. \nPATENTS, TRADEMARKS, TRADE NAMES, AND LICENSES \nCustomer recognition of our service marks and trade names, including Applied Industrial Technologies\n\u00ae\n, Applied\n\u00ae\n, and AIT\n\u00ae\n, is an important contributing factor to our sales. Patents and licenses are not of material importance to our business.\nRAW MATERIALS AND GENERAL BUSINESS CONDITIONS \nOur operations are dependent on general industrial and economic conditions. We would be adversely affected by the unavailability of raw materials to our suppliers, prolonged labor disputes experienced by suppliers or customers, or by events or conditions that have an adverse effect on industrial activity generally in the markets we serve or on key customer industries.\nENVIRONMENTAL LAWS\nWe believe that compliance with government regulations relating to the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection will not have a material adverse effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position. ",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A. \nRISK FACTORS.\nIn addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the following factors that could materially affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. The risks described below are not the only risks facing the Company. Certain risks are identified below in Item 7 under the caption \u201cManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\u201d This information is incorporated here by reference. Additional risks not currently known to us, risks that could apply broadly to issuers, or risks that we currently deem immaterial, may also impact our business and operations. Risks can also change over time. Further, the disclosure of a risk should not be interpreted to imply that the risk has not already materialized. \nGENERAL ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY RISKS\nOur business depends heavily on the operating levels of our customers and the factors that affect them, including general economic conditions.\n The markets for our products and services are subject to conditions or events that affect demand for goods and materials that our customers produce. Consequently, demand for our products and services has been and will continue to be influenced by most of the same factors that affect demand for and production of customers' goods and materials.\nWhen customers or prospective customers reduce production levels because of lower demand, increased supply, higher costs, supply chain or labor market disruptions, tight credit conditions, unfavorable currency exchange rates, adverse trade policies, foreign competition, other competitive disadvantage, offshoring of production, geopolitical instability, or other reasons, their need for our products and services diminishes. Selling prices and terms of sale come under pressure, adversely affecting the profitability and the durability of customer relationships, and credit losses may increase. Inventory management becomes more difficult in times of economic uncertainty. Volatile economic and credit conditions also make it more difficult for us, as well as our customers and suppliers, to forecast and plan future business activities.\nOur business, results of operation and financial condition have been, and could in the future be, adversely affected by a pandemic, epidemic or other public health emergency. \nThe COVID-19 pandemic created significant volatility, uncertainty, and economic disruption, and resulted in lost or delayed sales to us, and we \n7\nTable of Contents\nexperienced business disruptions as we modified our business practices. Another pandemic, including a new COVID-19 variant, or other public health emergency, together with preventative measures taken to contain or mitigate such crises, could impact our results of operations and financial condition in a variety of ways, such as: impact our customers such that the demand for our products and services could change; disrupt our supply chain and impact the ability of our suppliers to provide products as required; disrupt our ability to sell and provide our products and services and otherwise operate effectively; increase incremental costs resulting from the adoption of preventative measures and compliance with regulatory requirements; create financial hardship on customers, including by creating restrictions on their ability to pay for our services and products; result in closures of our facilities or the facilities of our customers or suppliers; and reduce customer demand on purchasing incentives we earn from suppliers. \nIn addition, a pandemic or other public health emergency could impact the proper functioning of financial and capital markets, foreign currency exchange rates, product and energy costs, labor supply and costs, and interest rates. Any pandemic or other public health emergency could also amplify the other risks and uncertainties described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nWe cannot reasonably predict the ultimate impact of any pandemic or other public health emergency, including the extent of any adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, which will depend on, among other things, the duration and spread, the impact of governmental regulations that may be imposed in response, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the outbreak, the availability, safety and efficacy of vaccines, including against emerging variants of the infectious disease, and global economic conditions. \nSupply chain disruptions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. \nOur supply chain, including transportation availability, staffing, and cost, could be disrupted by\n \nnatural or human-induced events or conditions, such as power or telecommunications outage, security incident, terrorist attack, war, other geopolitical events, public health emergency, earthquake, extreme weather events, fire, flood, other natural disasters, transportation disruption, labor actions, including strikes, raw materials shortages, financial problems or insolvency, trade regulations or actions, inadequate manufacturing capacity or utilization to meet demand, or other reasons beyond our control. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted certain suppliers\u2019 operations and our ability to procure product to meet customer demand fully and timely. When we can find acceptable alternate sources for certain products, they may cost more. Impairment of our ability to meet customer demand could result in lost sales, increased costs, reduced profitability, and damage to our reputation.\nConsolidation in our customers' and suppliers' industries could adversely affect our business and financial results. \nConsolidation continues among our product suppliers and customers. As customer industries consolidate or customers otherwise aggregate their purchasing power, a greater proportion of our sales could be derived from large volume contracts, which could adversely impact margins. Consolidation among customers can produce changes in their purchasing strategies, potentially shifting blocks of business among competing distributors and contributing to volatility in our sales and pressure on prices. Similarly, continued consolidation among suppliers could reduce our ability to negotiate favorable pricing and other commercial terms for our inventory purchases. There can be no assurance we will be able to take advantage of consolidation trends.\nAn increase in competition could decrease sales or earnings.\n We operate in a highly competitive industry. The industry remains fragmented, but is consolidating. Our principal competitors are specialist and general line distributors of bearings, power transmission products, fluid power components and systems, flow control solutions, automation technologies, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies. These competitors include local, regional, national, and multinational operations, and can include catalog and e-commerce companies. Competition is largely focused in the local service area and is generally based on product line breadth, product availability, service capabilities, and price. Existing competitors have, and future competitors may have, greater financial or other resources than we do, broader or more appealing product or service offerings, greater market presence, stronger relationships with key suppliers or customers, or better name recognition. If existing or future competitors seek to gain or to retain market share by aggressive pricing strategies or sales methods, business acquisition, or otherwise through competitive advantage, our sales and profitability could be adversely affected. Our success will also be affected by our ability to continue to provide competitive offerings as customer preferences or demands evolve, for example with respect to product and service types, brands, quality, or prices. Technological evolution or other factors can render product and service offerings obsolete, potentially impairing our competitive position and our inventory values.\nOur operations outside the United States increase our exposure to global economic and political conditions and currency exchange volatility.\n Foreign operations contributed 13% of our sales in 2023. This presence outside the U.S. increases risks associated with exposure to more volatile economic conditions, political \n8\nTable of Contents\ninstability, cultural and legal differences in conducting business (including corrupt practices), economic and trade policy actions, and currency exchange fluctuations.\nOur foreign operations' results are reported in the local currency and then translated into U.S. dollars at applicable exchange rates for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect our operating results and financial position, as well as the comparability of results between financial periods.\nSTRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL RISKS\nOur business could be adversely affected if we do not successfully execute our strategies to grow sales and earnings. \n We have numerous strategies and initiatives to grow sales, leveraging the breadth of our product offering, supplier relationships, and value-added technical capabilities to differentiate us and improve our competitive position. We also continually seek to enhance gross margins, manage costs, and otherwise improve earnings. Many of our activities target improvements to the consistency of our operating practices across our hundreds of locations. If we do not implement these initiatives effectively, or if for other reasons they are unsuccessful, our business could be adversely affected.\nLoss of key supplier authorizations, lack of product availability, or changes in distribution programs could adversely affect our sales and earnings.\n Our business depends on maintaining an immediately available supply of various products to meet customer demand. Many of our relationships with key product suppliers are longstanding, but are terminable by either party. The loss of key supplier authorizations, or a substantial decrease in the availability of their products (including due to supply chain disruptions, as noted above), could put us at a competitive disadvantage and have a material adverse effect on our business. \nIn addition, as a distributor, we face the risk of key product suppliers changing their relationships with distributors generally, or us in particular, in a manner that adversely impacts us. For example, key suppliers could change the following: the prices we must pay for their products relative to other distributors or relative to competing brands; the geographic or product line breadth of distributor authorizations; the number of distributor authorizations; supplier purchasing incentive or other support programs; product purchase or stocking expectations; or the extent to which the suppliers seek to serve end users directly.\nThe purchasing incentives we earn from product suppliers can be impacted if we reduce our purchases in response to declining customer demand.\n Certain product suppliers have historically offered to their distributors, including us, incentives for purchasing their products. In addition to market, customer account-specific, or transaction-specific incentives, certain suppliers pay incentives to the distributor for attaining specific purchase volumes during a program period. In some cases, to earn incentives, we must achieve year-over-year growth in purchases with the supplier. When demand for our products declines, we may be less inclined to add inventory to take advantage of certain incentive programs, thereby potentially adversely impacting our profitability.\nVolatility in product, energy, labor, and other costs can affect our profitability.\n Product manufacturers may adjust the prices of products we distribute for many reasons, including changes in their costs for raw materials, components, energy, labor, and tariffs and taxes on imports. In addition, a portion of our own distribution costs is composed of fuel for our sales and delivery vehicles, freight, and utility expenses for our facilities. Labor costs are our largest expense. Our ability to pass along increases in our costs in a timely manner to our customers depends on execution, market conditions, and contractual limitations. Failing to pass along price increases timely in an inflationary environment, such as the current economic climate, or not maintaining sales volume while increasing prices, could significantly reduce our profitability.\nWhile increases in the cost of products, labor, or energy could be damaging to us, decreases in those costs, particularly if severe, could also adversely impact us by creating deflation in selling prices, which could cause our gross profit margin to deteriorate. Changes in energy or raw materials costs can also adversely affect customers; for example, declines in oil, gas, and coal prices may negatively impact customers operating in those industries and, consequently, our sales to those customers.\nChanges in customer or product mix and downward pressure on sales prices could cause our gross profit percentage to fluctuate or decline.\n Because we serve thousands of customers in many end markets, and offer millions of products, with varying profitability levels, changes in our customer or product mix could cause our gross profit percentage to fluctuate or decline. Downward pressure on sales prices could also cause our gross profit percentage to fluctuate or decline. We can experience downward pressure on sales prices as a result of deflation, pressure from customers to reduce costs, or increased competition.\nOur ability to transact business is highly reliant on information systems. A disruption or security breach could materially affect our business, financial condition, or results of operation.\n We depend on information systems to, among other things, process customer orders, manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, \n9\nTable of Contents\npurchase products, manage accounts payable processes, ship products to customers on a timely basis, maintain cost-effective operations, provide superior service to customers, conduct business communications, and compile financial results. A serious, prolonged disruption of our information systems, due to man-made or natural causes, including power or telecommunications outage, or breach in security, could materially impair fundamental business processes and increase expenses, decrease sales, or otherwise reduce earnings.\nBecause of our reliance on information systems, we are vulnerable to the growing threat of damage or intrusion from computer viruses or other cyber-attacks, including ransomware and business e-mail compromise, on our systems. Despite precautions taken to prevent or mitigate the risks of such incidents, breaches of our systems could not only cause business disruption, but could also result in the theft of funds, the theft, loss, or disclosure of proprietary or confidential information, or the breach of customer, supplier, or employee information. A security incident involving our systems, or even an inadvertent failure to comply with data privacy and security laws and regulations, could negatively impact our sales, damage our reputation, and cause us to incur unanticipated legal liability, remediation costs, and other losses and expenses.\nAcquisitions are a key component of our anticipated growth. We may not be able to identify or to complete future acquisitions, to integrate them effectively into our operations, or to realize their anticipated benefits. \n Many industries we serve are mature. As a result, acquisitions of businesses have been important to our growth. While we wish to continue to acquire businesses, we may not be able to identify and to negotiate suitable acquisitions, to obtain financing for them on satisfactory terms, or otherwise to complete acquisitions. In addition, existing and future competitors, and private equity firms, increasingly compete with us for acquisitions, which can increase prices and reduce the number of suitable opportunities; the acquisitions they make can also adversely impact our market position.\nWe seek acquisition opportunities that complement and expand our operations. However, substantial costs, delays, or other difficulties related to integrating acquisitions could adversely affect our business or financial results. For example, we could face significant challenges in consolidating functions, integrating information systems, personnel, and operations, and implementing procedures and controls in a timely and efficient manner.\nFurther, even if we successfully integrate the acquisitions with our operations, we may not be able to realize cost savings, sales, profit levels, or other benefits that we anticipate from these acquisitions, either as to amount or in the time frame we expect. Our ability to realize anticipated benefits may be affected by a number of factors, including the following: our ability to achieve planned operating results, to reduce duplicative expenses and inventory effectively, and to consolidate facilities; economic and market factors; the incurrence of significant integration costs or charges in order to achieve those benefits; our ability to retain key product supplier authorizations, customer relationships, and employees; our ability to address competitive, distribution, and regulatory challenges arising from entering into new markets (geographic, product, service, end-industry, or otherwise), especially those in which we may have limited or no direct experience; and exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the acquired company. In addition, acquisitions could place significant demand on administrative, operational, and financial resources.\nAn interruption of operations at our headquarters or distribution centers, or in our means of transporting product, could adversely impact our business. \nOur business depends on maintaining operating activity at our headquarters and distribution centers, and being able to receive and deliver product in a timely manner. A serious, prolonged interruption due to power or telecommunications outage, security incident, terrorist attack, war, public health emergency, earthquake, extreme weather events, other natural disasters, fire, flood, transportation disruption, or other interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.\nFINANCIAL AND REPORTING RISKS\nOur indebtedness entails debt service commitments that could adversely affect our ability to fulfill our obligations and could limit or reduce our flexibility.\n As of June 30, 2023, we had total debt obligations outstanding of $622.2 million. Our ability to service our debt and fund our other liquidity needs will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our debt commitments may (i) require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to the payment of debt service, reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund planned capital expenditures, pay dividends, repurchase our shares, complete other acquisitions or strategic initiatives, and other general corporate purposes; (ii) limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future (either at all or on satisfactory terms) to enable us to react to changes in our business or execute our growth strategies; and (iii) place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to businesses in our industry that have lower levels of indebtedness. Additionally, any failure to comply with covenants in the instruments governing our debt could result in an event of default. Any of the foregoing events or circumstances relating to our indebtedness may adversely affect our business, financial position, or results of operations and may cause our stock price to decline.\n10\nTable of Contents\nIn addition, the increase in interest rates has created some tightening in the credit markets. If credit markets continue to tighten, or if it creates credit market volatility, obtaining additional or replacement financing could be more difficult and the cost of issuing new debt or replacing a credit facility could be higher than under our current facilities. \nFor more information regarding borrowing and interest rates, see the following sections below: \u201cLiquidity and Capital Resources\u201d in Item 7 under the caption \u201cManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations;\u201d Item 7A under the caption \u201cQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk;\u201d and notes 6 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements, included below in Item 8 under the caption \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data.\u201d That information is incorporated here by reference.\nOur ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting may be insufficient to allow us to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, and this could cause our financial statements to become materially misleading and adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. \n We require effective internal control over financial reporting in order to provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial reports and to effectively prevent fraud. Internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we cannot provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial statements and effectively prevent fraud, our financial statements could be materially misstated, which could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.\nIf we are not able to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business, financial condition and operating results could be harmed. Any material weakness could affect investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial statements. As a result, our ability to obtain any additional financing, or additional financing on favorable terms, could be materially and adversely affected. This, in turn, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and the market value of our stock and require us to incur additional costs to improve our internal control systems and procedures. In addition, perceptions of the Company among customers, suppliers, lenders, investors, securities analysts, and others could also be adversely affected.\nGoodwill, long-lived, and other intangible assets recorded as a result of our acquisitions could become impaired.\n We review goodwill, long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable amortizing intangible assets, for impairment whenever changes in circumstances or events may indicate that the carrying amounts are not recoverable. Factors which may cause an impairment of long-lived assets include significant changes in the manner of use of these assets, negative industry or market trends, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, or a likely sale or disposal of the asset before the end of its estimated useful life. In 2021, we recorded a $49.5 million non-cash charge for the impairment of certain intangible, lease, and fixed assets.\nAs of June 30, 2023, we had remaining $578.4 million of goodwill and $235.5 million of other intangible assets, net. We assess all existing goodwill at least annually for impairment on a reporting unit basis. The techniques used in our qualitative assessment and goodwill impairment tests incorporate a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to change. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable and reflect market conditions forecasted at the assessment date, any changes to these assumptions and estimates due to market conditions or otherwise may lead to an outcome where impairment charges would be required in future periods.\nGENERAL RISK FACTORS\nOur business depends on our ability to attract, develop, motivate, and retain qualified employees.\n Our success depends on hiring, developing, motivating, and retaining key employees, including executive, managerial, sales, professional, and other personnel. We may have difficulty identifying and hiring qualified personnel. In addition, we may have difficulty retaining such personnel once hired, and key people may leave and compete against us. With respect to sales and customer service positions in particular, we greatly benefit from having employees who are familiar with the products and services we sell, and their applications, as well as with our customer and supplier relationships. The loss of key employees or our failure to attract and retain other qualified workers could disrupt or adversely affect our business. In addition, our operating results could be adversely affected by increased competition for employees, shortages of qualified workers, higher employee turnover (including through retirement as the workforce ages), or increased employee compensation or benefit costs.\nWe are subject to legal, regulatory, and litigation risks, which may have a material adverse effect on our business.\n We are subject to a wide array of laws and regulations. Changes in the legal and regulatory environment \n11\nTable of Contents\nin which we operate, including with respect to taxes, international trade, employment laws, and data privacy, could adversely and materially affect the Company. \nIn addition, from time to time, we are involved in lawsuits or other legal proceedings that arise from our business. These may, for example, relate to product liability claims, commercial disputes, personal injuries, or employment-related matters. In addition, we could face claims or additional costs arising from our compliance with regulatory requirements, including those relating to the following: our status as a public company; our government contracts; tax compliance; our engagement in international trade; and our collection, storage, or transmission of personal data. \nWe maintain insurance policies that provide limited coverage for some, but not all, of the potential risks and liabilities associated with our business. The policies are subject to limits, deductibles, and exclusions that result in our retention of a level of risk on a self-insured basis. \nThe defense and ultimate outcome of lawsuits or other legal proceedings or inquiries may result in higher operating expenses, the inability to participate in existing or future government contacts, or other adverse consequences, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.\n12\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7. \nMANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION \n \nAND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.\nOVERVIEW\nWith approximately 6,200 associates across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (\"Applied,\" the \"Company,\" \"We,\" \"Us,\" or \"Our\") is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise. We have a long tradition of growth dating back to 1923, the year our business was founded in Cleveland, Ohio. At June\u00a030, 2023, business was conducted in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore from approximately 580 facilities.\nThe following is Management's Discussion and Analysis of significant factors that have affected our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows during the periods included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, statements of consolidated income, consolidated comprehensive income and consolidated cash flows in Item 8 under the caption \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\" When reviewing the discussion and analysis set forth below, please note that a significant number of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) we sell in any given year were not sold in the comparable period of the prior year, resulting in the inability to quantify certain commonly used comparative metrics analyzing sales, such as changes in product mix and volume.\nOur fiscal 2023 consolidated sales were $4.4 billion, an increase of \n$602.1 million\n or 15.8% compared to the prior year, with the acquisitions of R.R. Floody Company (Floody), Automation, Inc. and Advanced Motion Systems, Inc. (AMS) increasing sales by $20.0 million or 0.5% and\n unfavorable foreign currency translation of $16.3 million decreasing sales by 0.4%. Gross profit margin increased to 29.2% for fiscal 2023 from 29.0% for fiscal 2022. Operating margin increased to 10.7% in fiscal 2023 from 9.4% in fiscal 2022. \nOur diluted earnings per share was $8.84 in fiscal 2023 versus $6.58 in fiscal 2022. \nShareholders\u2019 equity was $1,458.4 million at June\u00a030, 2023 compared to $1,149.4 million at June\u00a030, 2022. Working capital increased $246.6 million from June\u00a030, 2022 to $1,106.5 million at June\u00a030, 2023. The current ratio was 3.0 to 1 and 2.7 to 1 at June\u00a030, 2023 and at\n \nJune\u00a030, 2022, respectively. \nApplied monitors several economic indices that have been key indicators for industrial economic activity in the United States. These include the Industrial Production (IP) and Manufacturing Capacity Utilization (MCU) indices published by the Federal Reserve Board and the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) published by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Historically, our performance correlates well with the MCU, which measures productivity and calculates a ratio of actual manufacturing output versus potential full capacity output. When manufacturing plants are running at a high rate of capacity, they tend to wear out machinery and require replacement parts. \nThe MCU (total industry) and IP indices decreased since June 2022 correlating with an overall decrease in the economy in the same period. The ISM PMI registered 46.0 in June 2023, a decrease from the June 2022 revised reading of 53.1. A reading above 50 generally indicates expansion. The index readings for the months during the most recent quarter, along with the revised indices for previous quarter ends, were as follows:\nIndex Reading\nMonth\nMCU\nPMI\nIP\nJune 2023\n78.9\n46.0\n99.6\nMay 2023\n79.4\n46.9\n99.9\nApril 2023\n79.9\n47.1\n100.1\nMarch 2023\n79.5\n46.3\n99.1\nDecember 2022\n78.9\n48.4\n97.9\nSeptember 2022\n80.8\n51.0\n100.6\nJune 2022\n80.5\n53.1\n100.0\n17\nTable of Contents\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS \nThis discussion and analysis deals with comparisons of material changes in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022. For the comparison of the years ended June\u00a030, 2022 and 2021, see the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nThe following table is included to aid in review of Applied\u2019s statements of consolidated income. \nYear Ended June 30,\nAs a % of Net Sales\nChange in $'s Versus Prior Period\n2023\n2022\n% Change\nNet Sales\n100.0\n\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n15.8\u00a0\n%\nGross Profit Margin\n29.2\n\u00a0\n%\n29.0\u00a0\n%\n16.3\u00a0\n%\nSelling, Distribution & Administrative Expense\n18.4\n\u00a0\n%\n19.7\u00a0\n%\n8.6\u00a0\n%\nOperating Income\n10.7\n\u00a0\n%\n9.4\u00a0\n%\n32.2\u00a0\n%\nNet Income\n7.9\n\u00a0\n%\n6.8\u00a0\n%\n34.7\u00a0\n%\nSales in fiscal 2023 were $4.4 billion, which was $602.1 million or 15.8% above the prior year, with sales from acquisitions adding $20.0 million or 0.5% and unfavorable foreign currency translation accounting for a decrease of $16.3 million or 0.4%. There were 252.5 selling days in both fiscal 2023 and 2022. Excluding the impact of businesses acquired and foreign currency translation, sales were up $598.4 million or 15.7% during the year, driven by an increase from operations reflecting resilient underlying demand across both segments, structural and secular tailwinds across legacy and new markets, and support from company-specific growth opportunities. \nThe following table shows changes in sales by reportable segment.\nAmounts in millions\nAmount of change due to\nYear ended June 30,\nSales Increase\nAcquisitions\nForeign Currency\nOrganic Change\nSales by Reportable Segment\n2023\n2022\nService Center Based Distribution\n$\n2,966.8\n\u00a0\n$\n2,565.6\u00a0\n$\n401.2\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n(16.3)\n$\n417.5\u00a0\nEngineered Solutions\n1,446.0\n\u00a0\n1,245.1\u00a0\n200.9\u00a0\n20.0\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n180.9\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n4,412.8\n\u00a0\n$\n3,810.7\u00a0\n$\n602.1\u00a0\n$\n20.0\u00a0\n$\n(16.3)\n$\n598.4\u00a0\nSales in our Service Center Based Distribution segment, which operates primarily in MRO markets, increased $401.2 million, or 15.6%. Unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased sales by $16.3 million or 0.6%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales increased $417.5 million or 16.2% during the year, driven by an increase from operations due to ongoing benefits from market position, sales process initiatives, solid growth across national strategic accounts, as well as benefits from cross-selling actions.\nSales in our Engineered Solutions segment increased $200.9 million or 16.1%. Acquisitions within this segment, primarily Automation, Inc., increased sales $20.0 million or 1.6%. Excluding the impact of businesses acquired, sales increased $180.9 million or 14.5%, reflecting positive underlying segment demand and driven by expanding technical and engineering capabilities, diverse end-market mix, and cross-selling initiatives, partially offset by slower order activity across the technology sector and ongoing supply chain constraints.\n18\nTable of Contents\nThe following table shows changes in sales by geographical area. Other countries include Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. \nAmounts in millions\nAmount of change due to\nYear ended June 30,\nSales Increase\nAcquisitions\nForeign Currency\nOrganic Change\nSales by Geographic Area\n2023\n2022\nUnited States\n$\n3,860.4\n\u00a0\n$\n3,299.8\u00a0\n$\n560.6\u00a0\n$\n20.0\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n540.6\u00a0\nCanada\n315.5\n\u00a0\n291.5\u00a0\n24.0\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(16.0)\n40.0\u00a0\nOther Countries\n236.9\n\u00a0\n219.4\u00a0\n17.5\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(0.3)\n17.8\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n4,412.8\n\u00a0\n$\n3,810.7\u00a0\n$\n602.1\u00a0\n$\n20.0\u00a0\n$\n(16.3)\n$\n598.4\u00a0\nSales in our U.S. operations increased $560.6 million or 17.0%, with acquisitions adding $20.0 million or 0.6%. Excluding the impact of businesses acquired, U.S. sales were up $540.6 million or 16.4%. Sales from our Canadian operations increased $24.0 million or 8.2%. Unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased Canadian sales by $16.0 million or 5.5%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Canadian sales were up $40.0 million or 13.7%. Consolidated sales from our other countries operations increased $17.5 million or 8.0% compared to the prior year. Unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased other countries sales by $0.3 million or 0.1%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, other countries sales were up $17.8 million or 8.1% compared to the prior year, driven by an increase from operations, primarily an $11.5 million increase in Mexican sales due to increased industrial activity, mainly related to the automotive industry.\nOur gross profit margin increased to 29.2% in fiscal 2023 compared to 29.0% in fiscal 2022. Gross profit margin expanded year over year primarily reflecting broad-based execution across the business and countermeasures in response to ongoing inflation and supply chain dynamics. The gross profit margin for the current year was negatively impacted by 18 basis points due to a $7.7 million increase in LIFO expense over the prior year.\nThe following table shows the changes in selling, distribution, and administrative expense (SD&A).\nAmounts in millions\nAmount of change due to\nYear ended June 30,\nSD&A Increase\nAcquisitions\nForeign Currency\nOrganic Change\n2023\n2022\nSD&A\n$\n813.8\n\u00a0\n$\n749.1\u00a0\n$\n64.7\u00a0\n$\n6.4\u00a0\n$\n(4.3)\n$\n62.6\u00a0\nSD&A consists of associate compensation, benefits and other expenses associated with selling, purchasing, warehousing, supply chain management, and marketing and distribution of the Company\u2019s products, as well as costs associated with a variety of administrative functions such as human resources, information technology, treasury, accounting, insurance, legal, facility related expenses and expenses incurred in acquiring businesses. SD&A increased $64.7 million or 8.6% during fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year, and as a percentage of sales decreased to 18.4% in fiscal 2023 compared to 19.7% in fiscal 2022. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had the effect of decreasing SD&A by\n $4.3 million or 0.6% compared to the prior year. SD&A from businesses acquired added $6.4 million or 0.9%, including $0.9 million of intangibles amortization related to acquisitions. Excluding the impact of businesses acquired and the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, SD&A increased $62.6 million or 8.3% during fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, total compensation increased $47.3 million during fiscal 2023, as a result of annual calendar year merit increases and an increase in employee incentive compensation correlating with the improved company performance. Also, excluding the impact of acquisitions, travel & entertainment and fleet expenses increased $4.7 million during 2023, primarily driven by higher fuel costs and the return of travel activity in the current year after travel constraints in the prior year due to COVID-19. Additionally, excluding the impact of acquisitions, occupancy costs increased $5.3 million during 2023, primarily driven by increased building lease costs. All other expenses within SD&A were up $5.3 million. \nOperating income increased $115.3 million, or 32.2%, to $473.2 million during fiscal 2023 from $357.9 million during fiscal 2022, and as a percentage of sales, increased to 10.7% from 9.4%, primarily due to gross profit margin expansion, volume leverage, and control of SD&A expense in fiscal 2023.\nOperating income, as a percentage of sales for the Service Center Based Distribution segment increased to 12.6% in fiscal 2023 from 11.8% in fiscal 2022. Operating income as a percentage of sales for the Engineered Solutions segment increased to 14.1% in fiscal 2023 from 12.6% in fiscal 2022. \n19\nTable of Contents\nSegment operating income is impacted by changes in the amounts and levels of certain supplier support benefits and expenses allocated to the segments. The expense allocations include corporate charges for working capital, logistics support and other items and impact segment gross profit and operating expense.\nOther expense (income), net, represents certain non-operating items of income and expense, and was $1.7 million of expense in fiscal 2023 compared to $1.8 million of expense in fiscal 2022. Current year expense primarily consists of foreign currency transaction losses of $3.3 million and other periodic post-employment costs of $1.5 million, offset by unrealized gains on investments held by non-qualified deferred compensation trusts of $2.2 million, life insurance income of $0.7 million and other income of $0.2 million. Fiscal 2022 expense consisted primarily of unrealized loss on investments held by non-qualified deferred compensation trusts of $2.6 million and other periodic post-employment costs of $0.6 million, offset by life insurance income of $1.4 million.\nThe effective income tax rate was 22.9% for fiscal 2023 compared to 21.9% for fiscal 2022. The increase in the effective tax rate is due to changes in compensation-related deductions in fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year. \nAs a result of the factors discussed above, net income for fiscal 2023 increased $89.3 million from the prior year. Diluted net income per share was $8.84 per share for fiscal 2023 compared to $6.58 per share for fiscal 2022. \nAt June\u00a030, 2023, we had approximately 580 operating facilities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore at June\u00a030, 2023, versus 568 June\u00a030, 2022. \nThe approximate number of Company employees was 6,200 at June\u00a030, 2023 and 6,100 at June\u00a030, 2022.\n \nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nOur primary source of capital is cash flow from operations, supplemented as necessary by bank borrowings or other sources of debt. At June\u00a030, 2023 we had total debt obligations outstanding of $622.2 million compared to $689.5 million at June\u00a030, 2022. Management expects that our existing cash, cash equivalents, funds available under the revolving credit facility, and cash provided from operations, will be sufficient to finance normal working capital needs in each of the countries in which we operate, payment of dividends, acquisitions, investments in properties, facilities and equipment, debt service, and the purchase of additional Company common stock. Management also believes that additional long-term debt and line of credit financing could be obtained if necessary based on the Company\u2019s credit standing and financial strength.\nThe Company\u2019s working capital at June\u00a030, 2023 was $1,106.5 million compared to $859.9 million at June\u00a030, 2022. The current ratio was 3.0 to 1 at June\u00a030, 2023 and 2.7 to 1 at\n \nJune\u00a030, 2022. \nNet Cash Flows\nThe following table is included to aid in review of Applied\u2019s statements of consolidated cash flows.\nAmounts in thousands\nYear Ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\nNet Cash Provided by (Used in):\nOperating Activities\n$\n343,966\n\u00a0\n$\n187,570\u00a0\nInvesting Activities\n(60,833)\n(35,658)\nFinancing Activities\n(126,888)\n(223,029)\nExchange Rate Effect\n3,317\n\u00a0\n(2,154)\nIncrease (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents\n$\n159,562\n\u00a0\n$\n(73,271)\nThe increase in cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2023 is driven by changes in working capital for the year and by increased operating results. Changes in cash flows between years related to working capital were driven by (amounts in thousands): \nAccounts receivable\n$\n94,460\n\u00a0\nInventory \n$\n49,448\n\u00a0\nAccounts payable \n$\n(15,915)\nNet cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2023 included $35.8 million used for the acquisitions of Automation, Inc. and AMS and $26.5 million used for capital expenditures. Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2022 included $7.0 million used for the acquisition of Floody, $14.8 million million in cash payments for loans on company-owned life insurance and $18.1 million used for capital expenditures. \n20\nTable of Contents\nNet cash used in financing activities decreased from the prior year period primarily due to a change in net debt activity, as there was $67.2 million of net debt payments in fiscal 2023 compared to $139.9 million of net debt payments in 2022. Further uses of cash in 2023 were $53.4 million for dividend payments and $12.9 million used to pay taxes for shares withheld. Further uses of cash in 2022 were $51.8 million for dividend payments, $8.1 million used to pay taxes for shares withheld, and $13.8 million used to repurchase 148,658 shares of treasury stock.\nThe increase in dividends over the year is the result of regular increases in our dividend payout rates. We paid dividends of $1.38 and $1.34 per share in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. \nCapital Expenditures\nWe expect capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 to be in the $27.0\u00a0million to $29.0 million range, primarily consisting of capital associated with additional information technology equipment and infrastructure investments. \nShare Repurchases\nThe Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of shares of the Company\u2019s stock. These purchases may \nbe made in open market and negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending upon market conditions. \nAt June\u00a030, 2023, we had authorization to purchase an additional 1,500,000 shares. \nIn fiscal 2023, we purchased 8,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an average price per share of $89.46. In fiscal 2022, we repurchased 148,658 shares of the Company's common stock at an average price per share of $92.72. In fiscal 2021,we repurchased 400,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an average price per share of $100.22.\nBorrowing Arrangements\nA summary of long-term debt, including the current portion, follows (amounts are in thousands):\nJune 30,\n2023\n2022\nRevolving credit facility\n$\n383,592\n\u00a0\n$\n410,592\u00a0\nTrade receivable securitization facility\n188,300\n\u00a0\n188,300\u00a0\nSeries C Notes \n\u2014\n\u00a0\n40,000\u00a0\nSeries D Notes\n25,000\n\u00a0\n25,000\u00a0\nSeries E Notes\n25,000\n\u00a0\n25,000\u00a0\nOther\n356\n\u00a0\n603\u00a0\nTotal debt\n$\n622,248\n\u00a0\n$\n689,495\u00a0\nLess: unamortized debt issuance costs\n152\n\u00a0\n171\u00a0\n$\n622,096\n\u00a0\n$\n689,324\u00a0\nIn December 2021, the Company entered into a new revolving credit facility with a group of banks to refinance the existing credit facility as well as provide funds for ongoing working capital and other general corporate purposes. The revolving credit facility provides a $900.0\u00a0million unsecured revolving credit facility and an uncommitted accordion feature which allows the Company to request an increase in the borrowing commitments, or incremental term loans, under the credit facility in aggregate principal amounts of up to $500.0\u00a0million. In May 2023, the Company and the administrative agent entered into an amendment to the credit facility to replace LIBOR as a reference rate available for use in the computation of interest and replace it with SOFR. Borrowings under this agreement bear interest, at the Company's election, at either the base rate plus a margin that ranges from 0 to 55 basis points based on net leverage ratio or SOFR plus a margin that ranges from 80 to 155 basis points based on the net leverage ratio. Unused lines under this facility, net of outstanding letters of credit of $0.2\u00a0million to secure certain insurance obligations, totaled $516.2\u00a0million and $489.2\u00a0million at June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively, and were available to fund future acquisitions or other capital and operating requirements. The interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 6.11% and 2.81% as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively.\nAdditionally, the Company had letters of credit outstanding not associated with the revolving credit agreement, in the amount of $4.0\u00a0million and $4.7\u00a0million as of June\u00a030, 2023 and June\u00a030, 2022, respectively, in order to secure certain insurance obligations.\nIn August 2018, the Company established a trade receivable securitization facility (the \u201cAR Securitization Facility\u201d). On March 26, 2021, the Company amended the AR Securitization Facility to expand the eligible receivables, which increased the maximum availability to $250.0\u00a0million and increased the fees on the AR Securitization Facility to 0.98% per year. Availability is further subject to changes in the credit ratings of our customers, customer concentration levels or certain characteristics of the accounts receivable being transferred and, therefore, at certain \n21\nTable of Contents\ntimes, we may not be able to fully access the $250.0\u00a0million of funding available under the AR Securitization Facility. The AR Securitization Facility effectively increases the Company\u2019s borrowing capacity by collateralizing a portion of the amount of the U.S. operations\u2019 trade accounts receivable. The Company uses the proceeds from the AR Securitization Facility as an alternative to other forms of debt, effectively reducing borrowing costs. In May 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to the AR Securitization facility to replace LIBOR as a reference rate available for use in the computation of interest and replace it with SOFR, therefore borrowings under this facility carry variable interest rates tied to SOFR. The interest rate on the AR Securitization Facility as of June\u00a030, 2023 and June\u00a030, 2022 was 6.16% and 2.60%, respectively. The Company classified the AR Securitization Facility as long-term debt as it has the ability and intent to extend or refinance this amount on a long-term basis. On August 4, 2023, the Company amended the AR Securitization Facility and extended the term to August\u00a04, 2026. \nAt June\u00a030, 2023 and June\u00a030, 2022, the Company had borrowings outstanding under its unsecured shelf facility agreement with Prudential Investment Management of $50.0\u00a0million and $90.0\u00a0million, respectively. Fees on this facility range from 0.25% to 1.25% per year based on the Company's leverage ratio at each quarter end. The remaining principal balance on the \"Series C\" notes of the $40.0\u00a0million was paid in July 2022\n. \nThe \"Series D\" notes have a remaining principal amount of $25.0\u00a0million, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.21%, and are due in October 2023. The \"Series E\" notes have a principal amount of $25.0\u00a0million, carry a fixed interest rate of 3.08%, and are due in October 2024. \nIn 2014, the Company assumed $2.4\u00a0million of debt as a part of the headquarters facility acquisition. The 1.50% fixed interest rate note is held by the State of Ohio Development Services Agency and matures in November 2024. \nIn 2019, the Company entered into an interest rate swap which mitigates variability in forecasted interest payments on \n$384.0 million\n of the Company\u2019s U.S. dollar-denominated unsecured variable rate debt. For more information, see note 7, Derivatives, to the consolidated financial statements, included in Item 8 under the caption \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data.\u201d\nThe credit facility and the unsecured shelf facility contain restrictive covenants regarding liquidity, net worth, financial ratios, and other covenants. At June\u00a030, 2023, the most restrictive of these covenants required that the Company have net indebtedness less than 3.75 times consolidated income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined). At June\u00a030, 2023, the Company's net indebtedness was less than 0.7 times consolidated income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined). The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants at June\u00a030, 2023.\nAccounts Receivable Analysis\nThe following table is included to aid in analysis of accounts receivable and the associated provision for losses on accounts receivable (all dollar amounts are in thousands):\nJune 30,\n2023\n2022\nAccounts receivable, gross\n$\n730,729\n\u00a0\n$\n673,951\u00a0\nAllowance for doubtful accounts\n22,334\n\u00a0\n17,522\u00a0\nAccounts receivable, net\n$\n708,395\n\u00a0\n$\n656,429\u00a0\nAllowance for doubtful accounts, % of gross receivables\n3.1\n\u00a0\n%\n2.6\u00a0\n%\nYear Ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\nProvision for losses on accounts receivable\n$\n5,619\n\u00a0\n$\n3,193\u00a0\nProvision as a % of net sales\n0.13\n\u00a0\n%\n0.08\u00a0\n%\nAccounts receivable are reported at net realizable value and consist of trade receivables from customers. Management monitors accounts receivable by reviewing Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and the aging of receivables for each of the Company's locations. The Company experienced a significant increase in accounts receivable during fiscal 2023 commensurate with the increase in sales.\nOn a consolidated basis, DSO was 55.1 at June\u00a030, 2023 versus 55.7 at June\u00a030, 2022. Approximately 2.5% of our accounts receivable balances are more than 90 days past due at June\u00a030, 2023 compared to 3.4% at June\u00a030, 2022. On an overall basis, our provision for losses from uncollected receivables represents 0.13% of our sales for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, compared to 0.08% of sales for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022. The increase primarily relates to provisions recorded in the current year for customer credit deterioration and bankruptcies primarily in the Service Center Based Distribution segment. Historically, this percentage is around 0.10% to 0.15%. Management believes the overall receivables aging and provision for losses on uncollected receivables are at reasonable levels.\n22\nTable of Contents\nInventory Analysis\nInventories are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for U.S. inventories and the average cost method for foreign inventories. Inventory increased throughout fiscal 2022 to meet increasing customer demand. Management uses an inventory turnover ratio to monitor and evaluate inventory. Management calculates this ratio on an annual as well as a quarterly basis and uses inventory valued at average costs. The annualized inventory turnover (using average costs) for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 was 4.4 versus 4.7 for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022. \n \nCONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS\nThe following table shows the approximate value of the Company\u2019s contractual obligations and other commitments to make future payments as of June\u00a030, 2023 (in thousands):\nTotal\nPeriod Less\nThan 1 yr\nPeriod\n2-3 yrs\nPeriod\n4-5 yrs\nPeriod\nOver 5 yrs\nOther\nOperating leases\n$\n113,251\u00a0\n$\n34,235\u00a0\n$\n44,995\u00a0\n$\n22,646\u00a0\n$\n11,375\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nPlanned funding of post-retirement obligations\n6,561\u00a0\n1,360\u00a0\n2,770\u00a0\n460\u00a0\n1,971\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nUnrecognized income tax benefit liabilities, including interest and penalties\n5,900\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n5,900\u00a0\nLong-term debt obligations\n622,248\u00a0\n25,251\u00a0\n25,105\u00a0\n571,892\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nInterest on long-term debt obligations (1)\n68,000\u00a0\n22,300\u00a0\n34,000\u00a0\n11,700\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAcquisition holdback payments\n810\u00a0\n684\u00a0\n126\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal Contractual Cash Obligations\n$\n816,770\u00a0\n$\n83,830\u00a0\n$\n106,996\u00a0\n$\n606,698\u00a0\n$\n13,346\u00a0\n$\n5,900\u00a0\n(1) Amounts represent estimated contractual interest payments on outstanding long-term debt obligations net of receipts under the terms of the interest rate swap. Rates in effect as of June\u00a030, 2023 are used for variable rate debt.\nPurchase orders for inventory and other goods and services are not included in our estimates as we are unable to aggregate the amount of such purchase orders that represent enforceable and legally binding agreements specifying all significant terms. The previous table includes the gross liability for unrecognized income tax benefits including interest and penalties in the \u201cOther\u201d column as the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate regarding the timing of cash settlements, if any, with the respective taxing authorities.\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES\nThe preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates at a specific point in time that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and disclosed in the accompanying notes. The Business and Accounting Policies note to the consolidated financial statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, determining the net carrying value of trade accounts receivable, inventories, recording self-insurance liabilities and other accrued liabilities. Estimates are also used in establishing opening balances in relation to purchase accounting. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The following critical accounting policies are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.\nLIFO Inventory Valuation and Methodology\nInventories are valued at the average cost method, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for U.S. inventories, and the average cost method for foreign inventories. We adopted the link chain dollar value LIFO method for accounting for U.S. inventories in fiscal 1974. Approximately 14.2% of our domestic inventory dollars relate to LIFO layers added in the 1970s. The excess of average cost over LIFO cost is $215.3 million as reflected in our consolidated balance sheet at June\u00a030, 2023. The Company maintains five LIFO pools based on the following product groupings: bearings, power transmission products, rubber products, fluid power products and other products.\nLIFO layers and/or liquidations are determined consistently year-to-year. See the Inventories note to the\n \n \nconsolidated financial statements in Item 8 under the caption \"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,\" \nfor further information. \n23\nTable of Contents\nAllowances for Slow-Moving and Obsolete Inventories\nWe evaluate the recoverability of our slow-moving and inactive inventories at least quarterly. We estimate the recoverable cost of such inventory by product type while considering factors such as its age, historic and current demand trends, the physical condition of the inventory, as well as assumptions regarding future demand. Our ability to recover our cost for slow moving or obsolete inventory can be affected by such factors as general market conditions, future customer demand and relationships with suppliers. A significant portion of the products we hold in inventory have long shelf lives and are not highly susceptible to obsolescence. \nAs of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the Company's reserve for slow-moving or obsolete inventories was $42.6 million and $39.2 million, respectively, recorded in inventories in the consolidated balance sheets. \nAllowances for Doubtful Accounts\nWe evaluate the collectibility of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Initially, we estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience. This initial estimate is adjusted based on recent trends of certain customers and industries estimated to be a greater credit risk, trends within the entire customer pool and changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While we have a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which we operate could result in higher than expected defaults, and therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts. Accounts are written off against the allowance when it becomes evident that collection will not occur.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, our allowance for doubtful accounts was 3.1% and 2.6% of gross receivables, respectively. Our provision for losses on accounts receivable was $5.6 million, $3.2 million, and $6.5 million in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\nGoodwill and Intangibles\nThe purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between intangible assets and the net tangible assets of the acquired business with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. Goodwill for acquired businesses is accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of the acquisition at their respective estimated fair values. The determination of the value of the intangible assets acquired involves certain judgments and estimates. These judgments can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future and the appropriate weighted average cost of capital. The judgments made in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired, as well as the estimated life of each asset, can materially impact the net income of the periods subsequent to the acquisition through depreciation and amortization, and in certain instances through impairment charges, if the asset becomes impaired in the future. As part of acquisition accounting, we recognize acquired identifiable intangible assets such as customer relationships, vendor relationships, trade names, and non-competition agreements apart from goodwill. Finite-lived identifiable intangibles are evaluated for impairment when changes in conditions indicate carrying value may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a finite-lived intangible asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the finite-lived intangible asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value determined through a discounted cash flow model.\nWe evaluate goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually as of January 1, and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Events or circumstances that may result in an impairment review include changes in macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, other relevant entity-specific events, specific events affecting the reporting unit or sustained decrease in share price. Each year, the Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If impairment is indicated in the qualitative assessment, or, if management elects to initially perform a quantitative assessment of goodwill, the impairment test uses a one-step approach. The fair value of a reporting unit is compared with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. \nGoodwill on our consolidated financial statements relates to both the Service Center Based Distribution segment and the Engineered Solutions segment. The Company has eight (8) reporting units for which an annual goodwill impairment assessment was performed as of January 1, 2023.\u00a0 The Company concluded that all of the reporting units\u2019 fair values exceeded their carrying amounts by at least 20% as of January 1, 2023. \n24\nTable of Contents\nThe fair values of the reporting units in accordance with the goodwill impairment test were determined using the income and market approaches. The income approach employs the discounted cash flow method reflecting projected cash flows expected to be generated by market participants and then adjusted for time value of money factors, and requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues, operating margins, and discount rates. The market approach utilizes an analysis of comparable publicly traded companies and requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the forecasts of future revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and multiples that are applied to management\u2019s forecasted revenues and EBITDA estimates. \nChanges in future results, assumptions, and estimates after the measurement date may lead to an outcome where additional impairment charges would be required in future periods.\u00a0 Specifically, actual results may vary from the Company\u2019s forecasts and such variations may be material and unfavorable, thereby triggering the need for future impairment tests where the conclusions may differ in reflection of prevailing market conditions.\u00a0 Further, continued adverse market conditions could result in the recognition of additional impairment if the Company determines that the fair values of its reporting units have fallen below their carrying values.\nIncome Taxes\nDeferred income taxes are recorded for estimated future tax effects of differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes, giving consideration to enacted tax laws. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company recognized $35.0 million of net deferred tax liabilities. Valuation allowances are provided against net deferred tax assets, determined on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis, where it is considered more-likely-than-not that the Company will not realize the benefit of such assets. The remaining net deferred tax asset is the amount management believes is more-likely-than-not of being realized. The realization of these deferred tax assets can be impacted by changes to tax laws, statutory rates and future taxable income levels.\n25\nTable of Contents\nCAUTIONARY STATEMENT UNDER PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT\nThis Form 10-K, including Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis, contains statements that are forward-looking based on management\u2019s current expectations about the future. Forward-looking statements are often identified by qualifiers, such as \u201cguidance\u201d, \u201cexpect\u201d, \u201cbelieve\u201d, \u201cplan\u201d, \u201cintend\u201d, \u201cwill\u201d, \u201cshould\u201d, \u201ccould\u201d, \u201cwould\u201d, \u201canticipate\u201d, \u201cestimate\u201d, \u201cforecast\u201d, \u201cmay\u201d, \"optimistic\" and derivative or similar words or expressions. Similarly, descriptions of objectives, strategies, plans, or goals are also forward-looking statements. These statements may discuss, among other things, expected growth, future sales, future cash flows, future capital expenditures, future performance, and the anticipation and expectations of the Company and its management as to future occurrences and trends. The Company intends that the forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors established in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations, and releases.\nReaders are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors, many of which are outside the Company\u2019s control. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, and the making of those statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the results expressed in the statements will be achieved. In addition, the Company assumes no obligation publicly to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information or events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law.\nImportant risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following: risks relating to the operations levels of our customers and the economic factors that affect them; continuing risks relating to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; inflationary or deflationary trends in the cost of products, energy, labor and other operating costs, and changes in the prices for products and services relative to the cost of providing them; reduction in supplier inventory purchase incentives; loss of key supplier authorizations, lack of product availability (such as due to supply chain strains), changes in supplier distribution programs, inability of suppliers to perform, and transportation disruptions; changes in customer preferences for products and services of the nature and brands sold by us; changes in customer procurement policies and practices; competitive pressures; our reliance on information systems and risks relating to their proper functioning, the security of those systems, and the data stored in or transmitted through them; the impact of economic conditions on the collectability of trade receivables; reduced demand for our products in targeted markets due to reasons including consolidation in customer industries; our ability to retain and attract qualified sales and customer service personnel and other skilled executives, managers and professionals; our ability to identify and complete acquisitions, integrate them effectively, and realize their anticipated benefits; the variability, timing and nature of new business opportunities including acquisitions, alliances, customer relationships, and supplier authorizations; the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities in connection with acquisitions; our ability to access capital markets as needed on reasonable terms; disruption of operations at our headquarters or distribution centers; risks and uncertainties associated with our foreign operations, including volatile economic conditions, political instability, cultural and legal differences, and currency exchange fluctuations; the potential for goodwill and intangible asset impairment; changes in accounting policies and practices; our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; organizational changes within the Company; risks related to legal proceedings to which we are a party; potentially adverse government regulation, legislation, or policies, both enacted and under consideration, including with respect to federal tax policy, international trade, data privacy and security, and government contracting; and the occurrence of extraordinary events (including prolonged labor disputes, power outages, telecommunication outages, terrorist acts, war, public health emergency, earthquakes, extreme weather events, other natural disasters, fires, floods, and accidents). Other factors and unanticipated events could also adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Risks can also change over time. Further, the disclosure of a risk should not be interpreted to imply that the risk has not already materialized.\nWe discuss certain of these matters and other risk factors more fully throughout our Form 10-K, as well as other of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.\n26\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A. \nQUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.\nOur market risk is impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates as well as changes in interest rates.\n \n \nWe occasionally utilize derivative instruments as part of our overall financial risk management policy, but do not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. \nForeign Currency Exchange Rate Risk\nBecause we operate throughout North America, Australia and New Zealand and approximately 13% of our fiscal year 2023 net sales were generated outside the United States, foreign currency exchange rates can impact our financial position, results of operations and competitive position. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into their U.S. dollar equivalents at end-of-period exchange rates for assets and liabilities, while income and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Translation gains and losses are components of other comprehensive income\u00a0as reported in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income. Transaction gains and losses arising from fluctuations in currency exchange rates on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recognized in the statements of consolidated income as a component of other expense (income), net. Applied does not currently hedge the net investments in our foreign operations.\nDuring the course of the fiscal year, the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand currency exchange rates decreased in relation to the U.S. dollar by 2.9%, 3.9%, and 2.5%, respectively, while the Mexican currency exchange rate increased in relation to the U.S. dollar by 17.7%. In the twelve months ended June\u00a030, 2023, we experienced net foreign currency translation gains totaling $7.7 million, which were included in other comprehensive income. We utilize a sensitivity analysis to measure the potential impact on earnings based on a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency rates. A 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies that affect the Company from the levels experienced during the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 would have resulted in a $1.7 million decrease in net income for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023. \nInterest Rate Risk\nOur primary exposure to interest rate risk results from our outstanding debt obligations with variable interest rates. The levels of fees and interest charged on our various debt facilities are based upon leverage levels and market interest rates. The Company uses interest rate swap instruments to mitigate variability in forecasted interest rates.\nOur variable interest rate debt facilities outstanding include our five-year credit facility, which provides for a revolving credit facility with a capacity of up to $900.0 million in borrowings with $383.6 million outstanding at June\u00a030, 2023, and a $188.3 million trade receivable securitization facility, all of which was outstanding at June\u00a030, 2023. In January 2019, the Company entered into an interest rate swap on $463.0 million of the Company\u2019s U.S. dollar-denominated unsecured variable rate debt. The notional amount of the interest rate swap was $384.0 million as of June\u00a030, 2023. The interest rate swap effectively converts a portion of the floating rate interest payment into a fixed rate interest payment. The Company designated the interest rate swap as a pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swap instrument and is accounting for this derivative as a cash flow hedge. Fixed interest rate debt facilities include $50.0 million outstanding under our unsecured shelf facility agreement, as well as $0.4 million of assumed debt from the purchase of our headquarters facility. We had total average variable interest rate bank borrowings of $587.1 million during fiscal 2023. The impact of a hypothetical 1.0% increase in the interest rates on our average variable interest rate bank borrowings (not considering the impact of the interest rate swap) would have resulted in a $5.9 million increase in interest expense. Including the impact of the interest rate swap, the impact of a hypothetical 1.0% increase in the variable interest rate would have resulted in a $2.0 million increase in interest expense. \nFor more information relating to borrowing and interest rates, see the \u201cLiquidity and Capital Resources\u201d section of \u201cManagement's Discussion and Analysis\n of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\u201d in Item 7 and notes 6 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8. That information is also incorporated here by reference. In addition, see Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors,\u201d for additional risk factors relating to our business.\n27\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "109563",
+ "cusip6": "03820C",
+ "cusip": ["03820C105", "03820c105"],
+ "names": ["APPLIED INDLTECH INC COM", "APPLIED INDL TECHNOLOGIES INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/109563/000010956323000075/0000109563-23-000075-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000319201-23-000031.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000319201-23-000031.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..9e0edb913c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000319201-23-000031.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\nBusiness\n1",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\nRisk Factors\n14",
+ "item7": ">Item\u00a07.\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n35",
+ "item7a": ">Item\u00a07A.\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n53",
+ "cik": "319201",
+ "cusip6": "482480",
+ "cusip": ["482480900", "482480100", "482480950"],
+ "names": ["KLA CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/319201/000031920123000031/0000319201-23-000031-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000320187-23-000039.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000320187-23-000039.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..0b5bfd4c64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000320187-23-000039.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1. BUSINESS\nGENERAL\nNIKE, Inc. was incorporated in 1967 under the laws of the State of Oregon. As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this \"Annual Report\"), the terms \"we,\" \"us,\" \"our,\" \"NIKE\" and the \"Company\" refer to NIKE, Inc. and its predecessors, subsidiaries and affiliates, collectively, unless the context indicates otherwise.\nOur principal business activity is the design, development and worldwide marketing and selling of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services. NIKE is the largest seller of athletic footwear and apparel in the world. We sell our products through NIKE Direct operations, which are comprised of both NIKE-owned retail stores and sales through our digital platforms (also referred to as \"NIKE Brand Digital\"), to retail accounts and to a mix of independent distributors, licensees and sales representatives in nearly all countries around the world. We also offer interactive consumer services and experiences through our digital platforms. Nearly all of our products are manufactured by independent contractors. Nearly all footwear and apparel products are manufactured outside the United States, while equipment products are manufactured both in the United States and abroad.\nAll references to fiscal 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 are to NIKE, Inc.'s fiscal years ended May\u00a031, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Any references to other fiscal years refer to a fiscal year ending on May 31 of that year.\nPRODUCTS\nOur NIKE Brand product offerings are aligned around our consumer construct focused on Men's, Women's and Kids'. We also design products specifically for the Jordan Brand and Converse. We believe this approach allows us to create products that better meet individual consumer needs while accelerating our largest growth opportunities.\nNIKE's athletic footwear products are designed primarily for specific athletic use, although a large percentage of the products are worn for casual or leisure purposes. We place considerable emphasis on innovation and high-quality construction in the development and manufacturing of our products. Our Men's, Women's and Jordan Brand footwear products currently lead in footwear sales and we expect them to continue to do so.\nWe also sell sports apparel, which features the same trademarks and are sold predominantly through the same marketing and distribution channels as athletic footwear. Our sports apparel, similar to our athletic footwear products, is designed primarily for athletic use, although many of the products are worn for casual or leisure purposes, and demonstrates our commitment to innovation and high-quality construction. Our Men's and Women's apparel products currently lead in apparel sales and we expect them to continue to do so. We often market footwear, apparel and accessories in \"collections\" of similar use or by category. We also market apparel with licensed college and professional team and league logos.\nWe sell a line of performance equipment and accessories under the NIKE Brand name, including bags, socks, sport balls, eyewear, timepieces, digital devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment and other equipment designed for sports activities. We also sell small amounts of various plastic products to other manufacturers through our wholly-owned subsidiary, NIKE IHM, Inc., doing business as Air Manufacturing Innovation.\nOur Jordan Brand designs, distributes and licenses athletic and casual footwear, apparel and accessories predominantly focused on basketball performance and culture using the Jumpman trademark. Sales and operating results for Jordan Brand products are reported within the respective NIKE Brand geographic operating segments.\nOur wholly-owned subsidiary brand, Converse, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, designs, distributes and licenses casual sneakers, apparel and accessories under the Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Star Chevron and Jack Purcell trademarks. Operating results of the Converse brand are reported on a stand-alone basis.\nIn addition to the products we sell to our wholesale customers and directly to consumers through our NIKE Direct operations, we have also entered into license agreements that permit unaffiliated parties to manufacture and sell, using NIKE-owned trademarks, certain apparel, digital devices and applications and other equipment designed for sports activities.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n1\n \nTable of Contents\nWe also offer interactive consumer services and experiences as well as digital products through our digital platforms, including fitness and activity apps; sport, fitness and wellness content; and digital services and features in retail stores that enhance the consumer experience.\nSALES AND MARKETING\nWe experience moderate fluctuations in aggregate sales volume during the year. Historically, revenues in the first and fourth fiscal quarters have slightly exceeded those in the second and third fiscal quarters. However, the mix of product sales may vary considerably as a result of changes in seasonal and geographic demand for particular types of footwear, apparel and equipment, as well as other macroeconomic, strategic, operating and logistics-related factors.\nBecause NIKE is a consumer products company, the relative popularity and availability of various sports and fitness activities, as well as changing design trends, affect the demand for our products. We must, therefore, respond to trends and shifts in consumer preferences by adjusting the mix of existing product offerings, developing new products, styles and categories and influencing sports and fitness preferences through extensive marketing. Failure to respond in a timely and adequate manner could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability. This is a continuing risk. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors.\nOUR MARKETS\nWe report our NIKE Brand operations based on our internal geographic organization.\u00a0Each NIKE Brand geographic segment operates predominantly in one industry: the design, development, marketing and selling of athletic footwear, apparel and equipment. The Company's reportable operating segments for the NIKE Brand are: North America; Europe, Middle East & Africa (\"EMEA\"); Greater China; and Asia Pacific & Latin America (\"APLA\"), and include results for the NIKE and Jordan brands. Sales through our NIKE Direct operations are managed within each geographic operating segment.\nConverse is also a reportable operating segment and operates predominately in one industry: the design, marketing, licensing and selling of casual sneakers, apparel and accessories. Converse direct to consumer operations, including digital commerce, are reported within the Converse operating segment results.\nUNITED STATES MARKET\nFor fiscal 2023, NIKE Brand and Converse sales in the United States accounted for approximately 43% of total revenues, compared to 40% and 39% for fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively. We sell our products to thousands of retail accounts in the United States, including a mix of footwear stores, sporting goods stores, athletic specialty stores, department stores, skate, tennis and golf shops and other retail accounts. In the United States, we utilize NIKE sales offices to solicit such sales. During fiscal 2023, our three largest United States customers accounted for approximately 22% of sales in the United States.\nOur NIKE Direct and Converse direct to consumer operations sell our products to consumers through various digital platforms. In addition, our NIKE Direct and Converse direct to consumer operations sell products through the following number of retail stores in the United States:\nU.S. RETAIL STORES\nNUMBER\nNIKE Brand factory stores\n213\u00a0\nNIKE Brand in-line stores (including employee-only stores)\n74\u00a0\nConverse stores (including factory stores)\n82\u00a0\nTOTAL\n369\n\u00a0\nIn the United States, NIKE has eight significant distribution centers. Refer to Item 2. Properties for further information.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n2\nTable of Contents\nINTERNATIONAL MARKETS\nFor fiscal 2023, non-U.S. NIKE Brand and Converse sales accounted for approximately 57% of total revenues, compared to 60% and 61% for fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively. We sell our products to retail accounts through our own NIKE Direct operations and through a mix of independent distributors, licensees and sales representatives around the world. We sell to thousands of retail accounts and ship products from 67 distribution centers outside of the United States. Refer to Item 2. Properties for further information on distribution facilities outside of the United States. During fiscal 2023, NIKE's three largest customers outside of the United States accounted for approximately 14% of total non-U.S.\u00a0sales.\nIn addition to NIKE-owned and Converse-owned digital commerce platforms in over 40 countries, our NIKE Direct and Converse direct to consumer businesses operate the following number of retail stores outside the United States:\nNON-U.S. RETAIL STORES\nNUMBER\nNIKE Brand factory stores\n560\u00a0\nNIKE Brand in-line stores (including employee-only stores)\n49\u00a0\nConverse stores (including factory stores)\n54\u00a0\nTOTAL\n663\n\u00a0\nSIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER\nNo customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated net Revenues during fiscal 2023.\nPRODUCT RESEARCH, DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT\nWe believe our research, design and development efforts are key factors in our success. Technical innovation in the design and manufacturing process of footwear, apparel and athletic equipment receives continued emphasis as we strive to produce products that help to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury and maximize comfort, while decreasing our environmental impact.\nIn addition to our own staff of specialists in the areas of biomechanics, chemistry, exercise physiology, engineering, digital technologies, industrial design, sustainability and related fields, we also utilize research committees and advisory boards made up of athletes, coaches, trainers, equipment managers, orthopedists, podiatrists, physicians and other experts who consult with us and review certain designs, materials and concepts for product and manufacturing, design and other process improvements and compliance with product safety regulations around the world. Employee athletes, athletes engaged under sports marketing contracts and other athletes wear-test and evaluate products during the design and development process.\nAs we continue to develop new technologies, we are simultaneously focused on the design of innovative products and experiences incorporating such technologies throughout our product categories and consumer applications. Using market intelligence and research, our various design teams identify opportunities to leverage new technologies in existing categories to respond to consumer preferences. The proliferation of Nike Air, Zoom, Free, Dri-FIT, Flyknit, FlyEase, ZoomX, Air Max, React and Forward technologies, among others, typifies our dedication to designing innovative products.\nMANUFACTURING\nNearly all of our footwear and apparel products are manufactured outside the United States by independent manufacturers (\"contract manufacturers\"), many of which operate multiple factories. We are also supplied, primarily indirectly, by a number of materials, or \"Tier 2\" suppliers, who provide the principal materials used in footwear and apparel finished goods products. As of May\u00a031, 2023, we had 146 strategic Tier 2 suppliers.\nAs of May\u00a031, 2023, our contract manufacturers operated 123 finished goods footwear factories located in 11 countries. For fiscal 2023, NIKE Brand footwear finished goods were manufactured by 15 contract manufacturers, many of which operate multiple factories. The largest single finished goods footwear factory accounted for approximately 9% of total fiscal 2023 NIKE Brand footwear production. For fiscal 2023, factories in Vietnam, Indonesia and China manufactured approximately 50%, 27% and 18% of total NIKE Brand footwear, respectively. For fiscal 2023, four footwear contract manufacturers each accounted for greater than 10% of footwear production and in the aggregate accounted for approximately 58% of NIKE Brand footwear production.\nAs of May\u00a031, 2023, our contract manufacturers operated 291 finished goods apparel factories located in 31 countries. For fiscal 2023, NIKE Brand apparel finished goods were manufactured by 55 contract manufacturers, many of which operate multiple factories. The largest single finished goods apparel factory accounted for approximately 8% of total fiscal 2023 NIKE Brand apparel production. For fiscal 2023, factories in Vietnam, China and Cambodia manufactured approximately 29%, 18% and 16% \n2023 FORM 10-K \n3\n \nTable of Contents\nof total NIKE Brand apparel, respectively. For fiscal 2023, one apparel contract manufacturer accounted for more than 10% of apparel production, and the top five contract manufacturers in the aggregate accounted for approximately 52% of NIKE Brand apparel production.\nNIKE's contract manufacturers buy raw materials for the manufacturing of our footwear, apparel and equipment products. Most raw materials are available and purchased by those contract manufacturers in the countries where manufacturing takes place. \nThe principal materials used in our footwear products are natural and synthetic rubber, plastic compounds, foam cushioning materials, natural and synthetic leather, nylon, polyester and natural fiber textiles, as well as polyurethane films used to make NIKE Air-Sole cushioning components. During fiscal 2023, Air Manufacturing Innovation, a wholly-owned subsidiary, with facilities near Beaverton, Oregon, in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, and St. Charles, Missouri, as well as contract manufacturers in China and Vietnam, were our suppliers of NIKE Air-Sole cushioning components used in footwear.\nThe principal materials used in our apparel products are natural and synthetic fabrics, yarns and threads (both virgin and recycled); specialized performance fabrics designed to efficiently wick moisture away from the body, retain heat and repel rain and/or snow; and plastic and metal hardware. \nIn fiscal 2023, we experienced ongoing supply chain volatility during the first part of the year, which improved gradually during the course of the year. We also experienced higher supply chain network costs primarily due to inflationary pressures during the year. Despite competition for certain materials during fiscal 2023, contract manufacturers were able to source sufficient quantities of raw materials for use in our footwear and apparel products. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors, for additional discussion of the impact of sourcing risks on our business.\nSince 1972, Sojitz Corporation of America (\"Sojitz America\"), a large Japanese trading company and the sole owner of our redeemable preferred stock, has performed import-export financing services for us.\nINTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND TRADE\nOur international operations and sources of supply are subject to the usual risks of doing business abroad, such as the implementation of, or potential changes in, foreign and domestic trade policies, increases in import duties, anti-dumping measures, quotas, safeguard measures, trade restrictions, restrictions on the transfer of funds and, in certain parts of the world, political tensions, instability, conflicts, nationalism and terrorism, and resulting sanctions and other measures imposed in response to such issues. We have not, to date, been materially affected by any such risk but cannot predict the likelihood of such material effects occurring in the future.\nIn recent years, uncertain global and regional economic and political conditions have affected international trade and increased protectionist actions around the world.\u00a0These trends are affecting many global manufacturing and service sectors, and the footwear and apparel industries, as a whole, are not immune. Companies in our industry are facing trade protectionism in many different regions, and, in nearly all cases, we are working together with industry groups to address trade issues and reduce the impact to the industry, while observing applicable competition laws. Notwithstanding our efforts, protectionist measures have resulted in increases in the cost of our products, and additional measures, if implemented, could adversely affect sales and/or profitability for NIKE, as well as the imported footwear and apparel industry as a whole.\nWe monitor protectionist trends and developments throughout the world that may materially impact our industry, and we engage in administrative and judicial processes to mitigate trade restrictions. We are actively monitoring actions that may result in additional anti-dumping measures and could affect our industry. We are also monitoring for and advocating against other impediments that may limit or delay customs clearance for imports of footwear, apparel and equipment. NIKE also advocates for trade liberalization for footwear and apparel in a number of bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements. Changes in, and responses to, U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs or penalties on imported goods or retaliatory measures by other countries, have negatively affected, and could in the future negatively affect, U.S. corporations, including NIKE, with business operations and/or consumer markets in those countries, which could also make it necessary for us to change the way we conduct business, either of which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or our results of operations. In addition, with respect to proposed trade restrictions, we work with a broad coalition of global businesses and trade associations representing a wide variety of sectors to help ensure that any legislation enacted and implemented (i)\u00a0addresses legitimate and core concerns, (ii)\u00a0is consistent with international trade rules and (iii)\u00a0reflects and considers domestic economies and the important role they may play in the global economic community.\nWhere trade protection measures are implemented, we believe we have the ability to develop, over a period of time, adequate alternative sources of supply for the products obtained from our present suppliers. If events prevented us from acquiring products from our suppliers in a particular country, our operations could be temporarily disrupted and we could experience an adverse financial impact. However, we believe we could abate any such disruption, and that much of the adverse impact on supply would, therefore, be of a short-term nature, although alternate sources of supply might not be as cost-effective and could have an ongoing adverse impact on profitability.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n4\nTable of Contents\nOur international operations are also subject to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the \"FCPA\"), and other anti-bribery laws applicable to our operations. We source a significant portion of our products from, and have important consumer markets, outside of the United States. We have an ethics and compliance program to address compliance with the FCPA and similar laws by us, our employees, agents, suppliers and other partners.\n \nRefer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for additional information on risks relating to our international operations.\nCOMPETITION\nThe athletic footwear, apparel and equipment industry is highly competitive on a worldwide basis. We compete internationally with a significant number of athletic and leisure footwear companies, athletic and leisure apparel companies, sports equipment companies and large companies having diversified lines of athletic and leisure footwear, apparel and equipment, including adidas, Anta, ASICS, Li Ning, lululemon athletica, New Balance, Puma, Under Armour and V.F. Corporation, among others. The intense competition and the rapid changes in technology and consumer preferences in the markets for athletic and leisure footwear and apparel and athletic equipment constitute significant risk factors in our operations. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for additional information.\nNIKE is the largest seller of athletic footwear and apparel in the world. Important aspects of competition in this industry are:\n\u2022\nProduct attributes such as quality; performance and reliability; new product style, design, innovation and development; as well as consumer price/value.\n\u2022\nConsumer connection, engagement and affinity for brands and products, developed through marketing, promotion and digital experiences; social media interaction; customer support and service; identification with prominent and influential athletes, influencers, public figures, coaches, teams, colleges and sports leagues who endorse our brands and use our products and active engagement through sponsored sporting events and clinics. \n\u2022\nEffective sourcing and distribution of products, with attractive merchandising and presentation at retail, both in-store and on digital platforms.\nWe believe that we are competitive in all of these areas.\nTRADEMARKS AND PATENTS\nWe believe that our intellectual property rights are important to our brand, our success and our competitive position. We strategically pursue available protections of these rights and vigorously protect them against third-party theft and infringement.\nWe use trademarks on nearly all of our products and packaging, and in our marketing materials, and believe having distinctive marks that are readily identifiable is an important factor in creating a market for our goods, in identifying our brands and the Company, and in distinguishing our goods from the goods of others. We consider our NIKE and Swoosh Design trademarks to be among our most valuable assets and we have registered these trademarks in over 190 jurisdictions worldwide. In addition, we own many other trademarks that we use in marketing our products. We own common law rights in the trade dress of several distinctive shoe designs and elements. For certain trade dress, we have sought and obtained trademark registrations.\nWe have copyright protection in our designs, graphics, software applications, digital goods and other original works. When appropriate, we also obtain registered copyrights.\nWe file for, own and maintain many U.S. and foreign utility and design patents protecting components, technologies, materials, manufacturing techniques, features, functionality, and industrial designs used in and for the manufacture of various athletic, performance, and leisure footwear and apparel, including physical and digital versions thereof, athletic equipment, and digital devices, and related software applications. These patents expire at various times.\nWe believe our success depends upon our capabilities in areas such as design, research and development, production and marketing and is supported and protected by our intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, utility and design patents, copyrights, and trade secrets, among others. \nWe have followed a policy of applying for and registering intellectual property rights in the United\u00a0States and select foreign countries on trademarks, inventions, innovations and designs that we deem valuable. We also continue to vigorously protect our intellectual property, including trademarks, patents and trade secrets against third-party infringement and misappropriation.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n5\n \nTable of Contents\nHUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES\nAt NIKE, we consider the strength and effective management of our workforce to be essential to the ongoing success of our business. We believe that it is important to attract, develop and retain a diverse and engaged workforce at all levels of our business and that such a workforce fosters creativity and accelerates innovation. We are focused on building an increasingly diverse talent pipeline that reflects our consumers, athletes and the communities we serve.\nCULTURE \nEach employee shapes NIKE's culture through behaviors and practices. This starts with our Maxims, which represent our core values and, along with our Code of Conduct, feature the fundamental behaviors that help anchor, inform and guide us and apply to all employees. Our mission is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world, which includes the belief that if you have a body, you are an athlete. We aim to do this by creating groundbreaking sport innovations, making our products more sustainably, building a creative and diverse global team, supporting the well-being of our employees and making a positive impact in communities where we live and work. Our mission is aligned with our deep commitment to maintaining an environment where all NIKE employees have the opportunity to reach their full potential, to connect to our brands and to shape our workplace culture. We believe providing for growth and retention of our employees is essential in fostering such a culture and are dedicated to giving access to training programs and career development opportunities, including trainings on NIKE's values, history and business, trainings on developing leadership skills at all levels, tools and resources for managers and qualified tuition reimbursement opportunities. \nAs part of our commitment to empowering our employees to help shape our culture, we source employee feedback through our Engagement Survey program, including several corporate pulse surveys. The program provides every employee throughout the globe an opportunity to provide confidential feedback on key areas known to drive employee engagement, including their satisfaction with their managers, their work and the Company generally. The program also measures our employees\u2019 emotional commitment to NIKE as well as NIKE's culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. NIKE also provides multiple points of contact for employees to speak up if they experience something that does not align with our values or otherwise violates our workplace policies, even if they are uncertain what they observed or heard is a violation of company policy.\nAs part of our commitment to make a positive impact on our communities, we maintain a goal of investing 2% of our prior fiscal year's pre-tax income into global communities. The focus of this investment continues to be inspiring kids to be active through play and sport as well as uniting and inspiring communities to create a better and more equitable future for all. Our community investments are an important part of our culture in that we also support employees in giving back to community organizations through donations and volunteering, which are matched by the NIKE Foundation where eligible.\nEMPLOYEE BASE\nAs of May\u00a031, 2023, we had approximately 83,700 employees worldwide, including retail and part-time employees. We also utilize independent contractors and temporary personnel to supplement our workforce.\nNone of our employees are represented by a union, except certain employees in the EMEA and APLA geographies are members of and/or represented by trade unions, as allowed or required by local law and/or collective bargaining agreements. Also, in some countries outside of the United States, local laws require employee representation by works councils (which may be entitled to information and consultation on certain subsidiary decisions) or by organizations similar to a union. In certain European countries, we are required by local law to enter into, and/or comply with, industry-wide or national collective bargaining agreements. NIKE has never experienced a material interruption of operations due to labor disagreements.\nDIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION\nDiversity, equity and inclusion (\"DE&I\") is a strategic priority for NIKE and we are committed to having an increasingly diverse team and culture. We aim to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace through recruitment, development and retention of diverse talent with the goal of expanding representation across all dimensions of diversity over the long term. We remain committed to the targets announced in fiscal 2021 for the Company to work toward by fiscal 2025, including increasing representation of women in our global corporate workforce and leadership positions, as well as increasing representation of U.S. racial and ethnic minorities in our U.S. corporate workforce and at the Director level and above. \nWe continue to enhance our efforts to recruit diverse talent through our traditional channels and through initiatives, such as partnerships with athletes and sports-related organizations to create apprenticeship programs and new partnerships with organizations, colleges and universities that serve diverse populations. Additionally, we are prioritizing DE&I education so that all NIKE employees and leaders have the cultural awareness and understanding to lead inclusively and build diverse and inclusive teams. We also have Employee Networks, collectively known as NikeUNITED, representing various employee groups.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n6\nTable of Contents\nOur DE&I focus extends beyond our workforce and includes our communities, which we support in a number of ways. We have committed to investments that aim to address racial inequality and improve diversity and representation in our communities. We also are leveraging our global scale to accelerate business diversity, including investing in business training programs for women and increasing the proportion of services supplied by minority-owned businesses.\nCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS \nNIKE's total rewards are intended to be competitive and equitable, meet the diverse needs of our global teammates and reinforce our values. We are committed to providing comprehensive, competitive and equitable pay and benefits to our employees, and we have invested, and aim to continue to invest, in our employees through growth and development and holistic well-being initiatives. Our initiatives in this area include: \n\u2022\nWe are committed to competitive pay and to reviewing our pay and promotion practices annually. \n\u2022\nWe have an annual company bonus plan and a retail-focused bonus plan applicable to all eligible employees. Both programs are focused on rewarding employees for company performance, which we believe reinforces our culture and rewards behaviors that support collaboration and teamwork.\n\u2022\nWe provide comprehensive family care benefits in the U.S. and globally where practicable, including family planning coverage, backup care and child/elder care assistance as well as an income-based childcare subsidy for eligible employees. \n\u2022\nOur Military Leave benefit provides up to 12 weeks of paid time off every 12 months.\n\u2022\nWe offer free access to our Sport Centers at our world headquarters for our full-time employees and North America store employees.\n\u2022\nWe provide employees free access to mindfulness and meditation resources, as well as live classes through our Sport Centers.\n\u2022\nWe provide all employees and their families globally with free and confidential visits with a mental health counselor through a third-party provider and our global Employee Assistance Program (EAP).\n\u2022\nWe provide support to our employees in a variety of ways during times of crisis, including pay continuity under certain circumstances, our natural disaster assistance program, and ongoing support for challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\u2022\nWe provide a hybrid work approach for the majority of employees, as well as a Four Week Flex, which provides employees an opportunity to work from a location of their choice for up to four weeks per year.\n\u2022\nWe offer a Well-Being Week where we close our corporate offices for a full-week in the summer and Well-Being Days for our teammates in our retail stores and distribution centers, and encourage our teammates to focus on their well-being.\n\u2022\nWe provide inclusive family planning benefits and transgender healthcare coverage for eligible employees covered on the U.S. Health Plan, including access to both restorative services and personal care.\n\u2022\nWe provide all U.S. employees with unlimited free financial coaching through a third-party provider.\nAdditional information related to our human capital strategy can be found in our FY22 NIKE, Inc. Impact Report, which is available on the Impact section of about.nike.com. Information contained on or accessible through our websites is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this Annual Report or any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.\nAVAILABLE INFORMATION AND WEBSITES\nOur NIKE digital commerce website is located at www.nike.com. On our NIKE corporate website, located at investors.nike.com, we post the following filings as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the \"SEC\"): our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our proxy statements are also posted on our corporate website. All such filings on our corporate website are available free of charge. Copies of these filings are also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Also available on our corporate website are the charters of the committees of our Board of Directors, as well as our corporate governance guidelines and code of ethics. Copies of any of these documents will be provided in print to any shareholder who submits a request in writing to NIKE Investor Relations, One Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005-6453. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this Annual Report or any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our website are intended to be inactive textual references only.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n7\n \nTable of Contents\nINFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS\nThe executive officers of NIKE, Inc. as of July\u00a020, 2023, are as follows:\nMark G. Parker\n, Executive Chairman \u2014 Mr.\u00a0Parker, 67, is Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and served as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2006 - January 2020. He has been employed by NIKE since 1979 with primary responsibilities in product research, design and development, marketing and brand management. Mr.\u00a0Parker was appointed divisional Vice\u00a0President in charge of product development in 1987, corporate Vice President in 1989, General Manager in 1993, Vice President of Global Footwear in 1998 and President of the NIKE Brand in 2001.\nJohn J. Donahoe II\n, President and Chief Executive Officer \u2014 Mr.\u00a0Donahoe, 63, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2020 and has been a director since 2014. He brings expertise in digital commerce, technology and global strategy. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer at ServiceNow, Inc. Prior to joining ServiceNow, Inc., he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of eBay, Inc. He also held leadership roles at Bain & Company for two decades.\nMatthew Friend\n, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer \u2014 Mr. Friend, 45, joined NIKE in 2009 and leads the Company's finance, demand & supply management, procurement and global places & services organizations. He joined NIKE as Senior Director of Corporate Strategy and Development, and was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Emerging Markets in 2011. In 2014, Mr. Friend was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Global Categories, Product and Functions, and was subsequently appointed Chief Financial Officer of the NIKE Brand in 2016. He was also appointed Vice President of Investor Relations in 2019. Mr. Friend was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NIKE, Inc. in April 2020. Prior to joining NIKE, he worked in the financial industry including roles as VP of investment banking and mergers and acquisitions at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.\nMonique S. Matheson\n, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer \u2014 Ms.\u00a0Matheson, 56, joined NIKE in 1998, with primary responsibilities in the human resources function. She was appointed as Vice President and Senior Business Partner in 2011 and Vice President, Chief Talent and Diversity Officer in 2012. Ms. Matheson was appointed Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources in 2017.\nAnn M. Miller\n, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer \u2014 Ms.\u00a0Miller, 49, joined NIKE in 2007 and serves as EVP, Chief Legal Officer for NIKE, Inc. In her capacity as Chief Legal Officer, she oversees all legal, compliance, government & public affairs, social community impact, security, resilience and investigation matters of the Company. For the past six years, she served as Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer. She previously served as Converse's General Counsel, and brings more than 20 years of legal and business expertise to her role. Prior to joining NIKE, Ms. Miller worked at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell.\nHeidi O'Neill\n,\n \nPresident, Consumer, Brand & Product \u2014 Ms. O'Neill, 58, joined NIKE in 1998 and leads the integration of global Men's, Women's & Kids' consumer teams, the entire global product engine and global brand marketing and sports marketing to build deep storytelling, relationships and engagement with the brand. Since joining NIKE, she has held a variety of key roles, including leading NIKE's marketplace and four geographic operating regions, leading NIKE Direct and accelerating NIKE's retail and digital-commerce business and creating and leading NIKE's Women\u2019s business. Prior to NIKE, Ms. O'Neill held roles at Levi Strauss & Company and Foote, Cone & Belding.\nCraig Williams\n, President, Geographies & Marketplace \u2014 Mr. Williams, 54, joined NIKE in 2019 and leads NIKE's four geographies and marketplace across the NIKE Direct and wholesale business. In addition, he leads the Supply Chain and Logistics organization. Mr. Williams joined NIKE as President of Jordan Brand overseeing a team of designers, product developers, marketers and business leaders. Prior to NIKE, he was Senior Vice President, The Coca-Cola Co., and President of The McDonald's Division (TMD) Worldwide. Mr. Williams has also held roles at CIBA Vision and Kraft Foods Inc., and served five years in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Nuclear Power Officer.\n \n2023 FORM 10-K \n8\nTable of Contents",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS\nSpecial Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Analyst Reports\nCertain written and oral statements, other than purely historic information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to NIKE's business plans, objectives and expected operating or financial results and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, made or incorporated by reference from time to time by NIKE or its representatives in this Annual Report, other reports, filings with the SEC, press releases, conferences or otherwise, are \"forward-looking statements\" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section\u00a021E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain the words \"believe,\" \"anticipate,\" \"expect,\" \"estimate,\" \"project,\" \"will be,\" \"will continue,\" \"will likely result\" or words or phrases of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed by NIKE with the SEC, including reports filed on Forms 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K, and include, among others, the following: international, national and local political, civil, economic and market conditions, including high, and increases in, inflation and interest rates; the size and growth of the overall athletic or leisure footwear, apparel and equipment markets; intense competition among designers, marketers, distributors and sellers of athletic or leisure footwear, apparel and equipment for consumers and endorsers; demographic changes; changes in consumer preferences; popularity of particular designs, categories of products and sports; seasonal and geographic demand for NIKE products; difficulties in anticipating or forecasting changes in consumer preferences, consumer demand for NIKE products and the various market factors described above; our ability to execute on our sustainability strategy and achieve our sustainability-related goals and targets, including sustainable product offerings; difficulties in implementing, operating and maintaining NIKE's increasingly complex information technology systems and controls, including, without limitation, the systems related to demand and supply planning and inventory control; interruptions in data and information technology systems; consumer data security; fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results, including, without limitation, the fact that advance orders may not be indicative of future revenues due to changes in shipment timing, the changing mix of orders with shorter lead times, and discounts, order cancellations and returns; the ability of NIKE to sustain, manage or forecast its growth and inventories; the size, timing and mix of purchases of NIKE's products; increases in the cost of materials, labor and energy used to manufacture products; new product development and introduction; the ability to secure and protect trademarks, patents and other intellectual property; product performance and quality; customer service; adverse publicity and an inability to maintain NIKE's reputation and brand image, including without limitation, through social media or in connection with brand damaging events; the loss of significant customers or suppliers; dependence on distributors and licensees; business disruptions; increased costs of freight and transportation to meet delivery deadlines; increases in borrowing costs due to any decline in NIKE's debt ratings; changes in business strategy or development plans; general risks associated with doing business outside of the United States, including, without limitation, exchange rate fluctuations, import duties, tariffs, quotas, sanctions, political and economic instability, conflicts and terrorism; the potential impact of new and existing laws, regulations or policy, including, without limitation, tariffs, import/export, trade, wage and hour or labor and immigration regulations or policies; changes in government regulations; the impact of, including business and legal developments relating to, climate change, extreme weather conditions and natural disasters; litigation, regulatory proceedings, sanctions or any other claims asserted against NIKE; the ability to attract and retain qualified employees, and any negative public perception with respect to key personnel or our corporate culture, values or purpose; the effects of NIKE's decision to invest in or divest of businesses or capabilities; health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic; and other factors referenced or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report and other reports.\nInvestors should also be aware that while NIKE does, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts, it is against NIKE's policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that NIKE agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, NIKE has a policy against confirming financial forecasts or projections issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of NIKE.\nRisk Factors\nThe risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this Annual Report may include additional factors which could adversely affect NIKE's business and financial performance. Moreover, NIKE operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risks, nor can it assess the impact of all such risks on NIKE's business or the extent to which any risk, or combination of risks, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n9\n \nTable of Contents\nEconomic and Industry Risks\nGlobal economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.\nThe uncertain state of the global economy, including high and rising levels of inflation and interest rates and the risk of a recession, continues to impact businesses around the world. If global economic and financial market conditions deteriorate, the following factors, among others, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition:\n\u2022\nOur sales are impacted by discretionary spending by consumers. Declines in consumer spending have in the past resulted in and may in the future result in reduced demand for our products, increased inventories, reduced orders from retailers for our products, order cancellations, lower revenues, higher discounts and lower gross margins.\n\u2022\nIn the future, we may be unable to access financing in the credit and capital markets at reasonable rates in the event we find it desirable to do so.\n\u2022\nWe conduct transactions in various currencies, which creates exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar.\u00a0Continued volatility in the markets and exchange rates for foreign currencies and contracts in foreign currencies has had and could continue to have a significant impact on our reported operating results and financial condition.\n\u2022\nContinued volatility in the availability and prices for commodities and raw materials we use in our products and in our supply chain (such as cotton or petroleum derivatives) has had and could in the future have a material adverse effect on our costs, gross margins and profitability. In addition, supply chain issues caused by factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts have impacted and may continue to impact the availability, pricing and timing for obtaining commodities and raw materials. \n\u2022\nIf retailers of our products experience declining revenues or experience difficulty obtaining financing in the capital and credit markets to purchase our products, this could result in reduced orders for our products, order cancellations, late retailer payments, extended payment terms, higher accounts receivable, reduced cash flows, greater expense associated with collection efforts and increased bad debt expense.\n\u2022\nIn the past, certain retailers of our products have experienced severe financial difficulty, become insolvent and ceased business operations, and this could occur in the future, which could negatively impact the sale of our products to consumers. \n\u2022\nIf contract manufacturers of our products or other participants in our supply chain experience difficulty obtaining financing in the capital and credit markets to purchase raw materials or to finance capital equipment and other general working capital needs, it may result in delays or non-delivery of shipments of our products.\nOur products, services and experiences face intense competition.\nNIKE is a consumer products company and the relative popularity of various sports and fitness activities and changing design trends affect the demand for our products, services and experiences. The athletic footwear, apparel and equipment industry is highly competitive both in the United States and worldwide. We compete internationally with a significant number of athletic and leisure footwear companies, athletic and leisure apparel companies, sports equipment companies, private labels and large companies that have diversified lines of athletic and leisure footwear, apparel and equipment. We also compete with other companies for the production capacity of contract manufacturers that produce our products. In addition, we and our contract manufacturers compete with other companies and industries for raw materials used in our products. Our NIKE Direct operations, both through our digital commerce operations and retail stores, also compete with multi-brand retailers, which sell our products through their digital platforms and physical stores, and with digital commerce platforms. In addition, we compete with respect to the digital services and experiences we are able to offer our consumers, including fitness and activity apps; sport, fitness and wellness content and services; and digital services and features in retail stores that enhance the consumer experience.\nProduct offerings, technologies, marketing expenditures (including expenditures for advertising and endorsements), pricing, costs of production, customer service, digital commerce platforms, digital services and experiences and social media presence are areas of intense competition. These, in addition to ongoing rapid changes in technology, a reduction in barriers to the creation of new footwear and apparel companies and consumer preferences in the markets for athletic and leisure footwear, apparel, and equipment, services and experiences, constitute significant risk factors in our operations. In addition, the competitive nature of retail, including shifts in the ways in which consumers shop, and the continued proliferation of digital commerce, constitutes a risk factor implicating our NIKE Direct and wholesale operations. If we do not adequately and timely anticipate and respond to our competitors, our costs may increase, demand for our products may decline, possibly significantly, or we may need to reduce wholesale or suggested retail prices for our products.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n10\nTable of Contents\nEconomic factors beyond our control, and changes in the global economic environment, including fluctuations in inflation and currency exchange rates, could result in lower revenues, higher costs and decreased margins and earnings.\nA majority of our products are manufactured and sold outside of the United States, and we conduct purchase and sale transactions in various currencies, which creates exposure to the volatility of global economic conditions, including fluctuations in inflation and foreign currency exchange rates. Central banks may deploy various strategies to combat inflation, including increasing interest rates, which may impact our borrowing costs. Additionally, there has been, and may continue to be, volatility in currency exchange rates that impact the U.S. Dollar value relative to other international currencies. Our international revenues and expenses generally are derived from sales and operations in foreign currencies, and these revenues and expenses are affected by currency fluctuations, specifically amounts recorded in foreign currencies and translated into U.S. Dollars for consolidated financial reporting, as weakening of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar adversely affects the U.S. Dollar value of the Company's foreign currency-denominated sales and earnings. Currency exchange rate fluctuations could also disrupt the business of the independent manufacturers that produce our products by making their purchases of raw materials more expensive and more difficult to finance. Foreign currency fluctuations have adversely affected and could continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\nWe hedge certain foreign currency exposures to lessen and delay, but not to completely eliminate, the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on our financial results. Since the hedging activities are designed to lessen volatility, they not only reduce the negative impact of a stronger U.S.\u00a0Dollar or other trading currency, but they also reduce the positive impact of a weaker U.S. Dollar or other trading currency. Our future financial results have in the past been and could in the future be significantly affected by the value of the U.S.\u00a0Dollar in relation to the foreign currencies in which we conduct business. The degree to which our financial results are affected for any given time period will depend in part upon our hedging activities.\nWe may be adversely affected by the financial health of our wholesale customers.\nWe extend credit to our customers based on an assessment of a customer's financial condition, generally without requiring collateral. To assist in the scheduling of production and the shipping of our products, we offer certain customers the opportunity to place orders five to six months ahead of delivery under our futures ordering program. These advance orders may be canceled under certain conditions, and the risk of cancellation increases when dealing with financially unstable retailers or retailers struggling with economic uncertainty. In the past, some customers have experienced financial difficulties up to and including bankruptcies, which have had an adverse effect on our sales, our ability to collect on receivables and our financial condition. When the retail economy weakens or as consumer behavior shifts, retailers tend to be more cautious with orders. A slowing or changing economy in our key markets, including a recession, could adversely affect the financial health of our customers, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, product sales are dependent in part on high quality merchandising and an appealing retail environment to attract consumers, which requires continuing investments by retailers. Retailers that experience financial difficulties may fail to make such investments or delay them, resulting in lower sales and orders for our products.\nClimate change and other sustainability-related matters, or legal, regulatory or market responses thereto, may have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.\n \nThere are concerns that increased levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have caused, and may continue to cause, potentially at a growing rate, increases in global temperatures, changes in weather patterns and increasingly frequent and/or prolonged extreme weather and climate events. Climate change may also exacerbate challenges relating to the availability and quality of water and raw materials, including those used in the production of our products, and may result in changes in regulations or consumer preferences, which could in turn affect our business, operating results and financial condition. For example, there has been increased focus by governmental and non-governmental organizations, consumers, customers, employees and other stakeholders on products that are sustainably made and other sustainability matters, including responsible sourcing and deforestation, the use of plastic, energy and water, the recyclability or recoverability of packaging and materials transparency, any of which may require us to incur increased costs for additional transparency, due diligence and reporting. In addition, federal, state or local governmental authorities in various countries have proposed, and are likely to continue to propose, legislative and regulatory initiatives to reduce or mitigate the impacts of climate change on the environment. Various countries and regions are following different approaches to the regulation of climate change, which could increase the complexity of, and potential cost related to complying with, such regulations. Any of the foregoing may require us to make additional investments in facilities and equipment, may impact the availability and cost of key raw materials used in the production of our products or the demand for our products, and, in turn, may adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.\nAlthough we have announced sustainability-related goals and targets, there can be no assurance that our stakeholders will agree with our strategies, and any perception, whether or not valid, that we have failed to achieve, or to act responsibly with respect to, such matters or to effectively respond to new or additional legal or regulatory requirements regarding climate change, could result in adverse publicity and adversely affect our business and reputation. Execution of these strategies and achievement of our goals is subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not \n2023 FORM 10-K \n11\n \nTable of Contents\nlimited to, our ability to execute our strategies and achieve our goals within the currently projected costs and the expected timeframes; the availability and cost of raw materials and renewable energy; unforeseen production, design, operational and technological difficulties; the outcome of research efforts and future technology developments, including the ability to scale projects and technologies on a commercially competitive basis such as carbon sequestration and/or other related processes; compliance with, and changes or additions to, global and regional regulations, taxes, charges, mandates or requirements relating to greenhouse gas emissions, carbon costs or climate-related goals; adapting products to customer preferences and customer acceptance of sustainable supply chain solutions; and the actions of competitors and competitive pressures. As a result, there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully execute our strategies and achieve our sustainability-related goals, which could damage our reputation and customer and other stakeholder relationships and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nExtreme weather conditions and natural disasters could negatively impact our operating results and financial condition.\nGiven the broad and global scope of our operations, we are particularly vulnerable to the physical risks of climate change, such as shifts in weather patterns. Extreme weather conditions in the areas in which our retail stores, suppliers, manufacturers, customers, distribution centers, offices, headquarters and vendors are located could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Moreover, natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis, floods or droughts, whether occurring in the United States or abroad, and their related consequences and effects, including energy shortages and public health issues, have in the past temporarily disrupted, and could in the future disrupt, our operations, the operations of our vendors, manufacturers and other suppliers or have in the past resulted in, and in the future could result in, economic instability that may negatively impact our operating results and financial condition. In particular, if a natural disaster or severe weather event were to occur in an area in which we or our suppliers, manufacturers, employees, customers, distribution centers or vendors are located, our continued success would depend, in part, on the safety and availability of the relevant personnel and facilities and proper functioning of our or third parties' computer, network, telecommunication and other systems and operations. In addition, a natural disaster or severe weather event could negatively impact retail traffic to our stores or stores that carry our products and could have an adverse impact on consumer spending, any of which could in turn result in negative point-of-sale trends for our merchandise. Further, climate change may increase both the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, which may affect our business operations, either in a particular region or globally, as well as the activities of our third-party vendors and other suppliers, manufacturers and customers. We believe the diversity of locations in which we operate, our operational size, disaster recovery and business continuity planning and our information technology systems and networks, including the Internet and third-party services (\"Information Technology Systems\"), position us well, but may not be sufficient for all or for concurrent eventualities. If we were to experience a local or regional disaster or other business continuity event or concurrent events, we could experience operational challenges, in particular depending upon how a local or regional event may affect our human capital across our operations or with regard to particular aspects of our operations, such as key executive officers or personnel. For example, our world headquarters is located in an active seismic zone, which is at a higher risk for earthquakes and the related consequences or effects. Further, if we are unable to find alternative suppliers, replace capacity at key manufacturing or distribution locations or quickly repair damage to our Information Technology Systems or supply systems, we could be late in delivering, or be unable to deliver, products to our customers. These events could result in reputational damage, lost sales, cancellation charges or markdowns, all of which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nOur financial condition and results of operations have been, and could in the future be, adversely affected by a pandemic, epidemic or other public health emergency.\nPandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and other public health emergencies, and preventative measures taken to contain or mitigate such crises have caused, and may in the future cause, business slowdown or shutdown in affected areas and significant disruption in the financial markets, both globally and in the United States. These events have led to and could again lead to adverse impacts to our global supply chain, factory cancellation costs, store closures, and a decline in retail traffic and discretionary spending by consumers and, in turn, materially impact our business, sales, financial condition and results of operations as well as cause a volatile effective tax rate driven by changes in the mix of earnings across our jurisdictions. We cannot predict whether, and to what degree, our sales, operations and financial results could in the future be affected by the pandemic and preventative measures. Risks presented by pandemics and other public health emergencies include, but are not limited to:\n\u2022\nDeterioration in economic conditions in the United States and globally, including the effect of prolonged periods of inflation on our consumers and vendors;\n\u2022\nDisruption to our distribution centers, contract manufacturers, finished goods factories and other vendors, through the effects of facility closures, increased operating costs, reductions in operating hours, labor shortages, and real time changes in operating procedures, such as additional cleaning and disinfection procedures, which have had, and could in the future again have, a significant impact on our planned inventory production and distribution, including higher inventory levels or inventory shortages in various markets;\n2023 FORM 10-K \n12\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nImpacts to our distribution and logistics providers' ability to operate, including labor and container shortages, and increases in their operating costs. These supply chain effects have had, and could in the future have, an adverse effect on our ability to meet consumer demand, including digital demand, and have in the past resulted in and could in the future result in extended inventory transit times and an increase in our costs of production and distribution, including increased freight and logistics costs and other expenses;\n\u2022\nDecreased retail traffic as a result of store closures, reduced operating hours, social distancing restrictions and/or changes in consumer behavior;\n\u2022\nReduced consumer demand for our products, including as a result of a rise in unemployment rates, higher costs of borrowing, inflation and diminished consumer confidence;\n\u2022\nCancellation or postponement of sports seasons and sporting events in multiple countries, and bans on large public gatherings, which have reduced and in the future could reduce consumer spending on our products and could impact the effectiveness of our arrangements with key endorsers;\n\u2022\nThe risk that any safety protocols in NIKE-owned or affiliated facilities, including our offices, will not be effective or not be perceived as effective, or that any virus-related illnesses will be linked or alleged to be linked to such facilities, whether accurate or not;\n\u2022\nIncremental costs resulting from the adoption of preventative measures and compliance with regulatory requirements, including providing facial coverings and hand sanitizer, rearranging operations to follow social distancing protocols, conducting temperature checks, testing and undertaking regular and thorough disinfecting of surfaces;\n\u2022\nBankruptcies or other financial difficulties facing our wholesale customers, which could cause them to be unable to make or delay making payments to us, or result in revised payment terms, cancellation or reduction of their orders; and\n\u2022\nSignificant disruption of and volatility in global financial markets, which could have a negative impact on our ability to access capital in the future.\nWe cannot reasonably predict the ultimate impact of any pandemic or public health emergency, including the extent of any adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, which will depend on, among other things, the duration and spread of the pandemic or public health emergency, the impact of governmental regulations that have been, and may continue to be, imposed in response, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the outbreak, the availability, safety and efficacy of vaccines, including against emerging variants of the infectious disease, and global economic conditions. Additionally, disruptions have in the past made it more challenging to compare our performance, including our revenue growth and overall profitability, across quarters and fiscal years, and could have this effect in the future. Any pandemic or public health emergency may also affect our business, results of operations or financial condition in a manner that is not presently known to us or that we currently do not consider to present significant risks and may also exacerbate, or occur concurrently with, other risks discussed in this Item 1A. Risk Factors, any of which could have a material effect on us.\nBusiness and Operational Risks\nFailure to maintain our reputation, brand image and culture could negatively impact our business.\nOur iconic brands have worldwide recognition, and our success depends on our ability to maintain and enhance our brand image and reputation. Maintaining, promoting and growing our brands will depend on our design and marketing efforts, including advertising and consumer campaigns, product innovation and product quality. Our commitment to product innovation, quality and sustainability, and our continuing investment in design (including materials), marketing and sustainability measures may not have the desired impact on our brand image and reputation. In addition, our success in maintaining, extending and expanding our brand image depends on our ability to adapt to a rapidly changing media and digital environment, including our reliance on social media and other digital advertising networks, and digital dissemination of advertising campaigns on our digital platforms and through our digital experiences and products. We could be adversely impacted if we fail to achieve any of these objectives.\nOur brand value also depends on our ability to maintain a positive consumer perception of our corporate integrity, purpose and brand culture. Negative claims or publicity involving us, our culture and values, our products, services and experiences, consumer data, or any of our key employees, endorsers, sponsors, suppliers or partners could seriously damage our reputation and brand image, regardless of whether such claims are accurate. For example, while we require our suppliers of our products to operate their business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we do not control their practices. Negative publicity relating to a violation or an alleged violation of policies or laws by such suppliers could damage our brand image and diminish consumer trust in our brand. Further, our reputation and brand image could be damaged as a result of our support of, association with or lack of support or disapproval of certain social causes, as well as any decisions we make to continue to conduct, or change, certain of our activities in response to such considerations. Social media, which accelerates and potentially amplifies the scope of negative publicity, can increase the challenges of responding to negative claims. Adverse publicity about regulatory or legal action against us, or by us, could also damage our reputation and brand image, undermine consumer confidence in us and reduce long-term demand for our products, even if the regulatory or legal action is unfounded or not material to our operations. If \n2023 FORM 10-K \n13\n \nTable of Contents\nthe reputation, culture or image of any of our brands is tarnished or if we receive negative publicity, then our sales, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.\nOur business is affected by seasonality, which could result in fluctuations in our operating results.\nWe experience moderate fluctuations in aggregate sales volume during the year. Historically, revenues in the first and fourth fiscal quarters have slightly exceeded those in the second and third fiscal quarters. However, the mix of product sales may vary considerably from time to time or in the future as a result of strategic shifts in our business and seasonal or geographic demand for particular types of footwear, apparel and equipment and in connection with the timing of significant sporting events, such as the NBA Finals, Olympics or the World Cup, among others. In addition, our customers may cancel orders, change delivery schedules or change the mix of products ordered with minimal notice. As a result, we may not be able to accurately predict our quarterly sales. Accordingly, our results of operations are likely to fluctuate significantly from period to period. This seasonality, along with other factors that are beyond our control, including economic conditions, changes in consumer preferences, weather conditions, outbreaks of disease, social or political unrest, availability of import quotas, transportation disruptions and currency exchange rate fluctuations, has in the past adversely affected and could in the future adversely affect our business and cause our results of operations to fluctuate. Our operating margins are also sensitive to a number of additional factors that are beyond our control, including manufacturing and transportation costs, shifts in product sales mix and geographic sales trends, all of which we expect to continue. Results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.\nIf we are unable to anticipate consumer preferences and develop new products, we may not be able to maintain or increase our revenues and profits.\nOur success depends on our ability to identify, originate and define product trends as well as to anticipate, gauge and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. However, lead times for many of our products may make it more difficult for us to respond rapidly to new or changing product trends or consumer preferences. All of our products are subject to changing consumer preferences that cannot be predicted with certainty. Our new products may not receive consumer acceptance as consumer preferences could shift rapidly to different types of performance products or away from these types of products altogether, and our future success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes. If we fail to anticipate accurately and respond to trends and shifts in consumer preferences by adjusting the mix of existing product offerings, developing new products, designs, styles and categories, and influencing sports and fitness preferences through extensive marketing, we could experience lower sales, excess inventories or lower profit margins, any of which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we market our products globally through a diverse spectrum of advertising and promotional programs and campaigns, including social media and other digital advertising networks. If we do not successfully market our products or if advertising and promotional costs increase, these factors could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nWe rely on technical innovation and high-quality products to compete in the market for our products.\nTechnical innovation and quality control in the design and manufacturing processes of footwear, apparel, equipment and other products and services are essential to the commercial success of our products and development of new products. Research and development play a key role in technical innovation. We rely upon specialists in the fields of biomechanics, chemistry, exercise physiology, engineering, digital technologies, industrial design, sustainability and related fields, as well as research committees and advisory boards made up of athletes, coaches, trainers, equipment managers, orthopedists, podiatrists and other experts to develop and test cutting-edge performance products. While we strive to produce products that help to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury and maximize comfort, if we fail to introduce technical innovation in our products, consumer demand for our products could decline, and if we experience problems with the quality of our products, we may incur substantial expense to remedy the problems and loss of consumer confidence.\nFailure to continue to obtain or maintain high-quality endorsers of our products could harm our business.\nWe establish relationships with professional athletes, sports teams and leagues, as well as other public figures, including artists, designers and influencers, to develop, evaluate and promote our products, as well as establish product authenticity with consumers. However, as competition in our industry has increased, the costs associated with establishing and retaining such sponsorships and other relationships have increased, and competition to attract and retain high-quality endorsers has increased. If we are unable to maintain our current associations with professional athletes, sports teams and leagues, or other public figures, or to do so at a reasonable cost, we could lose the high visibility or on-field authenticity associated with our products, and we may be required to modify and substantially increase our marketing investments. As a result, our brands, net revenues, expenses and profitability could be harmed.\nFurthermore, if certain endorsers were to stop using our products contrary to their endorsement agreements, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, actions taken or statements made by athletes, teams or leagues, or other endorsers, associated with our products or brand that harm the reputations of those athletes, teams or leagues, or endorsers, or our decisions to cease collaborating with certain endorsers in light of actions taken or statements made by them, have in the past harmed and could in the future seriously harm our brand image with consumers and, as a result, could have an adverse effect on \n2023 FORM 10-K \n14\nTable of Contents\nour sales and financial condition. Poor or non-performance by our endorsers, a failure to continue to correctly identify promising athletes, public figures or sports organizations, to use and endorse our products and brand or a failure to enter into cost-effective endorsement arrangements with prominent athletes, public figures and sports organizations could adversely affect our brand, sales and profitability.\nFailure to accurately forecast consumer demand could lead to excess inventories or inventory shortages, which could result in decreased operating margins, reduced cash flows and harm to our business.\nTo meet anticipated demand for our products, we purchase products from manufacturers outside of our futures ordering program and in advance of customer orders, which we hold in inventory and resell to customers. There is a risk we may be unable to sell excess products ordered from manufacturers. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs, and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices could significantly impair our brand image and have an adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition and cash flows. Conversely, if we underestimate consumer demand for our products or if our manufacturers fail to supply products we require at the time we need them, we may experience inventory shortages. Inventory shortages could delay shipments to customers, negatively impact retailer, distributor and consumer relationships and diminish brand loyalty. The difficulty in forecasting demand also makes it difficult to estimate our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows from period to period. A failure to accurately predict the level of demand for our products could adversely affect our net revenues and net income, and we are unlikely to forecast such effects with any certainty in advance.\nOur NIKE Direct operations have required and will continue to require a substantial investment and commitment of resources and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties.\nOur NIKE Direct operations, including our retail stores and digital platforms, have required and will continue to require significant investment. Our NIKE Direct stores have required and will continue to require substantial fixed investment in equipment and leasehold improvements and personnel. We have entered into substantial operating lease commitments for retail space. Certain stores have been designed and built to serve as high-profile venues to promote brand awareness and marketing activities and to integrate with our digital platforms. Because of their unique design and technological elements, locations and size, these stores require substantially more investment than other stores. Due to the high fixed-cost structure associated with our NIKE Direct retail stores, a decline in sales, a shift in consumer behavior away from brick-and-mortar retail, or the closure, temporary or otherwise, or poor performance of individual or multiple stores could result in significant lease termination costs, write-offs of equipment and leasehold improvements and employee-related costs.\nMany factors unique to retail operations, some of which are beyond our control, pose risks and uncertainties. Risks include, but are not limited to: credit card fraud; mismanagement of existing retail channel partners; inability to manage costs associated with store construction and operation; and theft. \nIn addition, \nwe have made significant investments in digital technologies and information systems for the digital aspect of our NIKE Direct operations, and our digital offerings will require co\nntinued investment in the development and upgrading of our technology platforms.\n \nIn order to deliver high-quality digital experiences, our digital platforms must be designed effectively and work well with a range of other technologies, systems, networks, and standards that we do not control. We may not be successful in developing platforms that operate effectively with these technologies, systems, networks or standards. A growing portion of consumers access our NIKE Direct digital platforms, but in the event that it is more difficult for consumers to access and use our digital platforms, consumers find that our digital platforms do not effectively meet their needs or expectations or consumers choose not to access or use our digital platforms or use devices that do not offer access to our platforms, the success of our NIKE Direct operations could be adversely impacted. Our competitors may develop, or have already developed, digital experiences, features, content, services or technologies that are similar to ours or that achieve greater acceptance.\u00a0\nWe may not realize a satisfactory return on our investment in our NIKE Direct operations and management's attention from our other business opportunities could be diverted, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.\nIf the technology-based systems that give our consumers the ability to shop or interact with us online do not function effectively, our operating results, as well as our ability to grow our digital commerce business globally or to retain our customer base, could be materially adversely affected.\nMany of our consumers shop with us through our digital platforms. Increasingly, consumers are using mobile-based devices and applications to shop online with us and with our competitors, and to do comparison shopping, as well as to engage with us and our competitors through digital services and experiences that are offered on mobile platforms. We use social media and proprietary mobile applications to interact with our consumers and as a means to enhance their shopping experience. Any failure on our part to provide attractive, effective, reliable, secure and user-friendly digital commerce platforms that offer a wide assortment of merchandise with rapid delivery options and that continually meet the changing expectations of online shoppers or any failure to provide attractive digital experiences to our customers could place us at a competitive disadvantage, result in the loss of digital commerce and other sales, harm our reputation with consumers, have a material adverse impact on the growth of our digital commerce business globally and have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. In \n2023 FORM 10-K \n15\n \nTable of Contents\naddition, as use of our digital platforms continues to grow, we will need an increasing amount of technical infrastructure to continue to satisfy our consumers' needs. If we fail to continue to effectively scale and adapt our digital platforms to accommodate increased consumer demand, our business may be subject to interruptions, delays or failures and consumer demand for our products and digital experiences could decline.\nRisks specific to our digital commerce business also include diversion of sales from our and our retailers' brick and mortar stores, difficulty in recreating the in-store experience through direct channels and liability for online content. Our failure to successfully respond to these risks might adversely affect sales in our digital commerce business, as well as damage our reputation and brands.\nWe rely significantly on information technology to operate our business, including our supply chain and retail operations, and any failure, inadequacy or interruption of that technology could harm our ability to effectively operate our business.\nWe are heavily dependent on Information Technology Systems, across our supply chain, including product design, production, forecasting, ordering, manufacturing, transportation, sales and distribution, as well as for processing financial information for external and internal reporting purposes, retail operations and other business activities. Information Technology Systems are critical to many of our operating activities and our business processes and may be negatively impacted by any service interruption or shutdown. For example, our ability to effectively manage and maintain our inventory and to ship products to customers on a timely basis depends significantly on the reliability of these Information Technology Systems. Over a number of years, we have implemented Information Technology Systems in all of the geographical regions in which we operate. Our work to integrate, secure and enhance these systems and related processes in our global operations is ongoing and NIKE will continue to invest in these efforts. We cannot provide assurance, however, that the measures we take to secure and enhance these systems will be sufficient to protect our Information Technology Systems and prevent cyber-attacks, system failures or data or information loss. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, including as a result of security breaches, viruses, hackers, malware, natural disasters, vendor business interruptions or other causes, failure to properly maintain, protect, repair or upgrade systems, or problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems could cause delays in product fulfillment and reduced efficiency of our operations, could require significant capital investments to remediate the problem which may not be sufficient to cover all eventualities, and may have an adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the use of employee-owned devices for communications as well as hybrid work arrangements, present additional operational risks to our Information Technology Systems, including, but not limited to, increased risks of cyber-attacks. Further, like other companies in the retail industry, we have in the past experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, cyber-attacks, including phishing, and other attempts to breach, or gain unauthorized access to, our systems. To date, these attacks have not had a material impact on our operations, but we cannot provide assurance that they will not have an impact in the future.\nWe also use Information Technology Systems to process financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory financial reporting, legal and tax requirements. From time to time, we have expended, and expect to continue to expend, significant resources to modify, update and enhance our Information Technology Systems and to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures. These modifications, updates and enhancements may cost more than initially expected and may not be effective in preventing issues and disruptions. Moreover, due to the complexity of our Information Technology Systems, the process of implementing modifications or enhancements can itself create a risk of systems disruptions and security issues. If Information Technology Systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown and our business continuity plans, or those of our vendors, do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, we could experience delays in reporting our financial results, which could result in lost revenues and profits, as well as reputational damage. Furthermore, we depend on Information Technology Systems and personal data collection for digital marketing, digital commerce, consumer engagement and the marketing and use of our digital products and services. We also rely on our ability to engage in electronic communications throughout the world between and among our employees as well as with other third parties, including customers, suppliers, vendors and consumers. Any interruption in Information Technology Systems may impede our ability to engage in the digital space and result in lost revenues, damage to our reputation, and loss of users.\nWe are subject to the risk our licensees may not generate expected sales or maintain the value of our brands. \nWe currently license, and expect to continue licensing, certain of our proprietary rights, such as trademarks or copyrighted material, to third parties. If our licensees fail to successfully market and sell licensed products, or fail to obtain sufficient capital or effectively manage their business operations, customer relationships, labor relationships, supplier relationships or credit risks, it could adversely affect our revenues, both directly from reduced royalties received and indirectly from reduced sales of our other products. \nWe also rely on our licensees to help preserve the value of our brands. Although we attempt to protect our brands through approval rights over the design, production processes, quality, packaging, merchandising, distribution, advertising and promotion of our licensed products, we cannot completely control the use of our licensed brands by our licensees. The misuse of a brand by or negative publicity involving a licensee could have a material adverse effect on that brand and on us.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n16\nTable of Contents\nConsolidation of retailers or concentration of retail market share among a few retailers may increase and concentrate our credit risk and impair our ability to sell products.\nThe athletic footwear, apparel and equipment retail markets in some countries are dominated by a few large athletic footwear, apparel and equipment retailers with many stores and accelerating digital commerce capabilities. The market shares of these retailers may increase through acquisitions and construction of additional stores and investments in digital capacity, and as a result of attrition as struggling retailers exit the market. Consolidation of our retailers will concentrate our credit risk with a smaller set of retailers, any of whom may experience declining sales or a shortage of liquidity. In addition, increasing market share concentration among a few retailers in a particular country or region increases the risk that if any one of them substantially reduces their purchases of our products, we may be unable to find sufficient retail outlets for our products to sustain the same level of sales and revenues.\nIf one or more of our counterparty financial institutions default on their obligations to us or fail, we may incur significant losses.\nAs part of our hedging activities, we enter into transactions involving derivative financial instruments, which may include forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, option contracts, collars and swaps with various financial institutions. In addition, we have significant amounts of cash, cash equivalents and other investments on deposit or in accounts with banks or other financial institutions in the United States and abroad. As a result, we are exposed to the risk of default by or failure of counterparty financial institutions. The risk of counterparty default or failure may be heightened during economic downturns and periods of uncertainty in the financial markets. If one of our counterparties were to become insolvent or file for bankruptcy, our ability to recover losses incurred as a result of default, or our assets deposited or held in accounts with such counterparty, may be limited by the counterparty's liquidity or the applicable laws governing the insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings. In the event of default or failure of one or more of our counterparties, we could incur significant losses, which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.\nWe rely on a concentrated source base of contract manufacturers to supply a significant portion of our footwear products.\nAs of May\u00a031, 2023, our contract manufacturers operated 123 finished goods footwear factories located in 11 countries. We rely upon contract manufacturers, which we do not own or operate, to manufacture all of the footwear products we sell. For fiscal 2023, four footwear contract manufacturers each accounted for greater than 10% of footwear production and in the aggregate accounted for approximately 58% of NIKE Brand footwear production. Our ability to meet our customers' needs depends on our ability to maintain a steady supply of products from our contract manufacturers. If one or more of our significant suppliers were to sever their relationship with us or significantly alter the terms of our relationship, including due to changes in applicable trade policies, or be unable to perform, we may not be able to obtain replacement products in a timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business operations, sales, financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, if any of our primary footwear contract manufacturers fail to make timely shipments, do not meet our quality standards or otherwise fail to deliver us product in accordance with our plans, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\nCertain of our footwear contract manufacturers are highly specialized and only produce a specific type of product. Such contract manufacturers may go out of business if consumer preferences or market conditions change such that there is no longer sufficient demand for the types of products they produce. If, in the future, the relevant products are again in demand and the specialized contract manufacturers no longer exist, we may not be able to locate replacement facilities to manufacture certain footwear products in a timely manner or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales, financial condition or results of operations.\nThe market for prime real estate is competitive.\nOur ability to effectively obtain real estate to open new retail stores and otherwise conduct our operations, both domestically and internationally, depends on the availability of real estate that meets our criteria for traffic, square footage, co-tenancies, lease economics, demographics and other factors. We also must be able to effectively renew our existing real estate leases. In addition, from time to time, we seek to downsize, consolidate, reposition or close some of our real estate locations, which may require modification of an existing lease. Failure to secure adequate new locations or successfully modify leases for existing locations, or failure to effectively manage the profitability of our existing fleet of retail stores, could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.\nAdditionally, the economic environment may make it difficult to determine the fair market rent of real estate properties domestically and internationally. This could impact the quality of our decisions to exercise lease options at previously negotiated rents and to renew expiring leases at negotiated rents. Any adverse effect on the quality of these decisions could impact our ability to retain real estate locations adequate to meet our targets or efficiently manage the profitability of our existing fleet of stores, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n17\n \nTable of Contents\nThe success of our business depends, in part, on high-quality employees, including key personnel as well as our ability to maintain our workplace culture and values.\nOur success depends in part on the continued service of high-quality employees, including key executive officers and personnel. The loss of the services of key individuals, or any negative perception with respect to these individuals, or our workplace culture or values, could harm our business. Our success also depends on our ability to recruit, retain and engage our personnel sufficiently, both to maintain our current business and to execute our strategic initiatives. Competition for employees in our industry is intense and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. Changes to our current and future work models may not meet the needs or expectations of our employees or may not be perceived as favorable compared to other companies' policies, which could negatively impact our ability to attract, hire and retain our employees. In addition, shifts in U.S. immigration policy could negatively impact our ability to attract, hire and retain highly skilled employees who are from outside the United States. W\ne also believe that our corporate culture has been a key driver of our success, and we have invested substantial time and resources in building, maintaining and evolving our culture. Any failure to preserve and evolve our culture could negatively affect our future success, including our ability to retain and recruit employees.\nOur business operations and financial performance could be adversely affected by changes in our relationship with our workforce or changes to United States or foreign employment regulations.\nWe have significant exposure to changes in domestic and foreign laws governing our relationships with our workforce, including wage and hour laws and regulations, fair labor standards, minimum wage requirements, overtime pay, unemployment tax rates, workers' compensation rates, citizenship requirements and payroll taxes, which could have a direct impact on our operating costs. A significant increase in minimum wage or overtime rates in countries where we have workforce could have a significant impact on our operating costs and may require that we relocate those operations or take other steps to mitigate such increases, all of which may cause us to incur additional costs. There is also a risk of potential claims that we have violated laws related to discrimination and harassment, health and safety, wage and hour laws, criminal activity, personal injury and other claims. In addition, if there were a significant increase in the number of members of our workforce who are members of labor organizations or become parties to collective bargaining agreements, we could be vulnerable to a strike, work stoppage or other labor action, which could have an adverse effect on our business.\nRisks Related to Operating a Global Business\nOur international operations involve inherent risks which could result in harm to our business.\nNearly all of our athletic footwear and apparel is manufactured outside of the United States, and the majority of our products are sold outside of the United States. Accordingly, we are subject to the risks generally associated with global trade and doing business abroad, which include foreign laws and regulations, varying consumer preferences across geographic regions, political tensions, unrest, disruptions or delays in cross-border shipments and changes in economic conditions in countries in which our products are manufactured or where we sell products. Changes in U.S. or international social, political, regulatory and economic conditions could impact our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, political and economic instability, geopolitical conflicts, political unrest, civil strife, terrorist activity, acts of war, public corruption, expropriation, nationalism and other economic or political uncertainties in the United States or internationally could interrupt and negatively affect the sale of our products or other business operations. Any negative sentiment toward the United States as a result of any such changes could also adversely affect our business.\nIn addition, disease outbreaks, terrorist acts and military conflict have increased the risks of doing business abroad. These factors, among others, could affect our ability to manufacture products or procure materials, or our costs for manufacturing and procuring materials, our ability to import products, our ability to sell products in international markets and our cost of doing business. If any of these or other factors make the conduct of business in a particular country undesirable or impractical, our business could be adversely affected.\nOur products are subject to risks associated with overseas sourcing, manufacturing and financing.\nThe principal materials used in our footwear products \u2014 natural and synthetic rubber, plastic compounds, foam cushioning materials, natural and synthetic leather, nylon, polyester and natural fiber textiles and polyurethane films \u2014 are locally available to manufacturers. The principal materials used in our apparel products \u2014 natural and synthetic fabrics, yarns and threads (both virgin and recycled), specialized performance fabrics designed to efficiently wick moisture away from the body, retain heat and repel rain and/or snow as well as plastic and metal hardware \u2014 are also available in countries where our manufacturing takes place. Both our apparel and footwear products are dependent upon the ability of our contract manufacturers to locate, train, employ and retain adequate personnel. NIKE contract manufacturers and materials suppliers buy raw materials and are subject to wage rates and other labor standards that are oftentimes regulated by the governments of the countries in which our products are manufactured.\nThere could be a significant disruption in the supply of fabrics or raw materials from current sources or, in the event of a disruption or heightened competition for such materials, our contract manufacturers might not be able to locate alternative suppliers of materials of comparable quality at an acceptable price or at all. Further, our contract manufacturers have experienced and may continue to experience in the future, unexpected closures, unexpected increases in work wages or other \n2023 FORM 10-K \n18\nTable of Contents\nchanges in labor standards, whether government mandated or otherwise, and increases in compliance costs due to governmental regulation concerning certain metals, fabrics or raw materials used in the manufacturing of our products. In addition, we cannot be certain that manufacturers that we do not contract and that we refer to as \"unaffiliated manufacturers\" will be able to fill our orders in a timely manner. If we experience significant increases in demand, or reductions in the availability of materials, or need to replace an existing contract manufacturer or materials supplier, there can be no assurance additional supplies of fabrics or raw materials or additional manufacturing capacity will be available when required on terms acceptable to us, or at all, or that any contract manufacturer, unaffiliated manufacturer, or any materials supplier would allocate sufficient capacity to us in order to meet our requirements. In addition, even if we are able to expand existing or find new manufacturing capacity or sources of materials, we may encounter delays in production and added costs as a result of the time it takes to train suppliers and manufacturers in our methods, products, quality control standards and labor, health and safety standards. Any delays, interruption or increased costs in labor or wages, in the supply of materials or in the manufacturing of our products could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet retail customer and consumer demand for our products and result in lower revenues and net income both in the short- and long-term.\nBecause contract manufacturers make a majority of our products outside of our principal sales markets, our products must be transported by third parties over large geographic distances. Delays in the shipment or delivery of our products due to the availability of transportation, container shortages, labor shortages, including work stoppages or port strikes, infrastructure and port congestion or other factors, and costs and delays associated with consolidating or transitioning between manufacturers, have adversely impacted, and could in the future adversely impact the availability of our products and, in turn, our financial performance. In addition, delays in the shipment or delivery of our products, manufacturing delays or unexpected demand for our products have required us, and may in the future require us to use faster, but more expensive, transportation methods such as air freight, which could adversely affect our profit margins. The cost of oil is a significant component in manufacturing and transportation costs, so increases in the price of petroleum products can adversely affect our profit margins. Changes in U.S. trade policies, including modifications to import tariffs and existing trade policies and agreements, have also had, and could continue to have a significant impact on our activities in foreign jurisdictions, and could adversely affect our reputation or results of operations.\nOur success depends on our global distribution facilities.\nWe distribute our products to customers directly from the factory and through distribution centers located throughout the world. Our ability to meet customer expectations, manage inventory, complete sales and achieve objectives for operating efficiencies and growth, particularly in emerging markets, depends on the proper operation of our distribution facilities, the development or expansion of additional distribution capabilities and the timely performance of services by third parties (including those involved in shipping product to and from our distribution facilities). Our distribution facilities have in the past and could in the future be interrupted by information technology problems, disasters such as earthquakes or fires or outbreaks of disease or government actions taken to mitigate their spread. Any significant failure in our distribution facilities could result in an adverse effect on our business. We maintain business interruption insurance, but it may not adequately protect us from adverse effects caused by significant disruptions in our distribution facilities.\nLegal, Regulatory, and Compliance Risks\nWe are subject to a complex array of laws and regulations and litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nAs a multinational corporation with operations and distribution channels throughout the world, we are subject to and must comply with extensive laws and regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions in which we have operations and distribution channels. If we or our employees, agents, suppliers, and other partners fail to comply with any of these laws or regulations, such failure could subject us to fines, sanctions or other penalties that could negatively affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, laws, regulations and policies and the interpretation of such, can conflict among jurisdictions and compliance in one jurisdiction may result in legal or reputational risks in another jurisdiction. We are involved in various types of claims, lawsuits, regulatory proceedings and government investigations relating to our business, our products and the actions of our employees and representatives, including contractual and employment relationships, product liability, antitrust, trademark rights and a variety of other matters.\u00a0It is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of any such legal or regulatory proceedings or investigations, and we could in the future incur judgments, fines or penalties, or enter into settlements of lawsuits and claims that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and negatively impact our reputation.\u00a0The global nature of our business means legal and compliance risks, such as anti-bribery, anti-corruption, fraud, trade, environmental, competition, privacy and other regulatory matters, will continue to exist and additional legal proceedings and other contingencies have and will continue to arise from time to time, which could adversely affect us.\u00a0In addition, the adoption of new laws or regulations, or changes in the interpretation of existing laws or regulations, may result in significant unanticipated legal and reputational risks. Moreover, the regulation of certain transactions we engage in, including those involving virtual goods and cryptocurrencies, remains in an early stage and subject to significant uncertainty. As a result, we are required to exercise our judgment as to whether or how certain laws or regulations apply, or may in the future \n2023 FORM 10-K \n19\n \nTable of Contents\napply, and it is possible that legislators, regulators and courts may disagree with our conclusions. Any current or future legal or regulatory proceedings could divert management's attention from our operations and result in substantial legal fees.\nChanges to U.S. or other countries' trade policies and tariff and import/export regulations or our failure to comply with such regulations may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.\nChanges in the U.S. government's import and export policies, including trade restrictions, sanctions and countersanctions, increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes, safeguards or customs restrictions, could require us to change the way we conduct business and adversely affect our results of operations.\nIn addition, changes in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development and investment in the territories or countries where we currently sell our products or conduct our business could adversely affect our business. U.S. presidential administrations have instituted or proposed changes in trade policies that include the negotiation or termination of trade agreements, the imposition of higher tariffs on imports into the U.S., economic sanctions on individuals, corporations or countries, and other government regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries where we conduct our business. It may be time-consuming and expensive for us to alter our business operations in order to adapt to or comply with any such changes.\nChanges or proposed changes in U.S. or other countries' trade policies may result in restrictions and economic disincentives on international trade. Tariffs and other changes in U.S. trade policy have in the past and could in the future trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries, and certain foreign governments have instituted or are considering imposing retaliatory measures on certain U.S. goods. Further, any emerging protectionist or nationalist trends either in the United States or in other countries could affect the trade environment. The Company, similar to many other multinational corporations, does a significant amount of business that would be impacted by changes to the trade policies of the United States and foreign countries (including governmental action related to tariffs, international trade agreements, or economic sanctions). Such changes have the potential to adversely impact the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof or the economy of another country in which we conduct operations, our industry and the global demand for our products, and as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nIn addition, many of our imported products are subject to duties, tariffs or quotas that affect the cost and quantity of various types of goods imported into the United States and other countries. Any country in which our products are produced or sold may eliminate, adjust or impose new quotas, duties, tariffs, safeguard measures, anti-dumping duties, cargo restrictions to prevent terrorism, restrictions on the transfer of currency, climate change legislation, product safety regulations or other charges or restrictions, any of which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\nFurthermore, we are subject to the FCPA as well as the anti-corruption laws of other countries in which we operate. Although we implement policies and procedures designed to promote compliance with these laws, our employees, independent contractors, contract manufacturers, suppliers and agents, as well as those companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our policies. Any such violation could result in sanctions or other penalties and have an adverse effect on our business, reputation and operating results.\nFailure to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could adversely affect our business.\nWe periodically discover counterfeit reproductions of our products or products that otherwise infringe our intellectual property rights. If we are unsuccessful in enforcing our intellectual property rights, continued sales of these products could adversely affect our sales and our brand and could result in a shift of consumer preference away from our products.\nThe actions we take to establish and protect our intellectual property rights may not be adequate to prevent imitation of our products by others. We also may be unable to prevent others from seeking to block sales of our products as violations of proprietary rights. \nWe may be subject to liability if third parties successfully claim we infringe their intellectual property rights. Defending infringement claims could be expensive and time-consuming and might result in our entering into costly license agreements. We also may be subject to significant damages or injunctions against development, manufacturing, use, importation and/or sale of certain products.\nWe take various actions to prevent the unauthorized use and/or disclosure of our confidential information and intellectual property rights. These actions include contractual measures such as entering into non-disclosure and non-compete agreements and agreements relating to our collaborations with third parties and providing confidential information awareness training. Our controls and efforts to prevent unauthorized use and/or disclosure of confidential information and intellectual property rights might not always be effective. For example, confidential information related to business strategy, innovations, new technologies, mergers and acquisitions, unpublished financial results or personal data could be prematurely, inadvertently, or improperly used and/or disclosed, resulting in a loss of reputation, loss of intellectual property rights, a decline in our stock price and/or a negative impact on our market position, and could lead to damages, fines, penalties or injunctions. In addition, new products we offer, such as virtual goods, may raise various novel intellectual property law considerations, including adequacy and scope of assignment, licensing, transfer, copyright and other right-of-use issues.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n20\nTable of Contents\nIn addition, the laws of certain countries may not protect or allow enforcement of intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. We may face significant expenses and liability in connection with the protection of our intellectual property rights, including outside the United States, and if we are unable to successfully protect our rights or resolve intellectual property conflicts with others, our business or financial condition may be adversely affected.\nWe are subject to data security and privacy risks that could negatively affect our results, operations or reputation.\nIn addition to our own sensitive and proprietary business information, we handle transactional and personal information about our wholesale customers and consumers and users of our digital experiences, which include online distribution channels and product engagement, adaptive products and personal fitness applications. Hackers and data thieves are increasingly sophisticated and operate social engineering, such as phishing, and large-scale, complex automated attacks that can evade detection for long periods of time. Any breach of our or our service providers' networks, or other vendor systems, may result in the loss of confidential business and financial data, misappropriation of our consumers', users' or employees' personal information or a disruption of our business. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, including unwanted media attention, impairment of our consumer and customer relationships, damage to our reputation; resulting in lost sales and consumers, fines, lawsuits, or significant legal and remediation expenses. We also may need to expend significant resources to protect against, respond to and/or redress problems caused by any breach.\nIn addition, we must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous, and sometimes conflicting, regulatory standards enacted to protect business and personal data in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. For example, the European Union adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (the \"GDPR\"); the United Kingdom enacted the UK General Data Protection Regulation (which implements the GDPR into UK law); several states in the United States have passed data privacy laws; China enacted the Data Security Law and Personal Information Protection Law; and additional jurisdictions have adopted or are considering proposing or adopting similar regulations. These laws impose additional obligations on companies regarding the handling of personal data and provide certain individual privacy rights to persons whose data is stored. Compliance with existing, proposed and recently enacted laws and regulations can be costly and time consuming, and any failure to comply with these regulatory standards could subject us to legal, operational and reputational risks. Misuse of or failure to secure personal information could also result in violation of data privacy laws and regulations, proceedings against the Company by governmental entities or others, imposition of fines by governmental authorities and damage to our reputation and credibility and could have a negative impact on revenues and profits.\nWe could be subject to changes in tax rates, adoption of new tax laws, additional tax liabilities or increased volatility in our effective tax rate.\nWe earn a substantial portion of our income in foreign countries and, as such, we are subject to the tax laws in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Current economic and political conditions make tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application, in any jurisdiction subject to significant change. \nProposals to reform U.S. and foreign tax laws could significantly impact how U.S. multinational corporations are taxed on global earnings and could increase the U.S. corporate tax rate. For example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (the \"Inclusive Framework\") has put forth two proposals\u2014Pillar One and Pillar Two\u2014that revise the existing profit allocation and nexus rules and ensure a minimal level of taxation, respectively. On December 12, 2022, the European Union member states agreed to implement the Inclusive Framework's global corporate minimum tax rate of 15%. Other countries are also actively considering changes to their tax laws to adopt certain parts of the Inclusive Framework's proposals. Although we cannot predict whether or in what form these proposals will be enacted into law, these changes, if enacted into law, could have an adverse impact on our effective tax rate, income tax expense and cash flows.\nPortions of our operations are subject to a reduced tax rate or are under a tax holiday. We also utilize tax rulings and other agreements to obtain certainty in treatment of certain tax matters. Tax holidays and rulings can expire from time to time and may be extended when certain conditions are met, or terminated if certain conditions are not met. The impact of any changes in conditions would be the loss of certainty in treatment thus potentially impacting our effective income tax rate. For example, in January 2019, the European Commission opened a formal investigation to examine whether the Netherlands has breached State Aid rules when granting certain tax rulings to the Company. If this matter is adversely resolved, the Netherlands may be required to assess additional amounts with respect to prior periods, and the Company's income taxes related to prior periods in the Netherlands could increase.\nWe are also subject to the examination of our tax returns by the United States Internal Revenue Service (\"IRS\") and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. Although we believe our tax provisions are adequate, the final determination of tax audits and any related disputes could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of audits or related disputes could have an adverse effect on our financial statements for the period or periods for which the applicable final determinations are made. For example, we and our subsidiaries are also engaged in a number of intercompany transactions across multiple tax jurisdictions. Although we believe we have clearly reflected the economics of these transactions \n2023 FORM 10-K \n21\n \nTable of Contents\nand the proper local transfer pricing documentation is in place, tax authorities may propose and sustain adjustments that could result in changes that may impact our mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates.\nFailure of our contractors or our licensees' contractors to comply with our code of conduct, local laws and other standards could harm our business.\nWe have license agreements that permit independent parties to manufacture or contract for the manufacture of products using our intellectual property. We require the contractors that directly manufacture our products and our licensees that make products using our intellectual property (including, indirectly, their contract manufacturers) to comply with a code of conduct and other environmental, human rights, health and safety standards for the benefit of workers. We also require our contract manufacturers and the contractors of our licensees to comply with applicable standards for product safety. Notwithstanding their contractual obligations, from time to time contractors may not comply with such standards or applicable local law or our licensees may fail to enforce such standards or applicable local law on their contractors. If one or more of our direct or indirect contractors violates or fails to comply with, or is accused of violating or failing to comply with, such standards and laws, this could harm our reputation or result in a product recall and, as a result, could have an adverse effect on our sales and financial condition. Negative publicity regarding production methods, alleged unethical or illegal practices or workplace or related conditions of any of our suppliers, manufacturers or licensees could adversely affect our brand image and sales, force us to locate alternative suppliers, manufacturers or licenses or result in the imposition of additional regulations, including new or additional quotas, tariffs, sanctions, product safety regulations or other regulatory measures, by governmental authorities.\nRisks Related to Our Securities, Investments and Liquidity\nOur financial results may be adversely affected if substantial investments in businesses and operations fail to produce expected returns.\nFrom time to time, we may invest in technology, business infrastructure, new businesses or capabilities, product offering and manufacturing innovation and expansion of existing businesses, such as our NIKE Direct operations, which require substantial cash investments and management attention. We believe cost-effective investments are essential to business growth and profitability; however, significant investments are subject to typical risks and uncertainties inherent in developing a new business or expanding an existing business. The failure of any significant investment to provide expected returns or profitability could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and divert management attention from more profitable business operations. See also \"\nOur NIKE Direct operations have required and will continue to require a substantial investment and commitment of resources and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties\n.\"\nThe sale of a large number of shares of common stock by our principal shareholder could depress the market price of our common stock.\nAs of June 30, 2023, Swoosh, LLC beneficially owned approximately 77% of our Class\u00a0A Common Stock. If, on June 30, 2023, all of these shares were converted into Class B Common Stock, Swoosh, LLC's commensurate ownership percentage of our Class B Common Stock would be approximately 16%. The shares are available for resale, subject to the requirements of the U.S. securities laws and the terms of the limited liability company agreement governing Swoosh, LLC. The sale or prospect of a sale of a substantial number of these shares could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. Swoosh, LLC was formed by Philip H. Knight, our Chairman Emeritus, to hold the majority of his shares of Class A Common Stock. Mr. Knight does not have voting rights with respect to Swoosh, LLC, although Travis Knight, his son and a NIKE director, has a significant role in the management of the Class A Common Stock owned by Swoosh, LLC.\nChanges in our credit ratings or macroeconomic conditions may affect our liquidity, increasing borrowing costs and limiting our financing options.\nOur long-term debt is currently rated Investment Grade by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service. If our credit ratings are lowered, borrowing costs for our existing facilities or for future long-term debt or short-term credit facilities may increase and our financing options, including our access to credit or capital markets, could be adversely affected. We may also be subject to restrictive covenants that would reduce our flexibility to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments, pledge assets as security, make investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions, undergo fundamental changes and enter into transactions with affiliates. Failure to comply with such covenants could result in a default, and as a result, the commitments of our lenders under our credit agreements may be terminated and the maturity of amounts owed may be accelerated. In addition, macroeconomic conditions, such as increased volatility or disruption in the credit or capital markets, could adversely affect our ability to refinance existing debt.\nIf our internal controls are ineffective, our operating results could be adversely affected.\nOur internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls or fraud. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience \n2023 FORM 10-K \n22\nTable of Contents\ndifficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations. \nIf our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting estimates prove to be incorrect, our operating results could be adversely affected.\nThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in \"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\". The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities and equity, and the amount of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Significant assumptions and estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements include those related to revenue recognition, inventory reserves, hedge accounting for derivatives, income taxes and other contingencies. Our operating results may be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our operating results to fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the price of our Class B Common Stock.\nAnti-takeover provisions may impair an acquisition of the Company or reduce the price of our common stock.\nThere are provisions within our articles of incorporation and Oregon law intended to protect shareholder interests by providing the Board of Directors a means to attempt to deny coercive takeover attempts or to negotiate with a potential acquirer in order to obtain more favorable terms. Such provisions include a control share acquisition statute, a freeze-out statute, two classes of stock that vote separately on certain issues, and the fact that holders of Class\u00a0A Common Stock elect three-quarters of the Board of Directors rounded down to the next whole number. However, such provisions could discourage, delay or prevent an unsolicited merger, acquisition or other change in control of the Company that some shareholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which shareholders might receive a premium for their common stock over the prevailing market price. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests for control of the Company.\nWe may fail to meet market expectations, which could cause the price of our stock to decline.\nOur Class B Common Stock is traded publicly, and at any given time various securities analysts follow our financial results and issue reports on us. These reports include information about our historical financial results as well as analysts' opinions of our future performance, which may, in part, be based upon any guidance we have provided. Analysts' estimates are often different from our estimates or expectations. If our operating results are below the estimates or expectations of public market analysts and investors, our stock price could decline. In the past, securities class action litigation has been brought against NIKE and other companies following a decline in the market price of their securities. If our stock price is volatile for any reason, we may become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Any litigation could result in reputational damage, substantial costs and a diversion of management's attention and resources needed to successfully run our business.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n23\n \nTable of Contents",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nOVERVIEW\nNIKE designs, develops, markets and sells athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services worldwide. We are the largest seller of athletic footwear and apparel in the world. We sell our products through NIKE Direct operations, which is comprised of both NIKE-owned retail stores and sales through our digital platforms (also referred to as \"NIKE Brand Digital\"), to wholesale accounts and to a mix of independent distributors, licensees and sales representatives in nearly all countries around the world. Our goal is to deliver value to our shareholders by building a profitable global portfolio of branded footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories businesses. Our strategy is to achieve long-term revenue growth by creating innovative, \"must-have\" products, building deep personal consumer connections with our brands and delivering compelling consumer experiences through digital platforms and at retail.\nThrough the Consumer Direct Acceleration strategy, we are focused on creating the marketplace of the future with more premium, consistent and seamless consumer experiences, leading with digital and our owned stores, as well as select wholesale partners. In addition, our product creation and marketing organizations are aligned to a consumer construct focused on sports dimensions through Men's, Women's and Kids', which allows us to better serve consumer needs. We continue to invest in a new Enterprise Resource Planning Platform, data and analytics, demand sensing, insight gathering, and other areas to create an end-to-end technology foundation, which we believe will further accelerate our digital transformation. We believe this unified approach will accelerate growth and unlock more efficiency for our business, while driving speed and responsiveness as we serve consumers globally.\nFINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS \n\u2022\nIn fiscal 2023, NIKE, Inc. achieved record Revenues of $51.2\u00a0billion, which increased 10% and 16% on a reported and currency-neutral basis, respectively \n\u2022\nNIKE Direct revenues grew 14% from $18.7 billion in fiscal 2022 to $21.3 billion in fiscal 2023, and represented approximately 44% of total NIKE Brand revenues for fiscal 2023\n\u2022\nGross margin for the fiscal year decreased 250 basis points to 43.5% primarily driven by higher product costs, higher markdowns and unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by strategic pricing actions\n\u2022\nInventories as of May\u00a031, 2023 were $8.5 billion, flat compared to the prior year, driven by the actions we took throughout fiscal 2023 to manage inventory levels\n\u2022\nWe returned $7.5\u00a0billion to our shareholders in fiscal 2023 through share repurchases and dividends\n\u2022\nReturn on Invested Capital (\"ROIC\") as of May\u00a031, 2023 was 31.5% compared to 46.5% as of May 31, 2022. ROIC is considered a non-GAAP financial measure, see \"Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" for further information.\nFor discussion related to the results of operations and changes in financial condition for fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 refer to Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our fiscal 2022 Form 10-K, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on July 21, 2022.\nCURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND MARKET DYNAMICS \n\u2022\nConsumer Spending:\n \nOur fiscal 2023 growth in Revenues reflects strong demand for our products despite ongoing uncertainty in the global economy. We will continue to closely monitor macroeconomic conditions, including potential impacts of inflation and rising interest rates on consumer behavior. \n\u2022\nInflationary Pressures:\n \nInflationary pressures, including higher product input, freight and logistics costs negatively impacted gross margin for fiscal 2023. The strategic pricing actions we have taken partially offset the impacts of these higher costs.\n\u2022\nSupply Chain Volatility:\n \nSupply chain challenges, macroeconomic conditions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the manufacturing of our product disrupted the flow of seasonal product in fiscal 2022 and the first quarter of fiscal 2023, resulting in elevated inventory levels at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Throughout fiscal 2023, we took action to reduce excess inventory by decreasing future inventory purchases and increasing promotional activity. These actions, along with the stabilization of inventory transit times in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2023, resulted in the normalization of the seasonal flow of product in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n28\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nCOVID-19 Impacts in Greater China:\n \nDuring the first and second quarters of fiscal 2023, we managed through continued temporary store closures and reduced retail traffic in Greater China, primarily due to COVID-19 related local government restrictions. At the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the government mandated restrictions were lifted and we experienced improvement in physical retail traffic. \n\u2022\nForeign Currency Impacts: \nAs a global company with significant operations outside the United States, we are exposed to risk arising from foreign currency exchange rates. For fiscal 2023, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates negatively impacted our reported Revenues by approximately $2,859 million, reducing our revenue growth rate to 10% on a reported basis from 16% on a currency-neutral basis. Foreign currency impacts, net of hedges, also reduced our reported Income before income taxes by approximately $1,023 million. For further information, refer to \"Foreign Currency Exposures and Hedging Practices\".\nThe operating environment could remain volatile in fiscal 2024 as the risk exists that worsening macroeconomic conditions could have a material adverse impact on our future revenue growth as well as overall profitability. For more information refer to Item 1A Risk Factors, within Part I, Item 1. Business.\nRECENT DEVELOPMENTS\nDuring the first and second quarters of fiscal 2023, we completed the sale of our entity in Chile and our entities in Argentina and Uruguay to third-party distributors, respectively. Now that we have completed the shift from a wholesale and direct to consumer operating model to a distributor model within our Central and South America (\"CASA\") territory, we expect consolidated NIKE, Inc. and Asia Pacific & Latin America (\"APLA\") revenue growth will be reduced due to different commercial terms. However, over time we expect the future operating model to have a favorable impact on our overall profitability as we reduce selling and administrative expenses, as well as reduce exposure to foreign exchange rate volatility.\nUSE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES\nThroughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we discuss non-GAAP financial measures, which should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, the financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. References to these measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Management uses these non-GAAP measures when evaluating the Company's performance, including when making financial and operating decisions. Additionally, management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with additional financial information that should be considered when assessing our underlying business performance and trends. \nEarnings Before Interest and Taxes (\"EBIT\")\n: Calculated as Net income before Interest expense (income), net and Income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Total NIKE, Inc. EBIT for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 is as follows:\nYEAR ENDED MAY 31,\n(Dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022\nNet income\n$\n5,070\n$\n6,046\nAdd: Interest expense (income), net\n(6)\n205\nAdd: Income tax expense\n1,131\n605\nEarnings before interest and taxes\n$\n6,195\n$\n6,856\nEBIT Margin\n: Calculated as total NIKE, Inc. EBIT divided by total NIKE, Inc. Revenues. Our EBIT Margin calculation for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 is as follows:\nYEAR ENDED MAY 31,\n(Dollars in millions)\n2023\n2022\nNumerator\nEarnings before interest and taxes\n$\n6,195\n$\n6,856\nDenominator\nTotal NIKE, Inc. Revenues\n$\n51,217\n$\n46,710\nEBIT Margin\n12.1%\n14.7%\n2023 FORM 10-K \n29\n \nTable of Contents\nReturn on Invested Capital (\"ROIC\")\n: Represents a performance measure that management believes is useful information in understanding the Company's ability to effectively manage invested capital. Our ROIC calculation as of May\u00a031, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:\nFOR THE TRAILING FOUR QUARTERS ENDED\n(Dollars in millions)\nMAY 31, 2023\nMAY 31, 2022\nNumerator\nNet income \n$\n5,070\n$\n6,046\nAdd: Interest expense (income), net\n(6)\n205\nAdd: Income tax expense\n1,131\n605\nEarnings before interest and taxes\n6,195\n6,856\nIncome tax adjustment\n(1)\n(1,130)\n(624)\nEarnings before interest and after taxes\n$\n5,065\n$\n6,232\nAVERAGE FOR THE TRAILING FIVE QUARTERS ENDED\nMAY 31, 2023\nMAY 31, 2022\nDenominator\nTotal debt\n(2)\n$\n12,491\n$\n12,722\nAdd: Shareholders' equity\n14,982\n14,425\nLess: Cash and equivalents and Short-term investments\n11,394\n13,748\nTotal invested capital\n$\n16,079\n$\n13,399\nRETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL\n31.5%\n46.5%\n(1)\nEquals Earnings before interest and taxes multiplied by the effective tax rate as of the respective quarter end.\n(2)\nTotal debt includes the following: 1) Current portion of long-term debt, 2) Notes Payable, 3) Current portion of operating lease liabilities, 4) Long-term debt and 5) Operating lease liabilities.\nCurrency-neutral revenues\n: Currency-neutral revenues enhance visibility to underlying business trends, excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Currency-neutral revenues are calculated using actual exchange rates in use during the comparative prior year period in place of the exchange rates in use during the current period.\nWholesale equivalent revenues\n: References to wholesale equivalent revenues are intended to provide context as to the total size of our NIKE Brand market footprint if we had no NIKE Direct operations. NIKE Brand wholesale equivalent revenues consist of (1) sales to external wholesale customers and (2) internal sales from our wholesale operations to our NIKE Direct operations, which are charged at prices comparable to those charged to external wholesale customers. \nCOMPARABLE STORE SALES\nComparable store sales\n: This key metric, which excludes NIKE Brand Digital sales, comprises revenues from NIKE-owned in-line and factory stores for which all three of the following requirements have been met: (1) the store has been open at least one year, (2) square footage has not changed by more than 15% within the past year and (3) the store has not been permanently repositioned within the past year. Comparable store sales includes revenues from stores that were temporarily closed during the period as a result of COVID-19. Comparable store sales represents a performance metric that we believe is useful information for management and investors in understanding the performance of our established NIKE-owned in-line and factory stores. Management considers this metric when making financial and operating decisions. The method of calculating comparable store sales varies across the retail industry. As a result, our calculation of this metric may not be comparable to similarly titled metrics used by other companies.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n30\nTable of Contents\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\n(Dollars in millions, except per share data)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\nRevenues\n$\n51,217\u00a0\n$\n46,710\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\n$\n44,538\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\nCost of sales\n28,925\u00a0\n25,231\u00a0\n15\u00a0\n%\n24,576\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n22,292\u00a0\n21,479\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\n19,962\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\nGross margin\n43.5\u00a0\n%\n46.0\u00a0\n%\n44.8\u00a0\n%\nDemand creation expense\n4,060\u00a0\n3,850\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n3,114\u00a0\n24\u00a0\n%\nOperating overhead expense\n12,317\u00a0\n10,954\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n9,911\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\nTotal selling and administrative expense\n16,377\u00a0\n14,804\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\n13,025\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\n% of revenues\n32.0\u00a0\n%\n31.7\u00a0\n%\n29.2\u00a0\n%\nInterest expense (income), net\n(6)\n205\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n262\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nOther (income) expense, net\n(280)\n(181)\n\u2014\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nIncome before income taxes\n6,201\u00a0\n6,651\u00a0\n-7\u00a0\n%\n6,661\u00a0\n0\u00a0\n%\nIncome tax expense\n1,131\u00a0\n605\u00a0\n87\u00a0\n%\n934\u00a0\n-35\u00a0\n%\nEffective tax rate\n18.2\u00a0\n%\n9.1\u00a0\n%\n14.0\u00a0\n%\nNET INCOME\n$\n5,070\n\u00a0\n$\n6,046\n\u00a0\n-16\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n5,727\n\u00a0\n6\n\u00a0\n%\nDiluted earnings per common share\n$\n3.23\u00a0\n$\n3.75\u00a0\n-14\u00a0\n%\n$\n3.56\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n \n2023 FORM 10-K \n31\n \nTable of Contents\nCONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS\nREVENUES\n(Dollars in\u00a0millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\n(1)\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\n(1)\nNIKE, Inc. Revenues:\nNIKE Brand Revenues by:\nFootwear\n$\n33,135\u00a0\n$\n29,143\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\n20\u00a0\n%\n$\n28,021\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\nApparel\n13,843\u00a0\n13,567\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n12,865\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\nEquipment\n1,727\u00a0\n1,624\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n13\u00a0\n%\n1,382\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n%\n18\u00a0\n%\nGlobal Brand Divisions\n(2)\n58\u00a0\n102\u00a0\n-43\u00a0\n%\n-43\u00a0\n%\n25\u00a0\n308\u00a0\n%\n302\u00a0\n%\nTotal NIKE Brand Revenues\n$\n48,763\n\u00a0\n$\n44,436\n\u00a0\n10\n\u00a0\n%\n16\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n42,293\n\u00a0\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\nConverse\n2,427\u00a0\n2,346\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n2,205\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nCorporate\n(3)\n27\u00a0\n(72)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n40\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTOTAL NIKE, INC. REVENUES\n$\n51,217\n\u00a0\n$\n46,710\n\u00a0\n10\n\u00a0\n%\n16\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n44,538\n\u00a0\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\nSupplemental NIKE Brand Revenues Details:\nNIKE Brand Revenues by:\nSales to Wholesale Customers\n$\n27,397\u00a0\n$\n25,608\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\n$\n25,898\u00a0\n-1\u00a0\n%\n-1\u00a0\n%\nSales through NIKE Direct\n21,308\u00a0\n18,726\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\n20\u00a0\n%\n16,370\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\n15\u00a0\n%\nGlobal Brand Divisions\n(2)\n58\u00a0\n102\u00a0\n-43\u00a0\n%\n-43\u00a0\n%\n25\u00a0\n308\u00a0\n%\n302\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL NIKE BRAND REVENUES\n$\n48,763\n\u00a0\n$\n44,436\n\u00a0\n10\n\u00a0\n%\n16\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n42,293\n\u00a0\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\nNIKE Brand Revenues on a Wholesale Equivalent Basis\n(1)\n:\nSales to Wholesale Customers\n$\n27,397\u00a0\n$\n25,608\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\n$\n25,898\u00a0\n-1\u00a0\n%\n-1\u00a0\n%\nSales from our Wholesale Operations to NIKE Direct Operations\n12,730\u00a0\n10,543\u00a0\n21\u00a0\n%\n27\u00a0\n%\n9,872\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL NIKE BRAND WHOLESALE EQUIVALENT REVENUES\n$\n40,127\n\u00a0\n$\n36,151\n\u00a0\n11\n\u00a0\n%\n18\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n35,770\n\u00a0\n1\n\u00a0\n%\n1\n\u00a0\n%\nNIKE Brand Wholesale Equivalent Revenues by:\n(1),(4)\nMen's\n$\n20,733\u00a0\n$\n18,797\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\n17\u00a0\n%\n$\n18,391\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\n3\u00a0\n%\nWomen's\n8,606\u00a0\n8,273\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\n11\u00a0\n%\n8,225\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\nNIKE Kids'\n5,038\u00a0\n4,874\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\n10\u00a0\n%\n4,882\u00a0\n0\u00a0\n%\n0\u00a0\n%\nJordan Brand\n6,589\u00a0\n5,122\u00a0\n29\u00a0\n%\n35\u00a0\n%\n4,780\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nOthers\n(5)\n(839)\n(915)\n8\u00a0\n%\n-3\u00a0\n%\n(508)\n-80\u00a0\n%\n-79\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL NIKE BRAND WHOLESALE EQUIVALENT REVENUES\n$\n40,127\n\u00a0\n$\n36,151\n\u00a0\n11\n\u00a0\n%\n18\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n35,770\n\u00a0\n1\n\u00a0\n%\n1\n\u00a0\n%\n(1)\nThe percent change excluding currency changes and the presentation of wholesale equivalent revenues represent non-GAAP financial measures. For further information, see \"Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures\".\n(2)\nGlobal Brand Divisions revenues include NIKE Brand licensing and other miscellaneous revenues that are not part of a geographic operating segment.\n(3)\nCorporate revenues primarily consist of foreign currency hedge gains and losses related to revenues generated by entities within the NIKE Brand geographic operating segments and Converse, but managed through our central foreign exchange risk management program.\n(4)\nAs a result of the Consumer Direct Acceleration strategy, announced in fiscal 2021, the Company is now organized around a consumer construct of Men's, Women's and Kids'. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, unisex products are classified within Men's, and Jordan Brand revenues are separately reported. Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to fiscal 2022 presentation. These changes had no impact on previously reported consolidated results of operations or shareholders' equity. \n(5)\nOthers include products not allocated to Men's, Women's, NIKE Kids' and Jordan Brand, as well as certain adjustments that are not allocated to products designated by consumer.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n32\nTable of Contents\nFISCAL 2023 NIKE BRAND REVENUE HIGHLIGHTS\nThe following tables present NIKE Brand revenues disaggregated by reportable operating segment, distribution channel and major product line:\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\n\u2022\nNIKE, Inc. Revenues were $51.2 billion in fiscal 2023, which increased 10% and 16% compared to fiscal 2022 on a reported and currency-neutral basis, respectively. The increase was due to higher revenues in North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa (\"EMEA\"), APLA and Greater China, which contributed approximately 7, 6, 2 and 1 percentage points to NIKE, Inc. Revenues, respectively. \n\u2022\nNIKE Brand revenues, which represented over 90% of NIKE, Inc. Revenues,\n \nincreased\n \n10% and 16% on a reported and currency-neutral basis, respectively. This increase was primarily due to higher revenues in Men's, the Jordan Brand, Women's and Kids' which grew 17%, 35%,11% and 10%, respectively, on a wholesale equivalent basis. \n\u2022\nNIKE Brand footwear revenues increased 20% on a currency-neutral basis, due to higher revenues in Men's, the Jordan Brand, Women's and Kids'. Unit sales of footwear increased 13%, while higher average selling price (\"ASP\") per pair contributed approximately 7 percentage points of footwear revenue growth. Higher ASP was primarily due to higher full-price ASP, net of discounts, on a wholesale equivalent basis, and growth in the size of our NIKE Direct business, partially offset by lower NIKE Direct ASP. \n\u2022\nNIKE Brand apparel revenues increased 8% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to higher revenues in Men's. Unit sales of apparel increased 4%, while higher ASP per unit contributed approximately 4 percentage points of apparel revenue growth. Higher ASP was primarily due to higher full-price ASP and growth in the size of our NIKE Direct business, partially offset by lower NIKE Direct ASP, reflecting higher promotional activity.\n\u2022\nNIKE Direct revenues increased 14% from $18.7 billion in fiscal 2022 to $21.3 billion in fiscal 2023. On a currency-neutral basis, NIKE Direct revenues increased 20% primarily driven by NIKE Brand Digital sales growth of 24%, comparable store sales growth of 14% and the addition of new stores. For further information regarding comparable store sales, including the definition, see \"Comparable Store Sales\". NIKE Brand Digital sales were $12.6\u00a0billion for fiscal 2023 compared to $10.7\u00a0billion for fiscal 2022.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n33\n \nTable of Contents\nGROSS MARGIN\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\nFor fiscal 2023, our consolidated gross profit increased 4% to $22,292 million compared to $21,479 million for fiscal 2022. Gross margin decreased 250 basis points to 43.5% for fiscal 2023 compared to 46.0% for fiscal 2022 due to the following:\n*Wholesale equivalent\nThe decrease in gross margin for fiscal 2023 was primarily due to:\n\u2022\nHigher NIKE Brand product costs, on a wholesale equivalent basis, primarily due to higher input costs and elevated inbound freight and logistics costs as well as product mix;\n\u2022\nLower margin in our NIKE Direct business, driven by higher promotional activity to liquidate inventory in the current period compared to lower promotional activity in the prior period resulting from lower available inventory supply;\n\u2022\nUnfavorable changes in net foreign currency exchange rates, including hedges; and\n\u2022\nLower off-price margin, on a wholesale equivalent basis.\nThis was partially offset by:\n\u2022\nHigher NIKE Brand full-price ASP, net of discounts, on a wholesale equivalent basis, due primarily to strategic pricing actions and product mix; and\n\u2022\nLower other costs, primarily due to higher inventory obsolescence reserves recognized in Greater China in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.\nTOTAL SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE\n(Dollars in millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\nDemand creation expense\n(1)\n$\n4,060\u00a0\n$\n3,850\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n$\n3,114\u00a0\n24\u00a0\n%\nOperating overhead expense\n12,317\u00a0\n10,954\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n9,911\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\nTotal selling and administrative expense\n$\n16,377\u00a0\n$\n14,804\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\n$\n13,025\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\n% of revenues\n32.0\u00a0\n%\n31.7\u00a0\n%\n30\u00a0\n\u00a0bps\n29.2\u00a0\n%\n250\u00a0\n\u00a0bps\n(1)\nDemand creation expense consists of advertising and promotion costs, including costs of endorsement contracts, complimentary product, television, digital and print advertising and media costs, brand events and retail brand presentation.\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\nDemand creation expense increased 5% for fiscal 2023, primarily due to higher advertising and marketing expense and higher sports marketing expense. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased Demand creation expense by approximately 4 percentage points. \nOperating overhead expense increased 12%, primarily due to higher wage-related expenses, NIKE Direct variable costs, strategic technology enterprise investments and other administrative costs. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased Operating overhead expense by approximately 3 percentage points.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n34\nTable of Contents\nOTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET\n(Dollars in millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\nFISCAL 2021\nOther (income) expense, net\n$\n(280)\n$\n(181)\n$\n14\u00a0\nOther (income) expense, net comprises foreign currency conversion gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies and the impact of certain foreign currency derivative instruments, as well as unusual or non-operating transactions that are outside the normal course of business.\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\n \nOther (income) expense, net increased from $181 million of other income, net in fiscal 2022 to $280 million in the current fiscal year, primarily due to a net favorable change in foreign currency conversion gains and losses, including hedges, and the one-time charge related to the deconsolidation of our Russian operations recognized in the prior year. This increase was partially offset by net unfavorable activity related to our strategic distributor partnership transition within APLA, including the loss recognized upon the completion of the sale of our entities in Argentina and Uruguay to a third-party distributor in the second quarter of fiscal 2023.\nFor more information related to our distributor partnership transition within APLA, see Note\u00a018 \u2014 Acquisitions and Divestitures within the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. \nWe estimate the combination of the translation of foreign currency-denominated profits from our international businesses, and the year-over-year change in foreign currency-related gains and losses included in Other (income) expense, net had an unfavorable impact on our Income before income taxes of $1,023 million for fiscal 2023. \nINCOME TAXES\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\nEffective tax rate\n18.2\u00a0\n%\n9.1\u00a0\n%\n910 bps\n14.0\u00a0\n%\n(490) bps\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\n \nOur effective tax rate was 18.2% for fiscal 2023, compared to 9.1% for fiscal 2022, primarily due to decreased benefits from stock-based compensation and a non-cash, one-time benefit in the prior year related to the onshoring of certain non-U.S. intangible property ownership rights.\nOn August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that includes, among other provisions, changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system, including a fifteen percent minimum tax based on \"adjusted financial statement income,\" which is effective for NIKE beginning June 1, 2023. Based on our current analysis of the provisions, we do not expect these tax law changes to have a material impact on our financial statements; however, we will continue to evaluate their impact as further information becomes available. \n2023 FORM 10-K \n35\n \nTable of Contents\nOPERATING SEGMENTS\nAs discussed in Note\u00a015 \u2014 Operating Segments and Related Information in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, our operating segments are evidence of the structure of the Company's internal organization. The NIKE Brand segments are defined by geographic regions for operations participating in NIKE Brand sales activity. \nThe breakdown of Revenues is as follows:\n(Dollars\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\n(1)\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\n(1)\nNorth America\n$\n21,608\u00a0\n$\n18,353\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n%\n18\u00a0\n%\n$\n17,179\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nEurope, Middle East & Africa\n13,418\u00a0\n12,479\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n21\u00a0\n%\n11,456\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n%\n12\u00a0\n%\nGreater China\n7,248\u00a0\n7,547\u00a0\n-4\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n8,290\u00a0\n-9\u00a0\n%\n-13\u00a0\n%\nAsia Pacific & Latin America\n(2)\n6,431\u00a0\n5,955\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n17\u00a0\n%\n5,343\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\n16\u00a0\n%\nGlobal Brand Divisions\n(3)\n58\u00a0\n102\u00a0\n-43\u00a0\n%\n-43\u00a0\n%\n25\u00a0\n308\u00a0\n%\n302\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL NIKE BRAND\n$\n48,763\n\u00a0\n$\n44,436\n\u00a0\n10\n\u00a0\n%\n16\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n42,293\n\u00a0\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\nConverse\n2,427\u00a0\n2,346\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n2,205\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nCorporate\n(4)\n27\u00a0\n(72)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n40\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTOTAL NIKE, INC. REVENUES\n$\n51,217\n\u00a0\n$\n46,710\n\u00a0\n10\n\u00a0\n%\n16\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n44,538\n\u00a0\n5\n\u00a0\n%\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The percent change excluding currency changes represents a non-GAAP financial measure. For further information, see \"Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures\".\n(2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0For additional information on the transition of our NIKE Brand businesses within our CASA territory to a third-party distributor, see Note\u00a018 \u2014 Acquisitions and Divestitures of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report.\n(3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Global Brand Divisions revenues include NIKE Brand licensing and other miscellaneous revenues that are not part of a geographic operating segment.\n(4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Corporate revenues primarily consist of foreign currency hedge gains and losses related to revenues generated by entities within the NIKE Brand geographic operating segments and Converse, but managed through our central foreign exchange risk management program.\nThe primary financial measure used by the Company to evaluate performance is Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (\"EBIT\"). As discussed in Note\u00a015 \u2014 Operating Segments and Related Information in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, certain corporate costs are not included in EBIT.\nThe breakdown of EBIT is as follows: \n(Dollars in millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\nNorth America\n$\n5,454\u00a0\n$\n5,114\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n$\n5,089\u00a0\n0\u00a0\n%\nEurope, Middle East & Africa\n3,531\u00a0\n3,293\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n2,435\u00a0\n35\u00a0\n%\nGreater China\n2,283\u00a0\n2,365\u00a0\n-3\u00a0\n%\n3,243\u00a0\n-27\u00a0\n%\nAsia Pacific & Latin America\n1,932\u00a0\n1,896\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\n1,530\u00a0\n24\u00a0\n%\nGlobal Brand Divisions\n(4,841)\n(4,262)\n-14\u00a0\n%\n(3,656)\n-17\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL NIKE BRAND\n(1)\n$\n8,359\n\u00a0\n$\n8,406\n\u00a0\n-1\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n8,641\n\u00a0\n-3\n\u00a0\n%\nConverse\n676\u00a0\n669\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n543\u00a0\n23\u00a0\n%\nCorporate\n(2,840)\n(2,219)\n-28\u00a0\n%\n(2,261)\n2\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL NIKE, INC. EARNINGS\u00a0BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES\n(1)\n$\n6,195\n\u00a0\n$\n6,856\n\u00a0\n-10\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n6,923\n\u00a0\n-1\n\u00a0\n%\nEBIT margin\n(1)\n12.1\u00a0\n%\n14.7\u00a0\n%\n15.5\u00a0\n%\nInterest expense (income), net\n(6)\n205\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n262\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTOTAL NIKE, INC. INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES\n$\n6,201\n\u00a0\n$\n6,651\n\u00a0\n-7\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n6,661\n\u00a0\n0\n\u00a0\n%\n(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total NIKE Brand EBIT, Total NIKE, Inc. EBIT and EBIT Margin represent non-GAAP financial measures. See \"Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" for further information. \n2023 FORM 10-K \n36\nTable of Contents\nNORTH AMERICA\n(Dollars in millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nRevenues by:\nFootwear\n$\n14,897\u00a0\n$\n12,228\u00a0\n22\u00a0\n%\n22\u00a0\n%\n$\n11,644\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\nApparel\n5,947\u00a0\n5,492\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\n5,028\u00a0\n9\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nEquipment\n764\u00a0\n633\u00a0\n21\u00a0\n%\n21\u00a0\n%\n507\u00a0\n25\u00a0\n%\n25\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n21,608\n\u00a0\n$\n18,353\n\u00a0\n18\n\u00a0\n%\n18\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n17,179\n\u00a0\n7\n\u00a0\n%\n7\n\u00a0\n%\nRevenues by:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSales to Wholesale Customers\n$\n11,273\u00a0\n$\n9,621\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\n18\u00a0\n%\n$\n10,186\u00a0\n-6\u00a0\n%\n-6\u00a0\n%\nSales through NIKE Direct\n10,335\u00a0\n8,732\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n%\n18\u00a0\n%\n6,993\u00a0\n25\u00a0\n%\n25\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n21,608\n\u00a0\n$\n18,353\n\u00a0\n18\n\u00a0\n%\n18\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n17,179\n\u00a0\n7\n\u00a0\n%\n7\n\u00a0\n%\nEARNINGS\u00a0BEFORE\u00a0INTEREST AND\u00a0TAXES\n$\n5,454\n\u00a0\n$\n5,114\n\u00a0\n7\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n5,089\n\u00a0\n0\n\u00a0\n%\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\n\u2022\nNorth America revenues increased 18% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to higher revenues in Men's and the Jordan Brand. NIKE Direct revenues increased 18%, driven by strong digital sales growth of 23%, comparable store sales growth of 9% and the addition of new stores.\n\u2022\nFootwear revenues increased 22% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to higher revenues in Men's and the Jordan Brand. Unit sales of footwear increased 17%, while higher ASP per pair contributed approximately 5 percentage points of footwear revenue growth. Higher ASP per pair was primarily due to higher full-price ASP and growth in NIKE Direct, partially offset by lower NIKE Direct ASP, reflecting higher promotional activity as well as lower available inventory supply in the prior period and a lower mix of full-price sales. \n\u2022\nApparel revenues increased 9% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to higher revenues in Men's. Unit sales of apparel increased 7%, while higher ASP per unit contributed approximately 2 percentage points of apparel revenue growth. Higher ASP per unit was primarily due to higher full-price ASP and growth in NIKE Direct, partially offset by lower NIKE Direct ASP, reflecting higher promotional activity.\nReported EBIT increased 7% due to higher revenues and the following:\n\u2022\nGross margin contraction of 310 basis points primarily due to higher product costs, reflecting higher input costs and inbound freight and logistics costs and product mix, lower margins in NIKE Direct due to higher promotional activity and a lower mix of full-price sales. This was partially offset by higher full-price ASP, net of discounts, largely due to strategic pricing actions and product mix.\n\u2022\nSelling and administrative expense increased 15% due to higher operating overhead and demand creation expense. The increase in operating overhead expense was primarily due to higher wage-related costs and higher NIKE Direct variable costs, in part due to new store additions. Demand creation expense increased primarily due to higher sports marketing expense and an increase in digital marketing.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n37\n \nTable of Contents\nEUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA\n(Dollars in millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nRevenues by:\nFootwear\n$\n8,260\u00a0\n$\n7,388\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n25\u00a0\n%\n$\n6,970\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nApparel\n4,566\u00a0\n4,527\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\n3,996\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n%\n16\u00a0\n%\nEquipment\n592\u00a0\n564\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n18\u00a0\n%\n490\u00a0\n15\u00a0\n%\n17\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n13,418\n\u00a0\n$\n12,479\n\u00a0\n8\n\u00a0\n%\n21\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n11,456\n\u00a0\n9\n\u00a0\n%\n12\n\u00a0\n%\nRevenues by:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSales to Wholesale Customers\n$\n8,522\u00a0\n$\n8,377\u00a0\n2\u00a0\n%\n15\u00a0\n%\n$\n7,812\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n10\u00a0\n%\nSales through NIKE Direct\n4,896\u00a0\n4,102\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n%\n33\u00a0\n%\n3,644\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n%\n15\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n13,418\n\u00a0\n$\n12,479\n\u00a0\n8\n\u00a0\n%\n21\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n11,456\n\u00a0\n9\n\u00a0\n%\n12\n\u00a0\n%\nEARNINGS\u00a0BEFORE\u00a0INTEREST AND\u00a0TAXES\n$\n3,531\n\u00a0\n$\n3,293\n\u00a0\n7\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n2,435\n\u00a0\n35\n\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\n \n\u2022\nEMEA revenues increased 21% on a currency-neutral basis, due to higher revenues in Men's, the Jordan Brand, Women's and Kids'. NIKE Direct revenues increased 33%, driven primarily by strong digital sales growth of 43% and comparable store sales growth of 22%.\n\u2022\nFootwear revenues increased 25% on a currency-neutral basis, due to higher revenues in Men's, the Jordan Brand, Women's and Kids'. Unit sales of footwear increased 9%, while higher ASP per pair contributed approximately 16 percentage points of footwear revenue growth. Higher ASP per pair was primarily due to higher full-price ASP and growth in NIKE Direct.\n\u2022\nApparel revenues increased 14% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to higher revenues in Men's. Unit sales of apparel increased 2%, while higher ASP per unit contributed approximately 12 percentage points of apparel revenue growth. Higher ASP per unit was primarily due to higher full-price ASP and growth in NIKE Direct, partially offset by lower NIKE Direct ASP, reflecting higher promotional activity.\nReported EBIT increased 7% due to higher revenues and the following:\n\u2022\nGross margin contraction of 60 basis points primarily due to higher product costs reflecting higher input costs, inbound freight and logistics costs and product mix, higher other costs and unfavorable changes in standard foreign currency exchange rates. This was partially offset by higher full-price ASP, net of discounts, primarily due to strategic pricing actions and product mix.\n\u2022\nSelling and administrative expense increased 4% due to higher operating overhead and demand creation expense. Operating overhead expense increased primarily due to higher wage-related expenses and other administrative costs, partially offset by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Demand creation expense increased primarily due to higher advertising and marketing expense, partially offset by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. \n2023 FORM 10-K \n38\nTable of Contents\n GREATER CHINA\n(Dollars in millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nRevenues by:\nFootwear\n$\n5,435\u00a0\n$\n5,416\u00a0\n0\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n$\n5,748\u00a0\n-6\u00a0\n%\n-10\u00a0\n%\nApparel\n1,666\u00a0\n1,938\u00a0\n-14\u00a0\n%\n-7\u00a0\n%\n2,347\u00a0\n-17\u00a0\n%\n-21\u00a0\n%\nEquipment\n147\u00a0\n193\u00a0\n-24\u00a0\n%\n-18\u00a0\n%\n195\u00a0\n-1\u00a0\n%\n-6\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n7,248\n\u00a0\n$\n7,547\n\u00a0\n-4\n\u00a0\n%\n4\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n8,290\n\u00a0\n-9\n\u00a0\n%\n-13\n\u00a0\n%\nRevenues by:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSales to Wholesale Customers\n$\n3,866\u00a0\n$\n4,081\u00a0\n-5\u00a0\n%\n2\u00a0\n%\n$\n4,513\u00a0\n-10\u00a0\n%\n-14\u00a0\n%\nSales through NIKE Direct\n3,382\u00a0\n3,466\u00a0\n-2\u00a0\n%\n5\u00a0\n%\n3,777\u00a0\n-8\u00a0\n%\n-12\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n7,248\n\u00a0\n$\n7,547\n\u00a0\n-4\n\u00a0\n%\n4\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n8,290\n\u00a0\n-9\n\u00a0\n%\n-13\n\u00a0\n%\nEARNINGS\u00a0BEFORE\u00a0INTEREST AND\u00a0TAXES\n$\n2,283\n\u00a0\n$\n2,365\n\u00a0\n-3\n\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\n$\n3,243\n\u00a0\n-27\n\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\n \n\u2022\nGreater China revenues increased 4% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to higher revenues in the Jordan Brand, partially offset by lower revenues in Men's and Women's. NIKE Direct revenues increased 5%, due to comparable store sales growth of 9% and the addition of new stores, partially offset by digital sales declines of 4%.\n\u2022\nFootwear revenues increased 8% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to higher revenues in the Jordan Brand and Men's. Unit sales of footwear increased 7%, while higher ASP per pair contributed approximately 1 percentage point of footwear revenue growth. Higher ASP per pair was primarily due to higher NIKE Direct ASP and a higher mix of full-price sales, largely offset by a lower mix of NIKE Direct sales.\n\u2022\nApparel revenues decreased 7% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to lower revenues in Men's and Women's. Unit sales of apparel decreased 8%, while higher ASP per unit contributed approximately 1 percentage point of apparel revenue growth. Higher ASP per unit was primarily due to a higher mix of full price sales, partially offset by lower off-price ASP.\nReported EBIT decreased 3% due to lower revenues and the following:\n\u2022\nGross margin expansion of approximately 140 basis points, primarily due to higher inventory obsolescence reserves recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, favorable changes in standard foreign currency exchange rates and higher full-price ASP, net of discounts, in part due to product mix. This was partially offset by higher product costs reflecting higher input costs and product mix.\n\u2022\nSelling and administrative expense was flat due to increased operating overhead expense offset by lower demand creation expense. The increase in operating overhead expense was primarily due to higher wage-related expenses and other administrative costs, partially offset by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Demand creation expense decreased primarily due to lower retail brand presentation costs, lower digital marketing and favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by higher advertising and marketing expense.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n39\n \nTable of Contents\nASIA PACIFIC & LATIN AMERICA\n(Dollars in millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nRevenues by:\nFootwear\n$\n4,543\u00a0\n$\n4,111\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\n19\u00a0\n%\n$\n3,659\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n17\u00a0\n%\nApparel\n1,664\u00a0\n1,610\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\n13\u00a0\n%\n1,494\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n12\u00a0\n%\nEquipment\n224\u00a0\n234\u00a0\n-4\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n190\u00a0\n23\u00a0\n%\n28\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n6,431\n\u00a0\n$\n5,955\n\u00a0\n8\n\u00a0\n%\n17\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n5,343\n\u00a0\n11\n\u00a0\n%\n16\n\u00a0\n%\nRevenues by:\nSales to Wholesale Customers\n$\n3,736\u00a0\n$\n3,529\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\n$\n3,387\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\nSales through NIKE Direct\n2,695\u00a0\n2,426\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\n22\u00a0\n%\n1,956\u00a0\n24\u00a0\n%\n30\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n6,431\n\u00a0\n$\n5,955\n\u00a0\n8\n\u00a0\n%\n17\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n5,343\n\u00a0\n11\n\u00a0\n%\n16\n\u00a0\n%\nEARNINGS\u00a0BEFORE\u00a0INTEREST AND\u00a0TAXES\n$\n1,932\n\u00a0\n$\n1,896\n\u00a0\n2\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,530\n\u00a0\n24\n\u00a0\n%\nAs discussed previously, our NIKE Brand business in Brazil transitioned to a distributor operating model during fiscal 2021. We completed the sale of our entity in Chile and our entities in Argentina and Uruguay to third-party distributors in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2023, respectively. The impacts of closing these transactions are included within Corporate and are not reflected in the APLA operating segment results. This completed the transition of our NIKE Brand businesses within our CASA marketplace, which now reflects a full distributor operating model. For more information see Note\u00a018 \u2014 Acquisitions and Divestitures within the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\n\u2022\nAPLA revenues increased 17% on a currency-neutral basis due to higher revenues across nearly all territories, led by Southeast Asia and India, Korea and Japan. The increase was partially offset by a decline in our CASA territory. Within our CASA territory, the transition of our Chile, Argentina and Uruguay entities to a third-party distributor operating model reduced APLA revenue growth by approximately 5 percentage points. Revenues increased primarily due to growth in Men's, Women's and the Jordan Brand. NIKE Direct revenues increased 22%, driven by digital sales growth of 23% and comparable store sales growth of 28%.\n\u2022\nFootwear revenues increased 19% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to higher revenues in Men's, Women's and the Jordan Brand. Unit sales of footwear increased 16%, while higher ASP per pair contributed approximately 3 percentage points of footwear revenue growth. Higher ASP per pair was primarily due to higher full-price ASP and growth in NIKE Direct, partially offset by lower NIKE Direct ASP.\n\u2022\nApparel revenues increased 13% on a currency-neutral basis, primarily due to higher revenues in Men's. Unit sales of apparel increased 9%, while higher ASP per unit contributed approximately 4 percentage points of apparel revenue growth. Higher ASP per unit was primarily due to higher full-price and off-price ASPs, partially offset by lower NIKE Direct ASP.\nReported EBIT increased 2% due to higher revenues and the following:\n\u2022\nGross margin contraction of approximately 190 basis points primarily due to higher product costs, reflecting product mix and higher input costs, as well as unfavorable changes in standard foreign currency exchange rates. This was partially offset by higher full-price ASP, net of discounts, due to product mix and strategic pricing actions.\n\u2022\nSelling and administrative expense increased 8% due to higher operating overhead and demand creation expense. Operating overhead expense increased primarily due to higher wage-related expenses and an increase in NIKE Direct variable costs, partially offset by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Demand creation expense increased primarily due to higher sports marketing expense and higher advertising and marketing expense, partially offset by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. \n2023 FORM 10-K \n40\nTable of Contents\nGLOBAL BRAND DIVISIONS\n(Dollars in millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nRevenues\n$\n58\u00a0\n$\n102\u00a0\n-43\u00a0\n%\n-43\u00a0\n%\n$\n25\u00a0\n308\u00a0\n%\n302\u00a0\n%\nEarnings (Loss) Before Interest and Taxes\n$\n(4,841)\n$\n(4,262)\n-14\u00a0\n%\n$\n(3,656)\n-17\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\nGlobal Brand Divisions primarily represent demand creation and operating overhead expense, including product creation and design expenses that are centrally managed for the NIKE Brand, as well as costs associated with NIKE Direct global digital operations and enterprise technology. Global Brand Divisions revenues include NIKE Brand licensing and other miscellaneous revenues that are not part of a geographic operating segment.\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022 \nGlobal Brand Divisions' loss before interest and taxes increased 14% for fiscal 2023 primarily due to a 12% increase in selling and administrative expense from higher operating overhead expense largely driven by higher wage-related costs and strategic technology enterprise investments.\nCONVERSE\n(Dollars\u00a0in\u00a0millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\n% CHANGE EXCLUDING CURRENCY CHANGES\nRevenues by:\nFootwear\n$\n2,155\u00a0\n$\n2,094\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,986\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\nApparel\n90\u00a0\n103\u00a0\n-13\u00a0\n%\n-7\u00a0\n%\n104\u00a0\n-1\u00a0\n%\n-3\u00a0\n%\nEquipment\n28\u00a0\n26\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\n16\u00a0\n%\n29\u00a0\n-10\u00a0\n%\n-16\u00a0\n%\nOther\n(1)\n154\u00a0\n123\u00a0\n25\u00a0\n%\n25\u00a0\n%\n86\u00a0\n43\u00a0\n%\n42\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n2,427\n\u00a0\n$\n2,346\n\u00a0\n3\n\u00a0\n%\n8\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n2,205\n\u00a0\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n7\n\u00a0\n%\nRevenues by:\nSales to Wholesale Customers\n$\n1,299\u00a0\n$\n1,292\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,353\u00a0\n-5\u00a0\n%\n-4\u00a0\n%\nSales through Direct to Consumer\n974\u00a0\n931\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n766\u00a0\n22\u00a0\n%\n22\u00a0\n%\nOther\n(1)\n154\u00a0\n123\u00a0\n25\u00a0\n%\n25\u00a0\n%\n86\u00a0\n43\u00a0\n%\n42\u00a0\n%\nTOTAL REVENUES\n$\n2,427\n\u00a0\n$\n2,346\n\u00a0\n3\n\u00a0\n%\n8\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n2,205\n\u00a0\n6\n\u00a0\n%\n7\n\u00a0\n%\nEARNINGS\u00a0BEFORE\u00a0INTEREST AND\u00a0TAXES\n$\n676\n\u00a0\n$\n669\n\u00a0\n1\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n543\n\u00a0\n23\n\u00a0\n%\n(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Other revenues consist of territories serviced by third-party licensees who pay royalties to Converse for the use of its registered trademarks and other intellectual property rights. We do not own the Converse trademarks in Japan and accordingly do not earn revenues in Japan.\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\n\u2022\nConverse revenues increased 8% on a currency-neutral basis for fiscal 2023 due to revenue growth in North America, Western Europe and licensee markets, partially offset by declines in Asia. Combined unit sales within the wholesale and direct to consumer channels increased 1% while ASP increased 6%, driven by strategic pricing actions in Western Europe and North America.\n\u2022\nDirect to consumer revenues increased 8% on a currency-neutral basis, led by strong digital sales growth in North America. \n\u2022\nWholesale revenues increased 7% on a currency-neutral basis, as growth in North America and Western Europe was partially offset by declines in Asia due to marketplace dynamics in China.\nReported EBIT increased 1% due to higher revenues and the following:\n\u2022\nGross margin expansion of approximately 50 basis points as higher full-price ASP, net of discounts, lower other costs, and growth in licensee revenues were partially offset by higher product costs, lower margins in direct to consumer in part reflecting increased promotional activity, and unfavorable changes in standard foreign currency exchange rates.\n\u2022\nSelling and administrative expense increased 7% due to higher operating overhead and demand creation expense. Operating overhead expense increased primarily as a result of higher wage-related expenses. Demand creation expense increased as a result of higher advertising and marketing costs, partially offset by lower retail brand presentation costs.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n41\n \nTable of Contents\nCORPORATE\n(Dollars in millions)\nFISCAL 2023\nFISCAL 2022\n% CHANGE\nFISCAL 2021\n% CHANGE\nRevenues\n$\n27\u00a0\n$\n(72)\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n40\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nEarnings (Loss) Before Interest and Taxes\n$\n(2,840)\n$\n(2,219)\n-28\u00a0\n%\n$\n(2,261)\n2\u00a0\n%\nCorporate revenues primarily consist of foreign currency hedge gains and losses related to revenues generated by entities within the NIKE Brand geographic operating segments and Converse, but managed through our central foreign exchange risk management program. \nThe Corporate loss before interest and taxes primarily consists of unallocated general and administrative expenses, including expenses associated with centrally managed departments; depreciation and amortization related to our corporate headquarters; unallocated insurance, benefit and compensation programs, including stock-based compensation; and certain foreign currency gains and losses.\nIn addition to the foreign currency gains and losses recognized in Corporate revenues, foreign currency results in Corporate include gains and losses resulting from the difference between actual foreign currency exchange rates and standard rates used to record non-functional currency denominated product purchases within the NIKE Brand geographic operating segments and Converse; related foreign currency hedge results; conversion gains and losses arising from remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies; and certain other foreign currency derivative instruments. \nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022 \nCorporate's loss before interest and taxes increased $621 million during fiscal 2023, primarily due to the following:\n\u2022\nan unfavorable change of $371\u00a0million primarily related to higher wage and other professional services expenses, reported as a component of consolidated Operating overhead expense;\n\u2022\nan unfavorable change of $352\u00a0million related to the difference between actual foreign currency exchange rates and standard foreign currency exchange rates assigned to the NIKE Brand geographic operating segments and Converse, net of hedge gains and losses; these results are reported as a component of consolidated gross margin;\n\u2022\nan unfavorable change of $45\u00a0million largely due to net unfavorable activity related to our strategic distributor partnership transition within APLA, including the loss recognized upon completion of the sale our entities in Argentina and Uruguay to a third-party distributor in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. This was partially offset by the one-time charge related to the deconsolidation of our Russian operations recognized in the prior year, with the net amount of these activities reported as a component of consolidated Other (income) expense, net; and\n\u2022\na favorable change in net foreign currency gains and losses of $174\u00a0million related to the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies and the impact of certain foreign currency derivative instruments, reported as a component of consolidated Other (income) expense, net. \nFOREIGN CURRENCY EXPOSURES AND HEDGING PRACTICES\nOVERVIEW\nAs a global company with significant operations outside the United States, in the normal course of business we are exposed to risk arising from changes in currency exchange rates. Our primary foreign currency exposures arise from the recording of transactions denominated in non-functional currencies and the translation of foreign currency denominated results of operations, financial position and cash flows into U.S.\u00a0Dollars.\nOur foreign exchange risk management program is intended to lessen both the positive and negative effects of currency fluctuations on our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. We manage global foreign exchange risk centrally on a portfolio basis to address those risks material to NIKE, Inc. We manage these exposures by taking advantage of natural offsets and currency correlations existing within the portfolio and, where practical and material, by hedging a portion of the remaining exposures using derivative instruments such as forward contracts and options. As described below, the implementation of the NIKE Trading Company (\"NTC\") and our foreign currency adjustment program enhanced our ability to manage our foreign exchange risk by increasing the natural offsets and currency correlation benefits existing within our portfolio of foreign exchange exposures. Our hedging policy is designed to partially or entirely offset the impact of exchange rate changes on the underlying net exposures being hedged. Where exposures are hedged, our program has the effect of delaying the impact of exchange rate movements on our Consolidated Financial Statements; the length of the delay is dependent upon hedge horizons. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n42\nTable of Contents\nRefer to Note\u00a04 \u2014 Fair Value Measurements and Note\u00a012 \u2014 Risk Management and Derivatives in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional description of outstanding derivatives at each reported period end.\nTRANSACTIONAL EXPOSURES\nWe conduct business in various currencies and have transactions which subject us to foreign currency risk. Our most significant transactional foreign currency exposures are:\n\u2022\nProduct Costs \u2014 NIKE's product costs are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies in the following ways:\n1.\nProduct purchases denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the transacting entity:\na.\nCertain NIKE entities purchase product from the NTC, a wholly-owned sourcing hub that buys NIKE branded products from third-party factories, predominantly in U.S. Dollars. The NTC, whose functional currency is the U.S.\u00a0Dollar, then sells the products to NIKE entities in their respective functional currencies. NTC sales to a NIKE entity with a different functional currency results in a foreign currency exposure for the NTC.\nb.\nOther NIKE entities purchase product directly from third-party factories in U.S. Dollars. These purchases generate a foreign currency exposure for those NIKE entities with a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar.\nIn both purchasing scenarios, a weaker U.S.\u00a0Dollar reduces inventory costs incurred by NIKE whereas a stronger U.S.\u00a0Dollar increases its cost.\n2.\nFactory input costs: NIKE operates a foreign currency adjustment program with certain factories. The program is designed to more effectively manage foreign currency risk by assuming certain of the factories' foreign currency exposures, some of which are natural offsets to our existing foreign currency exposures. Under this program, our payments to these factories are adjusted for rate fluctuations in the basket of currencies (\"factory currency exposure index\") in which the labor, materials and overhead costs incurred by the factories in the production of NIKE branded products (\"factory input costs\") are denominated.\nAs an offset to the impacts of the fluctuating U.S.\u00a0Dollar on our non-functional currency denominated product purchases described above, a strengthening U.S.\u00a0Dollar against the foreign currencies within the factory currency exposure indices reduces NIKE's U.S.\u00a0Dollar inventory cost. Conversely, a weakening U.S.\u00a0Dollar against the indexed foreign currencies increases our inventory cost.\n\u2022\nNon-Functional Currency Denominated External Sales \u2014 A portion of our NIKE Brand and Converse revenues associated with European operations are earned in currencies other than the Euro (e.g., the British Pound) but are recognized at a subsidiary that uses the Euro as its functional currency. These sales generate a foreign currency exposure.\n\u2022\nOther Costs \u2014 Non-functional currency denominated costs, such as endorsement contracts, also generate foreign currency risk, though to a lesser extent. \n\u2022\nNon-Functional Currency Denominated Monetary Assets and Liabilities \u2014 Our global subsidiaries have various assets and liabilities, primarily receivables and payables, including intercompany receivables and payables, denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies. These balance sheet items are subject to remeasurement which may create fluctuations in Other (income) expense, net within our Consolidated Statements of Income.\nMANAGING TRANSACTIONAL EXPOSURES\nTransactional exposures are managed on a portfolio basis within our foreign currency risk management program. We manage these exposures by taking advantage of natural offsets and currency correlations that exist within the portfolio and may also elect to use currency forward and option contracts to hedge the remaining effect of exchange rate fluctuations on probable forecasted future cash flows, including certain product cost exposures, non-functional currency denominated external sales and other costs described above. Generally, these are accounted for as cash flow hedges.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n43\n \nTable of Contents\nCertain currency forward contracts used to manage the foreign exchange exposure of non-functional currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities subject to remeasurement are not formally designated as hedging instruments. Accordingly, changes in fair value of these instruments are recognized in Other (income) expense, net and are intended to offset the foreign currency impact of the remeasurement of the related non-functional currency denominated asset or liability being hedged. \nTRANSLATIONAL EXPOSURES\nMany of our foreign subsidiaries operate in functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates create volatility in our reported results as we are required to translate the balance sheets, operational results and cash flows of these subsidiaries into U.S. Dollars for consolidated reporting. The translation of foreign subsidiaries' non-U.S.\u00a0Dollar denominated balance sheets into U.S. Dollars for consolidated reporting results in a cumulative translation adjustment to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within Shareholders' equity. In the translation of our Consolidated Statements of Income, a weaker U.S.\u00a0Dollar in relation to foreign functional currencies benefits our consolidated earnings whereas a stronger U.S.\u00a0Dollar reduces our consolidated earnings. The impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our consolidated Revenues was a detriment of approximately $2,859 million, $295 million and a benefit of approximately $893 million for the years ended May\u00a031, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our Income before income taxes was a detriment of approximately $824 million, $87 million and a benefit of approximately $260 million for the years ended May\u00a031, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nMANAGING TRANSLATIONAL EXPOSURES\nTo minimize the impact of translating foreign currency denominated revenues and expenses into U.S. Dollars for consolidated reporting, certain foreign subsidiaries use excess cash to purchase U.S.\u00a0Dollar denominated available-for-sale investments. The variable future cash flows associated with the purchase and subsequent sale of these U.S.\u00a0Dollar denominated investments at non-U.S.\u00a0Dollar functional currency subsidiaries creates a foreign currency exposure that qualifies for hedge accounting under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (\"U.S. GAAP\"). We utilize forward contracts and/or options to mitigate the variability of the forecasted future purchases and sales of these U.S.\u00a0Dollar investments. The combination of the purchase and sale of the U.S.\u00a0Dollar investment and the hedging instrument has the effect of partially offsetting the year-over-year foreign currency translation impact on net earnings in the period the investments are sold. Hedges of the purchase of U.S. Dollar denominated available-for-sale investments are accounted for as cash flow hedges. \nWe estimate the combination of translation of foreign currency-denominated profits from our international businesses and the year-over-year change in foreign currency related gains and losses included in Other (income) expense, net had an unfavorable impact of approximately $1,023 million and a favorable impact of approximately $132 million and $19 million on our Income before income taxes for the years ended May\u00a031, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nNET INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES\nWe are also exposed to the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on our investments in wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries denominated in a currency other than the U.S.\u00a0Dollar, which could adversely impact the U.S.\u00a0Dollar value of these investments and therefore the value of future repatriated earnings. We have, in the past, hedged and may, in the future, hedge net investment positions in certain foreign subsidiaries to mitigate the effects of foreign exchange fluctuations on these net investments. These hedges are accounted for as net investment hedges in accordance with U.S. GAAP. There were no outstanding net investment hedges as of May\u00a031, 2023 and 2022. There were no cash flows from net investment hedge settlements for the years ended May\u00a031, 2023, 2022 and 2021.\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nCASH FLOW ACTIVITY\nCash provided (used) by operations was an inflow of $5,841 million for fiscal 2023, compared to $5,188 million for fiscal 2022. Net income, adjusted for non-cash items, generated $6,354 million of operating cash inflow for fiscal 2023, compared to $6,848 million for fiscal 2022. The net change in working capital and other assets and liabilities resulted in a decrease to Cash provided (used) by operations of $513 million for fiscal 2023 compared to a decrease of $1,660 million for fiscal 2022. For fiscal 2023, the net change in working capital compared to the prior year was impacted by unfavorable changes in Accounts payable, offset by favorable impacts from Inventories and Accounts receivable. These changes were, in part, due to reduced inventory purchases in the current period and timing of wholesale shipments. Further impacting these changes was a lower available supply of inventory in the prior year due to supply chain constraints. \nCash provided (used) by investing activities was an inflow of $564 million for fiscal 2023, compared to an outflow of $1,524 million for fiscal 2022, primarily driven by the net change in short-term investments. For fiscal 2023, the net change in short-term \n2023 FORM 10-K \n44\nTable of Contents\ninvestments (including sales, maturities and purchases) resulted in a cash inflow of $1,481 million compared to a cash outflow of $747 million for fiscal 2022. Additionally, we continue to invest in our infrastructure to support future growth, specifically focused around digital capabilities, our end-to-end technology foundation, our corporate facilities and improvements across our supply chain. \nCash provided (used) by financing activities was an outflow of $7,447 million for fiscal 2023 compared to an outflow of $4,836 million for fiscal 2022. The increased outflow in fiscal 2023 was driven by higher share repurchases of $5,480 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $4,014 million for fiscal 2022, the repayment of $500 million of senior notes that matured in fiscal 2023, as well as lower proceeds from stock option exercises, which resulted in a cash inflow of $651 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $1,151 million in fiscal 2022.\nIn fiscal 2023, we purchased a total of 50.0 million shares of NIKE's Class B Common Stock for $5.5\u00a0billion (an average price of $110.32 per share). In August 2022, we terminated the previous four-year, $15\u00a0billion share repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors in June 2018. Under this program, we repurchased 6.5 million shares for a total approximate cost of $710.0\u00a0million (an average price of $109.85 per share) during the first quarter of fiscal 2023 and 83.8 million shares for a total approximate cost of $9.4\u00a0billion (an average price of $111.82 per share) during the term of the program. Upon termination of the four-year, $15\u00a0billion program, we began purchasing shares under the new four-year, $18\u00a0billion share repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors in June 2022. As of May\u00a031, 2023, we had repurchased 43.5\u00a0million shares at a cost of approximately $4.8\u00a0billion (an average price of $110.38 per share) under this new program. We continue to expect funding of share repurchases will come from operating cash flows. The timing and the amount of share repurchases will be dictated by our capital needs and stock market conditions.\nCAPITAL RESOURCES\nOn July 21, 2022, we filed a shelf registration statement (the \"Shelf\") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the \"SEC\") which permits us to issue an unlimited amount of debt securities from time to time. The Shelf expires on July 21, 2025.\nOn March 11, 2022, we entered into a five-year committed credit facility agreement with a syndicate of banks which provides for up to $2\u00a0billion of borrowings, with the option to increase borrowings up to $3\u00a0billion in total with lender approval. The facility matures on March 11, 2027, with options to extend the maturity date up to an additional two years. This facility replaces the prior $2\u00a0billion five-year credit facility agreement entered into on August 16, 2019, which would have matured on August 16, 2024. Refer to Note\u00a05 \u2014 Short-Term Borrowings and Credit Lines for additional information. \nOn March 10, 2023, we entered into a 364-day committed credit facility agreement with a syndicate of banks which provides for up to $1 billion of borrowings, with the option to increase borrowings up to $1.5 billion in total with lender approval. The facility matures on March 8, 2024, with an option to extend the maturity date by 364 days. This facility replaces the prior $1 billion 364-day credit facility agreement entered into on March 11, 2022, which matured on March 10, 2023. Refer to Note\u00a05 \u2014 Short-Term Borrowings and Credit Lines for additional information.\nWe currently have long-term debt ratings of AA- and A1 from Standard and Poor's Corporation and Moody's Investor Services, respectively. As it relates to our committed credit facilities entered into on March 11, 2022 and March 10, 2023, if our long-term debt ratings were to decline, the facility fees and interest rates would increase. Conversely, if our long-term debt ratings were to improve, the facility fees and interest rates would decrease. Changes in our long-term debt ratings would not trigger acceleration of maturity of any then-outstanding borrowings or any future borrowings under the committed credit facilities. Under these facilities, we have agreed to various covenants. These covenants include limits on the disposal of assets and the amount of debt secured by liens we may incur. In the event we were to have any borrowings outstanding under these facilities, failed to meet any covenant and were unable to obtain a waiver from a majority of the banks in the applicable syndicate, any borrowings would become immediately due and payable. As of May\u00a031, 2023, we were in full compliance with each of these covenants, and we believe it is unlikely we will fail to meet any of these covenants in the foreseeable future.\nLiquidity is also provided by our $3 billion commercial paper program. As of and for the fiscal years ended May\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, we did not have any borrowings outstanding under our $3 billion program. \nWe may continue to issue commercial paper or other debt securities depending on general corporate needs. \nTo date, we have not experienced difficulty accessing the capital or credit markets; however, future volatility may increase costs associated with issuing commercial paper or other debt instruments or affect our ability to access those markets.\nAs of May\u00a031, 2023, we had Cash and equivalents and Short-term investments totaling $10.7 billion, primarily consisting of commercial paper, corporate notes, deposits held at major banks, money market funds, U.S. Treasury obligations and other investment grade fixed-income securities.\u00a0Our fixed-income investments are exposed to both credit and interest rate risk.\u00a0All of our investments are investment grade to minimize our credit risk.\u00a0While individual securities have varying durations, as of May\u00a031, 2023, the weighted-average days to maturity of our cash equivalents and short-term investments portfolio was 98\u00a0days.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n45\n \nTable of Contents\nWe believe that existing Cash and equivalents, Short-term investments and cash generated by operations, together with access to external sources of funds as described above, will be sufficient to meet our\u00a0domestic and foreign\u00a0capital needs in the foreseeable future.\nOur material cash requirements as of May\u00a031, 2023, were as follows:\n\u2022\nDebt Obligations \u2014 Refer to Note\u00a05 \u2014 Short-Term Borrowings and Credit Lines and Note\u00a06 \u2014 Long-Term Debt in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.\n\u2022\nOperating Leases \u2014 Refer to Note\u00a017 \u2014 Leases in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.\n\u2022\nEndorsement Contracts \u2014 As of May\u00a031, 2023, we had endorsement contract obligations of $7.6 billion, with $1.3 billion payable within 12 months, representing approximate amounts of base compensation and minimum guaranteed royalty fees we are obligated to pay athlete, public figure, sport team and league endorsers of our products. Actual payments under some contracts may be higher than these amounts as these contracts provide for bonuses to be paid to the endorsers based upon athletic achievements and/or royalties on product sales in future periods. Actual payments under some contracts may also be lower as these contracts include provisions for reduced payments if athletic performance declines in future periods. In addition to the cash payments, we are obligated to furnish our endorsers with NIKE product for their use. It is not possible to determine how much we will spend on this product on an annual basis as the amount of product provided to the endorsers will depend on many factors and the contracts generally do not stipulate a minimum amount of cash to be spent on the product.\n\u2022\nProduct Purchase Obligations \u2014 As of May\u00a031, 2023, we had product purchase obligations of $6.4 billion, all of which are payable within the next 12 months. Product purchase obligations represent agreements (including open purchase orders) to purchase products in the ordinary course of business that are enforceable and legally binding and specify all significant terms. We generally order product at least four to five months in advance of sale based primarily on advanced orders received from external wholesale customers and internal orders from our direct to consumer operations. In some cases, prices are subject to change throughout the production process.\n\u2022\nOther Purchase Obligations \u2014 As of May\u00a031, 2023, we had $3.3 billion of other purchase obligations, with $1.7 billion payable within the next 12 months. Other purchase obligations primarily include technology investments, construction, service and marketing commitments, including marketing commitments associated with endorsement contracts, made in the ordinary course of business. The amounts represent the minimum payments required by legally binding contracts and agreements that specify all significant terms, and may include open purchase orders for non-product purchases. \nIn addition to the above, we have long-term obligations for uncertain tax positions and various post-retirement benefits for which we are not able to reasonably estimate when cash payments will occur. Refer to Note\u00a07 \u2014 Income Taxes and Note\u00a011 \u2014 Benefit Plans in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to uncertain tax positions and post-retirement benefits, respectively. \nAs a part of the transition tax related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as of May\u00a031, 2023, we had $644 million in estimated future cash payments, with $161 million payable within the next 12 months. These amounts represent the transition tax on deemed repatriation of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, which are reflected net of foreign tax credits we utilized.\nRefer to Note\u00a016 \u2014 Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to our off-balance sheet arrangements, bank guarantees and letters of credit. \nOFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS\nAs of May\u00a031, 2023, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on our current and future financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. In connection with various contracts and agreements, we routinely provide indemnification relating to the enforceability of intellectual property rights, coverage for legal issues that arise and other items where we are acting as the guarantor. Currently, we have several such agreements in place. Based on our historical experience and the estimated probability of future loss, we have determined that the fair value of such indemnification is not material to our financial position or results of operations.\nNEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS\nRefer to Note\u00a01 \u2014 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for recently adopted and issued accounting standards.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n46\nTable of Contents\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES\nOur previous discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Note\u00a01 \u2014 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.\nWe believe the assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting estimates described below have the greatest potential impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting estimates. Management has reviewed and discussed these critical accounting estimates with the Audit & Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.\nBecause of the uncertainty inherent in these matters, actual results could differ from the estimates we use in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Within the context of these critical accounting estimates, we are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different amounts being reported.\nSALES-RELATED RESERVES\nProvisions for anticipated sales returns consist of both contractual return rights and discretionary authorized returns. Provisions for post-invoice sales discounts consist of both contractual programs and discretionary discounts that are expected to be granted at a later date.\nEstimates of discretionary authorized returns, discounts and claims are based on (1) historical rates, (2) specific identification of outstanding returns not yet received from customers and outstanding discounts and claims and (3) estimated returns, discounts and claims expected but not yet finalized with customers. Actual returns, discounts and claims in any future period are inherently uncertain and may differ from estimates recorded. If actual or expected future returns, discounts or claims were significantly different than reserves established, a reduction or increase to net revenues would be recorded in the period in which such determination was made.\nRefer to Note\u00a014 \u2014 Revenues in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. \nINVENTORY RESERVES\nWe make ongoing estimates relating to the net realizable value of inventories based upon our assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If we estimate the net realizable value of our inventory is less than the cost of the inventory recorded on our books, we record a reserve equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and the estimated net realizable value. This reserve is recorded as a charge to Cost of sales. If changes in market conditions result in reductions to the estimated net realizable value of our inventory below our previous estimate, we would increase our reserve in the period in which we made such a determination.\u00a0\nHEDGE ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVES\nWe use derivative contracts to hedge certain anticipated foreign currency and interest rate transactions as well as certain non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities. When the specific criteria to qualify for hedge accounting has been met, changes in the fair value of contracts hedging probable forecasted future cash flows are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), rather than Net income, until the underlying hedged transaction affects Net income. In most cases, this results in gains and losses on hedge derivatives being released from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Net income sometime after the maturity of the derivative. One of the criteria for this accounting treatment is that the notional value of these derivative contracts should not be in excess of the designated amount of anticipated transactions. By their very nature, our estimates of anticipated transactions may fluctuate over time and may ultimately vary from actual transactions. When the designated amount of anticipated or actual transactions decline below hedged levels, or if it is no longer probable a forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally specified time period or within an additional two-month period of time thereafter, we reclassify the cumulative change in fair value of the over-hedged portion of the related hedge contract from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to Other (income) expense, net during the quarter in which the decrease occurs. In rare circumstances, the additional period of time may exceed two months due to extenuating circumstances related to the nature of the forecasted transaction that are outside our control or influence.\nRefer to Note\u00a012 \u2014 Risk Management and Derivatives in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.\n2023 FORM 10-K \n47\n \nTable of Contents\nINCOME TAXES\nWe are subject to taxation in the United States, as well as various state and foreign jurisdictions. The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. On an interim basis, we estimate our effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. This estimated annual effective tax rate is then applied to the year-to-date Income before income taxes excluding infrequently occurring or unusual items, to determine the year-to-date Income tax expense. The income tax effects of infrequent or unusual items are recognized in the interim period in which they occur. As the fiscal year progresses, we continually refine our estimate based upon actual events and earnings by jurisdiction during the year. This continual estimation process periodically results in a change to our expected effective tax rate for the fiscal year. When this occurs, we adjust the income tax provision during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs.\nOn a quarterly basis, we evaluate the probability a tax position will be effectively sustained and the appropriateness of the amount recognized for uncertain tax positions based on factors including changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, settled audit issues and new audit activity. Changes in our assessment may result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period our assessment changes. We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in Income tax expense. \nRefer to Note\u00a07 \u2014 Income Taxes in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.\nOTHER CONTINGENCIES\nIn the ordinary course of business, we are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and government investigations related to our business, products and actions of our employees and representatives, including contractual and employment relationships, product liability, antitrust, customs, tax, intellectual property and other matters. We record contingent liabilities resulting from claims against us when a loss is assessed to be probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. Assessing probability of loss and estimating probable losses requires analysis of multiple factors, including in some cases judgments about the potential actions of third-party claimants and courts. Recorded contingent liabilities are based on the best information available and actual losses in any future period are inherently uncertain. If future adjustments to estimated probable future losses or actual losses exceed our recorded liability for such claims, we would record additional charges during the period in which the actual loss or change in estimate occurred. In addition to contingent liabilities recorded for probable losses, we disclose contingent liabilities when there is a reasonable possibility the ultimate loss will materially exceed the recorded liability. \nRefer to Note\u00a016 \u2014 Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. \n2023 FORM 10-K \n48\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nIn the normal course of business and consistent with established policies and procedures, we employ a variety of financial instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies and interest rates. It is our policy to utilize these financial instruments only where necessary to finance our business and manage such exposures; we do not enter into these transactions for trading or speculative purposes.\nWe are exposed to foreign currency fluctuations, primarily as a result of our international sales, product sourcing and funding activities. Our foreign exchange risk management program is intended to lessen both the positive and negative effects of currency fluctuations on our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. We use forward and option contracts to hedge certain anticipated, but not yet firmly committed, transactions as well as certain firm commitments and the related receivables and payables, including third-party and intercompany transactions. Where exposures are hedged, our program has the effect of delaying the impact of exchange rate movements on our Consolidated Financial Statements.\nThe timing for hedging exposures, as well as the type and duration of the hedge instruments employed, are guided by our hedging policies and determined based upon the nature of the exposure and prevailing market conditions. Typically, the Company may enter into hedge contracts starting 12 to 24 months in advance of the forecasted transaction and may place incremental hedges up to 100% of the exposure by the time the forecasted transaction occurs. The majority of derivatives outstanding as of May\u00a031, 2023, are designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges, primarily for Euro/U.S. Dollar, British Pound/Euro, Chinese Yuan/U.S. Dollar, and Japanese Yen/U.S. Dollar currency pairs. Refer to Note\u00a012 \u2014 Risk Management and Derivatives in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.\nOur earnings are also exposed to movements in short- and long-term market interest rates. Our objective in managing this interest rate exposure is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to reduce overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we maintain a mix of commercial paper, bank loans, and fixed-rate debt of varying maturities.\nMARKET RISK MEASUREMENT\nWe monitor foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and related derivatives using a variety of techniques including a review of market value, sensitivity analysis and Value-at-Risk (\"VaR\"). Our market-sensitive derivative and other financial instruments are foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts, intercompany loans denominated in non-functional currencies and fixed interest rate U.S.\u00a0Dollar denominated debt.\nWe use VaR to monitor the foreign exchange risk of our foreign currency forward and foreign currency option derivative instruments only. The VaR determines the maximum potential one-day loss in the fair value of these foreign exchange rate-sensitive financial instruments. The VaR model estimates assume normal market conditions and a 95% confidence level. There are various modeling techniques that can be used in the VaR computation. Our computations are based on interrelationships between currencies and interest rates (a\u00a0\"variance/co-variance\" technique). These interrelationships are a function of foreign exchange currency market changes and interest rate changes over the preceding one-year period. The value of foreign currency options does not change on a one-to-one basis with changes in the underlying currency rate. We adjust the potential loss in option value for the estimated sensitivity (the \"delta\" and \"gamma\") to changes in the underlying currency rate. This calculation reflects the impact of foreign currency rate fluctuations on the derivative instruments only and does not include the impact of such rate fluctuations on non-functional currency transactions (such as anticipated transactions, firm commitments, cash balances and accounts and loans receivable and payable), including those which are hedged by these instruments.\nThe VaR model is a risk analysis tool and does not purport to represent actual losses in fair value we will incur nor does it consider the potential effect of favorable changes in market rates. It also does not represent the full extent of the possible loss that may occur. Actual future gains and losses will differ from those estimated because of changes or differences in market rates and interrelationships, hedging instruments and hedge percentages, timing and other factors.\nThe estimated maximum one-day loss in fair value on our foreign currency sensitive derivative financial instruments, derived using the VaR model, was $111 million and $99 million as of May\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The VaR increased year-over-year as a result of an increase in foreign currency volatilities as of May\u00a031, 2023. Such a hypothetical loss in the fair value of our derivatives would be offset by increases in the value of the underlying transactions being hedged. The average monthly change in the fair values of foreign currency forward and foreign currency option derivative instruments was $289 million and $170 million during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.\nThe instruments not included in the VaR are intercompany loans denominated in non-functional currencies and fixed interest rate U.S.\u00a0Dollar denominated debt. Intercompany loans and related interest amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Furthermore, our non-functional currency intercompany loans are substantially hedged against foreign exchange risk through the use of forward \n2023 FORM 10-K \n49\n \nTable of Contents\ncontracts, which are included in the VaR calculation above. Therefore, we consider the interest rate and foreign currency market risks associated with our non-functional currency intercompany loans to be immaterial to our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.\nDetails of third-party debt are provided in the table below. The table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. \nEXPECTED MATURITY DATE YEAR ENDING MAY 31,\n(Dollars in millions)\n2024\n2025\n2026\n2027\n2028\nTHEREAFTER\nTOTAL \nFAIR VALUE\nInterest Rate Risk\nLong-term U.S. Dollar debt \u2014 Fixed rate\nPrincipal payments\n$\n\u2014\n$\n1,000\n$\n\u2014\n$\n2,000\n$\n\u2014\n$\n6,000\n$\n9,000\n$\n7,889\u00a0\nAverage interest rate\n0.0\u00a0\n%\n2.4\u00a0\n%\n0.0\u00a0\n%\n2.6\u00a0\n%\n0.0\u00a0\n%\n3.3\u00a0\n%\n3.1\u00a0\n%\n2023 FORM 10-K \n50\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "320187",
+ "cusip6": "654106",
+ "cusip": ["654106103", "654106953", "654106903"],
+ "names": ["NIKE Inc.", "NIKE INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/320187/000032018723000039/0000320187-23-000039-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000353184-23-000071.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000353184-23-000071.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..fd04b4c40b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000353184-23-000071.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.\nItem 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.\nOn June 23, 2023, the Company and MBT entered into amendments to the MBT revolving credit agreement and related promissory note. The amendments extended the maturity date of the credit facility to August 31, 2024 and include the following changes:\n1.\n A $2.0 million seasonal increase in the maximum amount available under the facility. The maximum amount of the facility will now increase to $19.0 million between May 1 and November 30 of each year and will decrease to $17.0 million between December 1 and April 30 of each year;\n2.\nThe reference rate for the interest rate payable on the revolving facility will change from Prime to SOFR, plus a spread. The exact spread over SOFR will change every September 30 and March 31 based on the Company calculated funded debt leverage ratio (defined as total debt divided by EBITDA). Depending on the result of the calculation, the interest rate spread applicable to the facility will range between 2.25% and 3.25%;\n3.\nThe unused commitment fee on the revolving credit facility will increase from 0.11% to 0.15%; and, \n4.\nThe covenant restricting the Company\u2019s use of funds for \u201cOther Investments\u201d was revised to limit the Company to $5.0 million of \u201cOther Investments\u201d per year.\nThe foregoing summary of the terms of Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note and Amendment No. 3 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are qualified in their entirety by reference to the amendment and promissory note filed as Exhibits 10.15, and 10.26 herewith. The changes to the revolving credit facility and related promissory note were acknowledged and agreed to by the non-borrower guarantor entities.\nItem 9C.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nDisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.\nNot Applicable.\nPART III\nItem 10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\nThe information contained under the headings \u201cProposal 1 - Election of Directors,\u201d \u201cExecutive Officers,\u201d \u201c Committees of the Board of Directors,\u201d and \u201cDelinquent Section 16(a) Reports\u201d in our Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end, is incorporated herein by reference.\nAudit Committee Report\nThe Audit Committee reviews the Company\u2019s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process. \nIn this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the audited financial statements as of and for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023. The Audit Committee has \n78\ndiscussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committee, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and currently in effect. In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the written disclosures and letter required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, regarding the independent registered public accounting firm\u2019s communication with the Audit Committee concerning independence and discussed with them their independence from the Company and its management. The Audit Committee also has considered whether the independent registered public accounting firm\u2019s provision of non-audit services to the Company is compatible with their independence.\nBased on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.\nJune\u00a027, 2023\nAUDIT COMMITTEE\nTravis Swenson, Chair\nPeter McClung\nRay Cabillot\nCode of Ethics\nThe Company has adopted a code of ethics applicable to its executive officers and other employees. A copy of the code of ethics is available on the Company\u2019s internet website at http://www.airt.net. The Company intends to post waivers of and amendments to its code of ethics applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions on its Internet website.\nItem 11.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nExecutive Compensation\n.\nThe information contained under the heading \u201cExecutive Compensation,\u201d \u201cBase Salary,\u201d \u201cIncentive and Bonus Compensation,\u201d \u201cRetirement and Other Benefits,\u201d \u201cExecutive Compensation Tables,\u201d \u201cEmployment Agreement and Retirement Savings Plan\u201d and \u201cDirector Compensation\u201d in our Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end, is incorporated herein by reference..\nItem 12.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.\nThe information contained under the heading \u201cCertain Beneficial Owners of Common Stock,\u201d \u201cDirector and Executive Officer Stock Ownership,\u201d in our Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end, is incorporated herein by reference.\n79\nEquity Compensation Plan Information\nThe following table provides information as of March\u00a031, 2023, regarding shares outstanding and available for issuance under Air T, Inc.\u2019s existing equity compensation plans.\nPlan Category\nNumber of securities\nto be issued upon\nexercise of\noutstanding options,\nwarrants and rights\nWeighted-average\nexercise price of\noutstanding options,\nwarrants and rights\nNumber of securities\nremaining available\nfor future issuance\nunder equity\ncompensation plans\n(excluding securities\nlisted in first column)\nEquity compensation plans approved by security holders:\nAir T 2012 Stock Option Plan\n7,500\u00a0\n$\n7.04\u00a0\n\u2014\nAir T 2020 Omnibus Stock Option Plan\n293,400\u00a0\nN/A\n94,000\u00a0\nEquity compensation plans not approved by security holders:\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal\n300,900\u00a0\n$\n7.04\u00a0\n94,000\u00a0\nItem 13.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCertain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.\nThe information contained under the heading \u201cDirector Independence\u201d and \u201cCertain Transactions\u201d in our Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end, is incorporated herein by reference.\nItem 14.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPrincipal Accountant Fees and Services.\nInformation about aggregate fees billed to us by our principal accountant, Deloitte & Touche LLP (PCAOB ID No. \n34\n) will be presented under the caption \u201cAudit Committee Pre-approval of Auditor Engagements\u201d and \u201cAudit Fees\u201d in our Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end, is incorporated herein by reference.\nPART IV\n80\nItem 15.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.\n1.\nFinancial Statements\na.\nThe following are incorporated herein by reference in Item 8 of Part II of this report:\n(i)\nReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm \u2013 Deloitte & Touche LLP\n(ii)\nConsolidated Balance Sheets as of March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022.\n(iii)\nConsolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022.\n(iv)\nConsolidated Statements of Stockholders\u2019 Equity for the years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022.\n(v)\nConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022.\n(vi)\nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements.\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Exhibits\nNo\n.\nDescription\n3.1\nRestated Certificate of Incorporation dated October 30, 2001, Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation dated September 25, 2008, Certificate of Designation dated March 26, 2012, and Certificate of Designation dated December 15, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2014 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n3.2\nCertificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation dated August 18, 2021 (filed herewith)\n3.3\nAmended and Restated By-laws of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 21, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n4.1\nSpecimen Common Stock Certificate of Air T, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company\u2019s\n \nAmended Registration Statement on Form S-1/A dated January 22, 2019 (Registration Number 333-228485)\n4.2\nDescription of Registered Securities, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2022\n4.3\nForm of Capital Securities Certificate of Air T Funding, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to\n \nthe Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 13, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n4.4\nIndenture for the Debentures dated as of June 10, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to\n \nthe Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 13, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n4.5\nSecond Amendment to the Air T Funding Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated as of March\n \n3, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K filed\n \nMarch 5, 2021\n \n(Commission File No. 001-35476)\n4.6\nSupplemental Indenture dated as of March 3, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the\n \nCompany\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 5, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n4.7\nDebenture dated as of June 10, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company\u2019s\n \nCurrent Report on Form 8-K filed June 13, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n4.8\nCommon Securities Certificate of Air T Funding issued to Air T, Inc. dated as of June 10, 2019,\n \nincorporated by\n \nreference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 13, 2019 (Commission File No.\n \n001-35476)\n4.9\nInterim Trust Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the Company\u2019s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed November 20, 2018 (Registration Number 333-228485)\n10.1\nPremises and Facilities Lease dated November 16, 1995 between Global TransPark Foundation, Inc. and Mountain Air Cargo, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-Q/A to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 1995 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n81\n10.2\nSecond Amendment to Premises and Facilities Lease dated as of October 15, 2015 between Global TransPark Foundation, Inc. and Mountain Air Cargo, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 (Commission File No. 001-35476) \n10.3\nAir T, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex C to the Company\u2019s proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its annual meeting of stockholders on September 28, 2005, filed with the SEC on August 12, 2005 (Commission File No. 001-35476)*\n10.4\nForm of Air T, Inc. Director Stock Option Agreement (2005 Equity Incentive Plan), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 (Commission File No. 001-35476)*\n10.5\nAir T, Inc. 2020 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan , incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated February 12, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)*\n10.6\nForm of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement under 2020 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated February 12, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)*\n10.7\nEmployment Agreement dated as of March 26, 2014 between the Company and Nicholas J. Swenson, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 26, 2014 (Commission File No. 001-35476)*\n10.8\nEmployment Agreement between Air T, Inc. and Brian Ochocki dated June 12, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.9\nForm of Air T, Inc. Term Note A in the principal amount of $10,000,000 to Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 18, 2017 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.10\nAmended and Restated Term Note A of Air T, Inc. in the principal amount of $9,000,000 in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.11\nForm of Air T, Inc. Term Note B in the principal amount of $5,000,000 to Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 18, 2017 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.12\nAmended and Restated Term Note B of Air T, Inc. in the principal amount of $3,166,666.52 in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.13\nForm of Air T, Inc. Revolving Credit Note in the principal amount of $10,000,000 to Minnesota Bank & Trust dated December 21, 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 18, 2017 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.14\nForm of Air T, Inc. Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note in the principal amount of $13,000,000 to Minnesota Bank & Trust dated November 12, 2018, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.15\nForm of Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note in the principal amount of $17,000,000 to Minnesota Bank & Trust dated March 28, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 4, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476) \n10.16\nAmended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, in the principal amount of $17,000,000, dated as of June 26, 2020, by and between Air T, Inc., and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.101 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 26, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n82\n10.17\nAmended and Restated Revolving Credit Note of Air T, Inc. to Minnesota Bank & Trust in the amount of $17,000,000 dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.18\nA\nmend\ned and \nRestated Revolving Credit Note\n of Air T, Inc.\n to Minnesota Bank & Trust dated as of June 23, 2023\n.\n10.19\nForm of Credit Agreement between Air T, Inc. and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 18, 2017 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.20\nForm of Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement between Air T, Inc. and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 20, 2018 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.21\nForm of Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement between Air T, Inc. and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.22\nForm of Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Air T, Inc. and Minnesota Bank & Trust dated March 28, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 4, 2019) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.23\nAmendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 24, 2019 by and between Air T, Inc. and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.24\nForm of Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 31, 2019 by and between Air T, Inc. and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 7, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.25\nForm of Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2020, by and between Air T, Inc., and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.99 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 26, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.26\nThird Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Air T, Inc. and Minnesota Bank & Trust dated as of August 31, 2021, without exhibits or schedules, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.27\nAmendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and between Air T, Inc, Jet Yard, LLC and Minnesota Bank & Trust dated June 9, 2022, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 14, 2022 (Commission file No. 001-35476).\n10.28\nForm of Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Air T, Inc., Jet Yard, LLC and MBT dated as of January 31, 2023\n, \nincorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated J\nanuary\n \n31\n, 202\n3\n(Commission file No. 001-35476).\n10.29\nFrom of Amendment No. 3 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Air T, Inc., Jet Yard, LLC and MBT dated as of June 23, 2023.\n10.30\nForm of Security Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 18, 2017 (Commission file No. 001-35476).\n10.31\nForm of Amended and Restated Security Agreement in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated March 28, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 4, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.32\nAmended and Restated Security Agreement by and amount Air T, Inc., the guarantors listed and Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n83\n10.33\nForm of Air T, Inc. Term Note D in the principal amount of $1,680,000 to Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 20, 2018 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.34\nPromissory Note and Business Loan Agreement executed as of March 7, 2018 between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC as Borrower, and Old National Bank as the Lender, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 8, 2018) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.35\nForm of Second Amended and Restated Promissory Note Revolving Note, dated January 24, 2020 in the principal amount of $40,000,000 to Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 24, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.36\nThird Amended and Restated Promissory Note Revolving Note of Contrail Aviation Support, LLC to Old National Bank dated September 2, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 2, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.37\nFourth Amended and Restated Promissory Note Revolving Note executed by Contrail Aviation Support, LLC in favor of Old National Bank dated May 26, 2023. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated \nJune 2\n, 2023) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.38\nForm of Amended and Restated Guaranty in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated March 28, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 4, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.39\nAmended and Restated Guaranty of various Air T subsidiaries in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.40\nGuarantee Acknowledgment dated June 9, 2022, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 14, 2022 (Commission file No. 001-35476).\n10.41\nForm of Amended and Restated Security Agreement in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated April 3, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 9, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.42\nForm of Subordination Agreement among AirCo 1, LLC, Air T, Inc. and Minnesota Bank & Trust dated April 3, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 9, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.43\nForm of Loan Agreement between AirCo 1, LLC and Minnesota Bank & Trust dated April 3, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 9, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.44\nForm of Amendment No. 1 to Loan Agreement, dated February 25, 2020 by and between AirCo 1, LLC and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 25, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.45\nAgreement as to Expenses dated as of June 10, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 13, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.46\nForm of Capital Securities Certificate of Air T Funding, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 13, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.47\nCapital Securities Guarantee dated as of June 10, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 13, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.48\nAmendment to Capital Securities Guarantee Agreement, effective as of March 31, 2021, dated as of March 31, 2021, by and between Air T, Inc. and Delaware Trust Company incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 31, 2021 (Commission File Nos. 001-35476 and 001-38928)\n84\n10.49\nIndenture for the Debentures dated as of June 10, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 13, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.50\nSupplemental Indenture dated as of March 3, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.51\nDebenture dated as of June 10, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 13, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.52\nCommon Securities Certificate of Air T Funding issued to Air T, Inc. dated as of June 10, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 13, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.53\nInterim Trust Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the Company\u2019s Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated November 20, 2018 (Registration Number 333-228485)\n10.54\nSecond Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated as of June 23, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.55\nCertificate of Interim Trust dated September 28, 2018, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 of the Company\u2019s Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated November 20, 2018 (Registration Number 333-228485)\n10.57\nMaster Loan Agreement, dated June 24, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.58\nFirst Amendment to Master Loan Agreement, dated November 24, 2020 between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.59\nSecond Amendment to Master Loan Agreement, dated November 10,2022 between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.60\nFirst Amendment to Second Amendment to Master Loan Agreement and Third Amendment to Master Loan Agreement, dated March 22, 2023 between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2023) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.61\nFourth Amendment to Master Loan Agreement by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank dated May 26, 2023. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated \nJune 2\n, 2023) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.62\nSupplement #1 to Master Loan Agreement, dated June 24, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.63\nSupplement #2 to Master Loan Agreement, dated June 24, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, and Old National Bank. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.64\nForm of First Amendment to Supplement #2 to Master Loan Agreement, dated June 24, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 24, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.65\nForm of Second Amendment to Supplement #2 to Master Loan Agreement, dated January 24, 2020 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 24, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n85\n10.66\nForm of Third Amendment to Supplement #2 to Master Loan Agreement with Exhibit A, dated September 25, 2020 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Old National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 30, 2020) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.67\nFourth Amendment to Supplement #2 to Master Loan Agreement between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Old National Bank effective September 2, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 2, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.68\nFifth Amendment to Supplement #2 to Master Loan Agreement between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Old National Bank dated May 26, 2023. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated \nJune 2\n, 2023) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.69\nAir T, Inc. Continuing Guaranty in favor of Old National Bank, dated June 24, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.70\nContrail Aviation Leasing, LLC Continuing Guaranty in favor of Old National Bank, dated June 24, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.71\nSupplement #3 to Master Loan Agreement, dated June 24, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.72\nSupplement #4 to Master Loan Agreement, dated August 16, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.73\nContrail Aviation Support, LLC and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC Term Note C in the principal amount of $13,000,594.00 to Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.74\nTrustee Aircraft Security Agreement, dated August 16, 2019 by and between Wells Fargo Trust Company, National Association, Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.75\nBeneficial Interest Pledge Agreement, dated August 16, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.76\nForm of Declaration of Trust (MSN 29922), dated June 26, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin) Limited, and Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.77\nSupplement #5 to Master Loan Agreement, dated October 30, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.78\nTrustee Aircraft Security Agreement, dated October 30, 2019 by and between Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin) Limited, Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.79\nBeneficial Interest Pledge Agreement, dated October 30, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n86\n10.80\nThird Trust Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated July 26, 2019 by and between Sapphire Finance I Holding Designated Activity Company and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.81\nAmendment Number Five to Aircraft Lease Agreement, dated June 20, 2019 by and between Wells Fargo Trust Company, National Association and Sun Country, Inc. d/b/a Sun Country Airlines, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.82\nForm of Master Short-Term Engine Lease Agreement, IATA Document No. 5016-01, dated October 2012, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 9, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)** \n10.83\nPurchase Agreement, dated December 13, 2019 by and between Wilmington Trust Services (Dublin) Limited and KG Aircraft Rotables Co., Ltd., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 19, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.84\nDeed of Lease Novation, dated December 20, 2019 by and between Leasing Ireland DAC, CRO No. 662616, MAM Seldon Aviation 2 Designated Activity Company, and SmartLynx Airlines Estonia O\u00fc, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 26, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.85\nForm of Supplement #6 to Master Loan Agreement, dated December 19, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing Ireland DAC, CRO No. 662616 and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 26, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.86\nForm of Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, and Contrail Aviation Leasing Ireland DAC, CRO No. 662616 Term Note E in the principal amount of $6,894,790.00 to Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 26, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.87\nForm of Aircraft Security Agreement, dated December 19, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing Ireland DAC, CRO No. 662616, and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 26, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.88\nForm of Air T, Inc. Amendment to Continuing Guaranty in favor of Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 26, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.89\nForm of Indemnity and Guaranty Agreement, dated December 19, 2019 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Contrail Aviation Leasing Ireland DAC, CRO No. 662616, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 26, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.90\nForm of Collateral Account Agreement, dated December 31, 2019, by and between Air T OZ 1, LLC and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 7, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.91\nForm of Collateral Account Agreement, dated December 31, 2019, by and between Air T OZ 2, LLC and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 7, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.92\nForm of Collateral Account Agreement, dated December 31, 2019, by and between Air T OZ 3, LLC and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 7, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)**\n10.93\nForm of Supplement #7 to Master Loan Agreement, dated February 3, 2020 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 3, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n87\n10.94\nForm of Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC Term Note F, dated February 3, 2020 in the principal amount of $8,500,000 to Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 3, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.95\nForm of Aircraft Assets Security Agreement, dated February 3, 2020 by and between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Old National Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 3, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.96\nForm of Air T, Inc. Promissory Note, in the principal amount of $8,215,000 in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust, dated April 10, 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 10, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.97\nTerm Note E, in the principal amount of $9,463,000, dated as of June 26, 2020, by and between Air T, Inc., and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.100 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 26, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.98\nAmended and Restated Term Note E of Air T, Inc. in the principal amount of $3,655,819.22 in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.99\n\u201cJet Yard Collateral Account Agreements\u201d dated as of June 26, 2020, by and between Jet Yard, LLC, and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.102 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 26, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.100\nAmended and Restated Collateral Account Agreement between Jet Yard, LLD and Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.101\n\u201cAmbry Hill Collateral Account Agreements\u201d dated as of June 26, 2020, by and between Jet Yard, LLC, and Minnesota Bank & Trust, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.103 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 26, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.102\nAmended and Restated Collateral Account Agreement between Ambry Hill Technologies, LLC and Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.103\nSupplement #8 to Master Loan Agreement dated November 24, 2020 between Borrowers Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC and Lender Old National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2020) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.104\nFirst Amendment to Supplement #8 to Master Loan Agreement between Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Old National Bank dated May 26, 2023. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated \nJune 2\n, 2023) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.105\n$43,598,000 Promissory Note \u2013 Term Note G of Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC in favor of Old National Bank dated November 24, 2020. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2020) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.106\nAmended and Restated Promissory Note Term Note G executed by Contrail Aviation Support, LLC and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC in favor of Old National Bank dated May 26, 2023. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated\n June 2\n, 2023) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.107\nCommercial Security Agreement of Contrail Aviation Support, LLC dated November 24, 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.108\nCommercial Security Agreement of Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC dated November 24, 2020., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n88\n10.109\nTerm Loan Agreement for Mail Street Priority Loan Facility by and between Park State Bank and AirCo 1, LLC dated as of December 11, 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 23, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.110\nAmendment to Main Street Priority Loan Facility Term Loan Agreement by and between Airco 1, LLC and Park State Bank dated May 26, 2023. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated \nJune 2\n, 2023) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.111\n$6,200,000 Main Street Priority Loan Facility Term of AirCo 1, LLC in favor of Park State Bank dated December 11, 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 23, 2020) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.112\nSecurity Agreement of AirCo 1, LLC dated as of December 11, 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 23, 2020) (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.113\nPledge Agreement by and between AirCo, LLC and Park State Bank dated as of December 11, 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 23, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.114\nAt the Market Offering Agreement dated as of May 14, 2021, by and among the Air T, Inc., Air T Funding and Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 14, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.115\nFirst Amendment to At the Market Offering Agreement, dated November 18, 2021, by and between Air T, Inc., Air T Funding and Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 18, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.116\nForm of Contrail Asset Management, LLC Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement dated May 5, 2021, by and among the Members listed therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)*\n10.117\nForm of Engine Purchase Agreement, dated December 23, 2020, by and between Equipment Lease Finance Corporation and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 26, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)*\n10.118\nForm of Assignment, Assumption and Amendment Agreement dated March 30, 2021, by and among Engine Lease Finance Corporation, Companhia de Transportes Aereos Air Macau, SARL, and Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 26, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)*\n10.119\nAircraft dry lease and services agreement between FedEx and CSA Air, Inc. dated June 1, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.97 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.120\nAircraft dry lease and services agreement between FedEx and Mountain Air Cargo, Inc. dated June 1, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.98 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.121\nJoinder to Security Agreement between Minnesota Bank & Trust and Air'Zona Aircraft Services, Inc. dated June 23, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.99 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.122\nJoinder to Guaranty of Air'Zona Aircraft Services, Inc. in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated June 23, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.100 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.123\nJoinder to Security Agreement between Minnesota Bank & Trust and Jet Yard Solutions, LLC dated June 23, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.101 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n89\n10.124\nJoinder to Guaranty of Jet Yard Solutions, LLC in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated June 23, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.102 to the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.125\nAir T, Inc. 2020 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan**, incorporated by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement as Appendix A on Form DEF 14A dated July 19, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.126\nJet Yard Term Note in the principal amount of $2,000,000 in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.127\nGuaranty of Jet Yard, LLC in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.128\nGuaranty of Air T, Inc. in favor of Minnesota Bank & Trust dated August 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.129\nCooperation Agreement by and among Insignia Systems, Inc., Nicholas J. Swenson, Air T, Inc., Groveland Capital LLC; AO Partners I, L.P.; AO Partners, LLC and Glenhurst Co., dated October 11, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 11, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.130\nReal Estate Purchase Agreement between Air T, Inc. and WLPC East, LLC dated October 11, 2021, without exhibits, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.131\nOpinion of Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 19, 2021 (Commission file No. 001-35476).\n10.132\nPromissory Note with Bridgewater Bank dated December 2, 2021 in the principal amount of $9,900,000, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.133\nCombination Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Financing Statement with Bridgewater Bank dated December 2, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.134\nInternational Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. 2002 Master Agreement dated as of December 28, 2021 between Old National Bank and Contrail Aviation Support, LLC & Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 7, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.135\nSchedule to the 2002 Master Agreement dated as of December 28, 2021 between Old National Bank and Contrail Aviation Support, LLC & Contrail Aviation Leasing, LLC, including Swap Transaction Confirmation dated January 7, 2022, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 7, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.136\nForm of Engine Sale Agreement between Finnair Aircraft Finance Oy and Contrail Aviation Support, LLC dated January 19, 2022.*, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 19, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.137\nForm of Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of Shares in the share capital of GdW Beheer B.V. Between Mr G. de Wit (as the Seller), Decision Company B.V. and Ubi Concordia B.V. (as the Warrantors) And Shanwick B.V. (as the Purchaser) dated February 10, 2022, without exhibits or schedules (English Translation), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.138\nForm of Loan Agreement between Air T Acquisition 22.1, LLC and Bridgewater Bank dated February 8, 2022, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n90\n10.139\nForm of Air T Acquisition 22.1, LLC $5,000,000 Promissory Note to Bridgewater Bank dated February 8, 2022, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.140\nSupplement #9 to Master Loan Agreement dated June 24, 2019 by and between CAS and Old National Bank dated February 18, 2022, without exhibits, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.141\nPromissory Note Term Note H in the principal amount of $14,875,000 from CAS to Old National Bank dated February 18, 2022, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.142\nForm of Security Agreement from CAS to Old National Bank dated February 18, 2022, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company\u2019s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.143\nForm of Overline Promissory Note dated June 9, 2022,\n incorporated by reference to \nExhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report\n on Form \n8-K\n dated \nJune 14, 2022\n (Commission \nfile\n No. \n001-35476).\n10.144\nForm \nPromissory Note dated September 30, 2022,\n incorporated by reference to \nExhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report\n on Form \n8-K\u00a0filed\u00a0on\u00a0October 4, 2022\n (Commission \nfile\n No. \n001-35476).\n10.145\nForm of Term Note F dated January 31, 2023\n, \nincorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.\n2\n to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K\u00a0filed\u00a0on\u00a0\nJanuary 31\n, 202\n3\n (Commission file No. 001-35476).\n10.146\nThe Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 12, \n2022\n (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.147\nThe Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated November \n10, 2022\n (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n10.148\nThe Company\u2019s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated February \n10, 2023\n (Commission File No. 001-35476)\n21.1\nList of subsidiaries of the Company (filed herewith)\n23.1\nConsent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (filed herewith)\n24.1\nPower of Attorney (filed herewith)\n31.1\nSection 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)\n31.2\nSection 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)\n32.1\nSection 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)\n32.2\nSection 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)\n101\nThe following financial information from the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (filed herewith).\n* Management compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report.\n91\n** Certain information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to the request for confidential treatment submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omitted information has been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.\n92\nItem 16.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Form 10-K Summary\nWe have chosen not to include an optional summary of the information required by this Form 10-K. For a reference to the information in this Form 10-K, investors should refer to the Table of Contents to this Form 10-K.\n93\nSIGNATURES\nPursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.\nAIR T, INC.\nBy:\n/s/ Nick Swenson\nNick Swenson, Chairman, President and\nChief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)\nDate: June 27, 2023\nBy:\n/s/ Brian Ochocki\nBrian Ochocki, Chief Financial Officer\n(Principal Financial Officer)\nDate: June 27, 2023\nBy:\n/s/ Raymond Cabillot\nRaymond Cabillot, Director\nDate: June 27, 2023\nBy:\n/s/ William R. Foudray\nWilliam R. Foudray, Director\nDate: June 27, 2023\nBy:\n/s/ Gary S. Kohler\nGary S. Kohler, Director\nDate: June 27, 2023\nBy:\n/ s/ Peter McClung\nPeter McClung, Director\nDate: June 27, 2023\nBy:\n/s/ Travis Swenson\nTravis Swenson, Director\nDate: June 27, 2023\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\nRisk Factors\n9\nItem 1B.\nUnresolved Staff Comments\n21\nItem 2.\nProperties\n21\nItem 3.\nLegal Proceedings\n22\nItem 4.\nMine Safety Disclosures\n23\nPART II\nItem 5.\nMarket for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer\u00a0Purchases of Equity Securities\n23\nItem 6.\n[Reserved]\n23\nItem 7.\nManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n24\nItem 7A.\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n35\nItem 8.\nFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\n36\nItem 9.\nChanges in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n77\nItem 9A.\nControls and Procedures\n77\nItem 9B.\nOther Information\n78\nItem 9C.\nDisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n78\nPART III\nItem 10.\nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n78\nItem 11.\nExecutive Compensation\n79\nItem 12.\nSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related\u00a0Stockholder Matters\n79\nItem 13.\nCertain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n80\nItem 14.\nPrincipal Account\nant\n Fees and Services\n80\nPART IV\nItem 15.\nExhibits and Financial Statement Schedules\n81\nItem 16.\nForm 10-K Summary\n93\nSignatures\nInteractive Data Files\n3\nPART I\nItem 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBusiness\nAir T, Inc. (the \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cAir T,\u201d \u201cwe\u201d or \u201cus\u201d or \u201cour\u201d) is a holding company with a portfolio of operating businesses and financial assets. Our goal is to prudently and strategically diversify Air T\u2019s earnings power and compound the growth in its free cash flow per share over time.\nWe currently operate in four industry segments:\n\u2022\nOvernight air cargo, which operates in the air express delivery services industry;\n\u2022\nGround equipment sales, which manufactures and provides mobile deicers and other specialized equipment products to passenger and cargo airlines, airports, the military and industrial customers;\n\u2022\nCommercial jet engines and parts, which manages and leases aviation assets; supplies surplus and aftermarket commercial jet engine components; provides commercial aircraft disassembly/part-out services; commercial aircraft parts sales; procurement services and overhaul and repair services to airlines and;\n\u2022\nCorporate and other, which acts as the capital allocator and resource for other consolidated businesses. Further, Corporate and other is also comprised of insignificant businesses that do not pertain to other reportable segments.\nAcquisitions\nOn January 31, 2023, the Company acquired Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc. (\"WASI\"), a Kansas corporation that services the aircraft industry across the United States and internationally through the operation of a repair station which is located in Springfield, Missouri at the Branson National Airport. The acquisition was was funded with cash and the loans described in \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report. WASI is included within the Overnight Air Cargo segment. See \nNote 2\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report.\nUnconsolidated Investments\nThe Company has ownership interest in Contrail Asset Management, LLC (\u201cCAM\u201d). The operations of CAM are not consolidated into the operations of the Company. See \nNote 24\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report.\nThe Company also has ownership interests in Insignia Systems, Inc. (\"Insignia\") and Cadillac Casting, Inc. (\"CCI\"). The operations of these companies are not consolidated into the operations of the Company. See \nNote 10\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report.\nEach business segment has separate management teams and infrastructures that offer different products and services. We evaluate the performance of our business segments based on operating income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA. \nCertain financial data with respect to the Company\u2019s geographic areas and segments is set forth in \nNotes 21\n and \n22\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report.\nAir T was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1980. The principal place of business of Air T is 11020 David Taylor Drive, Suite 305, Charlotte NC, 28262 and Mountain Air Cargo, Inc. (\u201cMAC\u201d) is 5930 Balsom Ridge Road, Denver, North Carolina. The principal place of business of CSA Air, Inc. (\u201cCSA\u201d) is Iron Mountain, Michigan. The principal place of business for Global Ground Support, LLC (\u201cGGS\u201d) is Olathe, Kansas. The principal place of business of Delphax Technologies, Inc (\u201cDelphax\u201d) is Minneapolis, Minnesota. The principal place of business for Delphax Solutions, Inc. (\u201cDSI\u201d) is Mississauga, Canada. The principal place of business of Contrail Aviation Support, LLC (\u201cContrail\u201d) is Verona, Wisconsin. The principal place of business of AirCo, LLC, AirCo 1, LLC, AirCo 2, LLC and AirCo Services, LLC (collectively, \"AirCo\u201d) and Worthington Aviation, LLC (\u201cWorthington\u201d) is Eagan, Minnesota. The principal place of business of Jet Yard, LLC (\u201cJet Yard\u201d) and Jet Yard Solutions, LLC (\"Jet Yard Solutions\") is Marana, Arizona. The principal place of business of Air'Zona Aircraft Services, Inc. (\"Air'Zona\") is Kingman, Arizona. The principal place of business of Wolfe Lake is Minneapolis, Minnesota. The principal place of business of GdW Beheer B.V. (\"GdW\") is Amsterdam, the Netherlands. GdW was administratively dissolved on June 24, 2022 with Shanwick B.V. (\"Shanwick\") as the surviving entity and Shanwick's principal place of business is Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The principal place of business of Landing Gear Support Services, Inc. and Landing Gear Support Services PTE Limited (collectively, \"LGSS\") is Singapore, Singapore. The principal place of business of WASI is Springfield, Missouri.\nWe maintain an Internet website at http://www.airt.net and our SEC filings may be accessed through links on our website. The information on our website is available for information purposes only and is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n4\nOvernight Air Cargo.\nThe Company\u2019s Overnight Air Cargo segment comprises the operations of MAC, CSA and WASI. MAC and CSA have a relationship with FedEx spanning over 40 years and represent two of nine companies in the U.S. that have North American feeder airlines under contract with FedEx. MAC and CSA operate and maintain Cessna Caravan, Sky Courier, ATR-42 and ATR-72 aircraft that fly daily small-package cargo routes throughout the eastern United States and upper Midwest, and in the Caribbean. MAC and CSA\u2019s revenues are derived principally pursuant to \u201cdry-lease\u201d service contracts with FedEx. In these \u201cdry- lease\" contracts, FedEx provides the aircraft while MAC and CSA provide their own crew and exercise operational control of their flights.\nOn June 1, 2021, MAC and CSA entered into new dry-lease agreements with FedEx which together cover all of the aircraft operated by MAC and CSA and replaced all prior dry-lease service contracts.\u00a0These dry-lease agreements provide for the lease of specified aircraft by MAC and CSA in return for the payment of monthly rent with respect to each aircraft leased, which monthly rent reflected an estimate of a fair market rental rate. These dry-lease agreements provide that FedEx determines the type of aircraft and schedule of routes to be flown by MAC and CSA, with all other operational decisions made by MAC and CSA, respectively. The current dry-lease agreements provide for the reimbursement of MAC and CSA\u2019s costs by FedEx, without mark up, incurred in connection with the operation of the leased aircraft for the following: fuel, landing fees, third-party maintenance, parts and certain other direct operating costs.\u00a0The current dry-lease agreement was most recently renewed on June 1, 2021 and is set to expire on August 31, 2026. The dry-lease agreements may be terminated by FedEx or MAC and CSA, respectively, at any time upon 90 days\u2019 written notice and FedEx may at any time terminate the lease of any particular aircraft thereunder upon 10 days\u2019 written notice. In addition, each of the dry-lease agreements provides that FedEx may terminate the agreement upon written notice if 60% or more of MAC or CSA\u2019s revenue (excluding revenues arising from reimbursement payments under the dry-lease agreement) is derived from the services performed by it pursuant to the respective dry-lease agreement, FedEx becomes MAC or CSA\u2019s only customer, or MAC or CSA employs fewer than six employees. As of the date of this report, FedEx would be permitted to terminate each of the dry-lease agreements under this provision. The Company believes that the short-term nature of its agreements with FedEx is standard within the airfreight contract delivery service industry, where performance is measured on a daily basis.\nAs of March\u00a031, 2023, MAC and CSA had an aggregate of 85 aircraft under its dry-lease agreements with FedEx.\u00a0Included within the 85 aircraft, 2 Cessna Caravan aircraft are considered soft-parked. Soft-parked aircraft remain covered under our agreements with FedEx although at a reduced administrative fee compared to aircraft that are in operation.\u00a0MAC and CSA continue to perform maintenance on soft-parked aircraft, but they are not crewed and do not operate on scheduled routes.\nRevenues from MAC and CSA\u2019s contracts with FedEx accounted for approximately 36% and 41% of the Company\u2019s consolidated revenue for the fiscal years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The loss of FedEx as a customer would have a material adverse effect on the Company. FedEx has been a customer of the Company since 1980. MAC and CSA are not contractually precluded from providing services to other parties and MAC occasionally provides third-party maintenance services to other airline customers and the U.S. military.\nMAC and CSA operate under separate aviation certifications. MAC is certified to operate under Part 121, Part 135 and Part 145 of the regulations of the FAA. These certifications permit MAC to operate and maintain aircraft that can carry a maximum cargo capacity of 7,500 pounds on the Cessna Caravan 208B under Part 135 and a maximum cargo capacity of 14,000 pounds for the ATR-42 and 17,800 pounds for the ATR-72 aircraft under Part 121. The maximum payload (cargo capacity) for the Cessna 408 operated under Part 135 is 6,000 pounds. The maximum structural payload (cargo capacity) for the ATR72-600F operated under Part 121 is 20,281 pounds. CSA is certified to operate and maintain aircraft under Part 135 of the FAA regulations. This certification permits CSA to operate aircraft with a maximum cargo capacity of 7,500 pounds.\nMAC and CSA, together, operated the following FedEx-owned cargo aircraft as of March\u00a031, 2023:\nType of Aircraft\nModel Year\nForm of Ownership\nNumber\nof\nAircraft\nCessna Caravan 208B (single turbo prop)\n1985-1996\nDry lease\n61\u00a0\nCessna SkyCourier 408 (twin turbo prop)\n2022-2023\nDry lease\n4\u00a0\nATR-42 (twin turbo prop)\n1992\nDry lease\n9\u00a0\nATR-72 (twin turbo prop)\n1992\nDry lease\n10\u00a0\nATR-72-600 (twin turbo prop)\n2022-2023\nDry lease\n1\u00a0\n85\u00a0\nThe Cessna Caravan 208B aircraft are maintained under an FAA Approved Aircraft Inspection Program (\u201cAAIP\u201d). The inspection intervals range from 100 to 200 hours. The current engine overhaul period on the Cessna aircraft is 8,000 hours.\n5\nThe ATR-42 and ATR-72 aircraft are maintained under a FAA Part 121 continuous airworthiness maintenance program. The program consists of A and C service checks as well as calendar checks ranging from weekly to 12 years in duration. The engine overhaul period is 6,000 hours.\nThe Cessna Caravan 408 aircraft are maintained under an FAA Approved AAIP.\u00a0 The inspection program consists of 400 to 5,600 flight hour checks and 18 month to 120 month calendar checks.\nMAC and CSA operate in a niche market within a highly competitive contract cargo carrier market. MAC and CSA are two of nine carriers that operate within the United States as FedEx feeder carriers. MAC and CSA are benchmarked against the other five FedEx feeders based on safety, reliability, compliance with federal, state and applicable foreign regulations, price and other service-related measurements. The Company believes accurate industry data is not available to indicate the Company\u2019s position within its marketplace (in large measure because all of the Company\u2019s direct competitors are privately held), but management believes that MAC and CSA, combined, constitute the largest contract carrier of the type described.\nFedEx conducts periodic audits of MAC and CSA, and these audits are an integral part of the relationship between the carrier and FedEx. The audits test adherence to the dry-lease agreements and assess the carrier\u2019s overall internal control environment, particularly as related to the processing of invoices of FedEx-reimbursable costs. The scope of these audits typically extends beyond simple validation of invoice data against the third-party supporting documentation. The audit teams generally investigate the operator\u2019s processes and internal control procedures. The Company believes satisfactory audit results are critical to maintaining its relationship with FedEx. The audits conducted by FedEx are not designed to provide any assurance with respect to the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements, and investors, in evaluating the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements, should not rely in any way on any such examination of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.\nOn January 31, 2023, the Company acquired WASI, an aircraft repair station that began operating in 1986. WASI is a certified FAA/EASA part 145 repair station (no. OWRF547L) and specializes in medium passenger regional jets, regional/commuter turboprops, cargo and special mission operators. It maintains a fully equipped engine shop with tooling and engine run stands. Services of WASI include inspections, contract maintenance, refurbishment, structural repairs and modifications, avionics, engine service refurbishment and upgrades.\nThe Company\u2019s overnight air cargo operations are not materially seasonal.\nGround\n \nEquipment Sales.\nGGS is located in Olathe, Kansas and manufactures, sells and services aircraft deicers and other specialized equipment sold to domestic and international passenger and cargo airlines, ground handling companies, the United States Air Force (\u201cUSAF\u201d), airports and industrial customers. GGS\u2019s product line includes aircraft deicers, scissor-type lifts, military and civilian decontamination units, flight-line tow tractors, glycol recovery vehicles and other specialized equipment. In the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023, sales of deicing equipment accounted for approximately 85% of GGS\u2019s revenues, compared to 88% in the prior fiscal year.\nGGS designs and engineers its products. Components acquired from third-party suppliers are used in the assembly of its finished products. Components are sourced from a diverse supply chain. The primary components for mobile deicing equipment are the chassis (which is a commercial medium or heavy-duty truck), the fluid storage tank, a boom system, the fluid delivery system and heating equipment. The price of these components is influenced by raw material costs, principally high-strength carbon steels and stainless steel. GGS utilizes continuous improvements and other techniques to improve efficiencies and designs to minimize product price increases to its customers, to respond to regulatory changes, such as emission standards, and to incorporate technological improvements to enhance the efficiency of GGS\u2019s products. Improvements have included the development of single operator mobile deicing units to replace units requiring two operators, a patented premium deicing blend system and a more efficient forced-air deicing system.\nGGS manufactures five basic models of mobile deicing equipment with capacities ranging from 700 to 2,800 gallons. GGS also offers fixed-pedestal-mounted deicers. Each model can be customized as requested by the customer, including single operator configuration, fire suppressant equipment, open basket or enclosed cab design, a patented forced-air deicing nozzle, on-board glycol blending system to substantially reduce glycol usage, and color and style of the exterior finish. GGS also manufactures five models of scissor-lift equipment, for catering, cabin service and maintenance service of aircraft, and has developed a line of decontamination equipment, flight-line tow tractors, glycol recovery vehicles and other special purpose mobile equipment.\n\u00a0\nGGS competes primarily on the basis of the quality and reliability of its products, prompt delivery, service and price. The market for aviation ground service equipment is highly competitive. Certain of GGS' competitors may have substantially greater financial resources than we do. These entities or investors may be able to accept more risk than the Company believes is in our best interest. In addition, the market for aviation ground services in the past has typically been directly related to the financial health of the aviation industry, weather patterns and changes in technology.\nGGS\u2019s mobile deicing equipment business has historically been seasonal, with revenues typically being lower in the fourth and first fiscal quarters as commercial deicers are typically delivered prior to the winter season. The Company has continued its \n6\nefforts to reduce GGS\u2019s seasonal fluctuation in revenues and earnings by broadening its international and domestic customer base and its product line.\nIn October 2021, GGS was awarded a new contract to supply deicing trucks to the USAF. This agreement renewed GGS' original agreement with the USAF entered in July 2009. Per the contract, GGS had to provide annual pricing for each one-year period during the duration of the contract. Further, based upon volume of commercial items purchased during that year, there may be discounts calculated into the pricing and are reflective of the submitted pricing. With all option years expected to be executed by the government, this contract would expire on October 21, 2027.\nGGS sold a total of 14 and 7 deicers under the current contract with the USAF including both GL 1800 and ER 2875 models during fiscal years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and March\u00a031, 2022, respectively and all the units were accepted by the USAF. GGS has already received confirmed orders of 6 deicers for fiscal 2024\u2019s delivery order and currently expects the delivery of both GL 1800 and ER 2875 models to begin in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.\nCommercial Jet Engines\n \nand Parts.\nContrail and Jet Yard (acquired during fiscal year 2017), AirCo (formed in May 2017), Worthington (acquired in May 2018), Jet Yard Solutions (formed in January 2021), Air'Zona (acquired in March 2021), LGSS (formed March 2022), and Crestone Air Partners (\"Crestone\", formed April 2022) comprises the commercial jet engines and parts segment of the Company\u2019s operations. Contrail is a commercial aircraft trading, leasing and parts solutions provider. Its primary focus revolves around the CFM International CFM56-3/-5/-7 engines and the International Aero Engines V2500A5 engine, which power the two most prevalent narrow body, single aisle aircraft that are currently flown commercially\u2014the Boeing 737 Classic / 737 NG and the Airbus A320 family. Contrail acquires commercial aircraft, jet engines and components for the purposes of sale, trading, leasing and disassembly/overhaul. Contrail holds an ASA-100 accreditation from the Aviation Suppliers Association.\nJet Yard and Jet Yard Solutions offer commercial aircraft storage, storage maintenance and aircraft disassembly/part-out services at facilities leased at the Pinal Air Park in Marana, Arizona. The prevailing climate in this area of Arizona provides conditions conducive to long-term storage of aircraft. Jet Yard Solutions is registered to operate a repair station under Part 145 of the regulations of the FAA. Jet Yard leases approximately 48.5 acres of land under a lease agreement with Pinal County, Arizona. Jet Yard was organized in 2014, entered into the lease in June 2016 and had maintained de minimus operations from formation through the date it was acquired by the Company. Effective January 1, 2021, Jet Yard subleased the aforementioned lease with Pinal County to Jet Yard Solutions.\nAirCo operates an established business offering commercial aircraft parts sales, exchanges, procurement services, consignment programs and overhaul and repair services. AirCo Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AirCo (\"AirCo Services\"), holds FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency certifications covering aircraft instrumentation, avionics and a range of electrical accessories for civilian, military transport, regional/commuter and business/commercial jet and turboprop aircraft. Customers of AirCo include airlines and commercial aircraft leasing companies.\n\u00a0\nWorthington Aviation, like AirCo, operates an established business which supplies spare parts, repair programs and aircraft maintenance services to the global aviation community of regional and business aircraft fleets. Worthington offers a globally networked infrastructure and 24/7 support, ensuring fast delivery of spare parts and service, with four locations strategically located in the United States, United Kingdom & Australia. In addition, Worthington operates two FAA and EASA Certificated repair stations. The Tulsa maintenance, repair and overhaul (\"MRO\") facility provides composite aircraft structures, repair and support services. As a strategic resource for flight control, exhaust system and line replacement components, Worthington offers a wide array of services for complex operations. At the Eagan, Minnesota-based Repair Station, Worthington repair services offers a wide range of capabilities for repair and overhaul of airframe, accessories and power plant components in support of external as well as internal sales.\nAir'Zona is a full service Fixed Base Operator, located on field at Kingman Airport (IGM) in Kingman, Arizona that provides aircraft service and maintenance. LGSS delivers landing gear focused asset management and technical and commercial services worldwide. Crestone invests in commercial jet aircraft and engines on behalf of capital partners and provides full-service aviation asset management. The revenues of Air'Zona, LGSS, and Crestone are not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. \nThe Company\u2019s commercial jet engines and parts operations are not materially seasonal.\nBacklog.\nGGS\u2019s backlog consists of \u201cfirm\u201d orders supported by customer purchase orders for the equipment sold by GGS. At March\u00a031, 2023, GGS\u2019s backlog of orders was $13.6\u00a0million, all of which GGS expects to be filled in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. At March\u00a031, 2022, GGS\u2019s backlog of orders was $14.0\u00a0million. Backlog is not meaningful for the Company\u2019s other business segments.\nGovernmental Regulation.\n7\nThe Company and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation by various governmental agencies.\nThe Department of Transportation (\u201cDOT\u201d) has the authority to regulate air service. The DOT has authority to investigate and institute proceedings to enforce its economic regulations, and may, in certain circumstances, assess civil penalties, revoke operating authority and seek criminal sanctions.\nUnder the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001, as amended, the Transportation Security Administration (\u201cTSA\u201d), an agency within the Department of Homeland Security, has responsibility for aviation security. The TSA requires MAC and CSA to comply with a Full All-Cargo Aircraft Operator Standard Security Plan, which contains evolving and strict security requirements. These requirements are not static but change periodically as the result of regulatory and legislative requirements, imposing additional security costs and creating a level of uncertainty for our operations. It is reasonably possible that these rules or other future security requirements could impose material costs on us.\nThe FAA has safety jurisdiction over flight operations generally, including flight equipment, flight and ground personnel training, examination and certification, certain ground facilities, flight equipment maintenance programs and procedures, examination and certification of mechanics, flight routes, air traffic control and communications and other matters. The FAA is concerned with safety and the regulation of flight operations generally, including equipment used, ground facilities, maintenance, communications and other matters. The FAA can suspend or revoke the authority of air carriers or their licensed personnel for failure to comply with its regulations and can ground aircraft if questions arise concerning airworthiness. The FAA also has power to suspend or revoke for cause the certificates it issues and to institute proceedings for imposition and collection of fines for violation of federal aviation regulations. The Company, through its subsidiaries, holds all operating airworthiness and other FAA certificates that are currently required for the conduct of its business, although these certificates may be suspended or revoked for cause. The FAA periodically conducts routine reviews of MAC and CSA\u2019s operating procedures and flight and maintenance records.\nThe FAA has authority under the Noise Control Act of 1972, as amended, to monitor and regulate aircraft engine noise. The aircraft operated by the Company are in compliance with all such regulations promulgated by the FAA. Moreover, because the Company does not operate jet aircraft, noncompliance is not likely. Aircraft operated by us also comply with standards for aircraft exhaust emissions promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (\u201cEPA\u201d) pursuant to the Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended.\nJet Yard, Jet Yard Solutions, AirCo, and WASI, like Worthington, operate repair stations licensed under Part 145 of the regulations of the FAA. These certifications must be renewed annually, or in certain circumstances within 24 months. Certified repair stations are subject to periodic FAA inspection and audit. The repair station may not be relocated without written approval from the FAA.\nBecause of the extensive use of radio and other communication facilities in its aircraft operations, the Company is also subject to the Federal Communications Act of 1934, as amended.\nMaintenance and Insurance.\nThe Company, through its subsidiaries, is required to maintain the aircraft it operates under the appropriate FAA and manufacturer standards and regulations.\nThe Company has secured public liability and property damage insurance in excess of minimum amounts required by the United States Department of Transportation.\nThe Company maintains cargo liability insurance, workers\u2019 compensation insurance and fire and extended coverage insurance for owned and leased facilities and equipment. In addition, the Company maintains product liability insurance with respect to injuries and loss arising from use of products sold and services provided.\nIn March 2014, the Company formed SAIC, a captive insurance company licensed in Utah. SAIC insures risks of the Company and its subsidiaries that were not previously insured by the various Company insurance programs (including the risk of loss of key customers and contacts, administrative actions and regulatory changes); and may from time to time underwrite third-party risk through certain reinsurance arrangements. SAIC is included within the Company's Corporate and other segment.\nEmployees and Human Capital Resources.\nAs of March\u00a031, 2023, the Company and its subsidiaries had 584 full-time and full-time-equivalent employees. None of the employees of the Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries are represented by labor unions. The Company believes its relations with its employees are good.\nWe consider our relationship with our employees to be good. Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and additional employees. As it relates to our employees:\nOversight and Management\n8\nOur executive officers are tasked with leading our organization in managing employment-related matters, including recruiting and hiring, onboarding and training, compensation planning, talent management and development. We are committed to providing team members with the training and resources necessary to continually strengthen their skills. Our executive team is responsible for periodically reviewing team member programs and initiatives, including healthcare and other benefits, as well as our management development and succession planning practices. Management periodically reports to the Board regarding our human capital measures and results that guide how we attract, retain and develop a workforce to enable our business strategies.\nDiversity, Equity and Inclusion\nWe believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success, and we continue to monitor and improve the application of our hiring, retention, compensation and advancement processes for women and underrepresented populations across our workforce, including persons of color, veterans and LGBTQ to enhance our inclusive and diverse culture. We plan to invest in recruiting diverse talent.\nWorkplace Safety and Health\nA vital part of our business is providing our workforce with a safe, healthy and sustainable working environment. We focus on implementing change through workforce observation and feedback channels to recognize risk and continuously improve our processes.\nImportantly during fiscal years 2020 through 2022, our focus on providing a positive work environment on workplace safety have enabled us to preserve business continuity without sacrificing our commitment to keeping our colleagues and workplace visitors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. We took immediate action at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to enact rigorous safety protocols in our facilities by improving sanitation measures, implementing mandatory social distancing, use of facing coverings, reducing on-site workforce through staggered shifts and schedules, remote working where possible, and restricting visitor access to our locations. We believe these actions helped minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce.\nItem 1B.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRisk Factors\nGeneral Business Risks\nMarket fluctuations may affect our operations.\nMarket fluctuations may affect our ability to obtain funds necessary for the operation of our businesses from current lenders or new borrowings. In addition, we may be unable to obtain financing on satisfactory terms, or at all. Third-party reports relating to market studies or demographics we obtained previously also may no longer be accurate or complete. The occurrence of any of the foregoing events or any other related matters could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and the overall value of our assets.\nRising inflation may result in increased costs of operations and negatively impact the credit and securities markets generally, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the market price of our common stock.\nInflation has accelerated in the U.S. and globally due in part to global supply chain issues, the increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, the Ukraine-Russia war, a rise in energy prices, and strong consumer demand. An inflationary environment can increase our cost of labor, as well as our other operating costs, which may have a material adverse impact on our financial results. In addition, economic conditions could impact and reduce the number of customers who purchase our products or services as credit becomes more expensive or unavailable. Although interest rates have increased and may increase further, inflation may continue. Further, increased interest rates could have a negative effect on the securities markets generally which may, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and our ability to sell additional trust preferred securities.\nWe could experience significant increases in operating costs and reduced profitability due to competition for skilled management and staff employees in our operating businesses.\nWe compete with many other organizations for skilled management and staff employees, including organizations that operate in different market sectors than us. Costs to recruit and retain adequate personnel could adversely affect results of operations.\nLegacy technology systems require a unique technical skillset which is becoming scarcer.\nThe Company deploys legacy technology systems in several significant business units. As technology continues to rapidly change, the available pool of individuals technically trained in and able to repair or perform maintenance on these legacy systems shrinks. As this scarcity increases, the Company\u2019s ability to efficiently and quickly repair its legacy systems becomes increasingly difficult, which could have a significant impact on the Company\u2019s day-to-day operations.\nSecurity threats and other sophisticated computer intrusions could harm our information systems, which in turn could harm our business and financial results.\n9\nWe utilize information systems and computer technology throughout our business. We store sensitive data and proprietary information on these systems. Threats to these systems, and the laws and regulations governing security of data, including personal data, on information systems and otherwise held by companies is evolving and adding layers of complexity in the form of new requirements and increasing costs of attempting to protect information systems and data and complying with new cybersecurity regulations. Information systems are subject to numerous and evolving cybersecurity threats and sophisticated computer crimes, which pose a risk to the stability and security of our information systems, computer technology, and business. \nGlobal cybersecurity threats can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information systems and computer technology to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats and ransomware. The techniques used in these attacks change frequently and may be difficult to detect for periods of time and we may face difficulties in anticipating and implementing adequate preventative measures. A failure or breach in security could expose our company as well as our customers and suppliers to risks of misuse of information, compromising confidential information and technology, destruction of data, production disruptions, ransom payments, and other business risks which could damage our reputation, competitive position and financial results of our operations. Further, our technology resources may be strained due to an increase in the number of remote users. In addition, defending ourselves against these threats may increase costs or slow operational efficiencies of our business. If any of the foregoing were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\nWe sustained a cybersecurity attack in May 2022 involving ransomware that caused a network disruption and impacted certain of our systems. Upon detection, we undertook steps to address the incident, including engaging a team of third-party forensic experts and notifying law enforcement. We restored network systems and resumed normal operations. We have taken actions to improve our existing systems such as adding multi-factor authentication and to improve employee training and security competency. While we do not believe this event or resultant actions will have a material adverse effect on our business, this or similar incidents, or any other such breach of our data security infrastructure could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nAlthough we maintain cybersecurity liability insurance, our insurance may not cover potential claims of these types or may not be adequate to indemnify us for any liability that may be imposed. Any imposition of liability or litigation costs that are not covered by insurance could harm our business.\nWe may not be able to insure certain risks adequately or economically.\nWe cannot be certain that we will be able to insure all risks that we desire to insure economically or that all of our insurers or reinsurers will be financially viable if we make a claim. If an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits should occur, or if we are required to pay a deductible for an insured loss, results of operations could be adversely affected.\nLegal liability may harm our business.\nMany aspects of our businesses involve substantial risks of liability, and, in the normal course of business, we have been named as a defendant or co-defendant in lawsuits involving primarily claims for damages. The risks associated with potential legal liabilities often may be difficult to assess or quantify and their existence and magnitude often remain unknown for substantial periods of time. The expansion of our businesses, including expansions into new products or markets, impose greater risks of liability. In addition, unauthorized or illegal acts of our employees could result in substantial liability. Substantial legal liability could have a material adverse financial effect or cause us significant reputational harm, which in turn could seriously harm our businesses and our prospects. Although our current assessment is that there is no pending litigation that could have a significant adverse impact, if our assessment proves to be in error, then the outcome of such litigation could have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.\nOur business might suffer if we were to lose the services of certain key employees.\nOur business operations depend upon our key employees, including our executive officers. Loss of any of these employees, particularly our Chief Executive Officer, could have a material adverse effect on our businesses as our key employees have knowledge of our businesses, the industries they operate in and customers that would be difficult to replace.\nOur business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by global public health issues or similar events.\nDuring the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021 and 2022, and to a lesser extent during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Company\u2019s operations were impacted by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Company has had to navigate the impact it had on employees, supply chains and the economy in general and the aviation industry in particular. The Company is unable at this time to predict the impact that a global health crisis or similar event would have on its businesses, financial position and operating results in future periods due to numerous uncertainties. \nA pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of a contagious disease in the markets in which we operate or that otherwise impacts our centers could adversely impact our business.\nIf a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, including new COVID-19 variants, or other public health crisis were to affect the areas in which we operate, our business, including our revenue, profitability and cash flows, could be \n10\nadversely affected. Further, a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease might adversely impact our business by causing temporary shutdowns of our businesses or by causing staffing shortages. We may be unable to locate replacement supplies, and ongoing delays could require us to reduce business operations. Although we have disaster plans in place, the extent to which new COVID-19 variants or other public health crisis will impact our business is difficult to predict and will depend on many factors beyond our control, including the speed of contagion, the development and implementation of effective preventative measures and possible treatments, the scope of governmental and other restrictions on travel and other activity, and public reactions to these factors.\nRisks Related to Our Segment Operations\nThe operating results of our four segments may fluctuate, particularly our commercial jet engine and parts segment.\nThe operating results of our four segments have varied from period to period and comparisons to results for preceding periods may not be meaningful. Due to a number of factors, including the risks described in this section, our operating results may fluctuate. These fluctuations may also be caused by, among other things:\na.\nthe economic health of the economy and the aviation industry in general;\nb.\nFedEx\u2019s demand for the use of the services of our Air Cargo segment; \nc.\nthe timing and number of purchases and sales of engines or aircraft;\nd.\nthe timing and amount of maintenance reserve revenues recorded resulting from the termination of long term leases, for which significant amounts of maintenance reserves may have accumulated;\ne.\nthe termination or announced termination of production of particular aircraft and engine types;\nf.\nthe retirement or announced retirement of particular aircraft models by aircraft operators;\ng.\nthe operating history of any particular engine, aircraft or engine or aircraft model;\nh.\nthe length of our operating leases; and\ni.\nthe timing of necessary overhauls of engines and aircraft.\nThese risks may reduce our operating segment\u2019s results including particularly our commercial jet engines and parts segment. These risks may reduce the commercial jet engines and parts segment\u2019s engine utilization rates, lease margins, maintenance reserve revenues and proceeds from engine sales, and result in higher legal, technical, maintenance, storage and insurance costs related to repossession and the cost of engines being off-lease. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the availability of engines for lease or sale periodically experiences cycles of oversupply and undersupply of given engine models and generally. The incidence of an oversupply of engines may produce substantial decreases in engine lease rates and the appraised and resale value of engines and may increase the time and costs incurred to lease or sell engines. We anticipate that supply fluctuations from period to period will continue in the future. As a result, comparisons to results from preceding periods may not be meaningful and results of prior periods should not be relied upon as an indication of our future performance.\nOur Air Cargo Segment is dependent on a significant customer.\nOur Air Cargo business is significantly dependent on a contractual relationship with FedEx Corporation (\u201c\nFedEx\n\u201d), the loss of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, 36% of our consolidated operating revenues, and 98% of the operating revenues for our overnight air cargo segment, arose from services we provided to FedEx. While FedEx has been our customer since 1980 under similar terms, our current agreements may be terminated by FedEx upon 90 days\u2019 written notice and FedEx may at any time terminate the lease of any particular aircraft thereunder upon 10 days\u2019 written notice. In addition, FedEx may terminate the dry-lease agreement with MAC or CSA upon written notice if 60% or more of MAC or CSA\u2019s revenue (excluding revenues arising from reimbursement payments under the dry-lease agreement) is derived from the services performed by it pursuant to the respective dry-lease agreement, FedEx becomes its only customer, or either MAC or CSA employs less than six employees. As of the date of issuance of this report, FedEx would be permitted to terminate each of the dry-lease agreements under this provision. The loss of these contracts with FedEx would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.\nOur dry-lease agreements with FedEx subject us to operating risks.\nOur dry-lease agreements with FedEx provide for the lease of specified aircraft by us in return for the payment of monthly rent with respect to each aircraft leased. The dry-lease agreements provide for the reimbursement by FedEx of our costs, without mark up, incurred in connection with the operation of the leased aircraft for the following: fuel, landing fees, third-party maintenance, parts and certain other direct operating costs. Under the dry-lease agreements, certain operational costs incurred by us in operating the aircraft are not reimbursed by FedEx at cost, and such operational costs are borne solely by us. An increase in unreimbursed operational costs would negatively affect our results of operations.\nBecause of our dependence on FedEx, we are subject to the risks that may affect FedEx\u2019s operations.\nBecause of our dependence on FedEx, we are subject to the risks that may affect FedEx\u2019s operations. These risks are discussed in FedEx\u2019s periodic reports filed with the SEC including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2022. These risks include but are not limited to the following:\n\u2022\nEconomic conditions and anti-trade measures/trade policies and relations in the global markets in which it operates;\n\u2022\nAdditional changes in international trade policies and relations could significantly reduce the volume of goods transported globally and adversely affect its business and results of operations.\n\u2022\nThe price and availability of fuel.\n11\n\u2022\nDependence on its strong reputation and value of its brand;\n\u2022\nPotential disruption to operations resulting from a significant data breach or other disruption to FedEx\u2019s technology infrastructure;\n\u2022\nThe continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;\n\u2022\nThe impact of being self-insured for certain costs;\n\u2022\nThe transportation infrastructure continues to be a target for terrorist activities; \n\u2022\nFailure to successfully implement its business strategy and effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences.\n\u2022\nAny inability to execute and effectively operate, integrate, leverage and grow acquired businesses and realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic alliances;\n\u2022\nFedEx's ability to manage capital and its assets, including aircraft, to match shifting and future shipping volumes;\n\u2022\nIntense competition; \n\u2022\nIts autonomous delivery strategy is dependent upon the ability to successfully mitigate unique technological, operational and regulatory risks. \n\u2022\nThe failure to successfully implement its business strategy and effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences;\n\u2022\nFailure to attract and maintain employee talent or maintain company culture, as well as increases in labor and purchased transportation cost;\n\u2022\nLabor organizations attempt to organize groups of our employees from time to time, and potential changes in labor laws could make it easier for them to do so.\n\u2022\nFedEx Ground relies on service providers to conduct its linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations, and the status of these service providers as direct employers of drivers providing these services is being challenged.\n\u2022\nDisruptions, modifications in service or changes in the business or financial soundness of the United States Postal Service, a significant customer and vendor of FedEx;\n\u2022\nThe impact of proposed pilot flight and duty time regulations;\n\u2022\nIncreasing costs, the volatility of costs and funding requirements and other legal mandates for employee benefits, especially pension and healthcare benefits;\n\u2022\nThe impact of global climate change or by legal, regulatory or market responses to such change;\n\u2022\nPotentially being unable to achieve our goal of carbon neutrality for its global operations by calendar 2040;\n\u2022\nAny inability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster or disturbance in a key geography;\n\u2022\nEvolving Government regulation and enforcement;\n\u2022\nAny adverse changes in regulations and interpretations or challenges to its tax positions;\n\u2022\nComplex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding data protection; \n\u2022\nThe regulatory environment for global aviation or other transportation rights;\n\u2022\nOther risks and uncertainties, including:\n\u25aa\nwidespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis;\n\u25aa\nthe increasing costs of compliance with federal, state and foreign governmental agency mandates (including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act) and defending against inappropriate or unjustified enforcement or other actions by such agencies;\n\u25aa\nchanges in foreign currency exchange rates, especially in the euro, Chinese yuan, British pound, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Mexican peso, Japanese yen and Brazilian real, which can affect our sales levels and foreign currency sales prices;\n\u25aa\nany liability resulting from and the costs of defending against class-action, derivative and other litigation, such as wage-and-hour, joint employment, securities and discrimination and retaliation claims, and any other legal or governmental proceedings;\n\u25aa\nthe impact of technology developments on our operations and on demand for our services, and our ability to continue to identify and eliminate unnecessary information-technology redundancy and complexity throughout the organization;\n\u25aa\ngovernmental underinvestment in transportation infrastructure, which could increase our costs and adversely impact our service levels due to traffic congestion, prolonged closure of key thoroughfares or sub-optimal routing of our vehicles and aircraft;\n\u25aa\ndisruptions in global supply chains, which can limit the access of FedEx and our service providers to vehicles and other key capital resources and increase our costs;\n\u25aa\nstockholder activism, which could divert the attention of management and our board of directors from our business, hinder execution of our business strategy, give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future and cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly; and,\n\u25aa\nconstraints, volatility or disruption in the capital markets, our ability to maintain our current credit ratings, commercial paper ratings, and senior unsecured debt and pass-through certificate credit ratings, and our ability to meet credit agreement financial covenants.\nA material reduction in the aircraft we fly for FedEx could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nUnder our agreements with FedEx, we are not guaranteed a number of aircraft or routes we are to fly and FedEx may reduce the number of aircraft we lease and operate upon 10 days\u2019 written notice. Our compensation under these agreements, including our administrative fees, depends on the number of aircraft leased to us by FedEx. Any material permanent reduction in the aircraft we operate could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations. A temporary reduction in any period could materially adversely affect our results of operations for that period. \n12\nSales of deicing equipment can be affected by weather conditions.\nOur ground equipment sales segment\u2019s deicing equipment is used to deice commercial and military aircraft. The extent of deicing activity depends on the severity of winter weather. Mild winter weather conditions permit airports to use fewer deicing units, since less time is required to deice aircraft in mild weather conditions. As a result, airports may be able to extend the useful lives of their existing units, reducing the demand for new units.\nWe are affected by the risks faced by commercial aircraft operators and MRO companies because they are our customers.\nCommercial aircraft operators are engaged in economically sensitive, highly cyclical and competitive businesses. We are a supplier to commercial aircraft operators and MROs. As a result, we are indirectly affected by all of the risks facing commercial aircraft operators and MROs, with such risks being largely beyond our control. Our results of operations depend, in part, on the financial strength of our customers and our customers\u2019 ability to compete effectively in the marketplace and manage their risks. \nOur engine values and lease rates, which are dependent on the status of the types of aircraft on which engines are installed, and other factors, could decline.\nThe value of a particular model of engine depends heavily on the types of aircraft on which it may be installed and the available supply of such engines. Values of engines generally tend to be relatively stable so long as there is sufficient demand for the host aircraft. However, the value of an engine may begin to decline rapidly once the host aircraft begins to be retired from service and/or used for spare parts in significant numbers. Certain types of engines may be used in significant numbers by commercial aircraft operators that are currently experiencing financial difficulties. If such operators were to go into liquidation or similar proceedings, the resulting over-supply of engines from these operators could have an adverse effect on the demand for the affected engine types and the values of such engines.\nUpon termination of a lease, we may be unable to enter into new leases or sell the airframe, engine or its parts on acceptable terms.\nWe directly or indirectly own the engines or aircraft that we lease to customers and bear the risk of not recovering our entire investment through leasing and selling the engines or aircraft. Upon termination of a lease, we seek to enter a new lease or to sell or part-out the engine or aircraft. We also selectively sell engines on an opportunistic basis. We cannot give assurance that we will be able to find, in a timely manner, a lessee or a buyer for our engines or aircraft coming off-lease or for their associated parts. If we do find a lessee, we may not be able to obtain satisfactory lease rates and terms (including maintenance and redelivery conditions), and we cannot guarantee that the creditworthiness of any future lessee will be equal to or better than that of the existing lessees of our engines. Because the terms of engine leases may be less than 12 months, we may frequently need to remarket engines. We face the risk that we may not be able to keep our engines on lease consistently.\nFailures by lessees to meet their maintenance and recordkeeping obligations under our leases could adversely affect the value of our leased engines and aircraft which could affect our ability to re-lease the engines and aircraft in a timely manner following termination of the leases.\nThe value and income producing potential of an engine or aircraft depends heavily on it being maintained in accordance with an approved maintenance system and complying with all applicable governmental directives and manufacturer requirements. In addition, for an engine or aircraft to be available for service, all records, logs, licenses and documentation relating to maintenance and operations of the engine or aircraft must be maintained in accordance with governmental and manufacturer specifications. Under our leases, our lessees are primarily responsible for maintaining our aircraft and engines and complying with all governmental requirements applicable to the lessee and the aircraft and engines, including operational, maintenance, government agency oversight, registration requirements and airworthiness directives. However, over time, certain lessees have experienced, and may experience in the future, difficulties in meeting their maintenance and recordkeeping obligations as specified by the terms of our leases. Failure by our lessees to maintain our assets in accordance with requirements could negatively affect the value and desirability of our assets and expose us to increased maintenance costs that may not be sufficiently covered by supplemental maintenance rents paid by such lessees.\nOur ability to determine the condition of the engines or aircraft and whether the lessees are properly maintaining our assets is generally limited to the lessees\u2019 reporting of monthly usage and any maintenance performed, confirmed by periodic inspections performed by us and third-parties. A lessee\u2019s failure to meet its maintenance or recordkeeping obligations under a lease could result in:\na.\na grounding of the related engine or aircraft;\nb.\na repossession that would likely cause us to incur additional and potentially substantial expenditures in restoring the engine or aircraft to an acceptable maintenance condition;\nc.\na need to incur additional costs and devote resources to recreate the records prior to the sale or lease of the engine or aircraft;\nd.\na decline in the market value of the aircraft or engine resulting in lower revenues upon a subsequent lease or sale; \ne.\nloss of lease revenue while we perform refurbishments or repairs and recreate records; and\nf.\na lower lease rate and/or shorter lease term under a new lease entered into by us following repossession of the engine or aircraft.\nAny of these events may adversely affect the value of the engine, unless and until remedied, and reduce our revenues and increase our expenses. If an engine is damaged during a lease and we are unable to recover from the lessee or though insurance, we may incur a loss.\n13\nWe may experience losses and delays in connection with repossession of engines or aircraft when a lessee defaults.\nWe may not be able to repossess an engine or aircraft when the lessee defaults, and even if we are able to repossess the engine or aircraft, we may have to expend significant funds in the repossession, remarketing and leasing of the asset. When a lessee defaults and such default is not cured in a timely manner, we typically seek to terminate the lease and repossess the engine or aircraft. If a defaulting lessee contests the termination and repossession or is under court protection, enforcement of our rights under the lease may be difficult, expensive and time-consuming. We may not realize any practical benefits from our legal rights and we may need to obtain consents to export the engine or aircraft. As a result, the relevant asset may be off-lease or not producing revenue for a prolonged period of time. In addition, we will incur direct costs associated with repossessing our engine or aircraft, including, but not limited to, legal and similar costs, the direct costs of transporting, storing and insuring the engine or aircraft, and costs associated with necessary maintenance and recordkeeping to make the asset available for lease or sale. During this time, we will realize no revenue from the leased engine or aircraft, and we will continue to be obligated to pay any debt financing associated with the asset. If an engine is installed on an airframe, the airframe may be owned by an aircraft lessor or other third party. Our ability to recover engines installed on airframes may depend on the cooperation of the airframe owner.\nOur commercial jet engine and parts segment and its customers operate in a highly regulated industry and changes in laws or regulations may adversely affect our ability to lease or sell our engines or aircraft.\nCertain of the laws and regulations applicable to our business, include:\nLicenses and consents\n. A number of our leases require specific governmental or regulatory licenses, consents or approvals. These include consents for certain payments under the leases and for the export, import or re-export of our engines or aircraft. Consents needed in connection with future leasing or sale of our engines or aircraft may not be received timely or have economically feasible terms. Any of these events could adversely affect our ability to lease or sell engines or aircraft.\nExport/import regulations\n. The U.S. Department of Commerce (the \u201c\nCommerce Department\n\u201d) regulates exports. We are subject to the Commerce Department\u2019s and the U.S. Department of State\u2019s regulations with respect to the lease and sale of engines and aircraft to foreign entities and the export of related parts. These Departments may, in some cases, require us to obtain export licenses for engines exported to foreign countries. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, enforces regulations related to the import of engines and aircraft into the United States for maintenance or lease and imports of parts for installation on our engines and aircraft.\nRestriction Lists\n. We are prohibited from doing business with persons designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control (\u201c\nOFAC\n\u201d) on its \u201cSpecially Designated Nationals List,\u201d and must monitor our operations and existing and potential lessees and other counterparties for compliance with OFAC\u2019s rules. Similarly, sanctions issued by the United Nations, the U.S. government, the European Union or other foreign governments could prohibit or restrict us from doing business in certain countries or with certain persons. As a result, we must monitor our operations and existing and potential lessees and other counterparties for compliance with such sanctions.\nAnti-corruption Laws.\n As a U.S. corporation with international operations, we are required to comply with a number of U.S. and international laws and regulations which combat corruption. For example, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the \u201c\nFCPA\n\u201d) and similar world-wide anti-bribery laws generally prohibit improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of influencing any official act or decision or securing any improper advantage. The scope and enforcement of such anti-corruption laws and regulations may vary. Although our policies expressly mandate compliance with the FCPA and similarly applicable laws, there can be no assurance that none of our employees or agents will take any action in violation of our policies. Violations of such laws or regulations could result in substantial civil or criminal fines or penalties. Actual or alleged violations could also damage our reputation, be expensive to defend, and impair our ability to do business.\nCivil aviation regulation\n. Users of engines and aircraft are subject to general civil aviation authorities, including the FAA and the EASA, who regulate the maintenance of engines and issue airworthiness directives. Airworthiness directives typically set forth special maintenance actions or modifications to certain engine and aircraft types or a series of specific engines that must be implemented for the engine or aircraft to remain in service. Also, airworthiness directives may require the lessee to make more frequent inspections of an engine, aircraft or particular engine parts. Each lessee of an engine or aircraft generally is responsible for complying with all airworthiness directives. However, if the engine or aircraft is off lease, we may be forced to bear the cost of compliance with such airworthiness directives. Additionally, even if the engine or aircraft is leased, subject to the terms of the lease, if any, we may still be forced to share the cost of compliance.\nOur aircraft, engines and parts could cause damage resulting in liability claims. \nOur aircraft, engines or parts could cause bodily injury or property damage, exposing us to liability claims. Our leases require our lessees to indemnify us against these claims and to carry insurance customary in the air transportation industry, including general liability and property insurance at agreed upon levels. However, we cannot guarantee that one or more catastrophic events will not exceed insurance coverage limits or that lessees\u2019 insurance will cover all claims that may be asserted against us. Any insurance coverage deficiency or default by lessees under their indemnification or insurance obligations may reduce our recovery of losses upon an event of loss.\nWe have risks in managing our portfolio of aircraft and engines to meet customer needs.\n14\nThe relatively long life cycles of aircraft and jet engines can be shortened by world events, government regulation or customer preferences. We seek to manage these risks by trying to anticipate demand for particular engine and aircraft types, maintaining a portfolio mix of engines that we believe is diversified, has long-term value and will be sought by lessees in the global market for jet engines, and by selling engines and aircraft that we expect will not experience obsolescence or declining usefulness in the foreseeable future. There is no assurance that the engine and aircraft types owned or acquired by us will meet customer demand.\nLiens on our engines or aircraft could exceed the value of such assets, which could negatively affect our ability to repossess, lease or sell a particular engine or aircraft.\nLiens that secure the payment of repairers\u2019 charges or other liens may, depending on the jurisdiction, attach to engines and aircraft. Engines also may be installed on airframes to which liens unrelated to the engines have attached. These liens may secure substantial sums that may, in certain jurisdictions or for certain types of liens, exceed the value of the particular engine or aircraft to which the liens have attached. In some jurisdictions, a lien may give the holder the right to detain or, in limited cases, sell or cause the forfeiture of the engine or aircraft. Such liens may have priority over our interest as well as our creditors\u2019 interest in the engines or aircraft. These liens and lien holders could impair our ability to repossess and lease or sell the engines or aircraft. We cannot give assurance that our lessees will comply with their obligations to discharge third-party liens on our assets. If they do not, we may, in the future, find it necessary to pay the claims secured by such liens to repossess such assets.\nIn certain countries, an engine affixed to an aircraft may become an addition to the aircraft and we may not be able to exercise our ownership rights over the engine. \nIn certain jurisdictions, an engine affixed to an aircraft may become an addition to the aircraft such that the ownership rights of the owner of the aircraft supersede the ownership rights of the owner of the engine. If an aircraft is security for the owner\u2019s obligations to a third-party, the security interest in the aircraft may supersede our rights as owner of the engine. Such a security interest could limit our ability to repossess an engine located in such a jurisdiction in the event of a lessee bankruptcy or lease default. We may suffer a loss if we are not able to repossess engines leased to lessees in these jurisdictions.\nHigher or volatile fuel prices could affect the profitability of the aviation industry and our lessees\u2019 ability to meet their lease payment obligations to us. \nHistorically, fuel prices have fluctuated widely depending primarily on international market conditions, geopolitical and environmental factors and events and currency exchange rates. Natural and other disasters can also significantly affect fuel availability and prices. The cost of fuel represents a major expense to airlines that is not within their control, and significant increases in fuel costs or hedges that inaccurately assess the direction of fuel costs can materially and adversely affect their operating results. Due to the competitive nature of the aviation industry, operators may be unable to pass on increases in fuel prices to their customers by increasing fares in a manner that fully offsets the increased fuel costs they may incur. In addition, they may not be able to manage this risk by appropriately hedging their exposure to fuel price fluctuations. The profitability and liquidity of those airlines that do hedge their fuel costs can also be adversely affected by swift movements in fuel prices if such airlines are required to post cash collateral under hedge agreements. Therefore, if for any reason fuel prices return to historically high levels or show significant volatility, our lessees are likely to incur higher costs or generate lower revenues, which may affect their ability to meet their obligations to us.\nInterruptions in the capital markets could impair our lessees\u2019 ability to finance their operations, which could prevent the lessees from complying with payment obligations to us. \nThe global financial markets can be highly volatile and the availability of credit from financial markets and financial institutions can vary substantially depending on developments in the global financial markets. Our lessees depend on banks and the capital markets to provide working capital and to refinance existing indebtedness. To the extent such funding is unavailable, or available only on unfavorable terms, and to the extent financial markets do not provide equity financing as an alternative, our lessees\u2019 operations and operating results may be materially and adversely affected and they may not comply with their respective payment obligations to us.\nOur lessees may fail to adequately insure our aircraft or engines which could subject us to additional costs. \nWhile an aircraft or engine is on lease, we do not directly control its operation. Nevertheless, because we hold title to the aircraft or engine, we could, in certain jurisdictions, be held liable for losses resulting from its operation. At a minimum, we may be required to expend resources in our defense. We require our lessees to obtain specified levels of insurance and indemnify us for, and insure against, such operational liabilities. However, some lessees may fail to maintain adequate insurance coverage during a lease term, which, although constituting a breach of the lease, would require us to take some corrective action, such as terminating the lease or securing insurance for the aircraft or engines. Therefore, our lessees\u2019 insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all claims that could be asserted against us arising from the operation of our aircraft or engines. Inadequate insurance coverage or default by lessees in fulfilling their indemnification or insurance obligations to us will reduce the insurance proceeds that we would otherwise be entitled to receive in the event we are sued and are required to make payments to claimants. Moreover, our lessees\u2019 insurance coverage is dependent on the financial condition of insurance companies and their ability to pay claims. A reduction in insurance proceeds otherwise payable to us as a result of any of these factors could materially and adversely affect our financial results.\nIf our lessees fail to cooperate in returning our aircraft or engines following lease terminations, we may encounter obstacles and are likely to incur significant costs and expenses conducting repossessions. \n15\nOur legal rights and the relative difficulty of repossession vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction in which an aircraft or engines are located. We may need to obtain a court order or consents for de-registration or re-export, a process that can differ substantially from county to country. When a defaulting lessee is in bankruptcy, protective administration, insolvency or similar proceedings, additional limitations may also apply. For example, certain jurisdictions give rights to the trustee in bankruptcy or a similar officer to assume or reject the lease, to assign it to a third party, or to entitle the lessee or another third party to retain possession of the aircraft or engines without paying lease rentals or performing all or some of the obligations under the relevant lease. Certain of our lessees are partially or wholly owned by government-related entities, which can further complicate our efforts to repossess our aircraft or engines in that government\u2019s jurisdiction. If we encounter any of these difficulties, we may be delayed in, or prevented from, enforcing certain of our rights under a lease and in re-leasing the affected aircraft or engines.\nWhen conducting a repossession, we are likely to incur significant costs and expenses that are unlikely to be recouped. These include legal and other expenses related to legal proceedings, including the cost of posting security bonds or letters of credit necessary to effect repossession of the aircraft or engines, particularly if the lessee is contesting the proceedings or is in bankruptcy. We must absorb the cost of lost revenue for the time the aircraft or engines are off-lease. We may incur substantial maintenance, refurbishment or repair costs that a defaulting lessee has failed to pay and are necessary to put the aircraft or engines in suitable condition for re-lease or sale. We may also incur significant costs in retrieving or recreating aircraft records required for registration of the aircraft and in obtaining the certificate of airworthiness for an aircraft. It may be necessary to pay to discharge liens or pay taxes and other governmental charges on the aircraft to obtain clear possession and to remarket the aircraft effectively, including, in some cases, liens that the lessee may have incurred in connection with the operation of its other aircraft. We may also incur other costs in connection with the physical possession of the aircraft or engines.\nIf our lessees fail to discharge aircraft liens for which they are responsible, we may be obligated to pay to discharge the liens. \nIn the normal course of their businesses, our lessees are likely to incur aircraft and engine liens that secure the payment of airport fees and taxes, custom duties, Eurocontrol and other air navigation charges, landing charges, crew wages, and other liens that may attach to our aircraft. Aircraft may also be subject to mechanic\u2019s liens as a result of routine maintenance performed by third parties on behalf of our customers. Some of these liens can secure substantial sums, and if they attach to entire fleets of aircraft, as permitted for certain kinds of liens, they may exceed the value of the aircraft itself. Although the financial obligations relating to these liens are the contractual responsibility of our lessees, if they fail to fulfill their obligations, the liens may ultimately become our financial responsibility. Until they are discharged, these liens could impair our ability to repossess, re-lease or sell our aircraft or engines. In some jurisdictions, aircraft and engine liens may give the holder thereof the right to detain or, in limited cases, sell or cause the forfeiture of the aircraft. If we are obliged to pay a large amount to discharge a lien, or if we are unable take possession of our aircraft subject to a lien in a timely and cost-effective manner, it could materially and adversely affect our financial results.\nIf our lessees encounter financial difficulties and we restructure or terminate our leases, we are likely to obtain less favorable lease terms. \nIf a lessee delays, reduces, or fails to make rental payments when due, or has advised us that it will do so in the future, we may elect or be required to restructure or terminate the lease. A restructured lease will likely contain terms that are less favorable to us. If we are unable to agree on a restructuring and we terminate the lease, we may not receive all or any payments still outstanding, and we may be unable to re-lease the aircraft or engines promptly and at favorable rates, if at all.\nWithdrawal, suspension or revocation of governmental authorizations or approvals could negatively affect our business.\nWe are subject to governmental regulation and our failure to comply with these regulations could cause the government to withdraw or revoke our authorizations and approvals to do business and could subject us to penalties and sanctions that could harm our business. Governmental agencies throughout the world, including the FAA, highly regulate the manufacture, repair and operation of aircraft operated in the United States and equivalent regulatory agencies in other countries, such as the EASA in Europe, regulate aircraft operated in those countries. With the aircraft, engines and related parts that we purchase, lease and sell to our customers, we include documentation certifying that each part complies with applicable regulatory requirements and meets applicable standards of airworthiness established by the FAA or the equivalent regulatory agencies in other countries. Specific regulations vary from country to country, although regulatory requirements in other countries are generally satisfied by compliance with FAA requirements. With respect to a particular engine or engine component, we utilize FAA and/or EASA certified repair stations to repair and certify engines and components to ensure marketability. The revocation or suspension of any of our material authorizations or approvals would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. New and more stringent government regulations, if enacted, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, certain product sales to foreign countries require approval or licensing from the U.S. government. Denial of export licenses could reduce our sales to those countries and could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nRisks Related to Our Structure and Financing/Liquidity Risks\nOur holding company structure may increase risks related to our operations.\nOur business, financial condition and results of operations are dependent upon those of our individual businesses, and our aggregate investment in particular industries. We are a holding company with investments in businesses and assets in a number of industries. Our business, financial condition and results of operations are dependent upon our various businesses and investments and their management teams. Each of our businesses generally operate independently and in a decentralized manner. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business we guarantee the obligations of entities that we manage and/or invest \n16\nin. Any material adverse change in one of our businesses, investments or management teams, or in a particular industry in which we operate or invest, may cause material adverse changes to our business, financial condition and results of operations. The more capital we devote to a particular investment or industry may increase the risk that such investment could significantly impact our financial condition and results of operations, possibly in a material adverse way.\nA small number of stockholders has the ability to control the Company.\nWe have a very concentrated stockholder base. As of March 31, 2023, our three largest stockholders beneficially owned or had the ability to direct the voting of shares of our common stock representing approximately 65% of the outstanding shares. As a result, these stockholders have the power to determine the outcome of substantially all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of our board of directors. In addition, future sales by these stockholders of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the potential for such sales, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our securities.\nAlthough we do not expect to rely on the \u201ccontrolled company\u201d exemption, we may soon become a \u201ccontrolled company\u201d within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards, and we would qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. \nA \u201ccontrolled company,\u201d as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards, is a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, a group or another company. Controlled companies are not required to comply with certain Nasdaq listing standards relating to corporate governance, including:\n\u2022\nthe requirement that a majority of its board of directors consist of independent directors;\n\u2022\nthe requirement that its nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee\u2019s purpose and responsibilities; and\n\u2022\nthe requirement that its compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee\u2019s purpose and responsibilities.\nAs of May 4, 2023, Nicolas Swenson, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, beneficially owned an aggregate of 1,340,799 shares of our common stock, which represents 47.84% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. Our President, CEO/Chairman could soon own a majority of the voting power for the election of our directors, and thus we would meet the definition of a \u201ccontrolled company.\u201d As a result, these requirements would not apply to us as long as we remain a \u201ccontrolled company.\u201d\nAlthough we may soon qualify as a \u201ccontrolled company,\u201d we currently do not, and we do not expect to, rely on this exemption and we currently comply with, and we expect to continue to comply with, all relevant corporate governance requirements under the Nasdaq listing standards. However, if we were to utilize some or all of these exemptions, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq listing standards that relate to corporate governance.\nAn increase in interest rates or in our borrowing margin would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could reduce our cash flow and negatively affect the results of our business operations.\nA portion of our outstanding debt bears interest at floating rates. As a result, to the extent we have not hedged against rising interest rates, an increase in the applicable benchmark interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows. In addition, if we refinance our indebtedness or it matures and interest rates or our borrowing margins increase between the time an existing financing arrangement was consummated and the time such financing arrangement is refinanced or matures, the cost of servicing our debt would increase and our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.\nOur inability to maintain sufficient liquidity could limit our operational flexibility and also impact our ability to make payments on our obligations as they come due.\nIn addition to being capital intensive and highly leveraged, our aircraft and engine business requires that we maintain sufficient liquidity to enable us to contribute the non-financed portion of engine and aircraft purchases as well as to service our payment obligations to our creditors as they become due, despite the fact that the timing and amounts of our revenues do not match the timing under our debt service obligations. Our restricted cash is unavailable for general corporate purposes. Accordingly, our ability to successfully execute our business strategy and maintain our operations depends on our ability to continue to maintain sufficient liquidity, cash and available credit under our credit facilities. Our liquidity could be adversely impacted if we are subjected to one or more of the following:\n\u2022\na significant decline in revenues,\n\u2022\na material increase in interest expense that is not matched by a corresponding increase in revenues,\n\u2022\na significant increase in operating expenses, \n\u2022\na reduction in our available credit under our credit facilities, or\n\u2022\ngeneral economic or national events. \nIf we do not maintain sufficient liquidity, our ability to meet our payment obligations to creditors or to borrow additional funds could become impaired.\nFuture cash flows from operations or through financings may not be sufficient to enable the Company to meet its obligations.\n17\nFuture cash flow of the Company\u2019s operations can fluctuate significantly. If future cash flows are not sufficient to permit the Company to meet its obligations, this would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company, its businesses, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, credit market volatility may affect our ability to refinance our existing debt, borrow funds under our existing lines of credit or incur additional debt. There can be no assurance that the Company or its subsidiaries will continue to have access to their lines of credit if their financial performance does not satisfy the financial covenants set forth in the applicable financing agreements. If the Company or its subsidiaries do not meet certain of its financial covenants, and if they are unable to secure necessary waivers or other amendments from the respective lenders on terms acceptable to management and to renew or replace financing arrangements that mature during the current fiscal year, their ability to access available lines of credit could be limited, their debt obligations could be accelerated by the respective lenders and liquidity could be adversely affected.\nThe Company and/or its subsidiaries may be required to seek additional or alternative financing sources if the Company\u2019s or its subsidiaries\u2019 cash needs are significantly greater than anticipated or they do not materially meet their business plans, or there are unanticipated downturns in the markets for the Company\u2019s and its subsidiaries\u2019 products and services. Future disruption and volatility in credit market conditions could have a material adverse impact on the Company\u2019s ability, or that of its subsidiaries, to refinance debt when it comes due on terms similar to our current credit facilities, to draw upon existing lines of credit or to incur additional debt if needed. There can be no assurance therefore that such financing will be available or available on acceptable terms. The inability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or through financings or disruptions in the credit markets could impair the Company\u2019s or its subsidiaries\u2019 liquidity and would likely have a material adverse effect on their businesses, financial condition and results of operations.\nA large proportion of our capital is invested in physical assets and securities that can be hard to sell, especially if market conditions are poor. \nBecause our investment strategy can involve public company securities, we may be restricted in our ability to effect sales during certain time periods. A lack of liquidity could limit our ability to vary our portfolio or assets promptly in response to changing economic or investment conditions. Additionally, if financial or operating difficulties of other competitors result in distress sales, such sales could depress asset values in the markets in which we operate. The restrictions inherent in owning physical assets could reduce our ability to respond to changes in market conditions and could adversely affect the performance of our investments, our financial condition and results of operations. Because there is significant uncertainty in the valuation of, or in the stability of the value of illiquid or non-public investments, the fair values of such investments do not necessarily reflect the prices that would actually be obtained when such investments are realized. \nTo service our debt and meet our other cash needs, we will require a significant amount of cash, which may not be available. \nOur ability to make payments on, or repay or refinance, our debt, will depend largely upon our future operating performance. Our future performance, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. In addition, our ability to borrow funds in the future to make payments on our debt will depend on our maintaining specified financial ratios and satisfying financial condition tests and other covenants in the agreements governing our debt. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations and future borrowings may not be available in amounts sufficient to pay our debt and to satisfy our other liquidity needs.\nIf our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to seek alternatives.\nIf we cannot meet our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and aircraft or engine purchases, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and might require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of our debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations or to meet our aircraft or engine purchase commitments as they come due.\nThe transition away from LIBOR may adversely affect our cost to obtain financing and may potentially negatively impact our interest rate swap agreements.\nIt is expected that a transition away from the widespread use of London Interbank Offered Rate (\u201cLIBOR\") to alternative rates may have a material adverse impact on the availability and cost of our financing, including LIBOR-based loans, as well as our interest rate swap agreements. We currently anticipate phasing out of our LIBOR based loans and swaps in the foreseeable future but uncertainty remains with respect to the implementation of the phase out and what revisions will be required and implemented, which will depend heavily on the current market conditions. It therefore remains uncertain how such changes will be implemented and the effects such changes would have on us and the financial markets generally. These changes may have a material adverse impact on the availability of financing and on our financing costs. Also, increases in interest rates on variable rate debt would increase our interest expense and the cost of refinancing existing debt and incurring new debt, unless we make arrangements that hedge the risk of rising interest rates, which would adversely affect net income and cash available for payment of our debt obligations and distributions to equity holders.\nDespite our substantial indebtedness, we may incur significantly more debt, and cash may not be available to meet our financial obligations when due or enable us to capitalize on investment opportunities when they arise. \n18\nWe employ debt and other forms of leverage in the ordinary course of business to enhance returns to our investors and finance our operations, and despite our current indebtedness levels, we expect to incur additional debt in the future to finance our operations, including purchasing aircraft and engines and meeting our contractual obligations as the agreements relating to our debt, including our junior subordinated debentures, indentures, term loan facilities, revolving credit facilities, and other financings do not entirely prohibit us from incurring additional debt. We also enter into financing commitments in the normal course of business, which we may be required to fund. If we are required to fund these commitments and are unable to do so, we could be liable for damages pursued against us or a loss of opportunity through default under contracts that are otherwise to our benefit could occur. We are therefore subject to the risks associated with debt financing and refinancing, including but not limited to the following: (i) our cash flow may be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; (ii) payments of principal and interest on borrowings may leave us with insufficient cash resources to pay operating expenses and dividends; (iii) if we are unable to obtain committed debt financing for potential acquisitions or can only obtain debt at high interest rates or on other unfavorable terms, we may have difficulty completing acquisitions or may generate profits that are lower than would otherwise be the case; (iv) we may not be able to refinance indebtedness at maturity due to company and market factors such as the estimated cash flow produced by our assets, the value of our assets, liquidity in the debt markets, and/or financial, competitive, business and other factors; and (v) if we are able to refinance our indebtedness, the terms of a refinancing may not be as favorable as the original terms for such indebtedness. If we are unable to refinance our indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, we may need to utilize available liquidity, which would reduce our ability to pursue new investment opportunities, dispose of one or more of our assets on disadvantageous terms, or raise equity, causing dilution to existing stockholders.\nThe terms of our various credit agreements and other financing documents also require us to comply with a number of customary financial and other covenants, such as maintaining debt service coverage and leverage ratios, and adequate insurance coverage. These covenants may limit our flexibility in conducting our operations and breaches of these covenants could result in defaults under the instruments governing the applicable indebtedness, even if we have satisfied and continue to satisfy our payment obligations. Regulatory and market changes may also result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to credit.\nOur current financing arrangements require compliance with financial and other covenants and a failure to comply with such covenants could adversely affect our ability to operate.\nThe terms of our various credit agreements and other financing documents require us to comply with a number of customary financial and other covenants, such as maintaining debt service coverage and leverage ratios and adequate insurance coverage. These covenants may limit our flexibility in conducting our operations and breaches of these covenants could result in defaults under the instruments governing the applicable indebtedness, even if we have satisfied and continue to satisfy our payment obligations. Regulatory and market changes may also result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to credit.\nFuture acquisitions and dispositions of businesses and investments are possible, changing the components of our assets and liabilities, and if unsuccessful or unfavorable, could reduce the value of the Company and its securities.\nAny future acquisitions or dispositions may result in significant changes in the composition of our assets and liabilities, as well as our business mix and prospects. Consequently, our financial condition, results of operations and the trading price of our securities may be affected by factors different from those affecting our financial condition, results of operations and trading price at the present time.\nWe face numerous risks and uncertainties as we expand our business.\nWe expect the growth and development of our business to come primarily from internal expansion and through acquisitions, investments, and strategic partnering. As we expand our business, there can be no assurance that financial controls, the level and knowledge of personnel, operational abilities, legal and compliance controls and other corporate support systems will be adequate to manage our business and growth. The ineffectiveness of any of these controls or systems could adversely affect our business and prospects. In addition, if we acquire new businesses and/or introduce new products, we face numerous risks and uncertainties concerning the integration of their controls and systems, including financial controls, accounting and data processing systems, management controls, other operations and adequate security. A failure to integrate these systems and controls, and even an inefficient integration of these systems and controls, could adversely affect our business and prospects.\nOur business strategy includes acquisitions, and acquisitions entail numerous risks, including the risk of management diversion and increased costs and expenses, all of which could negatively affect the Company\u2019s ability to operate profitably.\nOur business strategy includes, among other things, strategic and opportunistic acquisitions. This element of our strategy entails several risks, including, but not limited to the diversion of management\u2019s attention from other business concerns and the need to finance such acquisitions with additional equity and/or debt. In addition, once completed, acquisitions entail further risks, including: unanticipated costs and liabilities of the acquired businesses, including environmental liabilities, that could materially adversely affect our results of operations; difficulties in assimilating acquired businesses, preventing the expected benefits from the transaction from being realized or achieved within the anticipated time frame; negative effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers; and losing key employees of the acquired businesses. If our acquisition strategy is not successful or if acquisitions are not well integrated into our existing operations, the Company\u2019s operations and business results could be negatively affected.\nStrategic ventures may increase risks applicable to our operations.\n19\nWe may enter into strategic ventures that pose risks, including a lack of complete control over the enterprise, and other potential unforeseen risks, any of which could adversely impact our financial results. We may occasionally enter into strategic ventures or investments with third parties in order to take advantage of favorable financing opportunities, to share capital or operating risk, or to earn aircraft management fees. These strategic ventures and investments may subject us to various risks, including those arising from our possessing limited decision-making rights in the enterprise or over the related aircraft. If we were unable to resolve a dispute with a strategic partner in such a venture that retains material managerial veto rights, we might reach an impasse which may lead to operational difficulties in the venture and increases costs or the liquidation of our investment at a time and in a manner that would result in our losing some or all of our original investment and/or the occurrence of other losses, which could adversely impact our financial results.\nRapid business expansions or new business initiatives may increase risk.\nCertain business initiatives, including expansions of existing businesses such as the relatively recent expansion at our commercial jet engines and parts segment and the establishment of an aircraft asset management business and an aircraft capital joint venture, may bring us into contact, directly or indirectly, with individuals and entities that are not within our traditional client and counterparty base and may expose us to new asset classes, new business plans and new markets. These business activities expose us to new and enhanced risks, greater regulatory scrutiny of these activities, increased credit-related, sovereign and operational risks, and reputational concerns regarding the manner in which these assets are being operated or held. There is no assurance that prior year activity and results will occur in future periods.\nOur policies and procedures may not be effective in ensuring compliance with applicable law.\nOur policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws may not be effective in all instances to prevent violations. We could become subject to various governmental investigations, audits and inquiries, both formal and informal. Such investigations, regardless of their outcome, could be costly, divert management attention, and damage our reputation. The unfavorable resolution of such investigations could result in criminal liability, fines, penalties or other monetary or non-monetary sanctions and could materially affect our business or results of operations.\nCompliance with the regulatory requirements imposed on us as a public company results in significant costs that may have an adverse effect on our results.\nAs a public company, we are subject to various regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, compliance with the rules\nand regulations of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. Compliance with these rules and regulations results in significant additional costs to us both directly, through increased audit and consulting fees, and indirectly, through the time required by our limited resources to address such regulations.\nDeficiencies in our public company financial reporting and disclosures could adversely impact our reputation. \nAs we expand the size and scope of our business, there is a greater susceptibility that our financial reporting and other public disclosure documents may contain material misstatements and that the controls we maintain to attempt to ensure the complete accuracy of our public disclosures may fail to operate as intended. The occurrence of such events could adversely impact our reputation and financial condition. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting to give our stakeholders assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (\u201c\nGAAP\n\u201d). However, the process for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error. Our internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements in our financial disclosures on a timely basis, or at all. Some of these processes may be new for certain subsidiaries in our structure, and in the case of acquisitions, may take time to be fully implemented. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under U.S. securities laws is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods. Our policies and procedures governing disclosures may not ensure that all material information regarding us is disclosed in a proper and timely fashion or that we will be successful in preventing the disclosure of material information to a single person or a limited group of people before such information is generally disseminated.\nRisks Related to Environmental, Social, and Governance Issues\nClimate change, related legislative and regulatory responses to climate change, and the transition to a lower carbon economy may adversely affect our business.\nThere is increasing concern that a gradual rise in global average temperatures due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will cause significant changes in weather patterns around the globe, an increase in the frequency, severity, and duration of extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, and water scarcity and poor water quality. These events could also compound adverse economic conditions. To the extent that significant changes in the climate occur in areas where our businesses are located or operate, we may experience extreme weather and/or changes in precipitation and temperature, all of which may result in physical damage to, or a decrease in demand for, our properties located in these areas or affected by these conditions and could negatively impact our operations. In addition, changes in federal, state, and local legislation and regulation based on concerns about climate change, including regulations aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions and the implementation of \u201cgreen\u201d building codes, could result in increased capital expenditures without a corresponding increase in revenue. Any assessment of the potential impact of future climate change legislation, regulations, or \n20\nindustry standards, as well as any international treaties and accords, is uncertain given the wide scope of potential regulatory change.\nWe are subject to risks from natural disasters such as earthquakes and severe weather (the frequency and severity of which may be impacted by climate change), which may include more frequent or severe storms, extreme temperatures and ambient temperature increases, hurricanes, flooding, rising sea levels, shortages of water, droughts and wildfires, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.\nNatural disasters, severe weather such as earthquakes, tornadoes, wind, or floods, and wildfires may result in significant damage to our properties or disruption of our operations. The extent of casualty losses and loss of income in connection with such events is a function of the severity of the event and the total amount of exposure in the affected area. Additional consequences of severe weather could include increased insurance premiums and deductibles or a decrease in the availability of coverage.\nEnvironmentally hazardous conditions could potentially adversely affect us.\nUnder various federal, state, and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removing or remediating hazardous or toxic substances on such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by applicable environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a site for damages based on personal injury, natural resources, or property damage or other costs, including investigation and clean-up costs, resulting from the environmental contamination. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances on one of our properties, or the failure to properly remediate a contaminated property, could give rise to a lien in favor of the government for costs it may incur to address the contamination or otherwise adversely affect our ability to sell or lease the property or borrow using the property as collateral. Environmental laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which property may be used or businesses may be operated. A property owner who violates environmental laws may be subject to sanctions which may be enforced by governmental agencies or, in certain circumstances, private parties. The cost of defending against environmental claims, of compliance with environmental regulatory requirements, or of remediating any contaminated property could materially and adversely affect us.\nWe are subject to increasing scrutiny from investors and others regarding our environmental, social, governance, or sustainability responsibilities, which could result in additional costs or risks and adversely impact our reputation, associate retention, and ability to raise capital from such investors.\nInvestor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds, other market participants, and stakeholders have focused increasingly on the Environmental, Social and Governance (\u201cESG\u201d or \u201csustainability\u201d) practices of companies, including those associated with climate change. These parties have placed increased importance on the implications of the social cost of their investments. If our ESG practices do not meet investor or other industry stakeholder expectations and standards, which continue to evolve, our reputation and associate retention may be negatively impacted based on an assessment of our ESG practices. Any sustainability disclosures we make may include our policies and practices on a variety of social and ethical matters, including corporate governance, environmental compliance, associate health and safety practices, human capital management, product quality, supply chain management, and workforce inclusion and diversity. It is possible that stakeholders may not be satisfied with our ESG practices or the speed of their adoption. We could also incur additional costs and require additional resources to monitor, report, and comply with various ESG practices. In addition, investors may decide to refrain from investing in us as a result of their assessment of our approach to and consideration of the ESG factors.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\nOverview\nAir T, Inc. (the \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cAir T,\u201d \u201cwe\u201d or \u201cus\u201d or \u201cour\u201d) is a holding company with a portfolio of operating businesses and financial assets. Our goal is to prudently and strategically diversify Air T\u2019s earnings power and compound the growth in its free cash flow per share over time.\nWe currently operate in four industry segments:\n\u2022\nOvernight air cargo, which operates in the air express delivery services industry;\n\u2022\nGround equipment sales, which manufactures and provides mobile deicers and other specialized equipment products to passenger and cargo airlines, airports, the military and industrial customers;\n\u2022\nCommercial aircraft, engines and parts, which manages and leases aviation assets; supplies surplus and aftermarket commercial jet engine components; provides commercial aircraft disassembly/part-out services; commercial aircraft parts sales; procurement services and overhaul and repair services to airlines and;\n\u2022\nCorporate and other, which acts as the capital allocator and resource for other consolidated businesses. Further, Corporate and other is also comprised of insignificant businesses that do not pertain to other reportable segments.\nAcquisitions\nOn January 31, 2023, the Company acquired WASI, a Kansas corporation that services the aircraft industry across the United States and internationally through the operation of a repair station which is located in Springfield, Missouri at the Branson National Airport. The acquisition was funded with cash and the loans described in \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report. WASI is included within the Overnight air cargo segment. See \nNote\n 2\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report.\nUnconsolidated Investments\nThe Company has an ownership interest in Contrail Asset Management, LLC (\u201cCAM\u201d). The operations of CAM are not consolidated into the operations of the Company. See \nNote 24\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report.\nThe Company also has ownership interests in Insignia and CCI. The operations of these companies are not consolidated into the operations of the Company. See \nNote 10\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report.\nEach business segment has separate management teams and infrastructures that offer different products and services. We evaluate the performance of our business segments based on operating income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA. \n24\nForward Looking Statements\nCertain statements in this Report, including those contained in \u201cOverview,\u201d are \u201cforward-looking\u201d statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the Company\u2019s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by or that include the words \u201cbelieves\u201d, \u201cpending\u201d, \u201cfuture\u201d, \u201cexpects,\u201d \u201canticipates,\u201d \u201cestimates,\u201d \u201cdepends\u201d or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements, because of, among other things, potential risks and uncertainties, such as:\n\u2022\nEconomic and industry conditions in the Company\u2019s markets;\n\u2022\nThe risk that contracts with FedEx could be terminated or adversely modified;\n\u2022\nThe risk that the number of aircraft operated for FedEx will be reduced;\n\u2022\nThe risk that GGS customers will defer or reduce significant orders for deicing equipment;\n\u2022\nThe impact of any terrorist activities on United States soil or abroad;\n\u2022\nThe Company\u2019s ability to manage its cost structure for operating expenses, or unanticipated capital requirements, and match them to shifting customer service requirements and production volume levels;\n\u2022\nThe Company's ability to meet debt service covenants and to refinance existing debt obligations;\n\u2022\nThe risk of injury or other damage arising from accidents involving the Company\u2019s overnight air cargo operations, equipment or parts sold and/or services provided;\n\u2022\nMarket acceptance of the Company\u2019s commercial and military equipment and services;\n\u2022\nCompetition from other providers of similar equipment and services;\n\u2022\nChanges in government regulation and technology;\n\u2022\nChanges in the value of marketable securities held as investments;\n\u2022\nMild winter weather conditions reducing the demand for deicing equipment;\n\u2022\nMarket acceptance and operational success of the Company\u2019s relatively new aircraft asset management business and related aircraft capital joint venture; and\n\u2022\nDespite our current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.\nA forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur. We are under no obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.\n25\nResults of Operations\nFiscal 2023 vs. 2022\nConsolidated revenue increased by $70.2 million (40%) to $247.3 million for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 compared to the prior fiscal year. Following is a table detailing revenue (after elimination of intercompany transactions), in thousands:\nYear ended March 31,\nChange\n2023\n2022\nOvernight Air Cargo\n$\n90,543\u00a0\n$\n74,409\u00a0\n$\n16,134\u00a0\n22\u00a0\n%\nGround Equipment Sales\n48,485\u00a0\n42,239\u00a0\n6,246\u00a0\n15\u00a0\n%\nCommercial Jet Engines and Parts\n101,737\u00a0\n57,689\u00a0\n44,048\u00a0\n76\u00a0\n%\nCorporate and Other\n6,558\u00a0\n2,740\u00a0\n3,818\u00a0\n139\u00a0\n%\nTotal\n$\n247,323\u00a0\n$\n177,077\u00a0\n$\n70,246\u00a0\n40\u00a0\n%\nRevenues from the air cargo segment increased by $16.1 million (22%) compared to the prior fiscal year, principally attributable to higher labor revenues, higher admin fees and higher FedEx pass through revenues due to increased fleet (72 aircraft in the prior year compared to 85 in the current year). Pass-through costs under the dry-lease agreements with FedEx totaled $29.2\u00a0million and $23.0\u00a0million for the years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nThe ground equipment sales segment contributed approximately $48.5 million and $42.2 million to the Company\u2019s revenues for the fiscal years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, respectively, representing a $6.2 million (15%) increase in the current year. The increase was primarily driven by a higher volume of truck sales to the USAF and commercial customers in the current fiscal year. At March\u00a031, 2023,\u00a0the ground equipment sales segment\u2019s order backlog was $13.6 million compared to $14.0 million at March\u00a031, 2022.\nThe commercial jet engines and parts segment contributed $101.7 million of revenues in fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 compared to $57.7 million in the prior fiscal year which is an increase of $44.0 million (76%). The increase is primarily attributable to the fact that all the companies within this segment had higher component sales as the aviation industry started to see more activity in the current year as COVID-19 related restrictions continued to loosen.\nRevenues from the corporate and other segment increased by $3.8 million (139%) compared to the prior fiscal year, principally attributable to having a full year of Shanwick's revenues in fiscal 2023 compared to having only 2 months of revenues in fiscal 2022.\nFollowing is a table detailing operating (loss) income by segment, net of intercompany during Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022 (in thousands):\nYear ended March 31,\nChange\n2023\n2022\nOvernight Air Cargo\n$\n4,047\u00a0\n$\n2,794\u00a0\n$\n1,253\u00a0\nGround Equipment Sales\n3,141\u00a0\n3,220\u00a0\n(79)\nCommercial Jet Engines and Parts\n(957)\n3,619\u00a0\n(4,576)\nCorporate and Other\n$\n(10,638)\n(878)\n(9,760)\nTotal\n$\n(4,407)\n$\n8,755\u00a0\n$\n(13,162)\nConsolidated operating loss for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 was $4.4 million compared to consolidated operating income of $8.8 million in the prior fiscal year.\nOperating income for the air cargo segment increased by $1.3 million in the current fiscal year, due primarily to having higher segment revenues as described above, offset by higher pilot salaries and aircraft lease costs. \nThe current fiscal year's ground equipment sales segment operating income was relatively flat compared to the prior fiscal year. \nOperating loss of the commercial jet engines and parts segment was $1.0 million compared to operating income of $3.6 million in the prior year. The change was primarily attributable to the increase in inventory write-down of $6.6 million in the current fiscal year compared to the prior fiscal year, offset by the increase in sales explained above.\nOperating loss of the corporate and other segment increased by $9.8 million in the current fiscal year, primarily driven by the $9.1 million offset to general and administrative expenses in the prior fiscal year as a result of the Employee Retention Credit (\"ERC\") that did not recur in the current fiscal year.\nThe table below provides Adjusted EBITDA by segment for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\nTwelve Months Ended\nChange\nMarch 31, 2023\nMarch 31, 2022\nOvernight Air Cargo\n$\n4,505\u00a0\n$\n2,854\u00a0\n$\n1,651\u00a0\nGround Equipment Sales\n3,314\u00a0\n3,455\u00a0\n(141)\nCommercial Jet Engines and Parts\n7,105\u00a0\n5,200\u00a0\n1,905\u00a0\nCorporate and Other\n(8,895)\n(103)\n(8,792)\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n6,029\u00a0\n$\n11,406\u00a0\n$\n(5,377)\nConsolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 was $6.0 million, a decrease of $5.4 million compared to the prior fiscal year. \nAdjusted EBITDA for the air cargo segment increased by $1.7 million in the current fiscal year, due primarily to having higher segment operating income as described above.\nThe current fiscal year's ground equipment sales segment Adjusted EBITDA was relatively flat compared to the prior fiscal year's. \nAdjusted EBITDA of the commercial jet engines and parts segment was $7.1 million, an increase of $1.9 million from the prior fiscal year. The increase was primarily driven by higher component sales explained above.\nThe corporate and other segment Adjusted EBITDA loss increased by $8.8 million from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2023. The increase was driven by the $9.1 million offset to general and administrative expenses in the prior fiscal year as a result of the ERC credit that did not recur in the current fiscal year.\nFollowing is a table detailing consolidated non-operating income (expense), net of intercompany during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 (in thousands):\nYear Ended March 31,\nChange\n2023\n2022\nInterest expense, net\n$\n(7,935)\n$\n(4,948)\n$\n(2,987)\nGain on forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (\"PPP\")\n\u2014\u00a0\n8,331\u00a0\n(8,331)\nIncome from equity method investments\n1,460\u00a0\n37\u00a0\n1,423\u00a0\nOther\n(471)\n1,221\u00a0\n(1,692)\nTotal\n$\n(6,946)\n$\n4,641\u00a0\n$\n(11,587)\nThe Company had net non-operating loss of $6.9 million for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 compared to a non-operating income of $4.6 million in the prior fiscal year. The change was primarily attributable to the $8.3 million gain on the SBA's forgiveness of the Company's PPP loan recognized in the prior fiscal year, in addition to the $3.0 million increase in contractual interest expense driven by an increase in Contrail's revolver usage in the current fiscal year.\nDuring the year ended March\u00a031, 2023, the Company recorded $0.4 million of income tax expense, which yielded an effective rate of -3.8%. The primary factors contributing to the difference between the federal statutory rate of 21% and the Company\u2019s effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 were the estimated benefit for the exclusion of income for the Company\u2019s captive insurance company subsidiary under \u00a7831(b), the exclusion of the minority owned portion of pretax income of Contrail, state income tax expense, and changes in the valuation allowance. The net change in the valuation allowance was $3.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2023. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and past financial performance. The change in the Company\u2019s valuation allowance is primarily due to the realizability of the domestic deferred tax assets, the unrealized losses on investments, the foreign tax credits generated by the operations in the Company\u2019s Puerto Rico branch that is expected to expire before being fully utilized, and the change in full valuation allowances associated with the Delphax entities.\nDuring the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2022, the Company recorded $1.2 million of income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 8.7%. The primary factors contributing to the difference between the federal statutory rate of 21% and the Company\u2019s effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2022 were the estimated benefit for the exclusion of income for the Company\u2019s captive insurance company subsidiary under \u00a7831(b), the exclusion of the minority owned portion of pretax income of Contrail, state income tax expense, the exclusion of PPP loan forgiveness proceeds from taxable income, and changes in the valuation allowance. The change in the valuation allowance is primarily due to unrealized losses on investments and the generation of foreign tax credits through the NOL carryback claim that the Company expects to expire before they are fully utilized, and attribute reduction incurred by Delphax related to dissolution of its French subsidiary.\n26\nMarket Outlook\nFuture economic developments such as inflation and increased interest rates as well as further business issues such as supply chain issues present uncertainty and risk with respect to our financial condition and results of operations. Each of our businesses implemented measures to attempt to limit the impact of COVID-19 and economic and business issues but we still experienced disruptions, and we experienced a reduction in demand for commercial aircraft, jet engines and parts compared to historical periods. Many of our businesses may continue to generate reduced operating cash flows and could operate at a loss from time to time beyond fiscal 2023. We expect that issues caused by the pandemic and other economic and business issue will continue to some extent. The fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact these issues on economic and market conditions and our businesses in particular, and, as a result, present material uncertainty and risk with respect to us and our results of operations.\n27\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nAs of March\u00a031, 2023, the Company held approximately $7.1\u00a0million in total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, of which, $0.8 million related to cash collateral for three Opportunity Zone fund investments. The Company also held $2.2 million in restricted investments held as statutory reserve of SAIC. \nAs of March\u00a031, 2023, the Company\u2019s working capital amounted to $52.3 million, a decrease of $45.1 million compared to March\u00a031, 2022, primarily driven by an increase of $32.3 million in the current portion of long-term debt and a decrease of $8.2 million in the ERC receivable as refunds were received during fiscal 2023. \nThe Company\u2019s Credit Agreement with Minnesota Bank & Trust, a Minnesota state banking corporation (\u201cMBT\u201d) (the Air T debt in \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report) includes several covenants that are measured twice a year at September 30 and March 31, including but not limited to, a negative covenant requiring a debt service coverage ratio of 1.25. \nThe AirCo 1 Credit Agreement (the AirCo 1 debt in \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report) contains an affirmative covenant relating to collateral valuation. \nThe Air T Acquisition 22.1's term loans with ING (the Air T Acquisition 22.1 debt in \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report) include several covenants that are measured once a year at December 31, including but not limited to, a negative covenant requiring a debt service coverage ratio of 1.10 and a senior net leverage ratio of 2.10 at December 31, 2022 and 1.50 at subsequent years. \nThe Contrail Credit Agreement (the Contrail debt in \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report) contains affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the ability of Contrail and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur or guarantee indebtedness, incur liens, dispose of assets, engage in mergers and consolidations, make acquisitions or other investments, make changes in the nature of its business, and engage in transactions with affiliates. The Contrail Credit Agreement also contains quarterly financial covenants applicable to Contrail and its subsidiaries, including a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.0 and a minimum tangible net worth (\"TNW\") of $12 million. As of March\u00a031, 2023, the Company, AirCo 1, Air T Acquisition 22.1 and Contrail were in compliance with all financial covenants.\nAs of December 31, 2022, Contrail management forecasted that Contrail would be in violation of the debt service coverage ratio covenant contained in the ONB financing agreements during the twelve-month period subsequent to the filing date of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2022, primarily because the first principal payment of its Term Note G (\u201cTerm Note G \u2013 ONB\u201d) was to become due in November 2023. Non-compliance with a debt covenant that is not subsequently cured allows Old National Bank (\u201cONB\u201d) the right to accelerate the maturity of the Contrail Credit Agreement and declare the entire amount of Contrail\u2019s outstanding debt at the time of non-compliance immediately due and payable and exercise its remedies with respect to the collateral that secures the debt. In the event of acceleration of maturity of the Contrail Credit Agreement, the Company would not have sufficient cash on hand or available liquidity to repay the outstanding debt.\nIn response to this condition, Contrail entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement with ONB whereby, among other things, in exchange for a $20 million principal prepayment of Term Note G, Contrail obtained a waiver of the debt service coverage ratio covenant. $6.7 million of the $20.0 million prepayment was paid on March 30, 2023 and the remaining $13.3 million payment is currently expected to be paid in September 2023.\n \nThese payments will eliminate the need for Contrail to make any future scheduled principal payments on Term Note G until the final maturity of (on) November 24, 2025.\n \nAt this time, Contrail management believes it is highly probable that it will have sufficient liquidity to make the $13.3 million prepayment in September 2023. \nThe obligations of Contrail under the Contrail Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company, up to a maximum of $1.6 million, plus costs of collection. The Company is not liable for any other assets or liabilities of Contrail and there are no cross-default provisions with respect to Contrail\u2019s debt in any of the Company\u2019s debt agreements with other lenders.\nAs mentioned in \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report, on June 9, 2022, the Company, Jet Yard and MBT entered into Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (\u201cAmendment\u201d) and a related Overline Note (\u201cOverline Note\u201d) in the original principal amount of $5.0 million. The Amendment and Note memorialize an increase to the amount that may be drawn by the Company on the MBT revolving credit agreement from $17.0 million to $22.0 million. As of March\u00a031, 2023, the Overline Note was paid in full and terminated and the unused commitment on the MBT revolver was $8.3 million. The borrowing base calculation methodology remains unchanged.\nAs mentioned in \nNote 10\n and \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report, on September 30, 2022, the Company executed a promissory note payable to CCI for $2.0 million that bears interest at 10.00% per annum and matured on December 30, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, this note has been repaid.\nAs mentioned in \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report, on November 8, 2022, Contrail entered into the Second Amendment to Master Loan Agreement (the \u201cAmendment\u201d) with ONB. The Amendment amends the Master Loan Agreement dated as of June 24, 2019, as amended. The principal revisions made in the Amendment are: (i) the tangible net worth covenant was revised to require that Contrail maintain a tangible net worth of at least $12.0 million at all times prior to March 31, 2024 and $15.0 million at all times on or following March 31, 2024; and, (ii) that all proceeds from certain asset sales during the period beginning on October 1, 2022 and ending on March 31, 2023 be applied as prepayments on Term Loan G. Contrail executed a Collateral Assignment of two Aircraft engines in connection with the Amendment.\n28\nAs mentioned in \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report, on March 22, 2023, Contrail entered into the First Amendment to Second Amendment to Master Loan Agreement and Third Amendment to Master Loan Agreement (\"the Amendment\") with ONB. The Amendment amends the Master Loan Agreement dated June 24, 2019 with principal revisions to: (i) Section 3 of the Second Amendment was revised so that exclusion of certain gains and losses from the definition of \u201cnet income\u201d applies through September 30, 2023, not March 31, 2023; (ii) Section 5 of the Second Amendment relating to prepayment of Term Loan G was amended to eliminate the requirement that all asset sales during the period beginning with October 1, 2022 and ending on March 31, 2023 be applied as prepayments on Term Loan G; instead, the Amendment provision now reflects the agreement that voluntary payments totaling $20.0 million would be made by the borrower on Term Loan G no later than September 30, 2023; and, (iii) a revolving note resting period covenant was added to the Amendment whereby the outstanding principal balance on the revolving note would be paid to zero (0) for at least thirty (30) consecutive days during each annual period ending on the anniversary date of the revolving note, provided the borrower has not achieved a debt service coverage ratio of 1.10:1.\nAs mentioned in \nNote 2\n and \nNote 14\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report, on January 31, 2022 the Company funded the WASI acquisition through (i) a promissory note to Worldwide Aviation, LLC, (ii) cash, and (iii) an additional secured loan from MBT. The promissory note to Worldwide Aviation, LLC (\"Seller's Note\") in the amount of $1.5 million bears a fixed interest rate of 6.00% and is payable via periodic payments up to the January 1, 2026 maturity date. In connection with the acquisition, the Company and Jet Yard, LLC entered Amendment No. 2 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (\u201cAmendment No. 2\u201d) with MBT. Amendment No. 2 amends the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 31, 2021 as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 9, 2022. Amendment No. 2 provides for a new term loan (\u201cTerm Loan F\u201d) in the amount of $1.0 million to help finance a portion of the consideration paid by the Company. Pursuant to the amendment, the Company executed Term Note F in favor of MBT in the original principal amount of $1.0 million. The note bears interest at a rate equal to the greater of six percent (6.00%) or the prime rate plus one percent (1.00%). The note obligates the Company to make monthly payments of principal plus accrued interest commencing March 1, 2023. The note may be prepaid, in whole or part, at any time without penalty and final payment of all amounts due under the note is due January 31, 2028. \nAs mentioned in \nNote 24\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report, Contrail entered into an Operating Agreement with the Seller providing for the put and call options with regard to the 21% non-controlling interest retained by the Seller. The Seller is the founder of Contrail and its current Chief Executive Officer. The Put/Call Option permits the Seller to require Contrail to purchase all of the Seller\u2019s equity membership interests in Contrail commencing on July 18, 2021 (\"Contrail RNCI\"). As of the date of this filing, neither the Seller nor Air T has indicated an intent to exercise the put and call options. If either side were to exercise the option, the Company anticipates that the price would approximate the fair value of the Contrail RNCI, as determined on the transaction date. The Company currently expects that it would fund any required payment from cash provided by operations.\nAs mentioned in \nNote 24\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report, the Company has ownership interest in Contrail Asset Management, LLC (\u201cCAM\u201d). The operations of CAM are not consolidated into the operations of the Company. For its Investment Function (as defined in \nNote 24\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report), CAM\u2019s initial commitment to CJVII was approximately $51.0\u00a0million. The Company and MRC have commitments to CAM in the respective amounts of $7.0 million and $44.0 million. As of March\u00a031, 2023, the Company has fulfilled its capital commitments to CAM. \nThe revolving lines of credit at Air T with MBT and Contrail with ONB have a due date or expire within the next twelve months. As of the date of this report, the Company and MBT entered into amendments to the MBT revolving credit agreement and related promissory note to extend the maturity date of the credit facility to August 31, 2024 and include the following changes:\n1.\n A $2.0 million seasonal increase in the maximum amount available under the facility. The maximum amount of the facility will now increase to $19.0 million between May 1 and November 30 of each year and will decrease to $17.0 million between December 1 and April 30 of each year;\n2.\nThe reference rate for the interest rate payable on the revolving facility will change from Prime to SOFR, plus a spread. The exact spread over SOFR will change every September 30 and March 31 based on the Company calculated funded debt leverage ratio (defined as total debt divided by EBITDA). Depending on the result of the calculation, the interest rate spread applicable to the facility will range between 2.25% and 3.25%;\n3.\nThe unused commitment fee on the revolving credit facility will increase from 0.11% to 0.15%; and, \n4.\nThe covenant restricting the Company\u2019s use of funds for \u201cOther Investments\u201d was revised to limit the Company to $5.0 million of \u201cOther Investments\u201d per year.\nWe are currently seeking to refinance the Contrail revolver prior to its maturity date; however, there is no assurance that we will be able to execute this refinancing or, if we are able to refinance this obligation, that the terms of such refinancing would be as favorable as the terms of our existing credit facility.\nAs a result, management believes it is probable that the cash on hand and current financings, net cash provided by operations from its remaining operating segments, together with amounts available under our current revolving lines of credit, as amended, will be sufficient to meet its obligations as they become due in the ordinary course of business for at least 12 months following the date these financial statements are issued. \n29\nCash Flows\nFollowing is a table of changes in cash flow from continuing operations for the respective years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\nYear Ended March 31,\nChange\n2023\n2022\nNet Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities\n$\n16,909\u00a0\n$\n(33,084)\n$\n49,993\u00a0\nNet Cash Used in Investing Activities\n(6,168)\n(33,388)\n27,220\u00a0\nNet Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities\n(12,380)\n59,254\u00a0\n(71,634)\nEffect of foreign currency exchange rates\n361\u00a0\n(341)\n702\u00a0\nNet Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash\n$\n(1,278)\n$\n(7,559)\n$\n6,281\u00a0\nCash provided by operating activities was $16.9 million in fiscal year 2023 compared to cash used in operating activities of $33.1 million in fiscal year 2022. The fluctuation was primarily driven by the $17.3\u00a0million change in the ERC receivable: in the prior fiscal year, the Company applied for the ERC in the amount of $9.1 million, of which, in the current fiscal year, the Company received $8.2 million. In addition, the fluctuation was further increased by the $27.8\u00a0million change in inventories, primarily due to Contrail and GGS generating more sales of their inventories compared to the prior fiscal year. \nCash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2023 was $6.2 million compared to cash used in investing activities for the prior fiscal year of $33.4 million. The current fiscal year's cash usage was primarily driven by cash used for the acquisition of WASI of $2.5 million and investment in unconsolidated entities of $3.1 million. The prior fiscal year's cash usage was primarily driven by cash used for the acquisitions of Wolfe Lake assets of $13.4 million, Shanwick's acquisition of $12.8 million, and investment in unconsolidated entities of $6.8 million.\nCash used in financing activities for fiscal year 2023 was $12.4 million compared to cash provided by financing activities for the prior fiscal year of $59.3 million. This was primarily due to decreased net proceeds from lines of credit of $8.4 million, less proceeds from term loans of $23.6 million in addition to increased payments on term loans of $24.0 million. Lastly, the change was also due to the fact that there was no proceeds received from issuance of TruPs in the current fiscal year compared to $11.3 million in the prior fiscal year.\n30\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements\nThe Company defines an off-balance sheet arrangement as any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a Company has (1) made guarantees, (2) a retained or a contingent interest in transferred assets, (3) an obligation under derivative instruments classified as equity, or (4) any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or that engages in leasing, hedging, or research and development arrangements with the Company. The Company is not currently engaged in the use of any of these arrangements.\nSystems and Network Security\nAlthough we have employed significant resources to develop our security measures against breaches, our cybersecurity measures may not detect or prevent all attempts to compromise our systems, including hacking, viruses, malicious software, break-ins, phishing attacks, security breaches or other attacks and similar disruptions that may jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted by our systems. Breaches of our cybersecurity measures could result in unauthorized access to our systems, misappropriation of information or data, deletion or modification of client information or other interruption to our business operations. As techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to sabotage systems change frequently and may not be known until launched against us or our third-party service providers, we may be unable to anticipate, or implement adequate measures to protect against these attacks. If we are unable to avert these attacks and security breaches, we could be subject to significant legal and financial liability, our reputation would be harmed and we could sustain substantial revenue loss from lost sales and customer dissatisfaction. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks may target us or other participants, or the communication infrastructure on which we depend. Actual or anticipated attacks and risks may cause us to incur significantly higher costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and network protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party experts and consultants. Cybersecurity breaches would not only harm our reputation and business, but also could materially decrease our revenue and net income.\nSupply Chain and Inflation\nThe Company continues to monitor a wide range of health, safety, and regulatory matters related to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic including its impact on our business operations. In addition, ongoing supply chain disruptions have impacted product availability and costs across all markets including the aviation industry in which our Company operates. Additionally, the United States is experiencing an acute workforce shortage and increasing inflation and interests rates which has created a hyper-competitive wage environment and increased debt costs. Thus far, the direct impact of these items on our businesses has not been material. However, ongoing or future disruptions to consumer demand, our supply chain, product pricing inflation, continued increases in interest rates, our ability to attract and retain employees, or our ability to procure products and fulfill orders, could negatively impact the Company\u2019s operations and financial results in a material manner. We continue to look for proactive ways to mitigate potential impacts of these issues at our businesses.\nThe Company believes that inflation has not had a material effect on its manufacturing and commercial jet engine and parts operations, because increased costs to date have been passed on to customers. Under the terms of its overnight air cargo business contracts the major cost components of that segment's operations, consisting principally of fuel, crew and other direct operating costs, and certain maintenance costs are reimbursed by its customer. Significant increases in inflation rates could, however, have a material impact on future revenue and operating income.\n31\nNon-GAAP Financial Measures\nThe Company uses adjusted earnings before taxes, interest, and depreciation and amortization (\"Adjusted EBITDA\"), a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by the SEC, to evaluate the Company's financial performance. This performance measure is not defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, GAAP financial measures.\nAdjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before taxes, interest, and depreciation and amortization, adjusted for specified items. The Company calculates Adjusted EBITDA by removing the impact of specific items and adding back the amounts of interest expense and depreciation and amortization to earnings before income taxes. When calculating Adjusted EBITDA, the Company does not add back depreciation expense for aircraft engines that are on lease, as the Company believes this expense matches with the corresponding revenue earned on engine leases. Depreciation expense for leased engines totaled $1.6 million and $0.3 million for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022. \nManagement believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of the Company's performance because it provides investors additional information about the Company's operations allowing better evaluation of underlying business performance and better period-to-period comparability. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to replace or be an alternative to operating income (loss) from continuing operations, the most directly comparable amounts reported under GAAP.\nThe table below provides a reconciliation of operating income (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\nTwelve Months Ended\nMarch 31, 2023\nMarch 31, 2022\nOperating (loss) income from continuing operations\n$\n(4,407)\n$\n8,755\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization (excluding leased engines depreciation)\n2,525\u00a0\n1,589\u00a0\nAsset impairment, restructuring or impairment charges\n1\n7,840\u00a0\n805\u00a0\nLoss on sale of property and equipment\n8\u00a0\n5\u00a0\nSecurities expenses\n63\u00a0\n252\u00a0\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n6,029\n\u00a0\n$\n11,406\n\u00a0\nThe table below provides Adjusted EBITDA by segment for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\nTwelve Months Ended\nMarch 31, 2023\nMarch 31, 2022\nOvernight Air Cargo\n$\n4,505\u00a0\n$\n2,854\u00a0\nGround Equipment Sales\n3,314\u00a0\n3,455\u00a0\nCommercial Jet Engines and Parts\n7,105\u00a0\n5,200\u00a0\nCorporate and Other\n(8,895)\n(103)\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n6,029\n\u00a0\n$\n11,406\n\u00a0\n1\n Included in the asset impairment, restructuring or impairment charges for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 was a write-down of $7.3 million on the commercial jet engines and parts segment's inventory, of which, $5.4\u00a0million was due to a management decision to monetize three engines by sale to a third party, in which the net carrying values exceeded the estimated proceeds. The remainder of the write-down was attributable to our evaluation of the carrying value of inventory as of March\u00a031, 2023, where we compared its cost to its net realizable value and considered factors such as physical condition, sales patterns and expected future demand to estimate the amount necessary to write down any slow moving, obsolete or damaged inventory. \n32\nSeasonality\nThe ground equipment sales segment business has historically been seasonal, with the revenues and operating income typically being higher in the second and third fiscal quarters as commercial deicers are typically delivered prior to the winter season. Other segments are typically not susceptible to material seasonal trends.\n33\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates.\nThe Company\u2019s significant accounting policies are described in \nNote 1\n of \nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8\n of this report. The preparation of the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates and assumptions to determine certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Management bases these estimates and assumptions upon the best information available at the time of the estimates or assumptions. The Company\u2019s estimates and assumptions could change materially as conditions within and beyond our control change. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from estimates. The Company believes that the following are its most critical\u00a0accounting policies:\nBusiness Combinations\n. The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (\u201cFASB\u201d) Accounting Standards Codification (\u201cASC\u201d) 805, Business Combinations. Consistent with ASC 805, the Company accounts for each business combination by applying the acquisition method. Under the acquisition method, the Company records the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values on the acquisition date. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Included in purchase consideration is the estimated acquisition date fair value of any earn-out obligation incurred. For business combinations where non-controlling interests remain after the acquisition, assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the acquired business are recorded at the full fair value and the portion of the acquisition date fair value attributable to non-controlling interests is recorded as a separate line item within the equity section or, as applicable to redeemable non-controlling interests, between the liabilities and equity sections of the Company\u2019s consolidated balance sheets. There are various estimates and judgments related to the valuation of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, goodwill and non-controlling interests. These estimates and judgments have the potential to materially impact the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements.\nInventories\n \u2013 Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Within the Company\u2019s commercial jet engines and parts segment, there are various estimates and judgments made in relief of inventory as parts are sold from established groups of parts from one engine or airframe purchase. The estimates and judgments made in relief of inventory are based on assumptions that are consistent with a market participant\u2019s future expectations for the commercial aircraft, jet engines and parts industry and the economy in general and our expected intent for the inventory. These assumptions and estimates are complex and subjective in nature. Changes in economic and operating conditions, including those occurring as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or its effects could impact the assumptions and result in future losses to our inventory.\nThe Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of inventory. In these evaluations, the Company is required to make estimates regarding the net realizable value, which includes the consideration of sales patterns and expected future demand. Any slow moving, obsolete or damaged inventory and inventory with costs exceeding net realizable value are evaluated for write-downs. These estimates could vary significantly from actual amounts based upon future economic conditions, customer inventory levels, or competitive factors that were not foreseen or did not exist when the estimated write-downs were made.\nValuation of Assets on Lease or Held for Lease\n - Engine assets on lease or held for lease are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. On a quarterly basis, we monitor the portfolio for events which may indicate that a particular asset may need to be evaluated for potential impairment. These events may include a decision to part-out or sell an asset, knowledge of specific damage to an asset, or supply/demand events which may impact the Company\u2019s ability to lease an asset in the future. On an annual basis, even absent any such \u2018triggering event\u2019, we evaluate the assets in our portfolio to determine if their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If an asset is determined to be unrecoverable, the asset is written down to fair value. When evaluating for impairment, we test at the individual asset level (e.g., engine, airframe or aircraft), as each asset generates its own stream of cash flows, including lease rents and maintenance reserves.\nThe Company must make significant and subjective estimates in determining whether any impairment exists. Those estimates are as follows:\n\u2022\nFair value \u2013 we determine fair value by reference to independent appraisals, quoted market prices (e.g., an offer to purchase) and other factors such as current data from airlines, engine manufacturers and MRO providers as well as specific market sales and repair cost data.\n\u2022\nFuture cash flows \u2013 when evaluating the future cash flows that an asset will generate, we make assumptions regarding the lease market for specific engine models, including estimates of market lease rates and future demand. These assumptions are based upon lease rates that we are obtaining in the current market as well as our expectation of future demand for the specific engine/aircraft model. \nIf the forecasted undiscounted cash flows and fair value of our long-lived assets decrease in the future, we may incur impairment charges.\nAccounting for Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest\n. Policies related to redeemable non-controlling interests involve judgment and complexity, specifically on the classification of the non-controlling interests in the Company\u2019s consolidated balance sheet, and the accounting treatment for changes in the fair value or estimated redemption value for non-controlling interests that are redeemed at other than fair value. Further, there is significant judgment in determining whether an equity instrument is currently redeemable or not currently redeemable but probable that the equity instrument will become redeemable. Additionally, there are also significant estimates made in the valuation of Contrail's RNCI. The fair value of Contrail's non-controlling interest is determined using a combination of the income approach, utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis, and the market approach, utilizing the guideline public company method. Contrail's discounted cash flow analysis requires significant management judgment with respect to forecasts of revenue, operating margins, capital expenditures, and the selection and use of an appropriate discount rate. Contrail\u2019s market approach requires management to make significant assumptions related to market multiples of earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating characteristics as Contrail. There are also significant estimates made to determine the estimated redemption value of Shanwick's redeemable non-controlling interest (\"Shanwick RNCI\"). The analysis uses significant inputs such as forecasted earnings before interest and taxes (\"EBIT\"), discount rate and expected volatility, which require significant management judgment and assumptions. \n34",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. \nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.\nThe Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business, primarily as a result of its variable rate borrowing. The Company has entered into variable to fixed rate interest-rate swap agreements to effectively reduce its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. \nWe are also exposed to certain losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties under the swaps. We regularly evaluate the financial condition of our counterparties. Based on this review, we currently expect the counterparties to perform fully under the swaps. However, if a counterparty defaults on its obligations under a swap, we could be required to pay the full rates on the applicable debt, even if such rates were in excess of the rate in the contract.\nSee \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources\u201d and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our accounting policies and other information related to these financial instruments.\n35",
+ "cik": "353184",
+ "cusip6": "009207",
+ "cusip": ["009207101"],
+ "names": ["AIR T INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/353184/000035318423000071/0000353184-23-000071-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000707549-23-000102.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000707549-23-000102.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3384f689bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000707549-23-000102.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item\u00a01. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBusiness\nIncorporated in 1980, Lam Research Corporation (\u201cLam Research,\u201d \u201cLam,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d or the \u201cCompany\u201d) is a Delaware corporation, headquartered in Fremont, California. We maintain a network of facilities throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States in order to meet the needs of our dynamic customer base.\nAdditional information about Lam Research is available on our website at www.lamresearch.com. The content on any website referred to in this Form\u00a010-K is not a part of or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K unless expressly noted.\nOur Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, Current Reports on Forms 8-K, Proxy Statements and all other filings we make with the SEC are available on our website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practical after we file them with or furnish them to the SEC and are also available online at the SEC\u2019s website at www.sec.gov. \nThe Lam Research logo, Lam Research, and all product and service names used in this report are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lam Research Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holders.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n3\nTable of Contents\n \nWe are a global supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry. We have built a strong global presence with core competencies in areas such as nanoscale applications enablement, chemistry, plasma and fluidics, advanced systems engineering, and a broad range of operational disciplines. Our products and services are designed to help our customers build smaller and better performing devices that are used in a variety of electronic products, including mobile phones, personal computers, servers, wearables, automotive vehicles, and data storage devices. \nOur customer base includes leading semiconductor memory, foundry, and integrated device manufacturers (\u201cIDMs\u201d) that make products such as non-volatile memory (\u201cNVM\u201d), dynamic random-access memory (\u201cDRAM\u201d), and logic devices. Their continued success is part of our commitment to driving semiconductor breakthroughs that define the next generation. Our core technical competency is integrating hardware, process, materials, software, and process control enabling results on the wafer.\nSemiconductor manufacturing, our customers\u2019 business, involves the complete fabrication of multiple dies or integrated circuits (\u201cICs\u201d) on a wafer. This involves the repetition of a set of core processes and can require hundreds of individual steps. Fabricating these devices requires highly sophisticated process technologies to integrate an increasing array of new materials with precise control at the atomic scale. Along with meeting technical requirements, wafer processing equipment must deliver high productivity and be cost-effective.\nDemand from cloud computing (the \u201cCloud\u201d)\n,\n the Internet of Things (\u201cIoT\u201d), and other markets is driving the need for increasingly powerful and cost\n-\nefficient semiconductors. At the same time, there are growing technical challenges with traditional two-dimensional scaling. These trends are driving significant inflections in semiconductor manufacturing, such as the increasing importance of vertical scaling strategies like three-dimensional (\u201c3D\u201d) architectures as well as multiple patterning to enable shrinks. \nWe believe we are in a strong position with our leadership and expertise in deposition\n,\n etch, and clean to facilitate some of the most significant innovations in semiconductor device manufacturing. Several factors create opportunity for sustainable differentiation for us: (i) our focus on research and development, with several on-going programs relating to sustaining engineering, product and process development, and concept and feasibility; (ii) our ability to effectively leverage cycles of learning from our broad installed base; (iii) our collaborative focus with semi-ecosystem partners; (iv) our ability to identify and invest in the breadth of our product portfolio to meet technology inflections; and (v) our focus on delivering our multi-product solutions with a goal to enhance the value of Lam\u2019s solutions to our customers.\nWe also address processes for back-end wafer-level packaging (\u201cWLP\u201d), which is an alternative to traditional wire bonding and can offer a smaller form factor, increased interconnect speed and bandwidth, and lower power consumption, among other benefits. We offer advanced packaging solutions that support fan-out panel-level packaging, a process in which chips or chiplets are cut from a large format substrate sheet several times the size of a traditional silicon wafer, which increases yield and reduces waste and solutions that meet the need for 3D stacking of high bandwidth memory (\u201cHBM\u201d). In addition, our products are well-suited for related markets that rely on semiconductor processes and require production-proven manufacturing capability, such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor image sensors (\u201cCIS\u201d) and micro-electromechanical systems (\u201cMEMS\u201d).\nOur Customer Support Business Group (\u201cCSBG\u201d) provides products and services to maximize installed equipment performance, predictability, and operational efficiency. We offer a broad range of services to deliver value throughout the lifecycle of our equipment, including customer service, spares, upgrades, and new and refurbished non-leading edge products in our deposition, etch, and clean markets. Many of the technical advances that we introduce in our newest products are also available as upgrades, which provide customers with a cost-effective strategy for extending the performance and capabilities of their existing wafer fabrication lines. Service offerings include addressing productivity needs for our customers including, but not limited to, system uptime or availability optimization, throughput improvements, and defect reduction. Additionally, within CSBG, our Reliant\n\u00ae\n product line offers new and refurbished non-leading edge products in deposition, etch and clean markets for those applications that do not require the most advanced wafer processing capability. \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n4\nTable of Contents\n \nProducts\nMarket\n\u00a0\nProcess/Application\n\u00a0\nTechnology\n\u00a0\nProducts\nDeposition\nMetal Films\nElectrochemical Deposition (\u201cECD\u201d) (Copper & Other)\nSABRE\n\u00ae\n family\u00a0\nChemical Vapor Deposition (\u201cCVD\u201d)\nAtomic Layer Deposition (\u201cALD\u201d)\n(Tungsten)\nALTUS\n\u00ae\n family\n\u00a0Dielectric Films\nPlasma-enhanced CVD (\u201cPECVD\u201d)\nALD\u00a0\nGapfill High-Density Plasma CVD (\u201cHDP-CVD\u201d)\nVECTOR\n\u00ae\n family\nStriker\n\u00ae\n \nfamily\nSPEED\n\u00ae\n family\nEtch\nConductor Etch\nReactive Ion Etch\nKiyo\n\u00ae\n\u00a0family,\u00a0\nVersys\n\u00ae\n\u00a0Metal family\nDielectric Etch\nReactive Ion Etch\nFlex\n\u00ae\n family\nVantex\n\u00ae\n family\nThrough-silicon Via (\u201cTSV\u201d) Etch\nDeep Reactive Ion Etch\nSyndion\n\u00ae\n family\nClean\nWafer Cleaning\nWet Clean\nEOS\n\u00ae\n, DV-Prime\n\u00ae\n, \nDa Vinci\n\u00ae\n, SP Series\nBevel Cleaning\nDry Plasma Clean\nCoronus\n\u00ae\n family\nDeposition Processes and Product Families\n \nDeposition processes create layers of dielectric (insulating) and metal (conducting) materials used to build a semiconductor device. Depending on the type of material and structure being made, different techniques are employed. Electrochemical deposition creates the copper wiring (interconnect) that links devices in an integrated circuit (\u201cIC\u201d or \u201cchip\u201d). Plating of copper and other metals is also used for TSV and WLP applications. Tiny tungsten connectors and thin barriers are made with the precision of chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition, which adds only a few layers of atoms at a time. Plasma-enhanced CVD, high-density plasma CVD, and ALD are used to form the critical insulating layers that isolate and protect all of these electrical structures. Lastly, post-deposition treatments such as ultraviolet thermal processing are used to improve dielectric film properties.\nALTUS\n\u00ae\n Product Family\nTungsten and/or Molybdenum deposition is used to form conductive features such as contacts, vias, and wordlines on a chip. These features are small, often narrow, and use only a small amount of metal, so minimizing resistance and achieving complete fill can be difficult. At these nanoscale dimensions, even slight imperfections can impact device performance or cause a chip to fail. Our ALTUS\n\u00ae\n systems combine CVD and ALD technologies to deposit the highly conformal or selective films as needed for advanced tungsten metallization applications in both logic and memory. The Multi-Station Sequential Deposition architecture enables nucleation layer formation and bulk CVD/ALD fill to be performed in the same chamber (\u201cin situ\u201d). Our ALD technologies are used in the deposition of barrier films to achieve high step coverage with reduced thickness at lower temperatures relative to a conventional process.\nSABRE\n\u00ae\n Product Family\nCopper deposition lays down the electrical wiring for most semiconductor devices. Even the smallest defect - say, a microscopic pinhole or dust particle - in these conductive structures can impact device performance, from loss of speed to complete failure. The SABRE\n\u00ae\n ECD product family, which helped pioneer the copper interconnect transition, offers the precision needed for copper damascene manufacturing in logic and memory. System capabilities include cobalt deposition for logic applications and copper deposition directly on various liner materials, which is important for next-generation metallization schemes. For advanced WLP applications, such as forming conductive bumps, redistribution layers, TSV filing, and wafer level bonding, the SABRE\n\u00ae\n 3D family combines Lam\u2019s SABRE Electrofill\n\u00ae\n technology with additional innovation to deliver the high-quality films needed at high productivity. The modular architecture can be configured with multiple plating and pre/post-treatment cells, providing flexibility to address a variety of packaging applications, including HBM.\nSPEED\n\u00ae\n Product Family\nDielectric gapfill processes deposit critical insulation layers between conductive and/or active areas by filling openings of various aspect ratios between conducting lines and between devices. With advanced devices, the structures being filled can be very tall and narrow. As a result, high-quality dielectric films are especially important due to the ever-increasing possibility of cross-talk and device failure. Our SPEED\n\u00ae\n HDP-CVD products provide a multiple dielectric film solution for high-quality gapfill with industry-leading throughput and reliability. SPEED\n\u00ae\n products have excellent particle performance, and their design allows large batch sizes between cleans and faster cleans.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n5\nTable of Contents\n \nStriker\n\u00ae\n Product Family\nThe latest memory, logic, and imaging devices require extremely thin, highly conformal dielectric films for continued device performance improvement and scaling. For example, ALD films are critical for spacer-based multiple patterning schemes where the spacers help define critical dimensions, as well as for insulating liners and gapfill in high aspect ratio features, which have little tolerance for voids and even the smallest defect. The Striker\n\u00ae\n single-wafer ALD products provide dielectric film solutions for these challenging requirements through application-specific material, process and hardware options that deliver film technology and defect performance. \nVECTOR\n\u00ae \nProduct Family\nDielectric film deposition processes are used to form some of the most difficult-to-produce insulating layers in a semiconductor device, including those used in the latest transistors and 3D structures. In some applications, these films require dielectric films to be exceptionally smooth and defect free since slight imperfections are multiplied greatly in subsequent layers. Our VECTOR\n\u00ae\n PECVD products are designed to provide the performance and flexibility needed to create these enabling structures within a wide range of challenging device applications. As a result of its design, VECTOR\n\u00ae\n produces superior thin film quality, along with exceptional within-wafer and wafer-to-wafer uniformity. \nEtch Processes and Product Families\nEtch processes help create chip features by selectively removing dielectric (insulating), metal, silicon and poly silicon (conducting/semiconducting) materials that have been added during deposition. These processes involve fabricating increasingly small, complex, and narrow features using many types of materials. The primary technology, reactive ion etch, bombards the wafer surface with ions (charged particles) to remove material. For the smallest features, atomic-layer etching (\u201cALE\u201d) removes a few atomic layers of material at a time. While conductor etch processes precisely shape critical electrical components like transistors, dielectric etch forms the insulating structures that protect conducting parts. \nFlex\n\u00ae\n Product Family\nDielectric etch carves patterns in insulating materials to create barriers between the electrically conductive parts of a semiconductor device. For advanced devices, these structures can be extremely tall and thin and involve complex, sensitive materials. Slight deviations from the target feature profile - even at the atomic level - can negatively affect electrical properties of the device. To precisely create these challenging structures, our Flex\n\u00ae\n product family offers differentiated technologies and application-focused capabilities for critical dielectric etch applications. Uniformity, repeatability, and tunability are enabled by a unique multi-frequency, small-volume, confined plasma design. Flex\n\u00ae\n offers in situ multi-step etch and continuous plasma capability that delivers high productivity with low defectivity.\nVantex\n\u00ae\n Product Family\nDielectric etch processes remove non-conductive materials during the manufacturing of a semiconductor device. Leading-edge memory devices have especially challenging structures, such as extremely deep holes and trenches, that must be manufactured with tight tolerances. Our latest dielectric etch system, Vantex\n\u00ae\n creates high aspect ratio device features while maintaining critical dimension (\u201cCD\u201d) uniformity and selectivity. Vantex\n\u00ae \nis part of our Sense.i\n\u00ae\n platform and offers advanced RF technology and repeatable wafer-to-wafer performance enabled by Equipment Intelligence\n\u00ae\n to meet the needs of advanced memory manufacturing, primarily in 3D NAND high aspect ratio hole, trench, contact, and capacitor cell applications.\nKiyo\n\u00ae\n Product Family\nConductor etch helps shape the electrically active materials used in the parts of a semiconductor device. Even a slight variation in these miniature structures can degrade device performance. In fact, these structures are so tiny and sensitive that etch processes push the boundaries of the basic laws of physics and chemistry. Our Kiyo\n\u00ae\n product family delivers the high-performance capabilities needed to precisely and consistently form these features precisely and with high productivity. Proprietary Hydra technology in Kiyo\n\u00ae\n products improves CD uniformity by correcting for incoming pattern variability, and atomic-scale variability control with production-worthy throughput is achieved with plasma-enhanced ALE capability.\nSyndion\n\u00ae\n Product Family \nPlasma etch processes used to remove single crystal silicon and other materials deep into the wafer are collectively referred to as deep silicon etch. These may be deep trenches for CMOS image sensors, trenches for power and other devices, TSVs for HBM and advanced packaging, and other high aspect ratio features. These are created by etching through multiple materials sequentially, where each new material involves a change in the etch process. The Syndion\n\u00ae\n etch product family is optimized for deep silicon etch, providing the fast process switching with depth and cross-wafer uniformity control required to achieve precision etch results. The systems support both conventional single-step etch and rapidly alternating process, which minimizes damage and delivers precise depth uniformity.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n6\nTable of Contents\n \nVersys\n\u00ae\n Metal Product Family\nMetal etch processes play a key role in connecting the individual components that form an IC, such as forming wires and electrical connections. These processes can also be used to drill through metal hardmasks that are used to form the wiring for advanced devices. To enable these critical etch steps, the Versys\n\u00ae\n Metal product family provides high-productivity capability on a flexible platform. Superior CD, profile uniformity, and uniformity control are enabled by a symmetrical chamber design with independent process tuning features.\nClean Processes and Product Families\nClean techniques are used between manufacturing steps to clear away particles, contaminants, residues and other unwanted material that could later lead to defects and to prepare the wafer surface for subsequent processing. Wet processing technologies can be used for wafer cleaning and etch applications. Plasma bevel cleaning is used to enhance die yield by removing unwanted materials from the wafer\u2019s edge that could impact the device area. \nCoronus\n\u00ae\n Product Family\nBevel cleaning removes unwanted masks, residues, and films from the edge of a wafer between manufacturing steps. If not cleaned, these materials become defect sources. For instance, they can flake off and re-deposit on the device area during subsequent processes. Even a single particle that lands on a critical part of a device can ruin the entire chip. By inserting bevel clean processes at strategic points, these potential defect sources can be eliminated and more functional chips produced. By combining the precise control and flexibility of plasma with technology that protects the active die area, the Coronus\n\u00ae\n \nbevel clean family cleans the wafer\u2019s edge to enhance die yield.\n \nThe systems provide active die area protection by using plasma processing with proprietary confinement technology. Applications include post-etch, pre- and post-deposition, pre-lithography, and metal film removal to prevent arcing during plasma etch or deposition steps.\nDV-Prime\n\u00ae\n,\n \nDa Vinci\n\u00ae\n,\n \nEOS\n\u00ae\n, and SP Series Product Families\nWafer cleaning is performed repeatedly during semiconductor device manufacturing and is a critical process that affects product yield and reliability. Unwanted microscopic materials - some no bigger than the tiny structures themselves - need to be cleaned effectively. At the same time, these processes must selectively remove residues that are chemically similar to the device films. For advanced WLP, the wet clean steps used between processes that form the package and external wiring have surprisingly complex requirements. These processes are called on to completely remove specific materials and leave other fragile structures undisturbed. In IoT products that include power devices, MEMS and image sensors, there is a unique requirement for wafer backside wet etch to uniformly thin the silicon wafer while protecting the device side of the wafer.\nBased on our pioneering single-wafer spin technology, the DV-Prime\n\u00ae\n and Da Vinci\n\u00ae\n products provide the process flexibility needed with high productivity to address a wide range of wafer cleaning steps throughout the manufacturing process flow. As the latest of Lam\u2019s wet clean products, EOS\n\u00ae\n delivers exceptionally low on-wafer defectivity and high throughput to address progressively demanding wafer cleaning applications. With a broad range of process capability, our SP Series products deliver cost-efficient, production-proven wet clean and silicon wet etch solutions for challenging WLP and IoT applications. \nFiscal Periods Presented\nAll references to fiscal years apply to our fiscal years, which ended June\u00a025, 2023, June\u00a026, 2022, and June\u00a027, 2021.\nResearch and Development\nThe market for semiconductor capital equipment is characterized by rapid technological change and product innovation. Our ability to achieve and maintain our competitive advantage depends in part on our continued and timely development of new products and enhancements to existing products. Accordingly, we devote a significant portion of our personnel and financial resources to research and development (\u201cR&D\u201d) programs and seek to maintain close and responsive relationships with our customers and suppliers.\nWe believe current challenges for customers at various points in the semiconductor manufacturing process present opportunities for us. We expect to continue to make substantial investments in R&D to meet our customers\u2019 product needs, support our growth strategy and enhance our competitive position.\nMarketing, Sales, and Service\nOur marketing, sales, and service efforts are focused on building long-term relationships with our customers and targeting product and service solutions designed to meet their needs. These efforts are supported by a team of product marketing and sales professionals as well as equipment and process engineers who work closely with individual customers to develop solutions for their wafer processing needs. We maintain ongoing service relationships with our customers and have an extensive network of service engineers in place throughout the United States, China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. We believe that comprehensive support programs and close working relationships with customers are essential to maintaining high customer satisfaction and our competitiveness in the marketplace.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n7\nTable of Contents\n \nWe provide standard warranties for our systems. The warranty provides that systems will be free from defects in material and workmanship and will conform to agreed-upon specifications. The warranty is limited to repair of the defect or replacement with new or like-new equivalent goods and is valid when the buyer provides prompt notification within the warranty period of the claimed defect or non-conformity and also makes the items available for inspection and repair. We also offer extended warranty packages to our customers to purchase as desired.\nInternational Sales\nA significant portion of our sales and operations occur outside the United States (\u201cU.S.\u201d) and, therefore, may be subject to certain risks, including but not limited to compliance with U.S. and international laws and regulations, including U.S. export restrictions; tariffs and other barriers; difficulties in staffing and managing non-U.S. operations; adverse tax consequences; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; changes in currency controls; and economic and political conditions. Any of these factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, and results of operations and cash flows. For geographical reporting, revenue is attributed to the geographic location in which the customers\u2019 facilities are located. Refer to \nNote 20\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Form 10-K, for the attribution of revenue by geographic region. \nLong-lived Assets\nRefer to \nNote 20\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item\u00a08 of this 2023 Form 10-K, for information concerning the geographic locations of long-lived assets.\nCustomers\nOur customers include many of the world\u2019s leading semiconductor manufacturers. Customers continue to establish joint ventures, alliances, and licensing arrangements which have the potential to positively or negatively impact our competitive position and market opportunities. Refer to \nNote 9\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item\u00a08 of this report, for information concerning customer concentrations. Our most significant customers during the fiscal years ending June\u00a025, 2023, June\u00a026, 2022, and June\u00a027, 2021 included Intel Corporation; Kioxia Corporation; Micron Technology, Inc.; Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd.; and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Additionally, SK hynix Inc, and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd. were significant customers during the fiscal years ending June\u00a026, 2022, and June\u00a027, 2021.\nA material reduction in orders from our customers could adversely affect our results of operations and projected financial condition. Our business depends upon the expenditures of semiconductor manufacturers. Semiconductor manufacturers\u2019 businesses, in turn, depend on many factors, including their economic capability, the current and anticipated market demand for ICs, and the availability of equipment capacity to support that demand.\nManufacturing\nOur manufacturing operations mainly consist of assembling and testing components, sub-assemblies, and modules that are then integrated into finished systems prior to shipment to or at the location of our customers. The assembly and testing of our products is conducted predominately in cleanroom environments. \nWe have agreements with third parties to outsource certain aspects of our manufacturing, production warehousing, and logistics functions. These outsourcing contracts may provide us more flexibility to scale our operations up or down in a timely and cost-effective manner. We believe that we have selected reputable providers and have secured their performance on terms documented in written contracts. However, it is possible that one or more of these providers could fail to perform as we expect, and such failure could have an adverse impact on our business and have a negative effect on our operating results and financial condition. Overall, we believe we have effective mechanisms to manage risks associated with our outsourcing relationships. Refer to \nNote 17\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item\u00a08 of this report, for further information concerning our outsourcing commitments, reported as a component of purchase obligations.\nCertain components and sub-assemblies that we include in our products may only be obtained from a single supplier. In response to supply chain constraints, we are engaged in efforts to obtain and qualify alternative sources to supply these products and in some circumstances protect against potential supply challenges by carrying inventory in excess of current need. Any prolonged inability to obtain these components could have an adverse effect on our operating results and could unfavorably impact our customer relationships.\nCompliance with Government Regulations\nAs a public company with global operations, we are subject to a variety of governmental regulations across multiple jurisdictions, including those related to export controls, financial and other disclosures, corporate governance, anti-trust, intellectual property, privacy, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-boycott, tax, labor, health and safety, conflict minerals, human trafficking, the management of hazardous materials, and carbon emissions, among others. Each of these regulations imposes costs on our business and has the potential to divert our management\u2019s time and attention from revenue-generating and other profit maximizing activities to those associated with compliance. Efforts to comply with new and changing regulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, decreased net income and increased capital expenditures. If we are alleged or found by a court or regulatory agency not to be in compliance with regulations, we may be subject to fines, restrictions on our actions, reputational damage, and harm to our \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n8\nTable of Contents\n \ncompetitive position, and our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations could be adversely affected. For additional details, please refer to \u201cLegal, Regulatory and Tax Risks \u2013 We Are Exposed to Various Risks from Our Regulatory Environment\u201d in \nItem 1A: Risk Factors\n.\nRegulations that impact trade, including tariffs, export controls, taxes, trade barriers, sanctions, the termination or modification of trade agreements, trade zones, and other duty mitigation initiatives, have the potential to increase our manufacturing costs, decrease margins, reduce the competitiveness of our products, or inhibit our ability to sell products or purchase necessary equipment and supplies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial conditions. For additional details regarding the impacts of compliance with trade laws and regulations, please refer to \u201cBusiness and Operational Risks \u2013 Our Future Success Depends Heavily on International Sales and the Management of Global Operations\u201d and \u201cLegal, Regulatory and Tax Risks \u2013 Our Sales to Customers in China, a Significant Region for Us, Have Been Impacted, and are Likely to be Materially and Adversely Affected by Export License Requirements and Other Regulatory Changes, or Other Governmental Actions in the Course of the Trade Relationship Between the U.S. and China\u201d in \nItem 1A: Risk Factors\n. \nWe are subject to income, transaction, and other taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions that impact our tax rate and profitability. For additional details regarding the impacts of compliance with tax laws and regulations, please refer to \u201cLegal, Regulatory and Tax Risks \u2013 Our Financial Results May Be Adversely Impacted by Higher than Expected Tax Rates or Exposure to Additional Tax Liabilities\u201d in \nItem 1A: Risk Factors\n.\nAn important element of our management strategy is to review acquisition prospects that would complement our existing products, augment our market coverage and distribution ability, enhance our technological capabilities, or accomplish other strategic objectives. However, for regulatory reasons, we may not be successful in our attempts to acquire or dispose of businesses, products, or technologies. For additional details regarding the impacts of regulations on acquisitions or dispositions we may attempt, please refer to \u201cBusiness and Operational Risks \u2013 If We Choose to Acquire or Dispose of Businesses, Product Lines, and Technologies, We May Encounter Unforeseen Costs and Difficulties That Could Impair Our Financial Performance\u201d in \nItem 1A: Risk Factors\n.\nWe are subject to a variety of domestic and international governmental regulations related to the handling, discharge, and disposal of toxic, volatile, or otherwise hazardous chemicals. For additional details regarding the impacts of compliance with environmental laws and regulations, please refer to \u201cLegal, Regulatory and Tax Risks \u2013 A Failure to Comply with Environmental Regulations May Adversely Affect Our Operating Results\u201d in \nItem 1A: Risk Factors\n.\nEnvironmental, Social, and Governance\nWe strive to incorporate environmental, social and governance (\"ESG\") consi\nderations \ninto everything we do \u2013 from our operations and workplace practices, to how we source our materials and design our products. Our ESG report for calendar year 2022 details, among other items, a number of ESG goals. One such goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, which we intend to achieve in part by meeting a number of interim targets related to our environmental impact. There have been no material impacts to capital expenditures or our results of operations associated with this goal, and there are no material cash commitments associated with the goal as of the fiscal year ended June\u00a025, 2023.\nInformation contained on our website or in our annual ESG Report is not incorporated by reference into this or any other report we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Refer to \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d for a discussion of risks and uncertainties we face related to ESG.\nCompetition\nThe semiconductor capital equipment industry is characterized by rapid change and is highly competitive throughout the world. To compete effectively, we invest significant financial resources targeted to strengthen and enhance our product and services portfolio and to maintain customer service and support locations globally. Semiconductor manufacturers evaluate capital equipment suppliers in many areas, including but not limited to process performance, productivity, defect control, customer support, and overall cost of ownership, which can be affected by many factors such as equipment design, reliability, software advancements, and similar factors. Our ability to succeed in the marketplace depends upon our ability to manufacture and ship products on a timeline that meets our customers\u2019 needs, maintain existing products, and introduce product enhancements and new products that meet customer requirements on a timely basis. In addition, semiconductor manufacturers must make a substantial investment to qualify and integrate new capital equipment into semiconductor production lines. As a result, once a semiconductor manufacturer has selected a particular supplier\u2019s equipment and qualified it for production, the manufacturer generally maintains that selection for that specific production application and technology node as long as the supplier\u2019s products demonstrate performance to specification in the installed base. Accordingly, we may experience difficulty in selling to a given customer if that customer has qualified a competitor\u2019s equipment. We must also continue to meet the expectations of our installed base of customers through the delivery of high-quality and cost-efficient spare parts in the presence of competition from third-party spare parts providers.\nWe face significant competition with all of our products and services. Our primary competitor in the dielectric and metals deposition market is Applied Materials, Inc. For ALD and PECVD, we also compete against ASM International and Wonik IPS. In the etch market, our primary competitors are Applied Materials, Inc.; Hitachi, Ltd.; and Tokyo Electron, Ltd., and our primary competitors in the wet clean market are Screen Holding Co., Ltd.; Semes Co., Ltd.; and Tokyo Electron, Ltd.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n9\nTable of Contents\n \nWe face competition from a number of established and emerging companies in the industry. We expect our competitors to continue to improve the design and performance of their current products and processes, to introduce new products and processes with enhanced price/performance characteristics, and to provide more comprehensive offerings of products. If our competitors make acquisitions or enter into strategic relationships with leading semiconductor manufacturers, or other entities, covering products similar to those we sell, our ability to sell our products to those customers could be adversely affected. Strategic investments to encourage local semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain in China could increase competition from domestic equipment manufacturers in China. Additionally, the U.S. Government has enacted a number of export controls regulating the sales of certain technologies to customers in China, which provides an advantage to our international competitors. There can be no assurance that we will continue to compete successfully in the future. \nPatents and Licenses\nOur policy is to seek patents on inventions relating to new or enhanced products and processes developed as part of our ongoing research, engineering, manufacturing, and support activities. We currently hold a number of U.S. and foreign patents and applications covering various aspects of our products and processes. Our patents, which cover material aspects of our past and present core products, have current durations ranging from approximately one to twenty years. We believe that, although the patents we own and may obtain in the future will be of value, they alone will not determine our success. Our success depends principally upon our research and development, engineering, marketing, support, and delivery skills. However, in the absence of patent protection, we may be vulnerable to competitors who attempt to imitate our products, manufacturing techniques, and processes and may be more limited in our ability to exclude competitors than would otherwise be the case. In addition, other companies and inventors may receive patents that contain claims applicable to our products and processes. The sale of products covered by patents of others could require licenses that may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. For further discussion of legal matters, see Item\u00a03, \u201cLegal Proceedings,\u201d of this report.\nHuman Capital \nWe endeavor to be a great place to work globally by investing in a multi-faceted strategy that is rooted in building an inclusive and diverse workplace. To support our employees, we tailor our programs to meet the unique cultural needs and priorities within different regions around the world.\nAs of August\u00a010, 2023, we had approximately 17,200 regular full-time employees, of which over 28% were engaged in research and development. Approximately 45% of our regular full-time employees are located in the United States, 48% in Asia, and 7% in Europe. \nInclusion and Diversity\nTo achieve their full potential, we believe it is important for every employee to feel valued, included, and empowered. We embrace inclusion and diversity (\u201cI&D\u201d) and proactively create opportunities to attract, retain, develop, and reward our employees. I&D is one of our strategic focus areas for the company. The three core pillars of our strategy include fostering inclusion, increasing diversity, and sharing our progress. We employ an executive leader of I&D who is responsible for driving our I&D strategy, building partnerships, and aligning with best practices.\nEmployment, Recruitment and Development \nOur talented people are what makes our success possible. Many of our recruitment efforts are carried out through partnerships with key universities. In fact, many of our senior executives began their careers with us right out of college, demonstrating that programs that recruit university students have the potential to contribute to our leadership pipeline. To tap into the best and brightest students, we prioritize core initiatives including an internship program, campus events, and thesis awards and scholarships. We accelerate employee development, broaden career opportunities, and expand professional networks for employees through our mentorship, coaching, and rotation programs. Additionally, we offer leadership development programs which are designed to scale leadership across our business by guiding managers to motivate, inspire, and lead employees through change. \nEmployee Engagement \nEmployee engagement (i.e. satisfaction) and voice are critical to Lam\u2019s culture. We conduct a global survey at a regular cadence to gather input from employees on culture, I&D, career opportunity, and manager effectiveness. We also solicit employee feedback through in-person and online employee forums, engagement sessions, all-employee meetings, conversations with\nmanagers, and our Human Resource Support and Employee Relations programs.\nTotal Rewards \nOur Total Rewards program incorporates a comprehensive compensation and benefits package aimed at supporting employees\u2019 financial, physical, and mental well-being. We conduct an annual review of salaries and benefits packages using third-party benchmarking surveys to ensure that our offerings are aligned with the marketplace and attractive to top talent. We offer our employees a competitive 401(k) benefit, an employee stock purchase plan, and annual cash bonuses. Stock awards are offered to executives and select employees. \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n10\nTable of Contents\n \nWe recognize the importance of time away from work for personal reasons, and we offer annual paid holidays and time off. Additionally, we offer paid parental leave benefits for parents welcoming a new child to the family through birth, adoption, or foster care placement. \nEmployee Health and\n \nSafety\nPrioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of our employees is critical to our ongoing success. We invest in education, awareness, monitoring, and prevention programs to help recognize and control safety hazards. Our goal is to apply our environmental health and safety (\u201cEHS\u201d) policies, programs, and response plans to anywhere we operate and to extend them to anyone who works on our sites with the intent to provide a safe environment during both routine and extraordinary circumstances. People managers in field support, manufacturing, R&D, warehouse, and logistics operations undergo formal safety leadership training biannually to enhance their skills in safety management and communication. We screen contractors\u2019 safety performance and require contractor compliance with specified safety standards. \nWe monitor our safety performance at the enterprise, regional, and site levels. By using our global incident tracking system, our corporate EHS team can assess and monitor safety trends to report to business units and executive leadership as a part of quarterly reviews. We maintain multi-site certifications for ISO 45001, the globally recognized standard for occupational health and safety management systems. \nInformation about our Executive Officers\nAs of August\u00a010, 2023, the executive officers of Lam Research were as follows:\nName\nAge\nTitle\nTimothy M. Archer\n56\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\nDouglas R. Bettinger\n56\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer\nPatrick J. Lord\n57\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer\nNeil J. Fernandes\n56\nSenior Vice President, Global Customer Operations\nAva M. Hahn\n50\nSenior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary\nVahid Vahedi\n57\nSenior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer\nSeshasayee (Sesha) Varadarajan\n48\nSenior Vice President Global Products Group\nTimothy M. Archer has been our president and chief executive officer since December 2018. Prior to this, he served as our president and chief operating officer, from January 2018 to November 2018. Mr. Archer joined us in June 2012 as our executive vice president, chief operating officer.\u00a0Prior to joining us, he spent 18 years at Novellus Systems, Inc., (\u201cNovellus\u201d) in various technology development and business leadership roles, including most recently as chief operating officer from January 2011 to June 2012; executive vice president of Worldwide Sales, Marketing, and Customer Satisfaction from September 2009 to January 2011; and executive vice president of the PECVD and Electrofill Business Units from November 2008 to September 2009.\u00a0His tenure at Novellus also included assignments as senior director of technology for Novellus Systems Japan from 1999 to 2001 and senior director of technology for the Electrofill Business Unit from April 2001 to April 2002.\u00a0He started his career in 1989 at Tektronix, where he was responsible for process development for high-speed bipolar ICs.\u00a0Mr. Archer currently serves on the International Board of Directors for SEMI, the global industry association representing the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain. From 2020 to 2022, Mr. Archer served as chairman of the board for the National GEM Consortium, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to increasing the participation of underrepresented groups at the master\u2019s and doctoral levels in engineering and science. Mr.\u00a0Archer completed the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Business and earned a B.S. degree in applied physics from the California Institute of Technology.\nDouglas R. Bettinger is our executive vice president and chief financial officer with responsibility for Finance, Tax, Treasury, and Investor Relations. Prior to joining the Company in 2013, Mr. Bettinger served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of Avago Technologies from 2008 to 2013. From 2007 to 2008, he served as vice president of Finance and corporate controller at Xilinx, Inc., and from 2004 to 2007, he was chief financial officer at 24/7 Customer, a privately held company.\u00a0Mr. Bettinger worked at Intel Corporation from 1993 to 2004, where he held several senior-level finance positions, including corporate planning and reporting controller and Malaysia site operations controller. Mr. Bettinger currently serves on the Board of Directors of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, the SEMI Board of Industry Leaders, and the Industrial Advisory Board of the University of Wisconsin School of Engineering.\u00a0Mr. Bettinger earned an M.B.A. degree in finance from the University of Michigan and a B.S. degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. \nPatrick J. Lord is our executive vice president and chief operating officer, a position he has held since March 2023. In this role, Dr. Lord is responsible for several functions including, Global Operations; Customer Support; Global Quality; Environmental Health and Safety; Information Technology; and Global Resilience, Security, and Transformation. Dr. Lord previously served as executive vice president of CSBG and Global Operations from September 2020 to February 2023; and senior vice president and general manager of CSBG from December 2016 to September 2020. Prior to that, Dr. Lord held the position of group vice president and deputy general manager of the Global Products Group from September 2013 to December 2016. He served as the head of the Direct Metals, GapFill, Surface Integrity Group, and Integrated Metals (\u201cDGSI\u201d) Business Units between June 2012 and September 2013. Prior to \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n11\nTable of Contents\n \nour acquisition of Novellus in June 2012, Dr. Lord was senior vice president and general manager of the DGSI Business Units at Novellus. Additionally, Dr. Lord held the position of senior vice president of Business Development and Strategic Planning. He joined Novellus in 2001 and held a number of other positions, including senior vice president and general manager of the CMP Business Unit, senior director of Business Development, senior director of Strategic Marketing, and acting vice president of Corporate Marketing. Before joining Novellus, Dr. Lord spent six years at KLA-Tencor in various product marketing and management roles. He earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.\nNeil J. Fernandes is our senior vice president of Global Customer Operations, a position he has held since March 2023. Previously, he was global vice president of business development and sales operations and held other senior sales and customer-focused leadership positions at Lam. He joined the company in 2012 through the acquisition of Novellus, where he was the vice president of sales operations. Prior to that role, he held range of management positions in product marketing and process engineering at Novellus, Gasonics and Watkins-Johnson. Neil earned an M.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.E. in mechanical engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology.\nAva M. Hahn is our senior vice president, chief legal officer and secretary. She joined us in January 2020 and is responsible for global legal matters, ethics and compliance, global trade and government affairs. Prior to joining us, Ms. Hahn served as executive vice president, chief compliance officer, general counsel and secretary of CA Technologies, an enterprise software company, from February 2019 to November 2019 (until its acquisition by Broadcom Corp.), general counsel and secretary of Aruba Networks from April 2013 to June 2016 (until its acquisition by Hewlett Packard Enterprise), general counsel and secretary of ShoreTel, Inc. from 2007 to 2013, and general counsel and secretary of Genesis Microchip from 2002 to 2007. Ms. Hahn also served as general counsel of venture capital firms Kleiner Perkins and Felicis Ventures. She started her career at the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she practiced corporate and securities law. Ms. Hahn earned a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.A. in history from the University of California at Berkeley.\nVahid Vahedi is our senior vice president and chief technology officer, a position he has held since March 2023. Dr. Vahedi previously served as senior vice president and general manager of the Etch business unit beginning February 2018; and group vice president of the Etch product group beginning March 2012. Previously, he served as vice president of Etch Business Product Management and Marketing, vice president of Dielectric Etch, vice president of Conductor and 3DIC Etch, and director of Conductor Etch Technology Development. He joined us in 1995. He earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California at Berkeley.\nSesha Varadarajan is our senior vice president of the Global Products Group, a position he has held since March 2023. Mr. Varadarajan previously served as senior vice president and general manager of the Deposition Business Unit beginning February 2018; and group vice president of the Deposition product group beginning September 2013. Previously, he served as the head of the PECVD/Electrofill Business Unit between June 2012 and September 2013. Prior to our acquisition of Novellus in June 2012, Mr. Varadarajan was senior vice president and general manager of Novellus\u2019 PECVD and Electrofill Business Units. He joined Novellus in 1999 as a process engineer with the Electrofill Business Unit and held various roles in that business unit before being appointed director of technology in 2004. Between 2006 and 2008, he worked in the PECVD Business Unit, initially as director of technology, until being promoted to product general manager. In 2009, he returned to the Electrofill Business Unit as vice president and general manager. In mid-2011, he was promoted to senior vice president and general manager, where he was also responsible for the PECVD Business Unit. Mr. Varadarajan earned an M.S. degree in manufacturing engineering and material science from Boston University and a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Mysore.",
+ "item1a": ">Item\u00a01A. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRisk Factors\nIn addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (\u201c2023 Form 10-K\u201d), the following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating us and our business because such factors may significantly impact our business, operating results, and financial condition. As a result of these risk factors, as well as other risks discussed in our other SEC filings, our actual results could differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. No priority or significance is intended by, nor should be attached to, the order in which the risk factors appear.\nINDUSTRY AND CUSTOMER RISKS\nThe Semiconductor Capital Equipment Industry Is Subject to Variability and Periods of Rapid Growth or Decline; We Therefore Face Risks Related to Our Strategic Resource Allocation Decisions\nThe semiconductor capital equipment industry has historically been characterized by rapid changes in demand. Variability in our customers\u2019 business plans may lead to changes in demand for our equipment and services, which could negatively impact our results. The variability in our customers\u2019 investments during any particular period is dependent on several factors, including but not limited to electronics demand, economic conditions (both general and in the semiconductor and electronics industries), industry supply and demand, prices for semiconductors, and our customers\u2019 ability to develop and manufacture increasingly complex and costly semiconductor devices. The changes in demand may require our management to adjust spending and other resources allocated to operating activities.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n12\nTable of Contents\n \nDuring periods of rapid growth or decline in demand for our products and services, we face significant challenges in maintaining adequate financial and business controls, management processes, information systems, and procedures for training, assimilating, and managing our workforce, and in appropriately sizing our supply chain infrastructure and facilities, work force, and other components of our business on a timely basis. If we do not adequately meet these challenges during periods of increasing or declining demand, our gross margins and earnings may be negatively impacted. \nWe continuously reassess our strategic resource allocation choices in response to the changing business environment. If we do not adequately adapt to the changing business environment, we may lack the infrastructure and resources to scale up our business to meet customer expectations and compete successfully during a period of growth, or we may expand our capacity and resources too rapidly and/or beyond what is appropriate for the actual demand environment, resulting in excess fixed costs.\nEspecially during transitional periods, resource allocation decisions can have a significant impact on our future performance, particularly if we have not accurately anticipated industry changes. Our success will depend, to a significant extent, on the ability of our executive officers and other members of our senior management to identify and respond to these challenges effectively.\nFuture Declines in the Semiconductor Industry, and the Overall World Economic Conditions on Which It Is Significantly Dependent, Could Have a Material Adverse Impact on Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition\nOur business depends on the capital equipment expenditures of semiconductor manufacturers, which in turn depend on the current and anticipated market demand for integrated circuits. With the consolidation of customers within the industry, the semiconductor capital equipment market may experience rapid changes in demand driven both by changes in the market generally and the plans and requirements of particular customers. The economic, regulatory, political, and business conditions occurring nationally, globally, or in any of our key sales regions, which are often unpredictable, have historically impacted customer demand for our products and normal commercial relationships with our customers, suppliers, and creditors. Additionally, in times of economic uncertainty, our customers\u2019 budgets for our products, or their ability to access credit to purchase them, could be adversely affected. This would limit their ability to purchase our products and services. As a result, changing economic, regulatory, political or business conditions can cause material adverse changes to our results of operations and financial condition, including but not limited to:\u00a0\n\u2022\na decline in demand for our products or services;\n\u2022\nan increase in reserves on accounts receivable due to our customers\u2019 inability to pay us;\n\u2022\nan increase in reserves on inventory balances due to excess or obsolete inventory as a result of our inability to sell such inventory;\n\u2022\nvaluation allowances on deferred tax assets;\n\u2022\nrestructuring charges;\n\u2022\nasset impairments including the potential impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets;\n\u2022\na decline in the value of our investments;\n\u2022\nexposure to claims from our suppliers for payment on inventory that is ordered in anticipation of customer purchases that do not come to fruition;\n\u2022\na decline in the value of certain facilities we lease to less than our residual value guarantee with the lessor; and\n\u2022\nchallenges maintaining reliable and uninterrupted sources of supply.\nFluctuating levels of investment by semiconductor manufacturers may materially affect our aggregate shipments, revenues, operating results, and earnings. Where appropriate, we will attempt to respond to these fluctuations with cost management programs aimed at aligning our expenditures with anticipated revenue streams, which sometimes result in restructuring charges. Even during periods of reduced revenues, we must continue to invest in R&D and maintain extensive ongoing worldwide customer service and support capabilities to remain competitive, which may temporarily harm our profitability and other financial results.\nWe Have a Limited Number of Key Customers\nSales to a limited number of large customers constitute a significant portion of our overall revenue, shipments, cash flows, collections, and profitability. As a result, the actions of even one customer may subject us to variability in those areas that is difficult to predict. In addition, large customers may be able to negotiate requirements that result in decreased pricing, increased costs, and/or lower margins for us and limitations on our ability to share technology with others. Similarly, significant portions of our credit risk may, at any given time, be concentrated among a limited number of customers so that the failure of even one of these key customers to pay its obligations to us could significantly impact our financial results.\nWe Face a Challenging and Complex Competitive Environment\nWe face significant competition from multiple competitors, and with increased consolidation efforts in our industry, as well as the emergence and strengthening of new, regional competitors, we may face increasing competitive pressures. Other companies continue to develop systems and/or acquire businesses and products that are competitive to ours and may introduce new products and product capabilities that may affect our ability to sell and support our existing products. We face a greater risk if our competitors enter into strategic relationships with leading semiconductor manufacturers covering products similar to those we sell or may develop, as this could adversely affect our ability to sell products to those manufacturers.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n13\nTable of Contents\n \nWe believe that to remain competitive we must devote significant financial resources to offer products that meet our customers\u2019 needs, to maintain customer service and support centers worldwide, and to invest in product and process R&D. Technological changes and developing technologies have required, and are expected to continue to require, new and costly investments. Certain of our competitors, including those that are created and financially backed by foreign governments, have substantially greater financial resources and more extensive engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and customer service and support resources than we do and therefore have the potential to offer customers a more comprehensive array of products and/or product capabilities and to therefore achieve additional relative success in the semiconductor equipment industry. These competitors may deeply discount or give away products similar to those that we sell, challenging or even exceeding our ability to make similar accommodations and threatening our ability to sell those products. We also face competition from our own customers, who in some instances have established affiliated entities that manufacture equipment similar to ours. In addition, we face competition from companies that exist in a more favorable legal or regulatory environment than we do, who are able to sell products for certain applications at certain customers that we are prohibited from selling to under applicable export controls, allowing the freedom of action in ways that we may be unable to match. In many cases speed to solution is necessary for customer satisfaction and our competitors may be better positioned to achieve these objectives. For these reasons, we may fail to continue to compete successfully worldwide.\nIn addition, our competitors may be able to develop products comparable or superior to those we offer or may adapt more quickly to new technologies or evolving customer requirements. In particular, while we continue to develop product enhancements that we believe will address future customer requirements, we may fail in a timely manner to complete the development or introduction of these additional product enhancements successfully, or these product enhancements may not achieve market acceptance or be competitive. Accordingly, competition may intensify, and we may be unable to continue to compete successfully in our markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, operating results, financial condition, and/or cash flows.\nOnce a Semiconductor Manufacturer Commits to Purchase a Competitor\u2019s Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment, the Manufacturer Typically Continues to Purchase That Competitor\u2019s Equipment, Making It More Difficult for Us to Sell Our Equipment to That Customer\nSemiconductor manufacturers must make a substantial investment to qualify and integrate wafer processing equipment into a semiconductor production line. We believe that once a semiconductor manufacturer selects a particular supplier\u2019s processing equipment, the manufacturer generally relies upon that equipment for that specific production line application for an extended period of time, especially for customers that are more focused on tool reuse. Accordingly, we expect it to be more difficult to sell our products to a given customer for a product line application if that customer initially selects a competitor\u2019s equipment for the same product line application.\nWe Depend on Creating New Products and Processes and Enhancing Existing Products and Processes for Our Success; Consequently, We Are Subject to Risks Associated with Rapid Technological Change\nRapid technological changes in semiconductor manufacturing processes subject us to increased pressure to develop technological advances that enable those processes. We believe that our future success depends in part upon our ability to develop and offer new products with improved capabilities and to continue to enhance our existing products. If new products or existing products have reliability, quality, design, or safety problems, our performance may be impacted by reduced orders, higher manufacturing costs, delays in acceptance of and payment for new products, and additional service and warranty expenses. We may be unable to develop and manufacture products successfully, or products that we introduce may fail in the marketplace. For more than 25 years, the primary driver of technology advancement in the semiconductor industry has been to shrink the lithography that prints the circuit design on semiconductor chips. That driver could be approaching its technological limit, leading semiconductor manufacturers to investigate more complex changes in multiple technologies in an effort to continue technology development. In addition, the emergence of \u201cbig data\u201d and new tools such as machine learning and artificial intelligence that capitalize on the availability of large data sets is leading semiconductor manufacturers and equipment manufacturers to pursue new products and approaches that exploit those tools to advance technology development. In the face of uncertainty on which technology solutions will become successful, we will need to focus our efforts on developing the technology changes that are ultimately successful in supporting our customers\u2019 requirements. Our failure to develop and offer the correct technology solutions in a timely manner with productive and cost-effective products could adversely affect our business in a material way. Our failure to commercialize new products in a timely manner could result in loss of market share, unanticipated costs, and inventory obsolescence, which would adversely affect our financial results.\nIn order to develop new products and processes and enhance existing products and processes, we expect to continue to make significant investments in R&D, to investigate the acquisition of new products and technologies, to invest in or acquire such businesses or technologies, and to pursue joint development relationships with customers, suppliers, or other members of the industry. Our investments and acquisitions may not be as successful as we may expect, particularly in the event that we invest in or acquire product lines and technologies that are new to us. We may find that acquisitions are not available to us, for regulatory or other reasons, and that we must therefore limit ourselves to collaboration and joint venture development activities, which do not have the same benefits as acquisitions. Pursuing development through collaboration and/or joint development activities rather than through an acquisition poses substantial challenges for management, including those related to aligning business objectives; sharing confidential information, intellectual property and data; sharing value with third parties; and realizing synergies that might have been available in an acquisition but are not available through a joint development project. We must manage product transitions and joint development relationships successfully, as the introduction of new products could adversely affect our sales of existing products and certain jointly developed technologies may be subject to restrictions on our ability to share that technology with other customers, which could limit our market for products incorporating those technologies. Future technologies, processes, or product developments \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n14\nTable of Contents\n \nmay render our current product offerings obsolete, leaving us with non-competitive products, obsolete inventory, or both. Moreover, customers may adopt new technologies or processes to address the complex challenges associated with next-generation devices. This shift may result in a reduction in the size of our addressable markets or could increase the relative size of markets in which we either do not compete or have relatively low market share.\nStrategic Alliances and Customer Consolidation May Have Negative Effects on Our Business\nSemiconductor manufacturing companies from time to time enter into strategic alliances or consolidate with one another to expedite the development of processes and other manufacturing technologies and/or achieve economies of scale. The outcomes of such an alliance can be the definition of a particular tool set for a certain function and/or the standardization of a series of process steps that use a specific set of manufacturing equipment, while the outcomes of consolidation can lead to an overall reduction in the market for semiconductor manufacturing equipment as customers\u2019 operations achieve economies of scale and/or increased purchasing power based on their higher volumes. In certain instances, this could work to our disadvantage if a competitor\u2019s tools or equipment become the standard equipment for such functions or processes. Additional outcomes of such consolidation may include our customers re-evaluating their future supplier relationships to consider our competitors\u2019 products and/or gaining additional influence over the pricing of products and the control of intellectual property or data.\nSimilarly, our customers may partner with, or follow the lead of, educational or research institutions that establish processes for accomplishing various tasks or manufacturing steps. If those institutions utilize a competitor\u2019s equipment when they establish those processes, it is likely that customers will tend to use the same equipment in setting up their own manufacturing lines. Even if they select our equipment, the institutions and the customers that follow their lead could impose conditions on acceptance of that equipment, such as adherence to standards and requirements or limitations on how we license our proprietary rights, that increase our costs or require us to take on greater risk. These actions could adversely impact our market share and financial results.\nBUSINESS AND OPERATIONAL RISKS\nOur Revenues and Operating Results Are Variable\nOur revenues and operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter or year to year due to a number of factors, not all of which are in our control. We manage our expense levels based in part on our expectations of future revenues. Because our operating expenses are based in part on anticipated future revenues, and a certain amount of those expenses are relatively fixed, a change in the timing of recognition of revenue and/or the level of gross profit from a small number of transactions can unfavorably affect operating results in a particular quarter or year. Factors that may cause our financial results to fluctuate unpredictably include but are not limited to:\u00a0\n\u2022\nlegal, tax, accounting, or regulatory changes (including but not limited to changes in import/export regulations and tariffs, such as regulations imposed by the U.S. government restricting exports to China) or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing requirements;\n\u2022\nmacroeconomic, industry, and market conditions, including those caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine or bank failures, and geopolitical issues;\n\u2022\nchanges in average selling prices, customer mix, and product mix;\n\u2022\nforeign currency exchange rate fluctuations;\n\u2022\neconomic conditions in the electronics and semiconductor industries in general and specifically the semiconductor equipment industry;\n\u2022\nthe size and timing of orders from customers;\n\u2022\nchanges in our deferred revenue balance, including as a result of factors such as volume purchase agreements, multi-year service contracts, back orders, and down payments toward purchases; \n\u2022\nconsolidation of the customer base, which may result in the investment decisions of one customer or market having a significant effect on demand for our products or services;\n\u2022\nprocurement shortages;\n\u2022\nthe failure of our suppliers or outsource providers to perform their obligations in a manner consistent with our expectations;\n\u2022\nmanufacturing difficulties;\n\u2022\ncustomer cancellations or delays in shipments, installations, customer payments, and/or customer acceptances;\n\u2022\nthe extent that customers continue to purchase and use our products and services in their business;\n\u2022\nour customers\u2019 reuse of existing and installed products, to the extent that such reuse decreases their need to purchase new products or services;\n\u2022\nour ability to develop, introduce, and market new, enhanced, and competitive products in a timely manner;\n\u2022\nour competitors\u2019 introduction of new products;\n\u2022\nlegal or technical challenges to our products and technologies;\n\u2022\ntransportation, communication, demand, information technology, or supply disruptions based on factors outside our control, such as strikes, acts of God, wars, terrorist activities, widespread outbreak of illness, natural or man-made disasters, or climate change;\n\u2022\nmanagement of supply chain risks;\n\u2022\nrising inflation or interest rates; and\n\u2022\nchanges in our estimated effective tax rate.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n15\nTable of Contents\n \nOur Future Success Depends Heavily on International Sales and the Management of Global Operations \nNon-U.S. sales, as reflected in Part II Item 7. Results of Operations of this 2023 Form 10-K, accounted for approximately 91%, 92%, and 94% of total revenue in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. We expect that international sales will continue to account for a substantial majority of our total revenue in future years.\nWe are subject to various challenges related to international sales and the management of global operations including, but not limited to:\n\u2022\ndomestic and international trade regulations, policies, practices, relations, disputes and issues;\n\u2022\ndomestic and international tariffs, export controls and other barriers;\n\u2022\ndeveloping customers and/or suppliers, who may have limited access to capital resources;\n\u2022\nglobal or national economic and political conditions;\n\u2022\nchanges in currency controls;\n\u2022\ndifferences in the enforcement of intellectual property and contract rights in varying jurisdictions;\n\u2022\nour ability to respond to customer and foreign government demands for locally sourced systems, spare parts, and services and develop the necessary relationships with local suppliers;\n\u2022\nchanges in and compliance with U.S. and international laws and regulations affecting foreign operations, including U.S. and international trade restrictions and sanctions, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-boycott, environmental, tax, and labor laws;\n\u2022\nfluctuations in interest and foreign currency exchange rates;\n\u2022\nthe need for technical support resources in different locations; and\n\u2022\nour ability to secure and retain qualified people, and effectively manage people, in all necessary locations for the successful operation of our business.\nThere is inherent risk, based on the complex relationships among China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States, that political, diplomatic and national security influences can lead to trade disputes, impacts and/or disruptions, in particular those affecting the semiconductor industry. This can adversely affect our business with China, Japan, Korea, and/or Taiwan and perhaps the entire Asia Pacific region or global economy. A significant trade dispute, impact and/or disruption in any area where we do business could have a materially adverse impact on our future revenue and profits. \nTariffs, export controls, additional taxes, trade barriers, sanctions, the termination or modification of trade agreements, trade zones, and other duty mitigation initiatives, and any reciprocal retaliatory actions, can increase our manufacturing costs, decrease margins, reduce the competitiveness of our products, disrupt our supply chain operations, or inhibit our ability to sell products or provide services, which has had and in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial conditions. Certain of our international sales depend on our ability to obtain export licenses from the U.S. or foreign governments, and our inability to obtain such licenses, or an expansion of the number or kinds of sales for which export licenses are required, has limited and could in the future further limit the market for our products and has had and could in the future have an adverse impact on our revenues. As is discussed below under the heading \u201cOur Sales to Customers in China, a Significant Region for Us, Have Been Impacted, and are Likely to Be Materially and Adversely Affected by Export License Requirements and Other Regulatory Changes, or Other Governmental Actions in the Course of the Trade Relationship Between the U.S. and China,\u201d the U.S. government has recently imposed new controls, including expanded export license requirements, that significantly impact trade with China. In addition, the U.S. government has an ongoing process of assessing technologies that may be subject to new or additional export controls, and it is possible that such additional controls, if and when imposed, could further adversely impact our ability to sell our products outside the U.S. The implementation by the U.S. government of broad export controls restricting access to our technology (such as recent controls limiting exports to China) may cause customers with international operations to reconsider their use of and reliance on our products, which could adversely impact our future revenue and profits. Furthermore, there are risks that foreign governments may, among other things, take retaliatory actions; insist on the use of local suppliers; compel companies to partner with local companies to design and supply equipment on a local basis, requiring the transfer of intellectual property rights and/or local manufacturing; utilize their influence over their judicial systems to respond to intellectual property disputes or issues; and provide special incentives to government-backed local customers to buy from local competitors, even if their products are inferior to ours; all of which could adversely impact our revenues and margins.\nWe are exposed to potentially adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The majority of our sales and expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations primarily related to revenues denominated in Japanese yen and expenses denominated in euro, Korean won, Malaysian ringgit, and Indian rupee. Further, in periods in which the U.S. dollar is strong relative to the local currencies of our international customers, this can potentially reduce demand for our products, which may compound the adverse effect of foreign exchange translation on our revenue. Currently, we hedge certain anticipated foreign currency cash flows, primarily anticipated revenues denominated in Japanese yen and expenses dominated in euro, Korean won, Malaysian ringgit, and Indian rupee. In addition, we enter into foreign currency hedge contracts to minimize the short-term impact of the foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, primarily third-party accounts receivables, accounts payables, and intercompany receivables and payables. We believe these are our primary exposures to currency rate fluctuation. We expect to continue to enter into hedging transactions, for the purposes outlined, for the foreseeable future. However, these hedging transactions may not achieve their desired effect because differences between the actual timing of the underlying exposures and our forecasts of those exposures may leave us either over or under hedged on any given transaction. Moreover, by hedging these foreign currency denominated revenues, expenses, monetary \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n16\nTable of Contents\n \nassets, and liabilities, we may miss favorable currency trends that would have been advantageous to us but for the hedges. Additionally, we are exposed to short-term foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on non-U.S. dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities (other than those currency exposures previously discussed), and currently we do not enter into foreign currency hedge contracts against these exposures. In addition, our currency hedges do not necessarily mitigate the potential negative impact of a strong U.S. dollar on demand for our products. Therefore, we are subject to potential unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to the extent that we transact business (including intercompany transactions) in these currencies.\nThe magnitude of our overseas business also affects where our cash is generated. Certain uses of cash, such as share repurchases, payment of dividends, or the repayment of our notes, can usually only be made with onshore cash balances. Since the majority of our cash is generated outside of the United States, this may impact certain business decisions and outcomes.\nOur Business Relies on Technology, Data, Intellectual Property and Other Sensitive Information That is Susceptible to Cybersecurity and Other Threats or Incidents\nOur business is dependent upon the use and protection of technology, data, intellectual property and other sensitive information, which may be owned by, or licensed to, us or third parties, such as our customers and vendors. We maintain and rely upon certain critical information systems for the creation, transmission, use and storage of much of this information, and for the effective operation of our business. These information systems include but are not limited to, telecommunications, the Internet, our corporate intranet, various computer hardware and software applications, (some of which may be integrated into the products that we sell or be required in order to provide the services that we offer), network communications, and email. These information systems may be owned and maintained by us, our outsourced providers, or third parties such as vendors, contractors, customers and Cloud providers. In addition, we make use of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products for certain important business functions that are provided by third parties and hosted on their own networks and servers, or third-party networks and servers, all of which rely on networks, email and/or the Internet for their function. \nThe technology, data, intellectual property and other sensitive information we seek to protect are subject to loss, release, misappropriation or misuse, and the information systems containing or transmitting such technology, data, intellectual property and other sensitive information are subject to disruption, breach or failure, in each case as a result of various possible causes. Such causes may include mistakes or unauthorized actions by our employees or contractors, phishing schemes and other third-party attacks, and degradation or loss of service or access to data due to viruses, malware, denial of service attacks, destructive or inadequate code, power failures, or physical damage to computers, hard drives, communication lines, or networking equipment. Such causes may also include the use of techniques that change frequently or may be disguised or difficult to detect, or designed to remain dormant until a triggering event, or that may continue undetected for an extended period of time.\nWe have experienced cybersecurity and other threats and incidents in the past. Although past threats and incidents have not resulted in a material adverse effect, we may incur material losses related to cybersecurity and other threats or incidents in the future. If we were subject to a cybersecurity or other incident, it could have a material adverse effect on our business. Such adverse effects might include:\n\u2022\nloss of (or inability to access, e.g. through ransomware) confidential and/or sensitive information stored on these critical information systems or transmitted to or from those systems;\n\u2022\nthe disruption of the proper function of our products, services and/or operations;\n\u2022\nthe failure of our or our customers\u2019 manufacturing processes;\n\u2022\nerrors in the output of our work or our customers\u2019 work;\n\u2022\nthe loss or public exposure of the personal or other confidential information of our employees, customers or other parties;\n\u2022\nthe public release of customer financial and business plans, customer orders and operational results;\n\u2022\nexposure to claims from our employees or third parties who are adversely impacted by such incidents; \n\u2022\nmisappropriation or theft of our or a customer\u2019s, supplier\u2019s or other party\u2019s assets or resources, including technology data, intellectual property or other sensitive information and costs associated therewith;\n\u2022\nreputational damage;\n\u2022\ndiminution in the value of our investment in research, development and engineering; or\n\u2022\nour failure to meet, or violation of, regulatory or other legal obligations, such as the timely publication or filing of financial statements, tax information and other required communications.\nWhile we have implemented ISO 27001 compliant security procedures and virus protection software, intrusion prevention systems, identity and access control, and emergency recovery processes, and we carefully select our third-party providers of information systems, to mitigate risks to the information systems that we rely on and to the technology, data, intellectual property and other sensitive information we seek to protect, those security procedures and mitigation and protection systems cannot be guaranteed to be fail-safe, and we may still suffer cybersecurity and other incidents. It has been difficult and may continue to be difficult to hire and retain employees with substantial cybersecurity acumen. In addition, there have been and may continue to be instances of our policies and procedures not being effective in enabling us to identify risks, threats and incidents in a timely manner, or at all, or to respond expediently, appropriately and effectively when incidents occur and repair any damage caused by such incidents, and such occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n17\nTable of Contents\n \nWe May Not Achieve the Expected Benefits of Our Restructuring Plans and Business Transformation Initiatives, and These Efforts Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Operations, Financial Condition, Results of Operations and Competitive Position\nIn January 2023 we announced that we are implementing a restructuring plan consisting of a workforce reduction, and that we anticipate undertaking, and may in the future undertake, additional business restructuring, realignment and transformation initiatives. We expect to incur material costs and charges in connection with these plans and initiatives. While the restructuring plan is intended to better align our cost structure with the current economic environment and future business opportunities, and our anticipated transformation initiatives have the goal of strengthening our operations and achieving operational efficiencies, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in these plans and initiatives. Implementation of these plans and initiatives may be costly and disruptive to our business, we may not be able to complete them at the cost or within the time frame contemplated, and we may not be able to obtain the anticipated benefits within the projected timing or at all. Restructuring and transformation may adversely affect our internal programs and our ability to recruit and retain skilled and motivated personnel, may result in a loss of continuity, loss of accumulated knowledge and/or inefficiency during transitional periods, may require a significant amount of management and other employees' time and focus, and may be distracting to employees and management, which may divert attention from operating and growing our business. Additionally, reductions in our workforce may cause a reduction in our production output capabilities which could impact our ability to manufacture or ship products to customers within a mutually beneficial timeline. If we fail to achieve some or all of the expected benefits, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, financial condition, results of operations and competitive position. For more information about our restructuring plan, see Note 22 of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Form 10-K.\nDisruptions to Our Supply Chain and Outsource Providers Could Impact Our Ability to Meet Demand, Increase Our Costs, and Adversely Impact Our Revenue and Operating Results\nOur supply chain has played and will continue to play a key role in our product development, manufacturing operations, field installation and support. Our business depends on our timely supply of products and services to meet the demand from our customers, which depends in significant part on the timely delivery of parts, materials and services, including components and subassemblies, from our direct suppliers to us, and to our direct suppliers by other companies. In addition, outsource providers have played and will continue to play a key role both in the manufacturing and customer-focused operations described above, and in many of our transactional and administrative functions, such as information technology, facilities management, and certain elements of our finance organization. These providers and suppliers might suffer financial setbacks, be acquired by third parties, become subject to exclusivity arrangements that preclude further business with us, or be unable to meet our requirements or expectation due to their independent business decisions or force majeure events that could interrupt or impair their continued ability to perform as we expect. We may also experience significant interruptions of our manufacturing operations, delays in our ability to deliver or install products or perform services or to recognize revenue, increased costs or customer order cancellations as a result of:\n\u2022\nthe failure or inability to accurately forecast demand and obtain sufficient quantities of quality parts on a cost-effective basis;\n\u2022\nvolatility in the availability and cost of parts, materials or services, including increased costs due to rising inflation or interest rates or other market conditions;\n\u2022\ndifficulties or delays in obtaining required import or export approvals;\n\u2022\nshipment delays and increased costs of shipment due to transportation interruptions, capacity constraints, or fuel shortages;\n\u2022\nshortages of semiconductor or other components or materials as a result of increases in demand;\n\u2022\ninformation technology or infrastructure failures, including those of a third-party supplier or service provider; and\n\u2022\ntransportation or supply disruptions based on factors outside our control, such as strikes, acts of God, wars, terrorist activities, widespread outbreak of illness, natural or man-made disasters, or climate change.\nDemand for electronic products and other factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have resulted in, and may in the future result in, a shortage of parts, materials and services needed to manufacture, deliver and install our products, as well as delays in and unpredictability of shipments due to transportation interruptions. Such shortages, delays and unpredictability have adversely impacted, and may in the future impact, our suppliers\u2019 ability to meet our demand requirements. Difficulties in obtaining sufficient and timely supply of parts, materials or services, and delays in and unpredictability of shipments due to transportation interruptions, have adversely impacted, and may in the future adversely impact, our manufacturing operations and our ability to meet customer demand. In addition, difficulties in obtaining parts, materials or services necessary to deliver or install products or perform services have adversely impacted, and may in the future adversely impact, our ability to recognize revenue, our gross margins on the revenue we recognize, and our other operating results. Although we are endeavoring to pass along some of the impact of increased costs to our customers to counteract adverse impacts to our gross margins and other operating results, such measures could be unsuccessful, or could have the effect of reducing demand, which would adversely impact our revenue.\nFurther, increased restrictions imposed on a class of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (\u201cPFAS\u201d), which are widely used in a large number of products, including parts and materials that are incorporated into our products, may negatively impact our supply chain due to the potentially decreased availability, or non-availability, of PFAS-containing products. Proposed regulations under consideration could require that we transition away from the usage of PFAS-containing products, which could adversely impact our business, operations, revenue, costs, and competitive position. There is no assurance that suitable replacements for PFAS-containing parts and materials will be available at similar costs, or at all. \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n18\nTable of Contents\n \nAlthough we attempt to select reputable providers and suppliers and we attempt to secure their performance on terms documented in written contracts, it is possible that one or more of these providers or suppliers could fail to perform as we expect, or fail to secure or protect intellectual property rights, and such failure could have an adverse impact on our business. In some cases, the requirements of our business mandate that we obtain certain components and sub-assemblies included in our products from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. Where practical, we endeavor to establish alternative sources to mitigate the risk that the failure of any single provider or supplier will adversely affect our business, but this is not feasible in all circumstances. Some key parts are subject to long lead-times or available only from a single supplier or limited group of suppliers, and some sourcing or subassembly is provided by suppliers located in countries other than the countries where we conduct our manufacturing. There is therefore a risk that a prolonged inability to obtain certain components or secure key services could impair our ability to manage operations, ship products, and generate revenues, which could adversely affect our operating results and damage our customer relationships. \nThe COVID-19 Pandemic Adversely Impacted, and May in the Future Adversely Impact, Our Business, Operations, and Financial Results\nThe COVID-19 pandemic and efforts by national, state and local governments worldwide to control its spread resulted in measures aimed at containing the disease such as quarantines, travel bans, shutdowns, and shelter in place or \u201cstay at home\u201d orders, which collectively significantly restricted the movement of people and goods and the ability of businesses to operate. These restrictions and measures, incidents of confirmed or suspected infections within our workforce or those of our suppliers or other business partners, and our efforts to act in the best interests of our employees, customers, and suppliers, affected and in the future may affect our business and operations by, among other things, causing facility closures, production delays and capacity limitations; disrupting production by our supply chain; disrupting the transport of goods from our supply chain to us and from us to our customers; requiring modifications to our business processes; requiring the implementation of business continuity plans; requiring the development and qualification of alternative sources of supply; requiring the implementation of social distancing measures that impede manufacturing processes; disrupting business travel; disrupting our ability to staff our on-site manufacturing and research and development facilities; delaying capital expansion projects; and necessitating teleworking by portions of our workforce. These impacts caused and in the future may cause delays in product shipments and product development, increases in costs, and decreases in revenue, profitability and cash from operations, which caused and in the future may cause an adverse effect on our results of operations that may be material. The pandemic resulted at various times in significant disruption of global financial markets, increases in levels of unemployment, and economic uncertainty, which adversely impacted our business and may do so in the future, and may lead to significant negative impacts on customer spending, demand for our products, the ability of our customers to pay, our financial condition and the financial condition of our suppliers, and our access to external sources of financing to fund our operations and capital expenditures. \nWe Face Risks Related to the Disruption of Our Primary Manufacturing and R&D Facilities\nWhile we maintain business continuity plans, our manufacturing and R&D facilities are concentrated in a limited number of locations. These locations are subject to disruption for a variety of reasons, such as natural or man-made disasters, widespread outbreaks of illness, war, terrorist activities, political or governmental unrest or instability, disruptions of our information technology resources, utility interruptions, the effects of climate change, or other events beyond our control. Such disruptions may cause delays in developing or shipping our products, in engaging with customers on new product applications, or in supporting customers, which could result in the loss of business or customer trust, adversely affecting our business and operating results. \nWe Are Subject to Risks Relating to Product Concentration and Lack of Product Revenue Diversification\nWe derive a substantial percentage of our revenues from a limited number of products. Our products are priced up to the tens of millions of dollars per system. As a result, the inability to recognize revenue on even a few systems can cause a significantly adverse impact on our revenues for a given quarter, and, in the longer term, the continued market acceptance of these products is critical to our future success. Our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows could therefore be adversely affected by:\n\u2022\na decline in demand for even a limited number of our products;\n\u2022\na failure to achieve continued market acceptance of our key products;\n\u2022\nexport restrictions or other regulatory or legislative actions that could limit our ability to sell those products to key customers or customers within certain markets;\n\u2022\nan improved version of products being offered by a competitor in the markets in which we participate;\n\u2022\nincreased pressure from competitors that offer broader product lines;\n\u2022\nincreased pressure from regional competitors;\n\u2022\ntechnological changes that we are unable to address with our products; or\n\u2022\na failure to release new or enhanced versions of our products on a timely basis.\nIn addition, the fact that we offer limited product lines creates the risk that our customers may view us as less important to their business than our competitors that offer additional products and/or product capabilities, including new products that take advantage of \u201cbig data\u201d or other new technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. This may impact our ability to maintain or expand our business with certain customers. Such product concentration may also subject us to additional risks associated with technology changes. Our business is affected by our customers\u2019 use of our products in certain steps in their wafer fabrication processes. Should technologies change so that the manufacture of semiconductors requires fewer steps using our products, this could have a larger impact on our business than it would on the business of our less concentrated competitors.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n19\nTable of Contents\n \nWe May Fail to Protect Our Critical Proprietary Technology Rights, Which Could Affect Our Business\nOur success depends in part on our proprietary technology and our ability to protect key components of that technology through patents, copyrights, trade secrets and other forms of protection. Protecting our key proprietary technology helps us achieve our goals of developing technological expertise and new products and systems that give us a competitive advantage; increasing market penetration and growth of our installed base; and providing comprehensive support and service to our customers. As part of our strategy to protect our technology, we currently hold a number of U.S. and foreign patents and pending patent applications, and we keep certain information, processes, and techniques confidential and/or as trade secrets. However, other parties may challenge or attempt to invalidate or circumvent any patents the U.S. or foreign governments issue to us; these governments may fail to issue patents for pending applications; or we may lose trade secret protection over valuable information due to our or third parties\u2019 intentional or unintentional actions or omissions or even those of our own employees. Additionally, intellectual property litigation can be expensive and time-consuming and even when patents are issued, or trade secret processes are followed, the legal systems in certain of the countries in which we do business might not enforce patents and other intellectual property rights as rigorously or effectively as the United States or may favor local entities in their intellectual property enforcement. The rights granted or anticipated under any of our patents, pending patent applications, or trade secrets may be narrower than we expect or, in fact, provide no competitive advantages. Moreover, because we selectively file for patent protection in different jurisdictions, we may not have adequate protection in all jurisdictions based on such filing decisions. Any of these circumstances could have a material adverse impact on our business.\nOur Ability to Attract, Retain, and Motivate Key Employees Is Critical to Our Success\nOur ability to compete successfully depends in large part on our ability to attract, retain, and motivate key employees with the appropriate skills, experiences and competencies. This is an ongoing challenge due to intense competition for top talent, fluctuations in industry or business economic conditions, as well as increasing geographic expansion, and these factors in combination may result in cycles of hiring activity and workforce reductions. Our success in hiring depends on a variety of factors, including the attractiveness of our compensation and benefit programs, global economic or political and industry conditions, our organizational structure, global competition for talent and the availability of qualified employees, the availability of career development opportunities, the ability to obtain necessary authorizations for workers to provide services outside their home countries, and our ability to offer a challenging and rewarding work environment. We periodically evaluate our overall compensation and benefit programs and make adjustments, as appropriate, to maintain or enhance their competitiveness. If we are not able to successfully attract, retain, and motivate key employees, we may be unable to capitalize on market opportunities and our operating results may be materially and adversely affected.\nIf We Choose to Acquire or Dispose of Businesses, Product Lines, and Technologies, We May Encounter Unforeseen Costs and Difficulties That Could Impair Our Financial Performance\nAn important element of our management strategy is to review acquisition prospects that would complement our existing products, augment our market coverage and distribution ability, enhance our technological capabilities, or accomplish other strategic objectives. As a result, we may seek to make acquisitions of complementary companies, products, or technologies, or we may reduce or dispose of certain product lines or technologies that no longer fit our long-term strategies. For regulatory or other reasons, we may not be successful in our attempts to acquire or dispose of businesses, products, or technologies, resulting in significant financial costs, reduced or lost opportunities, and diversion of management\u2019s attention. Managing an acquired business, disposing of product technologies, or reducing personnel entails numerous operational and financial risks, including difficulties in assimilating acquired operations and new personnel or separating existing business or product groups, diversion of management\u2019s attention away from other business concerns, amortization of acquired intangible assets, adverse customer reaction to our decision to cease support for a product, and potential loss of key employees or customers of acquired or disposed operations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve and manage successfully any such integration of potential acquisitions, disposition of product lines or technologies, or reduction in personnel, or that our management, personnel, or systems will be adequate to support continued operations. Any such inabilities or inadequacies could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and/or cash flows.\nIn addition, any acquisition could result in changes such as potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities, the amortization of related intangible assets, and goodwill impairment charges, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and/or the price of our Common Stock.\nLEGAL, REGULATORY AND TAX RISKS\nOur Sales to Customers in China, a Significant Region for Us, Have Been Impacted, and are Likely to Be Materially and Adversely Affected by Export License Requirements and Other Regulatory Changes, or Other Governmental Actions in the Course of the Trade Relationship Between the U.S. and China\nChina represents a large and fast-developing market for the semiconductor equipment industry and therefore is important to our business. Revenue in China, which includes global customers and domestic Chinese customers with manufacturing facilities in China, represented approximately 26%, 31%, and 35% of our total revenue for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The U.S. and China have historically had a complex relationship that has included actions that have impacted trade between the two countries. Recently, these actions have included an expansion of export license requirements imposed by the U.S. government, which have limited the market for our products, adversely impacted our revenues, and increased our exposure to foreign competition, \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n20\nTable of Contents\n \nand could potentially do so to an even greater extent in the future. Most recently, the U.S. government has enacted new rules aimed at restricting China\u2019s ability to manufacture advanced semiconductors, which include restrictions on exports, reexports or transfers to, or shipping, transmitting, transferring, or facilitating such movement to, or performing services at, customer facilities in China engaged in certain technology end-uses, without appropriate authorizations obtained from U.S. authorities. In addition, the U.S. Department of Commerce has enacted new rules that have expanded export license requirements for U.S. companies to sell certain items to companies and other end-users in China that are designated as military end-users or have operations that could support military end uses; has added additional Chinese companies to its restricted entity list and unverified list under suspicion of military-civil fusion, support of Russia, or other factors associated with a broadening scope of national security concerns (including Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, or SMIC, and related entities, and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd., or YMTC, and related entities); and has expanded an existing rule (referred to as the foreign direct product rule) in a manner that could cause foreign-made wafers, chipsets, and certain related items produced with many of our products to be subject to U.S. licensing requirements if Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd (\u201cHuawei\u201d) or its affiliates are parties to a transaction involving the items. These rules have required and may require us to apply for and obtain additional export licenses to supply certain of our products to customers in China, such as SMIC, YMTC and ChangXin Memory Technologies, Inc., and there is no assurance that we will be issued licenses that we apply for on a timely basis or at all. In addition, our customers (including but not limited to Chinese customers) may require U.S. export licenses for the use of our products in order to manufacture products, including semiconductor wafers and integrated circuits, for those of their customers (i.e. Huawei and its affiliates) that are subject to the expanded foreign direct product rule, which may adversely impact the demand for our products. The U.S. Department of Commerce could in the future add additional Chinese companies to its restricted entity list or unverified list or take other actions that could expand licensing requirements or otherwise impact the market for our products and our revenue. The implementation, interpretation and impact on our business of these rules and other regulatory actions taken by the U.S. government is uncertain and evolving, and these rules, other regulatory actions or changes, and other actions taken by the governments of either the U.S. or China, or both, that have occurred and may occur in the future could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.\nWe Are Exposed to Various Risks from Our Regulatory Environment\nWe are subject to various risks related to (1)\u00a0new, different, inconsistent, or even conflicting laws, rules, and regulations that may be enacted by legislative or executive bodies and/or regulatory agencies in the countries that we operate; (2)\u00a0disagreements or disputes related to international trade; and (3)\u00a0the interpretation and application of laws, rules, and regulations. As a public company with global operations, we are subject to the laws of multiple jurisdictions and the rules and regulations of various governing bodies, including those related to export controls, financial and other disclosures, corporate governance, privacy, anti-corruption, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to governmental officials, anti-boycott compliance, conflict minerals or other social responsibility legislation, immigration or travel regulations, antitrust regulations, and laws or regulations relating to carbon emissions, as well as other laws or regulations imposed in response to climate change concerns, among others. Each of these laws, rules, and regulations imposes costs on our business, including financial costs and potential diversion of our management\u2019s attention associated with compliance, and may present risks to our business, including potential fines, restrictions on our actions, and reputational damage if we do not fully comply.\nTo maintain high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure, we intend to invest appropriate resources to comply with evolving standards. Changes in or ambiguous interpretations of laws, regulations, and standards may create uncertainty regarding compliance matters. Efforts to comply with new and changing regulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, reduced operating income, and a diversion of management\u2019s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If we are found by a court or regulatory agency not to be in compliance with the laws and regulations, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations could be adversely affected.\nIntellectual Property, Indemnity, and Other Claims Against Us Can Be Costly and We Could Lose Significant Rights That Are Necessary to Our Continued Business and Profitability\nThird parties may assert infringement, misappropriation, unfair competition, product liability, breach of contract, or other claims against us. From time to time, other persons send us notices alleging that our products infringe or misappropriate their patent or other intellectual property rights. In addition, law enforcement authorities may seek criminal charges relating to intellectual property or other issues. We also face risks of claims arising from commercial and other relationships. In addition, our bylaws and other indemnity obligations provide that we will indemnify officers and members of our Board of Directors against losses that they may incur in legal proceedings resulting from their service to us. From time to time, in the normal course of business, we indemnify third parties with whom we enter into contractual relationships, including customers and suppliers, with respect to certain matters. We have agreed, under certain conditions, to hold these third parties harmless against specified losses, such as those arising from a breach of representations or covenants, other third-party claims that our products when used for their intended purposes infringe the intellectual property rights of such other third parties, or other claims made against certain parties. In such cases, it is our policy either to defend the claims or to negotiate licenses or other settlements on commercially reasonable terms. However, we may be unable in the future to negotiate necessary licenses or reach agreement on other settlements on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and any litigation resulting from these claims by other parties may materially and adversely affect our business and financial results, and we may be subject to substantial damage awards and penalties. Moreover, although we have insurance to protect us from certain claims and cover certain losses to our property, such insurance may not cover us for the full amount of any losses, or at all, and may be subject to substantial exclusions and deductibles.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n21\nTable of Contents\n \nOur Financial Results May Be Adversely Impacted by Higher than Expected Tax Rates or Exposure to Additional Tax Liabilities\nWe are subject to income, transaction, and other taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions, and significant judgment is required to determine worldwide tax liabilities. The amount of taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits in various jurisdictions, and a material assessment by a governing tax authority could affect our profitability. As a global company, our effective tax rate is highly dependent upon the geographic composition of worldwide earnings and tax regulations governing each region. Changes in the split of earnings between countries with differing statutory tax rates, in the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets, in tax laws, in material audit assessments, or in expirations of agreements with tax authorities could adversely affect our effective tax rate. In particular, the carrying value of deferred tax assets, which are predominantly in the United States, is dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income in the United States.\nOn August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (the \u201cIRA\u201d) was signed into law. In general, the provisions of the IRA will be effective beginning with our fiscal year 2024, with certain exceptions. The IRA includes a new 15% corporate minimum tax. We have evaluated the potential impacts of the IRA and do not expect it to have a material impact on our effective tax rate. However, we expect future guidance from the Treasury Department and will further analyze when the guidance is issued.\nRecommendations made by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development\u2019s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting 2.0 (\u201cBEPS 2.0\u201d) project have the potential to lead to changes in the tax laws in numerous countries, including the implementation of a global minimum tax. Several countries around the world have enacted or proposed changes to their existing tax laws based on these recommendations. As each country in which we operate evaluates their alignment with the recommendations, the timing and ultimate impact of any such changes on our effective tax rate remain uncertain. When fully enacted, such changes could have a material impact on our effective tax rate. We will continue to monitor the progress of the BEPS 2.0 implementation.\nIn addition, the U.S. has made several corporate income tax proposals, including changes in the taxation of non-U.S. income. If enacted, such changes could have a material impact on our effective tax rate. \nIncreasing and Evolving Environmental Regulations May Adversely Affect Our Operating Results\nWe are subject to a variety of domestic and international governmental regulations related to the handling, discharge, sale, and disposal of toxic, volatile, or otherwise hazardous or potentially hazardous substances, and the regulatory environment is dynamic. Failure to comply with present or future environmental regulations (such as future regulations imposed on the use or sale of PFAS or PFAS-containing products) could result in fines being imposed on us, require us to undertake remediation activities, suspend production, and/or cease operations, or cause our customers to not accept our products. These regulations could require us to alter or discontinue our current operations in certain jurisdictions, acquire significant additional equipment, incur substantial other expenses to comply with environmental regulations, or take other actions. Compliance obligations, as well as any failure to comply with current or future regulations governing the use, handling, sale, transport, or disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, PFAS) could subject us to future costs and liabilities that may adversely affect our operating results, financial condition, and ability to operate our business.\nOur Bylaws Designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the Sole and Exclusive Judicial Forum for Certain Legal Actions Between the Company and its Stockholders, Which May Discourage Lawsuits with Respect to Such Claims\u00a0\nOur bylaws provide that, unless we consent otherwise, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for lawsuits asserting certain stockholder claims (including claims asserted derivatively for our benefit), such as claims against directors and officers for breach of a fiduciary duty, claims arising under any provision of the General Corporation Law of Delaware or our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws, or claims governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This is a general summary of the bylaw provision; you should refer to the language of the bylaws for details. While the forum provision does not generally apply to direct claims arising under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Securities Act of 1933, derivative lawsuits that assert legal claims arising under these statutes could fall within the provision, as recent court decisions have held.\u00a0\nAs a Delaware corporation, Delaware law controls issues of our internal affairs, including duties that our directors, officers, employees, and others owe to the Company and its stockholders. We believe that our exclusive forum provision benefits us, and our stockholders, by permitting relatively prompt resolution of lawsuits concerning our internal affairs, promoting consistent application of Delaware law in these lawsuits, and reducing the possibility of duplicative, costly, multi-jurisdictional litigation with the potential for inconsistent outcomes. However, the forum provision limits a stockholder\u2019s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it believes may be more favorable than Delaware, and this could discourage the filing of such lawsuits.\nFINANCIAL, ACCOUNTING AND CAPITAL MARKETS RISKS\nThe Market for Our Common Stock Is Volatile, Which May Affect Our Ability to Raise Capital or Make Acquisitions or May Subject Our Business to Additional Costs\nThe market price for our Common Stock is volatile and has fluctuated significantly over the past years. The trading price of our Common Stock could continue to be highly volatile and fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, many of which are not within our control or influence. These factors include but are not limited to the following:\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n22\nTable of Contents\n \n\u2022\ngeneral market, semiconductor, or semiconductor equipment industry conditions;\n\u2022\neconomic or political events, trends, and unexpected developments occurring nationally, globally, or in any of our key sales regions;\n\u2022\nmacroeconomic, industry and market conditions, including those caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine or bank failures; and geopolitical issues;\n\u2022\nvariations in our quarterly operating results and financial condition, including our liquidity;\n\u2022\nvariations in our revenues, earnings, or other business and financial metrics from forecasts by us or securities analysts or from those experienced by other companies in our industry;\n\u2022\nannouncements of restructurings, reductions in force, departure of key employees, and/or consolidations of operations;\n\u2022\nmargin trading, short sales, hedging and derivative transactions involving our Common Stock;\n\u2022\ngovernment regulations;\n\u2022\ndevelopments in, or claims relating to, patent or other proprietary rights;\n\u2022\ntechnological innovations and the introduction of new products by us or our competitors;\n\u2022\ncommercial success or failure of our new and existing products; or\n\u2022\ndisruptions of relationships with key customers or suppliers.\nIn addition, the stock market experiences significant price and volume fluctuations. Historically, we have witnessed significant volatility in the price of our Common Stock due in part to the price of and markets for semiconductors. These and other factors have adversely affected and may again adversely affect the price of our Common Stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. In the past, following volatile periods in the price of their stock, many companies became the object of securities class action litigation. If we are sued in a securities class action, we could incur substantial costs, and it could divert management\u2019s attention and resources and have an unfavorable impact on our financial performance and the price for our Common Stock.\nWe May Incur Impairments to Goodwill or Long-lived Assets\nWe review our goodwill identified in business combinations for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may exceed the fair value. We review all other long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that these assets may not be recoverable. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets requires significant judgement. Negative industry or economic trends, including reduced market prices of our Common Stock, reduced estimates of future cash flows, disruptions to our business, slower growth rates, or lack of growth in our relevant business units, could lead to impairment charges against our long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangible assets. \nWhen evaluating goodwill, if we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative impairment test is performed and we may be required to record an impairment charge in that period, which could adversely affect our result of operations. \nWhen evaluating other long-lived assets, if we conclude that the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than their carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their respective fair values, which could adversely affect our results of operations.\nOur valuation methodology for assessing impairment requires management to make judgments and assumptions based on historical experience and to rely heavily on projections of future operating performance. We operate in a highly competitive environment and projections of future operating results and cash flows may vary significantly from actual results. Additionally, if our analysis indicates potential impairment, we may be required to record additional charges to earnings in our financial statements, which could negatively affect our results of operations.\nOur Leverage and Debt Service Obligations May Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition, Results of Operations, and Earnings per Share\nWe have $5.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes outstanding.\u00a0Additionally, we have funding available to us under our $1.5 billion commercial paper program and our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility, which serves as a backstop to our commercial paper program. Our revolving credit facility also includes an option to increase the amount up to an additional $600.0 million, for a potential total commitment of $2.1 billion. We may, in the future, decide to enter into additional debt arrangements.\nIn addition, we have entered, and in the future may enter, into derivative instrument arrangements to hedge against the variability of cash flows due to changes in the benchmark interest rate of fixed rate debt. We could be exposed to losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our derivative instruments.\nOur indebtedness could have adverse consequences, including:\n\u2022\nrisk associated with any inability to satisfy our obligations;\n\u2022\na portion of our cash flows that may have to be dedicated to interest and principal payments and may not be available for operations, working capital, capital expenditures, expansion, acquisitions, or general corporate or other purposes; and\n\u2022\nimpairment of our ability to obtain additional financing in the future.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n23\nTable of Contents\n \nOur ability to meet our expenses and debt obligations will depend on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic, regulatory, and other factors. Furthermore, our operations may not generate sufficient cash flows, to enable us to meet our expenses and service our debt. As a result, we may need to enter into new financing arrangements to obtain the necessary funds. If we determine it is necessary to seek additional funding for any reason, we may not be able to obtain such funding or, if funding is available, obtain it on acceptable terms. If we fail to make a payment on our debt, we could be in default on such debt, and this default could cause us to be in default on our other outstanding indebtedness.\nOur Credit Agreements Contain Covenant Restrictions That May Limit Our Ability to Operate Our Business\nWe may be unable to respond to changes in business and economic conditions, engage in transactions that might otherwise be beneficial to us, or obtain additional financing because our debt agreements contain, and any of our other future similar agreements may contain, covenant restrictions that limit our ability to, among other things:\n\u2022\nincur additional debt, assume obligations in connection with letters of credit, or issue guarantees;\n\u2022\ncreate liens;\n\u2022\nenter into transactions with our affiliates;\n\u2022\nsell certain assets; and\n\u2022\nmerge or consolidate with any person.\nOur ability to comply with these covenants is dependent on our future performance, which will be subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including prevailing economic conditions. In addition, our failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the Senior Notes, or our other debt, which could permit the holders to accelerate such debt. If any of our debt is accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds available to repay such debt, which could materially and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operation.\nThere Can Be No Assurance That We Will Continue to Declare Cash Dividends or Repurchase Our Shares at All or in Any Particular Amounts\nOur Board of Directors has declared quarterly dividends since April 2014. Our intent to continue to pay quarterly dividends and to repurchase our shares is subject to capital availability and periodic determinations by our Board of Directors that cash dividends and share repurchases are in the best interest of our stockholders and are in compliance with all laws and agreements applicable to the declaration and payment of cash dividends or the repurchasing of shares by us. Future dividends and share repurchases may also be affected by, among other factors, our views on potential future capital requirements for investments in acquisitions and the funding of our research and development; legal risks; changes in federal, state, and international tax laws or corporate laws; contractual restrictions, such as financial or operating covenants in our debt arrangements; availability of onshore cash flow; and changes to our business model. Our dividend payments and share repurchases may change from time to time, and we cannot provide assurance that we will continue to declare dividends or repurchase shares at all or in any particular amounts. A reduction or suspension in our dividend payments or share repurchases could have a negative effect on the price of our Common Stock.\nIf One or More of Our Counterparty Financial Institutions Default on Their Obligations To Us or Fail, We May Incur Significant Losses.\nAs part of our hedging activities, we enter into transactions involving derivative financial instruments, which may include forward contracts, option contracts, collars and swaps with various financial institutions. In addition, we have significant amounts of cash, cash equivalents and other investments on deposit or in accounts with banks or other financial institutions both in and out of the United States. As a result, we are exposed to the risk of default by or failure of counterparty financial institutions, which may be heightened during economic downturns and periods of uncertainty in the financial markets. If one of our counterparties were to become insolvent or file for bankruptcy, our ability to recover losses incurred as a result of default, or our assets deposited or held in accounts with such counterparty, may be limited by the counterparty's liquidity or the applicable laws governing the insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings. In the event of default or failure of one or more of our counterparties, we could incur significant losses, which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.",
+ "item7": ">Item\u00a07.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nThe following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in condition, significance, value, and effect. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those discussed in \u201cRisk Factors\u201d and elsewhere in this 2023 Form 10-K and other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (See \u201cCautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\u201d in Part\u00a0I of this 2023 Form 10-K.)\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (\u201cMD&A\u201d) provides a description of our results of operations and should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in \nPart II, Item 8\n of this 2023 Form\u00a010-K. MD&A consists of the following sections:\nExecutive Summary\n provides a summary of the key highlights of our results of operations and our management\u2019s assessment of material trends and uncertainties relevant to our business.\nResults of Operations\n provides an analysis of operating results.\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\n discusses accounting policies that reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n provides an analysis of cash flows, contractual obligations, and financial position.\nExecutive Summary\nLam Research Corporation is a global supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry. We have built a strong global presence with core competencies in areas like nanoscale applications enablement, chemistry, plasma and fluidics, advanced systems engineering and a broad range of operational disciplines. Our products and services are designed to help our customers build smaller, and better performing devices that are used in a variety of electronic products, including mobile phones, personal computers, servers, wearables, automotive vehicles, and data storage devices.\nOur customer base includes leading semiconductor memory, foundry, and integrated device manufacturers that make products such as NVM, DRAM, and logic devices. Their continued success is part of our commitment to driving semiconductor breakthroughs that define the next generation. Our core technical competency is integrating hardware, process, materials, software, and process control enabling results on the wafer.\nSemiconductor manufacturing, our customers\u2019 business, involves the complete fabrication of multiple dies or integrated circuits on a wafer. This involves the repetition of a set of core processes and can require hundreds of individual steps. Fabricating these devices requires highly sophisticated process technologies to integrate an increasing array of new materials with precise control at the atomic scale. Along with meeting technical requirements, wafer processing equipment must deliver high productivity and be cost-effective.\nDemand from cloud computing, 5G, the Internet of Things, and other markets is driving the need for increasingly powerful and cost\n-\nefficient semiconductors. At the same time, there are growing technical challenges with traditional two-dimensional scaling. These trends are driving significant inflections in semiconductor manufacturing, such as the increasing importance of vertical scaling strategies like three-dimensional architecture as well as multiple patterning to enable shrinks. \nWe believe we are in a strong position with our leadership and expertise in deposition\n,\n etch, and clean to facilitate some of the most significant innovations in semiconductor device manufacturing. Our Customer Support Business Group provides products and services to maximize installed equipment performance, predictability and operational efficiency. Several factors create opportunity for sustainable differentiation for us: (i) our focus on research and development, with several on-going programs relating to sustaining engineering, product and process development, and concept and feasibility; (ii) our ability to effectively leverage cycles of learning from our broad installed base; (iii) our collaborative focus with semi-ecosystem partners; (iv) our ability to identify and invest in the breadth of our product portfolio to meet technology inflections; and (v) our focus on delivering our multi-product solutions with a goal to enhance the value of Lam\u2019s solutions to our customers.\nDuring fiscal year 2023, customer demand weakened in the second half of the year due to wafer fabrication equipment spending reductions resulting primarily from incremental demand weakness in memory. In addition, the U.S. government\u2019s restrictions on sales of equipment, parts, and service for specific technologies and customers in China further impacted equipment demand in the year. While we did experience supply chain constraints in the first half of fiscal year 2023, there were improvements and we were able to fulfill shipments of nearly all our outstanding back order systems in the second half of the year. As a result of the expected reduced business levels, we initiated a restructuring plan in the quarter-ended March 26, 2023 designed to better align the Company\u2019s cost structure with our outlook. We incurred a charge for the workforce actions associated with the restructuring plan of approximately $107 million\n \nin fiscal year 2023. Over the course of calendar year 2023, we are projecting expenditures in the range of $250 million \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n28\nTable of Contents\n \nassociated with various business process improvements and initiatives, inclusive of the fiscal year 2023 restructuring activity. Risks and uncertainties related to trade restrictions, supply chain challenges, and inflationary pressures may continue to negatively impact our revenue and gross margin. Over the longer term, we believe that secular demand for semiconductors combined with technology inflections in our industry, including 3D device scaling, multiple patterning, process flow, and advanced packaging chip integration, will drive sustainable growth and lead to an increase in the served available market for our products and services in the deposition, etch, and clean businesses.\n The following table summarizes certain key financial information for the periods indicated below:\n\u00a0\nYear Ended\n\u00a0Change\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\nFY23 vs. FY22\nFY22 vs. FY21\n\u00a0\n(in thousands, except per share data and percentages)\nRevenue\n$\n17,428,516\u00a0\n$\n17,227,039\u00a0\n$\n14,626,150\u00a0\n$\n201,477\u00a0\n1.2\u00a0\n%\n$\n2,600,889\u00a0\n17.8\u00a0\n%\nGross margin\n$\n7,776,925\u00a0\n$\n7,871,807\u00a0\n$\n6,805,306\u00a0\n$\n(94,882)\n(1.2)\n%\n$\n1,066,501\u00a0\n15.7\u00a0\n%\nGross margin as a percent of total revenue\n44.6\u00a0\n%\n45.7\u00a0\n%\n46.5\u00a0\n%\n(1.1)%\n(0.8)%\nTotal operating expenses\n$\n2,602,065\u00a0\n$\n2,489,985\u00a0\n$\n2,323,283\u00a0\n$\n112,080\u00a0\n4.5\u00a0\n%\n$\n166,702\u00a0\n7.2\u00a0\n%\nNet income\n$\n4,510,931\u00a0\n$\n4,605,286\u00a0\n$\n3,908,458\u00a0\n$\n(94,355)\n(2.0)\n%\n$\n696,828\u00a0\n17.8\u00a0\n%\nNet income per diluted share\n$\n33.21\u00a0\n$\n32.75\u00a0\n$\n26.90\u00a0\n$\n0.46\u00a0\n1.4\u00a0\n%\n$\n5.85\u00a0\n21.7\u00a0\n%\nFiscal year 2023 revenu\ne was slightly higher than fiscal year 2022. Customer support-related revenue increased in fiscal year 2023 due to continued strength in specialty node investments, which was offset by a decline in our systems revenue as a result of semiconductor demand weakness, largely in the memory market. \nGross margin as a percentage of revenue decreased due to inflationary cost pressures that led to higher spending on material costs, as well as costs associated with restructuring related activities, partially offset by favorable customer and product mix. The increase in operating expenses in fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was driven by higher deferred compensation plan-related costs, restructuring-related charges, employee-related costs as a result of increased headcount, depreciation and amortization, and supplies, partially offset by a decrease in amortization of intangible assets as the intangible assets associated with the acquisition of Novellus have fully amortized. \nFiscal year 2022 revenue increased over 17% compared to fiscal year 2021, reflecting continued strong customer demand for semiconductor equipment. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue decreased due to inflationary cost pressures that led to higher spending on material costs, freight and logistics, and labor-related expenses, as well as unfavorable customer and product mix, partially offset by decreased variable compensation. The increase in operating expenses in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was mainly driven by higher employee-related costs as a result of increased headcount, supplies expense, rent, repair and utilities expense, and outside services spending, partially offset by lower deferred compensation plan-related costs.\nWe aim to balance the requirements of our customers with the availability of resources, as well as performance to our operational and financial objectives. As a result, from time to time, we exercise discretion and judgment as to the timing and prioritization of manufacturing and deliveries of products, which has impacted, including in the current fiscal year, and may in the future impact, the timing of revenue recognition with respect to such products.\nOur cash and cash equivalents, investments, and restricted cash and investments balances totaled approximately $5.6 billion as of June\u00a025, 2023, compared to $3.9 billion as of June\u00a026, 2022. Cash flows provided from operating activities was $5.2 billion for fiscal year 2023 compared to $3.1 billion for fiscal year 2022. Cash flows provided from operating activities in fiscal year 2023 was primarily used for $2.0 billion in treasury stock purchases, including net share settlement on employee stock-based compensation; $908 million in dividends paid to our stockholders; and $502 million of capital expenditures. \nResults of Operations\nRevenue\n\u00a0\nYear Ended\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\nRevenue (in millions)\n$\n17,429\u00a0\n$\n17,227\u00a0\n$\n14,626\u00a0\nChina\n26\u00a0\n%\n31\u00a0\n%\n35\u00a0\n%\nKorea\n20\u00a0\n%\n23\u00a0\n%\n27\u00a0\n%\nTaiwan\n20\u00a0\n%\n17\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\nJapan\n10\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\n9\u00a0\n%\nUnited States\n9\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\nSoutheast Asia\n8\u00a0\n%\n8\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\nEurope\n7\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n3\u00a0\n%\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n29\nTable of Contents\n \nRevenue\n increased i\nn fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 mainly due to higher revenue from CSBG related to strength in mature node equipment. Revenue increased in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 primarily due to the increased investment by our customers in semiconductor capital equipment as well as from CSBG for spares, services, upgrades and mature node equipment. \nWhile the overall Asia region continued to account for a majority of our revenues, the U.S. and Europe regions increased in each of fiscal years 2023 and 2022 compared to the prior fiscal year as these regions prioritized domestic capacity investments for semiconductor manufacturing. \nThe deferred revenue balance was $1.8 billion as of June\u00a025, 2023 compared to $2.2 billion as of June\u00a026, 2022. Advance deposit additions from newer customers increased in fiscal year 2023, compared to fiscal year 2022, offsetting the decline in deferred balances related to shipments we completed of tools that had critical parts outstanding.\nThe following table presents our revenue disaggregated between system and customer support-related revenue:\nYear Ended\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\n(in thousands)\nSystems Revenue\n$\n10,695,897\u00a0\n$\n11,322,271\u00a0\n$\n9,764,845\u00a0\nCustomer support-related revenue and other\n6,732,619\u00a0\n5,904,768\u00a0\n4,861,305\u00a0\n$\n17,428,516\u00a0\n$\n17,227,039\u00a0\n$\n14,626,150\u00a0\nPlease refer to \nNote 4: Revenue\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Form 10-K for additional information regarding the composition of the two categories into which revenue has been disaggregated.\nThe percentage of leading- and non-leading-edge equipment and upgrade revenue from each of the markets we serve was as follows:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nYear Ended\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\nMemory\n42\u00a0\n%\n60\u00a0\n%\n61\u00a0\n%\nFoundry\n38\u00a0\n%\n26\u00a0\n%\n32\u00a0\n%\nLogic/integrated device manufacturing\n20\u00a0\n%\n14\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\nGross Margin\n\u00a0\nYear Ended\nChange\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\nFY23 vs. FY22\nFY22 vs. FY21\n\u00a0\n(in thousands, except percentages)\nGross margin\n$\n7,776,925\u00a0\n$\n7,871,807\u00a0\n$\n6,805,306\u00a0\n$\n(94,882)\n(1.2)\n%\n$\n1,066,501\u00a0\n15.7\u00a0\n%\nPercent of revenue\n44.6\u00a0\n%\n45.7\u00a0\n%\n46.5\u00a0\n%\n(1.1)%\n(0.8)%\nThe decrease in gross margin as a percentage of revenue for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was due to inflationary cost pressures that led to higher spending on material costs, partially offset by favorable customer and product mix.\nThe decrease in gross margin as a percentage of revenue for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 \nwas due to inflationary cost pressures that led to higher spending on material costs, freight and logistics, and labor-related expenses, as well as unfavorable customer and product mix, partially offset by decreased variable compensation.\nResearch and Development\n\u00a0\nYear Ended\nChange\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\nFY23 vs. FY22\nFY22 vs. FY21\n\u00a0\n(in thousands, except percentages)\nResearch & development\n$\n1,727,162\u00a0\n$\n1,604,248\u00a0\n$\n1,493,408\u00a0\n$\n122,914\u00a0\n7.7\u00a0\n%\n$\n110,840\u00a0\n7.4\u00a0\n%\nPercent of revenue\n9.9\u00a0\n%\n9.3\u00a0\n%\n10.2\u00a0\n%\n0.6%\n(0.9)%\nWe continued to make significant R&D investments focused on leading-edge deposition, etch, clean, and other semiconductor manufacturing processes. The\n increase i\nn R&D expense during fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022\n was primarily driven by \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n30\nTable of Contents\n \nan increase of $43 million in employee-related costs as a result of increased headcount, $26 million in deferred compensation plan-related costs, $22 million in spending for supplies, and $14 million of depreciation and amortization.\nThe increase in R&D expense during fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was mainly driven by a\nn increase of $89 million in employee-related costs due in part to increased headcount and $43 million in spending for supplies, partially offset by a decrease of $44 million in deferred compensation plan-related costs.\nSelling, General, and Administrative\n\u00a0\nYear Ended\nChange\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\nFY23 vs. FY22\nFY22 vs. FY21\n\u00a0\n(in thousands, except percentages)\nSelling, general, and administrative (\"SG&A\")\n$\n832,753\u00a0\n$\n885,737\u00a0\n$\n829,875\u00a0\n$\n(52,984)\n(6.0)\n%\n$\n55,862\u00a0\n6.7\u00a0\n%\nPercent of revenue\n4.8\u00a0\n%\n5.1\u00a0\n%\n5.7\u00a0\n%\n(0.3)%\n(0.6)%\nThe de\ncrease in\n SG&A expense during fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022\n was primarily driven by a decrease of $44 million in amortization of intangible assets, as the intangible assets associated with the acquisition of Novellus have fully amortized, as well as from $12 million in lower employee-related costs, partially offset by $17 million in higher deferred compensation plan-related costs.\nThe increase in SG&A expense during fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily \ndriven by an increase of $28 million in outside service costs, $28 million in spending for rent, repair and utilities, and $26 million in employee-related costs due in part to increased headcount, partially offset by a decrease of $29 million in deferred compensation plan-related costs\n.\nRestructuring Charges, Net\n\u00a0\nYear Ended\nChange\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\nFY23 vs. FY22\nFY22 vs. FY21\n\u00a0\n(in thousands, except percentages)\nRestructuring charges, net\n$\n120,316\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n120,316\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nPercent of revenue\n0.7\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n0.7%\n\u2014%\nIn fiscal year 2023, we initiated a restructuring plan designed to better align our cost structure with our outlook for the economic environment and business opportunities. Under the plan we terminated approximately 1,650 employees, incurring expenses related to employee severance and separation costs. Employee severance and separation costs primarily relate to severance, non-cash severance, including equity award compensation expense, pension and other termination benefits. Additionally, we made a strategic decision to relocate certain manufacturing activities to pre-existing facilities and incurred costs to move inventory and equipment and exit selected supplier arrangements.\nDuring fiscal year 2023 net restructuring costs of $78 million and $42 million were recorded in restructuring charges, net - cost of goods sold, and restructuring charges, net - operating expenses, respectively of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Please refer to \nNote 22: Restructuring charges, net\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Form 10-K for additional information.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n31\nTable of Contents\n \nOther Income (Expense), Net\nOther income (expense), net, consisted of the following:\n\u00a0\nYear Ended\nChange\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\nFY23 vs. FY22\nFY22 vs. FY21\n\u00a0\n(in thousands, except percentages)\nInterest income\n$\n138,984\u00a0\n$\n15,209\u00a0\n$\n19,687\u00a0\n$\n123,775\u00a0\n813.8\u00a0\n%\n$\n(4,478)\n(22.7)\n%\nInterest expense\n(186,462)\n(184,759)\n(208,597)\n$\n(1,703)\n0.9\u00a0\n%\n$\n23,838\u00a0\n(11.4)\n%\nGains (losses) on deferred compensation plan related assets, net\n20,186\u00a0\n(38,053)\n61,838\u00a0\n$\n58,239\u00a0\n(153.0)\n%\n$\n(99,891)\n(161.5)\n%\nForeign exchange (losses) gains, net\n(7,078)\n(723)\n(6,962)\n$\n(6,355)\n879.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n6,239\u00a0\n(89.6)\n%\nOther, net\n(31,280)\n19,618\u00a0\n22,815\u00a0\n$\n(50,898)\n(259.4)\n%\n$\n(3,197)\n(14.0)\n%\n$\n(65,650)\n$\n(188,708)\n$\n(111,219)\n$\n123,058\u00a0\n(65.2)\n%\n$\n(77,489)\n69.7\u00a0\n%\nInterest income increased in fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 primarily because of higher yields and higher cash balances. Interest income decreased in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 as a result of lower cash balances.\nInterest expense in fiscal year 2023 was flat compared to fiscal year 2022. Interest expense decreased in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 primarily due to the payoff of $800 million of senior notes in June 2021.\nThe gains or losses on deferred compensation plan related assets, net were driven by fluctuations in the fair market value of the underlying funds for all periods presented.\nForeign exchange fluctuations were primarily due to currency movements against portions of our unhedged balance sheet exposures for all periods presented.\nThe variation in other, net for the fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was primarily driven by fluctuations in the fair market value of equity investments. \nIncome Tax Expense \nOur provision for income taxes and effective tax rate for the periods indicated were as follows:\n\u00a0\nYear Ended\nChange\nJune 25,\n2023\nJune 26,\n2022\nJune 27,\n2021\nFY23 vs. FY22\nFY22 vs. FY21\n\u00a0\n(in thousands, except percentages)\nIncome tax expense\n$\n598,279\u00a0\n$\n587,828\u00a0\n$\n462,346\u00a0\n$\n10,451\u00a0\n1.8\u00a0\n%\n$\n125,482\u00a0\n27.1\u00a0\n%\nEffective tax rate\n11.7\u00a0\n%\n11.3\u00a0\n%\n10.6\u00a0\n%\n0.4%\n0.7%\nThe increase in the effective tax rate in fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022 and the increase in the effective tax rate in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to the change in level and proportion of income in higher and lower tax jurisdictions.\nInternational revenues account for a significant portion of our total revenues, such that a material portion of our pre-tax income is earned and taxed outside the United States. International pre-tax income is taxable in the United States at a lower effective tax rate than the federal statutory tax rate. Please refer to \nNote 7\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Form 10-K.\nBeginning in our fiscal year 2023, a provision enacted as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act requires us to capitalize research and experimental expenditures for tax purposes. Due to this provision, we expect our cash tax payments to increase significantly in the near term and stabilize in future years as the capitalized expenditures continue to amortize.\nOn August 16, 2022, the IRA was signed into law. In general, the provisions of the IRA will be effective beginning with our fiscal year 2024, with certain exceptions. The IRA includes a new 15% corporate minimum tax. The impact on income taxes due to changes in legislation is required under the authoritative guidance of Accounting Standard Codification (\u201cASC\u201d) 740, Income Taxes, to be recognized in the period in which the law is enacted. We have evaluated the potential impacts of the IRA and do not expect it to have a material impact on our effective tax rate. However, we expect future guidance from the Treasury Department and will further analyze when the guidance is issued.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n32\nTable of Contents\n \nDeferred Income Taxes\nDeferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the tax effect of carryforwards. Our gross deferred tax assets were $1,303 million and $1,103 million at the end of fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. These gross deferred tax assets were offset by gross deferred tax liabilities of $238 million and $234 million and a valuation allowance primarily representing our entire California deferred tax asset balance due to the single sales factor apportionment resulting in lower taxable income in California of $352 million and $309 million at the end of fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change in gross deferred tax assets, gross deferred tax liabilities, and valuation allowance between fiscal year 2023 and 2022 is primarily due to increases in gross deferred tax assets for outside basis differences of foreign subsidiaries, tax credits, and capitalized research and experimental expenditures.\nWe evaluate if the deferred tax assets are realizable on a quarterly basis and will continue to assess the need for changes in valuation allowances, if any.\nUncertain Tax Positions \nWe re-evaluate uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Any change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\nA critical accounting policy is defined as one that has both a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations and requires us to make difficult, complex and/or subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (\u201cGAAP\u201d) requires management to make certain judgments, estimates and assumptions that could affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other assumptions we believe to be applicable and evaluate them on an ongoing basis to ensure they remain reasonable under current conditions. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates, which could have a material impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Our critical accounting estimates include:\n\u2022\nthe recognition and valuation of revenue from arrangements with multiple performance obligations which impacts revenue;\n\u2022\nthe valuation of inventory, which impacts gross margin;\n\u2022\nthe valuation of warranty reserves, which impacts gross margin;\n\u2022\nthe recognition and measurement of current and deferred income taxes, including the measurement of uncertain tax positions, which impact our provision for income tax expenses; and\n\u2022\nthe valuation and recoverability of long-lived assets, which impacts gross margin and operating expenses when we record asset impairments or accelerate their depreciation or amortization.\nWe believe that the following critical accounting policies reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements regarding the critical accounting estimates indicated above. See \nNote 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our accounting policies.\nRevenue Recognition:\n We recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services by following a five-step process, (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when or as we satisfy a performance obligation, as further described below.\nIdentify the contract with a customer\n. We generally consider documentation of terms with an approved purchase order as a customer contract, provided that collection is considered probable, which is assessed based on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks, payment histories, and/or other circumstances.\nIdentify the performance obligations in the contract\n. Performance obligations include sales of systems, spare parts, and services. In addition, our customer contracts contain provisions for installation and training services which have been deemed immaterial in the context of the contract.\nDetermine the transaction price\n. The transaction price for our contracts with customers consists of both fixed and variable consideration provided it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur when the uncertainty related to variable consideration is resolved. Fixed consideration includes amounts to be contractually billed to the customer while variable consideration includes estimates for discounts and credits for future usage which are based on contractual terms outlined in volume purchase agreements and other factors known at the time. We generally invoice customers at shipment and for professional services either as \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n33\nTable of Contents\n \nprovided or upon meeting certain milestones. Customer invoices are generally due within\u00a030\u00a0to\u00a090 days after issuance. Our contracts with customers typically do not include significant financing components as the period between the transfer of performance obligations and timing of payment are generally within one year.\nAllocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract\n. For contracts that contain multiple performance obligations, we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract on a relative standalone selling price basis. Standalone selling prices are based on multiple factors including, but not limited to historical discounting trends for products and services and pricing practices in different geographies.\nRecognize revenue when or as we satisfy a performance obligation\n. Revenue for systems and spares are recognized at a point in time, which is generally upon shipment or delivery. Revenue from services is recognized over time as services are completed or ratably over the contractual period of generally one year or less.\nInventory Valuation:\n Our policy is to assess the valuation of all inventories including manufacturing raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, and spare parts in each reporting period. Obsolete inventory or inventory in excess of management\u2019s estimated usage requirement is written down to its estimated net realizable value if less than cost. Estimates of market value include but are not limited to management\u2019s forecasts related to our future manufacturing schedules, customer demand, technological and/or market obsolescence, general semiconductor market conditions, and possible alternative uses. If future customer demand or market conditions are less favorable than our projections, additional inventory write-downs may be required and would be reflected in cost of goods sold in the period in which the revision is made.\nWarranty:\n We record a provision for estimated warranty expenses to cost of sales for each system when we recognize revenue. We periodically monitor the performance and cost of warranty activities, if actual costs incurred are different than our estimates, we may recognize adjustments to provisions in the period in which those differences arise or are identified. We do not maintain general or unspecified reserves; all warranty reserves are related to specific systems.\nIncome Taxes:\n Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the tax effect of carryforwards. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Realization of our net deferred tax assets is dependent on future taxable income. We believe it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized; however, ultimate realization could be negatively impacted by market conditions and other variables not known or anticipated at this time. In the event that we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets, an adjustment will be charged to earnings in the period such determination is made. Likewise, if we later determine that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized, then the previously provided valuation allowance will be reversed.\nWe recognize the benefit from a tax position only if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon audit based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense.\nLong-lived Assets\n: We review goodwill at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and if certain events or indicators of impairment occur between annual impairment tests. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill requires significant judgment. When reviewing goodwill for impairment, we first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In performing a qualitative assessment, we consider business conditions and other factors including, but not limited to (i) adverse industry or economic trends, (ii) restructuring actions and lower projections that may impact future operating results, (iii) sustained decline in share price, and (iv) overall financial performance and other events affecting the reporting units. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative impairment test is performed by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it to its carrying value, including goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.\nWe determine the fair value of our reporting units by using an income approach. Under the income approach, we determine fair value based on estimated future cash flows of each reporting unit, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn.\nIn estimating the fair value of a reporting unit, we make estimates and judgments about the future cash flows of our reporting units, including estimated growth rates and assumptions about the economic environment. Although our cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses, there is significant judgment involved in determining the cash flows attributable to a reporting unit. In addition, we make certain judgments about allocating shared assets to the estimated balance sheets of our reporting units. Changes in judgment on these assumptions and estimates could result in a goodwill impairment charge.\nIf after completing the quantitative assessment the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we would record an impairment charge equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit over its fair value, up to the amount of the goodwill assigned to the reporting unit.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n34\nTable of Contents\n \nFor other long-lived assets, we review them whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. If such indicators are present, we determine whether the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets is less than their carrying value. If the sum is less, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their respective fair values. Fair value is determined by discounted future cash flows, appraisals or other methods. We recognize an impairment charge to the extent the present value of anticipated net cash flows attributable to the\u00a0asset is less than the asset\u2019s carrying value. The fair value of the asset then becomes the asset\u2019s new carrying value, which we depreciate over the remaining estimated useful life of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value. In addition, for fully amortized intangible assets, we de-recognize the gross cost and accumulated amortization in the period we determine the intangible asset no longer enhances future cash flows.\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\nFor a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on our consolidated financial statements, see \nNote 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Form 10-K.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources \nTotal gross cash, cash equivalents, investments, and restricted cash and investments balances were $5.6 billion at the end of fiscal year 2023 compared to $3.9 billion at the end of fiscal year 2022. This increase was primarily due to cash provided by operating activities, partially offset by Common Stock repurchases in connection with our stock repurchase program, dividends paid, and capital expenditures.\nCash Flow from Operating Activities\nNet cash provided by operating activities of $5.2 billion during fiscal year 2023 consisted of (in thousands):\nNet income\n$\n4,510,931\u00a0\nNon-cash charges:\nDepreciation and amortization\n342,432\u00a0\nDeferred income taxes\n(172,061)\nEquity-based compensation expense\n286,600\u00a0\nChanges in operating asset and liability accounts\n158,738\u00a0\nOther\n52,298\u00a0\n$\n5,178,938\u00a0\nSignificant changes in operating asset and liability accounts, net of foreign exchange impact, included the following sources of cash: decreases in accounts receivable of $1.5 billion, deferred profit of $163 million, and prepaid expenses and other assets of $136 million; partially offset by the following uses of cash: increase in inventories of $962 million, and decreases in accounts payable of $522 million, and accrued expenses and other liabilities of $109 million.\nCash Flow from Investing Activities\nNet cash used for investing activities during fiscal year 2023 was $535 million, primarily consisting of $502 million in capital expenditures and $120 million net cash disbursed for business acquisitions, partially offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities of $98\u00a0million.\nCash Flow from Financing Activities\nNet cash used for financing activities during fiscal year 2023 was $2.8 billion, primarily consisting of $2.0 billion in Common Stock repurchases, including net share settlement on employee stock-based compensation; and $908 million of dividends paid; partially offset by $121 million of stock issuance and treasury stock reissuances associated with our employee stock-based compensation plans.\nLiquidity\nGiven that the semiconductor industry is highly competitive and has historically experienced rapid changes in demand, we believe that maintaining sufficient liquidity reserves is important to support sustaining levels of investment in R&D and capital infrastructure. Anticipated cash flows from operations based on our current business outlook, combined with our current levels of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of June\u00a025, 2023, are expected to be sufficient to support our anticipated levels of operations, investments, debt service requirements, capital expenditures, capital redistributions, and dividends through at least the next twelve months. However, factors outside of our control, including uncertainty in the global economy and the semiconductor industry, as well as disruptions in credit markets, have in the past, are currently, and could in the future, impact customer demand for our products, as well as our ability to manage normal commercial relationships with our customers, suppliers, and creditors.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n35\nTable of Contents\n \nIn the longer term, liquidity will depend to a great extent on our future revenues and our ability to appropriately manage our costs based on demand for our products and services. While we have substantial cash balances, we may require additional funding and need or choose to raise the required funds through borrowings or public or private sales of debt or equity securities. We believe that, if necessary, we will be able to access the capital markets on terms and in amounts adequate to meet our objectives. However, domestic and global macroeconomic and political conditions could cause disruptions to the capital markets and otherwise make any financing more challenging, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all.\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations\n \nWe have certain obligations to make future payments under various contracts, some of which are recorded on our balance sheet and some of which are not. Certain obligations that are recorded on our balance sheet in accordance with GAAP include our long-term debt, operating leases and finance leases; refer to Notes \n14\n and \n15\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Form 10-K for further discussion. Our off-balance sheet arrangements and our transition tax liability are presented as purchase obligations, refer to Note \n17\n of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Form 10-K for further discussion.",
+ "item7a": ">Item\u00a07A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nInvestments\nWe maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. As of June\u00a025, 2023, our mutual funds are classified as trading securities. Investments classified as trading securities are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Any material differences between the cost and fair value of trading securities are recognized as other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. All of our other investments are classified as available-for-sale and consequently are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.\nInterest Rate Risk\nFixed-Income Securities\nOur investments in various interest-earning securities carry a degree of market risk for changes in interest rates. At any time, a sharp rise in interest rates could have a material adverse impact on the fair value of our fixed-income investment portfolio. Conversely, declines in interest rates could have a material adverse impact on interest income for our investment portfolio. We target to maintain a conservative investment policy, which focuses on the safety and preservation of our capital by limiting default risk, market risk, reinvestment risk, and concentration risk. As of June\u00a025, 2023, our fixed income securities total $37.6 million. Market changes with hypothetical parallel shifts in the yield curve of plus or minus 50 basis points (\u201cBPS\u201d), 100 BPS, and 150 BPS, with a minimum interest rate of zero BPS, are not significant. \nWe mitigate default risk by investing in high credit quality securities and by positioning our portfolio to respond appropriately to a significant reduction in a credit rating of any investment issuer or guarantor. The portfolio includes only marketable securities with active secondary or resale markets to achieve portfolio liquidity and maintain a prudent amount of diversification.\nLong-Term Debt\nAs of June\u00a025, 2023, we had $5.0 billion in principal amount of fixed-rate long-term debt outstanding, with a fair value of $4.4 billion. The fair value of our Notes is subject to interest rate risk and market risk. Generally, the fair value of Notes will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. The interest and market value changes affect the fair value of our Notes but do not impact our financial position, cash flows, or results of operations due to the fixed nature of the debt obligations. We do not carry the Notes at fair value but present the fair value of the principal amount of our Notes for disclosure purposes.\nEquity Price Risk\nPublicly Traded Securities\nThe values of our investments in publicly traded securities, including mutual funds related to our obligations under our deferred compensation plans, are subject to market price risk. As of June\u00a025, 2023, our publicly traded securities total $106.7 million. Potential fluctuations in the price of each security in the portfolio of plus or minus 10%, 15%, or 25% are not significant.\nForeign Currency Exchange (\u201cFX\u201d) Risk\nWe conduct business on a global basis in several major international currencies. As such, we are potentially exposed to adverse as well as beneficial movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The majority of our revenues and expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on non-U.S. dollar transactions or cash flows. \nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n36\nTable of Contents\n \nWe enter into foreign currency forward contracts to minimize the short-term impact of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, primarily cash, third-party accounts receivable, accounts payable, and intercompany receivables and payables. In addition, we hedge certain anticipated foreign currency cash flows. \nTo protect against adverse movements in value of anticipated non-U.S. dollar transactions or cash flows, we enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts that generally expire within 12\u00a0months and no later than 24\u00a0months. The option contracts include collars, an option strategy that is comprised of a combination of a purchased put option and a written call option with the same expiration dates and notional amounts but with different strike prices. These foreign currency hedge contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and are carried on our balance sheet at fair value, with the effective portion of the contracts\u2019 gains or losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)\u00a0and subsequently recognized in earnings in the same period the hedged revenue and/or expense is recognized. We also enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the gains and losses generated by the remeasurement of certain non-U.S.-dollar denominated monetary assets and liabilities, primarily cash, third-party accounts receivable, accounts payable, and intercompany receivables and payables. The change in fair value of these balance sheet hedge contracts is recorded into earnings as a component of other income (expense), net, and offsets the change in fair value of the foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities also recorded in other income (expense), net, assuming the hedge contract fully covers the hedged items. The unrealized gain of our outstanding forward and option contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges, as of June\u00a025, 2023, and the change in fair value of these cash flow hedges assuming a hypothetical foreign currency exchange rate movement of plus or minus 10\u00a0percent and plus or minus 15\u00a0percent are not significant.\nThe unrealized loss of our outstanding foreign currency forward contracts that are designated as balance sheet hedges, as of June\u00a025, 2023, and the change in fair value of these balance sheet hedges, assuming a hypothetical foreign currency exchange rate movement of plus or minus 10\u00a0percent and plus or minus 15\u00a0percent are not significant. These changes in fair values would be offset in other income (expense), net, by corresponding change in fair values of the foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, assuming the hedge contract fully covers the intercompany and trade receivable balances.\nLam Research Corporation 2023 10-K \n37\nTable of Contents\n ",
+ "cik": "707549",
+ "cusip6": "512807",
+ "cusip": ["512807908", "512807958", "512807108"],
+ "names": ["LAM RESEARCH CORP CALL", "LAM RESEARCH CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/707549/000070754923000102/0000707549-23-000102-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000709283-23-000013.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000709283-23-000013.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..badeaac750
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000709283-23-000013.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1. BUSINESS\nOverview\nQuantum delivers end-to-end solutions to analyze and enrich, store and manage, and protect and preserve unstructured data across its entire lifecycle. We specialize in solutions for video data, images, and other large files because this \u201cunstructured\u201d data represents more than 80% of all data being created, according to leading industry analyst firms. This unstructured data has driven a fundamental shift in the nature of data and the role data plays in every industry. It is exponentially larger than traditional corporate data, contains immense value, and must be captured, protected, and stored for many years, decades, and longer. It is no longer just about storing data\u2014 organizations need to extract value from their data. Locked inside video, imagery, security camera footage, scientific data sets, and other sensor-derived data is a wealth of information for informed decision-making. \nAs a result, organizations need end-to-end solutions that allow them to manage and preserve data for decades and to easily extract insights from the detail. Whether data lives in the workplace, at the edge, or in the cloud, we provide organizations with the technology, software, and services they need to store, manage, protect, and enrich data throughout its lifecycle.\nProducts and Services\nOur portfolio of products includes primary storage software and systems, secondary storage software and systems, as well as devices and media. \nPrimary Storage Software and Systems\n include:\n\u2022\nMyriad All-Flash File and Object Storage Software: \nAll-flash scale-out file and object storage for high performance enterprise unstructured data applications such as AI, machine learning, and data analytics.\n\u2022\nStorNext Hybrid Flash/Disk File Storage Software: \nFor video editing, post-production, and streaming applications, as well as large digital file archives.\n\u2022\nUnified Surveillance Platform Software\n: Unified compute and storage for video surveillance recording, storage, and analytics.\n\u2022\nCatDV Asset Management Software\n: For indexing, cataloging, enriching video, audio, and image files, and workflow orchestration.\nSecondary Storage Software and Systems \ninclude:\n\u2022\nActiveScale Object Storage Software: \nExtremely scalable and durable storage for long term data preservation and protection.\n\u2022\nDXi Backup Appliances\n: Purpose-built backup appliances for high-speed backup and recovery and multisite data protection.\n\u2022\nScalar Tape Storage\n: Low cost, secure storage for long term data archiving and offline data protection. Scalar tape storage systems are used by the world\u2019s largest hyperscalers as well as thousands of enterprises worldwide.\nDevices and Media\n includes the sale of standalone Linear Tape-Open (\u201cLTO\u00ae\u201d) tape drives for small business data protection and archiving, and LTO\u00ae media for use in tape storage systems.\nWe also offer a broad portfolio of services including 24x7x365 global support, deployment and consulting services, education services, and Quantum-as-a-Service. Our services are delivered with a combination of expertise and technology, including the MyQuantum Service Delivery Platform, and Cloud-Based Analytics (CBA) AIOps software for proactive remote monitoring.\n \nGlobal Support and Services, and Warranty\n4\nTable of Contents\nOur global services strategy is an integral component of our total customer solution. Service is typically a significant purchase factor for customers considering long-term storage for archiving and retention or data protection storage solutions. Consequently, our ability to provide comprehensive installation and integration services as\u00a0well as maintenance services can be a noteworthy competitive advantage to attract new customers and retain existing customers. In addition, we believe that our ability to retain long-term customer relationships and secure repeat business is frequently tied directly to our comprehensive service capabilities and performance.\nOur extensive use of technology and innovative product intelligence allows us to scale our global services operations to meet the needs of our customers. We are currently able to provide service to customers in more than 100 countries, supported by\u00a024-hour,\u00a0multi-language technical support centers located in North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide our customers with warranty coverage on our products. Customers with high availability requirements may also purchase additional services to obtain faster response times on our high-performance shared storage systems, tape systems, and disk backup systems. We offer this additional support coverage at a variety of response levels up to\u00a024-hours\u00a0a day,\u00a0seven-days-a-week,\u00a0365-days-a-year,\u00a0for customers with stringent high-availability needs. We provide support ranging from repair and replacement to\u00a024-hour\u00a0rapid exchange to\u00a0on-site\u00a0service support for our midrange and enterprise-class products. In addition to these traditional installation and maintenance services, we also provide project management, managed services, and other\u00a0value-added\u00a0services to enhance our customer\u2019s experience and engagement. These incremental services create a deeper relationship with customers that enables them to maximize the value of our solution and better positions us to retain our customers through technology transitions.\nWe generally warrant our hardware products against defects for periods ranging from one to three years from the date of sale. We provide warranty and\u00a0non-warranty\u00a0repair services through our service team and third-party service providers. In addition, we utilize various other third-party service providers throughout the world to perform repair and warranty services for us to reach additional geographic areas and industries to provide quality services in a cost-effective manner.\nResearch and Development\nWe are a solutions company that relies on technology advancements to compete in an industry characterized by rapid change and evolving customer requirements. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to introduce new products and features to meet end user needs. Our research and development teams are focused on technology and services to make our end-to-end solution of storage systems and data management software easier to manage at scale, software enhancements to make our storage more searchable and accessible, software-defined hyperconverged storage technology, next generation solid-state and hard-drive storage system software, data deduplication and other data reduction technologies, and making tape and other mediums even more efficient as a solution for\n \nmedium for long term archival storage.\nSales and Distribution Channels\nProduct Sales Channels\nWe utilize distributors, value-added resellers (\"VARs\") and direct market resellers (\"DMRs\") in our sales process. Our reseller program provides our channel partners the option of purchasing products directly or through distribution channels and provides them access to a more comprehensive product line. Additionally, we sell directly to multiple large corporate entities and government agencies.\nOEM Relationships\nWe sell our products to several original equipment manufacturer (\"OEM\") customers that resell our hardware products under their own brand names and typically assume responsibility for product sales, end user service and support. We also license our software to certain OEM customers that include this software in their own brand name products. These OEM relationships enable us to reach end users not served by our branded distribution channels or our direct sales force. They also allow us to sell to select geographic or vertical markets where specific OEMs have exceptional strength.\nCustomers\n5\nTable of Contents\nWe provide\n \nsolutions to multiple industries globally.\n \nHistorically, our primary customers are in hyperscale, technology and industrial, media and entertainment, federal government, life sciences and healthcare, and financial industries.\n \nIn addition, we sell to OEMs, distributors, VARs and DMRs to reach end user customers. Sales to our top five customers represented 32%, 17%, and 16% of revenue in fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively, of which one of our hyperscale customers represented 10% or more of our total 2023 revenue.\nCompetition\nThe markets in which we participate are highly competitive, characterized by rapid technological change and changing customer requirements. In some cases, our competitors in one market area are customers or suppliers in another. Our competitors often have greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing, or other resources than we do. Additionally, the competitive landscape continues to change due to merger and acquisition activity as well as new entrants into the market.\nAs our customers look to use more public cloud storage services, these providers offer a competitive alternative, as well as new platforms and new ways to deploy our software. We expect that the data storage infrastructures of the future will be both hybrid-cloud and multi-cloud, meaning our customers will store their data in the various large public cloud environments, and also want to use services from multiple public cloud vendors.\nOur primary storage solutions, including object storage systems, primarily face competition from the EMC business unit of Dell Inc. (\u201cDell\u201d), International Business Machines Corporation, (\u201cIBM\u201d), NetApp, Inc., (\u201cNetApp\u201d), and other enterprise storage vendors in the markets we serve.\nOur secondary storage solutions, primarily tape storage systems, compete in the midrange and enterprise reseller and end user markets with IBM and other tape library vendors.\n \nCompetitors for entry-level and OEM tape systems include BDT Products, Inc. and several others that supply or manufacture similar products. In addition, disk backup products and cloud storage are an indirect competitive alternative to tape storage. Our backup storage systems primarily compete with products sold by Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and Veritas Technologies LLC. \nManufacturing and Supply Chain\nQuantum has a global supply chain and operations organization, with contract manufacturers located in the U.S. and Mexico along with supporting third-party logistics companies in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region (\u201cEMEA\u201d), and the Asia-Pacific region, or (\u201cAPAC\u201d). Our supply chain and manufacturing strategy minimizes geo-political and environmental causal risks and provides flexibility to support demand fluctuations by region.\nQuantum primary storage and secondary disk-based storage systems are sold as appliances that combine Quantum software with servers that are procured from various server vendors. Quantum sources these servers from various vendors, then uses contract manufacturers for final integration and shipment to customers. Quantum's tape storage systems are designed by Quantum and manufactured by a global contract manufacturer. \nTape media is manufactured in Japan and distributed globally.\nThe global supply chain and logistics have been severely constrained and impacted by inflationary pricing for the past couple of years.\n \nWhile we are cautiously optimistic and see signs of improvement over the past year with supply of both server and tape automation components, we continue to see some constraints. While some components continue to have extended lead times and often non-cancellable purchase orders are required, Quantum continues to work with suppliers to minimize lead times and associated liabilities.\n \nWe continue to focus on a number of actions including alternate component qualifications, more aggressive management of contract manufacturers, and model changes for better logistics performance and visibility.\nIntellectual Property and Technology\nWe generally rely on patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and contract rights to establish and maintain our proprietary rights in our technology and products. As of March\u00a031, 2023, we hold over 160 U.S. patents. In general, these patents have a\u00a020-year\u00a0term from the first effective filing date for each patent. We may \n6\nTable of Contents\nalso hold foreign patents and patent applications for certain of our products and technologies. Although we believe that our patents and applications have significant value, rapidly changing technology in our industry means that our future success may also depend heavily on the technical competence and creative skills of our employees.\nFrom time to time, third parties have asserted that the manufacture and sale of our products have infringed on their patents. We are not knowingly infringing any third-party patents. Should it ultimately be determined that licenses for third-party patents are required, we will undertake best efforts to obtain such licenses on commercially reasonable terms. See\u00a0\nNote 11:\n\u00a0\nCommitments and\n \nContingencies\n\u00a0for additional disclosures regarding lawsuits alleging patent infringement.\nOn occasion, we have entered into various patent licensing and cross-licensing agreements with other companies. We may enter into patent cross-licensing agreements with other third parties in the future as part of our normal business activities. These agreements, when and if entered into, would enable these third parties to use certain patents we own and enable us to use certain patents owned by these third parties. We have also sold certain patents, retaining a royalty-free license for these patents.\nWe are a member of the consortium that develops, patents, and licenses Linear Tape-Open, (or \u201cLTO\u00ae tape\u201d) technology to media manufacturing companies. We receive royalty payments for LTO media technology sold under licensing agreements. We have also entered into various licensing agreements with respect to our technology, patents and similar intellectual property which provide licensing revenues in certain cases and may expand the market for products and solutions using these technologies.\nSegment Information\nWe operate as a single reporting unit and operating segment for business and operating purposes. Information about revenue attributable to each of our product groups is included in\u00a0\nItem 7.\n\u00a0\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\u00a0and information about revenue and long-lived assets attributable to certain geographic regions is included in \nNote 2: Revenue\n and \nNote 4: Balance Sheet Information\n, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements and risks attendant to our foreign operations is set forth below in\u00a0\nItem 1A.\n\u00a0\nRisk Factors.\nSeasonality\nAs is typical in our industry, we generally have the greatest demand for our products and services in the fourth quarter of each calendar year, or our fiscal third quarter. We usually experience the lowest demand for our products and services in the first and second quarters of each calendar year, or our fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal first quarter, respectively.\nInformation About Our Executive Officers\nFollowing are the names and positions of our management team as of May 18, 2023, including a brief account of the business experience of each.\nName\nPosition with Quantum\nJames J. Lerner\nPresident, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board\nKenneth Gianella\nChief Financial Officer\nBrian E. Cabrera\nChief Administrative Officer\nJohn Hurley\nChief Revenue Officer\nLewis Moorehead \nChief Accounting Officer\nJames J. Lerner, 53, was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective July 1, 2018, and was appointed Chairman of the Company\u2019s Board of Directors (the \u201cBoard of Directors\u201d) on August 7, 2018. Mr. Lerner has previously served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pivot3 Inc., a smart infrastructure solutions company, from March 2017 to June 2018, and as Chief Revenue Officer from November 2016 to March 2017. Prior to Pivot3 Inc., from March 2014 to August 2015, Mr. Lerner served as President of Cloud Systems and Solutions at Seagate Technology Holdings Public Limited Company (\u201cSeagate\u201d) (Nasdaq: STX), a data storage company. Prior to Seagate, Mr. Lerner served in various executive roles at Cisco Systems, Inc. \n7\nTable of Contents\n(Nasdaq: CSCO), a networking hardware and software manufacturing company, including most recently as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Cloud & Systems Management Technology Group. Before beginning his career as a technology company executive, Mr. Lerner was a Senior Consultant at Andersen Consulting, a financial advisory and consulting firm. Since 2011, Mr. Lerner has served on the Board of Trustees of Astia, a global not-for-profit organization built on a community of men and women dedicated to the success of women-led, high-growth ventures, and is currently serving as the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Lerner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Quantitative Economics and Decision Sciences from U.C. San Diego.\nKenneth Gianella, 50, has served as our Chief Financial Officer since January 2023. Prior to joining us, he served as the Vice President of Investor Relations; Mergers, Divestitures, & Acquisitions; and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Strategy at Itron, Inc. (Nasdaq: ITRI), an energy and water network technology and services company, since July 2018, and as Vice President of Finance and Treasury of Itron\u2019s Networks segment from January 2018 to July 2018. Prior to that, from December 2012 to December 2017, Mr. Gianella held various senior finance positions at Silver Springs Networks, an IoT and smart networks company (acquired by Itron in December 2017), including as interim Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer. Mr. Gianella also was the Head of Finance and Administration at Sensity Systems, Inc., a producer of smart LED lights for enabling Smart Cities, and held various senior finance roles at KLA-Tencor Corporation, a leader in process control, yield management, and computational analytics for the semiconductor industry. Mr. Gianella holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Duquesne University.\nBrian E. Cabrera, 58, most recently served as the Assistant United States Attorney from October 2018 to April 2020 and as Special Assistant United States Attorney from October 2017 to October 2018 in the Office of the United States Attorney, Northern District of California. From May 2014 to June 2017, Mr. Cabrera served as Senior Vice President & General Counsel of NVIDIA Corporation (\u201cNVIDIA\u201d) (Nasdaq: NVIDIA), a graphics processing units technology company. Prior to NVIDIA, Mr. Cabrera served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer of Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), an electronic design automation company, from 2006 to 2014. From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Cabrera served as Senior Vice President, Operations, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Callidus Software, Inc., an enterprise software company. Prior to Callidus Software, Inc., Mr. Cabrera held various legal positions with PeopleSoft, Inc., a human resource management systems provider, Netscape Communications Corporation, an internet software developing company, Silicon Graphics, Inc., a computer hardware and software manufacturing company, and Bronson, Bronson & McKinnon LLP, a law firm. Mr. Cabrera holds Bachelor\u2019s and Master\u2019s degrees and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Southern California.\nJohn Hurley, 57, has served as Quantum's Chief Revenue Officer since August 2021. Prior to Quantum, Mr. Hurley was at Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO), a networking hardware and software manufacturing company, from 2008 to 2021, and most recently served as Vice President at Cisco, global commercial segment. Mr. Hurley also spent several years overseeing Cisco's service provider business. Additionally, Mr. Hurley led transformational enterprise relationships with Cisco's largest enterprise customers in aerospace and automotive. From 2005 to 2008, he served as area Vice President, Midwest Global / Corporate Business Group at Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE: DELL), a multinational technology company, where he led regional sales directors and their teams to support multiple Fortune 100 customers. Mr. Hurley held leadership roles at transformational early-stage software companies, where he helped drive the businesses to successful acquisitions by industry leaders Microsoft Corporation and HP Inc. Mr. Hurley holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Pennsylvania State University.\nLewis Moorehead, 51, has served as our Chief Accounting Officer since October 2018. Prior to joining Quantum, Mr. Moorehead was the Director of Finance, Accounting and Tax at Carvana, Co. (NYSE: CVNA), a publicly traded on-line retailer, from November 2016 to October 2018. Beginning in September 2004, he has served as Managing Partner at Quassey, an investment firm. While at Quassey, he also served as Vice President of Finance and Principal Accounting Officer at Limelight Networks, Inc. (now Edgio, Inc.), a Nasdaq-listed global content delivery network and SaaS provider, from March 2010 to August 2013. He has also held finance and accounting positions at eTelecare Global Solutions, an outsourcing service company, Rivers and Moorehead PLLC, an accounting advisory firm, Intelligentias, Inc., a data intelligence company, American Express Company (NYSE: AXP), a payment card services company, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an advisory and tax services firm. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.\nHuman Capital\n8\nTable of Contents\nOur Chief Administrative Officer (\"CAO\") leads our human capital initiatives, which include the design and execution of all people strategies. The CAO partners directly with the Board of Directors, the Leadership and Compensation Committee, and Senior Management on the design, cost, and effectiveness of our people programs to ensure they are competitive and reward our teams for driving company performance. \nOur workforce is currently distributed across 19 countries, with approximately 850 employees globally as of March 31, 2023, including 460 in North America, 190 in APAC, and 200 in EMEA. We engage with contractors, consultants, or temporary employees as needs for special projects occur. \nWork Environment\nWhile we believe competition for talent in the technology industry in certain geographies may be beginning to soften, we continue to design, evaluate, and expand our total rewards programs so they remain competitive in attracting, motivating, rewarding, and retaining key talent. \nWe offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements that allow our employees to choose where and how they work. We work to ensure our office environments, whether at a primary location or remote, are safe, professional, and inclusive so our employees can be successful. \nTo build high performing products and services, we aim to build high performing teams that are inclusive, diverse, and respected regardless of gender, race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. We invest in diverse hiring and training initiatives, performance and professional development opportunities, and candidates ranging from interns to experienced leaders. This past year, we partnered with an outside firm for our training on compliance and preventing harassment and discrimination. We believe that fostering an inclusive work environment is a critical component for our culture of excellence.\nCulture of Excellence, Accountability, and Innovation\nOur company goals and leadership attributes set the tone for our culture of excellence and accountability. Employees are empowered to ask questions and encouraged to report concerns without fear of retaliation, including reporting anonymously if preferred. \nDuring the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, we redesigned our internal employee recognition program to encourage driving innovation, promoting teamwork, and leading by example.\n \nWe also continued our practice of \u201cno internal meeting days\u201d so employees can have more time for focused work, training, or personal development. \nTalent Development \nOur talent is our greatest asset. We seek to actively grow our employees\u2019 skills and leadership perspective while retaining our most critical talent. Our managers and employees participate in regular performance discussions that help facilitate conversations on employee contributions, goals, and expectations.\nAvailable Information\nOur Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge on our website at https://www.quantum.com generally when such reports are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d) website. The contents of our website are not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nThe public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC\u2019s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 or (202) 551-5450. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy, and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.\n9\nTable of Contents",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS\nBefore investing in any of our securities, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all other information in this Annual Report. The risks and uncertainties described below could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, revenue, financial condition, liquidity, market share or competitive position, and consequently, the value of our securities. \nRisks Related to Our Supply Chain, Customers and Sales Strategy\nCost increases, supply disruptions, or raw material shortages, including in single source components, could harm our business.\nWe have and may continue to experience cost increases or supply interruptions in raw materials and components necessary for our products, as well as increased freight charges and reduced capacity from our freight forwarders.\n \nAny such increases or interruptions could materially negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results, including delays in manufacturing and shipments of our products and in some cases, result in canceled orders.\n \nWhile we have implemented price increases intended to offset rising costs, we cannot provide assurance that these increases will have the desired effects on our business model in the expected timeframe.\nWe outsource our component supply, manufacturing, and service repair operations to third parties. Our business, financial condition, and operating results could face material adverse impacts if we cannot obtain parts, products, and services in a cost effective and timely manner that meets our customers\u2019 expectations.\nMany aspects of our supply chain and operational results are dependent on the performance of third-party business partners, including contract manufacturers, service providers, and product integrators. We face a number of risks as a result of these relationships, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and harm our operating results and financial condition.\nSole source of product supply\nIn many cases, our business partners are the sole source of supply for the products or parts they manufacture, or the services they provide to us, and we do not have executed long-term purchase agreements with these partners. Our reliance on a limited number of suppliers and the lack of any guaranteed sources of supply exposes us to several risks, including:\n \n\u2022\nthe inability to obtain an adequate supply of key components; \n\u2022\nprice volatility for the components of our products; \n\u2022\nfailure of a supplier to meet our quality or production requirements; \n\u2022\nfailure of a supplier of key components to remain in business or adjust to market conditions; and \n\u2022\nconsolidation among suppliers, resulting in some suppliers exiting the industry, discontinuing the manufacture of components or increasing the price of components. \nWe cannot assure investors that we will be able to obtain a sufficient supply of these key components or that their costs will not increase. If our component supply is disrupted or delayed, or if we need to replace our existing suppliers or redesign a product to accept different components, we cannot guarantee that additional components will be available when required, on terms that are favorable to us, or at reasonable prices, which could extend our lead times and increase our component costs.\nCost and purchase commitments and processes\nWe may not be able to control the costs of products or services we obtain from our business partners. We provide a customer demand forecast used to procure inventory to build our products. We could be responsible for the financial impact from any forecast reduction or product mix shift relative to materials already purchased under a prior forecast, including the cost of finished goods in excess of current customer demand or for excess or obsolete inventory. \n10\nTable of Contents\nIn some cases, we may retain the responsibility to purchase component inventory to support third-party manufacturing activities, which presents a number of risks that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition. For instance, as part of our component planning, we may place orders with or pay certain suppliers for components in advance of receiving customer purchase orders. We may occasionally enter into large orders with vendors to ensure that we have sufficient components for our products to meet anticipated customer demand. It is possible that we could experience a design or manufacturing flaw that could delay or even prevent the production of the components for which we previously committed to pay.\nIn addition, in order to reduce manufacturing lead times and plan for adequate component supply, from time to time we may issue non-cancelable and non-returnable component or product orders. Our inventory management systems and related supply chain visibility tools may be inadequate to enable us to make accurate forecasts and effectively manage our component and product supply. If we ultimately determine that we have excess supply, we may have to reduce our prices and write down or write off excess or obsolete inventory. Alternatively, insufficient supply levels may lead to shortages resulting in delayed or lost revenue or reduced product margins.\n \nWe could experience operating losses based on any of these conditions.\nWe also maintain service parts inventories to satisfy future warranty obligations and to earn service revenue by providing enhanced and extended technical support and product service during and beyond the warranty period. We estimate service parts inventory needs based on historical usage and forecasts of future warranty and service contract requirements, including estimates of failure rates, costs to repair, and out of warranty revenue. Given the significant levels of judgment inherently involved in the process, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to maintain service parts inventories appropriate to satisfy customer needs or to avoid inventory purchases that later prove to be unnecessary. If we are unable to maintain appropriate levels of service parts inventories, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely impacted.\nAlthough we have contracts for most of our third-party repair service vendors, the contract period may not be the same as the underlying customer service contract. In such cases, we face risks that the third-party service provider may increase the cost of providing services in later periods already under contract to our customers at a fixed price.\nFinancial condition and stability\nOur third-party business partners may suffer adverse financial or operating results or be negatively impacted by economic conditions. We may face interrupted component, product, or service supply as a result of financial or other volatility affecting our supply chain. As a result, we could suffer production downtime or increased costs to procure alternate products or services.\nQuality and supplier conduct\nWe have limited control over the quality of products and components produced and services provided by our third-party business partners and their supply chains. The quality of the products, parts or services may not be acceptable to our customers and could result in customer dissatisfaction, lost revenue, and increased warranty costs. In addition, we have limited control over the manner in which our business partners conduct their business. We may face negative consequences or publicity as a result of a third-party\u2019s failure to comply with applicable compliance, trade, environmental, or employment regulations.\nAs a result of our global manufacturing and sales operations, we are subject to a variety of risks related to our business outside of the U.S., any of which could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business.\nA significant portion of our manufacturing, sales, and supply chain operations occur in countries other than the U.S. We utilize third-party business partners to engineer, produce, sell, and fulfill orders for our products, several of which have operations located in foreign countries including China, Hungary, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand, and Ukraine. Because of these operations, we are subject to a number of risks in addition to those already described, including:\n11\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nincreasing import and export duties and value-added taxes, or trade regulation changes that could erode our profit margins or delay or restrict our ability to transport our products;\n\u2022\nwar, military conflict, and geopolitical unrest, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, may affect our engineering and support teams outside the U.S. and their ability to perform as well as our sales and services delivery with sanctioned entities and countries;\n\u2022\nreduced or limited protection of our intellectual property;\n\u2022\ndifficulty complying with multiple and potentially conflicting regulatory requirements and practices, including laws governing corporate conduct outside the U.S., such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, United Kingdom Bribery Act, and similar regulations;\n\u2022\ncommercial laws that favor local businesses and cultural differences that affect how we conduct business;\n\u2022\ndiffering technology standards or customer requirements;\n\u2022\nexposure to economic uncertainty and fluctuations including inflation, adverse movement of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar (the currency in which we report our results), restrictions on transferring funds between countries, and continuing sovereign debt risks;\n\u2022\nfluctuations in freight costs, limitations on shipping and receiving capacity, and other disruptions in the transportation and shipping infrastructure at important geographic points for our products and shipments;\n\u2022\ninflexible employee contracts and employment laws that may make it difficult to terminate or change the compensation structure for employees in the event of business downturns;\n\u2022\ndifficulties attracting and recruiting employees and wage inflation in highly competitive markets;\n\u2022\npolitical instability, military, social and infrastructure risks, especially in emerging or developing economies;\n\u2022\npolitical or nationalist sentiment impacting global trade, including the willingness of non-U.S. consumers to purchase goods or services from U.S. corporations;\n\u2022\nnatural disasters, including earthquakes, flooding, typhoons and tsunamis; and\n\u2022\npandemics and epidemics, and varying and potentially inconsistent governmental restrictions on the operation of businesses, travel and other restrictions.\nAny or all of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nWe rely on indirect sales channels to market and sell our branded products. The loss of or deterioration in our relationship with one or more of our resellers or distributors, or our inability to establish new indirect sales channels to drive growth of our branded revenue, could negatively affect our operating results.\nWe sell most of our branded products to distributors, value added resellers, and direct market resellers, who in turn sell our products to end users. We use different distribution channel partners in different countries and regions in the world. The success of these sales channels is hard to predict, particularly over time, and we have no purchase commitments or long-term orders from them that assure us of any baseline sales. Several of our channel partners carry competing product lines they may promote over ours. A channel partner might discontinue our products or fail to effectively market them, and each partner determines the type and amount of our products that it will purchase and the price at which it sells to end users. Establishing new indirect sales channels is an important part of our strategy to drive growth of our branded revenue.\n \nOur results of operations could be adversely affected by any number of factors related to our channel partners, including:\n\u2022\na change in competitive strategy that adversely affects a partner\u2019s willingness or ability to distribute our products;\n\u2022\nthe reduction, delay, or cancellation of orders or the return of significant products volume;\n\u2022\nour inability to gain traction in developing new indirect sales channels for our branded products, or the loss of one or more existing partners; or\n\u2022\nchanges in requirements or programs that allow our products to be sold by third parties to government or other customers.\n12\nTable of Contents\nBecause we rely heavily on channel partners to market and sell our products, if one or more of them were to experience a significant deterioration in its financial condition or its relationship with us, this could disrupt our product distribution and reduce our revenue, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.\nWe heavily utilize channel partners to perform the functions necessary to market and sell our products in certain product and geographic segments. To fulfill this role, partners must maintain an acceptable level of financial stability, creditworthiness, and the ability to successfully manage business relationships with the customers they serve directly. If partners are unable to perform in an acceptable manner, we may be required to reduce sales to the partner or terminate the relationship. We may also incur financial losses for product returns from partners or for the failure or refusal of distributors to pay obligations owed to us. Either scenario could result in fewer of our products being available to the affected market segments, reduced levels of customer satisfaction and increased expenses, which could in turn have a material and adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nA certain percentage of our sales are to a few customers, some of which are also competitors, and these customers generally have no minimum or long-term purchase commitments. The loss of, or a significant reduction in demand from, one or more key customers could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nOur product sales have been and continue to be concentrated among a small number of channel partners, direct end-users, and original equipment manufacturers. We sell to many end-user customers and channel partners on purchase orders, not under the terms of a binding long-term procurement agreement. Accordingly, they generally are not obligated to purchase any minimum product volume, and our relationships with them are terminable at will. In addition, recently we have focused our direct-sales business on the largest users of hierarchical storage architectures, the so-called \u201cHyper-scalers\u201d; there are very few of these extremely large storage customers, but their order activity has a significant impact on our results from quarter to quarter. \nSome of our tape and disk products are incorporated into larger storage systems or solutions that are marketed and sold to end users by third parties. Because of this, we may have limited market access to those end users, limiting our ability to influence and forecast their future purchasing decisions. In addition, revenue from OEM customers has decreased in recent years. Certain of our large OEM customers are also our competitors, and could decide to reduce or terminate purchasing our products for competitive reasons. \nIn addition, our sales efforts may involve long sales cycles during which we incur expenses to educate our customers about product use and benefits and support customer-driven product evaluations.\n \nThese cycles may make it difficult for us to predict when, or if, future sales will occur.\n \nDuring the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 we had one Hyperscale customer represent 10% or more of our total revenue versus the prior\n \nfiscal year, March 31, 2022, when we had no single customer represent 10% or more of our total revenue. If this customer or any other large customers should significantly decrease or stop purchasing our solutions we would see a significant reduction in revenue that may result in\n \na material adverse effect on our operating results.\nThe U.S. federal government is an important customer, and our business may be materially and adversely harmed by changes in government purchasing activity.\nA portion of our sales are to various agencies and departments of the U.S. federal government, and federal spending funding cuts and temporary government shutdowns have previously impacted and may continue to impact our revenue in the future. Future spending cuts by the U.S. federal government, temporary shutdowns of the U.S. federal government, or changes in its procurement processes or criteria could decrease our sales to the federal government and materially and adversely affect our operating results.\n \nIn addition, changes in government certification requirements applicable to our products could impact our ability to see to U.S. federal customers.\nRisks Related to Our Operating Results, Financial Condition, or Stock Price\n13\nTable of Contents\nWe continue to face risks related to inflation, economic uncertainty, and slow economic growth.\nUncertainty about economic conditions pose risks as businesses may further reduce or postpone spending in response to reduced budgets, tightening of credit markets, increases in inflation and interest rates, negative financial news, and declines in income or asset values which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Recent inflationary increases have driven up the prices at which we are able to purchase necessary components, products, and services, as well as the cost of contract labor. In addition, we continue to face risks related to uncertain tariff levels between countries where our products are manufactured and sold, unstable political and economic conditions in Europe, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, and concerns about sovereign debt, which could negatively impact the U.S. and global economies and adversely affect our financial results. In addition, our ability to access capital markets may be restricted or result in unfavorable financing terms, impacting our ability to react to changing economic and business conditions and could also materially and adversely affect our ability to sustain our operations at their current levels.\nOur stock price has experienced significant volatility in the past, and continued volatility may cause our common stock trading price to remain volatile or decline.\nOur stock price has been extremely volatile in the past.\n \nThe trading price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate in response to a number of events and factors, many of which may be beyond our control, such as:\n\u2022\nquarterly variations in our operating results;\n\u2022\nfailure to meet our financial guidance or the expectations of securities analysts and investors;\n\u2022\nnew products, services, innovations, strategic developments, or business combinations and investments by our competitors or us;\n\u2022\nchanges in our capital structure, including incurring new debt, issuing additional debt or equity to the public, and issuing common stock upon exercise of our outstanding warrants or subscribing to our recent rights offering;\n\u2022\nlarge or sudden purchases or sales of stock by investors; \n\u2022\nchanges in interest and exchange rates;\n\u2022\na continued widespread decline in the U.S. or global economy as a result of the impact of COVID-19, supply chain constraints, or other factors;\n\u2022\nfluctuations in the stock market in general and market prices for technology companies in particular;\n\u2022\ntariffs imposed by the U.S. government on sales originating in or being shipped to countries with which we have on-going trade or other political conflicts;\n\u2022\ninvestigations or enforcement actions related to a potential or actual failure to comply with applicable regulations;\n\u2022\ncosts of new or ongoing commercial litigation; and\n\u2022\nsignificant changes in our brand or reputation.\nAny of these events and factors may cause our stock price to rise or fall and may adversely affect our business and financing opportunities.\nWe may be unable to attract and retain key talent necessary to effectively meet our business objectives.\nThe market for skilled engineering, sales, and administrative talent is competitive and we have seen delays in recruiting and hiring timeframes. We believe our ability to recruit and hire new talent, and retain existing key personnel, may be negatively impacted by prior and ongoing fluctuations in our operating results, stock price, and ability to offer competitive benefits and total compensation programs.\n \nOur business results may be harmed if we are unable to attract and retain key talent in the future.\nOur quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly, and past results should not be used to predict future performance.\n14\nTable of Contents\nOur quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past and could fluctuate significantly in the future. As a result, our quarterly operating results should not be used to predict future performance. Quarterly results could be materially and adversely affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to:\n\u2022\nIT spending fluctuations resulting from economic conditions or changes in U.S. federal government spending;\n\u2022\nsupply chain constraints or other failures by our contract manufacturers to complete shipments in a timely manner;\n\u2022\nnew product announcements by us or our competitors which may cause purchasing delays or cancellations;\n\u2022\ncustomers canceling, reducing, deferring, or rescheduling significant orders as a result of excess inventory levels, weak economic conditions, reduced demand, or other factors;\n\u2022\nseasonality, including customer and government fiscal year-ends and budget availability impacting demand for our products;\n\u2022\nreduced demand, declines in large orders, royalty, or software revenues, or other changes in product mix;\n\u2022\nproduct development and ramp cycle delays or product performance or quality issues;\n\u2022\npoor execution of and performance against expected sales and marketing plans and strategies;\n\u2022\nincreased competition which may, among other things, increase pricing pressure or reduce sales;\n\u2022\nrestructuring actions or unexpected costs; and\n\u2022\nforeign currency exchange fluctuations.\nOur operating results depend on continuing and increasing market acceptance of our existing products and on new product introductions, which may be unsuccessful, in which case our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.\nA limited number of products comprise a significant majority of our sales, and due to rapid technological change in our industry, our future operating results depend on our ability to improve existing products and develop and successfully introduce new products. We have devoted and expect to continue to devote considerable management and financial resources to these efforts. \nWhen we introduce new products to the market, they may not achieve market acceptance or significant market share.\n \nIn addition, the target markets for our new products may not continue or grow as we anticipate.\n \nOur new products may not be successfully or timely qualified by new customers, and if they are qualified, we may not achieve high volume production in a timely manner, if at all.\n \nIn addition, we may experience technical, quality, performance-related, or other difficulties that could prevent or delay the introduction and market acceptance of new products.\nIf we are not successful in timely completing our new product qualifications and ramping sales to our key customers, our revenue and operating results could be adversely impacted. In addition, if the quality of our products is not acceptable to our customers, customer dissatisfaction, lost revenue, and increased warranty and repair costs could result.\nWe derive significant revenue from products incorporating tape technology. Our future operating results depend in part on continued market acceptance and use of tape products; in the past, decreases in the tape products market have materially and adversely impacted our business, financial condition and operating results. \nWe currently derive significant revenue from products that incorporate some form of tape technology, and we expect to continue to do so in the next several years. As a result, our future operating results depend in part on continued market acceptance and use of tape products. Decreased market acceptance or use of products employing tape technology has materially and adversely impacted our business, financial condition, and operating results, and we expect that our revenues from certain types of tape products could continue to decline in the future.\nDisk, solid-state, and flash storage products, as well as various software solutions and alternative technologies have eroded the demand for tape products. We expect that, over time, many of our tape customers could migrate toward \n15\nTable of Contents\nthese other products and solutions and their proportionate contribution to our revenue will increase in the future. While we are making targeted investments in software, disk backup and flash storage systems, and other alternative technologies, these markets are characterized by rapid innovation, evolving customer demands, and strong competition, including competition with companies who are also significant customers. If we are not successful in our efforts, we may not be able to attract or retain customers, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.\nA significant decline in our media royalty or branded software revenues could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.\nOur media royalties and branded software revenues generate relatively greater profit margins than some of our other products and can significantly impact our overall profitability. We receive media royalty revenue based on tape media cartridges sold by various tape media manufacturers and resellers. Under our patent and technology license agreements with these companies, each of the licensees determines the pricing and number of units of tape media cartridges that it sells. Our media royalty revenue varies based on the licensees\u2019 media sales and other factors, including:\n\u2022\nour customers\u2019 continued use of storage tape media, including the size of the installed base of devices and similar products that use tape media cartridges;\n\u2022\nthe relative growth in units of newer device products, since the associated media cartridges for newer products typically sell at higher prices compared with the media cartridges associated with older products;\n\u2022\nmedia consumption habits and rates of end users and pattern of device retirements;\n\u2022\nthe level of channel inventories; and\n\u2022\nagreement on standards for newer generations of the tape media that generates our royalty revenue.\nRisks Related to Our Indebtedness\nWe have significant indebtedness, which imposes upon us debt service obligations, and our term loan and revolving credit facilities contain various operating and financial covenants that limit our discretion in operating our business. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations and overall operating results to meet these debt obligations or remain in compliance with the covenants, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.\nOur level of indebtedness presents significant risks to our business and investors, both in terms of the constraints that it places on our ability to operate our business and because of the possibility that we may not generate sufficient cash and operating results to remain in compliance with our covenants and pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness as it becomes due. As recently as March 2023, we were in danger of failing to meet certain financial covenants in our debt agreements, which could have resulted in a default under these agreements if we had not obtained a waiver of noncompliance from our lenders. For further description of our outstanding debt, see the section captioned \u201cLiquidity and Capital Resources\u201d in Part II, Item 7 Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. \nAs a result of our indebtedness: \n\u2022\nOur ability to invest in growing our business is constrained by the financial covenants contained in our credit facilities, which require us to maintain certain maximum total net leverage ratio levels, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and liquidity levels and restrict our ability to:\n\u25aa\nIncur debt and liens;\n\u25aa\nAcquire businesses or entities or sell certain assets;\n\u25aa\nMake investments, including loans, guarantees, and advances;\n\u25aa\nEngage in transactions with affiliates;\n\u25aa\nPay dividends or repurchase stock; and\n\u25aa\nEnter into certain restrictive agreements;\n16\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nWe must dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations and other capital resources to debt service, thereby reducing our ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, mergers and acquisitions, and other cash-based activities, all of which may place us at a competitive disadvantage;\n\u2022\nWe are subject to mandatory field audits and control of cash receipts by the lenders if we do not maintain liquidity above certain thresholds;\n\u2022\nWe may be more vulnerable to adverse economic and industry conditions; and\n\u2022\nWe may be unable to make payments on other indebtedness or obligations.\nOur ability to make scheduled payments of the principal, to pay interest on, or refinance our debt, or to make cash payments in connection with our credit facilities, depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. Further, as our debt reaches maturity, we will be required to make large cash payments or adopt one or more alternatives, such as restructuring indebtedness or obtaining additional debt or equity financing on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may be unable to incur additional debt or refinance our existing debt on acceptable terms, if at all.\nOur credit facilities are collateralized by a pledge of all our assets. If we were to default and be unable to cure it within any applicable grace periods or obtain a waiver of such default, the lenders would have a right to foreclose on our assets to satisfy our obligations under these agreements. Any such action on the part of the lenders could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nIn connection with entering into our prior credit facilities and certain amendments to our prior credit facilities, we were required to issue to our lenders thereunder, certain warrants to purchase our common stock. When exercised, these warrants will result in significant dilution to our stockholders. As a result, the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of our outstanding warrants may cause our stock price to decline. \nRisks Related to Our Business and Industry\nIf we do not successfully manage the changes that we have made and may continue to make to our business model, infrastructure, and management, our business could be disrupted, and that could adversely impact our operating results and financial condition.\nManaging change is an important focus for us. In recent years, we have implemented several significant initiatives involving our sales and marketing, product engineering, and operations organizations, aimed at transitioning our revenue model from discrete hardware sales to recurring software revenue, increasing our efficiency, and better aligning internal operations with our corporate strategy. In addition, we have reduced headcount to streamline and consolidate our supporting functions as appropriate following recent acquisitions and in response to market or competitive conditions, and have increased our reliance on certain third-party business relationships. If we are unable to successfully manage the changes that we implement and detect and address issues as they arise, our business could be disrupted, and our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted.\nIn addition, given that we are relatively new to offering products and services on a subscription basis, and those models in the storage industry continue to evolve, we may not be able to effectively compete, drive expected revenue and margin growth, or obtain profitability for the foreseeable future.\n \nDemand for subscription-based products could also erode one-time sales of our hardware products that might not be immediately offset by increased recurring revenue.\nWe have taken considerable steps towards reducing our cost structure. The steps we have taken may not reduce our cost structure to a level appropriate in relation to our future sales and therefore, these cost reductions may be insufficient to achieve profitability.\nIn the last several years, we have recorded significant restructuring charges and made cash payments to reduce our cost of sales and operating expenses to respond to adverse economic and industry conditions, to execute \n17\nTable of Contents\nstrategic management decisions, and to rationalize our operations following acquisitions. These restructuring plans may result in decreases to our revenues or adversely affect our ability to grow our business in the future. Workforce reductions may also adversely affect employee morale and our ability to retain our employees. We may take future steps to further reduce our operating costs, including additional restructurings in response to strategic decisions, increased operating and product costs due to inflation, supply chain constraints, and other external factors, adverse changes in our business or industry, or future acquisitions. We may be unable to reduce our cost of sales and operating expenses at a rate and to a level appropriate in relation to our future sales, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nIn addition, our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings and other benefits from these restructuring plans within the expected time frame is subject to many estimates and assumptions which may be adversely impacted by significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If these estimates and assumptions are incorrect, if we experience delays, or if other unforeseen events occur, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be adversely affected.\nThe failure to successfully integrate future acquired businesses, products or technologies could harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.\nAs a part of our business strategy, we have in the past and may make acquisitions in the future. We may also make significant investments in complementary companies, products or technologies. If we fail to successfully integrate such acquisitions or significant investments, it could harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. Risks that we may face in our efforts to integrate any recent or future acquisitions include, among others:\n\u2022\nfailure to realize anticipated synergies or return on investment from the acquisition;\n\u2022\ndifficulties assimilating and retaining employees, business culture incompatibility, or resistance to change;\n\u2022\ndiverting management\u2019s attention from ongoing business concerns;\n\u2022\ncoordinating geographically separate organizations and infrastructure operations in a rapid and efficient manner;\n\u2022\nthe potential inability to maximize our financial and strategic position through the successful incorporation of acquired technology and rights into our products and services;\n\u2022\nfailure of acquired technology or products to provide anticipated revenue or margin contribution;\n\u2022\ninsufficient revenues to offset increased expenses associated with the acquisition;\n\u2022\ncosts and delays in implementing or integrating common systems and procedures;\n\u2022\nreduction or loss of customer orders due to the potential for market confusion, hesitation and delay;\n\u2022\nimpairment of existing customer, supplier and strategic relationships of either company;\n\u2022\ninsufficient cash flows from operations to fund the working capital and investment requirements;\n\u2022\ndifficulties in entering markets in which we have no or limited direct prior experience and where competitors in such markets have stronger market positions;\n\u2022\ndissatisfaction or performance problems with the acquired company;\n\u2022\nthe assumption of risks, unknown liabilities, or other unanticipated adverse circumstances of the acquired company that are difficult to quantify; and \n\u2022\nthe cost associated with the acquisition, including restructuring actions, which may require cash payments that, if large enough, could materially and adversely affect our liquidity.\nA cybersecurity breach could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business, harm our reputation, expose us to significant liability, or otherwise damage our financial results.\nWe maintain sensitive data related to our employees, strategic partners, and customers, including personally identifiable information, intellectual property, and proprietary business information on our own systems. In addition, many of our customers and partners store sensitive data on our products.\nIt is critical to our business that our employees\u2019, strategic partners\u2019 and customers\u2019 sensitive information remains and is perceived as secure. While we employ sophisticated security measures in our own environment and our product features, we may face internal and external threats including unauthorized access, ransomware attacks, \n18\nTable of Contents\nsecurity breaches, and other system disruptions. A cybersecurity breach of our own IT infrastructure or products sold to our customers could result in unauthorized access to, loss of, or unauthorized disclosure of such information and expose us to litigation, indemnity obligations, government investigations, and other possible liabilities. Additionally, a cyber-attack, whether actual or perceived, could result in negative publicity which could harm our reputation and reduce our customers\u2019 confidence in the effectiveness of our solutions, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results. A breach could also expose us to increased costs from remediation, disruption of operations, or increased cybersecurity protection costs that may have a material adverse effect on our business. Although we maintain cybersecurity liability insurance, our insurance may not cover all or any portion of claims of these types or may not be adequate to indemnify us for inability that may be imposed. Any imposition or liability or litigation costs that are not covered by insurance could harm our business.\nIf our products fail to meet our or our customers\u2019 specifications for quality and reliability, we may face liability and reputational or financial harm which may adversely impact our operating results and our competitive position may suffer.\nWe may from time to time experience problems with the performance of our products, which could result in one or more of the following:\n\u2022\nincreased costs related to fulfilling our warranty obligations;\n\u2022\nreduced, delayed, or cancelled orders or the return of a significant amount of products; or\n\u2022\nthe loss of reputation in the market and customer goodwill.\nThese factors could cause our business, financial condition and results of operations to be materially and adversely affected.\nIn addition, we face potential liability for product performance problems because our end users employ our technologies to store and backup important data and to satisfy regulatory requirements. Loss of this data could cost our customers significant amounts of money, directly and indirectly as a result of lost revenues, intellectual property, proprietary business information, or other harm to their business. In some cases, the failure of our products may be caused by third-party technology that we incorporate into them.\n \nEven if failures are caused by third-party technology, we may be required to expend resources to address the failure and preserve customer relationships. We could also potentially face claims for product liability from our customers if our products cause property damage or bodily injury. Although there are limitations of liability in our commercial agreements and we maintain technology errors and omissions liability and general liability insurance, our insurance may not cover potential claims of these types or may not be adequate to indemnify us for all liability that may be imposed. Any imposition of liability or litigation costs that are not covered by insurance or could harm our business.\nCompetition is intense in the data storage and protection market in which we operate.\nOur competitors in the data storage and protection market are aggressively trying to advance and develop new technologies and products to compete against us. Consequently, we face the risk that customers could choose competitor products over ours. As a result of competition and new technology standards, our sales or gross margins could decline, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results. Some of those competitors are much larger and financially stronger, have more diverse product offerings, and aggressively compete based on their reputations and greater size.\nTechnological developments, industry consolidation, and storage market competition over the years have resulted in decreased prices and increased commoditization for tape device and automation products and our other product offerings. Pricing pressure is more pronounced for entry-level products and less pronounced for enterprise products. Over time, the prices of our and competitor products have decreased, but such products often incorporate new or different features and technologies from what we offered in prior years. We face risks that customers could choose competitors\u2019 products over ours due to these features and technologies or pricing differences. If competition further intensifies, our product sales and gross margins could decline, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nAdditional industry consolidation may further result in:\n19\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\ncompetitors consolidating, having greater resources and becoming more competitive with us;\n\u2022\nnew entrants into one or more of our primary markets increasing competition; \n\u2022\ncustomers that are also competitors becoming more competitive with us and/or reducing their purchase of our products; \n\u2022\ncompetitors acquiring our current suppliers or business partners and negatively impacting our business model; and\n\u2022\nmarket uncertainty and disruption due to the impact and timing of announced and completed transactions.\nRisks Related to Intellectual Property\nSome of our products contain licensed, third-party technology that provides important product functionality and features. The loss or inability to obtain any such license could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nCertain of our products contain technology licensed from third parties that provides important product functionality and features. We cannot provide assurance that we will have continued access to this technology in the future. In some cases, we may seek to enforce our technology access via litigation against the licensing company itself, which may cause us to incur significant legal or other costs and may not be resolved in our favor. Other legal actions against the licensing company, such as for intellectual property infringement, could also impact our future access to the technology. We also have limited visibility or control of the technology roadmap at the licensing company and cannot ensure that the licensing company will advance the roadmap of the licensed technology in the manner best for us. We also face the risk of not being able to quickly implement a replacement technology or otherwise mitigate the risks associated with not having access to this licensed technology.\n \nAny of these actions could negatively impact our available technology portfolio, thereby reducing the functionality or features of our products, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.\nThird-party intellectual property infringement claims could result in substantial liability and significant costs, and, as a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.\nFrom time to time, third parties allege that our products infringe their patented or proprietary technology and demand that we purchase a license from them. The ultimate outcome of any license discussion or litigation is uncertain. Adverse resolution of any third-party infringement claim could subject us to substantial liabilities and require us to refrain from manufacturing and selling certain products. In addition, the costs incurred in intellectual property litigation can be substantial, regardless of the outcome. As a result, our business, financial condition, and operating result could be materially and adversely affected.\nIf we fail to protect our intellectual property or if others use our proprietary technology without authorization, our competitive position may suffer.\nOur future success and ability to compete depends in part on our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of copyright, patent, trademark, and trade secrets laws and nondisclosure agreements to establish and protect our proprietary technology. However, we cannot provide assurance that patents will be issued with respect to pending or future patent applications that we have filed or plan to file, that our patents will be upheld as valid, or that our patents will prevent the development of competitive products, or that any actions we have taken will adequately protect our intellectual property rights. \nDespite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain or use our products or technology. Enforcing our intellectual property rights can sometimes only be accomplished through litigation, which is expensive and can divert management\u2019s attention away from our business. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S.\nWe license certain of our software under \u201copen source\u201d licenses. Because of the characteristics of opensource software licenses, it may be relatively easy for competitors, some of whom have greater \n20\nTable of Contents\nresources than we have, to enter our markets and compete with us.\n \nIn addition, our failure to comply with the terms of open source licenses could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position and financial results.\nOne of the characteristics of open source software is that the source code is typically publicly available at no charge, and anyone who obtains copies has a license under certain of our intellectual property rights. Depending on the license, that may include access to certain of our patents, to modify and redistribute the software, and use it to compete in the marketplace.\n \nCertain open source software licenses require users to license to other any software that is based on, incorporates, or interacts with the open source software. Although we endeavor to comply fully with those requirements, third parties could claim we are required to license larger portions of our software than we intended.\n \nIf such claims were successful, they could adversely impact our competitive position and financial results by providing our competitors with access to sensitive information that may help them develop competitive products without the degree of overhead and lead time required by traditional proprietary software development.\n \nIt is possible for competitors to use our open source project software to develop their own software, potentially reducing the demand for our solution and putting price pressure on our subscription offerings. We cannot guarantee that competitive pressure or the availability of new open source software will not result in price reductions, reduced operating margins and loss of market share, any one of which could harm our business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.\nIn addition, we use our own open source project software in our proprietary products. As a result, there is a risk that we may inadvertently release as open source certain code that was intended to be kept as proprietary, that reveals confidential information regarding the inner workings of our proprietary products, or that could enable competitors to more readily reverse engineer or replicate aspects of our proprietary technology that we would otherwise protect as trade secrets. We may also accept contributions from third parties to our open source projects, and it may be difficult for us to accurately determine the origin of the contributions and whether their use, including in our proprietary products, infringes, misappropriates, or violates third-party intellectual property or other rights. The availability of certain of our own software in source code form may also enable others to detect and exploit security vulnerabilities in our products.\n \nIn addition, our use of open source software may harm our business and subject us to intellectual property claims, litigation, or proceedings in the future.\nRisks Related to Regulatory Matters\nWe are subject to many laws and regulations, and violation of or changes in those requirements could materially and adversely affect our business.\nWe are subject to numerous U.S. and international laws and requirements regarding corporate conduct, fair competition, corruption prevention, import and export practices, and hazardous or restricted material use, storage, discharge, and disposal, including laws applicable to U.S. government contractors. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, costs and business process changes to comply with such regulations. While we maintain a rigorous corporate ethics and compliance program, we may be subject to increased regulatory scrutiny, significant monetary fines or penalties, suspension of business opportunities, loss of jurisdictional operating rights, and increased litigation and investigation costs as a result of any failure to comply with those requirements. If we identify that we have fallen out of compliance, we may proactively take corrective actions, including the filing of voluntary self-disclosure statements with applicable agencies, which could cause us to incur additional expenses and subject us to penalties and other consequences that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results. Our supply and distribution models may be reliant upon the actions of our third-party business partners and we may also be exposed to potential liability resulting from their violation of these or other compliance requirements. Further, our U.S. and international business models are based on currently applicable regulatory requirements and exceptions. Changes in those requirements or exceptions could necessitate changes to our business model. Any of these consequences could materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations. \nOur actual or perceived failure to adequately protect personally identifiable information could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.\n21\nTable of Contents\nA variety of state, national, foreign, and international laws and regulations apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer, deletion, and other processing of personally identifiable information. These privacy- and data protection-related laws and regulations are evolving, with new or modified laws and regulations proposed and implemented frequently and existing laws and regulations subject to new or different interpretations. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be costly and can delay or impede the development or implementation of new products or internal systems.\n \nFailure to comply could result in enforcement actions and significant penalties against us, which could result in negative publicity, increase our operating costs, and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.\nGeneral Risk Factors\nWe face risks related to health epidemics which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\nWe face various risks related to public health issues, including epidemics, pandemics, and other outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to control its spread have impacted and may continue to impact our workforce and operations, and those of our strategic partners, customers, suppliers, and logistics providers. These impacts have included and may include increased component, product, transportation, and overhead costs, increased logistics capacity and flexibility needs, decreased workforce availability, component supply, and product output, increased cybersecurity threats from remote work, and general economic downturns. We or our third-party business partners have been and may continue to be subject to government restrictions that impact our ability to continue efficient business operations.\n \nWhile we have taken many actions to mitigate the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot guarantee that they will be sufficient to mitigate all related risks.\n \nTo the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in more detail in this \u201cRisk Factors\u201d section, such as those relating to adverse global or regional conditions, our highly competitive industry, supply chain disruption, customer demand conditions and our ability to forecast demand, cost saving initiatives, our indebtedness and liquidity, and cyber-attacks.\nIf we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, material misstatements in our financial statements could occur, impairing our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements and adversely affecting investor confidence in our financial reports, which could negatively affect our business.\nIf we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to restate our financial results in the future. Moreover, because of the inherent limitations of any control system, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis, or at all. If we are unable to provide reliable and timely financial reports in the future, our business and reputation may be further harmed. Restated financial statements and failures in internal control may also cause us to fail to meet reporting obligations or debt covenants, negatively affect investor confidence in our management and the accuracy of our financial statements and disclosures, or result in adverse publicity, any of which could have a negative effect on the price of our common stock, subject us to further regulatory investigations and penalties or stockholder litigation, and materially and adversely impact our business and financial condition.\nWe are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and an adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates relative to our position in such currencies could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nWe do not currently use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. To the extent that we have assets or liabilities denominated in a foreign currency that are inadequately hedged or not hedged at all, we may be subject to foreign currency losses, which could be significant.\n \nOur international operations can act as a natural hedge when both operating expenses and sales are denominated in local currencies. In these instances, although an unfavorable change in the exchange rate of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar would result in lower sales when translated to U.S. dollars, operating expenses would also be lower in these circumstances. The competitive price of our products relative to others could also be negatively impacted by changes in the rate at which a foreign \n22\nTable of Contents\ncurrency is exchanged for U.S. dollars. Such fluctuations in currency exchange rates could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nIf the future outcomes related to the estimates used in recording tax liabilities to various taxing authorities result in higher tax liabilities than estimated, then we would have to record tax charges, which could be material.\nWe have provided amounts and recorded liabilities for probable and estimable tax adjustments required by various taxing authorities in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. If events occur that indicate payments of these amounts will be less than estimated, then reversals of these liabilities would create tax benefits recognized in the periods when we determine the liabilities have reduced. Conversely, if events occur which indicate that payments of these amounts will be greater than estimated, then tax charges and additional liabilities would be recorded. In particular, various foreign jurisdictions could challenge the characterization or transfer pricing of certain intercompany transactions. In the event of an unfavorable outcome of such challenge, material tax charges and adverse impacts on operating results could occur in the period in which the matter is resolved or an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and estimable.\nCertain changes in stock ownership could result in a limitation on the amount of net operating loss and tax credit carryovers that can be utilized each year. Should we undergo such a change in stock ownership, it would severely limit the usage of these carryover tax attributes against future income, resulting in additional tax charges, which could be material.\n23\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThe following discussion and analysis compares the change in the consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 2023 and 2022 and should be read together with our consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes, and other information included in this Annual Report. In particular, the risk factors contained in Item 1A may reflect trends, demands, commitments, events, or uncertainties that could materially impact our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources. For comparisons of fiscal years 2022 and 2021, see our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, , Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2022, and incorporated herein by reference.\nThe following discussion contains forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding\u00a0anticipated impacts on our business, our future operating results and financial position, our business strategy and plans, our market growth and trends, and our objectives for future operations. Please see \"Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\" for more information about relying on these forward-looking statements. \nOverview and Highlights\nWe are a technology company whose mission is to deliver innovative solutions to forward-thinking organizations across the world. We design, manufacture and sell technology and services that help customers capture, create and share digital content, and protect it for decades. We emphasize innovative technology in the design and manufacture of our products to help our customers unlock the value in their video and unstructured data in new ways to solve their most pressing business challenges.\nWe generate revenue by designing, manufacturing, and selling technology and services. Our most significant expenses are related to compensating employees; designing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling our products and services; data center costs in support of our cloud-based services; and income taxes.\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nYear Ended March 31,\n(in thousands)\n2023\n2022\nTotal revenue\n$\n412,752\u00a0\n$\n372,827\u00a0\nTotal cost of revenue \n(1)\n278,813\u00a0\n225,792\u00a0\nGross profit\n133,939\u00a0\n147,035\u00a0\nOperating expenses\nResearch and development \n(1)\n44,555\u00a0\n51,812\u00a0\nSales and marketing \n(1)\n66,034\u00a0\n62,957\u00a0\nGeneral and administrative \n(1)\n47,752\u00a0\n45,256\u00a0\nRestructuring charges\n1,605\u00a0\n850\u00a0\nTotal operating expenses\n159,946\u00a0\n160,875\u00a0\nLoss from operations\n(26,007)\n(13,840)\nOther income (expense), net\n1,956\u00a0\n(251)\nInterest expense\n(10,560)\n(11,888)\nLoss on debt extinguishment, net\n(1,392)\n(4,960)\nNet loss before income taxes\n(36,003)\n(30,939)\nIncome tax provision\n1,940\u00a0\n1,341\u00a0\nNet loss\n$\n(37,943)\n$\n(32,280)\n(1) \nIncludes stock-based compensation as follows:\n28\nTable of Contents\nYear Ended March 31,\n(in thousands)\n2023\n2022\nCost of revenue\n$\n929\u00a0\n$\n1,112\u00a0\nResearch and development\n2,997\u00a0\n5,843\u00a0\nSales and marketing\n2,397\u00a0\n2,516\u00a0\nGeneral and administrative\n4,427\u00a0\n4,358\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total\n$\n10,750\u00a0\n$\n13,829\u00a0\n \nComparison of the Years Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022\nRevenue\nYear Ended March 31,\n(in thousands)\n2023\n% of\nrevenue\n2022\n% of\nrevenue\n$ Change\n% Change\nProduct revenue\n$\n266,537\u00a0\n65\u00a0\n%\n$\n223,761\u00a0\n60\u00a0\n%\n$\n42,776\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n%\nService and subscription revenue\n132,510\u00a0\n32\u00a0\n%\n133,689\u00a0\n36\u00a0\n%\n(1,179)\n(1)\n%\nRoyalty revenue\n13,705\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n%\n15,377\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\n(1,672)\n(11)\n%\nTotal revenue\n$\n412,752\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n$\n372,827\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n$\n39,925\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\nProduct Revenue\nIn fiscal 2023, product revenue increased $42.8 million, or 19%, as compared to fiscal 2022. The primary driver of the increase was demand from our large hyperscale customers, as well as continued strong demand globally for data protection and archive solutions. Outside of the Tape and Hyperscale business, our remaining Secondary and Primary storage systems are also offer as a subscription. We anticipate the product revenue portion of our Primary and Secondary storage systems to decrease as we continue to transition to subscription-based offerings. The Devices and media also decreased partially driven by lower volume of LTO\u00ae media sales. \nService and Subscription Revenue\nService and subscription revenue decreased $1.2 million, or 1%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease was due in part to certain long-lived products reaching their end-of-service-life, partially offset by new support bookings and the transition towards subscription-based licensing. \nRoyalty Revenue \nWe receive royalties from third parties that license our LTO\u00ae media patents through our membership in the LTO\u00ae consortium. Royalty revenue decreased $1.7 million, or 11%, in fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, related to lower overall unit shipments. \nGross Profit and Margin\nYear Ended March 31,\n(in thousands)\n2023\nGross\nmargin %\n2022\nGross\nmargin %\n$ Change\nBasis point change\nProduct gross profit\n$\n46,506\u00a0\n17.4\u00a0\n%\n$\n53,981\u00a0\n24.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n(7,475)\n(670)\nService and subscription gross profit\n73,728\u00a0\n55.6\u00a0\n%\n77,677\u00a0\n58.1\u00a0\n%\n(3,949)\n(250)\nRoyalty gross profit\n13,705\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n15,377\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n(1,672)\n\u2014\u00a0\nGross profit\n$\n133,939\u00a0\n32.5\u00a0\n%\n$\n147,035\u00a0\n39.4\u00a0\n%\n$\n(13,096)\n(690)\n29\nTable of Contents\nProduct Gross Margin \nProduct gross margin decreased 670 basis points for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease was due primarily to a $9.8 million inventory provision recorded during fiscal 2023. Due to longer purchasing lead times and other factors caused by the global supply chain disruptions occurring since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain inventory has become obsolete due to next generation products being released and legacy products being discontinued. In addition, following our integration of several past acquisitions, certain legacy products were discontinued and replaced with updated product offerings rendering the related inventory obsolete. We do not believe that the magnitude of this inventory provision is indicative of our ongoing operations and is not expected to be repeated in the near term.\nExcluding this non-recurring adjustment, product gross margin has declined approximately 370 basis points for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to the continuation of pricing pressure on materials cost and freight, as global supply chain constraints disrupted normal procurement channels. Our product mix was also more heavily weighted to lower margin solutions. \nService and subscription Gross Margin \nService and subscription gross margin decreased 250 basis points for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease was due partially to increased costs for freight and repair on replacement parts in addition to additional inventory write downs required for service parts caused by the transition of certain service logistics activities to a third party provider.\nRoyalty Gross Margin \nRoyalties do not have significant related cost of sales. \nOperating expenses\nYear Ended March 31,\n(in thousands)\n2023\n% of\nrevenue\n2022\n% of\nrevenue\n$ Change\n% Change\nResearch and development\n$\n44,555\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\n$\n51,812\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\n$\n(7,257)\n(14)\n%\nSales and marketing\n66,034\u00a0\n16\u00a0\n%\n62,957\u00a0\n17\u00a0\n%\n3,077\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\nGeneral and administrative\n47,752\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n45,256\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n2,496\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\nRestructuring charges\n1,605\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n850\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n755\u00a0\n89\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total operating expenses\n$\n159,946\u00a0\n39\u00a0\n%\n$\n160,875\u00a0\n43\u00a0\n%\n$\n(929)\n(1)\n%\nIn fiscal 2023, research and development expense decreased $7.3 million, or 14%, as compared with fiscal 2022. This decrease was the result of one-time acquisition-related costs that occurred in the prior year, as well as the overall consolidation of those acquisitions. \nIn fiscal 2023, sales and marketing expenses increased $3.1 million, or 5%, as compared with fiscal 2022. This increase was partially driven by increased investment in sales resources in key strategic markets, as well as the resumption of large trade shows and other events that are a key driver of our marketing activities. \nIn fiscal 2023, general and administrative expenses increased $2.5 million, or 6%, as compared with fiscal 2022. This increase was driven primarily by transition costs as we complete large projects in our IT and facilities infrastructure. \nIn fiscal 2023, restructuring expenses increased $0.8 million, or 89%, as compared with fiscal 2022. This increase is driven by corporate restructuring activities as we consolidated our physical footprint and operations in certain markets.\nOther expense, net\nYear Ended March 31,\n(in thousands)\n2023\n% of\nrevenue\n2022\n% of\nrevenue\n$ Change\n% Change\nOther income (expense), net\n$\n1,956\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n$\n(251)\n0\u00a0\n%\n$\n(2,207)\n(879)\n%\n30\nTable of Contents\nIn fiscal 2023, other income (expense), net increased $2.2 million or 879%, compared to fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily related to differences in foreign currency gains and losses during each period, as well as the sale of IP licenses. \nInterest expense\nYear Ended March 31,\n(in thousands)\n2023\n% of\nrevenue\n2022\n% of\nrevenue\n$ Change\n% Change\nInterest expense\n(10,560)\n(3)\n%\n(11,888)\n(3)\n%\n(1,328)\n(11)\n%\nIn fiscal 2023, interest expense decreased $1.3 million, or 11%, as compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily due to a lower principal balance on our Term Loan. \nLoss on debt extinguishment, net\nYear Ended March 31,\n(in thousands)\n2023\n% of\nrevenue\n2022\n% of\nrevenue\n$ Change\n% Change\nLoss on debt extinguishment, net\n(1,392)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(4,960)\n(1)\n%\n(3,568)\n(72)\n%\nIn fiscal 2023, loss on debt extinguishment, net was related to prepayment of our long-term debt.\nIncome tax provision\nYear Ended March 31,\n(in thousands)\n2023\n% of\nrevenue\n2022\n% of\nrevenue\n$ Change\n% Change\nIncome tax provision\n$\n1,940\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,341\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n$\n599\u00a0\n45\u00a0\n%\nOur income tax provision is primarily influenced by foreign and state income taxes. In fiscal 2023, the income tax provision increased $0.6 million or 45%, compared to fiscal 2022, related primarily to higher current foreign taxes as a result of an increase in foreign taxable income.\nDue to our history of net losses in the U.S., the protracted period for utilizing tax attributes in certain foreign jurisdictions, and the difficulty in predicting future results, we believe that we cannot rely on projections of future taxable income to realize most of our deferred tax assets. Accordingly, we have established a full valuation allowance against our U.S. and certain foreign net deferred tax assets. Significant management judgement is required in assessing our ability to realize any future benefit from our net deferred tax assets. We intend to maintain this valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Our income tax expense recorded in the future will be reduced to the extent that sufficient positive evidence materializes to support a reversal of, or decrease in, our valuation allowance.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nWe consider liquidity in terms of the sufficiency of internal and external cash resources to fund our operating, investing and financing activities. Our principal sources of liquidity include cash from operating activities, cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet and amounts available under our credit facility with PNC Bank, National Association (as amended from time to time, the \u201cPNC Credit Facility\u201d) pursuant to the Amended Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated December 27, 2018. We require significant cash resources to meet obligations to pay principal and interest on our outstanding debt, provide for our research and development activities, fund our working capital needs, and make capital expenditures. Our future liquidity requirements will depend on multiple factors, including our research and development plans and capital asset needs. \n31\nTable of Contents\nWe had cash and cash equivalents of $26.0 million as of March\u00a031, 2023, which excludes $0.2 million. of short-term restricted cash as of March 31, 2023. Our total outstanding Term Loan debt was $74.7 million, and we had $20.0\u00a0million available to borrow under the PNC Credit Facility as of March 31, 2023.\nWe generated negative cash flows from operations of approximately $4.9 million and $33.7 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and generated net losses of approximately $37.9 million and $32.3 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We have funded operations through the sale of common stock, term debt borrowings and revolving credit facility borrowings described in \nNote 5: Debt\n.\nOn June 1, 2023, the Company entered into amendments to the Term Loan and the PNC Credit Facility. The amendments, among other things, (a) amended the total net leverage ratio financial covenant commencing with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2023; (b) amended the minimum liquidity financial covenant to decrease the minimum liquidity to $15 million; and (c) amended the \u201cEBITDA\u201d definition to increase the add-back cap on non-recurring items including restructuring charges during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024 and 2025. The Term Loan amendment also provided an advance of $15 million in additional Term Loan borrowings. With the additional term debt borrowings, in addition to the amendments to the credit agreements, we forecasted that operating performance, cash, current working capital and borrowings available under the PNC Credit Facility will provide us with sufficient capital to fund operations for at least one year from the financial statement issuance date. If required, there is no assurance that we would be able to obtain sufficient additional funds when needed or that such funds, if available, would be obtainable on terms satisfactory to us.\n \nOur outstanding long-term debt amounted to $83.1 million\u00a0as of March\u00a031, 2023, net of $3.3 million in unamortized debt issuance costs and $5.0 million in current portion of long-term debt.\nWe are subject to various debt covenants under our debt agreements. Our failure to comply with our debt covenants could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and ability to service our obligations. We believe we were in compliance with all covenants under our debt agreements as of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K. See \"Risks Related to our Indebtedness\" section of\n Item 1A. Risk Factors.\nCash Flows\nThe following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows for the periods indicated.\n\u00a0\nYear Ended March 31,\n( in thousands)\n2023\n2022\nCash provided by (used in):\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Operating activities\n(4,894)\n(33,728)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Investing activities\n(15,601)\n(14,124)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Financing activities\n41,165\u00a0\n20,157\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Effect of exchange rate changes\n12\u00a0\n51\u00a0\nNet change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash\n$\n20,682\u00a0\n$\n(27,644)\nNet Cash Used in Operating Activities\nNet cash used in operating activities was $4.9 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023, primarily attributable to cash provided by operating activities excluding changes in assets and liabilities of $1.5 million offset by cash used associated with working capital changes of $6.4 million including cash used related to manufacturing and service inventories of $5.3 million.\nNet cash used in operating activities was $33.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2022, primarily attributable to $30.5 million of changes in assets and liabilities due primarily to working capital requirements due to higher manufacturing and service inventories.\n32\nTable of Contents\nNet Cash Used in Investing Activities\nNet cash used in investing activities was $15.6 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023, primarily attributable to $12.6 million of capital expenditures and $3.0 million of cash paid related to the deferred purchase price for a prior business acquisition.\nNet cash used in investing activities was $14.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2022, primarily attributable to $7.8 million of business acquisitions and $6.3 million of capital expenditures. \nNet Cash Provided by Financing Activities\nNet cash provided by financing activities was $41.2 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 due primarily to $66.2 million of net cash received from the Rights Offering of 30 million shares of our common stock offset in part by a $20.0 million prepayment of our term debt and term debt principal amortization payments and amendment fees totaling $3.3 million. \nNet cash provided by financing activities was $20.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2022, primarily related to borrowings under our credit facility, and proceeds from the new Term Loan offset by the repayment in full of the Senior Secured Term Loan. \nCommitments and Contingencies\nOur contingent liabilities consist primarily of certain financial guarantees, both express and implied, related to product liability and potential infringement of intellectual property. We have little history of costs associated with such indemnification requirements and contingent liabilities associated with product liability may be mitigated by our insurance coverage. In the normal course of business to facilitate transactions of our services and products, we indemnify certain parties with respect to certain matters, such as intellectual property infringement or other claims. We also have indemnification agreements with our current and former officers and directors. It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of our indemnification claims, and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by us under these agreements have not had a material impact on our operating results, financial position or cash flows.\nWe are also subject to ordinary course of business litigation, See \nNote 11:\u00a0Commitments and Contingencies\n, to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\nContractual Obligations\nContractual obligations are cash amounts that we are obligated to pay as part of certain contracts that we have entered into during the normal course of business. Below is a table that shows our contractual obligations as of March\u00a031, 2023 (in thousands):\nPayments Due by Period\n(in thousands)\nTotal\n1 year or less\n1 \u2013 3 Years\n3 \u20135 Years\nMore than\n5 years\nDebt obligations \n(1)\n$\n140,407\u00a0\n$\n15,109\u00a0\n$\n108,548\u00a0\n$\n16,750\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nFuture lease commitments \n(2)\n22,993\u00a0\n2,700\u00a0\n3,989\u00a0\n3,042\u00a0\n13,262\u00a0\nPurchase obligations \n(3)\n28,688\u00a0\n28,688\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total\n$\n192,088\u00a0\n$\n46,497\u00a0\n$\n112,537\u00a0\n$\n19,792\u00a0\n$\n13,262\u00a0\n(1)\n \nConsists of (i) principal and interest payments on our term loan based on the amount outstanding and interest rates in effect at March 31, 2023, and (ii) principal, interest, and unused commitment fees on our PNC Credit Facility based on the amount outstanding and rates in effect at March 31, 2023. Term loan debt matures on August 5, 2026. \n(2)\n \nRepresents aggregate future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases.\n(3)\n \nIncludes primarily non-cancelable inventory purchase commitments.\n33\nTable of Contents\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements\nWe do not currently have any other\u00a0off-balance\u00a0sheet arrangements and do not have any holdings in variable interest entities.\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES\nThe preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (\u201cGAAP\u201d) requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\u00a0On an ongoing basis, we evaluate estimates, which are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We consider the following accounting policies to be critical to understanding our financial statements because the application of these policies requires significant judgment on the part of management, which could have a material impact on our financial statements if actual performance should differ from historical experience or if our assumptions were to change. The following accounting policies include estimates that require management\u2019s subjective or complex judgments about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. For information on our significant accounting policies, including the policies discussed below, see \nNote 1:\u00a0Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies\n, to our consolidated financial statements.\nRevenue Recognition \nOur revenue is derived from three main sources: (a)\u00a0products, (b)\u00a0service and subscription, and (c)\u00a0royalties. Our performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time or over time as stand ready obligations. Product revenue is recognized at the point in time when the customer takes control of the product, which typically occurs at the point of shipment. Service and subscription revenue consists of customer support agreements, software subscriptions, installation, and consulting\u00a0& training. Our software subscriptions include term licenses which are recognized as revenue when the license has been delivered to the customer and related customer support which is recognized ratably over the service period. Revenue from customer support agreements is recognized ratably over the contractual term of the agreement. Installation services are typically completed within a short period of time and revenue from these services are recognized at the point when installation is complete. A majority of our consulting and training revenue does not take significant time to complete therefore these obligations are satisfied upon completion of such services at a point in time. We license certain products under royalty arrangements, pursuant to which our licensees periodically provide us with reports containing units sold to end users subject to the royalties. The reports substantiate that our performance obligation has been satisfied and we recognize royalty revenue based on the reports or when amounts can be reasonably estimated.\nThere are significant judgements used when applying Accounting Standards Codification (\u201cASC\u201d) Topic 606 to contracts with customers. Most of our contracts contain multiple goods and services designed to meet each customers\u2019 unique storage needs. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling price of the good or service underlying each performance obligation. Where standalone selling price may not be directly observable (e.g., the performance obligation is not sold separately), we maximize the use of observable inputs by using information including reviewing discounting practices, performance obligations with similar customers and product groupings. We determined that invoice price is the best representation of what we expect to receive from the delivery of each performance obligation. This judgment is based on the fact that each storage solution is customizable to meet an individual customer\u2019s needs and every product\u2019s transaction price can vary depending on the mix of other products included in the same purchase order and there are no identifiable trends that provide a good representation of expected margin for each product.\nProduct revenue may be impacted by a variety of price adjustments or other factors, including rebates, returns and stock rotation. We use the expected value method to estimate the net consideration expected to be returned by the customer. We use historical data and current trends to drive our estimates. We record a reduction to revenue to account for these items that may result in variable consideration. We initially measure a returned asset at the carrying amount of the inventory, less any expected costs to recover the goods including potential decreases in value of the returned goods.\n34\nTable of Contents\nIncome Taxes\nDeferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, measured at the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. Based on the evaluation of available evidence, both positive and negative, we recognize future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, to the extent that realizing these benefits is considered to be more likely than not.\nA valuation allowance is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. An increase or decrease in the valuation allowance, if any, that results from a change in circumstances, and which causes a change in our judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset, is included in the tax provision.\nWe recognize the financial statement effects of an uncertain income tax position when it is more likely than not, based on technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances and changes in tax law.\u00a0We recognize penalties and\u00a0tax-related\u00a0interest expense as a component of income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations. See \nNote 9:\u00a0Income Taxes\n, to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form\u00a010-K.\nInventories\nManufacturing Inventories\nOur manufacturing inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost being determined on a\u00a0first-in,\u00a0first-out\u00a0(\u201cFIFO\u201d) basis. Costs include material, direct labor, and an allocation of overhead. Adjustments to reduce the cost of manufacturing inventory to its net realizable value, if required, are made for estimated excess, obsolete or impaired balances. Factors influencing these adjustments include declines in demand, rapid technological changes, product life cycle and development plans, component cost trends, product pricing, physical deterioration and quality issues. Revisions to these adjustments would be required if these factors differ from our estimates.\nService Parts Inventories\nOur service parts inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost being determined on a FIFO basis. Service parts inventories consist of both component parts, which are primarily used to repair defective units, and finished units, which are provided for customer use permanently or on a temporary basis while the defective unit is being repaired. We record adjustments to reduce the carrying value of service parts inventory to its net realizable value and dispose of parts with no use and a net realizable value of zero. Factors influencing these adjustments include product life cycles, end of service life plans and the volume of enhanced or extended warranty service contracts. Estimates of net realizable value involve significant estimates and judgments about the future, and revisions would be required if these factors differ from our estimates.\nBusiness Acquisitions, Goodwill and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets\nWe allocate the purchase price to the intangible and tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition, with the excess recorded to goodwill. We use our best estimates and assumptions to assign fair value to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as the useful lives of the acquired intangible assets. Examples of critical estimates in valuing certain intangible assets we have acquired include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows, expected technology life cycle, attrition rates of customers, and discount rates. We estimate the useful lives of each intangible asset based on the expected period over which we anticipate generating economic benefit from the asset. The amounts and useful lives assigned to acquired intangible assets impact the amount and timing of future amortization expense.\nWhile we use our best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed, these estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments \n35\nTable of Contents\nto the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations.\nRecently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements\nFor recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements, see \nNote 1:\u00a0Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies\n, to our consolidated financial statements.",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nMarket risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily a result of exposure due to potential changes in inflation or interest rates. We do not hold financial instruments for trading purposes.\nInterest Rate Risk\nWe are subject to interest rate risk on borrowings under our variable interest rate term debt and PNC Credit Facility. See \nNote 5: Debt\n to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our long-term debt. Changes in the market interest rate will increase or decrease our interest expense. Assuming no change in the outstanding borrowings under the term debt and the PNC Credit Facility during fiscal 2023, a hypothetical 100-basis point increase or decrease in market interest rates sustained throughout the year would not result in a material change to our annual interest expense. Our other long-term debt related to lease obligations have fixed interest rates and terms, and as such, we consider the associated risk to our results of operations from changes in market rates of interest applied to our lease obligations to be minimal.\nForeign Exchange Risk\nWe conduct business in certain international markets. Because we operate in international markets, we have exposure to different economic climates, political arenas, tax systems and regulations that could affect foreign exchange rates. Our primary exposure to foreign currency risk relates to transacting in foreign currency and recording the activity in U.S. dollars. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and these other currencies will result in transaction gains or losses, which we recognize in our consolidated statements of operations.\nTo the extent practicable, we minimize our foreign currency exposures by maintaining natural hedges between our assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies. We may enter into foreign exchange derivative contracts or other economic hedges in the future. Our goal in managing our foreign exchange risk is to reduce to the extent practicable our potential exposure to the changes that exchange rates might have on our earnings.\n36\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "709283",
+ "cusip6": "747906",
+ "cusip": ["747906501"],
+ "names": ["QUANTUM CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/709283/000070928323000013/0000709283-23-000013-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000716643-23-000031.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000716643-23-000031.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..4fa4911a48
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000716643-23-000031.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item\u00a01.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business\nGeneral:\nRegis Corporation franchises and owns hair care salons. The Company is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol \"RGS.\" Unless the context otherwise provides, when we refer to the \"Company,\" \"we,\" \"our,\" or \"us,\" we are referring to Regis Corporation, the Registrant, together with its subsidiaries.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company franchised or owned 4,863 locations, primarily in North America. The Company's locations consist of 4,795 franchised salons and 68 company-owned salons. Each of the Company's salon concepts generally offer similar salon products and services.\nThe major services supplied by the salons are haircutting and styling (including shampooing and conditioning) and hair coloring.\u00a0Salons also sell a variety of hair care and other beauty products.\u00a0We earn royalty revenue based on service and product sales at our franchise locations and earn revenue for services and products sold at our company-owned salons.\u00a0Salons operate primarily under the trade names of Supercuts, SmartStyle, Cost Cutters, First Choice Haircutters and Roosters and they generally serve the value category within the industry. Salons are primarily located in strip center locations and Walmart Supercenters. \nFinancial information about our segments and geographic areas for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 are included in Note\u00a015 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08, of this Form\u00a010-K.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, 98.6% of our salons are owned by franchisees. The remaining 68 company-owned salons will be sold or closed when the related leases expire or terminate.\nIndustry Overview:\nThe hair salon market is highly fragmented, with the vast majority of locations independently-owned and operated. In nearly every area in which the Company has a salon, there are competitors offering similar hair care services and products at similar prices. The Company faces competition from chains, such as Great Clips, Fantastic Sams, Sport Clips and Ulta Beauty, independently-owned salons, in-home hair services, booth rentals and blow dry bars. The Company also faces competition from other franchise organizations outside of the hair salon industry in attracting new franchisees.\nAt the individual salon level, barriers to entry are low; however, barriers exist for chains to expand nationally due to the need to establish systems and infrastructure, the ability to recruit franchisees, experienced field and salon management and stylists, and to lease quality sites. The principal factors of competition in the hair care category are quality and consistency of the guest experience, the ability to attract, retain, and train stylists, technology, convenience, location and price. The Company continually strives to improve its performance in each of these areas and to create additional points of brand differentiation versus the competition.\n4\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nSalon Franchising Program:\nGeneral.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We provide our franchisees with a comprehensive system of business training, stylist education, site approval, professional marketing, promotion, and advertising programs, and other forms of ongoing support designed to help franchisees build successful businesses. Historically, we have signed the salon lease and then subleased the space to our franchisees. However, moving forward, for new locations and some lease renewals, we will seek for franchisees to sign the salon leases directly with the landlords. We have the right to approve salon leases. The Company's salons range from 500 to 5,000 square feet, with the typical salon approximating 1,200 square feet. \nStandards of Operations.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Company does not control the day-to-day operations of its franchisees, including employment, benefits and wage determination, prices charged for products and services, business hours, personnel management, and capital expenditure decisions. However, the franchise agreements afford certain rights to the Company, such as the right to approve locations, suppliers and the sale of a franchise. Additionally, franchisees are required to conform to the Company's established operational policies and procedures relating to quality of service, training, salon design, and decor and trademark usage. The Company's field personnel make periodic visits to franchised salons to ensure they are operating in conformity with the standards for each franchising program. All the rights afforded to the Company with regard to franchised operations allow the Company to protect its brands, but do not allow the Company to control day-to-day franchise operations or make decisions that have a significant impact on the success of the franchised salons. The Company's franchise agreements do not give the Company any right, ability or potential to determine or otherwise influence any terms and/or conditions of employment of franchisees' employees (except for those, if any, that are specifically related to quality of service, training, salon design, decor and trademark usage), including, but not limited to, franchisees' employees' wages and benefits, hours of work, scheduling, leave programs, seniority rights, promotional or transfer opportunities, layoff/recall arrangements, grievance and dispute resolution procedures, and/or discipline and discharge. \nFranchise Terms.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Pursuant to a franchise agreement with the Company, each franchisee pays an initial fee for each store and ongoing royalties to the Company. In addition, for most brands, the Company collects advertising funds from franchisees and administers the funds on behalf of the brands. Franchisees are responsible for the costs of leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment, supplies, inventory, payroll costs and certain other items, including initial working capital. The majority of franchise agreements provide the Company a right of first refusal if the store is to be sold and the franchisee must obtain the Company's approval in all instances where there is a sale of a franchise location.\nAdditional information regarding each of the major franchised brands is listed below:\nSupercuts\nSupercuts franchise agreements have a perpetual term, subject to termination of the underlying lease agreement or termination of the franchise agreement by either the Company or the franchisee. All new franchisees enter into development agreements, which give them the right to enter into a defined number of franchise agreements. These franchise agreements are site specific. The development agreement provides limited territorial protection for the stores developed under those franchise agreements. Older franchisees have grandfathered expansion rights, which allow them to develop stores outside of development agreements and provide them with greater territorial protections in their markets. The Company has a comprehensive impact policy that resolves potential conflicts among Supercuts franchisees and/or the Company's Supercuts locations regarding proposed store sites.\nSmartStyle and Cost Cutters in Walmart Supercenters \nThe majority of existing SmartStyle and Cost Cutters franchise agreements for salons located in Walmart Supercenters have a five-year term with a five-year option to renew. The franchise agreements are site specific. \nCost Cutters (not located in Walmart Supercenters), First Choice Haircutters and Magicuts\nThe majority of existing Cost Cutters franchise agreements have a 15-year term with a 15-year option to renew (at the option of the franchisee), while the majority of First Choice Haircutters franchise agreements have a 10-year term with a five-year option to renew. The majority of Magicuts franchise agreements have a term equal to the greater of five years or the current initial term of the lease agreement with an option to renew for two additional five-year periods. The current franchise agreement is site specific. Franchisees may enter into development agreements with the Company, which provide limited territorial protection.\nRoosters Men\u2019s Grooming Center\nRoosters franchise agreements have a 10-year term with a 10-year option to renew (at the option of the franchisee). New franchisees enter into a franchise agreement concurrent with the opening of their first store, along with a development agreement with the right to open two additional locations. \n5\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nFranchisee Training.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Company provides new franchisees with training, focusing on the various aspects of salon management, including operations, management training, marketing fundamentals and controls. Existing franchisees receive training, counseling and information from the Company on a regular basis. The Company provides franchise salon managers and stylists with access to technical training resources.\nGuests\nAmong other factors, consistent delivery of an exceptional guest experience, haircut quality, convenience, competitive pricing, salon location, inviting salon appearance and atmosphere, comprehensive retail assortments, and engagement through technology all drive guest traffic and improve guest retention.\nGuest Experience.\n\u00a0Our portfolio of salon concepts enables our guests to select different service scheduling options based upon their preference. We believe the ability to serve walk-in appointments and minimize guest wait times are essential elements in delivering an efficient guest experience. Our mobile applications and online check-in capabilities, including check-ins directly from Google\n\u00ae\n, allow us to capitalize on our guests' desire for convenience. Our franchisees continue to focus on stylist staffing and retention, optimizing schedules, balancing variable labor hours with guest traffic, and managing guest wait times. Our franchise salons are located in high-traffic strip centers and Walmart Supercenters, with guest parking and easy access, and are generally open seven days per week to offer guests a variety of convenient ways to fulfill their beauty needs. \nStylists. \nOur Company depends on the stylists in our system to help deliver great guest experiences. We believe in the importance of the ongoing development of stylists' craft. We aim to be an industry leader in stylist training, including the utilization of both live and digital training. We believe stylists deliver a superior experience for guests when they are well-trained technically and through years of experience. We employ trainers who provide new hire training for stylists joining the Company and train franchisee trainers. We supplement internal training with targeted vendor training and external trainers that bring specialized expertise to stylists in our system. We utilize training materials to help all levels of field employees navigate the operation of a salon and essential elements of guest service training within the context of brand positions. \nAffordability.\n\u00a0The Company strives to offer an exceptional value for its services. In the value category, our guests expect outstanding service at competitive prices. These expectations are met with the average service price of transactions ranging from $24 to $30. Pricing decisions are considered on a salon-level basis and are established based on local conditions. Our franchisees control all pricing at their locations.\nRetail Assortments.\n\u00a0Salons sell nationally recognized hair care and beauty products, as well as an assortment of company-owned brand products. Stylists are compensated and regularly trained to sell hair care and beauty products to their guests. Additionally, guests are encouraged to purchase products after stylists demonstrate their efficacy by using them in the styling of our guests' hair. The top selling brands within the Company's retail assortment include: L'Oreal Professional Brands, Regis Private Label Brand, Designline\n\u00ae\n, and Paul Mitchell. We also distribute our Designline brand through distribution channels, including Amazon.com and Walmart.com. \nMarketing.\n\u00a0Our marketing is brand specific and funded primarily from contractual contributions, based on sales, to the brand's cooperative advertising funds. These funds are used largely in support of advertising and other efforts to increase guest traffic to our salons, grow online booking usage, and improve overall awareness of and affinity for our brands. A portion of our marketing funds are used in support of stylist recruitment and training to grow the number of active stylists in our system.\nTechnology.\n\u00a0In fiscal year 2022, we sold our proprietary back-office salon management system, Opensalon\n\u00ae\n Pro\n to a third party, Soham Inc. (Zenoti). See Note\u00a03 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K. We expect all our salons will transition to the Zenoti salon technology platform. We also use mobile applications to allow guests to view wait times and interact in other ways with salons.\nSalon Support. \nOur corporate headquarters is referred to as Salon Support. We take a service-oriented mentality to best support our franchisees and oversee our remaining company-owned locations. Salon Support and our associated priorities are aligned with our brands to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the service we provide. Salon Support is primarily located in Minneapolis, Minnesota while allowing for hybrid and remote work. \n6\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nSalon Concepts:\nThe Company's salon concepts focus on providing high-quality hair care services and professional hair care products. Descriptions of the Company's salon concepts are listed below:\nSupercuts.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Supercuts salons provide consistent, high-quality hair care services and professional hair care products to guests at convenient times and locations at value prices. This concept appeals to men, women, and children. The Company has 2,082 franchised and seven company-owned Supercuts locations throughout North America. \nSmartStyle/Cost Cutters in Walmart stores.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0SmartStyle and Cost Cutters salons offer a full range of custom styling, cutting, and hair coloring, as well as professional hair care products and are currently located in Walmart Supercenters. This concept has primarily a \"walk-in\" guest base with value pricing. The Company has 1,388\u00a0franchised and 48 company-owned SmartStyle and Cost Cutters salons located in Walmart Supercenter locations throughout North America. \nPortfolio Brands.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Portfolio Brands salons are made up of acquired regional salon groups operating under the primary concepts of Cost Cutters, First Choice Haircutters, Roosters, Hair Masters, Cool Cuts for Kids, Style America, Famous Hair, Magicuts, Holiday Hair, and TGF, as well as other concept names. Most concepts offer a full range of custom hairstyling, cutting and coloring services, as well as professional hair care products. The Company has 1,223 franchised and 13 company-owned Portfolio Brands locations throughout North America. \nInternational Salons.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0International salons are locations operating in the United Kingdom, primarily under the Supercuts and Regis concepts. These salons offer similar levels of service as our North American salons. Salons are usually located in prominent high-traffic locations and offer a full range of custom hairstyling, cutting and coloring services, as well as professional hair care products. The Company has 102 franchised international locations.\nThe tables below set forth the number of system-wide locations (Franchised and Company-owned) and activity within the various salon concepts.\nSystem-wide location counts\n\u00a0\nJune\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nFRANCHISE SALONS:\nSupercuts\n2,082\u00a0\n2,264\u00a0\n2,386\u00a0\nSmartStyle/Cost Cutters in Walmart stores\n1,388\u00a0\n1,646\u00a0\n1,666\u00a0\nPortfolio Brands\n1,223\u00a0\n1,344\u00a0\n1,357\u00a0\nTotal North American salons\n4,693\u00a0\n5,254\u00a0\n5,409\u00a0\nTotal International salons (1)\n102\u00a0\n141\u00a0\n154\u00a0\nTotal Franchise salons\n4,795\u00a0\n5,395\u00a0\n5,563\u00a0\nas a percent of total Franchise and Company-owned salons\n98.6\u00a0\n%\n98.1\u00a0\n%\n95.3\u00a0\n%\nCOMPANY-OWNED SALONS:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSupercuts\n7\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n35\u00a0\nSmartStyle/Cost Cutters in Walmart stores\n48\u00a0\n49\u00a0\n91\u00a0\nPortfolio Brands\n13\u00a0\n38\u00a0\n150\u00a0\nTotal Company-owned salons\n68\u00a0\n105\u00a0\n276\u00a0\nas a percent of total Franchise and Company-owned salons\n1.4\u00a0\n%\n1.9\u00a0\n%\n4.7\u00a0\n%\nTotal Franchise and Company-owned salons\n4,863\u00a0\n5,500\u00a0\n5,839\u00a0\n7\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nConstructed locations (net relocations)\n\u00a0\nFiscal Years\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nFRANCHISE SALONS:\nSupercuts\n11\u00a0\n15\u00a0\n21\u00a0\nSmartStyle/Cost Cutters in Walmart stores\n\u2014\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPortfolio Brands\n4\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n10\u00a0\nTotal North American salons\n15\u00a0\n21\u00a0\n31\u00a0\nTotal International salons (1)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n1\u00a0\nTotal Franchise salons\n15\u00a0\n21\u00a0\n32\u00a0\nCOMPANY-OWNED SALONS:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSupercuts\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n4\u00a0\nSmartStyle/Cost Cutters in Walmart stores\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPortfolio Brands\n1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal Company-owned salons\n1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n4\u00a0\nClosed locations\n\u00a0\nFiscal Years\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nFRANCHISE SALONS:\nSupercuts\n(196)\n(156)\n(273)\nSmartStyle/Cost Cutters in Walmart stores\n(258)\n(49)\n(56)\nPortfolio Brands\n(123)\n(81)\n(82)\nTotal North American salons\n(577)\n(286)\n(411)\nTotal International salons (1)\n(39)\n(13)\n(14)\nTotal Franchise salons\n(616)\n(299)\n(425)\nCOMPANY-OWNED SALONS:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSupercuts\n(11)\n(6)\n(54)\nSmartStyle/Cost Cutters in Walmart stores\n(1)\n(15)\n(252)\nPortfolio Brands\n(25)\n(40)\n(307)\nTotal Company-owned salons\n(37)\n(61)\n(613)\n8\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nConversions (including net franchisee transactions) (2)\n\u00a0\nFiscal Years\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nFRANCHISE SALONS:\nSupercuts\n3\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n130\u00a0\nSmartStyle/Cost Cutters in Walmart stores\n\u2014\u00a0\n28\u00a0\n405\u00a0\nPortfolio Brands\n(2)\n63\u00a0\n212\u00a0\nTotal Franchise salons\n1\u00a0\n110\u00a0\n747\u00a0\nCOMPANY-OWNED SALONS:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSupercuts\n\u2014\u00a0\n(11)\n(125)\nSmartStyle/Cost Cutters in Walmart stores\n\u2014\u00a0\n(27)\n(408)\nPortfolio Brands\n(1)\n(72)\n(214)\nTotal Company-owned salons\n(1)\n(110)\n(747)\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n(1)\nCanadian and Puerto Rican salons are included in the North American salon totals.\n(2)\nDuring fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company acquired 0, 0 and 1 salon locations, respectively, from franchisees. During fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company sold 1, 110 and 748 salon locations, respectively, to franchisees.\n9\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nAffiliated Ownership Interest:\nThe Company maintains a non-controlling 55.1%\u00a0ownership interest in Empire Education Group, Inc. (EEG), which is accounted for as an equity method investment. EEG operates accredited cosmetology schools. We entered into an agreement to sell our stake in EEG to the controlling owner in fiscal year 2020, the closing of which is pending state approvals. The sale is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's operations or financial position.\nCorporate Trademarks:\nThe Company holds numerous trademarks, both in the United States and in many foreign countries. The most recognized trademarks are \"SmartStyle\n\u00ae\n,\" \"Supercuts\n\u00ae\n,\" \"Regis Salons\n\u00ae\n,\" \"Cost Cutters\n\u00ae\n,\" \"First Choice Haircutters\n\u00ae\n,\" \"Roosters\n\u00ae\n\" and \"Magicuts\n\u00ae\n.\"\nHuman Capital Management:\nOur Culture\nWe are committed to our purpose of \nUnleashing the Beauty of Potential\n, which is supported by our four core values:\nFoster Trust.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Create powerful relationships by acting with empathy and integrity.\nCreate Community.\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Connect and collaborate with all your partners. Share the challenges as much as you celebrate the wins.\nBe Brave\n.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dream big and courageously challenge the status quo.\nOwn It.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0You are empowered. Take responsibility and own your role and your results.\nThese values support a collaborative and inclusive culture that is critical to the success and growth of our Company. To help reinforce our values and incorporate them into everything we do, we have a values committee comprised of cultural ambassadors who serve as the voice of employees and help ensure a best-in-class employee experience.\nOur People\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company employed 435 employees. The Company offers flexible work arrangements such as hybrid and remote work.\nDiversity and Inclusion\nThe Company promotes diversity of thoughts, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. As of June\u00a030, 2023, 86% of the Company's entire workforce are women and 14% are men. Additionally, 68% of the Company's leadership positions are held by women.\n10\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nFamilies First\nOver one hundred years ago, the Company began as a family business and its support of families continues today. It offers up to 16 weeks of parental leave, including adoption, up to 12 of which are paid, so that parents have time to focus on their newest family members. It also offers flexible work arrangements, including full-time telecommuting. Additionally, the Company offers flexible paid time off, which allows employees to control their time away from work based on individual needs, not years of service. \nOther Compensation and Benefits\nThe Company also takes care of its people by offering competitive compensation and benefits packages that are designed to support the total well-being and promote the full potential of our employees and their families. These include short- and long-term incentive packages, an employee stock purchase plan, retirement plans, health, dental, and vision benefits, basic life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and wellness and employee assistance programs. The Company analyzes market trends and monitors its own compensation practices to attract, retain, and promote employees and reduce turnover and associated costs. In addition, its short- and long-term incentive plans are aligned with its core values and key business objectives, which are intended to motivate strong performance.\nDevelopment and Engagement\nContinuous employee development and engagement are essential to creating a high-performance culture. In fiscal years 2023 and 2022, we increased our investment in learning and development. In addition to the resources available on our internal Learning Hub, we launched our \nBeauty of Series\n, which consists of interactive sessions designed to help our employees unleash their potential.\nWe surveyed our employees to provide them with an opportunity to share anonymous feedback with management in a variety of areas, including support from leadership, communication and collaboration, growth and career opportunities, available resources, and recognition. Leaders reviewed the results to determine opportunities and develop action plans for their teams to improve engagement and the overall employee experience. We introduced \nRegis Listens\n, which highlights offerings that we've implemented as a result of employee feedback to show employees that we are listening.\nCorporate Responsibility\nThe Company will not do business with organizations that employ or condone unfair labor practices. Instead, it partners with companies who share its commitment to ethical business conduct and fair labor practices. The Company also specifically condemns human trafficking and abuse of child labor. \n11\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nGovernmental Regulations:\nThe Company is subject to various federal, state, local and provincial laws affecting its business, as well as a variety of regulatory provisions relating to the conduct of its beauty-related business, including health and safety. At the end of fiscal year 2020, the majority of state and local governments where we operate temporarily mandated the closure of our salons in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. These pandemic related government-mandated closures continued into fiscal year 2021 and into fiscal year 2022 in parts of Canada. We monitor state and local regulations carefully to ensure the safety of our stylists and guests.\nIn the United States, the Company's franchise operations are subject to the Federal Trade Commission's Trade Regulation Rule on Franchising (the FTC Rule) and to state laws and administrative regulations that regulate various aspects of franchise operations and sales. The Company's franchises are offered to franchisees by means of a disclosure document containing specified disclosures in accordance with the FTC Rule and the laws and regulations of certain states. The Company has registered its offering of franchises with the regulatory authorities of those states in which it offers franchises and where registration is required. State laws that regulate the franchisee/franchisor relationship presently exist in a substantial number of states and, in certain cases, apply substantive standards to this relationship. Such laws may, for example, require that the franchisor deal with the franchisee in good faith, prohibit interference with the right of free association among franchisees, and limit termination of franchisees without payment of reasonable compensation. The Company believes that the current trend is for government regulation of franchising to increase over time. However, such laws have not had, and the Company does not expect such laws to have, a significant effect on the Company's operations.\nIn Canada, the Company's franchise operations are subject to franchise laws and regulations in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and British Columbia. The offering of franchises in Canada occurs by way of a disclosure document, which contains certain disclosures required by the applicable provincial laws. The provincial franchise laws and regulations primarily focus on disclosure requirements, although each requires certain relationship requirements, such as a duty of fair dealing and the right of franchisees to associate and organize with other franchisees.\nThe Company believes it is operating in substantial compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing all its operations.\nThe Company maintains an ownership interest in Empire Education Group, Inc. Beauty schools derive a significant portion of their revenue from student financial assistance originating from the U.S. Department of Education's Title IV Higher Education Act of 1965. For the students to receive financial assistance at the schools, the beauty schools must maintain eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2020, the Company signed an agreement to sell our ownership interest in EEG to the other owner. The transaction is subject to state ownership transfer approvals.\nFinancial Information about Foreign and North American Operations\nFinancial information about foreign and North American operations is incorporated herein by reference to Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a07 and segment information in Note\u00a015 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a08 of this Form\u00a010-K.\nAvailable Information\nThe Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). The Company therefore files periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). All our reports, proxy and information statements and other information are available on the SEC's internet site (\nwww.sec.gov\n).\nFinancial and other information can be accessed in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at \nwww.regiscorp.com\n. The Company makes available, free of charge, copies of its annual report on Form\u00a010-K, quarterly reports on Form\u00a010-Q, current reports on Form\u00a08-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section\u00a013(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC.\n12\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nExecutive Officers of the Registrant:\nInformation relating to the Executive Officers of the Company follows:\nName\nAge\nPosition\nJohn Davi\n45\u00a0\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer\nMichelle DeVore\n39\u00a0\nSenior Vice President, Marketing\nMatthew Doctor\n36\u00a0\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\nMichael Ferranti\n40\u00a0\nExecutive Vice President, Chief People Officer\nJim Lain\n59\u00a0\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer\nJames Suarez\n48\u00a0\nSenior Vice President, Merchandising and Education\nKersten Zupfer\n48\u00a0\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer\nJohn Davi was appointed to Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer in July 2022. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer from October 2021 to July 2022. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Davi served as an advisor at Apostrophe, a wellness and fitness services company, from July 2012 to October 2021, as Chief Product Officer for BriteCore, a cloud-based insurance solution for personal and commercial insurance providers, from November 2019 to November 2020, Senior Vice President of Product at MINDBODY, Inc, a wellness and fitness services company, from February 2018 to September 2019, founding Vice President of Product for Diffbot, and Head of Engineering for Cisco Systems' Media Solutions Group.\nMichelle DeVore was appointed to Senior Vice President, Marketing in August 2022. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. DeVore was Vice President, Customer Experience at European Wax Center, a chain of hair removal salons, from November 2019 to August 2022. Prior to European Wax Center, Ms. DeVore served as consultant at StudioMDV, LLC, an advertising services company, from March 2019 to August 2022, as Vice President E-commerce Marketing at Aerus LLC, an air and surface purification manufacturer, from October 2017 to March 2019, and she directed digital transformation and growth in a variety of roles and as a consultant focused on brand strategy, digital innovation and e-commerce. \nMatthew Doctor was appointed to President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2022, after holding such position on an interim basis since December 2021. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer from February 2021 to December 2021, and as a consultant to the Company from December 2020 to February 2021. Prior to joining the Company, he was Chief Financial Officer of Kava Restaurants LLC, a Tim Horton's franchisee, from May 2018 to December 2020. Earlier in his career, Mr. Doctor worked in business development at Restaurant Brands International and was in investment banking with J.P. Morgan.\nMichael Ferranti was appointed to Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer in December 2021. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, People and Culture from March 2021 to December 2021. Before joining the Company, Mr. Ferranti served as Head of M&A and Franchising for Subway Restaurants U.S. and Canada, a restaurant brand, from September 2020 to March 2021. Prior to Subway Restaurants, Mr. Ferranti served as Global Head of Development, HR, IT - Chief Administrative Officer of Le Pain Quotidien, a chain of bakery restaurants, from October 2018 to November 2019, and held a variety of leadership roles with KraftHeinz and Restaurant Brands International previous to that.\nJim Lain was appointed to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in December 2021. Previously, he served as President of SmartStyle from June 2021 to December 2021 and President of Portfolio Brands from December 2020 to June 2021. Mr. Lain served as a consultant to the Company from July 2020 to December 2020 and as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from November 2013 to July 2020. Before joining the Company, Mr. Lain served as Vice President at Gap, Inc. from August 2006 to November 2013.\nJames Suarez was appointed to Senior Vice President, Merchandising and Education in February 2022. Prior to his promotion to Senior Vice President, Merchandising and Education, Mr. Suarez had 25 years of combined salon operations and education experience at the Company, including as Vice President of Merchandising and Education from October 2021 to February 2022 and as Vice President of Education from August 2017, and he also holds a seat on the board of directors of Empire Education Group, Inc.\nKersten Zupfer was appointed to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in November 2019. For more than 13 years before her promotion to Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Zupfer served in accounting and finance roles of increasing leadership at the Company. Ms. Zupfer served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer from November 2017 to November 2019, prior to which she served as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer from December 2014 to November 2017.\n13\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns",
+ "item1a": ">Item\u00a01A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Risk Factors\nBusiness and Industry Risks\nChanges in consumer shopping trends and manufacturer choice of distribution channels may negatively affect both service and product revenues.\nOur salons are partly dependent on the volume of customer foot traffic around their locations to generate both service and product revenues. Because many of our salons are located in shopping centers, customer foot traffic may be adversely affected by changing consumer shopping trends that favor internet-based shopping or alternative shopping methods or locations.\nIn addition, we are experiencing a proliferation of alternative channels of distribution, such as blow dry bars, booth rental facilities, discount brick-and-mortar and online professional product retailers, as well as manufacturers selling directly to consumers online, all of which may negatively affect our product and service revenue. Also, product manufacturers may decide to utilize these other distribution channels to a larger extent than in the past and they generally have the right to terminate relationships with us with little advance notice. These changes in distribution channels could also reduce the volume of foot traffic around our salons, and in turn, our revenues may be adversely affected.\n14\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nWe are subject to laws and regulations that could require us to modify our current business practices and incur increased costs, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and revenues.\nIn our U.S. markets, numerous laws and regulations at the federal, state and local levels can affect our business. Legal requirements are frequently changed and subject to interpretations, and we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations. If we or our franchisees fail to comply with any present or future laws or regulations, we or they could be subject to future liabilities or a prohibition on the operation of salons.\nA number of U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and municipalities in which we do business have recently increased, or are considering increasing, the minimum wage, with increases generally phased over several years depending upon the size of the employer. Increases in minimum wages, employment taxes and overtime pay result in an increase in salon operating costs, and the salons' ability to offset these increases through price increases may be limited. In fact, increases in minimum wages have increased salon operating costs over the last five years. In addition, a growing number of states, provinces and municipalities have passed, or are considering passing, requirements for paid sick leave, family leave, predictive scheduling (which imposes penalties for changing an employee's shift as it nears), and other requirements that increase the administrative complexity and cost of managing a workforce. Increases in costs for our franchisees could lead to reduced profitability of salons, which may lead to salon closures. Finally, changes in labor laws designed to facilitate union organizing, could increase the likelihood of stylists being subjected to greater organized labor influence. If a significant portion of stylists were to become unionized, it would have an adverse effect on salon operations which adversely impacts our business and financial results.\nIf the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) were to decide to treat our franchisees as \"joint employers\" with us or if our franchisees are classified as large employers under minimum wage statutes because of their affiliations with us, this could have an adverse impact on our business. In addition, we and our franchisees must comply with state employment laws, including the California Labor Code, which has stringent requirements and penalties for non-compliance.\nVarious state and federal laws govern our relationships with our franchisees and our potential sale of a franchise. If we fail to comply with these laws, we may subject the Company and our personnel to claims lodged by our franchisees, as well as federal and state government agencies, and those claims may include, among others, fraud, misrepresentation, unfair business practices and wrongful terminations. As a result of those claims, we could be liable for fines, damages, stop orders or other penalties. A franchisee or government agency may bring legal action against us based on the franchisee/franchisor relationship. Also, under the franchise business model, we may face claims and liabilities based on vicarious liability, joint-employer liability or other theories or liabilities. All such legal actions could not only result in changes to laws and interpretations, which could make it more difficult to appropriately support our franchisees and, consequently, impact our performance, but could also result in expensive litigation with our franchisees, third parties or government agencies, which could adversely affect both our profits and our important relationships with our franchisees. In addition, other regulatory or legal developments may result in changes to laws or to the franchisee/franchisor relationship that could negatively impact the franchise business model and, accordingly, our profits.\nWe are also subject to federal statutes and regulations, including the rules promulgated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, as well as certain state laws governing the offer and sale of franchises. Many state franchise laws impose substantive requirements on franchise agreements, including limitations on non-competition provisions and on provisions concerning the termination or non-renewal of a franchise. Some states require that certain materials be filed for a franchisor to be registered and approved before franchises can be offered or sold in that state. The failure to obtain or retain licenses or approvals to sell franchises could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.\nIn addition to employment and franchise laws, we are also subject to a wide range of federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including those affecting public companies, product manufacturing and sale and those governing the franchisee/franchisor relationship. Compliance with new, complex, and changing laws may cause our expenses to increase. In addition, any non-compliance with laws or regulations could result in penalties, fines, product recalls and enforcement actions or otherwise restrict our ability to market certain products or attract or retain employees, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nWe may be responsible for Empire Education Group, Inc.'s liabilities.\nWe have a majority ownership interest in Empire Education Group, Inc. (EEG), an operator of accredited cosmetology schools. EEG students receive significant federal financial aid through the U.S. Department of Education. The Department of Education has released proposed rules related to gainful employment that could be detrimental to EEG's business model. If EEG were to become insolvent, the Department of Education could hold the Company responsible for EEG's liabilities. \n15\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nChanges in the general economic environment may impact our business and results of operations.\nChanges to the U.S., Canada and U.K.'s economies have an impact on our business. General economic factors that are beyond our control, such as recession, inflation, deflation, tax rates and policy, energy costs, unemployment trends, extreme weather patterns, viruses, pandemics, stay-at-home orders, and other casualty events that influence consumer confidence and spending, may impact our business and results of operations. In particular, visitation patterns to our salons can be adversely impacted by increases in unemployment rates and decreases in discretionary income levels.\nChanges in consumer tastes, hair product innovation, fashion trends and consumer spending patterns may impact our revenue.\nOur success depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate, gauge and react in a timely manner to changes in consumer tastes, hair product innovation, fashion trends and consumer spending patterns. If we do not timely identify and properly respond to evolving trends and changing consumer demands for hair care or services, salon sales may decline. Remote work arrangements reduce foot traffic in downtowns, city centers, and other business districts where our salons are located, causing a reduction in our revenue.\nWe currently are not in compliance with New York Stock Exchange listing requirements.\nIn June 2022, we received written notice from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) that we did not meet certain NYSE continued listing standards. Under the NYSE continued listing standards, the Company is required to maintain (a) a minimum average closing price of $1.00 per share over a period of 30 consecutive trading days, and (b) an average market capitalization of at least $50.0 million over a period of 30 consecutive trading days, and at the same time, total stockholders' equity equal to or greater than $50.0 million. On September 1, 2022, we were notified we cured the minimum average closing price of $1.00 per share, but our average market capitalization was still non-compliant. If our average market capitalization is not greater than $50.0 million on December 13, 2023, we will be subject to the NYSE\u2019s suspension and delisting procedures. We are closely monitoring the closing share price of our common stock and are considering all available options. A delisting of our common stock could negatively impact us by, among other things, reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock; reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity financing; limiting our ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future; decreasing the amount of news and analyst coverage of us; and causing us reputational harm with investors, our employees, and parties conducting business with us.\n16\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nOperating Risks\nWe are substantially dependent on franchise royalties and the overall success of our franchisees' salons.\nOur success is substantially dependent on franchise royalties and the overall success of our franchisees' salons. Many franchisees have seen a decline in revenues in recent years which reduces their profitability. As a result, franchise salon closures have increased, which reduces our royalty income. In addition, franchisees may be unable to pay their royalties which could decrease cash collections. Some franchisees have stopped paying rents as they come due, reduced operating hours, or closed before the lease end date, which are violations of the lease agreements and may result in penalties depending on the lease, which may increase our cash outflows when the franchisee subleases from us, or we guarantee the lease. Franchisees who decide to close their salons when there is not another franchisee willing to take over their business decreases the size of our fleet and our royalty revenues.\nTo support and enhance our franchisees' businesses, we may need to invest in certain unanticipated new capabilities and/or services and we will need to determine the appropriate amount of investment to optimize the success of our franchisees, while ensuring that the level of investment supports our expected return on those investments. If we are not able to identify the right level of support and effectively deliver those resources to our franchisees, our results of operations and business may be adversely affected. Furthermore, as a fully-franchised business, we may be exposed to additional legal, compliance and operational risks specific to this business model, including the business failure of unproven new salon owners.\nOur salons are dependent on a third-party preferred supplier agreement for merchandise.\nIn fiscal year 2023, we entered into a preferred supplier agreement with a supplier. This change has and will continue to reduce our future revenue. If our new supplier is unable to source the products at the prices expected by our franchisees, our franchisees' profitability and our profitability may be adversely impacted. Further, events or circumstances beyond our control, including economic instability and other impactful events and circumstances in the regions in which our supplier and its manufacturers are located, the financial instability of our supplier, our supplier's failure to meet our terms and conditions or our supplier standards, product safety and quality issues, disruption or delay in the transportation of products from our supplier and its manufacturers to our salons, transport availability and cost, transport security, inflation and other factors relating to the supplier and the areas in which it operates, may adversely impact our and our franchisees' profitability.\nIt is important for us and our franchisees to attract, train and retain talented stylists and salon leaders.\nGuest loyalty is strongly dependent upon the stylists who serve our guests and the customer experience in our salons. Qualified, trained stylists are key to a memorable guest experience that creates loyal customers. In order to profitably grow our business, it is important for our salons to attract, train and retain talented stylists and salon leaders and to adequately staff our salons. Regulations proposed by the Department of Education, if passed, could reduce access to Federal financial aid for beauty schools which could reduce the number of qualified stylists to recruit if licensing requirements are not adjusted. Because the salon industry is highly fragmented and comprised of many independent operators, the market for stylists is highly competitive. In addition, labor shortages and increases in minimum wage requirements may impact the number of stylists considering careers outside the beauty industry. In most markets, we and our franchisees have experienced a shortage of qualified stylists or a reduction in the hours stylists will work. Offering competitive wages, benefits, education, and training programs are important elements to attracting and retaining qualified stylists. In addition, due to challenges facing the for-profit education industry, cosmetology schools have experienced declines in enrollment, revenues, and profitability in recent years. If the cosmetology school industry sustains further declines in enrollment or some schools close entirely, or if stylists leave the beauty industry, we expect that we and our franchisees would have increased difficulty staffing our salons in some markets. We are making significant investments in programs to attract and retain stylists. If our strategies are not successful in attracting, training, and retaining stylists or in staffing salons, our system-wide sales or the performance of our business could experience periods of volatility or sales could decline and our results of operations could be adversely affected.\n17\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nOur continued success depends, in part, on the success of our franchisees, which operate independently.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, 98.6% of our salons were franchised locations. We derive revenues associated with our franchised locations primarily from royalties and fees. Our financial results are therefore substantially dependent upon the operational and financial success of our franchisees. As a franchise business, we are dependent on our franchisees. \nWe have limited control over how our franchisees' businesses are operated. Though we have established operational standards and guidelines, franchisees own, operate, and oversee the daily operations of their salon, including employee-related matters and pricing. If franchisees do not successfully operate their salons in compliance with our standards, our brand reputation and image could be harmed, and our financial results could be affected. Additionally, if franchisees do not price their goods and services competitively, the franchisee may fail to maximize the financial performance of their salon. We could experience greater risks as the scale of our franchised salons increases. \nIn addition, our franchisees are subject to the same general economic risks as our Company, and their results are influenced by competition for both guests and stylists, market trends, price competition and disruptions in their markets and business operations due to public health issues, including pandemics, severe weather and other external events. Like us, they rely on external vendors for some critical functions and to protect their company data. They may also be limited in their ability to open new locations by an inability to secure adequate financing, especially because many of them are small businesses with much more limited access to financing than our Company or by the limited supply of favorable real estate for new salon locations. They may also experience financial distress because of over-leveraging, which could negatively affect our operating results due to delayed or non-payments to us. The bankruptcy, default, abandonment, or breach by or of a franchisee could also expose us to lease liability due to our lease guarantees or subleases as explained previously. \nA deterioration in the financial results of our franchisees, a failure of our franchisees to renew their franchise agreements or closure of locations adversely affects our operating results through decreased royalty payments and fees. We also must continue to attract qualified franchisees and work with them to make their businesses successful.\nIn addition, challenges in supporting our franchise system could cause our operating results to suffer. If we are unable to effectively select and train new franchisees and support our growing franchisee base, it could affect our brand standards, cause disputes between us and our franchisees, and potentially lead to material liabilities.\nOur business is dependent on franchisees continuing to operate. When a franchisee exits the franchise system, and we are unable to recruit an existing or new franchisee to run that salon location, our salon count and revenues decline. A decline in salon count could also reduce the value of our brands. Additionally, we are dependent on our franchisees to grow their business in order for our business to grow. However, franchisees may not have access to capital, labor, etc., to support their growth.\n18\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nData security and data privacy compliance requirements could increase our costs, and cybersecurity incidents could result in the compromise of potentially sensitive information about our guests, franchisees, employees, vendors, or Company and expose us to business disruption, negative publicity, costly government enforcement actions or private litigation and our reputation could suffer.\nThe normal operations of our business and our investments in technology involve processing, transmitting and storing potentially sensitive personal information about our guests, employees, franchisees, vendors and our Company, all of which require the appropriate and secure utilization of such information and subjects us to increased focus regarding our data security compliance. Cyber-attacks, including ransomware, designed to gain access to sensitive information by breaching mission critical systems of large organizations (and their third-party vendors) are constantly evolving and high-profile electronic security breaches leading to unauthorized release of sensitive information have occurred at a number of large U.S. companies in recent years. Furthermore, there has been heightened legislative and regulatory focus on data security in the U.S. and abroad, including requirements for varying levels of customer notification in the event of a data breach. These laws are changing rapidly and vary among jurisdictions. We will continue our efforts to meet any applicable privacy and data security obligations; however, it is possible that certain new obligations may be difficult to meet and could increase our costs. We rely on commercially available systems, software, and tools to provide security for processing, transmitting, and storing of sensitive information. As this risk of cyber-attacks increases, our related insurance premiums may also increase. Despite the security measures and processes we have in place, our efforts (and those of our third-party vendors) to protect sensitive guest, employee, franchisee, vendor, and Company information may not be successful in preventing a breach in our systems or detecting and responding to a breach on a timely basis. We have, from time to time, experienced threats to, and incidents involving, our systems and information, none of which have been material to date. As a result of a security incident or breach in our systems, our systems could be interrupted or damaged, and/or sensitive information could be accessed by third parties. If that occurred, our guests could lose confidence in our ability to protect their information, which could cause them to stop visiting our salons altogether or our franchisees could exit the system due to lack of confidence. Such events could also lead to lost future sales and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, as the regulatory environment relating to retailers and other companies' obligations to protect sensitive data becomes stricter, a material failure on our part to comply with applicable regulations could potentially subject us to fines, penalties, other regulatory sanctions, or lawsuits with the possibility of substantial damages. The costs to remediate security incidents or breaches that may occur could be material. Also, as cyber-attacks become more frequent, intense, and sophisticated, the costs of proactive defensive measures may increase. Furthermore, while our franchisees are independently responsible for data security at their franchised salon locations, a security incident or breach at a franchised salon location could negatively affect public perception of our brands. More broadly, our incident response preparedness and disaster recovery planning efforts may be inadequate or ill-suited for a security incident and we could suffer disruption of operations or adverse effects to our operating results. \nOur SmartStyle salon operations are dependent on our relationship with Walmart. \nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we had 1,436 SmartStyle or Cost Cutters salons within Walmart locations. Walmart is our largest landlord. Business within each of those 1,436 salons relies primarily on the traffic of visitors to the Walmart location, so our success is tied to Walmart's success in bringing shoppers into their stores. We have limited control over the locations and markets in which we open new SmartStyle locations, as we only have potential opportunities in locations offered to us by Walmart. Furthermore, Walmart has the right to (a) close up to 100 salons per year for any reason, upon payment of certain buyout fees; (b) terminate lease agreements for breach, such as if we failed to conform with required operating hours, subject to a notice and cure period; (c) non-renew the lease agreements if salons fail to reach certain sales thresholds; (d) impose penalties for failing to meet required operation hours; and (e) terminate the lease if the Walmart store is closed. Future franchising activity is dependent upon a continued relationship between us and Walmart, as well as Walmart's approval of our proposed franchisee on a location-by-location basis. Further, Walmart may attempt to impose changes to the terms and conditions of our agreements, which may be contrary to our economic interests. Operating SmartStyle salons adds complexity in overseeing franchise compliance and coordination with Walmart. Additionally, there are various remodel requirements of our franchisees, whether it be upon lease expiration or the remodeling of a Walmart location. To the extent Walmart accelerates the pace of their own store remodels, our salons in remodeled Walmart locations would be held to the same standard. The cost of these remodels may be prohibitive to our franchisees and could lead to the Company bearing a portion of the cost, or closures if the remodel requirement is not satisfied.\n19\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nOur future growth and profitability may depend, in part, on our ability to build awareness and drive traffic with advertising and marketing efforts and on delivering a quality guest experience to drive repeat visits to our salons. \nOur future growth and profitability may depend on the effectiveness, efficiency and spending levels of our marketing and advertising efforts to drive awareness and traffic to our salons. In addition, delivering a quality guest experience is crucial to drive repeat visits to our salons. We are focusing on improving guest experiences to provide brand differentiation and preference as well as ensure our guests' needs are met. If our marketing, advertising, and improved guest experience efforts do not generate sufficient customer traffic and repeat visits to our salons, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected. Our future growth and profitability may depend on the effectiveness, efficiency and spending levels of our marketing and advertising efforts to drive awareness and traffic to our salons. Additionally, we plan to increase our digital marketing efforts, and the success of those efforts is dependent upon our franchisee's migration to the Zenoti salon technology platform and customers opting-in to receive marketing messages from us.\nOur success depends substantially on the migration of our franchisees to the Zenoti salon technology platform.\nThe success of our digital marketing efforts discussed previously, as well as our ability to provide franchisees with back-office and salon management support, including walk-in or advanced appointments, is dependent upon our franchisees' adoption of the Zenoti point-of-sale software. Additionally, some of our technology capabilities will require development by Zenoti, and thus if not developed, may adversely affect our digital marketing efforts and our ability to provide our franchisees with critical functionality and information.\nOur success depends substantially on the value of our brands.\nOur success depends, in large part, on our ability to maintain and enhance the value of our brands, our customers' connection to our brands and a positive relationship with our franchisees. Declining franchisee revenue reduces the advertising funds available to invest in the brands and a decline in the Company's investment in its brands could reduce brand awareness and the overall value of our brands. Brand value can be severely damaged even by isolated incidents, particularly if the incidents receive considerable negative publicity, including via social media or if they result in litigation. Some of these incidents may relate to the way we manage our relationships with our franchisees, our growth strategies, our development efforts, or the ordinary course of our or our franchisees' business. Other incidents may arise from events that may be beyond our control and may damage our brands, such as actions taken (or not taken) by one or more franchisees or their employees relating to health, safety, welfare, social issues or otherwise, litigation and claims, security breaches or other fraudulent activities associated with our back-office management or payment systems, and illegal activity targeted at us or others. Consumer demand for our products and services and our brands' value could diminish significantly if any such incidents or other matters erode consumer confidence in us or our products or services. This could result in lower sales and, ultimately, lower royalty income, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.\nWe rely heavily on our information technology systems for our key business processes. If we experience an interruption in their operation, our results of operations may be affected.\nThe efficient operation of our business is dependent on our management information systems. We rely heavily on our management information systems to collect daily sales information and guest demographics, monitor salon performance, generate payroll information, and other functions. Such systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, hacker attempts, security breaches and natural disasters. Certain capabilities or entire systems may become outdated which could limit functionality. These management information systems may require upgrades or replacements periodically, which involve implementation and other operational risks. In addition, our management information systems are developed and maintained by external vendors, and we are transitioning our franchisees onto the Zenoti salon technology platform. The failure of our management information systems to perform as we anticipate, to meet the continuously evolving needs of our business, or to provide an affordable long-term solution, could disrupt our business operations and result in other negative consequences, including remediation costs, loss of revenue and reputational damage. Further, if our external vendors fail to adequately provide technical support for any one of our key existing management information systems or if new or updated components are not integrated smoothly, we could experience service disruptions that could result in the loss of important data, increase our expenses, decrease our revenues and generally harm our business, reputation and brands. Any such conduct with respect to our franchisees could also result in litigation.\n20\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nWe rely on external vendors for products and services critical to our operations.\nWe, along with our franchisees, rely on external vendors for the manufacture, supply and distribution of our owned brand products, other retail products we sell, and products we use during salon services, such as color and chemical treatments. We also rely on external vendors for various services critical to our operations and the security of certain Company data. Our dependence upon vendors exposes us to operational, reputational, financial and compliance risk. \nIf salon product offerings do not meet guests' expectations regarding safety and quality, we could experience lost sales, increased costs, and exposure to legal and reputational risk. All our vendors must comply with applicable product safety laws, and we are dependent on them to ensure that the products and packages we buy, for either use on a guest during a service or resale to the public, comply with all safety and quality standards. Events that give rise to actual, potential, or perceived product safety concerns or mislabeling could expose us to government enforcement action and/or private litigation and result in costly product recalls and other liabilities. \nOur vendors are also responsible for the security of certain Company data, as discussed above. If one of our key vendors becomes unable to continue to provide products and services, or their systems fail, or are compromised or the quality of their systems deteriorate, we may suffer operational difficulties and financial loss.\nThe use of social media may have an adverse effect on our reputation.\nOur reputation is critical to our ability to compete and succeed. However, our reputation may be damaged by negative publicity on social media or other channels regarding the quality of products or services we provide. There has been a substantial increase in the use of social media platforms, which allow individuals to be heard by a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. Negative or false commentary regarding our brands or the products or services we offer may be posted on social media platforms at any time. Customers value readily available information and may act on information without further investigation or regard to its accuracy. The harm to our reputation may be immediate, without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. Our reputation may also be damaged by factors that are mostly or entirely out of our control, including actions by a franchisee or a franchisee's employee. \nWe also use social media platforms as marketing tools. As laws and regulations rapidly evolve to govern the use of these platforms, the failure by us, our employees, franchisees or third parties acting at our direction, to abide by applicable laws and regulations in the use of these platforms could adversely affect our business, financial condition and revenues.\nOur enterprise risk management program may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks. \nWe maintain an enterprise risk management program that is designed to identify, assess, mitigate and monitor the risks that we face. There can be no assurance that our frameworks or models for assessing and managing known risks, compliance with applicable laws and related controls will effectively mitigate risk and limit losses in all market environments or against all types of risk in our business. If conditions or circumstances arise that expose flaws or gaps in our risk management or compliance programs, the performance and value of our business could be adversely affected. \nInsurance and other traditional risk-shifting tools may be held by, or made available to, us in order to manage certain types of risks, but they are subject to terms such as deductibles, retentions, limits and policy exclusions, as well as risk of denial of coverage, default or insolvency. If we suffer unexpected or uncovered losses, or if any of our insurance policies or programs are terminated for any reason or are not effective in mitigating our risks, we may incur losses that are not covered or that exceed our coverage limits and could adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. \nOur franchise agreements require each franchisee to maintain specified insurance coverages and levels. Certain extraordinary hazards, however, may not be covered, and insurance may not be available (or may be available only at prohibitively expensive rates) with respect to many other risks. Moreover, any loss incurred could exceed policy limits and policy payments made to franchisees may not be made on a timely basis. Any such loss or delay in payment could have a material and adverse effect on a franchisee's ability to satisfy its obligations under its franchise agreement, including its ability to make royalty payments.\n21\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nFinancial and Economic Risks\nWe may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt service obligations, which would materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.\nOur ability to make interest payments and comply with debt covenants associated with our indebtedness depends on our ability to generate cash in the future, which, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors that are beyond our control. Specifically, our interest payments are based on the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR), such that an increase in the SOFR will have a negative impact on our cash flows. \n \nIf we fail to comply with any of the covenants in our existing financing arrangement, we may not be able to access our existing revolving credit facility, and we may face an accelerated obligation to repay our indebtedness.\nIf we fail to comply with the terms in our existing financing arrangements, such a failure may cause a default under our financing arrangement, which could limit our ability to obtain new replacement financing or additional financing under our existing credit facility, require us to pay higher levels of interest or accelerate our obligation to repay our indebtedness. The impacts of significant business disruptions could ultimately impair our ability to comply with our covenants, which could preclude our ability to access our credit facility or accelerate our debt repayment obligation, which is secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company's assets.\nWe have limited resources to invest in our business and execute on our strategic plans.\nUnder our current operating and financial model, we use the cash we generate and borrow to cover the operating costs of our business as it is currently conducted and to pay interest expense on outstanding debt. We have limited capital resources available to invest in further execution of our strategy to grow our business. While management\u2019s projections demonstrate our ability to continue funding our business in this manner through the maturity of our revolving credit facility in August 2025, we do not expect to have access to additional cash to make further investments in the business. In order for the Company to be able to repay its debt in full upon maturity, or restructure the debt prior to August 2025, the Company will likely need to explore options for refinancing the indebtedness, and the availability of such options depends on the ability of the Company to continue to improve its cash from operations and other market conditions.\nPremature termination of franchise agreements can cause losses.\nOur franchise agreements may be subject to premature termination in certain circumstances, such as failure of a franchisee to cure a default, monetary or otherwise, a franchisee bankruptcy, voluntary termination, or abandonment of the franchise. If terminations occur for these or other reasons, we may need to enforce our right to damages for breach of contract and related claims, which could cause us to incur significant legal fees and expenses and/or to take back and operate such salons as company-owned salons. Any damages we ultimately collect could be less than the projected future value of the fees and other amounts we would have otherwise collected under the franchise agreement. In addition, with many of our brands, we remain liable under the lease and, therefore, will be obligated to pay rent or enter a settlement with the landlord, and we may not be made whole by the franchisee. A significant loss of franchisee agreements due to premature terminations could hurt our financial performance or our ability to grow our business.\nEmpire Education Group, Inc. may be unsuccessful, which could adversely affect our financial results. \nIn 2020, we entered into an agreement to sell to the other owner our 55.1% ownership stake in EEG. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval before it can close, and there is no guarantee that the regulatory approval will occur. Due to poor financial performance of EEG, we fully impaired the investment in prior years. If the transaction does not close as anticipated and EEG is unsuccessful in executing its business plan, or if economic, regulatory and other factors, including declines in enrollment, revenue and profitability, continue for the for-profit secondary education market, our financial results may be affected by certain potential liabilities related to this investment.\nFailure to control costs may adversely affect our operating results.\nWe must continue to control our expense structure. Failure to manage our labor and benefit rates, advertising and marketing expenses, professional fees, operating lease costs, other expenses, or indirect spending could delay or prevent us from achieving increased profitability or otherwise adversely affect our operating results.\n22\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nIf we are not able to successfully compete in our business markets, our financial results may be affected.\nCompetition on a market-by-market basis remains challenging as many smaller chain competitors are franchise systems with local operating strength in certain markets and the hair salon industry, as a whole, is fragmented and highly competitive for customers, stylists and prime locations. Therefore, our ability to attract guests, raise prices and secure suitable locations in certain markets can be adversely impacted by this competition. Our strategies for competing are complicated by the fact that we have multiple brands in multiple segments, which compete on different factors. We also face significant competition for prime real estate, particularly in strip malls. We compete for lease locations not only with other hair salons, but with a wide variety of businesses looking for similar square footage and high-quality locations. If we are unable to successfully compete, we may lose market share and our ability to grow same-store sales and increase our revenue and earnings may be impaired.\nCorporate Structure and Governance Risks\nWe rely on our management team and other key personnel. \nWe depend on the skills, working relationships and continued services of key personnel, including our management team and others throughout our Company. We are also dependent on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, for whom we compete with other companies both inside and outside our industry. We may be required to increase wages and/or benefits to attract and retain qualified personnel or risk considerable turnover. Our business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely impacted by the unexpected loss of any of our management team or other key personnel, or more generally if we fail to identify, recruit, train and/or retain talented personnel. In addition, our business may be harmed if we lose too many individuals with institutional knowledge.\nIf we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results and prevent or detect material misstatements due to fraud, which could reduce investor confidence and adversely affect the value of our common stock.\nEffective internal controls over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent and detect material fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent or detect material fraud, our operating results could be materially misstated. There can be no assurances that we will be able to prevent control deficiencies from occurring, which could cause us to incur unforeseen costs, reduce investor confidence, cause the market price of our common stock to decline or have other potential adverse consequences. Commencing with our fiscal 2023 audit, and as a result of our smaller reporting company status, we are not required to obtain, nor did we obtain, an audit of our system of internal controls over financial reporting.\nWe could be subject to changes in tax rates, the adoption of new U.S. or international tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities.\nWe are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and other foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are subject to the examination of our income tax returns, payroll taxes and other tax matters by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities and governmental bodies. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes and payroll tax accruals. There can be no assurances as to the outcome of these examinations. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits, and any related litigation, could be materially different from our historical tax provisions and employment taxes. The results of an audit or litigation could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements in the period or periods where that determination is made. Also, in the future, our effective income tax rate could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, changes in tax laws or the outcome of income examinations. \nOur ability to use our U.S. net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations.\nUtilization of the net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation if an ownership change occurs under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. An ownership change could be triggered by subsequent sales of securities by us, or our shareholders and such a change of ownership may limit our utilization of net operating losses. \n23\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nLitigation and other legal or regulatory proceedings or claims and the outcome of such litigation, proceedings or claims, including possible fines and penalties, could have an adverse effect on our business and any loss contingency accruals may be inadequate to cover actual losses.\nFrom time-to-time in the ordinary course of our business operations, we are subject to litigation, including potential class action and single-plaintiff litigation, arbitration and other legal or regulatory proceedings or claims. Litigation to defend ourselves against claims by third parties, or to enforce any rights that we may have against third parties, may be necessary, which could require significant time commitments from our management team and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, which may cause an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and revenues. We establish accruals for potential liabilities arising from litigation and other legal or regulatory proceedings or claims when potential liabilities are probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information. We may still incur legal costs for a matter even if we have not accrued a liability. In addition, actual losses may be higher than the amount accrued for a certain matter or in the aggregate. Any resolution of litigation or other legal or regulatory proceedings as well as claims could adversely affect our business, financial condition or revenues.\n24\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns",
+ "item7": ">Item\u00a07.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and certain other factors that may affect our future results.\nBUSINESS DESCRIPTION\nRegis Corporation (the Company) franchises, owns and operates beauty salons. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company franchised or owned 4,863 salons in North America and the United Kingdom. Each of the Company's salon concepts generally offer similar salon products and services and serve the mass market. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we had 435 corporate employees worldwide. See discussion within Part\u00a0I, Item\u00a01 of this Form 10-K.\nAs part of the Company's strategic transition to a fully-franchised model, the Company is selling salons to franchisees. The impact of these transactions is as follows:\n\u00a0\nFiscal Years\n2023\n2022\n2021\n(Dollars in thousands)\nSalons sold to franchisees\n1\u00a0\n110\n748\u00a0\nCash proceeds received\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n8,437\u00a0\nLoss from sale of salon assets to franchisees, net\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n(2,334)\n$\n(16,696)\nOn June 30, 2022, the Company sold its Opensalon\n\u00ae\n Pro (OSP) software-as-a-service solution to Soham Inc. The Company received $13.0\u00a0million in proceeds in June 2022 and received an additional $5.0\u00a0million in proceeds in fiscal year 2023, offset by a $0.5\u00a0million transaction fee. The Company expects to receive an additional $2.0\u00a0million of proceeds held back for general indemnity provisions in December 2024 and additional proceeds as salons migrate to the Zenoti platform. As a result of the sale, the Company classified the OSP business as discontinued operations in the financial statements as discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nThe Company shifted its product business from a wholesale model to a third-party distribution model as part of its asset-light transformation. In fiscal year 2022, the Company exited its distribution centers and ceased selling products to franchisees. Franchisees source product from a third-party distribution partner and the Company receives a royalty payment based on franchisee purchases. This change has significantly decreased both the Company's franchise product revenue and general and administrative expense, including the Franchise distribution costs discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K. In fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company experienced the following charges related to the exit of the distribution centers: \n\u00a0\nFiscal Years\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\n\u00a0\nFinancial Statement Caption\n(Dollars in thousands)\nInventory reserve (1)\nInventory reserve\n$\n1,228\u00a0\n$\n7,655\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nInventory valuation adjustment (2)\nCompany-owned salon expense\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u00a0\n2,823\u00a0\n12,068\u00a0\nGain from disposal of distribution center assets\nOther, net\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(14,997)\n____________________________________________________________________________\n(1)\nIncludes charges in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022 associated with the liquidation of distribution center inventory, which primarily related to reserving for personal protective equipment acquired as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. \n(2)\nDue to the reduction in company-owned salons, the Company cannot redistribute inventory from closed salons causing an increase to the reserve. Also included in fiscal year 2021 was the write-off of marketing and promotional items.\n27\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThe Company reports its operations in two operating segments: Franchise salons and Company-owned salons.\nCOVID-19 Impact:\nThe global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) had an adverse impact on operations. As a result, the Company received Canadian rent relief, Canadian wage relief, U.S. employee retention payroll tax credits and a grant from the state of North Carolina. In fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company received the following financial assistance:\n\u00a0\nFiscal Years\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\n\u00a0\nFinancial Statement Caption\n(Dollars in thousands)\nCanadian rent relief\nRent \n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n1,235\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nCanadian wage relief\nCompany-owned salon expense\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u00a0\n1,966\u00a0\n1,629\u00a0\nU.S. employee retention payroll tax credit\nCompany-owned salon expense\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n1,547\u00a0\nNorth Carolina COVID-19 grant\nOther, net\n1,106\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAdditionally, in both December 2022 and December 2021, the Company paid $2.5 million of social security contributions that had been deferred under the CARES Act. \nSystem-wide results\nOur results are impacted by our system-wide sales, which include sales by all points of distribution, whether owned by our franchisees or the Company. While we do not record sales by franchisees as revenue, and such sales are not included in our Consolidated Financial Statements, we believe that this operating measure is important in obtaining an understanding of our financial performance. We believe system-wide sales information aids in understanding how we derive royalty revenue and in evaluating performance. In fiscal year 2023, a net 600 franchise salons have closed, which reduces future royalty income.\nThe following table summarizes system-wide revenue and system-wide same-store sales (1) by concept:\nFiscal Years\n2023\n2022\n2021\n(Dollars in millions)\nSystem-wide revenue\n$\n1,230.5\u00a0\n$\n1,228.5\u00a0\n$\n1,086.0\u00a0\nSupercuts\n6.9\u00a0\n%\n22.1\u00a0\n%\n(25.8)\n%\nSmartStyle\n(2.5)\n5.7\u00a0\n(26.7)\nPortfolio Brands\n5.5\u00a0\n11.2\u00a0\n(24.8)\nTotal system-wide same-store sales\n4.4\u00a0\n%\n14.8\u00a0\n%\n(25.8)\n%\n____________________________________________________________________________\n(1)\nSystem-wide same-store sales are calculated as the total change in sales for system-wide franchise and company-owned locations that were open on a specific day of the week during the current period and the corresponding prior period. System-wide same-store sales are the sum of the system-wide same-store sales computed on a daily basis. Franchise salons that do not report daily sales are excluded from same-store sales. System-wide same-store sales are calculated in local currencies to remove foreign currency fluctuations from the calculation.\n28\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nConsolidated Results of Operations\nThe following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain information derived from our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The percentages are computed as a percent of total consolidated revenues, except as otherwise indicated, and the increase (decrease) is measured in basis points. Variances calculated on amounts shown in millions may result in rounding differences.\n\u00a0\nFiscal Years\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023\n2022\n\u00a0\n(Dollars in millions)\n% of Total Revenues (1)\nIncrease (Decrease)\nRoyalties\n$\n66.0\u00a0\n$\n65.8\u00a0\n$\n52.4\u00a0\n28.4\u00a0\n%\n23.8\u00a0\n%\n12.7\u00a0\n%\n460\u00a0\n1,110\u00a0\nFees\n11.3\u00a0\n11.6\u00a0\n10.2\u00a0\n4.8\u00a0\n4.2\u00a0\n2.6\u00a0\n60\u00a0\n160\u00a0\nProduct sales to franchisees\n2.8\u00a0\n15.1\u00a0\n56.7\u00a0\n1.2\u00a0\n5.5\u00a0\n13.8\u00a0\n(430)\n(830)\nAdvertising fund contributions\n31.7\u00a0\n32.6\u00a0\n22.0\u00a0\n13.6\u00a0\n11.8\u00a0\n5.3\u00a0\n180\u00a0\n650\u00a0\nFranchise rental income\n111.4\u00a0\n130.8\u00a0\n127.4\u00a0\n47.7\u00a0\n47.4\u00a0\n30.9\u00a0\n30\u00a0\n1,650\u00a0\nCompany-owned salon revenue\n10.1\u00a0\n20.2\u00a0\n143.0\u00a0\n4.3\u00a0\n7.3\u00a0\n34.7\u00a0\n(300)\n(2,740)\nCost of product sales to franchisees\n3.5\u00a0\n17.4\u00a0\n43.8\u00a0\n125.0\u00a0\n115.2\u00a0\n77.2\u00a0\n980\u00a0\n3,800\u00a0\nInventory reserve\n1.2\u00a0\n7.7\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\n2.8\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(230)\nN/A\nGeneral and administrative\n50.8\u00a0\n65.3\u00a0\n96.4\u00a0\n21.8\u00a0\n23.7\u00a0\n23.4\u00a0\n(190)\n30\u00a0\nRent\n9.2\u00a0\n9.4\u00a0\n40.8\u00a0\n3.9\u00a0\n3.4\u00a0\n9.9\u00a0\n50\u00a0\n(650)\nAdvertising fund expense\n31.7\u00a0\n32.6\u00a0\n22.0\u00a0\n13.6\u00a0\n11.8\u00a0\n5.3\u00a0\n180\u00a0\n650\u00a0\nFranchise rent expense\n111.4\u00a0\n130.8\u00a0\n127.4\u00a0\n47.7\u00a0\n47.4\u00a0\n30.9\u00a0\n30\u00a0\n1,650\u00a0\nCompany-owned salon expense\n8.8\u00a0\n22.0\u00a0\n141.2\u00a0\n3.8\u00a0\n8.0\u00a0\n34.3\u00a0\n(420)\n(2,630)\nDepreciation and amortization\n7.7\u00a0\n6.2\u00a0\n21.7\u00a0\n3.3\u00a0\n2.2\u00a0\n5.3\u00a0\n110\u00a0\n(310)\nLong-lived asset impairment\n0.1\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\n13.0\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\n3.2\u00a0\n(20)\n(300)\nGoodwill impairment\n\u2014\u00a0\n13.1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n4.7\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(470)\nN/A\nOperating income (loss) (2)\n8.8\u00a0\n(28.9)\n(94.7)\n3.8\u00a0\n(10.5)\n(23.0)\n1,430\u00a0\n1,250\u00a0\nInterest expense\n(22.1)\n(12.9)\n(13.2)\n(9.5)\n(4.7)\n(3.2)\n(480)\n(150)\nLoss from sale of salon assets to franchisees, net\n\u2014\u00a0\n(2.3)\n(16.7)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(0.8)\n(4.1)\n80\u00a0\n330\u00a0\nOther, net\n1.4\u00a0\n(0.3)\n15.9\u00a0\n0.6\u00a0\n(0.1)\n3.9\u00a0\n70\u00a0\n(400)\nIncome tax benefit (expense) (3)\n0.7\u00a0\n(2.0)\n5.4\u00a0\n5.5\u00a0\n(4.5)\n5.0\u00a0\nN/A\nN/A\nIncome (loss) from discontinued operations\n4.0\u00a0\n(39.4)\n(10.1)\n1.7\u00a0\n(14.3)\n(2.5)\n1,600\u00a0\n(1,180)\nNet loss (2)\n(7.4)\n(85.9)\n(113.3)\n(3.2)\n(31.1)\n(27.5)\n2,790\u00a0\n(360)\n____________________________________________________________________________\n(1)\nCost of product sales to franchisees is computed as a percent of product sales to franchisees.\n(2)\nTotal is a recalculation; line items calculated individually may not sum to total due to rounding.\n(3)\nComputed as a percent of loss from continuing operations before income taxes. The income taxes basis point change is noted as not applicable (N/A) as the discussion below is related to the effective income tax rate.\n29\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nFiscal Year Ended\u00a0June\u00a030, 2023\u00a0Compared with Fiscal Year Ended\u00a0June\u00a030, 2022\nRoyalties\nDuring fiscal year 2023, royalties increased $0.2 million, or 0.3%, primarily due to higher average royalty rates and improved system-wide same-store sales, mostly offset by a decrease in franchise salon count.\nFees\nDuring fiscal year 2023, fees decreased $0.3 million, or 2.6%, primarily due to a decrease in terminated development agreements year over year, partially offset by an increase in the fee received from the Company's third-party distribution partner.\nProduct Sales to Franchisees\nProduct sales to franchisees decreased $12.3 million, or 81.5%, during fiscal year 2023, primarily due to the Company's shift in its product business to a third-party distribution model.\nAdvertising Fund Contributions\nAdvertising fund contributions decreased $0.9 million, or 2.8%, during fiscal year 2023, primarily due to the decrease in franchise salon count, partially offset by improved system-wide same-store sales.\nFranchise Rental Income\nDuring fiscal year 2023, franchise rental income decreased $19.4 million, or 14.8%, primarily due to the decrease in franchise salon count.\nCompany-owned Salon Revenue\nDuring fiscal year 2023, company-owned salon revenue decreased $10.1 million, or 50.0%, due to the decrease in company-owned salon count and a decline in product sales.\nCost of Product Sales to Franchisees\nThe 980 basis point increase in cost of product sales to franchisees as a percent of product revenue during fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to the Company reducing prices to liquidate distribution center inventory.\nInventory Reserve\nDuring fiscal year 2023, the Company recorded an inventory reserve charge of $1.2 million related to slow moving products. During fiscal year 2022, the Company recorded a total inventory reserve charge of $10.5 million, of which $7.7 million was recorded in inventory reserve and $2.8 million was recorded in company-owned salon expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nGeneral and Administrative\nThe decrease of $14.5 million, or 22.2%, in general and administrative expense during fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to lower administrative and field management compensation resulting from headcount reductions, lower legal and professional fees and a decrease in expenses associated with the distribution centers closures in fiscal year 2022.\nRent\nThe decrease of $0.2 million, or 2.1%, in rent expense during fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to the net reduction in the number of company-owned salons, partially offset by a $1.2 million benefit in fiscal year 2022 related to Canadian COVID-19 rent relief.\nAdvertising Fund Expense\nAdvertising fund expense decreased $0.9 million, or 2.8%, during fiscal year 2023, primarily due to the decrease in franchise salon count, partially offset by improved system-wide same-store sales.\n30\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nFranchise Rent Expense\nDuring fiscal year 2023, franchise rent expense decreased $19.4 million, or 14.8%, primarily due to the decrease in franchise salon count.\nCompany-owned Salon Expense\nCompany-owned salon expense decreased $13.2 million, or 60.0%, during fiscal year 2023, primarily due to the reduction in company-owned salon count, a decline in product sales and an inventory reserve charge of $2.8 million in fiscal year 2022 included in company-owned salon expense. These decreases were partially offset by $2.0 million of Canadian COVID-19 wage relief received in fiscal year 2022. \nDepreciation and Amortization\nThe increase of $1.5 million, or 24.2%, in depreciation and amortization during fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to a $2.6 million accelerated depreciation charge in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 related to the consolidation of office space within the Company's corporate headquarters, partially offset by lower asset retirement obligations (\"white boxing\" salons at lease end) and the net reduction in company-owned salon count.\nLong-Lived Asset Impairment\nIn fiscal year 2023, the Company recorded a long-lived asset impairment charge of $0.1 million, and in fiscal year 2022, the Company recorded a long-lived asset impairment charge of $0.5 million. The decrease in long-lived asset impairment was primarily due to more salon ROU assets being impaired in prior periods.\nGoodwill Impairment\nDuring fiscal year 2023, the Company did not record a goodwill impairment charge, and during fiscal year 2022, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $13.1 million. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nInterest Expense\nThe $9.2 million increase in interest expense during fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to the increase of $1.1 million in amortization of fees related to the credit amendment that was signed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 and a higher weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including non-cash paid-in-kind interest of $1.0 million.\nLoss from Sale of Salon Assets to Franchisees, net\nThere was one salon sold in fiscal year 2023 compared to 110 in fiscal year 2022, which resulted in a $2.3 million improvement in the loss from sale of salon assets to franchises, net.\nOther, net \nOther, net improved $1.7 million in fiscal year 2023, primarily due to a $1.1 million grant received from the state of North Carolina related to COVID-19 relief and a class action settlement.\nIncome Tax Benefit (Expense)\nDuring fiscal year 2023, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $0.7\u00a0million, with a corresponding effective tax rate of 5.5%, compared to recognizing income tax expense of $2.0\u00a0million, with a corresponding effective tax rate of (4.5)% during fiscal year 2022. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nIncome (Loss) from Discontinued Operations\nIn fiscal year 2023, the Company recorded income from discontinued operations of $4.0 million and in fiscal year 2022, the Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations of $39.4 million. Income in fiscal year 2023 is primarily due to the receipt of $5.0 million sales proceeds offset by a $0.5 million transaction fee and other expenses from the sale of OSP. The loss in fiscal year 2022 includes the loss from the sale of OSP, including goodwill derecognition of $38.4 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\n31\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nResults of Operations by Segment\nBased on our internal management structure, we report two segments: Franchise salons and Company-owned salons. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K. Significant results of continuing operations are discussed below with respect to each of these segments.\nFranchise Salons\nFiscal Years\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023\n2022\n(Dollars in millions)\nIncrease (Decrease) (1)\nRoyalties\n$\n66.0\u00a0\n$\n65.8\u00a0\n$\n52.4\u00a0\n$\n0.2\u00a0\n$\n13.4\u00a0\nFees\n11.3\u00a0\n11.6\u00a0\n10.2\u00a0\n(0.3)\n1.4\u00a0\nProduct sales to franchisees\n2.8\u00a0\n15.1\u00a0\n56.7\u00a0\n(12.3)\n(41.6)\nAdvertising fund contributions\n31.7\u00a0\n32.6\u00a0\n22.0\u00a0\n(0.9)\n10.6\u00a0\nFranchise rental income\n111.4\u00a0\n130.8\u00a0\n127.4\u00a0\n(19.4)\n3.4\u00a0\nTotal franchise revenue (1)\n$\n223.2\u00a0\n$\n255.8\u00a0\n$\n268.7\u00a0\n$\n(32.6)\n$\n(12.9)\nFranchise same-store sales (2)\n4.4\u00a0\n%\n15.0\u00a0\n%\n(24.5)\n%\nFranchise adjusted EBITDA\n$\n22.8\u00a0\n$\n7.7\u00a0\n$\n(29.4)\n$\n15.1\u00a0\n$\n37.1\u00a0\nTotal franchise salons\n4,795\u00a0\n5,395\u00a0\n5,563\u00a0\n(600)\n(168)\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n(1)\nTotal is a recalculation; line items calculated individually may not sum to total due to rounding.\n(2)\nFranchise same-store sales are calculated as the total change in sales for franchise locations that were open on a specific day of the week during the current period and the corresponding prior period. Year-to-date franchise same-store sales are the sum of the franchise same-store sales computed on a daily basis. Franchise salons that do not report daily sales are excluded from same-store sales. Franchise same-store sales are calculated in local currencies to remove foreign currency fluctuations from the calculation.\nFiscal Year Ended\u00a0June 30, 2023\u00a0Compared with Fiscal Year Ended\u00a0June 30, 2022\nFranchise Revenue\nFranchise revenue decreased $32.6 million during fiscal year 2023. The decrease in franchise revenue was primarily due to the decrease in franchise rental income as a result of lower salon count and the decrease in product sales to franchisees due to the Company's shift to a third-party distributor model. During fiscal year 2023, franchisees purchased one salon from the Company and constructed (net of relocations) and closed 15 and 616 franchise salons, respectively.\nFranchise Adjusted EBITDA\nDuring fiscal year 2023, franchise adjusted EBITDA totaled $22.8 million, an improvement of $15.1 million compared to fiscal year 2022. The improvement is primarily due to a decrease in general and administrative expense.\n32\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nCompany-Owned Salons\nFiscal Years\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023\n2022\n(Dollars in millions)\n(Decrease) Increase (1)\nTotal revenue\n$\n10.1\u00a0\n$\n20.2\u00a0\n$\n143.0\u00a0\n$\n(10.1)\n$\n(122.8)\nCompany-owned salon adjusted EBITDA\n$\n(1.8)\n$\n(9.5)\n$\n(47.5)\n$\n7.7\u00a0\n$\n38.0\u00a0\nTotal Company-owned salons\n68\u00a0\n105\u00a0\n276\u00a0\n(37)\n(171)\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n(1)\nTotal is a recalculation; line items calculated individually may not sum to total due to rounding.\nFiscal Year Ended\u00a0June 30, 2023\u00a0Compared with Fiscal Year Ended\u00a0June 30, 2022\nCompany-owned Salon Revenue\nCompany-owned salon revenue decreased $10.1 million in fiscal year 2023, primarily due to decrease in company-owned salon count and a decline in product sales in salons.\nCompany-owned Salon Adjusted EBITDA\nDuring fiscal year 2023, Company-owned salon adjusted EBITDA improved $7.7 million, primarily due to the closure of unprofitable salons. Fiscal year 2023 also benefited from a $1.1 million grant received from the state of North Carolina related to COVID-19 relief.\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\nRecent accounting pronouncements are discussed in Note\u00a01 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\n33\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nFollowing the amendment of the Company's credit agreement in August 2022, the facility matures in August 2025. In addition to a $10.0 million minimum liquidity covenant, the amended credit agreement includes typical provisions and financial covenants, including minimum EBITDA, leverage and fixed-charge coverage ratio covenants, the latter two of which are not tested until December 31, 2023. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nSources of Liquidity\nFunds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents and our borrowing agreements are our most significant sources of liquidity. The Company believes it has sufficient liquidity, cash on hand and borrowing capacity, to meet its obligations in the next twelve months and until maturity of the credit agreement in August 2025. In conducting the Company\u2019s current operations, all cash in excess of the amounts needed to support existing operating activities is used to pay the interest on the amounts outstanding under the credit agreement, and we are periodically borrowing additional amounts to cover these operating and interest expense costs.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $9.5 million, with $8.7 and $0.8 million within the United States and Canada, respectively. \nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company's borrowing arrangements include a $172.3 million term loan and a $55.0 million revolving credit facility with a $10.0 million minimum liquidity covenant that expires in August 2025. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the unused available credit under the revolving credit facility was $33.3 million and total liquidity per the agreement was $42.8 million. See additional discussion under Financing Arrangements and Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nAdditionally, on February 3, 2021, the Company filed a $150.0 million shelf registration and $50.0 million prospectus supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission under which it may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $50.0 million worth of its common stock in \"at-the-market\" offerings. Net proceeds from sales of shares under the \"at-the-market\" program, if any, may be used to, among other things, fund working capital requirements, repay debt and support of our brands and franchisees. The timing and amount of sales of shares, if any, will depend on a variety of factors, including prevailing market conditions, the trading price of shares, and other factors as determined by the Company. During fiscal year 2023, the Company did not issue shares under the prospectus supplement. As of June\u00a030, 2023, 9.3 million shares have been cumulatively issued for $38.4 million, and $11.6 million remains outstanding under the share issuance program.\nUses of Cash\nThe Company closely manages its liquidity and capital resources. The Company's liquidity requirements depend on key variables, including the performance of the business, the level of investment needed to support its business strategies, credit facilities and borrowing arrangements, and working capital management. The Company has a disciplined approach to capital allocation, which focuses on ensuring we can meet our interest obligations and investing in key priorities to support the Company's strategic plan as discussed within Part I, Item 1. Additional information about the Company's current use of cash is described under \"Sources of Liquidity.\"\nCash Requirements\nThe Company's most significant contractual cash requirements as of June\u00a030, 2023 were lease commitments and interest payments. See Notes 6 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K for further detail. \n34\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nCash Flows\nCash Flows from Operating Activities\nDuring fiscal year 2023, cash used in operating activities was $7.9 million. Cash used in operations improved due to lower general and administrative expense resulting from a reduced headcount, a $1.1 million cash grant received from the state of North Carolina related to COVID-19 relief, $0.6 million received related to COVID-19 employee retention credits and less cash used for working capital. Cash used in fiscal year 2023 included a $2.5 million payment of previously deferred social security contributions.\nCash Flows from Investing Activities\nDuring fiscal year 2023, cash provided by investing activities of $4.0 million was primarily related to cash received of $5.0 million from the sale of OSP, partially offset by a $0.5 million transaction fee.\nCash Flows from Financing Activities\nDuring fiscal year 2023, cash used in financing activities of $2.1 million was primarily as a result of debt refinancing fees of $4.4 million, partially offset by a net $2.3 million borrowing under the Company's revolving credit facility. \n35\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nFinancing Arrangements\nFinancing activities are discussed in Note\u00a08 and Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K. Derivative activities are discussed in Part\u00a0II, Item\u00a07A, \"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.\"\nThe Company's financing arrangements consist of the following:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nJune\u00a030,\n\u00a0\nMaturity Dates\n2023\n2022\n2023\n2022\n\u00a0\n(Fiscal year)\n(Interest rate %)\n(Dollars in thousands)\nTerm loan\n2026\n9.54%\nN/A\n$\n172,268\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nDeferred financing fees\n(6,471)\n\u2014\u00a0\nTerm loan, net\n165,797\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nRevolving credit facility\n2026\n9.54%\n5.50%\n10,000\u00a0\n179,994\u00a0\nPaid-in-kind interest\n1,033\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal long-term debt, net\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n$\n176,830\u00a0\n$\n179,994\u00a0\nIn August 2022, the Company amended its credit agreement and extended the maturity to August 2025. Under the amendment, the $295.0 million revolving credit facility was converted to a $180.0 million term loan and reduced commitments under the revolving credit facility to $55.0 million, with the minimum liquidity covenant reduced to $10.0 million from $75.0 million. The agreement includes typical provisions and financial covenants, including minimum EBITDA, leverage and fixed-charge coverage ratio covenants, the latter two of which are not tested until December 31, 2023. Total liquidity and available credit under the revolving credit facility, as defined by the agreement, were $42.8 and $33.3 million, respectively, as of June\u00a030, 2023. As of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $176.8 and $180.0 million, respectively, of net outstanding borrowings. The agreement utilizes an interest rate margin that is subject to annual increases. The margin applicable to term secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) loans was 3.875% through March 27, 2023. Effective March 27, 2023, the margin increased to 6.25%, of which 4.25% is paid currently in cash and 2.00% is paid-in-kind (PIK) interest (added to the principal balance and thereafter accruing interest). Effective March 27, 2024, the margin will increase to 7.25%, of which 4.25% will be paid currently in cash and 3.00% will be PIK interest. The margin applicable to base rate loans will be 100 basis points (1.00%) less than the margin applicable to term SOFR loans. See additional discussion in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nOur debt to capitalization ratio, calculated as the principal amount of debt, including paid-in-kind interest accrued, as a percentage of the principal amount of debt and shareholders' deficit at fiscal year-end, was as follows:\nAs of June\u00a030,\nDebt to\nCapitalization (1)\n2023\n125.1\u00a0\n%\n2022\n120.8\u00a0\n%\n2021\n91.6\u00a0\n%\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n(1)\nExcludes the long-term lease liability as that liability is offset by the ROU asset.\nThe increase in the debt to capitalization ratio as of June\u00a030, 2023 compared to June\u00a030, 2022 was primarily due to the increase in shareholders' deficit as a result of the net loss.\n36\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nContractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments\nOn-Balance Sheet Obligations\nOur debt obligations are primarily composed of our credit agreement at June\u00a030, 2023. \nNon-current deferred benefits of $6.0 million includes $1.8 million related to a non-qualified deferred salary plan, a salary deferral program of $2.0 million and a bonus deferral plan of $2.2 million related to established contractual payment obligations under retirement and severance agreements for a small number of employees. See Note\u00a04 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nOperating leases primarily represent long-term obligations for the rental of salons, including leases for company-owned locations, as well as salon franchisee lease obligations, which are reimbursed to the Company by franchisees. Regarding franchisee subleases, we generally retain the right to the related salon assets, net of any outstanding obligations, in the event of a default by a franchise owner. Declines in system-wide revenue in certain brands over the past few years have increased the risk of default by franchisees, which may be material.\nThe Company has unfunded deferred compensation contracts covering certain management and executive personnel. We cannot predict the timing or amount of future payments related to these contracts. See Note\u00a011 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we have liabilities for uncertain tax positions. We are not able to reasonably estimate the amount by which the liabilities will increase or decrease over time; however, at this time, we do not expect a significant payment related to these obligations within the next fiscal year. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements\nUnder the credit agreement entered into in August 2022, the applicable margins for the loans bearing interest are subject to annual increases. The margin applicable to loans bearing interest at SOFR was 3.875% through March 27, 2023. Effective March 27, 2023, the margin increased to 6.25%, of which 4.25% is paid currently in cash and 2.00% is PIK interest (added to the principal balance and thereafter accruing interest). Effective March 27, 2024, the margin will increase to 7.25%, of which 4.25% will be paid currently in cash and 3.00% will be PIK interest. The margin applicable to base rate loans will be 100 basis points (1.00%) less than the margin applicable to SOFR loans. See Note\u00a08 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\nWe are a party to a variety of contractual agreements that we may be obligated to indemnify the other party for certain matters, which indemnities may be secured by operation of law or otherwise, in the ordinary course of business. These contracts primarily relate to our commercial contracts, operating leases and other real estate contracts, financial agreements, agreements to provide services and agreements to indemnify officers, directors, and employees in the performance of their work. While our aggregate indemnification obligation could result in a material liability, we are not aware of any current matter that we expect will result in a material liability.\nWe do not have any unconditional purchase obligations or significant other commercial commitments such as standby repurchase obligations.\nWe do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet financial arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes at June\u00a030, 2023. As such, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.\n37\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nDividends\nThe Company has not declared a quarterly dividend payment since December 2013. \nShare Issuance Program\nIn February 2021, the Company filed a $150.0 million shelf registration statement and $50.0 million prospectus supplement with the SEC under which it may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $50.0 million worth of its common stock in \"at-the-market\" offerings. During fiscal year 2023, the Company did not issue shares under the prospectus supplement. As of June\u00a030, 2023, 9.3 million shares have been cumulatively issued for $38.4 million, and $11.6 million remains outstanding under the share issuance program.\nShare Repurchase Program\nIn May 2000, the Board approved a stock repurchase program with no stated expiration date. Since that time and through June\u00a030, 2023, the Board has authorized $650.0 million to be expended for the repurchase of the Company's stock under this program. All repurchased shares become authorized but unissued shares of the Company. The timing and amounts of any repurchases depends on many factors, including the market price of the common stock and overall market conditions. During fiscal year 2023, the Company did not repurchase shares. As of June\u00a030, 2023, 30.0 million shares have been cumulatively repurchased for $595.4 million, and $54.6 million remained authorized for repurchase. The Company does not anticipate repurchasing shares of common stock for the foreseeable future.\n38\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES\nThe Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to make various judgments, estimates and assumptions that could have a significant impact on the results reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We base these estimates on historical experience and other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates are considered to be critical if they meet both of the following criteria: (1)\u00a0the estimate requires assumptions about material matters that are uncertain at the time the accounting estimates are made, and (2)\u00a0other materially different estimates could have been reasonably made or material changes in the estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Changes in these estimates could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.\nOur significant accounting policies can be found in Note\u00a01 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K. We believe the following accounting policies are most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial condition and results of operations.\nGoodwill\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the Franchise reporting unit had $173.8 and $174.4 million of goodwill, respectively, and the Company-owned segment had no goodwill at either period. See Note\u00a05 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K. The Company assesses goodwill impairment on an annual basis as of April 30, and between annual assessments if an event occurs, or circumstances change, that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.\nGoodwill impairment assessments are performed at the reporting unit level, which is the same as the Company's operating segments. The goodwill assessment involves a one-step comparison of the reporting unit's fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill (Step 1). If the reporting unit's fair value exceeds its carrying value, no further procedures are required. However, if the reporting unit's fair value is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the reporting unit. \nIn applying the goodwill impairment assessment, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units is less than its carrying value (Step 0). Qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors, and overall financial performance of the reporting unit. If after assessing these qualitative factors, the Company determines it is more likely than not that the carrying value is less than the fair value, then performing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment assessment is unnecessary. \nThe carrying value of each reporting unit is based on the assets and liabilities associated with the operations of the reporting unit, including allocation of shared or corporate balances among reporting units. Allocations are generally based on the number of salons in each reporting unit as a percent of total salons or expenses of the reporting unit as a percentage of total company expenses.\nThe Company calculates estimated fair values of the reporting units based on discounted cash flows utilizing estimates in annual revenue, fixed expense rates, allocated corporate overhead, franchise and company-owned salon counts, and long-term growth rates for determining terminal value. Where available and as appropriate, comparative market multiples are used in conjunction with the results of the discounted cash flows. The Company engages third-party valuation consultants to assist in evaluating the Company's estimated fair value calculations. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\n39\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nLong-Lived Assets, Excluding Goodwill\nThe Company follows the guidance in ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment and applies the guidance to property, plant, and equipment as well as right of use (ROU) assets. The Company has identified its asset groups at the individual salon level as this represents the lowest level that identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Poor salon performance in fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 resulted in ASC 360-10-35-21 triggering events. As a result, management assessed underperforming salon asset groups, which included the related ROU assets, for impairment in accordance with ASC 360. \nThe first step in the impairment test under ASC 360 is to determine whether the long-lived assets are recoverable, which is determined by comparing the net carrying value of the salon asset group to the undiscounted net cash flows to be generated from the use and eventual disposition of that asset group. Estimating cash flows for purposes of the recoverability test is subjective and requires significant judgment. Estimated future cash flows used for the purposes of the recoverability test were based upon historical cash flows for the salons, adjusted for expected changes in future market conditions and other factors. The period of time used to determine the estimates of the future cash flows for the recoverability test was based on the remaining useful life of the primary asset of the group, which was the ROU asset in all cases.\nThe second step of the long-lived asset impairment test requires that the fair value of the asset group be estimated when determining the amount of any impairment loss. For the salon asset groups that failed the recoverability test, an impairment loss was measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value. The Company applied the fair value guidance within ASC 820-10 to determine the fair value of the asset group from the perspective of a market-participant considering, among other things, appropriate discount rates, multiple valuation techniques, the most advantageous market, and assumptions about the highest and best use of the asset group. To determine the fair value of the salon asset groups, the Company utilized market-participant assumptions rather than the Company's own assumptions about how it intends to use the asset group. The significant judgments and assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of the salon asset groups include the market rent of comparable properties and a discount rate. The fair value of the salon long-lived asset group is estimated using market participant methods based on the best information available. The fair value of the right of use asset is estimated by determining what a market participant would pay over the life of the primary asset in the group, discounted back to June\u00a030, 2023.\nDuring fiscal years 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized long-lived asset impairment charges of $0.1 and $0.5 million, respectively, related to ROU assets on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. During fiscal year 2021, the Company recognized a long-lived asset impairment charge of $13.0 million, which included $9.5 million related to ROU assets on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The impairment loss for each salon asset group that was recognized was allocated among the long-lived assets of the group on a pro-rata basis using their relative carrying amounts. Additionally, the impairment losses did not reduce the carrying amount of an individual asset below its fair value, including the ROU assets included in the salon asset groups. Assessing the long-lived assets for impairment requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment which can be affected by economic conditions and other factors that can be difficult to predict. The Company does not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions it uses to calculate impairment losses for its long-lived assets, including its ROU assets. If actual results are not consistent with the estimates and assumptions used in the calculations, the Company may be exposed to future impairment losses that could be material. \n40\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns\nIncome Taxes\nDeferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or income tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. \nWe recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. The Company evaluates all evidence, including recent financial performance, the existence of cumulative year losses and our forecast of future taxable income, to assess the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. While the determination of whether to record a valuation allowance is not fully governed by a specific objective test, accounting guidance places significant weight on recent financial performance.\nThe Company has a valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets amounting to $202.2 and $201.7 million at June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make necessary adjustments to the deferred tax asset valuation, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. \nIn fiscal year 2022, the Company determined that it no longer had sufficient U.S. state indefinite-lived taxable temporary differences to support realization of its U.S. state indefinite-lived NOLs and its existing U.S. deferred tax assets that upon reversal are expected to generate state indefinite-lived NOLs. As a result, the Company recorded a $4.1 million valuation allowance on its U.S. state indefinite-lived deferred tax assets.\nThe Company reserves for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties related to anticipated tax audit positions in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on an estimate of whether additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of these liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period in which it is determined that the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, additional expenses would result.\nInherent in the measurement of deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of tax laws and published guidance with respect to the Company's operations. Income tax expense is primarily the current tax payable for the period and the change during the period in certain deferred tax assets and liabilities.\nSee Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.\n41\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns",
+ "item7a": ">Item\u00a07A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\nThe primary market risk exposure of the Company relates to changes in interest rates in connection with its credit agreement, which bears interest at variable rates based on SOFR plus an applicable borrowing margin. Additionally, the Company is exposed to foreign currency translation risk related to changes in the Canadian dollar, and to a lesser extent, the British pound. The Company has established policies and procedures that govern the management of these exposures through the use of derivative financial instrument contracts. By policy, the Company does not enter into such contracts for the purpose of speculation. The following details the Company's policies and use of financial instruments.\nInterest Rate Risk:\nThe Company has established an interest rate management policy that attempts to minimize its overall cost of debt. The Company's interest payments are based on the SOFR, such that a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in the SOFR will have a $1.8 million annual impact on our annual cash flows.\n \nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company had outstanding variable rate debt of $183.3 million and the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate swaps. \nForeign Currency Exchange Risk:\nOver 90% of the Company's operations are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, because a portion of the Company's operations consist of activities outside of the U.S., the Company has transactions in other currencies, primarily the Canadian dollar, and to a lesser extent, the British pound. In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is required to translate the financial statements of its foreign subsidiaries from the currency in which they keep their accounting records, generally the local currency, into U.S. dollars. Different exchange rates from period to period impact the amounts of reported income and the amount of foreign currency translation recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). As part of its risk management strategy, the Company frequently evaluates its foreign currency exchange risk by monitoring market data and external factors that may influence exchange rate fluctuations. As a result, the Company may engage in transactions involving various derivative instruments to hedge assets, liabilities and purchases denominated in foreign currencies. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company did not have any derivative instruments to manage its foreign currency risk.\nDuring fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded a $0.3 million foreign currency loss, $0.6 million foreign currency loss and a $0.3 million foreign currency gain in loss from continuing operations, respectively, in the Consolidated Financial Statements.\n42\nTable of Conte\nn\nt\ns",
+ "cik": "716643",
+ "cusip6": "758932",
+ "cusip": ["758932107", "758932907", "758932957"],
+ "names": ["REGIS CORP", "REGIS CORP MINN"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/716643/000071664323000031/0000716643-23-000031-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000717538-23-000132.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000717538-23-000132.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..d2a080b737
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000717538-23-000132.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\n Business\nA. GENERAL\nThe holding company, Arrow Financial Corporation, a New York corporation, was incorporated on March 21, 1983 and is registered as a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. \u00a0Arrow owns two nationally-chartered banks in New York (Glens Falls National and Saratoga National), and through such banks indirectly owns various non-bank subsidiaries, including an insurance agency, a registered investment adviser and a REIT. See \"The Company and Its Subsidiaries,\" above. \nSubsidiary Banks\n (dollars in thousands and data is as of December. 31, 2022)\nGlens Falls National\nSaratoga National\nTotal Assets at Year-End\n$\n3,125,180\u00a0\n$\n895,584\u00a0\nTrust Assets Under Administration and\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Investment Management at Year-End\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(Not Included in Total Assets)\n$\n1,486,327\u00a0\n$\n119,805\u00a0\nDate Organized\n1851\n1988\nEmployees (full-time equivalent)\n454\u00a0\n48\u00a0\nOffices\n26\u00a0\n11\u00a0\nCounties of Operation\nWarren, Washington,\nSaratoga, Essex &\nClinton\n\u00a0Saratoga, Albany,\nRensselaer, & Schenectady\nMain Office\n250 Glen Street\nGlens Falls, NY\n171 So. Broadway\nSaratoga Springs, NY\nThe holding company\u2019s business consists primarily of the ownership, supervision and control of Arrow's two banks, including the banks' subsidiaries. \u00a0The holding company provides various advisory and administrative services and coordinates the general policies and operation of the banks. There were 502 full-time equivalent employees, including 34 employees within Arrow's insurance agency subsidiary, at December\u00a031, 2022. See the discussion of our human capital resources in Section G (\"HUMAN CAPITAL\") of this Item 1.\nArrow offers a broad range of commercial and consumer banking and financial products. \u00a0The deposit base consists of deposits derived principally from the communities served. \u00a0The Company targets lending activities to consumers and small- and mid-sized companies in Arrow's regional geographic area. In addition, through an indirect lending program Arrow acquires consumer loans from an extensive network of automobile dealers that operate in New York and Vermont. Through the banks' trust operations, the Company provides retirement planning, trust and estate administration services for individuals, and pension, profit-sharing and employee benefit plan administration for corporations.\nB. LENDING ACTIVITIES\nArrow engages in a wide range of lending activities, including commercial and industrial lending primarily to small and mid-sized companies; mortgage lending for residential and commercial properties; and consumer installment and home equity financing. An active indirect lending program is maintained through Arrow's sponsorship of automobile dealer programs under which consumer auto loans, primarily from dealers that meet pre-established specifications are purchased. \u00a0From time to time, a portion of the Arrow's residential real estate loan originations are sold into the secondary market, primarily to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (\"Freddie Mac\") and other governmental agencies. Normally, the Company retains the servicing rights on mortgage loans originated and sold into the secondary markets, subject to periodic determinations on the continuing profitability of such activity. \u00a0\nGenerally, Arrow continues to implement lending strategies and policies that are intended to protect the quality of the loan portfolio, including strong underwriting and collateral control procedures and credit review systems. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status either due to the delinquency status of principal and/or interest or a judgment by management that the full repayment of principal and interest is unlikely. Home equity lines of credit, secured by real property, are systematically placed on nonaccrual status when 120 days past due, and residential real estate loans are placed on nonaccrual status when 150 days past due. Commercial and commercial real estate loans are evaluated on a loan-by-loan basis and are placed on nonaccrual status when 90 days past due if the full collection of principal and interest is uncertain (See Part II, Item 7.C.II.c. \"Risk Elements\") Subsequent cash payments on loans classified as nonaccrual may be applied entirely to principal, although income in some cases may be recognized on a cash basis.\nArrow lends primarily to borrowers within the normal retail service area in northeastern New York State, with the exception of the indirect consumer lending line of business, where Arrow acquires retail paper from an extensive network of automobile dealers that operate in a larger area of New York and Vermont. The loan portfolio does not include any foreign loans or any other significant risk concentrations. \u00a0Arrow does not generally participate in loan syndications, either as originator or as a participant. \u00a0However, from time to time, Arrow buys and offers participations in individual loans, typically commercial loans, in New York and adjacent states. In recent periods, the total dollar amount of such participations has fluctuated, but generally represents less than 20% of commercial loans outstanding. The majority of the portfolio is properly collateralized, and most commercial loans are further supported by personal guarantees. Arrow also participated as a lender in the Paycheck Protection \n5\nProgram (\"PPP\") administered by the Small Business Administration (\"SBA\") under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the \"CARES Act\"). Arrow originated over $91.5 million in loans under the PPP in 2021 and approximately $234.2 million over the life of the PPP program. As of December 31, 2022, there were no PPP loans outstanding. See the discussion of the CARES Act in Section D (\"RECENT LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS\") of this Item 1. \nArrow does not engage in subprime mortgage lending as a business line and does not extend or purchase so-called \"Alt A,\" \"negative amortization,\" \"option ARM's\" or \"negative equity\" mortgage loans. \u00a0\nC. SUPERVISION AND REGULATION\nThe following generally describes the laws and regulations to which Arrow is subject. \u00a0Bank holding companies, banks and their affiliates are extensively regulated under both federal and state law. \u00a0To the extent that the following information summarizes statutory or regulatory law, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular provisions of the various statutes and regulations. \u00a0Any change in applicable law may have a material effect on business operations, customers, prospects and investors.\nBank Regulatory Authorities with Jurisdiction over Arrow and its Subsidiary Banks\nArrow is a registered bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (\"BHC Act\") and as such is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (\"FRB\"). \u00a0As a \"bank holding company\" under New York State law, Arrow is also subject to regulation by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Arrow's two subsidiary banks are both national banks and are subject to supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (\"OCC\"). The banks are members of the Federal Reserve System and the deposits of each bank are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (\"FDIC\"). \u00a0The BHC Act generally prohibits Arrow from engaging, directly or indirectly, in activities other than banking, activities closely related to banking, and certain other financial activities. \u00a0Under the BHC Act, a bank holding company generally must obtain FRB approval before acquiring, directly or indirectly, voting shares of another bank or bank holding company, if after the acquisition the acquiror would own 5 percent or more of a class of the voting shares of that other bank or bank holding company. \u00a0Bank holding companies are able to acquire banks or other bank holding companies located in all 50 states, subject to certain limitations. Bank holdings companies that meet certain qualifications may choose to apply to the FRB for designation as \u201cfinancial holding companies.\u201d Upon receipt of such designation, a financial holding company may engage in a broader array of activities, such as insurance underwriting, securities underwriting and merchant banking. Arrow has not attempted to become, and has not been designated as, a financial holding company.\nThe FRB and the OCC have broad regulatory, examination and enforcement authority. The FRB and the OCC conduct regular examinations of the entities they regulate. In addition, banking organizations are subject to requirements for periodic reporting to the regulatory authorities.\u00a0\u00a0The FRB and OCC have the authority to implement various remedies if they determine that the financial condition, capital, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity or other aspects of a banking organization's operations are unsatisfactory or if they determine the banking organization is violating or has violated any law or regulation. The authority of the federal bank regulators over banking organizations includes, but is not limited to, prohibiting unsafe or unsound practices; requiring affirmative action to correct a violation or unsafe or unsound practice; issuing administrative orders; requiring the organization to increase capital; requiring the organization to sell subsidiaries or other assets; restricting dividends, distributions and repurchases of the organization's stock; restricting the growth of the organization; assessing civil money penalties; removing officers and directors; and terminating deposit insurance. The FDIC may terminate a depository institution's deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution's financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices for certain other reasons. \nRegulatory Supervision of Other Arrow Subsidiaries\nThe insurance agency subsidiary of Glens Falls National is subject to the licensing and other provisions of New York State Insurance Law and is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Arrow's investment adviser subsidiary is subject to the licensing and other provisions of the federal Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and is regulated by the SEC.\n \nRegulation of Transactions between Banks and their Affiliates\nTransactions between banks and their \"affiliates\" are regulated by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (FRA). Each of Arrow's non-bank subsidiaries (other than the business trusts formed to issue the TRUPs) is a subsidiary of one of the subsidiary banks, and also is an \"operating subsidiary\" under Sections 23A and 23B. This means each non-bank subsidiary is considered to be part of the bank that owns it and thus is not an affiliate of that bank for purposes of Section 23A and 23B. However, each of the two banks is an affiliate of the other bank, under Section 23A, and Arrow, the holding company, is also an affiliate of each bank under both Sections 23A and 23B. Extensions of credit that a bank may make to affiliates, or to third parties secured by securities or obligations of the affiliates, are substantially limited by the FRA and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA). Such acts further restrict the range of permissible transactions between a bank and any affiliate, including a bank affiliate. Furthermore, under the FRA, a bank may engage in certain transactions, including loans and purchases of assets, with a non-bank affiliate, only if certain special conditions, including collateral requirements for loans, are met and if the other terms and conditions of the transaction, including interest rates and credit standards, are substantially the same as, or at least as favorable to the bank as, those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions by the bank with non-affiliated companies or, in the absence of comparable transactions, on terms and conditions that would be offered by the bank to non-affiliated companies.\n \n6\nRegulatory Capital Standards\nAn important area of banking regulation is the federal banking system's promulgation and enforcement of minimum capitalization standards for banks and bank holding companies. \u00a0\nBank Capital Rules\n. \nIn July 2013, federal bank regulators, including the FRB and the OCC, approved revised bank capital rules aimed at implementing capital requirements pursuant to Dodd-Frank. These rules were also intended to coordinate U.S. bank capital standards with the then-current drafts of the Basel III proposed bank capital standards for all of the developed world's banking organizations. The federal regulators' revised capital rules (the \"Capital Rules\"), which impose significantly higher minimum capital ratios on U.S. financial institutions than the rules they replaced, became effective for Arrow and its subsidiary banks on January 1, 2015, and were fully phased in by the end of 2019.\nIn 2020, federal bank regulators introduced an optional simplified measure of capital adequacy for qualifying community banking organizations (CBLR).\u00a0 A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR framework and meets all the requirements under the CBLR framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the \u201cprompt corrective action\u201d regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital ratios.\nThe CBLR final rule became effective as of January 1, 2020, and Arrow and both subsidiary banks have opted out of utilizing the CBLR framework. Therefore, the Capital Rules promulgated under Dodd-Frank remain applicable to Arrow and both subsidiary banks.\nThe Capital Rules which remain applicable to Arrow consist of two basic types of capital measures, a leverage ratio and a set of risk-based capital measures. Within these two broad types of rules, however, significant changes were made in the revised Capital Rules, as discussed as follows. \nLeverage Ratio\n.\n The Capital Rules increased the minimum required leverage ratio from 3.0% to 4.0%. The leverage ratio continues to be defined as the ratio of the institution's \"Tier 1\" capital (as defined under the new leverage rule) to total tangible assets (as defined under the revised leverage rule). \nRisk-Based Capital Measures\n.\n Current risk-based capital measures assign various risk weightings to all of the institution's assets, by asset type, and to certain off balance sheet items, and then establish minimum levels of capital to the aggregate dollar amount of such risk-weighted assets. Under the risk-based Capital Rules, there are eight major risk-weighted categories of assets (although there are several additional super-weighted categories for high-risk assets that are generally not held by community banking organizations like Arrow). The Capital Rules include a measure called the \"common equity tier 1 capital ratio\" (CET1). For this ratio, only common equity (basically, common stock plus surplus plus retained earnings) qualifies as capital (i.e., CET1). Preferred stock and trust preferred securities, which qualified as Tier 1 capital under the old Tier 1 risk-based capital measure (and continue to qualify as capital under the revised Tier 1 risk-based capital measure), are not included in CET1 capital. Under these rules, CET1 capital also includes most elements of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), including unrealized securities gains and losses, as part of both total regulatory capital (numerator) and total assets (denominator). However, smaller banking organizations like Arrow's were given the opportunity to make a one-time irrevocable election to include or not to include certain elements of AOCI, most notably unrealized securities gains or losses. Arrow made such an election, and therefore does not include unrealized securities gains and losses in calculating the CET1 ratio under the Capital Rules. The minimum CET1 ratio under these rules, effective January 1, 2015, is 4.50%, which remained constant throughout the phase-in period. \nConsistent with the general theme of higher capital levels, the Capital Rules also increased the minimum ratio for Tier 1 risk-based capital from 4.0% to 6.0%, effective January 1, 2015. The minimum level for total risk-based capital under the Capital Rules remained at 8.0%. \nThe Capital Rules also incorporated a capital concept, the so-called \"capital conservation buffer\" (set at 2.5%, after full phase-in), which must be added to each of the minimum required risk-based capital ratios (i.e., the minimum CET1 ratio, the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and the minimum total risk-based capital ratio). The capital conservation buffer was phased-in over four years beginning January 1, 2016 (see the table below). When, during economic downturns, an institution's capital begins to erode, the first deductions from a regulatory perspective would be taken against the capital conservation buffer. To the extent that such deductions should erode the buffer below the required level (2.5% of total risk-based assets after full phase-in), the institution will not necessarily be required to replace the buffer deficit immediately, but will face restrictions on paying dividends and other negative consequences until the buffer is fully replenished. \nAlso under the Capital Rules, and as required under Dodd-Frank, TRUPs issued by small- to medium-sized banking organizations (such as Arrow) that were outstanding on the Dodd-Frank grandfathering date for TRUPS (May 19, 2010) will continue to qualify as tier 1 capital, up to a limit of 25% of tier 1 capital, until the TRUPs mature or are redeemed, subject to certain limitations. See the discussion of grandfathered TRUPs in Section E (\"CAPITAL RESOURCES AND DIVIDENDS\") of Item 7.\nThe following is a summary of the definitions of capital under the various risk-based measures in the Capital Rules:\nCommon Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1):\n Equals the sum of common stock instruments and related surplus (net of treasury stock), retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), and qualifying minority interests, minus applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions. Such deductions will include AOCI, if the organization has exercised its irrevocable option not to include AOCI in capital (Arrow made such an election). Mortgage-servicing assets, deferred tax assets, and investments in financial institutions are limited to 15% of CET1 in the aggregate and 10% of CET1 for each such item individually.\nAdditional Tier 1 Capital:\n Equals the sum of noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, tier 1 minority interests, grandfathered TRUPs, and Troubled Asset Relief Program instruments, minus applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions. \n7\nTier 2 Capital:\n Equals the sum of subordinated debt and preferred stock, total capital minority interests not included in Tier 1, and allowance for loan and lease losses (not exceeding 1.25% of risk-weighted assets) minus applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions.\nThe following table presents the Capital Rules applicable to Arrow and its subsidiary banks:\nYear, as of January 1\n2022\nMinimum CET1 Ratio\n4.500\u00a0\n%\nCapital Conservation Buffer (\"Buffer\")\n2.500\u00a0\n%\nMinimum CET1 Ratio Plus Buffer\n7.000\u00a0\n%\nMinimum Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio\n6.000\u00a0\n%\nMinimum Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio Plus Buffer\n8.500\u00a0\n%\nMinimum Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio\n8.000\u00a0\n%\nMinimum Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio Plus Buffer\n10.500\u00a0\n%\nMinimum Leverage Ratio\n4.000\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\nAt December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow and its two subsidiary banks exceeded, by a substantial amount, each of the applicable minimum capital ratios established under the revised Capital Rules, including the minimum CET1 Ratio, the minimum Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio, the minimum Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio, and the minimum Leverage Ratio, and including in the case of each risk-based ratio, the phased-in portion of the capital buffer. See Note 20, \nRegulatory Matters\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a presentation of Arrow's period-end ratios for 2022 and 2021.\nRegulatory Capital Classifications.\n Under applicable banking law, federal banking regulators are required to take prompt corrective action with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. \u00a0The regulators have established five capital classifications for banking institutions, ranging from the highest category of \"well-capitalized\" to the lowest category of \"critically under-capitalized\". Under the Capital Rules, a banking institution is considered \"well-capitalized\" if it meets the following capitalization standards on the date of measurement: a CET1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.50% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.00% or greater, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.00% or greater, provided the institution is not subject to any regulatory order or written directive regarding capital maintenance. \nAs of December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow and its two subsidiary banks qualified as \"well-capitalized\" under the revised capital classification scheme.\nRegulatory Reporting.\n Arrow's recent failure to timely file this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 has resulted in a failure to timely file certain other regulatory reports, which rely in whole or in part upon the information contained in such 10-K and 10-Q Reports. Any such required reports will be promptly filed upon the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.\nDividend Restrictions; Other Regulatory Sanctions\n \nA holding company's ability to pay dividends or repurchase its outstanding stock, as well as its ability to expand its business, including for example, through acquisitions of additional banking organizations or permitted non-bank companies, may be restricted if its capital falls below minimum regulatory capital ratios or fails to meet other informal capital guidelines that the regulators may apply from time to time to specific banking organizations. \u00a0In addition to these potential regulatory limitations on payment of dividends, the holding company's ability to pay dividends to shareholders, and the subsidiary banks' ability to pay dividends to the holding company are also subject to various restrictions under applicable corporate laws, including banking laws (which affect the subsidiary banks) and the New York Business Corporation Law (which affects the holding company). The ability of the holding company and banks to pay dividends or repurchase shares in the future is, and is expected to continue to be, influenced by regulatory policies, the Capital Rules and other applicable law.\nIn cases where banking regulators have significant concerns regarding the financial condition, assets or operations of a bank holding company and/or one of its banks, the regulators may take enforcement action or impose enforcement orders, formal or informal, against the holding company or the particular bank. \u00a0If the ratio of tangible equity to total assets of a bank falls to 2% or below, the bank will likely be closed and placed in receivership, with the FDIC as receiver.\nCybersecurity\nIn addition to the provisions in the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act relating to data security (discussed below), Arrow and its subsidiaries are subject to many federal and state laws, regulations and regulatory interpretations which impose standards and requirements related to cybersecurity.\nIn March 2015, federal regulators issued related statements regarding cybersecurity. One statement indicates that financial institutions should design multiple layers of security controls to establish lines of defense and to ensure that their risk management processes also address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials, including security measures to reliably authenticate customers accessing internet-based services of the financial institution. The other statement indicates that a financial institution\u2019s management is expected to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure the rapid recovery, resumption and maintenance of the institution\u2019s operations after a cyber-attack involving destructive malware. A financial institution is also expected to develop appropriate processes to enable recovery of data and business operations and address rebuilding network capabilities and restoring data if the institution or its critical service providers fall victim to this type of \n8\ncyber-attack. Financial institutions that fail to observe this regulatory guidance on cybersecurity may be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties.\nIn February 2018, the SEC issued the \u201cCommission Statement and Guidance on Public Company Cybersecurity Disclosures\u201d to assist public companies in preparing disclosures about cybersecurity risks and incidents. With the increased frequency and magnitude of cybersecurity incidents, the SEC stated that it is critical that public companies take all required actions to inform investors about material cybersecurity risks and incidents in a timely fashion. Additionally, in October 2018 the SEC issued the \u201cReport of Investigation Pursuant to Section 21(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Regarding Certain Cyber-Related Frauds Perpetrated Against Public Companies and Related Internal Controls Requirements\u201d which cited business email compromises that led to the incidents and that internal accounting controls may need to be reassessed in light of these emerging risks. Certain Arrow subsidiaries are subject to certain New York State cybersecurity regulations.\nPrivacy and Confidentiality Laws\nArrow and its subsidiaries are subject to a variety of laws that regulate customer privacy and confidentiality. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires financial institutions to adopt privacy policies, to restrict the sharing of nonpublic customer information with nonaffiliated parties upon the request of the customer, and to implement data security measures to protect customer information. Certain state laws may impose additional privacy and confidentiality restrictions. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, regulates use of credit reports, providing of information to credit reporting agencies and sharing of customer information with affiliates, and sets identity theft prevention standards.\nAnti-Money Laundering, the U.S. Patriot Act and OFAC\nThe Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001 initially adopted in 2001 and re-adopted by the U.S. Congress in 2006 with certain changes (the \u201cPatriot Act\u201d), imposes substantial record-keeping and due diligence obligations on banks and other financial institutions, with a particular focus on detecting and reporting money-laundering transactions involving domestic or international customers. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued and will continue to issue regulations clarifying the Patriot Act's requirements. \nUnder the Patriot Act and other federal anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Currency and Foreign Transactions Report Act (collectively, \u201cAnti-Money Laundering Laws\u201d), financial institutions, including banks, must maintain certain anti-money laundering compliance, customer identification and due diligence programs that include established internal policies, procedures, and controls. Financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must meet enhanced standards for due diligence and customer identification. Financial institutions must take reasonable steps to conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and to report suspicious transactions. Law enforcement authorities have been granted increased access to financial information maintained by financial institutions. Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these obligations and they must consider an institution's compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications, including applications for banking mergers and acquisitions. The U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crises Enforcement Network (\u201cFinCEN\u201d) issued a final rule in 2016 increasing customer due diligence requirements for banks, including adding a requirement to identify and verify the identity of beneficial owners of customers that are legal entities, subject to certain exclusions and exemptions. The Company has established procedures for compliance with these requirements. Compliance with the provisions of the Patriot Act and other Anti-Money Laundering Laws results in substantial costs on all financial institutions.\nThe U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (\u201cOFAC\u201d) is responsible for helping to insure that United States persons, including banks, do not engage in transactions with certain prohibited parties, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC publishes lists of persons, organizations, and countries suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts, including, but not limited to, Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. If Arrow finds a name on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list, Arrow must freeze or block such account or transaction, file a suspicious activity report, if required, notify the appropriate authorities and maintain appropriate records. \nCommunity Reinvestment Act\nArrow's subsidiary banks are subject to the Community Reinvestment Act (\"CRA\") and implementing regulations. CRA regulations establish the framework and criteria by which the bank regulatory agencies assess an institution's record of helping to meet the credit needs of its community, including low and moderate-income individuals. CRA ratings are taken into account by regulators in reviewing certain applications made by Arrow and its bank subsidiaries.\nThe Dodd-Frank Act\nDodd-Frank significantly changed the regulatory structure for financial institutions and their holding companies, for example, through provisions requiring the Capital Rules. Among other provisions, Dodd-Frank implemented corporate governance revisions that apply to all public companies, not just financial institutions, permanently increased the FDIC\u2019s standard maximum deposit insurance amount to $250,000, changed the FDIC insurance assessment base to assets rather than deposits and increased the reserve ratio for the deposit insurance fund to ensure the future strength of the fund. The federal prohibition on the payment of interest on certain demand deposits was repealed, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction accounts. Dodd-Frank established a new federal agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the \u201cCFPB\u201d), centralizing significant aspects of consumer financial protection under this agency. Limits were imposed for debit card interchange fees for issuers that have assets greater than $10 billion, which also could affect the amount of interchange fees collected by financial institutions with less than $10 billion in assets. Dodd-Frank also imposed new requirements related to mortgage lending, including prohibitions against payment of steering incentives and provisions relating to underwriting standards, \n9\ndisclosures, appraisals and escrows. The Volcker Rule prohibited banks and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and investing in certain unregistered investment companies.\nFederal banking regulators and other agencies including, among others, the FRB, the OCC and the CFPB, have been engaged in extensive rule-making efforts under Dodd-Frank, and the Community Bank Leverage Ratio has impacted certain Dodd-Frank requirements, as explained above. \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIncentive Compensation\n\u00a0\nDodd-Frank required the federal bank regulatory agencies and the SEC to establish joint regulations or guidelines prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities, such as the Company, having at least $1\u00a0billion in total assets that encourage inappropriate risks by providing an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder with excessive compensation, fees, or benefits or that could lead to material financial loss to the entity. In addition, these regulators must establish regulations or guidelines requiring enhanced disclosure to regulators of incentive-based compensation arrangements. \nThe federal bank regulators issued proposed rules to address incentive-based compensation arrangements in June 2016. Final rules have not yet been issued by the federal bank regulatory agencies under this Dodd-Frank provision.\nIn 2010, the FRB, OCC and FDIC issued comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization\u2019s incentive compensation arrangements should (i)\u00a0provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization\u2019s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii)\u00a0be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii)\u00a0be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization\u2019s board of directors. Management believes the current and past compensation practices of the Company do not encourage excessive risk taking or undermine the safety and soundness of the organization.\nThe FRB will review, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Company, that are not \u201clarge, complex banking organizations.\u201d These reviews will be tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization\u2019s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization\u2019s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization\u2019s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization\u2019s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.\n\u00a0\nDeposit Insurance Laws and Regulations\nIn February 2011, the FDIC finalized a new assessment system that took effect in the second quarter of 2011. \u00a0The final rule changed the assessment base from domestic deposits to average assets minus average tangible equity, adopted a new large-bank pricing assessment scheme, and set a target size for the Deposit Insurance Fund. The rule (as mandated by Dodd-Frank) finalized a target size for the Deposit Insurance Fund Reserve Ratio at 2.0% of insured deposits.\nDue to increased growth in insured deposits during the first half of 2020, on September 15, 2020, the FDIC established a plan to restore the Deposit Insurance Fund Reserve Ratio to at least 1.35% by September 30, 2028, as required by the FDIA, utilizing the rate schedule in effect at that time. In response to updated analysis and projections for the fund balance and the Deposit Insurance Fund Reserve Ratio, the FDIC adopted a final rule in October 2022 increasing the initial base deposit insurance assessment rate schedules by two percent effective January 1, 2023 and beginning on the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. The increase is intended to ensure that the reserve ratio meets the minimum ratio of 1.35% by the September 30, 2028 statutory deadline. Arrow is unable to predict whether or to what extent the FDIC may elect to impose additional special assessments on insured institutions in upcoming years, especially in light of recent high-profile large bank failures.\nReserve Requirements \nPursuant to regulations of the FRB, all banking organizations are required to maintain average daily reserves at mandated ratios against their transaction accounts and certain other types of deposit accounts. These reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or in an account at a Federal Reserve Bank. In March 2020, the Federal Reserve Board reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent to free up liquidity in the banking industry to support lending to households and businesses. \nD. RECENT LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS\nThe CARES Act and other COVID-19 Responses\nIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that was enacted to provide relief in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several provisions within the CARES Act directly impacted financial institutions and led to action from the bank regulatory agencies. \nSection 1102 of the CARES Act created the PPP, a program administered by the SBA to provide loans to small businesses for payroll and other basic expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arrow participated in the PPP as a lender, originating over $234.2 million in loans in 2020 and 2021. These loans were eligible to be forgiven if certain conditions were satisfied and were fully guaranteed by the SBA. As of December 31, 2022, there were no PPP loans outstanding in Arrow's loan portfolio.\nOn March 22, 2020, a statement was issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, the office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Consumer \n10\nFinancial Protection Bureau, titled the \u201cInteragency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus\u201d (the \u201cInteragency Statement\u201d) that encourages financial institutions to work prudently with borrowers who are or may be unable to meet their contractual payment obligations due to the effects of COVID-19. Additionally, Section 4013 of the CARES Act further provides that a qualified loan modification is exempt from classification as a troubled debt restructuring (\"TDR\") as defined by GAAP, from the period beginning March 1, 2020 until the earlier of December 31, 2020 or the date that is 60 days after the date on which the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak declared by the President of the United States under the National Emergencies Act terminates. Section 541 of the CAA extended this relief to the earlier of January 1, 2022, or 60 days after the national emergency termination date. The Interagency Statement was subsequently revised in April 2020 to clarify the interaction of the original guidance with Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as well as setting forth the federal banking regulators\u2019 views on consumer protection considerations. In accordance with such guidance, Arrow offered short-term modifications in response to COVID-19 to qualified borrowers. As of January 1, 2022, all COVID related deferrals had ended.\nOn May 11, 2023, the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency declarations ended.\nThe American Rescue Plan Act of 2021\nOn March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (\"American Rescue Plan\") was signed into law to speed up the recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession. The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill that builds upon both the CARES Act and the CAA. \nSeveral provisions within the American Rescue Plan impact financial institutions. Key provisions include direct stimulus payments for the majority of Americans, extending unemployment benefits and continuing eviction and foreclosure moratoriums. In addition, over $350 billion has been allocated to state, local and tribal governments to bridge budget shortfalls.\n \nOther Legislative Initiatives\u00a0\nFrom time to time, various legislative and regulatory initiatives are introduced in Congress and state legislatures, as well as by regulatory authorities. These initiatives may include proposals to expand or contract the powers of bank holding companies and depository institutions or proposals to change the financial institution regulatory environment. Such legislation could change banking laws and the operating environment of our Company in substantial, but unpredictable ways. Arrow cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted, and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any implementing regulations would have on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.\nE. STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE \u2013 (Regulation S-K, Subpart 1400)\nSet forth below is an index identifying the location in this Report of various items of statistical information required to be included in this Report by the SEC\u2019s industry guide for Bank Holding Companies.\nRequired Information\nLocation in Report\nDistribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity; Interest Rates and Interest Differential\nPart II, Item 7.B.I.\nInvestment Portfolio\nPart II, Item 7.C.I.\nLoan Portfolio\nPart II, Item 7.C.II.\nSummary of Credit Loss Experience\nPart II, Item 7.C.III.\nDeposits\nPart II, Item 7.C.IV.\nReturn on Equity and Assets\nPart II, Item 6.\nShort-Term Borrowings\nPart II, Item 7.C.V.\nF. COMPETITION\nArrow faces intense competition in all markets served. \u00a0Competitors include traditional local commercial banks, savings banks and credit unions, non-traditional internet-based lending alternatives, as well as local offices of major regional and money center banks. \u00a0Like all banks, the Company encounters strong competition in the mortgage lending space from a wide variety of other mortgage originators, all of whom are principally affected in this business by the rate and terms set, and the lending practices established from time-to-time by the very large government sponsored enterprises (\"GSEs\") engaged in residential mortgage lending, most importantly, \u201cFannie Mae\u201d and \u201cFreddie Mac.\u201d For many years, these GSEs have purchased and/or guaranteed a very substantial percentage of all newly-originated mortgage loans in the U.S. Additionally, non-banking financial organizations, such as consumer finance companies, insurance companies, securities firms, money market funds, mutual funds, credit card companies and wealth management enterprises offer substantive equivalents of the various other types of loan and financial products and services and transactional accounts that are offered, even though these non-banking organizations are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions and capital requirements that apply to Arrow. \u00a0Under federal banking laws, such non-banking financial organizations not only may offer products and services comparable to those offered by commercial banks, but also may establish or acquire their own commercial banks.\nG. HUMAN CAPITAL\nArrow believes that its employees are among its most important assets. Accordingly, Arrow has prioritized investment in the well-being, performance, engagement and development of its employees. This includes, but is not limited to, providing access to well-being resources and assistance, offering competitive compensation and benefits to attract and retain top-level talent, empowering team members to take an active role in the formation and execution of the business strategy, and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the many values of the communities that Arrow serves. One example is through the \n11\ncreation of Arrow University, we are investing in our people by bringing employee learning and development to the forefront. We offer opportunities to employees at all levels for personal and professional growth, technical training, and career exploration and enhancement. At December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow had 502 full-time equivalent employees. \nH. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)\nArrow is firmly committed to operating in a socially conscious manner that demonstrates positive environmental, social and governance contributions.\nEnvironmentally, Arrow is dedicated to conserving natural resources and complying with environmental regulations. Some of the steps we have taken to help promote environmentally responsible corporate citizenship include:\n\u2022\nExpanded our philanthropic support of environmental sustainability in our community, including organizations that impact soil and water conservation, land conservation, sustainable farming, mountain and lake protection and stewardship, and parks and recreation\n\u2022\nIncorporated energy-saving features into the renovation of our branches, such as interior and exterior LED lighting and energy-efficient plumbing in 40% of our branch network\n\u2022\nIncorporated the above environmentally friendly attributes into our Glens Falls, New York, headquarters renovation, which includes approximately 76,000 square feet of office space; motion-activated lighting; significant improvements to exterior wall and roof insulation; new HVAC systems with higher efficiency which meet modern fresh-air and ventilation requirements; energy-efficient windows and entry doors; low-VOC materials; a separate tie-in to the city stormwater and sewer system to bypass the municipal treatment of rainwater collected off the building; and green plantings on a portion of the roof \n\u2022\nInstalled solar panels at part of our corporate headquarters, to support the main campus with approximately 3,000 square feet of green energy\n\u2022\nInstalled electric vehicle charging stations at our SNB Main Office, with utilization offered at no charge to customers \n\u2022\nReduced emissions via remote work and video conferencing for large segments of employees\n\u2022\nProvided and encouraged digital banking options and paperless statements\nSocially, Arrow is proud of its many contributions to its employees, customers and communities, including providing professional development and holistic support of its team, giving back to its communities in dollars and volunteer hours, and meeting financial needs of the low- to moderate-income population. Arrow is also working on many ways to demonstrate the value of differences, particularly around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (\u201cDEIB\u201d).\nSteps taken in this area include:\n\u2022\nMore than $675,000 and 9,395 hours donated to our communities in 2022 in support of arts and culture, child care, economic and workforce development, emergency assistance, food security, financial literacy, mental and physical health, safe and affordable housing, transportation and more \n\u2022\n71 percent of donated dollars and 40 percent of hours are Community Reinvestment Act-eligible\n\u2022\nPrioritization of donations to organizations that make it their mission to provide affordable homeownership, environmental or sustainable activities and programming, economic empowerment, health and human services and social progress\n\u2022\nLending program to facilitate first-time home ownership\n\u2022\nExtensive pandemic-related support to customers in need, including loan deferrals and over $234.2 million of 2,400 PPP loans through 2022 \n\u2022\nBank On-certified checking product for the unbanked or underbanked population with no overdraft fees\n\u2022\nPartnership with numerous organizations to meet the financial needs of the low- to moderate-income population\n\u2022\nAnnual engagement with a third party to assess diversity within our employee base and support for setting and tracking goals to encourage the advancement of minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities\n\u2022\nProfessional development, wellness and mental health services to our employees through the HR Department and through outside Employee Assistance Program (EAP) contracted services\n\u2022\nOngoing outreach to measure employee engagement\n\u2022\nThree consecutive years of special bonuses for all employees in recognition of exceptional commitment and performance\n\u2022\nIncorporation of inclusion and belonging into our human resources policies, practices and programs\n\u2022\nUpcoming DEIB educational series for the Arrow Team as well as the development of a group of stakeholders to guide further initiatives\n\u2022\nEncouraged and facilitated employee giving including payroll deduction, dress-down days, and a fundraising campaign that totaled more than $103,000, a true reflection of our culture of giving\n\u2022\nDeveloped ESG Investment Models for our socially conscious clients\n\u2022\nLongstanding dedication to diversity on Arrow\u2019s Board of Directors, exceeding Nasdaq requirements\nFinally, Arrow believes that strong corporate governance is the foundation to delivering on its commitments to its stakeholders. Arrow adheres to a comprehensive governance program, which is described in further detail in its annual Proxy Statement. \n12\nI. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT\nThe names and ages of the executive officers of Arrow and positions held by each are presented in the following table:\nName\nAge\nPositions Held and Years from Which Held\nDavid S. DeMarco\n61\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Arrow since May 13, 2023 and Chief Banking Officer since 2018. In addition to his executive leadership role at Arrow, Mr. DeMarco serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of each of GFNB (serving since May 13, 2023) and SNB (serving since 2012). Prior positions in the Company include Senior Executive Vice President from February 2022 through May 2023, Senior Vice President of Arrow between May 2009 and January 2022, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of GFNB and Executive Vice President and Head of the Branch, Corporate Development, Financial Services & Marketing Division of GFNB (2003-2012). Mr. DeMarco started with the Company as a commercial lender in 1987.\nPenko Ivanov\n54\nChief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer effective February 21, 2023. Mr. Ivanov most recently served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. in New Canaan, Connecticut. Prior to that, he worked in various finance positions for Doral Bank, General Electric Co. and PepsiCo Inc. Mr. Ivanov began his career with Ernst & Young in Munich, Germany.\nDavid D. Kaiser\n63\nSenior Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Arrow, GFNB and SNB since February 2022. Prior positions in the Company include Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Arrow from February 2015 through January 2022, Executive Vice President of GFNB from 2012 through January 2022, Chief Credit Officer of GFNB from 2011 through January 2022 and Corporate Banking Manager for GFNB from 2005 to 2011. Mr. Kaiser started with the Company in 2000.\nAndrew J. Wise\n56\nSenior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Arrow, GFNB and SNB since February 2022. Prior positions in the Company include Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Arrow from February 2018 through January 2022, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of GFNB from October 2017 through January 2022, Chief Administrative Officer of GFNB. He joined GFNB in May 2016 as Senior Vice President of Administration. Prior to that, he worked at Adirondack Trust Company for 12 years where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company\u2019s insurance subsidiary.\nJ. AVAILABLE INFORMATION\nArrow's Internet address is \nwww.arrowfinancial.com\n. \u00a0The Company makes available, free of charge on or through Arrow's website, the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as practicable after they are filed or furnished with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act. \u00a0We intend to use our website to disclose material non-public information and various other documents related to corporate operations, including Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of principal board committees, and codes of ethics and to comply with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor our website, in addition to following and reviewing our news releases, filings with the SEC and public conference calls and other presentations. \u00a0The Company has adopted a financial code of ethics that applies to Arrow\u2019s chief executive officer, chief financial officer and principal accounting officer and a business code of ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees of the holding company and its subsidiaries. Both of these can be found at: https://www.arrowfinancial.com/Corporate/Governance.\n13",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A\n. Risk Factors\nArrow's financial results and the market price of its stock are subject to risks arising from many factors, including the risks listed below, as well as other risks and uncertainties. Any of these risks could materially and adversely affect Arrow's business, financial condition or results of operations. Please note that the discussion below regarding the potential impact on Arrow of certain of these factors that may develop in the future is not meant to provide predictions by Arrow's management that such factors will develop, but to acknowledge the possible negative consequences to the Company and business if certain conditions materialize.\nMACROECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY RISKS \nMarket conditions could present significant challenges to the U.S. commercial banking industry and its core business of making and servicing loans and any substantial downturn in the regional markets in which Arrow operates or in the U.S. economy generally could adversely affect Arrow's ability to maintain steady growth in the loan portfolio and earnings.\n Arrow's business is highly dependent on the business environment in the markets in which the Company operates as well as the United States as a whole. Arrow's business is dependent upon the financial stability of the Company's borrowers, including their ability to pay interest on and repay the principal amount of, outstanding loans, the value of the collateral securing those loans, and the overall demand for loans and other products and services, all of which impact Arrow's stability and future growth. Although Arrow's market area has experienced a stabilizing of economic conditions in recent years and even periods of modest growth, if unpredictable or unfavorable economic conditions unique to the market area should occur in upcoming periods, these conditions will likely have an adverse effect on the quality of the loan portfolio and financial performance. As a community bank, Arrow is less able than larger regional competitors to spread the risk of unfavorable local economic conditions over a larger market area. Further, if the overall U.S. economy deteriorates, then Arrow's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects could be adversely affected. In particular, financial performance may be adversely affected by short-term and long-term interest rates, the prevailing yield curve, inflation, monetary supply, fluctuations in the debt and equity capital markets, and the strength of the domestic economy and the local economies in the markets in which Arrow operates, all of which are beyond Arrow's control.\nA continued period of high inflation could adversely impact our business and our customers.\n The Federal Reserve Board has raised certain benchmark interest rates in an effort to combat the pronounced increase in inflation. As rates continue to rise, the value of our investment securities, particularly those with longer maturities, would likely decrease (although this effect may be mitigated for floating rate instruments). Further, inflation increases the cost of operational expenses which increases our noninterest expenses. Additionally, our customers may be affected by inflation, which could have a negative impact on their ability to repay loans. Finally, the high inflationary environment may discourage our customers from pursuing new loans.\nArrow operates in a highly competitive industry and market areas that could negatively affect growth and profitability. \nCompetition for commercial banking and other financial services is fierce in Arrow's market areas. In one or more aspects of business, Arrow's subsidiaries compete with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, Internet-based financial services companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, brokerage and investment banking companies, and other financial intermediaries. Additionally, due to their size and other factors, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services, as well as better pricing for those products and services, than Arrow can. Technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. In addition, many of Arrow's competitors are not subject to the same extensive federal regulations that govern bank holding companies and federally insured banks. Failure, by Arrow, to offer competitive services in Arrow's market areas could significantly weaken Arrow's market position, adversely affecting growth, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on Arrow's financial condition and results of operations.\nUncertainty relating to LIBOR and other reference rates and their potential discontinuance may negatively impact our access to funding and the value of our financial instruments and commercial agreements.\n Due to uncertainty surrounding the suitability and sustainability of the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR), central banks and global regulators have called for financial market participants to prepare for the discontinuance of LIBOR and the establishment of alternative reference rates. ICE Benchmark Administration (IBA), the administrator of LIBOR, announced that it will consult on its intention to cease publication of one-week and two-month U.S. dollar LIBOR at December 31, 2021, and stop the remaining U.S. dollar settings immediately after publication on June 30, 2023. At this time, it is not anticipated to have a significant impact to Arrow, or Arrow's financial instruments or commercial agreements that reference LIBOR.\nCertain of our financial instruments and commercial agreements contain provisions to replace LIBOR as the benchmark following the occurrence of specified transition events. Such provisions may not be sufficient to trigger a change in the benchmark at all times when LIBOR is no longer representative of market interest rates, or that these events will align with similar events in the market generally or in other parts of the financial markets, such as the derivatives market.\nAlternative reference rates are calculated using components different from those used in the calculation of LIBOR and may fluctuate differently than, and not be representative of, LIBOR. In order to compensate for these differences, certain of our financial instruments and commercial agreements allow for a benchmark replacement adjustment. However, there is no assurance that any benchmark replacement adjustment will be sufficient to produce the economic equivalent of LIBOR, either at the benchmark replacement date or over the life of such instruments and agreements.\nArrow established a committee in 2020 comprised of Bank Management to prepare for the discontinuance of LIBOR. Arrow has determined that the financial products tied to LIBOR will not be subject to cessation until June 30, 2023. This review also identified that only a few legacy contracts do not include appropriate fallback language. Arrow anticipates that the appropriate fallback provisions for these contracts will be implemented and allow for an orderly transition prior to the June 30, 2023 cessation of U.S. Dollar LIBOR (additional information regarding the replacement of LIBOR for \"tough legacy\" contracts can be found in the Reference Rate Reform section). As of December 31, 2021, Arrow no longer issues new LIBOR-based financial instruments. Furthermore, U.S. Dollar LIBOR indices utilized by Arrow's existing financial instruments shall cease on June 30, 2023. \n14\nBeginning January 1, 2022, Arrow is using the CME Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as the primary index for financial instruments.\nUncertainty as to the nature and timing of the potential discontinuance or modification of LIBOR, the replacement of LIBOR with one or more alternative reference rates or other reforms may negatively impact market liquidity, Arrow's access to funding required to operate Arrow's business and/or the trading market for financial instruments. Furthermore, the timing of implementation and use of alternative reference rates and corresponding adjustments or other reforms could be subject to disputes, could cause the interest payable on Arrow's outstanding financial instruments and commercial agreements to be materially different than expected and may impact the value of financial instruments and commercial agreements.\nThe financial services industry is faced with technological advances and changes on a continuing basis, and failure to adapt to these advances and changes could have a material adverse impact on Arrow's business\n. Technological advances and changes in the financial services industry are pervasive and constant. The retail financial services sector, like many other retail goods and services sectors, is constantly evolving, involving new delivery and communications systems and technologies that are extraordinarily far-reaching and impactful. For Arrow to remain competitive, Arrow must comprehend and adapt to these systems and technologies. Proper implementation of new technologies can increase efficiency, decrease costs and help to meet customer demand. However, many competitors have greater resources to invest in technological advances and changes. Arrow may not always be successful in utilizing the latest technological advances in offering its products and services or in otherwise conducting its business. Failure to identify, consider, adapt to and implement technological advances and changes could have a material adverse effect on business.\nProblems encountered by other financial institutions could adversely affect Arrow\n. Arrow's ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by financial or commercial problems confronting other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. Arrow has exposure to many different counterparties in the normal course of business, and routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, other commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other financial institutions. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, including in response to recent high-profile large bank failures, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and losses or defaults by Arrow or by other financial institutions on whom Arrow relies or with whom Arrow interacts. Some of these transactions expose Arrow to credit and other potential risks in the event of default of Arrow's counterparty or client. In addition, credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by Arrow cannot be liquidated or only may be liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount due Arrow under the underlying financial instrument, held by Arrow. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect results of operations.\nOPERATIONAL RISKS\nAny future economic or financial downturn, including any significant correction in the equity markets, may negatively affect the volume of income attributable to, and demand for, fee-based services of banks such as Arrow, including the Company's fiduciary business, which could negatively impact Arrow's financial condition and results of operations\n. Revenues from trust and wealth management business are dependent on the level of assets under management. Any significant downturn in the equity markets may lead Arrow's trust and wealth management customers to liquidate their investments, or may diminish account values for those customers who elect to leave their portfolios with Arrow, in either case reducing assets under management and thereby decreasing revenues from this important sector of the business. Other fee-based businesses are also susceptible to a sudden economic or financial downturn.\nIn addition, Arrow's loan quality is affected by the condition of the economy. Like all financial institutions, Arrow maintains an allowance for credit losses to provide for probable credit losses at the balance sheet date. Arrow's allowance for credit losses is based on its historical loss experience as well as an evaluation of the risks associated with its loan portfolio, including the size and composition of the portfolio, current economic conditions and geographic concentrations within the portfolio and other factors. While Arrow has continued to enjoy a very high level of quality in its loan portfolio generally and very low levels of loan charge-offs and non-performing loans, if the economy in Arrow's geographic market area should deteriorate to the point that recessionary conditions return, or if the regional or national economy experiences a protracted period of stagnation, the quality of our loan portfolio may weaken so significantly that its allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual or expected loan losses. In such events, Arrow may be required to increase its provisions for credit losses and this could materially and adversely affect financial results. Moreover, weak or worsening economic conditions often lead to difficulties in other areas of its business, including growth of its business generally, thereby compounding the negative effects on earnings.\nPotential complications with the implementation of our new core banking system could adversely impact our business and operations\n. Arrow relies extensively on information systems and technology to manage the Company's business and summarize operating results. During September 2022, Arrow completed the implementation of a new core banking system which replaced the prior system. The new core system will enable future enhancements to our digital experience, improve efficiency for our teams and customers, and empower data-driven decisions. This upgrade constitutes a major investment in Arrow\u2019s technology needs and is a key initiative within its strategic plan. The new core system implementation process has required, and will continue to require, the investment of significant personnel and financial resources. We are now using the new core system. In connection with the conversion, we have encountered, and are continuing to experience, operational and other issues, certain of which have required substantial time and resources to address, and which have had a negative impact on our operations and business and have contributed to the material weaknesses in the Company\u2019s internal controls described in Part II, Item 9A, \nControls and Procedures\n. We are continuing to resolve these issues expeditiously, but there can be no assurance that such issues will not have a further negative impact on our operations or business.\nArrow faces continuing and growing security risks to its information base including the information maintained relating to customers, and any breaches in the security systems implemented to protect this information could have a material negative effect on Arrow's business operations and financial condition\n. In the ordinary course of business, Arrow \n15\nrelies on electronic communications and information systems to conduct its operations and to store sensitive data. Arrow employs an in-depth, layered, defensive approach that leverages people, processes and technology to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. Arrow employs a variety of preventative and detective tools to monitor, block, and provide alerts regarding suspicious activity, as well as to report on any suspected advanced persistent threats. Arrow has implemented and regularly reviews and updates extensive systems of internal controls and procedures as well as corporate governance policies and procedures intended to protect its business operations, including the security and privacy of all confidential customer information. In addition, Arrow relies on the services of a variety of vendors to meet data processing and communication needs. No matter how well designed or implemented its controls are, Arrow cannot provide an absolute guarantee to protect its business operations from every type of cybersecurity or other security problem in every situation, whether as a result of systems failures, human error or negligence, cyberattacks, security breaches, fraud or misappropriation. Any failure or circumvention of these controls could have a material adverse effect on Arrow's business operations and financial condition. Notwithstanding the strength of defensive measures, the threat from cyberattacks is severe, attacks are sophisticated and increasing in volume, and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures. While to date, Arrow has not experienced a significant compromise, significant data loss or any material financial losses related to cybersecurity attacks or other security problems, Arrow's systems and those of its customers and third-party service providers are under constant threat. Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks or other security problems are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats and issues, as well as due to the expanding use of Internet banking, mobile banking and other technology-based products and services by Arrow and customers.\nThe computer systems and network infrastructure that Arrow uses are always vulnerable to unforeseen disruptions, including theft of confidential customer information (\u201cidentity theft\u201d) and interruption of service as a result of fire, natural disasters, explosion, general infrastructure failure, cyberattacks or other security problems. These disruptions may arise in Arrow's internally developed systems, or the systems of our third-party service providers or may originate from the actions of our consumer and business customers who access our systems from their own networks or digital devices to process transactions. Information security and cyber security risks have increased significantly in recent years because of consumer demand to use the Internet and other electronic delivery channels to conduct financial transactions. Cybersecurity risk and other security problems are a major concern to financial services regulators and all financial service providers, including Arrow. These risks are further exacerbated due to the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists and other disreputable parties. Arrow regularly assesses and tests security systems and disaster preparedness, including back-up systems, but the risks are substantially escalating. As a result, cybersecurity and the continued enhancement of Arrow's controls and processes to protect its systems, data and networks from attacks or unauthorized access remain a priority. Accordingly, Arrow may be required to expend additional resources to enhance its protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities or exposures. Any breach of Arrow's system security could result in disruption of its operations, unauthorized access to confidential customer information, significant regulatory costs, litigation exposure and other possible damages, loss or liability. Such costs or losses could exceed the amount of available insurance coverage, if any, and would adversely affect Arrow's earnings. Also, any failure to prevent a security breach or to quickly and effectively deal with such a breach could negatively impact customer confidence, damaging Arrow's reputation and undermining its ability to attract and keep customers. In addition, if Arrow fails to observe any of the cybersecurity requirements in federal or state laws, regulations or regulatory guidance, Arrow could be subject to various sanctions, including financial penalties.\nBusiness could suffer if Arrow loses key personnel unexpectedly or if employee wages increase significantly.\n Arrow's success depends, in large part, on Arrow's ability to retain key personnel for the duration of their expected terms of service. On an ongoing basis, Arrow prepares and reviews back-up plans, in the event key personnel are unexpectedly rendered incapable of performing or depart or resign from their positions. However, any sudden unexpected change at the senior management level may adversely affect business. In addition, should Arrow's industry begin to experience a shortage of qualified employees, Arrow, like other financial institutions or businesses in general, may have difficulty attracting and retaining entry level or higher bracket personnel and also may experience, as a result of such shortages or the enactment of higher minimum wage laws locally or nationwide, increased salary expense, which would likely negatively impact results of operations.\nCOVID-19 or other health emergencies may adversely affect Arrow\u2019s business activities, financial condition and results of operations.\n The business of Arrow and its subsidiary banks depends on the willingness and ability of its customers to conduct financial transactions. COVID-19 or other health emergencies could disrupt the business, activities, and operations of Arrow\u2019s customers, as well as Arrow's business and operations.\nArrow has taken steps to mitigate the risk of harm to its employees and customers and to its operations from the COVID-19 pandemic or other events through its business continuity plan. There are a number of uncertainties related to the potential effects of a pandemic that may not be able to be addressed by this effort. If the spread of a pandemic or a health emergency has an adverse effect on (i) customer deposits, (ii) the ability of borrowers to satisfy their obligations, (iii) the demand for loans or other financial products and services, (iv) the ability of Arrow\u2019s personnel and third party service providers to perform effectively, (v) financial markets, real estate markets, or economic growth, or (vi) other aspects of operations, then Arrow\u2019s liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.\nFINANCIAL RISKS\nArrow is subject to interest rate risk, which could adversely affect profitability\n. Profitability, like that of most financial institutions, depends to a large extent on Arrow's net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest received on loans and securities and the amount of interest paid on deposits and borrowings, but also (1) Arrow's ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (2) the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, and (3) the average duration of mortgage-backed securities portfolio. If the interest rates Arrow pays on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans, securities and other interest-earning investments, net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings. Changes in interest rates, whether they are increases or decreases, can also trigger repricing and changes in the pace of payments for both assets and liabilities.\n16\nBeginning and continuing throughout 2022, the Federal Reserve raised benchmark interest rates, partially in response to increasing inflation. In 2023, rates may continue to rise and/or stay at elevated levels. Higher interest rates could have a negative impact on results of operations by reducing the ability of borrowers to repay their current loan obligations. These circumstances could not only result in increased loan defaults, foreclosures and charge-offs, but also necessitate further increases to the allowance for credit losses which may materially and adversely affect Arrow's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.\nArrow could recognize losses on securities held in our securities portfolio, particularly if interest rates increase or economic and market conditions deteriorate. \n Factors beyond our control can significantly influence and cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of securities in our portfolio. For example, fixed-rate securities acquired by us are generally subject to decreases in market value when interest rates rise. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency downgrades of the securities, our own analysis of the value of the securities, defaults by the issuers or individual mortgagors with respect to the underlying securities and instability in the credit markets. Any of the foregoing factors, as well as changing economic and market conditions, generally, could cause other-than-temporary impairments, realized or unrealized losses in future periods and declines in other comprehensive income, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. The process for determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary requires complex, subjective judgments about Arrow's future financial performance and liquidity, the fair value of any collateral underlying the security and whether and to what extent the principal and interest on the security will ultimately be paid in accordance with its payment terms, any of which could subsequently prove to have been wrong.\nArrow's allowance for possible credit losses may be insufficient, and an increase in the allowance would reduce earnings\n. The allowance is established through a provision for credit losses based on management\u2019s evaluation of the risks inherent in the loan portfolio and the general economy. The allowance is based upon a number of factors, including the size of the loan portfolio, asset classifications, economic trends, industry experience and trends, industry and geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, management\u2019s assessment of the credit risk inherent in the portfolio, historical loss experience and loan underwriting policies. In addition, Arrow evaluates all loans identified as problem loans and augments the allowance based upon an estimation of the potential loss associated with those problem loans. Additions to the allowance for credit losses decrease net income through provisions for credit losses. If the evaluation performed in connection with establishing credit loss reserves is wrong, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover Arrow's losses, which would have an adverse effect on operating results. Arrow's regulators, in reviewing the loan portfolio as part of a regulatory examination, may from time to time require Arrow to increase the allowance for credit losses, thereby negatively affecting earnings, financial condition and capital ratios at that time. Moreover, additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and real estate market conditions, new information regarding existing loans and leases, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of Arrow's control. Additions to the allowance could have a negative impact on Arrow's results of operations.\nArrow\u2019s financial condition and the results of its operations could be negatively impacted by liquidity management.\n Arrow\u2019s liquidity can be significantly and negatively impacted by factors outside the Company\u2019s control, including general disruptions in the financial markets, governmental fiscal and monetary policies, regulatory changes, negative investor perceptions of Arrow\u2019s creditworthiness, unexpected increases in cash or collateral requirements and the consequent inability to monetize available liquidity resources. Further, competition for deposits has continued to increase in recent years, including as a result of online banks and digital banking and fixed income alternatives for customer funds. Continued or increased competition for deposits in the current higher interest rate environment could negatively impact Arrow\u2019s liquidity going forward.\nIn addition, as a holding company, Arrow relies on interest, dividends, distributions and other payments from its subsidiary banks to fund dividends as well as to satisfy its debt and other obligations. Limitations on the payments that Arrow receives from its subsidiary banks could also impact Arrow\u2019s liquidity. A bank holding company is required by law to act as a source of financial and managerial strength for its subsidiary banks. As a result, Arrow may be required to commit resources to its subsidiary banks, even if doing so is not otherwise in the interests of the Company, its shareholders or its creditors, which could reduce the amount of funds available to meet its obligations.\nThe increasing complexity of Arrow's operations presents varied risks that could affect earnings and financial condition. \nArrow processes a large volume of transactions on a daily basis and is exposed to numerous types of risks related to internal processes, people and systems. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risk of fraud by persons inside or outside the Company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and systems, breaches of data security, human error or negligence, and Arrow's internal control system and compliance with a complex array of consumer and safety and soundness regulations. Arrow could also experience additional loss as a result of potential legal actions that could arise as a result of operational deficiencies or as a result of noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations.\nWe have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which could, if not remediated, result in a material misstatement of our financial statements.\n Although Arrow established and maintained a system of internal controls to provide management with information on a timely basis and allow for the monitoring of compliance with operational standards, we have identified material weaknesses in our system of internal controls. Specifically, in connection with management's evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, we determined that we did not maintain effective monitoring controls in relation to testing, communication, and oversight over internal controls over financial reporting. Also, with regard to the conversion of our core banking information technology system, we did not effectively perform risk assessment procedures to identify the impact of the conversion on our internal control over financial reporting. The material weaknesses did not result in a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements. However, the material weaknesses could result in a misstatement of certain account balances or disclosures that could result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim financial statements which would not be prevented or detected in a timely manner. Losses from operational risks may still occur, however, including losses from the effects of operational errors. We have developed and are executing upon a plan of remediation to address the identified material weaknesses. If our \n17\nremediation efforts are insufficient to address the identified material weaknesses or if additional material weaknesses in internal controls are discovered in the future, we may be unable to timely and accurately record, process, summarize and report our financial results. The occurrence of or failure to remediate a material weakness may adversely affect our reputation and business and the market price of shares of our common stock. For additional discussion, see Part II, Item 9A, Controls and Procedures.\nRISKS RELATED TO OWNING OUR COMMON STOCK\nThe Company relies on the operations of its banking subsidiaries to provide liquidity, which, if limited, could impact Arrow's ability to pay dividends to its shareholders or to repurchase its common stock.\n Arrow is a bank holding company, a separate legal entity from its subsidiaries. The bank holding company does not have significant operations of its own. The ability of the subsidiaries, including bank and insurance subsidiaries, to pay dividends is limited by various statutes and regulations. It is possible, depending upon the financial condition of Arrow's subsidiaries and other factors, that the subsidiaries might be restricted at some point in the ability to pay dividends to the holding company, including by a bank regulator asserting that the payment of such dividends or other payments would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. In addition, under federal banking law, Arrow is subject to consolidated capital requirements at the holding company level. If the holding company or the bank subsidiaries are required to retain or increase capital, Arrow may not be able to maintain the cash dividends or pay dividends at all, or to repurchase shares of Arrow's common stock.\nLEGAL, TAX, REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE RISKS\nCapital and liquidity standards require banks and bank holding companies to maintain more and higher quality capital and greater liquidity than has historically been the case\n. Capital standards, particularly those adopted as a result of Dodd-Frank, continue to have a significant effect on banks and bank holding companies, including Arrow. The need to maintain more and higher quality capital, as well as greater liquidity, and generally increased regulatory scrutiny with respect to capital levels, may at some point limit business activities, including lending, and our ability to expand. It could also result in Arrow being required to take steps to increase regulatory capital and may dilute shareholder value or limit the ability to pay dividends or otherwise return capital to investors through stock repurchases. The Capital Rules promulgated under Dodd-Frank will remain applicable to Arrow.\nFederal banking statutes and regulations could change in the future, which may adversely affect Arrow. \nArrow is subject to extensive federal and state banking regulations and supervision. Banking laws and regulations are intended primarily to protect bank depositors\u2019 funds (and indirectly the Federal Deposit Insurance Fund) as well as bank retail customers, who may lack the sophistication to understand or appreciate bank products and services. These laws and regulations generally are not, however, aimed at protecting or enhancing the returns on investment enjoyed by bank shareholders.\nArrow's depositor/customer awareness of the changing regulatory environment is particularly true of the set of laws and regulations under Dodd-Frank, which were passed in the aftermath of the 2008-09 financial crisis and in large part were intended to better protect bank customers (and to some degree, banks) against a wide variety of lending products and aggressive lending practices that pre-dated the crisis and are seen as having contributed to its severity. Although not all banks offered such products or engaged in such practices, all banks are affected by these laws and regulations to some degree.\nDodd-Frank restricts Arrow's lending practices, requires us to expend substantial additional resources to safeguard customers, significantly increases its regulatory burden, and subjects Arrow to significantly higher minimum capital requirements which, in the long run, may serve as a drag on its earnings, growth and ultimately on its dividends and stock price (the Dodd-Frank capital standards are separately addressed in a previous risk factor).\nAlthough the Economic Growth Act and similar initiatives may mitigate the impact of Dodd-Frank, other statutory and regulatory changes including additional guidance and interpretations of existing rules and requirements could add to the existing regulatory burden imposed on banking organizations like Arrow, resulting in a potential material adverse effect on Arrow's financial condition and results of operations.\nNon-compliance with the Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other anti-money laundering laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions and restrictions on conducting acquisitions or establishing new branches.\n The Patriot Act and Bank Secrecy Act require financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities. If such activities are suspected, financial institutions are obligated to file suspicious activity reports with FinCEN. Federal anti-money laundering rules require financial institutions to establish procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of customers seeking to open new financial accounts. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or sanctions, and restrictions on conducting acquisitions or establishing new branches. During the last few years, several banking institutions have received large fines for non-compliance with these laws and regulations. The policies and procedures Arrow adopted that are designed to assist in compliance with these laws and regulations may not be effective in preventing violations of these laws and regulations.\nArrow, through its banking subsidiaries, is subject to the CRA and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties\n. CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution\u2019s performance under the CRA or fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity and restrictions on expansion. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution\u2019s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on Arrow's business, financial condition and results of operations. ",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\n Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nSelected Quarterly Information\nDollars in thousands, except per share amounts\nShare and per share amounts have been restated for the September 2022 3% stock dividend\nQuarter Ended\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nNet Income\n$\n12,087\u00a0\n$\n12,163\u00a0\n$\n11,974\u00a0\n$\n12,575\u00a0\n$\n10,309\u00a0\nTransactions Recorded in Net Income (Net of Tax):\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nNet Changes in Fair Value of Equity Investments\n35\u00a0\n70\u00a0\n114\u00a0\n96\u00a0\n(104)\nShare and Per Share Data: \n1\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPeriod End Shares Outstanding\n16,552\u00a0\n16,523\u00a0\n16,503\u00a0\n16,493\u00a0\n16,522\u00a0\nBasic Average Shares Outstanding\n16,535\u00a0\n16,512\u00a0\n16,494\u00a0\n16,511\u00a0\n16,509\u00a0\nDiluted Average Shares Outstanding\n16,589\u00a0\n16,558\u00a0\n16,535\u00a0\n16,566\u00a0\n16,574\u00a0\nBasic Earnings Per Share\n$\n0.73\u00a0\n$\n0.74\u00a0\n$\n0.72\u00a0\n$\n0.76\u00a0\n$\n0.62\u00a0\nDiluted Earnings Per Share\n0.73\u00a0\n0.74\u00a0\n0.72\u00a0\n$\n0.76\u00a0\n$\n0.62\u00a0\nCash Dividend Per Share\n0.270\u00a0\n0.262\u00a0\n0.262\u00a0\n0.262\u00a0\n0.252\u00a0\nSelected Quarterly Average Balances:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Interest-Bearing Deposits at Banks\n$\n143,499\u00a0\n$\n209,001\u00a0\n$\n232,545\u00a0\n$\n410,644\u00a0\n$\n551,890\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Investment Securities\n845,859\u00a0\n821,052\u00a0\n822,112\u00a0\n797,347\u00a0\n681,732\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Loans\n2,951,547\u00a0\n2,872,066\u00a0\n2,804,180\u00a0\n2,678,796\u00a0\n2,660,665\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Deposits\n3,614,945\u00a0\n3,598,519\u00a0\n3,569,754\u00a0\n3,582,256\u00a0\n3,590,766\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Other Borrowed Funds\n63,304\u00a0\n50,125\u00a0\n50,140\u00a0\n68,596\u00a0\n70,162\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Shareholders\u2019 Equity\n351,402\u00a0\n361,675\u00a0\n357,228\u00a0\n370,264\u00a0\n364,409\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0Total Assets\n4,074,028\u00a0\n4,047,738\u00a0\n4,012,999\u00a0\n4,054,943\u00a0\n4,060,540\u00a0\nReturn on Average Assets, annualized\n1.18\u00a0\n%\n1.19\u00a0\n%\n1.20\u00a0\n%\n1.26\u00a0\n%\n1.01\u00a0\n%\nReturn on Average Equity, annualized\n13.65\u00a0\n%\n13.34\u00a0\n%\n13.44\u00a0\n%\n13.77\u00a0\n%\n11.22\u00a0\n%\nReturn on Average Tangible Equity, annualized \n2\n14.62\u00a0\n%\n14.27\u00a0\n%\n14.40\u00a0\n%\n14.72\u00a0\n%\n12.01\u00a0\n%\nAverage Earning Assets\n$\n3,940,905\u00a0\n$\n3,902,119\u00a0\n$\n3,858,837\u00a0\n$\n3,886,787\u00a0\n$\n3,894,287\u00a0\nAverage Paying Liabilities\n2,891,092\u00a0\n2,781,985\u00a0\n2,808,287\u00a0\n2,855,884\u00a0\n2,841,304\u00a0\nInterest Income\n35,904\u00a0\n34,207\u00a0\n30,593\u00a0\n28,947\u00a0\n28,354\u00a0\nTax-Equivalent Adjustment \n3\n279\u00a0\n268\u00a0\n269\u00a0\n270\u00a0\n285\u00a0\nInterest Income, Tax-Equivalent \n3\n36,183\u00a0\n34,475\u00a0\n30,862\u00a0\n29,217\u00a0\n28,639\u00a0\nInterest Expense\n5,325\u00a0\n3,306\u00a0\n1,555\u00a0\n1,122\u00a0\n1,152\u00a0\nNet Interest Income\n30,579\u00a0\n30,901\u00a0\n29,038\u00a0\n27,825\u00a0\n27,202\u00a0\nNet Interest Income, Tax-Equivalent \n3\n30,858\u00a0\n31,169\u00a0\n29,307\u00a0\n28,095\u00a0\n27,487\u00a0\nNet Interest Margin, annualized\n3.08\u00a0\n%\n3.14\u00a0\n%\n3.02\u00a0\n%\n2.90\u00a0\n%\n2.77\u00a0\n%\nNet Interest Margin, Tax-Equivalent, annualized \n3\n3.11\u00a0\n%\n3.17\u00a0\n%\n3.05\u00a0\n%\n2.93\u00a0\n%\n2.80\u00a0\n%\nEfficiency Ratio Calculation:\n \n4\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nNoninterest Expense\n$\n20,792\u00a0\n$\n21,448\u00a0\n$\n20,345\u00a0\n$\n18,945\u00a0\n$\n20,860\u00a0\nLess: Intangible Asset Amortization\n47\u00a0\n48\u00a0\n48\u00a0\n49\u00a0\n52\u00a0\nNet Noninterest Expense\n20,745\u00a0\n21,400\u00a0\n20,297\u00a0\n18,896\u00a0\n20,808\u00a0\nNet Interest Income, Tax-Equivalent\n30,858\u00a0\n31,169\u00a0\n29,307\u00a0\n28,095\u00a0\n27,487\u00a0\nNoninterest Income\n7,165\u00a0\n7,827\u00a0\n7,744\u00a0\n8,162\u00a0\n7,589\u00a0\nLess: Net Changes in Fair Value of Equity Investments\n48\u00a0\n95\u00a0\n154\u00a0\n130\u00a0\n(139)\nNet Gross Income\n$\n37,975\u00a0\n$\n38,901\u00a0\n$\n36,897\u00a0\n$\n36,127\u00a0\n$\n35,215\u00a0\nEfficiency Ratio\n54.63\u00a0\n%\n55.01\u00a0\n%\n55.01\u00a0\n%\n52.30\u00a0\n%\n59.09\u00a0\n%\nPeriod-End Capital Information: \n5\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nTotal Stockholders\u2019 Equity (i.e. Book Value)\n$\n353,538\u00a0\n$\n345,550\u00a0\n$\n356,498\u00a0\n$\n357,243\u00a0\n$\n371,186\u00a0\nBook Value per Share \n1\n21.36\u00a0\n20.91\u00a0\n21.60\u00a0\n21.66\u00a0\n22.47\u00a0\nGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net\n23,373\u00a0\n23,477\u00a0\n23,583\u00a0\n23,691\u00a0\n23,791\u00a0\nTangible Book Value per Share \n1,2\n19.95\u00a0\n19.49\u00a0\n20.17\u00a0\n20.22\u00a0\n21.03\u00a0\nCapital Ratios: \n5\nTier 1 Leverage Ratio\n9.80\u00a0\n%\n9.71\u00a0\n%\n9.60\u00a0\n%\n9.37\u00a0\n%\n9.20\u00a0\n%\nCommon Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio\n \n13.32\u00a0\n%\n13.14\u00a0\n%\n13.14\u00a0\n%\n13.48\u00a0\n%\n13.77\u00a0\n%\nTier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio\n14.01\u00a0\n%\n13.85\u00a0\n%\n13.86\u00a0\n%\n14.23\u00a0\n%\n14.55\u00a0\n%\nTotal Risk-Based Capital Ratio\n15.11\u00a0\n%\n14.93\u00a0\n%\n14.93\u00a0\n%\n15.33\u00a0\n%\n15.69\u00a0\n%\nAssets Under Trust Administration & Investment Mgmt\n$\n1,606,132\u00a0\n$\n1,515,994\u00a0\n$\n1,589,178\u00a0\n$\n1,793,747\u00a0\n$\n1,851,101\u00a0\n24\nSelected Twelve-Month Information\nDollars in thousands, except per share amounts\nShare and per share amounts have been restated for the September 2022 3% stock dividend\n2022\n2021\n2020\nNet Income\n$\n48,799\u00a0\n$\n49,857\u00a0\n$\n40,827\u00a0\nTransactions Recorded in Net Income (Net of Tax):\nNet Gain (Loss) on Securities\n315\u00a0\n83\u00a0\n(346)\nPeriod End Shares Outstanding\n1\n16,552\u00a0\n16,522\u00a0\n16,461\u00a0\nBasic Average Shares Outstanding\n1\n16,513\u00a0\n16,499\u00a0\n16,406\u00a0\nDiluted Average Shares Outstanding\n1\n16,562\u00a0\n16,555\u00a0\n16,422\u00a0\nBasic Earnings Per Share\n1\n$\n2.95\u00a0\n$\n3.02\u00a0\n$\n2.49\u00a0\nDiluted Earnings Per Share\n1\n2.95\u00a0\n3.01\u00a0\n2.49\u00a0\nCash Dividends Per Share\n1\n1.06\u00a0\n0.99\u00a0\n0.96\u00a0\nAverage Assets\n4,047,480\u00a0\n3,882,642\u00a0\n3,481,761\u00a0\nAverage Equity\n360,095\u00a0\n353,757\u00a0\n319,814\u00a0\nReturn on Average Assets\n1.21\u00a0\n%\n1.28\u00a0\n%\n1.17\u00a0\n%\nReturn on Average Equity\n13.55\u00a0\n%\n14.09\u00a0\n%\n12.77\u00a0\n%\nAverage Earning Assets\n$\n3,902,077\u00a0\n$\n3,716,856\u00a0\n$\n3,320,937\u00a0\nAverage Interest-Bearing Liabilities\n2,834,266\u00a0\n2,727,441\u00a0\n2,510,655\u00a0\nInterest Income\n129,651\u00a0\n115,550\u00a0\n111,896\u00a0\nInterest Income, Tax-Equivalent*\n130,737\u00a0\n116,655\u00a0\n113,000\u00a0\nInterest Expense\n11,308\u00a0\n5,195\u00a0\n12,694\u00a0\nNet Interest Income\n118,343\u00a0\n110,355\u00a0\n99,202\u00a0\nNet Interest Income, Tax-Equivalent*\n119,429\u00a0\n111,460\u00a0\n100,306\u00a0\nNet Interest Margin\n3.03\u00a0\n%\n2.97\u00a0\n%\n2.99\u00a0\n%\nNet Interest Margin, Tax-Equivalent*\n3.06\u00a0\n%\n3.00\u00a0\n%\n3.02\u00a0\n%\nEfficiency Ratio Calculation\n*\n4\nNoninterest Expense\n$\n81,530\u00a0\n$\n78,048\u00a0\n$\n70,678\u00a0\nLess: Intangible Asset Amortization\n193\u00a0\n210\u00a0\n227\u00a0\nNet Noninterest Expense\n81,337\u00a0\n77,838\u00a0\n70,451\u00a0\nNet Interest Income, Tax-Equivalent \n119,429\u00a0\n111,460\u00a0\n100,306\u00a0\nNoninterest Income\n30,898\u00a0\n32,369\u00a0\n32,658\u00a0\nLess: Net (Loss) Gain on Securities\n427\u00a0\n111\u00a0\n(464)\nNet Gross Income, Adjusted\n$\n149,900\u00a0\n$\n143,718\u00a0\n$\n133,428\u00a0\nEfficiency Ratio*\n54.26\u00a0\n%\n54.16\u00a0\n%\n52.80\u00a0\n%\nPeriod-End Capital Information\n:\nTier 1 Leverage Ratio\n9.80\u00a0\n%\n9.20\u00a0\n%\n9.07\u00a0\n%\nTotal Stockholders\u2019 Equity (i.e. Book Value)\n$\n353,538\u00a0\n$\n371,186\u00a0\n$\n334,392\u00a0\nBook Value per Share\n21.36\u00a0\n22.47\u00a0\n20.31\u00a0\nIntangible Assets\n23,373\u00a0\n23,791\u00a0\n23,823\u00a0\nTangible Book Value per Share \n2\n19.95\u00a0\n21.03\u00a0\n18.87\u00a0\nAsset Quality Information:\nNet Loans Charged-off as a\u00a0Percentage of Average Loans\n0.08\u00a0\n%\n0.03\u00a0\n%\n0.05\u00a0\n%\nProvision for Credit Losses as a Percentage of Average Loans\n0.17\u00a0\n%\n0.01\u00a0\n%\n0.37\u00a0\n%\nAllowance for Credit Losses as a\u00a0Percentage of Period-End Loans\n1.00\u00a0\n%\n1.02\u00a0\n%\n1.13\u00a0\n%\nAllowance for Credit Losses as a Percentage of Nonperforming Loans\n249.95\u00a0\n%\n233.89\u00a0\n%\n456.32\u00a0\n%\nNonperforming Loans as a Percentage of Period-End Loans\n0.40\u00a0\n%\n0.44\u00a0\n%\n0.25\u00a0\n%\nNonperforming Assets as a\u00a0Percentage of Total Assets\n0.32\u00a0\n%\n0.29\u00a0\n%\n0.18\u00a0\n%\n*See \"Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures\" on page 4.\n25\nArrow Financial Corporation\nReconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information\n(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts\n)\nFootnotes:\n1.\nShare and per share data have been restated for the September\u00a023, 2022, 3% stock dividend.\n2.\nNon-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliation: Tangible Book Value, Tangible Equity, and Return on Tangible Equity exclude goodwill and other intangible assets, net from total equity. \u00a0These are non-GAAP financial measures which Arrow believes provides investors with information that is useful in understanding its financial performance.\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nTotal Stockholders' Equity (GAAP)\n$\n353,538\u00a0\n$\n345,550\u00a0\n$\n356,498\u00a0\n$\n357,243\u00a0\n$\n371,186\u00a0\nLess: Goodwill and Other Intangible assets, net\n23,373\u00a0\n23,477\u00a0\n23,583\u00a0\n23,691\u00a0\n23,791\u00a0\nTangible Equity (Non-GAAP)\n$\n330,165\u00a0\n$\n322,073\u00a0\n$\n332,915\u00a0\n$\n333,552\u00a0\n$\n347,395\u00a0\nPeriod End Shares Outstanding\n16,552\u00a0\n16,523\u00a0\n16,503\u00a0\n16,493\u00a0\n16,522\u00a0\nTangible Book Value per Share (Non-GAAP)\n$\n19.95\u00a0\n$\n19.49\u00a0\n$\n20.17\u00a0\n$\n20.22\u00a0\n$\n21.03\u00a0\nNet Income\n12,087\u00a0\n12,163\u00a0\n11,974\u00a0\n12,575\u00a0\n10,309\u00a0\nReturn on Tangible Equity (Net Income/Tangible Equity - Annualized)\n14.62\u00a0\n%\n14.27\u00a0\n%\n14.40\u00a0\n%\n14.72\u00a0\n%\n12.01\u00a0\n%\n3.\nNon-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliation: Net Interest Margin is the ratio of annualized tax-equivalent net interest income to average earning assets. This is also a non-GAAP financial measure which Arrow believes provides investors with information that is useful in understanding its financial performance.\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nInterest Income (GAAP)\n$\n35,904\u00a0\n$\n34,207\u00a0\n$\n30,593\u00a0\n$\n28,947\u00a0\n$\n28,354\u00a0\nAdd: Tax Equivalent Adjustment (Non-GAAP)\n279\u00a0\n268\u00a0\n269\u00a0\n270\u00a0\n285\u00a0\nInterest Income - Tax Equivalent (Non-GAAP)\n$\n36,183\u00a0\n$\n34,475\u00a0\n$\n30,862\u00a0\n$\n29,217\u00a0\n$\n28,639\u00a0\nNet Interest Income (GAAP)\n$\n30,579\u00a0\n$\n30,901\u00a0\n$\n29,038\u00a0\n$\n27,825\u00a0\n$\n27,202\u00a0\nAdd: Tax-Equivalent adjustment (Non-GAAP)\n279\u00a0\n268\u00a0\n269\u00a0\n270\u00a0\n285\u00a0\nNet Interest Income - Tax Equivalent (Non-GAAP)\n$\n30,858\u00a0\n$\n31,169\u00a0\n$\n29,307\u00a0\n$\n28,095\u00a0\n$\n27,487\u00a0\nAverage Earning Assets\n$\n3,940,905\u00a0\n$\n3,902,119\u00a0\n$\n3,858,837\u00a0\n$\n3,886,787\u00a0\n$\n3,894,287\u00a0\nNet Interest Margin (Non-GAAP)\n3.11\u00a0\n%\n3.17\u00a0\n%\n3.05\u00a0\n%\n2.93\u00a0\n%\n2.80\u00a0\n%\n4.\nNon-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliation: Financial Institutions often use the \"efficiency ratio\", a non-GAAP ratio, as a measure of expense control. Arrow believes the efficiency ratio provides investors with information that is useful in understanding its financial performance. Arrow defines efficiency ratio as the ratio of noninterest expense to net gross income (which equals tax-equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income, as adjusted).\n5.\nFor the current quarter, all of the regulatory capital ratios as well as the Total Risk-Weighted Assets are calculated in accordance with bank regulatory capital rules. The December\u00a031, 2022 CET1 ratio listed in the tables (i.e., 13.32%) exceeds the sum of the required minimum CET1 ratio plus the fully phased-in Capital Conservation Buffer (i.e., 7.00%).\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nTotal Risk Weighted Assets\n$\n2,883,902\u00a0\n$\n2,856,224\u00a0\n$\n2,790,520\u00a0\n$\n2,661,952\u00a0\n$\n2,552,812\u00a0\nCommon Equity Tier 1 Capital\n384,003\u00a0\n375,394\u00a0\n366,798\u00a0\n358,738\u00a0\n351,497\u00a0\nCommon Equity Tier 1 Ratio\n13.32\u00a0\n%\n13.14\u00a0\n%\n13.14\u00a0\n%\n13.48\u00a0\n%\n13.77\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n26\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES\nThe significant accounting policies, as described in Note 2\n - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies \nto the Consolidated Financial Statements are essential in understanding the Management Discussion and Analysis. Many of the significant accounting policies require complex judgments to estimate the values of assets and liabilities. Arrow has procedures and processes in place to facilitate making these judgments. The more judgmental estimates are summarized in the following discussion. In many cases, there are numerous alternative judgments that could be used in the process of determining the inputs to the models. Where alternatives exist, Arrow has used the factors that are believed to represent the most reasonable value in developing the inputs. Actual performance that differs from estimates of the key variables could impact the results of operations. \nAllowance for credit losses:\n The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for credit losses and the allowance for losses on unfunded commitments. Arrow adopted on January 1, 2021, Accounting Standards Updates (\u2018\u2018ASU\u2019\u2019) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (\u2018\u2018CECL\u2019\u2019) and its related amendments. The CECL approach requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure (or pool of exposures). The estimate of expected credit losses under the CECL approach is based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amounts. Historical loss experience is generally the starting point for estimating expected credit losses. Arrow then considers whether the historical loss experience should be adjusted for asset-specific risk characteristics or current conditions at the reporting date that did not exist over the period from which historical experience was used. Finally, Arrow considers forecasts about future economic conditions that are reasonable and supportable. The allowance for losses on unfunded commitments represents the expected credit losses on off-balance sheet commitments such as unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. However, a liability is not recognized for commitments unconditionally cancellable by Arrow. The allowance for losses on unfunded commitments is determined by estimating future draws and applying the expected loss rates on those draws. Arrow considers the accounting policy relating to the allowance for credit losses to be a critical accounting estimate given the uncertainty in evaluating the level of the allowance required to cover Arrow's estimate of all expected credit losses over the expected contractual life of our loan portfolio. Determining the appropriateness of the allowance is complex and requires judgment by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Subsequent evaluations of the then-existing loan portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the allowance for credit losses in those future periods. While management\u2019s current evaluation of the allowance for credit losses indicates that the allowance is appropriate at this time, the allowance may need to be increased in the future due to changes in conditions or assumptions. The impact of utilizing the CECL approach to calculate the reserve for credit losses will be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of our loan portfolio, as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts utilized. Material changes to these and other relevant factors may result in greater volatility to the reserve for credit losses, and therefore, greater volatility to our reported earnings. Arrow's policies on the allowance for credit losses, pension accounting and provision for income taxes are disclosed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-K.\n27\nA. OVERVIEW\nThe following discussion and analysis focuses on and reviews Arrow's results of operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended December\u00a031, 2022 and the financial condition as of December\u00a031, 2022 and 2021. \u00a0The discussion below should be read in conjunction with the selected quarterly and annual information set forth above and the Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial data presented elsewhere in this Report. \u00a0When necessary, prior-year financial information has been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation.\nSummary of 2022 Financial Results: \nFor the year ended December\u00a031, 2022, net income was $48.8 million, down 2.1% from $49.9 million for 2021. The decrease from the prior year was primarily the result of an increase in net interest income of $8.0 million, offset by a $4.5 million increase in the provision for credit loss, a decrease in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) revenue earned of $6.2 million and a $2.3 million decrease in the gain on the sale of loans.\nDiluted EPS was $2.95 for 2022, down 2.1% from $3.01 in 2021. Return on average equity (ROE) and return on average assets (ROA) were 13.55% and 1.21%, respectively, as compared to 14.09% and 1.28%, respectively, for 2021.\nNet interest income for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022 was $118.3 million, an increase of $8.0 million, or 7.2%, from the prior year. Interest and fees on loans were $113.0 million, an increase of 7.6% from the $105.0 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2021. Interest and fees related to PPP loans, included in the $113.0 million, were $1.6 million. In 2021, $7.8 million of income was earned on PPP loans. Interest expense for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022 was $11.3 million. This is an increase of $6.1 million, or 117.7%, from the $5.2 million in expense for the prior-year period.\nNet interest margin was 3.03% for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022, as compared to 2.97% for the year ended December\u00a031, 2021. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the net interest margin was 3.08%, as compared to 2.77% for the fourth quarter of 2021. The increase in net interest margin was due to a variety of factors, including higher market rates impacting asset yields and a reduction in cash balances. Net interest margin in 2022, excluding PPP income, increased to 3.00% from 2.84% in the prior year. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased primarily due to the repricing of time deposits and municipal deposits.\nFor 2022, the provision for credit losses related to the loan portfolio was $4.8 million, compared to $272 thousand in 2021. The key drivers affecting the provision were strong loan growth, increase in net charge-offs and a deterioration in forecasted economic conditions.\nNoninterest income was $30.9 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022, a decrease of 4.5%, as compared to $32.4 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2021. Income from fiduciary activities in 2022 was $9.7 million, a decrease of $431 thousand from 2021, primarily driven by market conditions. Fees and other services to customers increased $164 thousand to $11.6 million in 2022. Gain on sales of loans decreased $2.3 million from 2021 to $83 thousand in 2022. Other operating income increased $814 thousand from 2021, due to gains related to other investments and bank-owned life insurance proceeds.\nNoninterest expense for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022 increased by $3.5 million, or 4.5%, to $81.5 million, as compared to $78.0 million in 2021. The largest component of noninterest expense is salaries and benefits paid to our employees, which totaled $47.0 million in 2022. Salaries and benefits increased $2.2 million, or 4.9%, from the prior year. Technology and equipment expense was $16.1 million, an increase of $1.2 million or 8.4%, from the prior year, reflects our continued commitment to innovation. Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased $68 thousand, or 0.3%, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2021.\nThe provision for income taxes for 2022 was $14.1 million, compared to $14.5 million for 2021. The effective income tax rates for 2022 and 2021 were 22.4% and 22.6%, respectively.\nTotal assets were $3.97 billion at December\u00a031, 2022, a decrease of $58.4 million, or 1.5%, compared to December\u00a031, 2021. Total cash and cash equivalents were $64.7 million at December\u00a031, 2022, a decrease of $393.0 million, or 85.9%, compared to December\u00a031, 2021. Total investments were $757.1 million at December\u00a031, 2022, a decrease of $5.9 million, or 0.8%, compared to December\u00a031, 2021. In 2022, the rising interest rate environment resulted in an increase of unrealized losses versus the prior year.\nAt December\u00a031, 2022, total loan balances reached $3.0 billion, up $315 million, or 11.8%, from the prior-year level. Loan growth for the fourth quarter was $58.4 million. The consumer loan portfolio grew by $144.6 million, or 15.7%, over the balance at December\u00a031, 2021, primarily as a result of continued strength in the indirect automobile lending program. The residential real estate loan portfolio increased $124.8 million, or 13.2%, from the prior year. Commercial loans, including commercial real estate, increased $45.9 million, or 5.7%, over the balances at December\u00a031, 2021.\nThe allowance for credit losses was $30.0 million at December\u00a031, 2022, an increase of $2.7 million from December\u00a031, 2021. The allowance for credit losses represents 1.00% of loans outstanding, a decrease from 1.02% at year-end 2021. When expressed as a percentage of nonperforming loans, the allowance for credit loss coverage ratio was 250.0% at year-end 2022 as compared to 233.9% at year-end 2021. Asset quality remained solid at December\u00a031, 2022. Net loan losses, expressed as an annualized percentage of average loans outstanding, were 0.08% for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022, as compared to 0.03% for the prior year. Nonperforming assets of $12.6 million at December\u00a031, 2022, represented 0.32% of period-end assets, compared to $11.8 million or 0.29% at December\u00a031, 2021.\nAt December\u00a031, 2022, total deposit balances were $3.5 billion, a decrease of $52.1 million, or 1.5%, from the prior-year level. Non-municipal deposits decreased by $26.6 million and municipal deposits decreased by $25.5 million as compared to December 31, 2021. Noninterest-bearing deposits grew by $26.6 million, or 3.3%, during 2022, and represented 23.9% of total deposits at year-end, as compared to the prior-year level of 22.8%. At December\u00a031, 2022, total time deposits decreased $5.1\u00a0million from the prior-year level. Deposits decreased in the fourth quarter by $296.7 million. Non-municipal and municipal deposits decreased by $149.0 million and $147.7 million, respectively in the fourth quarter. The decline in deposits was primarily the result of increased consumer spending, pressure from competitive rate pricing and seasonality of municipal deposits.\n28\nTotal borrowings were $74.8 million at December\u00a031, 2022, an increase of $9.8 million, or 15.1%, compared to December\u00a031, 2021.\nTotal shareholders\u2019 equity was $353.5 million at period-end, a decrease of $17.6 million, or 4.8%, from the year-end 2021 balance. Arrow's regulatory capital ratios remained strong in 2022. At December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow's Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 13.32% and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 15.11%. The capital ratios of Arrow and both its subsidiary banks continued to significantly exceed the \u201cwell capitalized\u201d regulatory standards.\nIn 2022, Arrow upgraded its core banking system. The system upgrade reflects the strategic focus on a strong technology foundation and this investment paves the way for customer-facing enhancements and more efficient and improved internal operations as Arrow continues to work toward fully leveraging the capabilities of the new bank core system. In connection with the conversion, we have encountered, and are continuing to experience, operational and other issues, certain of which have required substantial time and resources to address, and which have had a negative impact on our operations and business and have contributed to material weaknesses in the Company\u2019s internal controls described in Part II, Item 9A, \nControls and Procedures\n. Additionally in 2022, Arrow further optimized its branch network with the December consolidation of Glens Falls National Bank's Aviation Road Office into nearby Queensbury locations. Meanwhile, construction on the downtown Glens Falls headquarters advanced; once completed later in 2023, the energy-efficient space will improve both the employee and customer experience. \nThe changes in net income, net interest income and net interest margin between the current and prior year are discussed in detail under the heading \"Results of Operations,\" beginning on page 30. \n \nRegulatory Capital and Decrease in Stockholders' Equity:\n As of December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow continued to exceed all required minimum capital ratios under the current bank regulatory capital rules as implemented under Dodd-Frank (the \"Capital Rules\") at both the holding company and bank levels.\u00a0 At that date, both subsidiary banks, as well as the holding company, continued to qualify as \"well-capitalized\" under the capital classification guidelines as defined by the Capital Rules.\u00a0 Because of continued profitability and strong asset quality, the regulatory capital levels throughout recent years have consistently remained well in excess of the various required regulatory minimums in effect from time to time, as they do at present.\nIn 2020, federal bank regulators introduced an optional simplified measure of capital adequacy for qualifying community banking organizations (CBLR).\u00a0 A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR framework and meets all the requirements under the CBLR framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the \u201cprompt corrective action\u201d regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital ratios.\nThe CBLR final rule became effective as of January 1, 2020, and Arrow and both subsidiary banks have opted out of utilizing the CBLR framework. Therefore, the Capital Rules promulgated under Dodd-Frank will remain applicable to Arrow and both subsidiary banks.\nTotal stockholders' equity was $353.5 million at December\u00a031, 2022, a decrease of $17.6 million, or 4.8%, from December\u00a031, 2021. The components of the change in stockholders' equity since year-end 2021 are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity on page 59. Total book value per share decreased by 4.9% over the prior year level. At December\u00a031, 2022, tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure calculated based on tangible book value (total stockholders' equity minus intangible assets including goodwill) was $19.95, a decrease of $1.08, or 5.1%, over the December\u00a031, 2021 amount. The net decrease in total stockholders' equity during 2022 principally reflected the following factors: (i) $48.8 million of net income for the year, plus (ii) $2.0 million of equity related to various stock-based compensation plans, plus (iii) $1.9 million of equity resulting from the dividend reinvestment plan, reduced by (iv) other comprehensive loss of $50.0 million, (v) cash dividends of $17.4 million and (vi) repurchases of common stock of $2.9 million. As of December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow's closing stock price was $33.90, resulting in a trading multiple of 1.70 to Arrow's tangible book value. The Board of Directors declared and Arrow paid a cash dividend of $0.262 per share for the first three quarters of 2022, as adjusted for a 3% stock dividend distributed September\u00a023, 2022, a cash dividend of $0.27 per share for the fourth quarter of 2022, and declared a $0.27 per share cash dividend for the first quarter of 2023.\n \nLoan quality: \nNonperforming loans were $12.0 million at December\u00a031, 2022, an increase of $319 thousand, or 2.7%, from year-end 2021. The ratio of nonperforming loans to period-end loans at December\u00a031, 2022 was 0.40%, a decrease from 0.44% at December\u00a031, 2021 and higher than Arrow's peer group ratio of 0.38% at September\u00a030, 2022. Loans charged-off (net of recoveries) against the allowance for credit losses was $2.1 million for 2022, an increase of $1.2 million from 2021. The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans was 0.08% for 2022 and 0.03% for 2021, compared to the peer group ratio of 0.04% for the period ended September\u00a030, 2022\n. \n At December\u00a031, 2022, the allowance for credit losses was $30.0 million, representing 1.00% of total loans, a decrease of 2 basis points from the December\u00a031, 2021 ratio.\nLoan Segments:\n As of December\u00a031, 2022, total loans grew $315.3 million, or 11.8%, as compared to the balance at December\u00a031, 2021.\n\u25e6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCommercial and Commercial Real Estate Loans:\n Combined, these loans comprised 28.4% of the total loan portfolio at period-end. Commercial property values in Arrow's region have largely remained stable, however, there remains uncertainty surrounding market conditions due to the inflation and the rising interest rate environment. Appraisals on nonperforming and watched CRE loan properties are updated as deemed necessary, usually when the loan is downgraded or when there has been significant market deterioration since the last appraisal.\n\u25e6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nConsumer Loans:\n \nThese loans (primarily automobile loans) comprised approximately 35.7% of the total loan portfolio at period-end. Consumer automobile loans at December\u00a031, 2022, were $1.1 billion, or 99.6% of this portfolio segment. The vast majority of automobile loans are initiated through the purchase of vehicles by consumers with automobile \n29\ndealers. Although previous supply chain constraints have lessened, inflation and higher rates may limit the potential growth in this category.\n\u25e6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nResidential Real Estate Loans:\n These loans, including home equity loans, made up 35.9% of the total loan portfolio at period-end. Demand for residential real estate has continued but weakened as interest rates have increased. Arrow originated nearly all of the residential real estate loans currently held in the loan portfolio and applies conservative underwriting standards to loan originations. Arrow typically sells a portion of residential real estate mortgage originations into the secondary market. The ratio of the sales of originations to total originations tends to fluctuate from period to period based on market conditions and other factors. Since the second half 2021, sales have decreased as a result of the strategic decision to grow the residential loan portfolio. The rate at which mortgage loan originations are sold in future periods will depend on various circumstances, including prevailing mortgage rates, other lending opportunities, capital and liquidity needs, and the availability of a market for such transactions.\nLiquidity and access to credit markets:\n Arrow did not experience any liquidity problems or special concerns in recent years or in 2022. Arrow\u2019s liquidity position should provide the Company with the necessary flexibility to address any unexpected near-term disruptions.\u00a0 Interest-bearing cash balances at December\u00a031, 2022 were $32.8 million which represents a significant decline as compared to $430.7 million at December\u00a031, 2021.\u00a0 In the fourth quarter, deposits declined as the result of increased consumer spending, pressure from competitive rate pricing and seasonality of municipal deposits. Deposit balances nonetheless provided an abundance of liquidity to fund Arrow's asset growth. Additionally, contingent lines of credit are also available. Operating collateralized lines of credit are established and available through the FHLBNY and FRB, totaling $1.3 billion. The terms of Arrow's lines of credit have not changed significantly in recent periods (see the general liquidity discussion on page 46). Historically, Arrow has principally relied on asset-based liquidity (i.e., funds in overnight investments and cash flow from maturing investments and loans) with liability-based liquidity as a secondary source of funds (the main liability-based sources are an overnight borrowing arrangement with correspondent banks, an arrangement for overnight borrowing and term credit advances from the FHLBNY, and an additional arrangement for short-term advances at the Federal Reserve Bank discount window). Regular liquidity stress tests and tests of the contingent liquidity plan are performed to ensure that an adequate amount of available funds can be generated to meet a wide variety of potential liquidity crises.\nReference Rate Reform:\n On March 5, 2021, the ICE Benchmark Administration (the IBA), the administrator of LIBOR, and the United Kingdom\u2019s Financial Conduct Authority, the regulatory supervisor for the IBA, announced certain future dates that LIBOR settings will cease to be provided by any administrator. In addition, regulators have issued statements indicating that financial institutions should not issue new LIBOR-based financial instruments after January 1, 2022. To prepare for the upcoming cessation of LIBOR, Arrow established a committee in 2020 comprised of Bank Management to prepare for the discontinuance of LIBOR, which is widely used to reprice floating rate financial instruments. Based on a review of existing floating rate financial instruments, Management has determined that the financial products tied to LIBOR will not be subject to cessation until June 30, 2023. This review also identified that only a few legacy contracts do not include appropriate fallback language. On March 15, 2022, the \u201cAdjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act\u201d was enacted by Congress. The law provides basic framework for addressing the discontinuation of U.S. Dollar LIBOR under federal law. The law establishes a clear uniform process, on a nationwide basis, for replacing LIBOR in existing contracts that do not provide for the use of a clearly defined or practicable replacement benchmark rate (so-called \u201ctough legacy\u201d contracts), without affecting the ability of parties to use any appropriate benchmark rate in new contracts. In December 2022, the Federal Reserve Board adopted a final rule implementing the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act, which was effective February 27, 2023. Arrow no longer issues new LIBOR-based financial instruments. Furthermore, U.S. Dollar LIBOR indices utilized by Arrow's existing financial instruments shall cease on or before June 30, 2023. On January 1, 2022, Arrow designated SOFR as the replacement index for financial instruments previously tied to LIBOR.\n \nVisa Class B Common Stock: \nArrow's subsidiary bank, Glens Falls National, like other Visa member banks, bears some indirect contingent liability for Visa's direct liability arising out of certain antitrust claims involving merchant discounts to the extent that Visa's liability might exceed the amount funded in its litigation escrow account. On December 13, 2019, the Court granted final approval to a settlement in this class action lawsuit. On January 3, 2020 an appeal of the final-approved order was filed with the court. On December 16, 2021, the second circuit court of appeals set oral arguments regarding objections to final approval of the settlement for March 16, 2022. On March 16, 2022, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments regarding objections to final approval of the settlement. It is currently unknown when the appeal will be decided. When the appeals process is resolved and assuming the balance in the litigation escrow account is sufficient to cover the litigation claims and related expenses, Arrow could potentially realize a gain on the receipt of Visa Class A common stock. At December\u00a031, 2022, Glens Falls National held 27,771 shares of Visa Class B common stock, and utilizing the conversion ratio to Class A common stock at that time, these Class B shares would convert to approximately 44,000 shares of Visa Class A common stock. Since the litigation settlement is not certain, Arrow has not recognized any economic value for these shares.\nB. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThe following analysis of net interest income, the provision for credit losses, noninterest income, noninterest expense and income taxes, highlights the factors that had the greatest impact on the results of operations for December\u00a031, 2022 and the prior two years. For a comparison of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, see Part II. Item 7, Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.\n30\nI. NET INTEREST INCOME\nNet interest income represents the difference between interest, dividends and fees earned on loans, securities and other earning assets and interest paid on deposits and other sources of funds. \u00a0Changes in net interest income result from changes in the level and mix of earning assets and sources of funds (volume) and changes in the yields earned and interest rates paid (rate). Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to average earning assets. \u00a0Net interest income may also be described as the product of average earning assets and the net interest margin.\nCHANGE IN NET INTEREST INCOME\n(Dollars In Thousands) (GAAP Basis)\nYears Ended December 31,\nChange From Prior Year\n2021 to 2022\n2020 to 2021\n2022\n2021\n2020\nAmount\n%\nAmount\n%\nInterest and Dividend Income\n$\n129,651\u00a0\n$\n115,550\u00a0\n$\n111,896\u00a0\n$\n14,101\u00a0\n12.2\u00a0\n%\n$\n3,654\u00a0\n3.3\u00a0\n%\nInterest Expense\n11,308\u00a0\n5,195\u00a0\n12,694\u00a0\n6,113\u00a0\n117.7\u00a0\n%\n(7,499)\n(59.1)\n%\nNet Interest Income\n$\n118,343\u00a0\n$\n110,355\u00a0\n$\n99,202\u00a0\n$\n7,988\u00a0\n7.2\u00a0\n%\n$\n11,153\u00a0\n11.2\u00a0\n%\nNet interest income was $118.3 million in 2022, an increase of $8.0 million, or 7.2%, from the $110.4 million in 2021. \u00a0This is in comparison with the increase of $11.2 million, or 11.2%, from 2020 to 2021. \u00a0Factors contributing to the year-to-year changes in net interest income over the three-year period are discussed in the following portions of this Section B.I.\nThe following tables reflect the components of net interest income for years ended December\u00a031, 2022, 2021 and 2020: (i) average balances of assets, liabilities and stockholders' equity, (ii) interest and dividend income earned on earning assets and interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities, (iii) average yields earned on earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, (iv) the net interest spread (average yield less average cost) and (v) the net interest margin (yield) on earning assets. The yield on securities available-for-sale is based on the amortized cost of the securities. Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans. \u00a0\nAverage Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Income Analysis\n(GAAP basis)\n(Dollars in Thousands)\nYears Ended December 31:\n2022\n2021\n2020\nInterest\nRate\nInterest\nRate\nInterest\nRate\nAverage\nIncome/\nEarned/\nAverage\nIncome/\nEarned/\nAverage\nIncome/\nEarned/\nBalance\nExpense\nPaid\nBalance\nExpense\nPaid\nBalance\nExpense\nPaid\nInterest-Bearing Deposits at Banks\n$\n252,835\u00a0\n$\n3,100\u00a0\n1.23\u00a0\n%\n$\n418,488\u00a0\n565\u00a0\n0.14\u00a0\n%\n195,821\u00a0\n321\u00a0\n0.16\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0Investment Securities:\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Fully Taxable\n648,540\u00a0\n10,357\u00a0\n1.60\u00a0\n%\n470,133\u00a0\n6,487\u00a0\n1.38\u00a0\n%\n398,915\u00a0\n7,131\u00a0\n1.79\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Exempt from Federal\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Taxes\n173,184\u00a0\n3,212\u00a0\n1.85\u00a0\n%\n185,072\u00a0\n3,513\u00a0\n1.90\u00a0\n%\n199,410\u00a0\n3,952\u00a0\n1.98\u00a0\n%\nLoans\n2,827,518\u00a0\n112,982\u00a0\n4.00\u00a0\n%\n2,643,163\u00a0\n104,985\u00a0\n3.97\u00a0\n%\n2,526,791\u00a0\n100,492\u00a0\n3.98\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0Total Earning Assets\n3,902,077\u00a0\n129,651\u00a0\n3.32\u00a0\n%\n3,716,856\u00a0\n115,550\u00a0\n3.11\u00a0\n%\n3,320,937\u00a0\n111,896\u00a0\n3.37\u00a0\n%\nAllowance for Credit Losses\n(27,954)\n(27,187)\n(25,128)\nCash and Due From Banks\n30,462\u00a0\n36,464\u00a0\n35,609\u00a0\nOther Assets\n142,895\u00a0\n156,509\u00a0\n150,343\u00a0\n\u00a0Total Assets\n$\n4,047,480\u00a0\n$\n3,882,642\u00a0\n$\n3,481,761\u00a0\n31\nDeposits:\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Interest-Bearing Checking\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Accounts\n$\n1,038,751\u00a0\n973\u00a0\n0.09\u00a0\n%\n$\n926,875\u00a0\n731\u00a0\n0.08\u00a0\n%\n772,000\u00a0\n1,292\u00a0\n0.17\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0Savings Deposits\n1,549,278\u00a0\n7,879\u00a0\n0.51\u00a0\n%\n1,496,906\u00a0\n1,904\u00a0\n0.13\u00a0\n%\n1,258,154\u00a0\n5,090\u00a0\n0.40\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0Time Deposits of $250,000\n\u00a0\u00a0Or More\n55,690\u00a0\n369\u00a0\n0.66\u00a0\n%\n87,033\u00a0\n261\u00a0\n0.30\u00a0\n%\n124,601\u00a0\n1,465\u00a0\n1.18\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0Other Time Deposits\n132,541\u00a0\n604\u00a0\n0.46\u00a0\n%\n141,677\u00a0\n632\u00a0\n0.45\u00a0\n%\n223,111\u00a0\n2,782\u00a0\n1.25\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total Interest-Bearing\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deposits\n2,776,260\u00a0\n9,825\u00a0\n0.35\u00a0\n%\n2,652,491\u00a0\n3,528\u00a0\n0.13\u00a0\n%\n2,377,866\u00a0\n10,629\u00a0\n0.45\u00a0\n%\nShort-Term Borrowings\n2,124\u00a0\n92\u00a0\n4.33\u00a0\n%\n4,768\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n0.06\u00a0\n%\n57,929\u00a0\n246\u00a0\n0.42\u00a0\n%\nFHLBNY Term Advances\nand Other Long-Term Debt\n50,750\u00a0\n1,198\u00a0\n2.36\u00a0\n%\n65,000\u00a0\n1,469\u00a0\n2.26\u00a0\n%\n69,631\u00a0\n1,623\u00a0\n2.33\u00a0\n%\nFinance Leases\n5,132\u00a0\n193\u00a0\n3.76\u00a0\n%\n5,182\u00a0\n195\u00a0\n3.76\u00a0\n%\n5,229\u00a0\n196\u00a0\n3.75\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0Total Interest-\n\u00a0\u00a0Bearing Liabilities\n2,834,266\u00a0\n11,308\u00a0\n0.40\u00a0\n%\n2,727,441\u00a0\n5,195\u00a0\n0.19\u00a0\n%\n2,510,655\u00a0\n12,694\u00a0\n0.51\u00a0\n%\nDemand Deposits\n815,218\u00a0\n767,671\u00a0\n613,408\u00a0\nOther Liabilities\n37,901\u00a0\n33,773\u00a0\n37,884\u00a0\n\u00a0Total Liabilities\n3,687,385\u00a0\n3,528,885\u00a0\n3,161,947\u00a0\nStockholders\u2019 Equity\n360,095\u00a0\n353,757\u00a0\n319,814\u00a0\n\u00a0Total Liabilities and\n\u00a0Stockholders\u2019 Equity\n$\n4,047,480\u00a0\n$\n3,882,642\u00a0\n$\n3,481,761\u00a0\nNet Interest Income\n$\n118,343\u00a0\n$\n110,355\u00a0\n$\n99,202\u00a0\nNet Interest Spread\n2.92\u00a0\n%\n2.92\u00a0\n%\n2.86\u00a0\n%\nNet Interest Margin\n3.03\u00a0\n%\n2.97\u00a0\n%\n2.99\u00a0\n%\nChanges between periods are attributed to movement in either the average daily balances or average rates for both earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. \u00a0Changes attributable to both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately between the categories.\nNet Interest Income Rate and Volume Analysis\n(Dollars in Thousands) (GAAP basis)\n2022 Compared to 2021 Change in Net Interest Income Due to:\n2021 Compared to 2020 Change in Net Interest Income Due to:\nInterest and Dividend Income:\nVolume\nRate\nTotal\nVolume\nRate\nTotal\nInterest-Bearing Bank Balances\n$\n(224)\n$\n2,759\u00a0\n$\n2,535\u00a0\n$\n309\u00a0\n$\n(65)\n$\n244\u00a0\nInvestment Securities:\nFully Taxable\n2,443\u00a0\n1,427\u00a0\n3,870\u00a0\n1,146\u00a0\n(1,790)\n(644)\nExempt from Federal Taxes\n(214)\n(87)\n(301)\n(277)\n(162)\n(439)\nLoans\n7,149\u00a0\n848\u00a0\n7,997\u00a0\n4,622\u00a0\n(129)\n4,493\u00a0\nTotal Interest and Dividend Income\n9,154\u00a0\n4,947\u00a0\n14,101\u00a0\n5,800\u00a0\n(2,146)\n3,654\u00a0\nInterest Expense:\nDeposits:\nInterest-Bearing Checking Accounts\n138\u00a0\n104\u00a0\n242\u00a0\n221\u00a0\n(782)\n(561)\nSavings Deposits\n88\u00a0\n5,887\u00a0\n5,975\u00a0\n822\u00a0\n(4,008)\n(3,186)\nTime Deposits of $250,000 or More\n(92)\n200\u00a0\n108\u00a0\n(347)\n(857)\n(1,204)\nOther Time Deposits\n(41)\n13\u00a0\n(28)\n(779)\n(1,371)\n(2,150)\nTotal Deposits\n93\u00a0\n6,204\u00a0\n6,297\u00a0\n(82)\n(7,019)\n(7,101)\nShort-Term Borrowings\n(2)\n91\u00a0\n89\u00a0\n(126)\n(117)\n(243)\nLong-Term Debt\n(322)\n51\u00a0\n(271)\n(106)\n(48)\n(154)\nFinance Leases\n(2)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(2)\n(2)\n1\u00a0\n(1)\nTotal Interest Expense\n(233)\n6,346\u00a0\n6,113\u00a0\n(316)\n(7,183)\n(7,499)\nNet Interest Income\n$\n9,387\u00a0\n$\n(1,399)\n$\n7,988\u00a0\n$\n6,116\u00a0\n$\n5,037\u00a0\n$\n11,153\u00a0\n32\nNET INTEREST MARGIN\nYIELD ANALYSIS (GAAP Basis)\nDecember 31,\n2022\n2021\n2020\nYield on Earning Assets\n3.32\u00a0\n%\n3.11\u00a0\n%\n3.37\u00a0\n%\nCost of Interest-Bearing Liabilities\n0.40\u00a0\n%\n0.19\u00a0\n%\n0.51\u00a0\n%\nNet Interest Spread\n2.92\u00a0\n%\n2.92\u00a0\n%\n2.86\u00a0\n%\nNet Interest Margin\n3.03\u00a0\n%\n2.97\u00a0\n%\n2.99\u00a0\n%\nNet Interest Margin excluding PPP Loans\n3.00\u00a0\n%\n2.84\u00a0\n%\n2.97\u00a0\n%\nArrow's earnings are derived predominantly from net interest income, which is interest income, net of interest expense. Changes in balance sheet composition, including interest-earning assets, deposits, and borrowings, combined with changes in market interest rates, impact net interest income. Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. Interest-earning assets and funding sources are managed, including noninterest and interest-bearing liabilities, in order to maximize this margin.\n2022 Compared to 2021: Net interest income increased $8.0 million, or 7.2%, to $118.3 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022 from $110.4 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2021. Interest and fees on loans were $113.0 million, an increase of 7.6% from the $105.0 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2021. Interest and fees related to PPP loans, included in the $113.0 million, were $1.6 million. In 2021, $7.8 million of income was earned on PPP loans. The net interest margin was 3.03% for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022 as compared to 2.97% for the year ended December\u00a031, 2021.\nIncome on investment securities increased $3.6 million, or 35.7%, between the years ended December\u00a031, 2022 and December\u00a031, 2021. The average balances for fully taxable securities were higher for the year, with yield increasing by 22 basis points. The average balances for securities exempt from federal taxes were lower for the year, with yield decreasing by 5 basis points. \nInterest income from loans increased $8.0 million, or 7.6%, to $113.0 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022 from $105.0 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2021. The loan portfolio yield increased 3 basis points in 2022, to 4.00%. Average loan balances increased by $184.4 million, a 7.0% increase over 2021 average balances. Within the loan portfolio, the three principal segments are residential real estate loans, consumer loans (primarily through the indirect automobile lending program) and commercial loans. The consumer loan portfolio grew by $144.6 million, or 15.7%, over the balance at December\u00a031, 2021. The residential real estate loan portfolio increased $124.8 million, or 13.2% from the prior year. Commercial loans, including commercial real estate, increased $45.9 million, or 5.7%, over the balances at December\u00a031, 2021.\nTotal interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities increased $6.1 million, or 117.7%, to $11.3 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022 from $5.2 million for the year ended December\u00a031, 2021. Average interest bearing deposit balances increased by $123.8 million and the total cost of interest-bearing deposits increased to 22 basis points from 13 basis points. In addition, average demand deposits, which are non-interest bearing, increased by $47.5 million.\nII.\n \nPROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES\nArrow considers the accounting policy relating to the allowance for credit losses to be a critical accounting policy, given the uncertainty involved in evaluating the level of the allowance required to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio, and the material effect that such judgments may have on the results of operations. \u00a0The provision for credit losses for 2022 was $4.8 million, compared to the $0.3 million provision for 2021. The analysis of the method employed for determining the amount of the credit loss provision is explained in detail in Notes 2, \nSummary of Significant Accounting Policies\n, and 5, \nLoans,\n to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\n33\nSUMMARY OF THE ALLOWANCE AND PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES\n(Dollars In Thousands) (Loans, Net of Unearned Income)\nYears-Ended December 31,\n2022\n2021\nPeriod-End Loans\n$2,983,207\n$2,667,941\nAverage Loans\n2,827,518\n2,643,163\nPeriod-End Assets\n3,969,509\n4,027,952\nNonperforming Assets, at Period-End:\nNonaccrual Loans:\nCommercial Loans\n8\u00a0\n33\u00a0\nCommercial Real Estate\n3,110\u00a0\n7,244\u00a0\nConsumer Loans\n3,503\u00a0\n1,697\u00a0\nResidential Real Estate Loans\n4,136\u00a0\n1,790\u00a0\nTotal Nonaccrual Loans\n10,757\u00a0\n10,764\u00a0\nLoans Past Due 90 or More Days and\nStill Accruing Interest\n1,157\n823\nRestructured\n69\n77\nTotal Nonperforming Loans\n11,983\n11,664\nRepossessed Assets\n593\n126\nOther Real Estate Owned\n\u2014\n\u2014\nTotal Nonperforming Assets\n12,576\n11,790\nAllowance for Credit Losses:\nBalance at Beginning of Period\n$\n27,281\u00a0\n$\n29,232\u00a0\nImpact of the Adoption of ASU 2016-13\n\u2014\u00a0\n(1,300)\nLoans Charged-off:\nCommercial Loans\n(34)\n(97)\nCommercial Real Estate\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nConsumer Loans\n(4,079)\n(2,133)\nResidential Real Estate Loans\n(30)\n(9)\nTotal Loans Charged-off\n(4,143)\n(2,239)\nRecoveries of Loans Previously Charged-off:\nCommercial Loans\n43\u00a0\n190\u00a0\nCommercial Real Estate\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nConsumer Loans\n1,973\u00a0\n1,126\u00a0\nResidential Real Estate Loans\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total Recoveries of Loans Previously Charged-off\n2,016\u00a0\n1,316\u00a0\nNet Loans Charged-off\n(2,127)\n(923)\nProvision for Credit Losses\nCharged to Expense\n4,798\u00a0\n272\u00a0\nBalance at End of Period\n$\n29,952\u00a0\n$\n27,281\u00a0\nAsset Quality Ratios:\nNet Charge-offs to\u00a0Average Loans\n0.08\u00a0\n%\n0.03\u00a0\n%\nProvision for Credit Losses to Average Loans\n0.17\u00a0\n%\n0.01\u00a0\n%\nAllowance for Credit Losses to Period-end Loans\n1.00\u00a0\n%\n1.02\u00a0\n%\nAllowance for Credit Losses to Nonperforming Loans\n249.95\u00a0\n%\n233.89\u00a0\n%\nNonperforming Loans to Period-end Loans\n0.40\u00a0\n%\n0.44\u00a0\n%\nNonperforming Assets to Period-end Assets\n0.32\u00a0\n%\n0.29\u00a0\n%\nALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES\n(Dollars in Thousands)\n2022\n2021\nCommercial Loans\n$\n1,961\u00a0\n$\n2,298\u00a0\nCommercial Real Estate\n15,213\u00a0\n13,523\u00a0\nConsumer Loans\n2,585\u00a0\n2,402\u00a0\nResidential Real Estate Loans\n10,193\u00a0\n9,058\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n29,952\u00a0\n$\n27,281\u00a0\n34\nArrow adopted CECL on January 1, 2021. The CECL approach requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of a loan (or pool of loans). It replaced the incurred loss approach\u2019s threshold that required the recognition of a credit loss when it was probable that a loss event was incurred. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from, or added to, the loans\u2019 amortized cost basis to present the net, lifetime amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loan losses are charged off against the allowance when Arrow believes a loan balance is confirmed to be uncollectible. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged off and expected to be charged off.\nManagement estimates the allowance using relevant available information from internal and external sources related to past events, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable single economic forecast. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Arrow's historical loss experience was supplemented with peer information when there was insufficient loss data for Arrow. Peer selection was based on a review of institutions with comparable loss experience as well as loan yield, bank size, portfolio concentration and geography. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in credit concentrations, delinquency level, collateral values and underwriting standards as well as changes in economic conditions or other relevant factors. Management judgment is required at each point in the measurement process.\nPortfolio segment is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for credit losses. Upon adoption of CECL, Management revised the manner in which loans were pooled for similar risk characteristics. Management developed portfolio segments for estimating loss based on type of borrower and collateral as follows:\nCommercial Loans\nCommercial Real Estate Loans\nConsumer Loans\nResidential Loans\nFurther details related to loan portfolio segments are included in Note 5, \nLoans\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nHistorical credit loss experience for both Arrow and segment-specific peers provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Arrow utilized regression analyses of peer data, of which Arrow is included, where observed credit losses and selected economic factors were utilized to determine suitable loss drivers for modeling lifetime probability of default (PD) rates. Arrow uses the discounted cash flow (DCF) method to estimate expected credit losses for the commercial, commercial real estate, and residential segments. For each of these loan segments, Arrow generates cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speed, curtailments, time to recovery, PD, and segment-specific loss given default (LGD) risk factors. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds, curtailment rates, and time to recovery are based on historical internal data and adjusted, if necessary, based on the reasonable and supportable forecast of economic conditions. \nFor the loan segments utilizing the DCF method, (commercial, commercial real estate, and residential) Management utilizes externally developed economic forecast of the following economic factors as loss drivers: national unemployment, gross domestic product and home price index (HPI). The economic forecast is applied over a reasonable and supportable forecast period. Arrow utilizes a six quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period with an eight quarter reversion to the historic mean on a straight-line basis.\nThe combination of adjustments for credit expectations (default and loss) and timing expectations (prepayment, curtailment, and time to recovery) produces an expected cash flow stream at the instrument level. Instrument effective yield is calculated, net of the impacts of prepayment assumptions, and the instrument expected cash flows are then discounted at that effective yield to produce an instrument-level net present value of expected cash flows (NPV). An allowance for credit loss is established for the difference between the instrument\u2019s NPV and amortized cost basis. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following applies: Management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) will be executed with an individual borrower or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by Arrow.\nArrow uses the vintage analysis method to estimate expected credit losses for the consumer loan segment. The vintage method was selected since the loans within the consumer loan segment are homogeneous, not just by risk characteristic, but by loan structure. Under the vintage analysis method, a loss rate is calculated based on the quarterly net charge-offs to the outstanding loan balance for each vintage year over the lookback period. Once this periodic loss rate is calculated for each quarter in the lookback period, the periodic rates are averaged into the loss rate. The loss rate is then applied to the outstanding loan balances based on the loan's vintage year. Arrow maintains, over the life of the loan, the loss curve by vintage year. If estimated losses computed by the vintage method need to be adjusted based on current conditions and the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, these adjustments would be incorporated over a six quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period, reverting to historical losses using a straight-line method over an eight quarter period. Based on current conditions, and the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, no adjustments are currently required.\nThe vintage and DCF models also consider the need to qualitatively adjust expected loss estimates for information not already captured in the quantitative loss estimation process. Qualitative considerations include limitations inherent in the quantitative model; trends experienced in nonperforming and delinquent loans; changes in value of underlying collateral; changes in lending policies and procedures; nature and composition of loans; portfolio concentrations that may affect loss experience across one or more components or the portfolio; the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff; Arrow's credit review system; and the effect of external factors such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements. These \n35\nqualitative factor adjustments may increase or decrease Arrow's estimate of expected credit losses so that the allowance for credit loss is reflective of the estimate of lifetime losses that exist in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date.\nThe change in methodology from incurred loss to the expected loss over the life of the loan also impacted the allocation of the allowance for credit losses. The vintage approach combined with a shorter life of loan decreased the allowance needed for consumer loans. Residential real estate loans, due to their longer life of loan, have a higher allocation of the allowance of credit loans as compared to the incurred loss methodology.\nArrow's allowance for credit losses was $30.0 million at December\u00a031, 2022, which represented 1.00% of loans outstanding, a decrease from 1.02% at year-end 2021.\nSee Note 5, \nLoans\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the complete methodology used to calculate the provision for credit losses.\n \nIII. NONINTEREST INCOME\nThe majority of the noninterest income constitutes fee income from services, principally fees and commissions from fiduciary services, deposit account service charges, insurance commissions, net gains (losses) on securities transactions, net gains on sales of loans and other recurring fee income.\nANALYSIS OF NONINTEREST INCOME\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nYears Ended December 31,\nChange From Prior Year\n2021 to 2022\n2020 to 2021\n2022\n2021\n2020\nAmount\u00a0\n%\nAmount\u00a0\n%\nIncome from Fiduciary Activities\n$\n9,711\u00a0\n$\n10,142\u00a0\n$\n8,890\u00a0\n$\n(431)\n(4.2)\n%\n$\n1,252\u00a0\n14.1\u00a0\n%\nFees for Other Services to Customers\n11,626\u00a0\n11,462\u00a0\n10,003\u00a0\n164\u00a0\n1.4\u00a0\n%\n1,459\u00a0\n14.6\u00a0\n%\nInsurance Commissions\n6,463\u00a0\n6,487\u00a0\n6,876\u00a0\n(24)\n(0.4)\n%\n(389)\n(5.7)\n%\nNet Gain (Loss) on Securities\n427\u00a0\n111\u00a0\n(464)\n316\u00a0\n284.7\u00a0\n%\n575\u00a0\n123.9\u00a0\n%\nNet Gain on Sales of Loans\n83\u00a0\n2,393\u00a0\n3,889\u00a0\n(2,310)\n(96.5)\n%\n(1,496)\n(38.5)\n%\nOther Operating Income\n2,588\u00a0\n1,774\u00a0\n3,464\u00a0\n814\u00a0\n45.9\u00a0\n%\n(1,690)\n(48.8)\n%\nTotal Noninterest Income\n$\n30,898\u00a0\n$\n32,369\u00a0\n$\n32,658\u00a0\n$\n(1,471)\n(4.5)\n%\n$\n(289)\n(0.9)\n%\n2022 Compared to 2021:\n \u00a0Total noninterest income in 2022 was $30.9 million, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 4.5%, from total noninterest income of $32.4 million for 2021. Income from fiduciary activities decreased $431 thousand from 2021 to 2022. The decrease was primarily driven by market conditions. Assets under trust administration and investment management at December\u00a031, 2022 were $1.61 billion, a decrease of $245.0 million, or 13.2%, from the prior year-end balance of $1.85 billion. Fees for other services to customers were $11.6 million for 2022, an increase of $164 thousand as compared to 2021. Insurance commissions were flat to the previous year. Net gain on securities in 2022, consisting of a change in the fair value of equity investments, was $427 thousand as compared to a loss of $111 thousand in 2021.\nNet gains on the sales of loans decreased in 2022 to $83 thousand, from $2.4 million in 2021. Sales decreased primarily as a result of the strategic decision in the second half of 2021 to retain more newly originated residential real estate loans. The rate at which mortgage loan originations are sold in future periods will depend on various circumstances, including prevailing mortgage rates, other lending opportunities, capital and liquidity needs, and the availability of a market for such transactions. Therefore, Arrow is unable to predict what the retention rate of such loans in future periods may be. Servicing rights are generally retained for loans originated and sold, which also generates additional noninterest income in subsequent periods (fees for other services to customers).\nOther operating income increased by $814 thousand, or 45.9% between the two years primarily due to gains on other assets of $421 thousand as well as proceeds received related to bank owned life insurance of $383 thousand.\n36\nIV. NONINTEREST EXPENSE\nNoninterest expense is the measure of the delivery cost of services, products and business activities of a company. \u00a0The key components of noninterest expense are presented in the following table.\nANALYSIS OF NONINTEREST EXPENSE\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nYears Ended December 31,\nChange From Prior Year\n2021 to 2022\n2020 to 2021\n2022\n2021\n2020\nAmount\n%\nAmount\n%\nSalaries and Employee Benefits\n$\n47,003\n$\n44,798\n$\n42,061\n$\n2,205\n4.9\u00a0\n%\n$\n2,737\n6.5\u00a0\n%\nOccupancy Expenses, Net\n6,202\n5,814\n5,614\n388\n6.7\u00a0\n%\n200\n3.6\u00a0\n%\nTechnology and Equipment Expense\n16,118\n14,870\n12,976\n1,248\n8.4\u00a0\n%\n1,894\n14.6\u00a0\n%\nFDIC Regular Assessment\n1,176\n1,042\n1,063\n134\n12.9\u00a0\n%\n(21)\n(2.0)\n%\nAmortization of Intangible Assets\n193\n210\n227\n(17)\n(8.1)\n%\n(17)\n(7.5)\n%\nOther Operating Expense\n10,838\n11,314\n8,737\n(476)\n(4.2)\n%\n2,577\n29.5\u00a0\n%\nTotal Noninterest Expense\n$\n81,530\n$\n78,048\n$\n70,678\n$\n3,482\n4.5\u00a0\n%\n$\n7,370\n10.4\u00a0\n%\nEfficiency Ratio\n54.26\u00a0\n%\n54.16\u00a0\n%\n52.80\u00a0\n%\n0.10\u00a0\n%\n0.2\u00a0\n%\n1.36\u00a0\n%\n2.6\u00a0\n%\n2022\u00a0compared to\u00a02021:\n\u00a0\u00a0Noninterest expenses for 2022 were $81.5 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 4.5%, from 2021. \u00a0For 2022, the efficiency ratio was 54.26%. This ratio, which is a commonly used non-GAAP financial measure in the banking industry, is a comparative measure of a financial institution's operating efficiency. The efficiency ratio (a ratio where lower is better), as defined by Arrow, is the ratio of operating noninterest expense (excluding intangible asset amortization) to net interest income (on a tax-equivalent basis) plus operating noninterest income (excluding net securities gains or losses). See the discussion of the efficiency ratio in this Report under the heading \u201cUse of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.\u201d\nSalaries and employee benefits expense increased $2.2 million or 4.9%, from 2021. Included within salaries and benefits was a $1.5 million reclassification between salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses. Under ASU 2017-07 (Compensation-Retirement Benefits), interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost and amortization of net loss are required to be reclassified out of salaries and employee benefits. The reclassification was $1.7 million in 2021. Salaries and benefits were also impacted by increased benefit costs and incentive payments.\nTechnology expenses increased $1.2 million, or 8.4%, from 2021 due to the investment in upgrading the core banking system. The expense reflects the strategic focus on a strong technology foundation and paves the way for customer-facing enhancements and more efficient and improved internal operations.\nOther operating expense decreased $476 thousand, or 4.2%, from 2021. The decrease is the result of the expense for estimated credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures of $685 thousand for 2021 as compared to $22 thousand in the current year.\nV. INCOME TAXES\nThe following table sets forth the provision for income taxes and effective tax rates for the periods presented.\nINCOME TAXES AND EFFECTIVE RATES\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nYears Ended December 31,\nChange From Prior Year\n2021 to 2022\n2020 to 2021\n2022\n2021\n2020\nAmount\n%\nAmount\n%\nProvision for Income Taxes\n$\n14,114\u00a0\n$\n14,547\u00a0\n$\n11,036\u00a0\n$\n(433)\n(3.0)\n%\n$\n3,511\u00a0\n31.8\u00a0\n%\nEffective Tax Rate\n22.4\u00a0\n%\n22.6\u00a0\n%\n21.3\u00a0\n%\n(0.2)\n%\n(0.9)\n%\n1.3\u00a0\n%\n6.1\u00a0\n%\nThe provisions for federal and state income taxes amounted to $14.1 million for 2022, $14.5 million for 2021, and $11.0 million for 2020. The effective income tax rates for 2022, 2021 and 2020 were 22.4%, 22.6% and 21.3%, respectively. The effective tax rate was essentially flat between 2022 and 2021. The increase in 2021 as compared to 2020 was primarily due to the reduction of tax exempt investments held and the related investment income, combined with the increase in the New York State corporate tax rate which was effective January 1, 2021.\n37\nC. FINANCIAL CONDITION\nI. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO\nDuring 2022 and 2021, Arrow held no trading securities.\nThe available-for-sale securities portfolio, held-to-maturity securities portfolio and the equity securities portfolio are further detailed below.\nThe table below presents the changes in the period-end balances for available-for-sale, held-to-maturity and equity securities from December\u00a031, 2021 to December\u00a031, 2022 (in thousands):\n(Dollars in Thousands)\nFair Value at Period-End\nNet Unrealized (Losses) Gains\nFor Period Ended\n12/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nChange\n12/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nChange\nSecurities Available-for-Sale:\nU.S. Agency Securities\n$\n175,199\u00a0\n$\n108,365\u00a0\n$\n66,834\u00a0\n$\n(14,801)\n$\n(1,635)\n$\n(13,166)\nState and Municipal Obligations\n340\u00a0\n400\u00a0\n(60)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nMortgage-Backed Securities\n397,156\u00a0\n449,751\u00a0\n(52,595)\n(50,599)\n1,009\u00a0\n(51,608)\nCorporate and Other Debt Securities\n800\u00a0\n800\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(200)\n(200)\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n573,495\u00a0\n$\n559,316\u00a0\n$\n14,179\u00a0\n$\n(65,600)\n$\n(826)\n$\n(64,774)\nSecurities Held-to-Maturity:\nState and Municipal Obligations\n$\n160,470\u00a0\n$\n184,374\u00a0\n$\n(23,904)\n$\n(3,130)\n$\n4,179\u00a0\n$\n(7,309)\nMortgage-Backed Securities\n11,153\u00a0\n16,918\u00a0\n(5,765)\n(611)\n547\u00a0\n(1,158)\nTotal\n$\n171,623\u00a0\n$\n201,292\u00a0\n$\n(29,669)\n$\n(3,741)\n$\n4,726\u00a0\n$\n(8,467)\nEquity Securities \n$\n2,174\u00a0\n$\n1,747\u00a0\n$\n427\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nThe table below presents the weighted average yield for available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities as of December\u00a031, 2022 (in thousands).\nDecember 31, 2022\nWithin One Year\nAfter One But Within Five Years\nAfter Five But Within Ten Years\nAfter Ten Years\nTotal\nAmount\nYield\nAmount\nYield\nAmount\nYield\nAmount\nYield\nAmount\nYield\nSecurities Available-for-Sale:\nU.S. Agency Securities\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n$\n190,000\u00a0\n1.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n$\n190,000\u00a0\n190000000\n1.6\u00a0\n%\nState and Municipal Obligations\n20\u00a0\n6.3\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n320\u00a0\n6.8\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n340\u00a0\n6.7\u00a0\n%\nMortgage-Backed Securities\n690\u00a0\n1.7\u00a0\n%\n241,322\u00a0\n1.9\u00a0\n%\n205,743\u00a0\n1.6\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n447,755\u00a0\n1.8\u00a0\n%\nCorporate and Other Debt Securities\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n1,000\u00a0\n6.4\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n1,000\u00a0\n6.4\u00a0\n%\nTotal\n$\n710\u00a0\n1.9\u00a0\n%\n$\n431,322\u00a0\n1.8\u00a0\n%\n$\n207,063\u00a0\n1.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n$\n639,095\u00a0\n1.8\u00a0\n%\nSecurities Held-to-Maturity:\nState and Municipal Obligations\n$\n52,522\u00a0\n2.3\u00a0\n%\n$\n108,233\u00a0\n2.4\u00a0\n%\n$\n2,806\u00a0\n3.5\u00a0\n%\n$\n39\u00a0\n6.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n163,600\u00a0\n2.4\u00a0\n%\nMortgage-Backed Securities\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n11,764\u00a0\n2.5\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n11,764\u00a0\n2.5\u00a0\n%\nCorporate and Other Debt Securities\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nTotal\n$\n52,522\u00a0\n2.3\u00a0\n%\n$\n119,997\u00a0\n2.4\u00a0\n%\n$\n2,806\u00a0\n3.5\u00a0\n%\n$\n39\u00a0\n6.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n175,364\u00a0\n2.4\u00a0\n%\nFor the years above, Arrow held no investment securities in the securities portfolio that consisted of or included, directly or indirectly, obligations of foreign governments or government agencies of foreign issuers.\nIn the periods referenced above, mortgage-backed securities consisted solely of mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) issued or guaranteed by U.S. federal agencies or by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs). Mortgage pass-through securities provide to the investor monthly portions of principal and interest pursuant to the contractual obligations of the underlying mortgages. CMOs are pools of mortgage-backed securities, the repayments on which have generally been separated into two or more components (tranches), where each tranche has a separate estimated life and yield. Arrow's practice has been to purchase pass-through securities and CMOs that are issued or guaranteed by U.S. federal agencies or GSEs, and the tranches of CMOs purchased are generally those having shorter average lives and/or \n38\ndurations. Lower market interest rates and/or payment deferrals on underlying loans that make up mortgage-backed security collateral may impact cashflows.\nIn the periods referenced above, U.S. Government & Agency Obligations consisted solely of agency bonds issued\n by GSEs. These securities generally pay fixed semi-annual \ncoupons\n with principle payments at maturity. For some, callable options are included that may impact the timing of these principal payments. \nArrow's practice has been to purchase Agency securities that are issued or guaranteed by GSEs\n with limited embedded optionality (call features). Final maturities are generally less than 5 years.\nThe yields on obligations of states and municipalities exempt from federal taxation were computed on a tax-equivalent basis. The yields on other debt securities shown in the table above are calculated by dividing annual interest, including accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, by the amortized cost of the securities at December\u00a031, 2022.\nArrow evaluates available-for-sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions at each measurement date to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or non-credit related factors. Any impairment that is not credit related is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Credit-related impairment is recognized within the allowance for credit losses on the balance sheet, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings via credit loss expense. Arrow determined that at December\u00a031, 2022, gross unrealized losses, $65.6 million, were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates, relative to when the investment securities were purchased, and not due to the credit quality of the investment securities. In 2022, the rising interest rate environment resulted in an increase in unrealized losses versus the comparable prior period. Arrow does not intend to sell, nor is it more likely than not that Arrow will be required to sell any securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Therefore, Arrow carried no allowance for credit loss at December\u00a031, 2022 and there was no credit loss expense recognized by Arrow with respect to the securities portfolio during the year ended December\u00a031, 2022.\nAt December\u00a031, 2022 and 2021, the weighted average maturity was 4.2\u00a0and 4.0 years, respectively, for debt securities in the available-for-sale portfolio.\nFor further information regarding the portfolio of securities available-for-sale, see Note 4, \nInvestment Securities\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements. \nSecurities Held-to-Maturity\n:\nThe following table sets forth the carrying value of the portfolio of securities held-to-maturity at December 31 of each of the last two years.\nSECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nDecember 31,\n2022\n2021\nState and Municipal Obligations\n$\n163,600\u00a0\n$\n180,195\u00a0\nMortgage Backed Securities - Residential\n11,764\u00a0\n16,371\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n175,364\u00a0\n$\n196,566\u00a0\nArrow's held-to-maturity debt securities are comprised of GSEs and state and municipal obligations. GSE securities carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, are widely recognized as \u201crisk free,\u201d and have a long history of zero credit loss. Arrow performs an analysis of the credit worthiness of municipal obligations to determine if a security is of investment grade. The analysis may include, but may not solely rely upon credit analysis conducted by external credit rating agencies. Arrow determined that the expected credit loss on its held to maturity debt portfolio was immaterial and, therefore, no allowance for credit loss was recorded as of December\u00a031, 2022.\nAt December\u00a031, 2022 and 2021, the weighted average maturity was 1.9\u00a0and 2.0 years, respectively, for the debt securities in the held-to-maturity portfolio.\nFor additional information regarding the fair value of the portfolio of securities held-to-maturity at December\u00a031, 2022, see Note 4, \nInvestment Securities\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nEQUITY SECURITIES\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nThe following table is the schedule of Equity Securities at December 31 of each of the last two years.\nEquity Securities\nDecember 31, \n2022\n2021\nEquity Securities, at Fair Value\n$\n2,174\u00a0\n$\n1,747\u00a0\n39\nII. LOAN PORTFOLIO\nThe amounts and respective percentages of loans outstanding represented by each principal category on the dates indicated were as follows:\na. Types of Loans\n(Dollars In Thousands) \nDecember 31,\n2022\n2021\nAmount\n%\nAmount\n%\nCommercial\n$\n140,293\u00a0\n5\u00a0\n%\n$\n172,518\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\nCommercial Real Estate\n707,022\u00a0\n24\u00a0\n%\n628,929\u00a0\n24\u00a0\n%\nConsumer\n1,065,135\u00a0\n35\u00a0\n%\n920,556\u00a0\n35\u00a0\n%\nResidential Real Estate\n1,070,757\u00a0\n36\u00a0\n%\n945,938\u00a0\n35\u00a0\n%\nTotal Loans\n2,983,207\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n2,667,941\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\nAllowance for Credit Losses\n(29,952)\n(27,281)\nTotal Loans, Net\n$\n2,953,255\u00a0\n$\n2,640,660\u00a0\nCommercial and Commercial Real Estate Loans:\n Commercial and commercial real estate loans in the loan portfolio were extended to businesses or borrowers primarily located in Arrow's regional markets. A portion of the loans in the commercial portfolio have variable rates tied to market indices, such as Prime, LIBOR, SOFR or FHLBNY. PPP loans were previously included within the commercial loan portfolio. There were no PPP loans outstanding as of December 31, 2022.\nConsumer Loans:\n At December\u00a031, 2022, consumer loans (primarily automobile loans originated through dealerships located in New York and Vermont) continue to be a significant component of Arrow's business, comprising approximately one third of the total loan portfolio.\nConsumer loan originations have remained strong in 2022, with origination volume for the last three years at $572.3 million, $452.1 million and $386.4 million\n \nfor 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.\nFor credit quality purposes, Arrow assigns potential automobile loan customers into one of four tiers, ranging from lower to higher quality in terms of anticipated credit risk. Arrow's experienced lending staff not only utilizes credit evaluation software tools but also reviews and evaluates each loan individually prior to the loan being funded. Arrow believes that this disciplined approach to evaluating risk has contributed to maintaining the strong credit quality in this portfolio.\nResidential Real Estate Loans\n: Gross originations for residential real estate loans (including refinancings of mortgage loans) were $217.5 million, $244.5 million and $250.1 million for the years 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.\nDemand for residential real estate has continued but weakened as interest rates have increased. New origination activity has benefited from the higher rates. A continuous elevated rate environment may impact future demand. Arrow continues to sell portions of these originations in the secondary market. Sales decreased during 2021 and were minimal in 2022 as the result of the strategic decision to grow the residential loan portfolio. The rate at which mortgage loan originations are sold in future periods will depend on a variety of factors, including demand for residential mortgages in our operating markets, market conditions for mortgage sales and strategic balance sheet and interest-rate risk management decisions.\nThe following table indicates the changing mix in the loan portfolio by including the quarterly average balances for the significant loan segments for the past five quarters. \u00a0The remaining quarter-by-quarter tables present the percentage of total loans represented by each category and the annualized yield of each category.\nLOAN PORTFOLIO\nQuarterly Average Loan Balances\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nQuarters Ended\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nCommercial excluding PPP Loans\n$\n141,419\u00a0\n$\n134,986\u00a0\n$\n130,177\u00a0\n$\n135,472\u00a0\n$\n127,346\u00a0\nPPP Loans\n\u2014\u00a0\n637\u00a0\n11,267\u00a0\n26,086\u00a0\n48,778\u00a0\nCommercial Real Estate\n674,420\u00a0\n661,471\u00a0\n645,968\u00a0\n631,255\u00a0\n623,273\u00a0\nConsumer\n1,065,467\u00a0\n1,047,470\u00a0\n1,013,361\u00a0\n932,401\u00a0\n921,376\u00a0\nResidential Real Estate\n1,070,241\u00a0\n1,027,502\u00a0\n1,003,407\u00a0\n953,582\u00a0\n939,892\u00a0\nTotal Loans\n$\n2,951,547\u00a0\n$\n2,872,066\u00a0\n$\n2,804,180\u00a0\n$\n2,678,796\u00a0\n$\n2,660,665\u00a0\n40\nPercentage of Total Quarterly Average Loans\nQuarters Ended\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nCommercial excluding PPP Loans\n4.8\u00a0\n%\n4.7\u00a0\n%\n4.6\u00a0\n%\n5.0\u00a0\n%\n4.8\u00a0\n%\nPPP Loans\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n0.4\u00a0\n%\n1.0\u00a0\n%\n1.8\u00a0\n%\nCommercial Real Estate\n22.8\u00a0\n%\n23.0\u00a0\n%\n23.0\u00a0\n%\n23.6\u00a0\n%\n23.4\u00a0\n%\nConsumer\n36.1\u00a0\n%\n36.5\u00a0\n%\n36.2\u00a0\n%\n34.8\u00a0\n%\n34.6\u00a0\n%\nResidential Real Estate\n36.3\u00a0\n%\n35.8\u00a0\n%\n35.8\u00a0\n%\n35.6\u00a0\n%\n35.4\u00a0\n%\nTotal Loans\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nQuarterly Yield on Loans\nQuarters Ended\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nCommercial (total portfolio)\n4.18\u00a0\n%\n4.17\u00a0\n%\n3.93\u00a0\n%\n4.17\u00a0\n%\n3.97\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Commercial excluding PPP loans\n4.18\u00a0\n%\n4.17\u00a0\n%\n3.90\u00a0\n%\n3.87\u00a0\n%\n3.83\u00a0\n%\nCommercial Real Estate\n4.57\u00a0\n%\n4.60\u00a0\n%\n3.82\u00a0\n%\n3.80\u00a0\n%\n3.78\u00a0\n%\nConsumer\n4.02\u00a0\n%\n4.10\u00a0\n%\n3.83\u00a0\n%\n3.84\u00a0\n%\n3.87\u00a0\n%\nResidential Real Estate\n3.80\u00a0\n%\n3.78\u00a0\n%\n3.70\u00a0\n%\n3.71\u00a0\n%\n3.73\u00a0\n%\nTotal Loans - QTD Average\n4.13\u00a0\n%\n4.09\u00a0\n%\n3.85\u00a0\n%\n3.90\u00a0\n%\n3.82\u00a0\n%\nThe average yield on the loan portfolio increased from 3.82% for the fourth quarter of 2021 to 4.13% for the fourth quarter of 2022. The current raising rate environment prevailed for much of 2022, which impacted new loan yields for both fixed and variable rate loans.\nPPP Loans\nArrow originated over $234.2 million of PPP loans in 2020 and 2021. Arrow completed the PPP program in 2022.\nOutstanding PPP Loans\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nYears Ended December 31,\n2022\n2021\nBeginning Balance\n$\n43,649\u00a0\n$\n114,630\u00a0\nPPP Loans Funded\n\u2014\u00a0\n91,511\u00a0\nPPP Loans Forgiven\n(43,649)\n(162,492)\nEnding PPP Loans\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n43,649\u00a0\nIncome Earned on PPP Loans\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nYears Ended December 31,\n2022\n2021\nInterest Earned\n$\n97\u00a0\n$\n1,067\u00a0\nFees Recognized\n1,477\u00a0\n6,744\u00a0\nIncome Earned on PPP Loans\n$\n1,574\u00a0\n$\n7,811\u00a0\n41\nThe following table indicates the respective maturities and interest rate structure of commercial loans and commercial real estate construction loans at December\u00a031, 2022. \u00a0For purposes of determining relevant maturities, loans are assumed to mature at (but not before) their scheduled repayment dates as required by contractual terms. \u00a0Demand loans and overdrafts are included in the \u201cWithin 1 Year\u201d maturity category. \u00a0Most of the commercial construction loans are made with a commitment for permanent financing, whether extended by us or unrelated third parties. \u00a0The maturity distribution below reflects the final maturity of the permanent financing.\nb. Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates\n(Dollars in Thousands)\nThe table below shows the maturity of loans outstanding as of December\u00a031, 2022. Also provided are the amounts due after one year, classified according to fixed interest rates and variable interest rates (in thousands):\nDecember 31, 2022\nWithin One Year\nAfter One But Within Five Years\nAfter Five But Within 15 Years\nAfter 15 Years\nTotal\nCommercial\n$\n26,019\u00a0\n$\n74,943\u00a0\n$\n39,215\u00a0\n$\n116\u00a0\n$\n140,293\u00a0\nCommercial Real Estate\n182,494\u00a0\n212,354\u00a0\n306,607\u00a0\n5,567\u00a0\n707,022\u00a0\nConsumer\n11,595\u00a0\n527,907\u00a0\n525,132\u00a0\n501\u00a0\n1,065,135\u00a0\nResidential Real Estate\n142,824\u00a0\n53,594\u00a0\n226,887\u00a0\n647,452\u00a0\n1,070,757\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n362,932\u00a0\n$\n868,798\u00a0\n$\n1,097,841\u00a0\n$\n653,636\u00a0\n$\n2,983,207\u00a0\nAfter One But Within Five Years\nAfter Five But Within 15 Years\nAfter 15 Years\nTotal\nLoans maturing with:\nFixed Interest Rates\n$\n600,355\u00a0\n$\n929,621\u00a0\n$\n651,751\u00a0\n$\n2,181,727\u00a0\nVariable Interest Rates\n268,443\u00a0\n168,220\u00a0\n1,885\u00a0\n438,548\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n868,798\u00a0\n$\n1,097,841\u00a0\n$\n653,636\u00a0\n$\n2,620,275\u00a0\nCOMMITMENTS AND LINES OF CREDIT\nStand-by letters of credit represent extensions of credit granted in the normal course of business, which are not reflected in the financial statements at a given date because the commitments are not funded at that time. \u00a0As of December\u00a031, 2022, the total contingent liability for standby letters of credit amounted to $3.6 million. \u00a0In addition to these instruments, there are lines of credit to customers, including home equity lines of credit, commitments for residential and commercial construction loans and other personal and commercial lines of credit, which also may be unfunded or only partially funded from time-to-time. Commercial lines, generally issued for a period of one year, are usually extended to provide for the working capital requirements of the borrower. At December\u00a031, 2022, outstanding unfunded loan commitments in the aggregate amount were approximately $424.2 million compared to $402.3 million at December\u00a031, 2021.\nc. Risk Elements\n1. Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans\nThe amounts of nonaccrual, past due and restructured loans at year-end for each of the past two years are presented in the table on page 33 under the heading \"Summary of the Allowance and Provision for Credit Losses.\"\nLoans are placed on nonaccrual status either due to the delinquency status of principal and/or interest or a judgment by Management that the full repayment of principal and interest is unlikely. Unless already placed on nonaccrual status, loans secured by home equity lines of credit are put on nonaccrual status when 120 days past due and residential real estate loans are put on nonaccrual status when 150 days past due. Commercial and commercial real estate loans are evaluated on a loan-by-loan basis and are placed on nonaccrual status when 90 days past due if the full collection of principal and interest is uncertain.\u00a0Under the Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy established by banking regulators, fixed-maturity consumer loans not secured by real estate must generally be charged-off no later than when 120 days past due. Loans secured with non-real estate collateral in the process of collection are charged-down to the value of the collateral, less cost to sell. \u00a0Arrow had no material commitments to lend additional funds on outstanding nonaccrual loans at December\u00a031, 2022. \u00a0Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest are those loans which were contractually past due 90 days or more but because of expected repayments, were still accruing interest. \u00a0\nThe balance of loans 30-89 days past due and still accruing interest totaled $20.4 million at December\u00a031, 2022 and represented 0.68% of loans outstanding at that date, as compared to approximately $12.2 million, or 0.46% of loans outstanding at December\u00a031, 2021. These non-current loans at December\u00a031, 2022 were composed of approximately $18.2 million of consumer loans (principally indirect automobile loans), $1.8 million of residential real estate loans and $0.4 million of commercial and commercial real estate loans.\n42\nThe method for measuring all other loans is described in detail in Note 2, \nSummary of Significant Accounting Policies\n, and Note 5, \nLoans,\n to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nNote 5, \nLoans, \nto the Consolidated Financial Statements contains detailed information on modified loans and impaired loans.\n2. Potential Problem Loans\nOn at least a quarterly basis, the internal credit quality rating is re-evaluated for commercial loans that are either past due or fully performing but exhibit certain characteristics that could reflect well-defined weaknesses. \u00a0Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when the likely amount of future principal and interest payments are expected to be less than the contractual amounts, even if such loans are not past due.\nPeriodically, Arrow reviews the loan portfolio for evidence of potential problem loans. \u00a0Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing in accordance with contractual terms, but where known information about possible credit problems of the borrower may jeopardize loan repayment and result in a non-performing loan. \u00a0In the credit monitoring program, Arrow treats loans that are classified as substandard but continue to accrue interest as potential problem loans. \u00a0At December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow identified 52 commercial loans totaling $41.7 million as potential problem loans. \u00a0At December\u00a031, 2021, Arrow identified 56 commercial loans totaling $37.5 million\n \nas potential problem loans. \u00a0For these loans, although positive factors such as payment history, value of supporting collateral, and/or personal or government guarantees led Arrow to conclude that accounting for them as non-performing at year-end was not warranted, other factors, specifically, certain risk factors related to the loan or the borrower justified concerns that they may become nonperforming at some point in the future. \u00a0\n3\n.\n \nForeign\n \nOutstandings\n \n- None\n4. Loan Concentrations\nThe loan portfolio is well diversified. \u00a0There are no concentrations of credit that exceed 10% of the portfolio, other than the general categories reported in the preceding Section C.II.a. of this Item 7, beginning on page 40. \u00a0For further discussion, see Note 1, \nRisks and Uncertainties\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\n5. Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets\nOther real estate owned (\"OREO\") primarily consists of real property acquired in foreclosure. \u00a0OREO is carried at fair value less estimated cost to sell. Arrow establishes allowances for OREO losses, which are determined and monitored on a property-by-property basis and reflect the ongoing estimate of the property's estimated fair value less costs to sell. All Repossessed Assets for each of the five years in the table below consist of motor vehicles.\nDistribution of OREO and Repossessed Assets\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nDecember 31,\n2022\n2021\n2020\nOther Real Estate Owned\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nRepossessed Assets\n593\u00a0\n126\u00a0\n155\u00a0\nTotal OREO and Repossessed Assets\n$\n593\u00a0\n$\n126\u00a0\n$\n155\u00a0\nThe following table summarizes changes in the net carrying amount of OREO and the number of properties for each of the periods presented. At December 31, 2022, Arrow had no OREO.\nSchedule of Changes in OREO\n(Dollars In Thousands)\n2022\n2021\n2020\nBalance at Beginning of Year\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n1,122\u00a0\nProperties Acquired Through Foreclosure\n\u2014\u00a0\n99\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nGain of Sale of OREO properties\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n192\u00a0\nSubsequent Write-downs to Fair Value\n\u2014\u00a0\n(19)\n\u2014\u00a0\nSales\n\u2014\u00a0\n(80)\n(1,314)\nBalance at End of Year\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nNumber of Properties, Beginning of Year\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n3\u00a0\nProperties Acquired During the Year\n\u2014\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nProperties Sold During the Year\n\u2014\u00a0\n(1)\n(3)\nNumber of Properties, End of Year\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nI\nII. SUMMARY OF CREDIT LOSS EXPERIENCE\nThe information required in this section is presented in the discussion of the \"Provision for Credit Losses and Allowance for Credit Losses\" in Part II Item 7, Section B.II. beginning on page 33 of this Report, including:\n\u2022\nCharge-offs and Recoveries by loan type\n\u2022\nFactors that led to the amount of the Provision for Credit Losses\n\u2022\nAllocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses by loan type\n43\nThe percent of loans in each loan category is presented in the table of loan types in the preceding section on page 40 of this Report.\nIV. DEPOSITS\nThe following table sets forth the average balances of and average rates paid on deposits for the periods indicated.\nAVERAGE DEPOSIT BALANCES\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nYears Ended\n12/31/2022\n12/31/2021\n12/31/2020\nAverage\nBalance\nRate\nAverage\nBalance\nRate\nAverage\nBalance\nRate\nDemand Deposits\n$\n815,218\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n$\n767,671\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n$\n613,408\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nInterest-Bearing Checking Accounts\n1,038,751\u00a0\n0.09\u00a0\n%\n926,875\u00a0\n0.08\u00a0\n%\n772,000\u00a0\n0.17\u00a0\n%\nSavings Deposits\n1,549,278\u00a0\n0.51\u00a0\n%\n1,496,906\u00a0\n0.13\u00a0\n%\n1,258,154\u00a0\n0.40\u00a0\n%\nTime Deposits of $250,000 or More\n55,690\u00a0\n0.66\u00a0\n%\n87,033\u00a0\n0.30\u00a0\n%\n124,601\u00a0\n1.18\u00a0\n%\nOther Time Deposits\n132,541\u00a0\n0.46\u00a0\n%\n141,677\u00a0\n0.45\u00a0\n%\n223,111\u00a0\n1.25\u00a0\n%\nTotal Deposits\n$\n3,591,478\u00a0\n0.27\u00a0\n%\n$\n3,420,162\u00a0\n0.10\u00a0\n%\n$\n2,991,274\u00a0\n0.36\u00a0\n%\nAverage total deposit balances increased by $171.3 million, or 5.0% in 2022, mainly in the demand deposit, checking and savings deposit categories. \nArrow used reciprocal deposits for a select group of municipalities to reduce the amount of investment securities required to be pledged as collateral for municipal deposits where municipal deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance coverage limits were transferred to other participating banks, divided into portions so as to qualify such transferred deposits for FDIC insurance coverage at each transferee bank. In return, reciprocal amounts are transferred to Arrow in equal amounts of deposits from the participant banks. The balances of reciprocal deposits were $520.6 million and $529.8 million at December\u00a031, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nThe following tables presents the quarterly average balance by deposit type for each of the most recent five quarters. \u00a0\nDEPOSIT PORTFOLIO\nQuarterly Average Deposit Balances\n(Dollars In Thousands)\nQuarters Ended\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nDemand Deposits\n$\n787,157\u00a0\n$\n866,659\u00a0\n$\n811,607\u00a0\n$\n794,968\u00a0\n$\n819,624\u00a0\nInterest-Bearing Checking Accounts\n1,082,267\u00a0\n996,116\u00a0\n1,048,752\u00a0\n1,027,740\u00a0\n998,398\u00a0\nSavings Deposits\n1,548,293\u00a0\n1,549,451\u00a0\n1,541,616\u00a0\n1,557,855\u00a0\n1,562,318\u00a0\nTime Deposits of $250,000 or More\n65,897\u00a0\n49,459\u00a0\n37,418\u00a0\n70,101\u00a0\n71,965\u00a0\nOther Time Deposits\n131,331\u00a0\n136,834\u00a0\n130,361\u00a0\n131,592\u00a0\n138,461\u00a0\nTotal Deposits\n$\n3,614,945\u00a0\n$\n3,598,519\u00a0\n$\n3,569,754\u00a0\n$\n3,582,256\u00a0\n$\n3,590,766\u00a0\nQuarters Ended\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nNon-Municipal Deposits\n$\n2,668,704\u00a0\n$\n2,719,291\u00a0\n$\n2,662,052\u00a0\n$\n2,639,258\u00a0\n$\n2,629,553\u00a0\nMunicipal Deposits\n946,241\u00a0\n879,228\u00a0\n907,702\u00a0\n942,998\u00a0\n961,213\u00a0\nTotal Deposits\n$\n3,614,945\u00a0\n$\n3,598,519\u00a0\n$\n3,569,754\u00a0\n$\n3,582,256\u00a0\n$\n3,590,766\u00a0\nThe above tables provide information on trends in the balance and mix of the deposit portfolio by presenting, for each of the last five quarters, the quarterly average balances by deposit type. Time deposits over $250,000 and other time deposits have decreased for the four quarters leading into the fourth quarter of 2022. In the current quarter, the overall balance of time deposits has increased as the result of a strategic initiative to grow certificate of deposit balances. Despite the increase in the average deposit balance from the third to fourth quarter of 2022, deposits decreased from September 30, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The decrease in deposits was primarily the result of both increased consumer spending and pressure from competitive rate pricing.\nIn general, there is a seasonal pattern to municipal deposits which dip to a low point in August each year. \u00a0Account balances tend to increase throughout the fall and into early winter from tax deposits, flatten out after the beginning of the ensuing calendar year, and increase again at the end of March from the electronic deposit of NYS Aid payments to school districts. \u00a0In addition to seasonal behavior, the likelihood of downward trajectory of municipal balances may be the result of record high balances that \n44\nincluded American Rescue Plan and other COVID-19 pandemic response stimulus as well as increasing competition in the current rate environment.\n \nThe total quarterly average balances as a percentage of total deposits are illustrated in the table below.\nPercentage of Total Quarterly Average Deposits\nQuarters Ended\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nDemand Deposits\n21.8\u00a0\n%\n24.1\u00a0\n%\n22.7\u00a0\n%\n22.2\u00a0\n%\n22.8\u00a0\n%\nInterest-Bearing Checking Accounts\n29.9\u00a0\n%\n27.7\u00a0\n%\n29.4\u00a0\n%\n28.7\u00a0\n%\n27.8\u00a0\n%\nSavings Deposits\n42.9\u00a0\n%\n43.0\u00a0\n%\n43.2\u00a0\n%\n43.4\u00a0\n%\n43.5\u00a0\n%\nTime Deposits of $250,000 or More\n1.8\u00a0\n%\n1.4\u00a0\n%\n1.0\u00a0\n%\n2.0\u00a0\n%\n2.0\u00a0\n%\nOther Time Deposits\n3.6\u00a0\n%\n3.8\u00a0\n%\n3.7\u00a0\n%\n3.7\u00a0\n%\n3.9\u00a0\n%\nTotal Deposits\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nThe total quarterly interest cost of deposits, by type of deposit and in total, for each of the most recent five quarters is set forth in the table below: \nQuarterly Cost of Deposits\nQuarters Ended\n12/31/2022\n9/30/2022\n6/30/2022\n3/31/2022\n12/31/2021\nDemand Deposits\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nInterest-Bearing Checking Accounts\n0.13\u00a0\n%\n0.11\u00a0\n%\n0.08\u00a0\n%\n0.06\u00a0\n%\n0.07\u00a0\n%\nSavings Deposits\n1.05\u00a0\n%\n0.63\u00a0\n%\n0.23\u00a0\n%\n0.11\u00a0\n%\n0.10\u00a0\n%\nTime Deposits of $250,000 or More\n1.36\u00a0\n%\n0.71\u00a0\n%\n0.28\u00a0\n%\n0.16\u00a0\n%\n0.18\u00a0\n%\nOther Time Deposits\n0.71\u00a0\n%\n0.43\u00a0\n%\n0.34\u00a0\n%\n0.33\u00a0\n%\n0.35\u00a0\n%\nTotal Deposits\n0.54\u00a0\n%\n0.33\u00a0\n%\n0.14\u00a0\n%\n0.08\u00a0\n%\n0.08\u00a0\n%\nThe cost of deposits began to increase in the second quarter of 2022, and accelerated in the third and fourth quarters. The Federal Funds rate increased throughout 2022 and is anticipated to continue into 2023. Arrow believes it is well positioned for a variety of rate environments.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The maturities of time deposits of $250,000 or more at December\u00a031, 2022 are presented below. \u00a0(Dollars In Thousands)\nMaturing in:\nUnder Three Months\n$\n15,215\u00a0\nThree to Six Months\n13,848\u00a0\nSix to Twelve Months\n30,002\u00a0\n2024\n14,653\u00a0\n2025\n2,254\u00a0\n2026\n252\u00a0\n2027\n\u2014\u00a0\nLater\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n76,224\u00a0\n45\nV. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS (Dollars in Thousands)\n12/31/2022\n12/31/2021\n12/31/2020\nOvernight Advances from the FHLBNY, Federal Funds Purchased\n\u00a0\u00a0and Securities Sold\u00a0Under Agreements to Repurchase:\nBalance at December 31\n$\n27,000\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n17,486\u00a0\nMaximum Month-End Balance\n27,000\u00a0\n15,798\u00a0\n73,949\u00a0\nAverage Balance During the Year\n2,124\u00a0\n4,768\u00a0\n57,929\u00a0\nAverage Rate During the Year\n4.34\u00a0\n%\n0.06\u00a0\n%\n0.43\u00a0\n%\nRate at December 31\n4.61\u00a0\n%\nN/A\n0.07\u00a0\n%\nD. LIQUIDITY\nThe objective of effective liquidity management is to ensure that Arrow has the ability to raise cash when needed at a reasonable cost. \u00a0This includes the capability of meeting expected and unexpected obligations to Arrow's customers at any time. Given the uncertain nature of customer demands and the need to maximize earnings, Arrow must have available reasonably priced sources of funds, both on- and off-balance sheet, that can be accessed quickly in times of need. Arrow\u2019s liquidity position should provide the Company with the necessary flexibility to address any unexpected near-term disruptions such as reduced cash flows from the investment and loan portfolio, unexpected deposit runoff, or increased loan originations.\nArrow's primary sources of available liquidity are overnight investments in federal funds sold, interest bearing bank balances at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and cash flow from investment securities and loans. \u00a0Certain investment securities are categorized as available-for-sale at time of purchase based on their marketability and collateral value, as well as their yield and maturity. The securities available-for-sale portfolio was $573.5 million at year-end 2022, an increase of $14.2 million from the year-end 2021 level. Due to the potential for volatility in market values, Arrow may not always be able to sell securities on short notice at their carrying value, even to provide needed liquidity. Arrow also held interest-bearing cash balances at December\u00a031, 2022 of $32.8 million compared to $430.7 million at December\u00a031, 2021. \nIn addition to liquidity from cash, short-term investments, investment securities and loans, Arrow has supplemented available operating liquidity with additional off-balance sheet sources such as a federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks and credit lines with the FHLBNY. The federal funds lines of credit are with two correspondent banks totaling $52 million which were not drawn on in 2022.\nTo support the borrowing relationship with the FHLBNY, Arrow has pledged collateral, including residential mortgage, home equity and commercial real estate loans. At December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow had outstanding collateralized obligations with the FHLBNY of $45 million; as of that date, the unused borrowing capacity at the FHLBNY was approximately $608 million. Brokered deposits have also been identified as an available source of funding accessible in a relatively short time period. At December\u00a031, 2022, there were no outstanding brokered deposits. In addition, Arrow's two bank subsidiaries have each established a borrowing facility with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, pledging certain consumer loans as collateral for potential \"discount window\" advances, which are maintained for contingency liquidity purposes. At December\u00a031, 2022, the amount available under this facility was approximately $649 million in the aggregate, and there were no advances then outstanding.\nArrow performs regular liquidity stress tests and tests of the contingent liquidity plan to ensure that an adequate amount of available funds can be generated to meet a wide variety of potential liquidity events. Additionally, Arrow continually monitors levels and composition of uninsured deposits. \nArrow measures and monitors basic liquidity as a ratio of liquid assets to total short-term liabilities, both with and without the availability of borrowing arrangements. Based on the level of overnight investments, available liquidity from the investment securities portfolio, cash flows from the loan portfolio, the stable core deposit base and the significant borrowing capacity, Arrow believes that the available liquidity is sufficient to meet all reasonably likely events or occurrences. At December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow's basic liquidity ratio, including FHLBNY collateralized borrowing capacity, was 19.6% of total assets, or $619 million in excess of Arrow's internally-set minimum target ratio of 4%.\nArrow did not experience any liquidity constraints in 2022 and did not experience any such constraints in recent prior years. Arrow has not at any time during such period been forced to pay above-market rates to obtain retail deposits or other funds from any source.\nE. CAPITAL RESOURCES AND DIVIDENDS\nImportant Regulatory Capital Standards: \nDodd-Frank, enacted in 2010, directed U.S. bank regulators to promulgate revised bank organization capital standards, which were required to be at least as strict as the regulatory capital standards for banks then in effect. The Capital Rules under Dodd-Frank were adopted by the Federal bank regulatory agencies in 2013 and became effective for Arrow and its subsidiary banks on January 1, 2015. These Capital Rules are summarized in an earlier section of this Report, \"Regulatory Capital Standards,\" beginning on page 7.\nThe table below sets forth the various capital ratios achieved by Arrow and its subsidiary banks, Glens Falls National and Saratoga National, as of December\u00a031, 2022, as determined under the bank regulatory capital standards in effect on that date, as well as the minimum levels for such capital ratios that bank holding companies and banks are required to maintain under the Capital Rules (not including the \"capital conservation buffer\"). As demonstrated in the table, all of Arrow's and the banks' capital ratios at year-end were well in excess of the minimum required levels for such ratios, as established by the regulators. (See Item \n46\n1, Section C, under \"Regulatory Capital Standards\" and Item 8, Note 19 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for information regarding the \"capital conservation buffer.\") In addition, on December\u00a031, 2022, Arrow and each of the banks qualified as \"well-capitalized\", the highest capital classification category under the revised capital classification scheme recently established by the federal bank regulators, that was in effect on that date. \n \nCapital Ratios\n:\nArrow\nGFNB\nSNB\nMinimum\nRequired\nRatio\nTier 1 Leverage Ratio\n9.8%\n9.0%\n10.5%\n4.0%\nCommon Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio\n13.3%\n13.2%\n14.3%\n4.5%\nTier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio\n14.0%\n13.2%\n14.3%\n6.0%\nTotal Risk-Based Capital Ratio \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n15.1%\n14.3%\n15.5%\n8.0%\n \nFederal bank regulators introduced an optional simplified measure of capital adequacy for qualifying community banking organizations (CBLR).\u00a0 A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR framework and meets all the requirements under the CBLR framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the \u201cprompt corrective action\u201d regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital ratios.\nThe CBLR final rule became effective as of January 1, 2020, and Arrow and both subsidiary banks have opted out of utilizing the CBLR framework. Therefore, the Capital Rules promulgated under Dodd-Frank will remain applicable to Arrow and both subsidiary banks.\nStockholders' Equity at Year-end 2022: \n Total stockholders' equity was $353.5 million at December\u00a031, 2022, a decrease of $17.6 million, or 4.8%, from December\u00a031, 2021. The net decrease in total stockholders' equity during 2022 principally reflected the following factors: (i) $48.8 million of net income for the year, plus (ii) $2.0 million of equity related to various stock-based compensation plans, plus (iii) $1.9 million of equity resulting from the dividend reinvestment plan, reduced by (iv) other comprehensive loss of $50.0 million, (v) cash dividends of $17.4 million and (vi) repurchases of common stock of $2.9 million.\nTrust Preferred Securities:\n In each of 2003 and 2004, Arrow issued $10 million of trust preferred securities (TRUPs) in a private placement. Under the Federal Reserve Board's regulatory capital rules then in effect, TRUPs proceeds typically qualified as Tier 1 capital for bank holding companies such as Arrow, but only in amounts up to 25% of Tier 1 capital, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, any trust preferred securities that Arrow might issue on or after the grandfathering date set forth in Dodd-Frank (May 19, 2010) would not qualify as Tier 1 capital under bank regulatory capital guidelines. For Arrow, TRUPs outstanding prior to the grandfathering cutoff date set forth in Dodd-Frank (May 19, 2010) would continue to qualify as Tier 1 capital until maturity or redemption, subject to limitations. Thus, Arrow's outstanding TRUPs continue to qualify as Tier 1 regulatory capital, subject to such limitations. Arrow's recent failure to timely file this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, and deliver such reports to the trustee would represent a default under the indenture if the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding securities delivered such a notice. If the trustee delivers a notice of default, Arrow will have 30 days to remedy the default or else it will constitute an event of default under the indenture. The trustee has not provided a notice as of the date hereof.\nIn the first quarter of 2020, Arrow entered into interest rate swap agreements to synthetically fix the variable rate interest payments associated with $20 million in outstanding subordinated trust securities. The effective fixed rate is 3.43% until maturity. These agreements are designated as cash flow hedges.\nDividends:\n \nThe source of funds for the payment by Arrow of cash dividends to stockholders consists primarily of dividends declared and paid to it by its bank subsidiaries. \u00a0In addition to legal and regulatory limitations on payments of dividends by Arrow (i.e., the need to maintain adequate regulatory capital), there are also legal and regulatory limitations applicable to the payment of dividends by the bank subsidiaries to Arrow. \u00a0As of December\u00a031, 2022, under the statutory limitations in national banking law, the maximum amount that could have been paid by the bank subsidiaries to Arrow, without special regulatory approval, was approximately $88.8 million \u00a0The ability of Arrow and its banks to pay dividends in the future is and will continue to be influenced by regulatory policies, capital guidelines and applicable laws.\nSee Part II, Item 5, \"Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities\" for a recent history of its cash dividend payments.\nStock Repurchase Program\n:\n In October 2021, the Board of Directors approved a $5 million stock repurchase program, effective for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the 2022 Repurchase Program), under which management is authorized, in its discretion, to permit Arrow to repurchase up to $5 million of shares of Arrow's common stock, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, to the extent management believes Arrow's stock is reasonably priced and such repurchases appear to be an attractive use of available capital and in the best interests of shareholders. This 2022 program replaced a similar repurchase program which was in effect for the 2021 calendar year (the 2021 program), which also authorized the repurchase of up to $5.0 million of shares of Arrow's common stock. As of December\u00a031, 2022 approximately $2.5 million had been used under the 2022 program to repurchase Arrow shares. In addition, approximately $408 thousand of Arrow's Common Stock was purchased during 2022 other than through its repurchase program, i.e., repurchases of Arrow shares on the market utilizing funds accumulated under Arrow's Dividend Reinvestment Plan and the surrender or deemed surrender of Arrow stock to \n47\nArrow in connection with employees' stock-for-stock exercises of compensatory stock options to buy Arrow stock. The 2022 program expired on December 31, 2022. A similar 2023 program, allowing for stock repurchases of up to $5 million for calendar year 2023 was approved by the Board of Directors in October 2022.\nF. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS\nIn the normal course of operations, Arrow may engage in a variety of financial transactions or arrangements, including derivative transactions or arrangements, that in accordance with GAAP are not recorded in the financial statements, or are recorded in amounts that differ from the notional amounts. \u00a0These transactions or arrangements involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate, and liquidity risk. \u00a0Such transactions or arrangements may be used by Arrow or Arrow's customers for general corporate purposes, such as managing credit, interest rate, or liquidity risk or to optimize capital, or may be used by Arrow or Arrow's customers to manage funding needs.\nIn 2021, Arrow entered into interest rate swap agreements with certain commercial customers to provide them with a long-term fixed rate, while simultaneously Arrow entered into offsetting interest rate swap agreements with a counterparty to swap the fixed rate to a variable rate to manage interest rate exposure.\nArrow's commercial loan interest rate swap agreements are not designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. The commercial loan interest rate swap agreements have substantially equivalent and offsetting terms, they do not present any material exposure to Arrow's consolidated statements of income. Arrow records its interest rate swap agreements at fair value and is presented on a gross basis within other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities arising from these derivatives are included, net, in other income in the consolidated statement of income.\nG. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS (Dollars In Thousands)\nPayments Due by Period\nContractual Obligation\nTotal\nLess Than\n\u00a0\n1 Year\n1-3 Years\n3-5 Years\nMore Than \n5 Years\nLong-Term Debt Obligations:\n\u00a0\u00a0Federal Home Loan Bank Advances \n1\n$\n27,800\u00a0\n$\n27,800\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nJunior Subordinated Obligations\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Issued to Unconsolidated\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Subsidiary Trusts \n2\n20,000\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n20,000\u00a0\nOperating Lease Obligations \n3\n6,996\u00a0\n964\u00a0\n1,336\u00a0\n1,119\u00a0\n3,577\u00a0\nFinance Lease Obligations \n3\n8,555\u00a0\n243\u00a0\n512\u00a0\n536\u00a0\n7,264\u00a0\nObligations under Retirement Plans\n 4\n43,202\u00a0\n4,240\u00a0\n9,281\u00a0\n8,680\u00a0\n21,001\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n106,553\u00a0\n$\n33,247\u00a0\n$\n11,129\u00a0\n$\n10,335\u00a0\n$\n51,842\u00a0\n1\n See Note 10, \nDebt\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on Federal Home Loan Bank Advances, including call provisions.\n2\n See Note 10, \nDebt\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on Junior Subordinated Obligations Issued to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trusts (trust preferred securities).\n3\n See Note 18, \nLeases\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on Operating Lease Obligations.\n4\n See Note 13, \nRetirement Benefit Plans\n, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on Retirement Benefit Plans.\nH. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS\nThe following accounting standard has been issued and becomes effective for Arrow at a future date:\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIn March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. On January 7, 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, which refines the scope of ASC 848 and clarifies some of its guidance. The ASU and related amendments provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the existing guidance for applying GAAP to affected contract modifications and hedge accounting relationships in the transition away from the LIBOR or other interbank offered rate on financial reporting. The guidance also allows a one-time election to sell and/or reclassify to AFS or trading HTM debt securities that reference an interest rate affected by reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU are effective March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and permit relief solely for reference rate reform actions and different elections over the effective date for legacy and new activity. In December 2022, FASB issued ASU 2022-06, \"Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)\" which deferred the sunset date of Topic 848 to December 31, 2024, to allow for a transition period after the sunset of LIBOR. Arrow does not expect it will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.\nIn March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU 2022-02 addresses areas identified by the FASB as part of its post-implementation review of the credit losses standard (ASU 2016-13) that introduced the CECL model. The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors that have adopted the CECL model and enhance the disclosure \n48\nrequirements for loan refinancings and restructurings made with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. For Arrow, ASU 2022-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Arrow does not expect it will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.\nI. FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS\nArrow reported net income of $12.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of $1.8 million, or 17.2%, from the net income of $10.3 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2021. \u00a0Diluted earnings per common share for the fourth quarter of 2022 were $0.73, up from $0.62 during the fourth quarter of 2021. The net change in earnings between the two quarters was primarily due to the following: (a) a $3.4 million increase in net interest income, (b) a $424 thousand decrease in noninterest income, (c) a $851 thousand increase in the provision for credit losses, (d) a $68 thousand decrease in noninterest expense, and (e) a $390 thousand increase in the provision for income taxes. \u00a0The principal factors contributing to these quarter-to-quarter changes are included in the discussion of the year-to-year changes in net income set forth elsewhere in this Item 7, specifically, in Section B, \"Results of Operations,\" above, as well as in Arrow's Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on January\u00a030, 2023, incorporating by reference Arrow's earnings release for the year ended December\u00a031, 2022.\nSELECTED FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL INFORMATION\n(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)\nFor the Quarters Ended\n\u00a0December 31,\n2022\n2021\nInterest and Dividend Income\n$\n35,904\u00a0\n$\n28,354\u00a0\nInterest Expense\n5,325\u00a0\n1,152\u00a0\nNet Interest Income\n30,579\u00a0\n27,202\u00a0\nProvision for Credit Losses\n1,409\u00a0\n558\u00a0\nNet Interest Income after Provision for Credit Losses\n29,170\u00a0\n26,644\u00a0\nNoninterest Income\n7,165\u00a0\n7,589\u00a0\nNoninterest Expense\n20,792\u00a0\n20,860\u00a0\nIncome Before Provision for Income Taxes\n15,543\u00a0\n13,373\u00a0\nProvision for Income Taxes\n3,456\u00a0\n3,064\u00a0\nNet Income\n$\n12,087\u00a0\n$\n10,309\u00a0\nSHARE AND PER SHARE DATA:\nWeighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:\nBasic\n16,535\u00a0\n16,509\u00a0\nDiluted\n16,589\u00a0\n16,574\u00a0\nBasic Earnings Per Common Share\n$\n0.73\u00a0\n$\n0.62\u00a0\nDiluted Earnings Per Common Share\n0.73\u00a0\n$\n0.62\u00a0\nCash Dividends Per Common Share\n0.270\u00a0\n0.252\u00a0\nAVERAGE BALANCES:\nAssets\n$\n4,074,028\u00a0\n$\n4,060,540\u00a0\nEarning Assets\n3,940,905\u00a0\n3,894,287\u00a0\nLoans\n2,951,547\u00a0\n2,660,665\u00a0\nDeposits\n3,614,945\u00a0\n3,590,766\u00a0\nStockholders\u2019 Equity\n351,402\u00a0\n364,409\u00a0\nSELECTED RATIOS (Annualized):\nReturn on Average Assets\n1.18\u00a0\n%\n1.01\u00a0\n%\nReturn on Average Equity\n13.65\u00a0\n%\n11.22\u00a0\n%\nNet Interest Margin\n3.08\u00a0\n%\n2.77\u00a0\n%\nNet Charge-offs to Average Loans\n0.09\u00a0\n%\n0.03\u00a0\n%\nProvision for Credit Losses to Average Loans\n0.19\u00a0\n%\n0.08\u00a0\n%\n49\nSUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)\nThe following quarterly financial information for 2022 and 2021 is unaudited, but, in the opinion of Management, fairly presents the results of Arrow. \u00a0\nSELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA\n(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)\n2022\nFirst\nQuarter\nSecond\nQuarter\nThird\nQuarter\nFourth\nQuarter\nTotal Interest and Dividend Income\n$\n28,947\u00a0\n$\n30,593\u00a0\n$\n34,207\u00a0\n$\n35,904\u00a0\nNet Interest Income\n27,825\u00a0\n29,038\u00a0\n30,901\u00a0\n30,579\u00a0\nProvision for Credit Losses\n769\u00a0\n905\u00a0\n1,715\u00a0\n1,409\u00a0\nNet (Loss) Gain on Securities\n130\u00a0\n154\u00a0\n95,000\u00a0\n48\u00a0\nIncome Before Provision for Income Taxes\n16,273\u00a0\n15,532\u00a0\n15,565\u00a0\n15,543\u00a0\nNet Income\n12,575\u00a0\n11,974\u00a0\n12,163\u00a0\n12,087\u00a0\nBasic Earnings Per Common Share\n0.76\u00a0\n0.72\u00a0\n0.74\u00a0\n0.73\u00a0\nDiluted Earnings Per Common Share\n0.76\u00a0\n0.72\u00a0\n0.74\u00a0\n0.73\u00a0\n2021\nFirst\nQuarter\nSecond\nQuarter\nThird\nQuarter\nFourth\nQuarter\nTotal Interest and Dividend Income\n$\n27,694\u00a0\n$\n29,695\u00a0\n$\n29,807\u00a0\n$\n28,354\u00a0\nNet Interest Income\n26,155\u00a0\n28,360\u00a0\n28,638\u00a0\n27,202\u00a0\nProvision for Loan Losses\n(648)\n263\u00a0\n99\u00a0\n558\u00a0\nNet Gain on Securities\n16\u00a0\n196\u00a0\n(106)\n(139)\nIncome Before Provision for Income Taxes\n16,733\u00a0\n17,488\u00a0\n16,810\u00a0\n13,373\u00a0\nNet Income\n13,280\u00a0\n13,279\u00a0\n12,989\u00a0\n10,309\u00a0\nBasic Earnings Per Common Share\n0.81\u00a0\n0.80\u00a0\n0.79\u00a0\n0.62\u00a0\nDiluted Earnings Per Common Share\n0.81\u00a0\n0.80\u00a0\n0.78\u00a0\n0.62\u00a0\n50",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\n \u00a0Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nIn addition to credit risk in the loan portfolio and liquidity risk, discussed earlier, Arrow's business activities also generate market risk. \u00a0Market risk is the possibility that changes in future market rates (interest rates) or prices (market value of financial instruments) will make Arrow's position (i.e. assets and operations) less valuable. \u00a0Arrow's primary market risk is interest rate volatility. The ongoing monitoring and management of interest rate risk is an important component of the asset/liability management process, which is governed by policies that are reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors. \u00a0The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for carrying out asset/liability oversight and control to Management's Asset/Liability Committee (\"ALCO\"). \u00a0In this capacity ALCO develops guidelines and strategies impacting the asset/liability profile based upon estimated market risk sensitivity, policy limits and overall market interest rate levels and trends. \u00a0\nChanges in market interest rates, whether increases or decreases, can trigger repricing and changes in the pace of payments for both assets and liabilities (prepayment risk). This may individually or in combination affect net interest income, net interest margin, and ultimately net income, either positively or negatively. ALCO utilizes the results of a detailed and dynamic simulation model to quantify this interest rate risk by projecting net interest income in various interest rate scenarios. \u00a0\nArrow's standard simulation model applies a parallel shift in interest rates, ramped over a 12-month period, to capture the impact of changing interest rates on net interest income. \u00a0The results are compared to ALCO policy limits which specify a maximum tolerance level for net interest income exposure over a one-year horizon, assuming no balance sheet growth and a 200 basis point upward and a 100 basis point downward shift in interest rates. Additional tools to monitor potential longer-term interest rate risk, including periodic stress testing involving hypothetical sudden and significant interest rate spikes, are also evaluated.\nThe following table summarizes the percentage change in net interest income as compared to the base scenario, which assumes no change in market interest rates as generated from the standard simulation model. The results are presented for each of the first two years of the simulation period for the 200 basis point increase in interest rate scenario and the 100 basis point decrease in interest rate scenario. These results are well within the ALCO policy limits as shown.\nAs of December\u00a031, 2022: \nChange in Interest Rate\nPolicy Limit\n+ 200 basis points\n- 100 basis points\nCalculated change in Net Interest Income - Year 1\n(2.47)%\n0.39%\n(10.00)%\nCalculated change in Net Interest Income - Year 2\n10.11%\n10.45%\n(15.00)%\nThe balance sheet shows an inverse relationship between changes in prevailing rates and the Company's net interest income in the near term, suggesting that liabilities and sources of funds generally reprice more quickly than earning assets. However, when net interest income is simulated over a longer time frame, the balance sheet shows a relatively neutral profile with long-term asset sensitivity, as asset yields continue to reprice while the cost of funding reaches assumed ceilings or floors.\nThe hypothetical estimates underlying the sensitivity analysis are based upon numerous assumptions, including: the nature and timing of changes in interest rates including yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows, and others. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, Arrow cannot make any assurance as to the predictive nature of these assumptions including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.\n Also, as market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results will differ due to: prepayment/refinancing levels likely deviating from those assumed, the varying impact of interest rate changes on caps or floors on adjustable rate assets, the potential effect of changing debt service levels on customers with adjustable rate loans, depositor early withdrawals and product preference changes, unanticipated shifts in the yield curve and other internal/external variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that ALCO might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates.",
+ "cik": "717538",
+ "cusip6": "042744",
+ "cusip": ["042744102"],
+ "names": ["ARROW FINANCIAL CORP COM"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/717538/000071753823000132/0000717538-23-000132-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000726958-23-000059.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000726958-23-000059.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..66127d54e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000726958-23-000059.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM\u00a01.\nBUSINESS\nThe Company\nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, Casey\u2019s General Stores, Inc. and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries operate convenience stores primarily under the names \"Casey's\" and \"Casey\u2019s General Store\" (collectively, with the stores below referenced as \"GoodStop\", \"Bucky's\" or \"Minit Mart\", referred to as \"Casey's\" or the \"Company\") throughout 16 states, primarily in Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. On April\u00a030, 2023, there were a total of 2,521 stores in operation. \nAll convenience stores carry a broad selection of food items (including, but not limited to, freshly prepared foods such as regular and breakfast pizza, donuts, hot breakfast items, and hot and cold sandwiches), beverages, tobacco and nicotine products, health and beauty aids, automotive products, and other nonfood items. As of April\u00a030, 2023, 217 store locations offered car washes. In addition, all but seven store locations offer fuel for sale on a self-service basis.\nDuring the prior fiscal year, the Company introduced certain stores branded or rebranded as \"GoodStop (by Casey\u2019s)\". Similar to most of our store footprint, the \"GoodStop\" locations offer fuel for sale on a self-serve basis, and a broad selection of snacks, beverages, tobacco products, and other essentials. However, these locations typically do not have a kitchen and have limited prepared food offerings. As of April\u00a030, 2023, 43 stores operate under the \"GoodStop\" brand.\nThe Company is also temporarily operating certain locations acquired from Buchanan Energy during the prior fiscal year under the name \"Bucky's\" and certain locations acquired from Minit Mart LLC during the current fiscal year under the name \"Minit Mart.\" The Company is in the process of transitioning all \"Bucky's\" and \"Minit Mart\" locations to either the \"Casey's\" or \"GoodStop\" brand. These locations typically have similar offerings to the \"Casey\u2019s\" or \"GoodStop\" branded stores. The Company also operates two stores selling primarily tobacco and nicotine products, one liquor-only store, and one grocery store.\nThe Company has 76 dealer locations, where Casey\u2019s manages fuel wholesale supply agreements to these stores. These locations are not operated by Casey's and are not included in our overall store count.\nApproximately 50% of all stores in the Company were opened in areas with populations of fewer than 5,000 persons, while approximately 26% of our stores were opened in communities with populations of more than 20,000 persons. The Company competes on the basis of price, as well as on the basis of traditional features of convenience store operations such as location, extended hours, product offerings, and quality of service.\nThe Company operates three distribution centers - in Ankeny, Iowa adjacent to our corporate headquarters, which we refer to as our Store Support Center, in Terre Haute, Indiana and in Joplin, Missouri - from which certain grocery and general merchandise and prepared food and dispensed beverage items are supplied to our stores by our Company-operated delivery fleet. The Company also self-distributes the majority of fuel to our stores. The Company has a fleet of 397 tractors used for distribution.\nThe Company\u2019s internet address is www.caseys.com. We make available through our website all of our SEC filings, including current reports on Form 8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our annual report on Form 10-K, and amendments to those reports, free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with the SEC. Additionally, you can go to our website to read our Financial Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and committee charters. In the event of a waiver from, or updates to, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, any required disclosure will be posted to our website.\nCasey\u2019s, with its principal business office, and Store Support Center, located at One SE Convenience Blvd., Ankeny, Iowa 50021-8045 (telephone 515-965-6100), was incorporated in Iowa in 1967. Our fiscal year runs from May\u00a01 through April\u00a030 of each year.\nGeneral\nCasey's corporate purpose is to make the lives of our guests and communities better every day. Many of the smaller communities in which we operate often are not served by national-chain convenience stores. We have succeeded in operating stores in smaller towns by offering, at competitive prices, a broader selection of products than does a typical convenience store. We have also succeeded in meeting the needs of residents in larger communities with these same offerings. We currently own most of our real estate, including substantially all of our stores, all three distribution centers (see discussion of ownership structure of the distribution center in Joplin, Missouri in Note 7), a construction and support services facility located in Ankeny, Iowa, and the Store Support Center facility.\nThe Company derives its revenue primarily from the retail sale of fuel and the products offered in our stores. Our sales historically have been strongest during the first and second fiscal quarters (May through October) relative to the third and fourth \n4\nfiscal quarters (November through April). In warmer weather, guests tend to purchase greater quantities of fuel and certain convenience items such as beer, sports drinks, water, soft drinks, and ice.\nCorporate Subsidiaries\nCasey's Marketing Company (\"CMC\") and Casey's Services Company (\"CSC\") were organized as Iowa corporations in March 1995. Casey\u2019s Retail Company (\"CRC\") was organized as an Iowa corporation in April 2004. CGS Stores, LLC was organized as an Iowa limited liability company in April 2019. Heartland Property Company, LLC was organized as a Delaware limited liability company in September 2019, for the purposes of acquiring land and real estate. CMC, CSC, and CRC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Casey\u2019s, while CGS Stores, LLC and Heartland Property Company, LLC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of CMC.\nIn addition, the acquisition of Buchanan Energy during the prior fiscal year resulted in the addition of several subsidiaries to the Company\u2019s corporate structure, including Bucks, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, Buchanan Energy (N), LLC and Buchanan Energy (S), LLC, each Delaware limited liability companies, Buck\u2019s, LLC of Collinsville, an Illinois limited liability company, and C.T. Jewell Company, Inc., a Nebraska corporation.\n T\nhe Company is in the process of merging these subsidiaries into the applicable Company legacy entities, described above.\nCRC owns and/or operates certain stores in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, holds the rights to the Company's trademarks, service marks, trade names, and other intellectual property, and performs most \u201ccorporate\u201d functions of the enterprise. CMC owns and/or operates stores in Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, and is responsible for all of our wholesale operations, including all three distribution centers and management of the wholesale fuel network. CGS Stores, LLC owns and/or operates stores in Tennessee. CSC provides a variety of construction, maintenance and transportation services for all stores. \nStore Operations\nProducts Offered\nThe Company designs, develops and delivers value to its guests through a differentiated product assortment where the right products are optimally placed, priced and promoted to drive traffic, revenue and profit. It is our practice to continually make additions to the Company\u2019s product line, especially products with higher gross profit margins such as prepared food and our new private label offerings, described below. To facilitate many of these items, we have installed full kitchens in almost all of our stores, other than those branded as \u201cGoodStop\u201d.\nThe Company's flagship product is its handmade pizza, which we began preparing and selling in 1984. It was available in 2,465 stores (98%)\u00a0as of April\u00a030, 2023. In addition, we have expanded our prepared food offerings, which currently includes made to order cheesy breadsticks, sandwiches and wraps, chicken wings, chicken tenders, breakfast croissants and biscuits, breakfast pizza, breakfast burritos, hash browns, burgers, and bakery items which includes include donuts, cookies and brownies as well as other seasonal items. During the fiscal year, the Company launched new limited time offers to include our \u201cUltimate Beer Cheese Breakfast Pizza\u201d as well as our \u201cBBQ Brisket Pizza.\u201d Additional stores selling pizza will come on line as newly acquired stores are remodeled and kitchens are added. Finally, as of April\u00a030, 2023, the Company was selling donuts in 2,449 (97%) of our stores in addition to cookies, brownies, and other bakery items. \nThe growth in our prepared food program reflects the Company\u2019s strategy to promote high-margin products that are compatible with convenience store operations. In the last three fiscal years, retail sales of nonfuel items have generated about 37% of our total revenue, but they have resulted in approximately 66% of our revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization). Revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) as a percentage of revenue on prepared food items averaged approximately 59% for the three fiscal years ended April\u00a030, 2023\u2014substantially higher than the impact of retail sales of fuel, which averaged approximately 12%.\nEach Casey\u2019s store typically carries over 3,000 packaged food, beverage and non-food items. The selection is a blend of differentiated private label products (which now includes over 300 items as of April\u00a030, 2023), as well as favored national and regional brands, many of which can be found in larger format stores. Our assortment includes product across the following categories: \n\u2022\nnon-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, energy, water, sports drinks, juices, coffee, tea and dairy)\n\u2022\nalcoholic beverages (beer, wine and spirits) \n\u2022\npackaged foods (snacks, candy, packaged bakery and other food items)\n\u2022\ntobacco and nicotine products\n\u2022\nfrozen foods (ice, ice cream, meals and appetizers)\n\u2022\nnon-foods (health and beauty aids, automotive, electronic accessories, housewares and pet supplies)\n\u2022\nservices (ATM, lotto/lottery and prepaid cards)\n5\nAll but seven stores offer retail motor fuel products for sale on a self-service basis. Gasoline and diesel fuel are sold under the Casey\u2019s name at the majority of our locations.\nThe Company offers the Casey's Rewards program to bring value to guests and improve the digital guest experience. As part of this program, guests can earn points from online, in-store, or at the pump purchases. Points earned can be redeemed for donations to a local school of the guest's choice, fuel discounts, or Casey's Cash, which can be used on many products sold in our stores. The Rewards program is delivered through Casey\u2019s mobile application. In addition to earning points, guests may receive other program benefits such as special offers and bonus points. At the end of the fiscal year, the Company had surpassed 6.4 million members enrolled in the program.\nStore Design\nCasey\u2019s constructs stores that are primarily freestanding and, with a few exceptions to accommodate local conditions, conform to standard construction specifications. The current larger store design measures approximately 2,550 square feet devoted to sales area, 550 square feet to kitchen space, 400 square feet to storage, and 2 large multi-stall public restrooms. There is also a smaller store design that is generally designated for smaller communities that measures approximately 1,350 square feet devoted to sales area with the remaining areas similar in size, and 2 single user restrooms. Store lots have sufficient frontage and depth to permit adequate drive-in parking facilities on one or more sides of each store. Each new store typically includes 4 to 6 islands of fuel dispensers and storage tanks with capacity for 44,000 to 70,000 gallons of fuel. The merchandising display follows a standard layout designed to encourage a flow of guest traffic through all sections of every store. All stores are air-conditioned and have modern refrigeration equipment. Nearly all locations feature a bright sign which displays the Casey\u2019s or GoodStop name and trade/service marks. \nAlmost all stores remain open at least sixteen hours per day, seven days a week. Hours of operation may be adjusted on a store-by-store basis to accommodate guest traffic patterns. As of April\u00a030, 2023, we operated 526 stores on a 24-hour basis, and another 1,843 have expanded hours. \nStore Locations\nThe Company historically has located many of its stores in smaller towns not served by national-chain convenience stores. We believe that a Casey\u2019s store provides a service generally not otherwise available in smaller towns and that a convenience store in an area with limited population can be profitable if it stresses sales volume and competitive prices. Our store-site selection criteria emphasize the population of the immediate area and daily highway traffic volume.\nRetail Fuel Operations\nRetail fuel sales are an important part of our revenue and earnings. Approximately 66% of total revenue for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023 was derived from the retail sale of fuel. The following table summarizes (dollars and gallons in thousands) retail fuel sales for the last three fiscal years ended April\u00a030:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nYear ended April\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nNumber of gallons sold\n2,672,366\n\u00a0\n2,579,179\u00a0\n2,180,772\u00a0\nTotal retail fuel sales\n$\n10,027,310\n\u00a0\n$\n8,312,038\u00a0\n$\n4,825,466\u00a0\nPercentage of total revenue\n66.4\n\u00a0\n%\n64.2\u00a0\n%\n55.4\u00a0\n%\nPercentage of revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)\n10.7\n\u00a0\n%\n11.2\u00a0\n%\n15.8\u00a0\n%\nAverage retail price per gallon\n$\n3.75\n\u00a0\n$\n3.22\u00a0\n$\n2.21\u00a0\nAverage revenue less cost of goods sold per gallon (excluding depreciation and amortization)\n40.22\n\u00a0\n\u00a2\n36.01\u00a0\n\u00a2\n34.91\u00a0\n\u00a2\nAverage number of gallons sold per store*\n1,092\n\u00a0\n1,047\u00a0\n981\u00a0\n*\nIncludes only those stores in operation at least one full year on April\u00a030 of the fiscal year indicated.\nAverage retail prices of fuel during the year increased 16.5% from prior year. Fuel prices increased at the end of the prior fiscal year due to overall supply issues, as refiners cut production levels in response to a slowing economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and as Russia's invasion of Ukraine resulted in a United States ban of Russian crude oil imports. While prices have moderated since the highs seen at the end of the prior fiscal year and the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the higher costs have continued into 2023. Regardless, with the Company's centralized fuel team and the procurement improvements implemented, we believe we are well positioned to navigate any potential future fuel price volatility. \nThe total number of gallons sold during this period increased by 3.6%. Gallons sold were positively impacted by a growing store count as we operated 69 more stores than the prior year. Average revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding \n6\ndepreciation and amortization) per gallon increased by 11.7%. Our centralized fuel team, coupled with fuel procurement improvements, has grown fuel profitability and has been instrumental in sustaining higher than historically typical average revenue less cost of goods sold per gallon (excluding depreciation and amortization). \nPercentage of revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) represents the fuel gross profit divided by the gross fuel sales dollars. As retail fuel prices fluctuate in a period of consistent gross margin per gallon, the percentage will also fluctuate in an inverse relationship to fuel price. For additional information concerning the Company\u2019s fuel operations, see Item\u00a07, below.\nDistribution and Wholesale Arrangements\nCMC supplies all stores with groceries, food, health and beauty aids, and general merchandise from our three distribution centers. The stores place orders for merchandise electronically to the Store Support Center, and the orders are filled with shipments in Company-operated delivery trucks from one of the distribution centers, based on route optimization for the fleet network. Most of our existing and proposed stores are within the three distribution centers' optimum efficiency range\u2014a radius of approximately 500 miles around each distribution center. \nIn fiscal 2023, a majority of the food and nonfood items supplied to stores through the distribution centers were purchased directly from manufacturers. While we consider long-term contracts for potential favorability against short-term contracts, long-term supply contracts are not typically entered into with the suppliers of products sold by our stores. We believe the practice enables us to respond to changing market conditions with minimal impact on margins.\nIn addition to the products discussed above, CMC supplies all fuel to our stores, and supplies fuel on a wholesale basis as part of a dealer network to 76 locations. We have entered into various purchase agreements related to our fuel supply, which include varying volume commitments. Prices included in the purchase agreements are indexed to market prices. \nHuman Capital\nOur employees, who we refer to as Team Members, are critical to our business operations and the success of the Company. As of April\u00a030, 2023, we had 20,292 full-time, and 22,690 part-time, Team Members. Approximately 94% are store Team Members, 1% are field management and related Team Members, 1% work in and support our three distribution centers, 1% are fuel or grocery drivers and 3% work out of the Store Support Center, or perform Store Support Center functions.\nWe are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements with our Team Members and believe the working relationship with our Team Members is good.\nCore Values\nDuring the prior fiscal year, the Company unveiled its new core values to its Team Members, as part of its evolution to build a culture of commitment \u2013 Casey\u2019s CARES:\nC\n \u2013 Commitment: We work hard to be the best and have a good time doing it.\nA\n \u2013 Authenticity: We\u2019re true to our roots by being high integrity and low ego.\nR\n \u2013 Respect: We treat people the way they want to be treated.\nE\n \u2013 Evolving: We\u2019re driven to build a better future for ourselves and for our business.\nS\n \u2013 Service: We put service first and take pride in caring for our guests, our communities, and each other.\nWe believe these core values serve as a solid foundation for how we treat our Team Members, how they treat one another and how we operate our business as a whole.\nIn the 2023 fiscal year, Casey\u2019s became \u201cGreat Places to Work\u201d certified. This certification is administered by an independent third party and is based largely on team member survey results.\nTotal Rewards\nWe believe that the future success of the Company depends in large part on our ability to attract, train, retain, and motivate qualified Team Members. As such, we are committed to providing market-competitive pay and benefits for all positions and offer performance-based compensation opportunities to certain of our full-time Team Member base. In addition, the Company offers a 401(k) plan to eligible Team Members, with a generous 6% match made in the form of Company stock, and all full-time and part-time associates are eligible for competitive health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and other benefits. In addition, during the 2023 fiscal year, we enhanced our offerings to include a military pay differential benefit for team members in the armed forces during periods of military service, introduced a free care management service for those suffering from back and joint pain/injury to expedite improved pain management and/or healing, and increased the contributions to, and number of visits allowed, in our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which allows our team members and their families additional support for mental health at no cost. We also increased participation and \n7\nutilization of Casey's Team Member Support Fund, which is designed to help team members facing financial hardships due to catastrophic circumstances.\nDiversity and Inclusion\nThe Company is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce across the organization, which it believes is set by example with its Board of Directors and extended leadership team. The Board consists of twelve members, five (or 42%) of which are diverse as to gender, and three (or 25%) of which are diverse to race and/or ethnicity. The extended leadership team, which includes all of our Vice-President level executives and above, consists of thirty-two members, almost 60% of which are diverse as to gender, race and/or ethnicity. Across our entire Team Member base, 60% of our Team Members are female and 15% are diverse as to race and/or ethnicity. In addition, we have a strict Anti Harassment and Discrimination Policy of which all Team Members are trained and expected to follow and we have several mechanisms, including an Ethics and Compliance Hotline, under which Team Members and guests can report incidents confidentially or anonymously and without fear of retaliation. We have four team member resource groups which further enhance the diversity, equity and inclusion culture at Casey's: Women in Leadership, Veterans, Faith and LGBTQ. The Company has also established a formal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to further promote the already strong culture of belonging and empowerment for all Team Members. In addition, the company has expanded its learning related to unconscious bias and critical conversations through formal training.\nEducation and Training\nThe Company, including its established Learning and Development Department, which serves all levels of the organization, invests significant time and resources in educating and training Team Members by providing them with educational, development and leadership opportunities. These opportunities are provided through a mix of formal onboarding training, safety training, in-person classes, virtual modules and \u201con-the-job\u201d learning. For example, through its virtual modules, the Company offers over 500 hours of educational opportunities through over 600 classes, for which there were almost 1 million enrollments during the 2023 fiscal year. In addition, the Company has a formal leadership development program with core curriculum consisting of Development programs for Kitchen Managers, Store Managers, District Managers, a Leadership Excellence Certification, and an Individualized Development Program for all Officers based on their review.\nCompetition\nOur business is highly competitive. Food, including prepared foods, and nonfood items similar or identical to those sold by the Company, are generally available from various competitors in the communities served by Casey\u2019s and by certain online retailers. We believe our stores located in smaller towns compete principally with other local grocery and convenience stores, similar retail outlets, and, to a lesser extent, prepared food outlets, restaurants, and expanded fuel stations offering a more limited selection of grocery and food items for sale. Stores located in more heavily populated communities may compete with local and national grocery and drug store chains, quick service restaurants, expanded fuel stations, supermarkets, discount food stores, and traditional convenience stores. \nIn addition to our inside store products, the fuel business is also highly competitive. The Company competes on the basis of brand, price, and convenience of our fuel products. We believe our locations in smaller towns are well-positioned. Similar to inside, stores compete with larger store chains with expanded fuel offerings and increased buying power in more heavily populated communities.\nExamples of convenience store chains competing in the larger towns served by Casey\u2019s include Quik Trip, Kwik Trip/Star, Kum & Go, and other regional chains. These competitive factors are discussed further in Item\u00a07 of this Form 10-K.\nTrademarks and Service Marks\nThe Company regularly evaluates its portfolio of intellectual property and takes steps to review potential new trademarks and service marks and to renew existing marks. The names \"Casey\u2019s\", \u201cCasey\u2019s General Store\u201d, and \"GoodStop (by Casey's)\", the marks consisting of the Casey\u2019s design logos (with the words \u201cCasey\u2019s\u201d and \u201cCasey\u2019s General Store\u201d), the weathervane, and certain of our private label product names, are registered trademarks and service marks under federal law. We believe these marks are of material importance in promoting and advertising the Company\u2019s business. In addition, the Company has a number of other registered and unregistered trademarks and service marks that are significant to the Company from an operational and branding perspective (e.g. \"Casey\u2019s Pizza\", \"Casey's Here for Good\", \u201cCasey\u2019s Rewards\u201d, \u201cCasey\u2019s Cash\u201d, etc.).\nGovernment Regulation (dollars in thousands)\nUnderground Storage Tanks\nThe United States Environmental Protection Agency and several states, including Iowa, have established requirements for owners and operators of underground fuel storage tanks (USTs) with regard to (i)\u00a0maintenance of leak detection, corrosion protection, and overfill/spill protection systems; (ii)\u00a0upgrade of existing tanks; (iii)\u00a0actions required in the event of a detected \n8\nleak; (iv)\u00a0prevention of leakage through tank closings; and (v)\u00a0required fuel inventory record keeping. Since 1984, our new stores have been equipped with noncorroding fiberglass USTs, including some with double-wall construction, overfill protection, and electronic tank monitoring. We believe that all capital expenditures for electronic monitoring, cathodic protection, and overfill/spill protection to comply with the existing UST regulations have been completed. Additional regulations or amendments to the existing UST regulations could result in future expenditures.\nThe majority of states in which we do business have trust fund programs with provisions for sharing or reimbursing corrective action or remediation costs incurred by UST owners, including the Company. For the years ended April\u00a030, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we spent approximately $653, $577, and $849 respectively, for assessments and remediation. Substantially all of these expenditures were submitted for reimbursement from state-sponsored trust fund programs. The payments are typically subject to statutory provisions requiring repayment of the reimbursed funds for noncompliance with upgrade provisions or other applicable laws. None of the reimbursements received are currently expected to be repaid by the Company to the trust fund programs. At April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 we had an accrued liability of $268 and $274, respectively, for estimated expenses related to anticipated corrective actions or remediation efforts, including relevant legal and consulting costs. We believe we have no material joint and several environmental liability with other parties.\nAge-Restricted Products\nAlmost all of our stores sell a variety of age-restricted products, which may include beer, liquor, tobacco and other nicotine products. The sale of these products are subject to significant regulations and require the Company to procure special sales licenses from local and/or state agencies, which govern their sale. While the costs to procure such licenses is not material, the failure to comply with the conditions of the licenses, or other age-restricted products laws, could result in the suspension or revocation of such licenses, or fines related thereto. In addition to these products, the Company is also subject to\n rules governing lottery and lotto sales as determined by state lottery commissions in each state in which we make such sales.",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM\u00a01A.\u00a0\nRISK FACTORS\nYou should carefully consider the risks described in this report before making a decision to invest in our securities. If any of such risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our securities could decline and you might lose all or part of your investment.\nRisks Related to Our Business Operations\nOur business and our reputation could be adversely affected by a cyber or data security incident or the failure to protect sensitive guest, Team Member or supplier data, or the failure to comply with applicable regulations relating to data security and privacy.\nIn the normal course of our business, we obtain, are provided and have access to large amounts of personal data, including but not limited to credit and debit card information, personally identifiable information and other data from and about our guests, Team Members, and suppliers. A compromise or a breach in our systems, or another data security or privacy incident that results in the loss, unauthorized release, disclosure or acquisition of such data or information, or other sensitive data or information, or other internal or external cyber or data security threats, including but not limited to viruses, denial-of-service attacks, phishing attacks, ransomware attacks and other intentional or unintentional disruptions, could occur and have a material adverse effect on our operations and ability to operate, reputation, operating results and financial condition.\n \nIn addition, similar events at vendors, third-party service providers or other market participants, whether or not we are directly impacted, could negatively affect our business and supply chain or lead to a general loss of guest confidence, which could result in reduced guest traffic and sales.\nA data security or privacy incident of any kind could expose us to risk in terms of the loss, unauthorized release, disclosure or acquisition of sensitive guest, Team Member or supplier data, and could result in litigation or other regulatory action being brought against us and damages, monetary and other claims made by or on behalf of the payment card brands, guests, Team Members, shareholders, financial institutions and governmental agencies, or monetary demands or other extortion attempts from cybercriminals. Such events could give rise to substantial monetary damages and/or losses which are not covered, or in some instances fully covered, by our insurance policies and which could adversely affect our reputation, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Moreover, a data security or privacy incident could require that we expend significant additional resources on mitigation efforts and to further upgrade the security and other measures that we employ to guard against, and respond to, such incidents.\nFood-safety issues and foodborne illnesses, whether actual or reported, or the failure to comply with applicable regulations relating to the transportation, storage, preparation or service of food, could adversely affect our business and reputation.\nInstances or reports of food-safety issues, such as foodborne illnesses, food tampering, food contamination or mislabeling, either during growing, manufacturing, packaging, transportation, storage, preparation or service, have in the past \n9\nsignificantly damaged the reputations and impacted the sales of companies in the food processing, grocery, quick service and \u201cfast casual\u201d restaurant sectors, and could affect us as well. Any instances of, or reports linking us to, foodborne illnesses or food tampering, contamination, mislabeling or other food-safety issues could damage the value of our brand and severely hurt sales of our prepared or other food products and possibly lead to product liability and personal injury claims, litigation (including class actions), government agency investigations and damages. In addition, guest preferences and store traffic could be adversely impacted by food-safety issues, health concerns or negative publicity about the consumption of our products, which could damage our reputation and cause a decline in demand for those products and adversely impact our sales.\n \nIn addition, we rely on our suppliers to provide quality ingredients and to comply with applicable food and food safety laws and industry standards. A failure of one of our suppliers to comply with such laws, to meet our quality standards, or to meet food industry standards, could also disrupt our supply chain, damage our reputation and adversely impact our sales.\nWe may be adversely impacted by increases in the cost of food ingredients and other related costs\nOur business is exposed to fluctuations in prices of commodities.\n \nAny increase in the cost or sustained high levels of the cost of cheese, proteins or other commodities could adversely affect the profitability of stores, particularly if we are unable to increase the retail price of our products to offset such costs. We have recently experienced inflation in the price of commodities, including food ingredients, which has increased our cost of goods sold. Cheese, representing our largest food cost, and other commodities can be subject to significant cost fluctuations due to weather, availability, global demand and other factors that are beyond our control.\n \nAdditionally, increases in labor, mileage, insurance, fuel, and other costs could adversely affect the profitability of our stores.\n \nMany of these factors are beyond our control, and we may not be able to adequately mitigate these costs or pass along these costs to our customers, given the significant competitive pricing in our industry.\nA significant disruption to our distribution network, to the capacity of the distribution centers, or timely receipt of inventory could adversely impact our sales or increase our transaction costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nWe rely on our distribution and transportation network, which includes our drivers and distribution center Team Members, and the networks of our vendors and direct store delivery partners, to provide products to our distribution centers and stores in a timely and cost-effective manner. Any disruption, unanticipated or unusual expense or operational failure related to this process, including our inability, or that of our delivery partners, to hire and/or retain enough qualified drivers and distribution center Team Members to meet demand, could affect our store operations negatively. \nWe also depend on regular deliveries of products from third-parties to and from our facilities and stores that meet our specifications. In addition, we may have a single supplier or limited number of suppliers for certain products. While we believe there are adequate reserve quantities and alternative suppliers available, shortages or interruptions in the receipt or supply of products caused by unanticipated or changing demand, such as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, problems in production or distribution, financial or other difficulties of suppliers, cyber-related events, social unrest, inclement weather or other economic conditions, including the availability of qualified drivers and distribution center Team Members, could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of products, and our operating results.\nWe could be adversely affected if we experience difficulties in, or are unable to recruit, hire or retain, members of our leadership team and other distribution, field and store Team Members.\nWe are dependent on the continued knowledge and efforts of our leadership team and other key Team Members. If, for any reason, our leadership team does not continue to be active in management, or we lose such persons, or other key Team Members, or we fail to identify and/or recruit for current or future leadership positions, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.\nWe also rely on our ability to recruit, hire and retain qualified drivers, distribution center Team Members, field management and store Team Members. Recent difficulties and shortages in the general labor market for such individuals, in particular hourly Team Members and drivers, and the failure to continue to attract and retain these individuals, especially at reasonable compensation levels in the current rising wage environment, could have a material adverse effect on the operation of individual stores, distribution network, our business and results of operations.\nAny failure to anticipate and respond to changes in consumer preferences, or to introduce and promote innovative technology for guest interaction, could adversely affect our financial results.\nOur continued success depends on our ability to remain relevant with respect to consumer needs and wants, attitudes toward our industry, and our guests\u2019 preferences for ways of doing business with us, particularly with respect to digital engagement, contactless delivery, curbside pick-up and other non-traditional ordering and delivery platforms. We must continually work to develop, produce and market new products, maintain and enhance the recognition of our brands, offer a favorable mix of products, and refine our approach as to how and where we market, sell and deliver our products. This risk is compounded by the increasing use of digital media by consumers and the speed by which information and opinions are shared. \n10\nFurther, changes in consumer preferences, trends or perceptions of certain items we sell, or the ingredients therein, could cause consumers to avoid such items in favor of those that are or are perceived as healthier, lower-calorie, or lower in carbohydrates or otherwise based on their ingredients or nutritional content. If we are unable to anticipate and respond to sudden challenges that we may face in the marketplace, trends in the market for our products and changing consumer demands and sentiment, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nWe rely on our information technology systems, and a number of third-party software providers, to manage numerous aspects of our business, and a disruption of these systems could adversely affect our business.\nWe are dependent on our information technology (IT) systems, and a large number of third-party software providers and platforms, to manage and operate numerous aspects of our business, develop our financial statements, provide analytical information to management and serve as a platform for our business continuity plan. Our IT systems, and the software and other technology platforms provided by our vendors and other third-parties, are an essential component of our business operations and growth strategies, and a serious disruption to any of these could significantly limit our ability to manage and operate our business efficiently. These systems are vulnerable to, among other things, damage and interruption, computer system and network failures, loss of telecommunications services, physical and electronic loss of, or loss of access to, data and information, security breaches or other security or cyber-related incidents, computer viruses or attacks and obsolescence. Any disruption could cause our business and competitive position to suffer and cause our operating results to be reduced.\nIncreased credit card expenses could lead to higher operating expenses and other costs for the Company.\nA significant percentage of our sales are made with credit cards. Because the interchange and other fees we pay when credit cards are used to make purchases, which the Company has little control over, are based on transaction amounts, higher fuel prices at the pump, including record fuel prices that were seen in recent years, higher gallon movement and other increases in price and sales of fuel and other items we sell in our stores directly result in higher credit card expenses. These additional fees directly increase operating expenses. Higher operating expenses that result from higher credit card fees may decrease our overall profit and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Total credit card fees paid in fiscal 2023 and 2022 exceeded $200 million. For fiscal 2021, total credit card fees paid were approximately $150 million.\nIn addition, credit card providers now mandate that any fraudulent activity and related losses at fuel dispensers that do not accept certain chip technology (referred to as EMV) be borne by the retailers accepting those cards. While the Company has invested, and will continue to invest, a significant amount of resources in upgrading its fuel dispensers to accept EMV, and has implemented other fraud mitigation strategies, not all of its fuel dispensers have, or in the near future may, be upgraded to such technology. As such, it is possible that credit card providers could attempt to pass the costs of certain fraudulent activity at the non-upgraded dispensers to the Company, which if significant, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nOur operations present hazards and risks which may not be fully covered by insurance, if insured.\nThe scope and nature of our operations present a variety of operational hazards and risks that must be managed through continual oversight and control. As protection against hazards and risks, we maintain insurance against many, but not all, potential losses or liabilities arising from such risks. Uninsured or underinsured losses and liabilities from operating risks could reduce the funds available to us for capital and investment spending and could have a material adverse impact on the results of operations.\nThe dangers inherent in the storage and transport of fuel could cause disruptions and could expose to us potentially significant losses, costs or liabilities.\nWe store fuel in storage tanks at our retail locations. Additionally, a significant portion of fuel is transported in our own trucks, instead of by third-party carriers. Our operations are subject to significant hazards and risks inherent in transporting and storing motor fuel. These hazards and risks include, but are not limited to, fires, explosions, traffic accidents, spills, discharges and other releases, any of which could result in distribution difficulties and disruptions, environmental pollution, governmentally-imposed fines or clean-up obligations, personal injury or wrongful death claims and other damage to our properties and the properties of others. As a result, any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nConsumer or other litigation could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.\nOur retail operations are characterized by a high volume of guest traffic and by transactions involving a wide array of product selections, including prepared food. Retail operations, and in particular our distribution and food-related operations, carry a higher exposure to consumer litigation risk when compared to the operations of companies operating in many other industries. Consequently, we may become a party to personal injury, food safety, product liability, accessibility, data security and privacy and other legal actions in the ordinary course of our business. While these actions are generally routine in nature, \n11\nincidental to the operation of our business and immaterial in scope, if our assessment of any action or actions should prove inaccurate, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.\nAdditionally, we are occasionally exposed to industry-wide or class-action claims arising from the products we carry, industry-specific business practices or other operational matters, including wage-and-hour and other employment related individual and class-action claims. Our defense costs and any resulting damage awards or settlement amounts may be significant and not be covered, or in some instances fully covered, by our insurance policies. Thus, an unfavorable outcome or settlement of one or more of these lawsuits could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial position, liquidity and results of operations.\nPandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, responsive actions taken by governments and others to mitigate their spread, and guest behavior in response to these events, have, and may in the future, adversely affect our business operations, supply chain and financial results.\nPandemics or disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 and its variants (collectively, \u201cCOVID-19\u201d) have had, and may continue to have, adverse impacts on the Company\u2019s business. These include, but are not limited to, decreased store traffic and changed guest behavior, decreased demand for our fuel, prepared food and other convenience offerings, decreased or slowed unit/store growth, issues with our supply chain including difficulties delivering products to our stores and obtaining certain items sold at our stores, issues with respect to our Team Members\u2019 health, working hours and/or ability to perform their duties, and increased costs to the Company in response to these conditions and to protect the health and safety of our Team Members and guests.\nIn addition, the general economic and other impacts related to responsive actions taken by governments and others to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, or in the future other pandemics or disease outbreaks, including but not limited to stay-at-home, shelter-in-place and other travel restrictions, social distancing requirements, mask mandates, limitations on certain businesses\u2019 hours and operations, limits on public gatherings and other events, and restrictions on what, and in certain cases how, certain products can be sold and offered to our guests, have, and may continue to, result in similar declines in store traffic and overall demand, increased operating costs, and decreased or slower unit/store growth. Further, although the Company\u2019s business was deemed an \u201cessential service\u201d by many public authorities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing our operations to continue (in some cases in a modified manner), there are no guarantees the designation will continue, or be applied during a future pandemic or COVID-19 outbreak, which would require us to reduce our operations and potentially close stores for an undetermined period of time.\nCovenants in our Senior Notes and credit facility agreements require us to comply with certain covenants and meet financial maintenance tests. Failure to comply with these requirements could have a material impact to us.\nWe are required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants under our existing Senior Notes and credit facility agreements. A breach of any covenant, even if unintentional, could result in a default under such agreements, which could, if not timely cured, permit lenders to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable, and to terminate such instruments, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operation.\nRisks Related to Governmental Actions, Regulations, and Oversight\nCompliance with and changes in tax laws could adversely affect our performance.\nWe are subject to extensive tax liabilities imposed by multiple jurisdictions, including but not limited to state and federal income taxes, indirect taxes (excise, sales/use, and gross receipts taxes), payroll taxes, property taxes, and tobacco taxes. Tax laws and regulations are dynamic and subject to change as new laws are passed, new administrations are elected and new interpretations of existing laws are issued and applied.\n \nIn addition, as the federal government and certain states face economic and other pressures, they may seek revenue in the form of additional income, sales and other taxes and related fees. These activities could result in increased expenditures for tax liabilities in the future. Many of these liabilities are subject to periodic audits by the respective taxing authorities. Subsequent changes to our tax liabilities as a result of these audits may subject us to interest and penalties.\nWe are subject to extensive governmental regulations.\nOur business is subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations that include, but are not limited to, those relating to environmental protection and remediation; the preparation, transportation, storage, sale and labeling of food; minimum wage, overtime and other employment and labor laws and regulations; the Americans with Disabilities Act; legal restrictions on the sale of alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, money orders, lottery/lotto and other age-restricted products; compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards and similar requirements; compliance with the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration regulations; and, securities laws and Nasdaq listing standards. These, and other laws and regulations, are dynamic and subject to change as new laws are passed, new interpretations of existing laws are issued and applied and as \n12\npolitical administrations and majorities change over time. The effects created by these, including the costs of compliance with these laws and regulations, is substantial, and a violation of or change in such laws and/or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nState laws regulate the sale of alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, lottery/lotto products and other age-restricted products. A violation or change of these laws could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations because state and local regulatory agencies have the power to approve, revoke, suspend, or deny applications for and renewals of permits and licenses relating to the sale of certain of these products or to seek other remedies.\nAny appreciable increase in wages, overtime pay, or the statutory minimum salary requirements, minimum wage rate, mandatory scheduling or scheduling notification laws, or the adoption of additional mandated healthcare or paid-time-off benefits would result in an increase in our labor costs. For example, recent state-mandated minimum wage increases, along with general labor market shortages and wage pressures, have increased our operating expenses significantly.\n \nSuch cost increases, or the penalties for failing to comply, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. State or federal lawmakers or regulators may also enact new laws or regulations applicable to us that may have a material adverse and potentially disparate impact on our business.\nGovernmental action and campaigns to discourage tobacco and nicotine use and other tobacco products may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and gross profit.\nCongress has given the Food and Drug Administration (\u201cFDA\u201d) broad authority to regulate tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and vapor products, and the FDA has enacted numerous regulations restricting the sale of such products. These governmental actions, as well as national, state and local campaigns and regulations to discourage tobacco and nicotine use and limit the sale of such products, including but not limited to tax increases related to such products and certain actions taken to increase the minimum age in order to purchase such products, have resulted or may in the future result in, reduced industry volume and consumption levels, and could materially affect the retail price of cigarettes, unit volume and revenues, gross profit, and overall guest traffic, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nWholesale cost and tax increases relating to tobacco and nicotine products could affect our operating results.\nSales of tobacco and nicotine products have averaged approximately 10% of our total revenue over the past three fiscal years, and our tobacco and nicotine revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) accounted for approximately 9% of the total revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the same period. Any significant increases in wholesale cigarette and related product costs or tax increases on tobacco or nicotine products may have a materially adverse effect on unit demand for cigarettes (or related products). Currently, major cigarette and tobacco and nicotine manufacturers offer significant rebates to retailers, although there can be no assurance that such rebate programs will continue. We include these rebates as a component of cost of goods sold, which affects our gross margin from sales of cigarettes and related products. In the event these rebates are no longer offered or decreased, our wholesale cigarette and related product costs will increase accordingly. In general, we attempt to pass price increases on to our guests. Due to competitive pressures in our markets, however, we may not always be able to do so. These factors could adversely affect our retail price of cigarettes and related products, cigarette or related product unit volume and revenues, merchandise revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization), and overall guest traffic, and in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nRisks Related to Our Industry\nGeneral economic and political conditions that are largely out of the Company\u2019s control may adversely affect the Company\u2019s financial condition and results of operations.\nGeneral economic and political conditions, including social and political causes and movements, higher interest rates, higher fuel and other energy costs, inflation, increases or fluctuations in commodity prices such as cheese and coffee, higher levels of unemployment, unemployment benefits and related stimulus provided as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (including the rollback of certain payment relief programs introduced during the pandemic such as delayed or deferred rent, student loan payments, etc.), higher consumer debt levels and lower consumer discretionary spending, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws or other economic factors may affect the operations of our stores, input costs, consumer spending, buying habits and labor markets generally, and could adversely affect the discretionary income and spending levels of our guests, the costs of the products we sell in our stores, the consumer demand for such products and the labor costs of transporting, storing and selling those products. For example, the recent conflict in Ukraine has resulted in historically high oil and other commodity prices, which, coupled with a recent period of high inflation, has significantly increased the cost of fuel and other products we sell. These events and their impacts can be unpredictable, and we may not always be able to recapture these higher input costs through pricing strategies or otherwise. In addition, unfavorable economic conditions, especially those affecting the agricultural industry, higher fuel prices, and unemployment levels can affect consumer confidence, spending patterns, and miles driven, and \n13\ncan cause guests to \u201ctrade down\u201d to lower priced products in certain categories when these conditions exist. These factors can lead to sales declines, and in turn have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nDevelopments related to fuel efficiency, fuel conservation practices, climate change, and changing consumer preferences may decrease the demand for motor fuel.\nTechnological advances and consumer behavior in reducing fuel use, governmental mandates to improve fuel efficiency and consumer desire or regulations to lower carbon emissions could lessen the demand for our largest revenue product, petroleum-based motor fuel, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operation. Changes in our climate, including the effects of carbon emissions in the environment, may lessen demand for fuel or lead to additional government regulation. In addition, a shift toward electric, hydrogen, natural gas or other alternative fuel-powered vehicles, including driverless motor vehicles, could fundamentally change the shopping and driving habits of our guests or lead to new forms of fueling destinations or new competitive pressures. Any of these outcomes could potentially result in fewer guest visits to our stores, decreases in sales revenue across all categories or lower profit margins, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nUnfavorable weather conditions can adversely affect our business.\nThe vast majority of our stores are located in the Midwest region of the United States, which is susceptible to tornadoes, thunderstorms, extended periods of rain or unseasonably cold temperatures, flooding, ice storms, and heavy snow. Inclement weather conditions could damage our facilities or could have a significant impact on consumer behavior, travel, and convenience store traffic patterns as well as our ability to operate our locations. In addition, we typically generate higher revenues and gross margins during warmer weather months, which fall within our first and second fiscal quarters. When weather conditions are not favorable during a particular period, our operating results and cash flow from operations could be adversely affected.\nThe volatility of wholesale petroleum costs could adversely affect our operating results.\nOur net income is significantly affected by changes in the margins we receive on our retail fuel sales. Over the past three fiscal years, on average our fuel revenues accounted for approximately 63% of total revenue and our fuel revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) accounted for approximately 34% of the total revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization). Crude oil and domestic wholesale petroleum markets are currently, and in the recent past have been, marked by significant volatility, starting with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects and more recently with the conflict in Ukraine.\n \nGeneral political conditions, threatened or actual acts of war or terrorism, instability or other changes in oil producing regions, historically in the Middle East and South America but recently in Europe with the conflict in Ukraine, and trade, economic or other disagreements between oil producing nations, can, and recently have, significantly affected crude oil supplies and wholesale petroleum costs. In addition, the supply of fuel and wholesale purchase costs could be adversely affected in the event of a shortage, which could result from, among other things, severe weather events in oil producing regions, the lack of capacity at United States oil refineries or, in our case, the level of fuel contracts that we have that guarantee an uninterrupted, unlimited supply of fuel. Increases in the retail price of petroleum products have resulted and could in the future adversely affect consumer demand for fuel and other discretionary purchases. This volatility makes it difficult to predict the impact that future wholesale cost fluctuations will have on our operating results and financial condition in future periods. Any significant change in one or more of these factors could materially affect the number of fuel gallons sold, fuel revenue less cost of goods sold excluding depreciation and amortization and overall guest traffic, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nThe convenience store industry is highly competitive.\nThe convenience store and retail fuel industries in which we operate are highly competitive and characterized by ease of entry and constant change in the number and type of retailers offering the products and services found in our stores. We compete with many other convenience store chains, gasoline stations, supermarkets, drugstores, discount stores, club stores, fast food outlets, and mass merchants, and a variety of other retail companies, including retail gasoline companies that have more extensive retail outlets, greater brand name recognition and more established fuel supply arrangements. Several non-traditional retailers such as supermarkets, club stores, and mass merchants have affected the convenience store industry by entering the retail fuel business and have obtained a share of the fuels market. Certain of these non-traditional retailers may use more extensive promotional pricing or discounts, both at the fuel pump and in the store, to encourage in-store merchandise sales and gasoline sales. In some of our markets, our competitors have been in existence longer and have greater financial, marketing, and other resources than we do. As a result, our competitors may have a greater ability to bear the economic risks inherent in our industry and may be able to respond better to changes in the economy and new opportunities within the industry, including those related to electric vehicle charging stations. This intense competition could adversely affect our revenues and profitability and have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.\n14\nRisks Related to Our Growth Strategies\nWe may not be able to identify, acquire, and integrate new properties and stores, which could adversely affect our ability to grow our business.\nAn important part of our growth strategy has been to purchase properties on which to build our stores, and in other instances, acquire other convenience stores that complement our existing stores or broaden our geographic presence. We expect to continue pursuing acquisition opportunities, which involve risks that could cause our actual growth or operating results to differ materially from our expectations or the expectations of our shareholders and securities analysts. These risks include, but are not limited to, the inability to identify and acquire suitable sites at advantageous prices; competition in targeted market areas; difficulties in obtaining favorable financing for larger acquisitions or construction projects; difficulties during the acquisition process in discovering some of the liabilities of the businesses that we acquire; difficulties associated with our existing financial controls, information systems, management resources and human resources needed to support our future growth; difficulties with hiring, training and retaining skilled personnel; difficulties in adapting distribution and other operational and management systems to an expanded network of stores; difficulties in adopting, adapting to or changing the business practices, models or processes of stores or chains we acquire; difficulties in obtaining governmental and other third-party consents, permits and licenses needed to operate additional stores; difficulties in obtaining the cost savings and financial improvements we anticipate from future acquired stores; the potential diversion of our management\u2019s attention from focusing on our core business due to an increased focus on acquisitions; and, challenges associated with the consummation and integration of any future acquisition.\nRisks Relating to Our Common Stock\nThe market price for our common stock has been and may in the future be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.\nSecurities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility could significantly affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, the price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to these, and other factors: a deviation in our results from the expectations of public market analysts and investors; statements by research analysts about our common stock, company, or industry; changes in market valuations of companies in our industry and market evaluations of our industry generally; additions or departures of key personnel; actions taken by our competitors; sales or repurchases of common stock by the Company or other affiliates; and, other general economic, political, or market conditions, many of which are beyond our control.\nThe market price of our common stock will also be affected by our quarterly operating results and same store sales results, which may be expected to fluctuate. Some of the factors that may affect our quarterly results and same store sales include general, regional, and national economic conditions; competition; unexpected costs; changes in retail pricing, consumer trends, and the number of stores we open and/or close during any given period; and the costs of compliance with corporate governance and other legal requirements. Other factors are discussed throughout Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. You may not be able to resell your shares of our common stock at or above the price you pay.\nAny issuance of shares of our common stock in the future could have a dilutive effect on your investment.\nWe could issue additional shares for investment, acquisition, or other business purposes. Even if there is not an immediate need for capital, we may choose to issue securities to sell in public or private equity markets, if and when conditions are favorable. Raising funds by issuing securities would dilute the ownership interests of our existing shareholders. Additionally, certain types of equity securities we may issue in the future could have rights, preferences, or privileges senior to the rights of existing holders of our common stock.\nIowa law and provisions in our charter documents may have the effect of preventing or hindering a change in control and adversely affecting the market price of our common stock.\nOur articles of incorporation give the Company\u2019s board of directors the authority to issue up to one million shares of preferred stock and to determine the rights and preferences of the preferred stock without obtaining shareholder approval. The existence of this preferred stock could make it more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a tender offer, merger, proxy contest, or otherwise. Furthermore, this preferred stock could be issued with other rights, including economic rights, senior to our common stock, thereby having a potentially adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.\nIn addition, provisions of Iowa corporate law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or remove our directors by means of a proxy contest, even if doing so would be beneficial to our shareholders. For example, the Iowa Business Corporation Act (the \u201cAct\u201d) prohibits publicly held Iowa corporations to which it applies from engaging in a business combination with an interested shareholder for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person \n15\nbecame an interested shareholder unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. Further, the Act permits a board of directors, in the context of a takeover proposal, to consider not only the effect of a proposed transaction on shareholders, but also on a corporation\u2019s Team Members, suppliers, guests, creditors, and on the communities in which the corporation operates. These provisions could discourage others from bidding for our shares and could, as a result, reduce the likelihood of an increase in our stock price that would otherwise occur if a bidder sought to buy our stock.\nWe may, in the future, adopt other measures (such as a shareholder rights plan or \u201cpoison pill\u201d) that could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing an unsolicited takeover, even if such a change in control were at a premium price or favored by a majority of unaffiliated shareholders. These measures may be adopted without any further vote or action by our shareholders.\n16\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7": ">ITEM\u00a07.\nMANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\n(Dollars and gallons in thousands, except per share amounts)\nPlease read the following discussion of the Company\u2019s financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the selected historical consolidated financial data and consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K.\nOverview\nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, Casey\u2019s General Stores, Inc. and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries operate convenience stores primarily under the names \"Casey's\" and \"Casey\u2019s General Store\" (collectively, with the stores below referenced as \"GoodStop\", \"Bucky's\" or \"Minit Mart\", referred to as \"Casey's\" or the \"Company\") throughout 16 states, primarily in Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. On April\u00a030, 2023, there were a total of 2,521 stores in operation. \nAll convenience stores carry a broad selection of food items (including, but not limited to, freshly prepared foods such as regular and breakfast pizza, donuts, hot breakfast items, and hot and cold sandwiches), beverages, tobacco and nicotine products, health and beauty aids, automotive products, and other nonfood items. As of April\u00a030, 2023, 217 store locations offered car washes. In addition, all but seven store locations offer fuel for sale on a self-service basis.\nDuring the prior fiscal year, the Company introduced certain stores branded or rebranded as \"GoodStop (by Casey\u2019s)\". Similar to most of our store footprint, the \"GoodStop\" locations offer fuel for sale on a self-serve basis, and a broad selection of snacks, beverages, tobacco products, and other essentials. However, these locations typically do not have a kitchen and have limited prepared food offerings. As of April\u00a030, 2023, 43 stores operate under the \"GoodStop\" brand.\nThe Company is also temporarily operating certain locations acquired from Buchanan Energy during the prior fiscal year under the name \"Bucky's\" and certain locations acquired from Minit Mart LLC during the current fiscal year under the name \"Minit Mart.\" The Company is in the process of transitioning all \"Bucky's\" and \"Minit Mart\" locations to either the \"Casey's\" or \"GoodStop\" brand. These locations typically have similar offerings to the \"Casey\u2019s\" or \"GoodStop\" branded stores. \nThe Company has 76 dealer locations, where Casey\u2019s manages fuel wholesale supply agreements to these stores. These locations are not operated by Casey's and are not included in our overall store count in the paragraph below. Approximately 1% of total revenue for the year-ended April\u00a030, 2023 relates to this dealer network\nApproximately 50% of all Casey\u2019s were opened in areas with populations of fewer than 5,000 people, while approximately 26% of all stores were opened in communities with populations of more than 20,000 persons. CMC operates three distribution centers, through which certain grocery and general merchandise, and prepared food and dispensed beverage items, are supplied to our stores. One is adjacent to the Store Support Center facility in Ankeny, Iowa. The other two distribution centers are located in Terre Haute, Indiana (opened in February 2016) and Joplin, Missouri (opened in April 2021). At April\u00a030, 2023, the Company leased the combination of land and/or building at 121 locations. \nThe Company\u2019s business is seasonal, and generally experiences higher sales and profitability during the first and second fiscal quarters (May-October), when guests tend to purchase greater quantities of fuel and certain convenience items such as beer, sports drinks, water, soft drinks and ice.\nThe following table represents the roll forward of store growth throughout fiscal 2023:\nStore Count\nStores at April 30, 2022\n2,452\u00a0\nNew store construction\n34\u00a0\nAcquisitions\n47\nAcquisitions not opened\n(4)\nPrior acquisitions opened\n2\u00a0\nClosed\n(10)\nStores at April 30, 2023\n2,521\u00a0\n19\nTable of Contents\nAcquisitions in the table above include, in part, 26 stores which were acquired from Minit Mart LLC in April 2023. For additional discussion, refer to Note 2 in the consolidated financial statements.\nFor further general descriptive information on the Company\u2019s business and operations, see Item 1, above, which is incorporated herein by reference.\nLong-Term Strategic Plan\nThe Company announced a three-year strategic plan in January 2020 focused on four strategic objectives: reinvent hospitality and the guest experience; be where the guest is by accelerating unit growth; create capacity through best-in-\nclass efficiencies; and, invest in our people and culture. The Company's plan was based on building on our proud heritage and distinct advantages to become more contemporary through new capabilities, technology, data, and processes. We believe this will best position the Company to address rapidly evolving shifts in consumer habits and other macro retail trends.\nThe Company closed out its strategic plan at the end of the fiscal year. Some of the key highlights from this past fiscal year include:\n\u2022\nGrew our store count through new store construction and a number of strategic acquisitions\n\u2022\nDiluted EPS of $11.91, up 30.8% over the prior year\n\u2022\nPrivate label penetration in the grocery and general merchandise category was over 9% on both units and gross profit for the year \n\u2022\nCasey's Rewards members grew to 6.4 million at year-end\nCOVID-19 and Related Impacts\nThe onset of COVID-19 caused a significant decrease in store traffic across our entire footprint. While store traffic has markedly increased as the economy reopened over the past two or so years, the Company has not seen a full return to store traffic levels experienced prior to the pandemic. The Company believes this is largely contributed to by the increased prevalence and acceptance across all industries of working from home, a trend which the Company expects to continue into the foreseeable future.\nWhile the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, in particular those related to governmental actions in response thereto, and those mentioned immediately above, will continue to bring challenges to our operating environment, we believe that our resilient business model and the strength of our brand and balance sheet position us well to navigate the impacts.\nFuel Volatility\nSince early calendar 2020, the price of crude oil, and in turn the wholesale cost of fuel, has been volatile compared to historical averages. Initially, at the outset of the pandemic, oil and fuel prices fell dramatically; however, as the economy in general began to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, prices began to modestly increase over time. More recently, during the end of the Company\u2019s 2022 fiscal year, oil and fuel prices saw a quick and dramatic increase, in part, as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, as well as other macroeconomic conditions, which also directly impacts the retail price of fuel that we sell at our stores. Generally, oil and fuel prices have decreased from levels seen throughout the past two years, but they remain elevated compared to historical levels. The Company expects these comparatively higher prices to remain into the 2024 fiscal year.\nIn addition, during the past three calendar years, the Company, and the retail fuel industry as a whole, has experienced historically high average revenue less cost of goods sold per gallon (excluding depreciation and amortization). Although this has remained relatively consistent since that time, on a longer-term basis, this metric can fluctuate significantly, and sometimes unpredictably, in the short-term. While the Company believes that its average revenue less cost of goods sold per gallon (excluding depreciation and amortization) will remain elevated from historical levels for the foreseeable future, it is possible that increased oil and fuel prices, rising interest rates, macroeconomic conditions and/or continuing conflicts or disruptions involving oil producing countries may materially impact the performance of this metric.\nElectric Vehicles and Renewable Fuels\nCasey's continues its process of developing a robust electric vehicle (\"EV\") strategy and our management team remains committed to understanding if and how the increased demand for, and usage of, EVs impacts consumer behavior across our store footprint and beyond. As consumer demand for alternative fuel options continues to grow, Casey\u2019s has continued to add EV charging stations across our 16-state footprint. The Company has installed 138 charging stations at 29 stores, across 10 states. Our installation strategy is currently designed to selectively increase our charging stations at locations within our region where we see higher levels of consumer EV buying trends and demand for EV charging. To date, consumer EV demand within our Midwest footprint has been comparatively lower than the levels along the coasts. As EV demand from our guests increases, we are prepared to strategically integrate charging station options at select stores.\nThe Company also remains committed to offering renewable fuel options at our stores and continues to expand its alternative fuel options in response to evolving guest needs and as part of its environmental stewardship efforts. Currently, \n20\nTable of Contents\nalmost all of our stores offer fuel with at least 10% of blended ethanol and 43% of our stores offer biodiesel. Every new store has the capability to sell higher blended ethanol, and we aim to continue growing sales of renewable fuels throughout our footprint\nFiscal 2023 Compared with Fiscal 2022 \nTotal revenue for fiscal 2023 increased 16.5% ($2,141,881) to $15,094,475. \nTotal revenue was impacted favorably by operating \n69\n more stores than a year ago, elevated retail fuel prices, and strategic retail price adjustments.\n Retail fuel sales for the fiscal year were $10,027,310, an increase of 20.6% primarily due to a 16.5% increase in the average price of fuel. Fuel gallons sold increased 3.6% to 2.7 billion gallons, which increased fuel revenue by an additional $349,451. Grocery and general merchandise revenue for the fiscal year was $3,445,777, an increase of 9.7% due to strong sales of packaged beverages, snacks, and candy. Prepared food\u00a0and dispensed beverage revenue increased 9.8% to $1,322,560 due to increased sales of pizza slices, whole pies, and donuts.\nTotal revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) was 20.4% for fiscal 2023 compared with 21.3% for the prior year. Fuel cents per gallon increased to 40.2 cents in fiscal 2023 from 36.0 cents in fiscal 2022. The grocery\u00a0and general merchandise revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased to 33.6% from 32.7% during fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Grocery and general merchandise revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was positively impacted by mix shift to higher margin items like energy drinks, candy, and private label products, as well as retail price adjustments, offset by inflationary pressures. The prepared food\u00a0and dispensed beverage revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased to 56.6% from 59.2% during fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher ingredient costs, notably cheese, and higher levels of stales, which were partially offset by retail price adjustments.\nOperating expenses increased 8.1% ($158,469) in fiscal 2023. A one-time payment of $15,297 was received from the resolution of a legal matter, which reduced operating expenses by approximately 1%. Approximately 3% of the increase is due to operating 69 more stores than a year ago. Approximately 2% of the increase was related to same-store operations. One percent of the increase was related to same-store credit card fees driven by higher retail fuel prices, retail price adjustments and strong inside sales. Approximately 1% of the change is related to an increase in variable incentive compensation due to strong financial performance. Same-store employee expense was flat as the increase in employee wage rate was offset by a 2% reduction in same-store labor hours. The majority of all operating expenses are wages and wage-related costs.\nDepreciation and amortization expense increased 3.2% ($9,590) to $313,131 in fiscal 2023 from $303,541 in fiscal 2022. The increase was due primarily to acquisitions and capital expenditures made in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, offset by a decrease in accelerated depreciation, which was recorded in the prior year on equipment replaced in remodels.\nInterest, net decreased 9.1% ($5,157) to $51,815 in fiscal 2023 from $56,972 in fiscal 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to an increase in interest income due to the increase in cash and cash equivalents and interest rates.\nThe effective tax rate increased to 24.0% in fiscal 2023 from 22.9% in fiscal 2022. The increase in the effective tax rate was driven by a decrease in excess tax benefits recognized on share-based awards and a decrease in favorable permanent differences.\nNet income increased to $446,691 in fiscal 2023 from $339,790 in fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to higher profitability both inside the store and in fuel. This increase was partially offset by higher operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, and income tax expense. See discussion in the paragraphs above for the primary drivers for each of these increases.\nPlease refer to the Form 10-K related to the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, filed on June 24, 2022, for comparison of Fiscal 2022 to Fiscal 2021.\n21\nTable of Contents\nCOMPANY TOTAL REVENUE AND REVENUE LESS COST OF GOODS SOLD (EXCLUDING DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION) BY CATEGORY\n \n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nYears ended April\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nTotal revenue by category\nFuel\n$\n10,027,310\n\u00a0\n$\n8,312,038\u00a0\n$\n4,825,466\u00a0\nGrocery\u00a0and general merchandise\n3,445,777\n\u00a0\n3,141,527\u00a0\n2,724,374\u00a0\nPrepared food\u00a0and dispensed beverage\n1,322,560\n\u00a0\n1,204,100\u00a0\n1,087,147\u00a0\nOther (1)\n298,828\n\u00a0\n294,929\u00a0\n70,202\u00a0\n$\n15,094,475\n\u00a0\n$\n12,952,594\u00a0\n$\n8,707,189\u00a0\nRevenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) by category \nFuel\n$\n1,074,913\n\u00a0\n$\n928,868\u00a0\n$\n761,247\u00a0\nGrocery\u00a0and general merchandise\n1,156,451\n\u00a0\n1,027,477\u00a0\n872,573\u00a0\nPrepared food\u00a0and dispensed beverage\n748,405\n\u00a0\n712,352\u00a0\n653,689\u00a0\nOther (1)\n92,637\n\u00a0\n94,017\u00a0\n68,926\u00a0\n$\n3,072,406\n\u00a0\n$\n2,762,714\u00a0\n$\n2,356,435\u00a0\n(1)\nThe 'Other' category historically has primarily consisted of lottery, which is presented net of applicable costs, and car wash. As a result of the Buchanan Energy acquisition in the prior fiscal year, we acquired a dealer network where Casey\u2019s manages fuel wholesale supply agreements to these stores. The activity related to this dealer network is included in the 'Other' category and is presented gross of applicable costs.\nINDIVIDUAL STORE COMPARISONS (1)\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nYears ended April\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nAverage retail sales\n$\n6,064\n\u00a0\n$\n5,206\u00a0\n$\n3,894\u00a0\nAverage retail inside sales (2)\n1,956\n\u00a0\n1,840\u00a0\n1,720\u00a0\nAverage revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) on inside sales (2)\n752\n\u00a0\n723\u00a0\n655\u00a0\nAverage retail sales of fuel\n4,110\n\u00a0\n3,366\u00a0\n2,174\u00a0\nAverage revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) on fuel \n450\n\u00a0\n363\u00a0\n338\u00a0\nAverage operating income (3)\n445\n\u00a0\n367\u00a0\n338\u00a0\nAverage number of gallons sold\n1,092\n\u00a0\n1,047\u00a0\n981\u00a0\n\u00a0\n(1)\nIndividual store comparisons include only those stores that had been in operation for at least one full year and remained open on April\u00a030 of the fiscal year indicated.\n(2)\nInside sales is comprised of sales related to the grocery and general merchandise and prepared food and dispensed beverage categories.\n(3)\nAverage operating income represents retail sales less cost of goods sold, operating expenses and depreciation and amortization attributable to a particular store; it excludes interest, federal and state income taxes, and Company operating expenses not attributable to a particular store.\n22\nTable of Contents\nSAME STORE SALES BY CATEGORY (1) \n\u00a0\nYears\u00a0ended\u00a0April\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nFuel gallons \n(0.8)\n%\n4.4\u00a0\n%\n(8.1)\n%\nGrocery\u00a0and general merchandise (2)\n6.3\n\u00a0\n%\n6.3\u00a0\n%\n6.6\u00a0\n%\nPrepared food\u00a0and dispensed beverage (2)\n7.1\n\u00a0\n%\n7.4\u00a0\n%\n(2.1)\n%\n\u00a0\n(1)\nSame-store sales is a common metric used in the convenience store industry. We define same-store sales as the total sales increase (or decrease) for stores open during the full time of the periods being presented. The store must be open for each entire fiscal year being compared. Remodeled stores that remained open or were closed for just a very brief period of time (less than a week) during the period being compared remain in the same store sales comparison. If a store is replaced, either at the same location (razed and rebuilt) or relocated to a new location, it is removed from the comparison until the new store has been open for each entire period being compared. Newly constructed and acquired stores do not enter the calculation until they are open for each entire period being compared as well.\n(2)\nThe increase in grocery and general merchandise same-store sales was primarily due to strong sales of packaged beverages, snacks and candy. The increase in prepared food and dispensed beverage same-store sales was attributable to improved sales in pizza slices, whole pies, and donuts. Both categories were also impacted favorably by strategic retail price adjustments.\nUse of Non-GAAP Measures\nWe define EBITDA as net income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA further adjusts EBITDA by excluding the gain or loss on disposal of assets as well as impairment charges. Neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA are presented in accordance with GAAP.\nWe believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because securities analysts and other interested parties use such calculations as a measure of financial performance and debt service capabilities, and they are regularly used by management for internal purposes including our capital budgeting process, evaluating acquisition targets, and assessing store performance.\nEBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for net income, cash flows from operating activities or other income or cash flow statement data. These measures have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. We strongly encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.\nBecause non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as defined by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. It therefore may not be possible to compare our use of these non-GAAP financial measures with those used by other companies.\nThe following table contains a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nYears ended\n\u00a0\nApril 30, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\nNet income\n$\n446,691\n\u00a0\n$\n339,790\u00a0\nInterest, net\n51,815\n\u00a0\n56,972\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization\n313,131\n\u00a0\n303,541\u00a0\nFederal and state income taxes\n140,827\n\u00a0\n100,938\u00a0\nEBITDA\n$\n952,464\n\u00a0\n$\n801,241\u00a0\nLoss (gain) on disposal of assets and impairment charges\n6,871\n\u00a0\n(1,201)\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n959,335\n\u00a0\n$\n800,040\u00a0\nFor the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA increased 18.9% and 19.9%, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to higher profitability both inside the store and in fuel, which was partially offset by higher operating expenses due to operating 69 more stores than one year ago, an increase in store operations cost, as well as increased credit card fees resulting from increased revenue.\n23\nTable of Contents\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\nCritical accounting policies are those accounting policies that management believes are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management\u2019s most difficult, subjective judgments, often because of the need to estimate the effects of inherently uncertain factors.\nBusiness Combinations\nThe Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for transactions meeting the definition of a business combination. The acquisitions are recorded in the financial statements by allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired, including intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date as determined by third party appraisals or internal estimates. The more significant assets acquired include buildings, equipment, and land. The Company primarily values buildings and equipment using the cost method and land using comparable land sales. The purchase price is determined based upon the fair value of consideration transferred to the seller. Fair values are typically determined using Level 3 inputs (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements). Given these estimates often are based upon unobservable inputs, the estimates require significant judgment when determining the overall value and actual results could differ from the estimates originally established. The excess of the cost of the acquisition over the net amounts assigned to the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill if the acquisition is considered to be a business combination. During a one-year period from the acquisition date, amounts are allowed to be provisional for areas that are expected to be adjusted to their final amounts during the measurement period. These provisional adjustments are for when the buyer obtains additional information about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. Subsequent adjustments recorded to provisional balances within the measurement period are recorded in the period in which the adjustment is identified. Acquisition-related transaction costs are recognized as period costs as incurred. \nInventory\nInventories, which consist of merchandise and fuel, are stated at the lower of cost or market. For fuel inventories, cost is determined through the use of the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. For merchandise inventories, cost is determined through the use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Inventory valued using the LIFO method of inventory requires judgement when making the determination of appropriate indices to be used for determining price level changes.\nLong-lived Assets\nThe Company monitors closed and underperforming stores for an indication that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent carrying value of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value. Fair value is based on management\u2019s estimate of the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants. The estimate is derived from offers, actual sale or disposition of assets subsequent to year-end, and other indications of fair value, which are considered Level 3 inputs (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements). In determining whether an asset is impaired, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which for the Company is generally on a store-by-store basis. The Company incurred impairment charges of $3,500 in fiscal 2023, $1,056 in fiscal 2022, and $3,846 in fiscal 2021. Impairment charges are a component of operating expenses.\nSelf-insurance\nThe Company is primarily self-insured for Team Member healthcare, workers\u2019 compensation, general liability, and automobile claims. The self-insurance claim liability for workers\u2019 compensation, general liability, and automobile claims is determined actuarially at each year-end based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Actuarial projections of the losses are employed due to the potential of variability in the liability estimates. Some factors affecting the uncertainty of claims include the development time frame, settlement patterns, litigation and adjudication direction, and medical treatment and cost trends. The liability is not discounted. The balances of our self-insurance reserves were $61,168 and $53,752 for the years ended April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\nRefer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for a description of new accounting pronouncements applicable to the Company.\n24\nTable of Contents\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nDue to the nature of our business, cash provided by operations is our primary source of liquidity. The Company finances our inventory purchases primarily from normal trade credit aided by relatively rapid inventory turnover. This turnover allows us to conduct operations without large amounts of cash and working capital. As of April\u00a030, 2023, the Company\u2019s ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 0.99 to 1. The ratio at April\u00a030, 2022 and at April\u00a030, 2021 was 0.80 to 1 and 1.18 to 1, respectively. The increase in the ratio from the prior year is partially attributable to an increase in cash and cash equivalents due to strong free cash flows, and a decrease in payments for acquisitions. \nWe believe our current $850,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, our $25,000 unsecured bank line of credit (subsequent to year-end this increased to $50,000, see discussion in Note 3), current cash and cash equivalents, and the future cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy the working capital needs of our business.\nNet cash provided by operating activities was $881,951 for the year ended April\u00a030, 2023, compared to $788,741 for the year ended April\u00a030, 2022. The increase in operating cash flows was partially attributable to an increase in net income adjusted for non-cash reconciling items (depreciation and amortization, amortization of debt issuance costs, stock-based compensation, and loss (gain) on disposal of assets and impairment charges) of approximately $132,873. Refer to \u201cFiscal 2023 Compared with Fiscal 2022\u201d on page 21 for further details on the primary driver for these changes. This increase was partially offset by the changes in deferred income taxes and changes in components of assets and liabilities. Cash provided by operations can be impacted by variability in the timing of payments and receipts for certain assets and liabilities, as well as changes in commodity costs year-over-year. The impacts from changes in deferred income taxes decreased by $59,595, attributable to lower accelerated tax depreciation on acquisitions and capital expenditures made in the current fiscal year. Additionally, impacts from accounts payable decreased $175,376 due to higher fuel costs in the prior fiscal year and an effort to better utilize available payment terms introduced in the prior fiscal year. These decreases were partially offset by impacts from changes in income tax balances which increased $56,368, primarily attributable to the timing of tax payments across the last two fiscal years, and impacts from inventories which increased $100,820, attributable to higher fuel costs in the prior year.\nAs shown in the supplemental disclosures to the cash flow, cash paid for taxes increased $40,833, primarily attributable to an increase in taxable income (refer to \u201cFiscal 2023 Compared with Fiscal 2022\u201d on page 21 for further details on the primary driver for these changes) during the year as impacts from changes in deferred tax liabilities and income tax receivable were offsetting.\nPurchases of property and equipment and payments for acquisitions of businesses typically represent the single largest use of Company funds. Management believes that by acquiring, building, and reinvesting in stores, the Company will be better able to respond to competitive challenges and increase operating efficiencies. During fiscal 2023, we expended $562,137 for property and equipment, primarily for construction, acquisition, and remodeling of stores compared with $1,228,113 in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to significant acquisition activity occurring in the prior year (see Note 2 for further discussion).\nCash provided by financing decreased $308,513, primarily due to $450,000 in draws on the Company's term loan facility to finance acquisitions in the prior year, offset by prior year prepayments of $167,500 on the Company's term loan facility due to strong free cash flow.\n25\nTable of Contents\nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, we had long-term debt and finance lease obligations consisting of:\nFinance lease liabilities (Note 7)\n$\n95,072\u00a0\n3.67% Senior Notes (Series A) due in 7 installments beginning June\u00a017, 2022, and ending June\u00a015, 2028\n135,000\u00a0\n3.75% Senior Notes (Series B) due in 7 installments beginning December\u00a017, 2022 and ending December\u00a018, 2028\n45,000\u00a0\n3.65% Senior Notes (Series C) due in 7 installments beginning May 2, 2025 and ending May 2, 2031\n50,000\u00a0\n3.72% Senior Notes (Series D) due in 7 installments beginning October 28, 2025 and ending October 28, 2031\n50,000\u00a0\n3.51% Senior Notes (Series E) due June 13, 2025\n150,000\u00a0\n3.77% Senior Notes (Series F) due August 22, 2028\n250,000\u00a0\n2.85% Senior Notes (Series G) due August 7, 2030\n325,000\u00a0\n2.96% Senior Notes (Series H) due August 6, 2032\n325,000\u00a0\nVariable rate term loan facility, requiring quarterly installments ending April 21, 2028\n250,000\u00a0\nDebt issuance costs\n(1,698)\n$\n1,673,374\u00a0\nLess current maturities\n52,861\u00a0\n$\n1,620,513\u00a0\nInterest on the 3.67% Senior Notes Series A and 3.75% Senior Notes Series B is payable on the 17th day of each June and December. Principal on the Senior Notes Series A and Series B is payable in various installments beginning June 17, 2022 (Series A) and December 17, 2022 (Series B) through December 2028. We may prepay the 3.67% and 3.75% Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time in an amount of not less than $2,000 at a redemption price calculated in accordance with the Note Agreement dated June 17, 2013, as amended, between the Company and the purchasers of the Senior Notes Series A and Series B.\nInterest on the 3.65% Senior Notes Series C is payable on the 2nd day of each May and November, while the interest on the 3.72% Senior Notes Series D is payable on the 28th day of each April and October. Principal on the Senior Notes Series C and Series D is payable in various installments beginning May 2, 2025 (Series C) and October 28, 2025 (Series D) through October 2031. We may prepay the 3.65% and 3.72% Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time in an amount of not less than $2,000 at a redemption price calculated in accordance with the Note Agreement dated May 2, 2016, as amended, between the Company and the purchasers of the Senior Notes Series C and Series D.\nInterest on the 3.51% Senior Notes Series E is payable on the 13th day of each June and December, while the interest on the 3.77% Senior Notes Series F is payable on the 22nd day of each February and August. Principal on the Senior Notes Series E and Series F is payable in full on June 13, 2025 (Series E) and August 22, 2028 (Series F), respectively. We may prepay the 3.51% and 3.77% Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time in an amount of not less than $2,000 at a redemption price calculated in accordance with the Note Agreement dated June 13, 2017, as amended, between the Company and the purchasers of the Senior Notes Series E and Series F.\nInterest on the 2.85% Senior Notes Series G and 2.96% Senior Notes Series H is payable on the 7th day of each February and August. Principal on the Senior Notes Series G and Series H is payable in full on August 7, 2030 (Series G) and August 6, 2032 (Series H), respectively. We may prepay the 2.85% and 2.96% Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time in an amount of not less than $2,000 at a redemption price calculated in accordance with the Note Purchase Agreement dated June 30, 2020, between the Company and the purchasers of the Senior Notes Series G and Series H.\nDuring the fourth quarter, the Company refinanced its existing credit agreement (dated January 11, 2019, as amended, by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent) which resulted in its termination and repayment, in full, and entry into a new credit agreement (dated April 21, 2023, by among the lenders thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent) to provide for (a) a $250 million unsecured term loan , and (b) an $850 million unsecured revolving credit facility (collectively, the \u201cCredit Facilities\u201d). See Note 3 for additional information related to the Credit Facilities (see \u201cPrior Credit Agreement\u201d and \u201cNew Credit Agreement\u201d sections). Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates based upon, at the Company\u2019s option, either: (a) either Term SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR, in each case plus 0.10% (with a floor of 0.00%) for the interest period in effect, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.10% to 1.70% or (b) an alternate base rate, which generally equals the highest of (i) the prime \n26\nTable of Contents\ncommercial lending rate announced by the Administrative Agent as its \u201cprime rate\u201d, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1.00%, and (iii) Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR plus 1.00%, each plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.10% to 0.70% and each with a floor of 1.00%. The applicable margins are dependent upon the Company's quarterly Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined in the credit agreement. We have the right at any time to prepay all or a portion of the outstanding balance without premium or penalty, other than customary \u201cbreakage\u201d costs with respect to Term SOFR-based borrowings, with prior notice given. \nTo date, we have funded capital expenditures primarily through funds generated from operations, the proceeds of the sale of common stock, issuance of debt or other bank financing, and existing cash. Future capital required to finance operations, improvements, and the anticipated growth in the number of stores is expected to come from cash generated by operations, its $850,000 committed unsecured revolving credit facility, its additional $25,000 unsecured bank line of credit, and additional long-term debt or other securities as circumstances may dictate. We do not expect such capital needs to adversely affect liquidity.\nThe table below presents our significant contractual obligations, including interest, at April\u00a030, 2023:\n\u00a0\nContractual obligations\nPayments due by period\n\u00a0\nTotal\nLess\u00a0than\n1 year\n1-3 years\n3-5 years\nMore\u00a0than\n5 years\nLong-term debt (1)\n$\n1,845,788\u00a0\n$\n87,959\u00a0\n$\n329,559\u00a0\n$\n374,706\u00a0\n$\n1,053,564\u00a0\nFinance lease obligations\n130,897\u00a0\n12,398\u00a0\n21,502\u00a0\n20,240\u00a0\n76,757\u00a0\nOperating lease obligations\n164,321\u00a0\n8,140\u00a0\n16,322\u00a0\n16,086\u00a0\n123,773\u00a0\nUnrecognized tax benefits\n10,957\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nDeferred compensation\n12,585\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n2,164,548\u00a0\n$\n108,497\u00a0\n$\n367,383\u00a0\n$\n411,032\u00a0\n$\n1,254,094\u00a0\n(1)\nThe long-term debt portion of the table above excludes interest payments related to the Company's term loan facility, due to the variable nature of the required interest payments. \nUnrecognized tax benefits relate to uncertain tax positions and since we are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of the payments or the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time, the related timing of the payment of the balances have not been reflected in the above \u201cPayments due by period\u201d table.\nAt April 30, 2023, the Company had a total of $10,957 in gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this amount, $8,656 represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties for such unrecognized tax benefits was $386 as of April 30, 2023. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are classified as income tax expense in our consolidated statements of income. The federal statute of limitations remains open for the tax years 2019 and forward. Tax years 2013 and forward are subject to audit by state tax authorities depending on open statute of limitations waivers and the tax code of each state.\nA number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited and ultimately settled. It is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome or the timing of resolution for uncertain tax positions. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. These changes could result from the expiration of the statute of limitations, examinations or other unforeseen circumstances. The Company has no ongoing federal or state income tax examinations. At this time, management believes it is reasonably possible the aggregate amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by $2,500 within the next 12 months. This expected decrease is due to the expiration of statute of limitations related to certain federal and state income tax filing positions.\nIncluded in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet at April\u00a030, 2023, was a $11,534 obligation for deferred compensation. Additionally, $756 was recognized in current liabilities as of April\u00a030, 2023 related to deferred compensation. As the specific payment dates for a portion of the deferred compensation outstanding are unknown due to the unknown retirement dates of many of the participants, the related timing of the payment of the balances have not been reflected in the above \u201cPayments due by period\u201d table. However, known payments of $8,777 will be due during the next 5 years.\nAt April\u00a030, 2023, we were partially self-insured for workers\u2019 compensation claims in all but two states of our operating territory. In North Dakota and Ohio, we are required to participate in an exclusive, state managed fund for all workers compensation claims. We were also partially self-insured for general liability and auto liability under an agreement that provides for annual stop-loss limits equal to or exceeding $2,000 for auto liability and $1,000 for workers' compensation and general liability.\n27\nTable of Contents\nForward-Looking Statements\nThis Form 10-K, including but not limited to the Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d within the meaning of\u00a0Section\u00a027A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section\u00a021E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \"should,\" \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cproject,\u201d \u201ccontinue,\u201d and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent the Company\u2019s current expectations or beliefs concerning future\u00a0events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, liquidity and related sources and needs, supply chain, results of operations and performance at our stores, business strategy, strategic plans, growth opportunities, integration of acquisitions, acquisition synergies, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives including our long-term strategic plan, wholesale fuel, inventory and ingredient costs and the potential effects of the conflict in Ukraine and COVID-19 on our business.\u00a0 The Company cautions that these statements are further qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the following risk factors described more completely above in Item 1A entitled \u201cRisk Factors\u201d:\nBusiness Operations;\n Our business and our reputation could be adversely affected by a cyber or data security incident or the failure to protect sensitive guest, Team Member or supplier data, or the failure to comply with applicable regulations relating to data security and privacy; food-safety issues and foodborne illnesses, whether actual or reported, or the failure to comply with applicable regulations relating to the transportation, storage, preparation or service of food, could adversely affect our business and reputation; we may be adversely impacted by increases in the cost of food ingredients and other related costs; a significant disruption to our distribution network, to the capacity of the distribution centers, or timely receipt of inventory could adversely impact our sales or increase our transaction costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business; we could be adversely affected if we experience difficulties in, or are unable to recruit, hire or retain, members of our leadership team and other distribution, field and store Team Members; any failure to anticipate and respond to changes in consumer preferences, or to introduce and promote innovative technology for guest interaction, could adversely affect our financial results; we rely on our information technology systems, and a number of third-party software providers, to manage numerous aspects of our business, and a disruption of these systems could adversely affect our business; increased credit card expenses could lead to higher operating expenses and other costs for the Company; our operations present hazards and risks which may not be fully covered by insurance, if insured; the dangers inherent in the storage and transport of fuel could cause disruptions and could expose to us potentially significant losses, costs or liabilities; consumer or other litigation could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations; pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, responsive actions taken by governments and others to mitigate their spread, and guest behavior in response to these events, have, and may in the future, adversely affect our business operations, supply chain and financial results; and, covenants in our Senior Notes and credit facility agreements require us to comply with certain covenants and meet financial maintenance tests and the failure to comply with these requirements could have a material impact to us.\nGovernmental Actions, Regulations, and Oversight\n:\u00a0Compliance with and changes in tax laws could adversely affect our performance; we are subject to extensive governmental regulations; governmental action and campaigns to discourage tobacco and nicotine use and other tobacco products may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and gross profit; and, wholesale cost and tax increases relating to tobacco and nicotine products could affect our operating results.\nIndustry\n:\u00a0General economic and political conditions that are largely out of the Company\u2019s control may adversely affect the Company\u2019s financial condition and results of operations; developments related to fuel efficiency, fuel conservation practices, climate change, and changing consumer preferences may decrease the demand for motor fuel; unfavorable weather conditions can adversely affect our business; the volatility of wholesale petroleum costs could adversely affect our operating results; and, the convenience store industry is highly competitive.\nGrowth Strategies\n:\u00a0We may not be able to identify, acquire, and integrate new properties and stores, which could adversely affect our ability to grow our business.\nCommon Stock\n:\u00a0The market price for our common stock has been and may in the future be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline; any issuance of shares of our common stock in the future could have a dilutive effect on your investment; and, Iowa law and provisions in our charter documents may have the effect of preventing or hindering a change in control and adversely affecting the market price of our common stock.\nAlthough we have attempted to list the important factors that presently affect the Company\u2019s business and operating results, we further caution you that other factors we have not identified may in the future prove to be important in affecting our business and results of operations.\u00a0We ask you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements because they speak only of our views as of the statement dates.\u00a0We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.\n28\nTable of Contents\n ",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM\u00a07A.\nQUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nThe Company\u2019s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio and floating rate long-term debt obligations. We place our investments with high-quality credit issuers and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. Our first priority is to reduce the risk of principal loss. Consequently, we seek to preserve our invested funds by attempting to limit default risk, market risk, and reinvestment risk. We attempt to mitigate default risk by investing in only high-quality credit securities that we believe to be low risk and by positioning our portfolio to respond appropriately to a significant reduction in a credit rating of any investment issuer or guarantor. The portfolio includes only marketable securities with active secondary or resale markets to ensure portfolio liquidity. Based upon the outstanding balance of the Company's term loan facilities as of April\u00a030, 2023, an immediate 100-basis-point move in interest rates would have an approximate annualized impact of $2.5 million on interest expense. \nWe do, from time to time, participate in a forward buy of certain commodities. These are not accounted for as derivatives under the normal purchase and sale exclusions under the applicable accounting guidance.\n29\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "726958",
+ "cusip6": "147528",
+ "cusip": ["147528103", "147528903"],
+ "names": ["CASEYS GEN STORES INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/726958/000072695823000059/0000726958-23-000059-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000779152-23-000062.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000779152-23-000062.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..fb56dd13f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000779152-23-000062.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1. \u00a0BUSINESS\nJack Henry & Associates, Inc.\u00ae is a well-rounded financial technology company that strengthens connections between financial institutions and the people and businesses they serve. For more than 47 years, we have provided technology solutions to help banks and credit unions innovate faster, strategically differentiate, and successfully compete while serving the evolving needs of their accountholders. We empower over 7,500 financial institutions and diverse corporate entities with people-inspired innovation, personal service, and insight-driven solutions that help reduce the barriers to financial health. \nMission Statement\nWe strengthen the connections between people and their financial institutions through technology and services that reduce the barriers to financial health.\nThis philosophy has always been part of our foundation and the roots on which Jack Henry was built. Our founders, Jack Henry and Jerry Hall, were committed to their community and believed they could help financial institutions better serve the needs of people and businesses using more modern technology and services. \nWhile much has changed since we opened for business in 1976, we continue to be focused on helping community and regional financial institutions, and we are guided by our founding principles: do the right thing, do whatever it takes, and have fun.\nWho We Serve\nWe provide products and services primarily to community and regional financial institutions:\n\u2022\nCore bank integrated data processing systems are provided to 940 banks ranging from de novo to multi-billion-dollar institutions with assets of up to $50 billion. The number of banks we serve has decreased in the last year due to acquisitions and mergers within the banking industry, which are discussed further under the heading \"Our Industry\" in this Item 1. Our banking solutions support both on-premise and private cloud operating environments with functionally distinct core processing platforms and integrated complementary solutions.\n\u2022\nCore credit union data processing solutions are provided to credit unions of all sizes, with a client base of over 710 credit union customers. We offer a flagship core processing platform and integrated complementary solutions that support both on-premise and private cloud operating environments.\n\u2022\nNon-core highly specialized core-agnostic products and services are also provided to financial institutions. We offer complementary solutions that include highly specialized financial performance, imaging and payments processing, information security and risk management, retail delivery, and online and mobile functionality. These products and services enhance the performance of traditional financial services organizations of all asset sizes and charters, and non-traditional diverse corporate entities. In total, we serve over 7,500 customers, over 1,650 of our core customers included in our bank and credit union customers listed above, and nearly 5,880 non-core customers.\nOur products and services provide our customers with solutions that can be tailored to support their unique growth, service, operational, and performance goals. Our well-rounded solutions also enable financial institutions to offer the high-demand products and services required by their customers to compete more successfully, and to capitalize on evolving trends shaping the financial services industry.\nWe are committed to exceeding our customers\u2019 expectations. We measure and monitor customer satisfaction using a variety of surveys, such as an annual survey on the customer's anniversary date and randomly-generated online surveys initiated each day by routine support requests to ensure feedback is received throughout the year. The results of our survey process provide assurance that our service consistently exceeds our customers\u2019 expectations and, we believe, contribute to our excellent customer retention rates.\nWe are focused on establishing long-term customer relationships, continually expanding and strengthening those relationships with cross sales of additional products and services that support our clients' strategy, earning new financial and non-financial clients, and ensuring our product offerings are highly competitive.\nThe majority of our revenue is derived from support and services provided by our private and public cloud services for our hosted customers that are typically on a seven-year or greater contract, recurring electronic payment solutions that are also generally on a contract term of seven years or greater, and our on-premise customers that are typically on a one-year contract. Less predictable software license fees, paid by customers implementing our \n5\nsoftware solutions on-premise, and hardware sales, including all non-software products that we re-market in order to support our software systems, complement our primary revenue sources. Information regarding the classification of our business into four separate segments is set forth in Note\u00a014 to the consolidated financial statements (see Item 8).\nWe recognize that our associates and their collective contribution are ultimately responsible for Jack Henry's past, present, and future success. Recruiting and retaining high-quality employees is essential to our ongoing growth and financial performance, and we believe we have established an organizational culture that sustains high levels of employee engagement. For further discussion of our human capital considerations, see \"Human Capital\" below.\nOur Industry\u00a0\nOur core banking solutions serve commercial banks and savings institutions with up to $50 billion in assets. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (\u201cFDIC\u201d), there were approximately 4,660 commercial banks and savings institutions in this asset range as of December\u00a031, 2022, and we currently support 940 of these banks with one of our three core information processing platforms and complementary products and services. \u00a0\nOur core credit union solutions serve credit unions of all asset sizes. According to the Credit Union National Association (\u201cCUNA\u201d), there were more than 4,850 domestic credit unions as of December\u00a031, 2022, and we currently support over 710 of these credit unions with one flagship core information processing platform and complementary products and services.\nOur non-core solutions serve financial services organizations of all asset sizes and charters and other diverse corporate entities. We currently support over 7,500 institutions with specialized solutions for generating additional revenue and growth, increasing security, mitigating operational risks, and controlling operating costs.\nThe FDIC reports the number of commercial banks and savings institutions declined 17% from the beginning of calendar year 2017 to the end of calendar year 2022, due mainly to mergers. Although the number of banks declined at a 4% compound annual rate during this period, aggregate assets increased at a compound annual rate of 6% and totaled $23.6 trillion as of December\u00a031, 2022. There were 15 new bank charters issued in calendar year 2022, compared to 10 in the 2021 calendar year. Comparing calendar years 2022 to 2021, the number of mergers decreased 19%.\nCUNA reports the number of credit unions declined 15% from the beginning of calendar year 2017 to the end of calendar year 2022. Although the number of credit unions declined at a 3% compound annual rate during this period, aggregate assets increased at a compound annual rate of 9% and totaled $2.2 trillion as of December\u00a031, 2022.\nCommunity and mid-tier banks and credit unions are vitally important to the communities, consumers, and businesses they serve. Bank customers and credit union members rely on these institutions to provide personalized, relationship-based service and competitive financial products and services available through the customer\u2019s delivery channel of choice. Institutions are recognizing that attracting and retaining customers and members in today\u2019s highly competitive financial industry and realizing near-term and long-term performance goals are often technology dependent. Financial institutions must implement technological solutions that enable them to:\n\u2022\nOffer e-commerce, mobile, and digital strategies that provide the convenience-driven services required in today\u2019s financial services industry.\n\u2022\nMaximize performance with accessible, accurate, and timely business intelligence information.\n\u2022\nProvide the high-demand products and services needed to successfully compete with traditional and non-traditional competitors created by convergence within the financial services industry.\n\u2022\nEnhance the customer/member experience at multiple points of contact.\n\u2022\nExpand existing customer/member relationships and strengthen exit barriers by cross selling additional products and services.\n\u2022\nCapitalize on new revenue, and deposit and loan portfolio growth opportunities.\n\u2022\nIncrease operating efficiencies and reduce operating costs.\n\u2022\nProtect mission-critical information assets and operational infrastructure.\n\u2022\nProtect customers/members with various security tools from fraud and related financial losses.\n\u2022\nMaximize the day-to-day use of technology and return on technology investments.\n\u2022\nEnsure full regulatory compliance.\n6\nJack Henry\u2019s extensive product and service offerings help diverse financial institutions meet business challenges and capitalize on opportunities. We strive to get to know our customers, understand their strategies and challenges, and provide innovative solutions that help them achieve short- and long-term success. \nBusiness Strategy\nOur fundamental business strategy is to generate organic revenue and earnings growth augmented by strategic acquisitions. We execute this strategy by:\n\u2022\nProviding community and regional banks and credit unions with core processing systems that provide excellent functionality and support on-premise and private cloud delivery environments with identical functionality.\n\u2022\nExpanding each core customer relationship by cross-selling complementary products and services that enhance the functionality provided by our core processing systems.\n\u2022\nProviding non-core highly specialized core-agnostic complementary products and services to financial institutions, including institutions not utilizing one of our core processing systems, and diverse corporate entities.\n\u2022\nDeveloping and deploying a long-term technology modernization strategy to provide public cloud native solutions that provide clients with greater flexibility, optionality, open integration, speed to market, and other benefits.\n\u2022\nMaintaining a company-wide commitment to customer service that consistently exceeds our customers\u2019 expectations and generates high levels of customer retention.\n\u2022\nBuilding, maintaining, and enhancing a protected environment and tools that help our clients and us protect customer data, assets, and comply with regulations.\n\u2022\nCapitalizing on our acquisition strategy.\nAcquisition Strategy\nWe have a disciplined approach to acquisitions and have been successful in supplementing our organic growth with 35 strategic acquisitions since the end of fiscal year 1999. We continue to explore acquisitions that have the potential to: \n\u2022\nExpand our suite of complementary products and services.\n\u2022\nProvide products and services that can be sold to both existing core and non-core customers and outside our base to new customers.\n\u2022\nAccelerate our internal development efforts.\n\u2022\nProvide selective opportunities to sell outside our traditional markets in the financial services industry. \nAfter 47 years in business, we have very few gaps in our product line, so it is increasingly difficult to find proven products or services that would enable our clients and prospects to better optimize their business opportunities or solve specific operational issues. In addition, we see few acquisition opportunities that would expand our market or enable our entry into adjacent markets within the financial services industry that are fairly priced or that we could assimilate into our Company without material distractions. \nWe have a solid track record of executing acquisitions from both a financial and operational standpoint, and we will continue to pursue acquisition opportunities that support our strategic direction, complement and accelerate our organic growth, and generate long-term profitable growth for our stockholders. While we seek to identify appropriate acquisition opportunities, we will continue to explore alternative ways to leverage our cash position and balance sheet to the benefit of our stockholders, such as continued investment in new products and services for our customers, repurchases of our stock, and continued payment of dividends.\nOur most recent acquisition was:\nFiscal Year\nCompany or Product Name\nProducts and Services\n2023\nPayrailz, LLC (\"Payrailz\")\nProvider of cloud-native modern digital payment capabilities leveraging AI and machine learning features for the financial services industry.\nSolutions\n\u2022\nOur core banking solutions support commercial banks with information and transaction processing platforms that provide enterprise-wide automation. We have three functionally distinct core bank processing systems and more than 140 fully integrated complementary solutions, including business intelligence and bank management, retail and business banking, digital and mobile internet banking and electronic payment solutions, fraud and risk management and protection, account origination, and item and document imaging solutions. Our core banking \n7\nsolutions have state-of-the-art functional capabilities, and we can re-market the hardware required by on-premise use of each software system. Our banking solutions can be delivered on-premise or through our private cloud delivery model and are backed by a company-wide commitment to provide exceptional personal service. \n\u2022\nOur core credit union solutions support credit unions of all sizes with an information and transaction processing platform that provides enterprise-wide automation. Our solution includes one flagship core processing system and more than 100 fully integrated complementary solutions, including business intelligence and credit union management, member and member business services, digital and mobile internet banking and electronic payment solutions, fraud and risk management and protection, account origination, and item and document imaging solutions. Our credit union solution also has state-of-the-art functional capabilities. We also re-market the hardware required by on-premise use of the software system. Our credit union solution can be delivered on-premise, through our private cloud, or through our partner private cloud delivery models. Each is backed by our company-wide commitment to provide exceptional personal service. \n\u2022\nOur non-core solutions for financial institutions are specialized products and services assembled primarily through our focused diversification acquisition strategy. These core-agnostic solutions are compatible with a wide variety of information technology platforms and operating environments and offer more than 100 complementary solutions, including proven solutions for generating additional revenue and growth, increasing security and mitigating operational risks, and/or controlling operating costs. Our non-core products and services enhance the performance of financial services organizations of all asset sizes and charters, and diverse corporate entities. These distinct products and services can be implemented individually or as solution suites to address specific business problems or needs and enable effective responses to dynamic industry trends.\nWe strive to develop and maintain functionally robust, integrated solutions that are supported with high service levels, regularly updating and improving those solutions using an interactive customer enhancement process; ensuring compliance with relevant regulations; updated with proven advances in technology; and consistent with Jack Henry\u2019s reputation as a premium solution and service provider.\nCore Software Systems\nCore software systems primarily consist of the integrated applications required to process deposit, loan, and general ledger transactions, and to maintain centralized customer/member information.\nOur core banking solutions consist of three software systems marketed to banks and our core credit union solution consists of one software system marketed to credit unions. These core systems are available for on-premise installation at customer sites, or financial institutions can choose to leverage our private cloud environment for ongoing information processing.\nCore banking platforms are:\n\u2022\nSilverLake System\u00ae, \na robust system primarily designed for commercial-focused banks with assets ranging from $1 billion to $50 billion. Some progressive smaller banks and de novo (start-up) banks also select SilverLake. This system is in use by over 460 banks, and now automates nearly 10% of the domestic banks with assets less than $50 billion.\n\u2022\nCIF 20/20\u00ae, \na parameter-driven, easy-to-use system that now supports approximately 300 banks ranging from de novo institutions to those with assets of $5 billion.\n\u2022\nCore Director\u00ae, \na cost-efficient system with point-and-click operation that now supports approximately 180 banks ranging from de novo institutions to those with assets of over $2 billion.\nCore credit union platform is: \u00a0\n\u2022\nSymitar\u00ae (formerly known as Episys\u00ae),\n a robust system designed specifically for credit unions. It has been implemented by over 710 credit unions with assets ranging from $3 million to $35 billion, and according to National Credit Union Administration (\"NCUA\") data, is the system implemented by more credit unions with assets exceeding $25 million than any other alternative core system.\nCustomers electing to install our solutions on-premise license the proprietary software systems. The majority of these customers pay ongoing annual software maintenance fees. We re-market the hardware, hardware maintenance, and peripheral equipment that is required by on-premise use of our software solutions; and we perform software implementation, data conversion, training, ongoing support, and other related services. On-premise customers generally license our core software systems under a standard license agreement that provides a fully paid, nonexclusive, nontransferable right to use the software on a single computer at a single location.\nCustomers can eliminate the significant up-front capital expenditures required by on-premise installations and the responsibility for operating information and transaction processing infrastructures by leveraging our private cloud environment for those functions. Our core private cloud services are provided through a highly resilient data center \n8\nconfiguration across multiple physical locations. We also provide image item processing services from two host/archive sites and several key entry and balancing locations throughout the country. We print and mail customer statements for financial institutions from three regional printing and rendering centers. Customers electing to outsource their core processing typically sign contracts for seven or more years that include \"per account\" fees and minimum guaranteed payments during the contract period.\nWe support the dynamic business requirements of our core bank and credit union clients with ongoing enhancements to each core system, the regular introduction of new integrated complementary products, the ongoing integration of practical new technologies, and regulatory compliance initiatives. We also serve each core customer as a single point of contact, support, and accountability.\nComplementary Products and Services \u00a0\nWe have more than 140 complementary products and services that are targeted to our core banks and more than 100 targeted to credit union customers. Many of these are selectively sold to financial services organizations that use other core processing systems.\nThese complementary solutions enable core bank and credit union clients to respond to evolving customer/member demands, expedite speed-to-market with competitive offerings, increase operating efficiency, address specific operational issues, and generate new revenue streams. The highly specialized solutions enable diverse financial services organizations and corporate entities to generate additional revenue and growth opportunities, increase security and mitigate operational risks, and control operating costs.\nWe regularly introduce new products and services based on demand for integrated complementary solutions from our existing core clients and based on the growing demand among financial services organizations and corporate entities for specialized solutions capable of increasing revenue and growth opportunities, mitigating and controlling operational risks, and/or containing costs. Our Industry Research department solicits customer guidance on the business solutions they need, evaluates available solutions and competitive offerings, and manages the introduction of new product offerings. Our new complementary products and services are developed internally, acquired, or provided through strategic alliances.\nImplementation and Training\nMost of our core bank and credit union customers contract with us for implementation and training services in connection with their systems and additional complementary products.\nA complete core system implementation typically includes detailed planning, project management, data conversion, and testing. Our experienced implementation teams travel to customer facilities or work remotely with clients to help manage the implementation process and ensure that all data is transferred from the legacy system to the Jack Henry system. Our implementation fees are fixed or hourly based on the core system being installed.\nWe also provide extensive initial and ongoing education to our customers. We have a comprehensive training program that supports new customers with basic training and longtime customers with continuing education. The training enables financial institutions to maximize the use of our core and complementary solutions, learn about ongoing system enhancements, and understand dynamic year-end legislative and regulatory requirements. \nSupport and Services\nWe serve our customers as a single point of contact and support for the complex solutions we provide. Our comprehensive support infrastructure incorporates:\n\u2022\nExacting service standards.\n\u2022\nTrained support staff available up to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.\n\u2022\nAssigned account managers.\n\u2022\nSophisticated support tools, resources, and technology.\n\u2022\nBroad experience converting diverse banks and credit unions to our core platforms from competitive platforms. \n\u2022\nHighly effective change management and control processes.\n\u2022\nBest practices methodology developed and refined through the company-wide, day-to-day experience supporting over 7,500 diverse clients.\nMost on-premise customers contract for annual software support services, and this represents a significant source of recurring revenue for Jack Henry. These support services are typically priced at approximately 20% of the respective product\u2019s software license fee. The subsequent years' service fees generally increase as customer assets increase and as additional complementary products are purchased. Annual software support fees typically are billed during June and are paid in advance for the entire fiscal year, with proration for new product \n9\nimplementations that occur during the fiscal year. Hardware support fees also are usually paid in advance for entire contract periods which typically range from one to five years. Most support contracts automatically renew unless the customer or Jack Henry gives notice of termination at least 30 days prior to contract expiration.\nHigh levels of support are provided to our private cloud customers by the same support infrastructure utilized for on-premise customers. However, these support fees are included as part of monthly private cloud fees.\nHardware Systems\nOur software systems operate on a variety of hardware platforms. We have established remarketing agreements with IBM Corporation, and many other hardware providers that allow Jack Henry to purchase hardware and related maintenance services at a discount and resell them directly to our customers. We currently sell IBM Power Systems\u2122; Lenovo\u00ae, Dell, Hewlett Packard, and Cisco servers and workstations; Canon\u00ae, Digital Check, Epson\u00ae, and Panini\u00ae check scanners; and other devices that complement our software solutions.\nDigital Products and Services\nJack Henry Digital represents a category of digital products and services that are being built and integrated together into one unified platform. Our main offering is the Banno Digital Platform\u2122. It is an online and mobile banking platform that helps community and regional financial institutions strategically differentiate their digital offerings from those of megabanks and other financial technology companies. It is a complete, open digital banking platform that gives banks and credit unions attractive, fast, native applications for their customers and members and cloud-based, core-connected back-office tools for their employees.\nPayment Solutions\nElectronic payment solutions provide our customers with the tools necessary to be at the forefront of payment innovation with secure payment processing designed to simplify complex payment processing, attract profitable retail and commercial accounts, increase operating efficiencies, comply with regulatory mandates, and proactively mitigate and manage payment-related risk.\n\u2022\nJHA Card Processing Solutions\u2122 (\"CPS\")\n supports full-service and in-house debit and credit card programs backed by a comprehensive suite of tools for fraud mitigation, digital payments, dispute management, plastics manufacturing and personalization, loyalty programs, data analytics, and terminal driving. In addition, advisory services are offered to support a variety of needs including card portfolio growth, start-up program consultation, as well as customized fraud management; all tailored to individual financial institution goals and concerns. \n\u2022\nEnterprise Payment Solutions (\"EPS\")\n is a comprehensive payments engine. It offers an integrated suite of remote deposit capture, Automated Clearing House (\"ACH\"), and card transaction processing solutions, risk management tools, reporting capabilities, and more for financial institutions, businesses, and fintechs of all sizes. EPS helps its clients succeed in today\u2019s competitive market to increase revenue, improve efficiencies, better manage compliance, and enhance customer relationships. \n\u2022\niPay Solutions\nTM\n provides consumers and businesses with money movement options through their financial institutions\u2019 digital platforms including paying bills, sending money to anyone and transferring funds between their own accounts. iPay\u2019s extensive application programming interface (\"API\") and hosted interfaces allow for multiple levels of integration by digital platforms and financial institutions. iPay provides financial institutions with services and tools to increase adoption, support end-users and monitor fraud. The money movement options keep the consumers and businesses engaged with the financial institution.\n\u2022\nPayrailz\nTM \nsupports our technology modernization strategy by adding next generation digital payment capabilities to our payment\u2019s ecosystem based on cloud native microservices. Our new Money Movement payments platform includes native artificial intelligence (\"AI\"), Action Insights (which is predictive and proactive recommendations through AI), a flexible modern user experience, a layered security model, an automated fraud feature leveraging machine learning, and a modern and flexible administrative portal. In addition to bill payment capabilities, we have a \u2018pay a loan\u2019 feature, an \u2018open looped\u2019 real-time person-to-person (\"P2P\") solution, and account-to-account (\"A2A\") transfer features. \n\u2022\nJHA PayCenter\nTM\n, provides our customer financial institutions with a single entry point to both Zelle\u00ae and Real Time Payments (\"RTP\") real-time networks and supports the Federal Reserve's FedNow\u00ae, which launched in July 2023. PayCenter manages the certification process and mandatory updates from the networks, simplifies integration with toolkits and provides fraud monitoring. Financial institutions can send and receive transactions instantly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through our core and complementary solutions.\n\u2022\nPayments as a Service (\"PaaS\")\n ties together and further enhances the complete array of electronic payments functionality with a front-end Payments Developers Experience Portal and back-end data analytics.\n10\nResearch and Development\nWe invest significant resources in ongoing research and development to develop new software solutions and services and enhance existing solutions with additional functionality and features required to ensure regulatory compliance. We enhance our core and complementary systems a minimum of once each year. Product-specific enhancements are largely customer-driven with recommended enhancements formally gathered through focus groups, change control boards, strategic initiatives meetings, annual user group meetings, and ongoing customer contact. We also continually evaluate and implement process improvements that expedite the delivery of new products and enhancements to our customers and reduce related costs.\nResearch and development expenses for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 were $142.7 million, $121.4 million, and $109.0 million, respectively. We recorded capitalized software in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 of $166.1 million, $148.2 million, and $128.3 million, respectively.\nSales and Marketing\nWe serve established, well-defined markets that provide ongoing sales and cross-sales opportunities.\nThe marketing and sales initiatives within the core business lines are primarily focused on identifying banks and credit unions evaluating alternative core information and transaction processing solutions. Our non-core specialized core-agnostic niche solutions are sold to complement existing technology platforms to domestic financial services organizations of all asset sizes and charters.\nSales executives are responsible for the activities required to earn new customers in assigned territories, and regional account executives are responsible for nurturing customer relationships and cross selling additional products and services. Our sales professionals receive base salaries and performance-based commission compensation. Sales support staff provide a variety of services, including product and service demonstrations, responses to prospect-issued requests-for-proposals, and proposal and contract generation. Our marketing department supports sales with lead generation and brand-building activities, including participation in state-specific, regional, and national trade shows; print and online advertising; telemarketing; customer/client newsletters; ongoing promotional campaigns; and media relations. We also host annual national education conferences which provide opportunities to network with existing clients and demonstrate new products and services.\nJack Henry has sold select products and services outside the United States, primarily in Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada. International sales accounted for less than 1% of Jack Henry\u2019s total revenue in each of fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021.\nCompetition\nThe market for companies providing technology solutions to financial services organizations is competitive, and we expect that competition from both existing competitors and companies entering our existing or future markets will remain strong. Some of our current competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, and greater financial resources. The principal competitive factors affecting the market for technology solutions include product/service functionality, price, operating flexibility and ease-of-use, customer support, and existing customer references. For more than a decade, there has been significant consolidation among providers of products and services designed for financial institutions, and this consolidation is expected to continue in the future.\nOur core solutions compete with large vendors that provide information and transaction processing solutions to banks and credit unions, including Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.; Fiserv, Inc.; and Finastra. Our non-core specialized solutions compete with an array of disparate vendors that provide niche solutions to financial services organizations and corporate entities.\nIntellectual Property, Patents, and Trademarks \u00a0\nAlthough we believe our success depends upon our technical expertise more than our proprietary rights, our future success and ability to compete depend in part upon our proprietary technology. We have registered or filed applications for our primary trademarks. Most of our technology is not patented. Instead, we rely on a combination of contractual rights, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets to establish and protect our proprietary technology. We generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, resellers, customers, and potential customers. Access to and distribution of our Company\u2019s source code is restricted, and the disclosure and use of other proprietary information is further limited. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties can attempt to copy or otherwise obtain, or use our products or technology. \n11\nRegulatory Compliance\nWe maintain a corporate commitment to address compliance issues and implement requirements imposed by federal regulators prior to the effective date of such requirements when adequate prior notice is given. Our compliance program is coordinated by a team of compliance analysts and auditors with extensive regulatory agency and financial institution experience, and a thorough working knowledge of Jack Henry and our solutions. These compliance professionals leverage multiple channels to remain informed about potential and recently enacted regulatory requirements, including regular discussions on emerging topics with the Federal Banking Agencies (\u201cFBA\u201d) examination team and training sessions sponsored by various professional associations.\nJack Henry has a process to inform internal stakeholders of new and revised regulatory requirements. Upcoming regulatory changes also are presented to the Company\u2019s development teams through monthly regulatory compliance meetings and the necessary product changes are included in the ongoing product development cycle. We publish newsletters to keep our customers informed of regulatory changes that could impact their operations. Periodically, customer advisory groups are assembled to discuss significant regulatory changes.\nInternal audits of our systems, networks, operations, business recovery plans, and applications are conducted and specialized outside firms are periodically engaged to perform testing and validation of our systems, processes, plans and security. The FBA conducts annual reviews throughout the Company and issues a Report of Examination. The Board of Directors provides oversight of these activities through the Risk and Compliance Committee and the Audit Committee.\nGovernment Regulation\nThe financial services industry is subject to extensive and complex federal and state regulation. All financial institutions are subject to substantial regulatory oversight and supervision. Our products and services must comply with the extensive and evolving regulatory requirements applicable to our customers, including but not limited to those mandated by federal truth-in-lending and truth-in-savings rules, the Privacy of Consumer Financial Information regulations, usury laws, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the USA Patriot Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Community Reinvestment Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The compliance of Jack Henry\u2019s products and services with these requirements depends on a variety of factors, including the parameters set through the interactive design, the classification of customers, and the manner in which the customer utilizes the products and services. Our customers are contractually responsible for assessing and determining what is required of them under these regulations and then we provide solutions that assist them in meeting their regulatory needs through our products and services. We cannot predict the impact these regulations, any future amendments to these regulations or any newly implemented regulations will have on our business in the future.\nJack Henry is not chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (\"OCC\"), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the FDIC, the NCUA or other federal or state agencies that regulate or supervise depository institutions. However, operating as a service provider to financial institutions, Jack Henry\u2019s operations are governed by the same regulatory requirements as those imposed on financial institutions, and subject to periodic reviews by FBA regulators who have broad supervisory authority to remedy any shortcomings identified in such reviews.\nWe provide private cloud services through JHA OutLink Processing Services\u2122 for banks and EASE Processing Services\u2122 for credit unions. We provide data centers and electronic transaction processing through JHA Card Processing Solutions\u2122, internet banking through NetTeller\u00ae and Banno\nTM\n online solutions, bill payment through iPay, network security monitoring and Hosted Network Solutions (\"HNS\") through our Gladiator\u00ae unit, cloud services through Hosted Partner Services and Enterprise Integration Services, and business recovery services through Centurion Disaster Recovery\n\u00ae\n.\nOur private cloud services are subject to examination by FBA regulators under the Bank Service Company Act. These examinations cover a wide variety of subjects, including system development, functionality, reliability, and security, as well as disaster preparedness and business recovery planning. Our private cloud services are also subject to examination by state banking authorities on occasion.\nInformation and Cybersecurity\nIn our increasingly interconnected environment, information is inherently exposed to a growing number of risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. As a provider of products and services to financial institutions, we use industry standard policies and procedures to process and store sensitive, personally identifiable information securely. We prioritize \n12\nprotecting our associates, clients, and their private data from the ever-evolving cyber threat environment and ensuring the resiliency of such information. \nWe have an established information and cybersecurity program maintained by a team of diverse, highly skilled cybersecurity professionals, as well as a portfolio of investments in modern technology including artificial intelligence and machine learning. The program incorporates industry-standard frameworks, policies, and practices designed to protect the confidentiality and privacy of Jack Henry\u2019s and our clients\u2019 information. Additionally, we maintain insurance that includes cybersecurity coverage. \nIn support of the program, our systems and services undergo regular reviews performed by the same regulatory agencies that review financial institutions: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (\"CFPB\"), Federal Reserve Board (\"FRB\"), FDIC, NCUA, and the OCC, among others. Reviews such as those by the Federal Banking agencies (a regulatory group comprised of the FDIC, FRB, and the OCC) assess and identify security gaps or flaws in controls and monitor the effectiveness of our security program. Critical services provided to our clients are subject to annual System and Organization Controls (\"SOC\") reviews by independent auditors. Information and cybersecurity leadership reports to the Risk and Compliance Board committee and the full Board of Directors quarterly, on information security and cybersecurity matters.\nHuman Capital\nOur Employees\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we had approximately 7,120 full-time and part-time employees. Our employees are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement and there have been no labor-related work stoppages. \nTalent Attraction and Engagement\nOur people and culture strategy focuses on attracting, engaging, and retaining qualified, diverse, and innovative talent at all levels of the Company. We are a committed equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.\nBeyond nondiscrimination compliance, we are committed to fostering a respectful, diverse, and inclusive workplace in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We continue to concentrate efforts on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and continue to hire employees in the human resources function to focus on this important area. We seek nontraditional talent streams to help identify candidates from underrepresented groups, including through our internship and apprenticeship programs. Our internship program focuses on attracting college and university students to paid work in Jack Henry departments related to their studies, while our apprenticeship program offers paid training and work for candidates (either students or non-students) with little to no traditional experience in the field, such as learning computer coding. Both our internship and apprenticeship programs can lead to full-time employment. \nWe continue to engage our Business Innovation Groups (\u201cBIGs\u201d) to develop attraction and retention suggestions and practices that advance a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. Our BIGs are company-sponsored groups open to all employees. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we had over 1,840 unique associates participating in seven active BIGs, with six focused on inclusion for specific communities \u2014 women, people of color, remote employees, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities \u2014 and one focused on environmental and sustainability topics. While BIGs allow employees to connect and support each other, they also function to assist us in addressing bona fide business problems through input and suggestions. For example, these groups work with executive leadership to actively improve our talent attraction processes for prospective employees. They also provide education, training, and conversation opportunities to all employees to increase belongingness and to advance diversity, inclusion, understanding, and innovation throughout the Company. JHAnywhere, a BIG formed previously to provide community and resources for the then minority of employees working remotely, was discontinued in July 2023 due to the proliferation of remote work resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic to the extent that such efforts became a company-wide focus that went beyond the capacity of a single BIG to support. The Company remains focused on equipping all employees with the tools necessary to effectively communicate, collaborate, and build connections in a remote environment, including ensuring leaders have the skills needed to effectively lead dispersed teams.\nWe seek to actively listen to our employees throughout the year using a defined and continuous listening strategy designed to gather regular feedback on well-being, engagement, leadership, ethics, culture and values, and other top of mind topics. These surveys allow us to respond to employee concerns, benefit from employee perspectives, and better design and develop processes to support our Company culture. Employees can learn about changes \n13\nthrough our jhDaily online news center, regular email communications, monthly Manager Forum events, quarterly employee update videos or all-employee town hall meetings delivered by senior management. \nTraining and Development\nOur success depends not only on attracting and retaining talented employees, but also in developing our current employees and providing new opportunities for their growth. We offer our employees numerous live and on-demand courses, resources, and training programs to help them build knowledge, improve skills, and develop their career at Jack Henry. Learning opportunities include mandatory courses, such as security awareness, as well as recommended content in areas including leadership development; technical skills; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Jack Tracks, an annual, company-wide virtual learning event, offers employees a large selection of curated topics such as technical and operational readiness, technology trends, company solutions, and industry trends.\nRecognizing the importance of mentoring in career development, we host an internal mentorship marketplace, which allows prospective mentors and mentees to connect and self-initiate a mentoring relationship. Career mobility and personal development resources are available to all employees through dedicated intranet sites. We continue to strengthen our leadership capacity by providing training on effective coaching practices to leaders of the Company.\nWe recognize and value the contribution of our employees who develop, improve, and support our technology solutions. Access to on-demand technical training libraries, customized learning plans, certification programs, and classes facilitated by external experts are available to advance their technical expertise. When there is a critical skill need or where the technology landscape is rapidly changing, we provide unique learning solutions to align employees' development with our strategic initiatives.\nWellness and Safety\nWe emphasize the safety and well-being of our employees as a top priority. We define wellness comprehensively and include mental, physical, emotional, financial, psychological, and environmental considerations. Our benefit plan offerings include supportive and dedicated campaigns that communicate directly to employees about financial wellness, mental health, healthful nutrition and exercise, and other wellness topics. Employee well-being is further supported through policies such as remote work, paid parental leave, military service leave, educational assistance, and bereavement leave policies. \nAvailable Information\nJack Henry\u2019s website is easily accessible to the public at \njackhenry.com\n. The \u201cInvestor Relations\" portion of the website provides key corporate governance documents, the code of conduct, an archive of press releases, and other relevant Company information. Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and other filings and amendments thereto that are made with the SEC also are available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practical after these reports have been filed with or furnished to the SEC. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at \nhttps://www.sec.gov\n.",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS\nThe Company's business and the results of its operations are affected by numerous factors and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. The following is a description of some of the important risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results of operations in future periods to differ materially from those expected or desired.\nBusiness and Operating Risks\nData security breaches, failures, or other incidents could damage our reputation and business.\n Our business relies upon receiving, processing, storing, and transmitting sensitive information relating to our operations, employees, and customers. If we fail to maintain a sufficient digital security infrastructure, address security vulnerabilities and new threats, or deploy adequate technologies to secure our systems against attack, we may be subject to security breaches that compromise confidential information, adversely affect our ability to operate our business, damage our reputation and business, adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and expose us to liability. We rely on third parties for various business purposes, and these third parties face similar security risks. A security failure by one of these third parties could expose our data or subject our information systems to interruption of operations and security vulnerabilities. Our services and infrastructure are increasingly reliant on the internet. Computer networks and the Internet are vulnerable to disruptive problems such as denial of service attacks or other cyber-attacks carried out by cyber criminals or state-sponsored actors. Other potential attacks include attempts to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information or destroy data, often through the \n14\nintroduction of computer viruses, ransomware or malware, cyber-attacks, and other means, which are constantly evolving and at times difficult to detect. Those same parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees, customers, vendors, or other users of our systems through phishing schemes or other social engineering methods to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our data or that of our customers. We are also subject to the risk that our employees may intercept and transmit unauthorized confidential or proprietary information or that employee corporate-owned computers are stolen, or customer data media is lost in shipment. An interception, misuse or mishandling of personal, confidential, or proprietary information being sent to or received from a customer or third party could result in legal liability, remediation costs, regulatory action, and reputational harm, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. \nWe anticipate that attempts to attack our systems, services, and infrastructure, and those of our customers and vendors, may grow in frequency and sophistication. We cannot be certain that our security controls and infrastructure will be adequate to continue to protect our systems and data and our efforts may not be sufficient to combat all current and future technological risks and threats. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, or other events or developments may render our security measures inadequate. Security risks may result in liability to our customers or other third parties, damage to our reputation, and may deter financial institutions from purchasing our products. The significant amount of capital and other resources we currently expend to protect against the threat of security breaches may prove insufficient to prevent a breach. We cannot ensure that any limitation-of-liability provisions in our customer and user agreements, contracts with third-party vendors, or other contracts are sufficient to protect us from liabilities or damages with respect to claims relating to a security breach or similar matters. The insurance coverage we maintain to address data security risks may be insufficient to cover all types of claims or losses that may arise, and there is no assurance that such insurance coverage will continue to be available to us on economically reasonable terms, or at all. In the event of a security breach, we may need to spend substantial additional capital and resources alleviating problems caused by such breach. Under state, federal, and foreign laws requiring consumer notification of security breaches, the costs to remediate security breaches can be substantial. Addressing security problems may result in interruptions, delays, or cessation of service to users, any of which could harm our business.\nFailure to maintain sufficient technological infrastructure or an operational failure in our outsourcing facilities could expose us to damage claims, increase regulatory scrutiny, and cause us to lose customers.\n Our products and services require substantial investments in technological infrastructure, and we have experienced significant growth in the number of users, transactions, and data that our technological infrastructure supports. If we fail to adequately invest in and support our technological infrastructure and processing capacity, we may not be able to support our customers\u2019 processing needs and may be more susceptible to interruptions and delays in services. Damage or destruction that interrupts our outsourcing operations could cause delays and failures in customer processing which could hurt our relationship with customers, damage our reputation, expose us to damage claims, and cause us to incur substantial additional expense to relocate operations and repair or replace damaged equipment. Events that could cause operational failures include, but are not limited to, hardware and software defects, breakdowns or malfunctions, cybersecurity incidents, human error, power losses, disruptions in telecommunications services, computer viruses or other malware, or other events. Our facilities are also subject to physical risks related to natural disasters or severe weather events, such as tornados, flooding, hurricanes, and heat waves. Climate change may increase the likelihood and severity of such events. Our back-up systems and procedures may prove insufficient or otherwise fail to prevent disruption, such as a prolonged interruption of our transaction processing services. If an interruption extends for more than several hours, we may experience data loss or a reduction in revenues by reason of such interruption. Any significant interruption of service could reduce revenue, have a negative impact on our reputation, result in damage claims, lead our present and potential customers to choose other service providers, and lead to increased regulatory scrutiny of the critical services we provide to financial institutions, with resulting increases in compliance burdens and costs. Implementing modifications and upgrades to our technological infrastructure subject us to inherent costs and risks associated with changing systems, policies, procedures, and monitoring tools.\nFailures associated with payment transactions could result in financial loss. \nThe volume and dollar amount of payment transactions that we process is significant and continues to grow. We direct the settlement of funds on behalf of financial institutions, other businesses, and consumers, and receive funds from clients, card issuers, payment networks, and consumers on a daily basis for a variety of transaction types. Transactions facilitated by us include debit card, credit card, electronic bill payment transactions, Automated Clearing House (\u201cACH\u201d) payments, real-time payments through faster payment networks (such as Zelle, RTP, and FedNow), and check clearing that support consumers, financial institutions, and other businesses. If the continuity of operations, integrity of processing, or ability to detect or prevent fraudulent payments were compromised in connection with payments transactions, we could suffer financial as well as reputational loss. In addition, we rely on various third parties to \n15\nprocess transactions and provide services in support of the processing of transactions and funds settlement for certain of our products and services that we cannot provide ourselves. If we are unable to obtain such services in the future or if the price of such services becomes unsustainable, our business, financial position, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we may issue short-term credit to consumers, financial institutions, or other businesses as part of the funds settlement process. A default on this credit by a counterparty could result in a financial loss to us.\nFailures of third-party service providers we rely upon could lead to financial loss. \nWe rely on third party service providers to support key portions of our operations. We also rely on third party service providers to provide part, or all of, certain services we deliver to customers. As we continue to move more computing, storage, and processing services out of our data centers and facilities and into third-party hosting environments, our reliance on these providers and their systems will increase. This reliance is further concentrated as we use certain third-party vendors to provide large portions of our hosting needs. While we have selected these third-party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. A failure of these services by a third party could have a material impact upon our delivery of services to our customers. Such a failure could lead to damage claims, loss of customers, and reputational harm, depending on the duration and severity of the failure. Third parties perform significant operational services on our behalf. These third-party vendors are subject to similar risks as us including, but not limited to, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, hardware and software defects, breakdowns or malfunctions, cybersecurity incidents, human error, failures in internal controls, power losses, disruptions in telecommunications services, computer viruses or other malware, natural disasters or severe weather events, or other events. One or more of our vendors may experience a cybersecurity event or operational disruption and, if any such event does occur, it may not be adequately addressed, either operationally or financially, by the third-party vendor. Certain of our vendors may have limited indemnification obligations or may not have the financial capacity to satisfy their indemnification obligations. If a critical vendor is unable to meet our needs in a timely manner or if the services or products provided by such a vendor are terminated or otherwise delayed and if we are not able to develop alternative sources for these services and products quickly and cost-effectively, our customers could be negatively impacted, and it could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nCompetition may result in decreased demand or require price reductions or other concessions to customers, which could result in lower margins and reduce income.\n We vigorously compete with a variety of software vendors and service providers in all our major product lines. We compete on the basis of product quality, reliability, performance, ease of use, quality of support and services, integration with other products, and pricing. Some of our competitors may have advantages over us due to their size, product lines, greater marketing resources, or exclusive intellectual property rights. New competitors regularly appear with new products, services, and technology for financial institutions. If competitors offer more favorable pricing, payment or other contractual terms, warranties, or functionality, or otherwise attract our customers or prevent us from capturing new customers, we may need to lower prices or offer other terms that negatively impact our results of operations in order to successfully compete.\nFailure to achieve favorable renewals of service contracts could negatively affect our business. \nOur contracts with our customers for outsourced data processing and electronic payment transaction processing services generally run for a period of seven or more years. We will continue to experience a significant number of these contracts coming up for renewal each year. Renewal time presents our customers with the opportunity to consider other providers or to renegotiate their contracts with us, including reducing the services we provide or negotiating the prices paid for our services. If we are not successful in achieving high renewal rates upon favorable terms, revenues and profit margins will suffer. We may experience increased costs for services from our third-party vendors due to inflation or other cost expansion, but because our customer contracts typically have longer terms than our vendor contracts, our ability to pass on those higher costs to customers may be limited. If inflation or costs outpace our contractual ability to adjust pricing during the contractual terms of our customer contracts, our revenues and profit margins could be negatively impacted.\nIf we fail to adapt our products and services to changes in technology and the markets we serve, we could lose existing customers and be unable to attract new business.\n The markets for our products and services are characterized by changing customer and regulatory requirements and rapid technological changes. These factors and new product introductions by our existing competitors or by new market entrants could reduce the demand for our existing products and services, and we may be required to develop or acquire new products and services. Our future success is dependent on our ability to enhance our existing products and services in a timely manner and to develop or acquire new products and services. If we are unable to develop or acquire new products and services as planned, or if we fail to sell our new or enhanced products and services, we may incur unanticipated expenses or fail to achieve anticipated revenues, as well as lose prospective sales.\n16\nSoftware defects or problems with installations may harm our business and reputation and expose us to potential liability. \nOur software products are complex and may contain undetected defects, especially in connection with newly released products and software updates. Software defects may cause interruptions or delays to our services as we attempt to correct the problem. We may also experience difficulties in installing or integrating our products on systems used by our customers. Defects in our software, installation problems or delays, or other difficulties could result in negative publicity, loss of revenues, loss of competitive position, or claims against us by customers. In addition, we rely on technologies and software supplied by third parties that may also contain undetected errors or defects that could have a negative effect on our business and results of operations.\nExpansion of services to non-traditional customers could expose us to new risks. \nWe have expanded our services to business lines that are marketed outside our traditional, regulated, and litigation-averse base of financial institution customers. These non-regulated customers may entail greater operational, credit, and litigation risks than we have faced before and could result in increases in bad debts and litigation costs.\nRegulatory and Compliance Risks\nThe software and services we provide to our customers are subject to government regulation that could hinder the development of our business, increase costs, or impose constraints on the way we conduct our operations\n. The financial services industry is subject to extensive and complex federal and state regulation. As a supplier of software and services to financial institutions, portions of our operations are examined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the National Credit Union Association, among other regulatory agencies. These agencies regulate services we provide and the way we operate, and we are required to comply with a broad range of applicable federal and state laws and regulations. If we, or third parties with whom we contract or partner, fail to comply with applicable regulations or guidelines, we could be subject to regulatory actions and suffer harm to our customer relationships and reputation. Such failures could require significant expenditures to correct and could negatively affect our ability to retain customers and obtain new customers.\nIn addition, existing laws, regulations, and policies could be amended or interpreted differently by regulators in a manner that imposes additional costs and has a negative impact on our existing operations or that limits our future growth or expansion. New regulations could require additional programming or other costly changes in our processes or personnel. Our customers are also regulated entities, and actions by regulatory authorities could influence both the decisions they make concerning the purchase of data processing and other services and the timing and implementation of these decisions. We will be required to apply substantial research and development and other corporate resources to adapt our products to this evolving, complex, and often unpredictable regulatory environment. Our failure to provide compliant solutions could result in significant fines or consumer liability on our customers, for which we may bear ultimate liability.\nCompliance with new and existing privacy laws, regulations, and rules may adversely impact our expenses, development, and strategy.\n We are subject to complex laws, rules, and regulations related to data privacy and cybersecurity. If we fail to comply with such requirements, we could be subject to reputational harm, regulatory enforcement, and litigation. The use, confidentiality, and security of private customer information is under increased scrutiny. Regulatory agencies, Congress, and state legislatures are considering numerous regulatory and statutory proposals to protect the interests of consumers and to require compliance with standards and policies that have not been defined. The number of state privacy and cybersecurity laws and regulations has grown tremendously over the past several years, creating an increasingly complex patchwork of data privacy and security requirements. This includes industry-specific rules such as those enacted by the New York Department of Financial Services that require covered financial institutions to have a cybersecurity program along with other compliance requirements as well as comprehensive consumer data privacy rules such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, the Iowa Consumer Data Protection Act, and the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act. Though several privacy concepts are common across the laws, each state requires compliance with standards and policies that are not cohesive with other laws and are often further amended by regulatory action. The unique data protection regulations issued by multiple agencies have created a fragmented series of requirements that makes it increasingly complex to comply with all the mandates in an efficient manner and may increase costs to deliver affected products and services as those requirements are established.\nFailure to comply or readily address compliance and regulatory rule changes made by payment card networks could adversely affect our business. \nWe are subject to card association and network compliance rules governing the payment networks we serve, including Visa, MasterCard, Zelle, FedNow, and The Clearing House\u2019s RTP network, and all rules governing the Payment Card Data Security Standards. If we fail to comply with these rules and standards, we could be fined or our certifications could be suspended or terminated, which could limit our \n17\nability to service our customers and result in reductions in revenues and increased costs of operations. Changes made by the networks, even when complied with, may result in reduction in revenues and increased costs of operations.\nEconomic Conditions Risks\nNatural disasters, public health crises, wars, acts of terrorism, other armed conflict, and workforce shortages could adversely affect our results of operations. \nThe occurrence of, or threat of, natural disasters, widespread public health crises, political unrest, war, acts of terrorism, other armed conflicts involving the United States or foreign countries, or general workforce shortages can result in significant economic disruptions and uncertainties and could adversely affect our business, results of operation, and financial condition. The conditions caused by such events may affect the rate of spending by our customers and their ability to pay for our products and services, delay prospective customers\u2019 purchasing decisions, interfere with our employees\u2019 ability to support our business function, disrupt the ability of third-party providers we rely upon to deliver services, adversely impact our ability to provide on-site services or installations to our customers, or reduce the number of transactions we process, all of which could adversely affect our results of operation and financial position. We are unable to accurately predict the impact of such events on our business due to a number of uncertainties, including the duration, severity, geographic reach and governmental responses to such events, the impact on our customers\u2019 and vendors' operations, and our ability to provide products and services, including the impact of our employees working remotely. If we are not able to respond to and manage the impact of such events effectively, our business will be harmed.\nOur business may be adversely impacted by general U.S. and global market and economic conditions or specific conditions in the financial services industry. \nWe derive most of our revenue from products and services we provide to the financial services industry. If the general economic environment worsens, including if inflation or interest rates continue to increase or remain at higher than recent historical levels, or if conditions or regulatory requirements within the financial services industry change, such as if financial institutions are required to increase reserve amounts or become subject to new regulatory assessments, customers may be less willing or able to pay the cost of our products and services, and we could face a reduction in demand from current and potential clients for our products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, a growing portion of our revenue is derived from transaction processing fees, which depend heavily on levels of consumer and business spending. Deterioration in general economic conditions could negatively impact consumer confidence and spending, resulting in reduced transaction volumes and our related revenues.\nConsolidation and failures of financial institutions will continue to reduce the number of our customers and potential customers.\n Our primary market consists of approximately 4,660 commercial and savings banks and more than 4,850 credit unions. The number of commercial banks and credit unions in the United States has experienced a steady decrease over recent decades due to mergers and acquisitions and financial failures and we expect this trend to continue as more consolidation occurs. Such events may reduce the number of our current and potential customers, which could negatively impact our results of operations.\nAcquisition Risks\nOur growth may be affected if we are unable to find or complete suitable acquisitions. \nWe have augmented the growth of our business with a number of acquisitions and we plan to continue to acquire appropriate businesses, products, and services. This strategy depends on our ability to identify, negotiate, and finance suitable acquisitions. Merger and acquisition activity in our industry has affected the availability and pricing of such acquisitions. If we are unable to acquire suitable acquisition candidates, we may experience slower growth.\nAcquisitions subject us to risks and may be costly and difficult to integrate.\n Acquisitions are difficult to evaluate, and our due diligence may not identify all potential liabilities or valuation issues. We may also be subject to risks related to cybersecurity incidents or vulnerabilities of the acquired company and the acquired systems. We may not be able to successfully integrate acquired companies. We may encounter problems with the integration of new businesses, including: financial control and computer system compatibility; unanticipated costs and liabilities; unanticipated quality or customer problems with acquired products or services; differing regulatory and industry standards; diversion of management's attention; adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers; loss of key employees; and significant depreciation and amortization expenses related to acquired assets. To finance future acquisitions, we may have to increase our borrowing or sell equity or debt securities to the public. If we fail to integrate our acquisitions, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Failed acquisitions could also produce material and unpredictable impairment charges as we review our acquired assets.\n18\nIntellectual Property Risks\nIf others claim that we have infringed their intellectual property rights, we could be liable for significant damages or could be required to change our processes.\n We have agreed to indemnify many of our customers against claims that our products and services infringe on the proprietary rights of others. We also use certain open- source software in our products, which may subject us to suits by persons claiming ownership of what we believe to be open-source software. Infringement claims have been and will in the future be asserted with regard to our software solutions and services. Such claims, whether with or without merit, are time-consuming, may result in costly litigation and may not be resolved on terms favorable to us. If our defense of such claims is not successful, we could be forced to pay damages or could be subject to injunctions that would cause us to cease making or selling certain applications or force us to redesign applications.\nOur failure to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights may adversely affect our competitive position. \nOur success and ability to compete depend in part upon protecting our proprietary systems and technology. Unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or access systems or technology that we consider proprietary. We actively take steps to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights, including entering into agreements with users of our services for that purpose and maintaining security measures. However, these steps may be inadequate to prevent misappropriation. Policing unauthorized use of our proprietary rights is difficult and misappropriation or litigation relating to such matters could have a material negative effect on our results of operation.\nGeneral Risk Factors\nA material weakness in our internal controls could have a material adverse effect on us. \nEffective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial reports and to mitigate risk of fraud. If material weaknesses in our internal controls are discovered or occur in the future, our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to restate our financial results, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations or financial condition, restrict our ability to access the capital markets, require us to expend significant resources to correct the weaknesses or deficiencies, subject us to fines, penalties or judgments, harm our reputation, or otherwise cause a decline in investor confidence.\nThe loss of key employees and difficulties in hiring and retaining employees could adversely affect our business. \nWe depend on the contributions and abilities of our senior management and other key employees. Our Company has grown significantly in recent years and our management remains concentrated in a small number of highly qualified individuals. If we lose one or more of our key employees, we could suffer a loss of managerial experience, and management resources would have to be diverted from other activities to compensate for this loss. We do not have employment agreements with any of our executive officers. Further, we continue to face a competitive market for hiring and retaining skilled employees. Difficulties in hiring and retaining skilled employees may restrict our ability to adequately support our business needs and/or result in increased personnel costs. There is no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain the personnel necessary to maintain the Company\u2019s strategic direction.\nUnfavorable future tax law changes could adversely affect our tax expense.\n Our income tax positions result in a significant net deferred income tax liability on our consolidated balance sheet. Unfavorable future tax law changes, including increasing U.S. corporate tax rates, could increase this net liability and negatively impact our provision for income taxes and net income.\nThe impairment of a significant portion of our goodwill and intangible assets would adversely affect our results of operations.\n Our balance sheet includes goodwill and intangible assets that represent a significant portion of our total assets as of June\u00a030, 2023. On an annual basis, and whenever circumstances require, we review our goodwill and intangible assets for impairment. If the carrying value of a material asset is determined to be impaired, it will be written down to fair value by a charge to operating earnings. An impairment of a significant portion of our goodwill or intangible assets could have a material negative effect on our operating results. \nAn increase in interest rates could increase our borrowing costs.\n Although our debt borrowing levels have historically been low, we may require additional or increased borrowings in the future under existing or new debt facilities to support operations, finance acquisitions, or fund stock repurchases. Our current credit facilities bear interest at variable rates. Increases in interest rates on variable-rate debt would increase our interest expense, which could negatively impact our results of operations.\n19",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7. \u00a0\u00a0MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThe following section provides management's view of the Company's financial condition and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, and related notes included \n22\nTable of Contents\nelsewhere in this report. All dollar and share amounts, except per share amounts, are in thousands and discussions compare fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2022. Discussions of fiscal 2021 items and comparisons between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2022 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in Part II, Item 7 \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022.\nOVERVIEW\nJack Henry & Associates, Inc. is a well-rounded financial technology company headquartered in Monett, Missouri, that employs approximately 7,120 full-time and part-time employees nationwide, and is a leading provider of technology solutions and payment processing services primarily to community and regional financial institutions.\u00a0Our solutions serve over 7,500 customers and consist of integrated data processing systems solutions to banks ranging from de novo to multi-billion-dollar institutions with assets up to $50 billion,\u00a0core data processing solutions for credit unions of all sizes, and non-core highly specialized core-agnostic products and services that enable financial institutions of every asset size and charter, and diverse corporate entities outside the financial services industry, to mitigate and control risks, optimize revenue and growth opportunities, and contain costs. Our integrated solutions are available for on-premise installation and delivery in our private and public cloud.\nEach of our solutions shares the fundamental commitment to provide high-quality business systems, service levels that consistently exceed customer expectations, and integration of solutions and practical new technologies. The quality of our solutions, our high service standards, and the fundamental way we do business typically foster long-term customer relationships, attract prospective customers, and have enabled us to capture substantial market share. \nThrough internal product development, disciplined acquisitions, and alliances with companies offering niche solutions that complement our proprietary solutions, we regularly introduce new products and services and generate new cross-sales opportunities. We provide compatible computer hardware for our on-premise installations and secure processing environments for our outsourced solutions in our private and public cloud. We perform data conversions, software implementations, initial and ongoing customer training, and ongoing customer support services. \nWe believe our primary competitive advantage is customer service. Our support infrastructure and strict standards provide service levels we believe to be the highest in the markets we serve and generate high levels of customer satisfaction and retention. We consistently measure customer satisfaction using a variety of surveys, such as an annual survey on the customer's anniversary date and randomly-generated surveys initiated each day by routine support requests. Dedicated surveys are also used to grade specific aspects of our customer experience, including product implementation, education, and consulting services.\nOur two primary revenue streams are \"services and support\" and \"processing.\" Services and support includes: \"private and public cloud\" fees that predominantly have contract terms of seven years or longer at inception; \"product delivery and services\" revenue, which includes revenue from the sales of licenses, implementation services, deconversion fees, consulting, and hardware; and \"on-premise support\" revenue, composed of maintenance fees which primarily contain annual contract terms. Processing revenue includes: \"remittance\" revenue from payment processing, remote capture, and ACH transactions; \"card\" fees, including card transaction processing and monthly fees; and \"transaction and digital\" revenue, which includes transaction and mobile processing fees. We continually seek opportunities to increase revenue while at the same time containing costs to expand margins.\nWe have four reportable segments: Core, Payments, Complementary, and Corporate and Other. The respective segments include all related revenues along with the related cost of sales.\nA detailed discussion of the major components of the results of operations follows.\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nFISCAL 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2022\nOn August\u00a031, 2022, the Company acquired all of the equity interest in Payrailz, LLC (\"Payrailz\"). Payrailz related revenue and operating expenses mentioned in the discussion below are for the 10 months from the date of acquisition through our fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023.\nIn fiscal 2023, total revenue increased 7% or $134,818, compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total revenue for deconversion fees of $31,775 in the current fiscal year and $53,279 in the prior fiscal year, and for Payrailz related revenue of $8,482 in the current fiscal year, results in an 8% increase, or $147,840. This increase was primarily driven by growth in data processing and hosting and card processing revenue, as new customers were added and \n23\nTable of Contents\nvolumes expanded, payment processing revenues, digital revenues (including Banno), as new customers were added and active users increased, and software usage and subscription fee revenues, as more customers chose time-based licenses rather than perpetual, compared to the prior fiscal year.\nOperating expenses increased 9% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total operating expenses for deconversion costs of $4,261 in the current fiscal year and $6,277 in the prior fiscal year, and for Payrailz related expenses of $22,467, and gain on assets, net, of $4,567 in the current fiscal year, results in an 8% increase, or $112,864. This increase was primarily due to higher personnel costs, including commissions and benefits expenses, increased direct costs consistent with increases in the related revenue, amortization of intangible assets, and internal licenses and fees.\nWe move into fiscal 2024 following strong performance in fiscal 2023. Significant portions of our business continue to provide recurring revenue and our sales pipeline is also encouraging. Our customers continue to face regulatory and operational challenges which our products and services address, and in these times, they have an even greater need for our solutions that directly address institutional profitability, efficiency, and security. We believe our strong balance sheet, access to extensive lines of credit, the strength of our existing product line and an unwavering commitment to superior customer service position us well to address current and future opportunities.\nA detailed discussion of the major components of the results of operations for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 compared to the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022 follows.\nREVENUE\nServices and Support Revenue\nYear Ended June 30,\n% \nChange\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nServices and support\n$\n1,214,701\n\u00a0\n$\n1,156,365\u00a0\n5%\nPercentage of total revenue\n58%\n60%\n\u00a0\nServices and support includes: \"private and public cloud\" fees that predominantly have contract terms of seven years or greater at inception; \"product delivery and services\" revenue, which includes revenue from the sales of licenses, implementation services, deconversion fees, consulting, and hardware; and \"on-premise support\" revenue, which is composed primarily of maintenance fees with annual contract terms. \nIn the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, services and support revenue increased 5% compared to the prior fiscal year. Reducing total services and support revenue by deconversion fees for each year, which totaled $31,775 in fiscal 2023 and $53,279 in fiscal 2022, and for Payrailz related revenue of $46 from the current fiscal year, services and support revenue grew 7%. This increase was primarily driven by higher data processing and hosting fees within private and public cloud revenue resulting from new customers being added and volumes expanding. Growth in software usage and subscription fee revenues, as more customers chose time-based licenses rather than perpetual, and hardware revenue also contributed to the increase.\nProcessing Revenue\nYear Ended June 30,\n%\nChange\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nProcessing\n$\n863,001\n\u00a0\n$\n786,519\u00a0\n10%\nPercentage of total revenue\n42%\n40%\n\u00a0\nProcessing revenue includes: \"remittance\" revenue from payment processing, remote capture, and ACH transactions; \"card\" fees, including card transaction processing and monthly fees; and \"transaction and digital\" revenue, which includes transaction and mobile processing fees.\nProcessing revenue increased 10% for the fiscal year ended\n \nJune\u00a030, 2023, compared to the fiscal year ended\n \nJune\u00a030, 2022. Reducing total processing revenue by Payrailz related revenue of $8,436 from the current fiscal year, processing revenue grew 9%. This increase was driven by growth in card processing, payment processing (including iPay), digital revenue (including Banno), and other processing fee revenues, as new customers were added, the active user base expanded, and transaction volumes increased.\n24\nTable of Contents\nOPERATING EXPENSES\nCost of Revenue\nYear Ended June 30,\n%\nChange\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nCost of revenue\n$\n1,219,062\n\u00a0\n$\n1,128,614\u00a0\n8%\nPercentage of total revenue\n59%\n58%\n\u00a0\nCost of revenue for fiscal 2023 increased 8% compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total cost of revenue for deconversion costs of $2,046 in the current fiscal year and $3,793 in the prior fiscal year, and for Payrailz related costs of $18,193 in the current fiscal year, results in a 7% increase. This increase was driven by higher direct costs consistent with increases in the related revenue, higher personnel costs, including benefits expenses, and increased amortization of intangible assets. Cost of revenue increased 1% as a percentage of total revenue for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.\nResearch and Development\nYear Ended June 30,\n%\nChange\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nResearch and development\n$\n142,678\n\u00a0\n$\n121,355\u00a0\n18%\nPercentage of total revenue\n7%\n6%\n\u00a0\nWe devote significant effort and expense to develop new software and service products and continually upgrade and enhance our existing offerings. We believe our research and development efforts are highly efficient because of the extensive experience of our research and development staff and because our product development is highly customer driven.\nResearch and development expenses for fiscal 2023 increased 18% compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total research and development expenses for Payrailz related costs of $2,130 in the current fiscal year, results in a 16% increase. This increase is primarily due to higher personnel costs including benefits expenses, net of capitalization, due to a headcount increase of 9% in the trailing twelve months, and higher internal licenses and fees. Research and development expense increased 1% as a percentage of total revenue for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. The increase in this expense category for the current fiscal year reflects our continuing commitment to the development of strategic products. \nSelling, General, and Administrative\nYear Ended June 30,\n%\nChange\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nSelling, general, and administrative\n$\n235,274\n\u00a0\n$\n218,296\u00a0\n8%\nPercentage of total revenue\n11%\n11%\n\u00a0\nSelling, general, and administrative costs included all expenses related to sales efforts, commissions, finance, legal, and human resources, plus all administrative costs. \nSelling, general, and administrative expenses for fiscal 2023 increased 8% compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total selling, general, and administrative expense for deconversion costs from each year, which totaled $2,216 in fiscal 2023 and $2,485 in fiscal 2022, and Payrailz related costs of $2,144, and the gain on assets, net, of $4,567 for the current fiscal year, results in a 9% increase. This increase was primarily due to higher personnel costs, including commissions and benefits expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses remained consistent as a percentage of total revenue for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. This consistency reflects our continuing commitment to control costs.\nINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE\nYear Ended June 30,\n%\nChange\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nInterest income\n$\n8,959\n\u00a0\n$\n32\u00a0\n27,897%\nInterest expense\n$\n(15,073)\n$\n(2,384)\n532%\nInterest income fluctuated due to changes in invested balances and yields on invested balances. Interest expense increased in fiscal 2023 mainly due to the timing and amounts of borrowed balances and increases in interest rates.\n25\nTable of Contents\nPROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES\nYear Ended June 30,\n%\nChange\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nProvision for income taxes\n$\n107,928\n\u00a0\n$\n109,351\u00a0\n(1)%\nEffective rate\n22.7%\n23.2%\nThe decrease in the Company's effective tax rate in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily the result of a decrease in the state tax rate applied to net deferred tax liabilities and an increase in rate benefit received from research and development credits.\nNET INCOME\nYear Ended June 30,\n%\nChange\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nNet income\n$\n366,646\n\u00a0\n$\n362,916\u00a0\n1%\nDiluted earnings per share\n$\n5.02\n\u00a0\n$\n4.94\u00a0\n2%\nNet income grew 1% to $366,646, or $5.02 per diluted share, in fiscal 2023 from $362,916, or $4.94 per diluted share, in fiscal 2022. The diluted earnings per share increase year over year was 2%. This increase was primarily due to growth in our lines of revenue in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 and a reduction in the number of shares outstanding.\nREPORTABLE SEGMENT DISCUSSION\nThe Company is a leading provider of technology solutions and payment processing services primarily to community and regional financial institutions. \nThe Company\u2019s operations are classified into four reportable segments: Core, Payments, Complementary, and Corporate and Other. The Core segment provides core information processing platforms to banks and credit unions, which consist of integrated applications required to process deposit, loan, and general ledger transactions, and maintain centralized customer/member information. The Payments segment provides secure payment processing tools and services, including ATM, debit, and credit card processing services; online and mobile bill pay solutions; ACH origination and remote deposit capture processing; and risk management products and services. The Complementary segment provides additional software, hosted processing platforms, and services, including call center support, and network security management, consulting, and monitoring, that can be integrated with our core solutions and many can be used independently. The Corporate and Other segment includes revenue and costs from hardware and other products not attributed to any of the other three segments, as well as operating costs not directly attributable to the other three segments. \nDuring fiscal 2023, the Company transferred a product, Remit, from the Complementary segment to the Payments segment, due to better alignment with the Payments segment. As a result of this transfer, adjustments were made during fiscal 2023 to reclassify related revenue and cost of revenue for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022, from the Complementary to the Payments segment. Revenue reclassed for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022, was $12,049. Cost of revenue reclassed for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022, was $2,059. \nImmaterial adjustments were made in fiscal 2023 to reclassify revenue that was recognized in fiscal 2022 from the Complementary to the Corporate and Other segment. Immaterial adjustments were also made in fiscal 2023 to reclassify cost of revenue that was recognized in fiscal 2022 from the Complementary to the Payments and Corporate and Other segments. These reclasses were made to be consistent with the current allocation of revenue and cost of revenue by segment. Revenue reclassed for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022, from Complementary to Corporate and Other was $4,917. Cost of revenue reclassed for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022, from Complementary to Payments was $3,396, and from Complementary to Corporate and Other was $403.\nCore\n\u00a0\n2023\n% Change\n2022\nRevenue\n$\n656,164\n\u00a0\n5%\n$\n622,442\u00a0\nCost of Revenue\n$\n283,531\n\u00a0\n8%\n$\n261,585\u00a0\nIn fiscal 2023, revenue in the Core segment increased 5% compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total Core revenue by deconversion fees from both fiscal years, which totaled $10,924 in fiscal 2023 and $23,048 in fiscal 2022, Core \n26\nTable of Contents\nsegment revenue increased 8%. This increase was primarily driven by organic increases in our private and public cloud revenue. Cost of revenue in the Core segment increased 8% for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total Core cost of revenue by deconversion costs from both fiscal years, which totaled $913 in fiscal 2023 and $1,719 in fiscal 2022, Core segment revenue increased 9% This increase was primarily due to increased direct costs associated with the organic growth in cloud revenue and personnel costs, including benefits expenses. Core segment cost of revenue increased 1% as a percentage of revenue for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.\nPayments\n\u00a0\n2023\n% Change\n2022\nRevenue\n$\n767,339\n\u00a0\n7%\n$\n719,068\u00a0\nCost of Revenue\n$\n423,474\n\u00a0\n10%\n$\n386,409\u00a0\nIn fiscal 2023, revenue in the Payments segment increased 7% compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total Payments revenue by deconversion fees from both fiscal years, which totaled $7,924 in fiscal 2023 and $14,319 in fiscal 2022, and Payrailz related revenue from the current fiscal year of $8,482, Payments segment revenue also increased 7%. This increase was primarily driven by growth within card processing and payment processing revenues. Cost of revenue in the Payments segment increased 10% for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total Payments cost of revenue by deconversion costs from both fiscal years, which totaled $303 in fiscal 2023 and $439 in fiscal 2022 and Payrailz related costs from the current fiscal year of $18,104, Payments cost of revenue increased 5%. This increase was primarily due to increased direct costs related to the growth in card processing and payment processing, and increased personnel costs, including benefits expenses. Payments segment cost of revenue increased 2% as a percentage of revenue for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.\nComplementary\n\u00a0\n2023\n% Change\n2022\nRevenue\n$\n583,893\n\u00a0\n7%\n$\n544,244\u00a0\nCost of Revenue\n$\n239,044\n\u00a0\n6%\n$\n226,229\u00a0\nRevenue in the Complementary segment increased 7% for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total Complementary revenue by deconversion fees from both fiscal years, which totaled $12,649 in fiscal 2023 and $15,589 in fiscal 2022, Complementary segment revenue increased 8%. This increase was primarily driven by organic increases in hosting fee and digital revenues (including Banno). Cost of revenue in the Complementary segment increased 6% for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total Complementary cost of revenue by deconversion costs from both fiscal years, which totaled $807 in fiscal 2023 and $1,309 in fiscal 2022, Complementary segment cost of revenue also increased 6%. This increase was primarily due to higher direct costs related to the organic growth in hosting fee and digital revenues (including Banno) and increased personnel costs, including benefits expenses. Complementary segment cost of revenue decreased 1% as a percentage of revenue for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.\nCorporate and Other\n\u00a0\n2023\n% Change\n2022\nRevenue\n$\n70,306\n\u00a0\n23%\n$\n57,130\u00a0\nCost of Revenue\n$\n273,013\n\u00a0\n7%\n$\n254,391\u00a0\nRevenue in the Corporate and Other segment increased 23% for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total Corporate and Other revenue by deconversion fees from both fiscal years, which totaled $278 in fiscal 2023 and $323 in fiscal 2022, Corporate and Other segment revenue also increased 23%. The increase was mainly due to increased hardware, user group, and processing fee revenues.\nCost of revenue for the Corporate and Other segment includes operating costs not directly attributable to any of the other three segments and increased 7% for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Reducing total Corporate and Other cost of revenue by deconversion fees from both fiscal years, which totaled $23 in fiscal 2023 and $325 in fiscal 2022, and Payrailz related costs of $90, Corporate and Other segment cost of revenue also increased 7%. This increase was primarily related to higher internal licenses and fees and personnel costs, including benefits expenses.\n27\nTable of Contents\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nThe Company's cash and cash equivalents decreased to $12,243 at June\u00a030, 2023 from $48,787 at June\u00a030, 2022. The following table summarizes net cash from operating activities in the statement of cash flows:\nYear Ended\nJune 30,\n2023\n2022\nNet income\n$\n366,646\n\u00a0\n$\n362,916\u00a0\nNon-cash expenses\n166,621\n\u00a0\n234,676\u00a0\nChange in receivables\n(12,067)\n(41,508)\nChange in deferred revenue\n(10,547)\n6,572\u00a0\nChange in other assets and liabilities\n(129,094)\n(58,025)\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n$\n381,559\n\u00a0\n$\n504,631\u00a0\nCash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2023 decreased 24% compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to the change in current and deferred income taxes included within non-cash expenses above that were related to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 174 tax law changes with respect to the treatment of research and development expenses, as indicated by the increase in cash taxes paid, fiscal year over fiscal year. The Company paid income taxes, net of refunds, of $145,862, $60,553, and $80,220 in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Cash from operations is primarily used to repay debt, pay dividends, repurchase stock, and for capital expenditures.\nCash used in investing activities for fiscal 2023 totaled $409,673 and included: $229,628 for the acquisition of Payrailz, $166,120 for the ongoing enhancements and development of existing and new product and service offerings; capital expenditures on facilities and equipment of $39,179, mainly for the purchase of computer equipment; $1,685 for the purchase and development of internal use software; and $1,000 for purchase of investments. These expenditures were partially offset by $27,939 of proceeds from asset sales. \nCash used in investing activities for fiscal 2022 totaled $196,344 and included: $148,239 for the ongoing enhancements and development of existing and new product and service offerings; capital expenditures on facilities and equipment of $34,659, mainly for the purchase of computer equipment; $5,000 for the purchase of investments; and $8,491 for the purchase and development of internal use software. These expenditures were partially offset by $45 of proceeds from the sale of assets.\nFinancing activities used cash of $8,430 for fiscal 2023 and included $147,237 for dividends paid to stockholders and $25,000 for the purchase of treasury shares. These expenditures were partially offset by borrowings and repayments on our credit facilities and financing leases which netted to borrowings of $159,940 at June\u00a030, 2023, and $3,867 of net cash inflow related to stock-based compensation. \nFinancing activities used cash in fiscal 2022 of $310,492 and included $193,916 for the purchase of treasury shares and $139,070 for dividends paid to stockholders. These expenditures were partially offset by borrowings and repayments on our revolving credit facility and financing leases which netted to borrowings of $14,873 at June\u00a030, 2022, and $7,621 of net cash inflow related to stock-based compensation.\nCapital Requirements and Resources\nThe Company generally uses existing resources and funds generated from operations to meet its capital requirements. Capital expenditures totaling $39,179 and $34,659 for fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023, and June\u00a030, 2022, respectively, were made primarily for additional equipment and the improvement of existing facilities. These additions were funded from cash generated by operations. At June\u00a030, 2023, the Company had no significant outstanding purchase commitments related to property and equipment. We assessed our liquidity needs throughout fiscal 2023, and determined we had adequate capital resources and sufficient access to external financing sources to satisfy our current and reasonably anticipated funding needs. We will continue to monitor and assess these needs going forward.\nAt June\u00a030, 2023, the Company had contractual obligations of $1,550,247, including operating lease obligations and $1,494,366 related to off-balance sheet contractual purchase obligations. Contractual obligations exclude $13,877 of liabilities for uncertain tax positions as we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of settlement.\nThe Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase shares of its common stock. Under this authorization, the Company may finance its share repurchases with available cash reserves or short-term borrowings on its existing credit facilities. The share repurchase program does not include specific price targets or \n28\nTable of Contents\ntimetables and may be suspended at any time. At June\u00a030, 2023, there were 31,194 shares in treasury stock and the Company had the remaining authority to repurchase up to 3,796 additional shares. The total cost of treasury shares at June\u00a030, 2023 was $1,832,118. During fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased 151 treasury shares for $25,000. At June\u00a030, 2022, there were 31,043 shares in treasury stock and the Company had authority to repurchase up to 3,948 additional shares.\nPayrailz\nOn August\u00a031, 2022, the Company acquired all of the equity interest in Payrailz. The final purchase price, following customary post-closing adjustments to the extent actual closing date working capital, cash, debt, and unpaid seller transaction expenses exceeded or were less than the amounts estimated at closing, was $230,205. Pursuant to the merger agreement for the transaction, $48,500 of the purchase price was placed in an escrow account at the closing, consisting of $2,500 for any final purchase price adjustments owed by the sellers, which amount was released to the sellers on December 15, 2022, in connection with post-closing adjustments, and $46,000 for indemnification matters under the merger agreement.\nThe primary reason for the acquisition was to expand the Company's digital financial management solutions and the purchase was originally funded by our revolving line of credit (Note\u00a07) and cash generated from operations. Payrailz provides cloud-native, API-first, AI-enabled consumer and commercial digital payment solutions and experiences that enable money to be moved in the moment of need.\nRevolving credit facility\nOn August 31, 2022, the Company entered into a five-year senior, unsecured amended and restated credit agreement that replaced the prior credit facility described below. The credit agreement allows for borrowings of up to $600,000, which may be increased to $1,000,000 by the Company at any time until maturity. The credit agreement bears interest at a variable rate equal to (a) a rate based on an adjusted Secured Overnight Financing Rate (\"SOFR\") term rate or (b) an alternate base rate (the highest of (i) 0%, (ii) the Prime Rate for such day, (iii) the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day \nplus\n 0.50% per annum and (iv) the Adjusted Term SOFR Screen Rate (without giving effect to the Applicable Margin) for a one month Interest Period on such day for Dollars \nplus\n 1.0%), \nplus\n an applicable percentage in each case determined by the Company's leverage ratio. The credit agreement is guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company and is subject to various financial covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios as defined in the credit agreement. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. The amended and restated credit facility terminates August\u00a031, 2027. There was $95,000 outstanding under the amended and restated credit facility at June\u00a030, 2023.\nOn June\u00a030, 2022, there was a $115,000 outstanding balance on the prior credit facility that was entered into on February 10, 2020. The prior credit facility was a five-year senior, unsecured revolving credit facility. The prior credit facility allowed for borrowings of up to $300,000, which could be increased by the Company to $700,000 at any time until maturity. The prior credit facility bore interest at a variable rate equal to (a) a rate based on a eurocurrency rate or (b) an alternate base rate (the highest of (i) 0%, (ii) the U.S. Bank prime rate for such day, (iii) the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day \nplus\n 0.50% and (iv) the eurocurrency rate for a one-month interest period on such day for dollars \nplus\n 1.0%), \nplus\n an applicable percentage in each case determined by the Company's leverage ratio. The prior credit facility was guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company and was subject to various financial covenants that required the Company to maintain certain financial ratios as defined in the prior credit agreement. As of June\u00a030, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. The prior credit facility's termination date was February\u00a010, 2025.\nTerm loan facility\nOn May 16, 2023, the Company entered into a term loan credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions, with an original principal balance of $180,000. Borrowings under the term loan facility bear interest at a variable rate equal to (a) a rate based on an adjusted SOFR term rate or (b) an alternate base rate (the highest of (i) 0%, (ii) the Prime Rate for such day, (iii) the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day \nplus\n 0.50% per annum and (iv) the Adjusted Term SOFR Screen Rate (without giving effect to the Applicable Margin) for a one month Interest Period on such day for Dollars \nplus\n 0.75%), \nplus\n an applicable percentage in each case determined by the Company's leverage ratio. The term loan credit agreement is guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company and is subject to various financial covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios as defined in the term loan credit agreement. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. The term loan credit agreement has a maturity date of May\u00a016, 2025. There was $180,000 outstanding under the term loan at June\u00a030, 2023.\n29\nTable of Contents\nOther lines of credit\nThe Company has an unsecured bank credit line which provides for funding of up to $5,000 and bears interest at the prime rate \nless\n 1.0%. The credit line was renewed in May 2019 and modified in May 2023 to extend the expiration to April\u00a030, 2025. There was no balance outstanding at June\u00a030, 2023 or 2022.\nRECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS\nNot Adopted at Fiscal Year End\nIn October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which improves the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice and inconsistency related to recognition of an acquired contract liability and payment terms and their effect on subsequent revenue recognized by the acquirer. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the ASU on July 1, 2023, and will apply it prospectively to business combinations occurring after that date.\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES\nWe prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The significant accounting policies are discussed in Note\u00a01 to the consolidated financial statements. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and judgments upon historical experience and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Changes in estimates or assumptions could result in a material adjustment to the consolidated financial statements.\nWe have identified several critical accounting estimates. An accounting estimate is considered critical if both: (a) the nature of the estimates or assumptions is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment involved, and (b) the impact of changes in the estimates and assumptions would have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.\nRevenue Recognition\nWe generate revenue from data processing, transaction processing, software licensing and related services, professional services, and hardware sales.\nSignificant Judgments Used in the Application of the Guidance\nIdentification of performance obligations\nWe enter into contracts with customers that may include multiple types of goods and services. At contract inception, we assess the solutions and services promised in our contracts with customers and identify a performance obligation for each promise to transfer to the customer a solution or service (or bundle of solutions or services) that is distinct \u2014 that is, if the solution or service is separately identifiable from other items in the arrangement and if the customer can benefit from the solution or service on its own or together with other resources that are readily available. Significant judgment is used in the identification and accounting for all performance obligations. We recognize revenue when or as we satisfy each performance obligation by transferring control of a solution or service to the customer.\nDetermination of transaction price\nThe amount of revenue recognized is based on the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods and services to the customer. Our contracts with our customers frequently contain some component of variable consideration. We estimate variable consideration in our contracts primarily using the expected value method, based on both historical and current information. Where appropriate, we may constrain the estimated variable consideration included in the transaction price in the event of a high degree of uncertainty as to the final consideration amount. Significant judgment is used in the estimate of variable consideration of customer contracts that are long-term and include uncertain transactional volumes.\nTechnology or service components from third parties are frequently included in or combined with our applications or service offerings. Whether we recognize revenue based on the gross amount billed to the customer or the net amount retained involves judgment in determining whether we control the good or service before it is transferred to the customer. This assessment is made at the performance obligation level.\n30\nTable of Contents\nAllocation of transaction price\nThe transaction price, once determined, is allocated between the various performance obligations in the contract based upon their relative standalone selling prices. The standalone selling prices are determined based on the prices at which we separately sell each good or service. For items that are not sold separately, we estimate the standalone selling prices using all information that is reasonably available, including reference to historical pricing data.\nContract costs\nWe incur incremental costs to obtain a contract as well as costs to fulfill contracts with customers that are expected to be recovered. These costs consist primarily of sales commissions, which are incurred only if a contract is obtained, and customer conversion or implementation-related costs. \nCapitalized costs are amortized based on the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates, in line with the percentage of revenue recognized for each performance obligation to which the costs are allocated.\nDepreciation and Amortization Expense\nThe calculation of depreciation and amortization expense is based on the estimated economic lives of the underlying property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, which have been examined for their useful life and determined that no impairment exists. We believe it is unlikely that any significant changes to the useful lives of our tangible and intangible assets will occur in the near term, but rapid changes in technology or changes in market conditions could result in revisions to such estimates that could materially affect the carrying value of these assets and our future consolidated operating results. For long-lived assets, we consider whether any impairment indicators are present. If impairment indicators are identified, we test the recoverability of the long-lived assets. If this recoverability test is failed, we determine the fair value of the long-lived assets and recognize an impairment loss if the fair value is less than its carrying value.\nCapitalization of software development costs\nWe capitalize certain costs incurred to develop commercial software products. For software that is to be sold, significant areas of judgment include: establishing when technological feasibility has been met and costs should be capitalized, determining the appropriate period over which to amortize the capitalized costs based on the estimated useful lives, estimating the marketability of the commercial software products and related future revenues, and assessing the unamortized cost balances for impairment. Costs incurred prior to establishing technological feasibility are expensed as incurred. Amortization begins on the date of general release and the appropriate amortization period is based on estimates of future revenues from sales of the products. We consider various factors to project marketability and future revenues, including an assessment of alternative solutions or products, current and historical demand for the product, and anticipated changes in technology that may make the product obsolete. \nFor internal use software, capitalization begins at the beginning of application development. Costs incurred prior to this are expensed as incurred. Significant estimates and assumptions include determining the appropriate amortization period based on the estimated useful life and assessing the unamortized cost balances for impairment. Amortization begins on the date the software is placed in service and the amortization period is based on estimated useful life.\nA significant change in an estimate related to one or more software products could result in a material change to our results of operations.\nEstimates used to determine current and deferred income taxes\nWe make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. We also must determine the likelihood of recoverability of deferred tax assets and adjust any valuation allowances accordingly. Considerations include the period of expiration of the tax asset, planned use of the tax asset, and historical and projected taxable income as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Valuation allowances are evaluated periodically and will be subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in one or more of these factors. Also, liabilities for uncertain tax positions require significant judgment in determining what constitutes an individual tax position as well as assessing the outcome of each tax position. Changes in judgment as to recognition or measurement of tax positions can materially affect the estimate of the effective tax rate and consequently, affect our financial results.\n31\nTable of Contents\nAssumptions related to purchase accounting and goodwill\nWe account for our acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. This method requires estimates to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired, including judgments to determine any acquired intangible assets such as customer-related intangibles, as well as assessments of the fair value of existing assets such as property and equipment. Liabilities acquired can include balances for litigation and other contingency reserves established prior to or at the time of acquisition and require judgment in ascertaining a reasonable value. Third-party valuation firms may be used to assist in the appraisal of certain assets and liabilities, but even those determinations would be based on significant estimates provided by us, such as forecast revenues or profits on contract-related intangibles. Numerous factors are typically considered in the purchase accounting assessments, which are conducted by Company professionals from legal, finance, human resources, information systems, program management and other disciplines. Changes in assumptions and estimates of the acquired assets and liabilities would result in changes to the fair values, resulting in an offsetting change to the goodwill balance associated with the business acquired.\nAs goodwill is not amortized, goodwill balances are regularly assessed for potential impairment. Such assessments include a qualitative assessment of factors that may indicate a potential for impairment, such as: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market changes, our overall financial performance, changes in share price, and an assessment of other events or changes in circumstances that could negatively impact us. If that qualitative assessment indicates a potential for impairment, a quantitative assessment is then required, including an analysis of future cash flow projections as well as a determination of an appropriate discount rate to calculate present values. Cash flow projections are based on management-approved estimates, which involve the input of numerous Company professionals from finance, operations and program management. Key factors used in estimating future cash flows include assessments of labor and other direct costs on existing contracts, estimates of overhead costs and other indirect costs, and assessments of new business prospects and projected win rates. Our most recent assessment indicates that no reporting units are currently at risk of impairment as the fair value of each reporting unit is significantly in excess of the carrying value. However, significant changes in the estimates and assumptions used in purchase accounting and goodwill impairment testing could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nMarket risk refers to the risk that a change in the level of one or more market prices, interest rates, indices, volatilities, correlations or other market factors such as liquidity, will result in losses for a certain financial instrument or group of financial instruments. We are currently exposed to credit risk on credit extended to customers and interest risk on outstanding debt. We do not currently use any derivative financial instruments. We actively monitor these risks through a variety of controlled procedures involving senior management.\nBased on the controls in place and the credit worthiness of the customer base, we believe the credit risk associated with the extension of credit to our customers will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.\nWe have $275,000 outstanding debt with variable interest rates as of June\u00a030, 2023, and a 1% increase in our borrowing rate would increase our annual interest expense by $2.75 million.\n32\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "779152",
+ "cusip6": "426281",
+ "cusip": ["426281901", "426281101", "426281951"],
+ "names": ["HENRY JACK & ASSOC INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/779152/000077915223000062/0000779152-23-000062-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000794619-23-000040.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000794619-23-000040.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..6fd126abec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000794619-23-000040.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0BUSINESS\n\u00a0\nOur Company\nAmerican Woodmark Corporation (\"American Woodmark,\" the \"Company,\" \"we,\" \"our\" or \"us\") was incorporated in 1980 by the four principal managers of the Boise Cascade Cabinet Division through a leveraged buyout of that division. We operated privately until 1986 when we became a public company through a registered public offering of common stock.\nFrom design to installation, we believe we offer a higher level of service than our competitors, serving both national and regional markets with the most relevant options. This makes us the cabinetmaker of choice for many homeowners, builders, designers, dealers, distributors, and retailers across the country. Our customer base is expanding as we build our portfolio of brands and reach new markets beyond kitchen and bath. Aspirational yet grounded, we've embraced an ambitious, strategic vision that will advance us boldly into the future.\nOur annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our website, americanwoodmark.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. The contents of our website are not, however, part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report.\nOur Business\nAmerican Woodmark celebrates the creativity in all of us. With over 8,800 employees and more than a dozen brands, we're one of the nation's largest cabinet manufacturers. From inspiration to installation, we help people find their unique style and turn their home into a space for self-expression. By partnering with major home centers, builders, and dealers and distributors, we spark the imagination of homeowners and designers and bring their vision to life. Across our service and distribution centers, our corporate office and manufacturing facilities, you'll always find the same commitment to customer satisfaction, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. \nOur Products \nWe offer a wide variety of products that fall into product lines including kitchen cabinetry, bath cabinetry, office cabinetry, home organization and hardware. Our cabinetry products are available in a variety of designs, finishes and finish colors and door styles. \nWe offer products in the following categories: made-to-order and stock. Made-to-order products typically utilize higher grade materials with more options as compared to stock and are all special ordered and shipped directly to the home from the factory. Our home organization products are exclusively stock products. Our kitchen cabinetry and bath cabinetry are offered across all product categories (made-to-order and stock). Our stock products represent cash and carry products and are sold through home centers, while our made-to-order products are sold through home centers, builders, and independent dealers and distributors. \nOur Market \nOur products are sold on a national basis across the United States to the remodeling and new home construction markets. We service these markets through three primary channels: home centers, builders, and independent dealers and distributors. We distribute our products to each market channel directly from our assembly plants and through a third party logistics network.\nOur Customers \nWe serve three main categories of customers: home center customers, builders, and independent dealers and distributors. \nHome Center Customers \nContractors, builders, remodelers, and do-it-yourself homeowners use our products primarily for repair and remodel (\"R&R\") projects. Products for R&R projects are predominately purchased through home centers such as Home Depot and Lowe's. Due to the market presence, store network and customer reach of these large home centers, our strategy has been to develop long-term strategic relationships with both Home Depot and Lowe's to distribute our products. During the fiscal year ended April\u00a030, \n3\n2023 (\"fiscal 2023\"), Home Depot and Lowe's combined accounted for approximately 43.2% of net sales of the Company. The loss of either Home Depot or Lowe's as a customer would have a material adverse effect on us.\nBuilders\nThe builder business represents a large portion of our overall revenue and has historically been a strategic component of our go-to-market strategy.\u00a0We serve 19 of the top 20 U.S. builders with a high degree of geographic concentration around major metro areas where single family starts are most robust.\u00a0We also serve multi-family builders, primarily in the Southwest Region of the U.S. Our various service center locations are close to these builders and enable us to deliver exceptional service to our builder partners. During fiscal 2023, builders accounted for approximately 42.9% of net sales of the Company.\nIndependent Dealers\u00a0& Distributors\nIn 2010, we expanded our business into the dealer channel with the launch of the Waypoint Living Spaces\u00ae brand.\u00a0Today, we sell this brand to over 1,500 regional and local dealers across the country.\u00a0The dealer channel of the market is the largest by volume, characterized by a high degree of entrepreneurship and one that rewards suppliers that deliver great service.\u00a0Our ability to provide superior value delivered with exceptional service has helped drive our expansion into this channel and this channel will continue to be a strong growth and market share opportunity for us. Within our distributor channel we also sell our Timberlake\u00ae brand through a network of regional distributors who are focused on selling a complete variety of building materials to small and midsized builders and contractors within their local markets. During fiscal 2023, independent dealers and distributors accounted for approximately 13.9% of net sales of the Company.\u00a0 \nManufacturing, Distribution and Service \nOur manufacturing facilities are strategically located to serve our customers, which enhances our ability to provide high quality, value priced products with low production costs. We manufacture our products across 17 facilities located in Maryland, Indiana, West Virginia, Georgia, Arizona, Kentucky, Virginia, California, Texas, North Carolina, and Tijuana, Mexico. We are building a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico that will increase our stock kitchen and bath capacity for east coast markets. This facility is expected to open in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. The geographic distribution of our facilities throughout the United States, together with our third party logistics network for the American Woodmark business and beneficial freight arrangements with home centers, enable us to provide a \"short supply chain\" to our U.S. customers. The ordering patterns of Home Depot and Lowe's, our two biggest customers, require suppliers to have sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet demand and to serve a large number (frequently hundreds to thousands) of stores. They impose strict logistics and performance criteria on us. The scale and strategic locations of our manufacturing facilities help us to meet these demands of the home center customers, as well as provide a logistics platform that we can leverage for builders and dealers. We distribute our products through one stand-alone distribution center, distribution centers located in some of our manufacturing facilities, and other third party locations to maximize efficiency. Our vertically-integrated production and assembly lines, standardized product construction, and investments in automation have allowed us to continuously improve productivity, and develop an expertise in wood processing and yield-maximizing technologies. We have standardized our raw material inputs and a number of our production processes, which reduces logistical requirements to manufacture and gives us increased economies of scale in sourcing these inputs. Certain of our inputs are also partially processed by our vendors, which reduces cost. In addition, our production of labor-intensive manufacturing and fabrication processes in our three Tijuana, Mexico facilities has enabled us to keep overall labor costs low while maintaining higher quality, greater speed-to-market and transportation cost advantage over Asian based manufacturers. \nWe provide complete turnkey installation services to our direct builder customers via our network of eight primary service centers that are strategically located throughout the United States in Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Arizona and California. \nWe regularly evaluate our organizational productivity and supply chains and assess opportunities to reduce costs and enhance quality. We strive to improve quality, speed and flexibility to meet changing and uncertain market conditions, as well as manage cost inflation, including wages and employee medical costs. \nRaw Materials and Suppliers \nThe primary raw materials used in our products include hard maple, cherry, and beech lumber and plywood. Additional raw materials include paint, particleboard, medium density fiberboard, high density fiberboard, manufactured components, and hardware. We purchase these and other raw materials from more than one source and generally believe them to be readily available. We rely on outside suppliers for some of our key components and do not typically enter into long-term contracts with \n4\nour suppliers or sourcing partners. We source a portion of our components from third parties in Asia and Europe. The distances involved in these arrangements, together with the differences in business practices, shipping and delivery requirements, and laws and regulations add complexity to our supply chain logistics and increase the potential for interruptions in our production scheduling. In addition, prices and availability of these components may be affected by world market conditions and government policies and tariffs that impacted fiscal 2023 and may continue into fiscal 2024.\nCompetition \nWe operate in a highly fragmented industry that is composed of several thousand local, regional, and national manufacturers. Most of our competitors compete on a local or regional basis, but others, like us, compete on a national basis as well. Our competitors include importers and large consolidated operations as well as relatively small, local cabinet manufacturers. Moreover, companies in other building products industries may compete with us. Competitive factors within the industry include pricing, quality, product availability, service, delivery time, and relationships with customers. Our principal means for competition is our breadth and variety of product offerings, expanded service capabilities, geographic reach, competitive price points for our products, and affordable quality. We believe we are a top three manufacturer of kitchen, bath, and home organization products in the United States based on publicly available information.\nEnvironmental Matters and Regulatory Matters \nOur operations are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation, and discharge of regulated materials into the environment. Permits are required for certain of our operations, and these permits are subject to revocation, modification, and renewal by issuing authorities. Governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with their regulations, and violations may result in the payment of fines or the entry of injunctions, or both. We may also incur liabilities for investigation and clean-up of soil or groundwater contamination on or emanating from current or formerly owned and operated properties, or at offsite locations at which regulated materials are located where we are identified as a responsible party. Discovery of currently unknown conditions could require responses that could result in significant costs. \nIntellectual Property \nWe maintain trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. We sell many of our products under a number of registered and unregistered trademarks, which we believe are widely recognized in our industry. We rely on trade secrets and confidentiality agreements to develop and maintain our competitive position. Monitoring the unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult, and the steps we have taken may not prevent unauthorized use of our intellectual property. The disclosure or misappropriation of our intellectual property could harm our ability to protect our rights and our competitive position. If we must litigate to protect our rights, we may incur significant expenses and divert significant attention from our business operations. To date, we have not relied on material patents in operating our business. \nSeasonality \nOur business has been subject to seasonal influences, with higher sales typically realized in our first and fourth fiscal quarters. General economic forces and changes in our customer mix have reduced seasonal fluctuations in revenue over the past few years and this trend is expected to continue. The costs of the Company's products are subject to inflationary pressures and commodity price fluctuations. The Company has generally been able, over time, to recover the effects of inflation and commodity price fluctuations through sales price increases.\nHuman Capital Resources\nEmployees \nAs of April\u00a030, 2023, we employed over 8,800 full-time employees, with approximately 277 unionized employees in Anaheim, California. We believe that our employee relations and relationship with the union representing the employees in Anaheim are good. \nCulture and Core Values\nAt American Woodmark, our mission to create value through people remains unchanged. The way we conduct our business and interact with our customers, vendors, and the communities in which we operate is driven by our core principles of Customer Satisfaction, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence. These principles also guide our interactions with employees and serve as a \n5\nbasis for setting goals for and evaluating our employees. By living out these principles, we believe we will be best positioned to attract, develop, and promote a broad range of talent and to conduct our business in a responsible, ethical, and professional manner. To that end, we have, among other things, established policies under which we strive to:\n\u2022\nEngage with our key stakeholders, including employees, to ensure their needs and concerns are heard and addressed, and if appropriate, incorporated into our strategy;\n\u2022\nMaintain a safe and enriching working environment where all employees are treated with respect and are able to achieve their full potential;\n\u2022\nEncourage employees to volunteer in our communities through internally or externally organized events; \n\u2022\nFund the American Woodmark Foundation and the AWCares Fund, which serves as vehicles for our employees to serve the community and receive financial assistance for unforeseen personal disaster or tragedy; and \n\u2022\nProvide scholarship opportunities to family members for our employees.\nTraining\nTraining is an important part of attracting and retaining a qualified workforce. Through our training programs, we seek to ensure that each employee is engaged, and has opportunities to succeed and advance his or her career. We invest a significant number of hours annually in onboarding, culture, safety, supervisory, and leadership training activities. Through these activities, as well as our tuition reimbursement programs, executive development opportunities, formal and informal cross-training activities, and other operational training offerings, we strive to establish American Woodmark as a continuous learning organization dedicated to providing the training and development opportunities necessary to maintain a well-qualified workforce connected to and invested in our continued operational success.\nOur training is designed and developed at the corporate and local level in order to further our goals of enterprise alignment and local integration. We prefer a leader-led approach to training whenever possible to foster engagement, relationship building, connection, and shared learning experiences. Depending on the course, our training and development opportunities are offered through a variety of platforms and frequencies, such as on an on-demand, semi-annual, annual, or biannual basis.\nSafety\nWe have established comprehensive safety programs throughout our operations to provide our employees with the tools they need to comply with the safety standards established under federal, state, and local laws and regulations or independently by us. Our safety leadership teams monitor our safety programs and related benchmarking with the goal of improving safety across the Company. Our rate of incidents recordable under the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (\u201cOSHA\u201d) per one hundred employees per year, also known as the OSHA recordable rate, was 1.56 during fiscal 2023.\nDiversity and Inclusion\nWe are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment free from discrimination and harassment and in which each employee is valued, treated with dignity and respect, and engaged in an inclusive manner. We believe that a workplace that encourages the interaction of different perspectives and backgrounds creates superior solutions, approaches, and innovations. Five years ago, we commissioned the first formal team to better understand and evaluate inclusion and diversity at American Woodmark. Since that time, we have taken deliberate steps to educate our leaders and increase internal awareness within our workforce. Among these actions were the following: establishment of Right Environment Councils in each of our locations in an attempt to more effectively engage and connect with employees of all levels as well as the communities in which we serve; enhancing our employee engagement survey process to include measures specific to inclusion and diversity; participation in an external consultant partnership; establishment of our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Alignment (IDEA) team; launching an enterprise-wide social strategic roadmap, and most recently the inclusion of representation metrics as part of our organizational scorecard and long-term incentive pay components. Going forward, we intend to continue our strategy with the goal of enhancing our culture of inclusion while increasing the diversity of people, thought, and perspectives represented throughout our company.\nOur Competitive Strengths\nMarket Leader with Nationwide Manufacturing and Distribution Network\nWe believe our company holds the number two or three market position in the United States cabinet market with an estimated 10% market share based on publicly available information. We are one of a select number of market participants with a national manufacturing and distribution footprint, which includes 17 manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico and eight primary service centers and one distribution center located throughout the United States. Our operating footprint provides us an ability to service our builder, dealer, and home center customers on a national basis, and we offer a broad set of products to serve our customers across a variety of price points. Our facilities are primarily located in or near major metropolitan markets to \n6\nfacilitate efficient product distribution to our customers. We believe the scale and breadth of our operations differentiate us and result in a competitive advantage providing superior customer service, low-cost distribution, and on-time delivery.\nComprehensive Product Offering with Diversified End-Markets\nWe believe that the diversity of our product portfolio across categories, channels, and end-markets benefits our financial performance, both in periods of growth and cyclicality. Our made-to-order offerings provide products for customers looking for a designer product, which can be used for both new home construction and remodeling applications. Our stock offering allows us to further serve our existing end-markets through the addition of a lower price point product that is well-suited for areas of growing demand such as new home construction targeting the first-time homebuyer. We also offer turnkey cabinet solutions for our builder customers which we believe is a unique aspect of our service platform. Our turnkey solution provides in-house design and measurement as well as installation service. We believe the ability to leverage our labor and expertise is a value-added service to our builder customers which has helped strengthen our position in the new home construction market.\nDeep Relationships with Leading Retailers\nWe have built strong and stable relationships with a base of long-standing customers across home centers, builders, and independent dealers and distributors. We have an average relationship length of 20 plus years with our top 10 customers, including long-standing relationships with Home Depot and Lowe's. We believe our customers value our national manufacturing and distribution footprint, which allows us to meet demanding logistics and performance criteria. We believe our focus on providing exceptional customer service and a quality product at a competitive price have enabled us to establish ourselves as a vendor of choice.\nBest-in-Class Manufacturing Capabilities\nWe operate 17 manufacturing facilities across the United States and Mexico. Our vertically-integrated production and assembly lines, standardized product construction, and investments in automation, have allowed us to continuously improve productivity and efficiency. We have standardized our raw material inputs and a number of our production processes, which reduces logistical requirements and provides increased economies of scale in sourcing these inputs. Our labor-intensive manufacturing and fabrication processes in Mexico offer a low cost alternative to Asian based manufacturers, while providing a quality product with lower transportation costs. \nExperienced Management Team\nWe have assembled an executive team from leading organizations with a deep base of management experience within industrial manufacturing companies. Our President and Chief Executive Officer, M. Scott Culbreth, joined our team in 2014 as the Chief Financial Officer and was named Chief Executive Officer in 2020. Mr. Culbreth's career in the manufacturing industry has been highlighted with multiple leadership roles in finance. Our other senior executives all have over twenty plus years of experience working for multi-national companies, with individual backgrounds in manufacturing and finance. ",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0RISK FACTORS \n\u00a0\nThere are a number of risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's business, results of operations, and financial condition. These risks and uncertainties could cause future results to differ from past performance or expected results, including results described in statements elsewhere in this report that constitute \"forward-looking statements\" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or currently believed to be immaterial also may adversely impact the Company's business. Should any risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, these developments could have material adverse effects on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. These risks and uncertainties, which the Company considers to be most relevant to specific business activities, include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's business, results of operations, and financial condition are discussed elsewhere in this report, including in Item 7. \"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" under the headings \"Forward-Looking Statements,\" \"Seasonality,\" and \"Outlook for Fiscal 2024\" and Item 7A. \"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.\"\u00a0\n\u00a0\n7\nRisks related to our business and industry\nBecause of the concentration of our sales to our two largest customers, the loss of either customer or a significant reduction in orders from either customer could adversely affect our financial results. \nHome Depot and Lowe's collectively accounted for approximately 43.2% of total net sales during the fiscal year 2023. We do not typically enter into long-term sales contracts with Home Depot or Lowe's and our sales usually occur on a \"purchase order\" basis. Our customers can make significant changes in their purchase volumes and can seek to significantly affect the prices we receive for our products and services and the other terms and conditions on which we do business. They have in the past discontinued, and may in the future choose to discontinue, purchasing some or all of our products with little or no notice. In the past, purchase volumes from our customers, including Home Depot and Lowe's, have fluctuated substantially, and we expect such fluctuations to occur from time to time in the future. Any reduction in, or termination of, our sales to either Home Depot or Lowe's could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.\nIn addition, the potential for orders from these large retail customers to increase significantly from time to time requires us to have sufficient manufacturing capacity. These large retailers also impose strict logistics and performance criteria and fines. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in these customers reducing or stopping their purchase of our products.\nWe could also experience delays or defaults in payment from Home Depot or Lowe's, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. The loss of a substantial portion of our order volumes or revenue from either Home Depot or Lowe's for any reason would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.\nOur business primarily relies on U.S. home improvement, repair and remodel and new home construction activity levels, all of which are impacted by risks associated with fluctuations in the housing market. Downward changes in the general economy, the housing market, or other business conditions could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. \nOur business primarily relies on home improvement, repair and remodel and new home construction activity levels in the United States. The housing market is sensitive to changes in economic conditions and other factors, such as the level of employment, access to labor, consumer confidence, consumer income, availability of financing and interest rate levels, and recent concerns with the housing market. Adverse changes in any of these conditions generally, or in any of the markets where we operate, could decrease demand and could adversely impact our businesses by: \n\u2022\ncausing consumers to delay or decrease homeownership; \n\u2022\nmaking consumers more price conscious resulting in a shift in demand to smaller, less expensive homes; \n\u2022\nmaking consumers more reluctant to make investments in their existing homes, including kitchen and bath repair and remodel projects; or \n\u2022\nmaking it more difficult to secure loans for major renovations. \nFluctuating raw material and energy costs could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. \nWe purchase various raw materials, including, among others, wood, wood-based, and resin products, which are subject to price fluctuations that could materially increase our manufacturing costs. Further, increases in energy costs increase our production costs and also the cost to transport our products, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, some of our suppliers have consolidated and other suppliers may do so in the future. Combined with increased demand, such consolidation could increase the price of our supplies and raw materials.\nWe also may be unwilling or unable to pass on to customers commensurate cost increases. Competitive considerations and customer resistance to price increases may delay or make us unable to adjust selling prices. To the extent we are unable to either re-engineer or otherwise offset increased costs or are unwilling or unable to build price increases into our sales prices, our margins will be negatively affected. Even if we are able to increase our selling prices, sustained price increases for our products may lead to sales declines and loss of market share, particularly if our competitors do not increase their prices, and there is usually a six to nine month lag before we are able to see the results of our pricing actions. Conversely, when raw materials or energy prices decline, we may receive customer pressure to reduce our sales prices.\nThese prices are market-based and fluctuate based on factors beyond our control. We do not have long-term fixed supply agreements and do not hedge against price fluctuations. We, therefore, cannot predict our raw materials or energy costs for the coming year. \nProlonged economic downturns may adversely impact our sales, earnings, and liquidity. \nOur industry historically has been cyclical in nature and has fluctuated with economic cycles. During economic downturns, our industry could experience longer periods of recession and greater declines than the general economy. We believe that our industry is significantly influenced by economic conditions generally and particularly by housing activity, consumer confidence, the level of personal discretionary \n8\nspending, demographics, and credit availability. These factors may affect not only the ultimate consumer of our products, but also may impact home centers, builders, and our other primary customers. As a result, a worsening of economic conditions could adversely affect our sales and earnings as well as our cash flow and liquidity.\nThe U.S. cabinetry industry is highly competitive, and market share losses could occur. \nWe operate within a highly competitive U.S. cabinetry industry, which is characterized by competition from a number of other manufacturers. Competition is further intensified during economic downturns. We compete with numerous large national and regional home products companies for, among other things, customers, orders from Home Depot and Lowe's, raw materials, skilled management, and labor resources. Purchase volumes from our main home center customers have fluctuated substantially from time to time in the past, and we expect such fluctuations to occur from time to time in the future. \nSome of our competitors may have greater financial, marketing, and other resources than we do and, therefore, may be able to adapt to changes in customer preferences more quickly, devote more resources to the marketing and sale of their products, generate greater national brand recognition, or adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we can. In addition, some of our competitors may resort to price competition to sustain or gain market share and manufacturing capacity utilization, and we may have to adjust the prices on some of our products to stay competitive, which could reduce our revenues. \nWe also face competition with respect to some of our products from competitors in countries with lower regulatory, safety, environmental, and other costs, such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. These competitors may also benefit from certain local government subsidies or other incentives that are not available to us. \nWe may not ultimately succeed in competing with other manufacturers and distributors in our market, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.\nOur failure to develop new products or respond to changing consumer preferences and purchasing practices could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. \nThe U.S. cabinetry industry is subject to changing consumer trends, demands, and preferences. The uncertainties associated with developing and introducing new products, such as gauging changing consumer preferences and successfully developing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling new products, could lead to, among other things, rejection of a new product line, reduced demand and price reductions for our products. If our products do not keep up with consumer trends, demands, and preference, we could lose market share, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.\nChanges to consumer shopping habits and potential trends toward \"online\" purchases could also impact our ability to compete. Further, the volatile and challenging economic environment of recent years has caused shifts in consumer trends, demands, preferences and purchasing practices, and changes in the business models and strategies of our customers. Shifts in consumer preferences, which may or may not be long-term, have altered the quantity, type, and prices of products demanded by the end-consumer and our customers. If we do not timely and effectively identify and respond to these changing consumer preferences and purchasing practices, our relationships with our customers could be harmed, the demand for our products could be reduced, and our market share could be negatively affected.\nWe may fail to fully realize the anticipated benefits of our growth strategy within the home center, dealer, distributor and homebuilder channels. \nPart of our growth strategy depends on expanding our business in the home center, dealer, distributor and homebuilder channels. We may fail to compete successfully against other companies that are already established providers within the home center, dealer, distributor and homebuilder channels. Demand for our products within the home center, homebuilder, dealer and distributor channels may not grow, or might even decline. In addition, we may not accurately gauge consumer preferences and successfully develop, manufacture, and market our products at a national level. Further, the implementation of our growth strategy may place additional demands on our administrative, operational, and financial resources and may divert management's attention away from our existing business and increase the demands on our financial systems and controls. If our management is unable to effectively manage growth, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected. If our growth strategy is not successful then our revenue and earnings may not grow as anticipated or may decline, we may not be profitable, or our reputation and brand may be damaged. In addition, we may change our financial strategy or other components of our overall business strategy if we believe our current strategy is not effective, if our business or markets change, or for other reasons, which may cause fluctuations in our financial results.\nManufacturing expansion to add capacity, manufacturing realignments, and other cost savings programs could result in a decrease in our near-term earnings. \nWe continually review our manufacturing operations. These reviews could result in the expansion of capacity, manufacturing realignments, and various cost savings programs. Effects of manufacturing expansion, realignments, or cost savings programs could result in a decrease in our short-term earnings until the additional capacity is in place, cost reductions are achieved, and/or production volumes stabilize, such as our expansion of stock kitchen and bath \n9\ncapacity in North Carolina and Mexico, which is currently underway. Such manufacturing expansions, realignments, and programs involve substantial planning, often require capital investments, and may result in charges for fixed asset impairments or obsolescence and substantial severance costs. We also cannot assure you that we will achieve all of the intended cost savings. Our ability to achieve cost savings and other benefits within expected time frames is subject to many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to significant economic, competitive, and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If these estimates and assumptions are incorrect, if we experience delays, or if other unforeseen events occur, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, downturns in the economy could potentially have a larger impact on the Company as a result of any added capacity.\nWe manufacture our products internationally and are exposed to risks associated with doing business globally. \nWe manufacture our products in the United States and Mexico and sell our products in the United States and Canada. Accordingly, we are subject to risks associated with potential disruption caused by changes in political, monetary, economic, and social environments, including civil and political unrest, terrorism, possible expropriation, local labor conditions, changes in laws, regulations, and policies of foreign governments and trade disputes with the United States (including tariffs), and compliance with U.S. laws affecting activities of U.S. companies abroad, including tax laws, economic sanctions, and enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights. \nWe are also subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery laws. While we have implemented safeguards and policies to discourage these practices by our employees and agents, our existing safeguards and policies to assure compliance and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective and our employees or agents may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. If employees violate our policies, we may be subject to regulatory sanctions. Violations of these laws or regulations could result in sanctions including fines, debarment from export privileges, and penalties and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.\nWe may continue to hedge certain foreign currency transactions in the future; however, a change in the value of the currencies may impact our financial statements when translated into U.S. dollars. In addition, fluctuations in currency can adversely impact the cost position in local currency of our products, making it more difficult for us to compete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage our business through the impact of these potential changes.\nIn addition, we source raw materials and components from Asia where we have recently experienced higher manufacturing costs and longer lead times due to currency fluctuations, higher wage rates, labor shortages, and higher raw material costs, and we have also experienced higher shipping costs and shipping delays. Our international operations and sourcing of materials (including from Asia and Mexico) could be harmed by a variety of factors including, but not limited to:\n\u2022\nincreases in transportation costs or transportation delays;\n\u2022\nwork stoppages and labor strikes;\n\u2022\nintroduction of non-native invasive organisms into new environments;\n\u2022\nrecessionary trends in international markets;\n\u2022\nlegal and regulatory changes and the burdens and costs of our compliance with a variety of laws, including export controls, import and customs trade restrictions, tariffs and other regulations;\n\u2022\nfluctuations in exchange rates, particularly the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies; and\n\u2022\npolitical unrest, terrorism, and economic instability.\nIf any of these or other factors were to render the conduct of our business in a particular country undesirable or impractical, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.\nThe inability to obtain raw materials from suppliers in a timely manner would adversely affect our ability to manufacture and market our products. \nOur ability to offer a wide variety of products depends on our ability to obtain an adequate supply of components from manufacturers and other suppliers, particularly wood-based and resin products. Transportation and container delays may adversely impact our supply chain. Additionally, failure by our suppliers to provide us with quality products on commercially reasonable terms, and to comply with legal requirements for business practices, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Furthermore, we rely heavily or, in certain cases, exclusively, on outside suppliers for some of our key components. While we do not rely exclusively on any one supplier for any particular raw materials, the loss of a major supplier could increase our costs to obtain raw materials until we obtain an adequate alternative source.\nWe typically do not enter into long-term contracts with our suppliers or sourcing partners. Instead, most raw materials and sourced goods are obtained on a \"purchase order\" basis. Although these components are generally obtainable in sufficient quantities from other sources, resourcing them from another supplier could take time. Financial, operating, or other difficulties encountered by our suppliers or sourcing partners, or changes in our relationships with them could result in manufacturing or \n10\nsourcing interruptions, delays, and inefficiencies, and prevent us from manufacturing enough products to meet customer demands. \nCertain of our customers have been expanding and may continue to expand through consolidation and internal growth, which may increase their buying power, which could materially and adversely affect our sales, results of operations, and financial position. \nCertain of our customers are large companies with significant buying power. In addition, potential further consolidation in the distribution channels could enhance the ability of certain of our customers to seek more favorable terms, including pricing, for the products that they purchase from us. Accordingly, our ability to maintain or raise prices in the future may be limited, including during periods of raw material and other cost increases. If we are forced to reduce prices or to maintain prices during periods of increased costs, or if we lose customers because of pricing or other methods of competition, our sales, operating results, and financial position may be materially and adversely affected.\nRisks related to indebtedness\nOur level and terms of indebtedness could adversely affect our business and liquidity position\n. \nOur consolidated indebtedness level could have important consequences to us, including, among other things, increasing our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions; requiring a portion of our cash flow used in operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our liquidity and our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities; exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates, and corresponding increased interest expense, because borrowings under our credit facilities are at variable rates of interest; reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes, due to the costs, and expenses associated with such debt; limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions, and general corporate, or other purposes; and limiting our ability to adjust to changing marketplace conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who may have less debt.\nIf our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital, or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations, which could cause us to default on our debt obligations and impair our liquidity. In the event of a default under any of our indebtedness, the holders of the defaulted debt could elect to declare all the funds borrowed to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. The lenders under our credit facilities could also elect to terminate their commitments thereunder and cease making further loans, and such lenders could institute foreclosure proceedings against their collateral, all of which could adversely affect our financial condition in a material way.\nThe credit agreement that governs our credit facility imposes operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries, which may prevent us from capitalizing on business opportunities or otherwise negatively impact our business.\n \nThe credit agreement that governs our credit facility imposes operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, to incur additional indebtedness, create additional liens on its assets, make certain investments, dispose of assets, or engage in a merger or other similar transaction or engage in transactions with affiliates, subject, in each case, to the various exceptions and conditions described in the credit agreement. The negative covenants further restrict the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to make certain restricted payments, including, in the case of the Company, the payment of dividends, and the repurchase of common stock, in certain limited circumstances.\nAs a result of these restrictions, each of which is subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, we may be limited as to how we conduct our business and we may be unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities. The terms of any future indebtedness we may incur could include more restrictive covenants. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain compliance with these existing covenants in the future and, if we fail to do so, that we will be able to obtain waivers from the lenders and/or amend the covenants.\nOur failure to comply with the restrictive covenants described above as well as other terms of our indebtedness and/or the terms of any future indebtedness from time to time could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could result in us being required to repay these borrowings before their due date.\n \nIf we are forced to refinance these borrowings on less favorable terms or cannot refinance these borrowings, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.\n11\nOther general risks applicable to us and our business\nWe may incur future goodwill impairment charges or other asset impairment charges which could negatively impact our future results of operations and financial condition.\n \nWe recorded significant goodwill as a result of the acquisition of RSI Home Products, Inc. (the \"RSI Acquisition\" or \"RSI\") in fiscal year 2018. Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets represent a substantial portion of our assets. We also have long-lived assets consisting of property and equipment and other identifiable intangible assets which we review both on an annual basis as well as when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If a determination is made that a significant impairment in value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or long-lived assets has occurred, such determination could require us to impair a substantial portion of our assets. Asset impairments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. \nThe implementation of our Enterprise Resource Planning system could disrupt our business. \nWe are in the process of implementing a common Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system across the Company and went live with the first wave of the system, including procurement, general ledger, accounts payable, and projects and fixed assets, in the second half of fiscal 2022. A Global Design project is in process to design the manufacturing processes that will be converted to the ERP system. We also will be piloting the ERP system in our new Monterrey, Mexico manufacturing location. Although we currently expect the ERP implementation to increase efficiencies by leveraging a common, cloud-based system throughout the Company and standardizing processes and reporting, our ERP system implementation may not result in improvements that outweigh its costs and may disrupt our operations. Our inability to mitigate existing and future disruptions could adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition and liquidity. The ERP system implementation subjects us to substantial costs and inherent risks associated with migrating from our legacy systems. These costs and risks could include, but are not limited to:\n\u2022\nsignificant capital and operating expenditures;\n\u2022\ndisruptions to our domestic and international supply chains;\n\u2022\ninability to fill customer orders accurately and on a timely basis, or at all;\n\u2022\ninability to process payments to suppliers, vendors and associates accurately and in a timely manner;\n\u2022\ndisruption to our system of internal controls;\n\u2022\ninability to fulfill our SEC or other governmental reporting requirements in a timely or accurate manner;\n\u2022\ninability to fulfill federal, state, or local tax filing requirements in a timely or accurate manner; and\n\u2022\nincreased demands on management and staff time to the detriment of other corporate initiatives.\nOur operations may be adversely affected by information systems interruptions or intrusions. \nWe rely on a number of information technology systems to process, transmit, store, and manage information to support our business activities. Increased global cybersecurity vulnerabilities, threats, and more sophisticated and targeted attacks pose a risk to our information technology systems. We have established security policies, processes, and layers of defense designed to help identify and protect against intentional and unintentional misappropriation or corruption of our systems and information and disruption of our operations. Despite these efforts, systems may be damaged, disrupted, or shut down due to attacks by unauthorized access, malicious software, undetected intrusion, hardware failures, or other events, and in these circumstances our disaster recovery planning may be ineffective or inadequate. These breaches or intrusions could lead to business interruption, exposure of proprietary or confidential information, data corruption, damage to our reputation, exposure to litigation, and increased operational costs. Such events could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operation. In addition, we could be adversely affected if any of our significant customers or suppliers experience any similar events that disrupt their business operations or damage their reputation. \nIncreased compliance costs or liabilities associated with environmental regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. \nOur facilities are subject to numerous environmental laws, regulations and permits, including those governing emissions to air, discharges to water, storage, treatment and disposal of waste, remediation of contaminated sites, and protection of worker health and safety. We may not be in complete compliance with these laws, regulations, or permits at all times. Our efforts to comply with environmental requirements do not remove the risk that we may incur material liabilities, fines or penalties for, among other things, releases of regulated materials occurring on or emanating from current or formerly owned or operated properties or any associated offsite disposal location, or for contamination discovered at any of our properties from activities conducted by previous occupants. Liability for environmental contamination or a release of hazardous materials may be joint and several, so that we may be held responsible for more than our share of the contamination or other damages, or even for the entire share.\nChanges in environmental laws and regulations or the discovery of previously unknown contamination or other liabilities relating to our properties and operations could result in significant environmental liabilities that could impact our business, financial condition, or results of operation. In addition, we may incur capital and other costs to comply with increasingly \n12\nstringent environmental laws and enforcement policies. These laws, including, for example, the regulations relating to formaldehyde emissions promulgated by the California Air Resources Board, require us to rely on compliance by our suppliers of raw materials. Should a supplier fail to comply with such regulations, notify us of non-compliance, or provide us with a product that does not comply, we could be subject to disruption in our business and incur substantial liabilities.\nUnauthorized disclosure of confidential information provided to us by customers, employees or third parties could harm our business. \nWe rely on the internet and other electronic methods to transmit confidential information and store confidential information on our networks. If there were a disclosure of confidential information provided by, or concerning, our employees, customers or other third parties, including through inadvertent disclosure, unapproved dissemination, or unauthorized access, our reputation could be harmed and we could be subject to civil or criminal liability and regulatory actions.\nChanges in government and industry regulatory standards could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. \nGovernment regulations pertaining to health and safety and environmental concerns continue to emerge, domestically as well as internationally. These regulations include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and other worker safety regulations for the protection of employees, as well as regulations for the protection of consumers. It is necessary for us to comply with current requirements (including requirements that do not become effective until a future date), and even more stringent requirements could be imposed on our products or processes. Compliance with these regulations may require us to alter our manufacturing and installation processes and our sourcing. Such actions could increase our capital expenditures and adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations, and our inability to effectively and timely meet such regulations could adversely impact our competitive position.\nWe could continue to pursue growth opportunities through either acquisitions, mergers or internally developed projects, which may be unsuccessful or may adversely affect our future financial condition and operating results. \nWe could continue to pursue opportunities for growth through either acquisitions, mergers, or internally developed projects as part of our growth strategy. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in integrating an acquired business or that an internally developed project will perform at the levels we anticipate. We may pay for future acquisitions using cash, stock, the assumption of debt, or a combination of these. Future acquisitions could result in dilution to existing shareholders and to earnings per share. In addition, we may fail to identify significant liabilities or risks associated with a given acquisition that could adversely affect our future financial condition, and operating results or result in us paying more for the acquired business or assets than they are worth.\nOur ability to operate and our growth potential could be materially and adversely affected if we cannot employ, train, and retain qualified personnel at a competitive cost. \nMany of the products that we manufacture and assemble require manual processes in plant environments. We believe that our success depends upon our ability to attract, employ, train, and retain qualified personnel with the ability to design, manufacture, and assemble these products. In addition, our ability to expand our operations depends in part on our ability to increase our skilled labor force as the housing market continues to recover in the United States. In addition, we believe that our success depends in part on our ability to quickly and effectively train additional workforce to handle the increased volume and production while minimizing labor inefficiencies and maintaining product quality in a housing market recovery. If either of these events were to occur, our cost structure could increase, our margins could decrease, and any growth potential could be impaired.\nOur failure to maintain acceptable quality standards could result in significant unexpected costs. \nAny failure to maintain acceptable quality standards could require us to recall or redesign such products, or pay substantial damages, any of which would result in significant unexpected costs. We may also have difficulty controlling the quality of products or components sourced from other manufacturers, so we are exposed to risks relating to the quality of such products and to limitations on our recourse against such suppliers. Further, any claim or product recall could result in adverse publicity against us, which could decrease our credibility, harm our reputation, adversely affect our sales, or increase our costs. Defects in our products could also result in decreased orders or sales to our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.\nNatural disasters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. \nMany of our facilities are located in regions that are vulnerable to natural disasters and other risks, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, tropical storms, hurricanes, and snow and ice, which at times have disrupted the local economy and posed physical risks to our property. In addition, the continued threat of terrorism and heightened security and military action in response to this threat, or any future acts of terrorism, may cause further disruptions to the economies of the United States and other countries. Our redundant, multiple site capacity may not be sufficient in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist act or other catastrophic event. Such disruptions could, among other things, disrupt our manufacturing or distribution facilities and result in delays or cancellations of customer orders for our products, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, if a natural disaster occurs in a region from which we derive a significant portion of \n13\nour revenue, end-user customers in that region may delay or forego purchases of our products, which may materially and adversely impact our operating results for a particular period.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\n\u00a0\nResults of Operations\n\u00a0\nThe following table sets forth certain income and expense items as a percentage of net sales:\n\u00a0\nPERCENTAGE OF NET SALES\n\u00a0\nFISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nNet sales\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nCost of sales and distribution\n82.7\u00a0\n87.8\u00a0\n81.5\u00a0\nGross profit\n17.3\u00a0\n12.2\u00a0\n18.5\u00a0\nSelling and marketing expenses\n4.6\u00a0\n5.0\u00a0\n5.1\u00a0\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n6.1\u00a0\n5.3\u00a0\n6.5\u00a0\nRestructuring charges, net\n0.1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.3\u00a0\nOperating income\n6.5\u00a0\n1.9\u00a0\n6.6\u00a0\nPension settlement, net\n\u2014\u00a0\n3.7\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\nInterest expense/other (income) expense, net\n0.7\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\n2.0\u00a0\nIncome (loss) before income taxes\n5.8\u00a0\n(2.3)\n4.6\u00a0\nIncome tax expense (benefit)\n1.4\u00a0\n(0.7)\n1.1\u00a0\nNet income (loss)\n4.4\u00a0\n(1.6)\n3.5\u00a0\nThe following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes contained elsewhere in this report.\n\u00a0\nForward-Looking Statements\n\u00a0\nThis annual report contains statements concerning the Company's expectations, plans, objectives, future financial performance, and other statements that are not historical facts.\u00a0These statements may be \"forward-looking statements\" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.\u00a0In most cases, the reader can identify forward-looking statements by words such as \"anticipate,\" \"estimate,\" \"forecast,\" \"expect,\" \"believe,\" \"should,\" \"could,\" \"would,\" \"plan,\" \"may,\" \"intend,\" \"estimate,\" \"prospect,\" \"goal,\" \"will,\" \"predict,\" \"potential,\" or other similar words.\u00a0Forward-looking statements contained in this report, including elsewhere in \"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,\" are based on current expectations and our actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.\u00a0In addition, the Company participates in an industry that is subject to rapidly changing conditions and there are numerous factors that could cause the Company to experience a decline in sales and/or earnings or deterioration in financial condition.\u00a0Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements made in this report include but are not limited to:\n\u2022\nthe loss of or a reduction in business from one or more of our key customers;\n16\n\u2022\nnegative developments in the macro-economic factors that impact our performance such as the U.S. housing market, general economy, unemployment rates, and consumer sentiment and the impact of such developments on our and our customers' business, operations, and access to financing;\n\u2022\nan inability to obtain raw materials in a timely manner or fluctuations in raw material, transportation, and energy costs due to inflation or otherwise;\n\u2022\na failure to attract and retain certain members of management or other key employees or other negative labor developments, including increases in the cost of labor; competition from other manufacturers and the impact of such competition on pricing and promotional levels;\n\u2022\nan inability to develop new products or respond to changing consumer preferences and purchasing practices;\n\u2022\nincreased buying power of large customers and the impact on our ability to maintain or raise prices;\n\u2022\na failure to effectively manage manufacturing operations, alignment, and capacity or an inability to maintain the quality of our products;\n\u2022\nthe impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets, or our long-lived assets;\n\u2022\ninformation systems interruptions or intrusions or the unauthorized release of confidential information concerning customers, employees, or other third parties;\n\u2022\nthe cost of compliance with, or liabilities related to, environmental or other governmental regulations or changes in governmental or industry regulatory standards, especially with respect to health and safety and the environment; \n\u2022\nrisks associated with the implementation of our growth strategy;\n\u2022\nrisks related to sourcing and selling products internationally and doing business globally, including the imposition of tariffs or duties on those products;\n\u2022\nunexpected costs resulting from a failure to maintain acceptable quality standards;\n\u2022\nchanges in tax laws or the interpretations of existing tax laws;\n\u2022\nthe impact of COVID-19 or another pandemic on our business, the global and U.S. economy, and our employees, customers, and suppliers;\n\u2022\nthe occurrence of significant natural disasters, including earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, or tropical storms;\n\u2022\nthe unavailability of adequate capital for our business to grow and compete; and\n\u2022\nlimitations on operating our business as a result of covenant restrictions under our indebtedness, our ability to pay amounts due under our credit facilities and our other indebtedness, and interest rate increases.\nAdditional information concerning the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements is contained in this annual report, including elsewhere in \"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" and under Item 1A. \"Risk Factors,\" and Item 7A. \"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.\"\u00a0While the Company believes that these risks are manageable and will not adversely impact the long-term performance of the Company, these risks could, under certain circumstances, have a material adverse impact on its operating results and financial condition.\n\u00a0\nAny forward-looking statement that the Company makes speaks only as of the date of this annual report.\u00a0The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or cautionary factors, as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.\n\u00a0\nOverview\n\u00a0\nAmerican Woodmark Corporation manufactures and distributes kitchen, bath and home organization products for the remodeling and new home construction markets.\u00a0Its products are sold on a national basis directly to home centers and builders and through a network of independent dealers and distributors.\u00a0At\u00a0April\u00a030, 2023, the Company operated 17 manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico and eight primary service centers and one distribution center located throughout the United States.\nFinancial Overview\nA number of general market factors impacted the Company's business in fiscal 2023, some positive and some negative, including:\n\u00a0\n\u2022\nThe unemployment rate decreased by 6% compared to April 2022, to 3.4% as of April 2023 according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor; \n\u2022\nThere was a decrease in single family housing starts during the Company's fiscal 2023 of 17%, as compared to the Company's fiscal 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce;\n17\n\u2022\nMortgage interest rates increased with a 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 6.4% in April 2023, an increase of approximately 133 basis points compared to April 2022;\n\u2022\nThe median price of existing homes sold in the U.S. rose by 7.1% during the Company's fiscal 2023, according to data provided by the National Association of Realtors; and\n\u2022\nConsumer sentiment, as reported by the University of Michigan, averaged 2.6% lower during the Company's fiscal 2023 than in its prior fiscal year.\nThe Company's largest remodeling customers and competitors continued to utilize sales promotions in the Company's product category during fiscal 2023.\u00a0The Company strives to maintain its promotional levels in line with market activity, with a goal of remaining competitive. \nSales in the remodel channel increased 4.8% during the fiscal year.\nSales in the new construction channel increased 21.1% during fiscal 2023 due to stabilized building trends and increased completions, which grew 4.8% year over year according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce.\nThe Company increased its net sales by 11.3% during fiscal 2023, which was driven by growth in all sales channels.\nGross margin for fiscal 2023 was 17.3%, an increase from 12.2% in fiscal 2022.\u00a0\u00a0The increase in gross margin was primarily due to pricing actions and operational improvements related to increased manufacturing efficiencies and supply chain, partially offset by increased costs in our labor and domestic logistics expenses.\nThe Company had net income of $93.7 million in fiscal 2023, net loss of $29.7 million in fiscal 2022, and net income of $61.2 million in fiscal 2021. The net loss in fiscal 2022 is primarily due to onetime pension settlement charges of $68.5 million related to the termination of the Company's pension plan.\n \nThe Company regularly considers the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets.\u00a0The Company has had operating profits for the past 10 years.\u00a0As of April\u00a030, 2023, the Company had total deferred tax assets of $47.9 million net of valuation allowance, up from $40.8 million of deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance at April\u00a030, 2022. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, after considering all positive and negative evidence, it is determined that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.\u00a0 The Company has recorded a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets for certain state investment tax credit (\"ITC\") carryforwards. These credits expire in various years beginning in fiscal 2028. The Company believes based on positive evidence of the housing industry improvement along with 9 consecutive years of profitability that the Company will more likely than not realize all other remaining deferred tax assets.\nThe Company also regularly assesses its long-lived assets to determine if any impairment has occurred. The Company has concluded that none of its long-lived assets were impaired as of April\u00a030, 2023.\u00a0\nFiscal Year Ended April 30, 2022 Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2021\nFor a comparison of our performance and financial metrics for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2022 and April 30 2021, see \u201cPart II, Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, filed with the SEC on June 29, 2022.\n18\nResults of Operations\n\u00a0\nFISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,\n(Dollars in thousands)\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2023 vs. 2022 PERCENT\n\u00a0CHANGE\n2022 vs. 2021 PERCENT\n\u00a0CHANGE\nNet sales\n$\n2,066,200\u00a0\n$\n1,857,186\u00a0\n$\n1,744,014\u00a0\n11.3\u00a0\n%\n6.5\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n357,524\u00a0\n226,444\u00a0\n322,118\u00a0\n57.9\u00a0\n%\n(29.7)\n%\nSelling and marketing expenses\n94,602\u00a0\n92,555\u00a0\n89,011\u00a0\n2.2\u00a0\n%\n4.0\u00a0\n%\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n125,045\u00a0\n97,547\u00a0\n112,521\u00a0\n28.2\u00a0\n%\n(13.3)\n%\nInterest expense, net\n15,994\u00a0\n10,189\u00a0\n23,128\u00a0\n57.0\u00a0\n%\n(55.9)\n%\nNet Sales\n\u00a0\nNet sales for fiscal 2023 increased 11.3% to $2,066.2 million from the prior fiscal year. The Company experienced growth of 21.1% in the builder channel and 22.2% in the dealer distributor channel primarily due to the impact of price increases, while the home center channel was largely flat during fiscal 2023.\n\u00a0\nGross Profit\nGross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 17.3% in fiscal 2023 as compared with 12.2% in fiscal 2022, representing a 510 basis point improvement The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to pricing actions and operational improvements related to increased manufacturing efficiencies and supply chain, partially offset by increased costs in our labor and domestic logistics expenses.\nSelling and Marketing Expenses\n\u00a0\nSelling and marketing costs increased by $2.0 million or 2.2% during fiscal 2023 versus the prior year.\u00a0Selling and marketing expenses in fiscal 2023 were 4.6% of net sales, compared with 5.0%\u00a0of net sales in fiscal 2022. The increase in selling and marketing expenses was due to increased digital spend partially offset by reduced spending across the selling and marketing function and leverage created from higher sales.\nGeneral\n \nand\n \nAdministrative Expenses\n\u00a0\nGeneral and administrative expenses increased by $27.5 million or 28.2% during fiscal 2023 versus the prior fiscal year. General and administrative costs increased to 6.1% of net sales in fiscal 2023 compared with 5.3% of net sales in fiscal 2022. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased incentive and profit sharing costs and digital spend, partially offset by controlled spending and leverage created from higher sales.\nEffective Income Tax Rates\n\u00a0\nThe Company generated pre-tax income of $122.7 million during fiscal 2023.\u00a0The Company's effective tax rate decreased from 30.8% in fiscal 2022 to 23.6% in fiscal 2023 primarily due to the benefit from higher federal income tax credits.\u00a0\nNon-GAAP Financial Measures\nWe have reported our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (\"GAAP\"). In addition, we have presented in this report the non-GAAP measures described below.\nA reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP is set forth below.\nManagement believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide an additional means of analyzing the current period's results against the corresponding prior period's results. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the Company's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our non-GAAP financial \n19\nmeasures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.\nEBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin\nWe use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin in evaluating the performance of our business, and we use each in the preparation of our annual operating budgets and as indicators of business performance and profitability. We believe EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin allow us to readily view operating trends, perform analytical comparisons, and identify strategies to improve operating performance. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a key measurement used in our Term Loans to determine interest rates and financial covenant compliance.\nWe define EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted to exclude (1) income tax expense (benefit), (2) interest expense, net, (3) depreciation and amortization expense, and (4) amortization of customer relationship intangibles and trademarks. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted to exclude (1) expenses related to the RSI Acquisition and the subsequent restructuring charges that the Company incurred related to the acquisition, (2) non-recurring restructuring charges, (3) net gain/loss on debt forgiveness and modification, (4) stock-based compensation expense, (5) gain/loss on asset disposals, (6) change in fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts, and (7) pension settlement charges. We believe Adjusted EBITDA, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, is useful for investors because management uses Adjusted EBITDA in evaluating the performance of our business.\nWe define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales.\nAdjusted EPS per diluted share\nWe use Adjusted EPS per diluted share in evaluating the performance of our business and profitability. Management believes that this measure provides useful information to investors by offering additional ways of viewing the Company's results by providing an indication of performance and profitability excluding the impact of unusual and/or non-cash items. We define Adjusted EPS per diluted share as diluted earnings per share excluding the per share impact of (1) expenses related to the RSI Acquisition and the subsequent restructuring charges that the Company incurred related to the acquisition, (2) non-recurring restructuring charges, (3) the amortization of customer relationship intangibles and trademarks, (4) net gain/loss on debt forgiveness and modification, (5) pension settlement charges, and (6) the tax benefit of RSI Acquisition expenses and subsequent restructuring charges, the net gain/loss on debt forgiveness and modification, and the amortization of customer relationship intangibles and trademarks. The amortization of intangible assets is driven by the RSI Acquisition and will recur in future periods. Management has determined that excluding amortization of intangible assets from our definition of Adjusted EPS per diluted share will better help it evaluate the performance of our business and profitability and we have also received similar feedback from some of our investors regarding the same. \n \nFree cash flow \nTo better understand trends in our business, we believe that it is helpful to subtract amounts for capital expenditures consisting of cash payments for property, plant and equipment and cash payments for investments in displays from cash flows from continuing operations which is how we define free cash flow. Management believes this measure gives investors an additional perspective on cash flow from operating activities in excess of amounts required for reinvestment. It also provides a measure of our ability to repay our debt obligations.\nA reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are set forth in the following tables:\n20\nReconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin\nFISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,\n(Dollars in thousands)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nNet income (loss) (GAAP)\n$\n93,723\u00a0\n$\n(29,722)\n$\n61,193\u00a0\nAdd back:\nIncome tax expense (benefit)\n28,963\u00a0\n(13,257)\n19,500\u00a0\nInterest expense, net\n15,994\u00a0\n10,189\u00a0\n23,128\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization expense\n48,077\u00a0\n50,939\u00a0\n51,100\u00a0\nAmortization of customer relationship intangibles and trademarks\n45,667\u00a0\n45,667\u00a0\n47,889\u00a0\nEBITDA (Non-GAAP)\n$\n232,424\u00a0\n$\n63,816\u00a0\n$\n202,810\u00a0\nAdd back:\nAcquisition and restructuring related expenses (1)\n80\u00a0\n80\u00a0\n174\u00a0\nNon-recurring restructuring charges, net (2)\n1,525\u00a0\n183\u00a0\n5,848\u00a0\nPension settlement, net\n(7)\n68,473\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nChange in fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts (3)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(1,102)\nNet (gain) loss on debt forgiveness and modification (4)\n(2,089)\n\u2014\u00a0\n13,792\u00a0\nStock-based compensation expense\n7,396\u00a0\n4,708\u00a0\n4,598\u00a0\nLoss on asset disposal\n1,050\u00a0\n697\u00a0\n384\u00a0\nAdjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)\n$\n240,379\u00a0\n$\n137,957\u00a0\n$\n226,504\u00a0\nNet Sales\n$\n2,066,200\u00a0\n$\n1,857,186\u00a0\n$\n1,744,014\u00a0\nNet income (loss) margin (GAAP)\n4.5\u00a0\n%\n(1.6)\n%\n3.5\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA margin (Non-GAAP)\n11.6\u00a0\n%\n7.4\u00a0\n%\n13.0\u00a0\n%\n(1) Acquisition and restructuring related expenses are comprised of expenses related to the RSI Acquisition and the subsequent restructuring charges that the Company incurred related to the acquisition.\n(2) Non-recurring restructuring charges are comprised of expenses incurred related to the nationwide reduction-in-force implemented in fiscal 2023 and the closure of the manufacturing plant in Humboldt, Tennessee. Fiscal year 2021 includes accelerated depreciation expense of $1.3 million and gain on asset disposal of $2.2 million related to Humboldt.\n(3) In the normal course of business the Company is subject to risk from adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company manages these risks through the use of foreign exchange forward contracts. The changes in the fair value of the forward contracts are recorded in other (income) expense, net in the operating results. \n(4) The Company recognized net gain on debt forgiveness totaling $2.1 million in fiscal 2023 related to the New Market Tax Credits more fully described in Note F \u2014 \nLoans Payable and Long-Term Debt\n in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein. The Company recognized net loss on debt modification totaling $13.8 million for fiscal year 2021 related to the restructuring of its debt.\nA reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin as projected for fiscal 2024 is not provided because we do not forecast net income as we cannot, without unreasonable effort, estimate or predict with certainty various components of net income.\n21\nAdjusted EPS per diluted share\nFISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,\n(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nNet income (loss) (GAAP)\n$\n93,723\u00a0\n$\n(29,722)\n$\n61,193\u00a0\nAdd back:\nAcquisition and restructuring related expenses\n80\u00a0\n80\u00a0\n174\u00a0\nNon-recurring restructuring charges, net\n1,525\u00a0\n183\u00a0\n5,848\u00a0\nPension settlement, net\n(7)\n68,473\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAmortization of customer relationship intangibles and trademarks\n45,667\u00a0\n45,667\u00a0\n47,889\u00a0\nNet (gain) loss on debt forgiveness and modification\n(2,089)\n\u2014\u00a0\n13,792\u00a0\nTax benefit of add backs\n(11,791)\n(29,859)\n(17,467)\nAdjusted net income (Non-GAAP)\n$\n127,108\u00a0\n$\n54,822\u00a0\n$\n111,429\u00a0\nWeighted average diluted shares (GAAP)\n16,685,359\u00a0\n16,592,358\u00a0\n17,036,730\u00a0\nAdd back: potentially anti-dilutive shares (1)\n\u2014\u00a0\n48,379\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nWeighted average diluted shares (Non-GAAP)\n16,685,359\u00a0\n16,640,737\u00a0\n17,036,730\u00a0\nEPS per diluted share (GAAP)\n$\n5.62\u00a0\n$\n(1.79)\n$\n3.59\u00a0\nAdjusted EPS per diluted share (Non-GAAP)\n$\n7.62\u00a0\n$\n3.29\u00a0\n$\n6.54\u00a0\n(1) Potentially dilutive securities for the twelve-month period ended April 30, 2022 have not been considered in the GAAP calculation of net loss per shares as effect would be anti-dilutive.\nFree cash flow\nFISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,\n(Dollars in thousands)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nCash provided by operating activities\n$\n198,837\u00a0\n$\n24,445\u00a0\n$\n151,763\u00a0\nLess: Capital expenditures (1)\n45,380\u00a0\n51,582\u00a0\n46,318\u00a0\nFree cash flow\n$\n153,457\u00a0\n$\n(27,137)\n$\n105,445\u00a0\n(1) Capital expenditures consist of cash payments for property, plant and equipment and cash payments for investments in displays. \nOutlook for Fiscal 2024\n\u00a0\nWe expect low double-digit declines in net sales for fiscal 2024 versus fiscal 2023. Our outlook for adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2024 will range from $205 million to $225 million. The change in net sales and adjusted EBITDA is highly dependent upon overall industry, economic growth trends, material constraints, labor impacts, interest rates and consumer behaviors. Adjusted EBITDA will also be impacted by one-time start up costs for our plant expansions in Monterrey, Mexico and Hamlet, NC.\nWe will continue our investment back into the business with investments focusing on the plant expansions in Monterrey, Mexico and Hamlet, NC, continuing our path for our digital transformation with investments in Oracle and Salesforce and investing in automation. We are choosing to make these additional investments into our core business which will help improve sales and enhance our margins in the future. We will be opportunistic in our share repurchasing and lastly, we have our debt position at a leverage ratio we wanted to achieve and will be deprioritizing paying down debt in fiscal 2024.\nAdditional risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition are discussed elsewhere in this annual report, including under \"Forward-Looking Statements,\" and elsewhere in \"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,\" as well as under Item 1A. \"Risk Factors\" and Item 7A. \"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.\"\n22\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nThe Company's cash and cash equivalents totaled\u00a0$41.7 million\u00a0at\u00a0April\u00a030, 2023, representing a $19.4 million increase from its April\u00a030, 2022 levels.\u00a0At\u00a0April\u00a030, 2023, total long-term debt (including current maturities) was $371.7 million, a decrease of $137.3 million from the balance at April\u00a030, 2022.\u00a0The Company's ratio of long-term debt to total capital was 29.7% at\u00a0April\u00a030, 2023, compared with 39.6% at\u00a0April\u00a030, 2022.\u00a0The Company's main source of liquidity is its cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash generated from its operating activities, which we expect to continue into fiscal 2024. See Note F \u2014 \nLoans Payable and Long-Term Debt\n for further discussion on our indebtedness.\nOn April 22, 2021, the Company amended and restated the Prior Credit Agreement.\n \nThe amended and restated credit agreement (the \"A&R Credit Agreement\") provides for a $500 million revolving loan facility with a $50 million sub-facility for the issuance of letters of credit (the \"Revolving Facility\") and a $250 million term loan facility (the \"Term Loan Facility\").\n \nAlso on April 22, 2021, the Company borrowed the entire $250 million under the Term Loan Facility and approximately $264 million under the Revolving Facility to fund, in part, the repayment in full of the amounts then outstanding under the Prior Credit Agreement and the redemption of the Senior Notes.\n \nThe Company is required to repay the Term Loan Facility in specified quarterly installments.\n \nThe Revolving Facility and Term Loan Facility mature on April 22, 2026. Approximately $323.2\u00a0million was available under this facility as of April\u00a030, 2023. \u00a0\nThe A&R Credit Agreement includes certain financial covenants that require the Company to maintain (i) a \"Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio\" of no less than 2.00 to 1.00 and (ii) a \"Total Net Leverage Ratio\" of no greater than 4.00 to 1.00, subject, in each case, to certain limited exceptions.\nThe A&R Credit Agreement includes certain additional covenants, including negative covenants that restrict the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, create additional liens on its assets, make certain investments, dispose of its assets or engage in a merger or other similar transaction or engage in transactions with affiliates, subject, in each case, to the various exceptions and conditions described in the A&R Credit Agreement. The negative covenants further restrict the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to make certain restricted payments, including, in the case of the Company, the payment of dividends and the repurchase of common stock, in certain limited circumstances. See Note F \u2014 \nLoans Payable and Long-Term Debt\n for a discussion of interest rates under the new A&R Credit Agreement and our compliance with the covenants in the credit agreement. We expect to remain in compliance with each of the covenants under the A&R Credit Agreement during fiscal 2024.\nAs of April\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements.\n\u00a0\nOPERATING ACTIVITIES\n\u00a0\nCash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2023 was $198.8 million, compared with $24.4 million in fiscal 2022. The increase in the Company's cash from operating activities was driven primarily by an increase in net income and increased cash flows from inventories, customer receivables, and accrued compensation and related expenses, which were partially offset by a decrease in cash flows from accounts payable.\nINVESTING ACTIVITIES\n\u00a0\nThe Company's investing activities primarily consist of capital expenditures and investments in promotional displays. Net cash used by investing activities in fiscal 2023 was $45.3 million, compared with $51.6 million in fiscal 2022 Investments in property, plant and equipment for fiscal 2023 were $42.6 million, compared with $44.1 million in fiscal 2022. Investments in promotional displays were $2.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared with $7.5 million in fiscal 2022.\nFINANCING ACTIVITIES\n\u00a0\nThe Company realized a net outflow of $134.1 million from financing activities in fiscal 2023 compared with a net outflow of $41.6 million in fiscal 2022.\u00a0During fiscal 2023, $132.9 million, net, was used to repay long-term debt, compared with approximately $15.5 million in fiscal 2022.\nOn May 25, 2021, the Board authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $100 million of the Company's outstanding common shares. In conjunction with this authorization the Board cancelled the remaining portion of the $50 million existing authorization, of which the Company had repurchased $20 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company repurchased $25.0 million during fiscal 2022 and $20.0 million during fiscal 2021. The Company did not repurchase any of its \n23\nshares during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, and the current stock repurchase program has a remaining authorization of $75.0 million as of such date.\nCash flow from operations combined with accumulated cash and cash equivalents on hand are expected to be more than sufficient to support forecasted working capital requirements, service existing debt obligations, and fund capital expenditures for fiscal 2024.\nFuture minimum annual commitments for contractual obligations under term loans, the Revolving Facility, capital and operating lease obligations, and other long-term debt amount to $30.2 million in fiscal 2024, $416.9 million in fiscal 2025-26, $31.4 million in fiscal 2027-28, and $10.6 million in fiscal 2029 and thereafter. Estimated required interest payments based on rates as of April 30, 2023 would be $17.5 million in fiscal 2024, $18.3 million in fiscal 2025-26, $15.5 million in fiscal 2027-28, and $0.2 million in fiscal 2029 and thereafter.\nSEASONALITY\nOur business has been subject to seasonal influences, with higher sales typically realized in our first and fourth fiscal quarters. General economic forces and changes in our customer mix have reduced seasonal fluctuations in revenue over the past few years. The costs of the Company's products are subject to inflationary pressures and commodity price fluctuations. The Company has generally been able over time to recover the effects of inflation and commodity price fluctuations through sales price increases.\nFor additional discussion of risks that could affect the Company and its business, see \"Forward-Looking Statements\" above, as well as Item 1A. \"Risk Factors\" and Item 7A. \"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.\" \nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES\nManagement has chosen accounting policies that are necessary to give reasonable assurance that the Company's operational results and financial position are accurately and fairly reported. The significant accounting policies of the Company are disclosed in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report. The following discussion addresses the accounting policies that management believes have the greatest potential impact on the presentation of the financial condition and operating results of the Company for the periods being reported and that require the most judgment.\nManagement regularly reviews these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board.\nRevenue Recognition.\n The Company utilizes signed sales agreements that provide for transfer of title to the customer at the time of shipment or upon delivery based on the contractual terms. The Company must estimate the amount of sales that have been transferred to third-party carriers but not delivered to customers as the carriers are not able to report real-time what has been delivered and thus there is a delay in reporting to the Company. The estimate is calculated using a lag factor determined by analyzing the actual difference between shipment date and delivery date of orders over the past 12 months. Revenue is recognized on those shipments which the Company believes have been delivered to the customer.\nThe Company recognizes revenue based on the invoice price less allowances for sales returns, cash discounts, and other deductions as required under GAAP. Collection is reasonably assured as determined through an analysis of accounts receivable data, including historical product returns and the evaluation of each customer's ability to pay. Allowances for sales returns are based on the historical relationship between shipments and returns. The Company believes that its historical experience is an accurate reflection of future returns.\nGoodwill.\n\u00a0Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company does not amortize goodwill but evaluates for impairment annually, or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.\nIn accordance with the accounting standards, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. If after such assessment an entity concludes that the asset is not impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the asset using a quantitative impairment test, and if impaired, the associated assets must be written down to fair value. There were no impairment charges related to goodwill for the fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021.\n24\nIntangible Assets. \nIntangible assets consist of customer relationship intangibles. The Company amortizes the cost of intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, six years, unless such lives are deemed indefinite. The Company reviews its intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. There were no impairment charges related to other intangible assets for the fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021.",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nThe costs of the Company's products are subject to inflationary pressures and commodity price fluctuations.\u00a0The Company has generally been able, over time, to recover the effects of inflation and commodity price fluctuations through sales price increases although there may be a lag in the recovery.\nThe A&R Credit Agreement includes a variable interest rate component. As a result, we are subject to interest rate risk with respect to such floating-rate debt. A 100 basis point increase in the variable interest rate component of our borrowings as of April\u00a030, 2023 would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $1.7 million. See Note F \u2014 \nLoans Payable and Long-Term Debt Financial Instruments \nfor further discussion. \nIn May 2021, we entered into interest rate swaps to hedge approximately $200 million of our variable interest rate debt. See Note J \u2014 \nDerivative Financial Instruments \nfor further discussion.\nThe Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts principally to offset currency fluctuations in transactions denominated in certain foreign currencies, thereby limiting our exposure to risk that would otherwise result from changes in exchange rates. The periods of the foreign exchange forward contracts correspond to the periods of the transactions denominated in foreign currencies.\nThe Company does not currently use commodity or similar financial instruments to manage its commodity price risks.\n25",
+ "cik": "794619",
+ "cusip6": "030506",
+ "cusip": ["030506109", "030506959"],
+ "names": ["AMERICAN WOODMARK CORPORATIO"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/794619/000079461923000040/0000794619-23-000040-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000807863-23-000049.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000807863-23-000049.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e36fcbaed3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000807863-23-000049.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM\u00a01.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0BUSINESS.\nOverview\nMitek Systems, Inc. (\u201cMitek,\u201d the \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d and \u201cour\u201d\n)\n is a leading innovator of mobile image capture and digital identity verification solutions. We are a software development company with expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. We currently serve more than 7,800 financial services organizations and leading marketplace and financial technology (\u201cfintech\u201d) brands around the globe. Customers count on Mitek to deliver trusted and convenient online experiences, detect and reduce fraud, and document Know Your Customer (\u201cKYC\u201d) and Anti-Money Laundering (\u201cAML\u201d) regulatory compliance. Our solutions are embedded in native mobile apps and web browsers to facilitate digital consumer experiences. Mitek\u2019s identity verification and authentication technologies and services make it possible for banks, financial services organizations and the world\u2019s leading marketplace and sharing platforms to verify an individual\u2019s identity during digital transactions, allowing them to reduce risk and meet regulatory requirements. Our advanced mobile deposit system enables secure, fast and convenient deposit services. Thousands of organizations use Mitek solutions to optimize the security of mobile check deposits, new account openings and more.\nIn May of 2021, Mitek acquired ID R&D, Inc. (\u201cID R&D\u201d and such acquisition, the \u201cID R&D Acquisition\u201d), an award-winning provider of AI-based voice and face biometrics and liveness detection. ID R&D delivers innovative, biometric capabilities that raise the bar on usability and performance. The ID R&D Acquisition helps simplify and secure the entire transaction lifecycle for both businesses and consumers. It provides businesses and financial institutions with access to one authentication solution to deploy throughout the entire transaction cycle, and can provide consumers with a simple, intuitive approach to fighting fraud. \nIn March of 2022, Mitek acquired HooYu Ltd. (\u201cHooYu\u201d), a leading KYC technology provider in the United Kingdom. Such technology helps to ensure businesses know the true identity of their customers by linking biometric verification with real-time data aggregation across many different sources, including credit bureaus, international sanctions lists, local law-enforcement, and others.\nMitek markets and sells its products and services worldwide through internal, direct sales teams located in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America as well as through channel partners. Our partner sales strategy includes channel partners who are financial services technology providers and identity verification providers. These partners integrate our products into their solutions to meet the needs of their customers, typically provisioning Mitek\u2019s services through their respective platforms.\nProduct and Technology Overview\nTechnology\nDuring the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, we had one operating segment: the development, sale, and service of our proprietary software solutions related to mobile image capture and identity verification.\nOur digital technology solutions are provided in two parts: (i) a software development kit for mobile image capture and (ii) a cloud software platform which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to classify and extract data to enable mobile check deposit as well as aid the authentication of identity documents including passports, identity cards, and driver's licenses using a camera-equipped device.\nOur technology uses patented algorithms that analyze images of identity documents in many ways. These include image quality analysis, image repair and optimization, document identification and classification, data extraction, and numerous authenticators.\nProducts\nMobile Deposit\u00ae\nMitek\u2019s Mobile Deposit\u00ae solution is used today by millions of consumers in the United States and Canada for mobile check deposit. Mobile Deposit\u00ae enables individuals and businesses to remotely deposit checks using their camera-equipped smartphone or tablet. Mobile Deposit\u00ae is embedded within the financial institutions\u2019 digital banking apps used by consumers and has now processed more than six billion check deposits. Mitek began selling Mobile Deposit\u00ae in early 2008 and received its first patent for this product in August 2010. Today, Mitek holds more than 80 U.S. patents related to document image capture technology.\nMobile Deposit\u00ae allows consumers to take photographs of the front and back of a check and then remotely deposit the check with their participating bank by submitting the images electronically.\u00a0Mitek delivers a simple and easy user experience with our proprietary mobile automatic capture which assists users in capturing a high quality image of a check by holding their mobile device over the check.\n1\nMobile Verify\u00ae\nMobile Verify\u00ae is an identity verification solution that can be integrated into mobile apps, mobile websites, and desktop applications.\u00a0Mobile Verify\u00ae combines an optimal image capture experience with our leading document authentication technology \u2014 helping our customers validate an identity document presented in a digital transaction is genuine and unaltered. Adding a second layer for identity proofing, Mobile Verify\u00ae matches the portrait extracted from the identity document with a selfie of its presenter by doing a biometric face comparison.\nThe Mobile Verify\u00ae identity verification engine is a modular cross-platform architecture that uses machine learning and advanced computer vision algorithms. To achieve the highest accuracy rates, Mitek\u2019s technology was conceptualized to verify the authenticity of an identity document in the following systematic approach:\n\u2022\nGuided document capture, enabling users to take a quality photo for optimal processing;\n\u2022\nDocument classification computer vision algorithms that recognize and classify thousands of diverse identity documents from around the world allowing for reliable data extraction;\n\u2022\nData extraction that goes beyond traditional Optimal Character Recognition (\u201cOCR\u201d) to deconstruct the document and analyze the content of each field; and\n\u2022\nEvaluation of authenticity elements, using a combination of machine learning techniques and unique computer vision algorithms to help determine the authenticity of a document by evaluating several elements within the document.\nMobile Fill\u00ae\nMobile Fill\u00ae, which includes automatic image capture, minimizes the number of clicks and expedites form fill completion. In mere seconds, and just by taking a photo of an identity document, people can easily complete application forms and quickly become approved customers.\u00a0Organizations can use Mobile Fill\u00ae for a variety of purposes, including streamlining the process of opening a checking, savings, or credit card account, paying a bill, activating an offer, and more. Mobile Fill\u00ae is available for native apps and web browser applications.\nMiSnap\u2122 \nMitek MiSnap\u2122 is a patented mobile-capture software development kit (\u201cSDK\u201d) that enables an intuitive user experience and instant capture of quality images of identity documents and checks. The key to successful mobile check deposit, data pre-fill and ID document verification is the quality of the image capture. Mitek's MiSnap\u2122 helps enable every user to capture a quality image the first time. \nCheckReader\n\u2122\nCheckReader\u2122 enables financial institutions to automatically extract data from checks once they have been scanned or photographed by the application. Easily integrated into mobile and server-based applications providing automatic image pre-processing and recognition capabilities, CheckReader\u2122 allows for the automatic recognition of all fields on checks and generic payments documents, whether handwritten or machine printed. CheckReader\u2122 is utilized as a core component throughout a wide range of check processing applications, including ATMs, centralized and back office processes, remittance, merchants, and fraud applications. CheckReader\u2122 is deployed worldwide in over forty countries.\nCheck Fraud Defender\nThe premier AI-powered and cloud-hosted model for fighting check fraud, Check Fraud Defender uses Mitek\u2019s proprietary check image science to spot visual anomalies in checks submitted by participating banks to better isolate suspected fraud and reduce bank and consumer losses. Check Fraud Defender helps banks fight check fraud by analyzing more than 18 visual elements of a check to give a more comprehensive view of possible fraud.\nCheck Intelligence\nCheck Intelligence enables financial institutions to automatically extract data from a check image received across any deposit channel\u2014branch, ATM, remote deposit capture, and mobile. Through the automatic recognition of all fields on checks, whether handwritten or machine printed, Check Intelligence speeds up the time to deposit for banks and customers and helps enable financial institutions to comply with check clearing regulations. With built-in image quality analysis and image usability analysis, Check Intelligence also ensures that the check meets the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act requirements and other industry and regulatory standards.\nMitek Verified Identity Platform (\u201cMiVIP\u00ae\u201d)\nMiVIP\u00ae is an end-to-end KYC platform that helps companies to quickly design, build, and deploy robust KYC journeys with little or no development resources. We combine facial biometrics, liveness detection, ID document validation, database checks, geolocation, digital footprint analysis, and more to provide the clearest picture of who is requesting access to a business\u2019 services. The \n2\nplatform provides robust identity verification through comprehensive document verification, biometric comparison, and liveness detection. The platform also simplifies the end user experience with omni-channel journey support in which users can easily switch between a mobile and desktop experience without losing their journey progress, or pause and pick up their journey at a later time via a different device.\nMiPass\n\u00ae\nMiPass\u00ae, with its state-of-the-art facial and voice biometric capabilities, provides increased protection against today\u2019s most sophisticated forms of identity theft and increasingly dangerous fraud techniques, such as deepfakes and synthetic identities. These technologies ensure the highest level of security against evolving threats while delivering a superior consumer experience.\nAs more interactions move online, passwords are a challenging and a highly imperfect solution for granting account access to customers. Asking trusted customers to re-assert their identity at every touchpoint only leads to frustration and abandonment. And passwords leave customers vulnerable to identity theft and account takeover attacks. The availability, simplicity, and convenience of biometrics on consumer devices has opened the door for organizations in all industries to transform the trusted customer experience. MiPass\u00ae strengthens a business\u2019s trust in a consumer\u2019s real-world identity using a sophisticated combination of biometrics that are extremely difficult to falsify \u2013 face, liveness detection, and voice allowing organizations to replace passwords and one-time passcodes with biometric authentication that can be easily embedded into existing platforms and customer experiences. \nID_CLOUD\u2122\nID_CLOUD\u2122 is a fully automated identity verification solution that can be integrated into a customer\u2019s application to instantly read and validate identity documents. ID_CLOUD\u2122 automated technology enables global enterprises to improve their customer acquisition technology while meeting AML requirements in a safe and cost-effective manner. This solution is available in the cloud, via mobile websites, and desktop applications. Additionally, a version of ID_CLOUD\u2122 is available that works locally on a desktop which is connected to a propriety hardware scanner for reading and validating identity documents.\nIDLive\u00ae Face\nIDLive\u00ae Face is the industry\u2019s first passive facial liveness detection product. The technology is critical to frictionless fraud prevention in solutions that use face biometrics for authentication and digital identity proofing. IDLive\u00ae Face is iBeta Levels 1 and 2 Presentation Attack Detection (\u201cPAD\u201d) compliant and is used to process millions of monthly transactions for customers worldwide.\n \nIDVoice\u00ae\nIDVoice\u00ae is a robust AI-driven voice biometric engine that enables fast, convenient authentication on mobile, web, and telephone channels. The product is also optimized to enable embedded security and personalization on Internet of Things devices. IDVoice\u00ae has achieved top rankings in the industry\u2019s leading benchmark challenges.\nIDLive\u00ae Voice\nIDLive\u00ae Voice helps stop spoofing attacks on voice biometric systems by distinguishing live voice from synthesized speech, voice deepfakes, and recordings.\nIDLive Doc\u2122\nIDLive Doc\u2122 works to fight fraud related to digitally displayed document images. This AI-based product validates the physical presence of documents used when verifying customer identities online. The product can be added to any onboarding or electronic KYC solution, providing another layer of fraud prevention for banks, gig economy companies, telecom companies, and others.\nSales and Marketing\nWe derive revenue predominately from the sale of licenses (to both our on premise and transactional software as a service (\u201cSaaS\u201d) products) and transaction fees to use our products, and to a lesser extent by providing maintenance and professional services for the products we offer. The revenue we derive from the sale of such licenses is derived from both the sale to our channel partners of licenses to sell the applications we offer as well as the direct sale of licenses and services to customers.\nWe have an internal marketing group that develops corporate and digital marketing strategies.\u00a0The internal team executes these strategies with the help of external resources as needed to support both direct sales and channel partners\u2019 sales efforts.\nIntellectual Property \nOur success depends in large part upon our proprietary technology. We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights primarily through a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements, and other measures. We believe that factors such as the technological and creative skills of our personnel, new product development, frequent product enhancements, name recognition, and reliable product maintenance are essential to establishing and \n3\nmaintaining a technological leadership position. There can be no assurance that our means of protecting our proprietary rights in the U.S. or abroad will be adequate. We seek to protect our software, documentation, and other written materials under trade secret and copyright laws, which afford only limited protection. Further, there can be no assurance that our patents will offer any protection or that they will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, or we infringe on the intellectual property rights of a third-party, our operating results could be adversely affected. \nAs of September 30, 2022, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued us 80 patents with expiration dates ranging from 2026 through 2037 and we have filed for 16 additional domestic and international patents. In addition, we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with certain employees.\nMarket Opportunities, Challenges, and Risks\nWe believe that financial institutions, fintechs, and other companies see our patented solutions as a way to provide a superior digital customer experience to meet growing consumers demands of trust and convenience online and, at the same time, assist them in meeting regulatory requirements. The value of digital transformation to our customers is a possible increase in top line revenue and a reduction in the cost of sales and service. As the use of new technology increases, so does associated fraud and cyber-attacks. The negative outcomes of fraud and cyber-attacks encompass financial losses, brand damage, and loss of loyal customers. We predict growth in our deposits business as a result of the increased consumer adoption of digital financial services provided to them by their banks and identity verification products based on current trends in payments, online lending, more stringent regulations, growing usage of sharing apps and online marketplaces, and the ever-increasing demand for digital services.\nFactors adversely affecting the pricing of, or demand for, our digital solutions, such as competition from other products or technologies, any decline in the demand for digital transactions, or negative publicity or obsolescence of the software environments in which our products operate, could result in lower revenues or gross margins. Further, because substantially all of our revenues are from a few types of technology, our product concentration may make us especially vulnerable to market demand and competition from other technologies, which could reduce our revenues.\nThe sales cycle for our software and services can be lengthy and the implementation cycles for our software and services by our channel partners and customers can also be lengthy, often as long as six months and sometimes longer for larger customers. If implementation of our products by our channel partners and customers is delayed or otherwise not completed, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.\nRevenues related to most of our on premise licenses for mobile products are required to be recognized up front upon satisfaction of all applicable revenue recognition criteria. Revenue related to our SaaS products is recognized ratably over the life of the contract or as transactions are used depending on the contract criteria. The recognition of future revenues from these licenses is dependent upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the term of our license agreements, the timing of implementation of our products by our channel partners and customers, and the timing of any re-orders of additional licenses and/or license renewals by our channel partners and customers.\nDuring each of the last few years, sales of licenses to one or more channel partners have comprised a significant part of our revenue each year. This is attributable to the timing of renewals or purchases of licenses and does not represent a dependence on any single channel partner. If we were to lose a channel partner relationship, we do not believe such a loss would adversely affect our operations because either we or another channel partner could sell our products to the end-users that had purchased products from the channel partner we lost. However, in that case, we or another channel partner must establish a relationship with the end-users, which could take time to develop, if it develops at all.\nWe have a growing number of competitors in the mobile image capture and identity verification industry, many of which have greater financial, technical, marketing, and other resources. However, we believe our patented mobile image capture and identity verification technology, our growing portfolio of products and geographic coverage for the financial services industry, and our market expertise gives us a distinct competitive advantage. To remain competitive, we must continue to offer products that are attractive to the consumer as well as being secure, accurate, and convenient. To help us remain competitive, we intend to further strengthen performance of our portfolio of products through research and development as well as partnering with other technology providers.\nCompetition\nThe market for our products and solutions is intensely competitive, subject to rapid change, and significantly affected by new product introductions and other market activities of industry participants. We face direct and indirect competition from a broad range of competitors who offer a variety of products and solutions to our current and potential customers. Our principal competition comes from: (i) customer-developed solutions; (ii) companies offering alternative methods of identity verification; and (iii) companies offering competing technologies capable of mobile remote deposit capture or authenticating identity documents and facial photo comparison.\nIt is also possible that we will face competition from new industry participants or alternative technologies. Moreover, as the market for automated document processing, image recognition and authentication, check imaging, and fraud detection software \n4\ndevelops, a number of companies with significantly greater resources than we have could attempt to enter or increase their presence in our industry, either independently or by acquiring or forming strategic alliances with our competitors, or otherwise increase their focus on the industry. In addition, current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties to increase the ability of their products to address the needs of our current and potential customers.\nOur products are compliant with Service-Oriented Architecture standards and compete, to various degrees, with products produced by a number of substantial competitors. Competition among product providers in this market generally focuses on price, accuracy, reliability, global coverage, and technical support. We believe our primary competitive advantages in this market are: (i) our mobile auto image capture user experience used by millions of consumers; (ii) our patented science; (iii) scalability; and (iv) an architectural software design that allows our products to be more readily modified, improved with added functionality, and configured for new products, thereby allowing our software to be easily upgraded.\nIncreased competition may result in price reductions, reduced gross margins, and loss of market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.\nResearch and Development\nWe develop software products internally and also purchase or license rights to third-party intellectual property. We believe that our future success depends in part on our ability to maintain and improve our core technologies, enhance our existing products, and develop new products that meet an expanding range of customer requirements.\nInternal research and development allows us to maintain closer technical control over our products and gives us the ability to determine which modifications and enhancements are most important and when they should be implemented to ensure the proper functioning and improved performance of our products. We intend to expand our existing product offerings and introduce new mobile image capture and digital identity verification capabilities that meet a broader set of needs of our customers. We intend to continue to support the major industry standard operating environments.\nOur research and development organization includes software engineers and scientists, many of whom have advanced degrees, as well as additional personnel in quality assurance and related disciplines. All our scientists and software engineers are involved in product development.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe development team includes specialists in artificial intelligence, computer vision, software engineering, user interface design, product documentation, product management, and quality assurance.\u00a0The team is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the performance, quality, and utility of all of our products. In addition to research and development, our engineering staff provides customer technical support on an as-needed basis.\nWe expect research and development expenses during fiscal year 2023 to increase as compared with those incurred in fiscal year 2022 as we continue our new product research and development efforts.\nHuman Capital Resources\nAs of September 30, 2022, we had 588 employees, 170 in the U.S. and 418 internationally, 565 of which are full time.\u00a0Our total employee base consists of 327 sales and marketing, professional services, and document review employees, 199 research and development and support employees, and 62 employees in executive, finance, network administration, and other capacities.\u00a0In addition, we engaged various consultants in the areas of research and development, product development, finance, and marketing during fiscal year 2022. We have never had a work stoppage and none of our employees are represented by a labor organization. Substantially all of our employees, other than a certain number of our executive officers and employees with customary employment arrangements within Europe, are at will employees, which means that each employee can terminate his or her relationship with us and we can terminate our relationship with him or her at any time.\u00a0We offer industry competitive wages and benefits and are committed to maintaining a workplace environment that promotes employee productivity and satisfaction.\u00a0We consider our relations with our employees to be good. We are also focused on understanding our diversity and inclusion strengths and opportunities and executing on a strategy to support further progress. We continue to focus on building a pipeline for talent to create more opportunities for workplace diversity and to support greater representation within the Company.\nAvailable Information\nWe are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. Consequently, we are required to file reports and information with the SEC, including reports on the following forms: annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. These reports and other information concerning us may be accessed, free of charge, through the SEC\u2019s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.miteksystems.com. These reports are placed on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the SEC. Information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, nor is it in any way a part of, this Form 10-K.\n5\nITEM\u00a0 1A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0RISK FACTORS.\nRisk Factor Summary \nBelow is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in our common stock speculative or risky. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary, and other risks that we face, can be found below and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making investment decisions regarding our common stock.\n\u2022\nWe currently derive substantially all of our revenue from a few types of technologies. If these technologies and the related products do not achieve or continue to achieve market acceptance, our business, financial condition, and results of operations would be adversely affected.\n\u2022\nWe cannot predict the impact that the decline of the use of checks, changes in consumer behavior facilitated by advances in technologies, and the development of check alternatives, or the plateau of the penetration of active mobile banking users may have on our business.\n\u2022\nClaims that our products infringe upon the rights, or have otherwise utilized proprietary information, of third parties may give rise to costly litigation against us or our customers who we may be obligated to indemnify, and we could be prevented from selling those products, required to pay damages, and obligated to defend against litigation or indemnify our customers.\n\u2022\nIf the patents we own or license, or our other intellectual property rights, do not adequately protect our technologies, we may lose market share to our competitors and be unable to operate our business profitably.\n\u2022\nWe face competition from several companies that may have greater resources than we do, which could result in price reductions, reduced margins, or loss of market share.\n\u2022\nWe must continue to engage in extensive research and development in order to remain competitive.\n\u2022\nDefects or malfunctions in our products could hurt our reputation, sales and profitability.\n\u2022\nOur lengthy sales cycles and the difficulty in predicting timing of sales or delays may impair our operating results.\n\u2022\nOur historical order flow patterns, which we expect to continue, have caused forecasting difficulties for us. If we do not meet our forecasts or analysts\u2019 forecasts for us, the price of our common stock may decline.\n\u2022\nEntry into new lines of business, and our offering of new products and services, resulting from our acquisitions may result in exposure to new risks.\n\u2022\nAdverse economic conditions or reduced spending on information technology solutions may adversely impact our revenue and profitability. \n\u2022\nWe may need to raise additional capital to fund continuing operations and an inability to raise the necessary capital or the inability to do so on acceptable terms could threaten the success of our business.\n\u2022\nWe expect to incur additional expenses related to the integration of ID R&D, Inc. and HooYu Ltd.\n\u2022\nWe may be unable to successfully integrate our business with the respective businesses of ID R&D, and HooYu and realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions.\n\u2022\nOur actual financial and operating results following the acquisitions of ID R&D and HooYu could differ materially from any expectations or guidance provided by us concerning our future financial and operating results.\n\u2022\nOur annual and quarterly results have fluctuated greatly in the past and will likely continue to do so, which may cause substantial fluctuations in our common stock price.\n\u2022\nWe face risks related to the storage of our customers\u2019 and their end users\u2019 confidential and proprietary information. Our products may not provide absolute security. We may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize those risks and to respond to cyber incidents.\n\u2022\nDue to our operations in non-U.S. markets, we are subject to certain risks that could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.\n\u2022\nOur international operations may increase our exposure to potential liability under anti-corruption, trade protection, tax, and other laws and regulations.\n\u2022\nFluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations.\n\u2022\nCompliance with changing regulations concerning corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses.\n6\n\u2022\nWe have a history of losses and we may not be able to maintain profitability in the future.\n\u2022\nAn \u201cownership change\u201d could limit our ability to utilize our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, which could result in our payment of income taxes earlier than if we were able to fully utilize our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.\n\u2022\nOur cash and cash equivalents could be adversely affected if the financial institutions at which we hold our cash and cash equivalents fail.\n\u2022\nOur business could be adversely affected in the event we default under our debt agreements.\n\u2022\nOur revenues are dependent on our ability to maintain and expand existing customer relationships and our ability to attract new customers.\n\u2022\nEvolving domestic and international data privacy regulations may restrict our ability, and that of our customers, to solicit, collect, process, disclose and use personal information or may increase the costs of doing so, which could harm our business.\n\u2022\nFrom time-to-time our Board explores and considers strategic alternatives, including financings, strategic alliances, acquisitions, or the possible sale of our company. Our Board may not be able to identify or complete any suitable strategic alternatives, and announcements regarding any such strategic alternatives could have an impact on our operations or stock price.\n\u2022\nFuture sales of our common stock by our insiders may cause our stock price to decline.\n\u2022\nA potential proxy contest for the election of directors at our annual meeting could result in potential operational disruption, divert our resources, and could potentially result in adverse consequences under certain of our agreements.\n\u2022\nOur corporate documents and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the \u201cDGCL\u201d) contain provisions that could discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control of our company, prevent attempts to replace or remove current management, and reduce the market price of our stock.\n\u2022\nOur restated certificate of incorporation and second amended and restated bylaws provide for indemnification of officers and directors at our expense and limits their liability, which may result in a major cost to us and hurt the interests of our stockholders because corporate resources may be expended for the benefit of officers and/or directors.\n\u2022\nThe market price of our common stock has been volatile and your investment in our stock could suffer a decline in value.\n\u2022\nBecause we do not intend to pay cash dividends, our stockholders will benefit from an investment in our common stock only if our stock price appreciates in value.\n\u2022\nAs a result of our failure to timely file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended September 30, 2022, and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, we are currently ineligible to file new short form registration statements on Form S-3 or to have resale registration statements declared effective in a timely manner, which may impair our ability to raise capital on terms favorable to us, in a timely manner or at all.\n\u2022\nOur second amended and restated bylaws provide that a state or federal court located within in the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders\u2019 ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.\n\u2022\nIf we are unable to retain and recruit qualified personnel, or if any of our key executives or key employees discontinues his or her employment with us, it may have a material adverse effect on our business.\n\u2022\nLegislation and governmental regulations enacted in the U.S. and other countries that apply to us or to our customers may require us to change our current products and services and/or result in additional expenses, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\n\u2022\nFuture sales of our common stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.\n\u2022\nIf financial or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they issue negative or misleading evaluations of our stock, our stock price and trading volume could decline.\n\u2022\nWe have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, and if our remediation of such material weaknesses is not effective, or if we fail to develop and maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable laws and regulations could be impaired.\n\u2022\nNatural disasters or other catastrophic events may disrupt our business.\n7\nRisk Factors\nThe following risk factors and other information included in this Form 10-K should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we presently deem less significant may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, projected results, and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In these circumstances, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment or interest.\nRisks Associated With Our Business and Operations \nWe currently derive substantially all of our revenue from a few types of technologies. If these technologies and the related products do not achieve or continue to achieve market acceptance, our business, financial condition, and results of operations would be adversely affected.\nWe currently derive substantially all of our revenue from license sales and services provided with our software products to customers incorporating our intelligent mobile imaging technology and software products. If we are unable to achieve or continue to achieve market acceptance of our core technologies or products incorporating such technologies, we will not generate significant revenue growth from the sale of our products.\nAdditionally, factors adversely affecting the pricing of or demand for our products and services, such as competition from other products or technologies, any decline in the demand for mobile image processing, negative publicity, or obsolescence of the software environments in which our products operate could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nWe cannot predict the impact that the decline of the use of checks, changes in consumer behavior facilitated by advances in technologies, and the development of check alternatives, or the plateau of the penetration of active mobile banking users may have on our business.\nOver the last few years, the use of checks has started to decline. Advances in technologies have enabled the development of check alternatives like Zelle and Venmo, which have caused certain changes in consumer behavior. As check alternatives become more widely accepted by consumers, the use of checks could continue to decline, which could have a negative effect on our business. In addition, as the mobile banking market matures, the growth of active mobile banking users is slowing, which may negatively impact our ability to grow our business.\nClaims that our products infringe upon the rights, or have otherwise utilized proprietary information, of third parties may give rise to costly litigation against us or our customers who we may be obligated to indemnify, and we could be prevented from selling those products, required to pay damages, and obligated to defend against litigation or indemnify our customers.\nIn the past, third parties have brought claims against us and against our customers who use our products asserting that certain technologies incorporated into our products infringe on their intellectual property rights. Although we have resolved past claims against us that we have infringed on third-party patents, there can be no assurance that we will not receive additional claims against us asserting that our products infringe on the intellectual property rights of third parties or that our products otherwise utilize such third parties\u2019 proprietary information.\nOn July 7, 2018, United Services Automobile Association (\u201cUSAA\u201d) filed a lawsuit against Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (\u201cWells Fargo\u201d) in the Eastern District of Texas alleging that Wells Fargo\u2019s remote deposit capture systems (which in part utilize technology provided by the Company to Wells Fargo through a partner) infringe four USAA owned patents related to mobile deposits (the \u201cFirst Wells Lawsuit\u201d). On August 17, 2018, USAA filed a second lawsuit (the \u201cSecond Wells Lawsuit\u201d and together with the First Wells Lawsuit, the \u201cWells Lawsuits\u201d) against Wells Fargo in the Eastern District of Texas asserting that an additional five patents owned by USAA were infringed by Wells Fargo\u2019s remote deposit capture system. In neither lawsuit was the Company named in the Complaint as an infringer and at no time did USAA allege specifically that the Company\u2019s products by themselves infringed any of the asserted patents. Subsequently, on November 6, 2019, a jury in the First Wells Lawsuit found that Wells Fargo willfully infringed at least one of the Subject Patents (as defined below) and awarded USAA $200 million in damages. In the Second Wells Lawsuit, USAA dropped two of the patents from the litigation, and the judge in the case found that one of the remaining three patents was invalid. On January 10, 2020, a jury in the Second Wells Lawsuit found that Wells Fargo willfully infringed at least one of the patents at issue in that case and awarded USAA $102\u00a0million in damages. No Mitek product was accused of infringing either of the two patents in question in the Second Wells Lawsuit as the litigation involved broad banking processes and not the Company\u2019s specific mobile deposit features. USAA and Wells Fargo subsequently reached a settlement, and on April 1, 2021 the Court granted the parties\u2019 joint motion and stipulation of dismissal of the Wells Lawsuits with prejudice. \nWells Fargo filed petitions for \nInter Partes\n Review (\u201cIPR\u201d) with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (\u201cPTAB\u201d)\n \nchallenging the validity of the four patents in the First Wells Lawsuit. Three of those four petitions were instituted, while one (relating to U.S. Patent No. 9,818,090 (\u201cthe \u2019090 Patent\u201d)) was denied institution. On November 24, 2020, and January 26, 2021, the PTAB issued final written decisions determining that Wells Fargo had not demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence that any claims of the U.S. Patent Nos. 8,977,571 (\u201cthe \u2019571 Patent\u201d), 8,699,779 (\u201cthe \u2019779 Patent\u201d), or 9,336,517 (\u201cthe \u2019517 Patent\u201d) were unpatentable.\n8\nOn September 30, 2020, USAA filed suit against PNC Bank (the \u201cFirst PNC Lawsuit\u201d) in the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 10,482,432 (\u201cthe \u2019432 Patent\u201d) and 10,621,559. These two patents are continuations of an asserted patent in the Second Wells Lawsuit and relate to similar subject matter. On October 19, 2020, PNC Bank\u2019s integration partner, NCR Corporation, sent an indemnification demand to the Company requesting indemnification from all claims related to the First PNC Lawsuit. The complaint against PNC Bank does not claim that any Company product infringes any of the asserted patents. At this time, the Company does not believe it is obligated to indemnify NCR Corporation or end-users of NCR Corporation resulting from the patent infringement allegations by USAA. On December 4, 2020, USAA filed an amended complaint against PNC Bank also asserting two patents at issue in the First Wells Lawsuit\u2014the \u2019779 Patent and the \u2019571 Patent. On February 2, 2021, NCR Corporation sent a second indemnification demand to the Company requesting indemnification of the claims described in the amended complaint. On March 31, 2021, USAA filed another suit against PNC Bank in the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of two patents from the Second Wells Lawsuit, U.S. Patent Nos. 10,013,605 (\u201cthe \u2018605 Patent\u201d) and 10,013,681 (\u201cthe \u2018681 Patent\u201d) (the \u201cSecond PNC Lawsuit\u201d). On July 7, 2021, USAA filed a third lawsuit against PNC Bank (the \u201cThird PNC Lawsuit\u201d and together with the First PNC Lawsuit and the Second PNC Lawsuit, the \u201cPNC Lawsuits\u201d) asserting infringement of U.S. Patents 10,769,598; 10,402,638; and 9,224,136. A jury trial was held in May 2022 on the consolidated First PNC Lawsuit and Second PNC Lawsuit. The jury found that PNC willfully infringed at least one patent claim and awarded USAA $218 million in damages. The Court denied PNC Bank\u2019s equitable defenses and entered a Final Judgment in the consolidated First PNC Lawsuit and Second PNC Lawsuit on August 19, 2022. A jury trial was held in September 2022 on the Third PNC Lawsuit. The jury found that PNC infringed at least one patent claim and awarded USAA $4.3 million in damages. The Court entered a Final Judgment in the Third PNC Lawsuit on February 16, 2023.\nWhile neither the Wells Lawsuits nor the PNC Lawsuits name the Company as a defendant, given (among other factors) the Company\u2019s prior history of litigation with USAA and the continued use of the Company\u2019s products by its customers, on November 1, 2019, the Company filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking declaratory judgment that its products do not infringe the \u2019779 Patent, the \u2019571 Patent, the \u2019517 Patent, and the \u2019090 Patent (collectively, the \u201cSubject Patents\u201d). On January 15, 2020, USAA filed motions requesting the dismissal of the declaratory judgement of the Subject Patents and transfer of the case to the Eastern District of Texas, both of which the Company opposed. On April 21, 2020, the Court in the Northern District of California transferred the Company\u2019s declaratory judgement action to the Eastern District of Texas and did not rule on USAA\u2019s motion to dismiss. On April 28, 2021, the Court in the Eastern District of Texas granted USAA\u2019s motion to dismiss the Company\u2019s declaratory judgment action on jurisdictional grounds. The Court\u2019s ruling did not address the merits of the Company\u2019s claim of non-infringement. The Company appealed the ruling on the motion to dismiss and the decision to transfer the declaratory judgment action from California to Texas to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Federal Circuit heard oral argument on the Company\u2019s appeal on April 4, 2022 and on May 20 2022, issued an opinion vacating and remanding the district court\u2019s order granting USAA\u2019s motion to dismiss. On August 1, 2022, the parties submitted additional briefing to the district court in light of Federal Circuit\u2019s opinion. The court held another hearing on USAA\u2019s motion to dismiss the Company\u2019s declaratory judgment action on jurisdictional grounds, and once again granted USAA\u2019s motion to dismiss on February 23, 2023. The Company timely filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Company continues to believe that its products do not infringe the Subject Patents and will vigorously defend the right of its end-users to use its technology. \nIn April, May, and June 2020, the Company filed petitions for IPR with the PTAB of the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office challenging the validity of the Subject Patents. On November 6 and 17, 2020, the PTAB decided to exercise its discretion and deny institution of the four petitions due to the alleged relationship between the Company and Wells Fargo, who previously filed petitions for IPR on the Subject Patents. The PTAB did not address the merits of the Company\u2019s petitions or the prior art cited in those petitions. The Company continues to believe that the prior art cited in the petitions renders all the claims of the Subject Patents invalid. On each of December 6, 2020, December 17, 2020, and February 23, 2021, the Company filed requests for rehearing and Precedential Opinion Panel (\u201cPOP\u201d) review of the four denied IPR petitions. The Patent Office denied the requests for rehearing and for POP review.\nIn September 2020, the Company filed an additional two petitions for IPR with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office challenging the validity of the \u2018681 Patent and the \u2019605 Patent\u2014two of the patents at issue in the Second Wells Lawsuit. In March 2021, the PTAB decided not to institute the two petitions.\nOn July 7, July 14, and July 21 2021, PNC Bank filed six additional petitions for IPR with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office challenging the validity of the \u2019779 Patent, the \u2019571 Patent, the \u2018559 Patent, and the \u2018432 Patent. On August 27, 2021, PNC filed two additional petitions for IPR challenging the validity of the \u2018681 Patent and the \u2018605 Patent. In October and November of 2021, PNC Bank filed four more petitions for IPR challenging the validity of the \u2018638 Patent, the \u2018136 Patent, and the \u2018598 Patent. The Patent Office denied institution with respect to the petitions challenging the \u2018432 Patent, the \u2018605 Patent, the \u2018681 Patent, and the \u2018638 Patent, but instituted inter partes review on the petitions relating to the \u2018779 Patent, the \u2018571 Patent, the \u2018559 Patent, and the \u2018598 Patent\u2014finding a reasonable likelihood that at least one challenged patent claim was invalid. The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office issued a final written decision in each of the IPRs challenging the \u2018779 Patent, the \u2018571 Patent, and the \u2018559 Patent and found all challenged claims of each patent unpatentable. USAA filed requests for rehearing and requests for POP review. The requests for POP review were denied in March 2023; the requests for rehearing were denied in March and April 2023.\n9\nOn August 16, 2021, USAA filed suit against BBVA USA (\u201cBBVA\u201d) in the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of the same patents at issue in the PNC Lawsuits. While the Company\u2019s IPR petitions were mentioned in the complaint, the Company was not named as a defendant or mentioned in connection with any alleged infringement. BBVA then sent the Company an indemnification demand on September 7, 2021. For the same reasons discussed above in connection with PNC, the Company does not believe it is obligated to indemnify BBVA.\nOn July 29, 2022, USAA filed another patent infringement lawsuit against Truist Bank (\u201cTruist\u201d) in the Eastern District of Texas. The lawsuit alleges infringement of the \u2019090 Patent, the \u2019432 Patent, and the U.S. Patent No. 11,182,753 (\u201cthe \u2019753 Patent\u201d). The Company was not named as a defendant or mentioned in connection with any alleged infringement. On October 5, 2022, Truist\u2019s integration partner, NCR Corporation, sent an indemnification demand to the Company requesting indemnification from all claims related to the lawsuit. For the same reasons discussed above in connection with the PNC Lawsuits, the Company does not believe it is obligated to indemnify NCR Corporation or end-users of NCR Corporation resulting from the patent infringement allegations by USAA. On October 7, 2022, Truist filed a motion to transfer venue to the Western District of North Carolina, which was denied. On March 13, 2023, USAA moved for leave to file a First Amended Complaint, adding an additional allegation of patent infringement of U.S. Patent No. 11,544,944 (\u201cthe \u2019944 Patent\u201d). On April 4, 2023, Truist sent another indemnification demand to the Company requesting indemnification related to the First Amended Complaint.\n \nOn May 3, 2023, USAA moved for leave to file a Second Amended Complaint, adding an additional allegation of patent infringement of U.S. Patent No. 11,625,770 (\u201cthe \u2019770 Patent\u201d). On May 30, 2023, Truist sent another indemnification demand to the Company requesting indemnification related to the Second Amended Complaint.\nIn October and November of 2022, Truist filed a petition for IPR with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office challenging the validity of the \u2019090 Patent, the \u2019432 Patent, and the \u2019753 Patent. The Patent Office instituted the petitions directed to the \u2019090 and \u2019753 Patents, but denied institution of the petition directed to the \u2019432 patent. Final written decisions are expected in mid-2024.\nFurthermore, we may initiate other claims or litigation against parties for infringement of our intellectual property rights or to establish the validity of our intellectual property rights. Litigation, either as plaintiff or defendant, could result in significant expense to us, whether or not such litigation is resolved in our favor. Even if we were to prevail, any litigation could be costly and time-consuming and would divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations. \nIf the patents we own or license, or our other intellectual property rights, do not adequately protect our technologies, we may lose market share to our competitors and be unable to operate our business profitably.\nOur success depends significantly on our ability to protect our rights to the technologies used in our products, including Mobile Deposit\u00ae. We rely on trademark, trade secret, copyright, and patent law, as well as a combination of non-disclosure, confidentiality, and other contractual arrangements to protect our technology and rights. However, these legal protections afford only limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain or maintain any competitive advantage. \nIn addition, we cannot be assured that any of our pending patent applications will result in the issuance of a patent. The Patent and Trademark Office (\u201cPTO\u201d) may deny or require significant narrowing of claims in our pending patent applications, and patents issued as a result of the pending patent applications, if any, may not provide us with significant commercial protection or may not be issued in a form that is advantageous to us. We could also incur substantial costs in proceedings before the PTO. Our issued and licensed patents and those that may be issued or licensed in the future may expire or may be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, which could limit our ability to stop competitors from marketing technologies related to ours. Additionally, upon expiration of our issued or licensed patents, we may lose some of our rights to exclude others from making, using, selling or importing products using the technology based on the expired patents. \nWe also must rely on contractual provisions with the third parties that license technology to us and that obligate these third parties to protect our rights in the technology licensed to us. There is no guarantee that these third parties would be successful in attempting to protect our rights in any such licensed technology. There is no assurance that competitors will not be able to design around our patents or other intellectual property or any intellectual property or technology licensed to us. \nWe also rely on unpatented proprietary technology. We cannot assure you that we can meaningfully protect all our rights in our unpatented proprietary technology or that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary technology or otherwise gain access to our unpatented proprietary technology. We seek to protect our know-how and other unpatented proprietary technology with confidentiality agreements and intellectual property assignment agreements with our employees, consultants, partners, and customers. However, such agreements may not be enforceable or may not provide meaningful protection for our proprietary information in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure or other breaches of the agreements or in the event that our competitors discover or independently develop similar or identical designs or other proprietary information. \nIn addition, we rely on the use of registered and common law trademarks with respect to the brand names of some of our products. Common law trademarks provide less protection than registered trademarks. Loss of rights in our trademarks could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nFurthermore, the laws of foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. If we cannot adequately protect our intellectual property rights in these foreign countries, our competitors may be able to compete \n10\nmore effectively against us, which could adversely affect our competitive position, as well as our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nWe face competition from several companies that may have greater resources than we do, which could result in price reductions, reduced margins, or loss of market share.\nWe compete against numerous companies in the mobile imaging software market. Competition in this market may increase as a result of a number of factors, such as the entrance of new or larger competitors or alternative technologies. These competitors may have greater financial, technical, marketing and public relations resources, larger client bases, and greater brand or name recognition. These competitors could, among other things:\n\u2022\nannounce new products or technologies that have the potential to replace our existing product offerings;\n\u2022\nforce us to charge lower prices; or\n\u2022\nadversely affect our relationships with current clients.\nWe may be unable to compete successfully against our current and potential competitors and if we lose business to our competitors or are forced to lower our prices, our revenue, operating margins, and market share could decline. If our competitors offer deep discounts on certain products or services in an effort to recapture or gain market share or to sell other products or services, we may need to lower prices or offer other favorable terms in order to compete successfully. For these and other reasons, in the future we may choose to make changes to our pricing practices. Such changes could materially and adversely affect our margins, and our revenues may be negatively affected if our competitors are able to recapture or gain market share.\nWe must continue to engage in extensive research and development in order to remain competitive.\nOur ability to compete effectively with our mobile imaging software products depends upon our ability to meet changing market conditions and develop enhancements to our products on a timely basis in order to maintain our competitive advantage. The markets for products incorporating mobile imaging software technology and products are characterized by rapid advancements in technology and changes in user preferences. Our continued growth will ultimately depend upon our ability to develop additional technologies and attract strategic alliances for related or separate products. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in developing and marketing product enhancements and additional technologies, that we will not experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of these products, or that our new products and product enhancements will adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace, will be of acceptable quality, or will achieve market acceptance.\nDefects or malfunctions in our products could hurt our reputation, sales and profitability.\nOur business and the level of customer acceptance of our products depend upon the continuous, effective, and reliable operation of our products. Our products are extremely complex and are continually being modified and improved, and as such may contain undetected defects or errors when first introduced or as new versions are released. To the extent that defects or errors cause our products to malfunction and our customers\u2019 use of our products is interrupted, our reputation could suffer and our revenue could decline or be delayed while such defects are remedied. We may also be subject to liability for the defects and malfunctions of third-party technology partners and others with whom our products and services are integrated. In addition, our products are typically intended for use in applications that are critical to a customer\u2019s business. As a result, we believe that our customers and potential customers have a greater sensitivity to product defects than the market for software products in general. There can be no assurance that, despite our testing, errors will not be found in new products or releases after commencement of commercial shipments, resulting in loss of revenues or delay in market acceptance, diversion of development resources, damage to our reputation, adverse litigation, or increased service and warranty costs, any of which would have a material adverse effect upon our business, operating results, and financial condition.\nOur lengthy sales cycles and the difficulty in predicting timing of sales or delays may impair our operating results. \nThe long sales cycle and the implementation cycles for our software and services may cause operating results to vary significantly from period to period. The sales cycle for our products can be six months or more and varies substantially from customer to customer. Because we sell complex and deeply integrated solutions, it can take many months of customer education to secure sales and implement our product. Since our potential customers may evaluate our products before, if ever, executing definitive agreements, we may incur substantial expenses and spend significant management and legal effort in connection with a potential customer.\nOur historical order flow patterns, which we expect to continue, have caused forecasting difficulties for us. If we do not meet our forecasts or analysts\u2019 forecasts for us, the price of our common stock may decline.\nHistorically, a significant portion of our sales have resulted from shipments during the last few weeks of the quarter from orders received in the final month of the applicable quarter. We do, however, base our expense levels, in significant part, on our expectations of future revenue. As a result, we expect our expense levels to be relatively fixed in the short term. Any concentration of sales at the end of the quarter may limit our ability to plan or adjust operating expenses. Therefore, if anticipated shipments in any quarter do not occur or are delayed, expenditure levels could be disproportionately high as a percentage of sales, and our operating results for that \n11\nquarter would be adversely affected. As a result, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not and will not necessarily be meaningful, and you should not rely upon them as an indication of future performance. If our operating results for a quarter are below the expectations of public market analysts and investors, it could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.\nEntry into new lines of business, and our offering of new products and services, resulting from our acquisitions may result in exposure to new risks.\nNew lines of business, products or services could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls and could reduce our revenues and potentially generate losses. New products and services, or entrance into new markets, may require substantial time, resources and capital, and profitability targets may not be achieved. Entry into new markets entails inherent risks associated with our inexperience, which may result in costly decisions that could harm our profit and operating results. There are material inherent risks and uncertainties associated with offering new products, and services, especially when new markets are not fully developed or when the laws and regulations regarding a new product are not mature. Factors outside of our control, such as developing laws and regulations, regulatory orders, competitive product offerings and changes in commercial and consumer demand for products or services may also materially impact the successful implementation of new products or services. Failure to manage these risks, or failure of any product or service offerings to be successful and profitable, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.\nAdverse economic conditions or reduced spending on information technology solutions may adversely impact our revenue and profitability. \nUnpredictable and unstable changes in economic conditions, including a recession, inflation, increased government intervention, or measures taken in response to a global pandemic like COVID-19, or other changes, may adversely affect our general business strategy. In particular an economic downturn affecting small and medium sized businesses could significantly affect our business as many of our existing and target customers are in the small and medium sized business sector and these businesses are more likely to be significantly affected by economic downturns than larger, more established businesses. Additionally, these customers often have limited discretionary funds, which they may choose to spend on items other than our products and services, causing our revenue to decline. \nWe may need to raise additional capital to fund continuing operations and an inability to raise the necessary capital or the inability to do so on acceptable terms could threaten the success of our business.\nWe currently anticipate that our available capital resources and operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our expected working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, such resources may not be sufficient to fund the long-term growth of our business. If we determine that it is necessary to raise additional funds, we may choose to do so through public or private equity or debt financings, a bank line of credit, strategic collaborations, licensing, or other arrangements. We cannot be sure that any additional funding, if needed, will be available on terms favorable to us, if at all. Furthermore, any additional equity or equity-related financing may be dilutive to our stockholders, new equity securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of our shares of common stock, and debt or equity financing, if available, may subject us to restrictive covenants and significant interest costs. If we obtain funding through a strategic collaboration or licensing arrangement, we may be required to relinquish our rights to certain of our technologies, products or marketing territories. If we are unable to obtain the financing necessary to support our operations, we may be required to defer, reduce or eliminate certain planned expenditures or significantly curtail our operations.\nWe expect to incur additional expenses related to the integration of ID R&D, Inc. and HooYu Ltd.\nWe expect to incur additional expenses in connection with the integration of the business, policies, procedures, operations, technologies, and systems of ID R&D, a New York corporation and HooYu Ltd. There are a number of systems and functions that are being integrated into our larger organization, including, but not limited to, management information, accounting and finance, billing, payroll and benefits, and regulatory compliance. In addition, the acquisitions of non-public entities such as ID R&D and HooYu, are particularly challenging because their prior practices may not meet the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (\u201cSarbanes-Oxley\u201d) and/or accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (\u201cGAAP\u201d). While we have assumed that a certain level of expenses would be incurred to integrate this business, there are a number of factors beyond our control that could affect the total amount or the timing of all of the expected integration expenses. Moreover, many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time. \nWe may be unable to successfully integrate our business with the respective businesses of ID R&D, and HooYu and realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions.\nOur management will be required to continue to devote significant attention and resources to integrating our business practices and operations with that of ID R&D and HooYu. In particular, the acquisitions of ID R&D and HooYu involve the combination of companies that previously operated independently in different countries. Potential difficulties we may encounter as part of the integration process include, but are not limited to, the following:\n12\n\u2022\ncomplexities associated with managing our business and the respective businesses of ID R&D and HooYu following the completion of the acquisition, including the challenge of integrating complex systems, technology, networks, and other assets of each of the companies in a seamless manner that minimizes any adverse impact on customers, suppliers, employees, and other constituencies;\n\u2022\nintegrating the workforces of the companies while maintaining focus on providing consistent, high quality customer service; and\n\u2022\npotential unknown liabilities and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the acquisitions, including costs to integrate the companies that may exceed anticipated costs.\nAny of the potential difficulties listed above could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, and other constituencies or our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions or otherwise adversely affect our business and financial results. \nOur actual financial and operating results following the acquisitions of ID R&D and HooYu could differ materially from any expectations or guidance provided by us concerning our future financial and operating results.\nThe combined company resulting from the acquisitions of ID R&D and HooYu may not perform as we or the market expects. Expectations regarding each of ID R&D\u2019s and HooYu\u2019s impact on our financial and operating results are subject to numerous assumptions, including assumptions derived from our diligence efforts concerning the status of and prospects for the businesses of ID R&D and HooYu, respectively, and assumptions relating to the near-term prospects for our industry generally and the market for the products of ID R&D and HooYu in particular. Additional assumptions that we have made relate to numerous matters, including, without limitation, the following:\n\u2022\nprojections of future revenues;\n\u2022\nanticipated financial performance of products and products currently in development;\n\u2022\nour expected capital structure after the acquisitions, including after the distribution of any earnout shares that may (under certain circumstances) become payable to the former shareholders of ID R&D;\n\u2022\nour ability to maintain, develop and deepen relationships with the respective customers of ID R&D and HooYu; and\n\u2022\nother financial and strategic risks of the acquisitions.\nWe cannot provide any assurances with respect to the accuracy of our assumptions, including our assumptions with respect to future revenues or revenue growth rates, if any, of ID R&D or HooYu. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results include, but are not limited to, risks relating to our ability to realize incremental revenues from the acquisitions in the amounts that we currently anticipate; risks relating to the willingness of customers and other partners of ID R&D or HooYu to continue to conduct business with the combined company; and numerous risks and uncertainties that affect our industry generally and the markets for our products and those of each of ID R&D and HooYu. Any failure to realize the financial benefits we currently anticipate from the acquisitions would have a material adverse impact on our future operating results and financial condition and could materially and adversely affect the trading price or trading volume of our common stock.\nOur annual and quarterly results have fluctuated greatly in the past and will likely continue to do so, which may cause substantial fluctuations in our common stock price.\nOur annual and quarterly operating results have in the past, and may in the future, fluctuate significantly depending on factors including the timing of customer projects and purchase orders, new product announcements and releases by us and other companies, gain or loss of significant customers, price discounting of our products, the timing of expenditures, customer product delivery requirements, the availability and cost of components or labor, and economic conditions, both generally and in the information technology market. Revenues related to our licenses for mobile imaging software products are required to be recognized upon satisfaction of all applicable revenue recognition criteria. The recognition of future revenues from these licenses is dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the terms of our license agreements, the timing of implementation of our products by our channel partners and customers and the timing of any re-orders of additional licenses and/or license renewals by our channel partners and customers. Any unfavorable change in these or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our operating results for a particular quarter or year, which may cause downward pressure on our common stock price.\nHistorically, sales of licenses to our channel partners have comprised a significant part of our revenue. This is attributable to the timing of the purchase or renewal of licenses and does not represent a dependence on any single channel partner. If we were to lose a channel partner relationship, we do not believe such a loss would adversely affect our operations because either we or another channel partner could sell our products to the end-users that had purchased products from the channel partner we lost. However, in that case, we or another channel partner must establish a relationship with the end-users, which could take time to develop, if it develops at all.\nWe expect quarterly and annual fluctuations to continue for the foreseeable future. These fluctuations may result in volatility in our results of operations, have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock, or both. \n13\nWe face risks related to the storage of our customers\u2019 and their end users\u2019 confidential and proprietary information. Our products may not provide absolute security. We may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize those risks and to respond to cyber incidents.\nOur products are designed to maintain the confidentiality and security of our customers\u2019 and their end users\u2019 confidential and proprietary information that is stored on our systems, which may include sensitive financial data and personally identifiable information about consumers. However, any accidental or willful security breaches or other unauthorized access to this data could expose us to liability for the loss of such information, time-consuming and expensive litigation, and other possible liabilities as well as negative publicity. \nWe devote significant resources to addressing security vulnerabilities in our products, systems and processes, however our maintenance and regular upgrades of our products, systems and processes, which are designed to protect the security of our products and the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information belonging to us and our clients, may not provide absolute security. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage systems change frequently, are increasingly sophisticated, and generally are difficult to recognize and react to. We may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative or reactionary measures.\nAs cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, the need to develop our infrastructure to secure our business and customer data can lead to increased cybersecurity protection costs. Such costs may include making organizational changes, deploying additional personnel and protection technologies, training employees, and engaging third-party experts and consultants. These efforts come at the potential cost of revenues and human resources that could be utilized to continue to enhance our product offerings. \nA successful penetration or circumvention of the security of our products could cause serious negative consequences, including significant disruption of our operations, misappropriation of our confidential information or that of our clients, or damage to our systems or those of our clients and counterparties, and could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss to us or to our clients, loss of confidence in our security measures, client dissatisfaction, significant litigation exposure, and harm to our reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on us. We may not have adequate insurance coverages for a cybersecurity breach or may realize increased insurance premiums as a result of a security breach.\nIf an actual or perceived breach of security occurs, client perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed and could result in the loss of clients. Actual or anticipated attacks and risks may cause us to incur increasing costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third party experts and consultants.\nDue to our operations in non-U.S. markets, we are subject to certain risks that could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.\nWe generate revenue in markets outside of the U.S. The risks inherent in global operations include:\n\u2022\nlack of familiarity with, and unexpected changes in, foreign laws and legal standards, including employment laws and privacy laws, which may vary widely across the countries in which we sell our products;\n\u2022\nincreased expense to comply with U.S. laws that apply to foreign corporations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the \u201cFCPA\u201d);\n\u2022\ncompliance with, and potentially adverse tax consequences of foreign tax regimes;\n\u2022\nfluctuations in currency exchange rates, currency exchange controls, price controls, and limitations on repatriation of earnings;\n\u2022\nlocal economic conditions;\n\u2022\nincreased expense related to localization of products and development of foreign language marketing and sales materials;\n\u2022\nlonger accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulty in collecting accounts receivable in foreign countries;\n\u2022\nincreased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities;\n\u2022\nrestrictive employment regulations;\n\u2022\ndifficulties and increased expense in implementing corporate policies and controls;\n\u2022\ninternational intellectual property laws, which may be more restrictive or may offer lower levels of protection than U.S. law;\n\u2022\ncompliance with differing and changing local laws and regulations in multiple international locations, including regional data privacy laws, as well as compliance with U.S. laws and regulations where applicable in these international locations; and\n\u2022\nlimitations on our ability to enforce legal rights and remedies.\n14\nIf we are unable to successfully manage these and other risks associated with managing and expanding our international business, the risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition. Further, operating in international markets requires significant management attention and financial resources. Due to the additional uncertainties and risks of doing business in foreign jurisdictions, international acquisitions tend to entail risks and require additional oversight and management attention that are typically not attendant to acquisitions made within the U.S. We cannot be certain that the investment and additional resources required to establish, acquire or integrate operations in other countries will produce desired levels of revenue or profitability.\nOur international operations may increase our exposure to potential liability under anti-corruption, trade protection, tax, and other laws and regulations.\nThe FCPA and other anti-corruption laws and regulations (\u201cAnti-Corruption Laws\u201d) prohibit corrupt payments by our employees, vendors, or agents. From time to time, we may receive inquiries from authorities in the U.S. and elsewhere about our business activities outside of the U.S. and our compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws. While we have implemented policies, training, and internal controls designed to reduce the risk of corrupt payments, our employees, vendors, or agents may violate our policies. Our acquisitions of ID Checker, ICAR, A2iA, ID R&D, and HooYu may significantly increase our exposure to potential liability under Anti-Corruption Laws. ID Checker, ICAR, A2iA, ID R&D, and HooYu were not historically subject to the FCPA, Sarbanes-Oxley, or other laws, to which we are subject, and we may become subject to liability if in the past, ID Checker\u2019s, ICAR\u2019s, A2iA\u2019s, ID R&D\u2019s, and HooYu\u2019s operations did not comply with such laws.\nOur failure to comply with Anti-Corruption Laws could result in significant fines and penalties, criminal sanctions against us, our officers or our employees, prohibitions on the conduct of our business, and damage to our reputation. Operations outside of the U.S. may be affected by changes in trade protection laws, policies and measures, and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment.\nThe transfer of personal data from the European Union (\u201cEU\u201d) to the U.S. has become a significant area of potential operational and compliance risk. In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (\u201cCJEU\u201d) and the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner invalidated the U.S.-EU and U.S.-Swiss Privacy Shield frameworks, respectively. Privacy Shield was a mechanism for companies to transfer data from EU member states or Switzerland to the U.S. In its decision, the CJEU also indicated that individual EU member states could determine whether Standard Contractual Clauses (\u201cSCCs\u201d) (another \u201cadequate\u201d option for data transfers) are sufficient to securely transfer data out of the EU. A number of local country data protection authorities in the EU subsequently determined that SCCs were invalid for data transfers to the U.S. The EU Data Protection Board subsequently published updated SCCs to address some of the issues presented in the CJEU decision. Those new SCCs were required to be in place by December 27, 2022, and required significant effort for companies to review and revise their EU-U.S. data transfer agreements. Because of the legal challenges presented by these court and data protection authority decisions, there is uncertainty regarding the legal basis for data transfers to the U.S., which could lead to interruption of such transfers. The complex nature and shifting laws related to EU/UK/Switzerland to U.S. data transfers could cause operational interruptions, liabilities and reputational harm. These and other requirements could increase the cost of compliance for us and our customers, restrict our and our customers\u2019 ability to store and process data, negatively impact our ability to offer our solutions in certain locations and limit our customers\u2019 ability to deploy our solutions globally. These consequences may be more significant in countries with legislation that requires data to remain localized \u201cin country,\u201d as this could require us or our customers to establish data storage in other jurisdictions or apply local operational processes that are difficult and costly to integrate with global processes.\n If we fail to comply with such laws and regulations, we may be subject to significant fines, penalties or liabilities for noncompliance, thereby harming our business. For example, in 2016, the EU adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (\u201cGDPR\u201d), which establishes new requirements regarding the handling of personal data and which became effective in May 2018. Non-compliance with the GDPR may result in monetary penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenue. \nDue to our international operations, we are subject to certain foreign tax regulations. Such regulations may not be clear, not consistently applied, and subject to sudden change, particularly with regard to international transfer pricing. Our earnings could be reduced by the uncertain and changing nature of such tax regulations.\nFluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations.\nOur business is generally conducted in U.S. dollars. However, we earn revenues, pay expenses, own assets and incur liabilities in countries using currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Because our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, we must translate revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate during each reporting period, as well as assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of each reporting period. The costs of operating in The Netherlands, Spain, France, and other European markets are subject to the effects of exchange fluctuations of the Euro and British pound sterling against the U.S. dollar. Therefore, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies will affect our net revenues, net income (loss), and the value of balance sheet items denoted in foreign currencies, and can adversely affect our operating results.\n \nCompliance with changing regulations concerning corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses.\n15\nOur business is subject to laws, rules, regulations, and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the \u201cDodd-Frank Act\u201d), Sarbanes-Oxley, and various other new regulations promulgated by the SEC and rules promulgated by the national securities exchanges.\nThe Dodd-Frank Act, enacted in July 2010, expands federal regulation of corporate governance matters and imposes requirements on publicly-held companies, including us, to, among other things, provide stockholders with a periodic advisory vote on executive compensation and also adds compensation committee reforms and enhanced pay-for-performance disclosures. While some provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act were effective upon enactment, and others have been implemented upon the SEC\u2019s adoption of related rules and regulations, the Dodd-Frank Act is not yet fully implemented and the scope and timing of the adoption of additional rules and regulations thereunder is uncertain and accordingly, the cost of compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act is also uncertain. In addition, Sarbanes-Oxley specifically requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure of controls and procedures. In particular, we must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act (\u201cSection 404\u201d). Our independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to our internal control over financial reporting. Our testing, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm may reveal deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. Our compliance with Section 404 requires that we incur substantial accounting expenses and expend significant management efforts. We currently have limited internal audit capabilities and will need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404, or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm, if applicable, identifies deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of our stock could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.\nThese and other new or changed laws, rules, regulations and standards are, or will be, subject to varying interpretations in many cases due to their lack of specificity. As a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies, which could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. Our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards are likely to continue to result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. Further, compliance with new and existing laws, rules, regulations and standards may make it more difficult and expensive for us to maintain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. Members of our board of directors (the \u201cBoard\u201d) and our principal executive officer and principal financial officer could face an increased risk of personal liability in connection with the performance of their duties. As a result, we may have difficulty attracting and retaining qualified directors and executive officers, which could harm our business. We continually evaluate and monitor regulatory developments and cannot estimate the timing or magnitude of additional costs we may incur as a result.\nWe have a history of losses and we may not be able to maintain profitability in the future.\nAlthough we generated net income for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020, operations resulted in a net loss of $0.7 million and $11.8 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019, 2018, respectively. We may continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future which may limit our ability to fund our operations and we may not generate income from operations in the future. As of September 30, 2022, September 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020, we had an accumulated deficit of $18.0 million, $6.1 million, and $14.0 million, respectively. Our future profitability depends upon many factors, including several that are beyond our control. These factors include, without limitation:\n\u2022\nchanges in the demand for our products and services;\n\u2022\nloss of key customers or contracts;\n\u2022\nthe introduction of competitive software;\n\u2022\nthe failure to gain market acceptance of our new and existing products;\n\u2022\nthe failure to successfully and cost effectively develop, introduce and market new products, services and product enhancements in a timely manner; and\n\u2022\nthe timing of recognition of revenue.\nIn addition, we incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses related to being a public company. As a result of these expenditures, we will have to generate and sustain increased revenue to achieve and maintain future profitability.\nAn \u201cownership change\u201d could limit our ability to utilize our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, which could result in our payment of income taxes earlier than if we were able to fully utilize our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.\n16\nFederal and state tax laws impose restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss (\u201cNOL\u201d) and tax credit carryforwards in the event of an \u201cownership change\u201d as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (\u201cSection 382\u201d). Generally, an \u201cownership change\u201d occurs if the percentage of the value of the stock that is owned by one or more direct or indirect \u201cfive percent shareholders\u201d increases by more than 50% over their lowest ownership percentage at any time during an applicable testing period (typically, three years). Under Section 382, if a corporation undergoes an \u201cownership change,\u201d such corporation\u2019s ability to use its pre-change NOL and tax credit carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income may be limited. While no \u201cownership change\u201d has resulted in annual limitations, future changes in our stock ownership, which may be outside of our control, may trigger an \u201cownership change.\u201d In addition, future equity offerings or acquisitions that have equity as a component of the consideration could result in an \u201cownership change.\u201d If an \u201cownership change\u201d occurs in the future, utilization of our NOL and tax credit carryforwards or other tax attributes may be limited, which could potentially result in increased future tax liability to us. \nOur cash and cash equivalents could be adversely affected if the financial institutions at which we hold our cash and cash equivalents fail.\nOur cash and cash equivalents that we use to satisfy our working capital and operating expense needs are held in accounts at various financial institutions. The balance held in deposit accounts often exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (\u201cFDIC\u201d) deposit insurance limit or similar government deposit insurance schemes. Our cash and cash equivalents could be adversely impacted, including the loss of uninsured deposits and other uninsured financial assets, if one or more of the financial institutions in which we hold our cash or cash equivalents fails or is subject to other adverse conditions in the financial or credit markets.\nWe maintain a significant amount our cash and cash equivalents in Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank (\u201cSVB\u201d), and our deposits at this institution exceeds insured limits. In March 2023, SVB failed and the FDIC took control of SVB. The Federal Reserve subsequently announced that account holders would be made whole and we were able to access all of our cash held at SVB. There is no guarantee that the Federal Reserve Board, the U.S. Treasury Department and the FDIC will provide access to uninsured funds in the future in the event of the closure of any other banks or financial institutions in a timely fashion or at all. Any inability to access or delay in accessing these funds could adversely affect our business, financial position, and liquidity.\nIf we do not effectively diversify our bank deposits and investment portfolio, the value and liquidity of our investments may fluctuate substantially which could affect our access to capital and results of operations in a material way. Furthermore, our access to our cash and cash equivalents in amounts adequate to finance our operations could be significantly impaired if the financial institutions with which we have arrangements directly face liquidity constraints or failures. Investor concerns regarding the U.S. or international financial systems could result in less favorable commercial financing terms, including higher interest rates or costs and tighter financial and operating covenants, or systemic limitations on access to credit and liquidity sources, thereby making it more difficult for us to acquire financing on acceptable terms or at all. Any material decline in available funding or our ability to access our cash and cash equivalents could adversely impact our results of operations and liquidity.\nOur business could be adversely affected in the event we default under our debt agreements.\nIn the event we default on any debt agreement, including those related to our convertible notes due 2026, our business, ability to make distributions, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. If we were unable to obtain a waiver of a default from the lenders or holders of that indebtedness, as applicable, those lenders or holders could accelerate repayment under that indebtedness. An acceleration could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nOur ability to meet our payment obligations under our debt instruments depends on our ability to generate significant cash flows in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to market, economic, financial, competitive, legislative, and regulatory factors as well as other factors that are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our business will generate cash flow from operations, or that additional capital will be available to us, in amounts sufficient to enable us to meet our debt payment obligations and to fund other liquidity needs.\nOur revenues are dependent on our ability to maintain and expand existing customer relationships and our ability to attract new customers.\nThe continued growth of our revenues is dependent in part on our ability to expand the use of our solutions by existing customers and attract new customers. If we are unable to expand our customers\u2019 use of our solutions, sell additional solutions to our customers, maintain our renewal rates for maintenance and subscription agreements and expand our customer base, our revenues may decline or fail to increase at historical growth rates, which could adversely affect our business and operating results. In addition, if we experience customer dissatisfaction with customers in the future, we may find it more difficult to increase use of our solutions within our existing customer base and it may be more difficult to attract new customers, or we may be required to grant credits or refunds, any of which could negatively impact our operating results and materially harm our business.\nEvolving domestic and international data privacy regulations may restrict our ability, and that of our customers, to solicit, collect, process, disclose and use personal information or may increase the costs of doing so, which could harm our business.\n17\nFederal, state and foreign governments and supervising authorities have enacted, and may in the future enact, laws and regulations concerning the solicitation, collection, processing, disclosure or use of consumers' personal information, including sensitive information such as biometric data. Evolving regulations regarding personal data and personal information, in the European Union and elsewhere, especially relating to classification of IP addresses, machine identification, household data, location data, biometric data, and other information, may limit or inhibit our ability to operate or expand our business. Such laws and regulations require or may in the future require us or our customers to implement privacy and security policies and practices; permit individuals to access, correct or delete personal information stored or maintained by us or our customers; inform individuals of security incidents that affect their personal information; and, in some cases, obtain consent to use personal information for specified purposes. Other proposed legislation could, if enacted, impose additional requirements and prohibit the use of specific technologies, such as those that track individuals' activities on web pages or record when individuals click on a link contained in an email message, or those relating to collection and use of biometric identifiers, and systems reliant on such technologies. Such laws and regulations could restrict our customers' ability to collect and use web browsing data and personal information, or utilize biometrics-derived information, which may reduce our customers' demand for our solutions. The laws in this area are complex and developing rapidly.\nIn the United States, many state legislatures have adopted legislation that regulates how businesses operate online, including measures relating to privacy, data security and data breaches. Laws in all states require businesses to provide notice to customers whose personally identifiable information has been disclosed as a result of a data breach. The laws are not consistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread data breach is costly. Further, states are constantly adopting new laws or amending existing laws, requiring attention to frequently changing regulatory requirements. For example, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (the \u201cCCPA\u201d) on June 28, 2018, which went into effect on January 1, 2020 and has been dubbed the first \u201cGDPR-like\u201d law (referring to the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, described below) in the United States. The CCPA gives California residents expanded rights to access and delete their personal information, opt out of certain personal information sharing and receive detailed information about how their personal information is used by requiring covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers (as that term is broadly defined) and provides such consumers new ways to opt-out of certain sales of personal information. The CCPA provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that is expected to increase data breach litigation. The CCPA may increase our compliance costs and potential liability. The California Privacy Rights Act (the \u201cCPRA\u201d) was approved by California voters in the November 3, 2020 election, and created additional obligations relating to consumer data beginning on January 1, 2022, with implementing regulations expected on or before July 1, 2022, and enforcement beginning July 1, 2023. Aspects of the CCPA and the CPRA (referred to collectively as \u201cthe California Legislation\u201d), and their interpretation and enforcement, remain uncertain. For example, Virginia recently passed its Consumer Data Protection Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2023, and Colorado recently passed the Colorado Privacy Act, which will go into effect on July, 2023, and both of which differ from the California Legislation. Additional U.S. states have enacted, or are considering, similar data privacy laws. We cannot fully predict the impact of these state laws, including the California Legislation, on our business or operations, but it may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and expenses in an effort to comply. We expect that new legislation proposed or enacted in various other states will continue to shape the data privacy environment nationally. Certain state laws may be more stringent or broader in scope, or offer greater individual rights, with respect to confidential, sensitive and personal information than federal, international or other state laws, and such laws may differ from each other, which may complicate compliance efforts.\nChanging industry standards and industry self-regulation regarding the collection, use and disclosure of data may have similar effects. Existing and future privacy and data protection laws and increasing sensitivity of consumers to unauthorized disclosures and use of personal information may also negatively affect the public's perception of our customers' sales practices. If our solutions are perceived to cause, or are otherwise unfavorably associated with, insecurity of personal information, whether or not illegal, we or our customers may be subject to public criticism. Public concerns regarding data collection, privacy and security may also cause some consumers to be less likely to visit our customers' websites or otherwise interact with our customers, which could limit the demand for our solutions and inhibit the growth of our business. Any failure on our part to comply with applicable privacy and data protection laws, regulations, policies and standards or any inability to adequately address privacy or security concerns associated with our solutions, even if unfounded, could subject us to liability, damage our reputation, impair our sales and harm our business. Furthermore, the costs to our customers of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, such laws, regulations, policies and standards may limit adoption of and demand for our solutions.\nRisks Related to Investing in Our Common Stock\nFrom time-to-time our Board explores and considers strategic alternatives, including financings, strategic alliances, acquisitions, or the possible sale of our company. Our Board may not be able to identify or complete any suitable strategic alternatives, and announcements regarding any such strategic alternatives could have an impact on our operations or stock price.\nFrom time-to-time our Board explores and considers strategic alternatives, including financings, strategic alliances, acquisitions, or the possible sale of our company. We currently have no agreements or commitments to engage in any specific strategic transactions, and we cannot assure you that any future explorations of various strategic alternatives will result in any specific action or transaction. If we determine to engage in a strategic transaction, we cannot predict the impact that such strategic transaction might \n18\nhave on our operations or stock price. We do not intend to provide updates or make further comments regarding the evaluation of strategic alternatives, unless otherwise required by law.\nFuture sales of our common stock by our insiders may cause our stock price to decline.\nA significant portion of our outstanding shares are held by our current and former directors and executive officers. Resales of a substantial number of shares of our stock by these stockholders, announcements of the proposed resale of substantial amounts of our stock, or the perception that substantial resales may be made by such stockholders could adversely impact the market price of our stock. Some of our directors and executive officers have in the past and may in the future enter into Rule 10b5-1 trading plans pursuant to which they may sell shares of our stock from time to time in the future. Actual or potential sales by these individuals, including those under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, regardless of the actual circumstances, could be interpreted by the market as an indication that the insider has lost confidence in our stock and adversely impact the market price of our stock.\nWe have registered and expect to continue to register shares reserved under our equity plans under a registration statement on Form S-8. All shares issued pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8 can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to restrictions on our affiliates under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. If a large number of these shares are sold in the public market, the sales could adversely impact the trading price of our stock.\nA potential proxy contest for the election of directors at our annual meeting could result in potential operational disruption, divert our resources, and could potentially result in adverse consequences under certain of our agreements.\nOur investors may launch a proxy contest to nominate director candidates for election to the Board at our annual meeting of stockholders. A proxy contest would require us to incur significant legal fees and proxy solicitation expenses and could result in potential operational disruption, including that the investor-nominated directors (if elected) may have a business agenda for our company that is different than the strategic and operational plans of the existing Board, which agenda may adversely affect our stockholders. Further, any perceived uncertainties as to our future direction and control could result in the loss of potential business opportunities and may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results and create increased volatility in our stock price.\nFurther, a change in a majority of the Board may, under certain circumstances, result in a change of control under certain employment agreements we have with our executive management and our 2002 Stock Option Plan, 2010 Stock Option Plan, Amended and Restated 2012 Incentive Plan, 2020 Incentive Plan, Director Restricted Stock Unit Plan, and any equity based awards issued thereunder. Pursuant to the agreements and awards, certain payments and vesting provisions may be triggered following a change of control, conditioned upon a qualifying termination that occurs within 12 months of any such change of control.\nOur corporate documents and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the \u201cDGCL\u201d) contain provisions that could discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control of our company, prevent attempts to replace or remove current management, and reduce the market price of our stock.\nProvisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and second amended and restated bylaws may discourage, delay, or prevent a merger or acquisition involving us that our stockholders may consider favorable. For example, our restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board to issue up to one million shares of \u201cblank check\u201d preferred stock. As a result, without further stockholder approval, the Board has the authority to attach special rights, including voting and dividend rights, to this preferred stock. With these rights, preferred stockholders could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us. We are also subject to the anti-takeover provisions of the DGCL. Under these provisions, if anyone becomes an \u201cinterested stockholder,\u201d we may not enter into a \u201cbusiness combination\u201d with that person for three years without special approval, which could discourage a third-party from making a takeover offer and could delay or prevent a change in control of us. An \u201cinterested stockholder\u201d is, generally, a stockholder who owns 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock or an affiliate of ours who has owned 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock during the past three years, subject to certain exceptions as described in the DGCL.\nOur restated certificate of incorporation and second amended and restated bylaws provide for indemnification of officers and directors at our expense and limits their liability, which may result in a major cost to us and hurt the interests of our stockholders because corporate resources may be expended for the benefit of officers and/or directors.\nPursuant to our restated certificate of incorporation and second amended and restated bylaws and as authorized under applicable Delaware law, our directors and officers are not liable for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duties, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director\u2019s duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL; or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.\nWe have entered into a separate indemnification agreement (the \u201cIndemnification Agreement\u201d) with each of our directors. Under the Indemnification Agreement, each director is entitled to be indemnified against all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of such director in connection with any claims, proceedings or other actions brought against such director as a result of the director\u2019s service to us, provided that the director: (i) acted in good faith; (ii) reasonably believed the action was in our best interest; and (iii) in criminal proceedings, reasonably believed the \n19\nconduct was not unlawful. Additionally, the Indemnification Agreement entitles each director to contribution of expenses from us in any proceeding in which we are jointly liable with such director, but for which indemnification is not otherwise available. The Indemnification Agreement also entitles each director to advancement of expenses incurred by such director in connection with any claim, proceeding or other action in advance of the final adjudication of any such claim, proceeding or other action, provided the director agrees to reimburse us for all such advances if it shall ultimately be determined that the director is not entitled to indemnification.\nThe foregoing limitations of liability and provisions for expenses may result in a major cost to us and hurt the interests of our stockholders because corporate resources may be expended for the benefit of officers and/or directors.\nThe market price of our common stock has been volatile and your investment in our stock could suffer a decline in value.\nThe market price of our common stock has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. For example, during the three year period ended September 30, 2022, the closing price of our common stock ranged from $5.56 to $23.03. In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices for the common stock of technology companies and that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. You may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid for them due to fluctuations in the market price of our stock caused by changes in our operating performance or prospects and other factors.\nSome specific factors, in addition to the other risk factors identified above, that may have a significant effect on the price of our stock, many of which we cannot control, include but are not limited to:\n\u2022\nour announcements or our competitors\u2019 announcements of technological innovations;\n\u2022\nquarterly variations in operating results;\n\u2022\nchanges in our product pricing policies or those of our competitors;\n\u2022\nclaims of infringement of intellectual property rights or other litigation;\n\u2022\nthe public\u2019s reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;\n\u2022\nchanges in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;\n\u2022\nchanges in our growth rate or our competitors\u2019 growth rates;\n\u2022\ndevelopments regarding our patents or proprietary rights or those of our competitors;\n\u2022\nour inability to raise additional capital as needed;\n\u2022\nchanges in financial markets or general economic conditions;\n\u2022\nsales of stock by us or members of our management team or Board; and\n\u2022\nchanges in stock market analyst recommendations or earnings estimates regarding our stock, other comparable companies or our industry generally.\nBecause we do not intend to pay cash dividends, our stockholders will benefit from an investment in our common stock only if our stock price appreciates in value.\nWe have never declared or paid a cash dividend on our common stock. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, the success of an investment in our common stock will depend entirely upon any future appreciation in its value. There is no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which it was purchased.\nAs a result of our failure to timely file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended September 30, 2022, and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, we are currently ineligible to file new short form registration statements on Form S-3 or to have resale registration statements declared effective in a timely manner, which may impair our ability to raise capital on terms favorable to us, in a timely manner or at all.\nForm S-3 permits eligible issuers to conduct registered offerings using a short form registration statement that allows the issuer to incorporate by reference its past and future filings and reports made under the Exchange Act. In addition, Form S-3 enables eligible issuers to conduct primary offerings \u201coff the shelf\u201d under Rule 415 of the Securities Act. The shelf registration process, combined with the ability to forward incorporate information, allows issuers to avoid delays and interruptions in the offering process and to access the capital markets in a more expeditious and efficient manner than raising capital in a standard registered offering pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1. The ability to register securities for resale may also be limited as a result of the loss of Form S-3 eligibility.\n20\nAs a result of our failure to timely file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended September 30, 2022, and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, we are currently ineligible to file new short form registration statements on Form S-3 . In addition, if we seek to access the capital markets through a registered offering during the period of time that we are unable to use Form S-3, we may be required to publicly disclose the proposed offering and the material terms thereof before the offering commences, we may experience delays in the offering process due to SEC review of a Form S-1 registration statement and we may incur increased offering and transaction costs and other considerations.\nOur second amended and restated bylaws provide that a state or federal court located within in the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders\u2019 ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.\nOur second amended and restated bylaws provide that, unless we consent to an alternative forum, a state or federal court located within the state of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee to us or our stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (d) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Our Bylaws also provide that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and consented to this choice of forum provision. The foregoing choice of forum provision is not intended to apply to any actions brought under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. However, our Bylaws do not relieve us of our duties to comply with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder, and our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with these laws, rules and regulations. \nThis choice of forum provision in our Bylaws may limit a stockholder\u2019s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees. In addition, stockholders who do bring a claim in the state or federal courts in the State of Delaware could face additional litigation costs in pursuing any such claim, particularly if they do not reside in or near Delaware. Furthermore, the enforceability of similar choice of forum provisions in other companies\u2019 governing documents has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that a court could find these types of provisions to be inapplicable or unenforceable. If a court were to find the choice of forum provision in our Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.\nWe may not be able to maintain our listing on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (\u201cNasdaq\u201d), or trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market may otherwise be halted or suspended, which may negatively impact the price of our common stock. If our common stock is delisted from Nasdaq, our business, financial condition, results of operations and share price could be adversely affected, and the liquidity of our common stock could be impaired.\nWe have in the past and may in the future fail to comply with the Nasdaq listing requirements, including the continued listing requirement to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the SEC. As of the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, we have not yet filed our Form 10-Qs for the quarterly periods ended December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023. If our common stock ceases to be listed for trading on Nasdaq for any reason, it may harm our stock price, increase the volatility of our stock price, decrease the level of trading activity and make it more difficult for investors to buy or sell shares of our common stock. Our failure to maintain listing on Nasdaq may constitute an event of default under our outstanding indebtedness, including our convertible notes due 2026, and any future indebtedness, which would accelerate the maturity date of such debt or trigger other obligations. In addition, certain institutional investors that are not permitted to own securities of non-listed companies may be required to sell their shares adversely affecting the market price of our common stock. If we are not listed on Nasdaq, we will be limited in our ability to raise additional capital we may need.\nOn August 11, 2022, we were notified by Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq \nListing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the \u201cListing Rule\u201d), which requires\n that a listed company timely file all required periodic financial reports with the SEC as a result of our failure to file our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022. We submitted a plan to regain compliance on October 12, 2022 and on October 18, 2022, the Company received an exception of 180 days from the date the filing was due to regain compliance. On October 28, 2022, the Company filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 and regained compliance. \nOn December 16, 2022, we were notified by Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with the Listing Rule as a result of our failure to file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 (the \u201cForm 10-K\u201d). We submitted an initial plan of compliance to Nasdaq on February 9, 2023.\nOn February 16, 2023, we were notified by Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with the Listing Rule as a result of our failure to file our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2022 (the \u201cQ1 Form 10-Q\u201d) and our then-continuing delinquency to file our Form 10-K. On March 1, 2023, we submitted to Nasdaq an update to our previously submitted \n21\nplan of compliance. On March 15, 2023, we \nreceived an exception from Nasdaq allowing us until June 12, 2023 (the \u201cCompliance Deadline\u201d), or 180 days from the initial due date of the Form 10-K, to regain compliance by filing the Form 10-K and Q1 Form 10-Q.\nOn May 12, 2023, we were notified by Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with the Nasdaq requirement that a company shall timely file all required period financial reports with the SEC as a result of our failure to file our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023 (the \u201cQ2 Form 10-Q\u201d) and our then-continuing delinquency to file our Form 10-K and Q1 Form 10-Q. On May 26, 2023, we submitted to Nasdaq another update to our previously submitted plan of compliance.\nAs this Form 10-K and our delinquent Form 10-Qs were not filed by the Compliance Deadline, on \nJune 13, 2023\n, we received a Staff Delisting Determination \n \nfrom the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC \nnotifying us that the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department (the \u201cStaff\u201d) has initiated a process to delist our securities from Nasdaq as a result of us not being in compliance with the Listing Rule. \nThe notice was issued because we had not filed our Form 10-K, Q1 Form 10-Q and Q2 Form 10-Q in a timely manner and did not meet the terms of the exception by the Compliance Deadline. \nOn June 20, 2023 we submitted our request for a hearing before \nan independent Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the \u201cPanel\u201d)\n. Our common stock will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol \u201cMITK\u201d until the Panel issues its decision following the hearing and through the expiration of any additional extension period granted by the Panel. The Panel has discretion to grant an exception for up to 180 days after the Nasdaq Staff\u2019s initial delisting decision. There can be no assurance that the Panel will grant our request for a stay pending the hearing process or any further extension following the hearing or continued listing. \nWe have developed a detailed plan to present to the Panel in an effort to regain compliance with the Listing Rule and obtain an extended stay.\n If our common stock ceases to be listed for trading on Nasdaq, we expect that our common stock would be traded on the over-the-counter market.\nRisks Related to Regulation and Compliance\nWe have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, and if our remediation of such material weaknesses is not effective, or if we fail to develop and maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable laws and regulations could be impaired.\nIn the course of preparing our financial statements for fiscal 2022 and 2021, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. See \nPart II, Item 9A \u201cControls and Procedures\u201d\n for additional information about these material weaknesses and our remediation efforts.\nIf we are unable to further implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, our ability to record, process and report financial information accurately, and to prepare financial statements within required time periods could be adversely affected, which could subject us to litigation or investigations requiring management resources and payment of legal and other expenses, negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements and adversely impact our stock price. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an unqualified opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected and we could become subject to litigation or investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to date, and actions we may take in the future, will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to our material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or that they will prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses. Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business. Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods.\nAny failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we are required to include in our periodic reports that are filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock. In addition, if we are unable to continue to meet these requirements, we may not be able to remain listed on Nasdaq.\nGeneral Risk Factors\n22\nIf we are unable to retain and recruit qualified personnel, or if any of our key executives or key employees discontinues his or her employment with us, it may have a material adverse effect on our business.\nWe are highly dependent on the key members of our management team and other key technical personnel. If we were to lose the services of one or more of our key personnel, or if we fail to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, it could materially and adversely affect our business. Furthermore, recruiting and retaining qualified highly skilled engineers involved in the ongoing development required to refine our technologies and introduce future products is critical to our success. We may be unable to attract, assimilate, and retain qualified personnel on acceptable terms given the competition within the high technology industry. We do not have any employment agreements providing for a specific term of employment with any member of our senior management. We do not maintain \u201ckey man\u201d insurance policies on any of our officers or employees. We have granted and plan to grant restricted stock units or other forms of equity awards as a method of attracting and retaining employees, motivating performance and aligning the interests of employees with those of our stockholders. As of September 30, 2022, we had 1,477,769 shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future grants of equity awards under our existing equity compensation plans, which may limit our ability to provide equity incentive awards to existing and future employees. If we are unable to adopt, implement and maintain equity compensation arrangements that provide sufficient incentives, we may be unable to retain our existing employees and attract additional qualified candidates. If we are unable to retain our existing employees, including qualified technical personnel, and attract additional qualified candidates, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.\nLegislation and governmental regulations enacted in the U.S. and other countries that apply to us or to our customers may require us to change our current products and services and/or result in additional expenses, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nLegislation and governmental regulations including changes in legislation and governmental regulations impacting financial institutions, insurance companies, and mobile device companies, affect how our business is conducted. Globally, legislation and governmental regulations also influence our current and prospective customers\u2019 activities, as well as their expectations and needs in relation to our products and services. Compliance with these laws and regulations may be onerous and expensive, and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, further increasing the cost of compliance. Any such increase in costs as a result of changes in these laws and regulations or in their interpretation could individually or in the aggregate make our products and services less attractive to our customers, delay the introduction of new products in one or more regions, cause us to change or limit our business practices or affect our financial condition and operating results.\nFuture sales of our common stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.\nWe cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of shares of our common stock or the availability of shares of our common stock for sale will have on the market price of our common stock prevailing from time to time. We currently have an effective universal shelf registration statement on file with the SEC, providing for the potential issuance of shares of our common stock and other securities. Sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock or other securities in the public market, or the perception that those sales could occur, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. In addition, any such decline may make it more difficult for you to sell shares of our common stock at prices you may deem acceptable.\nIf financial or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they issue negative or misleading evaluations of our stock, our stock price and trading volume could decline.\nThe trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not control these analysts or the content and opinions included in their reports. If one or more of the analysts who cover us were to adversely change their recommendation regarding our stock, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, our stock price could decline. If one or more of the analysts who cover us cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly we could lose visibility in the financial markets which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.\nNatural disasters or other catastrophic events may disrupt our business.\nOur business operations are subject to interruption by natural disasters and other catastrophic events, such as fire, floods, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failure, cyberattack, war or terrorist attack, or epidemic or pandemic. To the extent such events impact our facilities or off-premises infrastructure, we may be unable to continue our operations and may endure system interruptions, reputational harm, delays in our software development, lengthy interruptions in our services, breaches of data security and loss of critical data, all of which could have an adverse effect on our future operating results.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\nRisk Factors\n6\nItem 1B.\nUnresolved Staff Comments\n23\nItem 2.\nProperties\n23\nItem 3.\nLegal Proceedings\n24\nItem 4.\nMine Safety Disclosures\n24\nPart II\nItem 5.\nMarket for Registrant\u2019s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities\n25\nItem 6.\n[Reserved]\n26\nItem 7.\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n27",
+ "item7": ">ITEM\u00a07.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.\nThe following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains predictions, estimates and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under Item\u00a01A\u2014\u201cRisk Factors\u201d or in other parts of this report. These risks could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under \u201cRisk Factors.\u201d\nOverview\nMitek Systems, Inc. (\u201cMitek,\u201d the \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d and \u201cour\u201d\n)\n is a leading innovator of mobile image capture and digital identity verification solutions. We are a software development company with expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. We currently serve more than 7,800 financial services organizations and leading marketplace and financial technology (\u201cfintech\u201d) brands around the globe. Customers count on Mitek to deliver trusted and convenient online experiences, detect and reduce fraud, and document Know Your Customer (\u201cKYC\u201d) and Anti-Money Laundering (\u201cAML\u201d) regulatory compliance. Our solutions are embedded in native mobile apps and web browsers to facilitate digital consumer experiences. Mitek\u2019s identity verification and authentication technologies and services make it possible for banks, financial services organizations and the world\u2019s leading marketplace and sharing platforms to verify an individual\u2019s identity during digital transactions, allowing them to reduce risk and meet regulatory requirements. Our advanced mobile deposit system enables secure, fast and convenient deposit services. Thousands of organizations use Mitek solutions to optimize the security of mobile check deposits, new account openings and more.\nIn May of 2021, Mitek acquired ID R&D, Inc. (\u201cID R&D\u201d and such acquisition, the \u201cID R&D Acquisition\u201d), an award-winning provider of AI-based voice and face biometrics and liveness detection. ID R&D delivers innovative, biometric capabilities that raise the bar on usability and performance. The ID R&D Acquisition helps simplify and secure the entire transaction lifecycle for both businesses and consumers. It provides businesses and financial institutions with access to one authentication solution to deploy throughout the entire transaction cycle, and can provide consumers with a simple, intuitive approach to fighting fraud. \nIn March of 2022, Mitek acquired HooYu Ltd. (\u201cHooYu\u201d), a leading KYC technology provider in the United Kingdom. Such technology helps to ensure businesses know the true identity of their customers by linking biometric verification with real-time data aggregation across many different sources, including credit bureaus, international sanctions lists, local law-enforcement, and others.\nMitek markets and sells its products and services worldwide through internal, direct sales teams located in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America as well as through channel partners. Our partner sales strategy includes channel partners who are financial services technology providers and identity verification providers. These partners integrate our products into their solutions to meet the needs of their customers, typically provisioning Mitek\u2019s services through their respective platforms.\nFiscal Year 2022 Highlights\n\u00a0\n\u2022\nRevenues for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022 were $143.9 million, an increase of 20% compared to revenues of $119.8 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021.\n\u2022\nNet income was $3.0 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, compared to a net income of $8.0 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021. \n\u2022\nCash provided by operating activities was $26.4 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $37.3 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021.\n\u2022\nDuring fiscal 2022 the total number of financial institutions licensing our technology continued to exceed 7,800.\n\u2022\nWe added new patents to our portfolio during fiscal year 2022, bringing our total number of issued patents to 80 as of September 30, 2022.\u00a0In addition, we had 16 patent applications outstanding as of September 30, 2022.\nAcquisition of HooYu Ltd\nOn March 23, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of HooYu (the \u201cHooYu Acquisition\u201d) pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (the \u201cPurchase Agreement\u201d) dated March 23, 2022, by and among the Company and certain selling parties identified in the Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company, among other things, acquired 100% of the outstanding share capital of HooYu, a leading global customer onboarding platform designed to increase the integrity of KYC and maximize the success of customer onboarding. As consideration for the HooYu Acquisition, the Company paid aggregate consideration in the amount of $129.1\u00a0million (the \u201cClosing Consideration\u201d), as such amount may be adjusted for transaction expenses and indebtedness.\nMarket Opportunities, Challenges, & Risks\nSee Item 1: \u201cBusiness\u201d for details regarding additional market opportunities, challenges and risks.\n27\nResults of Operations\nComparison of the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021\nThe following table summarizes certain aspects of our results of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the twelve months ended September 30, 2021 (\nin thousands, except percentages\n):\nTwelve Months Ended September 30,\nPercentage of Total Revenue\nIncrease (Decrease)\n2022\n2021\n2022\n2021\n$\n%\nRevenue\nSoftware and hardware\n$\n72,494\u00a0\n$\n60,069\u00a0\n50\u00a0\n%\n50\u00a0\n%\n12,425\u00a0\n21\u00a0\n%\nServices and other\n71,449\u00a0\n59,728\u00a0\n50\u00a0\n%\n50\u00a0\n%\n11,721\u00a0\n20\u00a0\n%\nTotal revenue\n$\n143,943\u00a0\n$\n119,797\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n24,146\u00a0\n20\u00a0\n%\nCost of revenue\n20,008\u00a0\n14,540\u00a0\n14\u00a0\n%\n12\u00a0\n%\n5,468\u00a0\n38\u00a0\n%\nSelling and marketing\n38,841\u00a0\n32,497\u00a0\n27\u00a0\n%\n27\u00a0\n%\n6,344\u00a0\n20\u00a0\n%\nResearch and development\n30,192\u00a0\n28,042\u00a0\n21\u00a0\n%\n23\u00a0\n%\n2,150\u00a0\n8\u00a0\n%\nGeneral and administrative\n26,591\u00a0\n22,490\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n%\n19\u00a0\n%\n4,101\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n%\nAmortization and acquisition-related costs\n15,172\u00a0\n8,951\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\n7\u00a0\n%\n6,221\u00a0\n70\u00a0\n%\nRestructuring costs\n1,800\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n1,800\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\nInterest expense\n8,232\u00a0\n5,129\u00a0\n6\u00a0\n%\n4\u00a0\n%\n3,103\u00a0\n60\u00a0\n%\nOther income (expense), net\n(370)\n654\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n(1,024)\n(157)\n%\nIncome tax benefit (provision)\n295\u00a0\n(824)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(1)\n%\n1,119\u00a0\n(136)\n%\nRevenue\nTotal revenue increased $24.1 million, or 20%, to $143.9 million in 2022 compared to $119.8 million in 2021. Software and hardware revenue increased $12.4 million, or 21%, to $72.5 million in 2022 compared to $60.1 million in 2021. This increase is primarily due to\n an increase in sales of our Mobile Deposit\u00ae, \nCheckReader\u2122, and IDLive\u00ae \nsoftware products. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our ID_CLOUD\n\u2122\n software and hardware products\n. Services and other revenue increased $11.7 million, or 20%, to $71.4 million in 2022 compared\n to $59.7 million in 2021. This increase is \nprimarily due to strong growth in Mobile Verify\u00ae transactional SaaS revenue and SaaS revenue as a result of the HooYu Acquisition, as well as an increase in maintenance revenue associated with Mobile Deposit\u00ae software sales and hosted mobile deposit transactional revenue in 2022 compared to 2021.\nCost of Revenue\nCost of revenue includes personnel costs related to billable services and software support, direct costs associated with our hardware products, and hosting costs. Cost of revenue increased $5.5 million, or 38%, to $20.0 million in 2022 compared to $14.5 million in 2021. The increase in cost of revenue is primarily due to an increase in variable personnel, hosting, and royalty costs associated with a higher volume of Mobile Verify\u00ae transactions processed during 2022 compared to 2021 and the HooYu Acquisition. \nThe increase was partially offset by decreased costs of our identity verification hardware products due to lower hardware revenues\n.\nSelling and Marketing Expenses\nSelling and marketing expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, and other headcount-related costs associated with sales and marketing personnel. Selling and marketing expenses also include non-billable costs of professional services personnel, advertising expenses, product promotion costs, trade shows, and other brand awareness programs. Selling and marketing expenses increased $6.3 million, or 20%, to $38.8 million in 2022 compared to $32.5 million in 2021. As a percentage of revenue, selling and marketing expenses were consistent at 27% in 2022 and in 2021. The increase in selling and marketing expense is primarily due to higher personnel-related costs resulting from our increased headcount of $4.0 million, higher product promotion costs of $1.7 million, and higher travel and related expenses of $0.6 million in 2022 compared to 2021.\n28\nResearch and Development Expenses\nResearch and development expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, third-party contractor expenses, and other headcount-related costs associated with software engineering and mobile image capture science. Research and development expenses increased $2.2 million, or 8%, to $30.2 million in 2022 compared to $28.0 million in 2021. As a percentage of revenue, research and development expenses decreased to 21% in 2022 from 23% in 2021. The increase in research and development expenses is primarily due to higher personnel-related costs resulting from our increased headcount of $3.6 million and higher travel and related expenses of $0.2 million, partially offset by lower third-party contractor and other expenses of $1.7 million in 2022 compared to 2021. \nGeneral and Administrative Expenses\nGeneral and administrative expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, and other headcount-related costs associated with finance, legal, administration and information technology functions, as well as third-party legal, accounting, and other administrative costs. General and administrative expenses increased $4.1 million, or 18%, to $26.6 million in 2022 compared to $22.5 million in 2021. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased to 18% in 2022 from 19% in 2021. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to higher third-party and professional fees of $2.1 million, higher personnel-related costs resulting from our increased headcount of $1.4 million, higher litigation expenses of $0.5 million, and higher travel and related expenses of $0.3 million in 2022 compared to 2021. The overall increase in general and administrative expenses was partially offset by decreased intellectual property litigation costs of $2.2 million in 2022 compared to 2021.\nAmortization and Acquisition-Related Costs\nAmortization and acquisition-related costs include amortization of intangible assets, expenses recorded due to changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, and other costs associated with acquisitions. Amortization and acquisition-related costs increased $6.2 million, or 70%, to $15.2 million in 2022 compared to $9.0 million in 2021. As a percentage of revenue, amortization and acquisition-related costs increased to 11% in 2022 from 7% in 2021. The increase in amortization and acquisition-related costs is primarily due to amortization of intangibles associated with the HooYu Acquisition and the ID R&D Acquisition of $7.1 million and expenses associated with the HooYu Acquisition of $2.9 million in 2022 compared to 2021. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability associated with the ID R&D Acquisition of $2.4 million compared to an increase in 2021, a decrease in amortization expense of intangibles related to previous acquisitions that were fully amortized of $1.0 million, and a decrease in acquisition-related expense from the ID R&D Acquisition of $0.3 million in 2022 compared to 2021.\nRestructuring Costs\nRestructuring costs consist of employee severance obligations and other related costs. In order to streamline the organization and focus resources going forward, we undertook a strategic restructuring in June 2022, which included a reduction in our workforce. Restructuring costs incurred in 2022 were $1.8 million. There were no restructuring costs in 2021. \nInterest Expense\nInterest expense includes the amortization of debt discount and issuance costs and coupon interest incurred associated with our 2026 Notes (as defined below). Interest expense was $8.2 million in 2022 and consisted of $7.0 million of amortization of debt discount and issuance costs and $1.2 million of coupon interest incurred. Interest expense was $5.1 million in 2021 and consisted of $4.4 million of amortization of debt discount and issuance costs and $0.8 million of coupon interest incurred.\nOther Income (Expense), Net\nOther income (expense), net includes interest income net of amortization and net realized gains or losses on our marketable securities portfolio, foreign currency transactional gains or losses, and the change in fair value of our convertible senior notes hedge and embedded conversion derivative. Other income (expense), net decreased $1.0 million, to net expense of $0.4 million in 2022 compared to net income of $0.7 million in 2021, primarily due to higher foreign currency exchange transaction losses, higher realized losses on the sale of marketable securities, partially offset by higher interest income net of amortization in 2022 compared to 2021.\nIncome Tax Benefit (Provision)\nThe income tax benefit for 2022 was $0.3 million which yielded an effective tax rate of negative 11% compared to an income tax provision of $0.8 million which yielded an effective tax rate of 9% in 2021. The income tax benefit for 2022 is primarily due to our positive net income for the year. Our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2022 was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due to excess tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, the impact of foreign and state taxes, the impact of certain permanent items on its tax provision, and the impact of federal and state research and development credits on its tax provision. \n29\nResults of Operations\nComparison of the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020\nThe following table summarizes certain aspects of our results of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the twelve months ended September 30, 2020 (\nin thousands, except percentages\n):\nTwelve Months Ended September 30,\nPercentage of Total Revenue\nIncrease (Decrease)\n2021\n2020\n2021\n2020\n$\n%\nRevenue\nSoftware and hardware\n$\n60,069\u00a0\n$\n54,152\u00a0\n50\u00a0\n%\n53\u00a0\n%\n5,917\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n%\nServices and other\n59,728\u00a0\n47,158\u00a0\n50\u00a0\n%\n47\u00a0\n%\n12,570\u00a0\n27\u00a0\n%\nTotal revenue\n$\n119,797\u00a0\n$\n101,310\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n18,487\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n%\nCost of revenue\n14,540\u00a0\n13,192\u00a0\n12\u00a0\n%\n13\u00a0\n%\n1,348\u00a0\n10\u00a0\n%\nSelling and marketing\n32,497\u00a0\n27,646\u00a0\n27\u00a0\n%\n27\u00a0\n%\n4,851\u00a0\n18\u00a0\n%\nResearch and development\n28,042\u00a0\n22,859\u00a0\n23\u00a0\n%\n23\u00a0\n%\n5,183\u00a0\n23\u00a0\n%\nGeneral and administrative\n22,490\u00a0\n22,284\u00a0\n19\u00a0\n%\n22\u00a0\n%\n206\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\nAmortization and acquisition-related costs\n8,951\u00a0\n6,575\u00a0\n7\u00a0\n%\n6\u00a0\n%\n2,376\u00a0\n36\u00a0\n%\nRestructuring costs\n\u2014\n(114)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n114\u00a0\n(100)\n%\nInterest expense\n5,129\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n4\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n5,129\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\nOther income, net\n654\u00a0\n541\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n%\n1\u00a0\n%\n113\u00a0\n21\u00a0\n%\nIncome tax provision\n(824)\n(1,595)\n(1)\n%\n(2)\n%\n771\u00a0\n(48)\n%\nRevenue\nTotal revenue increased $18.5 million, or 18%, to $119.8 million in 2021 compared to $101.3 million in 2020. Software and hardware revenue increased $5.9 million, or 11%, to $60.1 million in 2021 compared to $54.2 million in 2020. This increase is primarily due to\n an increase in sales of our Mobile Deposit\u00ae, ID_CLOUD\n\u2122, CheckReader\u2122, and IDLive\u00ae Face \nsoftware products. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our identity verification hardware products\n. Services and other revenue increased $12.6 million, or 27%, to $59.7 million in 2021 compared\n to $47.2 million in 2020. This increase is \nprimarily due to strong growth in Mobile Verify\u00ae transactional SaaS revenue of $10.1 million, or 36%, in 2021 compared to 2020, as well as an increase in maintenance revenue associated with Mobile Deposit\u00ae software sales and hosted mobile deposit transactional revenue.\nCost of Revenue\nCost of revenue includes personnel costs related to billable services and software support, direct costs associated with our hardware products, and hosting costs. Cost of revenue increased $1.3 million, or 10%, to $14.5 million in 2021 compared to $13.2 million in 2020. The increase in cost of revenue is primarily due to an increase in variable personnel, hosting, and royalty costs associated with a higher volume of Mobile Verify\u00ae transactions processed during 2021 compared to 2020. \nThe increase was partially offset by decreased costs of our identity verification hardware products due to lower hardware revenues\n.\nSelling and Marketing Expenses\nSelling and marketing expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, and other headcount-related costs associated with sales and marketing personnel. Selling and marketing expenses also include non-billable costs of professional services personnel, advertising expenses, product promotion costs, trade shows, and other brand awareness programs. Selling and marketing expenses increased $4.9 million, or 18%, to $32.5 million in 2021 compared to $27.6 million in 2020. As a percentage of revenue, selling and marketing expenses were consistent at 27% in 2021 and in 2020. The increase in sales and marketing expense is primarily due to higher personnel-related costs resulting from our increased headcount of $5.2 million and higher product promotion costs of $0.2 million in 2021 compared to 2020. The overall increase in selling and marketing expense was partially offset by a decrease in travel and related expenses of $0.5 million as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n30\nResearch and Development Expenses\nResearch and development expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, third-party contractor expenses, and other headcount-related costs associated with software engineering and mobile image capture science. Research and development expenses increased $5.2 million, or 23%, to $28.0 million in 2021 compared to $22.9 million in 2020. As a percentage of revenue, research and development expenses were consistent at 23% in 2021 and in 2020. The increase in research and development expenses is primarily due to higher personnel-related costs and third-party contractor expenses in 2021 compared to 2020. \nGeneral and Administrative Expenses\nGeneral and administrative expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, and other headcount-related costs associated with finance, legal, administration and information technology functions, as well as third-party legal, accounting, and other administrative costs. General and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million, or 1%, to $22.5 million in 2021 compared to $22.3 million in 2020. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased to 19% in 2021 from 22% in 2020. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to higher personnel-related costs resulting from our increased headcount of $1.6 million, higher executive transition costs of $0.4 million, and higher third-party professional fees of $0.4 million in 2021 compared to 2020. The overall increase in general and administrative expenses was partially offset by decreased intellectual property litigation costs of $2.2 million in 2021 compared to 2020.\nAmortization and Acquisition-Related Costs\nAmortization and acquisition-related costs include amortization of intangible assets, expenses recorded due to changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, and other costs associated with acquisitions. Amortization and acquisition-related costs increased $2.4 million, or 36%, to $9.0 million in 2021 compared to $6.6 million in 2020. As a percentage of revenue, amortization and acquisition-related costs increased to 7% in 2021 from 6% in 2020. The increase in amortization and acquisition-related costs is primarily due to expenses associated with the acquisition of ID R&D in 2021 as compared to 2020.\nRestructuring Costs\nRestructuring costs consist of employee severance obligations and other related costs. There were no restructuring costs in 2021. Restructuring costs were negative $0.1 million in 2020 due to a reversal of costs accrued for the restructuring plan implemented in June 2019.\nInterest Expense\nInterest expense includes the amortization of debt discount and issuance costs and coupon interest incurred associated with our 2026 Notes. Interest expense was $5.1 million in 2021 and consisted of $4.4 million of amortization of debt discount and issuance costs and $0.8 million of coupon interest incurred. There was no interest expense in 2020.\nOther Income, Net\nOther income, net includes interest income net of amortization and net realized gains or losses on our marketable securities portfolio, foreign currency transactional gains or losses, and the change in fair value of our convertible senior notes hedge and embedded conversion derivative. Other income, net increased $0.1 million, to a net income of $0.7 million in 2021 compared to a net income of $0.5 million in 2020, primarily due to higher foreign currency exchange transactional gains in 2021 compared to 2020.\nIncome Tax Provision\nThe income tax provision for 2021 was $0.8 million compared to an income tax provision of $1.6 million in 2020. The income tax provision for 2021 is primarily due to our positive net income for the year. Our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2021 was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due to changes in our deferred tax benefit of $1.6 million related to excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock awards. \nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nCash generated from operations has historically been our primary source of liquidity to fund operations and investments to grow our business. Our additional sources of liquidity include available cash balances and proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Notes. On September 30, 2022, we had $101.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and investments compared to $227.4 million on September 30, 2021, a decrease of $126.5 million, or 56%. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents and investments is primarily due to acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $127.9 million, partially offset by net proceeds from the issuance of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (\u201cCommon Stock\u201d) under the Mitek Systems, Inc. 2020 Incentive Plan (the \u201c2020 Plan\u201d) of $1.7 million.\nIn summary, our cash flows from continuing operations were as follows (\ndollars in thousands\n):\n31\nTwelve Months Ended September 30,\n2022\n2021\n2020\nCash provided by operating activities\n$\n26,351\u00a0\n$\n37,341\u00a0\n$\n24,122\u00a0\nCash used by investing activities\n(3,530)\n(170,488)\n(24,706)\nCash (used) provided by financing activities\n(21,143)\n143,680\u00a0\n3,403\u00a0\nCash Flows from Operating Activities\nCash flows related to operating activities are dependent on net income, adjustments to net income and changes in working capital. Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2022 was $26.4 million and resulted primarily from net income of $3.0 million, net non-cash charges of $31.8 million, and unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $8.5 million. Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2021 was $37.3 million and resulted primarily from net income of $8.0 million, net non-cash charges of $27.3 million, and favorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $2.1 million. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable of $10.0 million and a decrease in the estimated fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration of $2.4 million, partially offset by an increase in restructuring expenses of $1.0 million and the amortization of investment premiums and other of $0.4 million.\nNet cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2020 was $24.1 million and resulted primarily from net income of $7.8 million adjusted for net non-cash charges of $19.6 million partially offset by unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $3.3 million. The increase in cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to an increase in contract assets of $7.8 million, $4.4 million of accretion and amortization related to the 2026 Notes which were issued in fiscal 2021, and an increase in amortization of intangibles expense of $1.1 million due to the ID R&D Acquisition.\nCash Flows from Investing Activities\nNet cash used in investing activities was $3.5 million during fiscal 2022, which consisted primarily of net cash paid in connection with the HooYu Acquisition of $127.9 million and capital expenditures of $1.1 million, partially offset by net sales and maturities of investments of $125.5 million. Net cash used in investing activities was $170.5 million during fiscal 2021, which consisted primarily of net purchases of investments of $156.6 million, net cash paid in connection with the ID R&D Acquisition of $12.5 million, and capital expenditures of $1.4 million. The decrease in cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 was primarily due to an increase in net sales and maturities of investments of $282.1 million partially offset by an increase in cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $115.4 million, related to the HooYu Acquisition.\nNet cash used in investing activities was $24.7 million during fiscal 2020, which consisted primarily of net purchases of investments of $23.9 million and capital expenditures of $0.8 million. The increase in cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to an increase in net purchases of investments of $132.6 million and an increase in cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $12.5 million related to the ID R&D Acquisition.\nCash Flows from Financing Activities\nNet cash used in financing activities was $21.1 million during fiscal 2022, which consisted of $15.2 million in repurchases and retirements of our Common Stock and $7.7 million in payments of acquisition-related contingent consideration, partially offset by net proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock under the 2020 Plan of $1.7 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was $143.7 million during fiscal 2021, which consisted of net proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Notes of $149.7 million, proceeds from the issuance of equity plan Common Stock of $4.0 million and net proceeds from other borrowings of $0.2 million, partially offset by net cash used for the call spreads on the sales and purchases of warrants and convertible senior notes hedge issued in connection with the 2026 Notes of $9.3 million, payment of acquisition-related contingent consideration of $0.8 million, and repurchases and retirements of Common Stock of $0.2 million. The increase in cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 was primarily due to the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Notes in fiscal 2021 of $149.7 million and repurchases and retirements of our Common Stock of $15.2 million during fiscal 2022.\nNet cash provided by financing activities was $3.4 million during fiscal 2020, which consisted of proceeds from the issuance of equity plan Common Stock of $4.8 million and net proceeds from other borrowings of $0.1 million, partially offset by repurchases and retirements of Common Stock of $1.0 million and payment of acquisition-related contingent consideration of $0.5 million. The increase in cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Notes in fiscal 2021 of $149.7 million, proceeds from the issuance of convertible senior notes warrants of $23.9 million, partially offset by the purchase of the convertible senior notes hedge of $33.2 million\n0.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026\nIn February 2021, the Company issued $155.3\u00a0million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes. The 2026 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company. The 2026 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated February 5, 2021 (the \n32\n\u201cIndenture\u201d), between the Company and UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee. The Indenture includes customary covenants and sets forth certain events of default after which the 2026 Notes may be declared immediately due and payable and sets forth certain types of bankruptcy or insolvency events of default involving the Company after which the 2026 Notes become automatically due and payable. As of January 13, 2023 (\"Date of Noncompliance\"), the Company was not in compliance with certain of the covenants in the Indenture as a result of the Company not timely filing reports with the SEC. As a result, the 2026 Notes began to accrue additional special interest of 0.25% per annum of the outstanding principal of the 2026 Notes for the 90 days after the Date of Noncompliance and 0.50% per annum of the outstanding principal of the 2026 Notes for the 91st through 180th day after the Date of Noncompliance.\nThe net proceeds from the 2026 Notes offering were approximately $149.7\u00a0million, after deducting the Initial Purchasers\u2019 discounts and commissions and the Company\u2019s estimated offering expenses related to the offering. The 2026 Notes will mature on February 1, 2026, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted. The 2026 Notes bear interest from February 5, 2021 at a rate of 0.750% per year payable semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on August 1, 2021. The 2026 Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding August 1, 2025, only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on June 30, 2021, if the last reported sale price per share of the Company\u2019s Common Stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for each of at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter; (2) during five consecutive business days immediately after any five consecutive trading day period (such five consecutive trading day period, the \u201cmeasurement period\u201d) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price per share of the Common Stock on such trading day and the conversion rate on such trading day; and (3) upon the occurrence of certain corporate events or distributions on the Common Stock. On or after August 1, 2025, until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert all or any portion of the 2026 Notes, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at the option of the holder regardless of the foregoing circumstances. Upon conversion, the Company may satisfy its conversion obligation by paying and/or delivering, as the case may be, cash and, if applicable at the Company\u2019s election, shares of Common Stock, based on the applicable conversion rate(s); provided that the Company will be required to settle conversions solely in cash unless and until the Company (i) receives stockholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares of the Common Stock and (ii) reserves such amount of shares of the Common Stock for future issuance as required pursuant to the indenture that will govern the 2026 Notes. The conversion rate for the 2026 Notes will initially be 47.9731 shares of the Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $20.85 per share of the Common Stock. The initial conversion price of the 2026 Notes represents a premium of approximately 37.5% to the $15.16 per share last reported sale price of the Common Stock on February 2, 2021. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. The impact of the convertible feature will be dilutive to our earnings per share when our average stock price for the period is greater than the conversion price.\nIn connection with the issuance of the 2026 Notes, we entered into transactions for convertible notes hedge (the \u201cNotes Hedge\u201d) and warrants (the \u201cWarrant Transactions\u201d). The Notes Hedge was entered into with Bank of America, N.A., Jefferies International Limited and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, and provided the Company with the option to acquire, on a net settlement basis, approximately 7.4\u00a0million shares of Common Stock at a strike price of $20.85, which is equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that notionally underlie and corresponds to the conversion price of the 2026 Notes. The cost of the Notes Hedge was $33.2\u00a0million. The Notes Hedge will expire on February 1, 2026, equal to the maturity date of the 2026 Notes. The Notes Hedge is expected to reduce the potential equity dilution upon conversion of the 2026 Notes if the daily volume-weighted average price per share of our Common Stock exceeds the strike price of the Notes Hedge.\nIn addition, the Warrant Transactions provided us with the ability to acquire up to 7.4\u00a0million shares of our Common Stock. The Warrant Transactions will expire ratably during the 80 trading days commencing on and including May 1, 2026 and may be settled in net shares of Common Stock or net cash at the Company\u2019s election. We received $23.9\u00a0million in cash proceeds from the Warrant Transactions.\nAs of July\u00a031, 2023, the 2026 Notes were not convertible, therefore, we had not purchased any shares under the Notes Hedge and the Warrant Transactions had not been exercised and remain outstanding. See Note 9 of the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for more information relating to the Notes Hedge and Warrant Transactions.\nRights Agreement\nOn October 23, 2018, the Company entered into the Section 382 Rights Agreement (the \u201cRights Agreement\u201d) and issued a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a \u201cRight\u201d) for each share of Common Stock payable on November 2, 2018 to the stockholders of record of such shares on that date. Each Right entitles the registered holder, under certain circumstances, to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of Series B Junior Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the \u201cPreferred Shares\u201d), of the Company, at a price of $35.00 per one one-thousandth of a Preferred Share represented by a Right, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement.\n33\nThe Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date (as defined in the Rights Agreement). Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.\nAt any time prior to the time any person becomes an Acquiring Person (as defined in the Rights Agreement), the Board may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.0001 per Right (the \u201cRedemption Price\u201d). The redemption of the Rights may be made effective at such time, on such basis and with such conditions as the Board in its sole discretion may establish. Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price. \nOn February 28, 2019, the Company entered into an Amendment No. 1 to the Rights Agreement for the purpose of (i) modifying the definitions of \u201cBeneficial Owner,\u201d \u201cBeneficially Own,\u201d and \u201cBeneficial Ownership\u201d under the Rights Agreement to more closely align such definitions to the actual and constructive ownership rules under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (\u201cSection 382\u201d) or such similar provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and (ii) adding an exemption request process for persons to seek an exemption from becoming an \u201cAcquiring Person\u201d under the Rights Agreement in the event such person wishes to acquire 4.9% or more of the Common Stock then outstanding.\nThe Rights expired on October 22, 2021 and no Rights were redeemed or exchanged.\nShare Repurchase Program\nOn June 15, 2021, the Board authorized and approved a share repurchase program for up to $15.0 million of the currently outstanding shares of our Common Stock. The share repurchase program expired on June 30, 2022. The Company made purchases of $0.2\u00a0million, or 10,555 shares, during fiscal 2021 at an average price of $17.99 per share. The Company made purchases of $14.8 million, or approximately 886,204 shares during fiscal 2022 at an average price of $16.73 per share. The share repurchase plan was completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2022 and total purchases made under the share repurchase program were $15.0 million.\nLease Obligations\nOur principal executive offices, as well as our research and development facility, are located in approximately 29,000 square feet of office space in San Diego, California and the term of the lease continues through June\u00a030, 2024. The average annual base rent under this lease is approximately $1.2 million per year. In connection with this lease, we received tenant improvement allowances totaling approximately $1.0 million. These lease incentives are being amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. \nOur other offices are located in Paris, France; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; New York, New York; Barcelona, Spain; and London, United Kingdom. Other than the lease for our office space in San Diego, California, we do not believe that the leases for our offices are material lease obligations.\nOther Liquidity Matters\nOn September 30, 2022, we had investments of $68.9 million, designated as available-for-sale debt securities, which consisted of U.S. Treasury notes, asset-backed securities, foreign government and agency securities, and corporate issuances, carried at fair value as determined by quoted market prices for identical or similar assets, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, and reported as a separate component of stockholders\u2019 equity. All securities for which maturity or sale is expected within one year are classified as \u201ccurrent\u201d on the consolidated balance sheets. All other securities are classified as \u201clong-term\u201d on the consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2022, we had $58.3 million of our available-for-sale securities classified as current and $10.6 million of our available-for-sale securities classified as long-term. At September 30, 2021, we had $149.1 million of our available-for-sale securities classified as current and $48.1 million of our available-for-sale securities classified as long-term.\nWe had working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $88.6 million at September 30, 2022 compared to $164.8 million at September 30, 2021.\nBased on our current operating plan, we believe the current cash and cash equivalent balance and cash expected to be generated from operations will be adequate to satisfy our working capital needs for the next twelve months from the date these consolidated financial statements are filed.\nCritical Accounting Estimates\nOur financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (\u201cGAAP\u201d). Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, stockholders\u2019 equity, revenue, and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and form the basis for making management\u2019s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are \n34\ninherently uncertain. Actual results could vary from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting estimates affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. \nRevenue Recognition\nWe enter into contractual arrangements with integrators, resellers, and directly with our customers that may include licensing of our software products, product support and maintenance services, SaaS services, consulting services, or various combinations thereof, including the sale of such products or services separately. Our accounting policies regarding the recognition of revenue for these contractual arrangements are fully described in Note 2 of the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.\nOur SaaS offerings give customers the option to be charged upon their incurred usage in arrears (\u201cPay as You Go\u201d) or to commit to a minimum spend over their contracted period, with the ability to purchase unlimited additional transactions above the minimum during the contract term. For contracts which include a minimum commitment, we are standing ready to provide as many transactions as desired by the customer during the contract term and revenue is recognized on a ratable basis over the contract period including an estimate of usage above the minimum commitment. Usage above minimum commitment is estimated by looking at historical usage, expected volume, and other factors to project out for the remainder of the contract term. The estimated usage-based revenues are constrained to the amount we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for providing access to our platform.\nWe include any fixed charges within our contracts as part of the total transaction price. To the extent that variable consideration is not constrained, we include an estimate of the variable amount, as appropriate, within the total transaction price and update our assumptions over the duration of the contract. We may constrain the estimated transaction price in the event of a high degree of uncertainty as to the final consideration amount owed because of an extended length of time over which the fees may be adjusted. The transaction price, including any discounts, is allocated between separate goods and services in a multi-element arrangement based on their relative standalone selling prices. For items that are not sold separately, we estimate the standalone selling prices using available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines. Significant judgment may be required to determine standalone selling prices for each performance obligation and whether it depicts the amount we expect to receive in exchange for the related good or service.\nConvertible Senior Notes Hedge and Embedded Conversion Derivative\n \nIn February 2021, the Company issued $155.3\u00a0million aggregate principal amount of 0.750% convertible notes due 2026 (the \u201c2026 Notes\u201d). Concurrently with the issuance of the 2026 Notes, the Company entered into privately-negotiated convertible senior note hedge (the \u201cNotes Hedge\u201d) and warrant transactions (the \u201cWarrant Transactions\u201d) which, in combination, are intended to reduce the potential dilution from the conversion of the 2026 Notes. The Company could not elect to issue the shares of its Common Stock upon settlement of the 2026 Notes due to insufficient authorized share capital. As a result, the embedded conversion option (the \u201cembedded conversion derivative\u201d) is accounted for as a derivative liability and the Notes Hedge as a derivative asset and the resulting gain (or loss) was reported in other income, net, in the consolidated statement of operations to the extent the valuation changed from the date of issuance of the 2026 Notes. The Warrant Transactions were recorded in additional paid-in-capital in the consolidated balance sheet and are not remeasured as long as they continue to meet the conditions for equity classification. See Note 9 of the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for additional information related to these transactions.\nInvestments\nWe determine the fair value of our assets and liabilities based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We use a fair value hierarchy with three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, to measure fair value:\n\u2022\nLevel 1\u2014Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;\n\u2022\nLevel 2\u2014Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and\n\u2022\nLevel 3\u2014Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.\nIn using this fair value hierarchy, management may be required to make assumptions about pricing by market participants and assumptions about risk, specifically when using unobservable inputs to determine fair value. These assumptions are subjective in nature and may significantly affect our results of operations.\n35\nFair Value of Equity Instruments\nThe valuation of certain items, including compensation expense related to equity awards granted, involves significant estimates based on underlying assumptions made by management. The valuation of stock options is based upon a Black-Scholes valuation model, which involves estimates of stock volatility, expected life of the instruments and other assumptions. The valuation of performance options, Senior Executive Long Term Incentive Restricted Stock Units, and similar awards are based upon the Monte-Carlo simulation, which involves estimates of our stock price, expected volatility, and the probability of reaching the performance targets.\nGoodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets\nGoodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment at least annually or as circumstances indicate that their value may no longer be recoverable. Our goodwill is considered to be impaired if we determine that the carrying value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned exceeds management\u2019s estimate of its fair value. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. We determine the fair value of the reporting unit based on the income approach which requires significant judgments to be made about the future cash flows of that reporting unit, discount rates, and growth rates. Our cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that represent the highest and best use for our reporting units. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we completed our annual goodwill impairment test and concluded that our goodwill was not impaired. \nIntangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Each period, we evaluate the estimated remaining useful life of our intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. The carrying amounts of these assets are periodically reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of each asset group to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. The carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value if the undiscounted cash flows used in the test for recoverability are less than the carrying amount of such assets. No impairment charge related to the impairment of intangible assets was recorded during the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020.\u00a0\nBusiness Combinations\nAccounting for business combinations requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date with respect to tangible and intangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and pre-acquisition contingencies. We use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately assign fair value to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.\nExamples of critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets and goodwill we have acquired include but are not limited to:\n\u2022\nfuture expected cash flows from license sales, software services contracts, professional services contracts, other customer contracts, and acquired developed technologies and patents;\n\u2022\nthe acquired company\u2019s trade name, trademark and existing customer relationships, as well as assumptions about the period of time the acquired trade name and trademark will continue to be used in our offerings;\n\u2022\nuncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances assumed; and\n\u2022\ndiscount rates.\nAccounting for Income Taxes\nWe estimate income taxes based on the various jurisdictions where we conduct business. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax provision. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are reflected in our balance sheets. We then assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. When a valuation allowance is established or increased, we record a corresponding tax expense in our statements of operations. We review the need for a valuation allowance each interim period to reflect uncertainties about whether we will be able to utilize deferred tax assets before they expire. The valuation allowance analysis is based on estimates of taxable income for the jurisdictions in which we operate and the periods over which our deferred tax assets will be realizable.\nWe recognize and measure benefits for uncertain tax positions using a two-step approach. The first step is to evaluate the tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. For tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that has more than a 50% chance of being realized upon settlement. Significant judgment is required to evaluate uncertain tax positions. We evaluate uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. The evaluations are based upon a number of factors, including \n36\nchanges in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, correspondence with tax authorities during the course of audits, and effective settlement of audit issues.\nIn assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset by evaluating both positive and negative evidence that may exist. Any adjustment to the net deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be recorded in the income statement for the period that the adjustment is determined to be required.\nITEM\u00a0 7A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.\nInterest Rates\nThe primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing after-tax yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we maintain our investment portfolio of cash equivalents and marketable securities in a variety of securities, including corporate debt securities, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio, and none of our investments are held for trading or speculative purposes. Short-term and long-term debt securities are generally classified as available-for-sale and consequently are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of estimated tax. As of September 30, 2022, our marketable securities had remaining maturities between one and twenty-five months and a fair market value of $68.9 million, representing 19% of our total assets.\nThe fair value of our cash equivalents and debt securities is subject to change as a result of changes in market interest rates and investment risk related to the issuers\u2019 credit worthiness. We do not utilize financial contracts to manage our investment portfolio\u2019s exposure to changes in market interest rates. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in market interest rates would not have a material impact on the fair value of our cash equivalents and debt securities due to the relatively short maturities of these investments. While changes in market interest rates may affect the fair value of our investment portfolio, any gains or losses will not be recognized in our results of operations until the investment is sold or if the reduction in fair value was determined to be an other-than-temporary impairment.\nForeign Currency Risk\nAs a result of past acquisitions, we have operations in France, the Netherlands, and Spain that are exposed to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar, the Euro, the Ruble, and the British pound sterling. The functional currency of our French, Dutch, and Spanish operations is the Euro. Our results of operations and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly changes in the Euro. Translation adjustments resulting from translating the functional currency financial statements into U.S. dollar equivalents are reported separately in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss).\nInflation\n We do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations in the last three fiscal years. If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases. Our inability or failure to do so could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n37\nItem 8.\nFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\n37\nItem 9.\nChanges in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n37\nItem 9A.\nControls and Procedures\n38\nItem 9B.\nOther Information\n40\nItem 9C. \nDisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n41\nPart III\nItem 10.\nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n42\nItem 11.\nExecutive Compensation\n48\nItem 12.\nSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\n65\nItem 13.\nCertain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n69\nItem 14.\nPrincipal Accountant Fees and Services\n69\nPart IV\nItem 15.\nExhibits and Financial Statement Schedules\n72\nItem 16.\nForm 10-K Summary\n75\nSignatures\n76\nEXPLANATORY NOTE\nMitek Systems, Inc. (\u201cMitek,\u201d the \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d and \u201cour\u201d), a Delaware corporation, is filing this comprehensive Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 (this \u201cForm 10-K\u201d). This Comprehensive Form 10-K contains our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, as well as restatement of the following previously filed periods: our unaudited consolidated financial statements covering the quarterly reporting periods for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2022 and the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2022.\nOn May 8, 2023, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K disclosing that the Company determined that its previously issued unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contained in the Amendment No. 1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 (the \u201cNon-Reliance \nPeriods\u201d), should no longer be relied upon. For additional information, please refer to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d).\nBackground of Restatement\nIn connection with the preparation of the Company\u2019s financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Company noted that certain revenue contracts and other items were improperly accounted for during three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022. Specifically, the Company (a) did not appropriately (i) recognize revenue on its multiyear term licenses; (ii) recognize revenue related to guaranteed minimums and overages for software as a service (\u201cSaaS\u201d) product sales; (iii) cut off revenue related to term license sales; (iv) capitalize certain commissions paid to the HooYu Ltd (\u201cHooYu\u201d) sales team subsequent to the acquisition of HooYu in March 2022; (v) recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset related to the office lease assumed in the HooYu acquisition; and (vi) recognize certain liabilities upon the acquisition of HooYu that were not valid liabilities; and (b) misclassified certain employee costs related to cloud operations as research and development expense instead of cost of revenue.\nThe complete impact of these errors and adjustments is disclosed in Note 15 of the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. The Company has corrected these errors for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022.\nInternal Control Considerations\nIn connection with the restatement, management has re-evaluated the effectiveness of the Company\u2019s internal controls over financial reporting as of March 31, 2022. The Audit Committee of the Company\u2019s Board of Directors, with concurrence of management, has concluded that, in light of the errors described above, additional material weaknesses exist in the Company\u2019s internal controls over financial reporting as of March 31, 2022. Management plans to enhance processes by increasing the number of resources with the necessary skill sets, providing ongoing training for key personnel, and designing and implementing appropriate risk assessment and internal control procedures. For a discussion of management\u2019s consideration of our disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls over financial reporting, and the material weaknesses identified, see Part II, Item 9A, Controls and Procedures of this Form 10-K.\nItems Amended By the Filing of this Form 10-K\nThis Form 10-K reflects changes to the: (i) consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022, (ii) consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and three and nine months ended June 30, 2022, and (iii) consolidated statements of stockholders\u2019 equity, and statements of cash flows for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and the nine months ended June 30, 2022, and the related notes thereto. Restatement of consolidated financial statements for the quarterly periods are disclosed in Note 15 of the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. The Company has not filed, and does not intend to file, amendments to its previously filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022. Accordingly, investors should rely only on the financial information and other disclosures regarding the restated periods in this Form 10-K or in future filings with the SEC (as applicable), and not on any previously issued or filed reports, earnings releases or similar communications relating to these periods.\nSee Note 15 of the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements, included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the effects of the restatement and the related consolidated financial statement effects.\nIMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS\nThis Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,\u201d contains \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d that are often identified by the use of regarding future events and future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the meaning, that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.\nStatements that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the \u201cSecurities Act\u201d), and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the \u201cExchange Act\u201d). Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cproject,\u201d \u201cforecast,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cseek,\u201d \u201ctarget,\u201d or similar expressions.\nIn addition to those factors discussed under Item\u00a01A\u2014\u201cRisk Factors,\u201d important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to:\n\u2022\nadverse economic conditions;\n\u2022\ngeneral decreases in demand for our products and services;\n\u2022\nchanges in timing of introducing new products into the market;\n\u2022\nintense competition (including entry of new competitors), including among competitors with substantially greater resources than us;\n\u2022\nincreased or adverse federal, state, and local government regulation;\n\u2022\ninadequate capital;\n\u2022\nunexpected costs;\n\u2022\nrevenues and net income lower than anticipated;\n\u2022\nlitigation;\n\u2022\nthe possible fluctuation and volatility of operating results and financial conditions;\n\u2022\nthe impact of legal, regulatory, or supervisory matters on our business, results of operations, or financial condition;\n\u2022\ninability to carry out our marketing and sales plans; \n\u2022\nthe loss of key employees and executives;\n\u2022\nour sales and marketing strategy, including our international sales and channel partner strategy;\n\u2022\ncustomer product adoption and purchasing patterns, including renewal, expansion and conversion from on-premises to cloud services;\n\u2022\nmanagement\u2019s plans, beliefs and objectives for future operations;\n\u2022\nour ability to provide compelling, uninterrupted and secure cloud services to our customers;\n\u2022\nthe impact of geopolitical events, including the war in Ukraine;\n\u2022\nour acquisitions, including the expected impacts of such acquisitions;\n\u2022\nexpected impact of changes in accounting pronouncements and other financial and non-financial reporting standards;\n\u2022\nexposure to interest rate changes;\n\u2022\ninflation; and\n\u2022\nthe impact of climate change, natural disasters and actual or threatened public health emergencies.\nThese statements represent the beliefs and assumptions of our management based on the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified above, and those discussed in the section titled \u201cRisk Factors\u201d included in Part I, Item 1A. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligations to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this report.\ni\nPART I",
+ "cik": "807863",
+ "cusip6": "606710",
+ "cusip": ["606710200"],
+ "names": ["MITEK SYSTEMS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/807863/000080786323000049/0000807863-23-000049-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000849146-23-000102.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000849146-23-000102.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..5246c42ed7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000849146-23-000102.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item\u00a01. Business\n6\nItem\u00a01A. Risk Factors\n24\nItem\u00a01B. Unresolved Staff Comments\n41\nItem\u00a02. Properties\n41\nItem\u00a03. Legal Proceedings\n41\nItem\u00a04. Mine Safety Disclosures\n41\nPART II\nItem 5. Market for Registrant\u2019s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities\n41\nItem\u00a06. \nReserved\n43\nItem\u00a07. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n43\nItem\u00a07A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n52\nItem\u00a08. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\n52\nItem\u00a09. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n52\nItem\u00a09A. Controls and Procedures\n52\nItem\u00a09B. Other Information\n53\nItem\u00a09C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n53\nPART III\nItem\u00a010. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n53\nItem\u00a011. Executive Compensation\n53\nItem 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\n53\nItem\u00a013. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n53\nItem\u00a014. Principal Accountant Fees and Services\n53\nPART IV\nItem\u00a015. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules\n54\nSignatures\n56\n5\nPART I\nITEM\u00a01 \u2014 BUSINESS\nOverview\nLifeVantage Corporation is a company focused on nutrigenomics, the study of how nutrition and naturally occurring compounds affect human genes to support good health. LifeVantage is dedicated to helping people achieve their health, wellness and financial goals. We provide quality, scientifically validated products to customers and independent consultants as well as a financially rewarding commission-based direct sales opportunity to our independent consultants. We sell our products in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines. We also sell our products in a number of countries to customers for personal consumption only. \nWe engage in the identification, research, development, formulation and sale of advanced nutrigenomic activators, dietary supplements, nootropics, pre- and pro-biotics, weight management, skin and hair care, bath & body, and targeted relief products. Our line of scientifically validated dietary supplements includes our flagship Protandim\u00ae family of products, LifeVantage\u00ae Omega+, ProBio, IC Bright\u00ae, and Daily Wellness dietary supplements. TrueScience\u00ae is our line of skin, hair, bath & body, and targeted relief products. We also market and sell Petandim\u00ae, our companion pet supplement formulated to combat oxidative stress in dogs, Axio\u00ae our nootropic energy drink mixes, and PhysIQ, our smart weight management system.\nWe were incorporated in Colorado in June 1988 under the name Andraplex Corporation. We changed our corporate name to Yaak River Resources, Inc. in January 1992 and subsequently changed it again in October 2004 to Lifeline Therapeutics, Inc. In October 2004 and March 2005, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Lifeline Nutraceuticals Corporation. In November 2006, we changed our name to LifeVantage Corporation. From our fiscal year 2005 until our fiscal year 2009, we marketed and sold a single product, Protandim\n\u00ae\n, through traditional retail stores. In October 2008, we announced that we were transitioning our business model from a traditional retail model to a direct sales model in which Protandim\n\u00ae\n would be sold primarily through a network of independent consultants. Since entering direct sales, we have increased our geographic reach by entering new international markets and increased our product offering by introducing additional scientifically validated products.\nIn 2018, we reincorporated from the State of Colorado to the State of Delaware.\nFiscal Year 2023 Highlights\n \nCOVID-19 Influence on Business Operations and Work Environment\nIn fiscal year 2023, we maintained both virtual and in person business operations, which started in 2020 as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. During fiscal year 2023, we continued to provide successful virtual events and trainings, including twice-weekly online training events. We have seen a high level of engagement and attendance from our independent consultants, with hundreds of attendees on average and over 2,000 attendees at some virtual and in-person meetings. In fiscal year 2023, we continued the hybrid model with our employees working from home a few days a week and in the office a few days a week which has worked well for employee productivity. We remain focused on being digital first and committed to increasing our investments into digital technologies and tools for independent consultants and employees to function effectively in the current hybrid working environment. \nNew Product Offerings\nIn fiscal year 2023, we launched three new products. In the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan we launched a multi-vitamin system branded as the LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Rise AM & Reset PM System\u2122 in the US, the TimeVantage\n\u00ae\n Zen & Go System in Japan, and the TimeVantage\u2122 Nutrient System in Australia and New Zealand. This product set provides an essential micronutrient foundation of vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens to support ultimate activation for antioxidant pathways. In those same markets we also launched LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n D3+, a micronutrient solution of vitamins D and K2, magnesium and calcium to support a balanced immune response, strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system.\nSeveral products also were introduced into new markets in fiscal year 2023: \n\u2022\nAustralia introduced TrueScience\n \u00ae\n Liquid Collagen, Body Wash and Body Lotion, AXIO\n\u00ae\n, Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer, and LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n IC Bright, and Daily Wellness.\n\u2022\nNew Zealand introduced TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen and Body Lotion, LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n IC Bright, Daily Wellness and AXIO\n\u00ae\n.\n6\n\u2022\nMexico introduced Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD and PhysIQ\n\u00ae\n BRN as well as LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n IC Bright, Daily IMM and a new delivery system of LifeVantage Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2\n\u00ae\n in 7-day blister packs for direct retailing to customers.\n\u2022\nJapan introduced TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen, Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer, LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n IC Bright, and a limited-edition flavor of LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Daily Wellness. \n\u2022\nThe United States introduced a number of limited-edition AXIO\n\u00ae\n flavors.\n\u2022\nCanada, Europe and Hong Kong introduced LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n IC Bright and Daily Wellness. \n\u2022\nSingapore introduced LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n ProBio, IC Bright and Daily Wellness.\n\u2022\nTaiwan introduced LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n ProBio.\nTechnology Innovation \nWe continued to develop, enhance and improve the LifeVantage app, which is available for download on the Apple app store and Google Play store. This custom-developed platform is pioneering new ways for us to interact with our independent consultants and gives us and our consultant leaders valuable insight into the activities of the broader independent consultant base. The app provides independent consultants with tools and communications that help simplify business activities, by providing step-by-step instruction for starting their business, and ways to improve the prospecting of potential consultants and customers. \nNutrigenomic Culture & Activating Wellness \nWe have continued to simplify our nutrigenomic story, emphasizing that it activates and empowers the body to work better by using nutrients to turn natural internal processes on or off and help support vibrant health at any age. Nutrigenomics and cellular activation are cutting-edge trends in our industry that support our unique position in the market and leverage our core competencies and existing products. Activation is the guiding principle of our culture and is the key underlying message for our independent consultants and customers. We are capitalizing on this message by highlighting how LifeVantage has used the concept of activation and expanded it to every aspect of our business, with a new brand message of \u201cactivating wellness.\u201d By focusing on wellness, we are able to apply activation not only to our products, which support physical, mental, and emotional health, but also our business opportunity, which supports financial, social, and spiritual health. The \u201cactivating wellness\u201d message was introduced in fiscal year 2022 and continues to be featured across our communications with our independent consultants and in our brand and marketing materials. In fiscal year 2023, the brand message of activation and \u201cactivating wellness\u201d grew to include four \u201cactivation paths\u201d that encompass three overarching product categories and our business opportunity. The four \u201cactivation paths\u201d are known as \u201cOptimize Health,\u201d \u201cAchieve More,\u201d \u201cLook Radiant,\u201d and \u201cEvolve Possibilities.\u201d Each product path is anchored by key activating products such as the Protandim\n\u00ae\n line for the \u201cOptimize Health\u201d pathway. These pathways, as an expansion of our activation message, will continue to be a focus of additional marketing and media assets. \nRed Carpet Program\nIn fiscal year 2023, we continued to grow through our red-carpet program, which is designed to attract and incentivize experienced direct selling sales leaders who are in transition to join LifeVantage. Red carpet leaders are identified by our independent consultants who facilitate the relationship between the potential red carpet leader and LifeVantage. Our corporate team does not actively engage in recruiting leaders for the red carpet program. We remain optimistic that this program will help drive long term revenue growth for our business. We have increased red carpet leadership enrollments and hope to see improved retention and active independent consultant and customer counts as a result of this program. \nRewards Circle Customer Loyalty Program\nIn March 2023, we launched Rewards Circle, our first-ever customer loyalty program, in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. This program rewards customer loyalty through subscription purchases. The amount spent on each subscription purchase accumulates toward different reward thresholds. When a threshold is reached, the customer receives reward credits that they can apply to future purchases. The amount rewarded varies by the customer\u2019s status, which is based on their lifetime cumulative spend. Rewards Circle is focused on supporting customer retention for independent consultants, supporting their efforts to grow and maintain their LifeVantage business.\n7\nOur Competitive Advantages\nWe believe we have a competitive advantage in several key areas:\n\u2022\nOur Sales Compensation\n: We believe our sales compensation plan engineered for our independent consultants is one of the more financially rewarding plans in the direct selling industry and in line with direct selling industry standards. \n \nOur sales compensation plan also enables independent consultants to earn compensation early and often as they sell our products. Some elements of our sales compensation plan are calculated and paid daily to eligible independent consultants and others are calculated and paid weekly or monthly, allowing new independent consultants to receive their sales commissions more quickly. We believe the ease of more frequent payments of sales commissions helps us attract and then retain new consultants by allowing them to receive their commission payments as soon as possible after making qualified product sales. We also offer a variety of incentives to our independent consultants for achieving specified product sales goals. We believe our sales compensation plan provides motivation for our independent consultants to sell our products to customers and share the business opportunity with those entrepreneurs seeking to begin their own sales business. In January 2023, we announced the adoption of a new compensation plan for our independent consultants, which became effective March 1, 2023, in our United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan markets. The new compensation plan is known as our \u201cEvolve Compensation Plan.\u201d We plan to roll out this new compensation plan to our other markets. \n\u2022\nOur Products:\n Our focus is on nutrigenomics, the study of how properly formulated and applied nutrition and naturally occurring compounds affect human genes to support good health. We have developed proprietary and exclusive scientifically validated nutrigenomics products focused on helping individuals look, feel and perform better. Our products are the Protandim\n\u00ae\n line of scientifically validated dietary supplements; LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Omega+, ProBio, IC Bright\u00ae, Rise AM, Reset PM, D3+ and Daily Wellness dietary supplements; TrueScience\n\u00ae\n, our line of skin, bath & body, target relief, and hair care products; Petandim\n\u00ae\n, our companion pet supplement formulated to combat oxidative stress in dogs; Axio\n\u00ae\n, our nootropic energy drink mixes; and PhysIQ our smart weight management system. The Protandim\n\u00ae\n product line includes Protandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, and Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\n. The Protandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n is formulated to increase cellular energy and performance by boosting mitochondria production to improve cellular repair and slow cellular aging. The Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n contains a proprietary blend of ingredients and has been shown to combat oxidative stress and enhance energy production by increasing the body\u2019s natural antioxidant protection at the genetic level, inducing the production of naturally occurring protective antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione synthase. The Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\n was specifically formulated to target cell signaling pathways involved in the synthesis and recycling of a specific molecule called NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and it has been shown to double sirtuin activity, supporting increased health, focus, energy, mental clarity and mood. Use of the three Protandim\n\u00ae\n products together (marketed as the Protandim\n\u00ae\n Tri-Synergizer) has been shown to produce synergistic benefits greater than using the individual products on their own. LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Omega+ is a dietary supplement that combines DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, omega-7 fatty acids, and vitamin D3 to support cognitive health, cardiovascular health, skin health, and the immune system. LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n ProBio is a dietary supplement designed to support optimal digestion and immune system function. LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Daily Wellness is a dietary supplement designed to support immune health. IC Bright\n\u00ae \nis a supplement to help support eye and brain health, reduce eye fatigue and strain, support cognitive functions, and may help support normal sleep patterns. Our TrueScience\n\u00ae\n line of Nrf2- and CBD-enhanced anti-aging skin care, hair care, bath & body, and targeted relief products includes TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Facial Cleanser, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Perfecting Lotion, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Eye Serum, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Anti-Aging Cream, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Hand Cream, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Invigorating Shampoo, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Nourishing Conditioner, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Scalp Serum, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Body Lotion, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Body Wash, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Body Butter, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Deodorant, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Soothing Balm, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Body Rub, and TrueScience\n\u00ae \nLiquid Collagen. TrueScience\n\u00ae \nLiquid Collagen activates, replenishes, and maintains collagen to support firmness and elasticity from within. Petandim\n\u00ae\n is a supplement specially formulated to combat oxidative stress in dogs through Nrf2 activation. AXIO\n\u00ae\n is our line of our nootropic energy drink mixes formulated to promote alertness and support mental performance. PhysIQ is our smart weight management system, which includes PhysIQ Fat Burn and PhysIQ Prebiotic, all formulated to aid in weight management. We believe our significant number of customers who regularly and repeatedly purchase our products is a strong indicator of the health benefits of our products.\n\u2022\nTechnology-Enabled Consultant Training and Resources\n: We are committed to providing our independent consultants with resources and training designed to promote productivity and their opportunity for successful sales and resulting commissions. We are dedicated to using technology to facilitate a streamlined approach for independent consultants to manage their businesses and sell our products. The LifeVantage app, which is available for download on the Apple app store and Google Play store, is a custom-developed platform that provides new ways for us to interact with our independent consultants and gives us and our consultant leadership valuable insight into the sales activities of our \n8\nconsultant base. The LifeVantage app was designed to allow independent consultants to conduct their business on a single platform from anywhere in the world. Ultimately, through artificial intelligence and machine learning, we expect that the app will be able to guide independent consultants on what to share, when to share it, and with whom to sell LifeVantage products. In addition, we provide other business and product training materials, and we encourage our independent consultants to participate in company-sponsored events, including conventions and sales promotions and incentives. \n\u2022\nOur Culture\n: We are committed to creating a culture for our independent consultants, their customers and our employees that focuses on ethical, legal and transparent business practices. At enrollment, our independent consultants agree to abide by their contract with us, which includes our policies and procedures. These policies and procedures, when followed, are designed to ensure that our independent consultants comply with applicable laws and regulations. Our consultant compliance department monitors the activities of o\nur independent consultants \nas part of our effort to enforce our policies and procedures. Similarly, our code of business conduct and ethics sets forth guidelines and expectations for our employees. We believe our ethical, legal and transparent culture attracts highly qualified employees and independent consultants who share our commitment to these principles.\n\u2022\nGlobal Customer Acquisition\n: We introduced our global customer acquisition program in April 2018 to expand the number of countries where customers can purchase and use our products for personal consumption only. This program allows us to enter additional markets at low incremental cost and enables independent consultants to leverage customer sales through their international relationships outside of their home countries. The program initially launched in eight markets, many of which subsequently became fully open for business on-the-ground through a growing network of resident independent consultants. We continued expanding our global customer base in fiscal year 2021 by entering into key strategic agreements with third parties based in the United States that helps customers ship LifeVantage products purchased in the U.S. throughout the world via their customer personal purchase and importation programs. We also expanded our Auto-Assigned Customer Program, which allows new customers to order directly through www.lifevantage.com without being required to go through an independent consultant on their initial order. After the initial order, these new customers are then assigned to independent consultants, who benefit from the initial sale commission and are then incentivized to provide future product support and sales to the assigned customer. This program provides consumers easier access to our innovative products while providing referrals to our consultant force.\n\u2022\nOur Employees\n: We believe that our employees are an essential asset. We have a dedicated team of professionals that support our independent consultants, work to generate long-term value for our stockholders and contribute to the broader society through charitable programs, including the 501(c)(3) LifeVantage Legacy \u2013 an independent charitable organization focused on bettering the lives of children throughout the world. In turn, we offer competitive compensation and direct employee focus toward the short and long-term goals of our stockholders and independent consultants.\nScientific Background\nThe Normal Aging Process\nAging in humans is a complex process driven by diverse changes in genetic, molecular, biochemical, and cellular events. This multifactorial process is ultimately characterized by a gradual decline in physiological functions and in the effectiveness of the intricate network of internal cellular communication referred to as cellular signaling. Theories as to why humans' age include the oxidative stress theory, the mitochondrial theory, and the sirtuin theory. \nOxidative Stress Theory of Aging and the Nrf2 Pathway\nThe oxidative stress theory of aging states that as humans age, we accumulate free radicals and other oxidants. If left unchecked, this oxidative stress can lead to serious consequences to the cell. Oxidative stress can ultimately lead to oxidative damage from attacks and damage to essential biological structures of the cell which results in compromised cellular function.\nAntioxidants are the cell\u2019s primary defense against free radicals and other oxidants. There are two major classes of antioxidants: 1) dietary antioxidants obtained through food and nutritional supplements and 2) endogenous antioxidants produced by the body. A 2013 review of the scientific literature led by the United States National Institutes of Health\u2019s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health concluded that \u201crigorous trials of antioxidant supplements in large numbers of people have not found that high doses of antioxidant supplements prevent disease.\u201d Thus, much attention has shifted to the body\u2019s endogenous antioxidant and detoxification systems. Endogenous antioxidants are antioxidants made by the body and are the primary line of defense against oxidative stress. In general, endogenous antioxidants either prevent oxidants from being formed, or remove them from the body. Endogenous antioxidants form a complex network of antioxidant metabolites and enzymes. These networks work together, throughout the cell, to neutralize oxidants and protect important biological structures from oxidative damage.\n9\nEndogenous antioxidants can also be upregulated in times of increasing oxidative stress. The Nrf2 cellular signaling pathway is the primary pathway for upregulating endogenous antioxidant and other detoxification pathways. With age, the activity of this Nrf2 cellular signaling pathway has been shown to decrease \u2013 both in its ability to sense oxidative threats and ultimately upregulate its target genes.\nMitochondrial Theory of Aging and the NRF1 Pathway\nMitochondria are membrane-bound cellular organelles that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell's biochemical reactions. \nThe mitochondria produce energy by breaking down food that has been ingested and capturing high-energy electrons in the process. When mitochondria are functioning properly, they harness the energy of these electrons to produce energy for the cell. At the end of this process, the mitochondria attach these electrons to molecular oxygen that ultimately get detoxified to water. However, this process is not perfectly efficient and, even in young, healthy mitochondria, electrons can escape, potentially forming free radicals and other oxidants. \nThe mitochondrial theory of aging states that as humans age, mitochondria function less efficiently, producing less energy and more free radicals and other oxidants. The reduction in energy production compromises cellular function. The increase in free radicals and other oxidants in turn damage structures of the cell, including the mitochondria. This mitochondrial damage goes on to further compromise mitochondrial function leading to a downward spiral of decreased mitochondrial efficiency and increased production of free radicals and other oxidants. This process ultimately contributes to an increase in the overall cellular burden of oxidative stress and otherwise compromises cellular function through decreased energy production.\nA major cellular signaling pathway believed to be involved in mitochondrial health is NRF1 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1). The \nNRF1 \ncellular signaling pathway, directly or indirectly, regulates a number of genes involved in mitochondrial health, turnover, and biogenesis. Nrf1 (Nuclear Respiratory Factor-1) is a protein believed to activate the expression of key genes involved in metabolism, cellular growth, energy production, and mitochondrial DNA transcription and replication. Together with Nrf2, Nrf1 also provides the essential function of coordinating gene expression between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. An additional protein shown to support mitochondrial health is PGC1-alpha (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator-1-alpha). PGC1-alpha has been shown to regulate energy metabolism and is the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and turnover. \nSirtuin Theory of Aging and the NAD Pathway\nThe sirtuin theory of aging developed from studies examining the health benefits of caloric restriction. Caloric restriction is the process whereby caloric intake is restricted by as much as 40 to 60 percent. In numerous experimental models, animals put on calorically restricted diets experienced significant increases in maximum lifespan. Numerous studies have concluded that a family of proteins called the \u201csirtuins\u201d are required for the increase in lifespan brought on by caloric restriction.\nWhen the physiology of humans undergoing caloric restriction was examined, a number of health benefits were discovered. As researchers began to understand the molecular biology of these sirtuins, they found that the enzymatic activity for most of them required the molecule NAD\n+\n (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD\n+\n is an essential molecule for many biochemical reactions, most notably metabolism of food for energy in the mitochondria.\nTaken together, these findings are intriguing because now there is a direct link between metabolism and healthy longevity. When energy intake is normal, the primary role of NAD\n+\n is for energy production. However, when NAD\n+\n levels increase, either due to restricting calories or increasing the cellular production of NAD\n+\n, it becomes a signaling molecule to activate sirtuins and other health promoting mechanisms within the cell. \nResearch and Development\nHistorically, we have focused our research and development efforts on creating and supporting scientifically validated products under the LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n, Protandim\n\u00ae\n, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n, Petandim\n\u00ae\n, AXIO\n\u00ae\n, and PhysIQ federation of brands. We anticipate that our future research and development efforts will be focused on creating, developing and evaluating new products that are consistent with our commitment to provide quality, scientifically validated products that activate and empower the body\u2019s ability to work better. We will use our \u201cactivation paths\u201d of Optimize Health, Look Radiant, and Achieve More as a guide as we look to identify new areas to focus our research and development efforts. As we expand, we intend to build on our foundation of nutrigenomics with products that activate or support products that activate gene or cell pathways targeting specific benefit areas, provide real results, and are an essential and enjoyable part of everyday life. We are also exploring ways to expand our product delivery systems. We remain committed to helping people look and feel healthy and vibrant at any age by combating sources of premature aging or declining health.\nProduct Overview\n10\nProtandim\n\u00ae \nNrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\nProtandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n is a patented dietary supplement that has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the age-dependent increase in markers of oxidative stress and has also been shown to provide substantial benefits to combat the variety of negative health effects linked to oxidative stress.\nProtandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n combats oxidative stress by increasing the body\u2019s natural antioxidant protection at the gene level. The unique blend of phytonutrients in Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n signals the activation of Nrf2 to increase production of antioxidant enzymes, specifically superoxide dismutase and catalase, and other cell-protective gene products. The body's internally produced antioxidant enzymes provide a better defense against oxidative stress than externally derived sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Unlike externally derived sources of antioxidants, these enzymes are \u201ccatalytic,\u201d which means these enzymes are not used up upon neutralizing free radicals.\nWe hold multiple U.S. patents related to Protandim\n\u00ae \nNrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n. We believe these patents set Protandim\n\u00ae\n apart from other dietary supplements and protect the original formula as well as certain formula modifications we could create to extend our Protandim\n\u00ae\n product line. We sell Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n in three formulas around the world.\nProtandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n has been, and is expected to continue to be, the subject of numerous independent scientific studies at various universities and research facilities including Ohio State University, Louisiana State University, University of Colorado Denver, Virginia Commonwealth University, Colorado State University, Texas Tech University and the National Institute on Aging. The results of these studies have been published in a variety of peer-reviewed scientific journals, including \nFree Radical Biology & Medicine, Enzyme Research, Circulation-the scientific journal of the American Heart Association, American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, PLoS One, Journal of Dietary Supplements, Molecular Aspects of Medicine, Oxidative Medicine and Cell Longevity, Exercise & Sports Science Reviews\n, \nClinical Pharmacology,\n \nthe FASEB Journal, and the Journal of Applied Physiology.\nWe also continue to perform our own research into Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae \nand the synergy with other products in our portfolio. In fiscal year 2023, we received a patent for the combination of Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, Protandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, and Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\n (marketed as the Protandim\n\u00ae\n Tri-Synergizer), continuing to show how our Protandim\n\u00ae\n product line is differentiated and unique in the marketplace. We also filed a U.S. Patent application in fiscal year 2023 which, if granted, will protect the combined effects and synergistic benefits of the Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n and TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen products when used together.\nProtandim\n\u00ae\n \nNRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\nProtandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n is a dietary supplement which was formulated to strengthen the mitochondria, the powerhouse of all cells, for better cellular health. It is designed to work in tandem with our flagship Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n and further enhance the body's internal ability to naturally produce antioxidants and reduce the effects of cellular stress. Protandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n activates NRF1, a protein that regulates the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial DNA transcription, translation and repair. The unique blend of ingredients in Protandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n supports the mitochondria to slow cellular aging and increase cellular energy.\nProtandim\n\u00ae\n \nNAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\nSirtuin activity naturally declines by as much as 60 percent as humans age. Research has long shown that sirtuin activity can be increased by as much as 94 percent through drastic caloric restriction. Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\n is a dietary supplement which was specifically formulated to target the biochemical pathways involved in the synthesis and recycling of a specific molecule called NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and has been shown to double sirtuin activity in just 24 hours. Sirtuin activity has been linked to multiple health benefits. In addition to being responsible for cellular autophagy (cellular cleanup and renewal process), sirtuins help improve mental focus and concentration, support positive mood and motivation, boost mental and physical energy, aid in maintaining cholesterol levels already in a healthy range, support a healthy vascular system, and promote healthy longevity. A recent study on the active ingredients in NAD Synergizer also demonstrated a significant increase in NAD+ associated metabolites.\nThe Protandim\n\u00ae\n Family of Products and Nutrigenomics\nNutrigenomics is the study of how foods and individual nutrients can affect gene expression and how genes can also affect how humans metabolize food. Specific combinations of nutrients that engage cellular signaling and biochemical pathways are believed to unlock specific health mechanisms in human cells, tissues, and organs. Specifically, by looking at the cellular signaling and biochemical pathways known to be implicated in the aging process, we have formulated products to address various effects of aging utilizing nutrigenomics. This is the rationale behind the Protandim\n\u00ae\n family of products, which were formulated from specific combinations of nutrients to support natural cellular functions by targeting specific cellular signaling \n11\nand biochemical pathways related to oxidative stress, optimal mitochondrial function, and activation of the sirtuin family of proteins.\nLifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Omega+\nLifeVantage\n\u00ae \nOmega+ is a dietary supplement that combines DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, omega-7 fatty acids, and vitamin D3 to support cognitive health, cardiovascular health, skin health, and the immune system.\nLifeVantage\n\u00ae \nProBio\nLifeVantage\n\u00ae\n ProBio is a dietary supplement designed to support long-term gut health by restoring healthy gut bacteria to support digestive system health.\nLifeVantage\n\u00ae\n IC Bright\n\u00ae \nIC Bright\n\u00ae\n combines macular carotenoids with vitamins and key ingredients that effectively support eye and brain health.\n \nIt helps reduce eye fatigue and strain from use of digital devices, helps promote healthy levels of essential proteins for the brain, and may help support normal sleep patterns, which can be disrupted by blue light exposure. \nLifeVantage\n\u00ae \nDaily Wellness\nLifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Daily Wellness is a dietary supplement designed to strengthen immune health by supporting and balancing the three essential roles of the immune system: barrier, innate and adaptive.\nLifeVantage\n\u00ae \nRise AM& Reset PM System\n\u2122\nThe LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Rise AM & Reset PM System\n\u2122\n is an intelligent approach to a multivitamin that uses Timewise Nutrient Delivery\n\u2122\n to provide the body with the right nutrients in the right amounts at the right time. Timewise Nutrient Delivery\n\u2122\n was developed in combination with experts in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology and results in nutrition that allows your body to stay in sync with its natural rhythms, delivering energy and focus for a productive day and helping to calm the mind and body at night.\nLifeVantage\n\u00ae \nD3\n+\nLifeVantage\n\u00ae\n D3+\n \nis a dietary supplement that provides vitamin D3, vitamin K2, magnesium, calcium, and other trace minerals to support a balanced immune system, strong bones, and cardiovascular health.\nPhysIQ\nWe sell weight management products under our PhysIQ brand, which consists of:\n\u2022\nPhysIQ Fat Burn: \na supplement containing naturally derived active ingredients to stimulate the breakdown of abdominal fat, increase energy and support long-term weight management.\n\u2022\nPhysIQ Prebiotic: \na supplement designed to support the \u201cgood\u201d bacteria in the gut and a healthy microbiome, resulting in a healthier digestive tract and a healthier metabolism.\nTrueScience\n\u00ae \nSkin Care\nOur line of anti-aging skin care products under our LifeVantage TrueScience\n\u00ae\n brand, consists of:\n\u2022\nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen\n: our first digestible liquid supplement in fully recyclable glass bottles that activates, replenishes, and maintains the body\u2019s production of collagen on the cellular level to support skin firmness and elasticity for healthy, glowing skin.\n\u2022\nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Facial Cleanser:\n a concentrated, ultra-rich cleanser used to remove impurities and light make-up without drying or stripping natural oils in the skin.\n\u2022\nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Perfecting Lotion: \na hybrid lotion formulated for smoother, radiant and brighter looking skin.\n\u2022\nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Eye Serum:\n a serum that noticeably improves the visible signs of fine lines, creases and wrinkles around the entire eye area, diminishes puffiness above and below the eye, firms and tightens the upper eyelid area and evens skin tone and dark circles that are visible signs of aging.\n\u2022\nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Anti-Aging Cream:\n a cream that deeply moisturizes and helps to combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.\n12\n\u2022\nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Hand Cream:\n a cream formulated with Nrf2 ingredients to moisturize skin and decrease the visible signs of premature aging on the hands.\nOur TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Beauty System includes the following products in a TSA-compliant set: TrueScience\n\u00ae \nFacial Cleanser, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Perfecting Lotion, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Eye Serum, and TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Anti-Aging Cream.\nWe received two composition patents related to our LifeVantage TrueScience\n\u00ae \nskin care products, which were tested in an independent third-party clinical study and shown to reduce the visible signs of aging by utilizing Nrf2 technology to mitigate the visible effects of skin damage caused by oxidative stress. Our LifeVantage TrueScience\n\u00ae \nskin care products leverage our research on Nrf2 activation and oxidative stress. \nTrueScience\n\u00ae \nHair Care\nOur line of hair care products under our TrueScience\n\u00ae\n brand, consists of:\n\u2022\nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Invigorating Shampoo:\n Mild surfactant and added amino acid blend that cleans hair without drying out the scalp.\n\u2022\nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Nourishing Conditioner: \nDeeply nourishing weightless conditioner that helps hair feel soft and smooth and look fuller and thicker.\n\u2022\nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Scalp Serum:\n A serum that nourishes the scalp to support normal hair growth while soothing all scalp types.\nPetandim\n\u00ae\nPetandim\n\u00ae\n is a supplement specially formulated to combat oxidative stress in dogs through Nrf2 activation. Petandim\n\u00ae \nbuilds upon the active ingredients in Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n to reduce oxidative stress and support joint function, mobility and flexibility in dogs. Petandim\n\u00ae \nreceived the Quality Seal from the National Animal Supplement Council.\nAXIO\n\u00ae\nAXIO\n\u00ae \nis our line of energy drink mixes, formulated as a nootropic to promote alertness and support mental performance. These energy drink powders deliver sustained energy, as well as improved mental focus and promote a positive mood. Available in regular and decaf formulas, AXIO\n\u00ae\n is derived from a unique combination of scientifically validated ingredients. \nProduct Stacking\nA stack consists of multiple products bundled together that are designed to achieve a specific result. By studying the effects of nutrients and natural compounds, we have developed scientifically backed nutrigenomics products that promote healthy aging on the cellular level. By stacking these products together, we have created a foundation for synergy from nutrigenomic products to promote a healthier life. \nThe Vitality Stack includes four of our nutrigenomics products \u2014 Protandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, Protandim\n\u00ae \nNrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Omega+ and LifeVantage\n\u00ae \nProBio. This product stack was designed to provide a foundation for wellness, supporting healthy organs, including the brain, heart, eyes, and other vitals. With the Ultimate Stack, we added Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\n and PhysIQ Prebiotic to our Vitality Stack to support gut health and increase sirtuin activity, supporting increased health, focus, energy, mental clarity and mood. The Protandim\n\u00ae\n Tri-Synergizer\n\u2122\n \nconsists of our Protandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n and Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, and was designed to effectively and synergistically reduce oxidative stress, support mitochondria function, increase sirtuin activity, and target cell signaling pathways to fight the effects of aging. We also offer stacks that directly support the following consumer needs: immune support, heart health, energy, well-being, eye health, cognition and memory, metabolism, gut health, skin care, and hair care.\nDistribution of Products\nWe believe our products are well suited for consultant to customer sales through our direct selling model. This model allows our independent consultants to educate our customers regarding the benefits of our unique products more thoroughly than other business models. Our direct selling model also allows our independent consultants to offer personalized customer service to our customers and encourage regular use of our products.\nProduct Return Policy\nAll products purchased directly from us include a product guarantee. Subject to some exceptions based on local regulations, we will accept returns of opened and unopened products within 30 days of purchase for a full refund of the \n13\npurchase price. In addition, our product return program allows independent consultants to return certain unopened, unexpired products for a refund of the purchase price less a 10% restocking fee and any paid commissions. The amount of inventory we will repurchase from an independent consultant is subject to specified policies and procedures.\nAccounts\nWe generally categorize accounts as either independent consultants or customers, both of which may be consumers of our products.\nIndependent Consultants\nAn independent consultant in our company is an independent contractor who participates in our direct sales opportunity by enrolling through the independent consultant contract process and selling our products. Independent consultants may purchase our products and sell them to others either directly or through our company. We believe our independent consultants are typically entrepreneurs, who believe in our products and desire to earn income through sales commissions and by building their own consulting business. Many of our independent consultants are attracted by the opportunity to sell unique, scientifically validated products without incurring significant start-up costs. Independent consultants sign a contract with us that includes a requirement that they adhere to strict policies and procedures. Independent consultants may purchase product from us for individual and family consumption and for demonstrations, samples and retailing opportunities. \nWhile we provide product development, shipping and logistics support, brochures, magazines, a website, the LifeVantage app and other sales and marketing materials, independent consultants are primarily responsible for their sales to customers and for attracting, enrolling and educating new independent consultants about the benefits of our products and sales compensation plan. An independent consultant creates multiple levels of compensation by selling our products and enrolling new independent consultants who sell our products. These newly enrolled independent consultants form a \u201cdownline\u201d or \u201cgroup\u201d for the independent consultant who enrolled them. If downline independent consultants enroll new independent consultants or customers who purchase our products, they create additional levels of compensation and their downline independent consultants remain in the same downline network as the original enrolling independent consultant We pay commissions only upon the sale of our products. We do not pay commissions for enrolling independent consultants.\nWe define \u201cactive indepe\nndent consultants\u201d as those independent consultants who have purchased product from us for retail sales or personal consumption during the prior three months. We had approximately 54,000 and 63,000 active independent consultants\n \nas of each of the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nIndependent Consultant Compensation\nIn January 2023, we announced the adoption of the Evolve Compensation Plan for our independent consultants, which became effective March 1, 2023, in our United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan markets. \n \nWe plan to roll out this new compensation plan to other markets. \nWe believe our sales compensation plan is one of the more financially rewarding in the direct selling industry and in line with direct selling industry standards. Some elements of our sales compensation plan are paid daily, to eligible consultants, and others are paid weekly or monthly. We believe this gives us a competitive advantage and helps retain new consultants by allowing them to receive some sales commissions in a more timely manner from their sales efforts. Our sales compensation plan is intended to appeal to a broad cross-section of people, including those seeking to supplement family income, start a home-based business or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities full- or part-time. Through the Evolve Compensation Plan our independent consultants earn bonuses specifically for the sale of products to customers and by growing a customer subscription-based business, creating greater opportunities for consultants who are not interested in enrolling other consultants to sell products. Our independent consultants earn sales commissions on product sales to their personally enrolled customers and independent consultants and the product sales to customers and independent consultants within their sales organization, or \"downline.\" Our independent consultants can also earn money by purchasing product from us and selling that product to others at their chosen retail price. We pay sales commissions in the local currency of the independent consultant\u2019s home country.\nIndependent Consultant Motivation and Training\nOur revenue depends on the sales success and productivity of our independent consultants. We provide tools, training and technology designed to increase our independent consultants' sales productivity and increase their potential for sales success. We offer training and business development opportunities to our independent consultants, including the opportunities listed below.\n\u2022\nPlaybook\n: Professionally designed training materials independent consultants can utilize in their sales efforts.\n14\n\u2022\n Activation Nation Podcast\n: Our digital audio series presented by our corporate support team and independent consultant leaders provides training and tips on becoming more productive in selling our products.\n\u2022\nElite Academy, Global Convention, and Other Company-Sponsored Training\n: We hold regularly occurring live and virtual company-sponsored events intended to provide sales training and motivation to our independent consultants, in addition to twice-weekly virtual consultant trainings.\n\u2022\nPromotions and Incentive Trips\n: We hold special sales promotions, business incentives and incentive trips from time to time in order to motivate our independent consultants to accomplish specific sales goals.\n\u2022\nMobile Application\n: The LifeVantage app was designed to allow users to conduct their business on a single platform from anywhere in the world. Ultimately, through artificial intelligence and machine learning, we expect that the app will be able to guide users on what to share, when to share it, and with whom to maximize their sales potential. \n\u2022\nOnline Social Media Groups\n: Through the use of social media platforms, we host online groups to support the success of our independent consultants. Important announcements, trainings, calls and documentation are also shared through our social media groups to provide our independent consultants many opportunities to find the training and support. \n\u2022\nCorporate Support Team\n: The LifeVantage contact center, VIP Lines, and sales support team are designed to provide support, motivation, training and resources to our independent consultants through their business journey. As consultants advance through the titles in our consultant path, they continue to receive more personalized support.\nWe continue to evaluate new ways in which to incorporate new technology and sales training opportunities to improve consultant product sales.\nIndependent Consultant Compliance Activities\nGiven that our independent consultants are independent contractors, we do not control or direct their promotional efforts. We do, however, require that our independent consultants abide by policies and procedures that require them to act in an ethical manner and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As a member of the United States Direct Selling Association and similar organizations in many of the markets where we do business, we are also subject to the ethical business practices and consumer service standards required by the industry's code of ethics. \nIndependent consultants represent to us that their receipt of sales commissions is based on their product sales and by product sales of other LifeVantage consultants in their personal marketing organization.\n \nWe must produce or pre-approve all sales aids used by independent consultants, such as brochures and online materials. Products may be promoted only through sales materials produced or approved by us. Independent consultants may not use our trademarks or other intellectual property without our written consent.\nWe monitor and systematically review alleged independent consultant misbehavior through our internal consultant compliance department. If we determine one of our independent consultants has violated any of our policies and procedures, we first attempt to educate, but may discipline or terminate the independent consultant\u2019s rights to sell or distribute our products when appropriate. When necessary, we have brought legal action against independent consultants, or former consultants, to enforce our policies and procedures. Short of termination or legal action, and in addition to educating, we may impose sanctions against independent consultants whose actions are in violation of our policies and procedures. Such sanctions may include warnings, probation, withdrawal or denial of an award, suspension of privileges of a consultantship, fines and/or withholding of commissions until specified conditions are satisfied, or other appropriate injunctive relief.\nCustomers\nCustomers purchase products directly from us at either our retail (list) pricing for one-time purchases or our subscription price on a monthly subscription basis for personal consumption, without the ability to resell or earn commissions from the purchase or sale of such products. Customers who order their items on a subscription also automatically join our Rewards Circle loyalty program, a program that rewards customer loyalty through subscription purchases. A customer may decide to enroll as an independent consultant at any time if they become interested in selling our products. We believe our customers are a great source of word-of-mouth advertising for our products. We also believe our large base of customers validates the health benefits of our products.\nWe define an \u201cactive customer\u201d as a customer who has purchased product from us within the prior three months. As of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, we had approximately 89,000 and 93,000 active customers, respectively.\n15\nSales of Our Products\nWe accept orders for our products through our website at www.lifevantage.com and through personalized websites we provide to our independent consultants, which we refer to as \u201cVirtual Offices.\u201d Orders placed through Virtual Offices and through our website are processed daily at our fulfillment centers, where orders are shipped directly to the consumer.\nWe offer toll-free numbers for our independent consultants and our customers to order product or ask questions. Our customer service representatives assist customers in placing orders through our web order processing system, answering questions, tracking packages, and initiating refunds. The customer service representatives receive extensive training about our products and our direct selling business model. LifeVantage customers and independent consultants generally pay for products by credit card, prior to shipment, and as a result, we carry minimal accounts receivable.\nSeasonality\nIn addition to general economic factors, we are impacted by seasonal factors and trends such as major cultural events and vacation patterns. We believe that direct selling in the United States and Japan is also generally negatively impacted during our first fiscal quarter, from July 1 through September 30, when many individuals, including our independent consultants, traditionally take vacations. The timing and size of our training events and incentive trips can also cause revenue and expense to fluctuate in the periods that they are held.\nAlthough our product launch process may vary by market, we may introduce new products to our customers and independent consultants through limited-time offers and promotions. The limited-time offers and promotions typically generate significant activity and a high level of sales and purchasing, which may result in a higher-than-normal increase in revenue during the quarter of the limited-time offer and skew year-over-year and sequential comparisons. Similarly, company events for independent consultants typically generate a higher-than-normal increase in revenue. The timing of these events can also skew year-over-year and sequential comparisons.\nGeographic Information\nWe sell our products in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines. We also sell our products in a number of countries to customers for personal consumption only. In addition, we sold our products in China through our approved e-commerce business model until March 2023, at which time we closed our e-commerce business in China. In fiscal year 2023, revenue generated in the United States accounted for approximately\n 70% of our total revenue and revenue generated from Japan accounted for approximately 15% of our total revenue. For reporting purposes, we generally divide our markets into two geographic regions: the Americas regio\nn and the Asia/Pacific & Europe region. The following table sets forth net revenue information by region for the periods indicated (in thousands):\nFor the fiscal years ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\nAmericas\n$\n155,361\u00a0\n72.8\u00a0\n%\n$\n138,323\u00a0\n67.0\u00a0\n%\nAsia/Pacific & Europe\n58,037\u00a0\n27.2\u00a0\n%\n68,037\u00a0\n33.0\u00a0\n%\nTotal\n$\n213,398\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n206,360\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nAdditional comparative revenue and related financial information is presented in the section captioned \"\nSegment Information\"\n in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.\nMarketing\nWe utilize our network of \ni\nndependent \nc\nonsultants located throughout the United\n States, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines to market and sell our products. We also have in-house sales, marketing, IT, and customer service groups dedicated to supporting our independent consultants. Support includes training and education, personalized assistance, in-person and digital events, recognition, incentives and promotions, digital and social media content, press coverage, regular communications, as well as a full suite of marketing assets, including content for their websites.\nRaw Materials and Manufacturing\nWe outsource the primary manufacturing, fulfillment, and shipping components of our business to third-party companies we believe possess a high degree of expertise. We believe outsourcing provides us access to advanced manufacturing process capabilities and expertise without incurring fixed costs associated with manufacturing our own products in house.\n16\nWe currently outsource the manufacture of our products to multiple third-party contract manufacturers. Our contract manufacturers have a legal obligation to comply with the current Good Manufacturing Practices regulations that are applicable to those who manufacture, package, label and hold dietary supplements and personal care products. Additionally, we are subject to regulations that, among other things, obligate us to know what and how manufacturing activities are performed so that we can make decisions related to whether the packaged and labeled product conforms to our established specifications and whether to approve and release product for distribution to consumers. We maintain and qualify alternative manufacturing options in order to keep our costs low, maintain the quality of our products, and prepare for unanticipated spikes in demand or manufacturing failure. Our contract manufacturers deliver products to our fulfillment centers based on our purchase orders. We also have a Vendor Code of Conduct that we expect our contract manufacturers and/or vendors to adhere to. This Vendor Code of Conduct requires contract manufacturers and vendors to abide by certain human rights, labor rights, protection of the environment and fight against corruption standards outlined under the United Nations Global Compact. \nWe acquire raw materials for our products from third-party suppliers. Although we generally have good relationships with our suppliers, we believe we could replace any of our current suppliers without great difficulty or significant increase to our cost of goods sold. We also have ongoing relationships with secondary and tertiary suppliers. Please refer to \"\nRisk Factors - High quality material for our products may be difficult to obtain or expensive\n\" for a discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with our sourcing of raw materials.\nProduct Liability and Other Insurance\nWe have product liability insurance coverage for our products that we believe is adequate for our needs. We also maintain commercial property and liability coverage, directors\u2019 and officers\u2019 liability insurance, workers compensation coverage and cyber information security risk insurance policies as well as foreign and other miscellaneous coverage. \nIntellectual Property\nWe use commercially reasonable efforts to protect our intellectual property through patent protection, trademarks and trade secrets, licensed rights and contractual protections, and intend to continue to develop a strong brand identity for our company and our products. \nProtandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n is a proprietary, patented dietary supplement formulation for enhancing antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase. The patents and patent applications protecting its formulations are held by LifeVantage Corporation or our wholly owned subsidiary, Lifeline Nutraceuticals Corporation. Our intellectual property is covered, in part, by many issued U.S. patents. Our patents and patent applications claim the benefit of priority of multiple U.S. provisional patent applications, the earliest of which was filed on March 23, 2004, and relate to compositions, methods of use, and methods of manufacture of various compositions, including those embodied by the Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n formulation. The expected duration of our patent protection via some granted patents for Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n is at least through approximately March 2025, and we continue to research and file new composition and method patents in the U.S. for enhanced and improved product formulations that will extend our patent protection for a variety of product formulations and methods. During fiscal year 2018, we received other patents for personal care or skin care products. These patents expire approximately February 2036. In fiscal year 2023, we received a patent for the combination of Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, Protandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, and Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, collectively called the Tri-Synergizer\u2122 pack. In fiscal year 2023, we filed for a U.S. patent application which, if granted, will protect the combined synergistic effects and benefits of the Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n and TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen products when these two products are used together.\nWe continue to protect our products and brands using trademarks. We have filed and successfully procured registered trademarks for our key brands consisting of Protandim\n\u00ae\n, LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n, and TrueScience\n\u00ae\n in many countries around the world, and we have pending trademark applications for these and other marks in many other countries. We anticipate seeking protection in other countries, as we deem appropriate.\nIn order to protect the confidentiality of our intellectual property, including trade secrets, know-how and other proprietary technical and business information, it is our policy to limit access to such information to those who require access in order to perform their functions and to enter into agreements with employees, consultants and vendors to contractually protect such information.\nCompetition\nDirect Selling Companies\nWe compete with other direct selling companies, many of which have longer operating histories and greater visibility, name recognition and financial resources than we do. We also compete with newer direct selling companies that may attempt to solicit our independent consultants by offering the possibility of a more financially rewarding opportunity or by being among \n17\nthe company's early consultant base. We compete for new consultants with these companies on the basis of our business opportunity, product offerings, sales compensation plan, management and operations. In order to successfully compete in the direct selling industry and attract and retain quality consultants, we must maintain the attractiveness of our business opportunity, product offerings and sales compensation plan.\nDietary Supplement Market\nWe compete with other companies that sell dietary supplements. We believe the dietary supplement market is highly fragmented and competitive. We believe competition in the dietary supplement market is based primarily on quality, price, efficacy, brand name, and recognition of product benefits. In the dietary supplement industry, our competition includes numerous nutritional supplement companies, pharmaceutical companies and packaged food and beverage companies. Many of these companies have broader product lines, larger sales volumes and greater financial resources than we do. Additionally, some of these companies are able to compete more effectively due to greater vertical integration. Increased competition in the dietary supplement market could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\nNrf2 Activators\nIn the last few years, we have seen the number of products marketed as Nrf2 activators increase. We anticipate the number of products that claim to activate Nrf2 will continue to increase as the technology becomes more popular and more broadly accepted. \nDirect Antioxidants\nVitamin C, vitamin E, other vitamin/mineral antioxidants, and other sources of externally derived antioxidants may be considered competitors of Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n but they are mechanistically distinct from Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n. These other sources of antioxidants do not increase the body\u2019s elimination of oxidants using internal antioxidant enzymes. Our research indicates that Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n increases production of anti-fibrotic gene products, including antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, within the cells of the body. We believe that the body\u2019s internally produced antioxidant enzymes provide a better defense against oxidative stress than externally derived sources of antioxidants.\nOral Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase\nThere are many companies performing research into antioxidants. Several companies sell oral forms of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Although we believe Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n is a superior alternative to oral forms of superoxide dismutase and catalase, these products do compete with Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n in the marketplace. We anticipate additional companies will likely develop, purchase or in-license products that are competitive with Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n.\nOmega Fatty Acid Products\nThere are many companies that market omega supplements, including omega-3. Although LifeVantage\n\u00ae \nOmega+ contains a unique combination of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, omega-7 fatty acids, and vitamin D3, we anticipate additional companies will likely develop products that are competitive with LifeVantage\n\u00ae \nOmega+. \nProbiotic Products\nThere are many companies that market probiotic supplements and we anticipate additional companies will likely continue to develop products that are competitive with our LifeVantage\n\u00ae \nProBio supplement. \nEye Health and Vitamin Products\nThere are many companies that market eye health and other vitamin/mineral supplements and we anticipate additional companies will likely continue to develop products that are competitive with our IC Bright\n\u00ae\n, \nLifeVantage\n\u00ae \nDaily Wellness,\n \nLifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Rise AM & Reset PM System\n\u2122\n, and LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n D3+. \nPersonal Skin Care Market\nIn the personal skin care market, we compete principally with large, well-known cosmetics companies that manufacture and sell broad product lines through retail establishments. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources and brand recognition than we do. We believe, however, we can compete with these larger companies by leveraging our direct selling model and emphasizing our unique, science-based, Nrf2 and personal care products. We also now compete in the growing global liquid collagen market and believe we can compete with our triple-action formula that has been shown to deliver visible results in only 30 days as it activates, replenishes and maintains collagen levels. Our TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen product is a \n18\nunique blend featuring sustainably sourced, hydrolyzed fish collagen that delivers 10 different types of peptides \u2013 significantly more than most competitive products \u2013 plus a unique red quinoa extract that has been shown to up regulate genes associated with collagen production and down regulate those that produce enzymes that break down collagen.\n \nPersonal Hair Care Market\nIn the personal hair care market, we compete principally with large, well-known hair care companies that manufacture and sell broad product lines through retail establishments. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources and brand recognition than we do. We believe, however, we can compete with these larger companies by leveraging our direct selling model and emphasizing our unique, science-based hair care products.\nAnimal Supplement Market\nWe compete principally with large, well-known companies in the animal supplement market. Most of the companies we compete with in the animal supplement market have broad distribution channels that include retail establishments. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources and brand recognition than we do. We believe, however, that we can compete with these larger companies by leveraging our direct selling model and emphasizing our unique, science-based animal supplement product.\nEnergy Drink Market\nWe compete with large, well-known companies in the energy drink market. Most of the companies we compete with in the energy drink market have broad distribution channels that include big box retail establishments. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources and brand recognition than we do. We intend to compete with these larger companies by leveraging our direct selling model and emphasizing our unique, science-based energy drink product. AXIO\n\u00ae\n is a no sugar, low-carbohydrate and low-calorie energy drink that is also non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan. \nWeight Management Market\nWe compete with large, well-known companies in the weight management market. Most of the companies we compete with in the weight management market have broad distribution channels that include big box retail establishments. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources and brand recognition than we do. We intend to compete with these larger companies by leveraging our direct selling model and emphasizing our unique, science-based weight management products.\nRegulatory Environment\nThe formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and advertising of our products in the United States are subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (\u201cFDA\u201d) and the Federal Trade Commission (\u201cFTC\u201d), as well as comparable state laws.\nFDA Regulations and DSHEA\nWe market our Protandim\n\u00ae\n products as \u201cdietary supplements\u201d as defined in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, or DSHEA. DSHEA is intended to promote access to safe, quality dietary supplements, and information about dietary supplements. DSHEA established a new framework governing the composition and labeling of dietary supplements. DSHEA does not apply to animal supplements like Petandim\n\u00ae\n. We are not required to obtain FDA pre-market approval to sell our products in the United States under current laws.\nDSHEA permits statements of nutritional support, called \u201cstructure-function\u201d statements, to be included in labeling for dietary supplements without FDA marketing approval. Such statements may claim a benefit related to a classical nutrient deficiency disease and disclose the prevalence of such disease in the United States, describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient intended to affect the structure or function in humans, characterize the documented mechanism by which a nutrient or dietary ingredient acts to maintain such structure or function, or describe general well-being from consumption of a nutrient or dietary ingredient. Such statements may not expressly o\nr impliedly\n claim that a dietary supplement is intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent a disease. A company that uses a structure-function statement in labeling must possess evidence substantiating that the statement is truthful and not misleading and is supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. \nThe FDA may assert that a particular structure-function statement that a company is using is an illegal claim; that assertion, normally, is in the form of a warning letter to that company. We have a duty to send to the FDA a notice that lists each new structure-function statement made by us; we are obligated to send that notice within 30 days after the first marketing of a supplement with such a statement.\n19\nDSHEA also permits certain scientific literature, for example a reprint of a peer-reviewed scientific publication, to be used in connection with the sale of a dietary supplement to consumers without the literature being subject to regulation as labeling. However, such literature must not be false or misleading, the literature may not promote a particular manufacturer or brand of dietary supplement and it must include a balanced view of the available scientific information on the subject matter, among other requirements.\nThe FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (\u201cCVM\u201d) is responsible for enforcing the portion of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the \u201cFFDCA\u201d), that relates to animal supplements, like our Petandim\n\u00ae\n product. CVM's primary responsibility in enforcing the FFDCA is to ensure that animal supplements are safe, effective, and can be manufactured to a consistent standard. CVM has taken the position that DSHEA does not apply to products intended for animals, but it is clear that products like Petandim\n\u00ae\n are under FDA jurisdiction.\nOur Petandim\n\u00ae\n product follows the labeling rules of the National Animal Supplement Council (\u201cNASC\u201d) of which LifeVantage is a member. Under the NASC rules, Petandim\n\u00ae\n is classified as a dosage form animal health product.\nWhile we exercise care in our formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and advertising of our products, we cannot guarantee the FDA will never inform us that the FDA believes some violation of law has occurred either by us or by our independent consultants. Any allegations of our non-compliance may result in time-consuming and expensive defense of our activities. The FDA\u2019s normal course of action is to issue a warning letter if it believes that a product is misbranded or adulterated. The responsive action requested by the FDA differs depending upon the nature of the product and claims in question. Typically, the FDA expects a written response within 15 working days of the receipt of a warning letter. The warning letter is public information posted on the FDA\u2019s web site. That information could affect our relationships with our customers/consumers, investors, independent consultants, vendors, and employees. Warning letters also often spark private class action litigation under state consumer protection statutes. The FDA could also order compliance activities, such as an inspection of our facilities and products, and could file a civil lawsuit in which an arrest warrant (seizure) could be issued as to some or all of our products. In extraordinary cases, we could be named a defendant and sued for declaratory and injunctive relief. There were no open letters from the FDA as of June 30, 2023.\nFTC Regulations\nAdvertising and marketing of our products in the United States are also subject to regulation by the FTC under the Federal Trade Commission Act (\u201cFTC Act\u201d). Among other things, the FTC Act prohibits unfair methods of competition and unfair false or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. The FTC Act also makes it illegal to disseminate or cause to be disseminated any false advertisement for \u201cfood, drugs, devices, services, or cosmetics.\" The FTC Act provides that disseminating any false advertisement pertaining to foods, which would include dietary supplements, is an unfair or deceptive act or practice. An advertiser is required to have competent and reliable scientific evidence for all express and implied health-related product claims at the time the claims are first made. We are required to have adequate scientific substantiation for all material advertising claims made for our products in the United States. The FTC routinely reviews websites to identify questionable advertising claims and practices. Competitors sometimes inform the FTC when they believe other competitors are violating the FTC Act and consumers may also notify the FTC of what they believe may be wrongful advertising. The FTC may initiate a non-public investigation that focuses on our advertising claims, which usually involves non-public pre-lawsuit extensive formal discovery. Such an investigation may be very expensive to defend, be lengthy, and result in a publicly disclosed Consent Decree, which is a settlement agreement. If no settlement can be reached, the FTC may start an administrative proceeding or a federal court lawsuit against us and/or our principal officers. The FTC often seeks to recover from the defendants, whether in a Consent Decree or a proceeding, any or all of the following: (i) consumer redress in the form of monetary relief or disgorgement of profits; (ii) significant reporting requirements for several years; and (iii) injunctive relief. In addition, most, if not all, states have statutes prohibiting deceptive and unfair acts and practices. The requirements under these state statutes are similar to those of the FTC Act.\nThe National Advertising Division (\u201cNAD\u201d), of the national Better Business Bureau, a non-governmental not-for-profit organization through its Advertising Self-Regulatory Council (\u201cASRC\u201d), is also actively engaged in conducting investigations, called inquiries, which are focused on determining whether the requisite claim substantiation standard exists for advertising claims, including specific structure-function claims. Although the results of each inquiry or proceeding are not binding on the recipient, they are posted on NAD\u2019s website, and the NAD often refers cases to the FTC, if the advertisers do not agree to modify their advertising in conformance with the NAD decision. We have been the subject of a NAD proceeding in 2008 and 2009, which was concluded in 2009.\nIn January 2019, the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (\u201cDSSRC\u201d) was introduced. T\nhis program monitors the entire direct selling channel \n\u2014\n including Direct Selling Association member companies and non-members. The DSSRC provides impartial monitoring, enforcement, and dispute resolution regarding product claims or income representations (including lifestyle claims) disseminated by \ndirect selling\n companies and their \nsales\n force members (consultants). The failure of a company \n20\nto resolve DSSRC complaints will ultimately result in the DSSRC reporting the matter to the FTC, which may or may not pursue enforcement action in any given case. \n There were no open letters from the FTC as of June 30, 2023.\nRegulation of Direct Selling Activities\nDirect selling activities are regulated by the FTC, as well as various federal, state and local governmental agencies in the United States and foreign countries. These laws and regulations are generally intended to prevent fraudulent or deceptive schemes, often referred to as \u201cpyramid\u201d schemes, which compensate participants primarily for recruiting additional participants without sufficient emphasis on product sales. The laws and regulations may often:\n\u2022\nrequire us or our independent consultants to register with governmental agencies;\n\u2022\nimpose caps on the amount or type of sales commission we can pay;\n\u2022\nimpose reporting requirements; and\n\u2022\nrequire that we ensure, among other things, that our independent consultants maintain levels of product sales to qualify to receive sales commissions and that our independent consultants are being compensated primarily for sales of products and not primarily for recruiting additional participants.\nThe laws and regulations governing direct selling are modified from time to time, and, like other direct selling companies, we may be subject to government investigations related to our direct selling activities. This may require us to make changes to our business model and our sales compensation plan.\nState Regulations\nIn addition to United States federal regulation, each state has enacted its own food and drug laws. We may receive requests to supply information regarding our sales or advertising to state regulatory agencies. We remain subject to the risk that, in one or more of our present or future markets, our products, sales, and advertising could be found non-compliant with state laws and regulations. If we fail to comply with these laws and regulations, it could have a material adverse effect on our business in a particular market or in general. In addition, these laws and regulations could affect our ability to enter new markets.\nThe FDA Food Safety Modernization Act\nThe FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (\u201cFSMA\u201d) was enacted in 2011 and is now part of the FFDCA. The FSMA is a comprehensive set of laws that gives the FDA considerable authority with respect to the prevention of food contamination and the serious problems associated with such contamination. Among other things, it does the following:\n\u2022\ngives the FDA explicit authority to compel a recall if the FDA believes there is a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death;\n\u2022\nplaces strict obligations on food and dietary supplement importers to verify that food from foreign suppliers is not adulterated or misbranded; and\n\u2022\nprovides whistle blower protection for employees of conventional food or dietary supplement companies who provide information to governmental authorities about violations of the FFDCA.\nInternational Regulations\nIn addition to the regulations applicable to our activities in the United States, all other markets in which we operate our business regulate our products under a variety of statutory and regulatory schemes. We typically market our Protandim\n\u00ae\n line of products in international markets as foods, health foods or dietary supplements under applicable regulatory regimes. However, because of varied regulations, some products or ingredients that are recognized as a \u201cfood\u201d in certain markets may be treated as a \u201cpharmaceutical\u201d or equivalent in other markets. In the event a product, or an ingredient in a product, is classified as a drug or pharmaceutical product in any market, we will generally not be able to distribute that product through our independent consultants channel because of pre-marketing approval requirements and strict regulations applicable to drug and pharmaceutical products. In Japan, for example, ashwagandha was determined to be inappropriate for inclusion in food products. Ashwagandha is one of the ingredients in Protandim\n\u00ae \nNrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n. While we disagree with the assessment of ashwagandha by Japanese regulatory authorities, we are restricted from selling a formulation of Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n that contains ashwagandha in Japan. As such, we reformulated Protandim\n\u00ae \nNrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n for the Japan market to exclude ashwagandha\n and include black pepper extract\n. This reformulated Protandim\n\u00ae \nNrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n was introduced in Japan in fiscal year 2013.\n21\nSimilarly, our other markets outside the United States regulate advertising and product claims regarding the efficacy of our products and require adequate substantiation of claims. As such, we are unable to claim that any of our products will diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent diseases. For example, in Japan, Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n is considered a food product, which significantly limits our ability to make claims regarding the product. If marketing materials make claims that exceed the scope of allowed claims for dietary supplements, regulatory authorities could deem our products to be unapproved drugs and we could experience substantial harm.\nOur business model is also subject to regulatory frameworks that may limit or significantly alter the way business is done in foreign markets vis-\u00e0-vis the United States. For example, our marketing of products or business opportunity as a consultant in the United Kingdom differs significantly from marketing to United States customers and consultants. Consequently, we may experience additional costs and delays in entering or continuing to do business in foreign markets in order to comply with local regulations.\nPotential FDA and Other Regulation\nWe could become subject to additional laws or regulations administered by the FDA, FTC, or other federal, state, local or international regulatory authorities, to the repeal of laws or regulations that we consider favorable, such as DSHEA, or to more stringent interpretations of current laws or regulations. Because of negative publicity associated with some adulterated or misbranded supplements, including pharmaceutical drugs marketed as dietary supplements, there has been an increased movement in the United States and other markets to expand the regulation of dietary supplements, which could impose additional restrictions or requirements in the future. In recent years, there also has been increased pressure in the United States to further regulate cosmetics. In general, the regulatory environment is becoming more complex with increasingly strict regulations. \nThe Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act requires us to report to the FDA all serious adverse events and to maintain for six years, records of all adverse events, whether or not serious. An adverse event is defined as any health-related event associated with the use of a dietary supplement that is adverse. In addition, this law requires the label of each dietary supplement, including our Protandim\n\u00ae\n products, to include a domestic address or telephone number by which the company selling the product may receive a report of a serious adverse event associated with such product. The labels of our Protandim\n\u00ae\n products comply with that statutory provision.\nEmployees\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, we had\n 248\n \nand 259 full-time employees, respectively. As of June\u00a030, 2023, 184 of our full-time employees were based in the United States, 29 were based in Japan and a total of 9 were based in the Philippines, 9 in Thailand, 8 in Taiwan, 3 in Mexico, 3 in Australia, 1 in Singapore, 1 in Europe, and 1 in Canada. We do not include our independent consultants in our number of employees because our independent consultants are independent contractors and not employees. We outsource our manufacturing, warehousing and shipping operations.\nCorporate Responsibility and Sustainability\n \nWe understand that long-term value creation for stockholders is our core responsibility. \nWe are investing in a number of sustainability initiatives, including reducing the environmental impact of our business activities and products, improving the global human condition, providing a positive working environment and engaging with our stakeholders regarding these initiatives.\nEmployees\n: We believe that our employees are an essential asset. We have a dedicated team of professionals that support our customers and independent consultants, work to generate long-term value for our stockholders and contribute to the broader public through charitable programs, including LifeVantage Legacy \u2013 an independent charitable organization focused on bettering the lives of children throughout the world. In turn, we offer competitive compensation and guide employees to focus on the long-term goals of our stockholders and independent consultants. We have received many \u2018best place to work\u2019 awards over the years, most recently being named to the Utah Top Workplaces List by the Salt Lake Tribune.\nEnvironment\n: We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and creating awareness about sustainability. We strive to improve our environmental footprint over time and to initiate additional projects and activities that will further reduce our impact on the environment. Our commitment to the environment extends to our customers, our independent consultants, our employees, and the global communities in which we operate. We comply with applicable environmental regulations and strive to prevent pollution whenever possible. We are increasing our efforts to train our employees and independent consultants on our environmental program and empower them to contribute and participate. We are committed to continually improving over time by striving to measure our environmental impacts and by setting goals to reduce these impacts each year. Some examples of our efforts include:\n22\n\u2022\nUsing more easily recycled packaging for the launch of our new products in our TrueScience\n\u00ae\n line and ensuring the new products score low on the Think Dirty scale;\n\u2022\nAbiding by our environmental policy using the feedback from our stakeholders to help formalize our focus on sustainability and began using environmental auditing in our selection process for new partners;\n\u2022\nSwitched to more easily recyclable bottles and cartons for product packaging, including replacing plastic bags with paper cartons for our energy drink products and using a fully recyclable glass bottle and cap for the recently launched TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen product line;\n\u2022\nBegan sourcing shipping boxes made from Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified corrugate material; \n\u2022\nCreated sharable videos that our independent consultants can use with our sustainability efforts;\n\u2022\nFocused on working with fish oil suppliers and fisheries who are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified; and\n \n\u2022\nJoined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to support sustainable sources of Palm Oil as we look for additional ways to enhance and /or create products for consumers.\nSocial/Community:\n We believe that our legacy is not the past, it is the future we create. This belief informed our effort to sponsor the formation of LifeVantage Legacy \u2013 an independent charitable organization focused on bettering the lives of children throughout the world. LifeVantage Legacy helps the leaders of tomorrow by touching a million lives across the world today. From simply helping a child in need to supporting initiatives that uplift entire communities, our goal is simple - give future generations the support and resources they need to live happier, healthier lives one child at a time. One of the best parts of LifeVantage is our commitment to leaving places better than we find them. \n\u2022\nHosting home building trips over the holidays with our independent consultants and their families in Puerto Penasco, Mexico where we have built over 30 homes for families in need over the past several years.\n\u2022\nWe have partnered with local refugee foundations to provide help to repair fences, provide habitat upkeep, as well as helped procure needed items for kids and cleaning supplies for people's homes.\n\u2022\nAt our global convention, those who attended in person were able to aid us in packing 101,000 nutrient dense meals being sent to Thailand through a nonprofit partner.\n\u2022\nAt our company-sponsored incentive trips, we make sure to take time and give back to the local communities. At our Elite training event, we spent a day preparing local hygiene and school kits for an organization who helps provide medical care for children in the community and their families who cannot afford it.\n\u2022\nWe have a human rights policy and vendor code of conduct to formalize our auditing and commitment to align internationally with human rights philosophies in how we conduct business. We audit our key partners each year to ensure we are partnering with those who share our values.\n\u2022\nWe measured our employee's engagement level and requested anonymous feedback during the fiscal year and implemented changes to address the feedback. We host a monthly all hands staff meeting to ensure our employees feel informed and aligned on our priorities. This meeting encourages transparent communication, which was a focus for us this fiscal year.\nGovernance\n: We endeavor to continue to strengthen and improve our corporate governance and executive compensation practices. We have an equity ownership policy to reinforce our belief that executives and directors who believe in the future of our company should have meaningful equity holdings in LifeVantage. In addition, we have a majority standard for the election of directors on our board. \nAvailable Information\nOur principal offices are located at 3300 N. Triumph Blvd, Suite 700, Lehi, UT 84043. Our telephone number is (801)\u00a0432-9000 and our fax number is (801)\u00a0880-0699. Our website address is www.lifevantage.com; however, information found on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report. Our website address is included in this annual report as an inactive textual reference only.\nThe reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d), by us and by our officers, directors, and significant stockholders are available for review on the SEC\u2019s website at www.sec.gov. \nSuch reports are\n \nalso available free of charge through the investor relations section of our website at \nwww.lifevantage.com\n and are accessible as soon as reasonably practicable after being electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.\n23",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM\u00a01A \u2014 RISK FACTORS\nBecause of the following risks, as well as other risks affecting our financial condition and operating results, past financial performance should not be considered to be a reliable indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. The risks described below are those we currently believe could materially affect us. The following risks are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results of operations to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements in this report.\nRisks Relating to Our Company\nAn inability to properly motivate and incentivize sales from our independent consultants could harm our business.\nMotivating our independent consultants and providing them with appropriate sales resources, including technology, tools and training, are important to the growth and success of our business. We have faced, and may continue to face, challenges in motivating and incentivizing our independent consultants. In addition, actions we take from time to time to enforce our policies and procedures, may cause discord among some of our independent consultants. The loss of key independent consultants due to various factors including, but not limited to, voluntary termination or involuntary termination or suspension resulting from non-compliance with our policies and procedures, could distract our independent consultants and disrupt our business. For example, in the past, we have experienced discord among our leading independent consultants. If we fail to properly respond to any discord among our leading independent consultants in the United States and other markets, we could lose additional leaders, including to competing direct selling companies, which could have a significant negative impact on our revenue. Further, from time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings with former independent consultants. Such legal proceedings can be a distraction to our active independent consultants and can be expensive, time-consuming and cause a disruption to our business. Our inability to properly respond to these and other distractions may have a negative impact on our business.\nThe widespread outbreak of an illness or communicable disease, or any other public health crisis, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nWe could be negatively impacted by the widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis that results in economic and trade disruptions, including the disruption of global supply chains. In December 2019, an outbreak of COVID-19 began in China and in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. The pandemic resulted in significant national and global economic disruption and there is a chance that a future public health crisis may adversely affect our business. \nDuring fiscal year 2023, we continued to monitor COVID-19 and the disruptions it could have on our business. Our independent consultants have experienced, and could continue to experience, disruptions resulting from the recent COVID-19 pandemic. In Japan, independent consultants are still required to provide a hard-copy introductory packet (gaiyoshomen) in person to each person they approach to possibly enroll as an independent consultant before presenting our products and business opportunity. This requirement has inhibited, and could continue to inhibit, independent consultants from connecting with potential new independent consultants virtually or through social media from time. While some of the orders and restrictions that were in place during the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted, we cannot be certain that such orders and restrictions will not be reinstated in the future. Accordingly, quarantines, avoidance of public places and general concerns about physical distancing related to COVID-19 or otherwise, if implemented, may significantly reduce the ability of our independent consultants to meet people in person and commence the enrollment process in some areas of the world. Our independent consultants have adapted their approach for customer outreach and sales, including transitioning to a stronger social media presence, in an effort to sustain their sales volume. \nOur business may, in the future, experience additional disruptions and be negatively impacted by public health crises, including limitations on the ability of our suppliers to manufacture, or procure from manufacturers, the products we sell or any of the raw materials or components required in the production process, or to meet delivery requirements and commitments; limitations on the ability of our employees to perform their work due to illness caused by the pandemic or local, state, or federal orders requiring employees to remain at home; limitations on the ability of carriers to deliver our products to customers; limitations on the ability of our independent consultants to conduct their businesses and purchase our products; and limitations on the ability of our customers or independent consultants to continue to purchase our products due to decreased disposable income. \nThe extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance, including our ability to execute our business strategies and initiatives in the expected time frame, will depend on future developments, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. An extended period of global supply chain and economic disruption could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, access to sources of liquidity and financial condition.\n24\nCyber security risks and the failure to maintain the integrity of data belonging to our company, employees, customers, and independent consultants could expose us to data loss, litigation and liability, and our reputation could be significantly harmed.\nWe collect and retain large volumes of data relating to our business and from our customers, independent consultants and employees for business purposes, including for transactional and promotional purposes, and our various information technology systems enter, process, summarize and report such data. The integrity and protection of this data is critical to our business. We are subject to significant security and privacy regulations, as well as requirements imposed by the payment card industry. Maintaining compliance with these evolving regulations and requirements could be difficult and may increase our expenses. In addition, a penetrated or compromised data system or the intentional, inadvertent or negligent release or disclosure of data could result in theft, loss or fraudulent or unlawful use of data relating to our company or our customers, independent consultants and/or employees, which could harm our brand and reputation, disrupt our operations, or result in remedial and other costs, fines or lawsuits, all of which would substantially harm our business and operating results.\nFurther, we are subject to changes in the regulatory environment regarding privacy and data protection. Our growth and expansion into a variety of new markets may potentially involve new regulatory issues and requirements. For example, many countries, such as European Union member countries as a result of the General Data Protection Regulation (\u201cGDPR\u201d) have introduced into local law some form of traffic and user data retention requirements. Compliance with these retention requirements can be difficult and costly from a legal, operational and technical perspective and could harm our business and operational results. We did not experience a material cyber security event in fiscal year 2023. \nWe may not be successful in expanding our operations.\nWe may not be successful in expanding our operations. Although we have been selling our products through our direct selling network since fiscal year 2009, we still may have limited insight into trends, disruptions and other factors that may emerge and affect our business. For example, primarily as a result of the impact on our business by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, our total revenue declined the prior two fiscal years. In addition, from time to time, we are compelled to terminate one or more of our independent consultants for actions contrary to their contractual obligations with us. In the past, some of these terminations have caused disruption among our independent consultants, and such terminations or resulting disruption in the future may negatively impact our revenue. Additionally, we may not be successful in keeping our leading independent consultants focused and motivated or in aligning their goals with our company goals. Although we are seeking to grow our business, if we fail to effectively manage operations in our existing markets and/or expand our operations into additional markets, we may be unable to generate consistent operating profit growth in future periods.\nIf we are able to expand our operations, we may experience difficulties in managing our future growth, which could adversely affect our business.\n \nIf we are able to expand our operations in the United States and in other countries where we believe our products will be successful, such expansion could place increased strain on our management, operational, financial and other resources. An inability to leverage our current resources in an efficient manner could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating margins, and results of operations. In addition, if we are able to expand our operations, we expect we will need additional managerial, operational, technical, sales, marketing, financial, legal, and other resources. Our management may need to divert its attention away from its day-to-day activities and devote a substantial amount of time to managing these growth activities. We may not be able to effectively manage the expansion of our operations, which may result in weaknesses in our infrastructure and loss of business opportunities, among others. \nWe may not succeed in growing our business in existing markets or opening new markets. \nWe sell our products in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines. We also sell our products in a number of countries to customers for personal consumption only. In fiscal year 2023, we generated approximately 30% of our revenue from our international operations, a majority of which was generated in Japan. We believe that our ability to achieve future growth is dependent in part on our ability to effectively expand into new international markets and grow our existing markets. In some international markets, we have experienced difficulties which have resulted in adverse consequences to our business, including declining revenue in some markets and occasional disruption to our business with supply chain and logistics delays in delivering product to certain markets in a timely manner. Our business and financial results may be also negatively impacted if a particular market or new business model is not widely accepted and adopted. We must overcome significant regulatory and legal barriers before we can begin marketing in any international market. Also, before marketing commences in a new country or market, it is difficult to assess the extent to which our products and sales techniques will be accepted or successful. In addition to significant regulatory barriers, we may also encounter problems conducting operations in new markets with different cultures and legal systems from those encountered elsewhere. We may be required to \n25\nreformulate one or more of our products before commencing sales of that product in a given country. Once we have entered a market, we must adhere to the regulatory and legal requirements of that market. We may not be able to obtain and retain necessary permits and approvals in new markets, or we may have insufficient capital to finance our expansion efforts in a timely manner.\nOur independent consultants could fail to comply with applicable legal requirements or our policies and procedures, which could result in claims against us that could harm our business.\n \nOur independent consultants are independent contractors and, accordingly, we are not in a position to directly provide the same oversight, direction and motivation as we would if they were our employees. As a result, there can be no assurance that our independent consultants will comply with applicable laws or regulations or our independent consultant policies and procedures, participate in our marketing strategies or plans, or accept our introduction of new products.\nExtensive federal, state, local and international laws regulate our business, products and direct selling activities. Because we have expanded into foreign countries, our policies and procedures for our independent consultants differ slightly in some countries due to the different legal requirements of each country in which we do business. In addition, as we have expanded internationally, some of our independent consultants have carried or shipped our products into countries in which such products are not registered or that otherwise impose stringent restrictions on our direct selling model. While we have taken steps to stop or restrict these sales from occurring, including through our independent consultant policies and procedures, it can be difficult to enforce these policies and procedures because of the large number of independent consultants and their independent status. If relevant regulatory authorities determined that any such independent consultant activities are not compliant with all regulatory requirements, we could be subject to related fines, penalties and other assessments. Activities by our independent consultants that violate applicable laws or regulations could result in government or third-party actions against us, which could harm our business. In addition, violations by our independent consultants of our policies and procedures could reflect negatively on our products and operations and harm our business reputation. Further, it is possible that a court could hold us civilly or criminally accountable based on vicarious liability because of the actions of our independent consultants. In the past, some of our independent consultants have been investigated by government agencies for conduct alleged to have violated the law and our policies. This type of investigation can have an adverse effect on us even if we are not involved in the independent consultant\u2019s activities.\nInability of new products and technological innovations to gain market acceptance by customers and/or independent consultants could harm our business.\nWe believe our ability to introduce new products that gain acceptance among our customers and independent consultants is an important part of our ability to grow our revenue in future periods. However, any new products we introduce may not gain market acceptance by customers and/or independent consultants to the extent we anticipate or project. Factors that could affect our ability to introduce new products include, among others, government regulations, the inability to attract and retain qualified research and development staff, the termination of third-party research and collaborative arrangements, proprietary protections of competitors that may limit our ability to offer comparable products and the difficulties in anticipating changes in consumer tastes and buying preferences. In addition, new products we introduce may not be successful or generate substantial sales revenue. The introduction of a new product could also negatively impact other product lines to the extent our independent consultant leaders focus their sales efforts on the new product instead of an existing product. If any of our products fails to gain customer and/or independent consultant acceptance, we could see an increase in product returns.\nIn addition, we believe our ability to introduce new technologies that gain acceptance among our customers and independent consultants is an important part of our ability to grow our sales revenue in future periods. However, these or other new technologies that we introduce may not gain customer and/or independent consultant acceptance to the extent we anticipate or project. \nIf we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to product accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired, which could result in sanctions or other penalties that would harm our business.\nAs a public company, we are required to maintain internal controls over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the \u201cSarbanes-Oxley Act\u201d) requires, among other things, that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and provide a management report on the internal controls over financial reporting.\nWe have implemented internal controls to help ensure the completeness and accuracy of our financial reporting and to detect and prevent fraudulent actions within our financial and accounting processes including the development and implementation of control policies and procedures regarding the international business policies, practices, monitoring and training for each country outside the U.S. in which we do business. However, we cannot be assured that significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting will not exist in the future. Any failure to maintain or \n26\nimplement required new or improved controls, or any difficulties we encounter in their implementation, could result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, cause us to fail to timely meet our periodic reporting obligations, or result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Any such failure could also adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual auditor attestation reports regarding disclosure controls and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. The existence of a material weakness could result in errors in our financial statements that could result in a restatement of financial statements, cause us to fail to timely meet our reporting obligations, or cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could cause a decline in the market price of our stock and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities including equivalent foreign authorities. In fiscal year 2023, we did not experience any material weaknesses in our internal control and/or financial reporting processes. \nOur business could be negatively impacted if we fail to execute any product launch process due to increased pressure on our supply chain, information systems and management.\nAlthough our product launch process may vary by market, we generally introduce new products to our customers and independent consultants through live events or cyber launches, limited-time offers and promotions. The limited-time offers typically generate significant activity and a high level of purchasing, which may result in a higher than normal increase in sales revenue during the quarter of the limited-time offer and skew year-over-year and sequential comparisons. We may experience difficulty effectively managing growth associated with these limited-time offers. In addition, the size and condensed schedule of these product launches increases pressure on our supply chain. If we are unable to accurately forecast sales levels in each market, obtain sufficient ingredients or produce a sufficient supply to meet demand, we may incur higher expedited shipping costs and we may temporarily run out of stock of certain products, which could negatively impact the enthusiasm of our independent consultants and their customers. Conversely, if demand does not meet our expectations for a product launch, we could incur increased inventory write-offs. Any inventory write-off would negatively impact our gross margins. In addition, our order processing systems could have difficulties handling the high volume of orders generated by limited-time offers. Although our previous limited-time offers have not materially affected our product return rate, these events may increase our product return rate in the future.\nOur business may be harmed if we are unable to appropriately manage our inventory.\n \nIn the past, we have experienced difficulties in appropriately managing our inventory. For example, when we launched our TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen product in June 2022, we experienced higher than expected demand and did not have sufficient inventory to meet demand. Subsequently, our inventory balances increased significantly, causing us to engage in a deliberate effort to manage our inventory balances down to levels we viewed as appropriate. We review all inventory items quarterly for obsolescence, and when items become obsolete or are expired, we write down our inventory accordingly. If we are unable to sell our inventory in a timely manner, we may experience additional inventory obsolescence charges, including for finished products in inventory that have expired. If we are unable to appropriately manage our inventory balances, our business may be harmed.\nWe rely on our information technology systems to manage numerous aspects of our business, and a disruption in these systems could adversely affect our business.\nWe depend on our information technology (\u201cIT\u201d), systems to manage numerous aspects of our business, including our finance and accounting transactions, to manage our independent consultant sales compensation plan and to provide analytical information to management. Our IT systems are an essential component of our business and growth strategies, and a serious disruption to our IT systems could significantly limit our ability to manage and operate our business efficiently. These systems are vulnerable to, among other things, damage and interruption from power loss or natural disasters, computer system and network failures, loss of telecommunications services, physical and electronic loss of data, security breaches and computer viruses. Any disruption could cause our business and competitive position to suffer and adversely affect our business and operating results. In addition, if we experience future growth, we will need to scale or change some of our systems to accommodate the increasing number of independent consultants and their customers.\nInability to comply with financial covenants imposed by our credit facility and the impact of debt service obligations and restrictive covenants could impede our operations and flexibility.\nWe entered into a Financing Agreement in March 2016, which was subsequently amended in May 2018, February 2019, April 2021 and September 2022 that provides for a credit facility consisting of a revolving loan facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5 million. The revolving loan facility has a maturity date of March 2024. A\ns of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, there is no outstanding balance on the revolving loan facility. The principal amount of any borrowings under the credit facility is repayable in consecutive quarterly installments. We expect to generate the cash necessary to pay any future principal and interest on the credit facility from our cash flows provided by operating activities. However, our ability to meet \n27\nour debt service obligations will depend on our future performance, which may be affected by financial, business, economic, demographic and other factors. If we do not have enough money to pay our debt service obligations, we may be required to refinance all or part of our debt, sell assets, borrow more money or raise cash through the sale of equity. In such an event, we may not be able to refinance our debt, sell assets, borrow more money or raise cash through the sale of equity on terms acceptable to us or at all. Also, our ability to carry out any of these activities on favorable terms, if at all, may be further impacted by any financial or credit crisis which may limit access to the credit markets and increase the cost of capital. \nThe credit facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets, and the assets of our subsidiaries, and contains customary covenants, including affirmative and negative covenants, that restrict our ability to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, declare or pay dividends on or redeem capital stock, make other payments to holders of our equity interests, make certain investments, purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all the assets or equity interests of other companies, sell our assets and enter into consolidations, mergers or transfers of all or substantially all of our assets. The credit facility requires that we maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy certain financial condition tests and meet certain informational requirements in order to draw on the revolving loan facility, if needed. Our ability to meet these financial ratios and tests and informational requirements can be affected by events beyond our control and we may be unable to meet these ratios and tests and informational requirements. A breach of any of the covenants, ratios, tests or restrictions imposed by the credit facility would result in an event of default and the lender could declare any and all amounts outstanding under the credit facility to be immediately due and payable or limit our ability to draw on the revolving loan facility. Our assets may not be sufficient to repay the indebtedness if the lenders accelerate our repayment of the indebtedness under the credit facility. We were in compliance with all credit facility covenants at the end of fiscal year 2023.\nA substantial portion of our business is conducted in foreign markets, exposing us to the risks of trade or foreign exchange restrictions, increased tariffs, foreign currency fluctuations, disruptions or conflicts with our third-party importers and similar risks associated with foreign operations.\nGlobal economic conditions continue to be challenging and unpredictable. A substantial portion of our sales are generated outside the United States. If we are successful in entering additional foreign markets, we anticipate that the percentage of our sales generated outside the United States will increase. There are substantial risks associated with foreign operations. For example, a foreign government may impose trade or foreign exchange restrictions, increased tariffs or other legal, tax, customs or other financial burdens on us or our independent consultants, due, for example, to the structure of our operations in various markets. Any such actions could negatively impact our operations and financial results. We are also exposed to risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations. For instance, in preparing our financial statements, we translate revenue and expenses in our markets outside the United States from their local currencies into U.S. Dollars using weighted average exchange rates. If the U.S. Dollar strengthens relative to local currencies, our reported revenue, gross profit and net income will likely be reduced. Foreign currency fluctuations can also result in losses and gains resulting from translation of foreign currency denominated balances on our balance sheet. Additionally, purchases from suppliers are generally made in U.S. Dollars while sales to customers and independent consultants are generally made in local currencies. Accordingly, strengthening of the U.S. Dollar versus a foreign currency could have a negative impact on us. Specifically, because a significant percentage of our revenue is generated in Japan, strengthening of the U.S. Dollar versus the Japanese yen has had and, in the future, could have an adverse impact on our financial results. Although we may engage in transactions intended to reduce our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, there can be no assurance that these transactions will be effective. Given the complex global political and economic dynamics that affect exchange rate fluctuations, it is difficult to predict future fluctuations and the effect these fluctuations may have upon future reported results or our overall financial condition.\nAdditionally, we may be negatively impacted by conflicts with, or disruptions caused or faced by, third party importers, as well as conflicts between such importers and local governments or regulatory agencies. Our operations in some markets also may be adversely affected by political, economic and social instability in foreign countries.\nWe may require substantial additional funding, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, and, if not available, may require us to delay, scale back, or cease our product development or growth plans.\nBased on our current plans, we believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and our ongoing cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated cash requirements for at least 12 months from the date of this report. If our available cash resources and anticipated cash flows from operations are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may be required to raise significant additional capital to support our continued operations and the implementation of our business and growth plans. Future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including but not limited to:\n\u2022\nthe costs associated with acquiring products from third-party vendors;\n\u2022\nthe costs of the sales and marketing activities of our products;\n\u2022\nthe costs associated with commissions and incentives for our independent consultants;\n28\n\u2022\nlitigation expenses we incur to defend against claims, including claims that we infringe the intellectual property of others or judgments we must pay to satisfy such claims;\n\u2022\ncontractual obligations to third parties;\n\u2022\nour rate of progress in developing, launching and selling our current products and any new products we pursue;\n\u2022\nour ability to control our operating costs;\n\u2022\nour ability to satisfy our outstanding debt obligations; and\n\u2022\nthe costs of responding to the other risks and uncertainties described in this report.\nWe may also be required to raise additional capital in the future to expand our business and operations to pursue strategic investments or for other reasons including but not limited to:\n\u2022\nincreasing our sales and marketing efforts to drive market adoption of our products;\n\u2022\nscaling up our customer support capabilities;\n\u2022\nfunding development and marketing efforts of additional products;\n\u2022\nexpanding our product portfolio into additional markets;\n\u2022\nacquiring products through licensing rights;\n\u2022\nacquiring or investing in complementary businesses or assets; and\n\u2022\nfinancing capital expenditures and general and administrative expenses.\nWe may seek required funding through issuances of equity or convertible debt securities or entering into additional loan facilities. Each of the various ways we could raise additional capital carry potential risks. If we raise funds by issuing equity securities, dilution to our stockholders would result. If we raise funds by issuing additional debt securities, those debt securities would have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock. Our credit facility restricts our ability to pursue certain transactions that we may believe to be in our best interest, including incurring additional indebtedness without the prior written consent of the lender under the credit facility. \nIf we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us, if we require it, our ability to continue to pursue our business objectives and to respond to business opportunities, challenges, or unforeseen circumstances could be significantly limited and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.\nRisks Relating to Our Business and Industry\nWe primarily depend on a few products for a majority of our revenue.\nAlthough we generate revenue through the sale of other products, we primarily rely on our Protandim\n\u00ae\n and TrueScience\n\u00ae \nproduct lines for a majority of our revenue, which collectively represent approximately 79.3% of our total revenue. We do not currently have a diversified portfolio of other products that we could rely on to support our operations if we were to experience any difficulty with the manufacture, marketing, sale or distribution of these product lines. As such, any adverse impact we experience with respect to these two product lines could result in an impact to our overall revenue. For example, if we are unable to sustain or increase the price or sales levels for the Protandim\n\u00ae\n and TrueScience\n\u00ae\n \nproduct lines, our business could be harmed.\nIf we are unable to retain our existing customers and independent consultants or attract additional customers and independent consultants, our revenue will not increase and may decline.\nOur customers may cease purchasing our products at any time and for any reason. Our independent consultants may terminate their services at any time, and we can and have in the past terminated consultants for conduct violative of our policies and procedures. As such, like most direct selling companies, we have experienced and are likely to continue to experience turnover among both customers and independent consultants. We have experienced, and may continue to experience, a decrease in the number of our independent consultants. The departure for any reason of one of our leading independent consultants can be a major disruption to other independent consultants and could have a significant negative impact on our sales and operating results. Independent consultants who join our company to purchase our products for personal consumption or for short-term \n29\nincome goals may only stay with us for a short time. While we take steps to help train, motivate, and retain independent consultants, we cannot accurately predict the number or sales productivity of our independent consultants.\nOur operating results will be harmed if we and our independent consultant leaders do not generate sufficient interest in our business to retain existing customers and independent consultants and attract new customers and independent consultants. The number and sales productivity of our independent consultants could be harmed by several factors, including:\n\u2022\nany adverse publicity regarding us, our products, our distribution channel, or our competitors;\n\u2022\nnon-compliance by our independent consultants with applicable legal requirements or our policies and procedures;\n\u2022\nlack of interest in existing or new products or their failure to achieve desired sales results;\n\u2022\nlack of a compelling business opportunity sufficient to generate the interest and commitment of new independent consultants;\n\u2022\nany changes we might make to our independent consultant sales compensation plan;\n\u2022\nany negative public perception of our company or our products or their ingredients;\n\u2022\nany negative public perception of our independent consultants and direct selling business in general;\n\u2022\nour actions to enforce our policies and procedures;\n\u2022\nany efforts to sell our products through competitive channels;\n\u2022\nany regulatory actions or charges against us or others in our industry; and\n\u2022\ngeneral economic and business conditions.\nHigh quality materials for our products may be difficult to obtain or expensive.\nRaw materials account for a significant portion of our manufacturing costs and we rely on third-party suppliers to provide raw materials. Suppliers may be unable or unwilling to provide the raw materials our manufacturers need in the quantities requested, at a price we are willing to pay, or that meet our quality standards. We are also subject to potential delays in the delivery of raw materials caused by events beyond our control, including the COVID-19 pandemic, labor disputes, transportation interruptions and changes in government regulations. Our business could be adversely affected if we are unable to obtain a reliable source of any of the raw materials used in the manufacturing of our products that meets our quality standards. Additionally, if demand for our products exceeds our forecasts, we may have difficulties in obtaining additional raw materials in time to meet the excess demand. Any significant delay in or disruption of the supply of raw materials could, among other things, substantially increase the cost of such materials, require reformulation or repackaging of products, require the qualification of new suppliers, or result in our inability to meet customer demands.\nAlthough our independent consultants are independent contractors, improper actions by independent consultants that violate laws or regulations could harm our business.\nOur independent consultants are not employees and act independent of us. However, activities by our independent consultants that allegedly violate applicable laws or regulations could result in government or third-party actions against us, which could harm our business. Our independent consultants agree to abide by our policies and procedures which are designed to ensure our independent consultants will comply with legal requirements. We have a consultant compliance department that addresses violations of our independent consultants when they become known to us. However, given the size of our independent consultant network, we experience problems with independent consultants violating our policies and procedures from time to time and are not always able to discover or remedy such violations.\nOne of our most significant areas of risk with respect to independent consultant activities relates to improper product claims and claims regarding the consultant business opportunity of being an independent consultant. Any determination by the Food and Drug Administration, Federal Trade Commission, any state agency or other similar governmental agency outside the United States that we or our independent consultants are not in compliance with applicable laws could materially harm our business. Even if governmental actions do not result in rulings or orders against us, they could create negative publicity that could detrimentally affect our efforts to recruit or motivate independent consultants and attract customers or lead to consumer lawsuits against us. When we experience growth in the number of our independent consultants, we have seen an increase in sales aids and promotional material being produced by independent consultants and/or consultant groups in some markets. This places an increased burden on us to monitor compliance of such materials and increases the risk that such materials could contain problematic product, marketing, or business opportunity claims in violation of our policies and applicable regulations. \n30\nAs we expand our operations, including internationally, our independent consultants sometimes attempt to anticipate additional new markets that we may enter in the future and begin marketing and sponsoring activities in markets where we are not qualified to conduct business. For example, some of our independent consultants have carried or shipped our products into countries in which such products are not registered or that otherwise impose stringent restrictions on our direct selling model. These or other activities by our independent consultants that violate applicable laws or regulations could subject us to legal or regulatory claims or actions, which could result in fines, penalties or negative publicity, any of which could have an adverse impact on our business.\nWe are dependent upon third parties to manufacture our products.\nWe currently rely on third parties to manufacture our products. We are dependent on the uninterrupted and efficient operation of third-party manufacturers\u2019 facilities. We currently use multiple third-party manufacturers for our products. If any of our current manufacturers are unable or unwilling to fulfill our manufacturing requirements or seek to impose unfavorable terms, we will likely have to seek out other manufacturers, which could disrupt our operations and we may not be successful in finding alternative manufacturing resources. In addition, competitors who perform their own manufacturing may have an advantage over us with respect to pricing, availability of product, and in other areas through their control of the manufacturing process.\nDisruptions to or significantly increased costs associated with transportation and other distribution channels for our products may adversely affect our margins and profitability.\nWe generally rely on the uninterrupted and efficient operation of third-party logistics companies to transport and deliver our products. These third-party logistics companies may experience disruptions to the transportation channels used to distribute our products, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, increased airport and shipping port congestion, a lack of transportation capacity, increased fuel expenses, and a shortage of manpower. Disruptions to the transportation channels experienced by our third-party logistics companies may result in increased costs, including the additional use of airfreight to meet demand. \nWe are subject to risks related to product recalls.\nWe have implemented measures in our manufacturing process that are designed to prevent and detect defects in our products, including contaminants. However, such measures may not prevent or reveal defects or detect contaminants in our products and such defects and contaminants may not become apparent until after our products have been sold into the market. Accordingly, there is a risk that product defects will occur, or that our products will contain foreign contaminants, and that such defects and contaminants will require a product recall. We do not maintain product recall insurance. In the past, we commenced a voluntary recall of certain lots of Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n to alleviate safety concerns related to certain batches of turmeric extract, an ingredient in Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n we purchase from third-party suppliers. Product recalls and subsequent remedial actions can be expensive to implement and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, product recalls could result in negative publicity and public concerns regarding the safety of our products, either of which could harm the reputation of our products and our business and could cause the market value of our common stock to decline.\nA past voluntary product recall strained our relationships with some of our third-party manufacturers. Additionally, following the voluntary recall we implemented more stringent measures, including several redundant measures, in our manufacturing process to detect contaminants. Third-party manufacturers may be reluctant to implement these redundant measures, may refuse to manufacture our products, and additional safety measures such as these may increase our cost of goods sold and strain our relationships with manufacturers.\nLaws and regulations may prohibit or severely restrict direct selling and cause our revenue and profitability to decline, and regulators could adopt new regulations that negatively impact our business.\nVarious government agencies throughout the world regulate direct selling practices. The laws and regulations applicable to us and our independent consultants in Japan are particularly stringent. These laws and regulations are generally intended to prevent fraudulent or deceptive schemes, often referred to as \u201cpyramid\u201d schemes, which compensate participants primarily for recruiting additional participants without significant emphasis on the sale of product to end consumers. Government agencies, such as the FTC in the United States and similar agencies in foreign jurisdictions, periodically investigate direct selling companies based on such schemes or other claims made by a direct selling company or its independent consultants. Generally, companies that are the subject of an FTC, or similar foreign agency, enforcement action are required to pay monetary fines and/or make updates to its business model. The laws and regulations in some of our markets impose cancellations, product returns, inventory buy-backs and cooling-off rights for our independent consultants and/or customers. Excessive refunds and/or product returns pursuant to local laws and regulations, including being the target of an enforcement action or investigation by the FTC or a similar foreign agency in a foreign jurisdiction, could have a negative impact on our operating results. Complying with \n31\nthese rules and regulations can be difficult and requires the devotion of significant resources on our part. We may not be able to continue business in existing markets or commence operations in new markets if we are unable to comply with these laws or adjust to changes in these laws.\nUnfavorable publicity could materially harm our business.\nWe are highly dependent upon consumers' perceptions of the safety, quality, and efficacy of our products, as well as competitive products distributed by other companies. In the past, we have experienced negative publicity that has harmed our business. Critics of our industry and other individuals whose interests are not aligned with our interests, have in the past and may in the future utilize the Internet, the press and other means to publish criticism of the industry, our company, our products and our competitors, or make allegations regarding our business and operations, or the business and operations of our competitors. For instance, several prominent companies in our industry have been targeted by short sellers who profit if a company's stock price decreases. One such company was targeted by a short seller who, after taking a significant short position, publicly made allegations regarding the legality of the company's direct selling model. Short sellers have an incentive to publicly criticize our industry and business model and any such criticism may adversely affect our stock price.\nFuture scientific research or publicity may not be favorable to our industry or any particular product. Because of our dependence upon consumer perceptions, adverse publicity associated with illness or other adverse effects resulting or claimed to have resulted from the consumption or use of our products or any similar products distributed by other companies could have a material adverse impact on us. Such adverse publicity could arise even if the claims are unsubstantiated or if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from failure to consume or use such products as directed. Adverse publicity could also increase our product liability exposure, result in increased regulatory scrutiny and lead to the initiation of private lawsuits.\nWe are subject to risks related to a Global Not For Resale Program\nWe have a Global Not For Resale program, which allows customers from around the world to purchase limited amounts of our products for their individual consumption. Under this program, customers from other countries are able to set up a U.S. customer account and associated U.S. address and payment method to drop-ship their order to a third-party vendor in the U.S., who will then ship the products to the customer\u2019s global location with any customs and/or duties being the sole responsibility of the ordering customer.\nThis program may raise questions from tax regulators about the appropriate sales tax jurisdiction due to the varied and complex tax regulations in the U.S. and around the world. Further, any regulatory review of our facilitation to ship U.S. product to our existing markets, where such product has not been registered, may raise issues against the local subsidiary from the foreign jurisdiction equivalents of the FDA or FTC or the relevant trade associations, should any agency or association perceive that we or our independent consultants are advertising and/or facilitating the sale of unregistered product in their country.\nOur direct selling program could be found to be not in compliance with current or newly adopted laws or regulations in one or more markets, which could prevent us from conducting our business in these markets and harm our financial condition and operating results.\nSome of the legal and regulatory requirements concerning the direct selling business model are ambiguous and subject to interpretation. As a result, regulators and courts have discretion in their application of these laws and regulations, and the enforcement or interpretation of these laws and regulations by governmental agencies or courts can change. Allegations by short sellers regarding the legality of multi-level marketing companies generally have also created intense public scrutiny of our industry and could cause governmental agencies to change their enforcement and interpretation of applicable laws and regulations. The failure of our business to comply with current or newly adopted regulations or interpretations could negatively impact our business in a particular market or in general and may adversely affect our stock price.\nActions of activist stockholders could impact the pursuit of our business strategies, cause us to incur substantial costs, divert our management\u2019s attention and resources, and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and the trading price of our common stock.\nPublicly traded companies have increasingly become subject to campaigns by activist investors advocating corporate actions such as financial restructurings, increased borrowings, special dividends, stock repurchases or even sales of assets or entire companies to third parties or the activists themselves. Responding to proxy contests and other actions by activist stockholders, including related litigation, can be costly and time consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of our board and senior management from the pursuit of business strategies, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of stockholder activism or changes to the composition of our board may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business, instability or lack of continuity. These uncertainties may be more acute or heightened when an activist seeks to change a majority of the board or ultimately desires to acquire the company. If individuals are elected to our board with a specific agenda, it may \n32\nadversely affect our ability to effectively implement our business strategy and create additional value for our stockholders. Additionally, actions by activist stockholders may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential independent consultants and customers, make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and may create adverse uncertainty for our employees. In addition, actions of activist stockholders may cause significant fluctuations in our stock price based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business. On August 9, 2023, we received notice from a stockholder, Bradley L. Radoff, of his intent to nominate three directors for election at the company\u2019s fiscal year 2024 annual meeting of stockholders. Our board and management team strive to maintain constructive, ongoing communications with our stockholders, including Mr. Radoff, and welcome all views and ideas that have the potential to enhance value for all stockholders. Although our board has not made its recommendation with respect to the director election the fiscal year 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, it is possible that, if the company and Mr. Radoff cannot reach an agreement in connection with his nomination, a proxy contest involving Mr. Radoff may ensue with respect to the company\u2019s fiscal year 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, or that we could become engaged in a proxy contest with another activist stockholder in the future.\nWe may become involved in legal proceedings that are expensive, time consuming and, if adversely adjudicated or settled, could adversely affect our financial results.\nLitigation claims can be expensive and time consuming to bring or defend against and could result in settlements or damages that could significantly affect our financial results. It is not possible to predict the final resolution of litigation to which we may become a party, and the impact of litigation proceedings on our business, results of operations and financial condition could be material.\nFrom time to time, we are involved in various legal matters, both as a plaintiff and defendant. While we believe the suits against us are without merit, they are costly to defend and we cannot be assured that we will ultimately prevail. If we do not prevail and are required to pay damages, it could harm our business.\nOur business is subject to strict government regulations.\nThe manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, sale and distribution of our products are subject to federal laws and regulations by one or more federal agencies, including, in the United States, the FDA, the FTC, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the United States Department of Agriculture. These activities are also regulated by various state, local, and international laws and agencies of the states, localities and countries in which our products are sold. For instance, the FDA regulates, among other things, the composition, safety, labeling, and marketing of dietary supplements (including vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary ingredients for human use). Government regulations may prevent or delay the introduction of our products, or require us to reformulate our products or change the claims we make about them, which could result in lost revenue, increased costs and delay our expansion into new international markets.\nThe FDA may determine that a particular dietary supplement or ingredient is adulterated or misbranded or both and may determine that a particular claim or statement of nutritional support that we make to support the marketing of a dietary supplement is an impermissible drug claim, or is an unauthorized version of a \u201chealth claim.\u201d The FDA, the FTC, or state attorneys general may also determine that a particular claim we make for our products is not substantiated. Determining whether a claim is improper frequently involves a degree of subjectivity by the regulatory agency or individual regulator. Any of these determinations by the FDA or other regulators could prevent us from marketing that particular dietary supplement product, or making certain claims for that product. The FDA could also require us to remove a particular product from the market. Any future recall or removal would result in additional costs to us, including lost revenue from any product that we are required to remove from the market, which could be material. Any product recalls or removals could also lead to liability, substantial costs, and reduced growth prospects.\nIn April 2017, we received a warning letter from the FDA alleging that information on our website contained impermissible drug claims relating to our Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n product. We believe the letter from the FDA contained factual inaccuracies and we responded promptly to the FDA. The FDA subsequently concluded that the issues set forth in the warning letter had been fully resolved. We believe we do not claim that any of our products prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any disease in any of our marketing materials or labeling and we proactively and consistently engage distinguished experts in FDA law and regulation to ensure our promotional materials and websites adhere to applicable requirements and restrictions. Nevertheless, in the future, we may receive similar warning letters from the FDA if it believes some violation of law has occurred either by us or by our independent consultants. Any allegations of our non-compliance may result in time-consuming and expensive defense of our activities. FDA warning letters are available to the public on the FDA\u2019s website. That information could negatively affect our relationships with our customers, investors, independent consultants, vendors, employees and consumers. Warning letters may also spark private class action litigation under state consumer protection statutes. The FDA could also order compliance activities, such as an inspection of our facilities and products, and could file a civil lawsuit in \n33\nwhich an arrest warrant (seizure) could be issued as to some or all of our products. In extraordinary cases, we could be named a defendant and sued for declaratory and injunctive relief.\nAdditional or more stringent regulations of dietary supplements and other products have been considered from time to time. In recent years, there has been increased pressure in the United States and other markets to increase regulation of dietary supplements. New regulations, or new interpretations of those regulations, could impose additional restrictions, including requiring reformulation of some products to meet new standards, recalls or discontinuance of some products not able to be reformulated, additional record-keeping requirements, increased documentation of the properties of some products, additional or different labeling, additional scientific substantiation, additional adverse event reporting, or other new requirements. Any of these developments could increase our costs significantly. \nIn the United States, for example, some legislators and industry critics continue to push for increased regulatory authority by the FDA over dietary supplements and the FTC over dietary supplements and the direct selling industry. The FDA may strengthen the regulation of dietary supplements by modernizing its oversight of dietary supplements and the FTC may strengthen the regulation of business opportunity claims and direct selling companies, among other things. The FTC has in recent years investigated and taken enforcement action against direct selling companies for misleading representations relating to the earnings potential of an independent consultant within a company\u2019s compensation plan, as well as appropriateness of the compensation plans themselves. Our business could be harmed if more restrictive legislation or regulation is successfully introduced and adopted in the future. In the United States, the FTC\u2019s Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (the \u201cGuides\u201d), require disclosure of material connections between an endorser and the company they are endorsing and generally do not allow marketing using atypical results. Our independent consultants have historically used testimonials to market and sell our products. Producing marketing materials that conform to the requirements and restrictions of the Guides may diminish the impact of our marketing efforts and negatively impact our sales results. If we or our independent consultants fail to comply with these Guides, the FTC could bring an enforcement action against us and we could be forced to alter our marketing materials and/or refund or disgorge funds. Our operations also could be harmed if new laws or regulations are enacted that restrict our ability to market or distribute dietary supplements or impose additional burdens or requirements on dietary supplement companies or require us to reformulate our products.\nIn addition, the Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act imposes significant regulatory requirements on dietary supplement manufacturers, packers and consultants including the reporting of \u201cserious adverse events\u201d to the FDA and record keeping requirements. Complying with this legislation could raise our costs and negatively impact our business. We and our suppliers are also required to comply with FDA regulations with respect to current Good Manufacturing Practices in manufacturing, packaging, or holding dietary ingredients and dietary supplements. These regulations require dietary supplements to be prepared, packaged, and held in compliance with procedures that we and our third-party subcontractors must develop and make available for inspection by the FDA. These regulations could raise our costs and negatively impact our business. Additionally, our third-party suppliers or vendors may not be able to comply with these rules without incurring substantial expenses. If our third-party suppliers or vendors are not able to comply with these rules, we may experience increased cost or delays in obtaining certain raw materials and third-party products.\nIn 2022, the FDA published an updated draft guidance which is intended, among other things, to help manufacturers and consultants of dietary supplement products determine when they are required to file with the FDA a New Dietary Ingredient (\u201cNDI\u201d), notification with respect to a dietary supplement product. In this draft guidance, the FDA highlighted the necessity for marketers of dietary supplements to submit NDI notifications as an important preventive control to ensure that consumers are not exposed to potential unnecessary public health risks in the form of new ingredients with unknown safety profiles. Although we do not believe that any of our products contain an NDI, if the FDA were to conclude that we should have filed an NDI notification for any of our products, then we could be subject to enforcement actions by the FDA. Such enforcement actions could include product seizures and injunctive relief being granted against us, any of which would harm our business.\nIn May 2016, the FDA released a final rule updating the Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods and the Supplement Facts label for dietary supplements, with the objective to help consumers make better informed decisions. While the original compliance deadline for manufacturers of food and dietary supplements to use the new label was July 26, 2018, the FDA subsequently extended the compliance deadline to January 1, 2020, and later announced it would exercise enforcement discretion (i.e., not enforce the new label requirements) until January 1, 2021. Further, in December 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture promulgated regulations requiring that, by January 1, 2022, the labels of certain bio engineered foods, including dietary supplements, must include a disclosure that the food is bio engineered. Implementation of the new label requirements may result in additional costs to our business.\nOur Cannabidiol (\u201cCBD\u201d) products are subject to varying, rapidly changing federal, state and local laws, regulations, and rules, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. \n34\nWe launched new hemp-derived CBD personal care products during fiscal year 2021. The CBD industry is evolving and subject to varying, and rapidly changing, laws, regulations and administrative practices. For example, the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (the \u201c2018 Farm Bill\u201d) formally defined \u201chemp\u201d as the \nCannabis sativa\n plant and its derivatives, extracts and cannabinoids with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (\u201cTHC\u201d) concentration of not more than 0.3%, and removed hemp from the federal definition of marijuana, making it no longer a Schedule I illegal drug under the Controlled Substances Act. The 2018 Farm Bill thus opened a pathway for the production and marketing of hemp and hemp derivatives, subject to compliance with certain federal requirements and state and local law. Our CBD products are derived from hemp as defined in the 2018 Farm Bill. Continued development of CBD-related industries is dependent upon continued legalization of CBD-related products at the federal and state levels, and a number of factors could slow or halt progress in this area. \nIn addition, the manufacture, labeling, and distribution of our CBD products are regulated by various federal, state and local agencies. These governmental authorities or litigators, such as class action lawyers or attorneys general, may commence regulatory or legal proceedings, which could restrict the permissible scope of our product claims or our ability to sell products in the future. Violations of applicable laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in material adverse effects on our operations and financial condition. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, and it is possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will have a material adverse effect on our business, including our ability to develop, sell, and expand our CBD-infused products. Further, in the event of either repeal of federal, state or local laws and regulations, or amendments thereto that are adverse to our intended products, we may be restricted or limited with respect to those products that we may sell or distribute, which could adversely impact our intended business plan with respect to such products. \nRegulations governing the production and marketing of our products could harm our business.\nWe are subject to various domestic and foreign laws and regulations that regulate the production and marketing of our products. If, for example, a determination that our dietary supplement products are used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness, including due to improper marketing claims by our independent consultants, it may lead to a determination that the LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n supplements require pre-market approval as a drug. Such regulations in any given market can limit our ability to import products and can delay product launches as we go through the registration and approval process for those products. Furthermore, if we fail to comply with these regulations, we could face enforcement action against us and we could be fined, forced to alter or stop selling our products and/or be required to adjust our operations. Our operations also could be harmed if new laws or regulations are enacted that restrict our ability to market or distribute our products or impose additional burdens or requirements on the contents of our products or require us to reformulate our products.\nWe are subject to the risk of investigatory and enforcement action.\nWe are subject to the risk of investigatory and enforcement action by various government agencies, both domestic and international. For instance, the FTC and state attorneys general may open an investigation or bring an enforcement action against us based on our advertising claims and marketing practices. The FTC routinely reviews product advertising, including websites, to identify significant questionable advertising claims and practices. The FTC has brought many actions against dietary supplement companies, including some actions that were brought jointly with state attorneys general, based upon allegations that applicable advertising claims or practices were deceptive or not substantiated. If the FTC initiates an investigation, the FTC can initiate pre-complaint discovery that may be nonpublic in nature. In addition, we are subject to the risk of investigatory and enforcement action by other agencies including, but not limited to, the FDA, including warning letters and other sanctions, enforcement actions by the SEC and by other international regulatory agencies. Any investigation may be very expensive to defend and may result in an adverse ruling or in a consent decree.\nGovernment authorities may question our tax positions or transfer pricing policies or change their laws in a manner that could increase our effective tax rate or otherwise harm our business.\nAs a U.S. company doing business in international markets through subsidiaries, we are subject to various tax and intercompany pricing laws, including those relating to the flow of funds between our company and our subsidiaries. From time to time, we are audited by tax regulators in the United States and in our foreign markets. If regulators challenge our tax positions, corporate structure, transfer pricing mechanisms or intercompany transfers, we may be subject to fines and payment of back taxes, our effective tax rate may increase and our operations may be harmed. Tax rates vary from country to country, and, if tax authorities determine that our profits in one jurisdiction may need to be increased, we may not be able to fully utilize all foreign tax credits that are generated, which will increase our effective tax rate. The various customs, exchange control and transfer pricing laws are continually changing and are subject to the interpretation of government agencies. We may experience increased efforts by customs authorities in foreign countries to reclassify our products or otherwise increase the level of duties we pay on our products. Despite our efforts to be aware of and comply with such laws, and changes to and interpretations thereof, there is a risk that we may not continue to operate in compliance with such laws. We may need to adjust our operating procedures in response to such changes and, as a result, our business may suffer. In addition, due to the international nature of \n35\nour business, from time to time, we are subject to reviews and audits by taxing authorities of other jurisdictions in which we conduct business throughout the world.\nOur financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by international regulatory and business risks. \nAs a result of our operations, offering products or contracting with independent contractors and other service providers in various other countries, we are increasingly subject to varied and complex foreign and international laws and regulations. Compliance with these laws and regulations often involves significant costs and may require changes in our business practices that may result in reduced revenues and adversely affect our operating results.\nWe are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the \u201cFCPA\u201d), which prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making payments in violation of law to non-U.S. government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing any other improper advantage. Our reliance on independent consultants to market our products internationally demands a high degree of vigilance in maintaining our policy against participation in corrupt activity, because these independent consultants may be deemed to be our agents and we could be held responsible for their actions. We are also subject to similar anti-bribery laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including the United Kingdom\u2019s Bribery Act of 2010, which also prohibits commercial bribery and makes it a crime for companies to fail to prevent bribery. These laws are complex and far-reaching in nature. Any violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our operations, involve significant management distraction, involve significant costs and expenses, including legal fees, and we could be subject to severe penalties, including criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement, and other remedial measures, any of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations. Any allegations that we are not in compliance with anti-corruption laws may require us to dedicate time and resources to an internal investigation of the allegations or may result in a government investigation. Any determination that our operations or activities are not in compliance with existing anti-corruption laws or regulations could result in the imposition of substantial fines, and other penalties. Although we have implemented anti-corruption policies and controls to protect against violation of these laws, we cannot be certain that these efforts will be effective. Operating internationally requires significant management attention and financial resources. We cannot be certain that the investment and additional resources required to increase international revenues or expand our international presence will produce desired levels of revenues or profitability.\nThe loss of or inability to attract key personnel could negatively impact our business.\nOur future performance will depend, in part, upon our ability to attract, retain, and motivate our executive and senior management team and scientific staff. Our success depends to a significant extent both upon the continued services of our current executive and senior management team and scientific staff, as well as our ability to attract, hire, motivate, and retain additional qualified management and scientific staff in the future. Specifically, competition for executive and senior staff in the direct selling and dietary supplement markets is intense, and our operations could be adversely affected if we cannot attract and retain qualified personnel. Additionally, former members of our executive and senior management team have in the past, and could in the future join or form companies that compete against us in the direct selling industry.\nAll of our employees are \u201cat will\u201d employees, which means any employee may quit at any time and we may terminate any employee at any time. We do not carry \u201ckey person\u201d insurance covering members of senior management or our employees.\nWe may be held responsible for certain taxes or assessments and other obligations relating to the activities of our independent consultants, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.\nOur independent consultants are subject to taxation, and in some instances, legislation or governmental agencies impose an obligation on us to collect or withhold taxes, such as value added taxes or income taxes, and to maintain appropriate records. In the event that local laws and regulations or the interpretation of local laws and regulations change to require us to treat our independent consultants as employees, or that our independent consultants are deemed by local regulatory authorities in one or more of the jurisdictions in which we operate to be our employees rather than independent contractors under existing laws and interpretations, or our independent consultants are deemed to be conducting business in countries outside of the country in which they are authorized to do business, we may be held responsible for social security, income, and other related taxes in those jurisdictions, plus any related assessments and penalties, which could harm our financial condition and operating results. If our independent consultants were deemed to be employees rather than independent contractors, we may be obligated to pay certain employee benefits, such as workers compensation and unemployment insurance. Further, if our independent consultants are misclassified as employees, we would also face the threat of increased vicarious liability for their actions. \nThe dietary supplement market is highly competitive.\nOur flagship product line, Protandim\n\u00ae\n, competes in the dietary supplements market, which is large, highly competitive and fragmented. Participants include specialty retailers, supermarkets, drugstores, mass merchants, multi-level marketing organizations, on-line merchants, mail-order companies, and a variety of other smaller participants. Many of our competitors \n36\nhave greater financial and other resources available to them and possess better manufacturing, independent distribution and marketing capabilities than we do. We believe some of these competitors with greater resources may develop and release products that will compete directly with the Protandim\n\u00ae\n product line and will be marketed as NRF1 and Nrf2 activators. One or more of these products could significantly reduce the demand for the Protandim\n\u00ae\n product line and have a material adverse effect on our revenue. We believe that the market is also highly sensitive to the introduction of new products, including various prescription drugs, which may rapidly capture a significant share of the market. Moreover, because of regulatory restrictions concerning claims about the efficacy of dietary supplements, we may have difficulty differentiating our products from our competitors\u2019 products and competing products entering the dietary supplements market could harm our revenue. In the United States and Japan, we also compete for sales with heavily advertised national brands manufactured by large pharmaceutical and food companies, as well as other retailers. In addition, as some products become more mainstream, we experience increased competition for those products as more participants enter the market. Our international competitors include large international pharmacy chains, major international supermarket chains, and other large U.S.-based companies with international operations. We may not be able to compete effectively and our attempt to do so may result in increased pricing pressure, which may result in lower margins and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\nOur intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to protect them could reduce the value of our products and brand.\nThe loss of our intellectual property rights in our products could permit our competitors to manufacture their own version of our products. We have attempted to protect our intellectual property rights in our products through a combination of patents, patent applications, trademarks, trade secrets, confidentiality agreements, non-compete agreements and other contractual protection mechanisms, and we will continue to do so. While we intend to defend against any threats to our intellectual property, our patents or various contractual protections may not adequately protect our intellectual property. In addition, we could be required to expend significant resources to defend our rights to proprietary information and may not be successful in such defense.\nMoreover, our intellectual property rights are more limited outside of the United States than they are in the United States. As such, we may not be successful in preventing third parties from copying or misappropriating our intellectual property. There also can be no assurance that pending patent applications owned by us will result in patents being issued to us, that patents issued to or licensed by us in the past or in the future will not be challenged or circumvented by competitors or that such patents will be found to be valid or sufficiently broad to protect our products or to provide us with any competitive advantage. Third parties could also obtain patents that may require us to negotiate to obtain licenses to conduct our business, and any required licenses may not be available on reasonable terms or at all. We also rely on confidentiality and non-compete agreements with certain employees, independent consultants, consultants and other parties to protect, in part, trade secrets and other proprietary rights. There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be breached, that we will have adequate remedies for any breach, that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information or that third parties will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or proprietary knowledge. \nThird parties might claim that we infringe on their intellectual property rights.\nAlthough the dietary supplement industry has historically been characterized by products with naturally occurring ingredients, recently it is becoming more common for suppliers and competitors to apply for patents or develop proprietary technologies and processes. Third parties may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us despite our efforts to avoid such infringement. Such claims could prevent us from offering competitive products or result in litigation or threatened litigation. \nOur business is susceptible to product liability claims.\nThe manufacture and sale of any product for human consumption raises the risk of product liability claims. These claims may derive from the product itself or a contaminant found in the product from the manufacturing, packaging, sales process or even due to tampering by unauthorized third parties. Our products consist of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other ingredients that are classified as foods or dietary supplements and are not subject to pre-market regulatory approval in the United States. Our products could contain contaminated substances, and some of our products contain ingredients that do not have long histories of human consumption. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of these ingredients could occur. In addition, third-party manufacturers produce all of the products we sell. As a distributor of products manufactured by third parties, we may also be liable for various product liability claims for these products despite not manufacturing them. We may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that our products include inadequate instructions for use or inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects and interactions with other substances. Any product liability claim against us could result in increased costs and could adversely affect our reputation with our customers, which in turn could adversely affect our revenue and operating income. Although we maintain insurance coverage, there is a risk that our insurance will not cover our potential exposure completely or would fail to cover a particular claim, in \n37\nwhich case we may not have the financial resources to satisfy such claim. In addition, certain types of damages, such as punitive damages, are not covered by our insurance policy.\nEconomic, political, and other risks associated with our international operations could adversely affect our revenue and international growth prospects.\nAs part of our business strategy, we intend to continue to expand and grow our international presence. Our international operations are subject to a number of risks inherent to operating in foreign countries, and any expansion or growth of our international operations will increase the effects of these risks. These risks include, among others:\n\u2022\npolitical and economic instability of foreign markets;\n\u2022\nforeign governments\u2019 restrictive trade policies;\n\u2022\nlack of well-established or reliable legal systems in certain areas in which we operate;\n\u2022\ninconsistent product regulation or sudden policy changes by foreign agencies or governments;\n\u2022\nthe imposition of, or increase in, duties, taxes, government royalties, or non-tariff trade barriers;\n\u2022\ndifficulty in collecting international accounts receivable and potentially longer payment cycles;\n\u2022\nthe possibility that a foreign government may limit our ability to repatriate cash;\n\u2022\nincreased costs in maintaining international marketing efforts;\n\u2022\nproblems entering international markets with different cultural bases and consumer preferences; and\n\u2022\nfluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.\nAny of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our international operations and our growth strategy.\nUnfavorable global economic conditions, including high inflation, and other macroeconomic conditions or trends may have an adverse impact on our business, financial results and prospects.\nWhile the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has lessened significantly, the pandemic has had a significant negative impact on the macroeconomic environment, such as decreases in per capita income and level of disposable income, inflation, rising interest rates, and supply chain issues. Ongoing geopolitical matters have also contributed to difficult macroeconomic conditions and exacerbated supply chain issues, resulting in significant economic uncertainty as well as volatility in the financial markets, particularly in the United States. Such conditions may adversely impact our business, financial results, and prospects. We rely on consumer discretionary spending. If general economic conditions continue to deteriorate globally or in specific markets where we operate, including with respect to inflation, consumer discretionary spending may decline and demand for our products may be reduced. A decrease in consumer discretionary spending would cause sales in our products to decline and adversely impact our business. If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through increases in revenue as increases in core inflation rates may also affect consumers\u2019 willingness to make discretionary purchases on our products. Our inability or failure to do so could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. \nIn addition, such macroeconomic conditions could impact our ability to access the public markets as and when appropriate or necessary to carry out our operations or our strategic goals. We cannot predict the ongoing extent, duration or severity of these conditions, nor the extent to which we may be impacted.\nTo the extent that there is a resurgence in the COVID-19 pandemic, or other health epidemics or outbreaks, our operations could be disrupted and our business adversely impacted. Such disruptions or impacts may be similar to those we faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as mandated business closures in impacted areas, limitations due to stay at home orders or sickness of employees or their families, reduced demand for certain of our products, or supply constraints.\nWe may be adversely affected by changes to our independent consultant compensation plans. \nWe modify our compensation plans from time to time to keep them competitive and attractive to existing and potential independent consultants, to address changing market dynamics, to provide incentives to our independent consultants that we believe will help grow our business, to conform to local regulations and to address other business-related considerations.\n \nIn fiscal year 2023, we launched our new compensation plan for our independent consultants in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan markets, with plans to roll out the new compensation plan to other markets where we sell and distribute our products. It is difficult to predict how such changes will be viewed by our independent consultants and whether such changes \n38\nwill achieve their desired results. Such changes could result in unintended or unforeseen negative economic and non-economic consequences to our business, such as higher than anticipated costs or difficulty in attracting and retaining independent consultants, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if regulatory agencies such as the FTC or judicial cases lead to new industry standards or rules, our business could be impacted, and we may need to amend our compensation plan. If we are required to make changes, or if the FTC seeks to enforce similar measures in the industry, either through rulemaking or an enforcement action against our company, our business could be harmed. \nRisks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock \nIf we are unable to maintain compliance with Nasdaq requirements for continued listing, our common stock could be delisted from trading.\nIf our common stock was delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market for failure to maintain compliance with its listing requirements, then there can be no assurance whether or when it would be listed again for trading on the Nasdaq or any other exchange. In addition, if our common stock were to be delisted, the market price of our shares will likely decline and become more volatile, and our stockholders may find that their ability to trade in our stock will be adversely affected. Furthermore, institutions whose charters do not allow them to hold securities in unlisted companies might sell our shares, which could have a further adverse effect on the price of our stock. \nOur stock price may experience future volatility.\nThe trading price of our common stock has historically been subject to wide fluctuations. The price of our common stock may fluctuate in the future in response to quarter-to-quarter variations in operating results, material announcements by us or competitors, governmental regulatory action, conditions in the dietary supplement industry, or other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control, and some of which do not have a strong correlation to our operating performance. We cannot predict the effect, if any, of future sales of our common stock, or the availability of our common stock for future sales, on the value of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock by any one or more of our stockholders, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.\nSubstantial sales of shares of our common stock in the public market may impact the market price of our common stock. \n Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to decline. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our common stock. These sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we consider appropriate. \nWe have registered and intend to continue to register all shares of common stock that we may issue under our equity compensation plans. Once we register these shares, they can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to volume limitations applicable to affiliates. We cannot predict what effect, if any, sales of our shares in the public market or the availability of shares for sale will have on the market price of our common stock. However, future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including shares issued upon exercise of our outstanding warrant or options, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Significant additional capital may be required in the future to continue our planned operations. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale and issuance of shares or other securities convertible into shares, our stockholders will be diluted.\nWe cannot guarantee that our share repurchase program will be utilized to the full value approved or that it will enhance long-term stockholder value. Repurchases we consummate could increase the volatility of the price of our common stock and could have a negative impact on our available cash balance.\nOur board of directors authorized a share repurchase program pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $60 million of our common stock on or before December 31, 2026. The manner, timing and amount of any share repurchases may fluctuate and will be determined by us based on a variety of factors, including the market price of our common stock, our priorities for the use of cash to support our business operations and plans, general business and market conditions, tax laws, and alternative investment opportunities. The share repurchase program authorization does not obligate us to acquire any specific number or dollar value of shares. Further, our share repurchases could have an impact on our share trading prices, increase the volatility of the price of our common stock, or reduce our available cash balance such that we will be required to seek financing to support our operations. Our share repurchase program may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time, which may result in a decrease in the trading prices of our common stock. Even if our share repurchase program is fully implemented, it may not enhance long-term stockholder value. Additionally, repurchases are subject to the 1% Share Repurchase Excise Tax enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act, which may be offset by shares newly issued during that fiscal year (the \u201cShare Repurchase Excise \n39\nTax\u201d). We have and will continue to take the Share Repurchase Excise Tax into account with respect to our decisions to repurchase shares.\nWe are a \u201csmaller reporting company\u201d and may take advantage of certain scaled disclosures available to us. We cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors. \nWe are a \u201csmaller reporting company\u201d as defined in the Exchange Act. As a smaller reporting company, we are permitted to comply with scaled disclosure obligations in our SEC filings as compared to other issuers who are not smaller reporting companies, including with respect to disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. We have elected to adopt the accommodations available to smaller reporting companies. Until we cease to be a smaller reporting company, the scaled disclosure in our SEC filings will result in less information about our company being available than for public companies that are not smaller reporting companies. \nWe will be able to take advantage of these scaled disclosures for so long as our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or (ii) our annual revenue is less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million as measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.\nWe cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we will rely certain scaled disclosures that are available to smaller reporting companies. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.\nAdditional shares that may be issued upon the exercise of currently outstanding options or upon future vesting of performance restricted stock units, would dilute the voting power of our currently outstanding common stock and could cause our stock price to decline.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we had 12.6 million shares of common stock outstanding. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we also had stock options outstanding for an aggregate of 0.1 million shares of common stock. Additionally, the future vesting of time-based and performance restricted stock units will further increase our outstanding shares of common stock. The issuance of these shares will dilute the voting power of our currently outstanding common stock and could cause our stock price to decline. \nOur certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders\u2019 ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.\nOur certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws, or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder\u2019s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees and may discourage these types of lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nDelaware law and provisions in our certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make a merger, tender offer or proxy contest difficult, thereby depressing the trading price of our common stock.\nOur status as a Delaware corporation and the anti-takeover provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control by prohibiting us from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years after the person becomes an interested stockholder, even if a change of control would be beneficial to our existing stockholders. In addition, our certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that may make the acquisition of our company more difficult, including the following:\n\u2022\nthe ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquiror;\n\u2022\nthe exclusive right of our board of directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of our board of directors or the resignation, death or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our board of directors;\n40\n\u2022\na prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of our stockholders;\n\u2022\nthe requirement that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by a majority vote of our entire board of directors, the chairman of our board of directors or our chief executive officer, or by stockholders holding at least 10% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at such special meeting, which could delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors; and\n\u2022\nadvance notice procedures with which stockholders must comply to nominate candidates to our board of directors or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders\u2019 meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquiror\u2019s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.\nIn addition, as a Delaware corporation, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time. A Delaware corporation may opt out of this provision by express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or by amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out of this provision.\nThese and other provisions in our certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirors to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by our then-current board of directors, including delay or impede a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving our company. The existence of these provisions could negatively affect the price of our common stock and limit opportunities for you to realize value in a corporate transaction.",
+ "item7": ">ITEM\u00a07 \u2014 MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThe following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nOverview\nWe are a company focused on nutrigenomics, the study of how nutrition and naturally occurring compounds affect human genes to support good health. We are dedicated to helping people achieve their health, wellness and financial goals. We provide quality, scientifically-validated products to customers an\nd independent consultants as \nwell as a financially rewarding commission-based direct sales opportunity to our independent consultants. We engage in the identification, research, development, formulation and sale of advanced nutrigenomic activators, dietary supplements, nootropics, pre- and pro-biotics, weight management, skin and hair care, bath & body, and targeted relief products. We currently sell our products to customers and independent consultants in two geographic regions that we have classified as the Americas region and the Asia/Pacific & Europe region.\nThe success and growth of our business is primarily based on the effectiveness of our independent consultants to attract and retain customers in order to sell our products and our ability to attract and retain independent consultants. When we are successful in attracting and retaining independent consultants and customers, it is largely because of:\n\u2022\nOur products, including our flagship Protandim\n\u00ae\n family of scientifically-validated dietary supplements, LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Omega+, ProBio, \nIC Bright\n\u00ae\n, and Daily Wellness dietary supplements, our line of Nrf2 enhanced TrueScience\n\u00ae\n skin, hair, bath & body, and targeted relief products, Petandim\n\u00ae\n, our companion pet supplement formulated to combat oxidative stress in dogs, Axio\n\u00ae\n, our nootropic energy drink mixes, and PhysIQ, our smart weight management system;\n\u2022\nOur sales compensation plan and other sales initiatives and incentives; and\n\u2022\nOur delivery of superior customer service.\nAs a result, it is vital to our success that we leverage our product development resources to develop and introduce compelling and innovative products and provide opportunities for our independent consultants to sell these products in a variety of markets. We sell our products in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines. In addition, we sell our products in a number of countries to customers for personal consumption only. Entering a new market requires a considerable amount of time, resources and continued support. If we are unable to properly support an existing or new market, our revenue growth may be negatively impacted.\nCOVID-19 Influence on Business Operations and Work Environment\nIn fiscal year 2023, we maintained both virtual and in person business operations in hybrid form, which started in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. During fiscal year 2023, we have continued to provide successful virtual events and trainings for our independent consultants and have been successful in conducting day to day business operations both in person, and over virtual platforms. In fiscal year 2023, we continued the hybrid model with our employees working from home a few days a week and in the office a few days a week. We believe that this has worked well for employee productivity. We remain focused on being digital first and committed to increasing our investments in digital technologies and tools for independent consultants and employees to function effectively in the current hybrid working environment. \nOur Products\nOur products are the Protandim\n\u00ae\n line of scientifically-validated dietary supplements, LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Omega+ , ProBio, IC Bright\n\u00ae\n, Rise AM, Reset PM, D3+ and Daily Wellness dietary supplements, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n, our line of skin, bath & body, target relief, and hair care products, Petandim\n\u00ae\n, our companion pet supplement formulated to combat oxidative stress in dogs, AXIO\n\u00ae\n, our nootropic energy drink mixes, and PhysIQ our smart weight management system. The Protandim\n\u00ae\n product line includes \n43\nProtandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n, and Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\n. The Protandim\n\u00ae\n NRF1 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n is formulated to increase cellular energy and performance by boosting mitochondria production to improve cellular repair and slow cellular aging. The Protandim\n\u00ae\n Nrf2 Synergizer\n\u00ae\n contains a proprietary blend of ingredients and has been shown to combat oxidative stress and enhance energy production by increasing the body\u2019s natural antioxidant protection at the genetic level, inducing the production of naturally-occurring protective antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione synthase. The Protandim\n\u00ae\n NAD Synergizer\n\u00ae\n was specifically formulated to target cell signaling pathways involved in the synthesis and recycling of a specific molecule called NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and it has been shown to double sirtuin activity, supporting increased health, focus, energy, mental clarity and mood. Use of the three Protandim\n\u00ae\n products together, marketed as the Protandim\n\u00ae\n Tri-Synergizer, has been shown to produce synergistic benefits greater than using the single products on their own. LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Omega+ is a dietary supplement that combines DHA and EPA Omega-3 fatty acids, omega-7 fatty acids, and vitamin D3 to support cognitive health, cardiovascular health, skin health, and the immune system. LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n ProBio is a dietary supplement designed to support optimal digestion and immune system function. LifeVantage\n\u00ae\n Daily Wellness is a dietary supplement designed to support immune health. IC Bright\n\u00ae\n is a supplement to help support eye and brain health, reduce eye fatigue and strain, supports cognitive functions and may help support normal sleep patterns. Our TrueScience\n\u00ae\n line of anti-aging skin and hair care, and CBD Nrf2 enhanced, bath & body, targeted relief products includes TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Facial Cleanser, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Perfecting Lotion, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Eye Serum, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Anti-Aging Cream, , TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Hand Cream, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Invigorating Shampoo, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Nourishing Conditioner, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Scalp Serum, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Body Lotion, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Body Wash, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Body Butter, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Deodorant, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Soothing Balm, TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Body Rub, and TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen. TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen activates, replenishes, and maintains collagen to support firmness and elasticity from within. Petandim\n\u00ae\n is a supplement specially formulated to combat oxidative stress in dogs through Nrf2 activation. AXIO\n\u00ae\n is our line of our nootropic energy drink mixes formulated to promote alertness and support mental performance. PhysIQ is our smart weight management system, which includes PhysIQ Fat Burn, and PhysIQ Prebiotic, all formulated to aid in weight management. We believe our significant number of customers who regularly and repeatedly purchase our products is a strong indicator of the health benefits of our products. The following table shows revenues by major product line for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022.\nYears ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\nProtandim\n\u00ae \nproduct line\n$\n119,720\u00a0\n56.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n135,616\u00a0\n65.7\u00a0\n%\nTrueScience\n\u00ae \nproduct line\n49,494\u00a0\n23.2\u00a0\n%\n22,877\u00a0\n11.1\u00a0\n%\nOther\n44,184\u00a0\n20.7\u00a0\n%\n47,867\u00a0\n23.2\u00a0\n%\nTotal\n$\n213,398\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n206,360\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nOur revenue is largely attributed to two product lines, Protandim\n\u00ae\n and TrueScience\n\u00ae \neach of which accounted for more than 10% of total revenue for each of the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022. On a combined basis, these product lines represent approximately 79.3% and 76.8% of our total net revenue for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nWe currently have additional products in development. Any delays or difficulties in introducing compelling products or attractive initiatives or tools into our markets may have a negative impact on our revenue and our ability to attract new independent consultants and customers.\nAccounts\nBecause we primarily utilize a direct selling model for the distribution of a majority of our products, the success and growth of our business depends in large part on the effectiveness of our independent consultants to attract and retain customers to purchase our products, and our ability to attract new and retain existing independent consultants. Changes in our product sales are typically the result of variations in product sales volume relating to fluctuations in the number of active independent consultants and customers purchasing our products. The number of active independent consultants and customers is, therefore, used by management as a key non-financial measure.\nThe following tables summarize the changes in our active accounts by geographic region. These numbers have been rounded to the nearest thousand as of the dates indicated. For purposes of this report, we define \"Active Accounts\" as only those independent consultants and customers who have purchased from us at any time during the most recent three-month period, either for personal use or for resale. \n44\nAs of June 30,\n2023\n2022\nChange from Prior Year\nPercent Change\nActive Independent Consultants\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Americas\n33,000\u00a0\n61.1\u00a0\n%\n37,000\u00a0\n58.7\u00a0\n%\n(4,000)\n(10.8)\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Asia/Pacific & Europe\n21,000\u00a0\n38.9\u00a0\n%\n26,000\u00a0\n41.3\u00a0\n%\n(5,000)\n(19.2)\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total Active Independent Consultants\n54,000\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n63,000\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n(9,000)\n(14.3)\n%\nActive Customers\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Americas\n69,000\u00a0\n77.5\u00a0\n%\n69,000\u00a0\n74.2\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Asia/Pacific & Europe\n20,000\u00a0\n22.5\u00a0\n%\n24,000\u00a0\n25.8\u00a0\n%\n(4,000)\n(16.7)\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total Active Customers\n89,000\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n93,000\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n(4,000)\n(4.3)\n%\nActive Accounts\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Americas\n102,000\u00a0\n71.3\u00a0\n%\n106,000\u00a0\n67.9\u00a0\n%\n(4,000)\n(3.8)\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Asia/Pacific & Europe\n41,000\u00a0\n28.7\u00a0\n%\n50,000\u00a0\n32.1\u00a0\n%\n(9,000)\n(18.0)\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total Active Accounts\n143,000\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n156,000\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n(13,000)\n(8.3)\n%\nIncome Statement Presentation\nWe report revenue in two geographic regions and we translate revenue from each market's local currency into U.S. Dollars using weighted-average exchange rates. Revenue consists primarily of product sales, fee revenue, and shipping and handling fees, net of applicable sales discounts. Revenue is recognized at the time of shipment, which is when the passage of title and risk of loss to customers occurs. Also reflected in revenue is a provision for product returns and allowances, which is estimated based on our historical experience. The following table sets forth net revenue information by region for the years indicated. The following table should be reviewed in connection with the tables presented under \"Results of Operations\" (in thousands):\nFor the fiscal years ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\nAmericas\n$\n155,361\u00a0\n72.8\u00a0\n%\n$\n138,323\u00a0\n67.0\u00a0\n%\nAsia/Pacific & Europe\n58,037\u00a0\n27.2\u00a0\n%\n68,037\u00a0\n33.0\u00a0\n%\nTotal\n$\n213,398\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n206,360\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nCost of sales primarily consists of costs of products purchased from and manufactured by third-party vendors, shipping and order fulfillment costs, costs of adjustments to inventory carrying value, and costs of marketing materials which we sell to our independent consultant sales force, as well as freight, duties and taxes associated with the import and export of our products. As our international revenue increases as a percentage of total revenue, cost of sales as a percentage of revenue likely will increase as a result of additional duties, freight, and other factors, such as changes in currency exchange rates.\nCommissions and incentives expenses are our most significant expenses and are classified as operating expenses. Commissions and incentives expenses include sales commissions paid to our independent consultants, special incentives and costs for incentive trips and other rewards. Commissions and incentives expenses do not include any amounts we pay to our independent consultants related to their personal purchases. Commissions paid to independent consultants on personal purchases are considered a sales discount and are reported as a reduction to net revenue. Our sales compensation plan is an important factor in our ability to attract and retain our independent consultants. Under our sales compensation plan, independent consultants can earn commissions for product sales to their customers as well as the product sales made through the sales networks they have developed and trained. We do not pay commissions on marketing materials that are sold to our independent consultants. Commissions and incentives expenses, as a percentage of net revenue, may be impacted by the timing and magnitude of non-commissionable revenue derived from the sales of marketing materials, event tickets, and promotional items, investment in our red carpet program, limited-time offers and the timing, magnitude and number of incentive trips and other promotional activities. From time to time, we make modifications and enhancements to our sales compensation plan in an effort to help motivate our sales force and develop leadership characteristics, which can have an impact on commissions and incentives expenses. In fiscal year 2023, we introduced a new compensation plan called the Evolve Compensation Plan in four markets \u2013 the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zea\nland. \n45\nSelling, general and administrative expenses include wages and benefits, stock compensation expenses, marketing and event costs, professional fees, rents and utilities, depreciation and amortization, research and development, travel costs and other operating expenses. Wages and benefits and stock compensation expenses represent the largest component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Marketing and event costs include costs of consultant conventions and events held in various markets worldwide, which we expense in the period in which they are incurred. Marketing and event costs also include expenses associated with our sponsorship of the Major League Soccer team, Real Salt Lake. Once our agreement with Real Salt Lake ends, our marketing and event costs will materially decrease.\nSales to customers outside the United States are transacted in the respective local currencies and are translated to U.S. Dollars at weighted-average currency exchange rates for each monthly accounting period to which they relate. Consequently, our net sales and earnings are affected by changes in currency exchange rates. In general, sales and gross profit are affected positively by a weakening U.S. Dollar and negatively by a strengthening U.S. Dollar. Currency fluctuations, however, have the opposite effect on our commissions paid to independent consultants and selling, and general and administrative expenses. In our revenue discussions that follow, we approximate the impact of currency fluctuations on revenue by translating current year revenue at the average exchange rates in effect during the comparable prior year periods.\nResults of Operations\nFor the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, we generated net revenue of $213.4 million and $206.4 million, respectively, recognized operating income of $4.3 million and $7.6 million, respectively, and recognized net income of $2.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively.\nThe following table presents certain consolidated earnings data as a percentage of net revenue for the years indicated\n(1)\n:\n\u00a0\nFor\u00a0the\u00a0fiscal years\u00a0ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nRevenue, net\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nCost of sales\n20.3\u00a0\n18.5\u00a0\nGross profit\n79.7\u00a0\n81.5\u00a0\nOperating expenses:\nCommissions and incentives\n44.4\u00a0\n47.1\u00a0\nSelling, general and administrative\n33.3\u00a0\n30.7\u00a0\nTotal operating expenses\n77.7\u00a0\n77.8\u00a0\nOperating income\n2.0\u00a0\n3.7\u00a0\nOther expense:\nInterest income (expense)\n0.1\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nOther expense, net\n(0.2)\n(0.3)\nImpairment of investment\n\u2014\u00a0\n(1.1)\nTotal other expense\n(0.1)\n(1.4)\nIncome before income taxes\n1.9\u00a0\n2.3\u00a0\nIncome tax expense\n(0.7)\n(0.8)\nNet income\n1.2\u00a0\n%\n1.5\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(1) Certain percentages may not add due to rounding.\nComparison of Fiscal Years Ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 \nNet Revenue\n.\n We generated net revenue of $213.4 million and $206.4 million during the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The overall increase in revenue is attributed mainly to increases in our average revenue per account driven by the launch of \nour \nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen product during our Activate 2022 event held in June 2022 in the United States and during our Evolve 2023 event held in March 2023 in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Total \nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen related revenue, including the product when sold as part of a bundle, was $39.8 million for the fiscal year ended \nJune\u00a030, 2023.\n We also increased product and shipping prices during the fiscal year ended \nJune\u00a030, 2023\n. Offsetting the increase in our \nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen product was a decrease of $15.9 million in sales from our \nProtandim\n\u00ae\n products as well as decreases in other product lines of approximately $9.5 million, and the negative impacts of foreign currency fluctuations compared to fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022. Our total active accounts also reduced by\n 8.3% during fiscal year 2023\n. \n46\nRevenue in the United States increased on a year over year basis partially offset by decreases of \n27.3%\n in our Australia and New Zealand market, and \n37.6%\n in our Greater China market. \nForeign currency fluctuations negatively impacted our net revenue $7.4 million or 3.6%. \nAmericas\n. The following table sets forth revenue for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 for the Americas region (in thousands):\nFor the fiscal years ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\n% change\nUnited States\n$\n148,522\u00a0\n$\n130,932\u00a0\n13.4\u00a0\n%\nOther\n6,839\u00a0\n7,391\u00a0\n(7.5)\n%\nAmericas Total\n$\n155,361\u00a0\n$\n138,323\u00a0\n12.3\u00a0\n%\nRevenue in the Americas region for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 increased $17.0 million, or 12.3%, compared to the prior year. Total active accounts decreased 3.8% in the region compared to the prior fiscal year which offset increases in revenue. The launch of our TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen product in June 2022 provided a full year of revenue during fiscal 2023. In the United States, revenue from \nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen was $36.2 million for the fiscal year ended \nJune\u00a030, 2023.\n \n As a result of this launch and continued efforts from our independent consultants and employees, we hope to see continued revenue growth in the Americas region in the upcoming fiscal year.\nAsia/Pacific & Europe\n. The following table sets forth revenue for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 for the Asia/Pacific & Europe region and its principal markets (in thousands):\nFor the fiscal years ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\n% change\nJapan\n$\n32,083\u00a0\n$\n36,810\u00a0\n(12.8)\n%\nAustralia & New Zealand\n8,922\u00a0\n12,280\u00a0\n(27.3)\n%\nGreater China\n3,526\u00a0\n5,655\u00a0\n(37.6)\n%\nOther\n13,506\u00a0\n13,292\u00a0\n1.6\u00a0\n%\nAsia/Pacific & Europe Total\n$\n58,037\u00a0\n$\n68,037\u00a0\n(14.7)\n%\nRevenue in the\n \nAsia/Pacific and Europe region for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 decreased\n $10.0 million, or 14.7%, compared to the prior year. \nRevenue in the region was negatively impacted approximately $7.3 million, or 10.9%, by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.\nRevenue in our Japan market decreased 12.8% year over year on a U.S. Dollar basis and increased 2.1% on a constant currency basis. Contributing to the increase in revenue on a constant currency basis was revenue related to the launch of TrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen in March 2023. Total revenue related to this product was $2.3 million for the \nfiscal year. ended June\u00a030, 2023.\n \nDuring the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, the Japanese yen, on average, weakened against the U.S. Dollar, negatively impacting our revenue in this market by $5.5 million or 14.8%. \nRevenue in our Australia and New Zealand market\ns decreased $3.4 million, or 27.3%, during fiscal year 2023. We saw revenues decline in these markets during the first three quarters of fiscal 2023 as a result of decreases in our active accounts, which was partially offset by revenue from the launch of \nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen in March 2023. With the launch of \nTrueScience\n\u00ae\n Liquid Collagen in these markets, we are seeing renewed synergies between our Australia and New Zealand independent consultant organizations and customer bases, increasing our ability to attract experienced direct selling leaders, which we believe will drive future growth within that region.\nRevenue in our Greater China region decreased\n by 37.6% \nyear over year as we experienced revenue declines in our Taiwan market due primarily to a 45.9% decline in active accounts. Also contributing to the decline in revenue was the closure of our e-commerce business in China on March 15, 2023. \nRevenue in our other markets were driven by increases in revenue from the Philippines. Revenue from our Philippines market was $5.9 million during fiscal year \n2023\n compared to $4.1 million during fiscal year 2022. This market launched in November 2021 and we are encouraged by the engagement by our consultants and customers in that market. Increases from the Philippines were offset by decreases in Europe and Thailand of approximately $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively. \n47\nGlobally, our sales and marketing efforts continue to be directed toward strengthening our core business through our fiscal year initiatives and building our worldwide sales. TrueScience\u00ae Liquid Collagen was launched in the US during June 2022 and we continued our successful launch of this product to Japan, Australia, and New Zealand in March 2023. We will continue the refinement and expansion of our product offerings internationally during fiscal year 2024 and beyond. We expect this expansion will continue to drive revenue growth globally through increased average order size and increased ability to attract and retain new independent consultants and customers with a compelling product lineup. \nIn January 2023, we announced the adoption our Evolve Compensation Plan for our independent consultants, which became effective March 1, 2023, in our United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan markets. This new compensation plan is designed to reward our independent consultants based on attracting and retaining other independent consultants and customers. \nIn March 2023, we launched Rewards Circle, our first-ever customer loyalty program, in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The program rewards customer loyalty through subscription purchases. Rewards Circle is focused on supporting customer retention for independent consultants, supporting their efforts to grow and maintain their LifeVantage business.\nDuring fiscal year 2024, our main focus will be to increase our average account base through concentrating our efforts on the enrollment of new independent consultants and customers, who will in turn help grow the business through incremental product sales, and on increasing the number of accounts that place an order in the month following their initial enrollment. This will be achieved through the rollout of our Evolve Compensation Plan and Rewards Circle loyalty program to other markets. We will continue investing in our red carpet program, which we believe has increased our ability to attract and retain strong consultant leadership and is a significant opportunity to drive revenue growth throughout our markets. We remain committed to further expanding the functionality and availability of our mobile application, which we believe will aid independent consultants in initiating and expanding their businesses.\nCost of Sales\n.\n Cost of sales were $43.4 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, and $38.1 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022, resulting in a gross margin of $170.0 million, or 79.7%, and $168.3 million, or 81.5%, respectively. The in\ncrease\n in cost of sales\n as a percentage of revenue is primarily due shift in product mix, increased raw material and manufacturing related costs, shipping to customer expenses, and warehouse fulfillment expenses during the current fiscal year.\nCommissions and Incentives\n.\n Commissions and incentives expenses for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 were $94.7 million or 44.4% o\nf revenue compared to $97.3 million or 47.1% of revenue for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022. The decrease of $2.5 million in fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in incentive trip expenses of $1.9 million along with decreases in commission expenses as a result of the change to our Evolve Compensation Plan in March 2023 in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan markets. The decrease in commissions and incentives as a percentage of revenue is also due to an increase in non-commissionable sales during fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year \n2022.\nCommissions and incentives expenses, as a percentage of revenue, may fluctu\nate in future periods based on ability to hold incentive trips and events and the timing and magnitude of compensation, incentive and promotional programs.\nSelling, General and Administrative\n.\n Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 were $71.1 million or 33.3% of revenue compared to $63.4 million or 30.7% of revenue for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022. \nThe increase\n in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue during fiscal year \n2023 \nprimarily was due t\no increases in employee salaries and related compensation of $2.9 million, \nevents and travel expenses of $1.3 million, and stock compensation expense of $1.4 million. \nPrimary factors that may cause our selling, general and administrative expenses to fluctuate in the future include changes in the number of employees, the timing and number of events we hold, the termination of material agreements like our agreement with Real Salt Lake, marketing and branding initiatives and costs related to legal matters, if and as they arise. A fluctuation in our stock price may also impact our stock-based compensation expense recorded for equity awards made in future years.\nInterest Income.\n Interest income, net, for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 was $0.2 million as compared to interest expense, net, of $10,000 for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022. During the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, we transferred cash into money market accounts to capitalize on higher interest rates within the market.\nOther Expense, Net\n.\n We recognized other expense, net, for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 of $0.5 million as compared to $0.7 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022. The\n decrease\n was primarily due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations recognized during fiscal year \n2023\n.\nImpairment of Investment\n.\n We recognized an impairment of $2.2 million on our investment in Gig Economy Group (\"GEG\") during fiscal year 2022 as we determined our investment in GEG had declined significantly as a result of the business \n48\nfailing to achieve profitability due to weak market conditions for its products. There was no change in this valuation during fiscal year \n2023\n.\nIncome Tax Expense\n. Our income tax expense for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 was $1.5 million as compared to income tax expense of $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022. \nThe effective tax rate was\u00a036.5%\u00a0of pre-tax income for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, compared to\u00a033.5%\u00a0for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022. The increase in the effectiv\ne tax rate for fiscal year 2023 compared to the prior year is mainly due to \nthe impact of permanent items in relation to pre-tax income.\nOur provision for income taxes for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 consisted prim\narily of federal, state, and foreign tax on anticipated fiscal year 2023 income which was partially offset by tax benefits. We expect our effective rate to fluctuate in future periods based on the impact of permanent items in relation to pre-tax income.\nNet Income\n.\n As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 \ndecreased \nto $2.5 million compared to $3.1 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022.\nComparison of Fiscal Years Ended June\u00a030, 2022 and 2021 \nFor a discussion of our results of operations for the fiscal year 2022 compared with fiscal year 2021, refer to \u201cPart II. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022, as filed with the SEC on August 23, 2022.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nLiquidity\nOur primary liquidity and capital resource requirements are to service our debt, which includes any outstanding balances under the 2016 Credit Facility, and finance the cost of our planned operating expenses and working capital (principally inventory purchases), as well as capital expenditures. We have generally relied on cash flow from operations to fund operating activities and we have, at times, incurred long-term debt in order to fund stock repurchases and strategic transactions.\nAt June\u00a030, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents were $21.6 million. This represented an increase of $1.4 million from the $20.2 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June\u00a030, 2022. \nDuring the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, our net cash provided by operating activities was $6.8 million as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $8.0 million during the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022. The\n decrease i\nn cash provided by operating activities during the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023\n primarily was due to decreases in net income, accounts payable, lease liabilities, and income tax payable. \nDuring the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, our net cash used in investing activities was $3.1 million, as a result of the purchase of fixed assets, primarily from investing in changes to our Evolve Compensation Plan and Rewards Circle loyalty program through software, website, and mobile application development. During the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022, our net cash used in investing activities was $1.5 million, as a result of the purchase of fixed assets.\nCash used in financing activities during the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 was $2.4 million, as a result of the payment of quarterly cash dividends, the repurchase of company stock, and shares purchased as payment of tax withholding upon vesting of employee equity awards, partially offset by proceeds from purchases of company stock under our employee stock purchase plan. Cash used in financing activities during the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022 was $9.0 million, as a result of the repurchase of company stock, a payment of a cash dividend, and shares purchased as payment of tax withholding upon vesting of employee equity awards, partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises and proceeds from purchases of company stock under our employee stock purchase plan.\nAt June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the total amount of our foreign subsidiary cash was $6.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Under current U.S. tax law, in the future, if needed, we expect to be able to repatriate cash from foreign subsidiaries without paying additional U.S. taxes.\nAt June\u00a030, 2023, we had working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) of $24.7 million compared to working capital of $21.2 million at June\u00a030, 2022. The in\ncrease\n in working capital primarily was due to increases in cash, decreases in accounts payable, commissions payable and lease liabilities, offset slightly by decreases in accounts receivable and prepaid expenses. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents balances and our ongoing cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our cash requirements for at least the next 12 months. The majority of our historical expenses have been variable in nature and as such, a potential reduction in the level of revenue would reduce our cash flow. In the event that our current cash balances and future cash flow from operations are not sufficient to meet our obligations or strategic needs, we would consider \n49\nraising additional funds, which may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. Our credit facility, however, contains covenants that restrict our ability to raise additional funds in the debt markets and repurchase our equity securities without prior approval from the lender. Additionally, our credit facility provides for a revolving loan facility in an aggregate principal amount up to $5.0 million. We would also consider realigning our strategic plans including a reduction in capital spending and expenses.\nCapital Resources\nShelf Registration Statement\nOn March 24, 2020, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the \u201cPrior Shelf Registration\u201d) with the SEC that was declared effective April 3, 2020, which permitted us to offer up to $75 million of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and warrants in one or more offerings and in any combination, including in units from time to time. The Prior Shelf Registration expired on April 3, 2023.\nOn March 31, 2023, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the \u201c2023 Shelf Registration\u201d) with the SEC that was declared effective on April 6, 2023, which permits us to offer up to $75 million of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and warrants in one or more offerings and in any combination, including in units from time to time. Our 2023 Shelf Registration is intended to provide us with additional flexibility to access capital markets for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other purposes, working capital, capital expenditures, other corporate expenses and acquisitions of assets, licenses, products, technologies or businesses.\n2016 Credit Facility\nOn March\u00a030, 2016, we entered into a loan agreement (the \"2016 Loan Agreement\") to refinance our outstanding debt. In connection with the 2016 Loan Agreement and on the same date, we entered into a security agreement (the \"Security Agreement\"). The 2016 Loan Agreement provides for a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 million (the \"2016 Term Loan\") and a revolving loan facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $2.0 million (the \"2016 Revolving Loan,\" and collectively with the 2016 Term Loan, the 2016 Loan Agreement and the Security Agreement, the \"2016 Credit Facility\"). During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, we repaid, in full, the balance of the 2016 Term Loan.\nOn May 4, 2018 and February\u00a01, 2019, we entered into loan modification agreements (\u201cAmendment No. 1\u201d and \u201cAmendment No. 2\u201d, respectively). These loan modification agreements amended certain financial covenants and the available borrowing amount under the 2016 Revolving Loan.\nOn April 1, 2021, we entered into a loan modification agreement (\"Amendment No. 3\"), which amended the 2016 Credit Facility, as previously amended. Amendment No. 3, with an available borrowing amount of $5.0 million, revised the maturity date from March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2024 and modified the variable interest rate based on the one-month United States Treasury Rate, plus a margin of 3.00%, with an interest rate floor of 4.00%. Amendment No. 3 also revised the debt (total liabilities) to tangible net worth ratio (as defined in Amendment No. 3) covenant to require that the company maintain this ratio not in excess of 2.00 to 1.00, measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter, and revised the definition and calculation of the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in Amendment No. 3). There were no other changes to the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 or the minimum working capital of $6.0 million as set forth in previous amendments.\nWe entered into a loan modification agreement (\"Amendment No. 4\"), effective September 30, 2022, which amended the 2016 Credit Facility, as previously amended. Amendment No. 4 revised the calculation of the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in Amendment No. 4) and allows us to declare and pay dividends, up to $500,000 per quarter, through September 30, 2023. There were no other changes to the covenants or revolving loan facility as set forth in Amendment No. 3.\nThe 2016 Credit Facility, as amended, contains customary covenants, including affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to create certain types of liens, incur additional indebtedness, declare or pay dividends on or redeem capital stock without prior approval, make other payments to holders of our equity interests, make certain investments, purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all the assets or equity interests of other companies, sell assets or enter into consolidations, mergers or transfers of all or any substantial part of our assets. \nThe 2016 Credit Facility, as amended, contains cross-default provisions, whereby a default under the terms of certain indebtedness or an uncured default of a payment or other material obligation of ours under a material contract of ours will cause a default on the remaining indebtedness under the 2016 Credit Facility, as amended. Our obligations under the 2016 Credit Facility, as amended, are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the 2016 Credit Facility, as amended. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the effective interest rate is 8.20%. If we borrow under the 2016 Revolving Loan, interest will be payable \n50\nquarterly in arrears on the last day of each fiscal quarter. As of June\u00a030, 2023, there was no balance outstanding on this credit facility. \nCommitments and Obligations\nPlease refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements contained in this report for information regarding our contingent liabilities.\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\nWe prepare our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As such, we are required to make certain estimates, judgments, and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. Certain of these significant accounting policies require us to make difficult, subjective, or complex judgments or estimates. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if (1)\u00a0the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made and (2)\u00a0changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, or use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.\nThere are other items within our financial statements that require estimation but are not deemed critical as defined above. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with our board of directors, and the audit committee has reviewed the disclosures noted below.\nInventory Valuation\nWe reduce our inventories for the diminution of value resulting from product obsolescence, damage or other issues affecting marketability equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated net realizable value. Factors utilized in the determination of estimated net realizable value include (i) current sales data and historical return rates, (ii) estimates of future demand, (iii) competitive pricing pressures, (iv) new production introductions, (v) product expiration dates, and (vi) component and packaging obsolescence. If inventory on hand exceeds projected demand or the expected market value is less than the carrying value, the excess is written down to its net realizable value. If actual demand or the estimate of market value decreases, additional write-downs would be required.\nDuring the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, we recognized expenses of \n$1.2 million\n and $1.5 million, respectively, related to obsolete and slow-moving inventory. \nStock-Based Compensation\nWe use the fair value approach to account for stock-based compensation in accordance with current accounting guidance. We recognize compensation costs for awards with performance conditions when we conclude it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. We reassess the probability of vesting at each balance sheet date and adjust compensation costs based on our probability assessment. For awards with market-based performance conditions, the cost of the awards is recognized as the requisite service is rendered by the employees, regardless of when, if ever, the market-based performance conditions are satisfied. \nHistorically, our estimates and underlying assumptions have not materially deviated from our actual reported results and rates. However, we base assumptions we use on our best estimates, which involves inherent uncertainties based on market conditions that are outside of our control. If actual results are not consistent with the assumptions we use, the stock-based compensation expense reported in our consolidated financial statements may not be representative of the actual economic cost of stock-based compensation. For example, if actual employee forfeitures significantly differ from our estimated forfeitures, we may be required to adjust our consolidated financial statements in future periods. \nIncome Taxes\nThe provision for income taxes includes income from U.S. and foreign subsidiaries taxed at statutory rates, the accrual or release of amounts for tax uncertainties, and U.S. tax impacts of foreign income in the U.S.\nDeferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities on the financial statements and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets also are recognized for net operating losses and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured \n51\nusing the enacted rates applicable to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse and the credits are expected to be used. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. An assessment is made as to whether or not a valuation allowance is required to offset deferred tax assets. This assessment requires estimates as to future operating results, as well as an evaluation of the effectiveness of our tax planning strategies. These estimates are made on an ongoing basis based upon our business plans and growth strategies in each market and consequently, future material changes in the valuation allowance are possible. The valuation allowance reduces the deferred tax assets to an amount that management determined is more-likely-than-not to be realized.\nWe operate in and file income tax returns in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions with complex tax laws and regulations, which are subject to examination by tax authorities. The complexity of our global structure requires specialized knowledge and judgment in determining the application of tax laws in various jurisdictions. Years open to examination contain matters that could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations related to the amount and/or timing of income, deductions, and tax credits. We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (\"ASC\") 740, Income Taxes. This guidance prescribes a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.\nInterest and penalties related to tax contingency or settlement items are recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. We record accruals for tax contingencies as a component of accrued liabilities or other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.\nRecently Issued Accounting Standards\nRefer to \u201cItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d and Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report for discussion regarding the impact of accounting standards that were recently issued but not yet effective, on our consolidated financial statements.",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM\u00a07A \u2014 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nNot required for smaller reporting companies.",
+ "cik": "849146",
+ "cusip6": "53222K",
+ "cusip": ["53222K205"],
+ "names": ["LIFEVANTAGE CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/849146/000084914623000102/0000849146-23-000102-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000866729-23-000019.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000866729-23-000019.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..fb807d8dfe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000866729-23-000019.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\n\u00a0\nBusiness\n\u00a0\n1\nItem 1A.\n\u00a0\nRisk Factors\n\u00a0\n10\nItem 1B.\n\u00a0\nUnresolved Staff Comments\n\u00a0\n15\nItem 2.\n\u00a0\nProperties\n\u00a0\n15\nItem 3.\n\u00a0\nLegal Proceedings\n\u00a0\n16\nItem 4.\n\u00a0\nMine Safety Disclosures\n\u00a0\n17\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPart II\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nItem 5.\n\u00a0\nMarket for the Registrant\u2019s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities\n\u00a0\n18\nItem 6.\n\u00a0\n[Reserved]\n\u00a0\n19\nItem 7.\n\u00a0\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\u00a0\n19\nItem 7A.\n\u00a0\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\n\u00a0\n32\nItem 8.\n\u00a0\nConsolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\n\u00a0\n34\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nConsolidated Statements of Operations\n\u00a0\n35\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)\n\u00a0\n36\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nConsolidated Balance Sheets\n\u00a0\n37\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nConsolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders\u2019 Equity \n\u00a0\n38\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows\n\u00a0\n39\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements\n\u00a0\n41\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nReports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm\n\u00a0\n78\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSupplementary Financial Information\n\u00a0\n81\nItem 9.\n\u00a0\nChanges in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n\u00a0\n82\nItem 9A.\n\u00a0\nControls and Procedures\n\u00a0\n82\nItem 9B.\n\u00a0\nOther Information\n\u00a0\n82\nItem 9\nC\n.\nDisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n82\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPart III\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nItem 10.\n\u00a0\nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n\u00a0\n83\nItem 11.\n\u00a0\nExecutive Compensation\n\u00a0\n83\nItem 12.\n\u00a0\nSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\n\u00a0\n83\nItem 13.\n\u00a0\nCertain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n\u00a0\n83\nItem 14.\n\u00a0\nPrincipal Accounting Fees and Services\n\u00a0\n83\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPart IV\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nItem 15.\n\u00a0\nExhibits, Financial Statement Schedules\n\u00a0\n84\nItem 16.\nSummary\n87\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSignatures\n\u00a0\n88\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPower of Attorney\n\u00a0\n89\n\u00a0\nSchedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves\nS-1\nPart I\nItem 1 | Business\n\u00a0\nOverview\n\u00a0\nScholastic Corporation (the \u201cCorporation\u201d and together with its subsidiaries, \u201cScholastic\u201d or the \u201cCompany\u201d) is the world\u2019s largest publisher and distributor of children\u2019s books, a leading provider of print and digital instructional materials for grades pre-kindergarten (\"pre-K\") to grade 12 and a producer of educational and entertaining children\u2019s media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, classroom magazines and other products that, in combination, offer schools, as well as parents and children, customized and comprehensive solutions to support children\u2019s learning and reading both at school and at home. Since its founding in 1920, Scholastic has emphasized quality products and a dedication to reading, learning and literacy. The Company is the leading operator of school-based book club and book fair proprietary channels. It distributes its products and services through these channels, as well as directly to schools and libraries, through retail stores and through the internet. The Company\u2019s website, scholastic.com, is a leading site for teachers, classrooms and parents and an award-winning destination for children. Scholastic has operations in the United States and throughout the world including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Asia and, through its export business, sells products in approximately \n120\n international locations. \n\u00a0\nSegments\n\u00a0\nThe Company categorizes its businesses into three reportable segments: \nChildren\u2019s Book Publishing and Distribution\n; \nEducation Solutions\n; and \nInternational\n.\n\u00a0\nThe following table sets forth revenues by reportable segment for the three fiscal years ended May 31:\u00a0\n(Amounts in millions)\n2023\n2022\n2021\nChildren\u2019s Book Publishing and Distribution\n$\n1,038.0\u00a0\n$\n946.5\u00a0\n$\n675.0\u00a0\nEducation Solutions\n386.6\u00a0\n393.6\u00a0\n312.3\u00a0\nInternational\n279.4\u00a0\n302.8\u00a0\n313.0\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n1,704.0\n\u00a0\n$\n1,642.9\n\u00a0\n$\n1,300.3\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAdditional financial information relating to the Company\u2019s reportable segments is included in Note 3, \"Segment Information\", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, \u201cConsolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,\u201d which is included herein.\n\u00a0\nCHILDREN\u2019S BOOK PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTION \n(60.9% of fiscal 2023 revenues)\n\u00a0\nGeneral\nThe Company\u2019s \nChildren\u2019s Book Publishing and Distribution \nsegment includes the publication and distribution of children\u2019s books, ebooks, media and interactive products in the United States through its school book clubs and school book fairs channels and through the trade channel.\nThe Company is the world\u2019s largest publisher and distributor of children\u2019s books and is the leading operator of school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs in the United States. The Company is also a leading publisher of children\u2019s print books, ebooks and audiobooks distributed through the trade channel. Scholastic offers a broad range of children\u2019s books through its school and trade channels, many of which have received awards for excellence in children\u2019s literature, including the Caldecott and Newbery Medals.\nThe Company obtains titles for sale through its distribution channels from three principal sources. The first source for titles is the Company\u2019s publication of books created under agreements with authors, illustrators, book packagers or other media companies. Scholastic generally controls the exclusive rights to sell and distribute these titles through all channels of distribution in the United States and, to a lesser extent, internationally. Scholastic\u2019s second source of titles is through obtaining licenses to sell books exclusively in specified channels of distribution, including reprints of books \n1\noriginally published by other publishers for which the Company acquires rights to sell in the school market. The third source of titles is the Company\u2019s purchase of finished books from other publishers.\u00a0\nSchool-Based Book Clubs\n\u00a0\nScholastic founded its first school-based book club in 1948. The Company's school-based book clubs consist of reading clubs for pre-K through grade 8. In addition to its regular reading club offerings, the Company creates special theme-based and seasonal offers targeted to different grade levels during the year. \nThe Company distributes promotional materials containing order forms to classrooms in the vast majority of the pre-K to grade 8 schools in the United States. Classroom teachers who wish to participate in a school-based book club provide the promotional materials to their students, who may choose from curated selections at substantial reductions from list prices. Approximately 37% of kindergarten (\"K\") to grade 5 elementary school teachers in the United States who received promotional materials in fiscal 2023 participated in the Company\u2019s school-based book clubs. In fiscal 2023, approximately 97% of total book club revenues were placed via the internet through the Company\u2019s online ordering platform, which allows parents, as well as teachers, to order online, with approximately 57% of such revenues being placed by parents via the Company's online ordering platform. Alternatively, the teacher may manually aggregate the students\u2019 orders and forward them to the Company. Products are typically shipped to the classroom for distribution to the students. Teachers who participate in book clubs receive bonus points and other promotional incentives, which may be redeemed from the Company for additional books and other resource materials and items for their classrooms or the school.\nSchool-Based Book Fairs \n\u00a0\nThe Company entered the school-based book fairs channel in 1981 under the name Scholastic Book Fairs. The Company is the leading distributor of school-based book fairs in the United States serving schools in all 50 states. Book fairs provide children access to hundreds of popular, quality books and educational materials, increase student reading and help book fair organizers raise funds for the purchase of school library and classroom books, supplies and equipment. Book fairs have traditionally been weeklong events where children and families peruse and purchase their favorite books together. The Company typically delivers book fairs product from its warehouses to schools principally by a fleet of Company-owned and leased vehicles. Sales and customer service representatives, working from the Company\u2019s regional offices, distribution facilities and national distribution facility in Missouri, along with local area field representatives, provide support to book fair organizers. Physical book fairs are conducted by school personnel, volunteers and parent-teacher organizations, from which the schools may receive either books, supplies and equipment or a portion of the proceeds from every book fair.\nEffective June 1, 2023, the Company has combined the school-based book fairs and book clubs businesses into the newly formed reading events business.\n\u00a0\nTrade\n\u00a0\nScholastic is a leading publisher of children\u2019s books sold through bookstores, on-line retailers and mass merchandisers primarily in the United States. Scholastic\u2019s original publications include Harry Potter\n\u00ae\n, The Hunger Games\n\u00ae\n, The Bad Guys\u2122, The Baby-Sitters Club\n\u00ae\n, The Magic School Bus\n\u00ae\n, Captain Underpants\n\u00ae\n, Dog Man\n\u00ae\n, Wings of Fire\u2122, Cat Kid Comic Club\n\u00ae\n, \nI Survived\n, Goosebumps\n\u00ae\n and Clifford The Big Red Dog\n\u00ae\n, and licensed properties such as Peppa Pig\n\u00ae\n and Pokemon\n\u00ae\n. \nIn addition, Klutz\n\u00ae\n and Make Believe Ideas\u2122 publish and create \u201cbooks plus\u201d and novelty products for children, including Klutz titles such as \nInk and Paint Manga, Mini Clay World Puppy Treat Truck, \nand\n LEGO\n\u00ae\n Race Cars \nand\n \ntitles in the \nNever Touch\n series from Make Believe Ideas.\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s trade organization focuses on publishing, marketing and selling books to bookstores, on-line retailers, mass merchandisers, specialty sales outlets and other book retailers, and also supplies books for the Company\u2019s proprietary school channels. The Company maintains a talented and experienced creative staff that constantly seeks to attract, develop and retain the best children\u2019s authors and illustrators. The Company believes that its trade publishing staff, combined with the Company\u2019s reputation and proprietary school distribution channels, provides a significant competitive advantage, evidenced by numerous bestsellers over the past two decades. Top selling new release titles in the trade division during fiscal 2023 included \nDog Man #11: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea, Cat Kid Comic Club: Collaborations,\n \nHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The Illustrated Edition, Wings of Fire Graphix #6: Moon Rising, The Baby-Sitters Club\n\u00ae\n Graphic Novel #13: Mary Anne's Bad Luck Mystery and Nick and Charlie: A Heartstopper\nTM\n Novella.\n2\nAlso included in the Company's trade organization are Weston Woods Studios, Inc. (\"Weston Woods\") and Scholastic Audio, as well as Scholastic Entertainment Inc. (\"SEI\"). Weston Woods creates audiovisual adaptations of classic children's picture books distributed through the school and retail markets. Scholastic Audio provides audiobook productions of popular children's titles. SEI is responsible for exploiting the Company's film and television assets, which include a large television programming library based on the Company's properties, and for developing new programming. During fiscal 2023, the Company produced the animated series \"Eva the Owlet,\"\n\u00ae\n based on the Owl Diaries\nTM\n books, which was released on AppleTV+\n\u00ae\n in March 2023. \nEDUCATION SOLUTIONS\n(22.7% of fiscal 2023 revenues)\n\u00a0\nThe \nEducation Solutions\n segment includes the publication and distribution to schools and libraries of children\u2019s books, other print and on-line reference, non-fiction and fiction focused products, classroom magazines and classroom materials for literacy instruction, as well as consulting services and related products supporting professional development for teachers and school and district administrators, including professional books, coaching, workshops and seminars which in combination cover grades pre-K to 12 in the United States.\nClassroom Libraries and Collections\nThe Company is a leading provider of classroom libraries and paperback collections, including best-selling titles, to individual teachers and other educators and schools and school district customers. Scholastic helps schools build classroom and library collections with high quality, award-winning books for every grade, reading level and multicultural background, including the Company\u2019s Rising Voices Library\n\u00ae\n offering, which meets the increasing demand for culturally responsive content and instruction. In addition, the Company provides books to students for summer reading through its \nGrab and Go\n reading packs. \nInstructional Products and Programs\nScholastic serves customer needs with customized support for literacy instruction, by providing comprehensive core and supplemental literacy and reading programs which include print and digital content as well as providing assessment tools. These materials are designed to support instruction-based teaching and learning, and are generally purchased by district and school leadership, both directly from the Company and through teacher stores and booksellers. The Company\u2019s offerings include comprehensive reading programs such as \nScholastic Bookroom\n and \nGuided Reading\n, early childhood programs such as \nPreK On My Way\nTM\n and comprehensive literacy programs such as \nScholastic Literacy\nTM\n. In addition, the Company offers summer learning products to provide students with increased access to books and learning opportunities over the summer. During fiscal 2023, the Company acquired Learning Ovations, Inc., a U.S.-based education technology business and developer of a literacy assessment and instructional system, and integrated the acquired technology into its new K-3 phonic program, Ready4Reading\nTM\n, which was launched in June 2023. \nTeaching Resources and Professional Learning\nThe Company provides a variety of resources to teachers and school leadership including lesson planning, reading management, classroom management, classroom organization, and other instructional resources. These products are available on the Company's on-line teacher store (www.scholastic.com/teacherstore), which provides professional books and other educational materials to teachers and other educators. Professional consulting services are also provided to support academic leadership with training on a multitude of topics, ranging from product implementation to engaging with families and communities.\nLiteracy Initiatives\nThe Company provides books to community-based organizations and other groups engaged in literacy initiatives through \nScholastic Family and Community Engagement (FACE)\nTM\n. The Company also partners with mission-driven organizations to support literacy by increasing children's access to books through the \nScholastic Literacy Partners\n program. \nScholastic Magazines+\nTM\nScholastic is the leading publisher of classroom magazines, Scholastic Magazines+\nTM\n. Teachers in grades pre-K to 12 use the Company\u2019s 33 classroom magazines, including \nScholastic News\n\u00ae\n, Scholastic Scope\n\u00ae\n, Storyworks\n\u00ae\n, Let's Find Out\n\u00ae\n and \nJunior Scholastic\n\u00ae\n, to supplement formal learning programs by bringing subjects of current interest into the classroom, including current events, literature, math, science, social studies and foreign languages. These offerings provide schools with substantial non-fiction material, which is required to meet new higher educational standards. Each magazine has its own website with online digital resources that supplement the print materials, as well as providing access to the magazine in a digital format. A \"digital only\" subscription to the magazine is also offered. \n3\nScholastic\u2019s classroom magazine circulation in the United States in fiscal 2023 was approximately 13.3 million, with approximately 80% of the circulation in grades pre-K to 6. The majority of magazines purchased are paid for with school or district funds, with parents and teachers paying for the balance. \nSponsored Programs\nThe Company works with state partners to provide books to eligible students, generally those reading below grade level, at no cost to the student. The books are purchased with state funds and typically shipped directly to students\u2019 homes.\nINTERNATIONAL \n(16.4% of fiscal 2023 revenues)\nGeneral\n\u00a0\nThe \nInternational\n segment includes the publication and distribution of products and services outside the United States by the Company\u2019s international operations, and its export and foreign rights businesses.\n\u00a0\nScholastic has operations in Major Markets, which include Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in India, Singapore and other parts of Asia including Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. The Company has branches in the United Arab Emirates and Colombia, a business in China that supports English language learning and also sells products in approximately \n120\n international locations through its export business. The Company\u2019s international operations have original trade and educational publishing programs; distribute children\u2019s books, digital educational resources and other materials through school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs and trade channels; and produce and distribute magazines and on-line subscription services. Many of the Company\u2019s international operations also have their own export and foreign rights licensing programs and are book publishing licensees for major media properties. Original books published by many of these operations have received awards for excellence in children\u2019s literature. In Asia, the Company also operates a franchise program for tutorial centers that provide English language training to students, primarily in China. \nCanada\n\u00a0\nScholastic Canada, founded in 1957, is a leading publisher and distributor of English and French language children\u2019s books in Canada. Scholastic Canada is the largest operator of school-based marketing channels in Canada and is one of the leading suppliers of original or licensed children\u2019s books to the Canadian trade market. Since 1965, Scholastic Canada has also produced quality Canadian-authored books and educational materials, including an early reading program sold to schools for grades K to 6. \n\u00a0\nUnited Kingdom\n\u00a0\nScholastic UK, founded in 1964, is the largest operator of school-based marketing channels in the United Kingdom and is a publisher and one of the leading suppliers of original or licensed children\u2019s books to the United Kingdom trade market. Scholastic UK also publishes supplemental educational materials, including professional books for teachers. \nAustralia\n\u00a0\nScholastic Australia, founded in 1968, is the largest operator of school-based marketing channels in Australia, reaching approximately 90% of the country\u2019s primary schools. Scholastic Australia also publishes quality children\u2019s books supplying the Australian trade market. In addition, Scholastic Australia holds an equity method investment in a publisher and distributor of children's books.\nNew Zealand\n\u00a0\nScholastic New Zealand, founded in 1962, is the largest children\u2019s book publisher and the leading book distributor to schools in New Zealand. Through its school-based book clubs and book fairs channels, Scholastic New Zealand reaches approximately 90% of the country\u2019s primary schools. In addition, Scholastic New Zealand publishes quality children\u2019s books supplying the New Zealand trade market.\u00a0\n4\nAsia \nThe Company\u2019s Asian operations consist of initiatives for educational publishing programs based out of Singapore. In addition, the Company operates school-based marketing channels throughout Asia; publishes original titles in English and Hindi languages in India, including specialized curriculum books for local schools; conducts reading improvement programs inside local schools in the Philippines; and operates a franchise program for English language tutorial centers in China in cooperation with local partners, certain of which were temporarily closed during fiscal 2023 to limit the spread of the coronavirus. All tutorial centers were open as of May 31, 2023. \nForeign Rights and Export\n\u00a0\nThe Company licenses the rights to select Scholastic titles in 65 languages to other publishing companies around the world. The Company\u2019s export business sells educational materials, digital educational resources and children\u2019s books to schools, libraries, bookstores and other book distributors in approximately \n120\n international locations that are not otherwise directly serviced by Scholastic subsidiaries. The Company also partners with governments and non-governmental agencies to create and distribute books to public schools in developing countries.\nPRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s books, magazines and other materials are manufactured by the Company with the assistance of third parties under contracts entered into through arms-length negotiations and competitive bidding. As appropriate, the Company enters into multi-year agreements that guarantee specified volumes in exchange for favorable pricing terms. Paper is purchased directly from paper mills and other third-party sources. \n\u00a0\nIn the United States, the Company mainly processes and fulfills orders for school-based book clubs, trade, reference and non-fiction products, educational products and export orders from its primary warehouse and distribution facility in Jefferson City, Missouri. In connection with its trade business, the Company may fulfill product orders directly from printers to customers. Magazine orders are processed at the Jefferson City facility and the magazines are shipped directly from printers. School-based book fairs are fulfilled through a network of warehouses across the country, as well as from the Company's Jefferson City warehouse and distribution facility. The Company\u2019s international school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, trade and educational operations use distribution systems similar to those employed in the United States. \n\u00a0\nCONTENT ACQUISITION\n\u00a0\nAccess to intellectual property or content (\u201cContent\u201d) for the Company\u2019s product offerings is critical to the success of the Company\u2019s operations. The Company incurs significant costs for the acquisition and development of Content for its product offerings. These costs are often deferred and recognized as the Company generates revenues derived from the benefits of these costs. These costs include the following:\n\u00a0\n\u2022\nPrepublication costs -\n Prepublication costs are incurred in all of the Company\u2019s reportable segments. Prepublication costs include costs incurred to create the art, prepress, editorial, digital conversion and other content required for the creation of the master copy of a book or other media. \n\u2022\nRoyalty advances -\n Royalty advances are incurred in all of the Company\u2019s reportable segments, but are most prevalent in the \nChildren\u2019s Book Publishing and Distribution\n segment and enable the Company to obtain contractual commitments from authors to produce Content. The Company regularly provides authors with advances against expected future royalty payments, often before the books are written. Upon publication and sale of the books or other media, the authors generally will not receive further royalty payments until the contractual royalties earned from sales of such books or other media exceed such advances.\u00a0The Company values its position in the market as the largest publisher and distributor of children's books in obtaining Content, and the Company\u2019s experienced editorial staff aggressively acquires Content from both new and established authors.\n\u2022\nAcquired intangible assets - \nThe Company may acquire fully or partially developed Content from third parties via acquisitions of entities or the purchase of the rights to Content outright.\n5\nSEASONALITY\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s\u00a0\nChildren\u2019s Book Publishing and Distribution\u00a0\nschool-based book club and book fair channels and most of its \nEducation Solutions\n businesses operate on a school-year basis; therefore, the Company\u2019s business is highly seasonal. As a result, the Company\u2019s revenues in the first and third quarters of the fiscal year generally are lower than its revenues in the other two fiscal quarters. Typically, school-based channels and magazine revenues are minimal in the first quarter of the fiscal year as schools are not in session. Education channel revenues are generally higher in the fourth quarter. Trade sales can vary throughout the year due to varying release dates of published titles.\nCOMPETITION\n\u00a0\nThe markets for children\u2019s books, educational products and entertainment materials are highly competitive. Competition is based on the quality and range of materials made available, price, promotion and customer service, as well as the nature of the distribution channels. Competitors include numerous other book, ebook, library, reference material and educational publishers, including of core and supplemental educational materials in both print and digital formats, distributors and other resellers (including over the internet) of children\u2019s books and educational materials, national publishers of classroom and professional magazines with substantial circulation, and distributors of products and services on the internet. In the United States, competitors include regional and local school-based book fair operators and other fund raising activities in schools and bookstores, as well as one other competitor operating on a national level. Competition may increase to the extent that other entities enter the market and to the extent that current competitors or new competitors develop and introduce new materials that compete directly with the products distributed by the Company or develop or expand competitive sales channels. The Company believes that its position as both a publisher and distributor are unique to certain of the markets in which it competes, principally in the context of its children\u2019s book business.\n\u00a0\nCOPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS\n\u00a0\nAs an international publisher and distributor of books, Scholastic aggressively utilizes the intellectual property protections of the United States and other countries in order to maintain its exclusive rights to identify and distribute many of its products. Accordingly, SCHOLASTIC is a trademark registered in the United States and in a number of countries where the Company conducts business or otherwise distributes its products. The Corporation\u2019s principal operating subsidiary in the United States, Scholastic Inc., and the Corporation\u2019s international subsidiaries, through Scholastic Inc., have registered and/or have pending applications to register in relevant territories trademarks for important services and programs. All of the Company\u2019s publications, including books and magazines, are subject to copyright protection both in the United States and internationally. The Company also obtains domain name protection for its internet domains. The Company seeks to obtain the broadest possible intellectual property rights for its products, and because inadequate legal and technological protections for intellectual property and proprietary rights could adversely affect operating results, the Company vigorously defends those rights against infringement.\nENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)\nEnvironmental Responsibility\nPaper consumption is a significant environmental concern for the Company and although the Company creates engaging digital content, educators and parents agree that physical books are the best way to engage and teach young children how to read and become avid readers into adulthood. The Company maintains a procurement policy that extends purchasing preference to products and suppliers that are aligned with the Company's environmental goals such as sustainable forestry practices, efficient use of resources, including the use of recycled paper and materials, clean manufacturing practices, economic viability and credible reporting and verification. The Company strives for all paper manufactured for Scholastic product to be free of unacceptable sources of fiber as described by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) controlled wood standard. The Company has a preference for FSC-certified paper and continues to maintain a minimum goal of 60% of paper purchases for publications to be FSC-certified.\nSocial Responsibility\nPromoting literacy has been at the core of Scholastic's mission since the founding of the Company over 100 years ago. The Company's business is focused around providing engaging educational content to help improve childhood literacy. In the United States, during fiscal 2023, the Company distributed over 500 million books and educational materials and, through the book fairs channel, schools earned over $210 million in proceeds in cash and incentive program credits primarily used for books, supplies and other classroom-related materials. The Company also \n6\nworked with more than 85 partners to sponsor over 700 books fairs in high-need schools, ensuring that each child that participated in these fairs left with a book at no cost. \nIn addition to its core business, the Company supports the following initiatives and programs: \n\u2022\nThe Scholastic Possible Fund, established by the Company to provide donations of quality books to children in underserved communities and in communities recovering from crises or natural disasters with the goal of improving global literacy, donating approximately 5 million books and over $500,000 in cash to partners such as Save the Children, National Book Foundation, Toys for Tots, Share the Magic Foundation, Hindi's Libraries and Barbershop Books in fiscal 2023.\n\u2022\nproviding teachers with a free platform, ClassroomsCount\u2122, to raise funds for books and reading materials for their classrooms.\n\u2022\nserving as the presenting sponsor of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the largest creative scholarship program in the country, providing direct scholarships to approximately 100 students in fiscal 2023.\nGovernance\nScholastic selects board members with diverse and relevant backgrounds to provide the right expertise and oversight to management. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (\u201cHRCC\") provides oversight on human capital matters. The HRCC is responsible for evaluating executive compensation, senior management selection, retention and succession planning and human resources strategies in respect to general employee benefit programs (including retirement plan programs) as well as talent management. For detailed background information on senior management and the Board of Directors visit the Company's \"About Us\" section of the Scholastic home page https://www.scholastic.com/home or use the following link https://www.scholastic.com/aboutscholastic/senior-management/.\nHuman Capital\nAs of May\u00a031, 2023, the Company had approximately 6,760 employees, of which 5,100 were located in the United States and 1,660 outside the United States. Globally, approximately 74% of its employees are employed on a full-time basis, 18% part-time, and 8% seasonal. The seasonal employees are largely associated with the school-based businesses which are dependent on the fall and spring seasons when schools are in session.\nThe table below represents the approximate number of employees by business channel and function. \n \nFull-time\nPart-time\nSeasonal\nTotal\nCentral Functions\n1\n720\n10\n\u2014\n730\nPrimary U.S. Warehouse\n1,050\n150\n60\n1,260\nBook Fairs Warehouses\n740\n700\n250\n1,690\nBook Fairs\n440\n20\n50\n510\nBook Clubs\n60\n\u2014\n\u2014\n60\nTrade\n220\n10\n\u2014\n230\nEducation Solutions \n530\n90\n\u2014\n620\nInternational\n950\n100\n20\n1,070\nInternational Warehouses\n270\n130\n190\n590\n\u00a0Total\n4,980\n1,210\n570\n6,760\n1 \nIncludes functions such as finance, accounting, executive, information technology, human resources, legal, and inventory demand planning. \nDiversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging\nThe Company is committed to diverse representation in the books, authors and illustrators that it publishes in its trade and education groups. The Company offers age-appropriate books and content featuring storylines and characters that positively represent a wide range of cultures, ethnicities and race, sexual orientation and gender identity, individuals with physical, mental, and emotional exceptionalities, other historically underrepresented groups, and portrayals of varying family structures. The Company applies this same commitment to its selection process for book fairs and books clubs when reviewing content from partner publishers. \nIn fiscal 2021, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Task Force was created to advance the Company's goals in three priority focus areas: People and Culture focusing on creating an inclusive workplace culture, enabling ongoing internal education, and increasing overall staff diversity; Publishing and Education focusing on promoting equity, social justice, representation and civic understanding in the classroom and in the world; and Procurement and Purchasing with a focus on expanding supplier diversity and sourcing from minority-owned businesses.\n7\nThe Company will continue to build on its credo and commitment to the individual worth of each and every child, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, economic, political, attitudinal, neurodiverse, religious or demographic background and to inspire everyone who works at the Company with contemporary employee policies and programs dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every employee can be heard and feel respected.\nCompensation and Benefits\nThe Company is committed to helping its employees and their families lead healthy productive lives. The Company's benefits packages and wellness programs help its employees succeed at work and at home. The Company offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages designed to attract, retain and recognize its employees and is committed to achieving pay equity and aligning rewards to performance. The Company's benefits program provides an array of flexible plans to meet the needs of eligible employees, which includes, among other things, medical, dental and vision plans, health management and incentive programs, flexible spending arrangements, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, work/life balance programs, 401k contribution matching, an employee discount program including discounts on Scholastic products and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (\u201cESPP\u201d). The ESPP provides eligible employees the opportunity to purchase Scholastic common stock at a discount. The Company also provides eligible employees paid time off, in addition to volunteer hours to enable involvement in community affairs. \nLearning and Development\nSuccessful execution of the Company's strategy is dependent on attracting, retaining and developing employees and members of its management teams. The Company's learning and development program enhances current and future organizational effectiveness by identifying skill gaps and assessing needs that can be supported by providing high quality educational and developmental programs that are strategic, measurable, effective, and serve to increase employees\u2019 skills, knowledge, and effectiveness. In addition to annual trainings on key topics including compliance, ethics and integrity and information security, employees have access to the Scholastic Learning Center, a learning portal that includes self-paced online courses, books, and videos, as well as virtual and live instructor-led opportunities.\nHealth and Safety\nThe safety and well-being of the Company's employees, customers, and community is a top priority. The Company has a safety program in place that focuses on policies and training programs to prevent injuries and incidents in the distribution centers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has implemented continuing additional safety measures in all its offices and facilities, including work from home flexibility for non-site specific roles, enhanced cleaning protocols, and health monitoring and temperature screening of employees as necessary. \n8\nEXECUTIVE OFFICERS\n\u00a0\nThe following individuals have been determined by the Board of Directors to be the executive officers of the Company. Each such individual serves in his or her position with Scholastic until such person\u2019s successor has been elected or appointed and qualified or until such person\u2019s earlier resignation or removal.\n\u00a0\nName\nAge\nEmployed by\nRegistrant Since\nPrevious Position(s) Held as of July 21, 2023\nPeter Warwick\n71\n2021\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer (since 2021); Board of Directors Member (since 2014); Chief People Officer of Thomson Reuters (2012 - 2018).\nKenneth J. Cleary\n58\n2008\nChief Financial Officer (since 2017); Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer (2014-2017); Vice President, External Reporting and Compliance (2008-2014). \nAndrew S. Hedden\n82\n2008\nExecutive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (since 2008).\nIole Lucchese\n56\n1991\nChair of the Board of Directors (since 2021); Executive Vice President (since 2016); Chief Strategy Officer (since 2014); President, Scholastic Entertainment (since 2018); President, Scholastic Canada (2016). \nSasha Quinton\n45\n2020\nExecutive Vice President and President, School Reading Events (since 2023), Executive Vice President and President, Scholastic Book Fairs (2020-2023); Vice President & GMM, Bookstore, Barnes and Noble, Inc. (2019); Senior Vice President, Marketing and Procurement, ReaderLink Distribution Services (2017-2019); Vice President, Marketing and Procurement, ReaderLink Distribution Services (2014-2017).\nRosamund M. Else-Mitchell\n53\n2021\nPresident, Education Solutions (since 2021); Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - Chief Learning Officer & General Manager (2017 -2019), Executive Vice President, Professional Services (2015-2019).\nAVAILABLE INFORMATION\n\u00a0\nThe Corporation\u2019s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are accessible at the Investor Relations portion of its website (scholastic.com) and are available, without charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d). The Company also posts the dates of its upcoming scheduled financial press releases, telephonic investor calls and investor presentations on the \u201cEvents and Presentations\u201d portion of its website at least five days prior to the event. The Company\u2019s investor calls are open to the public and remain available through the Company\u2019s website for at least 45 days thereafter.\n\u00a0\nThe public may also read and copy materials that the Company files with the SEC at the SEC\u2019s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information, as well as copies of the Company\u2019s filings, from the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an internet site, at www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.\n9",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A | Risk Factors\n\u00a0\nSet forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents that the Corporation files with the SEC are risks that should be considered in evaluating the Corporation\u2019s common stock, as well as risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual future results of the Company to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements contained in this Report and in other public statements the Company makes. Additionally, because of the following risks and uncertainties, as well as other variables which may affect the Company\u2019s operating results in the conduct of its business, the Company\u2019s past financial performance should not be considered an indicator of future performance. It is further noted that the Company\u2019s operating results for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021, and to a lesser extent the fiscal years ended May 31, 2022 and 2023, also reflect the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the businesses of the Company during those fiscal years.\nRisks Related to Our Business and Operations\nIf we fail to maintain strong relationships with our authors, illustrators and other creative talent, as well as to develop relationships with new creative talent, our business could be adversely affected.\nThe Company\u2019s business, in particular the trade publishing and media portions of the business, is highly dependent on maintaining strong relationships with the authors, illustrators and other creative talent who produce the products and services that are sold to its customers. Any overall weakening of these relationships, or the failure to develop successful new relationships, could have an adverse impact on the Company\u2019s business and financial performance.\nIf we fail to adapt to new purchasing patterns or trends, our business and financial results could be adversely affected.\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s business is affected significantly by changes in customer purchasing patterns or trends in, as well as the underlying strength of, the trade, educational and media markets for children. In particular, the Company\u2019s educational publishing business may be adversely affected by budgetary restraints and other changes in educational funding as a result of new policies which could be implemented at the federal level or otherwise resulting from new legislation or regulatory action at the federal, state or local level, or by changes in the procurement process, to which the Company may be unable to adapt successfully. In addition, there are many competing demands for educational funds, and there can be no guarantee that the Company will be successful in continuing to obtain sales of its educational programs and materials from any available funding. Further, changes in educational practices affecting structure or content of educational materials or requiring adaption to new learning approaches, particularly in grades pre-K through 6, as well as those which may arise from new legislation or policies at the state or local level directed at content or teaching practices and materials, to which the Company is unable to successfully adapt could result in a loss of business adversely affecting the Company's business and financial performance. In addition, in a highly politicized environment, the content of some of the product being sold by the Company could become controversial, negatively impacting sales made to schools, through partnerships with government agencies or through sponsorships and funding programs. Within the children's book publishing business, the Company's financial performance could be adversely affected by the adaptability of its U.S. book clubs channel. The Company has taken a new holistic approach to serving its customers as part of the newly formed school reading events division and the Company's ability to execute on new customer-centric strategies and operational improvements may not align with customer purchasing behaviors which could negatively impact operating results. \n\u00a0\nIncreases in certain operating costs and expenses, which are beyond our control and can significantly affect our profitability, could adversely affect our operating performance.\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s major expense categories include employee compensation, printing, paper and distribution (such as postage, shipping and fuel) costs. Compensation costs are influenced by general economic factors, including those affecting costs of health insurance, postretirement benefits and any trends specific to the employee skill sets that the Company requires. Current shortages for warehouse labor, driver labor and other required skills, as well as labor supply chain issues, such as the impact of union strikes, may cause the Company's costs to increase beyond increases normally expected. \n\u00a0\nPaper prices fluctuate based on worldwide demand and supply for paper in general, as well as for the specific types of paper used by the Company. The Company is also subject to inflationary pressures on printing, paper, transportation and labor costs. While the Company has taken steps to manage and budget for certain expected operating cost increases, if there is a significant disruption in the supply of paper or a significant increase in paper costs, or in its shipping or fuel costs, beyond those currently anticipated, which would generally be beyond the control of the Company, or if the Company\u2019s strategies to try to manage these costs, including additional cost savings initiatives, are ineffective, the Company\u2019s results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, supplier bankruptcy may cause price increases for the Company. \n10\nWe maintain an experienced and dedicated employee base that executes the Company\u2019s strategies. Failure to attract, retain and develop this employee base could result in difficulty with executing our strategy.\nThe Company\u2019s employees, notably its senior executives and editorial staff members, have substantial experience in the publishing and education markets. In addition, the Company continues in the process of implementing a strategic information technology transformation process, requiring diverse levels of relevant expertise and experience. If the Company were unable to continue to adequately maintain and develop a workforce of this nature meeting the foregoing needs, including the development of new skills in the context of a rapidly changing business environment created by technology, involving new business processes and increased access to data and data analytics, it could negatively impact the Company\u2019s operations and growth prospects. Additionally, high industry-wide demand for truck drivers may impact the Company's ability to hire and retain adequate staffing levels to deliver book fairs in the number anticipated.\n\u00a0\nFailure of third party providers to provide contracted outsourcing of business processes and information technology services could cause business interruptions and could increase the costs of these services to the Company.\nThe Company outsources business processes to reduce complexity and increase efficiency for activities such as distribution, manufacturing, product development, transactional processing, information technologies and various administrative functions.\u00a0Increasingly, the Company is engaging third parties to provide SaaS, which can reduce the Company\u2019s internal execution risk, but increases the Company\u2019s dependency upon third parties to execute business critical information technology tasks. If SaaS providers are unable to provide these services or outsource providers fail to execute their contracted functionality, or if such providers experience a substantial data breach, the Company could experience damage to its reputation and disruptions to its distribution and other business activities and may incur higher costs.\nRisks Related to Competition\nIf we cannot anticipate technology trends and develop new products or adapt to new technologies responding to changing customer preferences, this could adversely affect our revenues or profitability.\n\u00a0\nThe Company operates in highly competitive markets that are subject to rapid change, including, in particular, changes in customer preferences and changes and advances in relevant technologies. There are substantial uncertainties associated with the Company\u2019s efforts to develop successful trade publishing, educational, and media products and services, including digital products and services, for its customers, as well as to adapt its print and other materials to new digital technologies, such as the internet cloud technologies, tablets, mobile and other devices and school-based technologies and uncertainties involving the use of artificial intelligence in connection with the foregoing. The Company makes significant investments in new products and services that may not be profitable, or whose profitability may be significantly lower than the Company anticipates or has experienced historically. In particular, in the context of the Company\u2019s current focus on key digital opportunities, the markets are continuing to develop and the Company may be unsuccessful in establishing itself as a significant factor in any relevant market segment which does develop. Many aspects of markets which could develop for children and schools, such as the nature of the relevant software and devices or hardware, the size of the market, relevant methods of delivery and relevant content, as well as pricing models, are still evolving and will, most likely, be subject to change on a recurring basis until a pattern develops and becomes more defined. This could specifically impact the Company's ability to execute on a digital and print literacy solution, which requires a multi-year investment, through internal development, third party providers and/or acquisitions. In addition, the Company faces market risks associated with systems development and service delivery in its evolving school ordering and ecommerce businesses, as well as in responding to changes in how schools plan to utilize technology for virtual or remote learning and the potential impact on the demand for printed materials in schools.\n\u00a0\nOur financial results would suffer if we fail to successfully differentiate our offerings and meet market needs in school-based book fairs and book clubs, two of our core businesses.\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s school-based book fairs and book clubs businesses, which have now been combined to form the Company's reading events business, produce a substantial amount of the Company\u2019s revenues. The Company is subject to the risks that it will not successfully continue to develop and execute new promotional strategies for the school-based book fairs and book clubs components of the reading events business in response to future customer trends or technological changes or that it will not otherwise meet market needs in this newly combined business in a timely or cost-effective fashion. The book clubs component also relies on attracting and retaining new sponsor-\n11\nteachers to promote and support the distribution of its offerings. If the Company cannot attract new millennial and younger teachers and meet the changing preferences and demands of these teachers, its revenues and cash flows could be negatively impacted.\nThe Company has differentiated itself from competitors by providing curated offerings in both of the book clubs and book fairs components of the reading events business designed to make reading attractive for children, in furtherance of its mission as a champion of literacy. Competition from mass market and on-line distributors using customer-specific curation tools could reduce this differentiation, posing a risk to the Company's results.\nThe competitive pressures we face in our businesses could adversely affect our financial performance and growth prospects.\n\u00a0\nThe Company is subject to significant competition, including from other trade and educational publishers and media, entertainment and internet companies, as well as retail and internet distributors, many of which are substantially larger than the Company and have much greater resources. To the extent the Company cannot meet challenges from existing or new competitors and develop new product offerings to meet customer preferences or needs, the Company\u2019s revenues and profitability could be adversely affected. \nIn its educational publishing business, the Company invests in various literacy program solutions, including both digital and print products, covering grades pre-K through 6 which can be in direct competition with traditional basal textbook offerings, as well as new digital instruction offerings with associated assessment tools, to meet the perceived needs of the modern curriculum. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in having school districts adopt the Company's new literacy program solutions in preference to basal textbooks or new digital instruction products offered by others or be successful in state adoptions, nor, in the case of basal textbook publishers, that such publishers will not successfully adapt their business models to the development of new forms of core curriculum, which could have an adverse effect on the return on the Company\u2019s investments in this area, as well as on its financial performance and growth prospects. Traditional basal textbook publishers also generally maintain larger sales forces than the Company, and sell across several academic disciplines, allowing them a larger presence than the Company. Additionally, demand for many of the Company\u2019s product offerings, particularly books sold through school channels, is subject to price sensitivity. Failure to maintain a competitive pricing model could reduce revenues and profitability.\nChanges in the mix of our major customers in our trade distribution channel or in their purchasing patterns may affect the profitability of our trade publishing business.\nThe Company\u2019s distribution channels include online retailers and ecommerce sites, digital delivery platforms and expanding social media and other marketing platforms. An increased concentration of retailer power has also resulted in the increased importance of mass merchandisers as well as of publishing best sellers to meet consumer demand. Currently, the Company\u2019s top five trade customers make up approximately 77% of the Company\u2019s U.S. trade business and 14% of the Company\u2019s total revenues. Adverse changes in the mix of the major customers of the trade business, including the type of customer, which may also be engaged in a competitive business, or in their purchasing patterns or financial condition or the nature of their distribution arrangements with the trade business including any requirements related to ESG with which the Company must comply, more specifically those related to environmental sustainability, could negatively affect the profitability of the Company\u2019s trade business and the Company\u2019s financial performance.\nThe inability to obtain and publish best-selling new titles could cause our future results to decline in comparison to historical results.\n\u00a0\nThe Company invests in authors and illustrators for its trade publication business, and has a history of publishing hit titles. The inability to publish best-selling new titles in future years could negatively impact the Company. \nIn addition, competition among electronic and print book retailers, including the decrease in the number of independent booksellers, could decrease prices for new title releases, as well as the number of outlets for book sales. The growing use of self-publishing technologies by authors also increases competition and could result in the decreased use of traditional publishing services. The effects of any of the foregoing factors could have an adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operation. \n12\nRisks Related to Information Technology and Systems\nPrivacy breaches and other cyber security risks related to our business could negatively affect our reputation, credibility and business.\nIn certain of its businesses the Company holds or has access to personal data, including that of customers or received from schools. Adverse publicity stemming from a data breach, whether or not valid, could reduce demand for the Company\u2019s products or adversely affect its relationship with teachers or educators, impacting participation in the book fairs or book clubs components of the Company's reading events business or decisions to purchase educational materials or programs produced by the Company's \nEducation Solutions\n segment. Further, a failure to adequately protect personal data, including that of customers or children, or other data security failure, such as cyber-attacks from third parties, could lead to penalties, significant remediation costs and reputational damage, including loss of future business.\nFailure of one or more of our information technology platforms could affect our ability to execute our operating strategy.\nThe Company relies on a variety of information technology platforms to execute its operations, including human resources, payroll, finance, order-to-cash, procurement, vendor payment, inventory management, distribution and content management systems as well as its internal operating systems. Many of these systems are integrated via internally developed interfaces and modifications. Failure of one or more systems could lead to operating inefficiencies or disruptions and a resulting decline in revenue or profitability. \nAs the Company continues the implementation of its new enterprise-wide customer and content management systems and the migration to software as a service (\"SaaS\") and cloud-based technology solutions, in its initiatives to integrate its separate legacy platforms into a cohesive enterprise-wide system, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in its efforts or that the implementation of the remaining stages of these initiatives in the Company's global operations will not involve disruptions in its systems or processes having a short term adverse impact on its operations and ability to service its customers.\nRisks Related to Laws and Regulations\nOur reputation is one of our most important assets, and any adverse publicity or adverse events, such as a violation of privacy laws or regulations, could cause significant reputational damage and financial loss.\n\u00a0\nThe businesses of the Company focus on children\u2019s reading, learning and education, and its key relationships are with educators, teachers, parents and children. In particular, the Company believes that, in selecting its products, teachers, educators and parents rely on the Company\u2019s reputation for quality books and educational materials and programs appropriate for children. Negative publicity, either through traditional media or through social media, could tarnish this relationship. \nThe Company is subject to privacy laws and regulations in the conduct of its business in the United States and in other jurisdictions in which it conducts its international operations, many of which vary significantly, relating to the collection and use of personal information, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, which became enforceable on May 25, 2018, and the California Consumer Privacy Act, which became effective in January 2020. In addition, the Company is also subject to the regulatory requirements of the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act (\"COPPA\") in the United States relating to access to, and the use of information received from, children in respect to the Company\u2019s on-line offerings. Since the businesses of the Company are primarily centered on children, failures of the Company to comply with the requirements of COPPA and similar laws in particular, as well as failures to comply generally with applicable privacy laws and regulations, as referred to above, could lead to significant reputational damage and other penalties and costs, including loss of future business. \nFailure to meet the demands of regulators, and the associated high cost of compliance with regulations, as well as failure to enforce compliance with our Code of Ethics and other policies, could negatively impact us. \nThe Company operates in multiple countries and is subject to different regulations throughout the world. In the United States, the Company is regulated by the Internal Revenue Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and other regulating bodies. Failure to comply with these regulators, including providing these regulators with accurate financial and statistical information that often is subject to estimates and assumptions, or the high cost of complying with relevant regulations, including a significant increase in new regulations resulting from changes in the regulatory environment, could negatively impact the Company. The Company is also subject to the risk that it is unable to comply with the unstandardized, rapidly-changing environmental requirements imposed internationally by local governments, including those related to measuring and reporting on the impact its business \n13\nhas on the environment, which could negatively impact the Company's ability to conduct business in the related country if not met.\nIn addition, the decentralized and global nature of the Company\u2019s operations makes it more difficult to communicate and monitor compliance with the Company\u2019s Code of Ethics and other material Company policies and to assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, some of which have global applicability, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in the United States and the UK Bribery Act in the United Kingdom. Failures to comply with the Company\u2019s Code of Ethics and violations of such laws or regulations, including through employee misconduct, could result in significant liabilities for the Company, including criminal liability, fines and civil litigation risk, and result in damage to the reputation of the Company. \nRisks Related to Our Intellectual Property\nThe loss of or failure to obtain rights to intellectual property material to our businesses would adversely affect our financial results.\nThe Company\u2019s products generally comprise intellectual property delivered through a variety of media. The ability to achieve anticipated results depends in part on the Company\u2019s ability to defend its intellectual property against infringement, as well as the breadth of rights obtained. The Company\u2019s operating results could be adversely affected by inadequate legal and technological protections for its intellectual property and proprietary rights in some jurisdictions, markets and media, as well as by the costs of dealing with claims alleging infringement of the intellectual property rights of others, including claims involving business method patents in the ecommerce and internet areas and the licensing of photographs in the trade and educational publishing areas, and the Company\u2019s revenues could be constrained by limitations on the rights that the Company is able to secure to exploit its intellectual property in different media and distribution channels, as well as geographic limitations on the exploitation of such rights.\nRisks Related to External Factors\nBecause we procure products and sell our products and services in foreign countries, changes in currency exchange rates, as well as other risks and uncertainties, could adversely affect our operations and financial results.\n\u00a0\nThe Company has various operating subsidiaries domiciled in foreign countries. In addition, the Company sells products and services to customers located in foreign countries where it does not have operating subsidiaries, and a significant portion of the Company\u2019s revenues are generated from outside of the United States. The Company\u2019s business processes, including distribution, sales, sourcing of content, marketing and advertising, are, accordingly, subject to multiple national, regional and local laws, regulations and policies. The Company could be adversely affected by noncompliance with foreign laws, regulations and policies, including those pertaining to foreign rights and exportation. The Company is also exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and to business disruption caused by political, financial or economic instability or the occurrence of war or natural disasters in foreign countries. In addition, the Company and its foreign operations could be adversely impacted by a downturn in general economic conditions on a more global basis caused by general political instability or unrest or changes in global economic affiliations or conditions, such as inflation. Changes in international trade relations with foreign countries, such as increased tariffs and duties (including those imposed by the United States) could cause the Company's costs to rise, or its overseas revenues to decline. \nCertain of our activities are subject to weather and natural disaster risks as well as other events outside our control, which could disrupt our operations or otherwise adversely affect our financial performance.\n\u00a0\nThe Company conducts certain of its businesses and maintains warehouse and office facilities in locations that are at risk of being negatively affected by severe weather and natural disaster events, including those caused by climate change, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, snowstorms, heat waves or earthquakes. Notably, much of the Company\u2019s domestic distribution facilities are located in central Missouri. A disruption of these or other facilities could impact the Company\u2019s school-based reading events business, as well as its trade and education businesses. Additionally, disruptions due to weather, natural disaster, epidemic and pandemic could result in school closures, resulting in reduced demand for the Company\u2019s products in its school channels during the affected periods. Further, the Company may not be able to achieve its book fair count goals and may be materially impacted if widespread pandemic-related closures occur this coming school year. Increases in school security associated with high profile school shootings and other tragic incidents could impact the accessibility to schools for the school book fairs component of the Company's reading events business. \n14\nWe own certain significant real estate assets which are subject to various risks related to conditions affecting the real estate market.\nThe Company has direct ownership of certain significant real estate assets, in particular the Company\u2019s headquarters location in New York City, its primary distribution center in Jefferson City, Missouri and the UK facility in Warwickshire. The New York headquarters location serves a dual purpose as it also contains premium retail space that is or will be leased to retail tenants in order to generate rental income and cash flow. Accordingly, the Company is sensitive to various risk factors such as changes to real estate values and property taxes, pricing and demand for high end retail spaces in Soho, New York City, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, supply and demand, and the credit worthiness of any retail tenants. There is also no guarantee that investment objectives for the retail component of the Company\u2019s real estate will be achieved. \nRisks Related to Stock Ownership\nControl of the Company resides in the Estate of our former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer through The Estate's ownership of Class A Stock, and the holders of the Common Stock generally have no voting rights with respect to transactions requiring stockholder approval. \n\u00a0\nThe voting power of the Corporation's capital stock is vested exclusively in the holders of Class A Stock, except for the right of the holders of Common Stock to elect one-fifth of the Board of Directors and except as otherwise provided by law or as may be established in favor of any series of preferred stock that may be issued. The Estate of Richard Robinson, the former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, beneficially owns a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Stock and is able to elect up to four-fifths of the Corporation's Board of Directors and, without the approval of the Corporation's other stockholders, to effect or block other actions or transactions requiring stockholder approval, such as a merger, sale of substantially all assets or similar transaction. Iole Lucchese, Chair of the Board of Directors, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the Company and President of Scholastic Entertainment, Inc., in her capacity as Scholastic special executor of the Estate under Mr. Robinson's will and revocable trust, controls the voting of the Estate's Class A Stock.\nNote\nThe risk factors listed above should not be construed as exhaustive of all possible risks that the Company may face. Additional risks not currently known to the Company or that the Company does not consider to be significant at the present time could also impact the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations.\n\u00a0\nForward-Looking Statements:\n\u00a0\nThis Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements relating to future periods. Additional written and oral forward-looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time in SEC filings and otherwise. The Company cautions readers that results or expectations expressed by forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to the Company\u2019s future business prospects and strategic plans, ecommerce and digital initiatives, new product introductions, strategies, new education standards and policies, goals, revenues, improved efficiencies, general costs, manufacturing costs, medical costs, potential cost savings, merit pay, operating margins, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, the cost and timing of capital projects, interest costs, cash flows and income, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, due to factors including those noted in this Annual Report and other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company\u2019s filings with the SEC. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7 | Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\u00a0\nGeneral\n\u00a0\nThe Company categorizes its businesses into three reportable segments: \nChildren\u2019s Book Publishing and Distribution\n; \nEducation Solutions\n; and \nInternational\n. \nThe following discussion and analysis of the Company\u2019s financial position and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company\u2019s Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes included in Item 8, \u201cConsolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\u201d\n\u00a0\nOverview and Outlook\nOverview\nRevenues from operations for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 increased by $61.1 million, or 3.7%, to $1,704.0 million, compared to $1,642.9 million in the prior fiscal year. The Company reported net income per basic and diluted share of Class A and Common Stock of $2.56 and $2.49, respectively, for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023, compared to $2.33 and $2.27, respectively, in the prior fiscal year. \nThe \nChildren's Book Publishing and Distribution \nsegment revenues increased 29%, outperforming the continued softness in retail, primarily from the book fairs channel due to higher fair count, which approximated 85% of pre-pandemic levels, and improved revenue per fair. The \nEducation Solutions\n segment experienced an overall reduction in schools' purchasing levels when compared to the prior year when schools were refilling classrooms with in-person learning materials as pandemic restrictions were fully lifted. Although sales were lower in certain instructional products and programs, the Company's diversified portfolio of products met the needs of customers through customized product offers and state sponsored programs. Internationally, local currency revenues increased in the Major Markets as the book fairs channels continued to recover from the pandemic, which offset the lower revenues from the disposition of the direct sales business in Asia.\nOperating income in fiscal 2023 was $106.3 million compared to $97.4 million in the prior fiscal year, representing an improvement of $8.9 million, primarily driven by the book fairs channel which continues to benefit from top-line growth and operational efficiencies. In addition, the Company realized improved operating margin in Asia attributable to the exit from the direct sales business, which generated losses in the prior year. The Company continues to benefit from the operational efficiencies achieved since the pandemic.\nOutlook\nThe Company previously announced the combination of its book fairs and book clubs channels into an integrated school reading events business which the Company expects will provide multiple opportunities to grow Scholastic's reach, serve its customers better and improve efficiencies within the \nChildren\u2019s Books Publishing and Distribution\n segment. The Company expects fair count to increase to approximately 90% of pre-pandemic levels with modest growth in revenue per fair. In the \nEducation Solutions\n segment, the Company\n \nexpects to continue to invest in new products and capabilities to grow its digital and print literacy solutions and expects the segment to benefit from continued growth in state-sponsored programs in the second half of fiscal 2024. Internationally, the Company expects to benefit from the continued recovery in the Major Markets and in Asia, as well as the reorganization in Canada. The Company also plans to invest in process improvements in its manufacturing and distribution functions, which should result in improved efficiencies going forward, and continue to utilize positive cash flows to increase shareholder value.\n20\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\n\u00a0\nGeneral:\n\u00a0\nThe Company\u2019s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations is based upon its Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements involves the use of estimates and assumptions by management, which affects the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current business factors, future expectations and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, all of which are necessary in order to form a basis for determining the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the adequacy of its reserves and the estimates used in calculations, including, but not limited to: collectability of accounts receivable; variable consideration related to anticipated returns; allocation of transaction price to contractual performance obligations; amortization periods; stock-based compensation expense; pension and other postretirement obligations; tax rates; recoverability of inventories; deferred income taxes and tax reserves; the timing and amount of future income taxes and related deductions; recoverability of prepublication costs; royalty advance reserves; customer reward programs; and the impairment assessment of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangibles. For a complete description of the Company\u2019s significant accounting policies, see Note 1, \"Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,\" of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item\u00a08, \u201cConsolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\u201d The following policies and account descriptions include all those identified by the Company as critical to its business operations and the understanding of its results of operations:\n\u00a0\nRevenue recognition:\n\u00a0\nThe Company has identified the allocation of the transaction price to contractual performance obligations related to revenues within the school-based book fairs channel, as described below, as a critical accounting estimate. \nRevenues associated with school-based book fairs relate to the sale of children's books and other products to book fair sponsors. In addition, the Company employs an incentive program to encourage the sponsorship of book fairs and increase the number of fairs held each school year. The Company identifies two potential performance obligations within its school-based book fair contracts, which include the fulfillment of book fairs product and the fulfillment of product upon the redemption of incentive program credits by customers. The Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation and recognizes revenue at a point in time. The Company utilizes certain estimates based on historical experience, redemption patterns and future expectations related to the participation in the incentive program to determine the relative fair value of each performance obligation when allocating the transaction price. Changes in these estimates could impact the timing of the recognition of revenue. Revenue allocated to the book fairs product is recognized at the point at which product is delivered to the customer and control is transferred. The revenue allocated to the incentive program credits is recognized upon redemption of incentive credits and the transfer of control of the redeemed product. Incentive credits are generally redeemed within 12 months of issuance. Payment for school-based book fairs product is due at the completion of a customer's fair. Revenues associated with virtual fairs are recognized upon shipment of the products and related incentive program credits are expensed upon issuance. \nEstimated returns:\nFor sales that include a right of return, the Company estimates the transaction price and records revenues as variable consideration based on the amounts the Company expects to ultimately be entitled. In order to determine estimated returns, the Company utilizes historical return rates, sales patterns, types of products and expectations and recognizes a corresponding reduction to Revenues and Cost of goods sold. Management also considers patterns of sales and returns in the months preceding the fiscal year, as well as actual returns received subsequent to the fiscal year, available customer and market specific data and other return rate information that management believes is relevant. In addition, a refund liability is recorded within Other accrued expenses for the consideration to which the Company believes it will not ultimately be entitled and a return asset is recorded within Prepaid expenses and other current assets for the expected inventory to be returned. Actual returns could differ from the Company's estimate. A one percentage point change in the estimated reserve for returns rate would have resulted in an increase or decrease in operating income for the year ended May\u00a031, 2023 of approximately $3.0 million and approximately $3.2 million, respectively.\n21\nInventories:\n\u00a0\nInventories, consisting principally of books, are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. The Company records a reserve for excess and obsolete inventory based upon a calculation using the expected future sales of existing inventory driven by estimates around forecasted purchases, inventory consumption costs, and the sell-through rate of current fiscal year purchases. In accordance with the Company's inventory retention policy, expected future sales of existing inventory are compared against historical usage by channel for reasonableness and any specifically identified excess or obsolete inventory, due to an anticipated lack of demand, will also be reserved. The impact of a one percentage point change in the obsolescence reserve rate would have resulted in an increase or decrease in operating income for the year ended May\u00a031, 2023 of approximately $4.2 million.\n\u00a0\nRoyalty advances:\n\u00a0\nRoyalty advances are initially capitalized and subsequently expensed as related revenues are earned or when the Company determines future recovery through earndowns is not probable. The Company has a long history of providing authors with royalty advances, and it tracks each advance earned with respect to the sale of the related publication. Historically, the longer the unearned portion of the advance remains outstanding, the less likely it is that the Company will recover the advance through the sale of the publication, as the related royalties earned are applied first against the remaining unearned portion of the advance. The Company applies this historical experience to its existing outstanding royalty advances to estimate the likelihood of recovery. Additionally, the Company\u2019s editorial staff regularly reviews its portfolio of royalty advances to determine if individual royalty advances are not recoverable through earndowns for discrete reasons, such as the death of an author prior to completion of a title or titles, a Company decision to not publish a title, poor market demand or other relevant factors that could impact recoverability.\n\u00a0\nEvaluation of Goodwill impairment:\n\u00a0\nGoodwill is not amortized and is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.\n\u00a0\nThe Company compares the estimated fair values of its identified reporting units to the carrying values of their net assets. The Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of its identified reporting units are less than their carrying values.\u00a0If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company measures goodwill impairment by the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit. For each of the reporting units, the estimated fair value is determined utilizing the expected present value of the projected future cash flows of the reporting unit, in addition to comparisons to similar companies. The Company reviews its definition of reporting units annually or more frequently if conditions indicate that the reporting units may change.\u00a0The Company evaluates its operating segments to determine if there are components one level below the operating segment level.\u00a0A component is present if discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of the business.\u00a0If an operating segment only contains a single component, that component is determined to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. If an operating segment contains multiple components, the Company evaluates the economic characteristics of these components.\u00a0Any components within an operating segment that share similar economic characteristics are aggregated and deemed to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. Components within the same operating segment that do not share similar economic characteristics are deemed to be individual reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes.\u00a0\nThe Company has six reporting units with goodwill subject to impairment testing.\u00a0The determination of the fair value of the Company\u2019s reporting units involves a number of assumptions, including the estimates of future cash flows, discount rates and market-based multiples, among others, each of which is subject to change.\u00a0Accordingly, it is possible that changes in assumptions and the performance of certain reporting units could lead to impairments in future periods, which may be material.\u00a0\nIncome taxes:\nThe Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, for purposes of determining taxable income, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of such assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to be realized.\n\u00a0\n22\nThe Company believes that its taxable earnings, during the periods when the temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets become deductible or when tax benefit carryforwards may be utilized, should be sufficient to realize the related future income tax benefits. For those jurisdictions where the expiration date of the tax benefit carryforwards or the projected taxable earnings indicate that realization is not likely, the Company establishes a valuation allowance.\n\u00a0\nIn assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company estimates future taxable earnings, with consideration for the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and the realizability of tax benefit carryforwards, to determine which deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in the future. Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets can be impacted by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates and future taxable earnings. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates in future periods, the Company may need to adjust the valuation allowance.\u00a0\n23\nResults of Operations - Consolidated\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n(Amounts in millions, except per share data)\nFor fiscal years ended May 31,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n$\n% \n(1)\n$\n% \n(1)\nRevenues:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nChildren\u2019s Book Publishing and Distribution\n$\n1,038.0\u00a0\n60.9\u00a0\n$\n946.5\u00a0\n57.6\u00a0\nEducation Solutions\n386.6\u00a0\n22.7\u00a0\n393.6\u00a0\n24.0\u00a0\nInternational\n279.4\u00a0\n16.4\u00a0\n302.8\u00a0\n18.4\u00a0\nTotal revenues\n1,704.0\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n1,642.9\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\nCost of goods sold\n786.4\u00a0\n46.2\u00a0\n765.5\u00a0\n46.6\u00a0\nSelling, general and administrative expenses \n(2)\n756.6\u00a0\n44.4\u00a0\n722.8\u00a0\n44.0\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization \n54.7\u00a0\n3.2\u00a0\n56.8\u00a0\n3.5\u00a0\nAsset impairments and write downs\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\n0.0\u00a0\nOperating income (loss)\n106.3\u00a0\n6.2\u00a0\n97.4\u00a0\n5.9\u00a0\nInterest income\n7.2\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\nInterest expense\n(1.4)\n(0.1)\n(2.9)\n(0.2)\nOther components of net periodic benefit (cost)\n0.3\u00a0\n0.0\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\n0.0\u00a0\nGain (loss) on assets held for sale \n(3)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(15.1)\n(0.9)\nGain (loss) on sale of assets and other \n(4)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n9.7\u00a0\n0.6\u00a0\nEarnings (loss) before income taxes\n112.4\u00a0\n6.6\u00a0\n89.7\u00a0\n5.5\u00a0\nProvision (benefit) for income taxes \n(5)\n25.9\u00a0\n1.5\u00a0\n8.7\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\nNet income (loss)\n$\n86.5\u00a0\n5.1\u00a0\n$\n81.0\u00a0\n4.9\u00a0\nLess: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest\n0.2\u00a0\n0.0\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\n0.0\u00a0\nNet income (loss) attributable to Scholastic Corporation \n$\n86.3\u00a0\n5.1\u00a0\n$\n80.9\u00a0\n4.9\u00a0\nBasic and diluted earnings (loss) per share of Class A and Common Stock\n\u00a0\nBasic\n$\n2.56\u00a0\n$\n2.33\u00a0\nDiluted\n$\n2.49\u00a0\n$\n2.27\u00a0\n(1) Represents percentage of total revenues.\n(2) In fiscal 2022, the Company recognized $6.6 of pretax insurance proceeds related to an intellectual property legal settlement accrued in fiscal 2021, pretax severance and related charges of $6.2 and pretax branch consolidation costs of $0.5.\n(3) In fiscal 2022, the Company recognized pretax loss on assets held for sale related to the Company's plan to exit the direct sales business in Asia of $15.1.\n(4) In fiscal 2022, the Company recognized a pretax gain of $3.5 on the sale of its UK distribution center located in Witney and a pretax gain of $6.2 on the sale of its Lake Mary facility.\n(5) In fiscal 2022, the Company recognized a benefit for income taxes in respect to one-time pretax charges of $1.3. \n24\nResults of Operations \u2013 Consolidated \nThe section below is a discussion of the Company's fiscal year 2023 results compared to fiscal year 2022. A detailed discussion of the Company's fiscal year 2021 results and year-over-year comparisons between fiscal years 2022 and 2021 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in the \"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" for the year ended May\u00a031, 2022, filed as part of the Company's Form 10-K dated July 22, 2022. \nFiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022\nRevenues from operations for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 increased by $61.1 million, or 3.7%, to $1,704.0 million, compared to $1,642.9 million in the prior fiscal year. \nChildren\u2019s Book Publishing and Distribution\n segment revenues increased $91.5 million, partially offset by lower revenues from the \nEducation Solutions\n segment and International segment of $7.0 million and $23.4 million, respectively.\nWithin the \nChildren\u2019s Book Publishing and Distribution\n segment, revenues in the book fairs channel increased $123.4 million primarily on higher fair count. Increased redemptions of book fair incentive program credits compared to the prior year and an improvement in revenue per fair also drove higher revenues. Lower book clubs channel revenues of $8.6 million were due to lower sponsor participation and fewer events. To address the continued decline, the Company has combined the U.S.-based book clubs and book fairs businesses into an integrated school reading events business subsequent to year-end. The integration is expected to create synergies in operations and a coordinated go-to-market strategy to result in additional opportunities and improved efficiencies. Trade channel revenues decreased $23.3 million, primarily driven by the industry-wide decline in retail market sales, partially offset by higher media channel revenues as the Company completed the delivery of episodes associated with the production of the \"Eva the Owlet\" animated series. \nWithin the \nEducation Solutions\n segment, decreased revenues of $7.0 million were driven by an overall reduction in schools' purchasing levels when compared to the prior year when schools were refilling classrooms with in-person learning materials as pandemic restrictions were fully lifted. Demand for certain of the Company's instructional products and programs, including \nScholastic Bookroom\n, \nGuided Reading\n and\n Scholastic Literacy\n was lower as customer purchasing shifted to the Company's more customized products and digital and print literacy solutions. This was partially offset by increased revenues from sponsored programs, which had a full year of shipments in fiscal 2023 compared to a partial year in fiscal 2022. The Company sells to non-school customers through its community and state-sponsored programs and the related sales increased in fiscal 2023.\nRevenues in the \nInternational\u00a0\nsegment decreased $23.4 million primarily attributable to unfavorable foreign currency exchange of $23.0 million and the disposition of the direct sales business resulting in $15.0 million in lower revenues. Excluding the foregoing, revenues increased $14.6 million primarily driven by the Major Markets as the book fairs channels continued to recover from the pandemic.\nComponents of Cost of goods sold for fiscal years 2023 and 2022 are as follows:\n\u00a0\n($ amounts in millions)\n\u00a0\n2023\n% of revenue\n2022\n% of revenue\nProduct, service, production costs and inventory reserves\n$\n475.2\u00a0\n27.9\u00a0\n%\n$\n448.8\u00a0\n27.3\u00a0\n%\nRoyalty costs\n132.8\u00a0\n7.8\u00a0\n139.1\u00a0\n8.5\u00a0\nPrepublication and production amortization\n26.0\u00a0\n1.5\u00a0\n27.4\u00a0\n1.8\u00a0\nPostage, freight, shipping, fulfillment and all other costs\n152.4\u00a0\n9.0\u00a0\n150.2\u00a0\n9.1\u00a0\nTotal cost of goods sold\n$\n786.4\n\u00a0\n46.2\n\u00a0\n%\n$\n765.5\n\u00a0\n46.6\n\u00a0\n%\nCost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was 46.2%, compared to 46.6% in the prior fiscal year. Cost of goods sold benefited from increased sales volume in the U.S. book fairs channel, which also resulted in lower royalty costs as a percentage of revenue. Traditionally, the book fairs channel has a higher mix of non-royalty bearing titles. This was partially offset by higher excess and obsolete inventory due to the softness in the global retail channels. The Company also incurred higher production costs related to the \"Eva the Owlet\" animated series in fiscal 2023 and higher print costs, primarily in the U.S. trade channel, as well as an increase in inbound and outbound freight costs in the U.S. and in the Major Markets. As of the end of fiscal 2023, inbound freight costs have returned to pre-pandemic levels, however, there remains uncertainty regarding potential shipping courier union strikes \n25\nwhich could result in increased freight costs for the Company in the near future and impact the Company's ability to ship product to customers. \nSelling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 were $756.6 million, compared to $722.8 million in the prior fiscal year. The $33.8 million increase was primarily due to higher spending in the U.S. book fairs channel as a result of the increased fair count resulting in higher labor and other overhead costs, including fuel charges, marketing expenses and bank fees, as well as increased rent for warehouse space. In addition, the Company incurred higher employee-related costs in the \nEducation Solutions\n segment associated with increased spending on strategic initiatives such as the integration efforts related to the Learning Ovations acquisition and the launch of Ready4Reading, as well as higher labor and marketing costs to support the growth in sponsored programs. The increase was also attributable to the prior year receipt of insurance recoveries of $6.6 million related to the intellectual property legal settlement accrued in fiscal 2021. Partially offsetting this increase the Company had lower severance expense from its restructuring programs of $6.2 million, recognized higher COVID-related governmental employee retention credits of $2.1 million received in fiscal 2023, incurred lower costs in Asia as a result of the disposition of the direct sales business of approximately $12.6\u00a0million, benefited from an insurance recovery of $5.0\u00a0million in fiscal 2023 related to photo litigation settlements and also benefited from a favorable settlement of $1.8\u00a0million related to legacy sales tax matters. Additionally, bad debt expense was favorable as the prior fiscal year was negatively impacted by a discrete systems issue in the book clubs channel which resulted in $6.6\u00a0million of higher uncollectible receivable balances. The Company expects to incur severance costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 related to restructuring programs in Canada as well as in the U.S. as a result of combining the book clubs and book fairs businesses into an integrated school reading events business. \nDepreciation and amortization expenses for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 were $54.7 million, compared to $56.8 million in the prior fiscal year. The $2.1 million decrease primarily related to the Company's shift to cloud computing arrangements (e.g. software as a service) which resulted in capitalized software being amortized through Selling, general and administrative expenses rather than Depreciation and amortization. Amortization of capitalized cloud software increased $2.4\u00a0million when compared to the prior fiscal year which offset the decrease in Depreciation and amortization. Management expects Depreciation and amortization expense to increase as the Company's capitalized spending has and will continue to increase into the next fiscal year.\nAsset impairments and write downs for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2022 were $0.4 million due to the impairment of right-of-use assets associated with certain operating leases as part of the book fairs warehouse consolidation effort.\nInterest income for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was $7.2 million, compared to $0.5 million in the prior fiscal year. $4.7\u00a0million of the increase was driven by overall higher average investment balances as compared to the prior fiscal year, coupled with higher interest rates in fiscal 2023. The Company invests excess cash in short term investments which earn competitive interest rates that change directionally in relation to the Federal Funds rate. In addition, the Company recognized $2.0\u00a0million of interest income related to tax refunds received during fiscal 2023 that will not repeat in the next fiscal year. Interest expense for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was $1.4 million, compared to $2.9 million in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in interest expense was due to lower average debt borrowings as compared to the prior fiscal year as the outstanding borrowings on the U.S. credit agreement were paid down during fiscal 2022, resulting in no outstanding borrowings as of the beginning of fiscal 2023.\nGain (loss) on assets held for sale for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2022 was a loss of $15.1 million related to the Company's exit of the direct sales business in Asia as it was no longer a part of the strategic growth plan for the Company. The exit resulted in the sale of remaining assets, primarily accounts receivable and inventory, and the assets were written down to their recoverable value which equated to the selling price. The loss on assets held for sale included accrued exit costs.\nGain (loss) on sale of assets and other for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2022 was a gain of $9.7 million. In the prior fiscal year, the Company sold its UK distribution facility located in Witney and its facility located in Lake Mary, Florida, resulting in a recognized gain on sale of $3.5\u00a0million and $6.2\u00a0million, respectively. \nThe Company\u2019s effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was a 23.0% tax provision, compared to 9.7% in the prior fiscal year. The 2022 fiscal year tax provision benefited from the release of uncertain tax positions resulting from the effective settlement of the IRS examination from the 2015-2020 tax years. \nNet income for fiscal 2023 was $86.5 million compared to $81.0 million in fiscal 2022, an increase of $5.5 million. The basic and diluted income per share of Class A Stock and Common Stock was $2.56 and $2.49, respectively, in fiscal 2023, compared to basic and diluted income per share of Class A Stock and Common Stock of $2.33 and $2.27, \n26\nrespectively, in fiscal 2022. Outstanding shares decreased 7% from 34.2 million to 31.7 million as of May 31, 2023 which will benefit earnings per share calculations in fiscal 2024.\nNet income attributable to noncontrolling interest for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 was $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. \nResults of Operations \u2013 Segments\n\u00a0\nCHILDREN\u2019S BOOK PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTION\u00a0\n($ amounts in millions)\n2023 compared to 2022\n2023\n2022\n$ change\n% change\nRevenues\n$\n1,038.0\u00a0\n$\n946.5\u00a0\n$\n91.5\u00a0\n9.7\u00a0\n%\nCost of goods sold \n481.7\u00a0\n450.3\u00a0\n31.4\u00a0\n7.0\u00a0\nOther operating expenses *\n412.9\u00a0\n380.5\u00a0\n32.4\u00a0\n8.5\u00a0\nAsset impairments and write downs\n\u2014\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\n(0.4)\nNM\nOperating income (loss)\n$\n143.4\u00a0\n$\n115.3\u00a0\n$\n28.1\u00a0\n24.4\u00a0\n%\nOperating margin\n\u00a0\n13.8\n\u00a0\n%\n12.2\n\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, bad debt expenses and depreciation and amortization.\nNM Not meaningful \nFiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022\nRevenues for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 increased by $91.5 million to $1,038.0 million, compared to $946.5 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase in segment revenues was driven by the book fairs channel with an increase of $123.4 million, or 29%, exceeding pre-pandemic revenues for this channel. The increased revenues were driven by a 15% increase in fair count, coupled with higher revenue per fair and a year-over-year increase in redemptions of book fair incentive program credits. Revenues from the book clubs channel decreased $8.6 million as a result of the multi-year trend of lower sponsor participation and fewer events held in fiscal 2023. To address this continued decline, the Company has combined the U.S.-based book clubs and book fairs businesses into an integrated school reading events business and expects the synergies in operations and a coordinated go-to-market strategy to result in additional opportunities and improved efficiencies. Trade channel revenues decreased $23.3 million primarily reflecting the industry-wide decline in retail market sales driving overall lower revenues. The prior fiscal year also included the release of J.K. Rowling's \nThe Christmas Pig \nas well as limited edition foil cover versions of titles in Dav Pilkey's \nDog Man\n series which helped lift overall sales across the series. During fiscal 2023, the trade channel released numerous best-sellers, including \nDog Man #11: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea, Cat Kid Comic Club: Collaborations, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The Illustrated Edition,\n \nWings of Fire Graphix #6: Moon Rising, The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel #13: Mary Anne's Bad Luck Mystery\n and \nNick and Charlie: A Heartstopper Novella\n. In addition, the Company completed the delivery of episodes associated with the production of the animated series \"Eva the Owlet\". The unfavorable economic trends in the retail book markets could continue to negatively impact the trade channel in fiscal 2024. \nCost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was $481.7 million, or 46.4% of revenues, compared to $450.3 million, or 47.6% of revenues, in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was primarily driven by increased sales volume in the book fairs channel, which also resulted in lower royalty costs as a percentage of revenue. Traditionally, the book fairs channel has a higher mix of non-royalty bearing titles. The favorability was partially offset by increased product costs in the trade channel due to higher print and inbound freight costs driven by the continued impact of inflationary pressures and higher production costs related to the production of the \"Eva the Owlet\" animated series in the media business. Cost of goods sold benefited from lower excess and obsolete inventory in the book fairs channel in fiscal 2023 as a result of better utilization of aged inventory. This was substantially offset by higher excess and obsolete inventory in the trade channel due to the softness in the retail market and in the book clubs channel which expects to reduce offerings in fiscal 2024 as part of its integration into the school reading events business. As of the end of fiscal 2023, inbound freight costs have returned to pre-pandemic levels, however, there remains uncertainty regarding potential shipping courier union strikes which could result in increased freight costs for the Company in the near future. \nOther operating expenses were $412.9 million for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023, compared to $380.5 million in the prior fiscal year. The $32.4 million increase was primarily due to increased labor and other overhead costs in the book fairs channel, including fuel charges, marketing expenses and bank fees, as a result of the increased fair count in \n27\nfiscal 2023, as well as increased rent for warehouse space. The higher labor costs were partially offset by a COVID-related governmental employee retention credit of $3.3 million received and recognized in fiscal 2023. In addition, bad debt expense was favorable as the prior fiscal year was negatively impacted by a discrete systems issue in the book clubs channel which resulted in $6.6\u00a0million of higher uncollectible receivable balances.\nAsset impairments were $0.4 million for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2022. In the prior fiscal year, the Company recorded an impairment of right-of-use assets associated with certain operating leases as part of the book fairs warehouse consolidation effort.\nSegment operating income for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was $143.4 million, compared to $115.3 million in the prior fiscal year. The $28.1 million increase was primarily driven by the continued improvement in the book fairs channel, which resulted in a $123.4 million increase in revenue primarily on higher fair count. The book fairs channel continued to drive an increase in revenue per fair by approximately 5% which benefited operating income due to the fixed distribution costs on a delivered fair. In addition, the production and delivery of the \"Eva the Owlet\" animated series drove additional profit contribution in fiscal 2023. Operating income was negatively impacted by a decrease in trade channel revenue reflecting the industry-wide decline in retail market sales, and continued inflationary pressures driving higher print and inbound freight costs, primarily in the trade channel. As of the end of fiscal 2023, inbound freight costs have returned to pre-pandemic levels, however, there remains uncertainty regarding potential shipping courier union strikes which could result in increased freight costs for the Company in the near future. Lower participation levels in the book clubs channel was also unfavorable to operating income in the current fiscal year. The Company has combined the U.S.-based book clubs and book fairs businesses into an integrated school reading events business subsequent to year-end. The integration is expected to create synergies in operations and a coordinated go-to-market strategy to result in additional opportunities and improved efficiencies. \nEDUCATION SOLUTIONS\n($ amounts in millions)\n2023 compared to 2022\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n$ change\n% change\nRevenues\n$\n386.6\u00a0\n$\n393.6\u00a0\n$\n(7.0)\n(1.8)\n%\nCost of goods sold \n143.0\u00a0\n142.4\u00a0\n0.6\n0.4\u00a0\nOther operating expenses *\n185.2\u00a0\n169.4\u00a0\n15.8\n9.3\u00a0\nOperating income (loss)\n$\n58.4\u00a0\n$\n81.8\u00a0\n$\n(23.4)\n(28.6)\n%\nOperating margin\n15.1\n\u00a0\n%\n20.8\n\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, bad debt expenses and depreciation and amortization.\nFiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022\n\u00a0\nRevenues for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 decreased by $7.0 million to $386.6 million, compared to $393.6 million in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in segment revenues was largely driven by an overall reduction in schools' purchasing levels when compared to the prior year when schools were refilling classrooms with in-person learning materials as pandemic restrictions were being lifted. Demand for certain of the Company's instructional products and programs, including \nScholastic Bookroom\n, \nGuided Reading\n and\n Scholastic Literacy, \nas well as early childhood programs and summer learning product offerings was lower, due in part to customer purchasing shifting to the Company's more customized products and digital and print literacy solutions. Changes to the methods in which schools approach literacy instruction also contributed to the decline in certain offerings and the Company's new K-3 phonic program, Ready4Reading\nTM\n, is expected to align with the modified instruction methods. The decrease in revenues related to instructional products and programs was also due to the timing of revenues in fiscal 2022, which benefited from shipments, primarily consisting of summer learning products, that shifted from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 due to supply chain constraints at that time. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, orders were shipped more timely with fewer sales shifting into the first quarter of fiscal 2023. The segment also had lower sales of Rising Voices Library\n\u00ae\n products, professional books and teaching resource products. Cultural awareness products like Rising Voices Library continue to be requested by customers and are subject to fluctuations based on large district sales. The Company continues to actively market these products and make additional investments and improvements in accordance with market demand. The overall decrease in segment revenues was partly offset by revenues from sponsored programs, which had a full year of shipments in fiscal 2023 compared to a partial year in fiscal 2022 and the addition of another state program in fiscal 2023. Additionally, the segment benefited from increased revenues from traditional classroom book collections and \nGrab and Go\n reading packs as well as products from the \nScholastic Family and Community Engagement (FACE)\nTM\n initiative, in which a renewed focus helped to increase offerings and expand into new school districts. Revenues from Magazines+ remained relatively consistent with the prior fiscal year and digital subscription revenues modestly increased year over year. \n28\nCost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was $143.0 million, or 37.0% of revenue, compared to $142.4 million, or 36.2% of revenue, in the prior fiscal year. The increase in Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was primarily attributable to higher product costs, including higher inbound freight costs, in addition to increased postage and outbound freight costs, as the Company continued to be impacted by inflationary pressures. In fiscal 2022, the segment benefited from sales of inventory purchased prior to the cost increases. As of the end of fiscal 2023, inbound freight costs have returned to pre-pandemic levels, however, there remains uncertainty regarding potential shipping courier union strikes which could result in increased freight costs for the Company in the near future. \nOther operating expenses were $185.2 million for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023, compared to $169.4 million in the prior fiscal year. The\u00a0$15.8 million increase in Other operating expenses was primarily related to higher spending associated with the integration efforts related to the Learning Ovations acquisition which approximated $3\u00a0million and the launch of Ready4Reading as well as the growth within sponsored programs, partially offset by lower bonuses and commissions. In addition, the segment incurred higher marketing costs associated with sponsored programs and continued to incur costs related to strategic initiatives related to the Company's digital and print literacy offerings.\nSegment operating income for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was $58.4 million, compared to $81.8 million in the prior fiscal year. The $23.4 million decrease was attributable to lower revenues, primarily from instructional products and programs, coupled with increased employee-related costs and increased spending associated with growth initiatives. \nINTERNATIONAL\n($ amounts in millions)\n2023 compared to 2022\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n$ change\n% change\nRevenues\n$\n279.4\u00a0\n$\n302.8\u00a0\n$\n(23.4)\n(7.7)\n%\nCost of goods sold \n169.7\u00a0\n169.8\u00a0\n(0.1)\n(0.1)\nOther operating expenses *\n113.3\u00a0\n129.7\u00a0\n(16.4)\n(12.6)\nOperating income (loss)\n$\n(3.6)\n$\n3.3\u00a0\n$\n(6.9)\nNM\nOperating margin\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n%\n1.1\n\u00a0\n%\n* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, bad debt expenses and depreciation and amortization.\nNM Not meaningful\nFiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022\nRevenues for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 decreased by $23.4 million to $279.4 million compared to $302.8 million in the prior fiscal year. Local currency revenues in the Company's ongoing foreign operations increased $14.6 million when compared to the prior fiscal year, which excluded $15.0 million in lower revenues from the disposition of the direct sales business and unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $23.0 million. In the Asia channel, excluding the lower revenues from the disposition of the direct sales business, local currency revenues increased $2.1 million primarily attributable to higher revenues in India from the book fairs and trade channels. In Australia and New Zealand, local currency revenues increased $7.3 million, driven by increased sales in the trade and book fairs channels as the prior year was negatively impacted by additional lockdowns imposed by the COVID variant. In the UK, local currency revenues increased $4.5 million largely driven by the continued recovery in the book fairs channel which resulted in a 70% increase in fair count as compared to the prior fiscal year, in addition to increased book clubs channel revenues. This was partially offset by lower education and magazine channel revenues as well as marginally lower revenues in the trade channel due to softness in the retail market which was partially offset by new releases in fiscal 2023 including \nThe Baddies\n by Julia Donaldson and \nDog Man\n\u00ae\n #11: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea\n by Dav Pilkey. In Canada, local currency revenues increased\u00a0$1.4 million primarily driven by the book fairs channel which continued to recover from the pandemic, resulting in a 37% increase in fair count and higher revenue per fair, largely offset by lower trade channel revenues due to an industry wide decline in the retail market and lower sales in the book clubs channel due to lower sponsor participation. Export sales decreased $0.7 million primarily due to lower distributor sales.\nCost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was $169.7 million, or 60.7% of revenues, compared to $169.8 million, or 56.1% of revenues, in the prior fiscal year. The increase in Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was driven by continued inflationary pressures in the Major Markets which resulted in an overall increase in product costs due to higher inbound freight costs as well as higher outbound postage and freight costs. Certain foreign operations, primarily Canada, purchase inventory in U.S. dollars and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar \n29\nunfavorably impacted Cost of goods sold. Fulfillment costs also increased, primarily in Canada, driven by higher labor costs. In addition, higher excess and obsolete inventory in Canada was due to lower inventory utilization in the trade channel, which was partially offset by lower excess and obsolete inventory in Asia as a result of the exit of the direct sales business. \nOther operating expenses were $113.3 million for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023, compared to $129.7 million in the prior fiscal year. In local currencies, Other operating expenses decreased $8.3 million coupled with unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $8.1 million. Approximately $12.6\u00a0million of the decrease related to the disposition of the direct sales business in Asia driving lower employee-related expenses, general overhead costs and bad debt expense. In addition, the segment incurred severance expense of $1.2 million related to restructuring programs and UK branch consolidation costs of $0.5 million in the prior fiscal year, both of which did not reoccur in fiscal 2023. Partially offsetting this decrease, Other operating expenses were impacted by higher employee-related expenses due to the increased volume in the book fairs channels and the discontinuation of government subsidies related to COVID-related governmental retention programs in which $1.2 million was recognized in the prior fiscal year.\nSegment operating loss for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 was $3.6 million, compared to operating income of $3.3 million in the prior fiscal year. Operating loss increased $6.9 million, primarily driven by cost pressures in Canada related to the impact of the weakening Canadian dollar on inventory purchases which are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, higher excess and obsolete inventory due to the softness in the retail market, coupled with higher freight and fulfillment labor costs which, in addition to Canada, also impacted the other Major Markets due to continued inflationary pressures. This was partially offset by improved operating margin in Asia of $4.6\u00a0million attributable to the exit from the direct sales business, which generated losses in the prior period. The Company expects to incur severance costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 related to restructuring programs in Canada as efforts are being made to utilize efficiencies across North American operations. \nOverhead \nFiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022\n\u00a0\nUnallocated overhead expense for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023 decreased by $11.1 million to $91.9 million, compared to $103.0 million in the prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily attributable to $5.0\u00a0million of insurance recoveries received and recognized in fiscal 2023 related to photo litigation settlements paid in prior periods and a $1.8\u00a0million benefit related to the favorable settlement of certain legacy sales tax matters. In addition, the Company incurred lower unallocated employee-related costs, including lower severance and related charges from the Company's restructuring programs of $5.0 million. This was partially offset by $6.6 million of insurance recoveries received and recognized in the prior fiscal year related to the intellectual property legal settlement accrued in fiscal 2021.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nFiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022\n\u00a0\nCash provided by operating activities was $148.9 million for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $226.0 million for the prior fiscal year, representing a decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $77.1 million. The decrease in cash was primarily driven by higher inventory purchases of approximately $110\u00a0million. In the first half of the fiscal year, the Company increased purchases by approximately $140\u00a0million to mitigate long lead times related to global supply chain challenges. The Company expects to return to historical purchasing patterns as lead times have returned to pre-pandemic levels, however, due to the continued growth of the book fairs business, working capital requirements are expected to remain elevated. The decrease was also attributable to lower net refunds from income taxes of $51.3 million relative to the prior fiscal year, increased spending on general expenses in the book fairs channel to support the increased fair count and lower cash remittances related to book fairs incentive credits. This was partially offset by higher customer remittances on receivable balances in fiscal 2023 of approximately $62.6\u00a0million. \nCash used in investing activities was $99.6 million for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023, compared to cash used in investing activities of $43.2 million for the prior fiscal year, representing an increase in cash used in investing activities of $56.4 million. The increase in cash used was driven by higher capital expenditures of $20.0 million, primarily for new equipment at the Company's Jefferson City, Missouri distribution facility and in the book fairs warehouses to meet expected demand, payments related to the Learning Ovations acquisition of $10.7 million, and increased prepublication spending of $9.7 million associated with product development in \nEducation Solutions\n. In addition, the \n30\nprior fiscal year included net proceeds of $10.4 million from the sale of the U.S. Lake Mary facility and $5.6 million from the sale of the UK distribution facility located in Witney.\nCash used by financing activities was $139.5 million for the fiscal year ended May\u00a031, 2023, compared to cash used in financing activities of $229.2 million for the prior fiscal year. The decrease in cash used in financing activities of $89.7 million was primarily related to repayments of borrowings under the U.S. credit agreement of $175.0\u00a0million during the prior fiscal year, coupled with an increase in net proceeds from stock option exercises of $10.5\u00a0million. Partially offsetting this decrease, the Company repurchased $132.1 million of common stock, compared to repurchases of $33.4 million in the prior fiscal year, and paid higher dividends of $4.9 million as part of the Company's shareholder enhancement initiatives. As a result, outstanding shares decreased 7% from 34.2 million to 31.7 million as of May 31, 2023 which will benefit earnings per share calculations in fiscal 2024. \nCash Position\nThe Company\u2019s cash and cash equivalents totaled $224.5 million at May\u00a031, 2023 and $316.6 million at May\u00a031, 2022. Cash and cash equivalents held by the Company\u2019s U.S. operations totaled $174.6 million at May\u00a031, 2023 and $275.5 million at May\u00a031, 2022.\nThe Company\u2019s operating philosophy is to use cash provided by operating activities to create value by paying down debt, reinvesting in existing businesses and, from time to time, making acquisitions that will complement its portfolio of businesses or acquiring other strategic assets, as well as engaging in shareholder enhancement initiatives, such as share repurchases or dividend declarations. During fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased $135.1 million of its common stock, which included shares repurchased through a modified Dutch auction tender offer and open-market repurchases. See Note 14, \"Treasury Stock,\" of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, \"Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\" for further details regarding the modified Dutch auction tender offer. Under the Company's open-market buy-back program, $21.6 million remained available for future purchases of common shares as of May 31, 2023. Subsequent to May 31, 2023, the Board authorized an increase of $100.0 million for common stock repurchases, resulting in a current Board authorization of $119.2 million, which includes the remaining amount from the previous Board authorization less share repurchases of $2.4 million subsequent to May 31, 2023.\nThe Company has maintained, and expects to maintain for the foreseeable future, sufficient liquidity to fund ongoing operations, including working capital requirements, pension contributions, postretirement benefits, debt service, planned capital expenditures and other investments, as well as dividends and share repurchases. As of May\u00a031, 2023, the Company\u2019s primary sources of liquidity consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $224.5 million, cash from operations and the Company's U.S. credit agreement. The Company expects the U.S. credit agreement to provide it with an appropriate level of flexibility to strategically manage its business operations. The Company's U.S. credit agreement, less commitments of $0.4 million, has $299.6 million of availability. Additionally, the Company has short-term credit facilities of $34.5 million, less current borrowings of $6.0 million and commitments of $3.4 million, resulting in $25.1 million of current availability under these facilities at May\u00a031, 2023. Accordingly, the Company believes these sources of liquidity are sufficient to finance its currently anticipated ongoing operating needs, as well as its financing and investing activities.\n31\nThe following table summarizes, as of May\u00a031, 2023, the Company\u2019s contractual cash obligations by future period (see Notes 5, 6, 9 and 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, \u201cConsolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d): \n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n$ amounts in millions\n\u00a0\nPayments Due By Period\nContractual Obligations\n1 Year or Less\nYears 2-3\nYears 4-5\nAfter Year 5\nTotal\nMinimum print quantities\n$\n0.3\u00a0\n$\n0.2\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n0.5\u00a0\nRoyalty advances\n28.9\u00a0\n11.9\u00a0\n0.3\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\n41.3\u00a0\nLines of credit and short-term debt\n6.0\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n6.0\u00a0\nFinance leases \n(1)\n2.4\u00a0\n2.8\u00a0\n1.9\u00a0\n0.3\u00a0\n7.4\u00a0\nOperating leases\n25.4\u00a0\n36.4\u00a0\n25.1\u00a0\n25.4\u00a0\n112.3\u00a0\nPension and postretirement plans \n(2)\n2.3\u00a0\n4.8\u00a0\n4.5\u00a0\n10.7\u00a0\n22.3\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n65.3\n\u00a0\n$\n56.1\n\u00a0\n$\n31.8\n\u00a0\n$\n36.6\n\u00a0\n$\n189.8\n\u00a0\n(1) \n \nIncludes principal and interest.\n(2) Excludes expected Medicare Part D subsidy receipts.\nFinancing\n\u00a0\nLoan Agreement\nThe Company is party to the U.S. credit agreement, as well as certain credit lines with various banks. For a more complete description of the U.S. credit agreement, as well as the Company's other debt obligations, reference is made to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, \u201c\nConsolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\n.\u201d The Company had no outstanding borrowings under the U.S. credit agreement as of May 31, 2023. On February 28, 2023, the Company entered into the First and Second Amendments to the U.S. credit agreement which adjusted the credit spread adjustment for SOFR (the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) to 0.10% and transitioned the reference rate from LIBOR (the London interbank offered rate) to SOFR. Reference is made to Note 1 and Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, \u201c\nConsolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\n for further details.\nThe Company is party to other loan agreements, notes or other documents or instruments which previously referenced USD LIBOR as the benchmark interest rate index used to set the borrowing rate on certain short-term and variable-rate loans or advances. As of May 31, 2023, the Company has effectively replaced USD LIBOR with alternative reference rates in all financial contracts. The Company does not believe that the change in reference rates has or will have any material effect on its ability to access the credit markets under its existing financing agreements, or its ability to modify or amend financial contracts, if required.\nAcquisitions\u00a0\nIn the ordinary course of business, the Company explores domestic and international expansion opportunities, including potential niche and strategic acquisitions. As part of this process, the Company engages with interested parties in discussions concerning possible transactions. The Company will continue to evaluate such expansion opportunities and prospects. See Note 10, \"Acquisitions\", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, \u201cConsolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\u201d",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\n\u00a0\nThe Company conducts its business in various foreign countries, and as such, its cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company sells products from its domestic operations to its foreign subsidiaries, creating additional currency risk. The Company manages its exposures to this market risk through internally established procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of short-term forward exchange contracts which were not significant as of May\u00a031, 2023. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions or use other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.\nThe Company is subject to the risk that market interest rates and its cost of borrowing will increase and thereby increase the interest charged under its variable-rate debt.\n32\nAdditional information relating to the Company\u2019s derivative transactions and outstanding financial instruments is included in Note 19, \"Derivatives and Hedging,\" and Note 5, \"Debt,\" respectively, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, \u201c\nConsolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\n,\u201d which is included herein.\nThe following table sets forth information about the Company\u2019s debt instruments as of May\u00a031, 2023:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n$ amounts in millions\n\u00a0\nFiscal Year Maturity\n\u00a0\nFair Value\n\u00a0\n2024\n2025\n2026\n2027\n2028\nThereafter\nTotal\n2023\nDebt Obligations\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nLines of credit and current portion of long-term debt\n$\n6.0\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n6.0\u00a0\n$\n6.0\u00a0\nAverage interest rate\n4.9\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n33",
+ "cik": "866729",
+ "cusip6": "807066",
+ "cusip": ["807066905", "807066105"],
+ "names": ["SCHOLASTIC CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/866729/000086672923000019/0000866729-23-000019-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000886158-23-000059.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000886158-23-000059.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ffe15ad263
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000886158-23-000059.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\nBusiness\n6\nItem 1A.\nRisk Factors\n12\nItem 1B.\nUnresolved Staff Comments\n17\nItem 2.\nProperties\n18\nItem 3.\nLegal Proceedings\n20\nItem 4.\nMine Safety Disclosures\n21\nPART II\nItem 5.\nMarket for Registrant\u2019s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities\n22\nItem 7.\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n24\nItem 7A.\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n38\nItem 8.\nFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\n39\nItem 9.\nChanges in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n85\nItem 9A.\nControls and Procedures\n85\nItem 9B.\nOther Information\n85\nItem 9C.\nDisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n85\nPART III\nItem 10.\nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n87\nItem 11.\nExecutive Compensation\n90\nItem 12.\nSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters\n117\nItem 13.\nCertain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n118\nItem 14.\nPrincipal Accounting Fees and Services\n118\nPART IV\nItem 15.\nExhibits, Financial Statement Schedules\n119\nItem 16.\nForm 10-K Summary\n124\n*\n3\nTable\n \nof Contents\nINTRODUCTORY NOTE\nOn April 23, 2023 (the \u201cPetition Date\u201d), the Company and materially all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, the \u201cDebtors\u201d or the \u201cCompany Parties\u201d) filed a voluntary petition (the \u201cChapter 11 Cases\u201d) under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the \u201cBankruptcy Code\u201d) in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (the \u201cBankruptcy Court\u201d). On the Petition Date, the Company Parties filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court seeking to jointly administer the Chapter 11 Cases. On April 24, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving joint administration under the caption \n\u201cIn re Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.\n,\n\u201d\n \nCase No. 23-13359.\n Certain of the Company\u2019s subsidiaries were not included in the Chapter 11 filing.\nOn April 25, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the bidding procedures in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of the Debtors\u2019 assets.\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Stalking Horse Deadline: June 11, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time)\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Bid Deadline: June 16, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time)\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Auction (if applicable): An Auction may be held on June 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) via live auction\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Notice of Successful Bidder: As soon as reasonably practicable after the conclusion of the Auction (if necessary).\n5. Sale Objection Deadline: June 26, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time)\n6. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sale Hearing: June 27, 2023, or as soon thereafter as the Court\u2019s calendar permits\nThe Company Parties continue to operate their business and manage their properties as \u201cdebtors-in-possession\u201d under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Bankruptcy Court. Except as otherwise specifically stated herein, the description and disclosures presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K reflect the Company\u2019s business as of February 25, 2023, prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases. As a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Company no longer has any operations, other than those relating to the wind down of its business and the completion of the Chapter 11 process.\nCAUTIONARY INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING IN THE COMPANY\u2019S SECURITIES\nHolders of the Company\u2019s equity securities will likely be entitled to no recovery on their investment following the Chapter 11 Cases, and recoveries to other stakeholders cannot be determined at this time. The Company cautions that trading in the Company\u2019s securities given the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases is highly speculative and poses substantial risk. Trading prices for the Company\u2019s securities bear little or no relationship to the actual value realized, if any, by holders of the Company\u2019s securities in the Chapter 11 Cases. Accordingly, the Company urges extreme caution with respect to existing and future investment in its securities.\n4\nTable\n \nof Contents\nPART I\nUnless otherwise indicated, references to \"we,\" \"our,\" \"us,\" \"ourselves\" and the \"Company\" refer collectively to Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and its subsidiaries as of\n \nFebruary\u00a025, 2023. Our fiscal year is comprised of the 52 or 53 week period ending on the Saturday nearest February 28. Accordingly, throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K: (i) the term \"Fiscal 2022\" means our fiscal year beginning February\u00a027, 2022, and ending February\u00a025, 2023, (ii) the term \"Fiscal 2021\" means our fiscal year beginning February\u00a028, 2021, and ending February\u00a026, 2022, and (iii) the term \"Fiscal 2020\" means our fiscal year beginning March\u00a01, 2020, and ending February\u00a027, 2021. Unless otherwise indicated, all references herein to periods of time (e.g., quarters) are in relation to the fiscal years defined above.\nCAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS \nThis Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Many of these forward-looking statements can be identified by use of words such as \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201capproximate,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cassume,\u201d \u201ccontinue,\u201d \u201cmodel,\u201d \u201cproject,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cgoal,\u201d \u201cpreliminary,\u201d and similar words and phrases, although the absence of those words does not necessarily mean that statements are not forward-looking. Our actual results and future financial condition may differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. Such factors include, without limitation: \n\u2022\nthe Chapter 11 Cases and the Chapter 11 process;\n\u2022\nrisks attendant to the bankruptcy process, including the Company\u2019s ability to obtain court approval from the Bankruptcy Court (as defined herein) with respect to motions or other requests made to the Bankruptcy Court throughout the course of the Chapter 11 Cases (as defined herein), including with respect the DIP Facility (as defined herein);\n\u2022\nthe effects of the Chapter 11 Cases, including increased legal and other professional costs necessary to execute the Company\u2019s reorganization, on the Company\u2019s liquidity (including the availability of operating capital during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases), results of operations or business prospects;\n\u2022\nthe effects of the Chapter 11 Cases on the interests of various constituents and financial stakeholders;\n\u2022\nthe length of time that the Company will operate under Chapter 11 protection and the continued availability of operating capital during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases;\n\u2022\nobjections to the Company\u2019s Chapter 11 process, or other pleadings filed that could protract the Chapter 11 Cases;\n\u2022\nrisks associated with third-party motions in the Chapter 11 Cases;\n\u2022\nthe Company\u2019s ability to comply with the restrictions imposed by the terms and conditions of the DIP Credit Agreement (as defined herein) and other financing arrangements;\n\u2022\nrisks relating to the delisting of the Company\u2019s common stock from Nasdaq and future quotation of the Company\u2019s common stock;\n\u2022\nthe effectiveness of the Company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, and the potential for material weaknesses in the Company\u2019s internal controls over financial reporting or other potential weaknesses of which the Company is not currently aware or which have not been detected; and\n\u2022\nthe impact of litigation and regulatory proceedings.\nExcept as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our management\u2019s beliefs and assumptions, which in turn are based on currently available information. These assumptions could prove inaccurate. \nAny forward-looking statement we make in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or elsewhere speaks only as of the date on which we make it. The risks identified above are not exhaustive, and you should be aware that there may be other risks that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. In any event, these and other important factors, including those set forth under the caption \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, may cause actual results to differ materially from those \n5\nTable\n \nof Contents\nindicated by our forward-looking statements. We have no duty, and do not intend, to update or revise the forward-looking statements we make in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or elsewhere, except as may be required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that the future events or circumstances described in any forward-looking statement we make in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or elsewhere might not occur. \nITEM 1 \u2013 BUSINESS\nOverview\nThe description of the Company\u2019s business contained herein reflects the Company\u2019s operations of its business prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases on April 23, 2023. As a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Company no longer has operations, other than those relating to the wind down of its business and completion of the Chapter 11 process.\nThe Company is an omni-channel retailer that makes it easy for our customers to feel at home. We sell a wide assortment of merchandise in the Home, Baby, Beauty & Wellness markets and operate under the names Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY (\"BABY\").\nOur portfolio of banners consists of:\nBed Bath & Beyond\n - a specialty home retailer in the U.S that sells a wide assortment of domestic merchandise and home furnishings. Bed Bath & Beyond is a destination in the home space, particularly in key product categories including bedding, bath, kitchen food prep, home organization and indoor decor.\nbuybuy BABY\n - a specialty baby retailer in North America that sells a wide assortment of baby essentials and nursery furnishings. BABY strives to build trust with parents by supporting them with what they need so families can celebrate every milestone \u2013 big and small \u2013 together.\nWe offer a broad assortment of national brands and an assortment of proprietary owned brands (the \u201cOwned Brands\u201d). Owned Brand merchandise in key destination categories including bedding, bath, kitchen, food prep, home organization, indoor d\u00e9cor, baby and personal care.\nAcross our banners, we carry a wide variety of domestics, and home furnishings and baby merchandise. Domestics merchandise includes categories such as bed linens and related items, bath items and kitchen textiles. Home furnishings include categories such as kitchen and tabletop items, food prep, fine tabletop, basic housewares, home organization, general home furnishings (including furniture and wall d\u00e9cor), consumables, and certain juvenile products. Our Owned Brands in domestics and home furnishings include Simply Essential\u2122, Nestwell\u2122, Our Table\u2122, Squared Away\u2122, H for Happy\u2122 and Everhome\u2122. Our Owned Brands in baby include Mighty Goods\u2122 and Ever & Ever\u2122.\nWe operate an omni-channel platform consisting of various websites and applications and physical retail stores. Our e-commerce platforms include bedbathandbeyond.com and buybuybaby.com. We operate Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY stores.\nWe are driving a digital-first, omni-always strategy and optimizing our digital and physical store channels to provide our customers with an omni-channel shopping experience. Digital purchases, including web and mobile, can be shipped to a customer from our distribution facilities, directly from vendors, or from a store. Store purchases are primarily fulfilled from that store's inventory or may also be shipped to a customer from one of our distribution facilities, from a vendor, or from another store. Customers can also choose to pick up orders using our Buy Online Pickup In Store (\"BOPIS\") and contactless Curbside Pickup services, as well as return online purchases to a store, or have an order delivered through one of our delivery partners. \nWe operated 872 retail stores, as of February\u00a025, 2023, consisting of 696 Bed Bath & Beyond stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada, 131 BABY stores in 37 states and Canada and 45 Harmon stores in 2 states. During Fiscal 2022, we opened 7 new stores and closed 88 stores. As of February\u00a025, 2023, our total store square footage, net of openings and closings, was approximately 25.5 million square feet. In addition to our U.S. and Canadian operations, we are a partner in a joint venture that operates 5 stores in Mexico under the name Bed Bath & Beyond.\nWe account for our operations as one North American Retail reporting segment. In Fiscal \n2020\n, we accounted for our operations as two operating segments: North American Retail and Institutional Sales, the latter of which did not meet the quantitative thresholds under GAAP and, therefore, was not a reportable segment, and which was divested in October 2020. Net sales outside of the U.S. were not material for Fiscal \n2022\n, \n2021,\n or \n2020\n. \n6\nTable\n \nof Contents\nRecent Developments\nChapter 11 Bankruptcy\nOn April 23, 2023 (the \u201cPetition Date\u201d), the Company and materially all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, the \u201cDebtors\u201d or the \u201cCompany Parties\u201d) filed voluntary petitions (the \u201cChapter 11 Cases\u201d) under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the \u201cBankruptcy Code\u201d) in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (the \u201cBankruptcy Court\u201d). On the Petition Date, the Company Parties filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court seeking to jointly administer the Chapter 11 Cases. On April 24, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving joint administration under the caption \n\u201cIn re Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.\n,\n\u201d \nCase No. 23-13359. Certain of the Company\u2019s subsidiaries were not included in the Chapter 11 filing.\nThe Company Parties continue to operate their business and manage their properties as \u201cdebtors-in-possession\" under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company Parties filed with the Bankruptcy Court motions seeking a variety of \u201cfirst-day\u201d relief, including authority to pay employee wages and benefits and to pay vendors and suppliers for goods and services provided both before and after the Petition Date. In addition, the Company filed with the Bankruptcy Court a motion seeking approval (\u201cInterim DIP Order\u201d) of debtor-in-possession financing (\u201cDIP Financing\u201d) in the form of the DIP Credit Agreement (as defined and described below). Following a hearing held on April 24, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court approved the Company Parties\u2019 motions seeking a variety of \u201cfirst-day\u201d relief on an interim basis. The Company Parties resolved numerous informal comments and many of the \"first-day\" motions were entered on a final basis consensually. A hearing was scheduled on June 14, 2023 for the Bankruptcy Court to consider final approval of the relief requested in certain first day motions, and final approval of the DIP Facility. \nDIP Credit Agreement\nPrior to the Petition Date, the Company Parties and Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc., Sixth Street Lending Partners and TAO Talents (the \u201cDIP Parties\u201d) agreed to enter into a senior secured super-priority debtor-in-possession term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $240,000,000 subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein (the \u201cDIP Credit Agreement\u201d). On April 25, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving entry into the DIP Credit Facility on an interim basis. Pursuant to the DIP Credit Agreement, the DIP Lenders have provided a senior secured super-priority debtor in possession term loan facility (the \u201cDIP Facility\u201d), consisting of (1) a new money single draw term loan facility in the amount of $40 million, and (2) a roll-up of certain secured obligations under the existing prepetition credit agreement between the Company Parties and the Prepetition FILO Lenders in the amount of $200 million. Borrowings under the DIP Facility are senior secured obligations of the Company and certain Company Parties, secured by a super priority lien on the collateral under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2021 (as amended by that certain First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2022, that certain Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Waiver, dated as of February 7, 2023, that certain Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Waiver, dated as of March 6, 2023, that certain Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Waiver, dated as of March 30, 2023, that certain Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Waiver, dated as of April 6, 2023 and that certain Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, Consent and Waiver, dated as of April 21, 2023, the \u201cExisting Credit Agreement\u201d), as well as all unencumbered assets of the Company Parties (subject to customary exceptions). The DIP Credit Agreement has various customary covenants, as well as covenants mandating compliance by the Debtors with a 13-week budget, variance testing and reporting requirements, among others. The proceeds of all or a portion of the proposed DIP Credit Agreements may be used for, among other things, post-petition working capital for the Company and its subsidiaries, payment of costs to administer the Chapter 11 Cases, payment of expenses and fees of the transactions contemplated by the Chapter 11 Cases, payment of court-approved adequate protection obligations under the DIP Credit Agreements, and payment of other costs, in each case, subject to an approved budget and such other purposes permitted under the DIP Credit Agreement and the Interim DIP Order or any other order of the Bankruptcy Court.\nThe Company Parties are seeking final approval of the DIP Credit Agreement at a hearing before the Bankruptcy Court, contemplated to occur on or about June 14, 2023.\nNasdaq Delisting Proceedings\nOn April 24, 2023, the Company received written notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (\u201cNasdaq\u201d) notifying the Company that, as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases and in accordance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules 5101, 5110(b) and IM-5101-1, Nasdaq had determined that the Company\u2019s common stock will be delisted from Nasdaq Trading of the Company\u2019s common stock was suspended at the opening of business on May 3, 2023.\nFollowing delisting from Nasdaq, the Company\u2019s common stock has been quoted in the OTC Pink Open Market under the symbol \u201cBBBYQ\u201d. The OTC Pink Open Market is a significantly more limited market than Nasdaq, and quotation on the OTC Pink Open Market likely results in a less liquid market for existing and potential holders of the common stock to trade the Company\u2019s common stock and could further depress the trading price of the common stock. The Company can provide no assurance as to \n7\nTable\n \nof Contents\nwhether broker-dealers will continue to provide public quotes of the common stock on this market, or whether the trading volume of the common stock will be sufficient to provide for an efficient trading market.\nWe expect Nasdaq to file a Form 25 with the SEC to delist our common stock from trading on Nasdaq and to remove it from registration under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, which will become effective 10 days after such filing. In accordance with Rule 12d2-2 of the Exchange Act, the de-registration of our common stock under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act will become effective 90 days, or such shorter period as the SEC may determine, from the date of the Form 25 filing. \nAppointment of Chief Restructuring Officer\nEffective on April 22, 2023, the Company appointed Holly Etlin to serve as the Chief Restructuring Officer (\u201cCRO\u201d) of the Company for such a term and in accordance with the terms and conditions of that certain engagement letter, dated as of April 21, 2023 by and among and the Company and AP Services, LLC (the \u201cAP Engagement Letter\u201d). As further set forth in the AP Engagement Letter, Ms. Etlin\u2019s authority as CRO includes, in coordination with the Company\u2019s advisors and management, (a) overseeing the Chapter 11 Cases and court-supervised liquidation and sale process, (b) overseeing cash management and liquidity forecasting, (c) the development of, or revisions to, the Company\u2019s business plan, and (d) engagement with creditors and other stakeholders. Ms. Etlin shall serve at the direction of an ad hoc committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries comprised of Carol Flaton, Pamela Corrie, Jonathan Foster, and Joshua Schechter, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AP Engagement Letter.\nDivestiture of Non-Core Assets\nDuring Fiscal 2020, we divested five non-core banners, including One Kings Lane in the first quarter, PersonalizationMall.com in the second quarter, Linen Holdings and Christmas Tree Shops in the third quarter and Cost Plus World Market in the fourth quarter, generating approximately $534 million in net proceeds. See \"Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" for detailed information relating to these divestitures.\nFiscal 2022 Strategic Transformation\nBeginning in the third quarter of Fiscal 2022, we underwent significant strategic and management changes to transform our business and adapt to the dynamic retail environment and the evolving needs of our customers in order to position ourselves for long-term success. The Company began to execute a comprehensive strategic plan led by our new President and Chief Executive Officer, Sue Gove, who was appointed in October 2022 after serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer. \n\u2022\nChange in leadership and strategy: \nWe realigned our organizational structure, which included the creation of Brand President roles for Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY to lead merchandising, planning, brand marketing, site merchandising and stores for each banner.\n\u2022\nOwned Brands:\n We exited a third of our Owned Brands, including the discontinuation of three of our nine labels (Haven\u2122, Wild Sage\u2122 and Studio 3B\u2122). We also expect to reduce the breadth and depth of inventory across our six remaining Owned Brands (Simply Essential\u2122, Nestwell\u2122, Our Table\u2122, Squared Away\u2122, H for Happy\u2122 and Everhome\u2122).\n\u2022\nIntroduction of Welcomes Rewards:\n During the second quarter of fiscal 2022, we launched our cross-banner customer loyalty program, Welcome Rewards\u2122, which allows members to earn points for each qualifying purchase at its retail banners either online or in its stores. Points earned are then converted to rewards upon reaching certain thresholds.\n\u2022\nRight-sizing cost structure and store fleets to better serve customers:\n We increased our focus on strategic investments in technologies, capabilities and services, store maintenance, and the expansion of digital offerings and services. We also initiated a strategic revaluation of store remodel plans and returns given changes in customer shopping and service.\n\u2022\nSupporting the growth of \nbuybuy BABY: \nWe began to expand as we worked to become a solution for parents from pre-natal to pre-school. During Fiscal 2022, we launched the first two exclusive buybuy Baby brands, Mighty Goods\n\u2122 and \nEver & Ever\n\u2122 which are available exclusively at buybuy BABY stores and online at buybuyBABY.com.\nStore Closings\nIn support of the Company\u2019s transformation, the Company reduced its store footprint and closed 88 stores during Fiscal 2022. \nAdditionally, as of the commencement of Chapter 11 Case the Company has begun the closing of the remaining stores, and the \n8\nTable\n \nof Contents\nCompany Parties are actively seeking to market and sell real property leases in order to capture substantial value and avoid significant costs associate with such leases.\nRebalancing our Merchandise\nIn conjunction with the Company\u2019s new strategic focus areas, the Company executed plans to rebalance our merchandise assortment to align with customer preference by leading with National Brands inventory and introducing new, emerging direct-to-consumer brands. Consequently, we announced the exiting of a third of our Owned Brands, including the discontinuation of a third of our nine labels (Haven\u2122, Wild Sage\u2122 and Studio 3B\u2122). We also expect to reduce the breadth and depth of inventory across our six remaining Owned Brands (Simply Essential\u2122, Nestwell\u2122, Our Table\u2122, Squared Away\u2122, H for Happy\u2122 and Everhome\u2122).\nExit from Harmon, Decorist and Canadian Operations\nWe have continued to create a more focused portfolio, including through the exit of unprofitable businesses such as our Harmon, Decorist and Canada operations. On September 26, 2022, we announced Decorist, an e-design platform we acquired in 2017, would wind down existing projects by October 12, 2022. On January 30, 2023, we announced plans to close all of our Harmon beauty product stores. \nDuring the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2022, we begun the exit of our Canadian operations.\nOn February 10, 2023 (the \u201cCanadian Petition Date\u201d), BBB Canada Limited made an application with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the \u201cCanadian Court\u201d). BBB Canada Limited was granted an order, which, among other provisions, provides a stay of proceedings pursuant to the Companies\u2019 Creditors Arrangement Act (the \u201cCCAA\u201d). The CCAA is a Federal Act that allows financially troubled corporations that owe their creditors in excess of $5 million the opportunity to restructure their affairs. Although Bed Bath & Beyond Canada L.P. (\u201cBBB LP\u201d and together with BBB Canada Limited, \u201cBBB Canada\u201d) did not file an application with the Canadian Court, the stay of proceedings under the CCAA and other benefits were extended to BBB LP. BBB Canada initiated a wind-down of Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby Stores in Canada under the CCAA. A monitor was appointed by the Canadian Court on February 10, 2023 to oversee the orderly liquidation of its remaining inventory with assistance from a third-party professional liquidator and vacate its leased retail stores and premises.\nFinancial Position Realignment\nThe description of the Company\u2019s business contained herein reflects the Company\u2019s operations of its business prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases on April 23, 2023. As a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Company no longer has operations, other than those relating to the wind down of its business and completion of the Chapter 11 process.\nThe Company focused on its financial position with the following efforts prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases:\n\u2022\nRight-sizing cost structure and infrastructure to reflect business operations: \nWe initiated a strategic revaluation of our overall expense and operational structure to align with business performance and target profitability. \n\u2022\nOrganizational changes to drive key focus areas:\n We realigned our executive leadership team and streamlined our organizational structure to focus on immediate priorities and important changes to operations. In conjunction with these changes, the Company has eliminated the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Stores Officer, Chief Merchandising Officer, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Growth Officer roles.\n\u2022\nSupply chain optimization: \nWe completed a supply chain network study to improve cost to serve and time to deliver for our customers by streamlining fulfillment center and distribution center operations.\n\u2022\nSupporting our supplier and vendor partners:\n The Company\u2019s teams worked closely with supplier and vendor partners to ensure customers have access to a strong assortment of their favorite brands across both store and digital channels. The customer experience is our top priority and we made meaningful progress to improve our business and calibrate to customer demand. In addition to leveraging our recent capital to reinvest in high demand inventory, we also worked to develop a third-party consignment program to allow us to fortify our product assortments by expanding merchandise availability from key supplier partners. \n\u2022\nObtaining additional capital:\n On February 7, 2023, the Company consummated an underwritten public offering of (i) shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (\u201cSeries A\u201d), (ii) warrants to purchase shares of the Company\u2019s Common Stock (\u201cCommon Stock Warrants\u201d), and (iii) warrants to purchase shares of the Company\u2019s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (\u201cPreferred Stock Warrants\u201d). The gross proceeds received for the Series A was $225.0 million and there was no additional consideration received for the Common Stock Warrants and Preferred Stock Warrants issued. \nBetween February 7, 2023 and March 27, 2023, a holder exercised 14,212 Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants to \n9\nTable\n \nof Contents\npurchase 14,212 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for aggregate proceeds to the Company of $135,014,000. After the Company anticipated that it would not be able to meet the conditions to force the exercise of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants in the future and receive cash proceeds therefore, on March 30, 2023, the Company and such holder entered into an exchange agreement (the \u201cExchange Agreement\u201d). Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement,\n the Company exchanged the warrants to purchase Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to purchase 70,004 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share and stated value of $10,000 per share for 10,000,000 shares of common stock and rights to receive 5,000,000 shares of common stock upon the effectuation of a reverse stock split. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants were terminated pursuant to the Exchange Agreement.\n\u2022\nAmending the credit facility to enable strategic initiatives: \n\u25e6\nOn February 7, 2023, the Company entered into the Second Amendment (the \u201cSecond Amendment\u201d) to that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2021 (the \u201cCredit Agreement\u201d and as further amended, the \u201cAmended Credit Agreement\u201d), with certain of the Company\u2019s US and Canadian subsidiaries party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the \u201cAdministrative Agent\u201d), Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc., as FILO agent (the \u201cFILO Agent\u201d), and the lenders party thereto. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the lenders agreed to (i) waive any outstanding defaults or events of default under the existing Credit Facilities consisting of an asset-based revolving credit facility (the \u201cABL Facility\u201d) and a first-in-last-out term loan credit facility (the \u201cFILO Facility\u201d and, together with the ABL Facility, the \u201cCredit Facilities\u201d) and (ii) rescind the implementation of the acceleration of obligations under the existing Credit Facilities, the requirement to cash collateralize letters of credit obligations under the existing Credit Facilities and the default interest on the outstanding obligations under the existing Credit Facilities.\n\u25e6\nOn March 6, 2023, the Company entered into a waiver and amendment (the \u201cThird Amendment\u201d) to the Amended Credit Agreement. The Third Amendment waived certain defaults and events of default under the Amended Credit Agreement related to negative and affirmative covenants, including relating to the timely approval of the Company\u2019s budget, which impacted the receipt of equity proceeds pursuant to the Equity Commitment Documents by the then Required Funding Date (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and subsequently triggered the required satisfaction of the springing fixed charge coverage ratio. \n\u25e6\nOn March 30, 2023, the Company entered into a waiver and amendment (the \u201cFourth Amendment\u201d) to the Amended Credit Agreement\n. The Fourth Amendment waived certain events of default under the Amended Credit Agreement related to negative and affirmative covenants. The Fourth Amendment also revised provisions of the Amended Credit Agreement relating to the Equity Commitment (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) to reflect the Company\u2019s entry into an at-the-market sales agreement, dated March 30, 2023, by and between the Company and B. \nRiley Securities, Inc. (the \u201cATM Agreement\u201d) and the Purchase Agreement and the Common Stock Purchase Agreement entered into with BRPC II on March 30, 2023 (the \u201cPurchase Agreement\u201d) to provide additional capital to the Company. Simultaneously, the Company terminated its previous public equity offering and all outstanding warrants for Series A Convertible Preferred Stock associated with that offering.\n \n\u25e6\nOn April 6, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment (the \u201cFifth Amendment\u201d) to the Amended Credit Agreement. The Fifth Amendment permitted the entry into an amendment to the Consignment Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2023 (the \u201cConsignment Agreement\u201d), by and among the Company, certain of its subsidiaries and Restore Capital (BBB), LLC. The Fifth Amendment also added an Event of Default under the Amended Credit Agreement in the event that the Consignment Agreement is not extended at least fifteen days prior to the termination date therein. \n \nCompetition\nWe operate in a highly competitive business environment and compete with other national, regional, and local physical and online retailers that may carry similar lines of merchandise, including department stores, specialty stores, off-price stores, mass merchandise stores and online only retailers. \nSuppliers\nHistorically, we have purchased substantially all of our merchandise in the United States, with the majority from domestic sources (who may manufacture overseas) and the balance from importers. \n10\nTable\n \nof Contents\nIn Fiscal \n2022\n, we purchased our merchandise from approximately 3,700 suppliers with our largest supplier accounting for approximately 5% of our merchandise purchases and the ten largest suppliers accounting for approximately 27% of such purchases. We have no long-term contracts for the purchases of merchandise. \nDistribution\nA substantial portion of our merchandise is shipped to stores through a combination of third-party facilities, including cross dock locations, or through our operated distribution facilities that are located throughout the United States. The remaining merchandise is shipped dir\nectly from vendors. Merchandise is shipped directly to customers from one of our distribution facilities, stores or from vendors. The majority of our shipments are made by contract carriers depending upon location. \nAs of February 25, 2023, we had distribution facilities totaling approximately 4.4 million square feet, including our first regional distribution center, an approximately one million square foot facility in Frackville, Pennsylvania, which became operational during Fiscal 2021. Ryder Systems, Inc. operated this regional distribution center under a strategic partnership, with the objective of reducing product replenishment times and improving the customer experience. All of these capabilities allow us to better serve customers across our omni-channel network. During Fiscal 2021, we also executed a lease for our second regional distribution center in Jurupa Valley, California, which became operational during the second half of Fiscal 2022. As part of the optimization and transformation initiatives during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2022, the Company decided to no longer use the Jurupa Valley, California distribution center. As of February 25, 2023, the Company had not fully exited the distribution center or reached a final negotiation with Ryder Systems, Inc. See \"Item 2 - Properties\" for additional information regarding our distribution facilities.\nMarketing\nWe employ a digital-first, omni-channel approach to marketing that is strategically designed to deliver maximum consumer engagement. The customer-inspired marketing mix includes a comprehensive range of touchpoints, including social, search, mobile SMS, email, digital video, display, content and influencer marketing, online affiliate programs and public relations, as well as traditional broadcast and print media, circulars, catalogs and our well-known \"big blue\" coupons. \nCustomer Care\nOur omni-always strategy is rooted in elevating the end-to-end experience for our customers across all channels, brands and banners. Through a customer inspired lens, we invest in capabilities necessary to continuously evolve and deliver for our customers. Our digital-first customer care made it easy for customers to connect with us through chat, phone and our digital properties including mobile apps that offered quick access to self-serve capabilities. Our holistic approach to customer care was designed to make it convenient for our customers to access help wherever and whenever they need it.\nTradenames, Service Marks and Domain Names\nWe use the service marks \"Bed Bath & Beyond\" and \"buybuy BABY\" in connection with our retail services. We have registered trademarks and service marks (including for our Owned Brands) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, we have registered or have applications pending with the trademark registries of several foreign countries, including the \"Bed Bath & Beyond\" name and logo registered in Canada and Mexico and the \"buybuy BABY\" name and logo registered in Canada. We also own a number of product trademarks. We file patent applications and seek copyright registrations where we deem such to be advantageous to the business. We believe that our name recognition and service marks are important elements of our merchandising strategy.\nWe also own a number of domain names, including bedbathandbeyond.com and\n buybuybaby.com. \nPeople & Culture \nAt Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., we strived to create an environment where all Associates can thrive by offering resources that support their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. In Fiscal 2022, we specifically focused on providing a sense of continuity and stability as we navigated a dynamic environment. At the same time, and in light of significant senior leadership turnover initiated by the Board and our new CEO, it was essential to maintain an environment optimizing retention and maximizing our ability to recruit new talent.\nAs of February\u00a025, 2023, we had approximately 20,000 associates, including approximately \n17,000\n store associates and approximately 2,200 supply chain associates.\n11\nTable\n \nof Contents\nGovernment Regulations\nWe believe that we are in compliance with all applicable government regulations, including environmental regulations. We do not anticipate any material effects on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position as a result of our efforts to comply with applicable government regulations.\nSeasonality\nOur business is subject to seasonal influences. Generally, our sales volumes are higher in the calendar months of August (back to school/college), November and December (holiday), and lower in February.\nAvailable Information\nWe make available as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (\"SEC\"), free of charge, through our websites, www.bedbathandbeyond.com, and http://bedbathandbeyond.gcs-web.com/financial-information/sec-filings, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, electronically filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We may also use our websites as a distribution channel of material information about us including through press releases, investor presentations, and notices of upcoming events. We intend to utilize the investor relations section of our website as a channel of distribution to reach public investors and as a means of disclosing material non-public information for complying with disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. We also intend to use certain social media channels, including, but not limited to, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, as means of communicating with the public, our customers and investors about us, our products, and other matters. While not all the information that we post to our website and social media channels may be deemed to be of a material nature, some information may be, and we therefore encourage investors, the media and others interested in us to review the information we make public in these locations.",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A \u2013 RISK FACTORS\nAn investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all of the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before making a decision to invest in our common stock.\nRISKS RELATED TO THE CHAPTER 11 CASES\nOn April 23, 2023, we voluntarily filed the Chapter 11 Cases. The Company Parties continue to operate their business and manage their properties as \u201cdebtors-in-possession\u201d under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Bankruptcy Court.\nWe may not be able to obtain confirmation of a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.\nTo complete our Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, we must meet certain statutory requirements with respect to adequacy of disclosure with respect to a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, solicit and obtain the requisite acceptances of such a plan and fulfill other statutory conditions for confirmation of such a plan. The precise requirements and evidentiary showing for confirming a plan, notwithstanding its rejection by one or more impaired classes of claims or equity interests, depends upon a number of factors including, without limitation, the status and seniority of the claims or equity interests in the rejecting class.\nThere is no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully consummate a Chapter 11 plan, creating substantial doubt about the Company\u2019s ability to continue as a going concern.\nThe Company's ability to continue as a going concern is contingent upon, among other things, its ability to, subject to the Bankruptcy Court\u2019s approval, implement a Chapter 11 plan, successfully emerge from the Chapter 11 Cases and establish a sustainable capital structure upon emergence. Our ability to consummate a Chapter 11 plan is subject to risks and uncertainties many of which are beyond our control. These factors, together with the Company\u2019s recurring losses from operations and accumulated deficit, create substantial doubt about the Company\u2019s ability to continue as a going concern. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully create and implement a Chapter 11 plan, or realize all or any of the expected benefits from such Chapter 11 plan.\nThe Company has sought the protection of the Bankruptcy Court, which subjects it to the risks and uncertainties associated with bankruptcy and may harm its business.\n12\nTable\n \nof Contents\nThe Company has sought the protection of the Bankruptcy Court and as a result our operations and ability to develop and execute its business plan, and its ability to continue as a going concern, are subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with bankruptcy. As such, seeking Bankruptcy Court protection could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Senior management has been required to spend a significant amount of time and effort attending to the Chapter 11 Cases instead of focusing exclusively on our business operations. Bankruptcy Court protection also might make it more difficult to retain management and other employees necessary to the success and growth of our business.\nOther significant risks include the following:\n\u2022\nthe Company\u2019s ability to create and implement a Chapter 11 plan;\n\u2022\nthe high costs of bankruptcy and related fees;\n\u2022\nthe imposition of restrictions or obligations on the Company by regulators related to the bankruptcy and emergence from Chapter 11;\n\u2022\nthe Company\u2019s ability to obtain sufficient financing to allow us to emerge from bankruptcy and execute its business plan post-emergence;\n\u2022\nBankruptcy Court rulings in the Chapter 11 Cases as well as the outcome of all other pending litigation and the outcome of the Chapter 11 Cases in general\n\u2022\nthe Company\u2019s ability to maintain its relationships with our suppliers, service providers, customers, employees, and other third parties;\n\u2022\nthe Company\u2019s ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations;\n\u2022\nand the actions and decisions of the Company\u2019s debtholders and other third parties who have interests in the Company\u2019s Chapter 11 Cases that may be inconsistent with the Company\u2019s plans.\nDelays in the Chapter 11 Cases could increase the risks of our being unable to reorganize the Company\u2019s business and emerge from bankruptcy and increase costs associated with the bankruptcy process.\nThe Debtors will be subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with the Chapter 11 Cases.\nFor the duration of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Debtors\u2019 ability to operate, develop, and execute a business plan, and continue as a going concern, will be subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with bankruptcy. These risks include the following: (a) ability to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval with respect to motions filed in the Chapter 11 Cases from time to time; (b) ability to maintain contracts that are critical to the Debtors\u2019 operations; (c) ability of third parties to seek and obtain Bankruptcy Court approval to terminate contracts and other agreements with the Debtors; (d) ability of third parties to seek and obtain Bankruptcy Court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the Debtors to propose and confirm a Chapter 11 plan, to appoint a Chapter 11 trustee, or to convert the Chapter 11 Cases to Chapter 7 proceedings; and (e) the actions and decisions of the Debtors\u2019 creditors and other third parties who have interests in the Chapter 11 Cases that may be inconsistent with the Debtors\u2019 plans.\nThese risks and uncertainties could affect the Debtors\u2019 businesses and operations in various ways. For example, the Debtors will need the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court for transactions outside the ordinary course of business, which may limit the Debtors\u2019 ability to respond timely to certain events or take advantage of certain opportunities. Because of the risks and uncertainties associated with the Chapter 11 Cases, the Debtors cannot accurately predict or quantify the ultimate impact of events that occur during the Chapter 11 Cases that may be inconsistent with the Debtors\u2019 plans.\nThe Chapter 11 Cases may be converted to cases under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code or one or more of the Chapter 11 Cases may be dismissed.\nIf the Bankruptcy Court finds that it would be in the best interest of creditors and/or the debtor in a Chapter 11 case, the Bankruptcy Court may convert a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. In such event, a Chapter 7 trustee would be appointed or elected to liquidate the debtor\u2019s assets for distribution in accordance with the priorities established by the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors believe that liquidation under Chapter 7 would result in significantly smaller distributions being made to creditors than those provided for in a Chapter 11 plan because of (a) the likelihood that the assets would have to be sold or otherwise disposed of in a disorderly fashion over a short period of time, rather than reorganizing or selling the business as a going concern at a later time in a controlled manner, (b) additional administrative expenses involved in the appointment of a Chapter 7 trustee, and (c) additional expenses and claims, some of which would be entitled to priority, that \n13\nTable\n \nof Contents\nwould be generated during the liquidation, including claims resulting from the rejection of unexpired leases and other executory contracts in connection with cessation of operations.\nAdditionally, if the Bankruptcy Court finds that the Debtors have incurred substantial or continuing loss or diminution to the estate and lack of a reasonable likelihood of rehabilitation of the Debtors or the ability to otherwise determines that cause exists, the Bankruptcy Court may dismiss one or more of the Chapter 11 Cases.\nThe Debtors cannot predict the amount of time spent in bankruptcy.\nWhile the Debtors have made efforts to minimize the length of the Chapter 11 Cases, it is impossible to predict with certainty the amount of time that the Debtors may spend in bankruptcy. There is a risk, due to uncertainty about the Debtors\u2019 futures that, among other things: employees could be distracted from performance of their duties or more easily attracted to other career opportunities; and suppliers, vendors, or other business partners could terminate their relationship with the Debtors or demand financial assurances or enhanced performance, any of which could impair the Debtors\u2019 prospects and ability to generate stable, recurring cash flows.\nLengthy Chapter 11 Cases also would involve additional expenses, putting strain on the Debtors\u2019 liquidity position, and divert the attention of management from the operation of the Debtors\u2019 businesses.\nThe disruption that the bankruptcy process would have on the Debtors\u2019 businesses could increase with the length of time it takes to complete the Chapter 11 Cases. Further, the Debtors may be forced to operate in bankruptcy for an extended period of time while they try to develop a plan of reorganization that can be confirmed. A protracted bankruptcy case could increase both the probability and the magnitude of the adverse effects described above.\nEven if a Chapter 11 plan is approved, the reorganized Debtors may not be able to achieve their projected financial results.\nEven if a Chapter 11 plan is approved, the reorganized Debtors may not be able to achieve their projected financial results. If the reorganized Debtors do not achieve their projected financial results or are unable to procure sufficient exit financing to effectuate a Chapter 11 plan, the value of the Company\u2019s securities may be negatively affected and the reorganized Debtors may lack sufficient liquidity to continue operating as planned after the effective date. Moreover, the financial condition and results of operations of the reorganized Debtors from and after the effective date may not be comparable to the financial condition or results of operations reflected in the Debtors\u2019 historical financial statements.\nThe Debtors may not be able to accurately report or timely file their financial results.\nWe have recently experienced significant turnover in our senior management team and reductions in our workforce. Our ability to retain key employees in the long-term is affected by Chapter 11 Cases and our financial situation. Our business may be adversely affected by the transitions in our senior management team and reduction in workforce, and turnover at the senior management level may create instability within the Company, which could disrupt and impede our day-to-day operations and internal controls. In addition, management transition inherently causes some loss of institutional knowledge, which can negatively affect strategy and execution, and our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted as a result.\nSignificant turnover in our senior management team and across our organization could result in one or more material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. However, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements or omissions in the Debtors\u2019 financial statements because of their significant turnover in senior management, inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, and the circumvention or overriding of controls or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If the Company fails to maintain the adequacy of their internal controls, the Debtors may be unable to provide financial information in a timely and reliable manner within the time periods required under the terms of the agreements governing the Debtors\u2019 indebtedness. Further, the Debtors may discover other internal control deficiencies in the future and/or fail to adequately correct previously identified control deficiencies, which could materially adversely affect the Debtors\u2019 businesses, results of operations, and financial condition.\nThe Company Parties may be adversely affected by potential litigation, including litigation arising out of the Chapter 11 Cases.\nIn the future, the Company Parties may become parties to litigation. In general, litigation can be expensive and time consuming to bring or defend against. Such litigation could result in settlements or damages that could significantly affect the reorganized Debtors\u2019 financial results. It is also possible that certain parties will commence litigation with respect to the treatment of their claims under the Chapter 11 plan. It is not possible to predict the potential litigation that the Company Parties may become party to nor the final resolution of such litigation. The impact of any such litigation on the reorganized Debtors\u2019 businesses and financial stability, however, could be material.\n14\nTable\n \nof Contents\nWe may be subject to claims that are not discharged in the Chapter 11 Cases.\nThe Bankruptcy Code provides that the effectiveness of a Chapter 11 plan discharges a debtor from substantially all debts arising prior to petition date, other than as provided in the applicable Chapter 11 plan. With few exceptions, all claims against us that arose prior to the filing of the Cases or before consummation of a Chapter 11 plan (i) would be subject to compromise and/or treatment under a Chapter 11 plan and/or (ii) would be discharged in accordance with the US Bankruptcy Code and the terms of a Chapter 11 plan. Subject to the terms of a Chapter 11 plan and orders of the Bankruptcy Court, any claims not ultimately discharged pursuant to a Chapter 11 plan could be asserted against the reorganized entities and may have an adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.\nThe Company\u2019s ability to use net operating loss carryforwards (\u201cNOLs\u201d) may become subject to limitation, or may be reduced or eliminated, in connection with the implementation of a Chapter 11 plan. The bankruptcy court has entered an order that is designed to protect our NOLs until a plan of reorganization is consummated.\nGenerally, a company generates NOLs if the operating expenses it has incurred exceed the revenues it has earned during a single tax year. A company may apply, or \u201ccarry forward,\u201d NOLs to reduce future tax payments (subject to certain conditions and limitations). To date, the Company has generated a significant amount of U.S. federal NOLs.\nWe expect that we may undergo an ownership change under Section 382 of the Code in connection with the consummation of a Chapter 11 plan. Nevertheless, we believe these NOLs are a valuable asset for us, particularly in the context of the Chapter 11 Cases.\nIn addition, our NOLs (and other tax attributes) may be subject to use in connection with the implementation of any bankruptcy Chapter 11 plan or reduction as a result of any cancellation of indebtedness income arising in connection with the implementation of any bankruptcy Chapter 11 plan. As such, at this time, there can be no assurance that we will have NOLs to offset future taxable income.\nWe are currently out of compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules and are at risk of Nasdaq delisting our common stock.\nOn April 24, we received written notice from Nasdaq notifying us Company that, as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases and in accordance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules 5101, 5110(b) and IM-5101-1, Nasdaq had determined that our common stock would be delisted from Nasdaq. Trading of the Company\u2019s common stock was suspended at the opening of business on May 3, 2023. Delisting would have an adverse effect on the liquidity of our common stock and, as a result, the market price for our common stock might become more volatile. Delisting could also reduce the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock and negatively impact our ability to access equity markets and obtain financing.\nWe expect Nasdaq to file a Form 25 with the SEC to delist our common stock from trading on Nasdaq and to remove it from registration under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. The delisting became effective 10 days after such filing. In accordance with Rule 12d2-2 of the Exchange Act, the de-registration of our common stock under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act will become effective 90 days, or such shorter period as the SEC may determine, from the date of the Form 25 filing.\nFollowing delisting from Nasdaq, the Company\u2019s common stock has been quoted in the OTC Pink Open Market under the symbol \u201cBBBYQ\u201d. The OTC Pink Open Market is a significantly more limited market than Nasdaq, and quotation on the OTC Pink Open Market likely results in a less liquid market for existing and potential holders of the common stock to trade the Company\u2019s common stock and could further depress the trading price of the common stock. The Company can provide no assurance as to whether broker-dealers will continue to provide public quotes of the common stock on this market, or whether the trading volume of the common stock will be sufficient to provide for an efficient trading market.\n15\nTable\n \nof Contents\nRISKS RELATED TO THE ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY \nGeneral economic factors beyond our control, including the impact of COVID-19, and changes in the economic climate have materially adversely affected, and could continue to materially adversely affect, our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.\nGeneral economic factors that are beyond our control have materially adversely affected, and could continue to materially adversely affect, our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. These factors include, but are not limited to, recent supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, wage pressures, rising inflation and the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as housing markets, consumer credit availability, consumer debt levels, fuel and energy costs (for example, the price of gasoline), interest rates, tax rates and policy, unemployment trends, the impact of natural disasters such as pandemics, civil disturbances and terrorist activities, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, conditions affecting the retail environment for products sold by us and other matters that influence consumer spending and preferences. Changes in the economic climate and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on global supply chains, labor markets and economic activity, have materially adversely affected, and could continue to materially adversely affect, our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.\nWe operate in the highly competitive retail business where the use of emerging technologies as well as unanticipated changes in the pricing and other practices of competitors may adversely affect our performance.\nThe retail business is highly competitive. We compete for customers, employees, locations, merchandise, technology, services and other important aspects of the business with many other local, regional and national retailers. These competitors range from specialty retailers to department stores and discounters as well as online and multichannel retailers, some of which are larger than us with significantly greater financial resources. In recent years, competition has further intensified as a result of reduced discretionary consumer spending, increased promotional activity and deep price discounting.\nRapidly evolving technologies are also altering the manner in which we and our competitors communicate and transact with customers. Our execution of the elements of our transformation strategy is designed to adapt to these changes, in the context of competitors\u2019 actions, customer's adoption of new technology and related changes in customer behavior, and presents a specific risk in the event that we are unable to successfully execute our plans or adjust them over time as needed. Further, unanticipated changes in pricing and other practices of our competitors, including promotional activity (particularly during back-to-school/college and/or holiday periods), reduced thresholds for free shipping and rapid price fluctuation enabled by technology, may adversely affect our performance. If we are unable to adapt effectively and quickly to a changing competitive landscape and maintain our competitive position, we could experience downward pressure on prices, lower demand for our merchandise, reduced sales and margins, inability to take advantage of new business opportunities and loss of market share.\n \nOur failure to anticipate and respond in a timely fashion to changes in consumer preferences and demographic factors may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nOur success depends on our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to changing merchandise trends, customer demands and demographics in order to maintain and attract customers. We must continue to monitor and react to consumer expectations, such as the increased focus on environmental, social and governance (\n\"\nESG\n\"\n) matters, climate change, and sustainable products, and appropriately manage our brand to promote the right product lines (including our Owned Brands), drive customer loyalty and protect our reputation. Our failure to anticipate, identify or react appropriately to changes in customer tastes, preferences, shopping and spending patterns and other life interest decisions, including as a result of COVID-19, could lead to, among other things, excess inventories, a shortage of products or reputational damage, and may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nIn addition, we must manage our inventory effectively and commensurately with customer demand. Often, we need to order merchandise, and enter into contracts for the purchase and manufacturing of such merchandise, multiple seasons in advance of and frequently before customer trends and preferences are known. The extended lead times for many of our purchases may make it difficult for us to respond rapidly to new or changing trends and preferences. These extended lead times may also increase our exposure to the effects of global supply chain disruptions, increasing the risk that merchandise is not received when originally planned. As a result, we are vulnerable to demand and pricing shifts and to misjudgments in the selection and timing of merchandise purchases. If we do not accurately predict our customers\u2019 preferences and demands for our products, our inventory levels will not be appropriate, and our business, results of operations and financial condition may be negatively impacted.\nOur business is seasonal in nature, which could negatively affect our results of operations and financial performance.\n16\nTable\n \nof Contents\nOur business is subject to seasonal influences, with a significant portion of sales and revenues historically realized during the back to school/college and holiday seasons. We must carry a significant amount of inventory during this time, and if we are not able to sell the inventory, we may be required to take significant inventory markdowns or write-offs, which could reduce profitability. Similarly, if we do not adequately stock or restock popular products, particularly during the back to school and holiday seasons, and fail to meet customer demand, revenue and customer loyalty may be adversely impacted.\nIn addition, our financial results during the holiday season may fluctuate significantly based on many factors, including holiday spending patterns and weather conditions, and any such fluctuation could have a disproportionate effect on our results of operations for the entire Fiscal year. Because of the seasonality of our business, our operating results vary considerably from quarter to quarter, and results from any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.\nRISKS RELATED TO LEGAL AND REGULATORY\nChanges in statutory, regulatory, and other legal requirements at a local, state or provincial and national level, or deemed noncompliance with such requirements, could potentially impact our operating and financial results.\nWe are subject to numerous statutory, regulatory and legal requirements at a local, state or provincial and national level, and this regulatory environment is subject to constant change. Our operating results could be negatively impacted by developments in these areas due to the costs of compliance in addition to possible government penalties and litigation, operating interruptions and reputational damage in the event of deemed noncompliance. Changes in the law or the regulatory environment, or deemed noncompliance with such laws or regulations, in the areas of customer, employee or product safety, environmental protection, privacy and information security, labor, wage and hour laws, and international trade policy, among others, could adversely impact our operations and financial results.\nOur product offerings to include a selection of Owned Brands which bring additional regulatory and compliance requirements, requiring new resources and the development of new policies and procedures. Our failure to properly manage this expanded business or \ncomply with these regulations could expose us to fines, penalties, litigation and other costs that could harm our reputation and adversely impact our financial results.\n \nChanges to accounting rules, regulations and tax laws, or new interpretations of existing accounting standards or tax laws could negatively impact our operating results and financial position.\nOur operating results and financial position could be negatively impacted by changes to accounting rules and regulations or new interpretations of existing accounting standards. Our effective income tax rate could be impacted by changes in accounting standards as well as changes in tax laws or the interpretations of these tax laws by courts and taxing authorities, which could negatively impact our financial results. Such changes would include for example, the possible adoption by the United States of additional tariffs, or the disallowance of tax deductions, with respect to imported merchandise.\nNew, or developments in existing, litigation, claims or assessments could potentially impact our reputation, operating and financial results.\nWe are involved in litigation, claims and assessments incidental to our business, the disposition of which is not expected to have a material effect on our reputation, financial position or results of operations. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially adversely affected by changes in our assumptions related to these matters. While outcomes of such actions vary, any such claim or assessment against us could negatively impact our reputation, operations and financial results.\nA failure of our business partners to adhere to appropriate laws, regulations or standards could negatively impact our reputation.\nWe engage with various third parties to meet business needs. These business partners include, among others, vendors, suppliers, and service providers. The failure of these business partners to comply with applicable regulations, rules, laws, and industry standards could negatively impact our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7 \u2013 MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nOVERVIEW\nThe description of the Company\u2019s business contained herein reflects the Company\u2019s operations of its business prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases on April 23, 2023. As a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Company no longer has operations, other than those relating to the wind down of its business and completion of the Chapter 11 process.\nBed Bath & Beyond Inc. and subsidiaries (the \"Company\", \"we\", \"our\", \"us\", or ourselves\") are an omni-channel retailer that makes it easy for our customers to feel at home. We sell a wide assortment of merchandise in the Home and Baby markets and operate under the names Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY. \nWe offer a broad assortment of national brands and an assortment of proprietary Owned Brand merchandise in key destination categories including bedding, bath, kitchen food prep, home organization, indoor d\u00e9cor, baby and personal care.\nWe account for our operations as one North American Retail reporting segment. Net sales outside of the U.S. were not material for Fiscal 2022, 2021, or 2020.\n \nWe operate a omni-channel platform consisting of various websites and applications and physical retail stores. Our e-commerce platforms include bedbathandbeyond.com and buybuybaby.com. We operate Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY stores.\nAcross our banners, we carry a wide variety of domestics and home furnishings merchandise. Domestics merchandise includes categories such as bed linens and related items, bath items and kitchen textiles. Home furnishings include categories such as kitchen and tabletop items, fine tabletop, basic housewares, general home furnishings (including furniture and wall d\u00e9cor), consumables and certain juvenile products.\nWe are driving a digital-first, omni-always growth strategy and optimizing our digital and physical store channels to provide our customers with a omni-channel shopping experience. Digital purchases, including web and mobile, can be shipped to a customer from our distribution facilities, directly from vendors, or from a store. Store purchases are primarily fulfilled from that store\u2019s inventory or may also be shipped to a customer from one of our distribution facilities, from a vendor, or from another store. Customers can also choose to pick up orders using our Buy Online Pickup In Store (\"BOPIS\") and contactless Curbside Pickup services, as well as return online purchases to a store, or have an order delivered through one of our same day delivery partners.\nVoluntary Petition for Bankruptcy and Going Concern\nOn April 23, 2023 (the \u201cPetition Date\u201d), the Company and materially all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, the \"Debtors\" or the \u201cCompany Parties\u201d) filed voluntary petitions (the \u201cChapter 11 Cases\u201d) under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the \u201cBankruptcy Code\u201d) in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (the \u201cBankruptcy Court\u201d). On the Petition Date, the Company Parties filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court seeking to jointly administer the Chapter 11 Cases. On April 24, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving joint administration under the caption \u201c\nIn re: Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.,\n\u201d Case No. 23-13359. Certain of the Company\u2019s subsidiaries were not included in the Chapter 11 filing. \nThe Company Parties continue to operate their business and manage their properties as \u201cdebtors-in-possession\u201d under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company Parties filed with the Bankruptcy Court motions seeking a variety of \u201cfirst-day\u201d relief, including authority to pay employee wages and benefits and to pay vendors and suppliers for goods and services provided both before and after the Petition Date. \nIn addition, the Company filed with the Bankruptcy Court a motion seeking approval (\u201cInterim DIP Order\u201d) of debtor-in-possession financing (\u201cDIP Financing\u201d) in the form of the DIP Credit Agreement (as defined and described below). Following a hearing held on April 24, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court approved the Company Parties\u2019 motions seeking a variety of \u201cfirst-day\u201d relief on an interim basis. The Company Parties resolved numerous informal comments and many of the \"first-day\" motions were entered on a final basis consensually. A hearing was scheduled on June 14, 2023 for the Bankruptcy Court to consider final approval of the relief requested in certain first day motions, and final approval of the DIP Facility.\nOn April 25, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court provided approval on an interim basis for the Company Parties and Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc., Sixth Street Lending Partners and TAO Talents (the \u201cDIP Parties\u201d) to enter into a senior secured super-priority debtor-in-possession term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $240.0 million subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein (the \u201cDIP Credit Agreement\u201d). On April 21, 2023, prior to the Petition Date, the DIP Lenders (in their capacity as Prepetition FILO Lenders) and the Prepetition ABL Lenders approved an emergency over advance of $54 million to \n24\nTable\n \nof Contents\nensure payment of critical expenses including, among other things, the Company's\u2019 payroll and tax obligations (the \u201cEmergency Rescue Loan\u201d).\nAs a result of the Company\u2019s assessment of going concern considerations, management has determined that the liquidity condition, our need to satisfy certain financial and other covenants in our debtor-in-possession financing, our need to implement a Chapter 11 plan and the costs, risks and uncertainties surrounding the Chapter 11 Cases raise substantial doubt about the Company\u2019s ability to continue as a going concern for 12 months following the issuance of the financial statements.\nBusiness Transformation and Restructuring\nBeginning in the third quarter of Fiscal 2022, we underwent significant strategic and management changes to transform our business and adapt to the dynamic retail environment and the evolving needs of our customers in order to position ourselves for long-term success. Beginning in the third quarter of Fiscal 2022, the Company began to execute a comprehensive strategic plan led by our new President and Chief Executive Officer, Sue Gove, who was appointed in October 2022 after serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer. This plan focused on strengthening the Company\u2019s financial position through additional liquidity and a reduction of our cost structure, better serving our customers through merchandising, inventory and customer engagement, and regaining our authority in the Home and Baby markets. To accelerate these strategic initiatives, the Company realigned our organizational structure, which included the creation of Brand President roles for Bed Bath & Beyond and bubybuy BABY to lead merchandising, planning, brand marketing, site merchandising and stores for each banner.\nIn conjunction with the Company\u2019s new strategic focus areas, the Company executed plans to rebalance our merchandise assortment to align with customer preference by leading with National Brands inventory and introducing new, emerging direct-to-consumer brands. Consequently, we announced the exiting of a third of our Owned Brands, including the discontinuation of a third of our nine labels (Haven\u2122, Wild Sage\u2122 and Studio 3B\u2122). We also expect to reduce the breadth and depth of inventory across our six remaining Owned Brands (Simply Essential\u2122, Nestwell\u2122, Our Table\u2122, Squared Away\u2122, H for Happy\u2122 and Everhome\u2122).\nWe exited the unprofitable businesses of Harmon and Decorist and began the exit in the fourth quarter of our Canada operations. We have also executed key actions such as corporate restructurings and operating expense control to re-set our cost structure and to advance our ongoing efforts to reset our cost structure and build a modern, durable model for long-term profitable growth.\nIn connection with the above restructuring and transformation initiatives, during Fiscal 2022, we recorded total expense of $407.7\u00a0million including $77.7\u00a0million in cost of sales, primarily associated with $330.0\u00a0million in restructuring and transformation initiative expenses for costs associated with our planned store closures as part of the store fleet optimization program and other transformation initiatives as well as workforce reduction and leadership changes. We also recorded impairment charges of approximately $1.29 billion, primarily related to store assets. At this point, we are unable to estimate the amount or range of amounts expected to be incurred in connection with future restructuring and transformation initiatives, including further store closures, and will provide such estimates as they become available.\nExecutive Summary\n \nThe following represents a summary of key financial results and related business developments for the periods indicated:\n\u00a0\n\u2022\nNet sales for Fiscal 2022 were $5.34 billion, a decrease of approximately 32.1% as compared with Fiscal 2021. \n\u2022\nChange in leadership and strategy\n: Beginning in the third quarter of Fiscal 2022, the Company began to execute a comprehensive strategic plan led by our new President and Chief Executive Officer, Sue Gove, who was appointed in October 2022 after serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer since June 2022. This plan included a significant rebalancing of the merchandise assortment, including the discontinuation of several Owned Brands, and the implementation of cost reduction and and cash preservation actions, including the closing of underperforming stores and reductions in force. \n\u2022\nOrganizational changes to drive key focus areas:\n We realigned our executive leadership team and streamlined our organizational structure to focus on immediate priorities and important changes to operations. This included the creation of Brand President roles for Bed Bath & Beyond and BABY to lead merchandising, planning, brand marketing, site merchandising and stores for each banner and will report directly to the CEO. In conjunction with these changes, the Company has eliminated the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Stores Officer, Chief Merchandising Officer, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Growth Officer roles.\n25\nTable\n \nof Contents\n\u2022\nReduction of Owned Brands: \nWe exited a third of our Owned Brands, including the discontinuation of three of our nine labels (Haven\u2122, Wild Sage\u2122 and Studio 3B\u2122). We also expect to reduce the breadth and depth of inventory across our six remaining Owned Brands (Simply Essential\u2122, Nestwell\u2122, Our Table\u2122, Squared Away\u2122, H for Happy\u2122 and Everhome\u2122).\n\u2022\nRight-sizing cost structure and infrastructure to reflect business operations: \nWe initiated a strategic revaluation of our overall expense and operational structure to align with business performance and target profitability. During Fiscal 2022, we:\n\u25e6\nRealigned store footprint by closing 88 Bed Bath & Beyond stores and commenced the closure of 331 additional stores by the end of the fiscal year;\n\u25e6\nClosed our Harmon Face Values business;\n\u25e6\nBegun the exit of all Canada operations; and\n\u25e6\nInitiated cost reductions across corporate headquarters, including overhead expense and headcount.\n\u2022\nSupply chain optimization: \nWe completed a supply chain network study to improve cost to serve and time to deliver for our customers by streamlining fulfillment center and distribution center operations.\n\u2022\nIn connection with these restructuring and transformation initiatives, during Fiscal 2022, we recorded total expense of $407.7\u00a0million including $77.7\u00a0million in cost of sales and $330.0\u00a0million in restructuring and transformation initiative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations, as well as $1.29 billion of impairments and $98.6 million of losses on the deconsolidation of our Canada business.\n\u2022\nFinancial transactions to support our business strategies: \nwe pursued several financial transactions during Fiscal 2022 with the intention of optimizing our financial position. These included:\n\u25e6\nEntered into an amendment to our Credit Agreement for more than $500.0 million of new additional financing commitments within our expanded ABL Facility and new FILO Facility on August 31, 2022. \n\u25e6\nPrivately negotiated senior notes exchanges\n with existing holders of 2024 Notes, 2034 Notes, and 2044 Notes, respectively, under which the Company issued shares of common stock to the existing holders in exchange for the exchange notes and cash. \n\u25e6\nAn at the market equity distribution program (the \"ATM Program\"), under which we offered and sold shares of common stock pursuant to prospectus supplements registering (i) 12 million shares on August 31, 2022, and (ii) up to $150.0 million on October 28, 2022.\n\u25e6\nAn underwritten public offering of (i) shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (\u201cSeries A\u201d), (ii) warrants to purchase shares of the Company\u2019s Common Stock (\u201cCommon Stock Warrants\u201d), and (iii) warrants to purchase shares of the Company\u2019s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (\u201cPreferred Stock Warrants\u201d) for gross proceeds of $225.0 million. \nImpact of the COVID-19 Pandemic\nAs discussed in more detail in our previous filings with the SEC, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic materially disrupted our operations, most significantly in Fiscal 2020. In compliance with relevant government directives, we closed all of our retail banner stores across the U.S. and Canada as of March 23, 2020, except for most stand-alone BABY and Harmon stores, which were categorized as essential given the nature of their products. In May 2020, we announced a phased approach to re-open our stores in compliance with relevant government directives, and as of the end of July 2020, nearly all of our stores reopened. During portions of Fiscal 2021, a limited number of stores in Canada either closed temporarily or continued to operate under restrictions in compliance with local governmental orders. As of February 25, 2023, all of the Company\u2019s stores were operating without restriction subject to compliance with applicable mask and vaccine requirements. As of February 25, 2023, our BOPIS, contactless Curbside Pickup and Same Day Delivery services are in place at the vast majority of our stores. We cannot predict, \n26\nTable\n \nof Contents\nhowever, whether our stores will remain open, particularly if the regions in which we operate experience potential resurgences of reported new cases of COVID-19 or increased rates of hospitalizations or become subject to additional governmental regulatory actions.\nFurther discussion of the risks and uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic is included in \"Risk Factors\" under \"Part I, Item 1A\" of this Form 10-K.\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThe fiscal years discussed below were each comprised of 52 weeks.\nNet Sales\nFiscal Year Ended\nChange from Prior Year\n(in millions)\nFebruary 25, 2023\nFebruary 26, 2022\nFebruary 27, 2021\nFebruary 25, 2023\nFebruary 26, 2022\nNet sales\n$\n5,344.7\u00a0\n$\n7,867.8\u00a0\n$\n9,233.0\u00a0\n$\n(2,523.1)\n(32)\n%\n(1,365.3)\n(15)\n%\nSales from divested banners\n\u2014\n\u2014\n1,290.1\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(1,290.1)\n(100.0)\n%\nFor Fiscal 2022, net sales decreased by approximately $2.52 billion or 32% compared with Fiscal 2021 across all banners, collectively. The change in net sales resulted from a decrease of $1.55 billion in sales through our stores and $977.7 million in sales through our e-commerce platforms - both as a result of decreased customer demand and declines in customer traffic and inventory availability. The Company closed 88 stores during the year with net sales of $234.1 million in Fiscal 2022 and $357.2 million of net sales during Fiscal 2021, resulting in a $123.1\u00a0million decrease. The Company commenced the closure of an additional 331 stores as of February 25, 2023. Such stores had net sales of $1.06 billion in Fiscal 2022 and $1.35 billion in Fiscal 2021, resulting in a $296.0\u00a0million decrease year over year. The remaining decrease of $1.13 billion in net sales, relates to stores that the Company plans to continue to operate in Fiscal 2023 and was driven by lower customer traffic and conversion, in part due to consumer spending patterns and demand, a lack of inventory availability and assortment in key product areas, specifically within the Company's Owned Brands and National Brands product mix, along with additional discounting on sales resulting from the exiting of Owned Brands and closing stores.\nThe decrease in net sales for Fiscal 2021 was primarily due to the impact of traffic declines and supply chain disruptions. Store closures as part of our store fleet optimization program also contributed to the decline in sales.\nDuring Fiscal 2022, Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020, n\net sales consummated through digital channels represented approximately \n37%, 37% and 38%\n, respectively, of our sales. \nSales consummated on a mobile device while physically in a store location and BOPIS orders are recorded as customer facing digital channel sales. Customer orders taken in-store by an associate through The Beyond Store, our proprietary, web-based platform, are recorded as in-store sales. Prior to implementation of BOPIS and contactless Curbside Pickup services, customer orders reserved online and picked up in a store were recorded as in-store sales. Sales originally consummated from customer facing digital channels and subsequently returned in-store are recorded as a reduction of in-store sales.\nComparable Sales* for the year ended February\u00a025, 2023 decreased by approximately 29.7%. Management attributes a portion of this decline to the impact of lower traffic due to macro-economic factors, such as steep inflation, and fluctuations in purchasing patterns of the consumer. Also contributing to the comparable sales decline was the lack of inventory availability and assortment in key product areas, due to vendor constraints and credit line decreases. For the year ended February\u00a026, 2022, Comparable Sales was not a meaningful metric as a result of the impact of the extended closure of the majority of our stores during a portion of the comparable year ended February 27, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n* \nComparable sales normally include sales consummated through all retail channels that have been operating for twelve full months following the opening period (typically six to eight weeks), excluding the impact of store fleet optimization program. We are an omni-channel retailer with capabilities that allow a customer to use more than one channel when making a purchase, including in-store, online, with a mobile device or through a customer contact center, and have it fulfilled, in most cases, either through in-store customer pickup or by direct shipment to the customer from one of our distribution facilities, stores or vendors.\nOur comparable sales metric considers sales consummated through all retail channels \u2013 in-store, online, with a mobile device or through a customer contact center. Our omni-channel environment allows our customers to use more than one channel when \n27\nTable\n \nof Contents\nmaking a purchase. We believe in an integrated and seamless customer experience. A few examples are: a customer may be assisted by an in-store associate to create a wedding or baby registry, while the guests may ultimately purchase a gift from our websites; or a customer may research a particular item, and read other customer reviews on our websites before visiting a store to consummate the actual purchase; or a customer may buy an item online for in-store or curbside pickup; or while in a store, a customer may make the purchase on a mobile device for in home delivery from either a distribution facility, a store or directly from a vendor. In addition, we accept returns in-store without regard to the channel in which the purchase was consummated, therefore resulting in reducing store sales by sales originally consummated through customer facing digital channels. As our retail operations are integrated and we cannot reasonably track the channel in which the ultimate sale is initiated, we can however, provide directional information on where the sale was consummated.\nSales of domestics merchandise accounted for approximately 35.8%, 37.4%, and 34.7%, of net sales in Fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Sales of home furnishings accounted for approximately 64.2%, 62.6% and 65.3% of net sales, respectively, for Fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020.\nGross Profit\nFiscal Year Ended\nChange from Prior Year\n(in millions)\nFebruary 25, 2023\nFebruary 26, 2022\nFebruary 27, 2021\nFebruary 25, 2023\nFebruary 26, 2022\nGross profit\n$\n1,214.9\u00a0\n$\n2,483.5\u00a0\n$\n3,118.1\u00a0\n$\n(1,268.6)\n(50.3)\n%\n$\n(634.6)\n(20.4)\n%\nGross profit percentage\n22.7\u00a0\n%\n31.6\u00a0\n%\n33.8\u00a0\n%\n(8.5)\n%\n(26.9)\n%\n(2.2)\n%\n(6.5)\n%\nGross profit in Fiscal 2022 was $1.21 billion, or 22.7% of net sales, compared with $2.48 billion, or 31.6% of net sales in Fiscal 2021. The decrease in gross profit percentage was primarily attributable to markdown and promotional activity associated with the general economic environment, clearance activity related to the exiting of certain Owned Brands and Owned Brands inventory assortment, and activity associated with store closures. Gross profit for Fiscal 2022 included the impact of charges of $91.6 million associated with the markdown of inventory being removed from our assortment in connection with the clearance of certain Owned Brand merchandise. \nThe decrease in the gross profit percentage between Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020 was primarily attributable to a markdown activity associated with inventory being removed from our assortment in connection with the launches of new Owned Brands and, to a lesser extent, the redefinition of certain existing Owned Brands, as well as markdown activity associated with store closures as part of our store fleet optimization program. Gross profit for Fiscal\n \n2021 included the impact of charges of $137.2 million for these higher markdowns on inventory sold, as well as an adjustment to reduce the cost of inventory on hand to be removed from the product assortment as part of these initiatives to its estimated realizable value. In addition, higher freight expenses, both for inbound product shipments and direct-to-customer fulfillment and in part due to industry wide, global supply chain challenges, negatively impacted gross margin in Fiscal 2021 compared with Fiscal 2020, which offset the favorable impact of a shift in product assortment toward new Owned Brands and a more normalized mix of digital sales.\n28\nTable\n \nof Contents\nSelling, General and Administrative Expenses\nFiscal Year Ended\nChange from Prior Year\n(in millions)\nFebruary 25, 2023\nFebruary 26, 2022\nFebruary 27, 2021\nFebruary 25, 2023\nFebruary 26, 2022\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n$\n2,373.0\u00a0\n$\n2,692.3\u00a0\n$\n3,224.4\u00a0\n$\n(319.3)\n(11.9)\n%\n$\n(532.1)\n(16.5)\n%\nAs a percentage of net sales\n44.4\u00a0\n%\n34.2\u00a0\n%\n34.9\u00a0\n%\n10.2\u00a0\n%\n29.8\u00a0\n%\n(0.7)%\n(2.0)\n%\nThe $319.3 million decrease in SG&A expenses for Fiscal 2022 was primarily attributable to cost reduction initiatives, including the store fleet optimization, supply chain reductions, corporate overhead reductions and reductions in marketing spend. The cost reduction initiatives and the closing of 70 and 88 stores during Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2022, respectively, led to a decrease in payroll and payroll-related expenses of approximately $172.0 million (primarily salaries) and a decrease of approximately $70.1 million in rent and occupancy expenses. Additionally, there was a decrease of approximately $38.1 million of other operating expenses related to supplies, maintenance, and other operating fees resulting from the significant decrease in stores that operated during Fiscal 2022. The decrease was also driven by cost reductions in marketing spend of approximately $39.1 million.\nFor Fiscal \n2021, the decrease was primarily attributable to cost reductions resulting from our transformation initiatives, including reductions in corporate overhead, divestitures of non-core assets and lower rent and occupancy expenses as a result of our store fleet optimization program. The decrease in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales for Fiscal 2021 was also largely due to the factors above, as well as the de-leveraging effect caused by sales declines in Fiscal 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.\nGoodwill and Other Impairments\nGoodwill and other impairments were $1.29 billion for Fiscal 2022, $36.5 million in Fiscal 2021 and $127.3 million in Fiscal 2020. For Fiscal 2022, impairment charges included $1.28 billion related to certain store-level, distribution facilities and corporate assets (including leasehold improvements, other property and equipment and operating lease assets) and tradename impairments of $2.9 million. For Fiscal 2021, impairment charges included $30.8 million related to certain store-level assets (including leasehold improvements and operating lease assets) and tradename impairments of $5.7 million. For Fiscal 2020, impairment charges included impairments of $391.1 million related to certain store-level assets (including leasehold improvements and operating lease assets) and tradename impairments of $35.1 million.\nRestructuring and Transformation Initiative Expenses\nDuring Fiscal 2022, we recorded charges of $407.7\u00a0million for costs associated with restructuring and other transformation initiatives, of which approximately $77.7\u00a0million is included in cost of sales. In addition, approximately $330.0 million, was recorded in restructuring and transformation initiative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, which included approximately $156.9 million of accelerated depreciation related to closing facilities and information technology systems, $101.5 million of other restructuring and transformation costs and $58.1\u00a0million of severance costs related to workforce reduction, store closures and leadership changes. The Company also recorded approximately $13.5\u00a0million for lease related and other costs, including in connection with store closures,\nIn Fiscal 2021, we recorded charges of $144.0\u00a0million, of which were primarily for costs associated with the store fleet optimization program described above, including for the termination of facility leases, as well as technology transformation and business strategy and operating model transformation programs across core functions, including merchandising, supply chain and finance. (see \"Restructuring and Transformation Activities,\" Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements).\n29\nTable\n \nof Contents\nLoss on Sale of Businesses\nDuring Fiscal 2022, the Company did not have any businesses classified as held for sale. During Fiscal 2021, we recognized approximately $18.2\u00a0million in loss on sale of businesses in the consolidated statement of operations, primarily related to a $13.5 million charge associated with the Fiscal 2021 settlement of the CTS pension plan (see \"Assets Held for Sale and Divestitures,\" Note 16 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements), as well as certain working capital and other adjustments related to the Fiscal 2021 divestitures.\nOperating Loss\nFiscal Year Ended\nChange from Prior Year\n(in millions)\nFebruary 25, 2023\nFebruary 26, 2022\nFebruary 27, 2021\nFebruary 25, 2023\nFebruary 26, 2022\nOperating Loss\n$\n(2,775.6)\n$\n(407.6)\n$\n(336.9)\n$\n(2,368.1)\n581.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n(70.7)\n21.0\u00a0\n%\nAs a percentage of net sales\n(51.9)\n%\n(5.2)\n%\n(3.6)\n%\n(19.7)\n%\n378.8\u00a0\n%\n(1.6)%\n44.4\u00a0\n%\nOperating loss for Fiscal 2022 was $2.78\u00a0billion or 51.9% of net sales, compared with an operating loss of $407.6 million or 5.2% of net sales for Fiscal 2021. Operating loss for Fiscal 2022 included $407.7\u00a0million associated with restructuring and other transformation initiatives and $1.29 billion for non-cash impairment charges (each as discussed above). The change in operating loss as a percentage of net sales between Fiscal 2022 and 2021 was primarily due to the decline in sales and gross profit percentage, as discussed above, as well as higher restructuring and transformation expenses and higher impairment charges in Fiscal 2022 compared to Fiscal 2021.\nOperating loss for Fiscal 2021 included the impact of pre-tax charges of $137.2 million included in gross profit primarily associated with the transition of our product assortment to Owned Brands and, to a lesser extent, our store fleet optimization program, as well as $144.0 million associated with restructuring and other transformation initiatives, $36.5 million for non-cash impairments and $18.2 million for loss on sale of business (each as described above). The change in operating loss as a percentage of net sales between Fiscal 2021 and 2020 was primarily due to the decline in gross profit percentage, as discussed above, as well as higher restructuring and transformation expenses in Fiscal 2021 compared to Fiscal 2020. \nInterest Expense, net\nInterest expense, net was $110.5\u00a0million, $64.7 million, and $76.9 million in Fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. For Fiscal 2022, the increase in interest expense, net of $45.8 million was primarily due to increased borrowings under our ABL Facility as well as entering into the $375.0 million FILO term loan entered into in August 2022 and entering into another FILO term loan of $100.0 million in February 2023. For Fiscal\n \n2021\n,\n the decrease in interest expense, net of $12.2 million was primarily driven by \n30\nTable\n \nof Contents\ndecreased interest costs attributable to our revolving credit facilities and the impact of the repurchase of a portion of our senior unsecured notes in Fiscal 2020. \nLoss on Preferred Stock Warrants and Derivative Liabilities \nDuring Fiscal 2022, we recorded a $639.4 million loss on preferred stock warrants and derivative liabilities. During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2022, the Company issued the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, Common Stock Warrants, and Preferred Stock Warrants when the Company was in distress, and as a result the Company determined the offering was not an orderly transaction and the gross proceeds of $225.0 million did not represent fair value. As a result, the Company used a model-derived valuation to estimate the fair value of the Series A derivative liability, Preferred Stock Warrants and Common Stock Warrants in which the most significant value driver is the as-converted value utilizing the Company\u2019s common stock price as the input. At issuance, the fair value of the Series A embedded features derivative liability, Common Stock Warrants, and Preferred Stock Warrants was $300.5 million, $186.6 million, and $615.5 million, respectively. The Company recorded a $877.6 million loss for the fair value in excess of proceeds of $225.0 million in loss on preferred stock warrants and derivative liabilities in its consolidated statement of operations for the year ended. The loss is partially offset by a gain of $244.5 million related to the change in fair value associated with these derivative liabilities for the year ended February 25, 2023. Issuance costs of $6.3 million were expensed as incurred and recognized as part of the loss on preferred stock warrants and derivative liabilities.\nLoss on Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries\nOn February 10, 2023 (the \u201cCanadian Petition Date\u201d), BBB Canada Limited made an application with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the \u201cCanadian Court\u201d). BBB Canada Limited was granted an order, which, among other provisions, provides a stay of proceedings pursuant to the Companies\u2019 Creditors Arrangement Act (the \u201cCCAA\u201d). The CCAA is a Federal Act that allows financially troubled corporations that owe their creditors in excess of $5 million the opportunity to restructure their affairs. Although Bed Bath & Beyond Canada L.P. (\u201cBBB LP\u201d and together with BBB Canada Limited, \u201cBBB Canada\u201d) did not file an application with the Canadian Court, the stay of proceedings under the CCAA and other benefits were extended to BBB LP. BBB Canada initiated a wind-down of Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby Stores in Canada under the CCAA. A monitor was appointed by the Canadian Court on February 10, 2023 to oversee the orderly liquidation of its remaining inventory with assistance from a third-party professional liquidator and vacate its leased retail stores and premises. \nFor these reasons, we concluded that BBBI had lost control of BBB Canada, and no longer had significant influence over BBB Canada during the pendency of the bankruptcy. Therefore, the Company deconsolidated BBB Canada on the date of the bankruptcy filing. In order to deconsolidate BBB Canada, the carrying values of the assets and certain liabilities of BBB Canada were removed from our consolidated balance sheet as of February 25, 2023, and we recorded our investment in BBB Canada at its estimated fair value of $0. The deconsolidation resulted in the recognition of a loss of $98.6 million during the year ended February 25, 2023.\n(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt\nDuring Fiscal 2022, we recorded a $94.4 million gain related to approximately $102.8 million recorded for the privately negotiated exchange offers completed in November 2022, partially offset by third-party costs of approximately $8.0 million incurred with the Exchange Offers and $0.4 million of unamortized debt financing costs written-off related to the extinguished notes. (see \"Debt,\" Note 7 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). \nDuring Fiscal 2021, we recorded a $0.4 million loss on the \npartial repayment of senior unsecured notes.\nDuring Fiscal 2020, we recorded a $77.0 million gain on the repurchase of $75.0 million principal amount of 4.915% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2034 and $225.0 million principal of 5.165% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2044.\nIncome Taxes\nThe effective tax rate was 0.9% for Fiscal 2022, (18.4)% for Fiscal 2021, and 55.2% for Fiscal 2020. \nFor Fiscal 2022, the effective tax rate reflects maintaining a valuation allowance against our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets (discussed below) and benefits from amended returns related to prior fiscal years from changes in the Company's approach to deducting charitable contributions on certain federal returns and carrying back net operating losses in certain state jurisdictions. \nFor Fiscal 2021, the effective tax rate reflects the recording of a valuation allowance against our U.S federal and state deferred tax assets (discussed below), as well as a benefit resulting from an adjustment to the estimated net operating loss incurred in Fiscal 2020 which was carried back, under the provisions of the CARES Act, to a year in which the tax rate was 35%. \n31\nTable\n \nof Contents\nFor Fiscal 2020, the effective tax rate reflected the carry back of the net operating loss to a year in which the tax rate was 35% under the CARES Act, and included the impact of the benefit of certain tax planning strategies the Company deployed, in addition to the losses from the divestitures of CTS, Linen Holdings and Cost Plus, partially offset by the impact of impairment charges for tradename and certain store-level assets, the gain on the divestiture of PMall, a benefit related to the carry back of the Fiscal 2019 net operating loss under the CARES Act, and other discrete tax items resulting in net after tax benefits.\nIn assessing the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, we evaluated the available objective positive and negative evidence to estimate whether it is more likely than not that sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of existing deferred tax assets in each taxpaying jurisdiction. A valuation allowance is a non-cash charge, and does not limit our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets, including our ability to utilize tax loss and credit carryforward amounts, against future taxable income.\nDuring Fiscal 2022, we concluded that, based on our evaluation of available objective positive and negative evidence, it continues to be more likely than not that our net U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets will not be recoverable. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the key assumptions used to determine positive and negative evidence included our cumulative book loss for the past three years and our ability to continue as a going concern. As of February 25, 2023, the total valuation allowance relative to U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets was $851.8 million.\nOn March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted in the United States, which provided for certain changes to tax laws which impacted our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. We implemented certain provisions of the CARES Act, such as deferring employer payroll taxes and utilizing the ability to carry back and deduct losses to offset prior income in previously filed tax returns. There was no benefit from the CARES Act recorded in the provision during the year ended February 25, 2023. As of February\u00a026, 2022 and February 27,2021, under the CARES Act, we recorded income tax benefits of $18.7\u00a0million and $152.0 million, respectively, as a result of the Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2019 net operating\u00a0losses were carried back to prior years during which the federal tax rate was 35%. \nNet Loss\nAs a result of the factors described above, the net loss for Fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020, was $3.50 billion, $559.6 million, and $150.8 million, respectively.\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nWe have incurred significant losses over the past few years. As of February\u00a025, 2023, we had approximately $65.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of approximately $373.6 million as compared with February\u00a026, 2022, \nCredit Facilities\nIn the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company amended its asset-based credit agreement (the \u201cCredit Agreement\u201d) among the Company, certain of the Company\u2019s U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (in such capacity, the \u201cAgent\u201d), and the lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provides for an asset based revolving credit facility (the \u201cABL Facility\u201d) with aggregate revolving commitments established at closing of $1.0 billion, including a swingline sub facility and a letter of credit sub facility. The Credit Agreement has an uncommitted expansion feature which allows the borrowers to request, at any time following the delivery of an initial field exam and appraisal, an increase in aggregate revolving commitments under the ABL Facility or elect to enter into a first-in-last-out loan facility (\u201cFIFO Facility\u201d), collectively, in an aggregate amount of up to $375.0 million, subject to certain customary conditions.\nOn August 31, 2022, the Company entered into an amendment (the \u201cFirst Amendment\u201d) to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2021 (as amended by the Amendment, the \u201cFirst Amended Credit Agreement\u201d), for more than $500.0 million of new additional financing commitments, including its newly expanded $1.130 billion ABL Facility, which provides for an increase of $130.0 million in aggregate revolving commitments for the time periods set forth in the Amendment, and a new $375.0 million FILO Facility (the \u201cInitial FILO Loan\u201d, together with the ABL Facility, the \u201cCredit Facilities\u201d), with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative\n \nagent and Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc., as agent and lender for the FILO Facility. The ABL Facility and FILO Facility mature on August 9, 2026, and August 31, 2027, respectively, unless required to mature earlier pursuant to the terms of the Amendment.\nOn February 7, 2023, the Company entered into a second amendment (the \u201cSecond Amendment\u201d) to the Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the Amendment, the lenders agreed to (i) waive any outstanding defaults or events of default under the existing Credit Facilities and (ii) rescind the implementation of the acceleration of obligations under the existing Credit Facilities, the requirement to cash collateralize letters of credit obligations under the existing Credit Facilities and the default interest on the \n32\nTable\n \nof Contents\noutstanding obligations under the existing Credit Facilities.\n \nThe Amendment (i) decreased the total revolving commitment from $1.13 billion to $565.0 million, (ii) result in an increased outstanding principal amount as a result of the call protection make-whole amount of $53.9 million being capitalized as principal to the Initial FILO Loan and (iii) provide for an additional $100 million of FILO loans (the \u201c2023 FILO Loan\u201d and together with the Initial FILO Loan, the \u201cFILO Facility\u201d, and together with the ABL Facility, the \u201cCredit Facilities\u201d).\nAs a result of these events of default, the Company classified its outstanding borrowings under its asset-based revolving credit facility (the \u201cABL Facility) and its FILO Facility as current in the consolidated balance sheet as of February\u00a025, 2023. The Company\u2019s outstanding borrowings under its ABL Facility and FILO Facilities were $191.3 million and $528.9 million, respectively, as of February\u00a025, 2023. In addition, the Company had $126.9 million in letters of credit outstanding under its ABL Facility as of February\u00a025, 2023. The Company also had $1.030 billion in senior notes (excluding deferred financing costs) outstanding as of February\u00a025, 2023. For information regarding the Company's borrowings, see Note 7.\nThe filing of the Chapter 11 Cases constituted an event of default that accelerated our obligations under the Senior Notes and the Credit Facilities.\nExchange Offers\nDuring the third fiscal quarter of 2022, the Company commenced exchange offers (the \"Exchange Offers\") with eligible holders for each series of Existing Notes as follows: (i) 2024 Notes for new 3.693% Senior Second Lien Secured Non-Convertible Notes due November 30, 2027 (the \u201cNew Second Lien Non-Convertible Notes\u201d) and/or new 8.821% Senior Second Lien Secured Convertible Notes due November 30, 2027 (the \u201cNew Second Lien Convertible Notes\u201d); (ii) 2034 Notes for new 12.000% Senior Third Lien Secured Convertible Notes due November 30, 2029 (the \u201cNew Third Lien Convertible Notes\u201d and, together with the New Second Lien Non-Convertible Notes and the New Second Lien Convertible Notes, the \u201cNew Notes\u201d); and (iii) 2044 Notes for New Third Lien Convertible Notes (see \u201cLong-Term Debt,\u201d Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements).\nIn November 2022, the Company completed privately negotiated exchange offers with existing holders of approximately $69.0 million, $15.3 million, and $70.2 million aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes, 2034 Notes, and 2044 Notes, respectively, under which the Company issued an aggregate of approximately 13.6 million shares of common stock to the existing holders in exchange for the exchange notes, including accrued and unpaid interest, and 0.9 million shares in exchange for a cash payment from an existing holder of $3.5 million. The exchange notes were cancelled and no longer outstanding upon completion of the exchange.\nOn January 5, 2023, upon the expiration of the Exchange Offers, the Company announced the termination of the offer and consent solicitations with respect to its Existing Notes, as a result of the conditions applicable thereto not being satisfied. As a result of the termination of the Exchange Offers, none of the Existing Notes that had been tendered in the Exchange Offers were accepted for purchase and no consideration will be paid or become payable to holders of the Existing Notes who have tendered their Existing Notes in the Exchange Offers.\nATM Program\nOn August 31, 2022, we established an at the market equity distribution program (the \"ATM Program\") (see \u201cShareholders' (Deficit) Equity,\u201d Note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements), under which we offered and sold 12 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of $72.2 million pursuant to the prospectus supplement dated August 31, 2022. On October 28, 2022, we filed a prospectus supplement to register additional shares of our common stock to offer and sell under the ATM Program at an aggregate sales price of up to $150.0 million. The net proceeds, after commissions and offering costs, from the ATM Program were used for a number of general corporate purposes, which include immediate strategic priorities such as rebalancing the Company's assortment and inventory. During Fiscal 2022, we sold approximately 22.2 million shares for approximately $115.4 million of net proceeds under the Company's ATM Programs. \nSeries A Preferred Stock and Warrants\nOn February 7, 2023, the Company consummated an underwritten public offering of (i) shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (\u201cSeries A\u201d), (ii) warrants to purchase shares of the Company\u2019s Common Stock (\u201cCommon Stock Warrants\u201d), and (iii) warrants to purchase shares of the Company\u2019s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (\u201cPreferred Stock Warrants\u201d). The gross proceeds received for the Series A was $225.0 million and there was no additional consideration received for the Common Stock Warrants and Preferred Stock Warrants issued. \nDuring the year ended February 25, 2023, 5,000 Preferred Stock Warrants were exercised for gross proceeds of $47.5 million.\n33\nTable\n \nof Contents\nThe filing of the Chapter 11 Cases constitutes a Bankruptcy Trigger Event of the Series A, as a result of which mandatory cash redemption provisions contained are triggered. In addition, the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases triggers a holder's ability to convert the preferred stock at the Alternate Conversion Price, which could result in a conversion price of lesser than $0.7160.\nCapital Expenditures\nCapital expenditures for Fiscal 2022 were $332.9 million, which includes the entering into use of accrued capital expenditures of $63.4 million which were recorded in fiscal 2021. As the Company executes its new strategic plans and refine capital resources to improve liquidity, capital expenditures are related to maintenance, and investments in technology and digital offerings.\nStock Repurchases\nDuring the first quarter of Fiscal 2022, we repurchased approximately 2.9 million shares of our common stock, at a total cost of approximately $46.1 million, which included approximately 2.3 million shares at a total cost of approximately $40.4 million repurchased under our share repurchase programs as authorized by our Board of Directors.\nBetween December 2004 and April 2021, the Company\u2019s Board of Directors authorized, through several share repurchase programs, the repurchase of up to $12.950 billion of its shares of common stock. \nSince 2004 through the end of Fiscal 2022, the Company has repurchased approximately $11.731 billion of its common stock through share repurchase programs. \nThe Company also acquires shares of its common stock to cover employee related taxes withheld on vested restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock unit awards. Since the initial authorization in December\u00a02004, the aggregate total of common stock repurchased is approximately 265.1\u00a0million shares for a total cost of approximately $11.731 billion. The Company had approximately $1.221 billion remaining of authorized share repurchases as of February\u00a025, 2023. \nDebt Repurchases\nThere were no debt repurchases made during the year ended February\u00a025, 2023. During Fiscal 2021, we purchased approximately $11.0 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 3.749% senior unsecured notes due August\u00a01, 2024. \nCash flow from operating activities\nNet cash used in operating activities for Fiscal \n2022\n was $991.0 million, compared with net cash provided by operating activities of $17.9 million in Fiscal 2021. The year-over-year change in operating cash flow was primarily due to higher net loss, adjusted for non-cash expense, which included the impact of higher impairments in fiscal 2022, as well as decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities, partially offset by decreases in inventory. For Fiscal 2021, the decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to higher net loss, adjusted for non-cash expenses, which included the impact of higher restructuring and transformation expenses in Fiscal 2021, as well as investments in inventory, including as a result of changing the timing of purchasing in response to the potential impact of global supply chain disruptions on timing of inventory receipts and availability of product in our stores and on our websites, and lower accounts payable, due primarily to timing of payments for merchandise, and accrued liabilities, including lower incentive compensation accruals. There were partially offset by a decrease in other current assets primarily due to the receipt of income tax refunds in Fiscal 2021. \nRetail inventory, which includes inventory in our distribution facilities for direct to customer shipments, was approximately $817.6\u00a0million at February\u00a025, 2023, a decrease of 52.6% compared with retail inventory at February\u00a026, 2022. We continue to focus on our inventory assortment changes and other merchandising strategies. In Fiscal 2022, the Company's in-stock levels were lower than anticipated due to supplier constraints and vendor credit line decreases. We continue to focus on our inventory optimization strategies while also responding to the potential impact of global supply chain disruptions on product availability. Retail inventory at February\u00a026, 2022 increased approximately 18.0% compared to retail inventory at February\u00a027, 2021, which was primarily related to the focus on our inventory optimization strategies while also responding to the potential impact of global supply chain disruptions on product availability.\nCash flow from investing activities\n\u00a0\n34\nTable\n \nof Contents\nNet cash used in investing activities for Fiscal 2022 was $298.7\u00a0million, compared with net cash used in investing activities of $349.2 million in Fiscal 2021. For Fiscal 2022, net cash used in investing activities included $332.9\u00a0million of capital expenditures, a $10.5 million cash outflow related to the deconsolidation of Canadian subsidiaries, $18.9 million of cash proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale investment securities, and $25.8 million of proceeds from a note receivable. For Fiscal 2021, net cash used in investing activities included $354.2 million of capital expenditures.\nCash flow from financing activities\nNet cash provided by financing activities for Fiscal 2022 was $967.0 million, compared with net cash used in financing activities of $606.0 million in Fiscal 2021. Net cash provided by financing activities for Fiscal 2022 was comprised of $1.6 billion of borrowings under the Credit Facilities, partially offset by repayments of $926.2 million, $272.5 million of proceeds from the issuance and exercising of derivative liabilities, net proceeds from issuances of common stock and ATM Program offerings of $119.0 million, repurchases of common stock of $46.1 million, of which $40.4 million is related to our share repurchase program, payments of deferred financing costs of $24.2 million, payments of Exchange Offer costs of $8.0 million, $6,3 million of payments for issuance costs related to derivative liabilities, repayments of finance leases of $3.2 million, and dividend payments of $0.3 million. Net cash provided by financing activities in Fiscal 2021 was primarily comprised of repurchases of common stock of $589.4 million, of which $574.9\u00a0million was related to our share repurchase program, repayments of long-term debt of $11.4 million and payments of deferred financing costs of $3.4 million. \nContractual Obligations\nOur contractual obligations as of February\u00a025, 2023 consist mainly of (i) principal and interest related to our debt (see \"Long-Term Debt,\" Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), (ii) leases for stores, offices, distribution facilities and equipment (see \"Leases,\" Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and (iii) purchase obligations, primarily under purchase orders issued for merchandise and for certain capital expenditures. \nTotal c\napital expenditures for Fiscal 2022 were $332.9\u00a0million.\nApproximately $215.4 million in principal amount of our senior unsecured notes are due August\u00a01, 2024, with the remaining principal balances due August\u00a01, 2034 and August\u00a01, 2044. Our lease obligations include both operating and finance leases, and have various terms extending through 2041, with approximately $385.5 million in minimum lease payments due in Fiscal 2023, and declining amounts due each year thereafter.\nThese obligations are considered as part of our overall capital allocation and liquidity management processes referred to above.\nSEASONALITY\nOur business is subject to seasonal influences. Generally, our sales volumes are higher in the calendar months of August, November, and December, and lower in February.\nINFLATION\nIn Fiscal 2022, we experienced inflationary pressures in various parts of our business, including, but not limited to, product cost pressure as well as increased freight and shipping costs across our supply chain. We continue to monitor the impact of inflation on the costs of materials, labor, and other costs required to manage our business in order to minimize its effects through pricing strategies, productivity improvements and cost reductions. \nThere can be no assurance, however, that our operating results will not be affected by inflation in the future. See also Risk Factor \"Rising inflation may adversely affect us by increasing costs of materials, labor and other costs beyond what we can recover through price increases\".\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES\nThe preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to establish accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. In particular, judgment is used in areas such as inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets, accruals for self-insurance and income and certain other taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.\nInventory Valuation\n: Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are primarily calculated using the weighted average retail inventory method.\n35\nTable\n \nof Contents\nUnder the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the retail values of inventories. The inputs associated with determining the cost-to-retail ratio include: merchandise purchases, net of returns to vendors, discounts and volume and incentive rebates; inbound freight expenses; import charges, including duties, insurance and commissions.\nThe retail inventory method contains certain management judgments that may affect inventory valuation. At any one time, inventories include items that have been written down to the Company\u2019s best estimate of their realizable value. Judgment is required in estimating realizable value and factors considered are the age of merchandise, anticipated demand based on factors such as customer preferences and fashion trends, and anticipated changes in product assortment (including related to the launch of Owned Brands) as well as anticipated markdowns to reduce the price of merchandise from its recorded retail price to a retail price at which it is expected to be sold in the future. These estimates are based on historical experience and current information about future events which are inherently uncertain. Actual realizable value could differ materially from this estimate based upon future customer demand or economic conditions.\nFor the fiscal years ended February 26, 2022 and February 27, 2021 the Company estimated its reserve for inventory shrinkage throughout the year based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable. Actual shrinkage was recorded based upon the results of the Company\u2019s physical inventory counts for locations at which counts were conducted. For locations where physical inventory counts were not conducted in the fiscal year, an estimated shrink reserve was recorded based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable.\n \nFor the fiscal year-ended February 25, 2023 the Company performed store physical inventory counts at or near fiscal year-end\n \nusing a statistical sampling approach based on a stratified random sample.\n \nThe full population of store inventory was estimated and recorded based on an extrapolation using the direct projection method.\n \nThe Company estimated a reserve for inventory shrinkage for inventory held at other locations based on historical shrinkage and current trends.\nThe Company accrues for merchandise in transit once it takes legal ownership and title to the merchandise; as such, an estimate for merchandise in transit is included in the Company\u2019s merchandise inventories.\nImpairment of Long-Lived Assets\n: We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may exceed their current fair values. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets. Judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the assets including assumptions related to sales growth rates and market rental rates. These estimates are based on historical experience and current information about future events which are inherently uncertain.\nIn Fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020, we recorded $1.28 billion, $30.8 million, and $75.1 million, respectively, of non-cash pre-tax impairment charges within goodwill and other impairments in the consolidated statement of operations for certain store-level assets, including leasehold improvements and operating lease assets. At February 25, 2023, the required step one recoverability test resulted in estimation uncertainty regarding the ability to achieve future location and enterprise level positive undiscounted cash flows.\n \nAs such, the Company moved forward with preparing a step two impairment test for its long-lived assets at all store, distribution facility and corporate locations. The Company used market approach models, including orderly liquidation value, to estimate the fair value of store, distribution facility and corporate location long-lived assets, comparing the fair values to the net book values, and calculating the impairment charge.\n \nIn the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that a long-lived asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these long-lived assets in the period in which the impairment occurs.\nSelf-Insurance\n: We utilize a combination of third-party insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks including workers\u2019 compensation, general liability, cyber liability, property liability, automobile liability and employee related health care benefits (a portion of which is paid by our employees). Liabilities associated with the risks that we retain are not discounted and are estimated by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. Although our claims experience has not displayed substantial volatility in the past, actual experience could materially vary from our historical experience in the future. Factors that affect these estimates include but are not limited to: inflation, the number and severity of claims and regulatory changes. In the future, if we conclude an adjustment to self-insurance accruals is required, the liability will be adjusted accordingly.\n36\nTable\n \nof Contents\nBeginning in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020, we began insuring portions of our workers' compensation and medical insurance through a wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary (the \"Captive\") to enhance our risk financing strategies. The Captive is subject to regulations in Vermont, including those relating to its levels of liquidity. The Captive was in compliance with all regulations as of February\u00a025, 2023.\nMezzanine Equity and Derivatives: \nThe Company also issues various financial instruments, including preferred stock and warrants. We account for instruments containing redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company\u2019s control are classified as redeemable or mezzanine equity. We also evaluate whether the contingent redemption provisions are probable of becoming redeemable to determine whether the carrying value of the redeemable convertible preferred units are required to be remeasured to their respective redemption values. All instruments that are classified as mezzanine equity are evaluated for embedded derivative features by evaluating each feature against the nature of the host instrument (e.g. more equity-like or debt-like). Features identified as freestanding instruments or bifurcated embedded derivatives that are material are recognized separately as a derivative asset or liability, recorded at fair value each reporting period in the consolidated financial statements. \nThe Company uses a model-derived valuation in determining the fair value of the derivative liabilities. Significant assumptions used in the model include the conversion ratio and stock price of the Company. Significant changes in these assumptions could lead to significant changes in the fair value of the derivative liabilities.\nTaxes:\n The Company accounts for its income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. \nIn assessing the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, we evaluate the available objective positive and negative evidence to estimate whether it is more likely than not that sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of existing deferred tax assets in each taxpaying jurisdiction. For any deferred tax asset in excess of the amount for which it is more likely than not that we will realize a benefit, we establish a valuation allowance. A valuation allowance is a non-cash charge, and does not limit our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets, including our ability to utilize tax loss and credit carryforward amounts, against future taxable income.\nDuring Fiscal 2022, we concluded that, based on our evaluation of available objective positive and negative evidence, we continue to be more likely than not that our net U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets will not be recoverable. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the key assumptions used to determine positive and negative evidence included our cumulative book loss for the past three years and our ability to continue as a going concern. As of February\u00a025, 2023, the total valuation allowance relative to U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets was $851.8 million.\nThe Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is at least more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities.\nThe Company also accrues for certain other taxes as required by its operations.\nJudgment is required in determining the provision for income and other taxes and related accruals, and deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Additionally, the Company's various tax returns are subject to audit by various tax authorities. Although the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.\n37\nTable\n \nof Contents\nFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS\nThis Form 10-K and Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21 E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 including, but not limited to, our progress and anticipated progress towards our long-term objectives, as well as more generally the status of our future liquidity and financial condition and our outlook for our 2022 Fiscal year. \nThese statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201ccontinue,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cmight,\u201d \u201cour vision,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cpotential,\u201d \u201cpreliminary,\u201d \u201cpredict,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d or \u201cwould\u201d or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause the Company\u2019s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: risks attendant to the bankruptcy process, including the Company\u2019s ability to obtain court approval from the Bankruptcy Court with respect to motions or other requests made to the Bankruptcy Court throughout the course of the Chapter 11 Cases, including with respect the DIP Facility; the effects of the Chapter 11 Cases, including increased legal and other professional costs necessary to execute the Company\u2019s reorganization, on the Company\u2019s liquidity (including the availability of operating capital during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases), results of operations or business prospects; the effects of the Chapter 11 Cases on the interests of various constituents and financial stakeholders; the length of time that the Company will operate under Chapter 11 protection and the continued availability of operating capital during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases; objections to the Company\u2019s restructuring process, DIP Facilities, or other pleadings filed that could protract the Chapter 11 Cases; risks associated with third-party motions in the Chapter 11 Cases; Bankruptcy Court rulings in the Chapter 11 Cases and the outcome of the Chapter 11 Cases in general; the Company\u2019s ability to comply with the restrictions imposed by the terms and conditions of the DIP Credit Agreement and other financing arrangements; employee attrition and the Company\u2019s ability to retain senior management and other key personnel due to the distractions and uncertainties; the Company\u2019s ability to maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, employees and other third parties and regulatory authorities as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases; the impact and timing of any cost-savings measures and related local law requirements in various jurisdictions; finalization of the Company\u2019s annual and quarterly financial statements (including finalization of the Company\u2019s impairment tests), completion of standard annual and quarterly-close processes; risks relating to the delisting of the Common Stock from Nasdaq and future quotation of the Company\u2019s common stock; the effectiveness of the Company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, and the potential for additional material weaknesses in the Company\u2019s internal controls over financial reporting or other potential weaknesses of which the Company is not currently aware or which have not been detected; the impact of litigation and regulatory proceedings; the impact and timing of any cost-savings measures; and other factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These risks and uncertainties may cause the Company\u2019s actual results, performance, liquidity or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance, liquidity or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this report may not in fact occur.\n Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements.",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A \n\u2013\n QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nOur exposure to market risk is primarily related to variable interest rate changes associated with our investment securities and the Credit Facilities, which includes our asset based revolving credit facility (the \u201cABL Facility\u201d) and a first-in-last-out term loan facility (the \u201cFILO Facility\u201d). Our Credit Facilities are based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (\u201cSOFR\u201d). During Fiscal 2022, the Company sold its long-term available-for-sale investment securities of $20.3 million for $18.9 million resulting in a realized loss reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss.\nAs of February 25, 2023, our investments include cash and cash equivalents of approximately $65.9 million and restricted cash of $81.5 million, at weighted average interest rates of 3.34% and 0.34%, respectively. The book value of these investments is representative of their fair values.\nAs of February 25, 2023, we had a variable interest rate debt outstanding under our Credit Facilities of $720.2 million. The weighted average interest rate on the outstanding amounts under our Credit Facilities was 11.66%. The carrying amount of the Credit Facilities approximates fair value as the interest charged is based on the current market rate.\nOur senior unsecured notes have fixed interest rates and are not subject to interest rate risk. As of February 25, 2023, the fair value of the senior unsecured notes was $176.3\u00a0million, which is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments compared to the carrying value of approximately $1.030\u00a0billion.\n \n38\nTable\n \nof Contents",
+ "cik": "886158",
+ "cusip6": "075896",
+ "cusip": ["075896100", "075896900", "075896950"],
+ "names": ["BED BATH & BEYOND INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/886158/000088615823000059/0000886158-23-000059-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000891024-23-000006.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000891024-23-000006.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c48c6c5e1c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000891024-23-000006.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item\u00a01. BUSINESS\nForward-Looking Statements\nThe U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a \u201csafe harbor\u201d for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those disclosed in the statement. Certain information of a non-historical nature contained in Items 1, 2, 3 and 7 of this Form 10-K includes \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding future financial performance, and the objectives and expectations of management. Forward-looking statements often include words such as \u201cbelieves,\u201d \u201cexpects,\u201d \u201canticipates,\u201d \u201cestimates,\u201d \u201cintends,\u201d \u201cplans,\u201d \u201cseeks\u201d or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs, such as \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201ccould\u201d or \u201cmay.\u201d Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, such statements, including, but not limited to, our statements regarding business strategy, growth strategy, competitive strengths, productivity and profitability enhancement, competition, new product and service introductions and liquidity and capital resources, are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions,\n \nas well as on assumptions made by and information currently available to management, and involve various risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control.\nBecause forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Any number of factors could affect our actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements. Reference is made to \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in Item 1A and \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d in Item 7 of this Form 10-K, for a discussion of certain factors that could cause actual operating results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will in fact prove to be accurate. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority. We caution that these factors may not be exhaustive, accordingly, any forward-looking statements contained herein should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results.\nYou should carefully consider these and other relevant factors and information which may be contained in this Form 10-K and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, when reviewing any forward-looking statement. Investors should understand it is impossible to predict or identify all such factors or risks. As such, you should not consider the risks identified in our SEC filings, to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.\nAny forward-looking statement made in this Form 10-K is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.\nGeneral\nPatterson Companies, Inc. is a value-added specialty distributor serving the U.S. and Canadian dental supply markets and the U.S., Canadian and U.K. animal health supply markets. Patterson operates through its two strategic business units, Patterson Dental and Patterson Animal Health, offering similar products and services to different customer bases. Each business has a strong competitive position, serves a highly fragmented market that offers consolidation opportunities and offers relatively low-cost consumable supplies, which makes our value-added business proposition highly attractive to our customers. We believe that we have a strong brand identity as a value-added, full-service distributor with broad product and service offerings, having begun distributing dental supplies in 1877.\n3\nTable of Contents\nBusiness Overview\nThe following table sets forth consolidated net sales (in millions) by segment. \nFiscal Year Ended\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\nApril 24, 2021\nDental\n$\n2,492\u00a0\n$\n2,516\u00a0\n$\n2,327\u00a0\nAnimal Health\n3,965\u00a0\n3,983\u00a0\n3,560\u00a0\nCorporate\n14\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n25\u00a0\nConsolidated net sales\n$\n6,471\u00a0\n$\n6,499\u00a0\n$\n5,912\u00a0\nOur strategically located fulfillment centers enable us to better serve our customers and increase our operating efficiency. This infrastructure, together with broad product and service offerings at competitive prices, and a strong commitment to customer service, enables us to be a single source of supply for our customers\u2019 needs. Our infrastructure also allows us to provide convenient ordering and rapid, accurate and complete order fulfillment.\nElectronic commerce solutions have become an integral part of dental and animal health supply and distribution relationships. Our distribution business is characterized by rapid technological developments and intense competition. The continuing advancement of online commerce requires us to cost-effectively adapt to changing technologies, to enhance existing services and to develop and introduce a variety of new services to address the changing demands of consumers and our customers on a timely basis, particularly in response to competitive offerings. We believe that our tradition of reliable service, our name recognition and large customer base built on solid customer relationships, position us well to participate in this significant aspect of the distribution business. We continue to explore methods to improve and expand our Internet presence and capabilities, including our online commerce offerings and our use of various social media outlets.\nPatterson became publicly traded in 1992 and is a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Minnesota. We are headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our principal executive offices are located at 1031 Mendota Heights Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55120, and our telephone number is (651) 686-1600. Unless the context specifically requires otherwise, the terms the \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cPatterson,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus\u201d and \u201cour\u201d mean Patterson Companies, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.\nThe Specialty Distribution Markets We Serve\nWe provide manufacturers with cost effective logistics and high-caliber sales professionals to access a geographically diverse customer base, which is critical to the supply chain for the markets we serve. We provide our customers with an array of value-added services, a dedicated and highly skilled sales team, and a broad selection of products through a single channel, thereby helping them efficiently manage their ordering process. Due in part to the inability of our customers to store and manage large quantities of supplies at their locations, the distribution of supplies and small equipment has been characterized by frequent, small-quantity orders, and a need for rapid, reliable and substantially-complete order fulfillment. Supplies and small equipment are generally purchased from more than one distributor, with one generally serving as the primary supplier.\nWe believe that consolidation within the industry will continue as distributors, particularly those with limited financial, operating and marketing resources, seek to combine with larger companies that can provide growth opportunities. This consolidation also may continue to result in distributors seeking to acquire companies that can enhance their current product and service offerings or provide opportunities to serve a broader customer base.\nDental Supply Market\nThe dental supply market we serve consists of geographically dispersed and highly fragmented dental practices. Customers range in size from sole practitioners to large group practices, often called Dental Service Organizations (\"DSO's\"). According to the American Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association, there are approximately 203,000 dentists practicing in the U.S. and 25,000 dentists practicing in Canada. We believe the average dental practitioner purchases supplies from more than one supplier.\nWe believe the North American dental supply market continues to experience growth due to an increasing population, an aging population, advances in dentistry, demand for general, preventive and specialty services, increasing demand for new technologies that allow dentists to increase productivity, demand for infection control products, and insurance coverage by dental plans.\n4\nTable of Contents\nWe support dental professionals through the many stock keeping units (\u201cSKUs\u201d) that we offer, as well as through important value-added services, including equipment and technology installation and service, practice management software, electronic claims processing, financial services, and continuing education, all designed to help make a dental practice more efficient.\nAnimal Health Supply Market\nThe animal health supply market is a mix of production animal supply, which primarily serves food producing animals, consisting of beef and dairy cattle, swine and poultry and other species such as sheep and goats, and companion animal supply, which serves pets, primarily dogs, cats and horses. Similar to the dental supply market, the animal health supply market is highly fragmented and diverse. Our production animal customers include large animal veterinarians, beef producers (cow/calf, stocker and feedlots), dairy producers, poultry producers, swine producers and retail customers. Our companion animal customers are primarily small animal and equine veterinary clinics, including independently owned, corporates and groups. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are more than 70,000 veterinarians in private practice in the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, there are approximately 20,000 veterinarians in the U.K. practicing in veterinary outlets; however, we believe there has been a shift in the U.K. market toward consolidation of veterinary practices. National Veterinary Services Limited, is the market leader in the U.K. veterinary market, with the highest percentage of buying groups and corporations as customers compared to its competitors, and the highest share position in that country overall.\nThe global animal health supply market continues to experience growth, and we believe that trend will continue for the foreseeable future. We support our animal health customers through the distribution of biologicals, pharmaceuticals, parasiticides, supplies, including our own private label brands, and equipment. We also supply a full portfolio of technologies, software, services and solutions to all segments and channels of our broad customer base. We actively engage in the development, sale and distribution of inventory, accounting and health management systems to enhance customer operating efficiencies and assist our customers in managing risk. Within the companion animal supply market, we anticipate increasing demand for veterinary services due to the following factors: the increasing number of households with companion animals, increased pet adoption rates and increased expenditures on animal health and preventative care, an aging pet population, advancements in animal health products and diagnostic testing, and extensive marketing programs sponsored by companion animal nutrition and pharmaceutical companies.\nWe anticipate the macroeconomic trend of global population growth and corresponding demand for protein will be favorable to the production animal segment in the future. Likewise, the rise in disposable income, especially in developing countries will be a key driver of future growth. However; product sales in the production animal supply market are more likely to be impacted by volatility in the market such as commodity prices, changes in weather patterns, and trends in the general economy. Many factors can influence how long cattle will graze and consequently the number of days an animal is on feed during a finishing phase. Supply and demand dynamics and economic trends can shift the number of animals treated, the timing of when animals are treated, to what extent they are treated and with which products they are treated. Historically, sales in this market have been largely driven by spending on animal health products to improve productivity, weight gain and disease prevention, as well as a growing focus on health and wellness of the animals, safety, and efficiency in livestock production.\nCompetition\nThe distribution industry is highly competitive. It consists principally of national, regional and local full-service distributors. Substantially all of the products we sell are available to customers from a number of suppliers. In addition, our competitors could obtain exclusive rights from manufacturers to market particular products. Some manufacturers also sell directly to end-users, thereby eliminating or reducing our role and that of other distributors.\nWe compete with other distributors, as well as several manufacturers, of dental and animal health products, on the basis of price, breadth of product line, customer service and value-added products and services. To differentiate ourselves from our competition we deploy a strategy of premium customer service with multiple value-added components, a highly qualified and motivated sales force, highly-trained and experienced service technicians, an extensive breadth and mix of products and services, technology solutions allowing customers to easily access our inventory, accurate and timely delivery of product, strategic location of sales offices and fulfillment centers, and competitive pricing.\nIn the U.S. and Canadian dental supply market, we compete against Henry Schein, Inc., Benco Dental Supply Company, Burkhart Dental Supply and hundreds of distributors that operate on a regional or local level, or online. Also, as noted above, some manufacturers sell directly to end users. With regard to our dental practice \n5\nTable of Contents\nmanagement software, we compete against numerous offerings, including those from Henry Schein, Inc. and Carestream Dental.\nIn the U.S. and Canadian animal health supply market, our primary competitors are AmerisourceBergen/MWI Animal Health and Covetrus, Inc. We also compete against a number of regional and local animal health distributors, some manufacturers that sell direct to end users and several alternative channel market providers that sell through digital platforms to production animal operators, animal health product retailers and veterinarians. Additionally, major U.S. online e-commerce retailers such as Amazon and Chewy.com have become licensed as veterinary mail order pharmacies, which enables them to offer pharmacy products directly to consumers in all 50 U.S. states. In the animal health practice management market, our primary competitors are IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and Covetrus, Inc. We face significant competition in the animal health supply market in the U.K., where we compete on the basis of price and customer service with several large competitors, including Covetrus, Inc. and AmerisourceBergen. We also compete directly with pharmaceutical companies who sell certain products or services directly to the customer. \nSuccessful distributors are increasingly providing value-added services in addition to the products they have traditionally provided. We believe that to remain competitive we must continue to add value to the distribution channel, while removing unnecessary costs associated with product movement. Significant price reductions by our competitors could result in competitive harm.\u00a0Any of these competitive pressures may materially adversely affect our operating results.\nCompetitive Strengths\nWe have more than 140 years of experience in distributing products resulting in strong awareness of the Patterson brand. Although further information regarding these competitive strengths is set forth below in the discussion of our two strategic business units, our competitive strengths include:\n\u2022\nBroad product and service offerings at competitive prices\n. We sell approximately 200,000 SKUs to our customers, including many proprietary branded products. We believe that our proprietary branded products and our competitive pricing strategy have generated a loyal customer base that is confident in our brands. Our product offerings include consumables, equipment, software and various technologies. Our value-added services include practice management software, office design, equipment installation and maintenance, and financing.\n\u2022\nFocus on customer relationships and exceptional customer service.\n Our sales and marketing efforts are designed to establish and solidify customer relationships through personal visits by field sales representatives, interaction via phone with sales representatives, web-based activities including e-commerce and frequent direct marketing, emphasizing our broad product lines, competitive prices and ease of order placement. We focus on providing our customers with exceptional order fulfillment and a streamlined ordering process.\n\u2022\nCost-effective purchasing and efficient distribution. \nWe believe that cost-effective purchasing is a key element to maintaining and enhancing our position as a competitive-pricing provider of dental and animal health products. We strive to maintain optimal inventory levels to satisfy customer demand for prompt and complete order fulfillment through our distribution of products from strategically located fulfillment centers.\nBusiness Strategy\nOur objective is to continue to expand as a leading value-added distributor of dental and animal health products and services. To accomplish this, we will apply our competitive strengths in executing the following strategies:\n\u2022\nEmphasizing our differentiated, value-added, full-service capabilities\n. We are positioned to meet virtually all of the needs of dental practitioners, veterinarians, production animal operators and animal health product retailers by providing a broad range of consumable supplies, technology, equipment, software and value-added services. We believe our knowledgeable sales representatives can create customer intimacy and loyalty by providing an informational, consultative approach to our customers, linking them to the industries we serve. Our value-added strategy is further supported by our equipment specialists who offer consultation on design, equipment requirements and financing, our service technicians who perform equipment installation, maintenance and repair services, our business development professionals who provide business tools and educational programs to our customers, and our technology advisors who provide guidance on integrating technology solutions.\n6\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nUsing technology to enhance customer service. \nAs part of our commitment to providing superior customer service, we offer our customers easy order placement. Although we offer computerized order entry systems that we believe help establish relationships with new customers and increase loyalty among existing customers, predominant platforms for ordering today include www.pattersondental.com, www.pattersonvet.com and www.animalhealthinternational.com. The use of these methods of ordering enables our sales representatives to spend more time with existing and prospective customers. Our Internet environment includes order entry, customer support for digital and our proprietary products, customer-loyalty program reports and services, and access to articles and manufacturers\u2019 product information. We also provide real-time customer and sales information to our sales force, managers and vendors via the Internet. In addition, the Patterson Technology Center (\u201cPTC\u201d) differentiates Patterson from our competition by providing deep and thorough expertise in practice management software and other advanced equipment and technology clinical solutions. In addition to trouble-shooting through the PTC\u2019s support center, customers can access various service capabilities offered by the PTC, including electronic claims and statement processing and system back-up capabilities.\n\u2022\nContinuing to improve operating efficiencies. \nWe continue to implement programs designed to improve our operating efficiencies and allow for continued sales growth. This strategy includes our continuing investment in management information systems and consolidation and leveraging of fulfillment centers and sales branches between our operating segments. In addition, we have established shared sales branch offices in several locations.\n\u2022\nGrowing through internal expansion and acquisitions\n. We intend to continue to grow by hiring sales representatives, hiring and training sales professionals, opening additional locations as needed, and acquiring other companies in order to enter new, or more deeply penetrate existing, markets, gain access to additional product lines, and expand our customer base. We believe both of our operating segments are well positioned to take advantage of expected continued consolidation in our markets. \nDental Segment - Products, Services and Sources of Supply\nPatterson Dental, one of the two largest distributors of dental products in North America, has operations in the U.S. and Canada. As a full-service, value-added supplier to over 100,000 dental practices, dental laboratories, educational institutions, and community health centers, Patterson Dental provides consumable products (including infection control, restorative materials, and instruments); basic and advanced technology and dental equipment; and innovative practice optimization solutions, including practice management software, e-commerce, revenue cycle management, patient engagement solutions, and clinical and patient education. Patterson Dental sells approximately 100,000 SKUs, of which approximately 3,500 are private-label products sold under the Patterson brand. Patterson Dental also offers customers a range of related services including software and design services, maintenance and repair, and equipment financing. Net sales and operating income were $2.5 billion and $237 million in fiscal 2023, respectively.\nThe following table sets forth the percentage of total sales by the principal categories of products and services offered to our dental segment customers:\n \nFiscal Year Ended\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\nApril 24, 2021\nConsumable\n55\u00a0\n%\n57\u00a0\n%\n56\u00a0\n%\nEquipment\n33\u00a0\n32\u00a0\n31\u00a0\nValue-added services and other\n12\u00a0\n11\u00a0\n13\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\nPatterson Dental obtains products from hundreds of vendors, most of which are non-exclusive. While there is generally more than one source of supply for most of the categories of products we sell, the concentration of business with key suppliers is considerable, as consolidation has increased among manufacturers. In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, Patterson Dental's top ten supply vendors accounted for approximately 58%, 56% and 57% of the total cost of sales, respectively. The top vendor accounted for 24%, 24% and 25% of the total cost of sales in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n7\nTable of Contents\nAnimal Health Segment - Products, Services and Sources of Supply\nPatterson Animal Health is a leading distributor of animal health products in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We sell approximately 100,000 SKUs, of which approximately 2,000 are private-label. Products are sourced from over 2,000 manufacturers to over 50,000 customers in the highly fragmented animal health supply market. Products we distribute include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, prescription and non-prescription diets, nutritionals, consumable supplies and equipment. We offer a private label portfolio of products to veterinarians, producers, and retailers through our Aspen, First Companion and Patterson Veterinary brands. We also provide a range of value-added services to our customers. Within our companion animal supply market, our principal customers are companion-pet and equine veterinarians, veterinary clinics, public and private institutions, and shelters. In our production animal supply market, our principal customers are large animal veterinarians, production animal operators and animal health product retailers. Consumer demand for alternative means of sourcing product through digital platforms is an evolving dynamic in our industry. We provide digital home delivery solutions to allow us to evolve with the market. Net sales and operating income were $4.0 billion and $127 million in fiscal 2023, respectively.\nThe following table sets forth the percentage of total sales by the principal categories of products and services offered to our animal health segment customers:\nFiscal Year Ended\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\nApril 24, 2021\nConsumable\n96\u00a0\n%\n96\u00a0\n%\n96\u00a0\n%\nEquipment\n3\u00a0\n3\u00a0\n3\u00a0\nValue-added services and other\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n1\u00a0\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\n100\u00a0\n%\nPatterson Animal Health obtains products from over 2,000 vendors globally. While Patterson Animal Health makes purchases from many vendors and there is generally more than one source of supply for most of the categories of products, the concentration of business with key vendors is considerable, as consolidation has increased among manufacturers. In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, Patterson Animal Health\u2019s top 10 manufacturers comprised approximately 66%, 66% and 70% of the total cost of sales, respectively, and the single largest supplier comprised approximately 24%, 23% and 20% in of the total cost of sales 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nSales, Marketing and Distribution\nDuring fiscal 2023, we sold products or services to over 100,000 customers who made one or more purchases during the year. Our customers include dentists, laboratories, institutions, other healthcare professionals, veterinarians, other animal health professionals, production animal operators and animal health product retailers. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of sales during fiscal 2023, and we are not dependent on any single customer or geographic group of customers. \nWe have offices throughout the U.S. and Canada so that we can provide a presence in the market and decision-making near the customer. Patterson Animal Health also has a central office in the U.K. Our offices, or sales branches, are staffed with a complete complement of our capabilities, including sales, customer service and technical service personnel, as well as a local manager who has decision-making authority with regard to customer-related transactions and issues.\nA primary component of our value-added approach is our professional sales and support organization. Due to the highly-fragmented nature of the markets we serve, we believe that our unique combination of field-based and call-center sales and support teams is critical to reaching potential customers and providing a differentiated customer experience. Our sales representatives play an indispensable and critical role in managing a practice\u2019s supply chain and in introducing new products and technologies.\nIn the U.S. and Canada, customer service representatives in call centers work in tandem with our sales representatives, providing a dual coverage approach for individual customers. In addition to processing orders, customer service representatives are responsible for assisting customers with ordering, informing customers of monthly promotions, and responding to general inquiries. In the U.K., our customer service team is primarily responsible for handling customer inquiries and resolving issues.\n8\nTable of Contents\nTo assist our\u00a0customers with their purchasing decisions, we provide a multi-touchpoint\u00a0shopping experience. From print to digital, this seamless experience is inclusive of products and services information. Patterson offers online and in-print showcases of our expansive merchandise and equipment offerings, including digital imaging and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (\"CAD/CAM\") technologies, hand-held and similar instruments, sundries, office design, e-services, repair and support assistance, as well as financial services. We also promote select products and services through publications, including \nOn Target \nand \nAdvantage \nin the U.S. and \nPatterson Post \nin Canada in our Dental segment, and \nInsight\n in the U.S. and \nThe Cube\n in the U.K. in our Animal Health segment. Additional direct marketing tools that we utilize include customer loyalty programs, social media, and participation in trade shows.\nWe believe that responsive delivery of quality supplies and equipment is key to customer satisfaction. We ship consumable supplies from our strategically located fulfillment centers in the U.S. and Canada. In the U.K., orders are accepted in a centralized fulfillment center and shipped nationwide to one of our depots located throughout the country at which pre-packed orders are sorted by route for delivery to customers. Orders for consumable supplies can be placed through our sales representatives, customer service representatives or electronically 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rapid and accurate order fulfillment is another principal component of our value-added approach. \nIn order to assure the availability of our broad product lines for prompt delivery to customers, we must maintain sufficient inventories at our fulfillment centers. Purchasing of consumables and standard equipment is centralized, and our purchasing department uses a real-time perpetual inventory system to manage inventory levels. Our inventory consists mostly of consumable supply items and pharmaceutical products. \nImpacts of COVID-19\nThe COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on our businesses in fiscal 2021 as we implemented cost reduction measures in response to closures and other steps taken by governmental authorities. In response, management adapted our business practices with respect to employee travel, employee work locations, and cancellation of physical participation in meetings, events and conferences. Management also took proactive steps with respect to our liquidity position. Within our Dental segment, supply chain disruptions and an increased demand for PPE initially resulted in back orders of PPE, causing substantial price increases.\n \nWe had to prepay suppliers in order to obtain PPE for resale to our customers, and as manufacturing caught up to increased demand for PPE, prices dropped, impacting our margins and requiring us to write down certain inventory.\n \nIn our markets of the U.S., Canada, and the UK, restrictive measures have now been lifted and the World Health Organization declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns remain that our markets could see a resurgence of COVID-19 cases or the emergence of new wide-spread public health outbreaks, triggering additional impacts on our businesses. There is continued uncertainty around the duration and ultimate impact of COVID-19 and other global health concerns.\nRefer to Part I, Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors,\u201d and Part II, Item 7, \u201cManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,\u201d within this Annual Report for further information on the impacts to our business and results of operations, our dividends, liquidity and debt arrangements, and associated risks and uncertainties.\nGeographic Information\nFor information on revenues and long-lived assets of our segments by geographic area, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nSeasonality and Other Factors Affecting Our Business and Quarterly Results\nOur business in general is not seasonal; however, there are some products that typically sell more often during the winter or summer season. In any given month, unusual weather patterns (e.g., unusually hot or cold weather) could impact the sales volumes of these products, either positively or negatively. In addition, we experience fluctuations in quarterly earnings. As a result, we may fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could cause our stock price to decline. Quarterly results may be materially adversely affected by a variety of factors, including:\n\u2022\ntiming and amount of sales and marketing expenditures;\n\u2022\ntiming of pricing changes offered by our suppliers;\n9\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\ntiming of the introduction of new products and services by our suppliers;\n\u2022\nchanges in or availability of supplier contracts or rebate programs;\n\u2022\nsupplier rebates based upon attaining certain growth goals;\n\u2022\nchanges in the way suppliers introduce or deliver products to market;\n\u2022\ncosts of developing new applications and services;\n\u2022\nour ability to correctly identify customer needs and preferences and predict future needs and preferences;\n\u2022\nuncertainties regarding potential significant breaches of data security or disruptions of our information technology systems;\n\u2022\nregulatory actions, or government regulation generally;\n\u2022\nloss of sales representatives;\n\u2022\ncosts related to acquisitions and/or integrations of technologies or businesses;\n\u2022\ncosts associated with our self-insured insurance programs;\n\u2022\ngeneral market and economic conditions, as discussed in Item 1A: Risk Factors, including pandemic, macro-economic conditions, increased fuel and energy costs, consumer confidence, as well as conditions specific to the supply and distribution industry and related industries;\n\u2022\nour success in establishing or maintaining business relationships;\n\u2022\ndifficulties of manufacturers in developing and manufacturing products;\n\u2022\nproduct demand and availability, or product recalls by manufacturers;\n\u2022\nexposure to product liability and other claims in the event that the use of the products we sell results in injury;\n\u2022\nincreases in shipping costs or service issues with our third-party shippers;\n\u2022\nfluctuations in the value of foreign currencies;\n\u2022\ngoodwill impairment;\n\u2022\nchanges in interest rates;\n\u2022\nrestructuring costs;\n\u2022\nthe adoption or repeal of legislation;\n\u2022\nchanges in accounting principles; and\n\u2022\nlitigation or regulatory judgments, fines, forfeitures, penalties, equitable remedies, expenses or settlements.\nGovernmental Regulation\nWe strive to be compliant with the applicable laws, regulations and guidance described below, and believe we have effective compliance programs and other controls in place to ensure substantial compliance. However, compliance is not guaranteed either now or in the future, as certain laws, regulations and guidance may be subject to varying and evolving interpretations that could affect our ability to comply, as well as future changes, additions and enforcement approaches, including political changes. Additionally, our policies and procedures may not always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or our agents. When we discover situations of non-compliance we seek to remedy them and bring the affected area back into compliance.\nPresident Biden\u2019s administration (the \u201cBiden Administration\u201d) has indicated that it will be more aggressive in its pursuit of alleged violations of law, and has revoked certain guidance that would have limited governmental use of informal agency guidance to pursue potential violations, and has stated that it is more prepared to pursue individuals for corporate law violations, including an aggressive approach to anti-corruption activities. Changes to applicable laws, regulations and guidance described below, as well as related administrative or judicial interpretations, may require us to update or revise our operations, services, marketing practices, and compliance programs and controls, and may impose additional and unforeseen costs on us, pose new or previously immaterial risks to us, or may otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nFederal, state and certain foreign governments have also increased enforcement activity in the health care sector, particularly in areas of fraud and abuse, anti-bribery and corruption, controlled substances handling, medical device regulations and data privacy and security standards. Our businesses are generally subject to numerous laws and regulations that could impact our financial performance. Failure to comply with such laws or regulations could be punishable by criminal or civil sanctions, which could materially adversely affect our business. \n10\nTable of Contents\nOperating, Security and Licensure Standards\nOur dental and animal health supply businesses involve the distribution, importation, exportation, marketing and sale of, and third party payment for, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and in this regard, we are subject to extensive local, state, federal and foreign governmental laws and regulations applicable to the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. \nU.S. Federal Agencies\nCertain of our businesses are required to register for permits and/or licenses with, and comply with operating and security standards of, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (\u201cFDA\u201d), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (\u201cUSDA\u201d), the Environmental Protection Agency (\u201cEPA\u201d), the Food Safety Inspection Service (\u201cFSIS\u201d), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (\u201cDEA\u201d), the Federal Trade Commission (\u201cFTC\u201d), and various state boards of pharmacy, state health departments and/or comparable state agencies as well as comparable foreign agencies, and certain accrediting bodies depending on the type of operations and location of product distribution, manufacturing or sale. These businesses include those that distribute, manufacture and/or repackage prescription pharmaceuticals and/or medical devices and/or HCT/P products, own pharmacy operations, or install, maintain or repair equipment. \nFDA \n\u2013 the regulatory body that is responsible for the regulation of animal-health pharmaceuticals in the U.S. is the Center for Veterinary Medicine (\u201cCVM\u201d) housed within the FDA.\n\u2022\nGenerally, all animal-health pharmaceuticals are subject to pre-market review and must be shown to be safe, effective, and produced by a consistent method of manufacture as defined under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended (the \u201cFDC Act\u201d).\n\u2022\nIf the drug is for food-producing animals, potential consequences for humans are also considered.\n\u2022\nAnimal supplements generally are not required to obtain pre-market approval from the CVM, although they may be treated as food. Any substance that is added to, or is expected to become a component of, animal food must be used in accordance with food-additive regulations, unless it is generally recognized as safe, under the conditions of its intended use. Alternatively, the FDA may consider animal supplements to be drugs. The FDA has agreed to exercise enforcement discretion for such supplements if each such supplement meets certain conditions.\n\u2022\nAdditionally, dental and medical devices we sell in the U.S. are generally classified by the FDA into a category that renders them subject to the same controls that apply to all medical devices, including regulations regarding alternation, misbranding, notification, record-keeping and good manufacturing practices.\nUSDA\n \u2013 the regulatory body in the U.S. for veterinary biologics, such as vaccines.\n\u2022\nThe USDA\u2019s Center for Veterinary Biologics is responsible for the regulation of animal-health vaccines, including immunotherapeutics. Marketing of imported veterinary biological products in the U.S. requires a U.S. Veterinary Biological Product Permit. Veterinary biologics are subject to pre-market review and must be shown to be pure, safe, potent, and efficacious, as defined under the Virus Serum Toxin Act. The USDA requires post-licensing monitoring of these products. \nEPA\n \u2013 the main regulatory body in the U.S. for veterinary pesticides is the EPA. \n\u2022\nThe EPA\u2019s Office of Pesticide Programs is responsible for the regulation of pesticide products applied to animals.\n\u2022\nAnimal-health pesticides are subject to pre-market review and must not cause \u201cunreasonable adverse effects to man or the environment\u201d as stated in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.\n\u2022\nWithin the U.S., pesticide products that are approved by the EPA must also be approved by individual state pesticide authorities before distribution in that state. Post-approval monitoring of products is required, with reports provided to the EPA and some state regulatory agencies.\nFSIS \n- the public health agency within the USDA.\n\u2022\nThe FDA is authorized to determine the safety of substances (including \u201cgenerally recognized as safe\u201d substances, food additives and color additives), as well as prescribe their safe conditions of use. However, \n11\nTable of Contents\nalthough the FDA has the responsibility for determining the safety of substances, the FSIS still retains, under the tenets of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act and their implementing regulations, the authority to determine whether new substances and new uses of previously approved substances are suitable for use in meat and poultry products.\nDEA \n\u2013 under the Controlled Substances Act, distributors of controlled substances are required to obtain, and renew annually, registrations for their facilities from the DEA.\n\u2022\nDistributors are also subject to other statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the storage, sale, marketing, handling, and distribution of such drugs, in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations, and these requirements have been subject to heightened enforcement activity in recent times.\n\u2022\nDistributors are subject to inspection by the DEA.\nFTC\n \u2013 the FTC regulates advertising pursuant to its authority to prevent \u201cunfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce\u201d under the Federal Trade Commission Act.\n\u2022\nAdvertising and promotion of animal-health products that are not subject to approval by the CVM may be challenged by the FTC, as well as by state attorneys general and by consumers under state consumer protection laws.\n\u2022\nThe FTC will find an advertisement to be deceptive if it contains a representation or omission of fact that is likely to mislead consumers acting reasonably under the circumstances, the representation or omission is material, and if the advertiser does not possess and rely upon a reasonable basis, such as competent and reliable evidence, substantiating the claim.\n\u2022\nThe FTC may address unfair or deceptive advertising practices through either an administrative adjudication or judicial enforcement action, including preliminary or permanent injunction.\n\u2022\nThe FTC may also seek consumer redress from the advertiser in instances of dishonest or fraudulent conduct.\nState Registrations\n \u2013 states may require registration of animal-drug distributors and wholesalers.\n\u2022\nAdditional requirements may apply when the product is also a controlled substance. States work closely with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (\u201cAAFCO\u201d) in their regulation of animal food.\n\u2022\nAAFCO\u2019s annual official publication contains model animal and pet-food labeling regulations that states may adopt.\n\u2022\nThis publication is treated deferentially by the federal and state government agencies that regulate animal food. Many states require registration or licensing of animal-food distributors.\n\u2022\nStates may also review and approve animal-food labels prior to sale of the product in their state. \nWe are also subject to foreign trade controls administered by certain U.S. government agencies, including the Bureau of Industry and Security within the Commerce Department, Customs and Border Protection within the Department of homeland Security and the U.S. Department of the Treasury\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).\nThe DEA, the FDA and state regulatory authorities have broad inspection and enforcement powers, including the ability to suspend or limit the distribution of products by our fulfillment centers, seize or order the recall of products and impose significant criminal, civil and administrative sanctions for violations of these laws and regulations. Foreign regulations subject us to similar foreign enforcement powers. Furthermore, compliance with legal requirements has required and may in the future require us to delay product release, sale or distribution, or institute voluntary recalls of, or other corrective action with respect to, products we sell, each of which could result in regulatory and enforcement actions, financial losses and potential reputational harm. Our customers are also subject to significant federal, state, local and foreign governmental regulation, which may affect our interactions with customers, including the design and functionality of the products we distribute.\n12\nTable of Contents\nAgencies Outside the U.S.\nSince the U.K. formally left the EU on January 31, 2020, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (\u201cVMD\u201d) became the main regulatory body in the U.K. responsible for regulating and controlling veterinary pharmaceuticals. The U.K. and the EU reached a trade deal in December 2020, which went into effect in May 2021. The agreement includes regulatory and customs cooperation mechanisms, as well as provisions supporting open and fair competition. The Northern Ireland protocol, which is part of the trade deal, requires that VMD follow EU rules in Northern Ireland. Laws applying to the rest of the U.K. could now diverge but currently remain largely aligned. \nU.S. Laws\nAmong the U.S. federal laws applicable to us are the Controlled Substances Act, the FDC Act, Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act, as well as laws regulating the billing of and reimbursement from government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and from commercial payers. We are also subject to comparable foreign regulations.\nThe FDC Act, the Controlled Substances Act, their implementing regulations, and similar foreign laws generally regulate the introduction, manufacture, advertising, marketing and promotion, sampling, pricing and reimbursement, labeling, packaging, storage, handling, returning or recalling, reporting, and distribution of, and record keeping for, pharmaceuticals and medical devices shipped in interstate commerce, and states may similarly regulate such activities within the state. Furthermore, Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act, which provides authority to prevent the introduction, transmission, or spread of communicable diseases, serves as the legal basis for the FDA\u2019s regulation of human cells, tissues and cellular and tissue-based products, also known as \u201cHCT/P products.\u201d\nThe federal Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013 brought about significant changes with respect to pharmaceutical supply chain requirements. Title II of this measure, known as the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (\u201cDSCSA\u201d), was first implemented in November 2014 and is being phased in over a period of 10 years. DSCSA is intended to build a national electronic, interoperable system by November 27, 2023, that will identify and trace certain prescription drugs as they are distributed in the U.S. The law\u2019s track and trace requirements applicable to manufacturers, wholesalers, third-party logistics providers (e.g., trading partners), repackagers and dispensers (e.g., pharmacies) of prescription drugs took effect in January 2015, and continues to be implemented. The DSCSA product tracing requirements replace the former FDA drug pedigree requirements and pre-empt certain state requirements that are inconsistent with, more stringent than, or in addition to, the DSCSA requirements.\nThe DSCSA also establishes certain requirements for the licensing and operation of prescription drug wholesalers and third party logistics providers (\u201c3PLs\u201d), and includes the eventual creation of national wholesaler and 3PL licenses in cases where states do not license such entities. The DSCSA requires that wholesalers and 3PLs distribute drugs in accordance with certain standards regarding the recordkeeping, storage and handling of prescription drugs. The DSCSA requires wholesalers and 3PLs to submit annual reports to the FDA, which include information regarding each state where the wholesaler or 3PL is licensed, the name and address of each facility and contact information. According to FDA guidance, states are pre-empted from imposing any licensing requirements that are inconsistent with, less stringent than, directly related to, or covered by the standards established by federal law in this area. Current state licensing requirements concerning wholesalers will remain in effect until the FDA issues new regulations as directed by the DSCSA.\nThe Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 and the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 amended the FDC Act to require the FDA to promulgate regulations to implement a unique device identification (\u201cUDI\u201d) system. The UDI rule phased in the implementation of the UDI regulations, generally beginning with the highest-risk devices (i.e., Class III medical devices) and ending with the lowest-risk devices. Most compliance dates were reached as of September 24, 2018, with a final set of requirements for low-risk devices being reached on September 24, 2022, which completed the phase in. However, in May 2021, the FDA issued an enforcement policy stating that it does not intend to object to the use of legacy identification numbers on device labels and packages for finished devices manufactured and labeled prior to September 24, 2023. The UDI regulations require \u201clabelers\u201d to include unique device identifiers (\u201cUDIs\u201d), with a content and format prescribed by the FDA and issued under a system operated by an FDA-accredited issuing agency, on the labels and packages of medical devices (including, but not limited to, certain software that qualifies as a medical device under FDA rules), and to directly mark certain devices with UDIs. The UDI regulations also require labelers to submit certain information concerning UDI-labeled devices to the FDA, much of which information is publicly available on an FDA database, the Global Unique Device Identification Database. On July 22, 2022, the FDA posted the final guidance regarding the Global Unique Device Identification Database called Unique Device Identification Policy Regarding \n13\nTable of Contents\nCompliance Dates for Class I and Unclassified Devices, Direct Marketing, and Global Unique Device Identification Database Requirements for Certain Devices. The UDI regulations and subsequent FDA guidance regarding the UDI requirements provide for certain exceptions, alternatives and time extensions. For example, the UDI regulations include a general exception for Class I devices exempt from the Quality System Regulation (other than record-keeping and complaint files). Regulated labelers include entities such as device manufacturers, repackagers, reprocessors and relabelers that cause a device\u2019s label to be applied or modified, with the intent that the device will be commercially distributed without any subsequent replacement or modification of the label, and include certain of our businesses.\nUnder the Controlled Substances Act, as a distributor of controlled substances, we are required to obtain and renew annually registrations for our facilities from the DEA permitting us to handle controlled substances. We are also subject to other statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the storage, sale, marketing, handling and distribution of such drugs, in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations, and these requirements have been subject to heightened enforcement activity in recent times. Non-controlled substances can also become subject to these controls. For example, law enforcement agencies are pressing for xylazine, which is an FDA-approved prescription veterinary tranquilizer found in certain analgesic products we distribute, to be listed as a federal controlled substance and several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida, have already done so, which measures are likely to increase our cost of distributing such products. There have also been increasing efforts by various levels of government globally to regulate the pharmaceutical distribution system in order to prevent the introduction of counterfeit, adulterated or misbranded pharmaceuticals into the distribution system.\nIn addition, Section 301 of the National Organ Transplant Act, and a number of comparable state laws, impose civil and/or criminal penalties for the transfer of certain human tissue (for example, human bone products) for valuable consideration, while generally permitting payments for the reasonable costs incurred in procuring, processing, storing and distributing that tissue. We are also subject to foreign government regulation of such products. \nCertain of our businesses are subject to various additional federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, including with respect to the sale, transportation, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances, and safe working conditions. In addition, certain of our businesses must operate in compliance with a variety of burdensome and complex billing and record keeping requirements in order to substantiate claims for payment under federal, state and commercial healthcare reimbursement programs.\nCertain of our businesses also maintain contracts with governmental agencies and are subject to certain regulatory requirements specific to government contractors.\nAs disclosed in our prior periodic reports, our subsidiary Animal Health International was the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Western District of Virginia, which resulted in Animal Health International pleading guilty to a strict-liability misdemeanor offense in connection with its failure to comply with federal law relating to the sales of prescription animal health products, and a total criminal fine and forfeiture of $52.8 million. In addition, Animal Health International and Patterson entered into a non-prosecution agreement for other non-compliant licensing, dispensing, distribution and related sales processes disclosed during the investigation and committed to undertake additional compliance program enhancements and provide compliance certifications through our reporting for fiscal 2023. This matter may continue to divert management's attention and cause us to suffer reputational harm. We also may be subject to other fines or penalties, equitable remedies (including but not limited to the suspension, revocation or non-renewal of licenses) and litigation. The occurrence of any of these events could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nOther Regulations\nVeterinary compounding pharmacies must comply with state and federal laws that govern the relationship between pharmacies and referral sources. The U.S. Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (\u201cAKS\u201d) imposes criminal penalties against individuals and entities that pay or receive remuneration in return for referring an individual for service paid under a federal health care program. Veterinary compounding pharmacies have historically avoided scrutiny under the AKS because no federal programs are involved in veterinary compounding funding. However, most states have enacted statutes and regulations that mirror the AKS and, in some cases, are even broader than the AKS.\nVarious states have enacted business and insurance regulations prohibiting referral arrangements that result in the offer or acceptance of any rebate, refund, commission, discount or other consideration as compensation or inducement for referring patients, clients or customers. These regulations often encompass all health-care related professions, including pharmacies and veterinary practices.\n14\nTable of Contents\nAdditionally, the promotion of regulated animal health products is controlled by regulations in many countries. These rules generally restrict advertising and promotion to those claims and uses that have been reviewed and endorsed by the applicable agency.\nAntitrust and Consumer Protection\nThe U.S. federal government, most U.S. states and many foreign countries have antitrust laws that prohibit certain types of conduct deemed to be anti-competitive, as well as consumer protection laws that seek to protect consumers from improper business practices. At the U.S. federal level, the Federal Trade Commission oversees enforcement of these types of laws, and states have similar government agencies. Violations of antitrust or consumer protection laws may result in various sanctions, including criminal and civil penalties. Private plaintiffs also may bring, and have brought, civil lawsuits against us in the U.S. for alleged antitrust violations, including claims for treble damages. The Biden Administration has indicated increased antitrust enforcement and has been more aggressive in enforcement actions, including investigations and challenging restrictive contractual terms that it believes harm workers and competition.\nHealth Care Fraud\nCertain of our businesses are subject to federal and state (and similar foreign) health care fraud and abuse, referral and reimbursement laws and regulations with respect to their operations. These laws and regulations govern different interactions, including but not limited to, those:\n\u2022\nprohibiting improper influence of or payments to healthcare professionals and government officials;\n\u2022\nsetting out rules for when and how to engage healthcare professionals as vendors;\n\u2022\nrequiring price reporting;\n\u2022\nrequiring marketing of products within regulatory approval (i.e., on label);\n\u2022\nregulating the import and export of products;\n\u2022\naffecting the operation of our facilities and our distribution of products; and\n\u2022\nrequiring disclosure of payments to healthcare professionals and entities.\nSome of these laws, referred to as \u201cfalse claims laws,\u201d prohibit the submission or causing the submission of false or fraudulent claims for reimbursement to federal, state and other health care payers and programs. Other laws, referred to as \u201canti-kickback laws,\u201d prohibit soliciting, offering, receiving or paying remuneration in order to induce the referral of a patient or ordering, purchasing, leasing or arranging for or recommending ordering, purchasing or leasing, of items or services that are paid for by federal, state and other health care payers and programs. Several states apply their false claims and anti-kickback laws to all payers, including goods and services paid for directly by consumers. Certain additional state and federal laws, such as the federal Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the \u201cStark Law,\u201d prohibit physicians and other health professionals from referring a patient to an entity with which the physician (or family member) has a financial relationship, for the furnishing of certain designated health services (for example, durable medical equipment and medical supplies), unless an exception applies. Violations of anti-kickback laws or the Stark Law may be enforced as violations of the federal False Claims Act.\nThe fraud and abuse laws and regulations have been subject to heightened enforcement activity over the past few years, and significant enforcement activity has been the result of \u201crelators,\u201d who serve as whistleblowers by filing complaints in the name of the U.S. (and, if applicable, particular states) under applicable false claim laws. Under the federal False Claims Act, relators can be entitled to receive up to 30% of the total recoveries. Penalties under fraud and abuse laws may be severe, including treble damages and substantial civil penalties under the federal False Claims Act, as well as potential loss of licenses and the ability to participate in federal and state health care programs, criminal penalties, or imposition of a corporate integrity agreement or corporate compliance monitor which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Also, these measures may be interpreted or applied by a prosecutorial, regulatory or judicial authority in a manner that could require us to make changes in our operations or incur substantial defense and settlement expenses. Even unsuccessful challenges by regulatory authorities or private relators could result in reputational harm and the incurring of substantial costs. Most states have adopted similar state false claims laws, and these state laws have their own penalties which may be in addition to federal False Claims Act penalties, as well as other fraud and abuse laws. With respect to measures of this type, the U.S. government (among others) has expressed concerns about financial relationships between suppliers on the one \n15\nTable of Contents\nhand and dentists and other healthcare professionals on the other. As a result, we regularly review and revise our marketing practices as necessary to facilitate compliance. While we believe that we are substantially compliant with applicable fraud and abuse laws and regulations, and have adequate compliance programs and controls in place to ensure substantial compliance, we cannot predict whether changes in applicable law, or interpretation of laws, or changes in our services or marketing practices in response to changes in applicable law or interpretation of laws, or failure to comply with applicable law, could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nAffordable Care Act and Other Insurance Reform\nThe U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (as amended, the \u201cACA\u201d) increased federal oversight of private health insurance plans and included a number of provisions designed to reduce Medicare expenditures and the cost of health care generally, to reduce fraud and abuse, and to provide access to increased health coverage. The ACA also materially expanded the number of individuals in the U.S. with health insurance. The ACA has faced frequent legal challenges, including litigation seeking to invalidate and Congressional action seeking to repeal some of or all of the law or the manner in which it has been implemented. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court, in upholding the constitutionality of the ACA and its individual mandate provision requiring that people buy health insurance or else face a penalty, simultaneously limited ACA provisions requiring Medicaid expansion, making such expansion a state-by-state decision. In addition, one of the major political parties in the U.S. remains committed to seeking the ACA's legislative repeal, but legislative efforts to do so have previously failed to pass both chambers of Congress. Under President Trump's administration, a number of administrative actions were taken to materially weaken the ACA, including, without limitation, by permitting the use of less robust plans with lower coverage and eliminating \"premium support\" for insurers providing policies under the ACA. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in 2017 (the \"Tax Act\"), which contains a broad range of tax reform provisions that impact the individual and corporate tax rates, international tax provisions, income tax add back provisions and deductions, also effectively repealed the ACA's individual mandate by zeroing out the penalty for non-compliance. In the most recent ACA litigation, the federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found the individual mandate to be unconstitutional, and returned the case to the District Court for the Northern District of Texas for consideration of whether the remainder of the ACA could survive the excision of the individual mandate. The Fifth Circuit's decision was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court issued a decision on June 17, 2021. Without reaching the merits of the case, the Supreme Court held that the plaintiffs in the case did not have standing to challenge the ACA. Any outcomes of future cases that change the ACA, in addition to future legislation, regulation, guidance and/or executive orders that do the same, could have a significant impact on the U.S. healthcare industry. For instance, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 enhanced premium tax credits, which has resulted in an expansion of the number of people covered under the ACA. These changes are time-limited, with some enhancements in place for 2021 only and others available through the end of 2022. The continued uncertain status of the ACA affects our ability to plan.\nAn ACA provision, generally referred to as the Physician Payment Sunshine Act or Open Payments Program (the \u201cSunshine Act\u201d), has imposed reporting and disclosure requirements for drug and device manufacturers and distributors with regard to payments or other transfers of value made to certain practitioners (including physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals), and for such manufacturers and distributors and for group purchasing organizations, with regard to certain ownership interests held by covered recipients in the reporting entity. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (\u201cCMS\u201d) publishes information from these reports on a publicly available website, including amounts transferred and physician, dentist, teaching hospital and non-practitioner identities.\nThe Sunshine Act pre-empts similar state reporting laws, although we or our subsidiaries may also be required to report under certain state transparency laws that address circumstances not covered by the Sunshine Act, and some of these state laws, as well as the federal law, can be unclear. We are also subject to foreign regulations requiring transparency of certain interactions between suppliers and their customers. In the U.S., government actions to seek to increase health-related price transparency may also affect our business. Our compliance with these rules imposes additional costs on us.\nIn addition, recently there has been increased scrutiny on drug pricing and concurrent efforts to control or reduce drug costs by Congress, the President, executive branch agencies and various states, including that several related bills have been introduced at the federal level. Such legislation, if enacted, could have the potential to impose additional costs on our business.\n16\nTable of Contents\nInitiatives sponsored by government agencies, legislative bodies, and the private sector to limit the growth of healthcare expenses generally are ongoing in markets where we do business. It is not possible to predict at this time the long-term impact of such cost containment measures on our future business.\nAdditionally, the regulation of public and private health insurance and benefit programs can affect our business, and scrutiny of the healthcare delivery and reimbursement systems in the U.S., including those related to the importation and reimportation of certain drugs from foreign markets, can be expected to continue at both the state and federal levels. This process may result in additional legislation and/or regulation governing the production, delivery, or pricing of pharmaceutical products and other healthcare services. In addition, changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in significant additional compliance costs or the discontinuation of our ability to continue to operate certain of our distribution centers, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nAs a result of political, economic and regulatory influences, the health care distribution industry in the U.S. is under intense scrutiny and subject to fundamental changes. We cannot predict what further reform proposals, if any, will be adopted, when they may be adopted, or what impact they may have on us. \nRegulated Software; Electronic Health Records\nThe FDA has become increasingly active in addressing the regulation of computer software and digital health products intended for use in health care settings. The 21\nst\n Century Cures Act (the \u201cCures Act\u201d), signed into law in December 2016, among other things, amended the medical device definition to exclude certain software from FDA regulation, including clinical decision support software that meets certain criteria. In September 2019, the FDA issued a suite of guidance documents on digital health products, which incorporated applicable Cures Act standards, including regarding the types of clinical decision support tools and other software that are exempt from regulation by the FDA as medical devices, and continues to issue new guidance in this area. Certain of our software and related products support practice management, and it is possible that the FDA or foreign government authorities could determine that one or more of our products is a medical device, which could subject us or one or more of our businesses to substantial additional requirements with respect to these products.\nIn addition, certain of our practice management products include electronic information technology systems that store and process personal health, clinical, financial and other sensitive information of individuals. These information technology systems may be vulnerable to breakdown, wrongful intrusions, data breaches and malicious attack, which could require us to expend significant resources to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns, and could involve claims against us by private parties and/or governmental agencies. For example, we are directly or indirectly subject to numerous and evolving federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of such information, such as the privacy and security provisions of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, and implementing regulations (\u201cHIPAA\u201d), the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the California Privacy Act (\u201cCCPA\u201d), and the California Privacy Rights Act (\u201cCPRA\u201d) that became effective on January 1, 2023. Additionally, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut and Utah recently passed comprehensive privacy legislation, and several privacy bills have been proposed both at the federal and state level that may result in additional legal requirements that impact our business. Laws and regulations relating to privacy and data protections are continually evolving and subject to potentially differing interpretations. These requirements may not be harmonized, may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another or may conflict with other rules or our practices. Our businesses\u2019 failure to comply with these laws and regulations could expose us to breach of control claims, substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses, costs for remediation and harm to our reputation. Also, evolving laws and regulations in this area could restrict the ability of our customers to obtain, use or disseminate patient information, or could require us to incur significant additional costs to re-design our products to reflect these legal requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.\nOther health information standards, such as regulations under HIPAA, establish standards regarding electronic health data transmissions and transaction code set rules for specific electronic transactions, such as transactions involving claims submissions to third party payers. Certain of our electronic practice management products must meet these requirements. Failure to abide by these and other electronic health data transmission standards could expose us to breach of contract claims, substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses, costs for remediation and harm to our reputation.\n17\nTable of Contents\nThe Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (\u201cHITECH Act\u201d) strengthened federal privacy and security provisions governing protected health information. Among other things, the HITECH Act expanded certain aspects of the HIPAA privacy and security rules, imposed new notification requirements related to health data security breaches, broadened the rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (\u201cHHS\u201d) to enforce HIPAA, and directed HHS to publish more specific security standards. In January 2013, the Office for Civil Rights of HHS published the HIPAA omnibus final rule (\u201cHIPAA Final Rule\u201d), which amended certain aspects of the HIPAA privacy, security, and enforcement rules pursuant to the HITECH Act, extending certain HIPAA obligations to business associates and their subcontractors. Certain components of our business act as \u201cbusiness associates\u201d within the meaning of HIPAA and are subject to these additional obligations under the HIPAA Final Rule.\nAlso, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union adopted the pan-European General Data Protection Regulation (\u201cGDPR\u201d), effective from May 2018, which increased privacy rights for individuals (\u201cData Subjects\u201d), including individuals who are our customers, suppliers, and employees. The GDPR extended the scope of responsibilities for data controllers and data processors, and generally imposes increased requirements and potential penalties on companies that are either established in the EU and process personal data of Data Subjects (regardless the Data Subject location), or that are not established in the EU but that offer goods or services to Data Subjects in the EU or monitor their behavior in the EU. Noncompliance can result in penalties of up to the greater of EUR 20 million, or 4% of global company revenues, and Data Subjects may seek damages. Individual member states may impose additional requirements and penalties regarding certain limited matters such as employee personal data. With respect to the personal data it protects, the GDPR requires, among other things, controller accountability, consents from Data Subjects or another acceptable legal basis to process the personal data, notification within 72 hours of a personal data breach where required, data integrity and security, and fairness and transparency regarding the storage, use or other processing of the personal data. The GDPR also provides rights to Data Subjects relating notably to information, access, rectification and erasure of the personal data and the right to object to the processing.\nIn the U.S., the CCPA, which increases the privacy protections afforded California residents, became effective in January 2020. The CCPA generally requires companies, such as us, to institute additional protections regarding the collection, use and disclosure of certain personal information of California residents. Compliance with the obligations imposed by the CCPA depends in part on how particular regulators interpret and apply them. Regulations were released in August 2020, there remains some uncertainty about how the CCPA will be interpreted by the courts and enforced by the regulators. If we fail to comply with the CCPA or if regulators assert that we have failed to comply with the CCPA, we may be subject to certain fines or other penalties and litigation, any of which may negatively impact our reputation, require us to expend significant resources, and harm our business. Furthermore, California voters approved the CPRA in November 2020, which amends and expands the CCPA, including by providing consumers with additional rights with respect to their personal information, and creating a new state agency, the California Privacy Protection Agency, to enforce the CCPA and the CPRA. The CPRA came into effect on January 1, 2023, applying to information collected by business on or after January 1, 2022.\nOther states, as well as the federal government, have increasingly considered the adoption of similarly expansive personal privacy laws, backed by significant civil penalties for non-compliance. Virginia and Colorado were both successful in passing privacy legislation in 2021, becoming effective on January 1, 2023 and July 1, 2023, respectively. In 2022, privacy legislation passed in Connecticut, effective July 1, 2023, and Utah, effective December 31, 2023. While we believe we have substantially compliant programs and controls in place to comply with the GDPR, CCPA, CPRA and state law requirements, our compliance with data privacy and cybersecurity laws is likely to impose additional costs on us, and we cannot predict whether the interpretations of the requirements, or changes in our practices in response to new requirements or interpretations of the requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nWe also sell products and services that health care providers, such as dentists, use to store and manage patient dental records. These customers, and we, are subject to laws, regulations and industry standards, such as HIPAA and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, which require the protection of the privacy and security of those records, and our products may also be used as part of these customers\u2019 comprehensive data security programs, including in connection with their efforts to comply with applicable privacy and security laws. Perceived or actual security vulnerabilities in our products or services, or the perceived or actual failure by us or our customers who use our products or services to comply with applicable legal or contractual data privacy or security requirements, may not only cause us significant reputational harm, but may also lead to claims against us by our customers and/or governmental agencies and involve substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses and costs for remediation.\n18\nTable of Contents\nVarious federal initiatives involve the adoption and use by health care providers of certain electronic health care records systems and processes. Moreover, in order to satisfy our customers, and comply with evolving legal requirements, our products may need to incorporate increasingly complex functionality, such as with respect to reporting and information blocking. Although we believe we are positioned to accomplish this, the effort may involve increased costs, and our failure to implement product modifications, or otherwise satisfy applicable standards, could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nE-Commerce\nElectronic commerce solutions have become an integral part of traditional health care supply and distribution relationships. Our distribution business is characterized by rapid technological developments and intense competition. The continuing advancement of online commerce requires us to cost-effectively adapt to changing technologies, to enhance existing services and to develop and introduce a variety of new services to address the changing demands of consumers and our customers on a timely basis, particularly in response to competitive offerings.\nThrough our proprietary, technologically based suite of products, we offer customers a variety of competitive alternatives. We believe that our tradition of reliable service, our name recognition and large customer base built on solid customer relationships, position us well to participate in this significant aspect of the distribution business. We continue to explore ways and means to improve and expand our online presence and capabilities, including our online commerce offerings and our use of various social media outlets.\nInternational Transactions\nU.S. and foreign import and export laws and regulations require us to abide by certain standards relating to the importation and exportation of products. We also are subject to certain U.S. and foreign laws and regulations concerning the conduct of our foreign operations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and other anti-bribery laws and laws pertaining to the accuracy of our internal books and records, as well as other types of foreign requirements similar to those imposed in the U.S. These laws and regulations have been the subject of increasing enforcement activity globally in recent years.\nThere can be no assurance that laws and regulations that impact our business or laws and regulations as they apply to our customers\u2019 practices will not have a material adverse effect on our business. As a result of political, economic and regulatory influences, the health care distribution industry in the U.S. is under intense scrutiny and subject to fundamental changes. We cannot predict what further reform proposals, if any, will be adopted, when they may be adopted, or what impact they may have on us.\nSee \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d for a discussion of additional burdens, risks and regulatory developments that may affect our business results of operations and financial condition.\nProprietary Rights\nWe hold trademarks relating to the \u201cPatterson\u00ae\u201d name and logo, as well as certain other trademarks. Our U.S. trademark registrations have 10-year terms, and may be renewed for additional 10-year terms. We intend to protect our trademarks to the fullest extent practicable.\nHuman Capital\nPeople are the most important part of Patterson. Our employees are the reason we can confidently say we offer \nTrusted Expertise, Unrivaled Support\n to our customers every day. \nAs of April\u00a029, 2023, we had approximately 7,600 full-time employees, of which approximately 6,200 were employed in the U.S.\n19\nTable of Contents\nOur culture is driven by our purpose, vision, and values:\nAs a people-first organization, the overall well-being of our team is important to us. Patterson\u2019s total reward philosophy is to provide market competitive pay and a range of benefit choices designed to meet our employees\u2019 needs, reward for individual and business performance, and drive shareholder value. We support our employees\u2019 health with medical, dental and vision plans, wellness programs to encourage healthy lifestyles and parental leave for new mothers, fathers and domestic partners. Patterson supports employees\u2019 financial well-being with matching 401K contributions, company-paid short-term disability insurance, and educational offerings throughout the year. \nOur diverse talent acquisition programming includes a focus and commitment to hiring military personnel (both current and inactive). We recognize that the skills developed in the military are highly valuable and beneficial to Patterson, which is why we partner with more than 16 military organizations to find this top talent. We also partner with Minnesota organizations that introduce high school students from underserved communities into the workplace with internships in IT and other corporate functions, and we have a robust college internship program to establish a pipeline of future talent and give students real-world experience. \nTo support the progression and career development of our employees, we offer multiple training and development opportunities including on-demand courses, facilitator-led programs, mentoring relationships, tuition reimbursement and leadership development programs. We have implemented targeted development programs for senior leadership as well as emerging leaders in the organization. In addition, Patterson\u2019s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team promotes employee safety and environmental awareness through foundational systems and activities, including safety training courses.\nWe are passionate about taking action to support the communities in which we serve. We provide opportunities for and encourage employees to support local charitable organizations through volunteerism (including volunteer time off), team building, and donation and matching programs. In addition, the Patterson Foundation has donated millions of dollars to dental and animal health nonprofit organizations in order to increase access to oral health care and increase the availability of assistance dogs to veterans, first responders and individuals with disabilities. Quarterly grants are awarded with a preference to organizations where our employees volunteer and those our employees value in their communities.\nWe believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce makes our company stronger, and we encourage our teams to bring their authentic selves to Patterson every day. Our UNITES team is a volunteer-led initiative that has driven various diversity and inclusion efforts, including the launch of employee-led affinity groups for our LGBTQA and under-represented employee populations. Acting on the recommendation of the affinity groups, Patterson added Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a company-paid holiday in 2023 in recognition of this important day to honor the \n20\nTable of Contents\nsacrifices he made for racial equality. Patterson has several programs in place to support the advancement of women in the workplace, both internally and in the industries we serve. Patterson has launched an enterprise-wide Inclusive Leader program that all leaders will participate in by the end of 2023. As of April 29, 2023, 42.0% of our U.S. workforce and 41.3% of our management was female. In addition, as of that date, 24.1% of our U.S. workforce and 16.5% of our management was ethnically diverse. \nAvailable Information\nWe make available free of charge through our website, \nwww.pattersoncompanies.com\n, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, statements of beneficial ownership of securities on Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments to these reports and statements filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) and Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. This material may be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of our website.\nIn addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website at \nwww.sec.gov\n, where the above information can be viewed.\nInformation relating to our corporate governance, including our Code of Conduct, and information concerning executive officers, Board of Directors and Board committees, and transactions in Patterson securities by directors and officers, is available on or through our website, \nwww.pattersoncompanies.com\n in the Investor Relations section.\nInformation maintained on the website is not being included as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. RISK FACTORS \nWe believe that the following risks could have a material adverse impact on our business, reputation, financial results, financial condition and/or the trading price of our common stock. In addition, our business operations could be affected by factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider not to be material to our operations, so you should not consider the risks disclosed in this section to necessarily represent a complete statement of all risks and uncertainties. The order in which these factors appear does not necessarily reflect their relative importance or priority.\nCOMPANY RISKS\nWide-spread public health concerns may adversely affect our animal health and dental businesses, as we experienced, and may continue to experience, with the COVID-19 pandemic.\nGiven our dependence on the willingness of dental patients and veterinary customers to seek elective care, our results of operations and financial condition may be negatively impacted by the effects of disease outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, and similar wide-spread public health concerns. For example, global health concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted, and may continue to adversely impact, consumer spending and business spending habits, which adversely impacted, and may continue to adversely impact, our financial results and the financial results of our customers, suppliers and business partners. Despite the World Health Organization declaring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, we may again experience adverse impacts as a result of the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or other wide-spread public health concerns, including any recession that may occur in the future, any prolonged period of economic slowdown, or reluctance of customers to seek care. These factors may also exacerbate the effects of other risks we face.\nActual and potential impacts on us from the COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to:\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nInterrupted operations of industries that use the products we distribute\n. Prior restrictions on the operations of dental and veterinary offices and interruptions in meat and swine packing operations adversely impacted our fiscal results in the past and drove the full goodwill impairment of our animal health business in fiscal 2020. Although these restrictions and interruptions have eased across our markets, continuing economic uncertainty remains. \n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nInventory write-downs of personal protective equipment (PPE). \nAfter manufacturing caught up to the increased demand for PPE, prices dropped substantially, impacting our margins and requiring us to write down certain inventory.\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nReduced willingness to be in public. \nAlthough mandates and recommendations designed to limit the transmission\n \nof COVID-19\n \nhave lifted, consumer behavior remains uncertain and will depend on the actual and potential for additional resurgences of COVID-19.\n21\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRisks of remote and hybrid work. \nFollowing an abrupt shift to working remotely at the beginning of the pandemic, we have implemented more flexible working arrangements, including permanent work from home, hybrid and office-based arrangements. We have also taken steps to reduce our physical footprint in an effort to improve efficiency and productivity. Implementing these modified business practices could have a negative impact on employee morale, strain our business continuity plans, and introduce operational risk (including but not limited to cybersecurity risks). \n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nInterruptions in manufacturing or distribution of products we distribute. \nOutbreaks of new COVID-19 variants in the communities in which we operate could adversely affect our ability to operate our distribution activities, and our suppliers could experience similar manufacturing interruptions. \nWe are dependent on our suppliers and exposed to the risks of their businesses, because we generally do not manufacture the products we sell.\nWe obtain substantially all of the products we distribute from third parties. If a supplier is unable to deliver product in a timely and efficient manner, whether due to financial difficulty, natural disaster, pandemic, the failure to comply with applicable government requirements or other reasons, we could experience lost sales. We have experienced, and may continue to experience, disruptions in the supply chains for third-party manufacturing of certain products we distribute, including delays in obtaining or inability to obtain raw materials, inflated price of product inputs, disruptions in operations of logistics service providers and resulting delays in shipments. Customers may be unwillingness to accept such delays.\nOur cost of goods also may be adversely impacted by unanticipated price increases due to factors such as inflation, including wage inflation, or to supply restrictions beyond our control or the control of our suppliers. If current suppliers fail to supply sufficient goods or materials to us on a timely basis, or at all, we could experience inventory shortages and disruptions in our distribution of products.\nIn addition, there is considerable concentration within our animal health and dental businesses with a few key suppliers. A portion of the products we distribute is sourced, directly or indirectly, from countries outside the U.S. including China. Our ability or the ability of our suppliers to successfully source materials may be adversely affected by changes in U.S. laws, including trade tariffs on the importation of certain products from China as a result trade tensions between the U.S. and China. We may experience a disruption in the flow of imported product from China, or an increase in the cost of those goods attributable to increased tariffs, restrictions on trade, or other changes in laws and policies governing foreign trade. In addition, political or financial instability, currency exchange rates, labor unrest, pandemic or other events could slow distribution activities and adversely affect foreign trade beyond our control.\nWe generally do not have long-term contracts with our suppliers, so they may be discontinued or changed abruptly. Changes in the structure of purchasing relationships might include changing from a \u201cbuy/sell\u201d to an agency relationship (or the reverse), or changing the method in which products are taken to market, including the possibility of manufacturers creating or expanding direct sales forces or otherwise reducing their reliance on third-party distribution channels. We compete with certain manufacturers, including some of our own suppliers, that sell directly to customers as well as to wholesale distributors and online businesses that compete with price transparency. An extended interruption in the supply of products would have an adverse effect on our results of operations, and a reduction in our role as a value-added service provider would result in reduced margins on product sales.\nDisruption to our distribution capabilities, including service issues with our third-party shippers, could materially adversely affect our results.\nWeather, natural disaster, fire, terrorism, pandemic, strikes, civil unrest, geopolitical events or other reasons could impair our ability to distribute products and conduct our business. If we are unable to manage effectively such events if they occur, there could be an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Similarly, increases in service costs or service issues with our third-party shippers, including strikes or other service interruptions, could cause our operating expenses to rise and adversely affect our ability to deliver products on a timely basis. For example, in the event a potential United Parcel Service strike occurs, our business could experience shipping delays, which could result in canceled customer orders, unanticipated inventory accumulation or shortages, and reduced revenue and net income. We ship almost all of our orders through third-party delivery services, and often times bear the cost of shipment. We have recently experienced increases in the cost of shipping, and it is possible that such cost increases could be material in the future. Our ability to provide same-day shipping and next-day delivery is an integral component of our business strategy.\n22\nTable of Contents\nCustomer retention and business development depend heavily on our relationships with our sales representatives and service technicians, who interact directly with our customers, and the technological products and services we offer.\nThe inability to attract or retain qualified employees, particularly sales representatives and service technicians who relate directly with our customers, or our inability to build or maintain relationships with customers in the dental and animal health markets, may have an adverse effect on our business. These individuals develop relationships with our customers that could be damaged if these employees are not retained. We face intense competition for the hiring of these professionals, we have experienced and are likely to continue to experience challenges in recruiting those with technical expertise, and many professionals in the field that may otherwise be attractive candidates for us to hire may be bound by non-competition agreements or other restrictive covenants with our competitors. Any failure on our part to hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified professionals would damage our business.\nDue to generational and other trends in the dental and animal health industries, our customer base is increasingly interested in having the latest technologies to manage their business. In order to effectively offer solutions that keep pace with rapidly changing technologies and customer expectations, we must acquire, develop or offer new technology products and solutions. If we fail to accurately anticipate and meet our customers\u2019 needs through the acquisition, development or distribution of new products, technologies and service offerings, if we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, if the products we distribute and services we provide are not widely accepted or if current or future offerings fail to meet applicable regulatory requirements, we could lose customers to our competitors. In addition, if technology investments do not achieve the intended results, we may write-off the investments, and we face the risk of claims from system users that the systems failed to produce the intended result or negatively affected the operation of our customers\u2019 businesses. Any such claims could be expensive and time-consuming to defend, cause us to lose customers and associated revenue, divert management\u2019s attention and resources, or require us to pay damages.\nChanges in supplier rebates or other purchasing incentives could negatively affect our business.\nThe terms on which we purchase or sell products from many suppliers may entitle us to receive a rebate or other purchasing incentive based on the attainment of certain growth goals. Suppliers may reduce or eliminate rebates or incentives offered under their programs, or increase the growth goals or other conditions we must meet to earn rebates or incentives to levels that we cannot achieve. Increased competition either from generic or equivalent branded products could result in reduced margins and failure to earn rebates or incentives that are conditioned upon achievement of growth goals. Also, decreases in the market prices of products that we sell could cause customers to demand lower sales prices from us. These price reductions could further reduce our margins and profitability on sales with respect to the lower-priced products. Additionally, factors outside of our control, such as customer preferences, consolidation of suppliers or supply issues, can have a material impact on our ability to achieve the growth goals established by our suppliers, which may reduce the amount of rebates or incentives we receive.\nSales of private label products entail additional risks, including the risk that such sales could adversely affect our relationships with suppliers.\nWe distribute certain private label products that are manufactured by our suppliers and are available exclusively from us. Beyond the risks that normally accompany the distribution of products, our sourcing, marketing and selling of private label products subject us to incremental risks, including but not limited to potential product liability risks, mandatory or voluntary product recalls, potential supply chain and distribution chain disruptions, and potential intellectual property infringement risks. In addition, an increase in the sales of our private label products may negatively affect our sales of products owned by our suppliers which, consequently, could adversely impact certain of our supplier relationships. Our ability to locate qualified, economically stable suppliers who satisfy our requirements, and to acquire sufficient products in a timely and effective manner, is critical to ensuring, among other things, that customer confidence is not diminished. As a distribution company, any failure to develop sourcing relationships with a broad and deep supplier base could adversely affect our financial performance and erode customer loyalty. In addition, we are exposed to the risk that our competitors or our customers may introduce their own private label, generic, or low-cost products that compete with our products at lower price points. Such products could capture significant market share or decrease market prices overall, eroding our sales and margins.\nThe products we sell are subject to market and technological obsolescence.\nThe products we distribute are subject to technological obsolescence outside of our control. We depend on suppliers to regularly develop and pour marketing dollars into the launch of new and enhanced products. For \n23\nTable of Contents\nexample, during fiscal 2023, one of our primary suppliers of dental equipment did not release any significant product introductions and, as a consequence, customers who may have replaced existing equipment with new equipment, did not do so. If our customers discontinue purchasing a given product, we might have to record expense related to the diminution in value of inventories we have in stock, and depending on the magnitude, that expense could adversely impact our operating results. \nOur failure to successfully innovate and develop new and enhanced software and e-services products could negatively affect our business.\nOur growth depends on our investment in the development of software and e-services products and the market traction achieved by such offerings. If we fail to accurately predict future customer needs and preferences or fail to produce viable software and e-services products, we may invest heavily in product commercialization that does not lead to significant sales, which would adversely affect our profitability. Even if we successfully innovate and develop new and enhanced software and e-services products, we may incur substantial costs in doing so, and our profitability may suffer. Furthermore, our software and e-services products also may contain undetected errors or bugs when introduced, or as new versions are released. Any such defects may result in increased expenses and could adversely affect our reputation and our relationships with the customers using such products. We do not have any patents on our software or e-services products, and rely upon copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as contractual and common-law protections. We cannot provide assurance that such legal protections will be available, adequate or enforceable in a timely manner to protect our software or e-services products. Our software and e-services products may fail to remain competitive and may fail to anticipate market demands for functionality. In addition, the cost to replace defective products may not generate commensurate benefit.\nPatterson\u2019s continued success depends on positive perceptions of Patterson\u2019s reputation.\nCustomers do business with Patterson and employees choose Patterson as a place of employment due to the reputation that Patterson has built over many years. To be successful in the future, Patterson must continue to preserve, grow and leverage the value of Patterson\u2019s brand. Reputational value is based in large part on perceptions of subjective qualities. Even an isolated incident, or the aggregate effect of individually insignificant incidents, can erode trust and confidence, particularly if they result in adverse publicity, governmental investigations or litigation, and as a result, could tarnish Patterson\u2019s brand. In addition, maintaining consistent product quality, competitive pricing, and availability of our private label products is essential to developing and maintaining customer loyalty and brand awareness. These products often have higher margins than national brand products. If one or more of these brands experience a loss of consumer acceptance or confidence, our sales and gross margin could be adversely affected.\nIllicit human use of pharmaceutical products we distribute could adversely affect human health and safety, our reputation and our business.\nThe pharmaceutical products our animal health business sells are approved for use under specific circumstances in specific species. Such products could, if misused or abused by humans, adversely affect human health and safety, our reputation and our business. For instance, xylazine, which is an FDA-approved prescription veterinary tranquilizer found in certain analgesic products we distribute, has been found to be increasingly and illicitly used, knowingly or unknowingly, by humans \u2013 frequently in combination with other drugs. As a result, xylazine has become the subject of regulatory, public health, legal and political focus. Law enforcement agencies are pressing for xylazine to be listed as a federal controlled substance and several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida, have already done so, which measures are likely to increase the cost of distribution of such products. Illicit use of such products may increase the risk of regulatory enforcement and civil litigation.\nRisks inherent in acquisitions and dispositions could offset the anticipated benefits, and we may face difficulty in efficiently and effectively integrating acquired businesses.\nAs a part of our business strategy, we acquire and dispose of assets and businesses in the ordinary course. Maintaining or improving our price-to-earnings ratio, of which the market price of our common stock is commonly thought to be a function, requires effective execution of our growth strategy, including achieving inorganic earnings per share growth. Acquisitions and dispositions can involve a number of risks and challenges, any of which could cause significant operating inefficiencies and adversely affect our growth and profitability, and may not result in the expected benefits.\nAcquisition risks and challenges include underperformance relative to our expectations and the price paid for the acquisition; unanticipated demands on our management and operational resources; difficulty in integrating \n24\nTable of Contents\npersonnel, operations and systems; retention of customers of the combined businesses; assumption of contingent liabilities; acquisition-related earnings charges; and acquisition-related cybersecurity risks. Our ability to continue to make acquisitions will depend upon our success in identifying suitable targets, which requires substantial judgment in assessing their values, strengths, weaknesses, liabilities and potential profitability, as well as the availability of suitable candidates at acceptable prices, whether restrictions are imposed by anti-trust or other regulations, and compliance with the terms and conditions of our credit agreement. Additionally, when we decide to sell assets or a business, we may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or executing alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the accomplishment of our strategic objectives. Alternatively, we may dispose of assets or a business at a price or on terms that are less than we had anticipated. Dispositions may also involve continued financial involvement in a divested business, such as through continuing equity ownership, transition service agreements, guarantees, indemnities or other current or contingent financial obligations. Under these arrangements, performance by the acquired or divested business, or other conditions outside our control, could affect our future financial results.\nAs we operate through two strategic business units, we consolidate the distribution, information technology, human resources, financial and other administrative functions of those business units jointly to meet their needs while addressing distinctions in the individual markets of those segments. We may not be able to do so effectively and efficiently. In addition, if we acquire technology, manufacturing or other businesses ancillary to our core distribution operations, any such newly acquired business may require the investment of additional capital and significant involvement of our senior management to integrate such business with our operations, which could place a strain on our management, other personnel, resources and systems.\nTurnover or loss of key personnel or highly skilled employees, including executive officers, could disrupt our operations and any inability to attract and retain personnel could harm our business.\nOur future success depends partly on the continued service of our highly qualified and well-trained key personnel, including executive officers. Any unplanned turnover or our failure to develop an adequate succession plan for key positions could reduce our institutional knowledge base and erode our competitive advantage. While our Board of Directors and management actively monitor our succession plans and processes for our executive leadership team, our business could be adversely impacted if we lose key personnel unexpectedly. Competition for senior management is intense and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining key personnel. In addition, reduced employment pools have contributed to increased labor shortages and employee turnover within our organization. These trends have led to, and could in the future lead to, increased costs, such as labor inflation, which we are currently experiencing, and increased overtime to meet demand.\nRisks generally associated with information systems, software products and cybersecurity attacks could adversely affect our results of operations.\nWe rely on information systems (\u201cIS\u201d) in our business to obtain, rapidly process, analyze and store customer, product, supplier, and employee data to conduct our business. Our IS are vulnerable to natural disasters, power losses, computer viruses, telecommunication failures, cybersecurity threats, and other problems. We increasingly rely upon server- and Internet-based technologies to run our business and to store our data and our customers\u2019 data, which depend on continuous Internet access and may carry additional cybersecurity risks relative to those posed by legacy technologies. From time to time, we have had to address non-material security incidents and we expect to experience security incidents in the future. Despite our efforts to ensure the integrity of our systems, as cyber threats evolve and become more difficult to detect and successfully defend against, one or more cyber threats might defeat the measures that we or our vendors take to anticipate, detect, avoid or mitigate such threats. Data breaches and any unauthorized access or disclosure of our information could compromise our intellectual property and expose sensitive business information. Cyber-attacks could also cause us to incur significant remediation costs, disrupt key business operations, and divert attention of management.\nFurther, our suppliers, our customers, including purchasers of our software products, and other market participants are similarly subject to information system and cybersecurity risk, and a material disruption in their business could result in reduced revenue for us. For example, in June 2021 a ransomware attack on Brazil-based JBS SA, the world\u2019s largest meat company by sales, took a significant portion of U.S. beef and pork processing offline, disrupting markets. In addition, compliance with evolving privacy and information security laws and standards may result in significant additional expense due to increased investment in technology and the development of new operational processes. We could be subject to liability if we fail to comply with these laws and standards, fail to protect information, or fail to respond appropriately to an incident or misuse of information, including use of information for unauthorized marketing purposes.\n25\nTable of Contents\nCybersecurity attacks in particular are becoming more sophisticated and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems, disruption of our customers\u2019 operations, loss or damage to our data delivery systems, corruption of data, and increased costs to prevent, respond to or mitigate cybersecurity events. Cybersecurity attacks against our IT systems or third-party providers\u2019 IT systems, such as cloud-based systems, could result in exposure of confidential information, the modification of critical data, and/or the failure of critical operations. Furthermore, due to geopolitical tensions and remote and hybrid working conditions, the risk of cyber-attacks may be elevated. In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as advanced persistent threats, may remain undetected for an extended period. Our technologies, systems and networks, and those of our vendors, suppliers and other business partners, may become the target of cyberattacks or information security breaches. \nOur IS or the software products we sell may fail for extended period of time. Despite any precautions we take, damage from fire, floods, hurricanes, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, break-ins and similar events at our various computer facilities could result in interruptions in the flow of data to our servers. We may need to expend additional resources in the future to continue to protect against, or to address problems caused by, any business interruptions or data security breaches.\nOur business and operations are subject to risks related to climate change.\nThe long-term effects of global climate change present both physical risks (such as extreme weather conditions or rising sea levels) and transition risks (such as regulatory or technology changes), which are expected to be widespread and unpredictable. These changes could over time affect, for example, the availability and cost of products, commodities and energy (including utilities), which in turn may impact our ability to procure goods or services required for the operation of our business at the quantities and levels we require. In addition, certain of our operations and facilities are in locations that may be impacted by the physical risks of climate change, and we face the risk of losses incurred as a result of physical damage to distribution or fulfillment centers of our third-party suppliers, loss or spoilage of inventory and business interruption caused by such events. Insurance may not be available or cost effective for the coverage limits needed. In addition, the increased focus of federal, state, and local governments on sustainability may result in new legislation or regulations and customer requirements that could negatively affect us as we may incur additional costs or be required to make changes to our operations in order to comply with any new regulations or customer requirements.\nOur credit agreements contain restrictive covenants and additional limits and our other debt instruments contain cross-default provisions, which limit our business and financing activities.\nThe covenants under our credit agreements impose restrictions on our business and financing activities, subject to certain exceptions or the consent of our lenders, including, among other things, limits on our ability to incur additional debt, create liens, enter into certain merger, acquisition and divestiture transactions, pay dividends and engage in transactions with affiliates. The credit agreements contain certain customary affirmative covenants, including requirements that we maintain a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, pursuant to which we may be affected by changes in interest rates, and customary events of default. The terms of agreements governing debt that we may incur in the future may also contain similar covenants.\nOur ability to comply with these covenants may be adversely affected by events beyond our control, including economic, financial and industry conditions. A covenant breach may result in an event of default, which could allow our lenders to terminate the commitments under the credit agreement, declare all amounts outstanding under the credit agreement, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable, and exercise other rights and remedies, and, through cross-default provisions, would entitle our other lenders to accelerate their loans. If this occurs, we may not be able to refinance the accelerated indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, or otherwise repay the accelerated indebtedness.\nIn addition, borrowings under certain of our debt instruments are made at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate volatility. Due to interest rate increases during fiscal 2023, our debt service obligations on variable rate indebtedness increased even though the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, correspondingly decreased. Our debt service obligations on variable rate indebtedness will continue to increase if interest rates continue to increase.\n26\nTable of Contents\nOur governing documents, other documents to which we are a party, and Minnesota law may discourage takeovers and business combinations that our shareholders might prefer.\nAnti-takeover provisions of our articles of incorporation, bylaws, and Minnesota law could diminish the opportunity for shareholders to participate in acquisition proposals at a price above the then-current market price of our common stock. For example, while we have no present plans to issue any preferred stock, our Board of Directors, without further shareholder approval, may issue up to approximately 30 million shares of undesignated preferred stock and fix the powers, preferences, rights and limitations of such class or series, which could adversely affect the voting power of our common stock. Further, as a Minnesota corporation, we are subject to provisions of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act regarding \u201ccontrol share acquisitions\u201d and \u201cbusiness combinations.\u201d We may also, in the future, consider adopting additional anti-takeover measures. In addition, certain equity plans predating our Omnibus Incentive Plan provide for acceleration of awards thereunder upon a change in control or other events of acceleration, as defined in those plans. The foregoing, and any future anti-takeover measures adopted by us, may, in certain circumstances, delay, deter or prevent takeover attempts and other changes in control of our company.\nINDUSTRY RISKS\nThe dental and animal health supply markets are highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete successfully.\nOur competitors include national, regional and local full-service distributors, mail-order distributors and Internet-based businesses. Some of our competitors have greater resources than we do, or operate through different sales and distribution models that could allow them to compete more successfully. Our failure to compete effectively and/or pricing pressures resulting from such competition may adversely impact our business, and our expansion into new markets may result in greater-than-expected risks, liabilities and expenses. In addition, most of the products we distribute are available from multiple sources, and our customers tend to have relationships with several different distributors who can fulfill their orders. If any of our competitors are more successful with respect to any key competitive factor such as technological advances or low-cost business models with the ability to operate at high gross margins, our sales and profitability could be adversely affected. Increased competition from any supplier of dental or animal health products could adversely impact our financial results. Additional competitive pressure could arise from, among other things, limited demand growth or a significant number of additional competitive products or services being introduced into a particular market, the emergence of new competitors, the unavailability of products, price reductions by competitors, price transparency (which is further promoted by price aggregators), and the ability of competitors to capitalize on their economies of scale. Manufacturers also could increase their efforts to sell directly to end-users and thereby eliminate or reduce the role of distributors. These suppliers could sell their products at lower prices and maintain a higher gross margin on product sales than we can. In addition, our ability to deliver market growth is challenged by an animal health product mix that is weighted toward lower growth, lower margin parts of the value chain. \nThe dental and animal health supply markets are consolidating, including vertical integration in the production animal market, and we may not be able to compete successfully.\nConsolidation has increased among dental and animal health manufacturers and distributors, which could cause the industry to become more competitive as greater economies of scale are achieved by competitors, or as competitors with lower cost business models are able to offer lower prices but retain high gross margin. In recent years there has also been a trend towards consolidation in the industries that buy the products and services we distribute, including dental practices, veterinary practices and animal producers, and the formation of group purchasing organizations, provider networks and buying groups designed to leverage volume discounts. In addition, the vertical integration we have seen and expect to continue within the production animal business limits the number of purchasing decision-makers we can impact, which could also affect our margins. We also face pricing pressure from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers which could adversely affect our sales and profitability. We may be unable to anticipate and effectively respond to competitive change, and our failure to compete effectively may limit and/or reduce our revenue, profitability and cash flow.\nOur animal health segment is exposed to the risks of the production animal business, including changes in consumer demand, the cyclical livestock market, weather conditions and the availability of natural resources, and other factors outside our control, as well as risks of the companion animal business, including the possibility of disease adversely affecting the pet population.\n27\nTable of Contents\nDemand for our production animal health products can be negatively influenced by factors including: weather conditions (including those that may be related to climate change), varying weather patterns and weather-related pressures from pests; changes in consumer preferences away from food animal products, including increased promotions and publicity for food products containing plant-based protein; supply chain disruptions including due to cyberattack, or actions by animal rights activists; and outbreaks of diseases affecting animals, any of which could reduce herd sizes or affect consumer preferences, and regulations related to food-producing animals. Reductions in herd size would ultimately decrease the demand for the products we distribute, including micro feed ingredients, animal health products, and dairy sanitation solutions, as well as the development and implementation of systems for feed, health, information and production animal management. In recent years, outbreaks of various diseases, including African Swine Fever, avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (otherwise known as BSE or mad cow disease) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (otherwise known as PEDv), have impacted the animal health business. The discovery of additional cases of any of these, or new diseases may result in additional restrictions on animal proteins, reduced herd sizes, or reduced demand for animal protein.\nIn addition, there has been consumer concern and consumer activism with respect to additives (including, without limitation, antibiotics and growth promotants) used in the production of animal products, including growing consumer sentiment for proteins and dairy products produced without the use of antibiotics or other products intended to increase animal production. These concerns have resulted in increased regulation and changing market demand. If there is an increased public perception that consumption of food derived from animals that utilize additives we distribute poses a risk to human health, there may be a further decline in the production of those food products and, in turn, our sales of those products. Furthermore, regulatory restrictions and bans could result in the removal from market of products in these categories, which would adversely affect our sales.\nFarm animal producers depend on the availability of natural resources, including large supplies of fresh water. Their animals\u2019 health and their ability to operate could be adversely affected if they experience a shortage of fresh water due to human population growth or floods, droughts or other weather conditions. In the event of adverse weather conditions or a shortage of fresh water, veterinarians or farm animal producers may purchase less of our products. Further, heat waves may cause stress in animals and lead to increased vulnerability to disease, reduced fertility rates and reduced milk production. Droughts may threaten pasture and feed supplies by reducing the quality and amount of forage available to grazing livestock, while climate change may increase the prevalence of parasites and diseases that affect farm animals.\nVeterinary hospitals and practitioners depend on visits from the animals under their care. Veterinarians\u2019 patient volume and ability to operate could be adversely affected if there is a reduction in the companion animal population, such as due to disease outbreak. Furthermore, the industry is facing a veterinarian and veterinary technician labor shortage and new regulations permitting non-economic and punitive damages for pet owners in case of wrongful death or injury.\nOur dental segment is exposed to the risks of the health care industry, including changes in demand due to political, economic and regulatory influences, and other factors outside our control.\nAspects of the dental market are impacted by price competition that is driven in part by the consolidation of dental practices, innovation and product advancements, and the price sensitivity of customers. Many dental participants are consolidating to create larger and more integrated provider systems with greater market power. We expect additional consolidation in the dental industry in the future. As consolidation accelerates, the economies of scale of our customers may grow. If a customer experiences sizable growth following consolidation, it may determine that it no longer needs to rely on us and may reduce its demand for our products and services. Some of these large and growing customers may choose to contract directly with suppliers for certain supply categories. In addition, as customers consolidate, these providers may try to use their market power to negotiate price reductions for our products and services. Finally, consolidation may also result in the acquisition or future development by our customers of products and services that compete with our products and services.\nIncreased OTC and e-commerce sales of products we sell could adversely affect our business.\nDental and companion animal health products are becoming increasingly available to consumers at competitive prices from sources other than traditional health care supply and distribution sources, including human health product pharmacies, Internet pharmacies, big-box retailers and other online e-commerce solutions, and consumers are increasingly seeking such alternative sources of supply. Dental products are readily available from major U.S. online e-commerce retailers and businesses such as Chewy.com and Amazon are licensed or becoming licensed as veterinary mail order pharmacies to offer pharmacy products directly to consumers in all 50 U.S. states. If federal \n28\nTable of Contents\nregulations were to permit veterinarian-client-patient relationships to be established virtually, which is a focus of lobbyists that appears to be gaining traction, we may face additional competitive pressure. Even where prescriptions must be written by a veterinarian, companion animal owners may shift to these services for home delivery. In addition, companion animal owners may substitute human health products for animal-health products if they deem human health products to be acceptable, lower-cost alternatives. Furthermore, decreased emphasis on veterinary visits, and increased consumer choice through e-commerce retailers could reduce demand for veterinarian-based services. The continued advancement of online e-commerce by third parties will require us to cost-effectively adapt to changing technologies, to enhance existing services and to differentiate our business (including with additional value-added services) to address changing demands of consumers and our customers on a timely basis. We may be unable to anticipate and effectively respond to shifts in consumer traffic patterns and direct-to-consumer buying trends.\nThe formation or expansion of group purchasing organizations (\u201cGPOs\u201d), provider networks and buying groups may place us at a competitive disadvantage.\nThe formation or expansion of GPOs, provider networks and buying groups may shift purchasing decisions to entities or persons with whom we do not have a historical relationship and may threaten our ability to compete effectively, which could in turn negatively impact our financial results. As a full-service distributor with business service capabilities, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully compete with price-oriented distribution models that more readily enable the pricing typically demanded by those with significant purchasing power.\nLITIGATION AND REGULATORY RISKS\nWe are subject to a variety of litigation and governmental inquiries and investigations.\nWe are subject to a variety of litigation incidental to our business, including product liability claims, intellectual property claims, employment claims, commercial disputes, and other matters arising out of the ordinary course of our business, including securities litigation. From time to time we are named as a defendant in cases as a result of our distribution of products. Additionally, purchasers of private-label products may seek recourse directly from us, rather than the ultimate product manufacturer, for product-related claims. Another potential risk we face in the distribution of products is liability resulting from counterfeit or tainted products infiltrating the supply chain. In addition, some of the products that we transport and sell are considered hazardous materials. The improper handling of such materials or accidents involving the transportation of such materials could subject us to liability or legal action that could harm our reputation. From time to time, we also receive and respond to governmental inquiries and investigations, including subpoenas for the production of documents. Defending against such claims, and responding to such governmental inquiries and investigations, may divert our resources and management\u2019s attention over lengthy periods of time, may be expensive, and may require that we pay substantial monetary awards or settlements, pay fines or penalties, or become subject to equitable remedies (including but not limited to the revocation of or non-renewal of licenses). We may be subject to claims in excess of available insurance or not covered by insurance or indemnification agreements, or claims that result in significant adverse publicity. Furthermore, the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain.\nIf we fail to comply with laws and regulations relating to health care fraud or other laws and regulations, we could suffer penalties or be required to make significant changes to our operations.\nWe are subject to federal and state (and similar foreign) health care fraud and abuse, referral and reimbursement laws and regulations, including those referred to as \u201cfalse claims laws\u201d and \u201canti-kickback\u201d laws. Health care fraud measures may implicate, for example, our relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, our pricing and incentive programs for physician and dental practices, and our practice management products that offer billing-related functionality. Failure to comply with fraud and abuse laws and regulations could result in significant civil and criminal penalties and costs, including treble damages and substantial civil penalties under the federal False Claims Act as well as potential loss of licenses and the ability to participate in federal and state health care programs, criminal penalties, or imposition of a corporate compliance monitor. Also, these measures may be interpreted or applied by a prosecutorial, regulatory or judicial authority in a manner that could require us to make changes in our operations or incur substantial defense and settlement expenses. Even unsuccessful challenges by regulatory authorities or private regulators could result in reputational harm and the incurring of substantial costs. Most states have adopted similar state false claims laws, and these state laws have their own penalties which may be in addition to federal False Claims Act penalties, as well as other fraud and abuse laws. In addition, many of these laws are vague or indefinite and have not been interpreted by the courts, and have been subject to frequent \n29\nTable of Contents\nmodification and varied interpretation by prosecutorial and regulatory authorities, increasing the risk of noncompliance.\nChange and uncertainty in the health care industry could materially adversely affect our business.\nLaws and regulations affecting the health care industry in the U.S., including the ACA, have changed and may continue to change the landscape in which our industry operates. Foreign government authorities may also adopt reforms of their health systems. We cannot predict what further reform proposals, if any, will be adopted, when they may be adopted, or what impact they may have on us. The Biden Administration has indicated that it will be more aggressive in its pursuing alleged violations of law, and has revoked certain guidance that would have limited governmental use of informal agency guidance to pursue such violations. In recent years, there has been increasing scrutiny on drug pricing and concurrent efforts to control or reduce drug costs by Congress, the President, and various states, including several bills that have been introduced on a federal level. Such legislation, if enacted, could have the potential to impose additional costs on our business. One provision of the ACA, the Sunshine Act, requires us to collect and report detailed information regarding certain financial relationships we have with covered recipients, including physicians, dentists, teaching hospitals and certain other non-physician practitioners. We may also be required to report under certain state transparency laws that address circumstances not covered by the Sunshine Act, and some of these state laws, as well as the federal law, can be unclear. We are also subject to foreign regulations requiring transparency of certain interactions between suppliers and their customers. Our compliance with these rules imposes additional costs on us. In the U.S., government actions to seek to increase health-related price transparency may also affect our business.\nFailure to comply with existing and future U.S. and foreign laws and regulatory requirements, including those governing the distribution of pharmaceuticals and controlled substances, could subject us to claims or otherwise harm our business.\nOur business is subject to requirements under various local, state, federal and international laws and regulations applicable to the sale and distribution of, and third-party payment for, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and human cells, tissue and cellular and tissue-based products (\u201cHCT/P products\u201d) and animal feed and supplements. Among other things, such laws, and the regulations promulgated thereunder:\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0regulate the introduction, manufacture, advertising, marketing and promotion, sampling, pricing and reimbursement, labeling, packaging, storage, handling, returning or recalling, reporting, and distribution of, and record keeping for drugs, HCT/P products and medical devices, including requirements with respect to unique medical device identifiers;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0subject us to inspection by the FDA and the DEA and similar state authorities;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0regulate the storage, transportation and disposal of products considered hazardous materials;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0regulate the distribution and storage of pharmaceuticals and controlled substances;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0require us to advertise and promote our drugs and devices in accordance with FDA requirements;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0require registration with the FDA and the DEA and various state agencies;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0require record keeping and documentation of transactions involving drug products;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0require us to design and operate a system to identify and report suspicious orders of controlled substances to the DEA;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0require us to manage returns of products that have been recalled and subject us to inspection of our recall procedures and activities;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0impose on us reporting requirements if a pharmaceutical, HCT/P product or medical device causes serious illness, injury or death;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0require manufacturers, wholesalers, repackagers and dispensers of prescription drugs to identify and trace certain prescription drugs as they are distributed;\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0require the licensing of prescription drug wholesalers and third-party logistics providers; and\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0mandate compliance with standards for the recordkeeping, storage and handling of prescription drugs, and associated reporting requirements.\nThere also have been increasing efforts by Congress and state and federal agencies, including state boards of pharmacy, departments of health, and the FDA, to regulate the pharmaceutical distribution system. Any failure to comply with any of these laws and regulations, or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, or the enactment of any new or additional laws and regulations, could materially adversely affect our business. When we \n30\nTable of Contents\ndiscover situations of non-compliance we seek to remedy them and bring the affected area back into compliance. If it is determined that we have not complied with these laws, we are potentially subject to penalties including warning letters, substantial civil and criminal fines and penalties, mandatory recall of product, seizure of product and injunction, consent decrees, and suspension or limitation of product sale and distribution. If we enter into settlement agreements to resolve allegations of non-compliance, we could be required to make settlement payments or be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including fines and the loss of licenses. Non-compliance with government requirements could also adversely affect our ability to participate in federal and state government health care programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and damage our reputation.\nWe remain subject to compliance certification obligations through our reporting for fiscal 2023 as required by the non-prosecution agreement that was entered into in connection with the investigation of our subsidiary Animal Health International by the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Western District of Virginia. This investigation resulted in Animal Health International pleading guilty to a strict liability misdemeanor offense in connection with its failure to comply with federal law relating to the sales of prescription animal health products, and a total criminal fine and forfeiture of $52.8 million. In the course of our business, we also may be subject to other fines or penalties, equitable remedies (including but not limited to the suspension, revocation or non-renewal of licenses) and litigation. The occurrence of any of these events may divert management's attention, cause us to suffer reputational harm and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nIf we fail to comply with evolving laws and regulations relating to confidentiality of sensitive personal information or standards in electronic health records or transmissions, we could be required to make significant product changes, or incur substantial liabilities.\nOur practice management products and services include electronic information technology systems that store and process personal health, clinical, financial and other sensitive information of individuals. Both we and our customers are subject to numerous and evolving laws, regulations and industry standards, such as HIPAA and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, which require the protection of the privacy and security of those records. The legal environment surrounding data privacy is demanding with the frequent imposition of new and changing regulatory requirements. Furthermore, our products may be used as part of our customers\u2019 comprehensive data security programs, including in connection with their efforts to comply with applicable privacy and security laws. We are also subject to non-healthcare-specific requirements of the countries and states in which we operate which govern the handling, storage, use and protection of personal information, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, which is a state statute intended to enhance privacy rights and consumer protection for residents of California, the California Privacy Rights Act, or CPRA, that became effective on January 1, 2023, and the pan-European General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR. Additionally, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut and Utah recently passed comprehensive privacy legislation, and several privacy bills have been proposed both at the federal and state level that may result in additional legal requirements that impact our business. \nIn addition, the FDA has become increasingly active in addressing the regulation of computer software intended for use in health care settings, and has developed and continues to develop policies on regulating clinical decision support tools and other types of software as medical devices. Certain of our software and related products support practice management, and it is possible that the FDA or foreign government authorities could determine that one or more of our products is a medical device, which could subject us or one or more of our businesses to substantial additional requirements, costs and potential enforcement actions or liabilities for noncompliance with respect to these products.\nBoth in the U.S. and abroad, these laws and regulations continue to evolve and remain subject to significant change. In addition, the application and interpretation of these laws and regulations are often uncertain. If we fail to comply with such laws and regulations, we could be required to make significant changes to our products or services, or incur substantial fines, penalties, or other liabilities. The costs of compliance with, and the other burdens imposed by, new or existing laws or regulatory actions may prevent us from selling the products or services we distribute, or increase the costs of doing so, and may affect our decision to distribute such products or services. Also, evolving laws and regulations in this area could restrict the ability of our customers to obtain or use patient information, or could require us to incur significant additional costs to conform to these legal requirements.\nIn addition, the products and services we distribute may be vulnerable to breakdown, wrongful intrusions, data breaches and malicious attack. Perceived or actual security vulnerabilities in these products or services, or the perceived or actual failure by us or our customers who use these products or services to comply with applicable legal or contractual data privacy or security requirements, may not only cause reputational harm and loss of \n31\nTable of Contents\nbusiness, but may also lead to claims against us by our customers and/or governmental agencies and involve substantial damages, fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses and costs for remediation.\nTax legislation could materially adversely affect our financial results and tax liabilities.\nWe are subject to the tax laws and regulations of the United States federal, state and local governments, as well as\n \nforeign jurisdictions which are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. From time to time, various legislative initiatives\n \nmay be proposed that could materially\n \nadversely affect our tax positions. In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Biden. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 established a new 15% corporate alternative minimum tax for corporations whose average adjusted net income for any consecutive three-year period beginning after December 31, 2022, exceeds $1.0 billion and a new a 1% excise tax on \u201cnet repurchases\u201d of corporate stock. This provision is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new legislation and there can be no assurance that our effective tax rate will not\n \nbe adversely affected by this legislation or any other legislative initiatives. In addition, although we believe that our\n \nhistorical tax positions are sound and\n \nconsistent with applicable laws, regulations and existing precedent, there can be no assurance that our tax positions will not be challenged by relevant tax authorities or that we would be successful in any such challenge.\nOur international operations are subject to inherent risks that could adversely affect our business.\nThere are a number of risks inherent in foreign operations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act, complex regulatory requirements, staffing and management complexities, import and export costs, other economic factors and political considerations, all of which are subject to unanticipated changes. Our foreign operations also expose us to foreign currency fluctuations. Because our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies will have an impact on our income. Currency exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, we generally do not hedge translation exposure with respect to foreign operations.\nGENERAL RISKS\nUncertain macro-economic conditions, including inflationary pressure, could materially adversely affect demand for dental and animal health products and services.\nWe are subject to uncertain macro-economic conditions that affect the economy and the economic outlook of the United States and other parts of the world in which we operate. In particular, recessionary or inflationary conditions and depressed levels of consumer and commercial spending may cause dental and animal health customers to reduce, modify, delay or cancel plans to purchase the products we distribute and services we provide, may cause dental and animal health professionals to decrease or stop investing in their practices, and may cause suppliers to reduce their output or change their terms of sale. Increased fuel and energy costs (for example, the price of gasoline) and recent and prospective banking failures may adversely affect consumer confidence and, thereby, reduce dental and veterinary office visits. In addition, the average interest rate in our contract portfolio may not increase at the same rate as interest rate markets, resulting in a reduction of gain on contract sales as compared to the gain that would be realized if the average interest rate in our portfolio were to increase at a rate more similar to the interest rate markets. Tension between the U.S. and China, as well as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, also are creating increased global and economic uncertainty, which could adversely affect spending on the dental and animal health products and services we distribute. Global political issues also could adversely impact the ability of U.S. producers to export finished protein products to other countries in the world. Furthermore, although inflation did not materially impact our results of operations in fiscal 2023, cost inflation during fiscal 2023, including wage inflation, generally increased our operating costs, including our cost of goods, transportation costs, labor costs and other administrative costs. We may face significantly higher and sustained rates of inflation, with subsequent increases in operational costs that we may be unable to pass through to our dental and animal health customers.",
+ "item7": ">Item\u00a07. MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nOverview\nOur financial information for fiscal 2023 is summarized in this Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes. The following background is provided to readers to assist in the review of our financial information.\nWe present three reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate. Dental and Animal Health are strategic business units that offer similar products and services to different customer bases. Dental provides a virtually complete range of consumable dental products, equipment, turnkey digital solutions and value-added services to dentists and dental laboratories throughout North America. Animal Health is a leading, full-line distributor in North America and the U.K. of animal health products, services and technologies to both the production-animal and companion-pet markets. Our Corporate segment is comprised of general and administrative expenses, including home office support costs in areas such as information technology, finance, legal, human resources and facilities. In addition, customer financing and other miscellaneous sales are reported within Corporate results.\nOperating margins of the animal health business are lower than the dental business. While operating expenses run at a lower rate in the animal health business when compared to the dental business, gross margins in the animal health business are lower due generally to the low margins experienced on the sale of pharmaceutical products.\nWe operate with a 52-53 week accounting convention with our fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in April. Fiscal 2023 ended on April\u00a029, 2023 and consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2022 ended on April\u00a030, 2022 and consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal 2021 ended on April\u00a024, 2021 and consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2024 will end on April 27, 2024 and will consist of 52 weeks.\nWe believe there are several important aspects of our business that are useful in analyzing it, including: (1)\u00a0growth in the various markets in which we operate; (2)\u00a0internal growth; (3)\u00a0growth through acquisition; and (4)\u00a0continued focus on controlling costs and enhancing efficiency. Management defines internal growth as net sales adjusted to exclude the impact of foreign currency, changes in product selling relationships and contributions from recent acquisitions. Foreign currency impact represents the difference in results that is attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates the company uses to convert results for all foreign entities where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. The company calculates the impact as the difference between the current period results translated using the current period currency exchange rates and using the comparable prior period\u2019s currency exchange rates. The company believes the disclosure of net sales changes in constant currency provides useful supplementary information to investors in light of significant fluctuations in currency rates.\nFactors Affecting Our Results\nMacro-economic Conditions. \nWe are impacted by various conditions that create uncertainty in our macro-economic environment. We experienced increases in our operating costs related to cost inflation and supply chain disruption and implemented price increases in response; however, cost inflation did not materially impact our net results of operations in fiscal 2023. Rising interest rates increased the interest expense on variable rate indebtedness. We continue to monitor recovery from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and the deflationary impacts on PPE as the supply chain and demand for PPE stabilized. \nReceivables Securitization Program.\n\u00a0We are a party to certain receivables purchase agreements with MUFG Bank, Ltd. (\"MUFG\"), under which MUFG acts as an agent to facilitate the sale of certain Patterson receivables (the \u201cReceivables\u201d) to certain unaffiliated financial institutions (the \u201cPurchasers\u201d). The proceeds from the sale of these Receivables comprise a combination of cash and a deferred purchase price (\u201cDPP\u201d) receivable. The DPP receivable is ultimately realized by Patterson following the collection of the underlying Receivables sold to the Purchasers. The collection of the DPP receivable is recognized as an increase to net cash provided by investing activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows, with a corresponding reduction to net cash used in operating activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows.\nFiscal 2022 Legal Reserve. \nOn August 27, 2021, we signed a memorandum of understanding to settle the federal securities class action complaint against Patterson Companies, Inc. and its former CEO and former CFO filed by Plymouth County Retirement System on March 28, 2018. Under the terms of the settlement, Patterson agreed to pay $63.0 million to resolve the case. Although we agreed to settle this matter, we expressly deny the allegations of the complaint and all liability. Our insurers consented to the settlement and contributed an aggregate of $35.0 \n36\nTable of Contents\nmillion to fund the settlement and to reimburse us for certain costs and expenses of the litigation. As a result of the foregoing, we recorded a pre-tax reserve of $63.0 million in other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets in our Corporate segment during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 related to the probable settlement of this litigation (the \"Fiscal 2022 Legal Reserve\"). During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we also recorded a receivable of $27.0 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets in our Corporate segment related to probable insurance recoveries, which amount was paid into the litigation settlement escrow as required by the memorandum of understanding. The net expense of $36.0 million was recorded in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income. We recorded a gain of $8.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2022 in our Corporate segment to account for our receipt of carrier reimbursement of previously expended fees and costs. On June 10, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota entered an order granting final approval to the settlement.\nGains on Vetsource Investment. \nIn fiscal 2022, we sold a portion of our investment in Vetsource, with a carrying value of $25.8 million, for $56.8 million. We recorded a pre-tax gain of $31.0 million in gains on investments in our consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income as a result of this sale. The cash received of $56.8 million is reported within investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. We also recorded a pre-tax non-cash gain of $31.0 million to reflect the increase in the carrying value of the remaining portion of our investment in Vetsource, which was based on the selling price of the portion of the investment we sold for $56.8 million. This gain was recorded in gains on investments in our consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income. Concurrent with the sale, we obtained rights that will allow us, under certain circumstances, to require another shareholder of Vetsource to purchase our remaining shares. We recorded a pre-tax non-cash gain of $25.8 million in gains on investments in our consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income as a result of this transaction. The aggregate gains on investments of $87.8 million are reported within operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Concurrent with obtaining this put option, we also granted rights to the same Vetsource shareholder that would allow such shareholder, under certain circumstances, to require us to sell our remaining shares at fair value.\nGain on Vets Plus Investment. \nIn fiscal 2022, we sold a portion of our investment in Vets Plus with a carrying value of $4.0 million for $17.1 million. We recorded a pre-tax gain of $13.1 million in gains on investments in our consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income as a result of this sale. This $13.1 million pre-tax gain is reported within operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The cash received of $17.1 million is reported within investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.\nCOVID-19. \nThe COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on our businesses in fiscal 2021 as we implemented cost reduction measures in response to closures and other steps taken by governmental authorities. Within our Dental segment, supply chain disruptions and an increased demand for PPE initially resulted in back orders of PPE, causing substantial price increases.\n \nWe had to prepay suppliers in order to obtain PPE for resale to our customers, and as manufacturing caught up to increased demand for PPE, prices dropped, impacting our margins and requiring us to write down certain inventory.\n \nFurthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has and may continue to affect demand for the goods and services we distribute as a result of the impact it has had and may continue to have on our customers.\nInventory Donation Charges. \nIn fiscal 2022, we committed to donate certain personal protective equipment to charitable organizations to assist with COVID-19 recovery efforts. We recorded a charge of $49.2 million within cost of sales in our consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income as a result (\"Inventory Donation Charges\") in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. These charges were driven by our intention to not sell these products, but rather to donate them to charitable organizations. Of the $49.2 million expense recorded, $47.2 million and $2.0 million was recorded within our Dental and Animal Health segments, respectively.\n37\nTable of Contents\nResults of Operations\nThe following table summarizes our results as a percent of net sales:\n\u00a0\nFiscal Year Ended\n\u00a0\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\nApril 24, 2021\nNet sales\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nCost of sales\n78.8\u00a0\n80.2\u00a0\n79.6\u00a0\nGross profit\n21.2\u00a0\n19.8\u00a0\n20.4\u00a0\nOperating expenses\n16.9\u00a0\n17.4\u00a0\n16.8\u00a0\nOperating income\n4.3\u00a0\n2.4\u00a0\n3.6\u00a0\nOther income (expense), net\n(0.1)\n1.7\u00a0\n(0.2)\nIncome before taxes\n4.2\u00a0\n4.1\u00a0\n3.4\u00a0\nIncome tax expense\n1.0\u00a0\n1.0\u00a0\n0.8\u00a0\nNet income\n3.2\u00a0\n3.1\u00a0\n2.6\u00a0\nNet loss attributable to noncontrolling interests\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nNet income attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc.\n3.2\u00a0\n%\n3.1\u00a0\n%\n2.6\u00a0\n%\nFiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022 \nNet sales\n.\n Consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023 were $6,471.5 million, a decrease of 0.4% from $6,499.4 million in fiscal 2022. Sales were negatively impacted by an estimated 1.8% due to the extra week of results in the prior year period. Foreign exchange rate changes had an unfavorable impact of\u00a01.7%\u00a0on fiscal 2023 sales. Organic growth in Dental, Animal Health and Corporate segments partially offset these unfavorable impacts. The impact of acquisitions for fiscal 2023 contributed a net increase in sales of approximately 0.2%.\nDental segment sales decreased 1.0% to $2,492.1 million in fiscal 2023 from $2,516.1 million in fiscal 2022. Sales were negatively impacted by an estimated 1.7% due to the extra week of results in the prior year period. Foreign exchange rate changes had an unfavorable impact of\u00a00.6%\u00a0on fiscal 2023 sales. Sales of consumables decreased 4.6%, sales of equipment increased 3.0%, and sales of value-added services and other increased 6.2% in fiscal 2023. Dental consumable sales decreased primarily due to the extra week in prior year period, as well as due to lower sales of PPE. \nAnimal Health segment sales decreased 0.5% to $3,964.9 million in fiscal 2023 from $3,982.9 million in fiscal 2022. Sales were negatively impacted by an estimated 1.8% due to the extra week of results in the prior year period. Foreign exchange rate changes had an unfavorable impact of\u00a02.4%\u00a0on fiscal 2023 sales. Acquisitions contributed 0.3% to Animal Health sales in 2023. Excluding the impact of the extra week of results in the prior year period, both Production Animal and Companion Animal sales grew in fiscal 2023.\nGross profit\n. \nConsolidated gross profit margin increased 140 basis points from the prior year to 21.2%, driven primarily by the impact of the $49.2 million Inventory Donation Charges in the prior year period and higher net sales in our Corporate segment in fiscal 2023. Excluding the impact of the Inventory Donation Charges, the gross profit margin rate increased approximately 60 basis points as compared to the prior year. The gross profit margin rate increased in both our Animal Health and Dental segments in fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022.\nOperating expenses\n. Consolidated operating expenses for fiscal 2023 were $1,097.0 million, a 3.1% decrease from the prior year of $1,132.1 million. We incurred lower operating expenses during fiscal 2023 primarily due to the impact of the Fiscal 2022 Legal Reserve as well as realizing a $3.6 million gain on sale of an office building in fiscal 2023. The consolidated operating expense ratio of 16.9% decreased 50 basis points from the prior year period, which was also driven by these same factors.\nOperating income\n.\n Fiscal 2023 operating income was $276.0 million, or 4.3% of net sales, as compared to $157.0 million, or 2.4% of net sales, in fiscal 2022. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the impact of the Inventory Donation Charges and the Fiscal 2022 Legal Reserve recorded in the prior year period and a higher consolidated gross margin rate in fiscal 2023.\n38\nTable of Contents\nDental segment operating income was\u00a0$237.3 million\u00a0for fiscal 2023, an increase of\u00a0$57.1 million\u00a0from fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily driven by the expense associated with the Inventory Donation Charges in the prior year period, an increase in gross margin rate and a $3.6 million gain on sale of an office building in fiscal 2023.\nAnimal Health segment operating income was\u00a0$127.0 million\u00a0for fiscal 2023, an increase of $12.6 million from fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily driven by a higher gross profit margin rate, partially offset by higher operating expenses, in fiscal 2023.\nCorporate segment operating loss was\u00a0$88.3 million\u00a0for fiscal 2023, as compared to a loss of\u00a0$137.6 million\u00a0for fiscal 2022. The change was primarily driven by the impact of the Fiscal 2022 Legal Reserve in the prior year period and higher customer financing net sales recorded during fiscal 2023. \nOther income (expense).\n \nNet other expense was $5.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared to net other income of $109.3 million in fiscal 2022. We recorded higher net other income in fiscal 2022 due to the impact of the gain on Vetsource investment of $87.8 million and the gain on Vets Plus investment in prior year period, and higher interest expense driven by interest rates in fiscal 2023.\nIncome tax expense\n. \nThe effective income tax rate for fiscal 2023 was 23.5%, compared to 24.2% for fiscal 2022. The decrease in the rate was primarily due to provision to return adjustments and a prior period income tax reserve adjustment.\nNet income attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc. and earnings per share\n. \nNet income attributable to Patterson Companies Inc. was $207.6 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $203.2 million in fiscal 2022. Earnings per diluted share were $2.12 in fiscal 2023, compared to $2.06 in fiscal 2022. Weighted average diluted shares in fiscal 2023 were 97.8 million, compared to 98.5 million in fiscal 2022. The fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 cash dividend declared was $1.04 per common share.\nFiscal 2022 Compared to Fiscal 2021\nSee\u00a0Item 7 in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed June 29, 2022.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nNet cash used in operating activities was $754.9 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $981.0 million in fiscal 2022 and $730.5 million in fiscal 2021. Net cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2023 was primarily due to the impact of our Receivables Securitization Program. Net cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2022 was primarily due to the impact of our Receivables Securitization Program and a net increase in inventory, inclusive of the impact of the $49.2 million Inventory Donation Charges, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable. Net cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2021 was primarily due to the impact of our Receivables Securitization Program, as well as an increase in accounts payable.\nNet cash provided by investing activities was $901.6 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $1,239.0 million in fiscal 2022 and $810.7 million in fiscal 2021. Collections of deferred purchase price receivables were $998.9 million, $1,213.5 million and $834.0 million in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In fiscal 2023, we recorded cash receipts of $15.2 million from a sale of an office building and used cash of $33.3 million for acquisitions and $15.0 million to purchase a Dental investment. In fiscal 2022, we recorded cash receipts of $75.9 million from the sale of investments and used $19.8 million to acquire Miller Vet. Capital expenditures were $64.2 million, $38.3 million and $25.8 million in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We expect to use a total of approximately $70 million for capital expenditures in fiscal 2024. \nNet cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2023 was\u00a0$126.5 million, driven by\u00a0$101.3 million\u00a0for dividend payments, $55.5 million in share repurchases and $1.5 million for payments on long-term debt, partially offset by $16.0 million draw on our revolving line of credit. Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2022 was $253.2 million, driven by $101.1 million for dividend payments, $100.8 million for payments on long-term debt, $35.0 million in share repurchases and $24.0 million attributed to payments on our revolving line of credit. Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2021 was $22.6 million, driven by $75.2 million for dividend payments, partially offset by $53.0 million attributed to draws on our revolving line of credit. \nIn fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share was declared each quarter, with payment occurring in the subsequent quarter. We currently expect to declare and pay quarterly cash dividends in the future, but any future dividends will be subject to approval by our Board of Directors, which will depend on our \n39\nTable of Contents\nearnings, capital requirements, operating results and financial condition, as well as applicable law, regulatory constraints, industry practice and other business considerations that our Board considers relevant. We are also subject to various financial covenants under our debt agreements including the maintenance of leverage and interest coverage ratios. The terms of agreements governing debt that we may incur in the future may also contain similar covenants. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will declare and pay dividends in the future at the same rate or at all.\nIn fiscal 2021, we entered into an amendment, restatement and consolidation of certain credit agreements with various lenders, including MUFG Bank, Ltd, as administrative agent. This amended and restated credit agreement (the \u201cCredit Agreement\u201d) consisted of a $700.0 million revolving credit facility and a $300.0 million term loan facility, and was set to mature no later than February 2024. \nIn fiscal 2023, we amended and restated the Credit Agreement (the \u201cAmended Credit Agreement\u201d). The Amended Credit Agreement consists of a $700.0 million revolving credit facility and a $300.0 million term loan facility, and will mature no later than October 2027. We used the Amended Credit Agreement facilities to refinance and consolidate the Credit Agreement, and pay the fees and expenses incurred therewith. We expect to use the Amended Credit Agreement to finance our ongoing working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes.\nAs of\u00a0April\u00a029, 2023, $298.5 million was outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement term loan at an interest rate of 6.08% and $45.0 million was outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement revolving credit facility at an interest rate of 5.93%. As of April\u00a030, 2022, $300.0 million was outstanding under the Credit Agreement term loan at an interest rate of 1.89%, and $29.0 million was outstanding under the Credit Agreement revolving credit facility at an interest rate of 1.54%.\nOn March 16, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization for up to $500 million of our company's common stock through March 16, 2024, replacing the March 2018 share repurchase authorization for up to $500 million of common stock which had expired and under which no repurchases had been made. As of April\u00a029, 2023, $409.5 million remains available under the current repurchase authorization.\nWe have $159.7 million in cash and cash equivalents as of April\u00a029, 2023, of which $61.6 million is in foreign bank accounts. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our intention to permanently reinvest these funds. Included in cash and cash equivalents as of April\u00a029, 2023 is $33.1 million of cash collected from previously sold customer financing arrangements that have not yet been settled with the third party. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. \nWe expect the collection of deferred purchase price receivables, existing cash balances and credit availability under existing debt facilities, less our funds used in operations, will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and to finance our business over the next fiscal year. \nWe expect to continue to obtain liquidity from the sale of equipment finance contracts. Patterson sells a significant portion of our finance contracts (see below) to a commercial paper funded conduit managed by a third party bank, and as a result, commercial paper is indirectly an important source of liquidity for Patterson. Patterson is allowed to participate in the conduit due to the quality of our finance contracts and our financial strength. Cash flows could be impaired if our financial strength diminishes to a level that precluded us from taking part in this facility or other similar facilities. Also, market conditions outside of our control could adversely affect the ability for us to sell the contracts.\nCustomer Financing Arrangements\nAs a convenience to our customers, we offer several different financing alternatives, including a third party program and a Patterson-sponsored program. For the third party program, we act as a facilitator between the customer and the third party financing entity with no on-going involvement in the financing transaction. Under the Patterson-sponsored program, equipment purchased by creditworthy customers may be financed up to a maximum of $1 million. We generally sell our customers\u2019 financing contracts to outside financial institutions in the normal course of our business. We currently have two arrangements under which we sell these contracts.\nFirst, we operate under an agreement to sell a portion of our equipment finance contracts to commercial paper conduits with MUFG Bank, Ltd. (\"MUFG\") serving as the agent. We utilize PDC Funding, a consolidated, wholly owned subsidiary, to fulfill a requirement of participating in the commercial paper conduit. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to MUFG. The capacity under the agreement with MUFG at April\u00a029, 2023 was $525 million.\n40\nTable of Contents\nSecond, we maintain an agreement with Fifth Third Bank (\"Fifth Third\") whereby Fifth Third purchases customers\u2019 financing contracts. PDC Funding II, a consolidated, wholly owned subsidiary, sells financing contracts to Fifth Third. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to Fifth Third. The capacity under the agreement with Fifth Third at April\u00a029, 2023 was $100 million.\nOur financing business is described in further detail in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. \nContractual Obligations\nA summary of our contractual obligations as of April\u00a029, 2023 was as follows (in thousands):\n\u00a0\nPayments due by year\n\u00a0\nTotal\nLess\u00a0than\n1 year\n1-3 years\n3-5 years\nMore than\n5 years\nLong-term debt principal\n$\n489,000\u00a0\n$\n36,000\u00a0\n$\n134,000\u00a0\n$\n319,000\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nLong-term debt interest\n105,006\u00a0\n25,247\u00a0\n43,242\u00a0\n36,517\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nOperating leases\n114,881\u00a0\n31,482\u00a0\n38,031\u00a0\n16,846\u00a0\n28,522\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n708,887\u00a0\n$\n92,729\u00a0\n$\n215,273\u00a0\n$\n372,363\u00a0\n$\n28,522\u00a0\nAs of April\u00a029, 2023 our gross liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, was $9.9 million. We are not able to reasonably estimate the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over an extended period of time or whether a cash settlement of the liability will be required. Therefore, these amounts have been excluded from the schedule of contractual obligations. \nFor a more complete description of our contractual obligations, see Notes 10 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nWorking Capital Management\nThe following table summarizes our average accounts receivable days sales outstanding and average annual inventory turnover for the past three fiscal years:\nFiscal Year Ended\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\nApril 24, 2021\nDays sales outstanding\n25.0\u00a0\n25.2\u00a0\n25.9\u00a0\nInventory turnover\n6.2\u00a0\n6.6\u00a0\n6.1\u00a0\nForeign Operations\nWe derive foreign sales from Dental operations in Canada, and Animal Health operations in Canada and the U.K. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates have not significantly impacted earnings, as these fluctuations impact sales, cost of sales and operating expenses. Changes in exchange rates adversely affected net sales by $108.5 million in fiscal 2023, while they positively impacted net sales by $41.0 million and $28.4 million in fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively. Changes in currency exchange rates are a risk accompanying foreign operations, but this risk is not considered material with respect to our consolidated operations.\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\nPatterson has adopted various accounting policies to prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Management believes that our policies are conservative and our philosophy is to adopt accounting policies that minimize the risk of adverse events having a material impact on recorded assets and liabilities. However, the preparation of financial statements requires the use of estimates and judgments regarding the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities based on the information available to management at the time. Changes subsequent to the preparation of the financial statements in economic, technological and competitive conditions may materially impact the recorded values of Patterson\u2019s assets and liabilities. Therefore, the users of the financial statements should read all the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and be aware that conditions currently unknown to management may develop in the future. This may require a material adjustment to a recorded asset or liability to consistently apply to our significant accounting principles and policies that are discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The financial performance and condition of Patterson may also be materially impacted by transactions and events that we have \n41\nTable of Contents\nnot previously experienced and for which we have not been required to establish an accounting policy or adopt a generally accepted accounting principle.\nRevenue Recognition\n \u2013 Revenues are generated from the sale of consumable products, equipment and support, software and support, technical service parts and labor, and other sources. Revenues are recognized when or as performance obligations are satisfied. Performance obligations are satisfied when the customer obtains control of the goods or services.\nConsumable product, equipment, software and parts sales are recorded upon delivery, except in those circumstances where terms of the sale are FOB shipping point, in which case sales are recorded upon shipment. Technical service labor is recognized as it is provided. Revenue derived from equipment support and software services is recognized ratably over the period in which the support and services are provided. \nIn addition to revenues generated from the distribution of consumable products under arrangements (buy/sell agreements) where the full market value of the product is recorded as revenue, we earn commissions for services provided under agency agreements. The agency agreement contrasts to a buy/sell agreement in that we do not have control over the transaction, as we do not have the primary responsibility of fulfilling the promise of the good or service and we do not bill or collect from the customer in an agency relationship. Commissions under agency agreements are recorded when the services are provided.\nEstimates for returns, damaged goods, rebates, loyalty programs and other revenue allowances are made at the time the revenue is recognized based on the historical experience for such items. The receivables that result from the recognition of revenue are reported net of related allowances. We maintain a valuation allowance based upon the expected collectability of receivables held. Estimates are used to determine the valuation allowance and are based on several factors, including historical collection data, economic trends, and credit worthiness of customers. Receivables are written off when we determine the amounts to be uncollectible, typically upon customer bankruptcy or non-response to continuous collection efforts. The portions of receivable amounts that are not expected to be collected during the next twelve months are classified as long-term.\nPatterson has a relatively large, dispersed customer base and no single customer accounts for more than 10% of consolidated net sales. In addition, the equipment sold to customers under finance contracts generally serves as collateral for the contract and the customer provides a personal guarantee as well.\nNet sales do not include sales tax as we are considered a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales tax.\nInventory and Reserves\n \u2013 Inventory consists primarily of merchandise held for sale and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (\"LIFO\") method for all inventories, except for foreign inventories and manufactured inventories, which are valued using the first-in, first-out (\"FIFO\") method. We continually assess the valuation of inventories and reduce the carrying value of those inventories that are obsolete or in excess of forecasted usage to estimated realizable value. Estimates are made of the net realizable value of such inventories based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market requirements.\nGoodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets\n \u2013 Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but rather are tested at least annually as of the beginning of the fourth quarter for impairment, or more often if events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.\nGoodwill impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level, which represents an operating segment or a component of an operating segment. We have two reporting units; Dental and Animal Health. Our Corporate reportable segment's assets and liabilities, and net sales and expenses, are allocated to the two reporting units. \nWe perform a qualitative evaluation or a quantitative test to assess goodwill for impairment. The qualitative evaluation is an assessment of factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. We may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment for one or both reporting units and perform a quantitative impairment test. \nIf performed, the quantitative goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of each reporting unit to the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized. Any goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit\u2019s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill. The determination of fair value requires \n42\nTable of Contents\nmanagement to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry and economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. Patterson conducts impairment testing based on current business strategy in light of present industry and economic conditions, as well as future expectations. \nOur indefinite-lived intangible asset is a trade name, which is assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset with its fair value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The determination of fair value involves assumptions, including projected revenues and gross profit levels, as well as consideration of any factors that may indicate potential impairment.\nWe performed qualitative assessments for our goodwill impairment tests in fiscal 2023. No impairments were recorded in fiscal 2023, 2022, or 2021 as a result of goodwill and other indefinite-lived impairment tests performed.\nRecoverability of Long-Lived Assets\n \u2013 Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows derived from such assets. Our definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationships, trade names and trademarks. When impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value using level 3 inputs, as discussed further in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\nRecoverability of Development Costs of Software to be Sold \n- At the end of each fiscal quarter, we compare the unamortized capitalized costs of software to be sold to its net realizable value. If the unamortized amount exceeds the net realizable value, an impairment is recorded. If the unamortized capitalized costs are less than the net realizable value of that asset, then there is no impairment. \nIncome Taxes\n \u2013 We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments are required in determining the consolidated provision for income taxes. Changes in tax policy or interpretation of current tax law create potential added uncertainties.\nDuring the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As a result, we recognize tax liabilities based on estimates of whether additional taxes and interest will be due. These tax liabilities are recognized when, despite our belief that our tax return position is supportable, we believe that certain positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities. We believe that our accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open audit years based on our assessment of many factors including past experience and interpretations of tax law. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of complex judgments about future events. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made and could materially affect our financial results.\nValuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets if, after assessment of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be fully realized. \nStock-based Compensation\n \u2013 We recognize stock-based compensation based on certain assumptions including inputs within valuation models, estimated forfeitures and estimated performance outcomes. These assumptions require subjective judgment and changes in the assumptions can materially affect fair value estimates. Management assesses the assumptions and methodologies used to estimate forfeitures and to calculate estimated fair value of stock-based compensation on a regular basis. Circumstances may change, and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies and thereby materially impact the fair value determination or estimates of forfeitures. If factors change and we employ different assumptions, the amount of compensation expense associated with stock-based compensation may differ significantly from what was recorded in the current period.",
+ "item7a": ">Item\u00a07A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nMarket Risk\nWe are exposed to market risk consisting of foreign currency rate fluctuations and changes in interest rates.\nWe are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in our operating statement due to transactions denominated primarily in Canadian Dollars and British Pounds. Although we do not currently have foreign currency hedge contracts, we continually evaluate our foreign currency exchange rate risk and the different mechanisms for use in managing such risk. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to our most \n43\nTable of Contents\nsignificant foreign currency exposures would have changed net sales by approximately $95.2 million for the fiscal year ended April\u00a029, 2023\n.\n This amount is not indicative of the hypothetical net earnings impact due to the partially offsetting impact of the currency exchange movements on cost of sales and operating expenses. We estimate that if foreign currency exchange rates changed by 10%, the impact would have been approximately $5.2 million to income before taxes for the fiscal year ended April\u00a029, 2023.\nThe Amended Credit Agreement consists of a $300.0 million term loan facility and a $700.0 million revolving credit facility, which will mature no later than October 2027. Interest on borrowings is variable and is determined as a base rate plus a spread. This spread, as well as a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility, is based on our leverage ratio, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. Due to the interest rate being variable, fluctuations in interest rates may impact our earnings. Based on our current level of debt, we estimate that a 100 basis point change in interest rates would have a $3.4 million annual impact on our income before taxes.\nOur earnings are also affected by fluctuations in short-term interest rates through the investment of cash balances and the practice of selling fixed rate equipment finance contracts under agreements with both a commercial paper conduit and a bank that provide for pricing based on variable interest rates.\nWhen considering the exposure under the agreements whereby we sell equipment finance contracts to both a commercial paper conduit and bank, the interest rates in our facilities are priced based on SOFR or commercial paper rates plus a defined spread. In addition, the majority of the portfolio of installment contracts generally turns over in less than 48 months, and we can adjust the rate we charge on new customer contracts at any time. Therefore, in times where the interest rate markets are not rapidly increasing or decreasing, the average interest rate in the portfolio generally moves with the interest rate markets and thus would parallel the underlying interest rate movement of the pricing built into the sale agreements. In calculating the gain on the contract sales, we use an interest rate curve that approximates the maturity period of the then-outstanding contracts. If increases in the interest rate markets occur, the average interest rate in our contract portfolio may not increase at the same rate, resulting in a reduction of gain on the contract sales as compared to the gain that would be realized if the average interest rate in our portfolio were to increase at a more similar rate to the interest rate markets. We have forward interest rate swap agreements in order to hedge against interest rate fluctuations that impact the amount of net sales we record related to these contracts. These interest rate swap agreements do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and, accordingly, we record the fair value of the agreements as an asset or liability and the change as income or expense during the period in which the change occurs. As a result of entering into these interest rate swap agreements, we estimate that a 10% change in interest rates would have less than a $1.0 million annual impact on our income before taxes.\n44\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "891024",
+ "cusip6": "703395",
+ "cusip": ["703395953", "703395903", "703395103"],
+ "names": ["PATTERSON COS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/891024/000089102423000006/0000891024-23-000006-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000897101-23-000380.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000897101-23-000380.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..bfaedc4e8b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000897101-23-000380.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\nBusiness.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOverview\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nElectromed,\nInc. (\u201cwe,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d \u201cElectromed\u201d or the \u201cCompany\u201d) develops,\nmanufactures, markets and sells innovative products that provide airway clearance therapy, including the SmartVest\n\u00ae\n\nAirway Clearance System (\u201cSmartVest System\u201d) and related products, to patients with compromised pulmonary function\nwith a commitment to excellence and compassionate service. Our goal is to make High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (\u201cHFCWO\u201d)\ntreatments as effective, convenient, and comfortable as possible, so our patients can breathe easier and live better with improved\nrespiratory function and fewer exacerbations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nemploy a direct-to-patient and provider model, through which we obtain patient referrals from clinicians, manage insurance claims\non behalf of our patients, and deliver the SmartVest System to patients, training them on proper use in their homes. This model\nallows us to directly approach patients and clinicians, whereby we disintermediate the traditional durable medical equipment (\u201cDME\u201d)\nchannel and capture both the manufacturer and distributor margins. We also sell our products in the acute care setting for patients\nin a post-surgical or intensive care unit, or who were admitted for a lung infection brought on by compromised airway clearance.\nElectromed was incorporated in Minnesota in 1992. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol \u201cELMD.\u201d\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nSmartVest System features a programmable air pulse generator, a therapy garment worn over the upper body and a connecting hose,\nwhich together provide safe, comfortable, and effective airway clearance therapy. The SmartVest System generates HFCWO, an airway\nclearance therapy. One factor of respiratory health is the ability to clear secretions from airways. Impaired airway clearance,\nwhen mucus cannot be expectorated, may result in labored breathing and/or inflammatory and immune systems boosting mucus production\nthat invites bacteria trapped in stagnant secretions to cause infections. Studies show that HFCWO therapy is as effective an airway\nclearance method for patients who have compromised pulmonary function as traditional chest physical therapy (\u201cCPT\u201d)\nadministered by a respiratory therapist.\n1\n However, HFCWO can be self-administered, relieving a caregiver of participation\nin the therapy, and eliminating the attendant cost of an in-home care provider. We believe that HFCWO treatments are cost-effective\nprimarily because they reduce a patient\u2019s risk of respiratory infections and other secondary complications that are associated\nwith impaired airway clearance and often result in costly hospital visits and repeated antibiotic use.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nSmartVest System is designed for patient comfort and ease of use which promotes adherence to prescribed treatment schedules, leading\nto improved airway clearance, patient outcomes and quality of life, and a reduction in healthcare utilization. We offer a broad\nrange of garments, referred to as vests and wraps, in sizes for children and adults that allow for tailored fit. User-friendly\ncontrols allow patients to administer their daily therapy with minimal or no assistance. Our direct product support services provide\npatient and clinician education, training, and follow-up to ensure that the product is integrated into each patient\u2019s daily\ntreatment regimen. Additionally, our reimbursement department assures we are working on behalf of the patient by processing their\nphysician paperwork, providing clinical support and billing the applicable insurance provider. We believe that the advantages\nof the SmartVest System and the Company\u2019s customer services to the patient include:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nimproved\nquality of life;\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nreduction\nin healthcare utilization;\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nindependence\nfrom a dedicated caregiver;\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nconsistent\ntreatments at home;\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nimproved\ncomfort during therapy; and\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\neligibility\nfor reimbursement by private insurance, federal or state government programs or combinations of the foregoing.\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\nNicolini\nA, et al. Effectiveness of treatment with high-frequency chest wall oscillation in patients with bronchiectasis. \nBMC Pulmonary\nMedicine. 2013;13(21)\n.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nProducts \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSince\n2000, we have marketed the SmartVest System and its predecessor products to patients suffering from bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis,\nand neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (\u201cALS\u201d). Our products are sold\ninto the home health care market and the acute care setting for patients in a post-surgical or intensive care unit, or who were\nadmitted for a lung infection brought on by compromised airway clearance. Accordingly, our sales points of contact include adult\npulmonology clinics, cystic fibrosis centers, neuromuscular clinics and hospitals.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nhave received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (\u201cFDA\u201d) to market the SmartVest System to promote\nairway clearance and improve bronchial drainage. In addition, Electromed is certified to apply the Conformit\u00e9 Europ\u00e9enne\n(\u201cEuropean Conformity\u201d or \u201cCE\u201d) marking for HFCWO device sales in all European Union member countries\nand approved for HFCWO device sales in other, select international countries. The SmartVest System is available only with a physician\u2019s\nprescription.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nSmartVest System is currently available in two models, The SmartVest SQL\n\u00ae\n and SmartVest Clearway\n\u00ae\n\u2013\nwhich are sold into home care and hospital markets. In November 2022, we announced the introduction of SmartVest Clearway\n\u00ae\n,\nour next generation HFCWO system designed around an enhanced patient experience and modern design. We will continue to support\nand service earlier SmartVest models pursuant to the applicable product warranty. As part of our growth strategies, we periodically\nevaluate opportunities involving products and services, especially those that may provide value to the respiratory homecare and\ninstitutional market.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nSmartVest Clearway System \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nSmartVest Clearway System consists of an inflatable therapy garment, a programmable air pulse generator and a patented single-hose\nthat delivers air pulses from the generator to the garment to create oscillatory pressure on the chest wall. The SmartVest Clearway\nis designed for maximum comfort and lifestyle convenience, so patients can readily fit therapy into their daily routines. The\nSmartVest Clearway was designed with the patient experience in mind continuing our history of offering the smallest, lightest\nweight generator on the market and introduces an intuitive touch screen to simplify use. The enhanced features make it easier\nto use and enable greater patient freedom in completing therapy.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\n360\u00b0\n oscillation coverage and patented Soft Start\n(R)\n technology: \nAll SmartVest\n garments provide 360\u00b0 oscillation coverage, which delivers simultaneous treatment\n to all lobes of the lungs. The oscillatory squeeze-and-release technology delivers therapeutic\n pressure to the chest wall to loosen, sheer and propel mucus into the upper airways where\n it can be more easily expectorated. Our patented Soft Start technology gently inflates\n the garment to better acclimate the patient to therapy.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nOpen\n system design with Breathing Room\nTM\n:\n The active inflate \u2013 active\n deflate mechanism of the SmartVest System enables patients to take deep breaths during\n therapy without feeling restricted, providing patients with a more comfortable treatment\n experience.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nProgrammable\n generator with user-friendly device operation:\n The SmartVest Clearway introduces\n an intuitive touchscreen with single touch start. The improved user interface enhances\n device programming and simplifies every-day use. The system features multiple operating\n modes, including ramp, favorite settings designations, and options for saving, locking\n and restoring protocols. An enhanced pause feature allows the physician to program dedicated\n times for the patient to clear secretions during therapy.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nPatented\n single-hose design:\n A single-hose delivers oscillations to the SmartVest garment,\n which we believe provides therapy in a more comfortable and unobtrusive manner than a\n two-hose system. Oscillations are delivered evenly from the base of the SmartVest garment,\n extending the forces upward and inward in strong but smooth cycles surrounding the chest.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nSoft-fabric\n garment is lightweight and comfortable:\n The SmartVest garment is the lightest HFCWO\n garment available and is designed to resemble an article of clothing. The light design\n takes weight off of the patients shoulders and torso enhancing the therapy experience.\n Quick fit Velcro\n\u00ae\n-like closures allow for a secure, comfortable fit without\n bulky straps and buckles. The simple design creates a broad size adjustment range to\n ensure a properly tailored fit to accommodate pediatric and adult patients.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nSmaller\n and lighter: \nSmartVest Clearway is the smallest and lightest HFCWO generator on the\n market, weighing less than 14 pounds. The lightweight design, ergonomic carrying handle\n and compact storage case make it easier for patients to move throughout their home, store\n and integrate HFCWO therapy into their daily lives.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSmartVest\nConnect \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn\nJune 2017, we launched SmartVest Connect\n\u00ae\n wireless technology, a personalized HFCWO therapy management portal for\npatients with compromised pulmonary function. In March 2020, we launched the SmartVest Connect app for both the iOS and Android\noperating systems. The SmartVest Connect app securely connects to the SmartVest System through Bluetooth\u2122 technology. This\ninterface allows patients and healthcare teams to track therapy in real-time and collaborate on care decisions to improve therapy\nadherence and patient outcomes.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther\nProducts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nmarket the Single Patient Use (\u201cSPU\u201d) SmartVest and SmartVest Wrap\n\u00ae\n to health care providers in the\nacute care setting. Hospitals issue the SPU SmartVest or SmartVest Wrap to an individual patient for managing airway clearance\nwhile inpatient. Both SPU products provide full coverage oscillation and facilitate continuity of care when the SmartVest System\nis prescribed for patients with a chronic condition upon discharge for use in the home.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nMarket\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nestimate the total served U.S. market for HFCWO is approximately $250 million in 2022 growing at a 9% compound annual growth rate\nbased on independent third-party market research. We believe the market for HFCWO is under recognized and underdiagnosed and is\ncontinuing to expand due to an aging population, higher incidence of chronic lung disease, growing awareness by physicians of\ndiseases and conditions for which patients can benefit from using HFCWO therapy, and treatments moving to lower cost home care\nsettings. Indications for when HFCWO may be prescribed are not specific to any one disease. A physician may elect to prescribe\nHFCWO when such individual believes the patient will benefit from improved airway clearance and external chest manipulation is\nthe treatment of choice to enhance mucus transport and improve bronchial drainage.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nSmartVest System is primarily prescribed for patients with bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and neuromuscular conditions such\nas cerebral palsy and ALS. We believe that bronchiectasis represents the fastest growing diagnostic category and greatest potential\nfor HFCWO growth in the United States exhibiting an 8.7% increase in patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2007\n9\n. Bronchiectasis\nis an irreversible, chronic lung condition characterized by enlarged and permanently damaged bronchi. The condition is associated\nwith recurrent lower respiratory infections, inflammation, reduction in pulmonary function, impaired respiratory secretion clearance,\nincreased hospitalizations and medication use, and increased morbidity and mortality.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nare driven to make life\u2019s important moments possible, one breath at a time, by leading the HFCWO therapy market in clinical\nevidence that supports the therapeutic imperative of clearing excess mucus from the lungs. Electromed continues to add to the\nbody of evidence in support of HFCWO with multiple published clinical outcome studies demonstrating a significant improvement\nin quality of life and reduction in exacerbation rates, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and antibiotic prescriptions\nin bronchiectasis patients using the SmartVest System. This includes a 2022 publication in the American Journal of Respiratory\nand Critical Care Medicine reviewing outcomes among non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients with HFCWO Therapy\n2-6. \nIn\naddition, we designed and ran a quality-of-life study for COPD patients using SmartVest, which was shared at the 2023 American\nThoracic Society International Conference and published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The study\u2019s\nresults demonstrated statistically significant favorable responses to HFCWO as add on therapy for patients with a primary diagnosis\nof COPD. We have also shared data from our bronchiectasis quality of life trial at the 2023 World Bronchiectasis and NTM Conference\nhighlight effects of HFCWO on clinical symptoms of patients with bronchiectasis Generating additional clinical evidence to further\nsupport the SmartVest System as a preferred treatment for bronchiectasis patients will remain a focus in fiscal 2024.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nbelieve that bronchiectasis is under recognized and underdiagnosed but is experiencing a surge in clinical interest and awareness,\nincluding the relationship to COPD, commonly referred to as bronchiectasis COPD overlap syndrome. The overlap of bronchiectasis\nand COPD increases exacerbations and hospitalizations, reduces pulmonary function, and increases mortality. Several recent studies\nhave estimated prevalence of bronchiectasis, which we believe are helpful for estimating a range of the overall market size.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nWeycker\n(2017) projected 4.2 million adults in the United States over the age of 40 may have bronchiectasis, suggesting there is a large\npool of patients with undiagnosed disease.\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nHenkle\n(2018) confirmed a high prevalence of bronchiectasis in the United States, identifying over 600,000 unique patients with at least\none bronchiectasis claim (ICD-9 claims 494.0 or 494.1). The study also observed that patients with dual diagnosis of bronchiectasis\nand COPD were in poorer health, with more office visits, more inpatient admissions and more acute respiratory infections.\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nSeitz\n(2012) estimated that 190,000 unique cases of bronchiectasis were diagnosed in Medicare patients in 2007 and bronchiectasis prevalence\nincreased 8.7% annually between 2000 and 2007.\n9\n Based on historic growth in prevalence and assuming a constant growth\nrate, the estimated number of bronchiectasis diagnoses in Medicare patients in 2021 exceeded 608,000.\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nAksamit\n(2017) found 20% (n=350) of patients with bronchiectasis enrolled in the U.S. Bronchiectasis Research Registry between 2008 and\n2014 also had COPD and 29% (n=515) also had asthma.\n7 \nOther studies have found that the overlap between bronchiectasis\nand COPD is observed in 27% to 57% of patients with COPD. \n10-13\u20138\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nChalmers\n(2017) found that prevalence of bronchiectasis in patients with COPD ranged from a low of 4% to as high as 69% with mean prevalence\nof 54%. In many studies in patients with COPD, the presence of bronchiectasis was associated with reduced lung function, greater\nsputum production, more frequent exacerbations and increased mortality versus those with COPD alone.\n14\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThese\nstudies indicate a wide range of potential prevalence of bronchiectasis patients in the United States. We also believe that it\nis difficult to estimate from these studies which patients will need or benefit from HFCWO. Internal company estimates derived\nfrom 2020 analysis of the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus database, one of the largest US health plan databases of adjudicated integrated\nmedical and pharmacy claims, indicate a 15% to 20% penetration of HFCWO within the diagnosed Bronchiectasis population\n15\n.\nBy conservatively assessing the market size in relation to the clinical studies cited above, we calculate that current HFCWO adoption\nmay account for only 100,000 patients of the 500,000 to 600,000 currently diagnosed and treatable patients (see Figure 1 below).\nWe believe that bronchiectasis is underdiagnosed in the U.S. based on clinical study and epidemiology evidence with an even greater\nnumber of patients that could potentially benefit from diagnosis and treatment. We believe that HFCWO is under prescribed for\nbronchiectasis patients resulting in a large, underpenetrated US market opportunity and growth potential for HFCWO therapy.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\nSievert\nC, et al. Using High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation in a Bronchiectasis Patient Population: An Outcomes-Based Case Review. \nRespiratory\nTherapy Journal.\n 2016;11(4): 34\u201338.\u00a0\n\n\n3\nSievert\nC, et al. Cost-Effective Analysis of Using High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) in Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis\nBronchiectasis. \nRespiratory Therapy Journal.\n 2017;12(1): 45\u201349.\u00a0\n\n\n4\nSievert\nC, et al. Incidence of Bronchiectasis-Related Exacerbation Rates After High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) Treatment\n\u2014 A Longitudinal Outcome-Based Study. \nRespiratory Therapy Journal.\n 2018;13(2): 38\u201341.\u00a0\n\n\n5\nPowner\nJ, et al. Employment of an algorithm of care including chest physiotherapy results in reduced hospitalizations and stability of\nlung function in bronchiectasis. \nBMC Pulmonary Medicine\n. 2019;19(82).\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\nDeKoven M, Mandia K, DeFabis N, Chen J, Ruscio A. Patient Characteristics, Healthcare Resource Utilization And Outcomes\nAmong Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Patients With High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) Therapy. \nAmerican Journal\nof Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2022. Vol 205:A3090\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\nWeycker\nD, Hansen G, Seifer F. Prevalence and incidence of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis among US adults in 2013. \nChronic Respiratory\nDisease.\n 2017; 14(4):377-384.\u00a0\n\n\n8\nHenkle\nE, et al. Characteristics and Health-care Utilization History of Patients with Bronchiectasis in US Medicare Enrollees With Prescription\nDrug Plans, 2006 to 2014. \nChest.\n 2018;154(6), 1311\u20131320.\u00a0\n\n\n9\nSeitz\nA, et al. Trends in Bronchiectasis Among Medicare Beneficiaries in the United States, 2000 to 2007. \nChest.\n 2012;142(2),\n432\u2013439.\u00a0\n\n\n10\nAksamit\nT, et al. Bronchiectasis Research Registry C. Adult Patients With Bronchiectasis: A First Look at the US Bronchiectasis Research\nRegistry. \nChest\n. 2017;151:982-92.\u00a0\n\n\n11\nPatel\nI.S., et al. Bronchiectasis, exacerbation indices, and inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. \nAm J Respir Crit\nCare Med\n. 2004;170:400-7.\u00a0\n\n\n12\nO\u2019Brien\nC, et al. Physiological and radiological characterization of patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in\nprimary care. \nThorax\n. 2000;55:635-42.\u00a0\n\n\n13\nBafadhel\nM, et al. The role of CT scanning in multidimensional phenotyping of COPD. \nChest\n. 2011;140:634-42.\u00a0\n\n\n14\nChalmers\nJ. and Sethi S. Raising awareness of bronchiectasis in primary care: overview of diagnosis and management strategies in adults.\n\nNPJ Prim Care Respir Med\n. 2017;27:18.\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\nInternal company estimates derived from IQVIA 2018 PharMetrics Plus Database\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\nM. Bruner, C. Bazan, B. Liu, C. Marion, K.S. Skarvan, L. Edwards, G. Solomon. Effects of High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation\n(HFCWO) on Clinical Symptoms in COPD. \nAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.\n 2023. Vol 207:C96\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\nC. Cheng, M. Bruner, C. Bazan, B. Liu, C. Marion, L. Edwards, G. Solomon. Effects of High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation\n(HFCWO) on Quality of Life in Bronchiectasis. \n6th World Bronchiectasis & NTM Conference.\n 2023. Poster Abstract 310-B\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEstimated\nHFCWO Market Opportunity - Bronchiectasis Patients (U.S.) \u2013 Figure 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nheightened awareness of bronchiectasis speaks to the growing body of clinical evidence supporting treatments to improve symptoms\nand manage disease progression.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nIn\n 2019, an observational comparative retrospective cohort study published in \nBMC Pulmonary\n Medicine \nevaluated the efficacy of a treatment algorithm in 65 patients with radiographic\n and symptom confirmed bronchiectasis, centered on initiation of HFCWO therapy with the\n SmartVest System.\n5\n Patients were treated per the algorithm if they reported\n greater than two exacerbations in the previous year and symptoms, including chronic cough,\n sputum production, or dyspnea. Results show that at one-year: exacerbations requiring\n hospitalization and antibiotic use were significantly reduced and mean forced expiratory\n volume remained stable post enrollment, suggesting early initiation of HFCWO therapy\n may slow the otherwise normal progression of the disease.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nIn\n 2022, the American Journal of Respiratory and Crucial Care Medicine published the results\n of a third-party retrospective cohort analysis of 101 qualifying NCFBE patients who received\n HFCWO. Key findings revealed that patients who used HFCWO therapy experienced improved\n health outcomes, a reduction in healthcare resource utilization and reduction in medication\n usage.\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarketing,\nSales and Distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nsales and marketing efforts are focused on driving adoption of our products and services with physicians, clinicians, patients,\nand third-party payers and building market awareness to the benefits of HFCWO for treatment of bronchiectasis. Because the sale\nof the SmartVest System requires a physician\u2019s prescription, we market to physicians and health care providers as well as\ndirectly to patients. Most of our revenue comes from domestic homecare sales through a physician referral model. We have established\nour own domestic sales force and support network, which we believe is able to provide superior education, support, and training\nto our customers.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\ndirect U.S. sales force works with physicians and clinicians, primarily pulmonologists, in defined territories to help them understand\nour products and services and the value they provide to their respective patients. As of June 30, 2023, we had 55 field sales\nemployees, including six regional sales managers, 46 clinical area managers (\u201cCAMs\u201d) and three clinical educators.\nWe also have developed a network of approximately 170 respiratory therapists and health care professionals across the U.S. to\nassist with in-home SmartVest System patient training on a non-exclusive, independent contractor basis. These independent contractors\nare credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care as either Certified Respiratory Therapists or Registered Respiratory\nTherapists and provide national coverage to an internal team of Registered Respiratory Therapists dedicated to supporting SmartVest\npatients. Additionally, Electromed employs a team of reimbursement specialists dedicated to managing insurance and payer relations\nand supporting prescribers and patients in navigating financial considerations. The availability of reimbursement is an important\nconsideration for health care professionals and patients. Because our product has an assigned Healthcare Common Procedure Coding\nSystem (\u201cHCPCS\u201d) code, a claim can be billed for reimbursement using that code. We must demonstrate the effectiveness\nof our products to public and private insurance providers. The availability of reimbursement exists primarily due to an established\nHCPCS code for HFCWO. A HCPCS code is assigned to services and products by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (\u201cCMS\u201d).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOf\nthe $47.6 million of our revenue derived from the U.S. in fiscal 2023, approximately 92% represented home care and 4% represented\nhospital sales. We expect to achieve future sales, earnings, and overall market share growth through a continued focus on product\ninnovation, differentiation and improved patient experiences and outcomes in the home care segment. We believe that our position\nin the market, direct sales team and a dedication to advancing education on HFCWO awareness positions us to drive market awareness\nand growth to the benefits of HFCWO in treatment of bronchiectasis. We believe that dedicated service to our providers and patients\nis a key component of achieving future sales. Providers seek companies that are easy to work with, are responsive and care for\ntheir patients as an extension of their practices.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\ngenerate sales interest through multiple channels that include visits to pulmonology clinics and medical centers, participation\nin medical conferences, maintenance of industry contacts to increase the visibility and acceptance of our products by physicians\nand health care professionals, support of industry events such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation World Bronchiectasis Day and\nAmerican Lung Association Fight for Air Climb, as well as through a focus on increasing patients by word of mouth and traffic\nto our website and social media channels. We continue to evaluate opportunities to offer the SmartVest System through selected\nHome Medical Equipment (\u201cHME\u201d) distributors. We maintain agreements with a limited number of HME distributors to distribute\nand sell the SmartVest System in the United States home care market. We expect to continue our direct sales channel as our primary\nhomecare revenue source.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInternational\nMarketing \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApproximately\n1% of our net revenues were from sales outside of the U.S. in both of our fiscal 2023 and our fiscal year ended June 30, 2022\n(\u201cfiscal 2022\u201d), respectively. We sell our products outside of the U.S. primarily through independent distributors\nspecializing in respiratory products. Through June 30, 2023, most of our distributors operated in exclusive territories. Our principal\ndistributors are located in Europe, the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, South America and Central America. Units\nare sold at a fixed contract price with payments made directly from the distributor, rather than being tied to reimbursement rates\nof a patient\u2019s insurance provider as is the case for domestic sales. Our sales strategy outside of the U.S. is to maintain\nour current distributors with less emphasis on contracting with new distributors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThird-Party\nReimbursement\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn\nthe U.S., individuals who use the SmartVest System generally rely on third-party payers, including private payers and governmental\npayers such as Medicare and Medicaid, to cover and reimburse all or part of the cost of using the SmartVest System. Our home care\nrevenue comes from reimbursement from commercial payers, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs and direct patient payments. Reimbursement\nfor HFCWO therapy and the SmartVest System varies among public and private insurance providers.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nA\nkey strategy to grow sales is achieving world class customer service and support for our patients and clinicians and increasing\nthe number of covered lives across a broad payer market. We do this with an established and effective reimbursement department\nworking on behalf of the patient by processing physician paperwork, seeking insurance authorization and processing claims. The\nskill and knowledge gained and offered by our reimbursement department is an important factor in building our revenue and serving\npatients\u2019 financial interests. Our payment terms generally allow patients to acquire the SmartVest System over a period\nof one to 15 months, which is consistent with reimbursement procedures followed by Medicare and other third parties. The payment\namount we receive for any single referral may vary based on several factors, including Medicare and third-party reimbursement\nprocesses and policies. The reimbursement department includes the payer relations function working directly with all payer types\nto increase the covered lives for the SmartVest System with national and regional private insurers and applicable state and federal\ngovernment entities as well as to maintain the current licenses with state and federal government and payer contracts.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nSmartVest System is reimbursed under HCPCS code E0483. Currently, the Medicare total allowable amount of reimbursement for this\nbilling code is approximately $15,000. The allowed amount for state Medicaid programs ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000,\nwhich is similar to commercial payers. Actual reimbursement from third-party payers can vary and can be significantly less than\nthe full allowable amount. Deductions from the allowable amount, such as co-payments, deductibles and/or maximums on durable medical\nequipment, decrease the reimbursement received from the third-party payer. Collecting a full allowable amount depends on our ability\nto obtain reimbursement from the patient\u2019s secondary and/or supplemental insurance if the patient has additional coverage,\nor our ability to collect amounts from individual patients.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMost\npatients can qualify for reimbursement and payment from Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or combinations of the foregoing.\nOur sales continue to be dependent, in part, on the availability of coverage and reimbursement from third-party payers, even though\nour devices have been cleared for marketing by the FDA. The way reimbursement is sought and obtained varies based upon the type\nof payer involved and the setting in which the procedure is furnished.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResearch\nand Development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nresearch and development (\u201cR&D\u201d) capabilities consist of full-time engineering staff and several consultants.\nWe periodically engage consultants and contract engineering employees to supplement our development initiatives. Our team has\na demonstrated record of developing new products that receive the appropriate product approvals and regulatory clearances around\nthe world as demonstrated by the FDA 510(k) clearance for the SmartVest Clearway Airway Clearance System received November 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring\nfiscal 2023 and 2022, we incurred R&D expenses of approximately $916,000 and $1,356,000, or 1.9% and 3.3% of our net revenues,\nrespectively. As a percentage of sales, we expect spending on R&D expenses to remain within a range of 1-2% of net revenues\nfor fiscal 2024.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIntellectual\nProperty \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs\nof June 30, 2023, we held 12 United States and 41 foreign-issued patents covering the SmartVest System and its underlying technology\nand had 9 pending United States and foreign patent applications. These patents and patent applications offer coverage in the field\nof air pressure pulse delivery to a human in support of airway clearance.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\ngenerally pursue patent protection for patentable subject matter in our proprietary devices in foreign countries that we have\nidentified as key markets for our products. These markets include the European Union, Japan, and other countries.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nalso have received 13 U.S. and 111 foreign trademark and service mark registrations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nManufacturing\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nheadquarters in New Prague, Minnesota includes a dedicated manufacturing and engineering facility of more than 14,000 square feet,\nand we are certified on an annual basis to be compliant with International Organization for Standardization (\u201cISO\u201d)\n13485 quality system standards. Our site has been audited regularly by the FDA and ISO, in accordance with their practices, and\nwe maintain our operations in a manner consistent with their requirements for a medical device manufacturer. While components\nare outsourced to meet our detailed specifications, each SmartVest System is assembled, tested, and approved for final shipment\nat our manufacturing site in New Prague, consistent with FDA, Underwriters Laboratory, and ISO standards. Many of our strategic\nsuppliers are located within 100 miles of our headquarters, which enables us to closely monitor our component supply chain. We\nmaintain established inventory levels for critical components and finished goods to assure continuity of supply. During fiscal\n2022 and 2023, we experienced longer lead times for critical electronic components related to worldwide supply shortages due to\nCOVID-19 and the related U.S. and global economic recovery.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProduct\nWarranties\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nprovide a warranty on the SmartVest System that covers the cost of replacement parts and labor, or a new SmartVest System in the\nevent we determine a full replacement is necessary. For each homecare SmartVest System initially purchased and currently located\nin the U.S. and Canada, we provide a lifetime warranty to the individual patient for whom the SmartVest System is prescribed.\nFor sales to institutions and HME distributors within the U.S., and for all international sales, except Canadian home care, we\nprovide a three-year warranty.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\noriginal HFCWO technology was licensed to American Biosystems, Inc. (formerly Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., now part of Baxter International\nInc.) (\u201cBaxter\u201d), which, until the introduction of our original MedPulse Respiratory Vest System\n\u00ae\n in\n2000, was the only manufacturer of a product with HFCWO technology cleared for market by the FDA (Hill Rom\u2019s The Vest\n\u00ae\n\nAirway Clearance System). Respiratory Technologies, Inc. (formerly RespirTech, now part of Koninklijke Phillips N.V.) (\u201cPhilips\u201d)\nreceived FDA clearance to market their HFCWO product, the inCourage\n\u00ae\n Airway Clearance Therapy in 2005. Both Baxter\nand Philips employ a direct-to-patient model, with Philips additionally offering its HFCWO device through selected DME distributors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nAffloVest\n\u00ae\n from Tactile Systems Technology Inc. (\u201cTactile Medical\u201d) also participates in the same market\nas our SmartVest System. Tactile Medical primarily sells its device through DME companies who distribute home care medical devices\nand supplies.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAlternative\nproducts for administering pulmonary therapy include: Positive Expiratory Pressure, Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation, CPT\nand breathing techniques. Physicians may prescribe some or all of these devices and techniques, depending upon each patient\u2019s\nhealth status, severity of disease, compliance, or personal preference.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey\ndrivers of HFCWO product sales continue to be improved quality of life through documented clinical outcomes and reduction in healthcare\ncosts through resource utilization evidence. Technology innovations and enhancements to the patient experience such as size, weight\nof the generator, and optimized user interaction increase product reputation and patient satisfaction. We believe we distinguish\nourselves in these areas with competitive advantages over alternative treatments ultimately improving the patient comfort, ease\nof use, and the effectiveness of HFCWO treatment. Because HFCWO is not \u201ctechnique dependent,\u201d as compared to most\nother alternative pulmonary therapy products, therapy remains consistent and controlled for the duration of treatment.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGovernmental\nRegulation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMedicare\nand Medicaid\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRecent\ngovernment and private sector initiatives in the U.S. and foreign countries aim at limiting the growth of health care costs including:\nprice regulation, competitive pricing, coverage and payment policies, comparative effectiveness of therapies, technology assessments,\nand managed-care arrangements. These initiatives are causing the marketplace to put increased emphasis on the delivery of more\ncost-effective medical devices that result in better clinical outcomes. Government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid,\nhave attempted to control costs by limiting the amount of reimbursement the program will pay for procedures or treatments, restricting\ncoverage for certain products or services, and implementing other mechanisms designed to constrain utilization and contain costs.\nMany private insurance programs look to Medicare as a guide in setting coverage policies and payment amounts. These initiatives\nhave created an increasing level of price sensitivity among our customers.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHome\nMedical Equipment Licensing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAlthough\nwe do not fall under competitive bidding for Medicare, we often must satisfy the same licensing requirements as other DME providers\nthat qualify for competitive bidding. In response to out-of-state businesses winning the competitive bidding process, which had\na significant impact on small local DME businesses, many states have enacted regulations that require a DME provider to have an\nin-state business presence, specifically through state HME licensing boards or through state Medicaid programs. In order to do\nbusiness with any patients in the state or to be a provider for the state Medicaid program, a DME provider must have an in-state\npresence. In addition to Minnesota, the location of our corporate headquarters, we have a licensed in-state presence in three\nother states. We also maintain an in-state presence in California to meet their state Medicaid requirements. In-state presence\nrequirements vary from state to state, but generally require a physical location that is staffed and open during regular business\nhours. We are licensed to do business in all states except for Alaska and Hawaii.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProduct\nRegulations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nmedical devices are subject to regulation by numerous government agencies, including the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory\nagencies. To varying degrees, each of these agencies requires us to comply with laws and regulations governing the development,\ntesting, manufacturing, labeling, marketing, and distribution of our medical devices, and compliance with these laws and regulations\nentails significant costs for us. Our regulatory and quality assurance departments provide detailed oversight in their areas of\nresponsibility to support required clearances and approvals to market our products.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn\naddition to the clearances and approvals discussed below, we obtained ISO 13485 certification in January 2005 and receive annual\ncertification of our compliance to the current ISO quality standards.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFDA\nRequirements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nhave received clearance from the FDA to market our products, including the SmartVest System. We may be required to obtain additional\nFDA clearance before marketing a new or modified product in the U.S., either through the 510(k)-clearance process or the more\ncomplex premarket approval process. The process may be time consuming and expensive, particularly if human clinical trials are\nrequired. Failure to obtain such clearances or approvals could adversely affect our ability to grow our business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nContinuing\nProduct Regulation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn\naddition to its approval processes for new products, the FDA may require testing and post-market surveillance programs to monitor\nthe safety and effectiveness of previously cleared products that have been commercialized and may prevent or limit further marketing\nof products based on the results of post-mark surveillance results. At any time after marketing clearance of a product, the FDA\nmay conduct periodic inspections to determine compliance with both the FDA\u2019s Quality System Regulation (\u201cQSR\u201d)\nrequirements and current medical device reporting regulations. Product approvals by the FDA can be withdrawn due to failure to\ncomply with regulatory standards or the occurrence of unforeseen problems following initial market clearance. The failure to comply\nwith regulatory standards or the discovery of previously unknown problems with a product or manufacturer could result in fines,\ndelays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products (with the attendant expenses), the banning of\na particular device, an order to replace or refund the cost of any device previously manufactured or distributed, operating restrictions\nand criminal prosecution, as well as decreased sales as a result of negative publicity and product liability claims.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nmust register annually with the FDA as a device manufacturer and, as a result, are subject to periodic FDA inspection for compliance\nwith the FDA\u2019s QSR requirements that require us to adhere to certain extensive regulations. In addition, the federal Medical\nDevice Reporting regulations require us to provide information to the FDA whenever there is evidence that reasonably suggests\nthat a device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or, if a malfunction were to occur, could cause or contribute\nto a death or serious injury. We also must maintain certain certifications to sell products internationally, and we undergo periodic\ninspections by notified bodies to obtain and maintain these certifications.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdvertising\nand marketing of medical devices, in addition to being regulated by the FDA, are also regulated by the Federal Trade Commission\nand by state regulatory and enforcement authorities. Recently, promotional activities for FDA-regulated products of other companies\nhave been the subject of enforcement action brought under health care reimbursement laws and consumer protection statutes. Competitors\nand others also can initiate litigation relating to advertising and/or marketing claims. If the FDA were to determine our promotional\nor training materials constitute promotion of an unapproved or uncleared claim of use, it is possible we would need to modify\nour training or promotional materials or be subject to regulatory or enforcement actions that could result in civil fines or criminal\npenalties. Other federal, state or foreign enforcement authorities could also take similar action if they were to determine that\nour promotional or training materials constitute promotion of an unapproved use, which could result in significant fines or penalties.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEuropean\nUnion and Other Regions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEuropean\nUnion rules require that medical products receive the right to affix the CE mark, demonstrating adherence to quality standards\nand compliance with relevant European Union Medical Device Directives (\u201cMDD\u201d). Products that bear CE mark can be imported\nto, sold or distributed within the European Union. We obtained clearance to use the CE mark on our products in April 2005. Renewal\nof CE marking is required every five years, and our notified body performs an annual audit to ensure that we are in compliance\nwith all applicable regulations. We have maintained our CE marking in good standing since originally receiving it and most recently\nrenewed it in January 2020. The renewal of our MDD certificate will allow us to continue to CE mark and sell our SmartVest SQL\ndevice, with no substantial changes, in the European Union until the certificate expires in May 2024. We are currently working\non finalizing updates to the quality system to achieve full compliance with Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (EU MDR) which came into\neffect in May 2021. We also require all our distributors in the European Union and other regions to comply with their home country\nregulations in our distributor agreements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFederal\nPhysician Payments Sunshine Act\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nFederal Physician Payments Sunshine Act (Section 6002 of the PPACA) (the \u201cSunshine Act\u201d) was adopted on February 1,\n2013, to create transparency for the financial relationship between medical device companies and physicians and/or teaching hospitals\n(covered recipients). In January 2021, the Sunshine Act was expanded to cover payments made to these additional covered recipients,\nphysician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives.\nThe Sunshine Act requires all manufacturers of drugs and medical devices to annually report to CMS any payments or any other \u201ctransfers\nof value\u201d made to any covered recipients, including but not limited to consulting fees, grants, clinical research support,\nroyalties, honoraria, meals, and value of long-term use (over 90 days) of evaluation equipment. This information is then posted\non a public website so that consumers can learn how much was paid to their physician by drug and medical device companies. The\nSunshine Act requires ongoing data collection and annual management and reporting by us and imposes civil penalties for manufacturers\nthat fail to report timely, accurately, or completely to CMS.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFraud\nand Abuse Laws\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFederal\nhealth care laws apply to the marketing of our products and when we or our customers submit claims for items or services that\nare reimbursed under Medicare, Medicaid or other federally funded health care programs. The principal applicable federal laws\ninclude:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nthe\n False Claims Act, which prohibits the submission of false or otherwise improper claims\n for payment to a federally funded health care program;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nthe\n Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits offers to pay or receive remuneration of any kind\n for the purpose of inducing or rewarding referrals of items or services reimbursable\n by a federal health care program; and\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nthe\n Stark Law, which prohibits physicians from profiting (actually or potentially) from their\n own referrals.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThere\nare often similar state false claims, anti-kickback, and anti-self-referral and insurance laws that apply to state-funded Medicaid\nand other health care programs and private third-party payers. In addition, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act can be used\nto prosecute companies in the U.S. for arrangements with physicians, or other parties outside the U.S. if the physician or party\nis a government official of another country and the arrangement violates the law of that country. Enforcement of these regulations\nhas become increasingly stringent, particularly due to more prevalent use of the whistleblower provisions under the False Claims\nAct, which allow a private individual to bring actions on behalf of the federal government alleging that the defendant has submitted\na false claim to the federal government and to share in any monetary recovery. If a governmental authority were to conclude that\nwe are not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we and our officers and employees could be subject to severe criminal\nand civil penalties and disbarment from participation as a supplier of product to beneficiaries covered by Medicare or Medicaid.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHealth\ncare fraud and false statement statutes, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and its implementing\nregulations (\u201cHIPAA\u201d) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (\u201cHITECH\u201d),\nalso prohibit, among other things, knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any health\ncare benefit program, including private payers, and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing, or covering up a material\nfact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation in connection with the delivery of or\npayment for health care benefits, items or services.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHIPAA,\nHITECH and Other Privacy Regulations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFederal\nand state laws protect the confidentiality of certain patient health information, including patient records, and restrict the\nuse and disclosure of such information. HIPAA and HITECH set forth privacy and security standards that govern the use and disclosure\nof protected electronic health information by \u201ccovered entities,\u201d which include healthcare providers, health plans\nand healthcare clearinghouses. Because we provide our products directly to patients and bill third-party payers such as Medicare,\nMedicaid, and insurance companies, we are a \u201ccovered entity\u201d and must comply with these standards. Failure to comply\nwith HIPAA and HITECH or any state or foreign laws regarding personal data protection may result in significant fines or penalties\nand/or negative publicity. In addition to federal regulations issued under HIPAA and HITECH, some states have enacted privacy\nand security statutes or regulations that, in some cases, are more stringent than those issued under HIPAA and HITECH. In those\ncases, it may be necessary to modify our planned operations and procedures to comply with the more stringent state laws. If we\nfail to comply with applicable state laws and regulations, we could be subject to additional sanctions.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEnvironmental\nLaws\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nare subject to various environmental laws and regulations both within and outside the U.S. Like other medical device companies,\nour operations involve the use of substances regulated under environmental laws, primarily manufacturing, sterilization, and disposal\nprocesses. We do not expect that compliance with environmental protection laws will have a material impact on our results of operations,\nfinancial position, or cash flows.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCybersecurity\nand Data Privacy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProtecting\nthe privacy of customer and personnel information is important to us, and we maintain security protocols and processes, including\nongoing training and education for all personnel, designed to combat the risk of unauthorized access or inadvertent disclosure.\nOur business operations involve confidential information, including patient health information subject to regulation as discussed\nunder \u201c\nHIPAA, HITECH and Other Privacy Regulations\n\u201d above. Our information technology infrastructure is designed\nto offer reliability, scalability, performance, security and privacy for our personnel, clients, and third-party contractors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nmaintain comprehensive compliance and security programs designed to help safeguard and ensure the integrity of the confidential\ninformation we possess, which includes both organizational and technical control measures. We also have programs in place to monitor\nthe safety of confidential information as well as plans for immediate, coordinated action in the event of a potential security\nincident. We routinely conduct employee trainings on important information security procedures and engage with independent third-party\nfirms to test and measure compliance on these security measures. In addition, we have maintained appropriate cyber insurance policies\nthat limit the financial risk of any potential incident. Our cyber insurance policies include dedicated support for remediating\na specific cybersecurity or data privacy incident and limit the potential financial risk associated with an actual incident.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEven\nthough we have implemented administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to help protect the confidential data we\npossess and the integrity of our information systems and infrastructure, these safeguards may not be effective in preventing future\ncybersecurity incidents or data breaches.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHuman\nCapital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nbelieve that our dedicated, talented employees are our most valuable resource and a key strength in accomplishing our collective\nmission and goals. As of June 30, 2023, we had 170 employees, an increase of 9% from fiscal 2022, who are in 30 states throughout\nthe United States. 18 of our employees were respiratory therapists licensed by appropriate state professional organizations. We\nalso had approximately 170 respiratory therapists and health care professionals retained on a non-exclusive, independent contractor\nbasis to provide training to our customers in the U.S. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.\nWe believe our relations with our employees are good.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nare committed to attracting, retaining, and developing diverse and high-performing talent that includes a strong focus on performance\nand development, total rewards, diversity, inclusion and equity, and employee safety. These serve as the pillars to our human\ncapital management framework.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nunderstand that our success and growth depend on attracting, retaining, and developing talent across all levels of the organization.\nOur recruitment strategies are continuously reviewed with leadership and partners to ensure our practices align with our mission,\npurpose, and values.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nbelieve in ensuring that employees understand our mission, purpose, and goals as well as their impact on our success. We use an\nannual performance review process to support development and performance discussions with employees. In addition, every employee\nis eligible to participate in our incentive plan, which allows for us to share the rewards of the company with the people who\nsignificantly contribute to our success.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo\ncultivate a learning culture that provides enhancement and growth for our people, we offer educational assistance, online training,\nseminars, specific skill training, and participation in business and industry organizations. We are also committed to contributing\nour talents and resources to serve the communities in which we live and work through various charitable campaigns, employee programs\nand volunteerism. We believe that this commitment assists in our efforts to attract and retain employees.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nbelieve that sharing rewards is essential to increasing employee engagement and improving morale and creating a positive culture.\nWe also offer our employees a competitive salary and benefits package and are committed to continuous review of these programs.\nThese benefits include but are not limited to retirement savings, a variety of health insurance options and other benefits programs,\nincluding dental and vision, disability insurance, contributions to health savings accounts, paid maternity/paternity leave, and\nwellness resources. In addition, we offer opportunities for remote work and flexible schedules and location, depending on business\nneeds and the specific role.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nare committed to ensuring a diverse workforce in a safe environment by maintaining compliance with applicable employment laws\nand governmental regulations. Treating employees with dignity and equality is of utmost importance in everything we do. We take\npride in the fact that women represent 50% of our total managerial roles.. We pride ourselves on accepting, hearing, and celebrating\nmultiple approaches and points of view and building on an inclusive and diverse culture.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSafety\nis a vital aspect to the success of our people and business. We are proud of our employees\u2019 collective commitment to secure\nand maintain safe work practices that have resulted in zero lost time injuries within our manufacturing operations. We also provide\nwellbeing services to support each employee\u2019s physical and mental health and will continue to emphasize the importance of\nthe safety and health of our employees in all we do.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAvailable\nInformation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nInternet address is www.smartvest.com. We have made available on our website, free of charge, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K,\nQuarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and, if applicable, amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably\npracticable after we electronically file these materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Reports of beneficial ownership filed\nby our directors and executive officers pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act are also available on our website. We are\nnot including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on\nForm 10-K. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains our reports, proxy and information statements, and other information\nwe file or furnish with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 1A.\nRisk\n Factors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs\na smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide disclosure pursuant to this item.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 1B.\nUnresolved\n Staff Comments.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs\na smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide disclosure pursuant to this item.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 2.\nProperties.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nown our principal headquarters and manufacturing facilities, consisting of approximately 37,000 square feet, which are located\non an approximately 2.3-acre parcel in New Prague, Minnesota. All of the Company\u2019s revenues, profits, and assets are associated\nwith this facility. We believe that our facilities are satisfactory for our long-term growth plans.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 3.\nLegal\n Proceedings.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ndisclosure regarding legal proceedings set forth in Note 11 to our Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report\non Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference. Occasionally, we may be party to legal actions, proceedings, or claims in the\nordinary course of business, including claims based on the assertions of patent and trademark infringement. Corresponding costs\nare accrued when it is probable that loss will be incurred, and the amount can be precisely or reasonably estimated. We are not\naware of any undisclosed actual or threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition\nor results of operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 4.\nMine\n Safety Disclosures.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNone.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPART\nII\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 5.\nMarket\n For Registrant\u2019s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases\n of Equity Securities.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarket\nInformation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\ncommon stock is listed on the NYSE American under the symbol \u201cELMD\u201d.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs\nof August 15, 2023, there were 55 registered holders of our common stock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDividends\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nhave never paid cash dividends on any of our shares of common stock. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in operations\nand do not anticipate paying cash dividends to our shareholders in the foreseeable future. The agreement governing our credit\nfacility restricts our ability to pay dividends.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRecent\nSales of Unregistered Equity Securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNone.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPurchases\nof Equity Securities by the Company and Affiliated Purchasers\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOn\nMay 26, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase authorization. Under the authorization, we were originally able\nto repurchase up to $3.0 million of outstanding shares of our common stock through May 26, 2022. On May 26, 2022, our Board of\nDirectors removed the date limitation. The shares of our common stock may be repurchased on the open market or in privately negotiated\ntransactions subject to applicable securities laws and regulations. As of June 30, 2023, the approximate dollar value of shares\nthat may yet be purchased under the aforementioned authorization was $275,000. The following table sets forth information concerning\npurchases of shares of our common stock for the three months ended June 30, 2023:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPeriod\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n Number \n\n of Shares \n\n Purchased\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n \u00a0Price Paid\n \u00a0per Share\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n Number of \n\n Shares Purchased as \n\n Part of Publicly \n\n Announced Plans or \n\n Programs\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nApproximate\n Dollar \n\n Value of Shares that \n\n May Yet be \n\n Purchased Under the \n\n Plans or Programs\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nApril 1 \u2013 April 30, 2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n275,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nMay 1 \u2013 May 31, 2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n275,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nJune 1 \u2013 June 30, 2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n275,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem\n6.\n[Reserved].\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 7.\nManagement\u2019s\n Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nfollowing discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our\nfinancial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements\ninclude statements that reflect management\u2019s good faith beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations and\nintentions with respect to our future development plans, capital resources and requirements, results of operations, and future\nbusiness performance. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements included\nin this discussion as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled \u201cInformation\nRegarding Forward-Looking Statements\u201d immediately preceding Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOverview\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nElectromed\ndevelops and provides innovative airway clearance products applying HFCWO technologies in pulmonary care for patients of all ages.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nmanufacture, market and sell products that provide HFCWO, including the SmartVest System that includes our newest generation SmartVest\nClearway\n\u00ae\n, previous generation SmartVest SQL\n\u00ae\n and related products, to patients with compromised\npulmonary function. The SmartVest Clearway is an updated and modern approach to HFCWO focused on an enhanced patient experience\nand proven patient outcomes. The product delivers effective 360\no\n oscillatory pressure through our proprietary rapid\ninflate-deflate technology which improves the patient\u2019s ability to breathe deeply during therapy. SmartVest Clearway is\nthe smallest, and lightest generator on the market, and is designed with an intuitive touchscreen to simplify programing and everyday\nuse. Our products are sold in both the home health care market and the institutional market for use by patients in hospitals,\nwhich we refer to as \u201cinstitutional sales.\u201d The SmartVest SQL has been sold in the domestic home care market since\n2014. In 2015, we launched the SmartVest SQL into institutional and certain international markets. In June 2017, we announced\nthe launch of the SmartVest SQL with SmartVest Connect\u2122 wireless technology, which allows data connection between physicians\nand patients to track therapy performance and collaborate in treatment decisions. In 2022, we launched the SmartVest Clearway\nwith SmartVest Connect technology to adult pulmonary, pediatric and cystic fibrosis patients for use in the home. We have marketed\nthe SmartVest System and its predecessor products since 2000 to patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and repeated\nepisodes of pneumonia. Additionally, we offer our products to a patient population that includes neuromuscular disorders such\nas cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, ALS, and patients with post-surgical complications or who are ventilator dependent or\nhave other conditions involving excess secretion and impaired mucus transport.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nSmartVest System is often eligible for reimbursement from major private insurance providers, health maintenance organizations\n(\u201cHMOs\u201d), state Medicaid systems, and the federal Medicare system, which we believe is an important consideration\nfor patients considering an HFCWO course of therapy. For domestic sales, the SmartVest System may be reimbursed under the Medicare-assigned\nbilling code (E0483) for HFCWO devices if the patient has cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis (including chronic bronchitis or COPD\nthat has resulted in a diagnosis of bronchiectasis), or any one of certain enumerated neuromuscular diseases, and can demonstrate\nthat another less expensive physical or mechanical treatment did not adequately mobilize retained secretions. Private payers consider\na variety of sources, including Medicare, as guidelines in setting their coverage policies and payment amounts.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nemploy a direct-to-patient and provider model, through which we obtain patient referrals from clinicians, manage insurance claims\non behalf of our patients and their clinicians, deliver our solutions to patients and train them on proper use in their homes.\nThis model allows us to directly approach patients and clinicians, whereby we disintermediate the traditional durable medical\nequipment channel and capture both the manufacturer and distributor margins. We have engaged a limited number of regional durable\nmedical equipment distributors focused on respiratory therapies as an alternate sales channel. Revenue through this channel was\n3% of our total revenues in fiscal 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nkey growth strategies for fiscal 2024 are to accelerate our revenue growth by taking market share and expanding the addressable\npopulation for the largest and fastest growing segments of the market: adult pulmonology/bronchiectasis. Actions to support accelerating\nour growth include the following:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nExpand\n our sales force in targets geographies with high potential, adding an additional five\n territories and direct sales reps;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nIncrease\n Electromed brand awareness through direct-to-consumer and physician marketing, and peer\n to peer education;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nProvide\n best-in-class customer care and support; and\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nDevelop\n and promulgate the body of bronchiectasis clinical evidence to increase physician adoption\n of the SmartVest System for patients. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nImpacts\nof COVID-19 on Our Business and Operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn\nMarch 2020, the World Health Organization designated COVID-19 as a global pandemic, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human\nServices designated COVID-19 as a public health emergency (\u201cPHE\u201d). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S.\nfederal government\u2019s declaration of a PHE, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (\u201cCMS\u201d) implemented\nseveral temporary rule changes and waivers to allow prescribers to best treat patients during the period of the PHE. These waivers\nbecame effective on March 1, 2020. Clinical indications and documentation typically required were not enforced for respiratory-related\nproducts, including the SmartVest System (solely with respect to Medicare patients).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOn\nJanuary 30, 2023, the Biden administration announced that the COVID-19 national and PHE declarations will end on May 11, 2023.\nThe CMS waiver was not extended and expired on May 11, 2023. We believe that we were able to mitigate the potential effects on\nour net revenue resulting from the expiration of the CMS waiver by hiring additional employees to increase capacity and minimize\nthe average timeframe to convert a Medicare patient referral to approval and re-educating clinicians on Medicare requirements\nfor reimbursement of HFCWO.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\ndid not receive any direct financial assistance from any government program during fiscal 2022 or fiscal 2023 in connection with\nCOVID-19 relief measures.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nImpacts\nof Certain Macro-Economic Conditions and the Supply Chain on Our Business and Operations \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nobserved increased lead times for certain components in our supply chain and increased material costs and shipping rates during\nthe second half of fiscal 2022 and all of fiscal 2023. The changes to our supply chain lead times resulted in a temporary interruption\nthat impacted product availability for certain customers beginning in September 2022 and continuing through June 2023. We anticipate\nthat these increased lead times and temporary interruption of supply have the potential to continue through the first half of\nfiscal 2024. If we are unable to procure components to meet our demand or if we extend delivery lead-times to our customers, there\nmay be an adverse impact to our revenue and, longer term, the potential of market share losses. We are taking actions to expedite\ncomponents and to identify and qualify alternate suppliers for certain components to minimize any impact to our revenue and customer\ndeliveries. We expect that material costs and shipping rates will remain elevated during the first half of fiscal 2024 relating\nto supply chain availability and inflationary trends in electronic components and may extend to other components. In certain instances,\nwe have purchased key electronic materials in advance to ensure adequate future supply and mitigate the risk of potential supply\nchain disruptions. It is possible that these macro-economic conditions could have a greater adverse impact on our supply chain\nin the future, including impacts associated with preventative and precautionary measures taken by other businesses and applicable\ngovernments. A reduction or further interruption in any of our manufacturing processes could have a material adverse effect on\nour business. Any significant increases to our raw material or shipping costs could reduce our gross margins.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCritical\nAccounting Estimates\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring\nthe preparation of our financial statements, we are required to make estimates, assumptions and judgment that affect reported\namounts. Those estimates and assumptions affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, our disclosure of contingent assets\nand liabilities, and our reported revenues and expenses. We update these estimates, assumptions, and judgment as appropriate.\nSome of our accounting policies and estimates require us to exercise significant judgment in selecting the appropriate assumptions\nfor calculating financial statements. Such judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Among other factors, these\njudgments are based upon our historical experience, known trends in our industry, terms of existing contracts and other information\nfrom outside sources, as appropriate. The following is a summary of our primary critical accounting policies and estimates. See\nalso Note 1 to the Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenue\nRecognition\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenue\nis measured based on consideration specified in the contract with a customer, adjusted for any applicable estimates of variable\nconsideration and other factors affecting the transaction price, including consideration paid or payable to customers and significant\nfinancing components. Revenue from all customers is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control\nof a distinct good or service to a customer.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIndividual\npromised goods and services in a contract are considered a performance obligation and accounted for separately if the individual\ngood or service is distinct (i.e., the customer can benefit from the good or service on its own or with other resources that are\nreadily available to the customer and the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the arrangement).\nIf an arrangement includes multiple performance obligations, the consideration is allocated between the performance obligations\nin proportion to their estimated standalone selling price, unless discounts or variable consideration is attributable to one or\nmore but not all the performance obligations. Costs related to products delivered are recognized in the period incurred, unless\ncriteria for capitalization of costs under Accounting Standards Codification (\u201cASC\u201d) 340-40, \u201cOther Assets and\nDeferred Costs,\u201d or the requirements under other applicable accounting guidance are met.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany includes shipping and handling fees in net revenues. Shipping and handling costs associated with the shipment of the Company\u2019s\nSmartVest System after control has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost\nof revenues.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nrequest that customers return previously sold units that are no longer in use to us to limit the possibility that such units would\nbe resold by unauthorized parties or used by individuals without a prescription. The customer is under no obligation to return\nthe product; however, we do reclaim the majority of previously sold units upon the discontinuance of patient usage. We are certified\nto recondition and resell returned SmartVest System units. Returned units are typically reconditioned and resold and continue\nto be used for demonstration equipment and warranty replacement parts.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInventory\nValuation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInventories\nare stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Work in process and finished goods are carried\nat standard cost, which approximates actual cost, and includes materials, labor and allocated overhead. The reserve for obsolescence\nis determined by analyzing the inventory on hand and comparing it to expected future sales. Estimated inventory to be returned\nis based on how many devices that have shipped that are expected to be returned prior to completion of the insurance reimbursement\nprocess.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWarranty\nReserve\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany provides a lifetime warranty on its products to the prescribed patient for sales within the U.S. and a three-year warranty\nfor all institutional sales and sales to individuals outside the U.S. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under\nits warranty and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product is shipped. Factors that affect the Company\u2019s\nwarranty reserve include the number of units shipped, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, the product\u2019s\nuseful life and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty reserve and adjusts the\namounts as necessary.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShare-Based\nCompensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShare-based\npayment awards consist of options to purchase shares of our common stock issued to employees. Expense for share-based payment\nawards consist of options to purchase shares of our common stock issued to employees for services. Expense for options is estimated\nusing the Black-Scholes pricing model at the date of grant and expense for restricted stock is determined by the closing price\non the day the grant is made. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service or vesting period of the\naward, or at the time services are provided for non-employee awards. In determining the fair value of options, we make various\nassumptions using the Black-Scholes pricing model, including expected risk-free interest rate, stock price volatility, and life.\nSee Note 8 to the Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of these\nassumptions.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResults\nof Operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal\nYear Ended June 30, 2023 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenue\nfor the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are summarized in the table below.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal\n Years Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncrease\n (Decrease)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nHome Care Revenue\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n43,945,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n38,004,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n5,941,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n15.6\n%\n\n\n\n\nInstitutional Revenue\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,080,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,660,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n420,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n25.3\n%\n\n\n\n\nHome Care Distributor Revenue\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,618,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,474,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n144,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n9.8\n%\n\n\n\n\nInternational Revenue\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n424,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n521,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(97,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(18.6\n%)\n\n\n\n\nTotal Revenue\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n48,067,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n41,659,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n6,408,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n15.4\n%\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHome\nCare Revenue.\n Home care revenue increased by $5,941,000, or 15.6%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. The revenue increase\ncompared to fiscal 2022 was primarily due to increases in referrals and approvals. The increase in referrals was primarily due\nto an increase in direct sales representatives, increased sales representative productivity driven by increased clinic access\nand patient flow, our sales team refining their selling process and clinic targeting methodology, and benefits of the CMS waiver\non the non-commercial Medicare portion of our home care revenue. Additionally, we benefitted from a Medicare allowable rate increase\nthat took effect on January 1, 2023. Annual Medicare rate increases for our device are linked closely to changes in the Urban\nConsumer Price Index.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCMS waiver benefited the non-commercial Medicare portion of our home care revenue by increasing the number of referrals and the\napproval percentage for previously non-covered diagnoses. We believe that our ongoing sales team execution, along with the return\nto pre-COVID-19 levels of patient face-to-face engagement with physicians and clinic access for our sales team mitigated the fourth\nquarter homecare revenue impact of the CMS waiver expiration on May 11, 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInstitutional\nRevenue.\n Institutional revenue increased by $420,000, or 25.3%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Institutional revenue\nincludes sales to group purchasing organizations, rental companies and other institutions. The revenue increase was due to increased\ncapital purchases and stronger consumable volumes compared to fiscal 2022, as hospitals resumed utilization of HFCWO protocols\nafter reducing utilization early in the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHome\nCare Distributor Revenue.\n Home care distributor revenue increased by $144,000, or 9.8%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal\n2022. The revenue increase in fiscal 2023 was due to increased demand from one of our primary home care distribution partners.\nWe began selling to a limited number of home medical equipment distributors during our fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, who in\nturn sell our SmartVest System in the U.S. home care market.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInternational\nRevenue.\n International revenue decreased by $97,000, or 18.6%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. International revenue\ngrowth is not currently a primary focus for us, and our corporate resources are focused on supporting and maintaining our current\ninternational distributors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGross\nProfit \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGross\nprofit increased to $36,519,000 in fiscal 2023, or 76.0% of net revenues, from $31,442,000 or 75.5% of net revenues, in fiscal\n2022. The increase in gross profit was primarily related to increases in domestic home care revenue including the Medicare allowable\nrate increase that took effect in January 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nhave a goal of improving our gross margin percentage over time due to cost savings initiatives associated with Clearway, supplier\noptimization, and gaining operating leverage on higher volumes.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating\nExpenses \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSelling,\nGeneral and Administrative Expenses.\n Selling, general and administrative (\u201cSG&A\u201d) expenses were $31,595,000\nin fiscal 2023, representing an increase of $4,481,000 or 16.5% from $27,114,000 in fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSG&A\npayroll and compensation-related expenses including health insurance benefits and other compensation increased by $2,629,000,\nor 14.7%, to $20,552,000 in fiscal 2023, compared to $17,923,000 in fiscal 2022. The increase in the current year was primarily\ndue to a higher average number of sales, sales support and marketing personnel, increased reimbursement personnel to process higher\npatient referrals, increased temporary resources to assist with systems infrastructure investments and increased incentive payments\non higher home care revenue. We have also continued to provide regular merit-based increases for our employees and are regularly\nbenchmarking our compensation ranges for new and existing employees to ensure we can hire and retain the talent needed to drive\ngrowth in our business. Field sales employees totaled 55, of which 46 were direct sales, as of June 30, 2023, compared to 52 as\nof June 30, 2022, of which 43 were direct sales. We expect to continue to expand our salesforce to align with our revenue growth\nprojections.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProfessional\nand legal fees, including recruiting and insurance expenses, increased by $859,000, or 19.4%, to $5,284,000 in fiscal 2023, compared\nto $4,425,000 in fiscal 2022. Professional fees include services related to legal costs, shareowner services and reporting requirements,\ninformation technology technical support and consulting fees. The increase in the current year was primarily due to an increased\ninvestment in our system infrastructure and increased clinical study costs. We continue to make key investments in systems infrastructure\nincluding implementing a new enterprise resource planning system, enhancing our customer relationship management system and further\noptimizing of the revenue cycle management system that was implemented in June 2021. We expect these system infrastructure investments\nwill result in more efficient and scalable operational processes and provide enhanced analytics to drive business performance.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\ndiscretionary marketing expenses increased by $211,000, or 25.6% to $1,035,000 in fiscal 2023, compared to $824,000 in fiscal\n2022. The increase in the current year was primarily due to discretionary investment in market research, physician marketing,\nand peer to peer education engagement strategies.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTravel,\nmeals and entertainment expenses increased $422,000, or 16.4%, to $2,990,000 for fiscal 2023 compared to $2,568,000 in fiscal\n2022. The increase in the current year period was primarily due to an increase in headcount and our annual sales meeting expenses.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResearch\nand Development Expenses \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nR&D\nexpenses decreased by $440,000, or 32.4%, to $916,000 in fiscal 2023 compared to $1,356,000 in fiscal 2022. The decrease in the\ncurrent year was primarily due to reduced professional consulting costs associated with our next generation platform development\nactivities. R&D expenses were 1.9% of revenue in fiscal 2023 compared to 3.3% of revenue in fiscal 2022. We expect R&D\nspending to be between 1.0% and 2.0% of revenue during fiscal 2024.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInterest\nIncome, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\ninterest income was approximately $78,000 in fiscal 2023 compared to net interest income of $25,000 in fiscal 2022. The increase\nin the current year was primarily due to higher interest rates earned on our cash deposits despite lower overall cash balances\nin the current year.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncome\nTax Expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncome\ntax expense in fiscal 2023 was $920,000, which includes a current tax expense of $963,000 and a deferred benefit of $43,000. Estimated\nincome tax expense includes a current federal and state tax benefit of approximately $250,000 related to the excess tax benefit\nfor fully vested stock options and non-qualified stock options that were exercised during the period.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncome\ntax expense in fiscal 2022 was $692,000, which included a current tax expense of $1,181,000 and a deferred benefit of $489,000.\nEstimated income tax expense included a current federal and state tax benefit of approximately $12,000 related to excess tax benefit\nfor fully vested stock options and non-qualified stock options that were exercised during the period.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\neffective tax rates were 22.5% and 23.1% for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rates differ from the statutory\nfederal rate because of state income taxes, R&D tax credits, and other permanent items that are non-deductible for tax purposes\nrelative to the amount of taxable income.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\nIncome\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\nincome for fiscal 2023 was $3,166,000, compared to net income of $2,305,000 in fiscal 2022. The increase in current year net income\nwas primarily due to stronger home care and distributor revenue growth.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLiquidity\nand Capital Resources\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash\nFlows and Sources of Liquidity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash\nFlows from Operating Activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2023 was $1,315,000. Cash flows from operating activities consisted of net income of $3,166,000, non-cash expenses of approximately $1,278,000, a decrease in prepaid expenses of $202,000 an increase in tax payable of approximately $285,000 and a $696,000 increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and accrued compensation. These cash flows from operating activities were offset by a $3,078,000 increase in accounts receivable, an increase in inventory of $1,033,000, and a $201,000 increase in contract assets. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to an increase in the Medicare portion of our home care business, which has a 13-month payment cycle. The increase in inventory was primarily due to an increase in raw materials associated with the launch of Clearway. Our cash receipt collection remains strong, with the three months ended June 30, 2023, period having the highest cash receipt collections in our company's history, building upon the prior record that was set in the previous quarter.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash\nFlows from Investing Activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\ncash used in investing activities in fiscal 2023 was approximately $1,716,000. Cash used in investing activities consisted of\napproximately $1,648,000 in expenditures for property and equipment, approximately $1,083,000 for software and $565,000 for equipment,\nand $68,000 in payments for patent and trademark costs.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash\nFlows from Financing Activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\ncash used in financing activities in fiscal 2023 was approximately $380,000, consisting of $153,000 used for our share repurchase\nprogram and $310,000 for taxes paid on net share settlements of stock option exercises offset by $83,000 of cash provided by the\nissuance of common stock upon exercise of options.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdequacy\nof Capital Resources\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nprimary working capital requirements relate to adding employees to our sales force and support functions, continuing infrastructure\ninvestments, and supporting general corporate needs, including financing equipment purchases and other capital expenditures incurred\nin the ordinary course of business. Based on our current operational performance, we believe our working capital of approximately\n$29,734,000 and available borrowings under our existing credit facility will provide adequate liquidity for fiscal 2024.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEffective\nDecember 17, 2021, we renewed our credit facility, which provides us with a revolving line of credit. Interest on borrowings on\nthe line of credit accrues at the prime rate (8.25% as of June 30, 2023) less 1.0% and is payable monthly. There was no outstanding\nprincipal balance on the line of credit as of June 30, 2023 or June 30, 2022. The amount eligible for borrowing on the line of\ncredit is limited to the lesser of $2,500,000 or 57.0% of eligible accounts receivable, and the line of credit expires on December\n18, 2023, if not renewed. As of June 30, 2023, the maximum $2,500,000 was available under the line of credit. Payment obligations\nunder the line of credit are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our tangible and intangible assets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ndocuments governing our line of credit contain certain financial and nonfinancial covenants that include a minimum tangible net\nworth of not less than $10,125,000 and restrictions on our ability to incur certain additional indebtedness or pay dividends.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAny\nfailure to comply with these covenants in the future may result in an event of default, which if not cured or waived, could result\nin the lender accelerating the maturity of our indebtedness, preventing access to additional funds under the line of credit, requiring\nprepayment of outstanding indebtedness, or refusing to renew the line of credit. If the maturity of the indebtedness is accelerated\nor the line of credit is not renewed, sufficient cash resources to satisfy the debt obligations may not be available and we may\nnot be able to continue operations as planned. If we are unable to repay such indebtedness, the lender could foreclose on these\nassets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring\nfiscal 2023 and 2022, we spent approximately $1,648,000 and $1,425,000, respectively, on property and equipment. We currently\nexpect to finance planned equipment purchases with cash flows from operations or borrowings under our credit facility. We may\nneed to incur additional debt if we have an unforeseen need for additional capital equipment or if our operating performance does\nnot generate adequate cash flows.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWhile\nthe impact of macroeconomic conditions and other factors such as inflation are difficult to predict, we believe our cash, cash\nequivalents and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, operational cash\nrequirements for fiscal 2024.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccounting\nStandards Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted by the Company \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee\nNote 1 of the Notes to our Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on new accounting standards\nadopted in fiscal 2023 or pending adoption.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 7A.\nQuantitative\n and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs\na smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide disclosure pursuant to this item.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 8.\nFinancial\n Statements and Supplementary Data.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIndex\nto Financial Statements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm\n\n\nF-2\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance Sheets\n\n\nF-4\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStatements of Operations\n\n\nF-5\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStatements of Shareholders\u2019 Equity\n\n\nF-6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStatements of Cash Flows\n\n\nF-7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotes to Financial Statements\n\n\nF-8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nReport\nof Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShareholders\nand Board of Directors\n\n\nElectromed,\nInc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOpinion\non the Financial Statements\n\n\nWe have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Electromed, Inc. (the Company) as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBasis\nfor Opinion\n\n\nThese financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCritical\nAudit Matter\n\n\nThe critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMeasurement\nof Customer Revenue Net of Adjustments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, revenues are recognized at a point in time when control passes to the customer upon product shipment or delivery. Net patient revenues (patient revenue less estimated adjustments) are recognized at the estimated net realizable amounts from third-party payers and customers in exchange for the product. The Company has agreements with third-party payers that provide for payments at amounts different from its established rates. Each quarter, the Company estimates its adjustments for each sale based on the terms of third-party payer contracts and historical collections experience, then applies an estimate for an adjustment reserve percentage to the gross accounts receivable balances. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe identified the measurement of the adjustment reserve related to customer revenue as a critical audit matter due to the audit effort, degree of auditor judgment, and subjectivity involved in evaluating the audit evidence related to management\u2019s estimate. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur audit procedures related to the Company\u2019s measurement of the adjustment reserve included the following, among others.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nSelected a sample of product sales to inspect and compare to the underlying source documents and final cash collections to test the reasonableness of the contractual adjustment and collection percentage assumptions used in management\u2019s estimate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nEvaluated\n the reasonableness of management\u2019s estimate of contractual and collection reserves\n by:\n\n\n\n\n\n\no\nComparing\n the estimates of realization percentages to historical net collection percentages for\n portfolio groups.\n\n\n\n\n\n\no\nRecalculating\n the contractual and collection reserve estimates and compared them to the general ledger.\n\n\n\n\n\n\no\nEvaluating whether quarterly historical realization percentages were reasonable and qualitatively consistent with internal and external independent data \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n/s/\nRSM US LLP\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe\nhave served as the Company\u2019s auditor since 2010.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRochester,\nMinnesota\n\n\nAugust\u00a022,\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nElectromed,\nInc.\n\n\nBalance\nSheets\n\n\nJune 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune\n 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAssets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCurrent Assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n7,372,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n8,153,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable (net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $\n45,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n24,130,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n21,052,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nContract assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n487,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n286,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n4,221,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n3,178,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nPrepaid expenses and other current assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,577,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,870,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal current assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n37,787,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n34,539,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nProperty and equipment, net\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n5,672,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n4,568,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nFinite-life intangible assets, net\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n605,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n599,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n161,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n120,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income taxes\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,581,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,538,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n45,806,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n41,364,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nLiabilities and Shareholders\u2019 Equity\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCurrent Liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n1,372,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n1,261,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAccrued compensation\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n3,018,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,742,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax payable\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n336,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n51,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nWarranty reserve\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,378,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,256,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOther accrued liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,949,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,840,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal current liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,053,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n7,150,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n86,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n41,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,139,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n7,191,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCommitments and Contingencies (Note 11)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nShareholders\u2019 Equity\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock, $\n0.01\n par value, \n13,000,000\n shares authorized; \n8,555,238\n and \n8,475,438\n issued and outstanding, as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n86,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n85,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAdditional paid-in capital\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n18,788,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n18,308,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nRetained earnings\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n18,793,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n15,780,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal shareholders\u2019 equity\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n37,667,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n34,173,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities and shareholders\u2019 equity\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n45,806,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n41,364,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee\nNotes to Financial Statements.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nElectromed,\nInc. \n\n\nStatements\nof Operations\n\n\nYears Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears\n Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nNet revenues\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n48,067,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n41,659,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCost of revenues\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n11,548,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n10,217,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n36,519,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n31,442,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nSelling, general and administrative\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n31,595,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n27,114,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n916,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,356,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n32,511,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n28,470,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOperating income\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n4,008,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,972,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nInterest income, net\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n78,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n25,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nNet income before income taxes\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n4,086,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,997,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n920,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n692,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3,166,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n2,305,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIncome per share:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n0.37\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n0.27\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n0.36\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n0.26\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nWeighted-average common shares outstanding:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,463,684\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,471,320\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,700,833\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,768,703\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee\nNotes to Financial Statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\nElectromed,\nInc.\n\n\nStatements of Shareholders\u2019 Equity\n\n\nYears Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditional\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nCommon\n Stock\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nPaid-in\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nRetained\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nShareholders\u2019\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nCapital\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nEarnings\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nEquity\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nBalance\n as of June 30, 2021\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,533,209\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n85,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n17,409,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n14,922,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n32,416,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nNet\n income\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,305,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,305,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIssuance\n of restricted stock\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n49,400\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIssuance\n of common stock upon exercise of options\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n13,245\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTaxes\n paid on stock option exercised on a net basis\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n77,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n77,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nShare-based\n compensation expense\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n976,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n976,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase\n of common stock\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n120,416\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,447,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,448,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nBalance\n as of June 30, 2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,475,438\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n85,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n18,308,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n15,780,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n34,173,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nNet\n income\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n3,166,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n3,166,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIssuance\n of restricted stock, net\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n28,701\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIssuance\n of common stock upon exercise of options\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n66,467\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n82,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n83,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTaxes\n paid on stock option exercised on a net basis\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n310,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n310,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nShare-based\n compensation expense\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n708,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n708,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase\n of common stock\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n15,368\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n153,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n153,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nBalance\n as of June 30, 2023\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,555,238\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n86,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n18,788,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n18,793,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n37,667,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee\nNotes to Financial Statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nElectromed, Inc. \n\n\nStatements of Cash Flows\n\n\nYears Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears\n Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCash Flows from Operating Activities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3,166,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n2,305,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAdjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in operating activities:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n550,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n503,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAmortization of finite-life intangible assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n63,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n125,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nShare-based compensation expense\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n708,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n976,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income taxes\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n43,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n489,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nChanges in operating assets and liabilities:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n3,078,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n4,020,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nContract assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n201,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n107,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,033,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,072,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nPrepaid expenses and other current assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n202,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,322,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax payable\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n285,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n237,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable and accrued liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n420,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,170,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAccrued compensation\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n276,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n268,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,315,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n686,000\n)\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCash Flows from Investing Activities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nExpenditures for property and equipment\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,648,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,425,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nExpenditures for finite-life intangible assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n68,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n100,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in investing activities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,716,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,525,000\n)\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCash Flows from Financing Activities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock upon exercise of options\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n83,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTaxes paid on stock options exercised on a net basis\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n310,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n77,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase of common stock\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n153,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,448,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in financing activities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n380,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,525,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nNet decrease in cash\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n781,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n3,736,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nBeginning of period\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,153,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n11,889,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nEnd of period\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n7,372,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n8,153,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cash paid for income taxes\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n676,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,418,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nSupplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Property and equipment acquisitions in accounts payable\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n60,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n44,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Intangible asset acquisitions in accounts payable\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n4,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n120,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n117,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Demonstration equipment returned to inventory\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n10,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n8,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee\nNotes to Financial Statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nElectromed,\nInc.\n\n\nNotes to Financial Statements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNote 1.\n\n\nNature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting\nPolicies\n \n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNature\nof business:\n Electromed, Inc. (the \u201cCompany\u201d) develops, manufactures and markets innovative airway clearance products\nthat apply High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (\u201cHFCWO\u201d) therapy in pulmonary care for patients of all ages. The\nCompany markets its products in the U.S. to the home health care and institutional markets for use by patients in personal residences,\nhospitals and clinics. The Company also sells internationally both directly and through distributors. International sales were\n$\n424,000\n and $\n521,000\n for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 (\u201cfiscal 2023\u201d) and June 30, 2022 (\u201cfiscal 2022\u201d),\nrespectively. Since its inception, the Company has operated in a single industry segment: developing, manufacturing, and marketing\nmedical equipment.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nImpacts\nof COVID-19 on the Company\u2019s business\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany did not receive any direct financial assistance from any government program during fiscal 2022 or fiscal 2023 in connection\nwith COVID-19 relief measures.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn\nresponse to the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. federal government\u2019s declaration of a public health emergency, the Centers\nfor Medicare and Medicaid Services (\u201cCMS\u201d) implemented a number of temporary rule changes and waivers to allow prescribers\nto best treat patients during the period of the public health emergency. These waivers were made retroactively effective to March\n1, 2020 and were in place for the duration of fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2022 and through May 11, 2023. Clinical indications and documentation\ntypically required were not enforced for respiratory related products including the Company\u2019s SmartVest\u00ae Airway Clearance\nSystem (\u201cSmartVest System\u201d) (solely with respect to direct Medicare covered patients) applicable for the Company\u2019s\nhome care prescriptions.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\npotential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our operational and financial performance will depend in large part\non future developments, which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nA\nsummary of the Company\u2019s significant accounting policies follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUse\nof estimates\n:\n Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing the financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally\naccepted accounting principles (\u201cU.S. GAAP\u201d). Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets\nand liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could\nvary from the estimates that were used. The Company believes the critical accounting policies that require the most significant\nassumptions and judgments in the preparation of its financial statements include revenue recognition and the related estimation\nof variable consideration, inventory valuation, share-based compensation and warranty reserve.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenue\nrecognition\n:\n Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the contract with a customer, adjusted for any applicable\nestimates of variable consideration and other factors affecting the transaction price, including noncash consideration, consideration\npaid or payable to customers and significant financing components. Revenue from all customers is recognized when a performance\nobligation is satisfied by transferring control of a distinct good or service to a customer. See Note 2 for information on revenue.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShipping\nand handling expense\n:\n Shipping and handling charges incurred by the Company are included in cost of revenues and were $\n896,000\n\nand $\n982,000\n for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash\nand cash equivalents\n:\n Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in bank deposits and money market funds with original maturities\nof three months or less at the time of purchase. The Company has not experienced any losses in these accounts.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccounts\nreceivable\n:\n The Company\u2019s accounts receivable balance is comprised of amounts due from individuals, institutions and\ndistributors. Balances due from individuals are typically remitted to the Company by third-party reimbursement agencies such as\nMedicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies. Accounts receivable are carried at amounts estimated to be received from patients\nunder reimbursement arrangements with third-party payers. Accounts receivable are also net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.\nManagement determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering\na customer\u2019s financial condition and credit history. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of\nreceivables previously written off are recorded when received. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $\n45,000\n as of June 30,\n2023 and 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nContract\nassets\n: \nContract assets include amounts recognized as revenue that are estimates of variable consideration for Medicare appeals\nwhere the final determination of the insurance coverage amount is dependent on future approval of an appeal, or when the consideration\ndue to the Company is dependent on a future event such as the patient meeting a deductible prior to the Company\u2019s claim\nbeing processed by the payer. Contract assets are classified as current as amounts will turn into accounts receivable and be collected\nduring the Company\u2019s normal business operating cycle. Contract assets are reclassified to accounts receivable when the right\nto receive payment is unconditional.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInventories\n:\n\nInventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Work in process and finished\ngoods are carried at standard cost, which approximates actual cost, and includes materials, labor and allocated overhead. Standard\ncosts are reviewed at least quarterly by management, or more often in the event circumstances indicate a change in cost has occurred.\nThe reserve for obsolescence is determined by analyzing the inventory on hand and comparing it to expected future sales. Estimated\ninventory to be returned is based on how many devices that have shipped that are expected to be returned prior to completion of\nthe insurance reimbursement process.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProperty\nand equipment\n:\n Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the\nstraight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of\ntheir estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term. The Company retains ownership of demonstration equipment in the possession\nof both inside and outside sales representatives, who use the equipment in the sales process.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLeases\n:\n\nThe Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Where an arrangement is a lease, the Company determines\nif it is an operating lease or a finance lease. At lease commencement, the Company records a lease liability and corresponding\nright of use ROU asset. Lease liabilities represent the present value of our future lease payments over the expected lease term,\nwhich includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain those options will be exercised. The present\nvalue of the Company\u2019s lease liability is determined using its incremental collateralized borrowing rate at lease inception.\nROU assets represent the Company\u2019s right to control the use of the leased assets during the lease and are recognized in\nan amount equal to the lease liability for leases with an initial term greater than 12 months. Over the lease term (operating\nleases only), the Company uses the effective interest rate method to account for the lease liability as lease payments are made\nand the ROU asset is amortized to consolidated statement of operations in a manner that results in straight line expense recognition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFinite-life\nintangible assets\n:\n Finite-life intangible assets include patents and trademarks. These intangible assets are amortized on\na straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, as described in Note 5.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLong-lived\nassets\n:\n Long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment and finite-life intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment\nwhenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. In\nevaluating recoverability, the following factors, among others, are considered: a significant change in the circumstances used\nto determine the amortization period, an adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, a transition to a new product\nor service strategy, a significant change in customer base, and a realization of failed marketing efforts. The recoverability\nof an asset or asset group is measured by a comparison of the carrying value of the asset to future undiscounted cash flows.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf\nthe Company believes the carrying value is unrecoverable, then it recognizes an impairment charge necessary to reduce the unamortized\nbalance to the estimated fair value of the asset or asset group. The amount of such impairment is charged to operations in the\ncurrent period.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWarranty\nliability\n:\n The Company provides a lifetime warranty on its products to the prescribed patient for sales within the U.S. and\na three-year warranty for all institutional sales and sales to individuals outside the U.S. The Company estimates the costs that\nmay be incurred under its warranty and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product is shipped or delivered.\nFactors that affect the Company\u2019s warranty liability include the number of units shipped, historical and anticipated rates\nof warranty claims, the product\u2019s useful life, and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its\nrecorded warranty liability and adjusts the amounts as necessary.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChanges\nin the Company\u2019s warranty liability were as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of changes in warranty liability\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears\n Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nBeginning warranty reserve\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n1,256,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n940,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAccrual for products sold\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n416,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n494,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nExpenditures and costs incurred for warranty claims\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n294,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n178,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nEnding warranty reserve\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n1,378,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n1,256,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncome\ntaxes\n:\n Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary\ndifferences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary\ndifferences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases.\nDeferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some\nportion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company reverses a valuation allowance if it determines, based\non the weight of all available evidence, including when cumulative losses become positive income, that it is more likely than\nnot that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects\nof changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany recognizes tax liabilities when the Company believes that certain positions may not be fully sustained upon review by\ntax authorities. Benefits from tax positions are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely\nof being realized upon settlement. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded,\nsuch differences impact income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made. Interest and penalties, if any,\nrelated to accrued liabilities for potential tax assessments are included in income tax expense.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResearch\nand development\n:\n Research and development costs include costs of research activities as well as engineering and technical\nefforts required to develop new products or make improvements to existing products. Research and development costs are expensed\nas incurred.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdvertising\ncosts\n:\n Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred. Advertising, marketing and trade show costs for fiscal 2023\nand 2022 were $\n1,244,000\n and $\n936,000\n, respectively.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShare-based\npayments\n:\n Share-based payment awards consist of options to purchase shares of common stock and restricted shares of common\nstock issued to employees for services. Expense for options is estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model at the date of\ngrant and expense for restricted stock is determined by the closing price on the day the grant is made. Expense is recognized\non a graded vesting basis over the requisite service or vesting period of the award, or at the time services are provided for\nnon-employee awards.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair\nvalue of financial instruments\n:\n The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and\naccrued expenses approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\nincome per common share\n:\n Net income is presented on a per share basis for both basic and diluted common shares. Basic net\nincome per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding\nany restricted stock awards which have not vested. The diluted net income per common share calculation includes outstanding restricted\nstock grants and assumes that all stock options were exercised and converted into shares of common stock at the beginning of the\nperiod unless their effect is anti-dilutive. Common stock equivalents included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share\nwere \n237,149\n and \n297,383\n shares for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation\nof diluted earnings per share because their impact was anti-dilutive were \n194,154\n and \n113,646\n shares for fiscal 2023 and 2022,\nrespectively.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRecently\nIssued Accounting Standards\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn\nJune 2016, the Financial Accounting Board issued Accounting Standards Update (\u201cASU\u201d) 2016-13,\u00a0Financial Instruments\n-- Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,\u00a0which was subsequently amended by ASU 2018-19, ASU\n2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10, 2019-11, and 2020-02. The standard introduces new accounting guidance for credit losses on financial\ninstruments within its scope, including trade receivables. This new guidance adds an impairment model that is based on expected\nlosses rather than incurred losses. It is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022,\nwith early adoption permitted. Adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements.\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\u00a02.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRevenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenue\nis measured based on consideration specified in the contract with a customer, adjusted for any applicable estimates of variable\nconsideration and other factors affecting the transaction price, including consideration paid or payable from customers and significant\nfinancing components. Revenue from all customers is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control\nof a distinct good or service to a customer, as further described below under \nPerformance obligations and transaction price\n.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIndividual\npromised goods and services in a contract are considered a performance obligation and accounted for separately if the individual\ngood or service is distinct (i.e., the customer can benefit from the good or service on its own or with other resources that are\nreadily available to the customer and the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the arrangement).\nIf an arrangement includes multiple performance obligations, the consideration is allocated between the performance obligations\nin proportion to their estimated standalone selling price, unless discounts or variable consideration is attributable to one or\nmore but not all the performance obligations. Costs related to products delivered are recognized in the period incurred, unless\ncriteria for capitalization of costs under Accounting Standards Codification (\u201cASC\u201d) 340-40, \u201cOther Assets and\nDeferred Costs\u201d (\u201cASC 340\u201d), or other applicable guidance are met.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany includes shipping and handling fees in net revenues. Shipping and handling costs associated with the shipment of the SmartVest\nSystem after control\u00a0has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of revenues\nin the Statements of Operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ntiming of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in accounts receivable on the Balance Sheets as further described\nbelow under \nAccounts receivable \nand \nContract assets\n.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDisaggregation\nof revenues. \nIn the following table, revenue is disaggregated by market:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of disaggregated revenue\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears\n Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nHome care\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n43,945,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n38,004,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nInstitutional\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,080,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,660,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nHome care distributor\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,618,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,474,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nInternational\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n424,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n521,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n48,067,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n41,659,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn\nthe following table, home care revenue is disaggregated by payer type:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears\n Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCommercial\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n18,481,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n14,937,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nMedicare\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n18,682,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n16,692,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nMedicare Supplemental\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n5,000,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n4,484,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nMedicaid\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n941,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,028,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n841,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n863,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n43,945,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n38,004,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenues\nin the Company\u2019s home care, home care distributor and international markets are recognized at a point in time when control\npasses to the customer upon product shipment or delivery. Revenues in the Company\u2019s institutional market include sales recognized\nat a point in time upon shipment or delivery.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPerformance\nobligations and transaction price. \nA performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service\nto the customer and is the unit of account under ASC 606, \u201cRevenue From Contracts With Customers\u201d (\u201cASC 606\u201d).\nA contract\u2019s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation in proportion to the standalone selling\nprice for each and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The Company\u2019s performance\nobligations and the timing or method of revenue recognition in each of the Company\u2019s markets are discussed below:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHome\ncare market\n.\n In the Company\u2019s home care market, its customers are patients who use the SmartVest System. The various\nmodels of the SmartVest System are comprised of three main components - a generator, a vest and a connecting hose - that are sold\ntogether as an integrated unit. Accordingly, in contracts within the home care market, the Company regards the SmartVest System\nto be a single performance obligation.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany makes available to its home care patients limited post-sale services that are not material in the context of the contracts,\neither individually or taken together, and therefore does not consider them to be performance obligations. The costs associated\nwith the services are accrued and expensed when the related revenues are recognized. As such, transactions in the home care market\nconsist of a single performance obligation: the SmartVest System.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHome\ncare patients generally will rely on third-party payers, including commercial payers and governmental payers such as Medicare,\nMedicaid and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to cover and reimburse all or part of the cost of the SmartVest System. The\nthird-party payers\u2019 reimbursement programs fall into three types, distinguished by the differences in the timing of payments\nfrom the payer, consisting of either (i) outright sale, in which payment is received from the payer based on standard terms, (ii)\ncapped installment sale, under which the SmartVest System is sold for a series of payments that are capped not to exceed a prescribed\nor negotiated amount over a period of time or (iii) installment sale, under which the SmartVest System is paid for over a period\nof several months as long as the patient continues to use the SmartVest System.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRegardless\nof the type of transaction, provided criteria for an enforceable contract are met, it is the Company\u2019s long-standing business\npractice to regard all home care agreements as transferring control to the patient upon shipment or delivery, in spite of possible\npayment cancellation under government or commercial programs where the payer is controlling the payment over specified time periods.\nFor home care sales that feature installment payments, the ultimate amount of consideration received from Medicare, Medicaid or\ncommercial payers can be significantly less than expected if the contract is terminated due to changes in the patient\u2019s\nstatus, including insurance coverage, hospitalization, death or otherwise becoming unable to use the SmartVest System. However,\nonce delivered to a patient who needs the SmartVest System, the patient is under no obligation to return the SmartVest System\nshould payments be terminated as a result of the described contingencies. As a result, the Company\u2019s product sales qualify\nfor point in time revenue recognition. Control transfers to the patient, and revenue is recognized, upon shipment or delivery\nof the SmartVest System. At this point, physical possession and the significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred\nto the patient and either a current or future right to payment is triggered, as further discussed under \nAccounts receivable\n\nand \nContract assets \nbelow.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany\u2019s contractually stated transaction prices in the home care market are generally set by the terms of the contracts\nnegotiated with insurance companies or by government programs. The transaction price for the Company\u2019s products may be further\nimpacted by variable consideration. ASC 606 requires the Company to adjust the transaction price at contract inception and throughout\nthe contract duration for the estimated value of payments to be received from insurance payers based on historical experience\nand other available information, subject to the constraint on estimates of variable consideration. Transactions requiring estimates\nof variable consideration primarily include (i) capped installment payments, which are subject to the third-party payer\u2019s\ntermination due to changes in insurance coverage, death or the patient\u2019s discontinued use of the SmartVest System, (ii)\ncontracts under appeal and (iii) patient responsibility amounts for deductibles, coinsurance, copays and other similar payments.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAlthough\nestimates may be made on a contract-by-contract basis, whenever possible, the Company uses all available information including\nhistorical collection patterns to estimate variable consideration for portfolios of contracts. The Company\u2019s estimates of\nvariable consideration consist of amounts it may receive from insurance providers in excess of its initial revenue estimate due\nto patients meeting deductibles or coinsurance during the payment duration, changes to a patient\u2019s insurance status, changes\nin an insurance allowable, claims in appeals with Medicare and amounts received directly from patients for their allowable or\ncoinsurance. The Company believes it has representative historical information to estimate the amount of variable consideration\nin relevant portfolios considering the significant experience it has with each portfolio and the similarity of patient accounts\nwithin a portfolio. The analysis includes steps to ensure that revenue recognized on a portfolio basis does not result in a material\ndifference when compared with an individual contract approach. The Company also leverages its historical experience and all available\nrelevant information for each portfolio of contracts to minimize the risk its estimates used to arrive at the transaction price\nwill result in a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized when the uncertainty associated with the\nvariable consideration is subsequently resolved. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company\u2019s\njudgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor\ncontracts in which the Company believes the criteria for reimbursement under government or commercial payer contracts have been\nmet but for which coverage is unconfirmed or payments are under appeal, the Company has significant observable evidence of relatively\nconsistent claims recovery experience over the prior three to five years. The Company believes the low volatility in historical\nclaims approval rates for populations of patients whose demographics are similar to those of current patients provides reliable\npredictive value in arriving at estimates of variable consideration in such contracts. Similarly, historical payment trends for\nrecovery of claims subject to payer installments and payments from patients have remained relatively consistent over the past\nfive years. No significant changes in patient demographics or other relevant factors have occurred that would limit the predictive\nvalue of such payment trends in estimating variable consideration for current contracts. As a result, the Company believes its\nestimates of variable consideration are generally not subject to the risk of significant revenue reversal.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor\neach type of variable consideration discussed above, there are a large number of contracts with similar characteristics with a\nwide range of possible transaction prices. For that reason, the Company uses the probability-weighted expected value method provided\nunder ASC 606 to estimate variable consideration.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany often receives payment from third-party payers for the SmartVest System sales over a period of time that may exceed one\nyear. Despite these extended payment terms, no significant financing component is deemed to exist because the purpose of such\nterms is not to provide financing to the patient, the payer or the Company. Rather, the extended payment terms are mandated by\nthe government or commercial insurance programs, the fundamental purpose of which is to avoid paying the full purchase price of\nequipment that may potentially be used by the patient for only a short period of time.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHome\ncare distributors. \n Sales to distributors, who sell direct to patients, are made at fixed contract prices and may include\ntiered pricing structures or volume-based rebates which offer more favorable pricing once certain volumes are achieved per the\nnegotiated contract. The distributor\u2019s purchases accumulate to give the distributor a right to a higher discount on purchases\nin excess of the specified level within the contract period. As a result, to the extent the Company expects the distributor to\nexceed the specified volume of purchases in the annual period, it recognizes revenue at a blended rate based on estimated total\nannual volume and sales revenue. This effectively defers a portion of the transaction price on initial purchases below the specified\nvolumes for recognition when the higher discount is earned on purchases in excess of specified volumes. Transfer of control of\nthe products occurs upon shipment or delivery to the distributor as applicable.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInstitutional\nmarket. \nThe Company\u2019s institutional sales are made to hospitals and home health care centers, pulmonary rehabilitation\ncenters and other clinics. Sales to these institutions are negotiated with the individual institution or with group purchasing\norganizations, with payments received directly from the institution. No insurance reimbursement is involved. Generators are either\nsold or leased to the institutions and associated hoses and wraps (used in institutional settings rather than vests) are sold\nseparately. Accordingly, each product is distinct and considered a separate performance obligation in sales to institutional customers.\nThe agreements with institutions fall into two main types, distinguished by differences in the timing of transfer of control and\ntiming of payments:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nOutright\n sale \u2013 Under these transactions, the Company sells its products for a prescribed\n or negotiated price. Transfer of control of the product, and associated revenue recognition,\n occurs at the time of shipment and payment is made within normal credit terms, usually\n within 30 days.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nWrap\n usage agreements \u2013 Under these transactions, the Company provides a generator device\n at no cost to the hospital in return for a fixed annual commitment to purchase consumable\n wraps. These agreements are cancellable upon at least sixty days prior written notice\n by either party. If cancelled, the generator is returned to the Company, where it can\n be refurbished and used again at a later date. Revenue for the consumable wraps is recognized\n when control transfers to the customer.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInternational\nmarket. \n Sales to international markets are made directly to a number of independent distributors at fixed contract prices\nthat are not subject to further adjustments for variable consideration. Transfer of control of the products occurs upon shipment\nor delivery to the distributor as applicable.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProduct\nwarranty. \nThe Company offers warranties on its products. These warranties are assurance type warranties not sold on a standalone\nbasis or are otherwise considered immaterial in the context of the contract, and therefore are not considered distinct performance\nobligations under ASC 606. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in\nthe amount of such costs at the time the product is sold.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccounts\nreceivable. \nThe Company\u2019s accounts receivable balance is comprised of amounts\u00a0due from individuals, institutions\nand distributors. Balances due from individuals are typically remitted to the Company by third-party reimbursement agencies such\nas Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies. Accounts receivable are carried at amounts estimated to be received from\npatients under reimbursement arrangements with third-party payers. Accounts receivable are also net of an allowance for doubtful\naccounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and\nconsidering a customer\u2019s financial condition and credit history. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nContract\nassets. \nContract assets include amounts recognized as revenue that are estimates of variable consideration for Medicare appeals\nwhere the final determination of the insurance coverage amount is dependent on future approval of an appeal, or when the consideration\ndue to the Company is dependent on a future event such as the patient meeting a deductible prior to the Company\u2019s claim\nbeing processed by the payer. Contract assets are classified as current as amounts is expected to turn into accounts receivable\nand be collected during the Company\u2019s normal business operating cycle. Contract assets are reclassified to accounts receivable\nwhen the right to receive payment is unconditional.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nContract\nbalances. \nThe following table provides information about accounts receivable and contracts assets from contracts with customers:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of contract assets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune\n 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nReceivables, included in \u201cAccounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts\u201d\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n24,130,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n21,052,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nContract Assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n487,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n286,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nSignificant\nchanges in contract assets during the period are as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear\n Ended \n \nJune\n 30, 2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear\n Ended \n \nJune\n 30, 2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncrease\n (decrease)\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncrease\n (decrease)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nContract assets, beginning\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n286,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n393,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nReclassification of contract assets to accounts receivable\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n1,220,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n833,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nContract assets recognized\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,351,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n784,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIncrease (decrease) as a result of changes in the estimate of amounts to be realized from payers, excluding amounts transferred to receivables during the period\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n71,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n58,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nContract assets, ending\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n488,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n286,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n3. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nInventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ncomponents of inventory were as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of components of inventories\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune\n 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nParts inventory\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3,420,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n2,672,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nWork in process\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n470,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n100,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nFinished goods\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n323,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n469,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nEstimated inventory to be returned\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n265,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n228,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nLess: Reserve for obsolescence\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n257,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n291,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n4,221,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3,178,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n4. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nProperty and Equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProperty\nand equipment were as follows:\n\n\nSchedule of property and equipment, including assets under capital leases\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\nEstimated\n Useful Lives\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune\n 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(Years)\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nBuilding\n and building improvements\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n15\n-\n40\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3,427,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3,420,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nLand\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\nN/A\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n200,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n200,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nLand improvements\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n15\n-\n20\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n173,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n162,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nEquipment\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n3\n-\n10\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n3,024,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,356,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nSoftware\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n3\n-\n7\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,166,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n396,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDemonstration and rental\n equipment\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n3\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,090,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,036,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nConstruction\n in progress\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\nN/A\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n957,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n10,088,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,527,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nLess:\n Accumulated depreciation\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n4,416,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n3,959,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nNet\n property and equipment\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n5,672,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n4,568,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n5. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nFinite-life Intangible Assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ncarrying value of patents and trademarks includes the original cost of obtaining the patents, periodic renewal fees, and other\ncosts associated with maintaining and defending patent and trademark rights. Patents and trademarks are amortized over their estimated\nuseful lives, generally \n15\n and \n12 \nyears, respectively. Accumulated amortization was $\n224,000\n and $\n433,000\n as of June 30, 2023\nand 2022, respectively.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nactivity and net balances of finite-life intangible assets were as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of activity and balances of finite-life intangible assets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears\n Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n599,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n663,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAdditions\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n69,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n61,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAmortization expense\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n63,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n125,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nBalance, ending\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n605,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n599,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBased\non the carrying value as of June 30, 2023, future amortization is expected to be as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of future amortization of finite-life intangible assets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nFiscal\nyears ending June 30:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2024\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n46,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2025\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n44,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2026\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n44,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2027\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n43,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2028\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n41,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n387,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n605,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n6.\n \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nFinancing Arrangements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany has a credit facility that provides for a revolving line of credit and a term loan.\u00a0Effective \nDecember 17, 2021\n,\nthe Company renewed its $\n2,500,000\n revolving line of credit. There was \nno\n outstanding principal balance on the line of credit\nas of June 30, 2023 or June 30, 2022. Interest on borrowings under the line of credit, if any, accrues at the prime rate (\n8.25\n%\nas of June 30, 2023) less \n1.0\n% and is payable monthly. The amount eligible for borrowing on the line of credit is limited to the\nlesser of $\n2,500,000\n or \n57.0\n% of eligible accounts receivable and the line of credit expires on \nDecember 18, 2023\n, if not renewed\nbefore such date. As of June 30, 2023, the maximum $\n2,500,000\n was eligible for borrowing. Payment obligations under the line of\ncredit, if any, are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of the Company.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ndocuments governing the line of credit contain certain financial and nonfinancial covenants that include a minimum tangible net\nworth covenant of not less than $\n10,125,000\n and restrictions on the Company\u2019s ability to incur certain additional indebtedness\nor pay dividends.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n7. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCommon Stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAuthorized\nshares:\n The Company\u2019s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, have established \n15,000,000\n authorized shares of capital\nstock consisting of \n13,000,000\n shares of common stock, par value $\n0.01\n per share, and \n2,000,000\n shares of undesignated stock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOn\nMay 26, 2021 the Company\u2019s Board of Directors (the \u201cBoard\u201d) approved a stock repurchase authorization. Under\nthe authorization, the Company was originally able to repurchase up to $\n3.0\n million of shares of common stock through May 26,\n2022. On May 26, 2022, our Board of Directors removed the date limitation. As of June 30, 2023, a total of \n239,995\n shares have\nbeen repurchased and retired under this authorization for a total cost of $\n2,725,000\n, or $\n11.36\n per share. Repurchased shares\nhave been retired and constitute authorized but unissued shares.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n8. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nShare-Based Compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShare-based\ncompensation expense for fiscal 2023 and 2022 was $\n708,000\n and $\n976,000\n, respectively, related to employee stock options and restricted\nstock awards. This expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Statements of Operations. As of June\n30, 2023, the Company had $\n296,000\n \nof unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested equity awards, which is expected\nto be recognized over a weighted-average period of \n1.5\n to \n1.84\n years related to restricted stock awards and employee stock options,\nrespectively.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEmployee\noptions: \nThe Company has historically granted stock options to employees as long-term incentive compensation. Options expire\nten years from the grant date and vest over a period of three years. In November 2017, the Company\u2019s shareholders approved\nthe 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the \u201c2017 Plan\u201d) which superseded the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the \u201c2014\nPlan\u201d). The 2017 Plan allows the Board to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock\nunits and other stock-based awards, as well as cash incentive awards to all employees, non-employee directors, and advisors or\nconsultants of the Company. The vesting schedule and term for each award are determined by the Board upon each grant. Upon vesting,\nand the Company\u2019s determination that any necessary conditions precedent to the exercise of shares (such as satisfaction\nof tax withholding and compliance with applicable legal requirements) have been satisfied, shares purchased are delivered to the\nparticipant in a manner prescribed or permitted by the Board. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance\nunder the 2017 Plan is \n900,000\n. There were \n163,500\n options granted under the 2014 Plan and prior plans outstanding as of June\n30, 2023. There were \n288,070\n options issued under the 2017 Plan outstanding and \n291,245\n shares available for grant under the 2017\nPlan as of June 30, 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany recognizes compensation expense related to share-based payment transactions in the financial statements based on the estimated\nfair value of the award issued. The fair value of each option is estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model at the time of\naward grant. The Company estimates the expected life of options based on the expected holding period by the option holder. The\nrisk-free interest rate is based upon observed U.S. Treasury interest rates for the expected term of the options. The Company\nmakes assumptions with respect to expected stock price volatility based upon the historical volatility of its stock price. Forfeitures\nare accounted for as they occur.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nfollowing assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of assumptions used to estimate fair value of options granted\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears\n Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nRisk-free interest rate\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.88\n-\n4.23\n%\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.89\n-\n2.52\n%\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nExpected term (years)\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nExpected volatility\n\u00a0\n\n\n53\n-\n54\n%\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n55\n-\n64\n%\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nfollowing table presents employee stock option activity for fiscal 2023 and 2022:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of stock option transactions\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nNumber\n of Shares\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted-Average\n Grant\u00a0Date Fair\u00a0Value\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted-Average\n Exercise Price\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted-Average\n \nRemaining\n Contractual Life (in\u00a0Years)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOptions outstanding as of June 30, 2021\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n468,049\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n4.61\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n4.98\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n5.82\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nGranted\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n81,901\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n6.63\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n11.52\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nExercised\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n32,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3.70\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n5.44\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCanceled or forfeited\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n15,866\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n6.63\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n11.30\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOptions outstanding as of June 30, 2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n502,084\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3.71\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n5.82\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n5.35\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOptions exercisable as of June 30, 2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n429,888\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n3.16\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n4.77\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n4.76\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nGranted\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n104,325\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n5.35\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n9.93\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nExercised\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n101,357\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n1.44\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n2.21\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCanceled or forfeited\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n53,482\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n6.33\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n11.29\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOptions outstanding as of June 30, 2023\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n451,570\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n4.28\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n6.93\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n5.53\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOptions exercisable as of June 30, 2023\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n377,875\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n4.00\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n6.25\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n4.90\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nintrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds its exercise price. At\nJune 30, 2023, the weighted average remaining contractual term for all outstanding stock options was \n5.5\n years and their aggregate\nintrinsic value was $\n1,862,000\n. Outstanding at June 30, 2023 were \n451,570\n stock options issued to employees, of which \n377,875\n\nwere vested and exercisable and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $\n1,820,000\n.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRestricted\nstock:\n The 2017 Plan permits the Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board to grant other stock-based awards, including\nshares of restricted stock. The Company makes restricted stock grants to key employees and non-employee directors that vest over\nsix months to three years following the applicable grant date.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany issued restricted stock awards to employees totaling \n32,400\n and \n31,400\n during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, with\na vesting term of \none\n to \nthree\n years and a fair value of $\n9.92\n and $\n11.48\n per share, respectively. The Company issued restricted\nstock awards to directors totaling \n21,000\n and \n18,000\n during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, with a vesting term of six months\nand a fair value of $\n9.86\n and $\n12.09\n per share for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Restricted stock transactions during the\nyears ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are summarized as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of restricted stock transactions\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n of Restricted Stock\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted-Average\n Grant Date Fair Value per Share\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOutstanding as of June 30, 2021\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n30,503\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n12.57\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Granted\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n49,400\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n11.70\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Vested\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n45,219\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n11.61\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOutstanding as of June 30, 2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n34,684\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n12.59\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Granted\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n53,400\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n9.90\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Vested\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n45,152\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n11.05\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Canceled or forfeited\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n24,699\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n11.33\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOutstanding as of June 30, 2023\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n18,233\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n10.23\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n9.\n \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIncome Taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nComponents\nof the provision for income taxes were as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of components of the provision for income taxes\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears\n Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCurrent:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Current Federal\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n744,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n891,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Current State\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n219,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n290,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total Current\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n963,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,181,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDeferred:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Deferred Federal\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n20,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n348,000\n)\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Deferred State\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n23,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n141,000\n)\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total Deferred\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n43,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n489,000\n)\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal Income Tax Expense\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n920,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n692,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nActual\nincome tax expense differs from the expected tax expense, computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company\u2019s\nearnings before income taxes, as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of effective income tax reconciliation\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears\n Ended June 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTax expense at statutory federal rate\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n858,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n629,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nState income tax expense, net of federal tax effect\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n155,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n105,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nShare based compensation\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(212,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(10,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nChange in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n11,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n27,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOther permanent items\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n108,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n59,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n920,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n692,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\neffective tax rates for fiscal 2023 and 2022 were \n22.5\n% and \n23.1\n%, respectively.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nsignificant components of deferred income taxes were as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of significant components of deferred income taxes\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune\n 30,\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDeferred tax assets:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nRevenue recognition and accounts receivable reserves\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n1,292,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n917,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAccrued liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n252,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n325,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nFinite-life intangible assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n126,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Stock options\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n516,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n532,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTax credits\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n221,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n152,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n35,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n51,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nSubtotal\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,442,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,977,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nLess: Valuation allowance\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n221,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n152,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nNet deferred tax assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n2,221,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n1,825,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDeferred tax liabilities:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nFinite-life intangible assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n41,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nProperty and equipment\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n640,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n246,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nTotal deferred tax liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n640,000\n)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n287,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nNet deferred tax assets\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n1,581,000\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n1,538,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany has research and development state tax credit carryforwards of $\n221,000\n and $\n152,000\n as of June 30, 2023 and June 30,\n2022, respectively. Based on the historical use of the credits, management believes it is more likely than not these credits will\nbegin to expire between fiscal years 2025 and 2038. As of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, the Company had a valuation allowance\nof $\n221,000\n and $\n152,000\n, respectively, related to its research and development state tax carryforwards.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany applies the accounting standard for uncertain tax positions pursuant to which a more-likely-than-not threshold is utilized\nto determine the recognition and derecognition of uncertain tax positions. Once the more-likely-than-not threshold is met, the\namount of benefit to be recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being ultimately\nrealized upon settlement. It further requires that a change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain\ntax positions be recognized in earnings in the period of such a change. The Company does not believe that it has any material\nuncertain tax positions as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. With limited exceptions,\nthe Company is no longer subject to federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for fiscal year ended prior to\nJune 30, 2020. The Internal Revenue Service has completed its examination of the Company\u2019s U.S. federal income tax return\nfor the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 without proposing any adjustments. The Company is not under any current income tax examinations\nby any other state or local taxing authority. If any issues addressed in the Company\u2019s tax audits are resolved in a manner\nnot consistent with management\u2019s expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income taxes in\nthe period such resolution occurs.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNote\n10.\n \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nLeases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany has leases for office and warehouse space and office equipment that require monthly payments. These leases have payments\nranging from $\n200\n to $\n5,300\n per month which expire through December 2025 and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the\nlife of the lease. All leases are classified as operating leases which do not include renewal options. The Company currently does\nnot have any variable lease costs. The Company elected the practical expedient\nto calculate the present value of the fixed payments without having to perform an allocation to lease and non-lease components.\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany has recognized right of use assets associated with its operating leases of $161,000 and $120,000\n as of June 30, 2023 and\nJune 30, 2022, respectively, which is included in other assets on the Company\u2019s balance sheet. Operating lease liabilities were\n$\n161,000\n\n\nand $\n120,000\n\n\nas of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively, which are included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities\non the Company\u2019s balance sheet.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs\nof June 30, 2023, the Company has a weighted-average lease term of \n1.5\n years for its operating leases, which have a weighted-average\ndiscount rate of \n4.0\n%.Operating lease payments of $\n82,000\n\nare included in operating cash flows in fiscal 2023. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMaturities\nof lease liabilities, which are included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the Balance Sheet, are\nas follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\nSchedule of maturities of lease liabilities\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nFiscal years ending June 30:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n80,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n80,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n8,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTotal lease payments\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n168,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Less: Interest\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n(\n7,000\n)\n\n\n\n\nPresent value of lease liabilities\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n161,000\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n11.\n \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCommitments and Contingencies\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLitigation:\n\nThe Company is occasionally involved in claims and disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company insures\ncertain business risks where possible to mitigate the financial impact of individual claims and establishes reserves for an estimate\nof any probable cost of settlement or other disposition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOn\nSeptember 8, 2021, a state court putative class action lawsuit was filed in Minnesota against the Company asserting injury resulting\nfrom the previously announced data breach that impacted the Company\u2019s customer protected health information and employee\npersonal information and seeking compensatory damages, equitable relief, and attorneys\u2019 fees and costs. On October 6, 2021,\nthe proceeding was removed to the District of Minnesota. The Company believes the plaintiff was not injured as a result of the\ndata privacy incident and, as a result, the claims are without merit. Accordingly, on November 11, 2021, the Company moved to\ndismiss the complaint in its entirety. Prior to the hearing on the motion to dismiss, the parties agreed in principle to settle\nthe case. The parties have executed a settlement agreement and submitted a motion to settle the class action. During January 2023,\nthe settlement was preliminarily approved. The hearing for final approval took place on June 5, 2023. Following the final approval\nhearing, the court issued a judgment on July 10, 2023 granting a motion for final approval of the settlement. As a result of the\njudgement, there was no additional impact on the financial statements as of or for the year ended June 30, 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n401(k)\nProfit Sharing Plan:\n The Company has an employee benefit plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering all\nemployees who are \n21\n years of age or older. The Company matches each employee\u2019s salary reduction contribution, not to exceed\nfour percent of annual compensation. Total employer contributions to this plan for fiscal 2023 and 2022 were $\n524,000\n and $\n461,000\n,\nrespectively.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEmployment\nAgreements: \nThe Company has entered into formal employment agreements with its President and Chief Executive Officer and its\nChief Financial Officer, as may be amended from time to time. These agreements provide these officers with, among other things,\ntwelve and eighteen months, respectively, of base salary upon a termination without \u201cCause\u201d or in the event the employee\nresigns for \u201cGood Reason\u201d or within twelve months of a \u201cChange in Control,\u201d as such terms are defined\nin the respective employment agreements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n12.\n \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRelated Parties\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany uses a parts supplier whose founder and president was a director of the Company through November 12, 2021. The Company\nmade payments to the supplier of $\n1,857,000\n and $\n360,000\n during fiscal year 2023 and 2022, respectively. Amounts due to the supplier\nwere $\n247,000\n and $\n160,000\n on June 30, 2023 and June 30 2022 respectively, which were included in accounts payable on the Balance\nSheets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNote\n13.\n \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nSubsequent Events\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nCompany evaluates, as of each reporting period, events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date through the date\nthe financial statements are issued for either disclosure or adjustment to the Company\u2019s financial results. Except as described\nbelow, there have been no events subsequent to June 30, 2023 which would require recognition in the Financial Statements or Notes\nto the Financial Statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0F-\n21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 9.\nChanges\n in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNone.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 9A.\nControls\n and Procedures.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEvaluation\nof Disclosure Controls and Procedures\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nprincipal executive officer and principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures,\nas defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period subject to this Annual Report\non Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure\ncontrols and procedures were effective.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nManagement\u2019s\nReport on Internal Control over Financial Reporting\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nmanagement is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is\ndefined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process\ndesigned by, or under the supervision of, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, and effected\nby our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial\nreporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,\nand includes those policies and procedures that:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nPertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions\nof our assets;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2)\nProvide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance\nwith generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization\nof our management and directors; and\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3)\nProvide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our\nassets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBecause\nof its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of preventing and detecting\nmisstatements on a timely basis. It is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, the risk\nthat misstatements are not prevented or detected on a timely basis. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining\nadequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nmanagement conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework\nset forth in the report entitled Internal Control-Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations\nof the Treadway Commission in 2013. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of June 30, 2023, our internal\ncontrol over financial reporting was effective.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThis\nAnnual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding\ninternal control over financial reporting. Management\u2019s report was not subject to attestation by the Company\u2019s independent\nregistered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the SEC that exempt smaller reporting companies from the auditor attestation\nrequirement.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChanges\nin Internal Control Over Financial Reporting\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThere\nwere no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 that have\nmaterially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 9B.\nOther Information.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNone.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 9C.\nDisclosure\n Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNot\napplicable.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPART\nIII\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertain\ninformation required by Part III is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement for the Fiscal 2024 Annual Meeting\nof Shareholders (the \u201cProxy Statement\u201d). Except for those portions specifically incorporated in this Annual Report\non Form 10-K by reference to the Proxy Statement, no other portions of the Proxy Statement are deemed to be filed as part of this\nAnnual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 10.\nDirectors,\n Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInformation\nabout our Executive Officers\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nfollowing sets forth certain information about our current executive officers:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJames\nL. Cunniff\n, age 58, joined Electromed in July 2023 as the Company\u2019s President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to\njoining Electromed, Mr. Cunniff most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Provista Inc., from 2017 to May\n2022. Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer at Denver Solutions, LLC (d/b/a Leiters Health) from 2015\nto 2017 and as Senior Vice President, Americas, at Acelity L.P. Inc., from 2012 to 2014. Mr. Cunniff holds a bachelor's degree\nin Advertising and Business from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has completed the Advanced Management Program\nat Harvard Business School.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBradley\nM. Nagel\n, age 41, joined Electromed in November 2022 as the Company\u2019s Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary.\nPrior to joining Electromed, Mr. Nagel most recently served as Divisional Chief Financial Officer of Global Lung Health and Visualization\nat Medtronic plc from June 2018 to November, 2022. Previously, he served at Medtronic as Sr. Manager, Accounting and Sales Operations\nfrom 2016 to June 2018 and Accounting Manager from 2015 to 2016. Before joining Medtronic, Mr. Nagel held various roles of increasing\nresponsibility in sales, operations and accounting at Target Corporation and TCF Financial Corporation. Mr. Nagel holds a bachelor's\ndegree in Business & Finance from Calvin University. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCode\nof Ethics\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nBoard annually reviews and approves revisions to our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the \u201cCode of Ethics\u201d) that\napplies to all employees, directors, and officers, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (Principal\nFinancial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer). The Code of Ethics was updated in May 2020 and is available in the \u201cInvestor\nRelations\u201d section of our website at www.smartvest.com. We intend to disclose on our website any amendment to or waiver\nfrom any provision of the Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer or our Chief Financial Officer (Principal\nFinancial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer), and that relates to any element of the Code of Ethics identified in Item\n406(b) of Regulation S-K, as promulgated by the SEC. Such disclosure will be provided promptly following the date of the amendment\nor waiver.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\nadditional information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections labeled \u201cElection of Directors,\u201d\n\u201cCorporate Governance,\u201d \u201cand \u201cSecurity Ownership Certain Beneficial Owners and Management\u201d and,\nif any, under \u201cDelinquent Section 16(a) Reports\u201d in the Proxy Statement.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 11.\nExecutive\n Compensation.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ninformation required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections labeled \u201cExecutive Compensation,\u201d\n\u201cDirector Compensation,\u201d and \u201cCorporate Governance \u2013 Personnel and Compensation Committee\u201d in the\nProxy Statement.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 12.\nSecurity\n Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ninformation required by this item relating to the security ownership of certain holders is incorporated herein by reference to\nthe sections labeled \u201cSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management\u201d and \u201cEquity Compensation\nPlan Information\u201d in the Proxy Statement.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 13.\nCertain\n Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ninformation required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections labeled \u201cCorporate Governance\u2013Independence\u201d\nand \u201cRelated Person Transaction Approval Policy\u201d in the Proxy Statement.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 14.\nPrincipal\n Accountant Fees and Services.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur\nindependent registered public accounting firm is \nRSM US\n LLP, \nRochester, MN\n, Auditor firm ID: \n49\n.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe\ninformation required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section labeled \u201cRatification of the Appointment\nof the Company\u2019s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm \u2013 Audit Fees\u201d in the Proxy Statement.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPART\nIV\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem\n 15.\nExhibits\n and Financial Statement Schedules.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n(a)\nDocuments\n filed as part of this report.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n(1)\nFinancial\n Statements. The following financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of this\n Annual Report on Form 10-K:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nReport\n of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nBalance\n Sheets as of June 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nStatements\n of Operations for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nStatements\n of Shareholders\u2019 Equity for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nStatements\n of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u25cf\nNotes\n to Financial Statements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n(2)\nFinancial\n Statement Schedules. No financial statement schedule is required to be included in this\n Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExhibit Number\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMethod of Filing\n\n\n\n\n3.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nComposite Articles of Incorporation, as amended through November\u00a08, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a03.1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2015)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n3.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmended and Restated Bylaws, effective September 29, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 29, 2020)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n4.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a04.1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2019)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExhibit Number\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMethod of Filing\n\n\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nElectromed,\n Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a010.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed November\u00a015,\n 2011)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm\n of Stock Option Award Agreement under the Electromed, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a010.4\n to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December\u00a031, 2011)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nElectromed,\n Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a010.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed November\u00a025,\n 2014)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm\n of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the Electromed, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a010.2\n to Current Report on Form 8-K filed November\u00a025, 2014)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm\n of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Electromed, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to\n Exhibit\u00a010.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed November\u00a025, 2014)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm\n of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Electromed, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a010.4\n to Current Report on Form 8-K filed November\u00a025, 2014)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nElectromed,\n Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed December\n 4, 2017)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm\n of Restricted Award Agreement under the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a010.11 to Annual\n Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2018)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm\n of Non-Qualified Option Agreement under the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a010.1 to\n Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March\u00a031, 2019)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm\n of Restricted Stock Agreement (Non-Employee Directors) under the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to\n Exhibit\u00a010.13 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2018)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Performance Stock Unit Agreement (Inducement Grant)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled\n Electronically\n\n\n\n\n10.12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Inducement Grant)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled\n Electronically\n\n\n\n\n10.13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNon-Competition,\n Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreement with Kathleen S. Skarvan dated effective December\u00a01, 2012 (incorporated\n by reference to Exhibit\u00a010.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December\u00a03, 2012)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmended\n and Restated Employment Agreement with Kathleen S. Skarvan dated as of December 2, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit\u00a010.1\n to Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 6, 2019)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEmployment\n Agreement with Bradley M. Nagel, dated October 19, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form\n 8-K filed October 24, 2022)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated\n by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExhibit Number\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMethod of Filing\n\n\n\n\n10.16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLetter Agreement with Kathleen S. Skarvan, dated February 14, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 14, 2023)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEmployment Agreement with James Cunniff, dated May 22, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 5, 2023)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLetter Agreement with James Cunniff, dated May 22, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 5, 2023)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLetter Agreement with Christopher G. Holland, dated June 9, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 15, 2023)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBusiness Loan Agreement with Choice Financial Group, dated December 18, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2019)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRider to Business Loan Agreement (Asset Based) with Choice Financial Group, dated December 18, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2019)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRider to Business Loan Agreement (Asset Based) with Choice Financial Group, dated December 16, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2020)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRider to Business Loan Agreement (Asset Based) with Choice Financial Group, Dated December 17, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10. 1 to Current Report on 8-K filed December 17, 2021)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCooperation Agreement, dated July 25, 2022, by and among Electromed, Inc. and Summers Value Partners LLC and certain of its affiliates signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 25, 2022)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription of Fiscal Year 2023 Officer Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n10.26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription of Fiscal Year 2024 Officer Bonus Plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n23.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nConsent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n24.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPowers of Attorney\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n31.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertification Pursuant to Section\u00a0302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n31.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertification Pursuant to Section\u00a0302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n32.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertification Pursuant to Section\u00a0906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFurnished Electronically\n\n\n\n\n32.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertification Pursuant to Section\u00a0906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFurnished Electronically\n\n\n\n\n101.CAL\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExhibit Number\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMethod of Filing\n\n\n\n\n101.DEF\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n101.INS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nXBRL Instance Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n101.LAB\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n101.PRE\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n101.SCH\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled Electronically\n\n\n\n\n104\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XBRL Document)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiled electronically\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\nManagement compensatory contract or arrangement.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nItem 16.\nForm 10-K Summary.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNone.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nSIGNATURES\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPursuant to the requirements\nof Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf\nby the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nELECTROMED, INC.\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDate: August 22, 2023\n\n\nBy\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0/s/ James L. Cunniff\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJames L. Cunniff\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPursuant to the requirements\nof the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant\nand in the capacities and on the dates indicated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nSignature\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTitle\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDate\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n/s/ James L. Cunniff\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer and Director\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJames L. Cunniff\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(principal executive officer)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Bradley M. Nagel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChief Financial Officer\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBradley M. Nagel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(principal financial and accounting officer)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStan K. Erickson\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGregory J. Fluet\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoseph L. Galatowitsch\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLee A. Jones\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKathleen S. Skarvan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndrew J. Summers\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKathleen A. Tune\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndrew M. Walsh\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*\nThe undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document on behalf of each of the above-named directors\nof the registrant pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBy\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0/s/ James L. Cunniff\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJames L. Cunniff\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAttorney-in-Fact\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n28\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. \n \nRisk Factors\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\n \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\n \nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n\n",
+ "cik": "1488917",
+ "cusip6": "285409",
+ "cusip": ["285409108"],
+ "names": ["ELECTROMED INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1488917/000089710123000380/0000897101-23-000380-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000910406-23-000053.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000910406-23-000053.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..eb09fe48ac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000910406-23-000053.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n \nOverview \nThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (collectively, along with its subsidiaries, the \u201cCompany,\u201d and herein referred to as \u201cHain Celestial,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus\u201d and \u201cour\u201d), was founded in 1993. The Company is a leading manufacturer, marketer and seller of better-for-you brands that inspire healthier living. The Company is committed to growing sustainably while continuing to implement environmentally sound business practices and manufacturing processes. Hain Celestial sells its products through specialty and natural food distributors, supermarkets, natural food stores, mass-market and e-commerce retailers, food service channels and club, drug and convenience stores worldwide.\nThe Company\u2019s food and beverage brands include Celestial Seasonings\n\u00ae\n, Clarks\u2122, Cully & Sully\n\u00ae\n, Earth\u2019s Best\n\u00ae\n, Ella\u2019s Kitchen\n\u00ae\n, Frank Cooper\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Garden of Eatin\u2019\n\u00ae\n, Garden Veggie\n\u2122\n, Hartley\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Health Valley\n\u00ae\n, Imagine\n\u00ae\n, Joya\n\u00ae\n, Lima\n\u00ae\n, Linda McCartney\u2019s\n\u00ae\n (under license), MaraNatha\n\u00ae\n, Natumi\n\u00ae\n, New Covent Garden Soup Co.\n\u00ae\n, ParmCrisps\n\u00ae\n, Robertson\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Rose\u2019s\n\u00ae\n (under license), Sensible Portions\n\u00ae\n, Spectrum\n\u00ae\n, Sun-Pat\n\u00ae\n, Terra\n\u00ae\n, The Greek Gods\n\u00ae\n, Thinsters\n\u00ae\n, Yorkshire Provender\n\u00ae\n and Yves Veggie Cuisine\n\u00ae\n. The Company\u2019s personal care brands include Alba Botanica\n\u00ae\n, Avalon Organics\n\u00ae\n, JASON\n\u00ae\n, Live Clean\n\u00ae\n and Queen Helene\n\u00ae\n.\nImpact\nWe are a global health and wellness company whose purpose is to inspire healthier living for people, communities, and the planet through better-for-you brands. We have focused our Impact strategy around expanding our commitment to environmentally sound business practices, creating and selling better-for-you products, social and commUpunity impact initiatives and sustainable manufacturing processes.\nOur Impact strategy also consists of our environmental, social, and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) goals along with a commitment to considering long-term social and environmental impacts. More details about our Impact strategy and goals, including our most recent ESG Report, are available at hain.com/company/impact.\nOur ESG Reports and the other information available at hain.com/company/impact are not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this Form 10-K or incorporated into any of our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the \u201cSEC\u201d).\nHuman Capital Resources\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we had approximately 2,837 employees, with approximately 46% located in North America and approximately 54% located outside of North America. Approximately 59% of our employees in North America and approximately 60% of our employees outside of North America were based in our production facilities. Substantially all of our employees are full-time, permanent employees.\nOur employees are critical to our success. The following programs, initiatives and principles encompass some of the human capital objectives and measures that we focus on in managing our business and in seeking to attract and retain a talented workforce.\nDiversity and Inclusion\nPeople have always been our greatest asset. They are the very heart of our Company, and we believe everyone should feel encouraged, respected and welcomed in our workplace.\nDiversity and inclusion drives success, and we believe that our employees\u2019 diverse backgrounds and experiences are essential to helping us all to continue to thrive internally and deliver innovative products to our customers. We promote fairness by practicing equal opportunity in all decisions about hiring, compensation, training, promotions and every other aspect of employment.\n4\nTable of Contents\nWe maintain a Diversity & Inclusion (\u201cD&I\u201d) Council in North America to create and foster a workplace that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global communities in which we do business. We are continuing to work to build our D&I efforts into recruitment, retention and internal mobility.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, our global workforce was 59% male and 41% female. In the United States, on an employee self-reported basis, the racial/ethnic composition of our workforce was approximately 40% Hispanic or Latino, 42% White, 10% Black or African American, 6% Asian and 2% other. We make additional workforce demographic data available at \nhain.com/impact\n. The information available at \nhain.com/impact\n is not a part of this Form 10-K or incorporated into any of our other filings made with the SEC.\nEmployee Health and Safety\nEmployee safety is always front and center. We invest in the health, safety, development and well-being of our employees. In an effort to ensure workplace safety, we train employees on how to follow our detailed, written safety standards and procedures, and the law, and to watch for and report anything potentially harmful. Our safety key performance indicators are reviewed weekly, monthly and annually to ensure quick feedback and to address safety issues as soon as they arise.\nLearning and Development\nWe offer a number of programs that help our employees progress in their careers. These programs include access to online learning and development tools as well as many additional local initiatives across our global locations to support employees on their career paths and develop leadership qualities and career skills in our global workforce.\nBenefits\nOur employee benefits vary by region but generally include:\n\u2022\nMedical, Dental, and Vision Benefits;\n\u2022\nRetirement Savings and Pension Plans;\n\u2022\nCommuter Benefits;\n\u2022\nWellness Initiatives;\n\u2022\nTuition Reimbursement; and\n\u2022\nPaid Parental Leave including births, adoptions or placements of foster children.\nEmployee Satisfaction and Engagement\nWe aim to foster a culture of open communications and have implemented a global systematic employee engagement process in which employees are surveyed periodically. Our Executive Leadership Team regularly reviews the results and considers and implements action items to address areas that need improvement. We have additional regional programs and policies in place to encourage open communications with management and Human Resources about employees\u2019 ideas, concerns and how they are doing.\nProducts\nOur brand portfolio focuses on growing global brands in categories where we believe we have the most potential. We continuously evaluate our existing products for quality, taste, nutritional value and cost and make improvements where possible. Conversely, we discontinue products or stock keeping units (\u201cSKUs\u201d) when sales of those items do not warrant further production. Products under different brands for our reportable segments are noted in the segments section.\nSeasonality\nCertain of our product lines have seasonal fluctuations in demand. Hot tea, hot-eating desserts and soup sales are stronger in colder months, while sales of snack foods, sunscreen and certain of our personal care products are stronger in the warmer months. As such, our results of operations and our cash flows for any particular quarter are not indicative of the results we expect for the full year, and our historical seasonality may not be indicative of future quarterly results of operations. In recent years, net sales and diluted earnings per share in the first fiscal quarter have typically been the lowest of our four quarters.\n5\nTable of Contents\nSegments\nOur organization structure consists of two geographic based reportable segments: North America and International. This structure is in line with how our Chief Operating Decision Maker (\u201cCODM\u201d) assesses our performance and allocates resources.\nSee \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d in Item 7 and Note 19, \nSegment Information\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.\nNorth America Segment:\nUnited States\nOur products are sol\nd throughout the United States. Our customer base consists principally of specialty and natural food distributors, supermarkets and natural food stores, mass-market, club stores, e-commerce retailers, drug and convenience stores, and food service channels. Our products are sold through a combination of direct salespeople, brokers and distributors. We believe that our direct salespeople com\nbined with brokers and distributors provide an effective means of reaching a broad and diverse customer base. Brokers act as agents for us within designated territories and receive commissions. A portion of our direct sales force is organized into dedicated teams to serve our significant customers. \nA significant portion of the products marketed by us are sold through independent distributors. Food distributors purchase products from us for resale to retailers.\nThe brands sold in the United States include:\n\u2022\nGarden Veggie\n\u2122\n and Sensible Portions\n\u00ae\n snack products including Garden Veggie Straws\n\u00ae\n, Garden Veggie Chips and Apple Straws\n\u00ae\n,\n \nTerra\n\u00ae\n varieties of root vegetable chips, potato chips, and other exotic vegetable chips, Garden of Eatin\u2019\n\u00ae\n tortilla chips, and ParmCrisps\n\u00ae\n.\n\u2022\nTea products under the Celestial Seasonings\n\u00ae\n brand and include more than 100 varieties of herbal, green, black, wellness, rooibos and chai teas, with well-known names and products such as Sleepytime\n\u00ae\n, Lemon Zinger\n\u00ae\n, Red Zinger\n\u00ae\n,\n \nCinnamon Apple Spice, Bengal Spice\n\u00ae\n, Country Peach Passion\n\u00ae\n and Tea Well\n\u00ae\n. \n\u2022\nBaby food products include infant and toddler formula, infant cereals, jarred baby food, baby food pouches, snacks and frozen toddler and kids\u2019 foods under the Earth\u2019s Best\n\u00ae\n and Earth\u2019s Best Sesame Street (under license) brands.\n\u2022\nYogurt products include The Greek Gods\n\u00ae\n Greek-style yogurt products.\n\u2022\nPersonal care products include hand, skin, hair and oral care products, sun care products and deodorants under the Alba Botanica\n\u00ae\n, Avalon Organics\n\u00ae\n, JASON\n\u00ae\n and Queen Helene\n\u00ae\n brands.\n\u2022\nOther products include Spectrum\n\u00ae\n culinary oils, vinegars and condiments, Spectrum Essentials\n\u00ae\n nutritional oils and supplements, MaraNatha\n\u00ae\n nut butters, Imagine\n\u00ae\n broths, soups and gravies, Hain Pure Foods\n\u00ae\n condiments, Health Valley\n\u00ae\n cereal bars and soups, and Hollywood\n\u00ae\n oils.\nCanada\nOur products are sold throughout Canada. Our customer base consists principally of grocery supermarkets, club stores, mass merchandisers, natural food distributors, drug store chains, personal care distributors, and food service distributors. Our products are sold through our own retail direct sales force. We also utilize third-party brokers who receive commissions and sell to food service and retail customers. We utilize a third-party merchandising team for retail execution. As in the United States, a portion of the products marketed by us are sold through independent distributors.\nThe brands sold in Canada include Yves Veggie Cuisine\n\u00ae\n refrigerated and frozen meat-alternative snacks and meals, vegetables and lentils, Earth\u2019s Best\n\u00ae\n infant formula, MaraNatha\n\u00ae\n nut butters, Spectrum\n\u00ae\n cooking and culinary oils, Imagine\n\u00ae\n aseptic soups, The Greek Gods\n\u00ae\n Greek-style yogurt and Robertson\u2019s\n\u00ae \nmarmalades. Other food brands include Celestial Seasonings\n\u00ae\n teas, Terra\n\u00ae\n chips and Garden Veggie\n\u2122\n and Sensible Portions\n\u00ae\n snack products. Our personal care products include skin, hair and oral care products, sun care products and deodorants under the Alba Botanica\n\u00ae\n, Avalon Organics\n\u00ae\n, JASON\n\u00ae\n, and Live Clean\n\u00ae\n brands.\n6\nTable of Contents\nInternational Segment:\nUnited Kingdom\nIn the United Kingdom, our products include soups, plant-based and meat-free dishes and meals, as well as ambient products such as jams, fruit spreads, jellies, honey, marmalades, nut butters, sweeteners, syrups and dessert sauces.\nThe products sold in the United Kingdom include Ella's Kitchen\n\u00ae\n premium organic infant and toddler foods, New Covent Garden Soup Co.\n\u00ae \nand Yorkshire Provender\n\u00ae \nchilled soups, private label and Farmhouse Fare\n\u2122\n hot-eating desserts, Linda McCartney\u2019s\n\u00ae\n (under license) chilled and frozen plant-based dishes and meals, Hartley\u2019s\n\u00ae\n jams, fruit spreads and jellies, Sun-Pat\n\u00ae \nnut butters, Clarks\u2122 natural sweeteners and Robertson\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Frank Cooper\u2019s\n\u00ae\n and Rose\u2019s\n\u00ae\n (under license) marmalades. We also provide a comprehensive range of private label products to many grocery and organic food retailers, convenience stores and food service providers in the following categories: fresh soup, chilled desserts, meat-free dishes and meals and ambient grocery products.\nOur products are principally sold throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland but are also sold in Europe and other parts of the world. Our customer base consists principally of retailers, convenience stores, food service providers, business to business, natural food and ethnic specialty distributors, club stores and wholesalers.\nEurope\nOur products sold by the Europe reporting unit include, among others, products sold under the Joya\n\u00ae\n, Lima\n\u00ae\n and Natumi\n\u00ae \nbrands. The Lima\n\u00ae\n brand includes a wide range of organic products such as soy sauce, plant-based beverages and grain cakes, as well as grains, pasta, cereals, miso, snacks, sweeteners, spreads, soups and condiments. Our Natumi\n\u00ae\n brand includes plant-based beverages, including rice, soy, oat and spelt. Our Joya\n\u00ae\n brand includes soy, oat, rice and nut-based drinks as well as plant-based yogurts, desserts, creamers and tofu. We also sell our Hartley\u2019s\n\u00ae\n jams, fruit spreads and jellies, Terra\n\u00ae\n varieties of root vegetable and potato chips, Celestial Seasonings\n\u00ae\n teas, Linda McCartney\u2019s\n\u00ae\n (under license) chilled and frozen plant-based dishes and meals, Cully & Sully\n\u00ae\n chilled soups and ready meals, and private label products in Europe. \nOur products are sold in grocery stores and organic food stores throughout Europe, the Middle East and India. Our products are sold using our own direct sales force and local distributors.\nCustomers\nWalmart Inc. and its affiliates together accounted for approximately 16%, 15% and 11% of our consolidated sales for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which were primarily related to the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. No other customer accounted for at least 10% of our net sales in any of the past three fiscal years. \nForeign Operations\nWe sell our products to customers worldwide. Sales outside of the United States represented approximately \n43%, 45% and 52% of our consolidated net sales in \nfiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\nMarketing\nWe aim to meet the consumer at multiple points in their journey, across the digital and omnichannel ecosystem, communicating both in-store and online. We use a combination of trade and consumer advertising and promotion. Trade advertising and promotion includes placement fees, cooperative advertising, feature advertising in distribution catalogs and in-store merchandising in prominent and secondary locations.\nConsumer advertising and promotion is used to build brand awareness and equity, drive trial to bring in new consumers and retain existing users to increase household penetration and consumption. Paid social and digital advertising, including retailer media and public relations programs, are the main drivers of brand awareness. Trial and conversion tactics include, but are not limited to, product search on Google and e-commerce sites, digital coupons, product sampling, direct mail and e-consumer relationship programs. Additionally, brand specific websites and social media pages are used to engage consumers with lifestyle, product and usage information related to specific brands.\n7\nTable of Contents\nWe also utilize marketing arrangements with third parties to help create awareness and advocacy. For example, our Earth\u2019s Best\n\u00ae\n brand has an agreement with PBS Kids and Sesame Workshop in the United States, leveraging popular characters for on and off packaging communications. We also leverage various influencers to help increase brand reach and relevance. \nNew Product Initiatives Through Research and Development\nInnovation, including new product development, is a key component of our growth strategy. We continuously seek to understand our consumers and develop products that address their desire for organic, natural and better-for-you alternatives to conventional packaged foods and personal care products. We have a demonstrated track record of extending our product offerings into other product categories. A team of professional product developers, including microbiologists, nutritionists, food scientists, chefs and chemists, work to develop products to meet changing consumer needs. Our research and development staff incorporates product ideas from all areas of our business in order to formulate new products. In addition to developing new products, the research and development staff routinely reformulates and improves existing products based on advances in ingredients, packaging and technology. In addition to our Company-sponsored research and development activities, in order to quickly and economically introduce our new products to market, we may partner with contract manufacturers that make our products according to our formulas or other specifications. The Company also partners with certain customers from time to time on exclusive customer initiatives. The Company\u2019s research and development expenditures do not include the expenditures on such activities undertaken by co-packers and suppliers who develop numerous products on behalf of the Company and on their own initiative with the expectation that the Company will accept their new product ideas and market them under the Company\u2019s brands.\nProduction\nManufacturing\nDuring fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, approximately \n58%\n, 51% and 61%, respectively, of our revenue was derived from products manufactured at our own facilities.\nOur North America reportable segment operates the following manufacturing facilities: \n\u2022\nBoulder, Colorado, which produces Celestial Seasonings\n\u00ae\n teas;\n\u2022\nMountville, Pennsylvania, which produces Garden Veggie\n\u2122\n, Sensible Portions\n\u00ae\n and Terra\n\u00ae\n snack products;\n\u2022\nBell, California, which produces Alba Botanica\n\u00ae\n, Avalon Organics\n\u00ae\n, and JASON\n\u00ae \npersonal care products;\n\u2022\nLancaster, Pennsylvania, which produces snack products;\n\u2022\nYork, Pennsylvania, which produces ParmCrisps\n\u00ae\n;\n\u2022\nVancouver, British Columbia, which produces Yves Veggie Cuisine\n\u00ae\n plant-based snacks and meals; and\n\u2022\nMississauga, Ontario, which produces our Live Clean\n\u00ae \nand other personal care products.\nOur International reportable segment operates the following manufacturing facilities:\n\u2022\nHiston, England, which produces our ambient grocery products including Hartley\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Frank Cooper\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Robertson\u2019s\n\u00ae\n and Clarks\u2122;\n\u2022\nGrimsby, England, which produces our New Covent Garden Soup Co.\n\u00ae\n and Yorkshire Provender\n\u00ae\n \nchilled soups;\n\u2022\nClitheroe, England, which produces our private label and Farmhouse Fare\nTM \nhot-eating desserts;\n \n\u2022\nFakenham, England, which produces Linda McCartney\u2019s\n\u00ae\n (under license) meat-free frozen and chilled dishes and meals;\n\u2022\nTroisdorf, Germany, which produces Natumi\n\u00ae\n, Lima\n\u00ae\n, \n \nJoya\n\u00ae\n and other plant-based beverages and private label products; \n\u2022\nOberwart, Austria, which produces our Lima\n\u00ae \nand Joya\n\u00ae\n plant-based foods and beverages, creamers, cooking creams and private label products; and\n\u2022\nSchwerin, Germany, which also produces our Lima\n\u00ae \nand Joya\n\u00ae\n plant-based foods and beverages and private label products.\n \nSee \u201cItem 2: Properties\u201d of this Form 10-K for more information on the manufacturing facilities that we operate. \n8\nTable of Contents\nContract Manufacturers\nIn addition to the products manufactured in our own facilities, independent third-party contract manufacturers, who are referred to in our industry as co-manufacturers or co-packers, manufacture many of our products. In general, utilizing co-packers provides us with the flexibility to produce a large variety of products and the ability to enter new categories quickly and economically. Our contract manufacturers have been selected based on their production capabilities, capitalization and their specific product category expertise, and we expect to \ncontinue to partner with them to improve and expand our product offerings.\u00a0During fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, approximately 42%, 49% and 39%, respec\ntively, of our sales were derived from products manufactured by co-packers. We require that our co-packers comply with all\n \napplicable regulations and our quality and food safety program requirements, and compliance is verified through auditing and other activities. Additionally, the co-packers are required to ensure our products are manufactured in accordance with our finished goods specifications to ensure we meet customer expectations.\nSuppliers of Ingredients and Packaging\nAgricultural commodities and ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, oils, grains, beans, nuts, tea and herbs, spices, and dairy products, are the principal inputs used in our food and beverage products. Plant-based surfactants, glycerin and alcohols are the main inputs used in our personal care products. Our primary packaging supplies are cartons, pouches, printed film, paper, paperboard and jars. We strive to maintain a global supplier base that provides innovative ideas and sustainable packaging alternatives.\nOur raw materials and packaging materials are obtained from various suppliers around the world. The Company works with its suppliers to ensure the quality and safety of their ingredients and that such ingredients meet our specifications and comply with applicable regulations. These assurances are supported by our purchasing contracts, supplier expectations manual, supplier code of conduct, and technical assessments, including questionnaires, scientific data, certifications, affidavits, certificates of analysis and analytical testing, where required. Our purchasers and quality team visit major suppliers around the world to procure competitively priced, quality ingredients that meet our specifications.\nWe maintain long-term relationships with many of our suppliers. Purchase arrangements with ingredient suppliers are generally made annually. Purchases are made through purchase orders or contracts, and price, delivery terms and product specifications vary.\nAgricultural commodities and ingredients are subject to price volatility which can be caused by a variety of factors. We attempt to mitigate the input price volatility by negotiating and entering into purchase arrangements with our suppliers and by adjusting the sale price of our products.\nCompetition\nWe operate in a highly competitive environment. Our products compete with both large conventional packaged goods companies and natural and organic packaged foods companies. Many of these competitors enjoy significantly greater resources. Large conventional packaged foods competitors include Campbell Soup Company, Conagra Brands, Inc., Danone S.A., General Mills, Inc., The Hershey Company, The J.M. Smucker Company, Kellogg Company, Mondelez International, Inc., Nestle S.A., PepsiCo, Inc. and Unilever PLC. Large conventional personal care products companies with whom we compete include, but are not limited to, The Clorox Company, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Johnson & Johnson, The Procter & Gamble Company, S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. and Unilever PLC. Certain of these large conventional packaged foods and personal care companies compete with us by selling both conventional products and natural and/or organic products. In addition to these competitors, in each of our categories we compete with many regional and small, local niche brands. Given limited retailer shelf space and merchandising events, competitors actively support their respective brands with marketing, advertising and promotional spending. In addition, most retailers market similar items under their own private label, which compete for the same shelf space.\nCompetitive factors in the packaged foods industry include product quality and taste, brand awareness and loyalty, product variety, interesting or unique product names, product packaging and package design, shelf space, reputation, price, advertising, promotion and nutritional claims. \n9\nTable of Contents\nTrademarks\nWe believe that brand awareness is a significant component in a consumer\u2019s decision to purchase one product over another in the highly competitive consumer packaged goods industry. We generally register our trademarks and brand names in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom and/or other foreign countries depending on the area of distribution of the applicable products. We intend to keep these filings current and seek protection for new trademarks to the extent consistent with business needs. We monitor trademark registers worldwide and take action to enforce our rights as we deem appropriate. We believe that our trademarks are significant to the marketing and sale of our products and that the inability to utilize certain of these names and marks, and/or the inability to prevent third parties from using similar names or marks, could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nWe also market products under brands licensed under trademark license agreements, including Linda McCartney\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Rose\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, the Sesame Street name and logo and other Sesame Workshop intellectual property on certain of our Earth\u2019s Best\n\u00ae\n products, as well as the Paddington Bear image on certain of our Robertson\u2019s\n\u00ae\n products.\nGovernment Regulation\nWe are subject to extensive regulations in the United States by federal, state and local government authorities. In the United States, the federal agencies governing the manufacture, marketing and distribution of our products include, among others, the Federal Trade Commission (\u201cFTC\u201d), the United States Food & Drug Administration (\u201cFDA\u201d), the United States Department of Agriculture (\u201cUSDA\u201d), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (\u201cEPA\u201d) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (\u201cOSHA\u201d). Under various statutes, these agencies prescribe and establish, among other things, the requirements and standards for quality, safety and representation of our products to the consumer in labeling and advertising.\nInternationally, we are subject to the laws and regulatory authorities of the foreign jurisdictions in which we manufacture and sell our products, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom, and the European Food Safety Authority.\nQuality Control\nWe utilize a comprehensive product safety and quality management program, which employs strict manufacturing procedures, expert technical knowledge on food safety science, employee training, ongoing process innovation, use of quality ingredients and both internal and independent auditing.\nIn the United States, each of our own food manufacturing facilities has a Food Safety Plan (\u201cFSP\u201d), which focuses on preventing food safety risks and is compliant with the requirements set forth under the Food Safety Modernization Act (\u201cFSMA\u201d). In addition, each such facility has at least one Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (\u201cPCQI\u201d) who has successfully completed training equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA.\nWe conduct audits of our contract manufacturers to address topics such as allergen control; ingredient, packaging and product specifications; and sanitation. Under FSMA, each of our contract manufacturers is required to have a FSP, a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Plant (\u201cHACCP\u201d) plan or a hazard analysis critical control points plan that identifies critical pathways for contaminants and mandates control measures to be in place to mitigate food-borne hazards.\nIndependent Certifications\nSubstantially all of our Hain-owned manufacturing sites and a significant number of our contract manufacturers are certified against a recognized standard such as the Global Food Safety Initiative (\u201cGFSI\u201d), which includes Safe Quality Foods (\u201cSQF\u201d) and British Retail Consortium (\u201cBRC\u201d), or ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and ISO 22716 GMP Cosmetic and Personal Care. All facilities where our food products are manufactured are GFSI compliant. These standards are integrated product safety and quality management protocols designed specifically for the food and personal care sectors and offer a comprehensive methodology to manage product safety and quality. Certification provides an independent and external validation that a product, process or service complies with applicable regulations and standards.\nIn the United States, our organic products are certified in accordance with the USDA\u2019s National Organic Program through Quality Assurance International (\u201cQAI\u201d), a third-party certifying agency. For products marketed as organic outside of the United States, we use accredited certifying agencies to ensure compliance with country-specific government regulations for selling organic products or reciprocity, where available.\n10\nTable of Contents\nMany of our products are certified kosher under the supervision of accredited agencies including The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations and \u201cKOF-K\u201d Kosher Supervision.\nWe also work with other non-governmental organizations such as NSF International, which developed the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for Personal Care Products Containing Organic Ingredients and provides third-party certification through QAI for certain of our personal care products. In addition, we work with other nongovernmental organizations such as the Gluten Free Intolerance Group, Fair Trade USA, Environmental Working Group, The Skin Cancer Foundation, Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics/Leaping Bunny, The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and the Non-GMO Project.\nCompany Website and Available Information\nThe following information can be found, free of charge, in the \u201cInvestor Relations\u201d section of our corporate website at \nir.hain.com\n:\n\u2022\nour annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC;\n\u2022\nour policies related to corporate governance, including our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (\u201cCode of Ethics\u201d) applying to our directors, officers and employees (including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officers) that we have adopted to meet the requirements set forth in the rules and regulations of the SEC and The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; and\n\u2022\nthe charters of the Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance and Nominating, and Strategy Committees of our Board of Directors.\nIf the Company ever were to amend or waive any provision of its Code of Ethics that applies to the Company\u2019s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or any person performing similar functions, the Company intends to satisfy its disclosure obligations, if any, with respect to any such waiver or amendment by posting such information on its website set forth above rather than by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K.\nThe Company may use its website as a distribution channel of material Company information. Financial and other important information regarding the Company is routinely posted on and accessible through the Company\u2019s investor relations website at \nir.hain.com\n. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about the Company when you enroll your email address by visiting \u201cE-mail Alerts\u201d under the \"IR Resources\" section of our investor relations website. Information on the Company\u2019s website is not incorporated by reference herein and is not a part of this Form 10-K.\n11\nTable of Contents",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Risk Factors\nOur business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The most significant of these risks include those described below; however, there may be additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial. If any of the following risks and uncertainties develop into actual events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. These risk factors should be read in conjunction with the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the other documents that we file from time to time with the SEC.\nRisks Related to Our Business, Operations and Industry\nOur markets are highly competitive.\nWe operate in highly competitive geographic and product markets. Numerous brands and products compete for limited retailer shelf space, where competition is based on product quality, brand recognition, brand loyalty, price, product innovation, promotional activity, availability and taste among other things. Retailers also market competitive products under their own private labels, which are generally sold at lower prices and compete with some of our products.\nSome of our markets are dominated by multinational corporations with greater resources and more substantial operations than us. We may not be able to successfully compete for sales to distributors or retailers that purchase from larger competitors that have greater financial, managerial, sales and technical resources. Conventional food companies, including but not limited to Campbell Soup Company, Conagra Brands, Inc., Danone S. A., General Mills, Inc., The Hershey Company, The J.M. Smucker Company, Kellogg Company, Mondelez International, Inc., Nestle S.A., PepsiCo, Inc. and Unilever PLC, and conventional personal care products companies, including but not limited to The Clorox Company, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Johnson & Johnson, The Procter & Gamble Company, S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. and Unilever PLC, may be able to use their resources and scale to respond to competitive pressures and changes in consumer preferences by introducing new products or reformulating their existing products, reducing prices or increasing promotional activities. We also compete with other organic and natural packaged food brands and companies, which may be more innovative and able to bring new products to market faster and may be better able to quickly exploit and serve niche markets. As a result of this competition, retailers may take actions that negatively affect us. Consequently, we may need to increase our marketing, advertising and promotional spending to protect our existing market share, which may result in an adverse impact on our profitability.\nIf we do not manage our supply chain effectively or if there are disruptions in our supply chain, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.\nThe success of our business depends, in part, on maintaining a strong sourcing and manufacturing platform and efficient distribution channels. The inability of any supplier of raw materials, independent contract manufacturer or third-party distributor to deliver or perform for us in a timely or cost-effective manner could cause our operating costs to increase and our profit margins to decrease, especially as it relates to our products that have a short shelf life. We must continuously monitor our inventory and product mix against forecasted demand or risk having inadequate supplies to meet consumer demand as well as having too much inventory on hand that may reach its expiration date and become unsaleable.\nWe must also manage our third-party distribution, warehouse and transportation providers to ensure they are able to support the efficient distribution of our products to retailers. A disruption in transportation services could result in an inability to supply materials to our or our co-manufacturers\u2019 facilities or finished products to our distribution centers or customers. Activity at third-party distribution centers could be disrupted by a number of factors, including labor issues, failure to meet customer standards, natural disasters or financial issues affecting the third-party providers.\nIf we are unable to manage our supply chain efficiently and ensure that our products are available to meet consumer demand and customer orders, our sales and profitability could be materially adversely impacted.\n12\nTable of Contents\nOur future results of operations may be adversely affected by input cost inflation, including with respect to freight and other distribution costs.\nMany aspects of our business have been, and may continue to be, directly affected by volatile commodity costs and other inflationary pressures.\nAgricultural commodities and ingredients are subject to price volatility which can be caused by commodity market fluctuations, crop yields, seasonal cycles, weather conditions, temperature extremes and natural disasters (including due to the effects of climate change), pest and disease problems, changes in currency exchange rates, imbalances between supply and demand, and government programs and policies among other factors. Volatile fuel costs and other factors translate into unpredictable costs for the products and services we receive from our third-party providers including, but not limited to, freight and other distribution costs for our products and packaging costs.\nWhile we seek to offset increased input costs with a combination of price increases to our customers, purchasing strategies, cost savings initiatives and operating efficiencies, we may be unable to fully offset our increased costs or unable to do so in a timely manner. If we are unable to fully offset such cost increases, our financial results could be materially adversely affected.\nDisruption or loss of operations at one or more of our manufacturing facilities could harm our business.\nFor the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023, 2022 and 2021, approximately 58%\n, 51% and 61%\n, respectively, of our sales were derived from products manufactured at our own manufacturing facilities. A disruption of or the loss of operations at one or more of these facilities, which may be caused by disease outbreaks or pandemics, labor issues, natural disasters or governmental actions, could delay or postpone production of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Labor market shortages have impacted, and may continue to impact, operations at our manufacturing facilities.\nLoss of one or more of our independent contract manufacturers could adversely affect our business.\nDuring fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, approximately 42%\n, 49% and 39%\n, respectively, of our sales were derived from products manufactured at independent contract manufacturers, or co-manufacturers. In some cases, an individual co-manufacturer may produce all of our requirements for a particular brand. We believe there are a limited number of competent, high-quality co-manufacturers in the industry, and many of our co-manufacturers produce products for other companies as well. Therefore, if we lose or need to change one or more co-manufacturers or fail to retain co-manufacturers for newly acquired or developed products or brands, production of our products may be delayed or postponed and/or the availability of some of our products may be reduced or eliminated, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nOur growth and continued success depend upon consumer preferences for our products, which could change.\nOur business is primarily focused on sales of organic, natural and better-for-you products which, if consumer demand for such categories were to decrease, could harm our business. During an economic downturn, factors such as increased unemployment, decreases in disposable income and declines in consumer confidence could cause a decrease in demand for our overall product set, particularly higher priced better-for-you products. While we continue to diversify our product offerings, developing new products entails risks, and demand for our products may not continue at current levels or increase in the future. The success of our innovation and product improvement effort is affected by our ability to anticipate changes in consumers\u2019 preferences, the level of funding that can be made available, the technical capability of our research and development staff in developing, formulating and testing product prototypes, including complying with governmental regulations, and the success of our management in introducing the resulting improvements in a timely manner.\nIn addition, over the past several years, we have seen a shift in consumption towards the e-commerce channel and may see a more substantial shift in the future. Some products we sell via the e-commerce channel have lower margins than those sold in traditional brick and mortar retailers and present unique challenges in order fulfillment. If we are unsuccessful in implementing product improvements or introducing new products that satisfy the demands of consumers, our business could be harmed.\nIn addition, we have other product categories that are subject to evolving consumer preferences. Consumer demand could change based on a number of possible factors, including dietary habits and nutritional values, concerns regarding the health of ingredients and the environmental effects of ingredients and packaging, and shifts in preference for various product attributes. A significant shift in consumer demand away from our products could reduce the sales of our brands or our market share, both of which could harm our business.\n13\nTable of Contents\nA significant percentage of our sales is concentrated among a small number of customers, and consolidation of customers or the loss of a significant customer could negatively impact our sales and profitability.\nOur growth and continued success depend upon, among other things, our ability to maintain and increase sales volumes with existing customers, our ability to attract new customers, the financial condition of our customers and our ability to provide products that appeal to customers at the right price. A significant percentage of our sales is concentrated among a small number of customers. For example, sales to Walmart Inc. and its affiliates approximated 16%, 15% and 11% of sales during the fiscal years ended\u00a0June\u00a030, 2023,\u00a02022\u00a0and\u00a02021, respectively. The loss of any large customer, the reduction of purchasing levels or the cancellation of any business from a large customer for an extended length of time could negatively impact our sales and profitability.\nWe rely on independent distributors for a substantial portion of our sales.\nIn the United States, we rely upon sales made by or through non-affiliated distributors to customers. Distributors purchase directly for their own account for resale. The loss of, or business disruption at, one or more of these distributors may harm our business. If we are required to obtain additional or alternative distribution agreements or arrangements in the future, we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so on satisfactory terms or in a timely manner. Our inability to enter into satisfactory distribution agreements may inhibit our ability to implement our business plan or to establish markets necessary to successfully expand the distribution of our products.\nWe are subject to risks associated with our international sales and operations, including foreign currency, compliance and trade risks.\nFor the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023, 2022 and 2021, approximately 43%, 45% and 52%, respectively, of our consolidated sales were generated outside the United States. Sales from outside our U.S. markets may continue to represent a significant portion of our consolidated sales in the future.\nOur non-U.S. sales and operations are subject to risks inherent in conducting business abroad, many of which are outside our control, including:\n\u2022\ndifficulties in managing a global enterprise, including differing labor standards and design and implementation of effective control environment processes across our diverse operations and employee base;\n\u2022\ncompliance with U.S. laws affecting operations outside of the United States, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control trade sanction regulations and anti-boycott regulations; \n\u2022\ndifficulties associated with operating under a wide variety of complex foreign laws, treaties and regulations, including compliance with antitrust and competition laws, anti-modern slavery laws, anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, data privacy laws, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (\u201cGDPR\u201d), tax laws and regulations and a variety of other local, national and multi-national regulations and laws;\n\u2022\ntariffs, quotas, trade barriers or sanctions, other trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements imposed by governments that might negatively affect our sales, including, but not limited to, Canadian and European Union tariffs imposed on certain U.S. food and beverages; \n\u2022\ncurrency exchange rate fluctuations;\n\u2022\nvarying abilities to enforce intellectual property and contractual rights; \n\u2022\nperiodic economic downturns and the instability of governments, including default or deterioration in the credit worthiness of local governments, geopolitical regional conflicts, terrorist activity, political unrest, civil strife, acts of war, public corruption, instability in the financial services sector, expropriation and other economic or political uncertainties; and\n\u2022\ngreater risk of uncollectible accounts and longer collection cycles. \nOur future results of operations may be adversely affected by the availability of natural and organic ingredients.\nOur ability to ensure a continuing supply of natural and organic ingredients used in certain of our products at competitive prices depends on many factors beyond our control, such as the number and size of farms that grow natural and organic crops, climate conditions, increased demand for natural and organic ingredients by our competitors for these scarce ingredients, climate conditions, global unrest and changes in national and world economic conditions, currency fluctuations and forecasting adequate need of seasonal ingredients.\nThe natural and organic ingredients that we use in the production of our products (including, among others, vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains) are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, water scarcity, \n14\nTable of Contents\ntemperature extremes, wildfires, frosts, earthquakes and pestilences. Natural disasters and adverse weather conditions can lower crop yields and reduce crop size and crop quality, which in turn could reduce our supplies of natural and organic ingredients or increase the prices of those ingredients. Such natural disasters and adverse weather conditions can be caused or exacerbated by climate change, and the spate of recent extreme weather and climate-related events, including historic droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, extreme cold and flooding, presents an alarming trend. If our supplies of natural and organic ingredients are reduced, we may not be able to find enough supplemental supply sources on favorable terms, if at all, which could impact our ability to supply products to our customers and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nWe also compete with other manufacturers in the procurement of natural and organic product ingredients, which may be less plentiful in the open market than conventional product ingredients. This competition may increase in the future if consumer demand for natural and organic products increases. This could cause our expenses to increase or could limit the amount of products that we can manufacture and sell.\nWe have outsourced certain functions to third-party service providers, and any service failures or disruptions related to these outsourcing arrangements could adversely affect our business.\nWe have outsourced certain business processes in the areas of supply chain, accounting and information technology to managed service providers, globally.\nWe face risks associated with third parties managing these functions for us. For example, we have diminished control over the quality and timeliness of the outsourced services, including the cyber security protections implemented by these third parties. As a result of these outsourcing arrangements, we may experience interruptions or delays in our processes, loss or theft of sensitive data or other cyber security issues, compliance issues, challenges in maintaining and reporting financial and operational information, and increased costs to remediate any unanticipated issues that arise, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nWe may not be successful in achieving savings and efficiencies from cost reduction initiatives and related strategic initiatives.\nOur strategy includes identifying areas of cost savings and operating efficiencies to expand profit margins and cash flow. As part of our identification of operating efficiencies, we may continue to seek to dispose of businesses and brands that are less profitable or are otherwise less of a strategic fit within our core portfolio.\nWe may not be successful in fully implementing our cost savings plans or realizing our anticipated savings and efficiencies, including potentially as a result of factors outside our control. Additionally, we may not be able to identify or negotiate divestiture opportunities on terms acceptable to us. If we are unable to fully realize the anticipated savings and efficiencies of our cost reduction initiatives and related strategic initiatives, our profitability may be materially and adversely impacted.\nThe Russia-Ukraine war could continue to cause challenges and create risks for our business.\nAlthough we have no material assets in Russia, Belarus or Ukraine, our supply chain has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war. In particular, the war has added significant costs to existing inflationary pressures through increased fuel and raw material prices and labor costs. Further, beyond increased costs, labor challenges and other factors have led to supply chain disruptions. While, to date, we have been able to identify replacement raw materials where necessary, we have incurred increased costs in doing so. Although we are continuing to monitor and manage the impacts of the war on our business, the war and the related economic impact could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.\nOur business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected by the failure to successfully execute acquisitions or dispositions or to successfully integrate completed acquisitions.\nFrom time to time, we evaluate potential acquisitions or dispositions that align with our strategic objectives. The success of those initiatives depends upon our ability to identify suitable acquisition targets or buyers and successfully negotiate contract terms, among other factors. These initiatives may present operational risks, including diversion of management\u2019s attention from other matters, difficulties integrating acquired businesses into our existing operations or separating businesses from our operations, and challenges presented by acquisitions that may not achieve intended results. If we are not successful in executing acquisitions or divestitures or in integrating completed acquisitions, our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.\n15\nTable of Contents\nWe rely on independent certifications for a number of our products.\nWe rely on independent third-party certifications, such as certifications of our products as \u201corganic,\u201d \u201cNon-GMO\u201d or \u201ckosher,\u201d to differentiate our products from others. We must comply with the requirements of independent organizations or certification authorities in order to label our products as certified organic. For example, we can lose our \u201corganic\u201d certification if a manufacturing plant becomes contaminated with non-organic materials, or if it is not properly cleaned after a production run. In addition, all raw materials must be certified organic. Similarly, we can lose our \u201ckosher\u201d certification if a manufacturing plant and raw materials do not meet the requirements of the appropriate kosher supervision organization. The loss of any independent certifications could adversely affect our market position as an organic and natural products Company, which could harm our business.\nRisks Related to Our Reputation, Brands and Intellectual Property\nIf the reputation of our Company or our brands erodes significantly, including as a result of concerns regarding product quality or safety or perceptions about our ESG practices, it could have a material impact on our business.\nOur financial success is directly dependent on the perception of our Company and our brands among our customers, consumers, employees and other constituents. Our results could be negatively impacted if our Company or one or more of our brands suffers substantial damage to its reputation due to real or perceived issues related to the quality or safety of our products. Further, the success of our brands may suffer if our marketing plans or product initiatives do not have the desired impact on a brand\u2019s image or its ability to attract consumers.\nIn addition, customers and consumers are increasingly expressing their expectations that companies and brands act responsibly in their ESG practices. Any failure to meet such customer or consumer expectations, or any negative publicity regarding our ESG practices, could impact our reputation with customers, consumers and other constituents, which could have a material impact on our business.\nOur inability to use our trademarks or the trademarks we license from third parties could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nWe believe that brand awareness is a significant component in a consumer\u2019s decision to purchase one product over another in the highly competitive food, beverage and personal care industries. Although we endeavor to protect our trademarks and tradenames, these efforts may not be successful, and third parties may challenge our right to use one or more of our trademarks or tradenames. We believe that our trademarks and tradenames are significant to the marketing and sale of our products and that the inability to utilize certain of these names \nand marks, and/or the inability to prevent third parties from using similar names or marks, \ncould have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nIn addition, we market products under brands licensed under trademark license agreements, including Linda McCartney\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Rose\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, the Sesame Street name and logo and other Sesame Workshop intellectual property on certain of our Earth\u2019s Best\n\u00ae\n products. We believe that these trademarks have significant value and are instrumental in our ability to market and sustain demand for those product offerings. These trademark license agreements may not remain in effect or be enforceable, and our license agreements, upon expiration, may not be renewed on acceptable terms or at all.\nRisks Related to Economic Considerations\nCurrency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our consolidated financial results and condition.\nWe are subject to risks related to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Our consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollars, requiring us to translate our assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses into United States Dollars. As a result, changes in the values of currencies may unpredictably and adversely impact our consolidated operating results, our asset and liability balances and our cash flows in our consolidated financial statements even if their value has not changed in their original currency.\n16\nTable of Contents\nDisruptions in the worldwide economy and the financial markets may adversely impact our business and results of operations.\nAdverse and uncertain economic and market conditions, particularly in the locations in which we operate, may impact customer and consumer demand for our products and our ability to manage normal commercial relationships with our customers, suppliers and creditors. Consumers may shift purchases to lower-priced or other perceived value offerings during economic downturns, which may adversely affect our results of operations. Consumers may also reduce the number of organic and natural products that they purchase where there are conventional alternatives, given that organic and natural products generally have higher retail prices than do their conventional counterparts. In addition, consumers may choose to purchase private label products rather than branded products, which generally have lower retail prices than do their branded counterparts. Distributors and retailers may also become more conservative in response to these conditions and seek to reduce their inventories.\nProlonged unfavorable economic conditions may have an adverse effect on any of these factors and, therefore, could adversely impact our sales and profitability.\nRisks Related to Information Security and Technology\nA cybersecurity incident or other technology disruptions could negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers.\nWe depend on information systems and technology, including public websites and cloud-based services, in substantially all aspects of our business, including communications among our employees and with suppliers, customers and consumers. Such uses of information systems and technology give rise to cybersecurity risks, including system disruption, security breach, ransomware, theft, espionage and inadvertent release of information. We have become more reliant on mobile devices, remote communication and other technologies \nas part of the recent change in office working patterns\n, enhancing our cybersecurity risk. Our business involves the storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property, including customers\u2019 and suppliers\u2019 information, private information about employees, and financial and strategic information about the Company and its business partners. Further, as we pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, we are also expanding and improving our information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence and increased exposure to cybersecurity risk. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks.\nWe have experienced cyber security threats and vulnerabilities in our systems and those of our third party providers. Although, to date, such prior events have not had a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or financial condition, the potential consequences of a future material cybersecurity attack could be significant and could include reputational damage, litigation with third parties, government enforcement actions, penalties, disruption to systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information, corruption of data and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, which in turn could adversely affect our competitiveness, results of operations and financial condition. Due to the evolving nature of such security threats, the potential impact of any future incident cannot be predicted.\nOur business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately.\nThe efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology systems. We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business data, communications, supply chain, order entry and fulfillment, and other business processes. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies and the loss of sales and customers, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. In addition, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond our control, including fire, natural disasters, system failures and viruses. Any such damage or interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business.\n17\nTable of Contents\nRisks Related to ESG Considerations\nChanging rules, public disclosure regulations and stakeholder expectations on ESG-related matters create a variety of risks for our business.\nIncreasingly, regulators, consumers, customers, investors, employees and other stakeholders are focusing on ESG matters and related disclosures. These changing rules, public disclosure regulations and stakeholder expectations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased management time and attention spent complying with or meeting such regulations and expectations. For example, developing and acting on initiatives within the scope of ESG, and collecting, measuring and reporting ESG related information and metrics can be costly, difficult and time consuming and is subject to evolving reporting standards, including the SEC\u2019s proposed climate-related reporting requirements, and similar proposals by other international regulatory bodies. This rapidly changing environment may result in increased general and administrative expenses.\nWe may also communicate certain initiatives and goals regarding environmental matters, diversity and other ESG-related matters. These initiatives and goals could be difficult and expensive to implement, and we could be criticized for the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the disclosure. Further, statements about our ESG-related initiatives and goals, and progress against those goals, may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future. In addition, we could be criticized for the scope or nature of such initiatives or goals, or for any revisions to these goals. If our ESG-related data, processes and reporting are incomplete or inaccurate, or if we fail to achieve progress with respect to our goals within the scope of ESG on a timely basis, or at all, our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.\nClimate change may negatively affect our business and operations.\nThere is concern that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. The spate of recent extreme weather and climate-related events, including \nhistoric droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, extreme cold and flooding\n, presents an alarming trend.\nIn the event that such climate change has a negative effect on agricultural productivity, we may be subject to decreased availability or less favorable pricing for certain commodities that are necessary for our products, such as \nvegetables, fruits, grains, beans and nuts\n. As a result of climate change, we may also be subjected to decreased availability of water, deteriorated quality of water or less favorable pricing for water, which could adversely impact our manufacturing and distribution operations.\nLiabilities, claims or new laws or regulations with respect to environmental matters could have a significant negative impact on our business.\nAs with other companies engaged in similar businesses, the nature of our operations exposes us to the risk of liabilities and claims with respect to environmental matters, including those relating to the disposal and release of hazardous substances. Furthermore, our operations are governed by laws and regulations relating to workplace safety and worker health, which, among other things, regulate employee exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Any material costs incurred in connection with such liabilities or claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nThe increasing global focus on climate change and the need for corporate change may lead to new environmental laws and regulations that impact our business. \nFor example, there are a growing number of laws and regulations regarding product packaging, particularly in Europe. Our compliance with such existing laws and regulations and a\nny new laws or regulations enacted in the future, or any changes in how existing laws or regulations will be enforced, administered or interpreted, may lead to an increase in compliance costs, cause us to change the way we operate or expose us to additional risk of liabilities and claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\n18\nTable of Contents\nRisks Related to Litigation, Government Regulation and Compliance\nPending and future litigation may lead us to incur significant costs.\nWe are, or may become, party to various lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business, which may include lawsuits or claims relating to contracts, intellectual property, product recalls, product liability, the marketing and labeling of products, employment matters, environmental matters, data protection or other aspects of our business as well as any securities class action and stockholder derivative litigation. For example, as discussed in Note 17, \nCommitments and Contingencies\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, we are currently subject to class actions and derivative complaints arising out of or related to the Company\u2019s prior internal accounting review. Certain of our former officers and former members of our Board of Directors, as individual defendants, are also subject to lawsuits related to such accounting review, and we may have an obligation to indemnify them in relation to these matters. Additionally, as discussed further in Note 17, we are subject to consumer class actions, and other lawsuits alleging some form of personal injury, relating to our Earth\u2019s Best\n\u00ae\n baby food products.\nEven when not merited, the defense of these lawsuits may divert our management\u2019s attention, and we may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits. The results of litigation and other legal proceedings are inherently uncertain, and adverse judgments or settlements in some or all of these legal disputes may result in monetary damages, penalties or injunctive relief against us, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Any claims or litigation, even if fully indemnified or insured, could damage our reputation and make it more difficult to compete effectively or to obtain adequate insurance in the future.\nWe may be subject to significant liability should the consumption of any of our products cause illness or physical harm.\nThe sale of products for human use and consumption involves the risk of injury or illness to consumers. Such injuries may result from inadvertent mislabeling, tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination or spoilage. Under certain circumstances, we may be required to recall or withdraw products, suspend production of our products or cease operations, which may lead to a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, customers may cancel orders for such products as a result of such events. Even if a situation does not necessitate a recall or market withdrawal, product liability claims might be asserted against us. While we are subject to governmental inspection and regulations and believe our facilities and those of our co-manufacturers and suppliers comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, if the consumption of any of our products causes, or is alleged to have caused, an illness or physical harm, we may become subject to claims or lawsuits relating to such matters. For example, as discussed in Note 17, \nCommitments and Contingencies\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, we are subject to consumer class actions, and other lawsuits alleging some form of personal injury, relating to our Earth\u2019s Best\n\u00ae\n baby food products. Even if a claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products were mislabeled, unsafe or caused illness or physical harm could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and consumers and our corporate and brand image. Although we maintain product liability and product recall insurance in an amount that we believe to be adequate, we may incur claims or liabilities for which we are not insured or that exceed the amount of our insurance coverage. A product liability judgment against us or a product recall could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nGovernment regulation could subject us to civil and criminal penalties, and any changes in the legal and regulatory frameworks in which we operate could make it more costly or challenging to manufacture and sell our products.\nWe operate in a highly regulated environment with constantly evolving legal and regulatory frameworks. Consequently, we are subject to a heightened risk of legal claims, government investigations and other regulatory enforcement actions. We are subject to extensive regulations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Asia, including India, and any other countries where we manufacture, distribute and/or sell our products. Our products are subject to numerous product safety and other laws and regulations relating to the registration and approval, sourcing, manufacturing, storing, labeling, marketing, advertising and distribution of these products. Enforcement of existing laws and regulations, changes in legal or regulatory requirements and/or evolving interpretations of existing requirements may result in increased compliance costs or otherwise make it more costly or challenging to manufacture and sell our products, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.\nMoreover, a failure to maintain effective control processes could lead to violations, unintentional or otherwise, of laws and regulations. Legal claims, government investigations or regulatory enforcement actions arising out of our failure or alleged failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to civil and criminal penalties that could materially and adversely affect our product sales, reputation, financial condition and operating results. In addition, the costs and other effects \n19\nTable of Contents\nof defending potential and pending litigation and administrative actions against us may be difficult to determine and could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.\nCompliance with data privacy laws may be costly, and non-compliance with such laws may result in significant liability.\nMany jurisdictions in which the Company operates have laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection of personal information, including the European Union GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (\u201cCCPA\u201d), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (\u201cCPRA\u201d). \nIn recent years, other U.S. states such as Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia have begun to adopt their own privacy statutes, which may apply to the Company. \nFailure to comply with GDPR or CCPA requirements or other data privacy laws could result in litigation, adverse publicity and significant penalties and damages. The law in this area continues to develop, and the changing nature of privacy laws could impact the Company\u2019s processing of personal information related to the Company\u2019s job applicants, employees, consumers, customers and vendors. The enactment of more restrictive laws, rules or regulations or future enforcement actions or investigations could impact us through increased costs or restrictions on our business, and noncompliance could result in regulatory penalties and significant liability.\nRisks Related to Our Credit Agreement\nAny default under our credit agreement could have significant consequences.\nOur credit agreement contains covenants imposing certain restrictions on our business. These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. The credit agreement requires us to satisfy certain financial covenants, such as maintaining a maximum consolidated secured leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio. The credit agreement also contains restrictive covenants including, with specified exceptions, limitations on our ability to engage in certain business activities, incur debt and liens, make capital expenditures, pay dividends or make other distributions, enter into affiliate transactions, consolidate, merge or acquire or dispose of assets, and make certain investments, acquisitions and loans. \nOur ability to comply with these covenants under the credit agreement may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of any of these covenants could result in a default, which would permit the lenders to declare all outstanding debt to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Our obligations under the credit agreement are guaranteed by certain existing and future domestic subsidiaries of the Company and are secured by liens on assets of the Company and its material domestic subsidiaries, including the equity interest in each of their direct subsidiaries and intellectual property, subject to agreed-upon exceptions. Any default by us under the credit agreement could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.\nRisks Related to Corporate Governance\nOur ability to issue preferred stock may deter takeover attempts.\nOur Board of Directors is empowered to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock with dividends, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights, which could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of our common stock and adversely affect the relative voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. In the event of issuance, the preferred stock could be used as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 5 million shares of \u201cblank check\u201d preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our Board of Directors. Although we have no present intention to issue any shares of our preferred stock, we may do so in the future under appropriate circumstances.\n20\nTable of Contents\nGeneral Risk Factors\nWe may be subject to significant liability that is not covered by insurance.\nWhile we believe that the extent of our insurance coverage is consistent with industry practice, such coverage does not cover all losses we may incur, even in areas for which we have coverage. Our insurance policies are subject to coverage exclusions, deductibles and caps, and any claim we make under our insurance policies may be subject to such limitations. Any claim we make may not be honored fully, in a timely manner, or at all, and we may not have purchased sufficient insurance to cover all losses incurred. If we were to incur substantial liabilities or if our business operations were interrupted for a substantial period of time, we could incur costs and suffer losses. Additionally, in the future, insurance coverage may not be available to us at commercially acceptable premiums, or at all.\nAn impairment in the carrying value of goodwill or other acquired intangible assets could materially and adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and net worth.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we had goodwill of $938.6 million and trademarks and other intangibles assets of $298.1 million, which in the aggregate represented 55% of our total consolidated assets. The net carrying value of goodwill represents the fair value of acquired businesses in excess of identifiable ass\nets and liabilities as of the acquisition date (or subsequent impairment date, if applicable). The net carrying value of trademarks and other intangibles represents the fair value of trademarks, customer relationships and other acquired intangibles as of the acquisition date (or subsequent impairment date, if applicable), net of accumulated amortization. Goodwill and other acquired intangibles expected to contribute indefinitely to our cash flows are not amortized but must be evaluated by management at least annually for impairment. Amortized intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be recoverable. Impairments to goodwill and other intangible assets may be caused by factors outside our control, such as increasing competitive pricing pressures, changes in discount rates based on changes in cost of capital (interest rates, etc.), lower than expected sales and profit growth rates, changes in industry Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization (\u201cEBITDA\u201d) multiples, the inability to quickly replace lost co-manufacturing business, or the bankruptcy of a significant customer. \nWe have in the past recorded, and may in the future be required to record, significant charges in our consolidated financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets is determined. For example, during fiscal 2023, we recorded aggregate non-cash impairment charges of $174.9 million related to certain trademarks and intangible assets to reduce their carrying value to their estimated fair value. The incurrence of additional impairment charges could negatively affect our results of operations and adversely impact our net worth and our consolidated earnings in the period of such charge. For further information, see Note 8, \nGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets\n, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. ",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations \nThis Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (this \u201cMD&A\u201d) should be read in conjunction with Item 1A and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto for the period ended June\u00a030, 2023 included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K are qualified by the cautionary statement included under the heading, \u201cForward-Looking Statements\u201d at the beginning of this Form 10-K. \nThis MD&A generally discusses fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. Discussions of fiscal 2021 items and year-to-year comparisons between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in \u201cPart II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on August 25, 2022 and is available on the SEC\u2019s website at www.sec.gov.\nOverview \nThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (collectively, along with its subsidiaries, the \u201cCompany,\u201d and herein referred to as \u201cHain Celestial,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus\u201d and \u201cour\u201d), was founded in 1993. The Company is a leading manufacturer, marketer, and seller of better-for-you brands that inspire healthier living. The Company is committed to growing sustainably while continuing to implement environmentally sound business practices and manufacturing processes. Hain Celestial sells its products through specialty and natural food distributors, supermarkets, natural food stores, mass-market and e-commerce retailers, food service channels and club, drug and convenience stores worldwide.\nThe Company\u2019s food and beverage brands include Celestial Seasonings\n\u00ae\n, Clarks\u2122, Cully & Sully\n\u00ae\n, Earth\u2019s Best\n\u00ae\n, Ella\u2019s Kitchen\n\u00ae\n, Frank Cooper\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Garden of Eatin\u2019\n\u00ae\n, Garden Veggie\u2122, Hartley\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Health Valley\n\u00ae\n, Imagine\n\u00ae\n, Joya\n\u00ae\n, Lima\n\u00ae\n, Linda McCartney\u2019s\n\u00ae\n (under license), MaraNatha\n\u00ae\n, Natumi\n\u00ae\n, New Covent Garden Soup Co.\n\u00ae\n, ParmCrisps\n\u00ae\n, Robertson\u2019s\n\u00ae\n, Rose\u2019s\n\u00ae\n (under license), Sensible Portions\n\u00ae\n, Spectrum\n\u00ae\n, Sun-Pat\n\u00ae\n, Terra\n\u00ae\n, The Greek Gods\n\u00ae\n, Thinsters\n\u00ae\n, Yorkshire Provender\n\u00ae\n and Yves Veggie Cuisine\n\u00ae\n. The Company\u2019s personal care brands include Alba Botanica\n\u00ae\n, Avalon Organics\n\u00ae\n, JASON\n\u00ae\n, Live Clean\n\u00ae\n and Queen Helene\n\u00ae\n.\nGlobal Economic Environment\nEconomic conditions during fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023 have been marked by inflationary pressures, rising interest rates and shifts in consumer demand.\n\u2022\nInflation\n \u2013 The inflationary environment has led to higher costs for ingredients, packaging, energy, transportation and other supply chain components. We expect this higher than normal cost environment to continue, although we expect these higher costs to be partially mitigated by pricing actions we have implemented to date and further pricing actions that we may implement.\n\u2022\nInterest Rates\n \u2013 Loans under our credit agreement bear interest at a variable rate, and the interest rate on our outstanding indebtedness has increased as market interest rates have risen significantly starting in the second half of fiscal year 2022. These higher interest rates, together with a higher outstanding debt balance, have led to an increase in our interest expense, and we expect this high rate environment to continue.\n\u2022\nConsumer Demand\n \u2013 Recent economic conditions have resulted in changes in consumer spending patterns, which have adversely impacted our sales. During an economic downturn, factors such as increased unemployment, decreases in disposable income and declines in consumer confidence can cause changes in consumer spending behavior. In particular, economic conditions have prompted some consumers, particularly in Europe, to shift to lower-priced products.\n26\nTable of Contents\nCEO Succession\nOn November 22, 2022, the Board of Directors (the \u201cBoard\u201d) of the Company approved a succession plan pursuant to which the Board appointed Wendy P. Davidson to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director on the Board, in each case effective as of January 1, 2023. As part of the succession plan, Mark L. Schiller transitioned from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective as of December 31, 2022 (the \u201cTransition Date\u201d). Mr. Schiller remains as a director on the Board following the Transition Date.\nNew Global Headquarters\nWe have selected Hoboken, N.J. to serve as the hub of our global operations. With Hoboken as the hub, our offices and manufacturing locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other international locations will serve as the \u201cspokes\u201d for team members to come together and collaborate for moments that matter. Our hub and spoke work model enables broader team collaboration and greater connectivity as a global enterprise. It also provides us the ability to recruit the very best talent, regardless of where they are located. Hoboken will also serve as the home of our Innovation Experience Center, where team members, customers, and consumers will immerse themselves in our products, explore consumer insights, and create innovative opportunities for the future.\nRussia-Ukraine War\nThe Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted our supply chain and increased costs due to higher energy and raw material prices, impacting our operations by leading to labor challenges and supply chain issues. Although we have found alternative materials, we have incurred increased costs in doing so. The war also lowered consumer sentiment in Europe, affecting demand. While we are continuing to monitor and manage the impacts of the war on our business, the extent to which the Russia-Ukraine war and the related economic impact may affect our financial condition or results of operations in the future remains uncertain.\n27\nTable of Contents\nResults of Operations\nComparison of Fiscal Yea\nr E\nnded June\u00a030, 2023 to Fiscal Ye\nar En\nded June\u00a030, 2022\nConsolidated Results\nThe following table compares our results of operations, including as a percentage of net sales, on a consolidated basis, for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 (amounts in thousands, other than percentages which may not add due to rounding):\n\u00a0\nFiscal Year Ended June 30,\nChange in\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nDollars\nPercentage\nNet sales\n$\n1,796,643\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,891,793\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n(95,150)\n(5.0)\n%\nCost of sales\n1,400,229\u00a0\n77.9\u00a0\n%\n1,464,352\u00a0\n77.4\u00a0\n%\n(64,123)\n(4.4)\n%\nGross profit\n396,414\u00a0\n22.1\u00a0\n%\n427,441\u00a0\n22.6\u00a0\n%\n(31,027)\n(7.3)\n%\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n289,233\u00a0\n16.1\u00a0\n%\n300,469\u00a0\n15.9\u00a0\n%\n(11,236)\n(3.7)\n%\nIntangibles and long-lived asset impairment\n175,501\u00a0\n9.8\u00a0\n%\n1,903\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\n%\n173,598\u00a0\n**\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets\n10,016\u00a0\n0.6\u00a0\n%\n10,214\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\n%\n(198)\n(1.9)\n%\nProductivity and transformation costs \n7,284\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\n%\n10,174\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\n%\n(2,890)\n(28.4)\n%\nOperating (loss) income\n(85,620)\n(4.8)\n%\n104,681\u00a0\n5.5\u00a0\n%\n(190,301)\n(181.8)\n%\nInterest and other financing expense, net\n45,783\u00a0\n2.5\u00a0\n%\n12,570\u00a0\n0.7\u00a0\n%\n33,213\u00a0\n264.2\u00a0\n%\nOther income, net\n(1,822)\n(0.1)\n%\n(11,380)\n(0.6)\n%\n9,558\u00a0\n(84.0)\n%\n(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in net loss of equity-method investees\n(129,581)\n(7.2)\n%\n103,491\u00a0\n5.5\u00a0\n%\n(233,072)\n*\n(Benefit) provision for income taxes\n(14,178)\n(0.8)\n%\n22,716\u00a0\n1.2\u00a0\n%\n(36,894)\n*\nEquity in net loss of equity-method \n\u00a0\u00a0investees\n1,134\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\n%\n2,902\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\n%\n(1,768)\n(60.9)\n%\nNet (loss) income\n$\n(116,537)\n(6.5)\n%\n$\n77,873\u00a0\n4.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n(194,410)\n*\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n166,622\u00a0\n9.3\u00a0\n%\n$\n200,616\u00a0\n10.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n(33,994)\n(16.9)\n%\nDiluted net (loss) income per common share\n$\n(1.30)\n$\n0.83\u00a0\n$\n(2.13)\n*\n* Percentage is not meaningful due to one or more numbers being negative.\n** Percentage is not meaningful due to significantly lower number in the comparative period\nNet Sales\nNet sales in fiscal 2023 were $1.80 billion, a decrease of $95.2 million, or 5.0%, from net sales of $1.89 billion in fiscal 2022. On a constant currency basis, adjusted for the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands, net sales decreased approximately $51.1 million, or 2.7% from the prior comparable period. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by the North America reportable segment. Further details of changes in adjusted net sales by segment are provided below in the \nSegment Results\n section.\nGross Profit\nGross profit in fiscal 2023 w\nas $396.4 million, a decrease of $31.0 million, or 7.3%, from gross profit of $427.4 million in fiscal 2022. Gross profit margin was 22.1% of net sales, compared to 22.6% in the prior year. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to the International reportable segment. \nThe decrease in the International reportable segment gross profit was mainly due to higher energy and supply chain costs when compared\n to the prior year. The decrease in gross margin was partially offset by higher gross margin in the North America reportable segment driven by greater pricing and productivity, partially offset by higher cost of goods.\n28\nTable of Contents\nSelling, General and Administrative Expenses\nSelling, general and administrative expenses were $289.2 million in fiscal 2023, a decrease of $11.2 million, or 3.7%, from $300.5 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease primarily reflected reduced costs in Corporate and Other and the International reportable segment. The decrease in the International reportable segment was primarily a result of lower employee-related expenses in the Europe and the United Kingdom, partially offset by higher selling expenses in the United Kingdom. The decrease in Corporate and Other costs reflected a reduction in transaction costs, including costs in 2022 related to the acquisition of That's How We Roll (\u201cTHWR\u201d) and advisory costs related to the divestiture by affiliates of Engaged Capital, LLC of their shares of the Company's common stock, as well as a reduction in litigation expenses related to the baby food litigation described in Note 17, \nCommitments and Contingencies, \nin the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was 16.1% in the twelve months ended June\u00a030, 2023 compared to 15.9% in the prior year, as the reduction in net sales outpaced the reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to the aforementioned items.\nIntangibles and Long-Lived Asset Impairment\nDuring fiscal 2023, the Company \nrecognized an aggregate non-cash impairment charge of $175.5 million, primarily related to the ParmCrisps\n\u00ae\n, Thinsters\n\u00ae\n, Imagine\n\u00ae\n,\n \nJoya\n\u00ae\n, and Queen Helene\n\u00ae \nindefinite-lived trademarks and ParmCrisps\n\u00ae\n definite lived customer relationships, which reduced the carrying value of such assets to their estimated fair value. During fiscal 2022, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $1.9 million. The fair value of indefinite-lived trademarks and definite-lived customer relationships were determined using the relief from royalty method and multi-period excess earnings method, respectively. See Note 8, \nGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets\n and Note 15, \nFair Value Measurements\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\nAmortization of Acquired Intangible Assets\nAmortization of acquired intangible assets was $10.0 million in fiscal 2023, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 1.9%, from $10.2 million in fiscal 2022, primarily reflecting reduced amortization expenses due to impairment of the ParmCrisps customer relationships recognized in the third quarter of 2023 (see Note 8, \nGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K), partially offset by an increase in amortization expenses associated with the acquisition of THWR in the second quarter of the prior fiscal year.\nProductivity and Transformation Costs\nProductivity and transformation costs were $7.3 million in fiscal 2023, a decrease of $2.9 million or 28.4% from $10.2 million\u00a0in fiscal\u00a02022. The\u00a0decrease\u00a0was primarily due to the wind down of prior year restructuring costs partially offset by new spending on our strategic plan update.\nOperating (Loss) Income\nOperating loss in fiscal 2023 was $85.6 million compared to operating income of $104.7 million in fiscal 2022 due to the items described above. \nInterest and Other Financing Expense, Net\nInterest and other financing expense, net totaled $45.8 million in fiscal 2023, an increase of $33.2 million, or 264.2%, from $12.6 million in the prior year. The increase resulted primarily from rising interest rates and a higher outstanding debt balance driven primarily by the acquisition of THWR and share repurchase activity during fiscal 2022. See Note 10, \nDebt and Borrowings\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\nOther Income, Net\nOther income, net totaled $1.8 million in fiscal 2023, a decrease of $9.6 million from $11.4 million in the prior year. The\ndecrease in income was primarily attributable to the recognition of an $8.7 million gain on sale of assets in the prior year related to the sale of undeveloped land plots in Boulder, Colorado.\n29\nTable of Contents\n(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Loss of Equity-Method Investees\nLoss before income taxes and equity in the net loss of our equity-method investees for fiscal 2023 was $129.6 million compared to income of $103.5 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to the items discussed above.\n(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes\n \nThe (benefit) provision for income taxes includes federal, foreign, state and local income taxes. Our income tax benefit was $14.2 million for fiscal 2023 compared to expense of $22.7 million\u00a0for fiscal 2022.\nThe effective income tax rate was 10.9% and 21.9% of pre-tax income for year ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the year ended June 30, 2023 was primarily impacted by establishment of federal valuation allowance against the Company\u2019s tax losses and credits, an increase in the state valuation allowance related to the Company\u2019s state deferred tax assets and state net operating loss carryforwards, an increase related to the sale of Westbrae Natural\n\u00ae\n brand (\u201cWestbrae\u201d) and stock-based compensation.\nThe effective income tax rate for the year ended June 30, 2022 was primarily impacted by the reversal of uncertain tax position accruals based on filing and approval of certain elections by taxing authorities, deductions related to stock-based compensation, non-deductible transaction costs related to the acquisition of THWR (see Note 4, \nAcquisition and Dispositions\n), the reversal of a valuation allowance due to the utilization of a capital loss carryover, and the finalization of prior fiscal year income tax returns.\nOur effective tax rate may change from period-to-period based on recurring and non-recurring factors including the geographical mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation, state and local income taxes and tax audit settlements.\nSee Note 11, \nIncome Taxes, \nin the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.\nEquity in Net Loss of Equity-Method Investees\nOur \nequity in the net loss from our equity method investments for fiscal 2023 was $1.1 million compared to $2.9 million for fiscal 2022.\n See Note 14, \nInvestments\n, in\n the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\nNet (Loss) Income\nNet loss for fiscal 2023 was $116.5 million compared to net income of $77.9 million for fiscal 2022. Net loss per diluted share was $1.30 in fiscal 2023 compared to net income per diluted share $0.83 in 2022. The change was attributable to the factors noted above.\nAdjusted EBITDA\nOur consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was\u00a0$166.6 million\u00a0and\u00a0$200.6 million\u00a0for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, as a result of the factors discussed above. See\u00a0\nReconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures to U.S. GAAP Measures\u00a0\nfollowing the discussion of our results of operations for definitions and a reconciliation of our net income to Adjusted EBITDA.\n30\nTable of Contents\nSegment Results\nDuring the fourth quarter of 2023, we determined that our measure of segment profitability is Adjusted EBITDA of each reportable segment. Accordingly, our CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources based primarily on Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Segment Adjusted EBITDA excludes: net interest expense, (benefit) provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, equity in net loss of equity-method investees, stock-based compensation, net, unrealized currency losses (gains), certain litigation and related costs, CEO succession costs, plant closure related costs-net, productivity and transformation costs, warehouse and manufacturing consolidation and other costs, costs associated with acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions, gains on sales of assets, certain inventory write-downs in 2022, intangibles and long-lived asset impairments and other adjustments. In addition, Segment Adjusted EBITDA does not include Corporate and Other expenses related to the Company\u2019s centralized administrative functions, which do not specifically relate to a reportable segment. Such Corporate and Other expenses are comprised mainly of compensation and related expenses of certain of the Company\u2019s senior executive officers and other employees who perform duties related to our entire enterprise, litigation expense and expenses for certain professional fees, facilities, and other items which benefit the Company as a whole. We do not allocate amounts below Operating income (loss) to our reportable segments. \nThe following table provides a summary of net sales and Adjusted EBITDA by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022:\n(Amounts in thousands)\nNorth America\nInternational\nCorporate and Other\nConsolidated\nFiscal 2023 net sales\n$\n1,139,162\u00a0\n$\n657,481\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n1,796,643\u00a0\nFiscal 2022 net sales\n$\n1,163,132\u00a0\n$\n728,661\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n1,891,793\u00a0\n\u00a0$ change\n$\n(23,970)\n$\n(71,180)\nn/a\n$\n(95,150)\n\u00a0% change\n(2.1)\n%\n(9.8)\n%\nn/a\n(5.0)\n%\nFiscal 2023 Adjusted EBITDA\n$\n123,443\u00a0\n$\n82,945\u00a0\n$\n(39,766)\n$\n166,622\u00a0\nFiscal 2022 Adjusted EBITDA\n$\n122,235\u00a0\n$\n110,073\u00a0\n$\n(31,692)\n$\n200,616\u00a0\n\u00a0$ change\n$\n1,208\u00a0\n$\n(27,128)\n$\n(8,074)\n$\n(33,994)\n\u00a0% change\n1.0\u00a0\n%\n(24.6)\n%\n(25.5)\n%\n(16.9)\n%\nFiscal 2023 Adjusted EBITDA margin\n10.8\u00a0\n%\n12.6\u00a0\n%\nn/a\n9.3\u00a0\n%\nFiscal 2022 Adjusted EBITDA margin\n10.5\u00a0\n%\n15.1\u00a0\n%\nn/a\n10.6\u00a0\n%\nSee the \nReconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures to U.S. GAAP Measures\n following the discussion of our results of operations and Note 19, \nSegment Information\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a reconciliation of segment Adjusted EBITDA.\nNorth America \nOur net sales in the North America reportable segment for fiscal 2023 were $1.14 billion, a decrease of $24.0 million, or 2.1%, from net sales of $1.16 billion in fiscal 2022. On a constant currency basis, adjusted for the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands, net sales decreased by 3.8%. The decrease in net sales \nwas mainly due to lower sales in personal care and tea. \nAdjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2023 was $123.4 million, an increase of $1.2 million from $122.2 million in fiscal 2022. Fiscal 2023 Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis increased 1.5% from the prior year. The increase was driven by pricing and productivity more than offsetting inflation and volume loss. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 10.8%, a 35-basis point improvement from the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA margin on a constant currency basis was 10.8%, a 30-basis point improvement from the prior year.\n31\nTable of Contents\nInternational\nNet sales in the International reportable segment for fiscal 2023 were $657.5 million, a decrease of $71.2 million, or 9.8%, from net sales of $728.7 million in fiscal 2022. On a constant currency basis, net sales decreased by 1.0% from fiscal 2022. The decrease was driven by softness in plant-based categories in Europe, which was partially offset by growth in the United Kingdom.\nAdjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2023 was $82.9 million, a decrease of $27.1 million from $110.1 million in fiscal 2022. Fiscal 2023 Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis decreased 18.3% from the prior year. The decrease was driven by higher energy and supply chain costs, partially offset by pricing and productivity. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 12.6%, a 250-basis point decline from the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA margin on a constant currency basis was 12.5%, a 265-basis point decline from the prior year. \nCorporate and Other\nThe increase in Corporate and Other expenses primarily reflected an increase in compensation-related expenses.\nRefer to Note\n 19, \nSegm\nent Information\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources \nWe finance our operations and growth primarily with the cash flows we generate from our operations and from borrowings available to us under our Credit Agreement (as defined below). We believe that our cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement (as defined below) will be adequate to meet anticipated operating and other expenditures for the foreseeable future. See Note 10, \nDebt and Borrowings\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\nAmended and Restated Credit Agreement\nOn December 22, 2021, the Company refinanced its revolving credit facility by entering into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended by a First Amendment dated December 16, 2022, the \u201cCredit Agreement\u201d). The Credit Agreement provides for senior secured financing of $1,100.0 million in the aggregate, consisting of (1) $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans (the \u201cTerm Loans\u201d) and (2) an $800.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (which includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit, and is comprised of a $440.0 million U.S. revolving credit facility and $360.0 million global revolving credit facility) (the \u201cRevolver\u201d). Both the Revolver and the Term Loans mature on December 22, 2026.\nThe Credit Agreement includes financial covenants that require compliance with a consolidated interest coverage ratio, a consolidated leverage ratio and a consolidated secured leverage ratio. Prior to the Company entering into the Second Amendment (as defined below), the minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio was 2.75:1.00. The maximum consolidated leverage ratio is 6.00:1.00. Prior to Company entering into the Second Amendment, the maximum consolidated secured leverage ratio was 5.00:1.00 through December 31, 2023 or such earlier date as elected by the Company (the \u201cFirst Amendment Period\u201d). Following the First Amendment Period, the maximum consolidated secured leverage ratio would have been 4.25:1.00, subject to possible temporary increase following certain corporate acquisitions.\nDuring the First Amendment Period, loans under the Credit Agreement bore interest at (a) the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% (as adjusted, \u201cTerm SOFR\u201d) plus 2.0% per annum or (b) the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 1.0% per annum. Following the First Amendment Period, loans would have borne interest at rates based on (a) Term SOFR plus a rate ranging from 0.875% to 1.75% per annum or (b) the Base Rate plus a rate ranging from 0% to 0.75% per annum, the relevant rate in each case being the Applicable Rate. The Applicable Rate following the First Amendment Period would be determined in accordance with a leverage-based pricing grid, as set forth in the Credit Agreement. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement at June\u00a030, 2023 was 5.94%. Additionally, the Credit Agreement contains a Commitment Fee (as defined in the Credit Agreement) on the amount unused under the Credit Agreement ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% per annum, and such Commitment Fee is determined in accordance with a leverage-based pricing grid.\nAs of June 30, 2023, there were $541.0 million of loans under the Revolver, $288.8 million of Term Loans, and $4.5 million letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement. As of June\u00a030, 2023, $254.5 million was available under the Credit \n32\nTable of Contents\nAgreement, subject to compliance with the financial covenants, as compared to $204.0 million as of June\u00a030, 2022. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all associated covenants.\nOn August 22, 2023, the Company entered into a Second Amendment (the \u201cSecond Amendment\u201d) to the Credit Agreement.\nPursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company\u2019s maximum consolidated secured leverage ratio was amended to be 5.00 to 1.00 until September 30, 2023, 5.25 to 1.00 until December 31, 2023 and 5.00 to 1.00 until December 31, 2024 (the period of time during which such maximum consolidated secured leverage ratios are in effect, the \u201cSecond Amendment Period,\u201d which the Company may elect to end early). Following the Second Amendment Period, the maximum consolidated secured leverage ratio will be 4.25 to 1.00, subject to possible temporary increase following certain corporate acquisitions. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company\u2019s minimum interest coverage ratio was amended to be 2.50 to 1.00.\nDuring the Second Amendment Period, \nloans under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at (a) \nTerm SOFR\n plus 2.5% per annum or (b) the Base Rate plus 1.5% per annum. Following the Second Amendment Period, Loans will bear interest at rates based on (a) Term SOFR plus a rate ranging from 1.125% to 2.0% per annum or (b) the Base Rate plus a rate ranging from 0.125% to 1.0% per annum, the relevant rate in each case being the Applicable Rate. The Applicable Rate following the Amendment Period will be determined in accordance with a leverage-based pricing grid, as set forth in the Credit Agreement as amended by the Second Amendment.\nIn addition to obligations under the Credit Agreement, we are party to other contractual obligations involving commitments to make payments to third parties, including purchase commitments and lease obligations, which impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. See Note 7, \nLeases\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.\nOur cash and cash equivalents balance decreased $12.1 million at June\u00a030, 2023 to $53.4 million as compared to $65.5 million at June\u00a030, 2022. Our working capital was $358.9 million at June\u00a030, 2023, an increase of $29.9 million from $329.0 million at the end of fiscal 2022. Additionally, our total debt decreased by $59.9 million at June\u00a030, 2023 to $828.7 million as compared to $888.6 million at June\u00a030, 2022 as a result of $59.5 million of net repayments carried out during the year.\nOur cash balances are held in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and India. As of June\u00a030, 2023, substantially all cash was held outside of the United States.\nWe maintain our cash and cash equivalents primarily in money market funds or their equivalent. Accordingly, we do not believe that our investments have significant exposure to interest rate risk. Cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities is summarized below. \nFiscal Year Ended June 30,\n(Amounts in thousands)\n2023\n2022\nCash flows provided by (used in):\nOperating activities\n$\n66,819\u00a0\n$\n80,241\u00a0\nInvesting activities\n(19,640)\n(288,309)\nFinancing activities\n(63,060)\n212,787\u00a0\nEffect of exchange rate changes on cash\n3,733\u00a0\n(15,078)\nNet decrease in cash and cash equivalents\n$\n(12,148)\n$\n(10,359)\nCash provided by operating activities was $66.8 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, compared to $80.2 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease in cash provided from operating activities resulted from a $49.4 million reduction in net income adjusted for non-cash charges offset by a $36.0 million reduction in cash used for working capital. In 2023, we used $27.7 million of cash for working capital, as a reduction in customer accounts receivable was more than offset by pay downs in short-term liabilities. In 2022, we used $63.7 million of cash for working capital, as we realized slower customer accounts receivable, increased inventory costs and quantities, and paid down short-term liabilities.\nC\nash used in investing activities was $19.6 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, a decrease of $268.7 million\n from $288.3 million in fiscal 2022 primar\nily due to the acquisition of THWR in the prior year and lower property, plant and equipment purchases in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 due to the completion of certain factory-related productivity enhancements that were placed in service in fiscal 2023.\n33\nTable of Contents\nC\nash used in financing activities was $63.1 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, a decrease of $275.8 million\n from \n$212.8 million\n of cash provided in fiscal 2022. \nThe decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to higher borrowings under the Credit Agreement to finance the THWR acquisition, higher share repurchases, and payment of shares withheld for employee payroll taxes during the same period in the prior year.\nOperating Free Cash Flows\nOur operating free cash flow was $38.9 million for fiscal 2023, a decrease of $1.3 million from fiscal 2022. The decrease in operating free cash flow primarily resulted a decrease in cash flow from operations of $13.4 million driven by the reasons explained above, partially offset by reduction in capital expenditures. See the Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures to U.S. GAAP Measures following the discussion of our results of operations for definitions and a reconciliation from our net cash provided by operating activities to operating free cash flows.\nShare Repurchase Program \nIn January 2022, the Company\u2019s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to \n$200.0 million\n of the Company\u2019s issued and outstanding common stock. Repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans, in private transactions or otherwise. The current 2022 authorization does not have a stated expiration date. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares and the timing of such repurchases will depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations. During the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023\n, the Company did not repurchase any shares under the repurchase program. \nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the Company had \n$173.5 million of remaining authorization under the share repurchase program. \nReconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures to U.S. GAAP Measures\nWe have included in this report measures of financial performance that are not defined by U.S. GAAP. We believe that these measures provide useful information to investors and include these measures in other communications to investors. \nFor each of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, we are providing below a reconciliation of the differences between the non-U.S. GAAP measure and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, an explanation of why our management and Board of Directors believe the non-U.S. GAAP measure provides useful information to investors and any additional purposes for which our management and Board of Directors use the non-U.S. GAAP measures. These non-U.S. GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable U.S. GAAP measures.\nNet Sales - Constant Currency Presentation\n \nWe believe that net sales adjusted for the impact of foreign currency provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance in our consolidated net sales by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given the volatility in foreign currency exchange markets. To present net sales adjusted for the impact of foreign currency, current period net sales for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar are translated into U.S. Dollars at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, rather than at the actual average monthly exchange rate in effect during the current period of the current fiscal year. As a result, the foreign currency impact is equal to the current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in average foreign currency exchange rate between the current fiscal period and the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.\nNet Sales - Adjusted for the Impact of Acquisitions, Divestitures and Discontinued Brands\nWe also exclude the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands when comparing net sales to prior periods, which results in the presentation of certain non-U.S. GAAP financial measures. The Company's management believes that excluding the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands when presenting period-over-period results of net sales aids in comparability.\nTo present net sales adjusted for the impact of acquisitions, the net sales of an acquired business are excluded from fiscal quarters constituting or falling within the current period and prior period where the applicable fiscal quarter in the prior period did not include the acquired business for the entire quarter. To present net sales adjusted for the impact of divestitures and discontinued brands, the net sales of a divested business or discontinued brand are excluded from all periods.\n34\nTable of Contents\nA reconciliation between reported net sales and net sales adjusted for the impact of foreign currency, acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands is as follows:\n(Amounts in thousands)\nNorth America\nInternational\nHain Consolidated\nNet sales - Twelve months ended 6/30/23\n$\n1,139,162\u00a0\n$\n657,481\u00a0\n$\n1,796,643\u00a0\nAcquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands\n(34,659)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(34,659)\nImpact of foreign currency exchange\n6,560\u00a0\n64,053\u00a0\n70,613\u00a0\nNet sales on a constant currency basis adjusted for acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands - Twelve months ended 6/30/23\n$\n1,111,063\u00a0\n$\n721,534\u00a0\n$\n1,832,597\u00a0\nNet sales - Twelve months ended 6/30/22\n$\n1,163,132\u00a0\n$\n728,661\u00a0\n$\n1,891,793\u00a0\nAcquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands\n(8,109)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(8,109)\nNet sales adjusted for divestitures and discontinued brands - Twelve months ended 6/30/22\n$\n1,155,023\u00a0\n$\n728,661\u00a0\n$\n1,883,684\u00a0\nNet sales decline\n(2.1)\n%\n(9.8)\n%\n(5.0)\n%\nImpact of acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands\n(2.3)\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(1.4)\n%\nImpact of foreign currency exchange\n0.6\u00a0\n%\n8.8\u00a0\n%\n3.7\u00a0\n%\nNet sales decline on a constant currency basis adjusted for acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued brands\n(3.8)\n%\n(1.0)\n%\n(2.7)\n%\nAdjusted EBITDA\nThe Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net (loss) income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, equity in net loss of equity-method investees, stock-based compensation, net, unrealized currency losses (gains), certain litigation and related costs, CEO succession costs, plant closure related costs-net, productivity and transformation costs, warehouse and manufacturing consolidation and other costs,\u00a0costs associated with acquisitions,\u00a0divestitures and other transactions, gains on sales of assets, certain inventory write-downs, intangibles and long-lived asset impairment and other adjustments. The Company\u2019s management believes that this presentation provides useful information to management, analysts and investors regarding certain additional financial and business trends relating to its results of operations and financial condition. In addition, management uses this measure for reviewing the financial results of the Company and as a component of performance-based executive compensation. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.\nWe do not consider Adjusted EBITDA in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The principal limitation of Adjusted EBITDA is that it excludes certain expenses and income that are required by U.S. GAAP to be recorded in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is subject to inherent limitations as this metric reflects the exercise of judgment by management about which expenses and income are excluded or included in determining Adjusted EBITDA. In order to compensate for these limitations, management presents.\n35\nTable of Contents\nAdjusted EBITDA in connection with U.S. GAAP results. A reconciliation of net (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA is as follows: \nFiscal Year Ended June 30,\n(Amounts in thousands)\n2023\n2022\nNet (loss) income\n$\n(116,537)\n$\n77,873\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization\n50,777\u00a0\n46,849\u00a0\nEquity in net loss of equity-method investees\n1,134\u00a0\n2,902\u00a0\nInterest expense, net\n43,936\u00a0\n10,226\u00a0\n(Benefit) provision for income taxes\n(14,178)\n22,716\u00a0\nStock-based compensation, net\n14,423\u00a0\n15,611\u00a0\nUnrealized currency losses (gains)\n929\u00a0\n(2,259)\nLitigation and related costs\n(a)\n(1,369)\n7,687\u00a0\nRestructuring activities\nCEO succession\n5,113\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPlant closure related costs, net\n94\u00a0\n929\u00a0\nProductivity and transformation costs\n7,284\u00a0\n8,803\u00a0\nWarehouse/manufacturing consolidation and other costs, net\n1,026\u00a0\n2,721\u00a0\nAcquisitions, divestitures and other\nTransaction and integration costs, net\n2,018\u00a0\n14,055\u00a0\nGain on sale of assets\n(3,529)\n(9,049)\nImpairment charges\nInventory write-down\n\u2014\u00a0\n(351)\nIntangibles and long-lived asset impairment\n175,501\u00a0\n1,903\u00a0\nAdjusted EBITDA\n$\n166,622\u00a0\n$\n200,616\u00a0\n(a) \nExpenses and items relating to securities class action and baby food litigation.\nAdjusted EBITDA - Constant Currency Presentation \nThe Company provides Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis because the Company\u2019s management believes that these presentations provide useful information to management, analysts and investors regarding certain additional financial and business trends relating to its results of operations and financial condition. In addition, management uses these measures for reviewing the financial results of the Company as well as a component of performance-based executive compensation. The Company believes presenting Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance in the Company\u2019s Adjusted EBITDA by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on period-to-period comparability given the volatility in foreign currency exchange markets. Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis is calculated by translating foreign currencies based on the average foreign exchange rate for the prior year, for each currency.\nA reconciliation between Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis for fiscal years 2023 and 2022 is as follows:\n(Amounts in thousands)\nHain Consolidated\nAdjusted EBITDA - June 30, 2023\n$\n166,622\u00a0\nImpact of foreign currency exchange\n7,622\u00a0\nAdjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis - June 30, 2023\n$\n174,244\u00a0\nAdjusted EBITDA - June 30, 2022\n$\n200,616\u00a0\n36\nTable of Contents\nOperating Free Cash Flows\nIn our internal evaluations, we use the non-GAAP financial measure \u201cOperating Free Cash Flows\u201d. The difference between Operating Free Cash Flows and cash flows provided by or used in operating activities, which is the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is that Operating Free Cash Flows reflects the impact of purchases of property, plant and equipment (capital spending). Since capital spending is essential to maintaining our operational capabilities, we believe that it is a recurring and necessary use of cash. As such, we believe investors should also consider capital spending when evaluating our cash flows provided by or used in operating activities. We view Operating Free Cash Flows as an important measure because it is one factor in evaluating the amount of cash available for discretionary investments. We do not consider Operating Free Cash Flows in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. \nA reconciliation from cash flows provided by operating activities to Operating Free Cash Flows is as follows: \nFiscal Year Ended June 30,\n(Amounts in thousands)\n2023\n2022\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n$\n66,819\u00a0\n$\n80,241\u00a0\nPurchases of property, plant and equipment\n(27,879)\n(39,965)\nOperating free cash flows\n$\n38,940\u00a0\n$\n40,276\u00a0\nContractual Obligations\nWe are party to contractual obligations involving commitments to make payments to third parties, which impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. Our contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt and related interest payments, purchase commitments and operating leases. See Note 7, \nLeases\n,\n and \nNote 10, \nDebt and Borrowings\n,\n \nin the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\nCritical Accounting Estimates \nThe discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2, \nSummary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The policies below have been identified as the critical accounting policies we use which require us to make estimates and assumptions and exercise judgment that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods presented. We believe in the quality and reasonableness of our critical accounting estimates; however, materially different amounts might be reported under different conditions or using assumptions, estimates or making judgments different from those that we have applied. Our critical accounting policies, including our methodology for estimates made and assumptions used, are as follows:\nVariable Consideration\nIn addition to fixed contract consideration, many of the Company\u2019s contracts include some form of variable consideration. The Company offers various trade promotions and sales incentive programs to customers and consumers, such as price discounts, slotting fees, in-store display incentives, cooperative advertising programs, new product introduction fees and coupons. The expenses associated with these programs are accounted for as reductions to the transaction price of products and are therefore deducted from sales to determine reported net sales. Trade promotions and sales incentive accruals are subject to significant management estimates and assumptions. The critical assumptions used in estimating the accruals for trade promotions and sales incentives include the Company\u2019s estimate of expected levels of performance and redemption rates. The Company exercises judgment in developing these assumptions. These assumptions are based upon historical performance of the retailer or distributor customers with similar types of promotions adjusted for current trends. The Company regularly reviews and revises, when deemed necessary, estimates of costs to the Company for these promotions and incentives based on what has been incurred by the customers. The terms of most of the promotion and incentive arrangements do not exceed a year and therefore do not require highly uncertain long-term estimates. Settlement of these liabilities typically occurs in subsequent periods primarily through an authorization process for deductions taken by a customer from amounts otherwise due to the Company. Differences between estimated expense and actual promotion and incentive costs are recognized in earnings in the period such differences are determined. Actual expenses may differ if the level of redemption rates and performance were to vary from estimates.\n37\nTable of Contents\nValuation of Long-lived Assets \nFixed assets and amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Undiscounted cash flow analyses are used to determine if impairment exists. If impairment is determined to exist, the loss is calculated based on estimated fair value.\nGoodwill and Intangible Assets \nGoodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but rather are tested at least annually for impairment, or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that more likely than not the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. \nGoodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit represents an operating segment or a component of an operating segment. Goodwill is tested for impairment by either performing a qualitative evaluation or a two-step quantitative test. The qualitative evaluation is an assessment of factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. We may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment for some or all reporting units and perform a two-step quantitative impairment test. The estimate of the fair values of our reporting units are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment. We generally use a blended analysis of the present value of discounted cash flows and the market valuation approach. The discounted cash flow model uses the present values of estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and external economic factors in estimating our future cash flows. The assumptions we use in our evaluations include projections of growth rates and profitability, our estimated working capital needs, as well as our weighted average cost of capital. The market valuation approach indicates the fair value of a reporting unit based on a comparison to comparable publicly traded firms in similar businesses. Estimates used in the market value approach include the identification of similar companies with comparable business factors. Changes in economic and operating conditions impacting the assumptions we made could result in additional goodwill impairment in future periods. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds fair value, goodwill is considered impaired. The amount of the impairment is the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill and the \u201cimplied\u201d fair value, which is calculated as if the reporting unit had just been acquired and accounted for as a business combination.\nIndefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of acquired tradenames and trademarks. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. We measure the fair value of these assets using the relief from royalty method. This method assumes that the tradenames and trademarks have value to the extent their owner is relieved from paying royalties for the benefits received. We estimate the future revenues for the associated brands, the appropriate royalty rate and the weighted average cost of capital.\nThe Company completed its annual goodwill impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, in conjunction with its budgeting and forecasting process for fiscal year 2024 and concluded that no indicators of impairment existed at any of its reporting units.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, the carrying value of goodwill was $938.6 million. For the fiscal 2023 impairment analysis, the Company performed a quantitative assessment for its reporting units in the United Kingdom, US, Canada and Europe. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value based on the analysis performed. Holding all other assumptions used in the 2023 fair value measurement constant, a 100-basis-point increase in the weighted average cost of capital would not result in the carrying value of the reporting units to be in excess of the fair value. The fair values were based on significant management assumptions including an estimate of future cash flows. If assumptions are not achieved or market conditions decline, potential impairment charges could result. The Company will continue to monitor impairment indicators and financial results in future periods.\nIndefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated on an annual basis in conjunction with the Company\u2019s evaluation of goodwill, or on an interim basis if and when events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of any of its indefinite-life intangible assets below their carrying value. In assessing fair value, the Company utilizes a \u201crelief from royalty payments\u201d methodology. This approach involves two steps: (i) estimating the royalty rates for each trademark and (ii) applying these royalty rates to a projected net sales stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds the fair value of the assets, the carrying value is written down to fair value in the period identified. During the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, the Company recorded aggregate non-cash impairment charges of $174.9 million related to certain trademarks and intangible assets as discussed in Note 8, \nGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets\n, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\n38\nTable of Contents\nBusiness Combinations\nDuring the year ended June\u00a030, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of THWR for total consideration of $260.2 million, net of cash acquired. The transaction was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting whereby the total purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair value of such assets and liabilities.\nAccounting for the acquisition of THWR required estimation in determining the fair value of identified intangible assets for acquired customer relationships and tradenames. Estimation was utilized as it relates to inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of these intangible assets as well as the sensitivity of the respective fair values to the underlying assumptions. The significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the acquired intangible assets included discount rates, revenue growth rates, and operating margins. These assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.\nStock-based Compensation \nThe Company uses the fair market value of the Company\u2019s common stock on the grant date to measure fair value for service-based and performance-based awards and a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of market-based awards. The use of the Monte Carlo simulation model requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and risk-free interest rate. The fair value of stock-based compensation awards is recognized as an expense over the vesting period using the straight-line method. For awards that contain a market condition, expense is recognized over the defined or derived service period using a Monte Carlo simulation model.\nValuation Allowances for Deferred Tax Assets \nDeferred tax assets arise when we recognize expenses in our financial statements that will be allowed as income tax deductions in future periods. Deferred tax assets also include unused tax net operating losses and tax credits that we are allowed to carry forward to future years. Accounting rules permit us to carry deferred tax assets on the balance sheet at full value as long as it is \u201cmore likely than not\u201d that the deductions, losses or credits will be used in the future. A valuation allowance must be recorded against a deferred tax asset if this test cannot be met. Our determination of our valuation allowances is based upon a number of assumptions, judgments and estimates, including forecasted earnings, future taxable income and the relative proportions of revenue and income before taxes in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Concluding that a valuation allowance is not required is difficult when there is significant negative evidence that is objective and verifiable, such as cumulative losses in recent years.\nDuring fiscal 2023, a valuation allowance was recorded against certain of our United States federal attributes and a majority of state deferred tax assets as a result of significant negative evidence in such jurisdictions.\nWe have deferred tax assets related to foreign net operating losses, primarily in the United Kingdom and to a lesser extent in Belgium, against which we have recorded valuation allowances. Under current tax law in these jurisdictions, our carryforward losses have no expiration.\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\nSee Note 2, \nSummary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices\n, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information regarding recent accounting pronouncements. \nSeasonality\nCertain of our product lines have seasonal fluctuations. Hot tea, hot-eating desserts and soup sales are stronger in colder months, while sales of snack foods, sunscreen and certain of our personal care products are stronger in the warmer months. As such, our results of operations and our cash flows for any particular quarter are not indicative of the results we expect for the full year, and our historical seasonality may not be indicative of future quarterly results of operations. In recent years, net sales and diluted earnings per share in the first fiscal quarter have typically been the lowest of our four quarters.\n39\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nMarket Risk \nThe principal market risks (i.e., the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices) to which the Company is exposed are: \n\u2022\ninterest rates on debt and cash equivalents;\n\u2022\nforeign exchange rates, generating translation and transaction gains and losses; and\n\u2022\ningredient inputs.\nInterest Rates \nWe centrally manage our debt and cash equivalents, considering investment opportunities and risks, tax consequences and overall financing strategies. Our cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds or their equivalent. As of June\u00a030, 2023, we had $830 million of variable rate debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement. During fiscal 2021, the Company used interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk related its outstanding variable rate debt. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $400 million with fixed rate payments of 5.10% that started from February 2023. Assuming current cash equivalents, variable rate borrowings and the effects of the interest rate swaps, a hypothetical change in average interest rates of one percentage point would have resulted in higher net interest expense of $5.5 million.\nForeign Currency Exchange Rates\nOperating in international markets involves exposure to movements in currency exchange rates, which are volatile at times, and the impact of such movements, if material, could cause adjustments to our financing and operating strategies. \nDuring fiscal 2023, approximately\u00a043%\u00a0of our consolidated net sales were generated from sales outside the United States, while such sales outside the United States were\u00a045%\u00a0of net sales in fiscal 2022 and 52% of net sales in fiscal 2021. These revenues, along with related expenses and capital purchases, were conducted primar\nily in British Pounds Sterling, Euros and Canadian Dollars. Sales and operating income would have decreased by approximatel\ny $39.4\u00a0million and $2.8\u00a0million, resp\nectiv\nely, if average foreign exchange rates had been lower by 5% against the U.S. Dollar in fiscal 2023. These amounts were determined by considering the impact of a hypothetical foreign exchange rate on the sales and operating income of the Company\u2019s international operations.\nFluctuations in currency exchange rates may also impact the Stockholders\u2019 Equity of the Company. Amounts invested in our non-United States subsidiaries are translated into United States Dollars at the exchange rates as of the last day of each reporting period. Any resulting cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in Stockholders\u2019 Equity as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. The cumulative translation adjustments component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss decreased by $30.2 million during the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023.\nTo reduce that risk, the Company ma\ny enter into certain derivative financial instruments, when available on a cost-effective basis, to manage such risk. We had approximately\n\u00a0$131.8 million\u00a0in notional amounts of cross-currency swaps and foreign currency exchange contracts at June\u00a030, 2023. See Note 16, \nDerivatives and Hedging Activities\n, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form \n10-K.\nIngredient Inputs Price Risk \nThe Company purchases ingredient inputs such as \nvegetables, fruits, oils, grains, beans, nuts, tea and herbs, spices, dairy products, plant-based surfactants, glycerin and alcohols, as well as packaging materials, to be used in its operations. These inputs are subject to price fluctuations that may create price risk. Although we sometimes hedge against fluctuations in the prices of the ingredients by using future or forward contracts or similar instruments, the ma\njority of our future purchases of these items are subject to changes in price. We may enter into fixed purchase commitments in an attempt to secure an adequate supply of specific ingredients. These agreements are tied to specific market prices. Market risk is estimated as a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the weighted average cost of our primary inputs as of June\u00a030, 2023. Based on our cost of goods sold duri\nng the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, such a change would have resulted in an increase or decrease to cost of sales of approximately $106\u00a0million. W\ne attempt to offset the impact of input cost increases with a combination of cost savings initiatives and efficiencies and price increases.\n40\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "910406",
+ "cusip6": "405217",
+ "cusip": ["405217950", "405217100", "405217900"],
+ "names": ["HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/910406/000091040623000053/0000910406-23-000053-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000912093-23-000037.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000912093-23-000037.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..d28b1586f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000912093-23-000037.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0BUSINESS\nGENERAL\nOverview\nViavi Solutions Inc. (VIAVI, also referred to as the Company, we, our, and us) is a global provider of network test, monitoring, and assurance solutions for communications service providers (CSPs), hyperscalers, network equipment manufacturers (NEMs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), government and avionics. We help customers harness the power of instruments, automation, intelligence and virtualization. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, for the anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.\nTo serve our markets, we operate the following business segments:\n\u2022\nNetwork Enablement (NE);\n\u2022\nService Enablement (SE); and\n\u2022\nOptical Security and Performance Products (OSP).\nCorporate Strategy\nOur objective is to continue to be a leading provider in the markets and industries we serve. In support of our business segments, we are pursuing a corporate strategy that we believe will best position us for future opportunities as follows: \n\u2022\nMarket leadership in physical and virtualized test and measurement instruments and assurance systems with the opportunity to grow market share; \n\u2022\nMarket leadership in anti-counterfeiting pigments, 3D sensing optical filters and other light management technologies; \n\u2022\nMarket leadership in 5G wireless, public safety radio and navigation/communication transponder test instruments as well as passive optical components for 3D sensing and other optical sensors; \n\u2022\nIncrease benefit from the use of our net operating loss carryforwards (NOL) by improving our profitability organically and inorganically; and \n\u2022\nGreater flexibility in capital structure in support of our strategic plans. \nOur near-term strategy, and next transformation phase, will be more focused on growth, both organic and inorganic. We plan to leverage major secular growth trends in 5G wireless, fiber and 3D sensing to achieve higher levels of revenue and profitability. \nOur long-term capital allocation strategy, which supports our corporate strategy, is as follows: \n\u2022\nMaintenance and run-rate investments to support operations; \n\u2022\nOrganic investments in initiatives to support revenue growth and productivity; \n\u2022\nReturn capital to shareholders through share buybacks and execute on capital allocation and debt management strategy; and \n\u2022\nMergers and acquisitions that are synergistic to company strategy and business segments. \nAlthough we are working to successfully implement our strategy, internal and/or external factors could impact our ability to meet any, or all, of our objectives. These factors are discussed under Item\u202f1A \u201cRisk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \n3\nTable of Contents\nBusiness Segments\nWe operate in two broad business categories: Network and Service Enablement (NSE) and Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP). NSE operates in two reportable segments, NE and SE, whereas OSP operates as a single segment. Our NSE and OSP businesses are each organized with their own engineering, manufacturing and dedicated sales and marketing groups focused on each of the markets we serve to better support our customers and respond quickly to market needs. In addition, our segments share common corporate services that provide capital, legal, infrastructure, resources and functional support, allowing them to focus on core technological strengths to compete and innovate in their markets.\nNetwork Enablement \nOur NE segment provides an integrated portfolio of testing solutions that access the network to perform build-out and maintenance tasks. These solutions include instruments, software and services to design, build, turn-up, certify, troubleshoot, and optimize networks. These solutions also support more profitable, higher-performing networks and help speed time-to-revenue. \nOur solutions address lab and production environments, field deployment and service assurance for wireless and wireline networks, including computing and storage networks. Our test instrument portfolio is one of the largest in the industry, with hundreds of thousands of units in active use by major network equipment manufacturers (NEMs), operators and service providers worldwide. \nWithin the NE product portfolio, our wireless products consist of flexible application software and multi-function hardware that our customers can easily use as standalone test and measurement solutions or combine with industry-standard computers, networks and third-party devices to create measurement, automation and embedded systems. Our Radio Access Network (RAN) to Core test and validation product addresses the various communications infrastructure market segments. \nOur AvComm products are a global leader in test and measurement (T&M) instrumentation for communication and safety in the government, aerospace and military markets.\u202f AvComm solutions encompass a full spectrum of instrumentation, which include turnkey systems, stand-alone instruments and modular components that provide customers with highly reliable, customized, innovative and cost-effective testing tools and resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions for critical infrastructure serving military and civilian applications.\nMarkets\n \nOur NE segment provides solutions for CSPs, as well as NEMs and data center providers that deliver and/or operate broadband/IP networks (fixed and mobile) supporting voice, video and data services as well as a wide range of applications. These solutions support the development and production of network equipment, the deployment of next generation network technologies and services, and ensure a higher-quality customer experience. AvComm products are positioned in all of the customers\u2019 product life cycle phases from research & development (R&D), manufacturing, installation, deployment and field, to depot repair and maintenance of devices. \nCustomers \nNE customers include CSPs, NEMs, government organizations and large corporate customers, such as major telecom, mobility and cable operators, chip and infrastructure vendors, storage-device manufacturers, storage-network and switch vendors, radio and avionics commercial companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), state and federal agencies, utilities, law enforcement, military contractors and the armed forces and deployed private enterprise customers. Our customers include Am\u00e9rica M\u00f3vil, AT&T Inc., Lumen Technologies, Inc. (formerly CenturyLink, Inc.), Cisco Systems, Inc., Nokia Corporation, British Telecom Openreach, Deutsche Telekom AG and Verizon Communications Inc. \nFor further information related to our customers, refer to \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d under Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \nCompetition \nNE competitors include Anritsu Corporation, EXFO Inc., Keysight Technologies Inc., Rohde & Schwarz, VeEX Inc. and Spirent Communications plc. While we face multiple competitors for each of our product families, we continue to have one of the broadest portfolios of wireline and wireless products available in the network enablement industry. \n4\nTable of Contents\nOfferings \nOur NE solutions include instruments and software that support the development and production of network systems in the lab. These solutions activate, certify, troubleshoot and optimize networks that are differentiated through superior efficiency, reliable performance and greater customer satisfaction. Designed to be mobile, these products include instruments and software that access the network to perform installation and maintenance tasks. They help service provider technicians assess the performance of network elements and segments and verify the integrity of the information being transmitted across the network. These instruments are highly intelligent and have user interfaces that are designed to simplify operations and minimize the training required to operate them. Our NE solutions are also used by NEMs in the design and production of next-generation network equipment. Thorough testing by NEMs\u202fplays a critical role in producing the components and equipment that are the building blocks of network infrastructure. We leverage our installed base and knowledge of network management methods and procedures to develop these advanced customer experience solutions. \nWe also offer a range of product support and professional services designed to comprehensively address our customers\u2019 requirements. These services include repair, calibration, software support and technical assistance for our products. We offer product and technology training as well as consulting services. Our professional services, provided in conjunction with system integration projects, include project management, installation and implementation. \nOur NE products and associated services are, as follows: \nField Instruments\n: Primarily consisting of (a) access and cable products; (b) avionics products; (c) fiber instrument products; (d) metro products; (e) RF test products; and (f) radio test products. \nLab Instruments\n: Primarily consisting of (a) fiber optic production lab tests; (b) optical transport products; (c) computing and storage network test products; and (d) wireless products. \nService Enablement \nSE provides embedded systems and enterprise performance management solutions that give global CSPs, enterprises and cloud operators visibility into network, service and application data. \nOur assurance solutions let carriers remotely monitor the performance and quality of network, service and applications performance throughout the entire network. This provides our customers with enhanced network management, control, and optimization that allow network operators to initiate service to new customers faster, decrease the need for technicians to make on-site service calls, help to make necessary repairs faster and, as a result, lower costs while providing higher quality and more reliable services. Remote monitoring decreases operating expenses, while early detection helps increase uptime, preserve revenue, and helps operators better monetize their networks. \nOur network performance management products help enterprise IT and security teams monitor and optimize connectivity for their employees across on-premise and cloud domains and conduct preventative and forensic analysis to address rising security challenges. This functionality has become more critical as organizations continue to operate under remote working procedures, increasing network challenges and security risks. \nMarkets \nOur SE segment provides solutions and services primarily for CSPs and enterprises that deliver and/or operate broadband/IP networks (fixed and mobile) supporting voice, video and data services as well as a wide range of applications. These solutions provide network and application visibility to enable more cost-effective ways to provide a higher-quality customer experience. \nCustomers\n \nSE customers include similar CSPs, NEMs, government organizations, large corporate customers and storage-segment customers that are served by our NE segment. \nFor further information related to our customers, refer to \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d under Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \n5\nTable of Contents\nCompetition\n \nSE segment competitors include NetScout Systems, Inc., Riverbed Technology, Inc. and Spirent Communications plc. While we face multiple competitors for each of our product families, we continue to have one of the broadest portfolios of wireline and wireless monitoring solutions available in the service enablement industry. \nOfferings\n \nOur SE solutions are embedded network systems, including instruments, microprobes and software that collect and analyze network data to reveal the actual customer experience and identify opportunities for new revenue streams and network optimization. These solutions provide our customers enhanced network management, control, optimization and differentiation and a complete service assurance platform for mobile communications, providing operators with network performance, inventory, configuration and fault management solutions through artificial intelligence driven key performance indicator analysis. Our customers are able to access and analyze the growing amount of network data from a single console, simplifying the process of deploying, provisioning and managing network equipment and services. These capabilities allow network operators to initiate service to new customers faster, decrease the need for technicians to make on-site service calls, and help to make necessary repairs faster, which lowers costs while providing higher quality and more reliable services. \nOur SE products and associated services are, as follows: \nData Center\n:\u202fPrimarily consisting of our network performance monitoring and diagnostic tools (Apex, GigaStor, Observer). \nAssurance\n:\u202fPrimarily consisting of our growth products (location intelligence and NITRO mobile products) and mature products. \nIndustry Trends for NSE \nThe telecommunications industry is experiencing a major evolution in technology as wireless communications expand and evolve from 4G to 5G technology. 5G\u2019s increased bandwidth capacity and speed, as well as lower latency will expand applications beyond mobile devices. 5G is expected to enable numerous use cases including greater device-to-device connectivity, smart applications, autonomous cars, factory automation and other applications that are yet to be conceptualized. The increase in demand for openness and scalability in the 5G Radio Access Network is motivating the push towards O-RAN standards and ecosystems. O-RAN will eventually improve the time-to-market for new verticals and innovations as well as reduce the total cost of ownership. The 5G transition is being deployed globally and is expected to be disruptive to businesses, consumers and potentially create new applications and vertical industries. \nThe increase in demand for 5G services will be increasingly supported by automation and associated artificial intelligence and machine learning, which will further enable enterprise requirements for private 5G as well as numerous use cases such as remote working and energy efficiency. Such increases in demand for pervasive on-premise/off-premise services will further drive the need for cybersecurity. Further adoption of 5G will require optical fiber upgrades and buildouts driven by traditional CSPs as well as enterprise networks. Hyperscale service providers have become significant drivers of technology innovation, including optical fiber up to 800GbE. The scale and complexity of these technology shifts are also challenging service providers to rearchitect their networks, becoming more virtualized, and optimized based on real-time intelligence. We believe these investments will extend fiber connectivity beyond the office and home and permeate \u201cfiber-to-the-everywhere\u201d leading to potential new business opportunities for VIAVI. \nExisting network infrastructure that is not otherwise being upgraded is also expected to be modernized with new cable and access technologies. Cable providers are investing in DOCSIS 3.1 to enhance existing cable networks while DSL copper lines are being upgraded to GFast. Many operators have decided to run existing legacy networks by deploying superior technologies or continuing to run such networks until they are no longer operable and then replacing them with new optical fiber. For our avionics products, many governments across the globe are increasing their military and public safety budgets to upgrade communication infrastructure.\n6\nTable of Contents\nThe convergence of network technologies requires significant investments from both traditional carriers and cloud service providers. While traditional services providers, in recent years, have continued to consolidate to gain scale, and capital spending in physical networks has been declining, it also creates additional opportunities as service providers deploy NE products and solutions to improve average revenue per user (ARPU) metrics by reducing the need for physical customer service visits through faster installation and repair completion. In addition, the new cloud service providers and virtualized networks create new NSE opportunities. We believe our NSE products and solutions are well positioned to meet these rapidly changing industry trends, given our technology and products, as well as customer installed base. \nOptical Security and Performance Products \nOur OSP segment leverages its core optical coating technologies and volume manufacturing capability to design, manufacture, and sell technologies for the anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, government and automotive markets. \nOur technologies targeting anti-counterfeiting applications include Optical Variable Pigment (OVP\u00ae) and Optical Variable Magnetic Pigment (OVMP\u00ae). OVP enables color-shifting effects, and OVMP enables depth and motion effects in addition to color-shifting effects. Both OVP and OVMP are formulated into inks used by banknote issuers and security printers worldwide for anti-counterfeiting applications on banknotes and other high-value documents. Our technologies are deployed on the banknotes of more than 100 countries today. \nOther OSP product lines include custom color solutions and spectral sensing. Custom color solutions include innovative special effects pigments for the automotive market. Spectral sensing solutions include handheld and process miniature near infrared spectrometers for pharmaceutical, agriculture, food, feed, and industrial applications. \nMarkets\n \nOur OSP segment delivers overt and covert technologies to protect banknotes and documents of value against counterfeiting, with a primary focus on the currency market. OSP also produces precise, high-performance, optical thin-film coatings and light shaping optics capabilities for a variety of applications including, for example, optical filters and Engineered Diffusers, marketed under the trademark \u201cEngineered Diffusers\u00ae\u201d, for 3D sensing applications. \nCustomers\n \nOSP customers include SICPA Holding SA Company (SICPA), STMicroelectronics Holding N.V., Lockheed Martin Corporation and Seiko Epson Corporation. \nWe have a strategic alliance with SICPA to market and sell our OVP and OVMP product lines for banknote anti-counterfeiting applications worldwide. Sales of these products to SICPA generated approximately 10% of our net revenue from continuing operations during fiscal 2021, 2022 and 2023. A material reduction in sales, or loss of the relationship with SICPA, may harm our business and operating results as we may be unable to find a substitute marketing and sales partner or develop these capabilities ourselves in a timely manner. For additional information please see the Risk Factor entitled \u201c\nWe may experience increased pressure on our pricing and contract terms due to our reliance on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our sales\n\u201d under Item 1A \u201cRisk Factors,\u201d and \u201cNote 19. Operating Segments and Geographic Information\u201d of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \nFor further information related to our customers, refer to \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d under Item\u202f7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \nCompetition\n \nOSP competitors include providers of anti-counterfeiting technologies such as Giesecke\u202f& Devrient, De La Rue plc; special-effect pigments such as Merck KGA; coating companies such as Nidek, Toppan and Toray; optics companies such as Materion; and manufacturers of passive and other optical components such as II-VI Inc. and AMS. \n7\nTable of Contents\nOfferings\n \nOur OSP business provides innovative light management technologies for the anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, government and automotive markets. \nAnti-Counterfeiting\n: Our OVP and OVMP technologies are incorporated into inks used by many government and state-owned security printers worldwide for banknote protection. These technologies deliver a range of intuitive overt effects that enable the rapid verification of banknotes without requiring a specialized device or reader. \nConsumer Electronics and Industrial\n: Our OSP business manufactures and sells optical filters for 3D sensing products that separate ambient light from incoming data to allow devices to be controlled by a person\u2019s movements or gestures. Our Engineered Diffusers shape light emitted for 3D sensing applications and also enhance eye safety. We provide multicavity and linear variable optical filters on a variety of substrates for applications, including thermal imaging, spectroscopy and pollution monitoring. We also develop and manufacture miniature handheld and process near infrared spectrometers that leverage our linear variable optical filters for use in applications for agriculture, pharmaceutical and other markets. \nGovernment\n:\u202fOur products are used in a variety of government and aerospace applications, including optics for inter-satellite laser communications, guidance systems, laser eye protection and night vision systems. These products, including coatings and optical filters, are optimized for each specific application. \nAutomotive\n: For product differentiation and brand enhancement, we provide custom color solutions for a variety of applications using our ChromaFlair\u00ae and SpectraFlair\u00ae pigments to create color effects that emphasize body contours, create dynamic environments, or enhance products in motion. These pigments are added to paints, plastics or textiles for automotive, sports apparel, and other applications. Additionally, our optical filters and Engineered Diffusers enable automotive sensing applications including LiDAR and in-cabin monitoring. \nIndustry Trends\n \nFor nearly 75 years, OSP has developed and deployed capabilities that alter how the light is transmitted, reflected, and absorbed, enabling a range of mission critical and high-volume optical solutions. \nWe leverage our capabilities to deliver technologies that enable anti-counterfeiting solutions designed to protect the integrity of banknotes and other documents of value. The wide availability of advanced and relatively low-cost imaging technologies and printing tools threatens the integrity of critical printed documents, necessitating robust, technically sophisticated and easy to validate anti-counterfeiting features. Our OVP, and OVMP technologies enable intuitive overt optical effects that consumers can easily recognize but counterfeiters find very difficult to reproduce. \nWe also design, manufacture and sell optical filters for 3D sensing applications that allow consumers to interact with their devices more naturally by enabling electronic devices to accurately measure depth and motion. Our filters play an important role in those applications, separating out ambient light from the incoming data used by sensors to make precise measurements. Notably, our patented low angle shift technology enables our customers to significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of their systems and deliver reliable system performance. Through the development of multiple generations of products for 3D sensing and by delivering improved performance and competitive value with each iteration, we believe we have established ourselves as one of the industry\u2019s leading supplier of high-performance filters enabling depth-sensing systems in consumer electronics. Similarly Engineered Diffusers, diffuse the infrared laser light transmitted by a smartphone in 3D sensing applications, enabling reliable system performance while also guarding eye safety. \nIn addition to anti-counterfeiting and 3D sensing applications, OSP technologies enable optical solutions in industries we believe the applications of which will mature or there will be development of new applications for OSP technologies that will grow demand for our OSP products and solutions. \n8\nTable of Contents\nResearch and Development\n \nWe devote substantial resources to R&D to develop new and enhanced products to serve our markets. Once the design of a product is complete, our engineering efforts shift to enhancing both product performance and our ability to manufacture it in greater volume and at lower cost. \nIn our NE and SE segments, we develop portable test instruments for field service technicians, systems and software used in Network Operations Centers, and instruments used in the development, testing and production of communications network components, modules and equipment. We have centers of excellence for product marketing and development in Asia, Europe and North America. \nIn our OSP segment, our R&D efforts concentrate on developing more innovative technologies and products for customers in the anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, government and automotive markets. Our strength in the banknote anti-counterfeiting market is complemented by our advances in developing novel pigments for a variety of applications. Other areas for OSP include our efforts to leverage our optical coating technology expertise to develop applications for the government and defense markets as well as efforts related to new products for 3D sensing and smartphone sensors. OSP also develops, manufactures and sells a line of miniature hand-held spectrometers with applications in the agriculture, healthcare and defense markets. \nSales and Marketing\n \nCSPs make up the majority of our NSE revenues. We also market and sell products to NEMs, OEMs, enterprises, governmental organizations, distributors and strategic partners worldwide. We have a dedicated sales force organized around each of the markets that we serve that works directly with customers\u2019 executive, technical, manufacturing and purchasing personnel to determine design, performance and cost requirements. We are also supported by a worldwide channel community, including our Velocity Solution Partners, who support our NSE segment. \nOSP sales and marketing efforts are targeted primarily toward customers in the consumer electronics, government, automotive and industrial markets. We have a dedicated direct global sales force focused on understanding customers\u2019 requirements and building market awareness and acceptance of our products. Our direct sales force is complemented by a highly trained team of field applications engineers who assist customers in designing, testing and qualifying our products. We market our products and capabilities through attendance at trade shows, the production of promotional webinars, the development of samples and product demonstrations, participation in technical forums, select advertising and by developing customer partnerships. \nA high level of support is a critical part of our strategy to develop and maintain long-term collaborative relationships with our customers. We develop innovative products by engaging our customers at the initial design phase and continue to build that relationship as our customers\u2019 needs change and develop. Service and support are provided through our offices and those of our partners worldwide. \nAcquisitions\n \nAs part of our strategy, we are committed to the ongoing evaluation of strategic opportunities and, where appropriate, the acquisition of additional products, technologies or businesses that are complementary to, or strengthen, our existing products. \nFor further information related to our acquisitions, refer to \u201cNote 5. Acquisitions\u201d under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. \nRestructuring Programs\n \nWe may continue to engage in targeted restructuring events, to consolidate our operations and align our businesses in response to market conditions and our current investment strategy. Such actions are intended to further drive our strategy for organizational alignment and consolidation as part of our continued commitment to a more cost effective and agile organization and to improve overall profitability in our business segments. \nFor further information refer to \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d under Item\u202f7 and \u201cNote 13. Restructuring and Related Charges\u201d under Item\u202f8 of this Annual Report on Form\u202f10-K. \n9\nTable of Contents\nManufacturing \nAs of July 1, 2023, we have significant manufacturing facilities for our NE, SE and OSP segments located in China, France, Germany, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. Our most significant contract manufacturing partners are located in China and Mexico. \nSources and Availability of Raw Materials\n \nWe use various suppliers and contract manufacturers to supply parts and components for the manufacture and support of multiple product lines. Although we intend to establish at least two sources of supply for materials whenever possible, for certain components we have sole or limited source supply arrangements. \nPatents and Proprietary Rights\n \nIntellectual property rights apply to our various products include patents, trade secrets and trademarks. We do not intend to broadly license our intellectual property rights unless we can obtain adequate consideration or enter into acceptable intellectual property cross-licensing agreements. As of July 1, 2023, we own 956 U.S. patents and 1,892 foreign patents and have 1,155 patent applications pending throughout the world. The average age of the patents we hold is 8.9 years, which is younger than the midpoint of the average 20-year life of a patent. \nBacklog\nDue to possible changes in product delivery schedules and cancellation of product orders, and because our sales often reflect orders shipped in the same quarter in which they are received, our backlog at any particular date is not necessarily indicative of actual revenue or the level of orders for any succeeding period. \nSeasonality\nOur business is seasonal, as is typical for our competitors and many large companies. For NSE, revenue is typically higher in the second and fourth fiscal quarter, all else being equal. There is typically a modest end of calendar year customer spending budget that benefits our second fiscal quarter. Telecom and cable spending budgets are typically set at the start of a new calendar year, thus with all else being equal, our third fiscal quarter is NSE\u2019s weakest revenue quarter with spending release benefiting our fourth fiscal quarter. \nFor our OSP business, given our exposure to the consumer market, namely our 3D sensing products into the smartphone market, OSP revenue is expected to be seasonally higher in the first and second fiscal quarter followed by seasonal demand declines in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. \nHuman Capital Management \nThe VIAVI culture is made up of the diverse contributions of our approximately 3,600 employees worldwide (as of July 1, 2023) representing more than 30 self-identified nationalities working across 30 countries. VIAVI is committed to promoting and maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and offering equal opportunities to everyone. We seek to empower our employees to learn and develop their skills to accelerate their career and to attract best-in-class talent. The CEO and the SVP of Human Resources are responsible for the development of our People Strategy and execute on this with the support of the Executive Management Team. We regularly update and partner with the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on human capital matters. Employee experience continues to be an important focus of our People Strategy, including implementing automation to increase efficiency in our business processes, manager and employee self-service for transactions and advanced reporting for organizational insight. In addition, we launched a new learning management system to allow for micro-learning in the flow of work. Our next phase will include improving our approach to measuring employee sentiment and drivers for engagement.\n10\nTable of Contents\nBusiness Values & Standards \nThe VIAVI business values articulate the internal cultural identity of VIAVI employees and provide a shared understanding of expectations across the Company. They represent the principles that will help guide us to achieve our objectives globally and the desired operating environment of the employees and management. VIAVI is committed to respecting human rights and acknowledges the fundamental principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the tenets of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and core International Labor Organization Conventions to the extent they are applicable and important to our business. We are a member of the Responsible Business Alliance, which further strengthens our efforts and commitment. \nWe realize that being a responsible global citizen is important to the sustainability and commercial success of our business and encompasses more than just complying with local regulations. It\u2019s about how we do business, and how our organization\u2019s activities affect the people and communities where we live and work. The VIAVI Code of Business Conduct captures the broad principles of legal and ethical business conduct embraced by the Company as part of its commitment to integrity. VIAVI expects that all employees will act in a manner that complies both with the letter and spirit of this code of conduct. \nDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)\n \nVIAVI is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our human capital is one of our most valuable assets. We believe the collective sum of our individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, business acumen, self-expression, and unique capabilities contributes to a culture that enhances our reputation and achievement. \nVIAVI has long been committed to ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity to enjoy a fair, safe and productive work environment \u2013 regardless of age, ancestry, race, color, mental or physical disability or medical condition, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, family or marital status, registered domestic partner status, military and veteran status, race, religious creed, language, national origin, citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and any related medical conditions), sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We seek to embrace, encourage, and celebrate our employees\u2019 differences and what makes them unique. \nTalent Development\n \nOur talent development offerings provide relevant and useful learning resources for our employees, managers, and leaders that invite a growth mindset and create an appetite for lifelong learning. \nWe seek to drive talent conversations at all levels, which is complemented by Everyday Development, our performance management check-in process. Check-ins ensure that employees are being coached and supported throughout the year with relevant and timely discussions on expectations, feedback, and development. Both managers and employees have a role to play to ensure that they are connected to the activities that drive our business forward. Our employees can expect to engage regularly with their manager, and to have their support to accelerate their performance and development. \n Our global Leadership Development Program has now reached over 70% of our leaders in fiscal 2023. We introduced advanced leadership concepts this year, enabling our participants to connect globally and cross functionally while advancing their skills.\nWe continue to provide guidance and best practices in hybrid working for our employees and managers, which are supported by our Flexible Work policy. \nThe early-in-career rotation programs for engineers and sales talent continue.\n \nOur diverse and global program participants are supported by a mentor and their manager to coach them as they take on exciting new technical challenges. We believe their program experiences will unleash innovation and creativity for our organization while enabling our long-term talent pipeline. \nTechnical talent thought leadership is a continued focus at our annual Technology Council event for engineering talent. \n11\nTable of Contents\nWe are encouraged that VIAVI employees exhibit commitment to their ongoing career development, with 70% of our individual contributors building the professional and technical skills they need to advance their careers.\nOur employees regularly participate in mandatory training courses covering data privacy, cybersecurity, health and safety as well as the prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace, each achieving over 99% compliance by employees. \nTalent Rewards\n \nOur compensation and benefits programs are designed to recognize our employees' individual performance and contributions to our business results, including competitive base salaries and variable pay for all employees, share-based equity award grants, health and welfare benefits, time-off, development programs and training, and opportunities to give back to our communities. We provide talent rewards that are competitive in the marketplace. We support equal pay for equal work, pay transparency as well as all federal anti-discrimination laws applicable to employment, including those within Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. \nHealth and Safety\nVIAVI is committed to maintaining an inclusive, supportive, safe and healthy work environment where our employees can thrive. We demand strict compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations, offer robust training to our employees on health and safety matters, maintain controls and proper disposal of hazardous materials and track workplace incidents and injuries. We maintain and regularly update emergency and disaster recovery plans.\nThe success of our Safety program is demonstrated by our best-in-class Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) of only 0.13 injuries per 100 full-time workers per year.\nEnvironmental, Social and Governance Matters\nWe believe that serving our stakeholders, including our stockholders, customers, suppliers, employees, communities and the environment, drives commercial success and that implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices makes our business more sustainable. We take immense pride in the progress we are making within our ESG initiatives. VIAVI is committed to transparency in its environmental practices, and we publicly report our key environmental metrics. VIAVI continues to focus on energy efficiency, both in our products and business practices \u2013 which has resulted in a significant reduction of our carbon footprint over the years. Our annual ESG report can be found at \nwww.viavisolutions.com/esg\n. \nInformation Security\n \nInformation security is the responsibility of our Information Security team, overseen by our Chief Information Security Officer. Our enterprise risk management program considers cybersecurity risks alongside other company risks, and our enterprise risk professionals consult with company subject matter experts to gather information necessary to identify cybersecurity risks, and evaluate their nature and severity, as well as identify mitigations and assess the impact of those mitigations on residual risk. We leverage a combination of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework, International Organization for Standardization and Center for Internet Security best practice standards to measure our security posture and manage risk. \nOur information security practices include development, implementation, and improvement of policies and procedures to safeguard information and ensure availability of critical data and systems. Our Information Security team conducts annual information security awareness training for employees involved in our systems and processes that handle customer data and audits of our systems and enhanced training for specialized personnel. We also conduct semi-annual cyber awareness training and run tabletop exercises to simulate a response to a cybersecurity incident, and use the findings to improve our practices, procedures, and technologies. Our Incident Response Plan coordinates the activities we take to prepare for, detect, respond to and recover from cybersecurity incidents, which include processes to triage, assess severity for, escalate, contain, investigate, and remediate the incident, as well as to comply with potentially applicable legal obligations and mitigate brand and reputational damage.\n12\nTable of Contents\nOur program further includes review and assessment by external, independent third-parties, who assess and report on our internal incident response preparedness and help identify areas for continued focus and improvement. We also carry insurance that provides protection against the potential losses arising from a cybersecurity incident. In the last fiscal three years, we have not experienced any material information security breach incidences and the expenses we have incurred from information security breach incidences were immaterial. This includes penalties and settlements, of which there were none.\nAs set forth in its charter, our Audit Committee, comprised fully of independent directors, is responsible for oversight of risk, including cybersecurity and information security risk. Our Audit Committee has established a Cybersecurity Steering Committee consisting of three independent directors, Laura Black (who serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity Steering Committee), Douglas Gilstrap and Joanne Solomon, as well as our Chief Information Officer, our Chief Information Security Officer and other members of our management representing a variety of teams and functions including legal, finance, and internal audit. Members of our Cybersecurity Steering Committee have work experience managing cybersecurity and information security risks, an understanding of the cybersecurity threat landscape and/or knowledge of emerging privacy risks.\nThe purpose of the Cybersecurity Steering Committee is to oversee our compliance with reasonable and appropriate organizational, physical, administrative and technical measures designed to protect the integrity, security and operations of our information technology systems, transactions, and data owned by us, by providing guidance and oversight of our information technology and cybersecurity program. \nThe Cybersecurity Steering Committee generally meets on a quarterly basis and generally delivers reports and updates to the Audit Committee at each scheduled Audit Committee meeting. The Audit Committee or, at the Audit Committee\u2019s instruction, the Cybersecurity Steering Committee regularly briefs the full Board on these matters, and the Board receives regular updates on the status of the information security program, including but not limited to relevant cyber threats, roadmap and key initiative updates, and the identification and management of information security risks. Our full Board reviews cybersecurity related opportunities as they relate to our business strategy, and cybersecurity-related matters are also factored into business continuity planning.\nWhere You Can Find More Information\nOur website address is \nwww.viavisolutions.com\n, which the Company uses as a means to disclose important information about the Company and comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation Fair Disclosure. We are subject to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), under which we file annual, quarterly and periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC, which can be accessed on www.sec.gov. We also make available free of charge all of our SEC filings on our website at \nwww.viavisolutions.com/investors\n as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information contained on any of the websites referenced in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not part of or incorporated by reference into this or any other report we file with, or furnish to, the SEC. \n \n \n13\nTable of Contents",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS\u00a0\nGlobal Risks\nGeopolitical conditions, including political turmoil and volatility, regional conflicts, terrorism and war could result in market instability, which could negatively impact our business results.\nWe operate globally and sell our products in countries throughout the world. Recent escalation in regional conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, resulting in ongoing economic sanctions, and the risk of increased tensions between the U.S. and China, could curtail or prohibit our ability to transfer certain technologies, to sell our products and solutions, or to continue to operate in certain locations. Foreign companies with a presence in China are facing increasing operational challenges and enhanced scrutiny from governmental entities in region. Further, it is possible that the U.S.-Chinese geopolitical tensions could result in government measures that could adversely impact our business. For example, in May of 2023, China announced controls on the use of Micron products in China, following a cybersecurity review of Micron. At this time, the scope of these restrictions and entities impacted, and impact on VIAVI, is unclear. This could have an adverse impact on our revenues in region.\n \nInternational conflict has resulted in (i) increased pressure on the supply chain and could further result in increased energy costs, which could increase the cost of manufacturing, selling and delivering products and solutions (ii) inflation, which could result in increases in the cost of manufacturing products, reduced customer purchasing power, increased price pressure, and reduced or cancelled orders (iii) increased risk of cybersecurity attacks and (iv) general market instability, all of which could adversely impact our financial results. Moreover, domestically, U.S. political dissension on raising the debt ceiling may increase the possibility of a government shutdown, default by the U.S. government on its debt obligations, or related credit-rating downgrades, all of which could also have adverse effects on the broader global economy and contribute to, or worsen, an economic recession.\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has and may continue to adversely affect how we and our customers are operating our businesses.\n \nThe worldwide spread of the COVID-19 virus resulted in a global slowdown of economic activity which led, at times, to slowdowns in shipping and commercial activities. \nThe lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to adversely affect the financial markets in many countries. In addition, the emergence of new and potentially more contagious variants of the virus, new shutdowns or quarantines, and the resulting staffing and labor supply challenges may impact our suppliers and our ability to source materials in a timely manner, may negatively impact manufacturing or shipment of our products and hence adversely affect our results of operations and financial conditions. \nRisks Related to Our Business Strategy and Industry\nOur future profitability is not assured.\nOur profitability in a particular period will be impacted by revenue, product mix and operational costs that vary significantly across our product portfolio and business segments.\nSpecific factors that may undermine our profit and financial objectives include, among others:\n\u2022\nUncertain future telecom carrier and cable operator capital and R&D spending levels, which particularly affects our NE and SE segments;\u00a0\n\u2022\nAdverse changes to our product mix, both fundamentally (resulting from new product transitions, the declining profitability of certain legacy products and the termination of certain products with declining margins, among other things) and due to quarterly demand fluctuations;\u00a0\n\u2022\nPricing pressure across our NSE product lines due to competitive forces, advanced chip component shortages, and a highly concentrated customer base for many of our product lines, which may offset some of the cost improvements;\u00a0\n\u2022\nOur OSP operating margin may experience some downward pressure as a result of a higher mix of 3D sensing products and increased operating expenses;\n\u2022\nLimited availability of components and resources for our products which leads to higher component prices;\n14\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nResource rationing, including rationing of utilities like electricity by governments and/or service providers; \n\u2022\nIncreasing commoditization of previously differentiated products, and the attendant negative effect on average selling prices and profit margins;\n\u2022\nExecution challenges, which limit revenue opportunities and harm profitability, market opportunities and customer relations;\n\u2022\nDecreased revenue associated with terminated or divested product lines;\u00a0\n\u2022\nRedundant costs related to periodic transitioning of manufacturing and other functions to lower-cost locations;\n\u2022\nOngoing costs associated with organizational transitions, consolidations and restructurings, which are expected to continue in the nearer term;\u00a0\n\u2022\nCyclical demand for our currency products;\n\u2022\nChanging market and economic conditions, including the impacts due to tariffs, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, tensions between the U.S. and China, supply chain constraints, pricing and inflationary pressures;\n\u2022\nAbility of our customers, partners, manufacturers and suppliers to purchase, market, sell, manufacture and/or supply our products and services, including as a result of disruptions arising from supply chain constraints; \n\u2022\nFinancial stability of our customers, including the solvency of private sector customers and statutory authority for government customers to purchase goods and services; and \n\u2022\nFactors beyond our control resulting from pandemics and similar outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing restrictions, travel restrictions and shelter-in-place orders to control the spread of a disease regionally and globally, and limitations on the ability of our employees and our suppliers\u2019 and customers\u2019 employees to work and travel. \nTaken together, these factors limit our ability to predict future profitability levels and to achieve our long-term profitability objectives. If we fail to achieve profitability expectations, the price of our debt and equity securities, as well as our business and financial condition, may be materially adversely impacted.\nRapid technological change in our industry presents us with significant risks and challenges, and if we are unable to keep up with the rapid changes, our customers may purchase less of our products.\nThe manufacture, quality and distribution of our products, as well as our customer relations, may be affected by several factors, including the rapidly changing market for our products, supply chain issues and internal restructuring efforts. We expect the impact of these issues will become more pronounced as we continue to introduce new product offerings and when overall demand increases.\nOur success depends upon our ability to deliver both our current product offerings and new products and technologies on time and at an acceptable cost to our customers. The markets for our products are characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product introductions, substantial capital investment, changes in customer requirements and a constantly evolving industry. Our future performance will depend on the successful development, introduction and market acceptance of new and enhanced products that address these issues and provide solutions that meet our customers\u2019 current and future needs. As a technology company, we also constantly encounter quality, volume and cost concerns such as:\n\u2022\nOur continuing cost reduction programs which include site and organization consolidations, asset divestitures, outsourcing the manufacture of certain products to contract manufacturers, other outsourcing initiatives, and reductions in employee headcount, requirements related to re-establishment and re-qualification by our customers of complex manufacturing lines, and modifications to systems, planning and operational infrastructure. During this process, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, additional costs, delays in re-establishing volume production levels, planning difficulties, inventory issues, factory absorption concerns and systems integration problems.\n15\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nWe have experienced variability of manufacturing yields caused by difficulties in the manufacturing process, the effects from a shift in product mix, changes in product specifications and the introduction of new product lines. These difficulties can reduce yields or disrupt production and thereby increase our manufacturing costs and adversely affect our margin.\n\u2022\nWe may incur significant costs to correct defective products (despite rigorous testing for quality both by our customers and by us), which could include lost future sales of the affected product and other products, and potentially severe customer relations problems, litigation and damage to our reputation.\u00a0\n\u2022\nWe are dependent on a limited number of vendors, who are often small and specialized, for raw materials, packages and standard components. We also rely on contract manufacturers around the world to manufacture certain products. Our business could continue to be adversely affected by this dependency. Specific concerns we periodically encounter with our suppliers include stoppages or delays of supply, insufficient vendor resources to supply our requirements, substitution of more expensive or less reliable products, receipt of defective parts or contaminated materials, increases in the price of supplies and an inability to obtain reduced pricing from our suppliers in response to competitive pressures. Additionally, the ability of our contract manufacturers to fulfill their obligations may be affected by economic, political or other forces that are beyond our control. Any such failure could have a material impact on our ability to meet customers\u2019 expectations and may materially impact our operating results.\u00a0\n\u2022\nNew product programs and introductions involve changing product specifications and customer requirements, unanticipated engineering complexities, difficulties in reallocating resources and overcoming resource limitations and increased complexity, which expose us to yield and product risk internally and with our suppliers.\nThese factors have caused considerable strain on our execution capabilities and customer relations. We have seen and could continue to see\u00a0periodic difficulty responding to customer delivery expectations for some of our products, and\u00a0yield and quality problems, particularly with some of our new products and higher volume products which could require additional funds and other resources to respond to these execution challenges. From time to time, we have had to divert resources from new product R&D and other functions to assist with resolving these matters. If we do not improve our performance in all of these areas, our operating results will be harmed, the commercial viability of new products may be challenged, and our customers may choose to reduce or terminate their purchases of our products and purchase additional products from our competitors.\nUnfavorable, uncertain or unexpected conditions in the transition to new technologies may cause our growth forecasts to be inaccurate and/or cause fluctuations in our financial results. \nGrowth forecasts are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates which may not prove to be accurate. Our estimates of the market opportunities related to 5G infrastructure, 3D sensing and other developing technologies are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates, including our internal analysis, industry experience and third-party data. Accordingly, these markets may not develop in the manner or in the time periods we anticipate and our estimated market opportunities may prove to be materially inaccurate.\nIf domestic and global economic conditions worsen, including as a result of pricing and inflationary pressures, overall spending on 5G infrastructure, 3D sensing and other developing technologies may be reduced, which would adversely impact demand for our products in these markets. In addition, unfavorable developments with evolving laws and regulations worldwide related to such technologies may limit or slow the rate of global adoption, impede our strategy, and negatively impact our long-term expectations in these markets. \nOur growth and ability to serve a significant portion of these markets is subject to many factors including our success in implementing our business strategy as well as market adoption and expansion of 5G infrastructure, 3D sensing and other applications for consumer electronics. We cannot assure you that we will be able to serve a significant portion of these markets and the growth forecasts should not be taken as indicative of our future growth. Even if the markets and rates of adoption develop in the manner or in the time periods we anticipate, if we do not have timely, competitively priced, market-accepted products available to meet our customers\u2019 planned roll-out of 5G platforms and systems, 3D sensing products and other technologies, we may miss a significant opportunity and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.\n16\nTable of Contents\nWe may experience increased pressure on our pricing and contract terms due to our reliance on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our sales.\nWe believe that we will continue to rely upon a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our revenues for the foreseeable future. Any failure by us to continue capturing a significant share of key customer sales could materially harm our business. Dependence on a limited number of customers exposes us to the risk that order reductions from any one customer can have a material adverse effect on periodic revenue. Further, to the extent that there is consolidation among communications equipment manufacturers and service providers, we will have increased dependence on fewer customers who may be able to exert increased pressure on our prices and other contract terms. Customer consolidation activity and periodic manufacturing and inventory initiatives could also create the potential for disruptions in demand for our products as a consequence of such customers streamlining, reducing or delaying purchasing decisions. \nWe have a strategic alliance with SICPA to market and sell our OVP and OVMP product lines for banknote anti-counterfeiting applications worldwide. A material reduction in sales, or loss of the relationship with SICPA, may harm our business and operating results as we may be unable to find a substitute marketing and sales partner or develop these capabilities ourselves in a timely manner. \nMovement towards virtualized networks and software solutions may result in lower demand for our hardware products and increased competition.\nThe markets for our NE and SE segments are increasingly looking towards virtualized networks and software solutions. This trend may result in lower demand for our legacy hardware products. Additionally, barriers to entry are generally lower for software solutions, which may lead to increased competition for our products and services.\nWe face a number of risks related to our strategic transactions.\nOur strategy continues to include periodic acquisitions and divestitures of businesses and technologies. Strategic transactions of this nature involve numerous risks, including the following:\n\u2022\nDiversion of management\u2019s attention from normal daily operations of the business;\u00a0\n\u2022\nPotential difficulties in completing projects associated with in-process R&D;\u00a0\n\u2022\nDifficulties in entering markets in which we have no or limited prior experience and where competitors have stronger market positions;\u00a0\n\u2022\nDifficulties in obtaining or providing sufficient transition services and accurately projecting the time and cost associated with providing these services;\u00a0\n\u2022\nInability of an acquisition to further our business strategy as expected or overpay for, or otherwise not realize the expected return on, our investments;\u00a0\n\u2022\nExpected earn-outs may not be achieved in the time frame or at the level expected or at all;\n\u2022\nLack of ability to recognize or capitalize on expected growth, synergies or cost savings;\n\u2022\nInsufficient net revenue to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions;\u00a0\n\u2022\nPotential loss of key employees of the acquired companies;\u00a0\n\u2022\nDifficulty in forecasting revenues and margins;\n\u2022\nAdverse public health developments, epidemic disease or pandemics in the countries in which we operate or our customers are located, including regional quarantines restricting the movement of people or goods, reductions in labor supply or staffing, the closure of facilities to protect employees, including those of our customers, disruptions to global supply chains and both our and our suppliers\u2019 ability to deliver materials and products on a timely or cost-effective basis, shipment, acceptance or verification delays, the resulting overall significant volatility and disruption of financial markets, and economic instability affecting customer spending patterns; and\n\u2022\nInadequate internal control procedures and disclosure controls to comply with the requirements of Section\u00a0404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or poor integration of a target company\u2019s or business\u2019s procedures and controls.\n17\nTable of Contents\nAcquisitions may also cause us to:\n\u2022\nIssue common stock that would dilute our current stockholders\u2019 percentage ownership and may decrease earnings per share;\u00a0\n\u2022\nAssume liabilities, some of which may be unknown at the time of the acquisitions;\u00a0\n\u2022\nRecord goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets that will be subject to impairment testing and potential periodic impairment charges;\u00a0\n\u2022\nIncur additional debt to finance such acquisitions;\u00a0\n\u2022\nIncur amortization expenses related to certain intangible assets; and\n\u2022\nAcquire, assume, or become subject to litigation related to the acquired businesses or assets.\nWe may not generate positive returns on our research and development strategy.\nDeveloping our products is expensive, and the investment in product development may involve a long payback cycle. We expect to continue to invest heavily in R&D in order to expand the capabilities of 3D sensing and smart phone sensors, handheld spectrometer solution and portable test instruments, introduce new products and features and build upon our technology. We expect that our results of operations may be impacted by the timing and size of these investments. In addition, these investments may take several years to generate positive returns, if ever. \nOperational Risks\nRestructuring\nWe have from time to time engaged in restructuring activities to realign our cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions, including one recently announced for fiscal 2023. Significant risks associated with these types of actions that may impair our ability to achieve the anticipated cost reductions or disrupt our business include delays in the implementation of anticipated workforce reductions in highly regulated locations outside of the U.S. and the failure to meet operational targets due to the loss of key employees. In addition, our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings and other benefits from these actions within the expected timeframe is subject to many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If these estimates and assumptions are incorrect, if we experience delays, or if other unforeseen events occur, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.\nManagement transitions and talent retention create uncertainties and could harm our business.\nManagement changes could adversely impact our results of operations and our customer relationships and may make recruiting for future management positions more difficult. Our executives and other key personnel are generally at-will employees and we generally do not have employment or non-compete agreements with our other employees, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain them. We have in the past experienced, and could continue to experience changes in our leadership team. Competition for people with the specific technical and other skills we require is significant. Moreover, we may face new and unanticipated difficulties in attracting, retaining and motivating employees in connection with the change of our headquarters to Chandler, Arizona. As remote work has become more available the competition for highly qualified talent has intensified. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified executives and employees, or to successfully integrate any newly hired personnel within our organization, we may be unable to achieve our operating objectives, which could negatively impact our financial performance and results of operations. \n18\nTable of Contents\nWe face risks related to our international operations and revenue.\nOur customers are located throughout the world. In addition, we have significant operations outside North America, including product development, manufacturing, sales and customer support operations.\nOur international presence exposes us to certain risks, including the following:\n\u2022\nFluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and among the currencies of the countries in which we do business may adversely affect our operating results\n \nby negatively impacting our revenues or increasing our expenses;\n\u2022\nOur ability to comply with a wide variety of laws and regulations of the countries in which we do business, including, among other things, customs, import/export, anti-bribery, anti-competition, tax and data privacy laws, which may be subject to sudden and unexpected changes;\u00a0\n\u2022\nDifficulties in establishing and enforcing our intellectual property rights;\u00a0\n\u2022\nTariffs and other trade barriers;\u00a0\n\u2022\nPolitical, legal and economic instability in foreign markets, particularly in those markets in which we maintain manufacturing and product development facilities;\u00a0\n\u2022\nStrained or worsening relations between the United States, Russia and China and related impacts on other countries;\n\u2022\nDifficulties in staffing and management;\n\u2022\nLanguage and cultural barriers;\u00a0\n\u2022\nSeasonal reductions in business activities in the countries where our international customers are located;\u00a0\n\u2022\nIntegration of foreign operations;\u00a0\n\u2022\nLonger payment cycles;\u00a0\n\u2022\nDifficulties in management of foreign distributors; and\u00a0\n\u2022\nPotential adverse tax consequences.\nThe spread of COVID-19 affected the manufacturing and shipment of goods globally. Any delay in production or delivery of our products due to an extended closure of our suppliers\u2019 plants could adversely impact our business along with delays in shipment of our products as well as increased logistics costs.\nWe expect that net revenue from customers outside North America will continue to account for a significant portion of our total net revenue. Lower sales levels that typically occur during the summer months in Europe and some other overseas markets may materially and adversely affect our business. In addition, the revenues we derive from many of our customers depend on international sales and further expose us to the risks associated with such international sales.\nLegal, Regulatory and Compliance Risks\nCertain of our products are subject to governmental and industry regulations, certifications and approvals.\nThe commercialization of certain of the products we design, manufacture and distribute through our OSP segment may be more costly due to required government approval and industry acceptance processes. Development of applications for our anti-counterfeiting and special effects pigments may require significant testing that could delay our sales. For example, durability testing by the automobile industry of our special effects pigments used with automotive paints can take up to three years. If we change a product for any reason, including technological changes or changes in the manufacturing process, prior approvals or certifications may be invalid and we may need to go through the approval process again. If we are unable to obtain these or other government or industry certifications in a timely manner, or at all, our operating results could be adversely affected. \n19\nTable of Contents\nU.S. Government trade actions could have an adverse impact on our business, financial position, and results of operation.\nThe United States and China have been engaged in protracted negotiations over the Chinese government\u2019s acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. For example, the United States has increased tariffs on certain categories of high-tech and consumer goods imported from China pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, including a current 25% tariff on List 1, List 2 and List 3 goods, which lists cover certain materials and/or products that we import from China. \nOn May 16, 2019, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and 68 designated non-U.S. affiliates (collectively, Huawei) were added to the Entity List of the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce (BIS), which imposes limitations on the supply of certain U.S. items and product support to Huawei. On August 17, 2020, BIS issued final rules that further restrict access by Huawei to items produced domestically and abroad from U.S. technology and software. Certain products of VIAVI are subject to the restrictions; however, the impact is not expected to be material to our overall operations.\nThese measures, along with any additional tariffs or other trade actions that may be implemented, may increase the cost of certain materials and/or products that we import from China, thereby adversely affecting our profitability. These actions could require us to raise our prices, which could decrease demand for our products. As a result, these actions, including potential retaliatory measures by China and further escalation into a potential \u201ctrade war\u201d, may adversely impact our business. While recent US export controls on China\u2019s semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries may have an indirect impact on VIAVI, the implications of such controls are still being evaluated and are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated annual revenues. \nFurthermore, the geopolitical and economic uncertainty and/or instability that may result from changes in the relationship among the United States, Taiwan and China, may, directly or indirectly, materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, certain of our suppliers are dependent on products sourced from Taiwan which has been distinguished in its prevalence in certain global markets, most specifically semiconductor manufacturing. Hence, greater restrictions and/or disruptions of our suppliers\u2019 ability to operate facilities and/or do business in these jurisdictions may increase the cost of certain materials and/or limit the supply of products and may result in deterioration of our profit margins, a potential need to increase our pricing and, in so doing, may decrease demand for our products and thereby adversely impact our revenue or profitability. \nDue to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the U.S., E.U. and U.K. have broadened restrictions on exports to Russia, thereby blocking shipments of technology, telecommunications and consumer electronics products to Russia. This caused us to suspend transactions in the region effective February 2022 and has negatively impacted our business in the region. Sales in the region are not material to our total consolidated revenues or net income and we are not aware of any specific event or circumstances that would require an update to the estimates or judgments or a revision of the carrying value of assets or liabilities at this time. However, these estimates may change, as new events occur and additional information becomes available. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates, assumptions or conditions due to risks and uncertainties, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine as well as the potential for additional trade actions or retaliatory cyber-attacks aimed at infrastructure or supply chains, and the impact on our future operations and results in the region remains uncertain.\n20\nTable of Contents\nFailure to maintain satisfactory compliance with certain privacy and data protections laws and regulations may harm our business. \nComplex local, state, national, foreign, and international laws and regulations apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer, and other processing of personal data. These privacy laws and regulations are quickly evolving, with new or modified laws and regulations proposed and implemented frequently and existing laws and regulations subject to new or different interpretations. In addition, our legal and regulatory obligations in jurisdictions outside of the U.S. are subject to unexpected changes, including the potential for regulatory or other governmental entities to enact new or additional laws or regulations, to issue rulings that invalidate prior laws or regulations, or to increase penalties significantly. Complying with these laws and regulations can be costly and can impede the development and offering of new products and services. For example, the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which became effective in May 2018, imposes stringent data protection requirements and provides for significant penalties for noncompliance. Additionally, California enacted legislation, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which became effective January 1, 2020. The CCPA requires, among other things, covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers, and allow such consumers new abilities to opt-out of certain sales of personal data. The CCPA also provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that may increase data breach litigation. Further, there are a number of new state privacy laws that have gone into effect in 2023, the California Privacy Rights Act, expanding the CCPA to provide for certain obligations with respect to California employee\u2019s sensitive personal data and an expansion of rights, including the right to limit, correct and request deletion of certain sensitive personal data, the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, the Utah Consumer Privacy Act, the Colorado Privacy Act and the Connecticut Data Privacy Act, and a number of other states have passed laws that will go into effect in the next few years, including Tennessee, Montana, Indiana and Iowa and many more that are considering similar laws. The new state privacy laws will impose additional data protection obligations on covered businesses, including additional consumer rights, limitations on data uses, new audit requirements for higher risk data, and opt outs for certain uses of sensitive data. The new and proposed privacy laws may result in further uncertainty and would require us to incur additional expenditures to comply. These regulations and legislative developments have potentially far-reaching consequences and may require us to modify our data management practices and incur substantial compliance expense. \nOur failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations or other obligations to which we may be subject relating to personal data, or to protect personal data from unauthorized access, use, or other processing, could result in enforcement actions and regulatory investigations against us, claims for damages by customers and other affected individuals, fines, damage to our reputation, and loss of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial performance, and business. \nInformation Security, Technology and Intellectual Property Risks\nOur business and operations could be adversely impacted in the event of a failure of information technology infrastructure of ours, our suppliers, customers, vendors or our service providers.\nWe rely upon the capacity, reliability and security of our information technology infrastructure and our ability to expand and continually update this infrastructure in response to our changing needs. In some cases, we rely upon third-party hosting and support services to meet these needs. The internet has experienced increasingly sophisticated and damaging threats in the form of phishing emails, malware, malicious websites, ransomware, exploitation of application vulnerabilities, and nation-state attacks. It is also becoming more common for these attacks to leverage previously unknown vulnerabilities. The growing and evolving cyber-risk environment means that individuals, companies, and organizations of all sizes, including ourselves, our customers, suppliers and our hosting and support partners, are increasingly vulnerable to attacks and disruptions on their networks and systems by a wide range of actors on an ongoing and regular basis. We also design and manage IT systems and products that contain IT systems for various customers, and generally face the same threats for these systems as for our own internal systems. \n21\nTable of Contents\nWe maintain information security tools and technologies, staff, policies and procedures for managing risk to our networks and information systems, and conduct employee training on cybersecurity to mitigate persistent and continuously evolving cybersecurity threats. Our network security controls are comprised of administrative, physical and technical controls, which include, but are not limited to, the implementation of firewalls, anti-virus protection, patches, log monitors, routine backups, off-site storage, network audits and other routine updates and modifications. We also routinely monitor and develop our internal information technology systems to address risks to our information systems. Despite our implementation of these and other security measures and those of our third-party vendors, our systems are regularly targeted by bad actors and have been subject to damages from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access and other similar disruptions and attacks that continue to emerge and evolve. Any system failure, accident or security breach could result in disruptions to our business processes, network degradation, and system down time, along with the potential that a third-party will gain unauthorized access to, or acquire intellectual property, proprietary business information, and data related to our employees, customers, suppliers, and business partners, including personal data. To the extent that any disruption, degradation, downtime or other security event results in a loss or damage to our data or systems, or in inappropriate disclosure of confidential or personal information, it could adversely impact us and our clients, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses, loss of customers or business, our inability to transact business on behalf of our clients, adverse impact on our brand and reputation, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, litigation, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. We may also incur additional costs related to cybersecurity risk management and remediation. There can be no assurance that we or our service providers, if applicable, will not suffer losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches in the future or that our insurance coverage will be adequate to cover all the costs resulting from such events. No assurances can be given that our efforts to reduce the risk of such attacks or to detect attacks that occur will be successful. \nIf we have insufficient proprietary rights or if we fail to protect those we have, our business would be materially harmed.\n \nWe seek to protect our products and our product roadmaps in part by developing and/or securing proprietary rights relating to those products, including patents, trade secrets, know-how and continuing technological innovation. The steps taken by us to protect our intellectual property may not adequately prevent misappropriation or ensure that others will not develop competitive technologies or products. Other companies may be investigating or developing other technologies that are similar to our own. It is possible that patents may not be issued from any of our pending applications or those we may file in the future and, if patents are issued, the claims allowed may not be sufficiently broad to deter or prohibit others from making, using or selling products that are similar to ours. We do not own patents in every country in which we sell or distribute our products, and thus others may be able to offer identical products in countries where we do not have intellectual property protection. In addition, the laws of some territories in which our products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold, including Europe, Asia-Pacific or Latin America, may not protect our products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. \nAny patents issued to us may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Additionally, we are currently a licensee in all of our operating segments for a number of third-party technologies, software and intellectual property rights from academic institutions, our competitors and others, and are required to pay royalties to these licensors for the use thereof. Unless we are able to obtain such licenses on commercially reasonable terms, patents or other intellectual property held by others could inhibit our development of new products, impede the sale of some of our current products, substantially increase the cost to provide these products to our customers, and could have a significant adverse impact on our operating results. In the past, licenses generally have been available to us where third-party technology was necessary or useful for the development or production of our products. In the future licenses to third-party technology may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. \n22\nTable of Contents\nOur products may be subject to claims that they infringe the intellectual property rights of others.\nLawsuits and allegations of patent infringement and violation of other intellectual property rights occur in our industry on a regular basis. We have received in the past, and anticipate that we will receive in the future, notices from third parties claiming that our products infringe their proprietary rights. Over the past several years there has been a marked increase in the number and potential severity of third-party patent infringement claims, primarily from two distinct sources. First, large technology companies, including some of our customers and competitors, are seeking to monetize their patent portfolios and have developed large internal organizations that have approached us with demands to enter into license agreements. Second, patent-holding companies, entities that do not make or sell products (often referred to as \u201cpatent trolls\u201d), have claimed that our products infringe upon their proprietary rights. We will continue to respond to these claims in the course of our business operations. In the past, the resolution of these disputes has not had a material adverse impact on our business or financial condition; however, this may not be the case in the future. Further, the litigation or settlement of these matters, regardless of the merit of the claims, could result in significant expense to us and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel, whether or not we are successful. If we are unsuccessful, we could be required to expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology or to obtain licenses to the technology that is the subject of the litigation. We may not be successful in such development, or such licenses may not be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Without such a license, we could be enjoined from future sales of the infringing product or products, which could adversely affect our revenues and operating results.\nThe use of open-source software in our products, as well as those of our suppliers, manufacturers and customers, may expose us to additional risks and harm our intellectual property position.\nCertain of the software and/or firmware that we use and distribute (as well as that of our suppliers, manufacturers and customers) may be, be derived from, or contain, \u201copen source\u201d software, which is software that is generally made available to the public by its authors and/or other third parties. Such open-source software is often made available under licenses which impose obligations in the event the software or derivative works thereof are distributed or re-distributed. These obligations may require us to make source code for the derivative works available to the public, and/or license such derivative works under a particular type of license, rather than the forms of license customarily used to protect our own software products. In the event that a court rules that these licenses are unenforceable, or in the event the copyright holder of any open source software were to successfully establish in court that we had not complied with the terms of a license for a particular work, we could be required to release the source code of that work to the public and/or stop distribution of that work. Additionally, open-source licenses are subject to occasional revision. In the event future iterations of open-source software are made available under a revised license, such license revisions may adversely affect our ability to use such future iterations. \nEnvironmental, Social and Governance Risks \nWe may be subject to environmental liabilities which could increase our expenses and harm our operating results.\nWe are subject to various federal, state and foreign laws and regulations, including those governing pollution, protection of human health, the environment and recently, those restricting the presence of certain substances in electronic products as well as holding producers of those products financially responsible for the collection, treatment, recycling and disposal of certain products. Such laws and regulations have been passed in several jurisdictions in which we operate, are often complex and are subject to frequent changes. We will need to ensure that we comply with such laws and regulations as they are enacted, as well as all environmental laws and regulations, and as appropriate or required, that our component suppliers also comply with such laws and regulations. If we fail to comply with such laws, we could face sanctions for such noncompliance, and our customers may refuse to purchase our products, which would have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. \nWith respect to compliance with environmental laws and regulations in general, we have incurred, and in the future could incur, substantial costs for the cleanup of contaminated properties, either those we own or operate or to which we have sent wastes in the past, or to comply with such environmental laws and regulations. Additionally, we could be subject to disruptions to our operations and logistics as a result of such clean-up or compliance obligations. If we were found to be in violation of these laws, we could be subject to governmental fines and liability for damages resulting from such violations. If we have to make significant capital expenditures to comply with environmental laws, or if we are subject to significant expenditures in connection with a violation of these laws, our financial condition or operating results could be materially adversely impacted. \n23\nTable of Contents\nOur business is subject to evolving regulations and expectations with respect to environmental, social and governance matters that could expose us to numerous risks.\nIncreasingly regulators, customers, investors, employees and other stakeholders are focusing on ESG-related matters and related disclosures. These developments have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and increased management time and attention spent complying with or meeting ESG-related requirements and expectations. For example, developing and acting on ESG-related initiatives and collecting, measuring and reporting ESG-related information and metrics can be costly, difficult and time consuming and is subject to evolving reporting standards, including the SEC\u2019s proposed climate-related reporting requirements. We may also communicate certain initiatives and goals regarding ESG-related matters in our SEC filings or in other public disclosures. These ESG-related initiatives and goals could be difficult and expensive to implement, the technologies needed to implement them may not be cost effective and may not advance at a sufficient pace, and we could be criticized for the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the disclosure. Further, statements about our ESG-related initiatives and goals, and progress against those goals, may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future. In addition, we could be criticized for the scope or nature of such initiatives or goals, or for any revisions to these goals. If our ESG-related data, processes and reporting are incomplete or inaccurate, or if we fail to achieve progress with respect to our ESG-related goals on a timely basis, or at all, our reputation, business, financial performance and growth could be adversely affected.\n \nWe may be subject to risks related to climate change, natural disasters and catastrophic events.\nWe operate in geographic regions which face a number of climate and environmental challenges. Our new corporate headquarters is located in Chandler, Arizona, a desert climate, subject to extreme heat and drought. The geographic location of our Northern California offices and production facilities subject them to drought, earthquake and wildfire risks. It is impossible to predict the timing, magnitude or location of such natural disasters or their impacts on the local economy and on our operations. If a major earthquake, wildfire or other natural disaster were to damage or destroy our facilities or manufacturing equipment, we may experience potential impacts ranging from production and shipping delays to lost profits and revenues. In October 2017 and again in October 2019, we temporarily closed our Santa Rosa, California facility resulting in production stoppage, due to wildfires in the region and the facility\u2019s close proximity to the wildfire evacuation zone. The location of our production facility could subject us to production delays and/or equipment and property damage. Moreover, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the public electric utility in our Northern California region, has previously implemented and may continue to implement widespread blackouts during the peak wildfire season to avoid and contain wildfires sparked during strong wind events by downed power lines or equipment failure. Ongoing blackouts, particularly if prolonged or frequent, could impact our operations going forward.\nRisks Related to our Liquidity and Indebtedness\nAny deterioration or disruption of the capital and credit markets may adversely affect our access to sources of funding.\n Global economic conditions have caused and may cause volatility and disruptions in the capital and credit markets. When the capital or credit markets deteriorate or are disrupted, our ability to incur additional indebtedness to fund a portion of our working capital needs and other general corporate purposes, or to refinance maturing obligations as they become due, may be constrained. In the event that we were to seek to access the capital markets or other sources of financing, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing on acceptable terms or within an acceptable time, if at all. We may seek to access the capital or credit markets whenever conditions are favorable, even if we do not have an immediate need for additional capital at that time. For example, in December 2021, we entered into a $300 million asset-based secured credit facility which has certain limitations based on our borrowing capacity. Our access to the financial markets and the pricing and terms we receive in the financial markets could be adversely impacted by various factors, including changes in financial markets and interest rates. In addition, if we do access the capital or credit markets, agreements governing any borrowing arrangement could contain covenants restricting our operations.\n24\nTable of Contents\nOur notes increased our overall leverage and our convertible notes could dilute our existing stockholders and lower our reported earnings per share. \nThe issuance of our 1.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2024, our 1.625% Senior Convertible Notes due 2026 and our 3.75% Senior Notes due 2029 (together the \u201cNotes\u201d) substantially increased our principal payment obligations. The degree to which we are leveraged could materially and adversely affect our ability to successfully obtain financing for working capital, acquisitions or other purposes and could make us more vulnerable to industry downturns and competitive pressures. In addition, the holders of the 2024 and 2026 Notes are entitled to convert the Notes into shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock under certain circumstances which would dilute our existing stockholders and lower our reported per share earnings. \nOur ability to make payments on our indebtedness when due, to make payments upon conversion with respect to our convertible senior notes or to refinance our indebtedness as we may need or desire, depends on our future performance and our ability to generate cash flow from operations, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. If we are unable to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying investments or capital expenditures, selling assets, refinancing or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. We may not be able to engage in these activities on desirable terms or at all, which may result in a default on our existing or future indebtedness and harm our financial condition and operating results. \nOur outstanding indebtedness may limit our operational and financial flexibility. \nOur level of indebtedness could have important consequences, including: \n\u2022\nImpairing our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes; \n\u2022\nRequiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our operating cash flow to paying principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations; \n\u2022\nLimiting our ability to grow and make capital expenditures due to the financial covenants contained in our debt arrangements; \n\u2022\nImpairing our ability to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions, invest in new or developing technologies, or take advantage of significant business opportunities that may arise;\n\u2022\nMaking us more vulnerable if a general economic downturn occurs or if our business experiences difficulties; and \n\u2022\nResulting in an event of default if we fail to satisfy our obligations under the Notes or our other debt or fail to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants contained in the indentures governing the Notes, or any other debt instruments, which event of default could result in all of our debt becoming immediately due and payable and could permit certain of our lenders to foreclose on our assets securing such debt.\nWe may not generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service and working capital requirements, which may expose us to the risk of default under our debt obligations. \nWe will need to implement our business strategy successfully on a timely basis to meet our debt service and working capital needs. We may not successfully implement our business strategy, and even if we do, we may not realize the anticipated results of our strategy and generate sufficient operating cash flow to meet our debt service obligations and working capital needs. In addition, our ability to make scheduled payments on our indebtedness, including the notes, is affected by general and regional economic, financial, competitive, business and other factors beyond our control. \nIn the event our cash flow is inadequate to meet our debt service and working capital requirements, we may be required, to the extent permitted under the indentures covering the Notes and any other debt agreements, to seek additional financing in the debt or equity markets, refinance or restructure all or a portion of our indebtedness, sell selected assets or reduce or delay planned capital or operating expenditures. Any insufficient cash flow may make it more difficult for us to obtain financing on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. \n25\nTable of Contents\nDespite our current level of indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. \nWe and our subsidiaries may be able to incur significant additional indebtedness in the future. The indentures that govern the Notes and the agreement that governs our secured credit facility contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, which are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. These restrictions also will not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness under the agreements governing our existing debt.\nThe terms of the indentures that govern the Notes and the agreement that governs our secured credit facility restrict our current and future operations. \nThe indentures governing the Notes and the agreement governing the secured credit facility contain a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and may limit our ability to engage in acts that may be in our long-term best interest, including restrictions on our ability to: \n\u2022\nIncur or guarantee additional indebtedness; \n\u2022\nIncur or suffer to exist liens securing indebtedness; \n\u2022\nMake investments; \n\u2022\nConsolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets; \n\u2022\nSell assets; \n\u2022\nPay dividends or other distributions on, redeem or repurchase capital stock; \n\u2022\nEnter into transactions with affiliates; \n\u2022\nAmend, modify, prepay or redeem subordinated indebtedness; \n\u2022\nEnter into certain restrictive agreements; \n\u2022\nEngage in a new line of business; \n\u2022\nAmend certain material agreements, including material leases and debt agreements; and \n\u2022\nEnter into sale leaseback transactions. \nTax Risks\nOur ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations and/or changes in regulations.\nChanges in U.S. federal income or other tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws, including the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, as recently passed by Congress, may impact our tax liabilities. Utilization of our NOLs and tax credit carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation if the ownership change limitations under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions are triggered by changes in the ownership of our capital stock. In general, an ownership change occurs if there is a cumulative change in our ownership by \u201c5-percent shareholders\u201d that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. Accordingly, purchases of our capital stock by others could limit our ability to utilize our NOLs and tax credit carryforwards in the future. \nFurthermore, we may not be able to generate sufficient taxable income to utilize our NOLs and tax credit carryforwards before they expire. Due to uncertainty regarding the timing and extent of our future profitability, we continue to record a valuation allowance to offset our U.S. and certain of our foreign deferred tax assets because of uncertainty related to our ability to utilize our NOLs and tax credit carryforwards before they expire. \n If any of these events occur, we may not derive some or all of the expected benefits from our NOLs and tax credit carryforwards. \n26\nTable of Contents\nGeneral Risks\nCertain provisions in our charter and under Delaware laws could hinder a takeover attempt.\nWe are subject to the provisions of Section\u202f203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law prohibiting, under some circumstances, publicly-held Delaware corporations from engaging in business combinations with some stockholders for a specified period of time without the approval of the holders of substantially all of our outstanding voting stock. Such provisions could delay or impede the removal of incumbent directors and could make more difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving us, even if such events could be beneficial, in the short-term, to the interests of the stockholders. In addition, such provisions could limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions providing for the limitations of liability and indemnification of our directors and officers, allowing vacancies on our Board of Directors to be filled by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors, granting our Board of Directors the authority to establish additional series of preferred stock and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of such shares (commonly known as \u201cblank check preferred\u201d) and providing that our stockholders can take action only at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders, which may only be called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors. These provisions may also have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or change in our management. \n \n27\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThe following discussion and analysis summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources during the period ended July 1, 2023. Unless otherwise noted, all references herein for the years 2023, 2022,and 2021 represent the fiscal years ended July 1, 2023, July 2, 2022, and July 3, 2021, respectively. We intend for this discussion to provide the reader with information that will assist in understanding our financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements from year to year, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting estimates affect our financial statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in \u201cRisk Factors\u201d and \u201cForward-Looking Statements.\u201d\n \nThis discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report that have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. \nOVERVIEW\nWe are a global provider of network test, monitoring, and assurance solutions for communications service providers (CSPs), hyperscalers, network equipment manufacturers (NEMs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), government and avionics. We help these customers harness the power of instruments, automation, intelligence, and virtualization. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing for the anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.\nTo serve our markets, we operate the following business segments: \n\u2022\nNetwork Enablement (NE); \n\u2022\nService Enablement (SE); and \n\u2022\nOptical Security and Performance Products (OSP).\nDuring fiscal 2023, we experienced a constrained demand outlook and continued inflationary pressures. Weakness in CSP and NEM spending created headwinds for our NE segment. Softening demand for anti-counterfeiting driven by fiscal tightening as central banks continue to normalize currency printing from elevated levels during the pandemic created pressure on OSP revenues. Despite the slowdown in overall service provider spend, some service providers have begun to free up funds for network maintenance and optimization, which benefits VIAVI\u2019s NSE business segment. \nAny prolonged disruption of manufacturing of our products, commerce and related activity or significant decrease in demand for our products could materially and adversely affect our results of business, operations, and financial conditions.\nOur financial results and long-term growth model will continue to be driven by revenue growth, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) and cash flow from operations. We believe these key operating metrics are useful to investors because management uses these metrics to assess the growth of our business and the effectiveness of our marketing and operational strategies. \n31\nTable of Contents\nLooking Ahead to 2024\nAs we look forward to the year ahead, our focus remains on executing against our strategic priorities to drive revenue and earnings growth, capture market share and continue to optimize our capital structure. We remain positive on our long-term growth drivers in 5G Wireless, Fiber, 3D Sensing and Resilient Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT). We will continue to focus on executing against our strategic priorities highlighted during our September 2022 Analyst Day Event such as our plans to:\n\u2022 Defend and consolidate leadership in core business segments;\n\u2022 Invest in secular trends to drive growth and expand Total Addressable Market (TAM);\n\u2022 Extend VIAVI technologies and platforms into adjacent markets and applications; and\n\u2022 Continue productivity improvement in Operations, Research & Development (R&D) and Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A).\nFINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS\nOur fiscal 2023 results included the following notable items:\n\u2022\nNet revenues of $1.1 billion, down $186.3 million or 14.4% year-over-year\n\u2022\nGAAP operating margin of 7.4%, down 690 bps year-over-year\n\u2022\nNon-GAAP operating margin of 15.6%, down 660 bps year-over-year\n\u2022\nGAAP Diluted EPS of $0.11, up $0.04 or 57.1% year-over-year\n\u2022\nNon-GAAP Diluted EPS of $0.55, down $0.40 or 42.1% year-over-year \nIn fiscal 2023, VIAVI experienced a constrained demand outlook and end market volatility. Net revenue of $1.1 billion, down $186.3 million or 14.4%, demonstrated the challenging macro-economic environment faced by our NE and OSP segments. \nVIAVI's fiscal 2023 GAAP operating margin of 7.4% was down 690 bps compared to fiscal 2022 due to the decline in revenues, partially offset by lower operating expenses. Non-GAAP operating margin of 15.6% decreased 660 basis points largely due to a decline in revenue partially offset by lower operating expenses.\nGAAP Diluted EPS of $0.11 increased 57.1%, or $0.04, from fiscal 2022 largely due to the loss incurred in connection with the repurchase of certain 1.00% and 1.75% Senior Convertible Notes in fiscal 2022. Non-GAAP Diluted EPS of $0.55 decreased 42.1% or $0.40 from a record of $0.95 in fiscal 2022 due to the decline in revenues. \nIn fiscal 2023, we generated $114.1 million in operating cash flow and deployed $51.1 million or 4.6% of revenues towards capital expenditures. We further improved our balance sheet by retiring the remaining 1.75% 2023 Senior Convertible Notes and partially exchanging the 1.0% 2024 Senior Convertible Notes at comparable terms into 1.625% 2026 Senior Convertible Notes. We continued to execute our capital allocation strategy by deploying $72.3 million towards acquisitions and also repurchasing 7.3 million shares of our common stock for $83.9 million.\n32\nTable of Contents\nA reconciliation of GAAP\n \nfinancial measures to Non-GAAP financial measures is provided below (in millions, except EPS amounts):\n\u00a0\nYears Ended\n\u00a0\nJuly 1, 2023\nJuly 2, 2022\n\u00a0\nOperating Income\nOperating Margin\nOperating Income\nOperating Margin\nGAAP measures\n$\n82.4\u00a0\n7.4\u00a0\n%\n$\n185.0\u00a0\n14.3\u00a0\n%\nStock-based compensation\n51.2\u00a0\n4.7\u00a0\n%\n52.3\u00a0\n4.1\u00a0\n%\nChange in fair value of contingent liability\n(4.5)\n(0.4)\n%\n0.3\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nOther (benefits) charges unrelated to core operating performance\n(1)\n(2.0)\n(0.2)\n%\n9.6\u00a0\n0.7\u00a0\n%\nAmortization of intangibles\n33.3\u00a0\n3.0\u00a0\n%\n39.7\u00a0\n3.1\u00a0\n%\nRestructuring and related charges (benefits)\n12.1\u00a0\n1.1\u00a0\n%\n(0.1)\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nTotal related to Cost of Revenue and Operating Expenses\n90.1\u00a0\n8.2\u00a0\n%\n101.8\u00a0\n7.9\u00a0\n%\nNon-GAAP measures\n$\n172.5\u00a0\n15.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n286.8\u00a0\n22.2\u00a0\n%\n\u00a0\nYears Ended\n\u00a0\nJuly 1, 2023\nJuly 2, 2022\n\u00a0\nNet Income\nDiluted\n\u00a0EPS\nNet Income\nDiluted\n\u00a0EPS\nGAAP measures\n$\n25.5\u00a0\n$\n0.11\u00a0\n$\n15.5\u00a0\n$\n0.07\u00a0\nItems reconciling GAAP net income and EPS to non-GAAP net income and EPS:\nStock-based compensation\n51.2\u00a0\n0.23\u00a0\n52.3\u00a0\n0.22\u00a0\nChange in fair value of contingent liability\n(4.5)\n(0.02)\n0.3\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nOther (benefits) charges unrelated to core operating performance\n(1)\n(2.0)\n(0.01)\n9.6\u00a0\n0.04\u00a0\nAmortization of intangibles\n33.3\u00a0\n0.15\u00a0\n39.7\u00a0\n0.17\u00a0\nRestructuring and related charges (benefits)\n12.1\u00a0\n0.05\u00a0\n(0.1)\n\u2014\u00a0\nNon-cash interest expense and other expense \n(2)\n3.9\u00a0\n0.02\u00a0\n102.2\u00a0\n0.43\u00a0\nBenefit from income taxes\n5.2\u00a0\n0.02\u00a0\n5.8\u00a0\n0.02\u00a0\nTotal related to Net income and EPS\n99.2\u00a0\n0.44\u00a0\n209.8\u00a0\n0.88\u00a0\nNon-GAAP measures \n$\n124.7\u00a0\n$\n0.55\u00a0\n$\n225.3\u00a0\n$\n0.95\u00a0\nShares used in per share calculation for Non-GAAP EPS\n226.6\u00a0\n238.2\u00a0\n(1) Other items include (benefits) charges unrelated to core operating performance primarily consisting of certain acquisition and integration related charges, transformational initiatives such as site consolidations, accretion of debt discount, intangible impairment and loss on disposal of long-lived assets.\n(2) The Company incurred a loss of $2.2 million for the twelve months ended July 1, 2023 in connection with the modification of certain 1.00% Senior Convertible Notes. The Company incurred a loss of $101.8M for the twelve months ended July 2, 2022 in connection with the repurchase of certain 1.00% and 1.75% Senior Convertible Notes. The Company eliminates this in calculating non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS, because it believes that in so doing, it can provide investors a clearer and more consistent view of the Company\u2019s core operating performance.\nUse of Non-GAAP (Adjusted) Financial Measures\nThe Company provides non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS financial measures as supplemental information regarding the Company\u2019s operational performance. The Company uses the measures disclosed in this Report to evaluate the Company\u2019s historical and prospective financial performance, as well as its performance relative to its competitors. Specifically, management uses these items to further its own understanding of the Company\u2019s core operating performance, which the Company believes represent its performance in the ordinary, ongoing and customary course of its operations. Accordingly, management excludes from core operating performance items such as those relating to certain purchase price accounting adjustments, amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, stock-based compensation, legal settlements, restructuring, changes in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities and certain investing expenses and other activities that management believes are not reflective of such ordinary, ongoing and core operating activities. \u00a0\n33\nTable of Contents\nThe Company believes providing this additional information allows investors to see Company results through the eyes of management. The Company further believes that providing this information allows investors to better understand the Company\u2019s financial performance and, importantly, to evaluate the efficacy of the methodology and information used by management to evaluate and measure such performance.\nThe non-GAAP adjustments described in this report are excluded by the Company from its GAAP financial measures because the Company believes excluding these items enables investors to evaluate more clearly and consistently the Company\u2019s core operational performance. The non-GAAP adjustments are outlined below.\n\u00a0\nCost of revenues, costs of research and development and costs of selling, general and administrative\n: The Company\u2019s GAAP presentation of operating expenses may include (i) additional depreciation and amortization from changes in estimated useful life and the write-down of certain property, equipment and intangibles that have been identified for disposal but remained in use until the date of disposal, (ii) workforce related charges such as severance, retention bonuses and employee relocation costs related to formal restructuring plans, (iii) costs for facilities not required for ongoing operations, and costs related to the relocation of certain equipment from these facilities and/or contract manufacturer facilities, (iv) stock-based compensation, (v) amortization expense related to acquired intangibles, (vi) changes in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities and (vii) other charges unrelated to our core operating performance comprised mainly of acquisition related transaction costs, integration costs related to acquired entities, litigation and legal settlements and other costs and contingencies unrelated to current and future operations, including transformational initiatives such as the implementation of simplified automated processes, site consolidations, and reorganizations. The Company excludes these items in calculating non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS.\nNon-cash interest expense and other expense\n: The Company excludes certain investing expenses and non-cash activities that management believes are not reflective of such ordinary, ongoing and core operating activities, in calculating non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS.\nIncome tax expense or benefit\n: The Company excludes certain non-cash tax expense or benefit items, such as the utilization of net operating losses where valuation allowances were released, intra-period tax allocation benefit and the tax effect for amortization of non-tax deductible intangible assets, in calculating non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS.\nNon-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, preferable to, or an alternative for, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP operating income is operating income. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP operating margin is operating margin. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP net income is net income. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP EPS is earnings per share. The Company believes these GAAP measures alone are not fully indicative of its core operating expenses and performance and that providing non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with GAAP measures provides valuable supplemental information regarding the Company\u2019s overall performance.\n34\nTable of Contents\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThis section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses the results of operations for the fiscal year ended \nJuly 1, 2023\n and \nJuly 2, 2022\n and year-to-year comparisons between such fiscal years. Discussions of the year-to-year comparisons between the fiscal year ended \nJuly 2, 2022\n and July 3, 2021, that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, can be found in \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended \nJuly 2, 2022\n. \nThe results of operations for the current period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for future periods. The following table summarizes selected Consolidated Statements of Operations items as a percentage of net revenue:\nYears Ended\nJuly 1, 2023\nJuly 2, 2022\nJuly 3, 2021\nSegment net revenue:\nNetwork Enablement\n63.0\u00a0\n%\n65.4\u00a0\n%\n62.3\u00a0\n%\nService Enablement\n9.4\u00a0\n8.0\u00a0\n7.6\u00a0\nOptical Security and Performance\n27.6\u00a0\n26.6\u00a0\n30.1\u00a0\nNet revenue\n100.0\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\nCost of revenues\n40.0\u00a0\n37.9\u00a0\n37.6\u00a0\nAmortization of acquired technologies\n2.2\u00a0\n2.3\u00a0\n2.8\u00a0\nGross profit\n57.8\u00a0\n59.8\u00a0\n59.6\u00a0\nOperating expenses:\nResearch and development\n18.7\u00a0\n16.5\u00a0\n16.9\u00a0\nSelling, general and administrative\n29.7\u00a0\n28.3\u00a0\n28.2\u00a0\nAmortization of other intangibles\n0.8\u00a0\n0.7\u00a0\n2.8\u00a0\nRestructuring and related charges (benefits)\n1.2\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n(0.1)\nTotal operating expenses\n50.4\u00a0\n45.5\u00a0\n47.8\u00a0\nIncome from operations\n7.4\u00a0\n14.3\u00a0\n11.8\u00a0\nLoss on convertible note settlement\n\u2014\u00a0\n(7.9)\n\u2014\u00a0\nLoss on convertible note modification\n(0.2)\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nInterest and other income, net\n0.7\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\n0.3\u00a0\nInterest expense\n(2.4)\n(1.8)\n(1.2)\nIncome before income taxes\n5.5\u00a0\n5.0\u00a0\n10.9\u00a0\nProvision for income taxes\n3.2\u00a0\n3.8\u00a0\n5.3\u00a0\nNet income\n2.3\u00a0\n%\n1.2\u00a0\n%\n5.6\u00a0\n%\n35\nTable of Contents\nFinancial Data for Fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021\nThe following table summarizes selected Consolidated Statement of Operations items (\nin millions, except for percentages\n):\n2023\n2022\nChange\nPercent Change\n2022\n2021\nChange\nPercent Change\nSegment net revenue:\nNE\n$\n697.5\u00a0\n$\n845.8\u00a0\n$\n(148.3)\n(17.5)\n%\n$\n845.8\u00a0\n$\n746.6\u00a0\n$\n99.2\u00a0\n13.3\u00a0\n%\nSE\n103.7\u00a0\n103.3\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\n%\n103.3\u00a0\n91.3\u00a0\n12.0\u00a0\n13.1\u00a0\n%\nOSP\n304.9\u00a0\n343.3\u00a0\n(38.4)\n(11.2)\n%\n343.3\u00a0\n361.0\u00a0\n(17.7)\n(4.9)\n%\nNet revenue\n$\n1,106.1\u00a0\n$\n1,292.4\u00a0\n$\n(186.3)\n(14.4)\n%\n$\n1,292.4\u00a0\n$\n1,198.9\u00a0\n$\n93.5\u00a0\n7.8\u00a0\n%\nAmortization of acquired technologies\n$\n24.6\u00a0\n$\n30.0\u00a0\n$\n(5.4)\n(18.0)\n%\n$\n30.0\u00a0\n$\n33.2\u00a0\n$\n(3.2)\n(9.6)\n%\nPercentage of net revenue\n2.2\u00a0\n%\n2.3\u00a0\n%\n2.3\u00a0\n%\n2.8\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n$\n638.8\u00a0\n$\n773.5\u00a0\n$\n(134.7)\n(17.4)\n%\n$\n773.5\u00a0\n$\n714.4\u00a0\n$\n59.1\u00a0\n8.3\u00a0\n%\nGross margin\n57.8\u00a0\n%\n59.8\u00a0\n%\n59.8\u00a0\n%\n59.6\u00a0\n%\nResearch and development\n$\n206.9\u00a0\n$\n213.2\u00a0\n$\n(6.3)\n(3.0)\n%\n$\n213.2\u00a0\n$\n203.0\u00a0\n$\n10.2\u00a0\n5.0\u00a0\n%\nPercentage of net revenue\n18.7\u00a0\n%\n16.5\u00a0\n%\n16.5\u00a0\n%\n16.9\u00a0\n%\nSelling, general and administrative\n$\n328.7\u00a0\n$\n365.7\u00a0\n$\n(37.0)\n(10.1)\n%\n$\n365.7\u00a0\n$\n337.5\u00a0\n$\n28.2\u00a0\n8.4\u00a0\n%\nPercentage of net revenue\n29.7\u00a0\n%\n28.3\u00a0\n%\n28.3\u00a0\n%\n28.2\u00a0\n%\nAmortization of intangibles\n$\n8.7\u00a0\n$\n9.7\u00a0\n$\n(1.0)\n(10.3)\n%\n$\n9.7\u00a0\n$\n33.3\u00a0\n$\n(23.6)\n(70.9)\n%\nPercentage of net revenue\n0.8\u00a0\n%\n0.7\u00a0\n%\n0.7\u00a0\n%\n2.8\u00a0\n%\nRestructuring and related charges (benefits)\n$\n12.1\u00a0\n$\n(0.1)\n$\n12.2\u00a0\nNM\n$\n(0.1)\n$\n(1.6)\n$\n1.5\u00a0\n(93.8)\n%\nPercentage of net revenue\n1.2\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(0.1)\n%\nLoss on convertible note settlement\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n(101.8)\n$\n101.8\u00a0\nNM\n$\n(101.8)\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n(101.8)\nNM\nPercentage of net revenue\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n(7.9)\n%\n(7.9)\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nLoss on convertible note modification\n$\n(2.2)\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n(2.2)\nNM\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nPercentage of net revenue\n(0.2)\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nInterest and other income, net\n$\n7.6\u00a0\n$\n5.2\u00a0\n$\n2.4\u00a0\n46.2\u00a0\n%\n$\n5.2\u00a0\n$\n3.3\u00a0\n$\n1.9\u00a0\n57.6\u00a0\n%\nPercentage of net revenue\n0.7\u00a0\n%\n0.4\u00a0\n%\n0.4\u00a0\n%\n0.3\u00a0\n%\nInterest expense\n$\n(27.1)\n$\n(23.3)\n$\n(3.8)\n16.3\u00a0\n%\n$\n(23.3)\n$\n(14.7)\n$\n(8.6)\n58.5\u00a0\n%\nPercentage of net revenue\n(2.5)\n%\n(1.8)\n%\n(1.8)\n%\n(1.2)\n%\nProvision for income taxes\n$\n35.2\u00a0\n$\n49.6\u00a0\n$\n(14.4)\n(29.0)\n%\n$\n49.6\u00a0\n$\n63.3\u00a0\n$\n(13.7)\n(21.6)\n%\nPercentage of net revenue\n3.2\u00a0\n%\n3.8\u00a0\n%\n3.8\u00a0\n%\n5.3\u00a0\n%\n36\nTable of Contents\nForeign\u00a0Currency\u00a0Impact\u00a0on Results of Operations\nWhile the majority of our net revenue and operating expenses are denominated in U.S. dollar, a portion of our international operations are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign exchange rates may significantly affect revenue and expenses. While we use foreign currency hedging contracts to mitigate some foreign currency exchange risk, these activities are limited in the protection that they provide us and can themselves result in losses. We have presented below \u201cconstant dollar\u201d comparisons of our net sales and operating expenses which exclude the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations. Constant dollar net revenue and operating expenses are non-GAAP financial measures, which is information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in our financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our management believes these non-GAAP measures, when considered in conjunction with the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, may facilitate a better understanding of changes in net revenue and operating expenses. \nFiscal 2023 and 2022\nIf currency exchange rates had been constant in fiscal 2023 and 2022, our consolidated net revenue in \u201cconstant dollars\u201d would have increased by approximately $23.0 million, or 2.1% of net revenue, which primarily impacted our NE and SE segments. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations on net revenue was not indicative of the impact on net income due to the offsetting\u00a0foreign\u00a0currency\u00a0impact\u00a0on operating costs and expenses. If currency exchange rates had been constant in fiscal 2023 and 2022, our consolidated operating expenses in \u201cconstant dollars\u201d would have increased by approximately $17.5 million, or 1.6% of net revenue.\nThe Results of Operations are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and not using constant dollars. Refer to Item 7A \u201cQualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk\u201d of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on foreign currency instruments and our related risk management strategies.\nNet Revenue\nRevenue from our service offerings exceeds 10% of our total consolidated net revenue and is presented separately in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Service revenue primarily consists of maintenance and support, extended warranty, professional services and post-contract support in addition to other services such as calibration and repair services. When evaluating the performance of our segments, management focuses on total net revenue, gross profit and operating income and not the product or service categories. Consequently, the following discussion of business segment performance focuses on total net revenue, gross profit, and operating income consistent with our approach for managing the business.\nFiscal 2023 and 2022\nNet revenue decreased $186.3 million, or 14.4%, during fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by lower volumes in NE and OSP, partially offset by an increase in SE.\nProduct revenues\u00a0decreased\u00a0$199.4 million, or\u00a017.6%, during fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022, driven by volume decline in all segments. \nService revenues\u00a0increased\u00a0$13.1 million, or\u00a08.3%, during fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022. This increase was primarily due to increased support revenue from our NSE segment, offset by a declines in our OSP segment.\nGoing forward, we expect to continue to encounter a number of industry and market risks and uncertainties. For example, uncertainty around the timing of our customers procurement decisions on infrastructure maintenance and upgrades and decisions on new infrastructure investments or uncertainty about speed of adoption of 5G technology at a commercially viable scale. This may limit our visibility, and consequently, our ability to predict future revenue, seasonality, profitability, and general financial performance, which could create period-over-period variability in our financial measures and present foreign exchange rate risks.\n37\nTable of Contents\nWe cannot predict when or to what extent these uncertainties will be resolved. Our revenues, profitability, and general financial performance may also be affected by: (a) pricing pressures due to, among other things, a highly concentrated customer base, increasing competition, particularly from Asia-based competitors, and a general commoditization trend for certain products; (b) product mix variability in our NE and SE markets, which affects revenue and gross margin; (c) fluctuations in customer buying patterns, which cause demand, revenue and profitability volatility; (d) the current trend of communication industry consolidation, which is expected to continue, that directly affects our NE and SE customer bases and adds additional risk and uncertainty to our financial and business projections; (e) chip component shortages, supply chain and shipping logistic constraints; (f) the impact of ongoing global trade policies, tariffs and sanctions; and (g) regulatory or economic developments and/or technology challenges that slow or change the rate of adoption of 5G, 3D Sensing and other emerging secular technologies and platforms.\nRevenue by Region\nWe operate in three geographic regions, including the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Net revenue is assigned to the geographic region and country where our product is initially shipped. For example, certain customers may request shipment of our product to a contract manufacturer in one country, which may differ from the location of their end customers. The following table presents net revenue by the three geographic regions we operate in and net revenue from countries that exceeded 10% of our total net revenue\u00a0\n(in millions)\n:\n\u00a0\nYears Ended\n\u00a0\nJuly 1, 2023\nJuly 2, 2022\nJuly 3, 2021\nAmericas:\nUnited States\n$\n362.9\u00a0\n32.8\u00a0\n%\n$\n388.9\u00a0\n30.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n330.0\u00a0\n27.5\u00a0\n%\nOther Americas\n75.2\u00a0\n6.8\u00a0\n%\n96.8\u00a0\n7.5\u00a0\n%\n85.6\u00a0\n7.2\u00a0\n%\nTotal Americas\n$\n438.1\u00a0\n39.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n485.7\u00a0\n37.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n415.6\u00a0\n34.7\u00a0\n%\nAsia-Pacific:\nGreater China\n$\n210.9\u00a0\n19.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n256.4\u00a0\n19.8\u00a0\n%\n$\n277.0\u00a0\n23.1\u00a0\n%\nOther Asia-Pacific\n166.6\u00a0\n15.0\u00a0\n%\n205.3\u00a0\n15.9\u00a0\n%\n133.5\u00a0\n11.1\u00a0\n%\nTotal Asia-Pacific\n$\n377.5\u00a0\n34.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n461.7\u00a0\n35.7\u00a0\n%\n$\n410.5\u00a0\n34.2\u00a0\n%\nEMEA:\n$\n290.5\u00a0\n26.3\u00a0\n%\n$\n345.0\u00a0\n26.7\u00a0\n%\n$\n372.8\u00a0\n31.1\u00a0\n%\nTotal net revenue\n$\n1,106.1\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,292.4\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n1,198.9\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nNet revenue from customers outside the Americas for fiscal 2023, represented 60.4% of net revenue, a decrease of 2.0% year-over-year. This decrease is due to larger declines in revenues from Asia-Pacific and EMEA compared to the decline in the Americas. We expect revenue from customers outside of the United States to continue to be an important part of our overall net revenue and an increasing focus for net revenue growth opportunities.\n38\nTable of Contents\nAmortization of Acquired Technologies (Cost of revenues)\nAmortization of acquired technologies within Cost of revenues for fiscal 2023 decreased $5.4 million, or 18.0%, to $24.6 million from $30.0 million in fiscal 2022. This decrease is primarily due to intangible assets becoming fully amortized in fiscal 2022 offset by amortization of intangibles acquired through current year acquisitions.\nGross Margin\nGross margin in fiscal 2023 declined 2.0% to 57.8% from 59.8% in fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by lower volume and product mix.\nAs discussed in more detail under \u201cNet Revenue\u201d above, we sell products in certain markets that are consolidating, undergoing product, architectural and business model transitions, have high customer concentrations, are highly competitive (increasingly due to Asia-Pacific-based competition), are price sensitive and/or are affected by customer seasonal and mix variant buying patterns. We expect these factors to continue to result in variability of our gross margin.\nResearch and Development\nR&D expense decreased $6.3 million, or 3.0%, during fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by variable expense reductions. As a percentage of net revenue, R&D increased 2.2% during fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022.\nWe believe that continuing our investments in R&D is critical to attaining our strategic objectives. We plan to continue to invest in R&D and new products that will further differentiate us in the marketplace.\nSelling, General and Administrative\nSG&A expense decreased $37.0 million, or 10.1%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease was driven by the reversal of the U.K. pension accrued liability, fair value adjustment of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, lower commission expense, variable pay and outside service expenses. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A increased 1.5% in fiscal 2023 when compared to 2022.\nWe intend to continue to focus on reducing our SG&A expense as a percentage of net revenue. However, we have in the recent past experienced, and may continue to experience in the future, certain charges unrelated to our core operating performance, such as acquisitions and integration related expenses and litigation expenses, which could increase our SG&A expenses and potentially impact our profitability expectations in any particular quarter.\nAmortization of Intangibles (Operating expenses)\nAmortization of intangibles within Operating expenses for fiscal 2023 decreased $1.0 million, or 10.3%, to $8.7 million from $9.7 million in fiscal 2022. This decrease is primarily due to intangible assets becoming fully amortized in fiscal 2022 offset by amortization of intangibles acquired through current year acquisitions.\nAcquired In-Process Research and Development\nIn accordance with authoritative guidance, we recognize acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) at fair value as of the acquisition date, and subsequently account for it as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until completion or abandonment of the associated R&D efforts. We periodically review the stage of completion and likelihood of success of each IPR&D project. The nature of the efforts required to develop IPR&D projects into commercially viable products principally relates to the completion of all planning, designing, prototyping, verification and testing activities that are necessary to establish that the products can be produced to meet their design specifications, including functions, features and technical performance requirements.\n39\nTable of Contents\nRestructuring and Related Charges\nThe Company restructuring events are primarily intended to reduce costs, consolidate operations, integrate various acquisitions, streamline product manufacturing and address market conditions. During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, Management approved a restructuring and workforce reduction plan (the Fiscal 2023 Plan) to better align the Company\u2019s workforce with current business needs and strategic growth opportunities. The Company expects approximately 5% of its global workforce to be affected. We estimate annualized gross cost savings of approximately $28.0 million excluding any one-time charges as a result of the restructuring activities initiated under the Plan. Refer to \u201cNote 13. Restructuring and Related Charges\u201d for more information.\nAs of July 1, 2023, our total restructuring accrual was $5.8 million. During fiscal 2023, we recorded charges and other adjustments of $12.1 million related to the Fiscal 2023 Plan. Restructuring charges consisting of severance, benefit and outplacement costs were recorded to the Restructuring and related charges (benefits) line within our Consolidated Statements of Operations. These charges are primarily the result of the following:\ni.\nThe first phase of the Fiscal 2023 Plan impacted all segments and corporate functions. The Company anticipates this phase of the Fiscal 2023 Plan to be substantially complete by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2024. \nii. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe second phase of the Fiscal 2023 Plan is primarily focused on reducing costs in our SE segment. The Company anticipates this phase of the Fiscal 2023 Plan to be substantially complete by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2024. \nWe estimate future cash payments of $6.0 million under the Fiscal 2023 Plan during fiscal 2024, funded by operating cash flow. Future charges under the Fiscal 2023 Plan are not expected to be material.\nDuring fiscal 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded a benefit related to other restructuring actions of $0.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively.\nLoss on Convertible Note Modification\nDuring fiscal 2023, the Company exchanged $127.5 million principal value of its 1.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2024 for $132.0 million principal value of its 1.625% Senior Convertible Notes due 2026 and issued $118.0 million principal value of its 1.625% Senior Convertible Notes due 2026 for cash. The Company incurred $4.2 million of issuance costs related to the transaction, of which $2.2 million of the issuance costs were recorded as Loss on convertible note modification in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The remaining issuance costs of $2.0 million was capitalized within Long-term debt (as a contra-balance) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense on a straight-line basis until maturity.\nLoss on Convertible Note Settlement\nDuring fiscal 2022, the Company entered into separate privately-negotiated agreements with certain holders of its 1.75% Senior Convertible Notes due 2023 and 1.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2024. The Company paid an aggregate of 10.6 million shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and $347.3 million in cash in exchange for $156.9 million principal amount of the 2023 Notes and $236.1 million principal amount of the 2024 Notes. The Company recorded a loss of $101.8 million in connection with the settlement transactions.\nInterest and Other Income, Net\nInterest and other income, net was $7.6 million in fiscal 2023 as compared to $5.2 million in fiscal 2022. This $2.4 million increase was primarily driven by higher interest income offset by an unfavorable foreign exchange impact as the balance sheet hedging program provided a less favorable offset to the remeasurement of underlying foreign exchange exposures during the current period.\nInterest Expense\nInterest expense increased $3.8 million, or 16.3%, during fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. This increase was primarily driven by full year interest expense on the Senior Notes due 2029 in the current period as a result of the issuance in September 2021 and the accretion of debt discount on the Senior Convertible Notes due 2026 as a result of the issuance in March 2023 offset by lower interest expense on our convertible notes as a result of convertible notes settlement transactions during fiscal 2022.\n40\nTable of Contents\nProvision for Income Tax\nWe recorded an income tax provision of $35.2 million for fiscal 2023. The expected tax provision derived by applying the federal statutory rate to our income before income taxes for fiscal 2023 differed from the income tax expense recorded primarily due to valuation allowances in addition to withholding taxes, foreign tax rates higher than the federal statutory rate and the U.S. inclusion of foreign earnings.\nBased on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction review of anticipated future income and due to the continued economic uncertainty in the industry, management has determined that in the U.S., it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax assets will not be realized. During fiscal 2023, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets increased by $30.7 million which was primarily due to the increase in capitalization of federal research expenditures in the U.S.\nThe decrease in income tax provision of $14.4 million or 29.0% during fiscal 2023 was due primarily to a reduction in foreign earnings in the current year as compared to the fiscal 2022 foreign earnings and a charge of $13.2 million related to internal intellectual properties restructuring. \nWe are routinely subject to various federal, state and foreign audits by taxing authorities. We believe that adequate amounts have been provided for any adjustments that may result from these examinations.\nOperating Segment Information\n (\nin millions\n):\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\nChange\nPercentage Change\n2022\n2021\nChange\nPercentage Change\nNE\nNet revenue\n$\n697.5\u00a0\n$\n845.8\u00a0\n$\n(148.3)\n(17.5)\n%\n$\n845.8\u00a0\n$\n746.6\u00a0\n$\n99.2\u00a0\n13.3\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n440.1\u00a0\n543.6\u00a0\n(103.5)\n(19.0)\n%\n543.6\u00a0\n474.2\u00a0\n69.4\u00a0\n14.6\u00a0\n%\nGross margin\n63.1\u00a0\n%\n64.3\u00a0\n%\n64.3\u00a0\n%\n63.5\u00a0\n%\nSE\nNet revenue\n$\n103.7\u00a0\n$\n103.3\u00a0\n$\n0.4\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\n%\n$\n103.3\u00a0\n$\n91.3\u00a0\n$\n12.0\u00a0\n13.1\u00a0\n%\nGross profit\n70.1\u00a0\n71.5\u00a0\n(1.4)\n(2.0)\n%\n71.5\u00a0\n59.9\u00a0\n11.6\u00a0\n19.4\u00a0\n%\nGross margin\n67.6\u00a0\n%\n69.2\u00a0\n%\n69.2\u00a0\n%\n65.6\u00a0\n%\nNSE\nNet revenue\n$\n801.2\u00a0\n$\n949.1\u00a0\n$\n(147.9)\n(15.6)\n%\n$\n949.1\u00a0\n$\n837.9\u00a0\n$\n111.2\u00a0\n13.3\u00a0\n%\nOperating income\n61.2\u00a0\n147.8\u00a0\n(86.6)\n(58.6)\n%\n147.8\u00a0\n92.2\u00a0\n55.6\u00a0\n60.3\u00a0\n%\nOperating margin\n7.6\u00a0\n%\n15.6\u00a0\n%\n15.6\u00a0\n%\n11.0\u00a0\n%\nOSP\nNet revenue\n$\n304.9\u00a0\n$\n343.3\u00a0\n$\n(38.4)\n(11.2)\n%\n$\n343.3\u00a0\n$\n361.0\u00a0\n$\n(17.7)\n(4.9)\n%\nGross profit\n158.6\u00a0\n193.6\u00a0\n(35.0)\n(18.1)\n%\n193.6\u00a0\n218.1\u00a0\n(24.5)\n(11.2)\n%\nGross margin\n52.0\u00a0\n%\n56.4\u00a0\n%\n56.4\u00a0\n%\n60.4\u00a0\n%\nOperating income\n111.3\u00a0\n139.0\u00a0\n(27.7)\n(19.9)\n%\n139.0\u00a0\n161.3\u00a0\n(22.3)\n(13.8)\n%\nOperating margin\n36.5\u00a0\n%\n40.5\u00a0\n%\n40.5\u00a0\n%\n44.7\u00a0\n%\n41\nTable of Contents\nNetwork Enablement\nNE net revenue decreased $148.3 million, or 17.5% during fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022, This decrease was primarily driven by lower volumes in Field Instruments, Lab & Production and Wireless products compared to the prior year partially offset by PNT revenue not included in the same period a year ago.\nNE gross margin decreased by 1.2% during fiscal 2023 to 63.1% from 64.3% in fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily due to lower volumes.\nService Enablement\nSE net revenue increased $0.4 million, or 0.4%, during fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to higher Growth Assurance revenue.\nSE gross margin decreased by 1.6% during fiscal 2023 to 67.6% from 69.2% in fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily due to lower volumes.\nNetwork and Service Enablement\nNSE operating margin decreased by 8.0% during fiscal 2023 to 7.6% from 15.6% in fiscal 2022. The\u00a0decrease\u00a0in operating margin was primarily driven by lower volumes.\nOptical Security and Performance Products\nOSP net revenue decreased $38.4 million, or 11.2%, during fiscal 2023 when compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by lower Anti-Counterfeiting and consumer and industrial revenues.\nOSP gross margin\u00a0decreased by\u00a04.4% during fiscal 2023 to 52.0% from 56.4% in fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily due to unfavorable manufacturing variances associated with lower volumes and startup costs in our new Arizona facility.\nOSP operating margin decreased by 4.0% during fiscal 2023 to 36.5% from 40.5% in fiscal 2022. The decrease in operating margin was primarily due to the aforementioned reduction in gross margin.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nWe believe our existing liquidity and sources of liquidity, namely operating cash flows, credit facility capacity, and access to capital markets, will continue to be adequate to meet our liquidity needs, including but not limited to, contractual obligations, working capital and capital expenditure requirements, financing strategic initiatives, funding debt maturities, and execution of purchases under our share repurchase program over the next twelve months and beyond. However, there are a number of factors that could positively or negatively impact our liquidity position, including:\n\u2022\nGlobal economic conditions which affect demand for our products and services and impact the financial stability of our suppliers and customers;\n\u2022\nChanges in accounts receivable, inventory or other operating assets and liabilities which affect our working capital;\n\u2022\nIncrease in capital expenditure to support the revenue growth opportunity of our business;\n\u2022\nChanges in customer payment terms and patterns, which typically results in customers delaying payments or negotiating favorable payment terms to manage their own liquidity positions;\n\u2022\nTiming of payments to our suppliers;\n\u2022\nFactoring or sale of accounts receivable;\n\u2022\nVolatility in fixed income and credit markets which impact the liquidity and valuation of our investment portfolios;\n\u2022\nVolatility in credit markets which would impact our ability to obtain additional financing on favorable terms or at all; \n\u2022\nVolatility in foreign exchange markets which impacts our financial results;\n42\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nPossible investments or acquisitions of complementary businesses, products or technologies;\n\u2022\nWhile the principal payment obligations of our 1.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2024, our 1.625% Senior Convertible Notes due 2026, and our 3.75% Senior Notes due 2029 (together the \u201cNotes\u201d) are substantial and there are covenants that restrict our debt level and credit facility capacity, we may be able to incur substantially more debt; \n\u2022\nIssuance or repurchase of debt which may include open market purchases of our 2024 Notes, 2026 Notes and/or 2029 Notes prior to their maturity;\n\u2022\nIssuance or repurchase of our common stock or other equity securities;\n\u2022\nPotential funding of pension liabilities either voluntarily or as required by law or regulation; \n\u2022\nCompliance with covenants and other terms and conditions related to our financing arrangements; and\n\u2022\nThe risks and uncertainties detailed in Item 1A \u201cRisk Factors\u201d section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nCash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments\nOur cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments consist mainly of investments in institutional money market funds and short-term deposits at major global financial institutions. Our strategy is focused on the preservation of capital and supporting our liquidity requirements that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in our investment policy approved by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Our investments in debt securities and marketable equity securities are primarily classified as available for sale or trading assets and are recorded at fair value. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments are recorded as Other comprehensive (loss) income and are reported as a separate component of stockholders\u2019 equity. As of July 1, 2023, U.S. subsidiaries owned approximately 34.7% of our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash. \nAs of July 1, 2023, the majority of our cash investments have maturities of 90 days or less and are of high credit quality. Nonetheless we could realize investment losses under adverse market conditions. During the twelve months ended July 1, 2023, we have not realized material investment losses but can provide no assurance that the value or the liquidity of our investments will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. In addition, we maintain cash balances in operating accounts that are with third-party financial institutions. These balances in the U.S. may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits. While we monitor the cash balances in our operating accounts and adjust the cash balances as appropriate, these cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail.\nSenior Secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility\nOn December 30, 2021, we entered into a credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Wells Fargo) as administrative agent, and other lender related parties. The Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in a maximum aggregate amount of $300.0 million, which matures on December 30, 2026. The Credit Agreement also provides that, under certain circumstances, we may increase the aggregate amount of revolving commitments thereunder by an aggregate amount of up to $100.0 million so long as certain conditions are met. \nAs of July 1, 2023, we had no borrowings under this facility and our available borrowing capacity was approximately $172.5 million, net of outstanding standby letters of credit of $4.1 million.\nRefer to \u201cNote 11. Debt\u201d under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.\nRevolving Credit Facility\nOn May 5, 2020, we entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo as administrative agent, and other lender related parties. We borrowed $150.0 million and repaid $150.0 million under this credit agreement during the first quarter of fiscal 2022. In connection with the entry into the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility noted above, we terminated this facility.\n Refer to \u201cNote 11. Debt\u201d under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.\n43\nTable of Contents\nCash Flows Year Ended July 1, 2023\nAs of July 1, 2023, our combined balance of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased by $57.2 million to $515.6 million from a balance of $572.8 million as of July 2, 2022.\nCash provided by operating activities was $114.1 million, consisted of net income of $25.5 million adjusted for non-cash charges (e.g.,\u00a0depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, amortization of debt issuance cost, loss on convertible note modification and accretion and net change in fair value of contingent liabilities), including changes in deferred tax balances which totaled $138.3 million, offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities that used $49.7 million. Changes in our operating assets and liabilities related primarily to a decrease in accrued expenses and other current and non-current liabilities of $47.4 million due primarily to timing in payments of tax withholding and interest coupled with lower manufacturing accruals, a decrease in accrued payroll and related expenses of $25.8 million due primarily to lower commissions and variable pay, an increase in inventories of $10.7 million to meet demand, a decrease in accounts payable of $9.4 million driven by timing of purchases and related payments, a decrease in deferred revenue of $2.1 million due to timing of support billings and project acceptance and a decrease in income taxes payable of $2.0 million. These were partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $37.4 million due to collections outpacing billings and a decrease in other current and non-current assets of $10.3 million. \nCash used in investing activities was $127.1 million, primarily related to $67.3 million used for acquisitions, $51.1 million used for capital expenditures, $13.1 million used for purchases of short-term investments and $0.7 million purchase price adjustment related to business acquisition. These were partially offset by $5.1 million proceeds from sales of assets. \nCash used in financing activities was $50.0 million, primarily resulting from $83.9 million cash paid to repurchase common stock under our share repurchase program, $68.1 million to retire 2023 Senior Convertible Notes upon maturity, $11.8 million in withholding tax payments on the vesting of restricted stock awards, $7.8 million payment of acquisition related contingent consideration and obligations and $4.3 million in other payments, primarily payments of debt issuance costs. These were partially offset by $118.0 million proceeds from the issuance of 2026 Senior Convertible Notes and $7.9 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock under our employee stock purchase plan.\n44\nTable of Contents\nMaterial Contractual and Material Cash Obligations\nThe following summarizes our contractual obligations at July 1, 2023, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow over the next five years (\nin millions\n):\nPayments due by period\nTotal\nLess than \n1 year\n1 - 3 years\n3 - 5 years\nMore than \n5 years\nAsset retirement obligations\u2014expected cash payments\n$\n4.3\u00a0\n$\n1.0\u00a0\n$\n0.9\u00a0\n$\n0.9\u00a0\n$\n1.5\u00a0\nDebt:\n2029 3.75% Senior Notes \n(1)\n400.0\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n400.0\u00a0\n2026 1.625% Senior Convertible Notes \n(1)\n250.0\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n250.0\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n2024 1.00% Senior Convertible Notes \n(1)\n96.4\u00a0\n96.4\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nEstimated interest payments\n111.8\u00a0\n20.5\u00a0\n38.4\u00a0\n30.4\u00a0\n22.5\u00a0\nPurchase obligations\n(2)\n124.0\u00a0\n41.7\u00a0\n79.0\u00a0\n2.3\u00a0\n1.0\u00a0\nOperating lease obligations\n(3)\n46.2\u00a0\n10.3\u00a0\n16.6\u00a0\n9.6\u00a0\n9.7\u00a0\nNon-cancelable leaseback obligations\n(2)\n26.0\u00a0\n3.0\u00a0\n6.2\u00a0\n5.9\u00a0\n10.9\u00a0\nRoyalty payment\n1.5\u00a0\n0.8\u00a0\n0.7\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPension and post-retirement benefit payments\n(4)\n58.8\u00a0\n9.2\u00a0\n12.4\u00a0\n11.8\u00a0\n25.4\u00a0\nTotal \n$\n1,119.0\u00a0\n$\n182.9\u00a0\n$\n404.2\u00a0\n$\n60.9\u00a0\n$\n471.0\u00a0\n(1) Refer to \u201cNote 11. Debt\u201d for more information.\u00a0\n(2) Refer to \u201cNote 18. Commitments and Contingencies\u201d for more information.\u00a0\n(3) Refer to \u201cNote 12. Leases\u201d for more information.\u00a0\n(4) Refer to \u201cNote 17. Employee Pension and Other Benefit Plans\u201d for more information.\u00a0\nPurchase obligations represent legally-binding commitments to purchase inventory and other commitments made in the normal course of business to meet operational requirements. Of the $124.0 million of purchase obligations as of July 1, 2023, $42.1 million are related to inventory and the other $81.9 million are non-inventory items.\nAs of July 1, 2023, our other non-current liabilities primarily relate to asset retirement obligations, pension and financing obligations which are presented in various lines in the preceding table.\nShare Repurchase Program\nDuring fiscal 2023 we repurchased 7.3 million shares of our common stock outstanding for $83.9 million pursuant to our 2019 and 2022 Share Repurchase Plans. As of July 1, 2023, the Company had remaining authorization of $234.8 million for future share repurchases under the 2022 Repurchase Plan.\nRefer to \u201cNote 15. Stockholders Equity\u201d under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.\n45\nTable of Contents\nEmployee Defined Benefit Plans and Other Post-retirement Benefits\nWe sponsor significant qualified and non-qualified pension plans for certain past and present employees in the U.K. and Germany. Most of these plans have been closed to new participants and no additional service costs are being accrued. \nAs of July 1, 2023, the U.K. plan is fully funded. During fiscal 2023, we (amounts represented as \u00a3 and $ denote GBP and USD, respectively) contributed \u00a31.0 million or approximately $1.2 million, while in fiscal 2022, we contributed \u00a31.0 million or approximately $1.3 million to the U.K. pension plan. These contributions allowed us to comply with regulatory funding requirements. \n As of July 1, 2023, our German pension plans, which were initially established as unfunded or \u201cpay-as-you-go\u201d plans, were underfunded by $55.0 million\u00a0since the Pension Benefit Obligation (PBO) exceeded the fair value of plan assets. We anticipate future annual outlays related to the German plans will approximate estimated future benefit payments. These future benefit payments have been estimated based on the same actuarial assumptions used to measure our projected benefit obligation and currently are forecasted to range between $4.2 million and $7.9 million per annum. \nWe also are responsible for the non-pension post-retirement benefit obligation assumed from a past acquisition with a liability of $0.4 million.\nRecently Issued Accounting Pronouncements\nRefer to \u201cNote 2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements\u201d under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, regarding the effect of certain recent accounting pronouncements on our Consolidated Financial Statements.\nCritical Accounting Estimates\nOur Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP), which require management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, net revenue and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Our estimates are based on historical experience and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. We believe that the accounting estimates employed and the resulting balances are reasonable; however, actual results may differ from these estimates and such differences may be material. Refer to \u201cNote 1. Basis of Presentation\u201d under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a discussion of the estimates used in preparation our Consolidated Financial Statements.\n \nFor our Pension accounting, significant judgment is required i\nn actuarial assumption used when establishing the discount rate for the net periodic cost and the projected benefit obligation (PBO) calculations. Changes in the discount rate impact the interest cost component of the net periodic benefit cost calculation and PBO due to the fact that the PBO is calculated on a net present value basis. Decreases in the discount rate will generally increase pre-tax cost, recognized expense and the PBO. Increases in the discount rate tend to have the opposite effect. We estimate a 50-basis point decrease or increase in the discount rate would cause a corresponding increase or decrease, respectively, in the PBO of approximately $4.0 million based upon data as of July 1, 2023.\nGoodwill is recognized and initially measured as the excess of the purchase price paid over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not result in an impairment of goodwill. The Company tests goodwill at the reporting unit level for impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. \nFirst, we assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we conduct a quantitative goodwill impairment test comparing the fair value of the applicable reporting unit with its carrying value. If the estimated fair value exceeds book value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than book value, then goodwill will be impaired by the amount that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the fair value.\n46\nTable of Contents\nAs part of the annual impairment test, the Company performed a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment for all reporting units. \nThe Company estimated the fair value of each reporting unit by applying a combination of the income approach and the market approach. The income approach used discounted future cash flows in which sales, operating income and cash flow projections were based on assumptions driven by current economic conditions. In developing these assumptions, we relied on various factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, and other market data. The market approach was based on trading multiples of companies comparable to each reporting unit and analysis of recent sales of comparable entities. We corroborated the fair value estimates by comparing the sum of the fair values of the reporting units and corporate net assets to VIAVI\u2019s market capitalization as of the valuation date. \nThe Company believes the assumptions used in the goodwill impairment test were reasonable, but future changes in the underlying assumptions could occur due to the inherent uncertainty in making such estimates. Further declines in the Company\u2019s operating results due to challenging economic conditions, an unfavorable industry or macroeconomic development or other adverse changes in market conditions could change one of the key assumptions the Company used in the goodwill impairment assessment, which could result in a further decline in fair value and require the Company to record an impairment charge in future periods.\nBased on our testing, the fair value of each of the Company\u2019s reporting units was at least two times the carrying value, and therefore no impairment was identified.\n \n47\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\u00a0\nForeign Exchange Risk\nWe use foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge foreign currency risk associated with foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, primarily certain short-term intercompany receivables and payables. Our foreign exchange forward contracts are accounted for as derivatives whereby the fair value of the contracts are reflected as other current assets or other current liabilities and the associated gains and losses are reflected in Interest and other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our hedging programs reduce, but do not eliminate, the impact of currency exchange rate movements. The gains and losses on those derivatives are expected to be offset by re-measurement gains and losses on the foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities.\nAs of July 1, 2023, we had forward contracts that were effectively closed but not settled with the counterparties by year end. The fair value of these contracts of $3.5 million and $2.4 million is reflected as Prepayments and other current assets and Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 1, 2023, respectively. \nThe forward contracts outstanding and not effectively closed, with a term of less than 120\u00a0days, were transacted near year end and had minimal value as of July 1, 2023 and a fair value of $0.1 million which is reflected in Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 2, 2022. As of July 1, 2023 and July 2, 2022, the notional amounts of the forward contracts that we held to purchase foreign currencies were $87.5 million and $119.1 million, respectively, and the notional amounts of forward contracts that we held to sell foreign currencies were $19.3 million and $80.5 million, respectively.\nThe counterparties to these hedging transactions are creditworthy multinational banks. The risk of counterparty nonperformance associated with these contracts is not considered to be material. Notwithstanding our efforts to mitigate some foreign exchange risks, we do not hedge all of our foreign currency exposures, and there can be no assurances that our mitigating activities related to the exposures that we do hedge will adequately protect us against the risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations.\nInvestments\nMajority of our investments have maturities 90 days or less. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe that we do not have any material exposure to changes in the fair value of our investments as a result of changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates can affect the interest earned on our investments.\nWe seek to mitigate the credit risk of investments by holding high-quality, investment-grade debt instruments. We also seek to mitigate marketability risk by holding only highly liquid securities with active secondary or resale markets. However, the investments may decline in value or marketability due to changes in perceived credit quality or changes in market conditions.\nAs of July 1, 2023, the Company\u2019s short-term investments of $14.6\u00a0million were comprised of a 30-day term deposit of $13.1\u00a0million and trading securities related to the deferred compensation plan of $1.5\u00a0million, of which $0.1 million was invested in debt securities, $1.2 million was invested in equity securities and $0.2 million was invested in money market instruments.\nDebt\nThe fair value of our 2029 Notes is subject to interest rate risk while the fair values of our 2024 and 2026 Notes are subject to interest rate and market price risk due to the convertible feature of the Notes and other factors. Generally, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. The fair value of the 2024 and 2026 Notes may also increase as the market price of our stock rises and decrease as the market price of our stock falls. Changes in interest rates and our stock price in the case of convertible notes affect the fair value of the Notes but does not impact our financial position, cash flows or results of operations. \nBased on quoted market prices, as of July 1, 2023, the fair value of the 2024 Notes was $95.6 million, the fair value of the 2026 Notes was $262.7 million and the fair value of the 2029 Notes was $341.8 million. The carrying value of the 2024 Notes was $96.2 million, the carrying value of the 2026 Notes was $235.0 million and the carrying value of the 2029 Notes was $394.5 million. Refer to \u201cNote 11. Debt\u201d under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.\n48\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "912093",
+ "cusip6": "925550",
+ "cusip": ["925550955", "925550105"],
+ "names": ["VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/912093/000091209323000037/0000912093-23-000037-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000915358-23-000008.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000915358-23-000008.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c44f2d613a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000915358-23-000008.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1. BUSINESS\n \nCAUTIONARY \nNOTE\n:\n \nIn addition to historical financial information, this discussion of the business of SigmaTron International, Inc. (\u201cSigmaTron\u201d), its wholly-owned subsidiaries Standard Components de Mexico S.A., AbleMex, S.A. de C.V., Digital Appliance Controls de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Spitfire Controls (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., and Spitfire Controls (Cayman) Co. Ltd., wholly-owned foreign enterprises Wujiang SigmaTron Electronics Co., Ltd. and Wujiang SigmaTron Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., its international procurement office, SigmaTron International Inc. Taiwan Branch, and Wagz, Inc. (19 percent ownership as of April 1, 2023) (\u201cWagz\u201d), (collectively, the \u201cCompany\u201d) and other Items in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements concerning the Company\u2019s business or results of operations. Words such as \u201ccontinue,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the Company. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the Company\u2019s plans, actions and actual results could differ materially. Such statements should be evaluated in the context of the direct and indirect risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company\u2019s business including, but not necessarily limited to, the Company\u2019s continued dependence on certain significant customers; the continued market acceptance of products and services offered by the Company and its customers; pricing pressures from the Company\u2019s customers, suppliers and the market; the activities of competitors, some of which may have greater financial or other resources than the Company; the variability of the Company\u2019s operating results; the results of long-lived assets and goodwill impairment testing; the ability to achieve the expected benefits of acquisitions as well as the expenses of acquisitions; the collection of aged account receivables; the variability of the Company\u2019s customers\u2019 requirements; the impact of inflation on the Company\u2019s operating results; the availability and cost of necessary components and materials; the impact acts of war may have to the supply chain and the Company\u2019s customers; the ability of the Company and its customers to keep current with technological changes\n \nwithin its industries; regulatory compliance, including conflict minerals; the continued availability and sufficiency of the Company\u2019s credit arrangements; the costs of borrowing under the Company\u2019s senior and subordinated credit facilities, including under the rate indices that replaced LIBOR; increasing interest rates; the ability to meet the Company\u2019s financial and restrictive covenants under its loan agreements; changes in U.S., Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese or Taiwanese regulations affecting the Company\u2019s business; the turmoil in the global economy and financial markets; public health crises, including COVID-19 and variants (commonly known as \u201cCOVID-19\u201d) which threatened the Company\u2019s financial stability by causing a disruption to the Company\u2019s global supply chain, and caused plant closings or reduced operations thus reducing output at those facilities; the continued availability of scarce raw materials, exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions, necessary for the manufacture of products by the Company; the stability of the U.S., Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese economic, labor and political systems and conditions; currency exchange fluctuations; and the ability of the Company to manage its growth. These and other factors which may affect the Company\u2019s future business and results of operations are identified throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and as risk factors, may be detailed from time to time in the Company\u2019s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements speak as of the date of such filings, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements in light of future events or otherwise unless otherwise required by law.\n \nOverview \n \nSigmaTron is a Delaware corporation, which was organized on November 16, 1993, and commenced operations when it became the successor to all of the assets and liabilities of SigmaTron L.P., an Illinois limited partnership, through a reorganization on February 8, 1994 as part of going public.\n \nPrior to April 1, 2023, the Company operated in two reportable segments as an independent provider of electronic manufacturing services (\u201cEMS\u201d), and as a provider of products to the pet technology (\u201cPet Tech\u201d) \n\n\n \n \n4\n \n \n\n\nmarket. The majority of the Pet Tech Segment was sold, effective as of April 1, 2023, and following such date, the Company operates in one reportable segment, the EMS segment. The EMS segment includes printed circuit board assemblies, electro-mechanical subassemblies and completely assembled (box-build) electronic products. The Pet Tech segment offered electronic products such as the Freedom Smart Dog Collar \u2122, a wireless, geo-mapped fence, and wellness system, and apparel and accessories. \n \nExcept as otherwise noted, the description of the Company\u2019 business below reflects its continuing operations. Refer to Note P - Discontinued Operations, to the consolidated financial statements for activity associated with discontinued operations.\n \nThe Company provides manufacturing and assembly services ranging from the assembly of individual components to the assembly and testing of box-build electronic products. The Company has the ability to produce assemblies requiring mechanical as well as electronic capabilities. The products assembled by the Company are then incorporated into finished products sold in various industries, particularly industrial electronics, consumer electronics and medical/life sciences. In some instances, the Company manufactures and assembles the completed finished product for its customers. \n \nIn connection with the production of assembled products, the Company provides services to its customers, including (1) automatic and manual assembly and testing of products; (2) material sourcing and procurement; (3) manufacturing and test engineering support; (4) design services; (5) warehousing and distribution services; (6) assistance in obtaining product approval from governmental and other regulatory bodies and (7) compliance reporting. The Company provides these manufacturing services through an international network of facilities located in the United States, Mexico, China, Vietnam and Taiwan.\n \nThe Company began its Pet Technology operations after the December 2021 acquisition of Wagz, Inc. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company exited its active involvement in the Pet Tech business that is conducted by Wagz through the sale by the Company of a majority stake in Wagz, effective as of April\u00a01, 2023. See \u201cRecent Developments\u201d below for additional information.\n \nThe Company\u2019s headquarters is in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, United States of America (\u201cU.S.\u201d) which also operates as a manufacturing facility. In addition, the Company has manufacturing facilities in Union City, California, U.S.; Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico (\u201cMX\u201d); Chihuahua, Chihuahua, MX; and Tijuana, Baja California, MX; Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; and Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. In addition, the Company maintains an International Procurement Office and Compliance and Sustainability Center (\u201cIPO\u201d) in Taipei, Taiwan. The Company also provides design services in Elgin, Illinois, U.S. and warehousing services in Del Rio, Texas, U.S.; El Paso, Texas, U.S.; Elk Grove Village, Illinois, U.S.; and San Diego, California, U.S. The Company has an information technology office in Taichung, Taiwan. \n \nThe Company\u2019s international footprint provides our customers with flexibility within the Company to manufacture in China, Mexico, Vietnam or the U.S. We believe this strategy will continue to serve the Company well as its customers continuously evaluate their supply chain strategies.\n \nFor the fiscal year ended April, 30 2023, the Company reported pre-tax income of approximately $17,200,000 from continuing operations. The Company reported sales of approximately $414,400,000. The fiscal year end revenue results increased 9.5%, compared to the prior fiscal year. The higher sales related to both increased customer demand and price increases passed on to customers for raw material and other operating cost increases. These results were obtained despite continued electronic component shortages in the marketplace. This has led to lower productivity on occasion, rapidly growing inventory levels and pressure on working capital, as the marketplace has remained volatile.\u00a0 \n \nThe Company\u2019s backlog remains high with demand staying strong across the vast majority of markets and customers the Company serves. The continued supply chain shortages could impact the Company\u2019s ability to ship the backlog on a timely basis.\u00a0 This is a problem faced by almost every customer and competitor in the EMS industry, and the Company anticipates the situation improving through fiscal 2024.\u00a0 The Company\u2019s supply chain and operations teams continue to face challenges as it starts fiscal year 2024.\n \n\n\n \n \n5\n \n \n\n\n \nRecent Developments \n \nOn December 31, 2021, the Company acquired 100% of the stock of Wagz under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 19, 2021, \nas amended by the First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 7, 2021 (the \u201cMerger Agreement\u201d).\n \nPrior to the acquisition, the Company had an investment in Wagz of $600,000, and held Convertible Secured Promissory Notes issued by Wagz of $12,000,000 and Secured Promissory Notes issued by Wagz of $1,380,705. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, prior to the acquisition, the Convertible Secured Promissory Notes converted to 12,000,000 shares of Wagz common stock, resulting in a 25.5% ownership in Wagz. As described in Note F \u2013 Acquisition and Disposition, the Company\u2019s\u00a025.5%\u00a0equity interest in Wagz common stock was remeasured to fair value of\u00a0$6,299,765, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $6,300,235 in fiscal 2022. \n \nPursuant to the Merger Agreement, 2,443,870 shares of common stock of the Company were issued in the merger for a value of $25,245,177, of which 1,546,592 shares are allocated to Wagz shareholders (excluding the Company) for a total value of $15,976,295, and 897,278 shares are allocated to the Company and treated as treasury stock for a total value of $9,268,881, recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders\u2019 Equity of Item 15(a) \nExhibits and Financial Statement Schedules\n under Issuance of stock for acquisition and Purchase of treasury stock related to acquisition, respectively. The treasury shares were retired as of April 30, 2022.\n \nDuring the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company exited its active involvement in the Pet Tech business that is conducted by Wagz through the sale by the Company of a majority stake in Wagz, effective as of April\u00a01, 2023. The Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (\u201cSPA\u201d) by and among the Company, Wagz, Vynetic LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (\u201cBuyer\u201d), and Terry B. Anderton,\u00a0co-founder\u00a0of Wagz and principal of Buyer (\u201cAnderton\u201d), pursuant to which the Company sold to Buyer 81% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Wagz (the \u201cShares\u201d) for the purchase price of one dollar. Under the SPA, the Company also agreed to provide a $900,000 working capital term loan (the \u201cWagz Loan\u201d) to Wagz during the month of April 2023. The Company agreed to work with Wagz as an EMS provider pursuant to a manufacturing agreement, but the Company did not commit to extending any further financial support beyond the Wagz Loan. On April\u00a028, 2023, the sale of the majority interest in Wagz pursuant to the SPA was consummated with effect as of April\u00a01, 2023, and as a result, as of the closing, the Company holds a minority 19% ownership of the Shares and Buyer holds a majority 81% of the Shares. \n \nOn\n \nMarch\n \n2,\n \n2023,\n the Company received \nan Event\n \nof\n \nDefault\n \nand\n \nReservation\n \nof\n \nRights\n \nnotice\n \nfrom\n \neach\n \nof\n \nJPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., lender under the Company\u2019s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement(\u201cJPM\n \nNotice\u201d),\n \nand\n TCW Asset Management Company LLC, as administrative agent (\u201cAgent\u201d), and other lenders party to the Company\u2019s Term Loan Agreement (\nthe\n \u201c\nTCW\n \nLenders\u201d)\n \n(\u201cTCW Notice\u201d\n \nt\nogether\n \nwith\n \nthe \nJPM\n \nNotice,\n \nthe\n \n\u201cNotices\u201d).\n T\nhe Notices indicated the occurrence of certain events of default under the JPM Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement. See Note I \u2013 Long-term Debt, for more information. \n \nOn\n \nApril\n \n28,\n \n2023,\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nentered\n \ninto\n \n(i)\n \na\n \nW\naive\nr\n,\n \nConsent\n \nand\n \nAmendment \nNo.\n \n1\n \nto\n \nthe\n JPM \nCredit\n \nAgreement\n \n(\u201cJPM\n \nW\naiver\u201d)\n with\n \nW\nagz\n \nand\n \nJPM,\n \nas\n \nl\ne\nnder\n, which waived certain events of default under and amended certain terms of \nthe\n \nJPM\n \nCredit\n \nAgreement\n \nand\n \n(i\ni\n)\n \na\n \nW\naive\nr\n,\n \nConsent \nand\n \nAmendment\n \nNo.\n \n1\n \nto\n \nthe\n \nCredit\n \nAgreement\n \n(\u201cTCW\n \nW\naiver\u201d)\n with\n \nW\nagz,\n \nthe\n \nTCW\n \nLenders\n \nand Agent\n (\ncollectively\n \nwith\n \nthe\n \nTCW\n \nLenders\n \nand\n \nJPM,\n \nthe\n \n\u201cLender\n \nParties\u201d), which waived certain events of default under and amended certain terms of the Term Loan\n \nAgreement\n \n(\ntogether\n \nwith\n \nthe\n \nJPM\n \nCredit Agreement the \u201cCredit Agreements\u201d).\n \nSee Note E \u2013 Long-term Debt, for more information. \n \nAs described above, the\n \nCompany\n \nexited\n \nits\n \nactive\n \ninvolvement\n \nin\n \nthe\n \nPet\n \nT\nech\n \nbusiness\n \nthat\n w\nas\n \nconducted\n \nb\ny\n \nW\nagz\n \nthrough the\n \nsale\n \nby\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nof\n \na\n \nmajority\n \nstake\n \nin\n \nW\nagz,\n \neffective as of April\n \n1,\n \n2023. In\n \nconnection\n \nwith\n \nthe\n \nW\naivers and such sale, the Lender Parties agreed to release Wagz and its property from the lien of the Lender Parties under the Credit Agreements.\n \n \n\n\n \n \n6\n \n \n\n\n \nProducts and Services\n \nThe Company provides a broad range of electronic and electromechanical manufacturing related outsourcing solutions for its customers. These solutions incorporate the Company\u2019s knowledge and expertise in the EMS industry to provide its customers with an international network of manufacturing facilities, advanced manufacturing technologies, complete supply chain management, responsive and flexible customer service, as well as product design, test and engineering support. The Company\u2019s EMS solutions are available from inception of product concept through the ultimate delivery of a finished product. Such technologies and services include the following:\n \nManufacturing and Testing Services\n:\n The Company\u2019s core business is the assembly and testing of all types of electronic printed circuit board assemblies (\u201cPCBA\u201d) and often incorporating these PCBAs into electronic modules used in all types of devices and products that depend on electronics for their operation. This assembly work utilizes state of the art manufacturing and test equipment to deliver highly reliable products to the Company\u2019s customers. The Company supports new product introduction (\u201cNPI\u201d), low volume/high mix as well as high volume/low mix assembly work at all levels of assembly and test complexity. From simple component assembly through the most complicated industry testing, the Company offers services required to build the vast majority of electronic devices commercially required in the market today.\n \nDesign Services:\n To complement the manufacturing services it offers its customers, the Company also offers design for manufacturability (\u201cDFM\u201d), and design for test (\u201cDFT\u201d) review services to help customers ensure that the products they have designed are optimized for production and testing. The Company also offers complete product design services for certain markets.\n \nSupply Chain Management:\n The Company provides complete supply chain management for the procurement of components needed to build customers\u2019 products. This includes the procurement and management of all types of electronic components and related mechanical parts such as plastics and metal. The Company\u2019s resources supporting this activity are provided both on a plant specific basis as well as globally through its IPO in Taipei, Taiwan. Each of its sites is linked together using the same Enterprise Resource Planning (\u201cERP\u201d) system and custom Iscore software tools with real-time on-line visibility for customer access. The Company procures material from major manufacturers and distributors of electronic parts all over the world.\n \nThe Company relies on numerous third-party suppliers for components used in the Company\u2019s production process. Certain of these components are available only from single-sources or a limited number of suppliers. In addition, a customer\u2019s specifications may require the Company to obtain components from a single-source or a small number of suppliers. The loss of any such suppliers could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s results of operations. Further, the Company could operate at a cost disadvantage compared to competitors who have greater direct buying power from suppliers. The Company orders material from its suppliers consistent with the purchase orders and binding forecasts it receives from its customers. See \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors \u2013 \nRaw material price increases and supply shortages could adversely affect results\n\u201d.\n \nWarehousing and Distribution:\n The Company provides both in-house and third-party warehousing, shipping, and customs brokerage for certain border crossings as part of its service offering. This includes international shipping, drop shipments to the end customer as well as support of inventory optimization activities such as kanban and consignment.\n \nGovernment Compliance, Green, Sustainability, and Social Responsible Initiatives:\n The Company supports initiatives that promote sustainability, green environment and social responsibility. The Company helps its customers in achieving effective compliance. Those include, but are not limited to, Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (\u201cRoHS\u201d), Restriction of Chemicals (\u201cREACH\u201d) and Conflict Minerals regulations. \n \nManufacturing Locations and Certifications: \nThe Company\u2019s manufacturing locations are strategically located to support our customers with locations in Elk Grove Village, Illinois U.S.; Union City, California U.S.; Acuna, Chihuahua and Tijuana, Mexico; Suzhou, China; and Bien Hoa City, Vietnam. The Company\u2019s ability to transition manufacturing to lower cost regions without jeopardizing flexibility and service differentiates it from many competitors. Manufacturing certifications and registrations are location specific, \n\n\n \n \n7\n \n \n\n\nand include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2004, ISO 14001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, Medical ISO 13485:2016 and FDB Certification and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (\u201cITAR\u201d) certifications. \n \nIn addition, the Company provided products, design and manufacturing services to the pet technology market through its previously wholly owned subsidiary, Wagz. Wagz offered electronic products such as the Freedom Smart Dog Collar\u2122, a wireless, geo-mapped fence, and wellness system, and apparel and accessories. It also sold its products online. The Company sold a majority of the stock of Wagz on April 28, 2023, effective as of April 1, 2023. The Company still owns 19 percent of Wagz common stock as a passive investment as of April 30, 2023.\n \nMarkets and Customers\n \nThe Company\u2019s customers are in the industrial electronics, consumer electronics and medical/life sciences industries. As of April 30, 2023, the Company had approximately 160 active customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small, privately held enterprises.\n \nThe following table shows, for the periods indicated, the percentage of net sales to the principal end-user markets the Company serves.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPercent of Net Sales\nMarkets\nTypical OEM Application\nFiscal 2023%\nFiscal 2022%\nIndustrial Electronics\nGaming, controls, smart grid connectivity, IOT connectivity\n67.0\n55.2\nConsumer Electronics\nAppliances/white goods, automotive vision systems, carbon monoxide detectors, pet technology\n26.6\n38.7\nMedical/Life Sciences\nOperating tables, battery packs, dental equipment, sterilizers, dialysis\n6.4\n6.1\nTotal\n \n100%\n100%\n \nFor the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, the Company\u2019s largest customer accounted for 13.4% of the Company\u2019s net sales. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, the Company\u2019s largest customer accounted for 21.8% of the Company\u2019s net sales. \n \nThe majority of sales are made to U.S. based customers and denominated in USD. The following geographic data includes net sales based on the country location of the Company\u2019s operation providing the electronic manufacturing service for the year ended April 30, 2023 and 2022:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nLocation\n \nNet Sales Fiscal 2023\n \nNet Sales Fiscal 2022\nUnited States\n \n$\n117,389,877\n \n$\n89,119,720\nMexico\n \n \n236,938,519\n \n \n228,867,962\nChina\n \n \n48,584,165\n \n \n46,347,260\nVietnam\n \n \n11,523,284\n \n \n13,981,553\nTotal\n \n$\n414,435,845\n \n$\n378,316,495\n \nAs of April 30, 2023, approximately 37% of the total assets of the Company are located in foreign jurisdictions outside the United States, 25% and 10% of the total assets were located in Mexico and China, respectively, and 2% in other foreign locations. As of April 30, 2022, approximately 35% of the total assets were located in foreign jurisdictions, 20% and 12% were located in China and Mexico, respectively, and 3% in other foreign locations.\n \n\n\n \n \n8\n \n \n\n\n \nSales and Marketing\n \nMany of the members of the Company\u2019s senior management are actively involved in sales and marketing efforts, and the Company has direct sales employees. The Company also markets its services through independent manufacturers\u2019 representative organizations that employ sales personnel in the United States and Canada. Independent manufacturers\u2019 representative organizations receive variable commissions based on orders received by the Company and are assigned specific accounts, not territories. In addition, the Company markets itself through its website and tradeshows. Wagz sold its products primarily online. \n \nMexico, China, Vietnam and Taiwan Operations\n \nThe Company\u2019s wholly-owned subsidiary, Standard Components de Mexico, S.A, a Mexican entity, is located in Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico, a border town across the Rio Grande River from Del Rio, Texas, U.S. and is 155 miles west of San Antonio. Standard Components de Mexico, S.A. was incorporated and commenced operations in 1968 and had 854 employees at April 30, 2023. The Company\u2019s wholly-owned subsidiary, AbleMex S.A. de C.V., a Mexican entity, is located in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, a border town south of San Diego, California, U.S. AbleMex S.A. de C.V. was incorporated and commenced operations in 2000. The operation had 436 employees at April 30, 2023. The Company\u2019s wholly-owned subsidiary, Digital Appliance Controls de Mexico S.A., a Mexican entity, operates in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, located approximately 235 miles from El Paso, Texas, U.S. Digital Appliance Controls de Mexico S.A. was incorporated and commenced operations in 1997. The operation had 455 employees at April 30, 2023. The Company believes that one of the key benefits to having operations in Mexico is its access to cost-effective labor resources while having geographic proximity to the United States.\n \nThe Company\u2019s wholly-owned foreign enterprises, Wujiang SigmaTron Electronics Co., Ltd. and Wujiang SigmaTron Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., are located in Suzhou, China. The Company has entered into an agreement with governmental authorities in the economic development zone of Wujiang, Jiangsu Province, Peoples Republic of China, pursuant to which the Company became the lessee of a parcel of land of approximately 100 Chinese acres. The term of the land lease is 50 years. The Company built a manufacturing plant, office space and dormitories on this site during 2004. In fiscal year 2015, the China facility expanded and added 40,000 square feet in warehouse and manufacturing. The total square footage of the facility is 216,950 and the operation had 349 employees as of April 30, 2023. Both \nWujiang SigmaTron Electronics Co., Ltd.and Wujiang SigmaTron Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.\n operate at this site. \n \nThe Company\u2019s wholly-owned subsidiary, Spitfire Controls (Cayman) Co. Ltd., owns all of the equity of the subsidiary, Spitfire Controls (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., and does not conduct any other operations. Spitfire Controls (Vietnam) Co. Ltd. is located in Amata Industrial Park, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, and is 18 miles east of Bien Hoa City. Spitfire Controls (Vietnam) Co. Ltd. was incorporated and commenced operation in 2005 and had 295 employees as of April 30, 2023.\n \nThe Company maintains an international procurement office (\u201cIPO\u201d) in Taipei, Taiwan which was incorporated in 1991. The total square footage of the office is 4,685 square feet. The Company has an information technology office in Taichung, Taiwan. The total square footage of the office is 1,650 square feet. The Company had 38 employees located in the Taiwan offices as of April 30, 2023.\n \nThe Company provides funds for manufacturing services such as salaries, wages, inventory purchases for certain locations, overhead and capital expenditure items as necessary to operate its wholly-owned Mexican, Vietnamese and Chinese subsidiaries and foreign enterprises and the IPO in Taiwan. The Company provides funding in U.S. Dollars, which are exchanged for Pesos, Dong, Renminbi, and New Taiwan dollars. The fluctuation of currencies from time to time, without an equal or greater increase in inflation, could have a material impact on the financial results of the Company. The impact of currency fluctuations for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, resulted in net foreign currency transaction losses of $892,642 compared to net foreign currency losses of $412,218 in the prior fiscal year. In fiscal year 2023, the Company paid approximately $60,070,000 to its foreign subsidiaries for manufacturing services. All intercompany balances have been eliminated upon consolidation. \n \n\n\n \n \n9\n \n \n\n\n \nThe consolidated financial statements as of April 30, 2023, include the accounts and transactions of SigmaTron, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Standard Components de Mexico, S.A., AbleMex S.A. de C.V., Digital Appliance Controls de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Spitfire Controls (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., and Spitfire Controls (Cayman) Co. Ltd., wholly-owned foreign enterprises Wujiang SigmaTron Electronics Co., Ltd. and Wujiang SigmaTron Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., its IPO, SigmaTron International, Inc. Taiwan Branch, and Wagz, Inc. (19 percent ownership as of April 1, 2023). The functional currency of the Company\u2019s foreign subsidiaries operations is the U.S. Dollar. Intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.\n \nCompetition\n \nThe EMS industry is highly competitive and subject to rapid change. Furthermore, both large and small companies compete in the industry, and many have significantly greater financial resources, more extensive business experience and greater marketing and production capabilities than the Company. The significant competitive factors in this industry include price, quality, service, timeliness, reliability, the ability to source raw components, and manufacturing and technological capabilities. The Company believes it can compete on all of these factors.\n \nConsolidation\n \nAs a result of consolidation and other transactions involving competitors and other companies in the Company\u2019s markets, the Company occasionally reviews potential transactions relating to its business, products and technologies. Such transactions could include mergers, acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures, licensing agreements, co-promotion agreements, financing arrangements or other types of transactions. In the future, the Company may choose to enter into these types of or other transactions at any time depending on available sources of financing, and such transactions could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s business, financial condition or operations.\n \nGovernmental Regulations \n \nThe Company\u2019s operations are subject to certain foreign government, U.S. federal, state and local regulatory requirements relating to, among others, environmental, waste management, consumer, labor and health and safety matters.\u00a0 Management believes that the Company\u2019s business is operated in compliance with all such regulations, which include European regulations known as Restriction of Hazardous Substances (\u201cRoHS\u201d) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (\u201cREACH\u201d).\u00a0 From time-to-time\u00a0the Company's\u00a0customers request REACH required information and certifications on the assemblies the Company manufactures for them.\u00a0 These requests require the Company to gather information from component suppliers to verify the presence and level of mass of any substances of very high concerns (\u201cSVHCs\u201d) greater than 0.1% in the assemblies the Company manufactures based on customer specifications.\u00a0 If any SVHCs are present at more than 0.1% of the mass of the item, the specific concentration and mass of the SVHC must be reported to proper authorities by the Company's customer.\n \nBacklog\n \nThe Company relies on binding forecasted orders and purchase orders (firm orders) from its customers to estimate backlog. The Company\u2019s backlog of firm orders as of April 30, 2023, and April 30, 2022, was approximately $387,350,000 and $485,670,000, respectively. The Company believes a significant portion of the backlog at April 30, 2023, will ship in fiscal year 2024. Because customers may cancel or reschedule deliveries, backlog may not be a meaningful indicator of future revenue. Variations in the magnitude and duration of contracts, forecasts and purchase orders received by the Company and delivery requirements generally may result in substantial fluctuations in backlog from period to period.\n \nHuman Capital Resources\n \nThe Company employed approximately 2,950 full-time employees of which approximately 500 were located in the U.S. as of April 30, 2023. There were approximately 250 engaged in engineering or engineering-related services, 2,300 in manufacturing and 400 in administrative functions, including supply chain, accounting, management and sales and marketing. \n\n\n \n \n10\n \n \n\n\n \nThe Company makes a considerable effort to maintain a qualified and engaged work force. The Company makes a concerted effort to engage its employees and provide opportunities for growth and the Company believes that its employee relations are good. The Company considers the health and safety of its employees a key priority, and even more during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has adopted various safety, cleaning and social distancing protocols consistent with the requirements of each jurisdiction. T\nhe Company is committed to removing conditions that may cause personal injury or occupational illness. \n \nSigmaTron has a labor contract with Chemical & Production Workers Union Local No. 30, AFL-CIO, covering the Company\u2019s workers in Elk Grove Village, Illinois which expires on November 30, 2024. The Company\u2019s Mexican subsidiary, Standard Components de Mexico S.A., has a labor contract with Sindicato De Trabajadores de la Industra Electronica, Similares y Conexos del Estado de Coahuila, C.T.M. covering the Company\u2019s workers in Acuna, Mexico which expires on February 7, 2024. \nThe Company\u2019s subsidiary located in Tijuana, Mexico has a labor contract with Sindicato Mexico Moderno De Trabajadores De La, Baja California, C.R.O.C. \nThe contract does not have an expiration date. The Company\u2019s subsidiary located in Bien Hoa City, Vietnam, has a labor contract with CONG DOAN CO SO CONG TY TNHH Spitfire Controls Vietnam. The contract expires on April 30, 2025.\n \nSince the time the Company commenced operations, it has not experienced any union-related work stoppages. \n \nAvailable Information\n \nThe Company\u2019s website address is www.sigmatronintl.com. The Company announces material information, including press releases and financial information regarding the Company, through a variety of means, including the Company\u2019s website, the Investors subpage of its website (www.sigmatronintl.com/investors/), press releases, filings with the SEC and social media, in order to achieve broad, non-exclusionary distribution of information to the public. The Investors subpage is accessible by clicking on the tab labeled \u201cInvestors\u201d on the Company\u2019s website home page. The Company also uses these channels to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the Company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the SEC disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to these channels for important and time-critical information. In addition, the Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and files or furnishes reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. Such reports and other information filed by the Company with the SEC are available free of charge on its website when such reports are simultaneously available on the SEC\u2019s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company encourages investors, the media and others interested in the Company to review the information it posts on these various channels, as such information could be deemed to be material information.\n \nThe contents of the websites referred to above are not incorporated into this filing. Further, the Company\u2019s references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.\n \n\n\n \n \n11\n \n \n\n\n \nInformation about our Executive Officers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nName\n \nAge\n \nPosition\n \n \n \n \n \nGary R. Fairhead\n \n71\n \nChief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Gary R. Fairhead has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a director since January 1990 and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company since August 2011. He was also President from January 1990 until October 2021 and then from August 2022 until January 2023. Gary R. Fairhead is the brother of Gregory A. Fairhead.\n \n \n \n \n \nJohn P. Sheehan\n \n62\n \nPresident since January 2023. Vice President, Director of Supply Chain, and Assistant Secretary from February 1994 until January 2023.\n \n \n \n \n \nJames J. Reiman\n \n60\n \nChief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance, Treasurer and Secretary since November 2021. Corporate Controller at Chroma Color Corporation from August 2019 to October 2021. Corporate Controller at Methode Electronics, Inc. from April 2007 to December 2018.\n \n \n \n \n \nGregory A. Fairhead\n \n67\n \nExecutive Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Gregory A. Fairhead has been the Executive Vice President since February 2000 and Assistant Secretary since 1994. Mr. Fairhead was Vice President - Acuna Operations for the Company from February 1990 to February 2000. Gregory A. Fairhead is the brother of Gary R. Fairhead.\n \n \n \n \n \nRajesh B. Upadhyaya\n \n68\n \nExecutive Vice President, West Coast Operations since 2005. Mr. Upadhyaya was the Vice President of the Fremont Operations from 2001 until 2005.\n \n \n \n \n \nHom-Ming Chang\n \n63\n \nVice President, China Operations since 2007. Vice President - Hayward Materials / Test / IT from 2005 - 2007. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n12\n \n \n\n\n \nITEM 1\nA. RISK FACTORS\n \n \nThe following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, operations, industry or financial position or our future financial performance. While the Company believes it has identified and discussed below the key risk factors affecting its business, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be significant that may adversely affect its business, operations, industry, financial position and financial performance in the future.\n \nBusiness and Operational Risks\n \nThe Company\u2019s inventory levels have been adversely impacted by the global supply chain crisis, with an unprecedented impact on working capital requirements.\n \nThe impact of component shortages on sales of finished goods and the resulting increase in inventory levels have been unprecedented. Accordingly, we have been actively working with our suppliers to acquire scarce resources and with our customers to share the burden of these factors, while investing in systems to increase visibility into long-term supply and demand. Nevertheless, resulting improvements on the results of the Company\u2019s operations are not certain and may continue to be elusive. The continued impact of increased inventory levels on working capital requirements materially increases our operating costs and if it continues unabated, could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations\n.\n \nRaw material price increases and supply shortages could adversely affect results.\n \nThe supply of raw materials to the Company and to its component parts suppliers could be interrupted for a variety of reasons, including availability and pricing. In particular, inflation, changes in trade policies, the imposition of duties and tariffs, potential retaliatory countermeasures, public health crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), and geopolitical conflicts (including \ninvolving Russia, Belarus, or the Ukraine, which supply raw materials, such as neon, palladium and nickel, to the semiconductor industry) could adversely impact the price or availability of raw materials. \nPrices for raw materials necessary for production have fluctuated significantly in the past and the Company is currently experiencing upward pricing pressure on raw materials. Historically, it has been difficult to pass increased prices for \ncomponents and raw materials through to our customers in the form of price increases. The Company may not be able to pass along increased raw material and components parts prices to its customers in the form of price increases or its ability \nto do so could be delayed. Significant price increases for components and raw materials could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and operating margins. Consequently, its results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.\n \nThe Company experiences variable operating results. \n \nThe Company\u2019s results of operations have varied and may continue to fluctuate significantly from period to period, including on a quarterly basis. Consequently, results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the results for any future period, and fluctuations in operating results may also result in fluctuations in the price of the Company\u2019s common stock.\n \nThe Company\u2019s quarterly and annual results may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, many of which are beyond the Company\u2019s control. Some of these factors include:\n \n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0changes in availability and rising component costs\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0changes in sales mix to customers\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0volume of customer orders relative to capacity\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0market demand and acceptance of our customers\u2019 products\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0price erosion within the EMS marketplace\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0capital equipment requirements needed to remain technologically competitive\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0volatility in the U.S. and international economic and financial markets\n \n\n\n \n \n13\n \n \n\n\n \nThe volume and timing of sales to the Company\u2019s customers may vary due to:\n \n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0component availability\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0variation in demand for the Company\u2019s customers\u2019 products\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0customers\u2019 attempts to manage their inventory\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0design changes\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0acquisitions of or consolidation among customers\n \nMost of the Company\u2019s customers\u2019 production schedules are volatile, which makes it difficult to schedule production and achieve maximum efficiency at the Company\u2019s manufacturing facilities and manage inventory levels.\n \nThe Company\u2019s inability to forecast the level of customer orders with certainty can make it difficult to schedule production and maximize utilization of manufacturing capacity and manage inventory levels. The Company could be required to increase or decrease staffing and more closely manage other expenses in order to meet the anticipated demand of its customers. Orders from the Company\u2019s customers could be cancelled or delivery schedules could be deferred as a result of changes in our customers\u2019 demand, thereby adversely affecting the \nCompany\u2019s results of operations in any given period.\n \nWe have,\n and may in the future, encounter complications with acquisitions, which could potentially harm \nour business.\n \nTo integrate\n acquired businesses, we must implement our management information systems, operating systems and internal controls, and assimilate and manage the personnel of the acquired operations. The integration of acquired businesses may be further complicated by difficulties managing operations in geographically dispersed locations. The integration of acquired businesses may not be successful and could result in disruption by diverting management\u2019s attention from the core business. Also the acquired business\u2019s products or services may not be accepted by the market. In addition, the integration of acquired businesses may require that we incur significant restructuring charges or other increases in our expenses and working capital requirements, which reduce our return on invested capital. Acquisitions may involve numerous other risks and challenges including but not limited to: potential loss of key employees and customers of the acquired companies; the potential for deficiencies in internal controls at acquired companies; lack of experience operating in the geographic market or industry sector of the acquired business; constraints on available liquidity, and exposure to unanticipated liabilities of acquired companies. These and other factors could harm our ability to achieve anticipated levels of profitability at acquired operations or realize other anticipated benefits of an acquisition, and could adversely affect our consolidated business and operating results.\n \nMarket Risks\n \nPersistent inflation could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition\n.\n \nInflation has risen globally to levels not experienced in years. Inflation directly and indirectly increases the costs of operating expenses such as fuel, energy, transportation, materials, and labor. We may not be able to increase our product prices enough to offset these increased costs, and any increase in our product prices may reduce our future customer orders and profitability.\u00a0Inflation may further erode consumer confidence, and negatively impact the market for our customers\u2019 products. Persistent inflation could exacerbate other risk factors\u00a0discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\nOur customers have competitive challenges, that could include decreasing demand from their customers, rapid technological changes, and pricing pressures, which could adversely affect their business and the Company\u2019s business.\n \nFactors affecting the industries that utilize our customers\u2019 products could negatively impact our customers and the Company. These factors include:\n \n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0recessionary periods in our customers\u2019 markets\n\n\n \n \n14\n \n \n\n\n \n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0increased competition among our customers and their competitors\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the inability of our customers to develop and market their products\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the inability of our customers to obtain all necessary material to manufacture their products\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the potential that our customers\u2019 products become obsolete\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0our customers\u2019 inability to react to rapidly changing technology\n \nAny such factor or a combination of factors could negatively impact our customers\u2019 need for or ability to pay for our products, which could, in turn, affect the Company\u2019s results of operations.\n \nAdverse market conditions could reduce our future sales and earnings per share.\n \nUncertainty over the erosion of global consumer confidence amidst concerns about volatile energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, declining asset values, inflation, unemployment, and the stability and solvency of financial institutions, financial markets, businesses, and sovereign nations has slowed global economic growth. The economic recovery of recent years is fragile. The Company\u2019s sales and gross margins depend significantly on market demand for its customers\u2019 products. The uncertainty in the U.S. and international economic and political environments could result in a decline in demand for our customers\u2019 products in any industry. Further, any adverse changes in tax rates and laws or trade policies affecting our customers could result in decreasing gross margins. Any of these potential negative economic conditions may reduce demand for the Company\u2019s customers\u2019 products and adversely affect the Company\u2019s sales. Consequently, the Company\u2019s past operating results, earnings and cash flows may not be indicative of the Company\u2019s future operating results, earnings and cash flows.\n \nOur exposure to financially troubled customers or suppliers may adversely affect the Company\u2019s financial results. \n \nOn occasion, we provide services to customers, and rely upon suppliers that have in the past and may in the future experience financial difficulty. If any of the Company\u2019s customers have financial difficulties, the Company could encounter delays or defaults in the payment of amounts owed for accounts receivable and inventory obligations. Additionally, if our suppliers experience financial difficulties, we could have difficulty sourcing supplies necessary for production requirements. These risks may be heightened by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic volatility. Any financially troubled customer or supplier could have a significant adverse impact on the Company\u2019s results of operations and financial condition.\n \nThe Company\u2019s customer base is concentrated.\n \nSales to the Company\u2019s five largest customers accounted for 47.4% and 55.3% of net sales for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, and April 30, 2022, respectively. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, two customers accounted for 13.4% and 12.2% of net sales of the Company, and 6.8% and 4.6%, respectively, of accounts receivable. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, two customers accounted for 21.8% and 11.7% of net sales of the Company, and 4.0% and 3.2%, respectively, of accounts receivable. Significant reductions in sales to any of the Company\u2019s major customers or the loss of a major customer could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s operations. If the Company cannot replace cancelled or reduced orders, sales will decline, which could have a material adverse impact on the results of operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will retain any or all of its largest customers. This risk may be further complicated by pricing pressures and intense competition prevalent in our industry.\n \nThe Company faces intense industry competition and downward pricing pressures.\n \nThe EMS industry is highly fragmented and characterized by intense competition. Many of the Company\u2019s competitors have greater experience, as well as greater manufacturing, purchasing, marketing and financial resources than the Company. Competition from existing or potential new competitors may have a material adverse impact on the Company\u2019s business, financial condition or results of operations. The introduction of lower priced competitive products, significant price reductions by the Company\u2019s competitors or significant pricing pressures from its customers could adversely affect the Company\u2019s business, financial condition, and results of operations.\n \n\n\n \n \n15\n \n \n\n\n \nCustomer relationships with start-up companies present more risk.\n \nA small portion of the Company\u2019s current customer base is comprised of start-up companies.\u00a0 Customer relationships with start-up companies may present heightened risk due to the lack of product history.\u00a0 Slow market acceptance of their products could result in demand fluctuations causing inventory levels to rise.\u00a0 Further, the current economic environment could make it difficult for such emerging companies to obtain additional funding.\u00a0 This may result in additional credit risk including, but not limited to, the collection of trade account receivables and payment for their inventory.\u00a0 If the Company does not have adequate allowances recorded, the results of operations may be negatively affected.\n \nInternational Operations Risks\n \nThe Company has significant foreign operations that may pose additional risks\n.\n \nThe Company manufactures product in facilities located in Mexico, China, Vietnam and the United States. These operations may be subject to a number of risks, including:\n-\nthe political climate and relations with the United States, including the impact of trade wars, tariffs and trade barriers (including quotas)\n-\npolitical and economic instability (including acts of terrorism, territorial disputes, pandemics, civil unrest, forms of violence, and outbreaks of war), which could impact our ability to ship, manufacture, or receive product\n-\nthe instability of the foreign economies\n-\nburdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and labor practices\n-\nunexpected changes in regulatory requirements and laws\n-\ndifficulties in staffing, turnover and managing onshore and offshore operations\n-\nexport duties, import controls\n-\nlegal authority of the Company to operate and expand its business in foreign countries\n-\nimpact of physical and operational risks from natural disasters, severe weather events, and climate change\n-\nimpact of future temporary closures and labor constraints as a result of COVID-19.\n \nThe Company obtains many of its materials and components through its IPO in Taipei, Taiwan. The Company\u2019s access to these materials and components is dependent on the continued viability of its Asian suppliers.\n \nApproximately 37% of the total assets of the Company are located in foreign jurisdictions outside the United States as of April 30, 2023; 25% and 10% of the total assets were located in Mexico and China, respectively, and 2% in other foreign locations. As of April 30, 2022, approximately 35% of the total assets were located in foreign jurisdictions; 20% and 12% were located in China and Mexico, respectively and 3% in other foreign locations.\n \nThere is a risk of fluctuation of various currencies integral to the Company\u2019s operations.\n \nThe Company purchases some of its material components and funds some of its operations in foreign currencies. From time to time the currencies fluctuate against the U.S. Dollar. Such fluctuations could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s results of operations and performance. The impact of currency fluctuations for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, resulted in net foreign currency transaction losses of $892,642 compared to net foreign currency losses of $412,218 in the prior year. These fluctuations are expected to continue and could have a negative impact on the Company\u2019s results of operations. The Company has not, and is not expected to, utilize derivatives or hedge foreign currencies to reduce the risk of such fluctuations.\n \nUnanticipated changes in our tax position, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities could adversely affect our financial results.\n \nWe base our tax position upon our understanding of the current tax laws of the various countries in which we have assets or conduct activities. Our tax position, however, is subject to review and possible challenge by \n\n\n \n \n16\n \n \n\n\ntaxing authorities and to possible changes in law. We cannot determine in advance the extent to which some jurisdictions may assess additional tax or interest and penalties on such additional taxes. Given the scope of our international operations and our international tax arrangements, changes to the manner in which U.S. based multinational companies are taxed in the U.S. could have a material impact on our financial results and competitiveness. Based on current and future tax policy in Washington D.C., our effective tax rates and overall cash taxes may change in the future and could have an impact on our financial results.\n \nFinancing and Capital Risks\n \nIf we fail to comply with our credit agreements in future periods, we may be unable to secure any required waivers or amendments from the lenders and repayment obligations on our outstanding indebtedness may be accelerated.\n \nOur credit agreements contain numerous financial and operating covenants with which we must comply. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023\n, the Company was able to negotiate amendments and waivers with both\u00a0J.P. Morgan Chase and TCW Asset Management Company as a result of our failure to maintain certain covenants as of January 31, 2023. A\ns of April 30, 2023, we were in compliance with these \ncovenants. However, our continued compliance with our obligations in general and these financial covenants in particular is dependent on our financial results, which are subject to fluctuation as described elsewhere in the\u00a0risk factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If \nwe fail to comply with the covenants in the future and if our lenders do not agree to waive any future non-compliance, we may be unable to borrow funds and any outstanding indebtedness could become immediately due and payable, which could materially harm our business.\n \nThe Company\u2019s current credit facilities may become unavailable.\n \nWe cannot be certain that we will be able to amend the credit facilities or revise covenants, if necessary, to accommodate changes or developments in our business and operations. It is possible that counterparties to our financial agreements, including our credit facilities and receivables factoring programs, may not be willing or able to meet their obligations, either due to instability in the global financial markets or otherwise, which could, among other impacts, increase the duration of our cash collection cycle. Furthermore, our ability to meet any current or future financing covenants will largely depend on our financial performance, which in turn will be subject to general economic conditions and financial, business and other factors. The cessation of any of our current credit facilities could cause a \nmaterial adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business, results of operations and financial condition\n.\n \nWe may fail to secure or maintain necessary additional financing or capital.\n \nWhile we currently believe we have ample liquidity to finance our business and manage the financial impact of current economic challenges, we can give no assurance that our existing credit arrangements will provide all of the financing capacity that we will need in the future. If the current credit facilities are not adequate, we may seek to raise additional capital by issuing additional equity, modifying our existing or obtaining new credit facilities, or through a combination of these methods. Our ability to issue additional common stock, other equity securities or debt securities may be hampered by any actual or perceived weakness or volatility in our stock price. Any such securities also likely will be dilutive to stockholders\u2019 ownership interests. We may not be able to obtain capital when we want or need it, or on satisfactory terms. The failure to have access to sufficient \ncapital could adversely materially affect the Company\u2019s business, results of operations and financial condition. \n \nIncreasing\n interest rates for our borrowings could adversely affect our results of operations.\n \nThe Company pays interest on outstanding borrowings under its secured credit facilities and certain other long-term debt obligations at interest rates that fluctuate. In recent months, global inflation and other factors have resulted in a substantial increase in interest rates, and future borrowing costs may rise further. Adverse changes in the Company\u2019s interest rates could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n17\n \n \n\n\n \nThe price of the Company\u2019s stock is volatile.\n \nThe price of the Company\u2019s common stock historically has experienced significant volatility due to fluctuations in the Company\u2019s revenue and earnings, other factors relating to the Company\u2019s operations, the market\u2019s changing expectations for the Company\u2019s growth, overall equity market conditions and other factors unrelated to the Company\u2019s operations. In addition, the limited float of the Company\u2019s common stock also affects the \nvolatility of the Company\u2019s common stock. Such fluctuations are expected to continue in the future.\n \nAlthough forgiven, the Company\u2019s Paycheck Protection Program Loan (\u201cPPP Loan\u201d) remains subject to audit.\n \nOn April 23, 2020, the Company received a $6,282,973 PPP Loan under the CARES Act, which it used to retain\n current\n U.S. employees, maintain payroll and make lease and utility payments. The PPP Loan was forgiven on July 9, 2021. However, due to the size of the PPP Loan, it is subject to audit by the SBA for up to six years after forgiveness. While the Company believes that it satisfied all eligibility criteria for the PPP Loan, there is a risk that on audit, the Company will be determined to have been ineligible to receive the PPP Loan. In that case, the Company could be required to repay the PPP Loan in a lump sum and be subject to additional penalties and interest and adverse publicity and damage to the Company\u2019s reputation. If these events were to transpire, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business, results of operations and \nfinancial condition.\n \nRegulatory and Legal Risks\n \nChanges in U.S. trade policy, including the imposition of tariffs and the resulting consequences, may have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. \n \nThe U.S. government has indicated its intent to adopt a new approach to trade policy and in some cases to renegotiate, or potentially terminate, certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements.\u00a0 It has also initiated tariffs on certain foreign goods, including raw materials utilized by the Company.\u00a0 Changes in U.S. trade policy could result in one or more of the U.S.\u2019 trading partners adopting responsive trade policy making it more difficult or costly for the Company to import components from those countries.\u00a0 This in turn could require us to increase prices to our customers which may reduce demand, or, if we are unable to increase prices, result in a lower margin on products sold.\n \nChina has imposed tariffs on U.S. products in retaliation for U.S. tariffs. Additional tariffs could be imposed by China in response to proposed increased tariffs on products imported from China.\u00a0 There is also a concern that the imposition of additional tariffs by the United States could result in the adoption of additional tariffs by other countries.\u00a0 The resulting trade war could have a significant adverse effect on world trade and the world economy.\u00a0 To the extent that trade tariffs and other restrictions imposed by the United States increase the price of or limit the amount of certain raw materials utilized by the Company imported into the United States, the costs of our raw materials may be adversely affected and the demand from our customers for products and services may be diminished, which could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.\n \nWe cannot predict future trade policy or the terms of any renegotiated trade agreements and their impact on our business.\u00a0 The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, our customers, our suppliers, and the U.S. economy, which in turn could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n \nChanges in securities laws and regulations may increase the Company\u2019s compliance efforts and costs.\n \nThe Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and listing requirements subsequently adopted by Nasdaq in response to Sarbanes-Oxley, have required changes in corporate governance practices, internal control policies and securities disclosure and compliance practices of public companies. More recently the Dodd-Frank Act has required changes to our corporate governance, compliance practices and securities disclosures, and the SEC recently approved pay versus performance disclosures and Nasdaq\u2019s board diversity proposal, immediately increasing the Company\u2019s disclosure \n\n\n \n \n18\n \n \n\n\nrequirements. \nProposed regulations by the SEC mandating new disclosures of environmental, social and governance information, including climate-related risks, targets and goals and their financial impact, could be adopted in the future. \nCompliance with these rules has increased our legal, financial and accounting costs, and those costs will increase if additional requirements are imposed. These legal developments may result in the Company having difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified directors or officers. The Company\u2019s failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in the SEC or Nasdaq levying sanctions against the Company or even moving to delist its stock. Such consequences, as well as compliance costs, could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s business, financial condition and results of operations.\n \nConflict Minerals regulations may cause the Company to incur additional expenses and could increase the cost of components contained in its products and adversely affect its inventory supply chain.\n \nThe Dodd-Frank Act, and the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d) thereunder, require the Company to attempt to determine and report annually whether any Conflict Minerals contained in our products originated from the DRC or an adjoining country. The Dodd-Frank Act and these rules could affect our ability to source components that contain Conflict Minerals at acceptable prices and could impact the availability of Conflict Minerals, since there may be only a limited number of suppliers of conflict-free Conflict Minerals. Our customers may require that our products contain only conflict-free Conflict Minerals, and our revenues and margins may be negatively impacted if we are unable to meet this requirement at a reasonable price or are unable to pass through any increased costs associated with meeting this requirement. Additionally, the Company may suffer reputational harm with our customers and other stakeholders if our products are not conflict-free. The Company could incur significant costs in the event we are unable to manufacture products that contain only conflict-free Conflict Minerals or to the extent that we are required to make changes to products, processes, or sources of supply due to the foregoing requirements or pressures.\n \nThe Company\u2019s operations are subject to numerous other regulations and failure to comply with all applicable regulations could subject the Company to liability.\n \nThe Company is subject to a variety of regulations, including environmental regulation of the use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous chemicals used during its manufacturing process; disclosures relating to cancer-causing substances in drinking water as required under \nCalifornia Proposition 65; and compliance with the European Union\u2019s requirements relating to certain chemical and hazardous substances including under the \nRegistration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)\n Act and the \nRestriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS-2) Directive\n. To date, the cost to the Company of \nsuch compliance has not had a material impact on the Company\u2019s business, financial condition or results of operations. However, federal, state and local legislation and regulation are constantly evolving. Further, increased public awareness and concern regarding environmental risks, including global climate change, may result in more international, federal, state or local requirements or industry standards to reduce or mitigate climate change and other environmental risks. The Company cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of regulatory legislation or requirements that could be imposed or how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted. Any failure by the Company to comply with present or future regulations, whether as a result of human error, equipment failure or other causes, could subject it to future liabilities to customers or governmental agencies, the suspension of production, increased costs or reputational harm with our customers and other stakeholders. Compliance with more stringent laws or regulations, as well as more vigorous enforcement policies of regulatory agencies, could require substantial expenditures by the Company and could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s business, financial condition and results of operations.\n \nAny litigation, even where a claim is without merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.\n \nIn the past, the Company has been notified of claims relating to various matters including contractual matters, product liability, labor issues or other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. In the event of any such claim, the Company may be required to spend a significant amount of money and resources, even where the claim is without merit or covered by insurance. Accordingly, the resolution of such disputes, even those encountered in the ordinary course of business, could have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business, consolidated financial conditions and results of operations.\n \n\n\n \n \n19\n \n \n\n\n \nTechnology Risks\n \nIt is increasingly difficult to protect the Company\u2019s \nInformation Technology (\u201cIT\u201d) \nsystems.\n \nWith the increased use of technologies to conduct business, a company is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyberattacks include gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through \u201chacking\u201d or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption (e.g., ransomware attacks). Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber incidents affecting the Company or its service providers have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Company\u2019s ability to conduct business in the ordinary course, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, additional compliance costs and, in extreme cases, have caused companies to cease doing business. Cyber events also can affect counterparties or entities with which the Company does business, governmental and other regulatory authorities, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions, among others. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While the Company has established risk management systems designed to prevent such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such systems including the possibility that the Company has not prepared for certain risks that have not been or are not possible to have been identified. Further, the Company may have limited ability to influence, and cannot control, the cyber security plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the Company. The Company could be negatively impacted as a result. \n \nIf the security of the Company\u2019s IT systems is breached or otherwise subjected to unauthorized access, the Company\u2019s reputation may be severely harmed and it may be exposed to liability.\n \nThe Company\u2019s IT systems store confidential information which includes its financial information, its customers\u2019 proprietary information, product information, supplier information, and other critical data.\u00a0 Any accidental or willful security breach or other unauthorized access could expose the Company to liability for the loss of such information, adverse regulatory action by federal, state and local governments, time-consuming and expensive litigation and other possible liabilities as well as negative publicity, which could severely damage the Company\u2019s reputation.\u00a0 If security measures are breached because of third-party action, employee action or error, malfeasance or otherwise, or if design flaws in its software are exposed and exploited, and, as a result, a third party obtains unauthorized access to any of the Company\u2019s customer data, its relationships with its customers may be severely damaged, and the Company could incur significant liability.\u00a0 Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until they are launched against a target, the Company and its third-party hosting facilities may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventive measures.\u00a0 In addition, many states have enacted laws requiring companies to notify customers of data security breaches involving their data.\u00a0 These mandatory disclosures regarding a security breach often lead to widespread negative publicity, which may cause the Company\u2019s customers to lose confidence in the effectiveness of its data security measures.\u00a0 Any security breach whether actual or perceived, could harm the Company\u2019s reputation, could cause it to lose customers and may negatively impact its ability to acquire new customers.\n \nThe Company and its customers may be unable to keep current with the industry\u2019s technological changes.\n \nThe market for the Company\u2019s manufacturing services is characterized by rapidly changing technology and continuing product development. The future success of the Company\u2019s business will depend in large part upon our customers\u2019 ability to maintain and enhance their technological capabilities, and our ability to develop and market manufacturing services which meet changing customer needs and successfully anticipate or respond to technological changes in manufacturing processes on a cost-effective and timely basis.\n \n\n\n \n \n20\n \n \n\n\n \nHuman Capital Risks\n \nThe Company depends on management and skilled personnel.\n \nThe Company depends significantly on its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, President and other executive officers. The Company\u2019s employees generally are not bound by employment agreements and the Company cannot assure that it will retain its executive officers or skilled personnel. The loss of the services of any of these key employees could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s business and results of operations. In addition, due to significant competition in the labor market, continued growth and expansion of the Company\u2019s EMS business will require that the Company attract, motivate and retain additional skilled and experienced personne\nl. The Company\u2019s future growth depends on the contributions and abilities of key executives and skilled, experienced employees. The Company\u2019s future growth also depends on its ability to recruit and retain high-quality employees. A failure to obtain or retain the number of skilled employees necessary to support the Company\u2019s efforts, a loss of key employees or a significant shortage of skilled, experienced employees could jeopardize its ability to meet its growth targets.\n \nFavorable labor relations are important to the Company, and failures to comply with domestic or international employment laws could result in significant damages.\n \nThe Company currently has labor union contracts with its employees constituting approximately 48% and 51% of its workforce for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. Although the Company believes its labor relations are good, any labor disruptions, whether union-related or otherwise, could significantly impair the Company\u2019s business, substantially increase the Company\u2019s costs or otherwise have a material impact on the Company\u2019s results of operations. The Company is also subject to a variety of domestic and foreign employment laws, including those related to safety, wages, discrimination, harassment, organizing, employee privacy and severance. Allegations of violations of these laws could result in defense costs, damages, settlements and fines, which could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s results of operations.\n \nAccounting Risks\n \nThe Company has intangible assets, and future impairment of these assets could have a material adverse \nimpact on the Company's financial results.\n \nThe Company\n has recorded identifiable intangible assets on its balance sheet as a result of operations and acquisitions. A number of factors may result in impairments to intangible assets, including significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, increased competition and significant changes in the use of the assets. For example, we concluded that our goodwill and long-lived assets as of April 30, 2023 were impaired and recorded asset impairment charges equal to a total of $23,096,771, which adversely impacted our results of operations. See Note F \u2013 Acquisition and Disposition, for a discussion related to impairment testing of goodwill and intangible assets for the year ended April 30, 2023. Any additional impairment charges could adversely affect the Company's financial condition or results of operations in the periods recognized. \n \nInadequate internal control over financial reporting could result in a reduction in the value of our common stock.\n \nIf the Company identifies and reports a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting, stockholders and the Company\u2019s lenders could lose confidence in the reliability of the Company\u2019s financial statements. This could have a material adverse impact on the value of the Company\u2019s stock and the Company\u2019s liquidity.\n \nDisclosure and internal controls may not detect all errors or fraud.\n \nThe Company\u2019s disclosure controls and internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance that the procedures will meet the control objectives. Controls are limited in their effectiveness by human error, including faulty judgments in decision-making. Further, controls can be circumvented by collusion of two or more people or by management override of controls. Therefore, the Company\u2019s management, including the \n\n\n \n \n21\n \n \n\n\nChief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, cannot conclude with certainty that the Company\u2019s disclosure controls and internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud.\nChanges in financial accounting standards may affect our reported financial condition or results of operations as well as increase costs related to implementation of new standards and modifications to internal controls.\n \nOur consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. These principles are subject to amendments made primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the SEC. A change in those policies can have a significant effect on our reported results and may affect our reporting of transactions which are completed before a change is announced. Changes to accounting rules or challenges to our interpretation or application of the rules by regulators may have a material adverse effect on our reported financial results or on the way we conduct business.\n ",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A.\nRISK FACTORS\n13\n \nITEM IB.\nUNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS\n22\n \nITEM 2.\nPROPERTIES\n22\n \nITEM 3.\nLEGAL PROCEEDINGS\n23\n \nITEM 4.\nMINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES\n23\n \n \n \n \nPART II\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nITEM 5.\nMARKET FOR REGISTRANT\u2019S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES\n24\n \n \n \n \nITEM 6.\nRESERVED \n24\n \nITEM 7.\nMANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\n24\n \n \n \n ",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7.\n MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION \n AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS \n \nIn addition to historical financial information, this discussion of the business of SigmaTron International, Inc. (\u201cSigmaTron\u201d), its wholly-owned subsidiaries Standard Components de Mexico S.A., AbleMex, S.A. de C.V., Digital Appliance Controls de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Spitfire Controls (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., and Spitfire Controls (Cayman) Co. Ltd., wholly-owned foreign enterprises Wujiang SigmaTron Electronics Co., Ltd. and Wujiang SigmaTron Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., its international procurement office SigmaTron International, Inc. Taiwan branch, and Wagz, Inc. (19 percent ownership as of April 1, 2023), (collectively, the \u201cCompany\u201d) and other Items in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements concerning the Company\u2019s business or results of operations. See \u201cItem 1. Business\u2014Cautionary Note\u201d for a discussion of these forward-looking statements and the associated risks and uncertainties. \n \nOverview \n \nPrior to April 1, 2023, the Company operated in two reportable segments as an independent provider of EMS, and as a provider of products to the Pet Tech market. A majority of the Pet Tech Segment was sold on April 28, 2023, effective as of April 1, 2023, and following such date, the Company operates in one reportable segment, the EMS segment. The EMS segment includes printed circuit board assemblies, electro-mechanical subassemblies and completely assembled (box-build) electronic products. The Pet Tech reportable segment offered electronic products such as the Freedom Smart Dog Collar\u2122, a wireless, geo-mapped fence, and wellness system, and apparel and accessories. \n \nThe Company relies on numerous third-party suppliers for components used in the Company\u2019s production process. Certain of these components are available only from single-sources or a limited number of suppliers. In addition, a customer\u2019s specifications may require the Company to obtain components from a single-source or a small number of suppliers. The loss of any such suppliers could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s results of operations. Further, the Company could operate at a cost disadvantage compared to competitors who have greater direct buying power from suppliers. The Company does not enter into long-term purchase agreements with major or single-source suppliers. The Company believes that short-term purchase orders with its suppliers provides flexibility, given that the Company\u2019s orders are based on the changing needs of its customers.\n \nIn connection with the production of assembled products, the Company provides services to its customers, including (1) automatic and manual assembly and testing of products; (2) material sourcing and procurement; (3) manufacturing and test engineering support; (4) design services; (5) warehousing and distribution services; (6) assistance in obtaining product approval from governmental and other regulatory bodies and (7) compliance \n\n\n \n \n24\n \n \n\n\nreporting. The Company provides these manufacturing services through an international network of facilities located in the United States, Mexico, China, Vietnam and Taiwan.\n \nSee \u201cItem 1. Business\u2014Recent Developments\u201d for additional information.\n \nSales can be a misleading indicator of the Company\u2019s financial performance. Sales levels can vary considerably among customers and products depending on the type of services (turnkey versus consignment) rendered by the Company and the demand by customers. Consignment orders require the Company to perform manufacturing services on components and other materials supplied by a customer, and the Company charges only for its labor, overhead and manufacturing costs, plus a profit. In the case of turnkey orders, the Company provides, in addition to manufacturing services, the components and other materials used in assembly. Turnkey contracts, in general, have a higher dollar volume of sales for each given assembly, owing to inclusion of the cost of components and other materials in net sales and cost of goods sold. Variations in the number of turnkey orders compared to consignment orders can lead to significant fluctuations in the Company\u2019s revenue and gross margin levels. Consignment orders accounted for less than 1% of the Company\u2019s revenues for each of the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022.\n \nThe Company\u2019s international footprint provides our customers with flexibility within the Company to manufacture in China, Mexico, Vietnam or the U.S. We believe this strategy will continue to serve the Company well as its customers continuously evaluate their supply chain strategies.\n \nFactors Affecting Results\n \nSupply Chain Component Shortages.\n The Company\u2019s business, results of operations, and financial condition continue to be adversely affected by supply chain issues due to world-wide component shortages. The Company anticipates continuing supply chain issues in fiscal 2024\n. \n \nImpairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets.\n During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company determined its goodwill and long-lived asset group was fully impaired and an impairment charge of $23,096,771 was recorded. This non-cash charge was recorded to impairment of goodwill and intangible assets on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note H \u2013 Intangible Assets, for more information.\n \nPPP Loan\n \nand CARES Act\n. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2020 the Company received a $6,282,973 PPP Loan under the CARES Act. The Company believes it met the requirements for eligibility. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2020 and continuing through fiscal year 2022, the Company had operational interruptions and incurred significant expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic at all of its operations.\u00a0 In some locations the interruptions and expenses were worse than others. The Company was notified of the forgiveness of the PPP Loan by the SBA on July 9, 2021 and all principal and accrued interest were forgiven. The accounting for the forgiveness is reflected in the Company\u2019s Statement of Operations as a non-cash gain upon extinguishment of long-term debt. \n \nRecent Developments \n \nThe Company began its Pet Technology operations after the December 31, 2021 acquisition of Wagz, Inc. The Company sold a majority of the business on April 28, 2023, effective as of April 1, 2023. Wagz has developed and brought to market a high tech pet collar and has multiple other products in development. Wagz is an IoT company which both owns intellectual property and secures recurring revenue through subscriptions for its services. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, the Company exited its active involvement in the Pet Tech business that is conducted by Wagz through the sale by the Company of a majority stake in Wagz, effective as of April\u00a01, 2023. See \u201cItem 1. Business\u2014Recent Developments\u201d for additional information.\n \nOn\n \nMarch\n \n2,\n \n2023,\n the Company received \nthe\n \nJPM\n \nNotice\n \nand\n \nthe\n \nTCW\n Notice\n.\n T\nhe Notices indicated the occurrence of certain events of default under the JPM Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement. See Note I \u2013 Long-term Debt, for more information. \n \n\n\n \n \n25\n \n \n\n\n \nOn\n \nApril\n \n28,\n \n2023,\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nentered\n \ninto\n \n(i)\n the \nJPM\n \nW\naiver\n with\n \nW\nagz\n \nand\n \nJPM,\n \nas\n \nl\ne\nnder\n, which waived certain events of default under and amended certain terms of \nthe\n \nJPM\n \nCredit\n \nAgreement\n \nand\n \n(i\ni\n)\n the \nTCW\n \nW\naiver\n with\n \nW\nagz,\n \nthe\n \nTCW\n \nLenders\n \nand Agent, which waived certain events of default under and amended certain terms of the Term Loan\n \nAgreement.\n \nSee Note I \u2013 Long-term Debt and \u201cItem 1. Business\u2014Recent Developments\u201d, for more information. \n \nAs described in Note I \u2013 Long-term Debt, \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nexited\n \nits\n \nactive\n \ninvolvement\n \nin\n \nthe\n \nPet\n \nT\nech\n \nbusiness\n \nthat\n \nis\n \nconducted\n \nb\ny\n \nW\nagz\n \nthrough the\n \nsale\n \nby\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nof\n \na\n \nmajority\n \nstake\n \nin\n \nW\nagz,\n \ne\nf\nfective\n as of \nApril\n \n1,\n \n2023. In\n \nconnection\n \nwith\n \nthe\n \nW\naivers and such sale, the Lender Parties agreed to release Wagz and its property from the lien of the Lender Parties under the Credit Agreements.\n \nCritical Accounting Estimates:\n \nManagement Estimates and Uncertainties \n\u2013 \nThe preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (\u201cGAAP\u201d) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made in preparing the consolidated financial statements include depreciation and amortization periods, the allowance for doubtful accounts, excess and obsolete reserves for inventory, deferred income, deferred taxes, uncertain tax positions, valuation allowance for deferred taxes and valuation of goodwill and long-lived assets. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.\n \nThe potential impact of future disruptions and continued economic uncertainty over public health crises, including COVID-19 and variants, and the global supply chain may have a significant adverse impact on the timing of delivery of customer orders and the levels of future customer orders. It is possible that these potential adverse impacts may result in the recognition of material impairments of the Company\u2019s long-lived assets or other related charges in future periods.\n \nRevenue Recognition\n \u2013 The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to its customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company\u2019s primary performance obligation to its customers is the production of finished goods electronic assembly products pursuant to purchase orders. The Company has concluded that control of the products it sells and transfers to its customers and an enforceable right to receive payment is customarily established at the point in time when the finished goods are shipped to its customers, or in some cases delivered pursuant to the specified shipping terms of each customer arrangement. With respect to consignment arrangements, control transfers and revenue is recognized at the point in time when the goods are shipped to the customer from the consignment location or when delivered to the customer (pursuant to agreed upon shipping terms). In those limited instances where finished goods delivered to the customer location are stored in a segregated area which are not controlled by the customer (title transfer, etc.) until they are pulled from the segregated area and consumed by the Company\u2019s customer,\n \nrevenue is recognized upon consumption. For tooling services, the Company\u2019s performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time when the customer approves the first article of dies or molds. For engineering, design, and testing services, the Company\u2019s performance obligations are satisfied over time as the respective services are rendered as its customers simultaneously derive value from the Company\u2019s performance. \n \nEach customer purchase order sets forth the transaction price for the products and services purchased under that arrangement. The Company evaluates the credit worthiness of its customers and exercises judgment to recognize revenue based upon the amount the Company expects to be paid for each sales transaction it enters into with its customers. Some customer arrangements include variable consideration, such as volume rebates, some of which depend upon the Company\u2019s customers meeting specified performance criteria, such as a purchasing level over a period of time. The Company exercises judgment to estimate the most likely amount of variable consideration at each reporting date.\n \nInventories\n \u2013 Inventories are valued at cost. Cost is determined by an average cost method and the Company allocates labor and overhead to work-in-process and finished goods. In the event of an inventory write-down, the Company records expense to state the inventory at lower of cost or net realizable value. The \n\n\n \n \n26\n \n \n\n\nCompany establishes inventory reserves for valuation and excess and obsolete inventory for which the customer is not obligated. The Company records provisions for inventory shrinkage based on historical experience to account for unmeasured usage or loss. Of the Company\u2019s raw materials inventory, a substantial portion has been purchased to fulfill committed future orders or for which the Company is contractually entitled to recover its costs from its customers. For the remaining raw materials inventory, a provision for excess and obsolete inventories is recorded for the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated realizable value based on assumptions about future product demand and market conditions. Upon a subsequent sale or disposal of the impaired inventory, the corresponding reserve is relieved to ensure the cost basis of the inventory reflects any reductions. Actual results differing from these estimates could significantly affect the Company\u2019s inventories and cost of products sold as the inventory is sold or otherwise relieved.\n \nIntangible Assets \n\u2013 Intangible assets are comprised of finite life intangible assets including customer relationships, trade names and patents. \nThe fair value recorded as of April 30, 2023 is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the acquired trade names and patents was determined using the relief from\u00a0royalty method, which is a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow approach. The relief from\u00a0royalty method\u00a0values an intangible asset by estimating the royalties saved through ownership of the asset. The relief from\u00a0royalty method\u00a0requires identifying the future revenue that would be generated by the intangible asset, multiplying it by a royalty rate deemed to be avoided through ownership of the asset and discounting the projected royalty savings amounts back to the acquisition date using the internal rate of return.\n \nImpairment of Long-Lived Assets\n \u2013 The Company reviews long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment. Property, machinery and equipment and finite life intangible assets are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate possible impairment. If events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate possible impairment, the Company first performs an impairment review based on an undiscounted cash flow analysis at the lowest level at which cash flows of the long-lived assets are largely independent of other groups of its assets and liabilities. This analysis requires management judgment with respect to changes in technology, the continued success of product lines, and future volume, revenue and expense growth rates. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the Company records an impairment, if any, for the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset group and its carrying value. The Company further conducts annual reviews for idle and underutilized equipment, and reviews business plans for possible impairment. \n \nDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company revised the financial outlook for the Pet Tech segment, resulting in lower projected sales and net income for future periods. The Company assessed the overall market acceptance of the current Wagz product offerings after the holiday season and determined that this constituted a triggering event for the Company\u2019s long-lived asset groups, primarily consisting of patents, trade names and certain fixed assets. The Company reviewed the undiscounted future cash flows for the identified long-lived asset group, and the results of the analysis indicated the carrying amount for the long-lived group was not expected to be recovered.\n \nThe fair value of the identified intangible assets was estimated using the \nrelief from\u00a0royalty method, which is a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow approach. The relief from\u00a0royalty method\u00a0values an intangible asset by estimating the royalties saved through ownership of the asset. The relief from\u00a0royalty method\u00a0requires identifying the future revenue that would be generated by the intangible asset, multiplying it by a royalty rate deemed to be avoided through ownership of the asset and discounting the projected royalty savings amounts back to the acquisition date using the internal rate of return.\n \nThe Company determined the fair value of the long-lived asset group was lower than its carrying value and recorded an intangible asset impairment charge of $9,527,773 during the three months ended January 31, 2023. This non-cash charge was recorded to impairment of goodwill and intangible assets on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of April 30, 2023 this non-cash charge has been reported under discontinued operations. See Note H \u2013 Intangible Assets and Note P \u2013 Discontinued Operations, for more information.\n \nImpairment of Goodwill \n\u2013\n \n \nGoodwill represents the cost of business acquisitions in excess of the fair value of identifiable net tangible and intangible\u00a0assets acquired. On an annual basis, or more frequently if \n\n\n \n \n27\n \n \n\n\ntriggering events occur, the Company compares the estimated fair value of its reporting units to the carrying value of each reporting unit to determine if a potential goodwill impairment exists. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recorded for the difference. In calculating the fair value of the reporting units or specific intangible assets, management relies on a number of factors, including business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable transactions and other market data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management's judgment in applying them in the impairment tests of goodwill and other intangible assets.\n \nThe Company observed during the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the overall lack of market acceptance of the current Wagz product offerings during the holiday season and determined this constituted a triggering event. Accordingly, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test and estimated the fair value of the Pet Tech segment based on a combination of an income approach (estimates of future discounted cash flows), a market approach (market multiples for similar companies) and a cost approach. Significant unobservable inputs and assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies, which represented Level 3 inputs, under the fair value hierarchy, were employed and included, but were not limited to, prospective financial information, terminal value assumptions, discount rates, and multiples from comparable publicly traded companies in the Pet Tech industry.\n \nThe cost approach is based on upon the concept of replacement cost as an indicator of value. Stated another way, this approach is premised on the assumption that a prudent investor would pay no more for an asset than the amount for which the asset could be replaced. The cost approach establishes value based on the cost reproducing or replacing the property, less depreciation from physical deterioration and functional obsolescence, if present and measurable.\n \nDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company determined its goodwill was fully impaired as the fair value was lower than the carrying value and recorded an impairment charge of $13,320,534. This non-cash charge was recorded to impairment of goodwill and intangible assets as of January 31, 2023.\n \nIncome Tax\n \u2013 \nThe Company\u2019s income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management\u2019s best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. The Company is subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and several foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates by management are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense assessment.\n \nDeferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. In evaluating the Company\u2019s ability to recover its deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In projecting future taxable income, the Company begins with historical results and changes in accounting policies, and incorporates assumptions including the amount of future state, federal and foreign pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment and estimates by management about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent\n \nwith the plans and estimates the Company uses to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, the Company considers three years of cumulative operating income and/or loss. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to an amount more likely than not to be realized. SigmaTron and Wagz filed or are expected to file U.S. tax returns on a consolidated basis for periods during which Wagz was wholly owned. Therefore, a valuation allowance was previously established on the group\u2019s U.S. deferred tax assets during fiscal year 2022. After the sale of Wagz, SigmaTron expects to file on a standalone basis and utilize its U.S. deferred tax assets with the exception of the capital loss on sale and certain foreign tax credits. The Company has established a valuation allowance of $7,260,628 on its U.S. capital loss and foreign tax credit carryforwards and a valuation allowance of $442,889 on certain foreign loss carryforwards as of April 30, 2023. \n \n\n\n \n \n28\n \n \n\n\n \nNew Accounting Standards:\n \nSee Note B \u2013 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies \nof Item 15(a) \nExhibits and Financial Statement Schedules\n.\n \nResults of Operations:\n \nFISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2023 COMPARED\nTO FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2022\n \nThe following table sets forth the percentage relationships of gross profit and expense items to net sales for the years indicated:\n\u00a0\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFiscal Years Ended\n \nApril 30,\n \n \n2023\n \n \n2022\n \n \n \n \n \n \nNet sales\n$\n 414,435,845\n \n$\n 378,316,495\nCosts of products sold\n \n 362,982,248\n \n \n 333,925,226\nAs a percent of net sales\n \n87.6%\n \n \n88.3%\nGross profit\n \n 51,453,597\n \n \n 44,391,269\nAs a percent of net sales\n \n12.4%\n \n \n11.7%\n \n \n \n \n \n \nSelling and administrative expenses\n \n 26,495,951\n \n \n 25,981,794\nAs a percent of net sales\n \n6.4%\n \n \n6.9%\nOperating income from continuing operations\n \n 24,957,646\n \n \n 18,409,475\n \n \n \n \n \n \nGain on extinguishment of long-term debt\n \n -\n \n \n 6,282,973\nOther income\n \n 632,223\n \n \n 153,614\nInterest expense, net\n \n (8,403,904)\n \n \n (1,500,140)\nIncome before income taxes from continuing operations\n \n 17,185,965\n \n \n 23,345,922\n \n \n \n \n \n \nIncome tax expense\n \n (2,991,541)\n \n \n (4,980,003)\nNet income from continuing operations\n$\n 14,194,424\n \n$\n 18,365,919\n \n \n \n \n \n \nDiscontinued operations:\n \n \n \n \n \nLoss before taxes from discontinued operations\n$\n (36,629,902)\n \n \n (9,180,064)\nTax benefit for discontinued operations\n \n 1,860,093\n \n \n 678,313\nNet loss from discontinued operations\n$\n (34,769,809)\n \n$\n (8,501,751)\n \n \n \n \n \n \nNet (loss) income\n$\n (20,575,385)\n \n$\n 9,864,168\n \nNet sales\n \nNet sales increased $36,119,350, or 9.5% to $414,435,845 in fiscal 2023, compared to $378,316,495 in fiscal 2022. Net sales were higher due to higher sales volume and certain customer price increases implemented as a result of increased raw material and other operating costs that occurred during fiscal 2023, as compared to last fiscal year. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates several times during fiscal 2023, which has negatively affected customer demand in the consumer electronics markets, but has not had the same effect in the industrial electronics and medical/life science markets. As a result, the Company\u2019s sales increased in fiscal 2023 in \n\n\n \n \n29\n \n \n\n\nindustrial electronics and medical/life science compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase in sales was accompanied by a decrease in sales in consumer electronics. \n \nCosts of products sold\n \nCost of products sold increased $29,057,022, or 8.7%, to $362,982,248 (87.6% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $333,925,226 (88.3% of net sales) in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is primarily due to favorable sales mix, partially offset with higher material, logistics and other operating costs as a result of higher sales volumes and the impact of global supply chain disruptions that caused factory inefficiencies. Labor costs and other manufacturing costs were higher in fiscal 2023, compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to inflationary pressures. The Company anticipates continuing supply chain issues in fiscal 2024.\n \nGross profit margin\n \nGross profit margin was 12.4% of net sales, in fiscal year 2023 compared to 11.7% of net sales in fiscal 2022. The increase in gross margins as a percentage of sales was primarily due to favorable sales mix, notwithstanding higher material, labor and other manufacturing costs during fiscal 2023, compared to fiscal 2022.\n \nSelling and administrative expenses\n \nSelling and administrative expenses increased $514,157, or 2.0% to $26,495,951 (6.4% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $25,981,794 (6.9% of net sales) in the prior fiscal year. The increase in selling and administrative expenses primarily relates to inflationary pressures in fiscal 2023, compared to fiscal 2022.\n \nGain on the extinguishment of long-term debt\n \nOn April 23, 2020, the Company received proceeds of $6,282,973 from a PPP Loan under the CARES Act, which it used to retain current U.S. employees, maintain payroll and make lease and utility payments. The PPP Loan was forgiven on July 9, 2021 and was recorded as a gain on the extinguishment of debt in fiscal 2022.\n \nOther Income\n \nOther income increased to $632,223 in fiscal 2023, compared to $153,614 in fiscal 2022. The increase primarily relates to insurance proceeds received related to fire damage in one of our manufacturing locations.\n \nInterest expense, net\n \nInterest expense, net, increased to $8,403,904 in fiscal 2023 compared to $1,500,140 in fiscal 2022. The increase primarily relates to higher average debt levels as well as increased interest rates during fiscal 2023.\n \nIncome tax expense\n \nIncome tax expense decreased $1,988,462 to $2,991,541 in fiscal 2023, compared to $4,980,003 in fiscal 2022. The effective tax rate decreased to 17.4% in fiscal 2023, compared to 21.3% in fiscal 2022, primarily due to a decrease in the valuation allowance in the current year. The decrease in income tax expense in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 is primarily due to decreased taxable income recognized in the current fiscal year compared to the previous fiscal year.\n \nNet income from continuing operations\n \nNet income from continuing operations decreased $4,171,495, to a net income of $14,194,424 in fiscal 2023, compared to a net income of $18,365,919 in fiscal 2022. Net income in fiscal 2022 included the one-time extinguishment of the PPP Loan in the amount of $6,282,973 that was recorded as a gain on the extinguishment of debt.\n \n\n\n \n \n30\n \n \n\n\n \nNet loss from discontinued operations\n \nNet loss from discontinued operations in fiscal 2023 from the Pet Tech Segment of $34,769,809 which includes an impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets of $23,096,771 and losses on the sale of a business of $3,742,709. The fiscal 2023 discontinued losses include a tax benefit of $1,860,093. The net loss from discontinued operations for fiscal 2022 consisted of operational losses from the Pet Tech Segment of $2,879,829 and an impairment of notes receivable and investment charge of $6,300,235. The fiscal 2022 discontinued losses include a tax benefit of $678,313.\n \nEMS Segment\n \nThe following table sets forth the percentage relationships of gross profit and expense items to net sales for the years indicated:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFiscal Years Ended\n \nApril 30,\n \n \n2023\n \n \n2022\n \n \n \n \n \n \nNet sales\n$\n 414,435,845\n \n$\n 378,316,495\nCosts of products sold\n \n 362,982,248\n \n \n 333,925,226\nAs a percent of net sales\n \n87.6%\n \n \n88.3%\nGross profit\n \n 51,453,597\n \n \n 44,391,269\nAs a percent of net sales\n \n12.4%\n \n \n11.7%\n \n \n \n \n \n \nSelling and administrative expenses\n \n 26,495,951\n \n \n 25,981,794\nAs a percent of net sales\n \n6.4%\n \n \n6.9%\nOperating income\n$\n 24,957,646\n \n$\n 18,409,475\n \nNet sales\n \nNet sales increased $36,119,350, or 9.5%, to $414,435,845 in fiscal 2023, compared to $378,316,495 in fiscal 2022. Net sales were higher primarily due to higher sales volume and certain customer price increases implemented as a result of increased raw material and other operating costs that occurred in fiscal 2023, compared to fiscal 2022. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates several times during the fiscal year, which has negatively affected customer demand in the consumer electronics markets, but has not had the same effect in the industrial electronics and medical/life science markets. As a result, the Company\u2019s sales increased in fiscal 2023 in industrial electronics and medical/life science compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase in sales was accompanied by a decrease in sales in consumer electronics. \n \nCost of products sold\n \nCost of products sold increased $29,057,022, or 8.7%, to $362,982,248 (87.6% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $333,925,226 (88.3% of net sales) in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is primarily due to favorable sales mix, partially offset with higher material, logistics and other operating costs as a result of higher sales volumes and the impact of global supply chain disruptions that caused factory inefficiencies. Labor costs and other manufacturing costs were higher in fiscal 2023, primarily due to inflationary pressures. The Company anticipates continuing supply chain issues in fiscal 2024.\n \nGross profit \n \nGross profit margin was 12.4% of net sales in fiscal 2023, compared to 11.7% of net sales in the prior fiscal year. The increase in gross margins as a percentage of sales was primarily due to favorable sales mix, partially offset with higher material, labor and other manufacturing costs in fiscal 2023, compared to fiscal 2022.\n \n\n\n \n \n31\n \n \n\n\n \nSelling and administrative expenses\n \nSelling and administrative expenses increased $514,157, or 2.0%, to $26,495,951 (6.4% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $25,981,794 (6.9% of net sales) in the prior fiscal year. Selling and administrative expenses increased in fiscal 2023 primarily due to increased wages and professional fees, partially offset by lower bonus expense, compared to fiscal 2022.\n \nOperating income\n \nOperating income increased $6,548,171, or 35.6%, to $24,957,646 (6.0% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $18,409,475 (4.9% of net sales) in the prior fiscal year. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volume and favorable sales mix, notwithstanding higher material, logistics and other operating costs.\n \nPet Technology Segment\n \nThe Company sold a majority of the Wagz stock on April 28, 2023, effective as of April 1, 2023. The Company still owns 19 percent of Wagz common stock as a passive investment as of April 30, 2023. The activity for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 have been classified as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.\n \nWagz was acquired on December 31, 2021, and therefore only reflects financial results for fiscal 2022 after the transaction date.\n \nThe following table sets forth the percentage relationships of gross profit and expense items to net sales for the years indicated:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFiscal Years Ended\n \nApril 30,\n \n \n2023\n \n \n2022\n \n \n \n \n \n \nNet sales\n$\n 1,598,929\n \n$\n 549,929\nCosts of products sold\n \n 1,732,352\n \n \n 509,327\nAs a percent of net sales\n \n108.3%\n \n \n92.6%\nGross profit\n \n (133,423)\n \n \n 40,602\nAs a percent of net sales\n \n-(8.3)%\n \n \n7.4%\n \n \n \n \n \n \nSelling and administrative expenses\n \n 9,656,999\n \n \n 2,920,277\nImpairment of notes receivable \n\u200e\nand investment\n \n -\n \n \n 6,300,235\nImpairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets\n \n 23,096,771\n \n \n -\nOperating loss\n$\n (32,887,193)\n \n$\n (9,179,910)\n \nNet sales\n \nNet sales increased $1,049,000 to $1,598,929 in fiscal 2023, compared to $549,929 in fiscal 2022. Wagz was purchased on December 31, 2021 and sales for fiscal 2022 only reflect four months of activity. Sales for the period are primarily comprised of hardware and accessories, as well as recurring subscription revenue. The Pet Tech segment experienced supply chain issues, causing certain inventory shortages during fiscal 2023, which negatively affected hardware sales. In addition, the products struggled to gain market acceptance during the fiscal year.\n \n\n\n \n \n32\n \n \n\n\n \nCost of products sold\n \nCost of products sold increased $1,223,025 to $1,732,352 (108.3% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $509,327 (92.6% of net sales) in the prior fiscal year. Cost of products sold as a percentage of sales increased during the current period primarily due to material cost increases and lower sales volumes.\n \nGross profit margin\n \nGross profit margin was \u2013(8.3)% of net sales in fiscal 2023, compared to a gross profit margin of 7.4% in the prior fiscal year. Gross profit margins were negative in the current period due to material cost increases and lower sales volumes.\n \nSelling and administrative expenses\n \nSelling and administrative expenses increased $6,736,722, to $9,656,999 in fiscal 2023, compared to $2,920,277 in the prior fiscal year. Selling and administrative costs were primarily comprised of research and development costs for new products that were expected to launch in fiscal 2024, selling and marketing expenses, as well as general and administrative expenses.\n \nImpairment of notes receivable and investment\n \nPrior to the acquisition on December 31, 2021, the Company had an investment in Wagz of $600,000, Convertible Secured Promissory Notes issued by Wagz of $12,000,000 and Secured Promissory Notes issued by Wagz of $1,380,705. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, prior to the acquisition, the Convertible Secured Promissory Notes converted to 12,000,000 shares of Wagz common stock, resulting in a 25.5% ownership in Wagz. As described in Note F \u2013 Acquisition and Disposition, the Company\u2019s\u00a025.5%\u00a0equity interest in Wagz common stock was remeasured to fair value of\u00a0$6,299,765, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $6,300,235 in fiscal 2022. \n \nImpairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets \n \nIn connection with the preparation and review of the financial statements for the quarter ended January\u00a031, 2023, the Company revised the financial projections for its Pet Tech segment. The revised projections resulted in a triggering event for the Company\u2019s goodwill and long-lived asset groups consisting of patents and trade names. As a result, the Company concluded that the carrying amount for goodwill and the long-lived asset groups was impaired and not expected to be recovered. Accordingly, a\u00a0non-cash\u00a0pre-tax\u00a0goodwill impairment charge of $13,320,534 and a\u00a0non-cash\u00a0intangible assets impairment charge of $9,527,773, was recorded for the Company\u2019s Pet Tech segment in fiscal 2023. In addition, Pet Tech fixed assets of $248,464 were written off due to the sale of Wagz effective April 1, 2023. \n \nOperating loss \n \nOperating loss increased $23,707,283, to $32,887,193 in fiscal 2023, compared to $9,179,910 in fiscal 2022. The increased loss was primarily due to the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets, lower than expected sales and increased selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2023.\n \nLiquidity and Capital Resources: \n \nThe Company\u2019s liquidity requirements are primarily to fund its business operations, including capital expenditures and working capital requirements, as well as to fund debt service requirements. The Company\u2019s primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and borrowings under the revolving Facility credit agreement. The Company believes its liquidity position will be sufficient to fund its existing operations and current commitments for at least the next twelve months. However, if economic conditions remain impacted for longer than the Company expects due to inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, public health crises, including COVID-19 and variants, or other geopolitical risks, the Company\u2019s liquidity position could be severely impacted. \nDue to availability being less than 10% of the Revolving Commitment,\n \nthe Facility (as defined below) has been classified as a current liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2023.\n\n\n \n \n33\n \n \n\n\n \nOperating Activities\n \nCash flow used in operating activities was $13,256,804 for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, compared to cash flow used in operating activities of $14,381,723 for the prior fiscal year. Cash flow used in operating activities was primarily the result of an increase in accounts receivable in the amount of $5,328,740, a decrease in accounts payable in the amount of $20,702,026 and a decrease in deferred revenue in the amount of $3,179,709. Cash flow from operating activities was offset by a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets in the amount of $5,954,202. The increase in accounts receivable is the result of an increase in net sales. The decrease in accounts payable is the result of the timing of vendor payments. The decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets is the result of a decrease in right-of-use assets. \n \nCash flow used in operating activities was $14,381,723 for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022. Cash flow used in operating activities was primarily the result of an increase in both inventory and accounts receivable in the amount of $68,297,962 and $12,288,539, respectively. Cash flow from operating activities was offset by an increase in accounts payable and deferred revenue in the amount of $33,299,432 and $10,487,828, respectively. The increase in inventory was the result of an increase in inventory purchases to satisfy customer orders. Further, capacity issues in the component industry made it difficult to obtain some components to complete assemblies for shipping. The increase in accounts payable was the result of more favorable payment terms with vendors and increased inventory purchases.\n \nInvesting Activities\n \nIn fiscal year 2023, cash used in investing activities was $5,179,247. During fiscal year 2023, the Company purchased $4,334,169 in machinery and equipment to be used in the ordinary course of business. The Company has received forecasts from current customers for increased business that would require additional investment in capital equipment and facilities. The Company anticipates purchases will be funded by lease transactions. However, there is no assurance that such increased business will be obtained or that the Company will be able to obtain funding for leases at acceptable terms, if at all, in the future. During the month of April 2023, the Company made advances of $900,000 to Wagz as agreed upon under the SPA. On April\u00a028, 2023, the sale of the majority interest in Wagz pursuant to the SPA was consummated effective as of April\u00a01, 2023, and as a result, as of the closing, the Company holds a minority 19% ownership of the shares and Buyer holds a majority 81% of the shares. \n \nIn fiscal year 2022, cash used in investing activities was $10,252,100. The Company purchased $4,740,100 in machinery and equipment used in the ordinary course of business. The Company purchases were funded by the bank line of credit and lease transactions. The Company made advances of $5,512,000 to Wagz. In June 2020, the Company announced a proposed business combination with Wagz. The advances were made in conjunction with the proposed business combination. \n \nFinancing Activities\n \nCash provided by financing activities was $24,155,387 for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023. Cash provided by financing activities was primarily the result of net borrowings under the line of credit and term loan agreement. \n \nCash provided by financing activities was $29,476,071 for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022. Cash provided by financing activities was primarily the result of net borrowings under the line of credit.\n \nLiquidity from Discontinued Operations\n \nDuring fiscal 2023 cash used in discontinued operations from operating activities was $7,264,377, primarily related to Pet Tech Segment operations and transaction related expenses associated with the sale of the Wagz business. During fiscal 2022, cash used in operating activities of $5,843,456 relates to activity from the Pet Tech Segment. Cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 was $134,419 and $9,432, respectively, primarily for capital expenditures.\n \n \n\n\n \n \n34\n \n \n\n\n \nFinancing Summary\n \nDebt and finance lease obligations consisted of the following at April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n2023\n \n \n2022\n \n \n \n \n \n \nDebt:\n \n \n \n \n \nNotes Payable - Banks\n$\n90,968,000\n \n$\n56,830,377\nNotes Payable - Buildings\n \n417,143\n \n \n6,459,340\nNotes Payable - Equipment\n \n3,524,115\n \n \n4,202,292\nUnamortized deferred financing costs\n \n(1,608,558)\n \n \n(401,040)\nTotal debt\n \n93,300,700\n \n \n67,090,969\nLess current maturities*\n \n52,761,520\n \n \n6,991,567\nLong-term debt\n$\n40,539,180\n \n$\n60,099,402\n \n \n \n \n \n \nFinance lease obligations\n$\n4,119,437\n \n$\n4,215,810\nLess current maturities\n \n1,523,259\n \n \n1,410,675\nTotal finance lease obligations, less current portion\n$\n2,596,178\n \n$\n2,805,135\n* Due to availability being less than 10% of the Revolving Commitment,\n \nthe Facility (as defined below) has been classified as a current liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2023.\n \nNotes Payable \u2013 Secured lenders\n \n \nOn January 29, 2021, the Company entered into a \nCredit Agreement (the \u201cJPM Agreement\u201d) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., pursuant to which Lender provided the Company with a secured credit facility consisting of a revolving loan facility and a term loan facility (collectively, the \u201cFacility\u201d).\n \nOn July 18, 2022, SigmaTron, Wagz and Lender amended and restated the JPM Agreement by entering into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as so amended and restated, the \u201cJPM Credit Agreement\u201d). The Facility, as amended, allows the Company to borrow on a revolving basis up to the lesser of (i) $70,000,000 or (ii) an amount equal to a percentage of the eligible receivable borrowing base plus a percentage of the inventory borrowing base minus any reserves established by Lender (the \u201cRevolving Commitment\u201d). The maturity date of the Facility is July 18, 2027. Deferred financing costs of $332,139 and $128,733 were capitalized \nduring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively, \nwhich are amortized over the term of the JPM Credit Agreement. As of April 30, 2023, there was $51,134,699 outstanding and $11,539,183 of unused availability under the revolving Facility compared to an outstanding balance of $51,392,158 and $5,691,855 of unused availability \nat April 30, 2022. As of April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022, the unamortized amount offset against outstanding debt was $572,191 and $393,503, respectively.\n \nUnder the JPM Credit Agreement, a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (\u201cFCCR\u201d) financial covenant of 1.10x is applicable only during an FCCR trigger period which occurs when (a) commencing on the Effective Date (as defined in the JPM Credit Agreement) and ending when the Term Loan Obligations (as defined in the JPM Credit Agreement) have been paid in full and (b) following the payment in full of the Term Loan Obligations, (i) an event of default (as defined in the JPM Credit Agreement) has occurred and is continuing, and Lender has elected to impose a FCCR trigger period upon notice to the Company or (ii) availability falls below the greater of (a) 10% of the Revolving Commitment and (b) the outstanding principal amount of the term loans.\u00a0In addition, prior to the amendment to the JPM Credit Agreement pursuant to the JPM Waiver (as discussed below under \u201c\nWaiver, Consent and Amendment to Credit Agreements\n\u201d),\n \nthe JPM Credit Agreement imposed a financial covenant that required the Company to maintain a leverage ratio of Total Debt to EBITDA (each as defined in the JPM Credit Agreement) for any twelve month period ending on the last day of a fiscal quarter through the maturity of the revolving Facility not to exceed a certain amount, which ratio (a) ranged from 5.00-to-1 for fiscal quarters beginning with the fiscal quarter ending on January 31, 2023 to 3.00-to-1 for the fiscal quarter ending on July 31, 2026 (if the Term Loan Borrowing Base Coverage Ratio (as defined in the JPM Credit Agreement) as of the end of the applicable fiscal quarter is less than or equal to 1.50-to-1) and (b) ranged from 5.50-to-1 for the fiscal quarter ending on January 31, 2023 to 4.00-to-1 for the fiscal quarters \n\n\n \n \n35\n \n \n\n\nbeginning with the fiscal quarter ending on July 31, 2026 (if the Term Loan Borrowing Base Coverage Ratio as of the end of the applicable fiscal quarter is greater than 1.50-to-1).\n \nIn addition, the JPM Credit Agreement imposes a cash dominion period if there is an event of default or if availability is less than 10% of the Revolving Commitment, and such requirement continues until there is no event of default and availability is greater than 10% of the Revolving Commitment, in each case for 30 consecutive days. Based on this criteria, the total debt balances for the Facility must be classified as a current liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2023. \n \nIn connection with the entry into the JPM Credit Agreement, Lender and TCW Asset Management Company LLC, as administrative agent under the Term Loan Agreement (as defined below), entered into the Intercreditor Agreement, dated July 18, 2022, and acknowledged by SigmaTron and Wagz (the \u201cICA\u201d), to set forth and govern the lenders\u2019 respective lien priorities, rights and remedies under the JPM Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement.\nThe Facility under the JPM Credit Agreement is secured by: (a) a first priority security interest in SigmaTron\u2019s and Wagz\u2019s (i) accounts receivable and inventory (excluding Term Priority Mexican Inventory (as defined in the ICA) and certain inventory in transit, (ii) deposit accounts, (iii) proceeds of business interruption insurance that constitute ABL\u00a0BI Insurance Share (as defined in the ICA), (iv) certain other property, including payment intangibles, instruments, equipment, software and hardware and similar systems, books and records, to the extent related to the foregoing, and (v) all proceeds of the foregoing, in each case, now owned or hereafter acquired (collectively, the \u201cABL Priority Collateral\u201d); and (b) a second priority security interest in Term Priority Collateral (as defined below) other than (i) real estate and (ii) the equity interests of SigmaTron\u2019s foreign subsidiaries (unless such a pledge is requested by Lender). \nOn April 25, 2022, the Company and Lender, entered into an amendment of the Facility. Under the amended Facility, Lender extended a term loan to the Company in the principal amount of $5,000,000 (the \u201cFILO Term Loan\u201d), \nthe interest on which is based on (i) the \u201c\nAdjusted Term SOFR Rate\u201d for a one-month Interest Period\n (each, as defined in the Agreement), plus (ii) an applicable margin of 4.0% (effectively 4.41% per annum at April 30, 2022). The FILO Term Loan will mature within 120 days from the date of the amendment. The amount outstanding as of April 30, 2022 was $5,000,000. There were no issuance costs associated with the FILO Term Loan. \nOn July 18, 2022, a portion of the proceeds of the Term Loan Agreement (as defined below) was used to pay in full the FILO Term Loan extended by Lender. \n \nOn July 18, 2022, SigmaTron, Wagz and TCW Asset Management Company LLC, as administrative agent, and other Lenders party thereto (collectively, \u201cTCW\u201d) entered into a Credit Agreement (the \u201cTerm Loan Agreement\u201d) pursuant to which TCW made a term loan to the Company in the principal amount of $40,000,000 (the \u201cTCW Term Loan\u201d). The TCW Term Loan bears interest at a rate per annum based on SOFR, plus\n \nthe Applicable Margin of 7.50% (each as defined in the Term Loan Agreement). The TCW Term Loan has a SOFR floor of 1.00%. The maturity date of the TCW Term Loan is July 18, 2027. The amount outstanding as of April 30, 2023, was $39,833,301. \nDeferred financing costs of $1,233,894 were capitalized during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023. \nAs of April 30, 2023, the unamortized amount offset against outstanding debt was $1,036,367.\nThe Term Loan Agreement imposes financial covenants, including covenants requiring the Company to maintain a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) of 1.10-to-1 and maintain the same leverage ratio of Total Debt to EBITDA as described above under the JPM Credit Agreement. The Company is required to make quarterly repayments of the principal amount of the TCW Term Loan in amounts equal to $250,000 per fiscal quarter for the quarters beginning October 31, 2022 and $500,000 per fiscal quarter for quarters beginning October 31, 2024. The Term Loan Agreement also requires mandatory annual repayments equal to 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement). \n \nThe TCW Term Loan is secured by: (a) a first priority security interest in \nall property of SigmaTron and Wagz that does not constitute ABL Priority Collateral, which includes: \n(i) \nSigmaTron\u2019s and Wagz\u2019s\n real estate other than SigmaTron\u2019s Del Rio, Texas, warehouses, (ii) \nSigmaTron\u2019s and Wagz\u2019s\n machinery, equipment and fixtures \n(but excluding ABL\n Priority Equipment\n (as defined in the ICA))\n, (iii) the Term Priority Mexican \n\n\n \n \n36\n \n \n\n\nInventory\n (as defined in the ICA), (iv) SigmaTron\u2019s stock in its direct and indirect subsidiaries,\n (v) \nSigmaTron\u2019s and Wagz\u2019s\n general intangibles (excluding any that constitute ABL Priority Collateral), goodwill and \nintellectual property, (vi) the proceeds of business interruption insurance that constitute Term\n\u00a0BI Insurance Share (as defined in the ICA)\n, (vii) tax \nrefunds, and (viii) all proceeds thereof, in each case, now owned or hereafter acquired (collectively, the \u201cTerm Priority Collateral\u201d); and (b) a second priority security interest in all collateral that constitutes ABL Priority Collateral. Also, SigmaTron\u2019s three Mexican subsidiaries pledged all of their assets as security for the TCW Term Loan.\n \nWaiver, Consent and Amendment to Credit Agreements\n \nOn\n \nMarch\n \n2,\n \n2023,\n the Company received notices of default from both JPM and TCW. \nT\nhe Notices indicated the occurrence of certain events of default under the JPM Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement. In\n \naddition,\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nreceived\n \na\n \ndelinquency\n \nnotification\n \nletter\n \nfrom\n \nNasdaq\n \nindicating\n \nthat \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nwas\n \nnot\n \nin\n \ncompliance\n \nwith\n \nthe\n \ncontinued\n \nlisting\n \nrequirements\n \nof\n \nNasdaq\n \nfor\n \nfailing\n \nto\n \ntimely\n \nfile\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n\u2019\ns\n \nF\no\nrm\n \n10-Q\n \nfor\n \nthe\n \nfiscal \nquarter\n \nended\n \nJanuary\n \n31,\n \n2023.\n \nThis\n \nnotification\n \nalso\n \nconstituted\n \na\n \ndefault\n \nunder\n \nthe\n \nCredit\n \nAgreements. The delinquency was remedied on May 19, 2023.\n \n \nThe JPM Notice indicated that the Lender was informed of the occurrence of events of defaults and the continuation thereof under the JPM Credit Agreement as a result of the Company\u2019s failure to maintain a FCCR for the twelve month period ending January\u00a031, 2023 of at least 1.10x as required under the JPM Credit Agreement (the \u201cJPM Covenant Defaults\u201d).\n \nThe TCW Notice indicated that Agent and TCW Lenders were informed of the occurrence of events of default and the continuation thereof under the Term Loan Agreement (described below) as a result of the Company permitting the Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio for the twelve month period ending January\u00a031, 2023 to be greater than 5.00:1.00 in violation of the Term Loan Agreement and the Company\u2019s failure to maintain FCCR as required under the JPM Credit Agreement (the \u201cTCW Covenant Defaults\u201d and together with the JPM Covenant Defaults, the \u201cDefaults\u201d).\n \nAs a result of the Defaults, the Company was not in compliance with its financial covenants under the Credit Agreements as of January 31, 2023. Due to the\n \nNotices\n received on March 2, 2023, \nfrom\n \neach\n \nof\n \nJPM\n \nand\n \nthe\n \nTCW\n \nLenders\n \nand\n \nAgent, the total debt balances for both the Facility and the TCW Term Loan had been classified as a current liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet on January 31, 2023.\n \nOn\n \nApril\n \n28,\n \n2023,\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nentered\n \ninto\n \n(i)\n \na\n \nW\naive\nr\n,\n \nConsent\n \nand\n \nAmendment \nNo.\n \n1\n \nto\n \nthe\n JPM \nCredit\n \nAgreement\n \nwith \nW\nagz\n \nand\n \nJPM,\n \nas\n \nl\ne\nnder\n, which waived certain events of default under and amended certain terms of \nthe\n \nJPM\n \nCredit\n \nAgreement\n \nand\n \n(i\ni\n)\n \na\n \nW\naive\nr\n,\n \nConsent \nand\n \nAmendment\n \nNo.\n \n1\n \nto\n \nthe\n \nCredit\n \nAgreement\n \nwith\n \nW\nagz,\n \nthe\n \nfinancial\n \ninstitutions\n \nidentifi\ne\nd\n \ntherein\n \nand TCW\n \nAsset\n \nManagement\n \nCompany\n \nLLC\n \nas\n \nadministrative\n \nagent\n \nfor\n \nthe\n \nTCW\n \nLenders\n \n(in\n \nsuch\n \ncapacit\ny\n,\n \nthe\n \n\u201cAgent\u201d\n \nand \ncollectively\n \nwith\n \nthe\n \nTCW\n \nLenders\n \nand\n \nJPM,\n \nthe\n \n\u201cLender\n \nParties\u201d), \nwhich waived certain events of default under and amended certain terms of\n \nthe Credit Agreements.\n \n The\n \nCompany\n \nentered\n \ninto\n \nthe\n \nJPM \nW\naiver\n \nand TCW\n \nW\naiver\n \n(togethe\nr\n,\n \nthe\n \n\u201c\nW\naivers\u201d)\n \nafter\n \nreceiving\n \non\n \nMarch\n \n2,\n \n2023,\n \nthe\n Notices\n \nfrom\n \neach\n \nof\n \nJPM\n \nand\n \nthe\n \nTCW\n \nLenders\n \nand\n \nAgent.\n \n \nPursuant\n \nto\n \nthe\n \nW\naivers,\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nhas\n \nagreed,\n \namong\n \nother\n \nthings,\n \nto \n(i)\n \nif\n \nrequested\n \nby\n \nthe\n \nAgent,\n \ne\nf\nfect\n \na\n \ncorporate\n \nrestructuring\n \nthat\n \nwould\n \ncreate\n \na\n \nnew\n \nholding\n \ncompany\n \nstructure\n \nto\n \nown\n \nall\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n\u2019\ns\n \nstock \nthrough\n \na\n \nme\nr\nger\n \npursuant\n \nto\n \nSection\n \n251(g)\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nGeneral\n \nCorporation\n \nLaw\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nState\n \nof\n \nDelaware,\n \nafter\n \nwhich\n \nthe\n \nholding\n \nc\no\nmpany\n \nwould\n \ncontinue \nas\n \nthe\n \npublic\n \ncompan\ny\n,\n \nbecome\n \na\n \nguarantor\n \nunder\n \nthe\n \nCredit\n \nAgreements\n \nand\n \npledge\n \nto\n \nthe\n \nLender\n \nParties\n \nall\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nequity\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nCompany (the \u201cCorporate Restructuring\u201d),\n \n(ii)\n \nengage\n \na \nfinancial\n \nadvisor\n \nto\n \nreview\n \ncertain\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n\u2019\ns\n \nfinancial\n \nreporting\n \nto\n \nJPM\n \nand\n \nthe\n \nAgent\n \nand\n \nparticipate\n \nin\n \nweekly\n \nconfer\ne\nnce\n \ncalls\n \nwith\n \nthe adviso\nr\n,\n \nJPM\n \nand\n \nthe\n \nAgent\n \nto\n \ndiscuss\n \nand\n \nprovide\n \nupdates\n \non\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n\u2019\ns\n \nliquidity\n \nand\n \noperations,\n \n(iii)\n \nextend\n \nthe\n \nW\nagz\n \nLoan,\n \n(iv) \npay\n \nto\n \nJPM\n \nan\n \namendment\n \nfee\n \nin\n \nthe\n \namount\n \nof\n \n$70,000,\n \npaid\n \nin\n \ncash,\n \nand\n \n(v)\n \npay\n \nto\n \nthe\n \nTCW\n \nLenders\n \nan\n \namendment\n \nfee\n \nof\n \n$395,000\n \nand\n \na\n \ndefault\n \nrate \nfee\n \nof\n \n$188,301,\n \nboth\n \nof\n \nwhich\n \nwere\n \npaid\n \nin\n \nkind\n \nby\n \nbeing\n \nadded\n \nto\n \nthe\n \nprincipal\n \nof\n \nthe\n TCW \nTerm\n \nLoan.\n \nThe \nW\naivers\n \nalso\n \namended\n \nthe\n \nCredit\n \nAgreements\n \nto,\n \namong\n \nother\n \nthings,\n \n(x)\n \nrequire\n \nthat\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nmaintain\n \na\n \nminimum\n \nof\n \n$2.5\n \nmil\nl\nion\n \nin\n \nrevolver \navailability\n \nunder\n \nthe\n \nJPM\n \nCredit\n \n\n\n \n \n37\n \n \n\n\nAgreement,\n \n(y)\n \nmodify\n \nthe\n \ndefinition\n \nof\n \nEBITDA\n \nto\n \nallow\n \nadjustments\n \nto\n \naccount\n \nfor\n \nW\nagz\n \noper\na\nting\n \nlosses, \nimpairment\n \ncha\nr\nges\n \nrelating\n \nto\n \nthe\n \nwrite-down\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nW\nagz\n \nbusiness,\n \nthe\n \nW\nagz Loan\n \nand\n \nnet\n \nassets\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nCom\np\nany\n \nand \nW\nagz,\n \nand \nexpenses\n \nrelating\n \nto\n \nthe\n \nW\naivers,\n \nthe\n \nW\nagz\n \nsale\n \nand\n \nS\nP\nA,\n \nand\n \n(z)\n \nmodify\n \nthe\n \nexisting\n \nT\notal\n \nDebt\n \nto\n \nEBITDA\n \nR\na\ntios\n \n(as\n \ndefined\n \nin\n \nthe \nCredit\n \nAgreements)\n \nas\n \nfollows:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFiscal Quarter\n \nTotal Debt to EBITDA Ratio* (as amended)\n \nTotal Debt to EBITDA Ratio* (prior to amendment)\n \n \n \n \n \nOctober 31,2023\n \n4.50:1.0\n \n4.25:1.0\nJanuary 31, 2024\n \n4.50:1.0\n \n4.00:1.0\nApril 30, 2024\n \n4.50:1.0\n \n4.00:1.0\nJuly 31, 2024\n \n4.25:1.0\n \n3.75:1.0\nOctober 31, 2024\n \n4.00:1.0\n \n3.75:1.0\n* \n \nAssumes\n \nthe\n \nT\nerm\n \nLoan\n \nBorrowing\n \nBase\n \nCoverage\n \nRatio\n \n(as\n \ndefined\n \nin\n \nthe\n \nCredit\n \nAgreements)\n \nis\n \nless\n \nthan\n \nor\n \nequal\n \nto\n \n1.50:1.0.\n \nIn addition, pursuant to the TCW Waiver, if the Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio for the trailing twelve month\n \nperiod\n \nas\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nend\n \no\nf\n \nthe\n \nthird\n quarter of \nfiscal\n 2023\n \nexceeds\n \nthe\n \nratios\n \nthat\n \nwere\n \nin\n \ne\nf\nfect\n \nprior\n \nto\n \nthe\n \namendment\n \n(as\n \nset\n \nforth\n \nin\n \nthe\n \nfar\n \nright\n \ncolumn\n \nof\n \nthe\n \ntable\n \nabove)\n \nfor\n \na \nfiscal \nquarter\n \nduring\n \nthe\n \nPIK\n \nPeriod\n \n(defined\n in the Term Loan Agreement\n),\n \nthen\n \nthe\n \nApplicable\n \nMa\nr\ngin\n \nunder\n \nt\nhe\n \nTerm Loan\n \nAgreement \nin\n \nrespect\n \nof\n \nthe\n \noutstanding\n TCW \nTerm\n \nLoan\n \nwould\n \nincrease\n \nby\n \nan\n \namount\n \nequal\n \nto\n \n1.0%\n \nper\n \nannum\n \nfor\n \nthe\n \nfiscal\n \nquarte\nr\n,\n \nwith\n \nsuch \ninterest\n \nbeing\n \npaid\n \nin\n \nkind.\n \nFurthermore,\n \nthe\n \nJPM \nW\naiver\n \nmodified\n \nthe\n \ndefinition\n \nof\n \nApplicable\n \nMa\nr\ngin\n \nfrom\n \na\n \nfixed\n \namount\n \nequal\n \nto\n \n2.00%\n \nto\n \nan\n \namount \nthat\n \nvaries\n \nfrom\n \n2.00%\n \n(for\n \nrevolver\n \navailability\n \ngreater\n \nthan\n \nor\n \nequal\n \nto\n \n$20.0\n \nmillion),\n \nto\n \n2.50%\n \n(for\n \nrevolver\n \navailability\n \ngreater\n \nthan\n \nor\n \nequal\n \nto\n \n$10.0 \nmillion),\n \nto\n \n3.00%\n \n(for\n \nrevolver\n \navailability\n \nless\n \nthan\n \n$10.0\n \nmillion),\n \nand\n \nfixed\n \nthe\n \nApplicable\n \nMa\nr\ngin\n \nat\n \n3.00%\n \nfor\n \nsix\n \nmonths\n \nstarting\n \nApril\n \n1,\n \n2023.\n \nIn\n \nexchange\n \nfor\n \nsuch\n \nagreements,\n \nthe\n \nLender\n \nParties\n \nhave\n \nagreed\n \nto\n \nwaive\n \nall\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nexisting\n \nevents\n \nof\n \ndefault\n \nunder\n \nthe\n \nCredit\n \nAgreements \nthrough\n \nMarch\n \n31,\n \n2023,\n \nconsent\n \nto\n \nthe\n \nsale\n \nof\n \nW\nagz\n \nand\n \nrelease\n \nW\nagz\n \nand\n \nits\n \nproperty\n \nand\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n\u2019\ns\n \n81%\n \ninterest\n \nin\n \nW\nagz \nthat\n \nwas\n \nsold\n \nto\n \nBuyer\n \n(as\n \ndisclosed\n \nbelow)\n \nfrom\n \nthe\n \nlien\n \nof\n \nthe\n \nLender\n \nParties.\n \n \nIn\n \nconnection\n \nwith\n \nthe\n \nW\naivers,\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nexited\n \nits\n \nactive\n \ninvolvement\n \nin\n \nthe\n \nPet\n \nT\nech\n \nbusiness\n \nthat\n \nis\n \nconducted\n \nb\ny\n \nW\nagz\n \nthrough the\n \nsale\n \nby\n \nthe\n \nCompany\n \nof\n \na\n \nmajority\n \nstake\n \nin\n \nW\nagz,\n \neffective as of April\n \n1,\n \n2023.\n \nOn June 15, 2023, the Company entered into (i) Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement (the \u201cJPM Amendment No. 2\u201d) by and among the Company and Lender, with respect to the JPM Credit Agreement and (ii) Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement (\u201cTCW Amendment No. 2\u201d) by and among the Company, the TCW Lenders and the Agent with respect to the Term Loan Agreement. The JPM Amendment No. 2 and TCW Amendment No. 2 (together, the \u201cAmendments\u201d) amend the Credit Agreements to extend the date, from May 31, 2023 to July 31, 2023, after which the Agent may request that the Company effect the Corporate Restructuring.\n \nOn April 23, 2020, the Company received a PPP Loan from U.S. Bank, as lender, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act, as administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the \u201cSBA\u201d) in the amount of $6,282,973 (the \u201cPPP Loan\u201d). The PPP Loan was scheduled to mature on April 23, 2022. The Company was notified of the forgiveness of the PPP Loan by the SBA on July 9, 2021 and all principal and accrued interest were forgiven. The accounting for the forgiveness is reflected in the Company\u2019s Statement of Operations for fiscal 2022 as a non-cash gain upon extinguishment of long-term debt. \n \nOn March 15, 2019, the Company\u2019s wholly-owned foreign enterprise, Wujiang SigmaTron Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., entered into a credit facility with China Construction Bank. On January 26, 2021, the agreement was amended and expired in accordance with its terms on January 6, 2022. On January 17, 2022, the \n\n\n \n \n38\n \n \n\n\nagreement was renewed, and expired in accordance with its terms on December 23, 2022. On February 17, 2023, the agreement was renewed, and is scheduled to expire on February 7, 2024. Under the agreement Wujiang SigmaTron Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. can borrow up to 10,000,000 Renminbi, approximately $1,444,252 as of April 30, 2023, and the facility is collateralized by Wujiang SigmaTron Electronics Co., Ltd.\u2019s manufacturing building. Interest is payable monthly and the facility bears a fixed interest rate of 3.35% per annum. There was no outstanding balance under the facility at April 30, 2023 compared to an outstanding balance of $438,219 at April 30, 2022.\n \nNotes Payable - Buildings\n \nThe Facility also included two term loans, in the aggregate principal amount of $6,500,000.\n A \nfinal aggregate payment of approximately $4,368,444 was due on or before January 29, 2026. \nOn July 18, 2022, a portion of the proceeds of the TCW Term Loan was used to pay in full both term loans extended by Lender. \nThere was no outstanding balance \nat April 30, 2023 compared to an outstanding balance of $5,994,445 at April 30, 2022. \n \nThe Company entered into a mortgage agreement on March 3, 2020, in the amount of $556,000, with The Bank and Trust SSB to finance the purchase of the property that serves as the Company\u2019s warehousing and distribution center in Del Rio, Texas. The note requires the Company to pay monthly installment payments in the amount of $6,103. Interest accrues at a fixed rate of 5.75% per year until March 3, 2025, and adjusts thereafter, on an annual basis, equal to 1.0% over the Prime Rate as published by The Wall Street Journal. The note is payable over a 120 month period. \nThe outstanding balance was $417,143 and $464,895 at April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively. \n \nNotes Payable - Equipment\n \nThe Company routinely entered into secured note agreements with Engencap Fin S.A. DE C.V. to finance the purchase of equipment. The terms of the outstanding secured note agreement mature on May 1, 2023, with a final quarterly installment payment of $9,310 and a fixed interest rate of 8.00% per annum.\n \nThe Company routinely enters into secured note agreements with FGI Equipment Finance LLC to finance the purchase of equipment. The terms of the outstanding secured note agreements mature from March 2025 through October 2027, with quarterly installment payments ranging from $10,723 to $69,439 and a fixed interest rate ranging from 8.25% to 9.25% per annum.\n \nFinance Lease and Sales Leaseback Obligations\n \nThe Company enters into various finance lease and sales leaseback agreements. The terms of the outstanding lease agreements mature through April 1, 2027, with monthly installment payments ranging from $2,874 to $33,706 and a fixed interest rate ranging from 7.09% to 12.73% per annum. \n \nOther\n \nThe Company provides funds for administration and manufacturing services such as salaries, wages, overhead and capital expenditure items as necessary to operate its wholly-owned Mexican, Vietnamese and Chinese subsidiaries and the international procurement office in Taiwan. The Company provides funding in U.S. Dollars, which are exchanged for Pesos, Dong, Renminbi, and New Taiwan dollars. The fluctuation of currencies from time to time, without an equal or greater increase in inflation, could have a material impact on the financial results of the Company. The impact of currency fluctuations for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, resulted in net foreign currency transaction losses of $892,642 compared to net foreign currency losses of $412,218 in the prior year. In fiscal year 2023, the Company paid approximately $60,070,000 to its foreign subsidiaries for manufacturing services. All intercompany balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.\n \nThe Company has not changed its plans to indefinitely reinvest the earnings of the Company\u2019s foreign subsidiaries. The cumulative amount of unremitted earnings for which U.S. income taxes have not been recorded is $11,822,000 as of April 30, 2023.\n \n\n\n \n \n39\n \n \n\n\n \nThe Company anticipates that its credit facilities, expected future cash flow from operations and leasing resources are adequate to meet its working capital requirements and fund capital expenditures for the next 12 months. However, in the event customers delay orders or future payments are not made timely, the Company desires to expand its operations, its business grows more rapidly than expected, or the current economic climate deteriorates, additional financing resources may be necessary. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain equity or debt financing at acceptable terms, or at all, in the future.\u00a0 There is no assurance that the Company will be able to retain or renew its credit agreements in the future, or that any retention or renewal will be on the same terms as currently exist.\n \nThe impact of inflation and the continuing global supply chain disruptions in the electronic component marketplace have been challenging. \nPrices for raw materials necessary for production have fluctuated significantly in the past and the Company is currently experiencing upward pricing pressure on raw materials. The Company anticipates supply chain and raw material price volatility will continue during fiscal 2024. \n \n \nITEM 7A.\n QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS\n \nAs a smaller reporting company, as defined in Rule 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act, the Company is not required to provide the information required by this item.\n ",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A.\nQUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS\n40\n \n \n \n \nITEM 8.\nFINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA\n40\n \nITEM 9.\nCHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE\n40\n \n \n \n \nITEM 9A.\nCONTROLS AND PROCEDURES\n40\n \nITEM 9B.\nOTHER INFORMATION\n41\n \nITEM 9C.\nDISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTION\n41\n \n \n \n \nPART III\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nITEM 10.\nDIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE\n41\n \nITEM 11.\nEXECUTIVE COMPENSATION\n41\n \nITEM 12.\nSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS\n41\n \n \n \n \nITEM 13.\nCERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE\n42\n \n \n \n \nITEM 14.\nPRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES\n42\n \n \n \n \nPART IV\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nITEM 15.\nEXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES\n42\n \nITEM 16.\nFORM 10-K SUMMARY\n42\nSIGNATURES\n46\n \n \n\u200e\n \n\n\n \n \n3\n \n \n\n\n \n \n \nPART I\n \n ",
+ "cik": "915358",
+ "cusip6": "82661L",
+ "cusip": ["82661L101"],
+ "names": ["SIGMATRON INTL INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915358/000091535823000008/0000915358-23-000008-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000915779-23-000046.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000915779-23-000046.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..09d0fab3eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000915779-23-000046.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. BUSINESS\nBusiness Overview\nDaktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the \u201cCompany\u201d, \u201cDaktronics\u201d, \u201cwe\u201d, \u201cour\u201d, or \u201cus\u201d) are industry leaders in designing and manufacturing electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems and large screen video displays for sporting, commercial and transportation applications. We serve our customers by providing high quality standard display products as well as custom-designed and integrated systems. We offer a complete line of products, from small scoreboards and electronic displays to large multimillion-dollar video display systems as well as related control, timing, and sound systems. We are recognized as a technical leader with the capabilities to design, market, manufacture, install and service complete integrated systems displaying real-time data, graphics, animation and video. We engage in a full range of activities: marketing and sales, engineering and product design and development, manufacturing, technical contracting, professional services and customer service and support.\nWe were founded in 1968 by Drs. Aelred Kurtenbach and Duane Sander, professors of electrical engineering at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. The Company began with the design and manufacture of electronic voting systems for state legislatures. In 1971, Daktronics developed the patented Matside\u00ae wrestling scoreboard, the first product in the Company's growing and evolving line. In 1994, Daktronics became a publicly-traded company and invested in display technologies and new markets. We have continued these investments and have supported our long-term customer relationships to grow from a small company operating out of a garage to a world leader in the display industry. We currently employ 2,734 people globally. We are headquartered at 201 Daktronics Dr., Brookings, SD 57006 telephone 605-692-4200. Our Internet address is https://\nwww.daktronics.com.\nOur annual, quarterly and current reports and any amendments to those reports are freely available in the \"Investor Relations\" section of our website. We post each of these documents on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after it is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the \"SEC\"). These reports and other reports, proxy \n1\nTable of Contents\nstatements, and electronic filings are also found on the SEC\u2019s website at www.sec.gov. Information contained on our website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Report or filed with the SEC.\nWe focus our sales and marketing efforts on markets, geographical regions and products. Our five business segments consist of four domestic business units and the International business unit. The four domestic business units consist of Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation, all of which include the geographic territories of the United States and Canada. Financial information concerning these segments is set forth in this Form 10-K in \"Part II, Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" and \"Note 3. Segment Reporting\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.\nIndustry Background\nOver the years, our products have evolved significantly from scoreboards and matrix displays with related software applications to complex, integrated visual display systems which include full color video with text and graphics displays located on a local or remote network that are tied together through sophisticated control systems. In the mid-1990's, as light emitting diodes (\u201cLEDs\u201d) became available in red, blue and green colors with outdoor brightness, we pioneered the development of full color LED video displays capable of replicating trillions of colors, thereby producing large format video systems with excellent color, brightness, energy efficiency and lifetime. Due to our foundation of developing scoring and graphics display systems, we were able to add video capabilities so we could meet all our customers' large format display needs in a complete, integrated system. This has proven to be a key factor in Daktronics becoming a leader in large electronic displays. LED technologies continue to evolve and advance, creating new high-resolution and micro-LED display options of all shapes and sizes. Today, the industry continues development in both the construct of the micro-LED and production methods of micro-LED display panels using mass-transfer technology.\nIntegrated visual display systems are increasingly used across a variety of vertical markets including: media/advertising, stadiums/venues, hospitality/leisure, transportation, military and government, broadcast, control room, corporate and education, and retail. Generally, these vertical markets use systems to collaboratively communicate, inform, entertain, and advertise to various sized audiences. Advances in technologies and the decrease in costs of systems have opened up and increased the market's size.\nDescription of Business\nWe are engaged in a full range of activities: marketing and sales, engineering and product design and development, manufacturing, technical contracting, professional services and customer service and support. Each of those activities is described below:\nMarketing and Sales.\n Our sales force is comprised of direct sales staff and resellers located throughout the world supporting all customer types in both sales and service. We primarily use a direct sales force for large integrated display system sales in professional sports, colleges and universities, and commercial spectacular projects. We also use our direct sales force to sell third-party advertising and transportation applications. We utilize resellers outside North America for large integrated system sales where we do not have a direct sales presence. The majority of our products sold by resellers in North America are standard catalog products. We support our resellers through direct mail/email advertising, social media campaigns, trade journal advertising, product and installation training, trade show exhibitions and accessibility to our regional sales or service teams and demonstration equipment.\nEngineering and Product Design and Development.\n The large format electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product innovations and developments in technology and complementary services. To remain competitive, we have a tradition of applying engineering resources throughout our business to anticipate and respond rapidly to the system needs in the marketplace. We employ and contract with engineers and technicians in the areas of mechanical and electrical design; applications engineering; software design; quality design; and customer and product support. Product managers assigned to each product family assist our sales staff in training and implementing product improvements which ensures each product is designed for maximum reliability and serviceability. We employ and contract with process engineers to assist in quality and reliability processing in our product design testing and manufacturing areas. We also make selected investments in and contract with affiliated companies to support and advance technologies and capabilities for our product lines and solutions.\nManufacturing.\n The majority of our products are manufactured in the United States, specifically in South Dakota and Minnesota. We also have manufacturing facilities in China and Ireland. We perform component manufacturing, system \n2\nTable of Contents\nmanufacturing (metal fabrication, electronic assembly, sub-assembly and final assembly) and testing in-house for most of our products to control quality, improve response time and maximize cost-effectiveness. Given the cyclical nature of some parts of our business and dispersed sales geography, we balance and maintain our ability to manufacture the same products across our plants so we can efficiently utilize our capacity and reduce costs. A key strategy of ours is to increase standardization and commonality of parts and manufacturing processes across product lines through the use of product platforms to increase efficiencies. Other strategies include supplier management programs and lean manufacturing techniques. For more details on our facilities, see \"Part II, Item 2. Properties\".\nTechnical Contracting.\n We serve as a technical contractor for larger display system installations requiring custom designs and innovative product solutions. The purchase of display systems typically involves competitive proposals. As part of our response to a proposal request, we may suggest additional products or features to assist the prospective customer in analyzing the optimal type of display system. We usually include site preparation and installation services related to the display system in our proposal. In these cases, we serve as a contractor and may retain subcontractors for electrical, steel and installation labor. We have developed relationships with many subcontractors throughout the United States and the world, which is an advantage for us in bidding and delivering on these projects. We are licensed as a general contractor in many jurisdictions.\nProfessional Services.\n To assist our clients' ability to engage, inform and entertain their audiences, we provide professional services including event support, content creation, product maintenance, marketing assistance, training on hardware and software, control room design, and continuing technical support training for operators.\nCustomer Service and Support.\n We offer limited warranties on our products, ranging from one to 10 years, against failure due to defective parts or workmanship. In addition, we offer service agreements of various scopes. To serve our customers, we provide help-desk access, parts repair and replacement, display monitoring and on-site support. Our technical help desk has experienced technicians who are on-call 24 hours a day to support events and sites. Our field service personnel and third-party service partners are trained to provide on-site support. We use third-party service partners to allow us to respond to the changes in volume of service requests during our seasonal peaks.\nProducts and Technologies\nThe two principal components of our systems are the display and the control system, which manages the operation of the display. We produce displays varying in complexity, size and resolution. The physical dimensions of a display depend on the size of the viewing area, the distance from the viewer to the display, and the amount and type of information to be displayed. The control system is comprised of various combinations of computer hardware, video processing hardware and software products designed to compile information provided by the operator and other integrated sources to display information, graphics, video or animation on the displays. We customize our products according to the design specifications of the customer and the conditions of the environment in which our products function.\nOur products are comprised of the following product families:\n\u2022\nVideo displays/video walls\n\u2022\nScoreboards and timing systems\n\u2022\nMessage displays\n\u2022\nITS (intelligent transportation systems) dynamic message signs\n\u2022\nMass Transit displays\n\u2022\nSound systems\n\u2022\nDigital billboards\n\u2022\nDigital street furniture\n\u2022\nDigit and price displays\n\u2022\nIndoor dynamic messaging systems and indoor liquid crystal display (\"LCD\") signs\n\u2022\nSoftware and controllers including Venus\u00ae Control Suite, Show Control Studio and Show Control Live\nEach of these product families is described below:\nVideo Displays/Video Walls.\n These displays are comprised of a large number of full-color pixels capable of showing various levels of video feeds, pre-rendered graphics and animated content with Real Time Data capabilities. These displays include red, green and blue LEDs arranged in various combinations to form pixels. The electronic circuitry, which controls the pixels, allows for variances in the relative brightness of each LED to provide a full color spectrum, thereby displaying \n3\nTable of Contents\nvideo images in striking, vibrant colors. Variables in video displays include the spacing of the pixels (pixel pitch), the resolution of the displays (number of pixels), the brightness of the displays (nits), the number of discrete colors the display is able to produce (color depth), the viewing angles, and the LED technology.\nWe offer a broad range of indoor and outdoor LED video displays with these varying features. Examples of offerings include centerhung displays, landmark displays, video walls, ribbon board displays, hanging banners, roadside displays, digital billboards, corporate office entrance displays, conference room displays, control room displays, and video displays designed for arenas, stadiums, retail stores, restaurants, malls, transportation hubs and other similar indoor facilities.\nVideo displays provide content to serve as a revenue generation source through advertising or as an information and communication medium (such as scoring, statistics, wayfinding, advertising, and control center information), or to provide interior design elements to create luxurious space to feature digital art.\nThe control components for video displays in live event applications include our Show Control Software Suite, proprietary digital media players and video processors. These control components provide advanced capabilities for the display of live video and real-time content on our displays. The Show Control Software Suite can operate an entire network of displays within a venue from a single, intuitive control interface. Its features allow users to instantly deliver media clips, camera feeds, and streaming information to any display in a venue.\nScoreboards and Timing Systems.\n Our line of scoreboards and timing products include indoor and outdoor scoreboards for many different sports, digit displays, scoring and timing controllers, statistics software and other related products. Indoor and outdoor systems range in complexity from small scoreboards to larger systems incorporating scoring, timing, video, message centers, advertising panels and control software.\nWe offer a variety of controllers complementing our scoreboards and displays. These controllers vary in complexity from the All Sport\u00ae 100, a handheld controller for portable scoreboards, to the All Sport\u00ae Pro, designed for more sophisticated scoring systems and allowing for more user-defined options.\nAs a key component of an integrated system, we market sports statistics and results software under the DakStats\u00ae trademark. The software allows the entry and display of sports statistics and other information. It is one of the leading applications of its type in collegiate and high school sports.\nMessage Displays.\n The Galaxy\u00ae product line is a family of full-matrix displays, available in both indoor and outdoor models and controlled with the Venus\u00ae Control Suite. Galaxy\u00ae displays are full color or monochrome with varying pixel spacing depending on color, size and viewing distance. Galaxy\u00ae displays can display text, graphics and animation, as well as prerecorded video clips. They are used primarily to convey information and on-premises advertising to consumers.\nThe Venus\u00ae Control Suite software is used to control the creation of messages and graphic sequences for uploading to the Galaxy\u00ae displays. This software is designed to be user friendly and applicable to all general advertising or message applications. It can be used to control a single message display or can scale up to provide a secure, cloud-based control center for large networks of message displays.\nITS Dynamic Message Signs (\"DMS\").\n DMS products include a wide range of LED displays for road management applications. The Vanguard\u00ae family of dynamic message displays is typically used to direct traffic and inform motorists. These displays are used over freeways, on arterial roads, near bridges, at toll booths and in other locations. We have also developed a Vanguard\u00ae control system for these displays to help transportation agencies manage large networks of displays.\nMass Transit Displays.\n Our Mass Transit products include a wide range of LCD and LED display solutions for public transportation applications. Installations often involve a network of displays located on railway platforms, at bus stations, or on concourses within a transportation hub to guide travelers to their intended destination.\nSound Systems.\n Our sound systems include both standard and custom options. Standard systems are designed to meet the needs of a variety of indoor and outdoor sports venues based on the size and configuration of the facility. Custom indoor and outdoor systems are tailored for larger venues and venues with unique seating configurations and are often integrated into an overall venue solution for scoring, timing, message display and/or video capability. \n4\nTable of Contents\nDigital Billboards.\n Our line of digital billboards offers a unique display solution for the Out-of-Home (\u201cOOH\u201d) advertising industry. The products are used to display images which change at regular intervals. These systems include many features unique to the outdoor advertising market, such as our patented mounting system, self-adjusting brightness, optimized energy consumption, and enhanced network security.\nDigital street furniture. \nOur LED street furniture features some of the brightest imagery in the industry and is built to withstand full-sun conditions. Our line of digital street furniture engages people with advertising content at eye level as they walk through campuses, cityscapes, and malls. This design enhances the message and complements surrounding architecture. These street furniture displays are our most flexible solution for digital OOH campaigns.\nDigit and Price Displays.\n This product line includes our DataTime\u00ae and Fuelight\u2122 displays. The DataTime\u00ae product line consists of outdoor time and temperature displays which use a remote sensor for temperature data. Fuelight\u2122 digit displays are specifically designed for the petroleum industry, offering high visibility and quick fuel price updates using the Fuelink\u2122 control software.\nIndoor Dynamic Messaging Systems and LCD screens. \nOur ADFLOW DMS\u2122 systems include indoor networked solutions for retailers, convenience stores and other businesses. These solutions, using either LED or LCD technologies, allow customers to broadcast advertising campaigns and other information through the software, media players and visual hardware.\nSoftware and Controllers including Venus\n\u00ae\n Control Suite. \nThe Venus\u00ae Control Suite is our platform for scheduled control capability. It can be used in any application where the intended message is created in advance and scheduled to play at a predetermined time. It is available in an on-premise or hosted cloud-based configuration and is capable of supporting a single display or scaling to support many displays. For applications that require both scheduled content and live video or real time content, a control solution can combine the capabilities of Venus\u00ae Control Suite with the capabilities of the Show Control Software Suite to create a powerful solution that enables customers to easily manage content on their displays. Content includes media, scoring, timing, statistics, advertising, way-finding information, playback loops and entertainment type visualizations. \nOur Show Control Suite is an easy-to-use and powerful integrated solution to achieve a dynamic, seamless and fully immersive game-day production. Show Control Studio offers products designed for display control, while Show Control Live is designed for video production. \nRaw Materials\nMaterials used in the production of our video display and control systems are sourced from around the world. Examples of the materials we use in production include LEDs, integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, power supplies, plastics, aluminum, and steel. We source some of our materials from a single-source or a limited number of suppliers due to the proprietary nature of the materials. The loss of a key supplier, part unavailability, tariff changes, price changes, war or other geopolitical impacts to trade or transport, or defects in the supplied material or component could have an adverse impact on our business and operations. Our sourcing group is responsible to maintain and implement strategies to mitigate these evolving risks. Periodically, we enter into pricing agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year. We sometimes prepay for future supply.\nSince late fiscal 2021, we have been affected by supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures stemming from the coronavirus pandemic (\"COVID-19\"), shipping container shortages, weather events, and the changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global inflation and shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight. While supply chain disruptions from these factors have subsided over the last half of fiscal 2023 and we expect infrequent disruptions going forward from these factors, it is reasonably possible that future disruptions could occur that would have a material impact on our business. \nIntellectual Property\nWe own or hold licenses to use numerous patents, copyrights, and trademarks on a global basis. Our policy is to protect our competitive position by filing United States and international patent applications to protect technology and improvements that we consider important to the development of our business. This will allow us to pursue infringement claims against competitors for protection due to patent violations. Although we own a number of patents and possess rights under others \n5\nTable of Contents\nto which we attach importance, we do not believe that our business as a whole is materially dependent upon any such patents or rights. We also own a number of trademarks that we believe are important in connection with the identification of our products and associated goodwill with customers, but no part of our business materially depends on such trademarks. We also rely on nondisclosure agreements with our employees and agents to protect our intellectual property. Despite these intellectual property protections, there can be no assurance a competitor will not copy the functions or features of our products.\nSeasonality\nOur net sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of uniquely configured orders, such as display systems for professional sports facilities, colleges and universities, and spectacular projects in the commercial area, as well as the seasonality of the sports market. Uniquely configured orders can include several displays, controllers, and subcontracted structure builds, each of which can occur on varied schedules per the customer's needs. Our third fiscal quarter sales and profit levels are lighter than other quarters due to the seasonality of our sports business, construction cycles, and the reduced number of production days due to holidays in the quarter.\nOur gross margins tend to fluctuate more on uniquely configured orders than on limited configured orders. Uniquely configured orders involving competitive bidding and substantial subcontracting work for product installation generally have lower gross margins. Although we follow the over time method of recognizing revenues for uniquely configured orders, we nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect our future results of operations will be subject to similar fluctuations.\nBecause of the seasonality and volatility in business demand and variety of product types, we may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our business and operating results.\nWorking Capital\nFor information regarding working capital items, see \u201cPart II, Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources\u201d in this Form 10-K.\nCustomers\nWe have a large and diverse worldwide customer base, ranging from local main street business owners, out-of-home companies, and schools to the owners and operators of premier professional sports arenas. Our customers are important to us, and we strive to serve them over the long-term to earn their future business. The loss of one or more customers could have an adverse effect on us. See \"Note 3. Segment Reporting\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for our primary markets and customers of each business unit.\nProduct Order Backlog\nBacklog represents the dollar value of orders for integrated electronic display systems and related products and services which are expected to be recognized in net sales in the future. Orders are contractually binding purchase commitments from customers. Orders are included in backlog when we are in receipt of an executed contract and any required deposits or security and have not yet been recognized into net sales. Certain orders for which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be included in backlog until all required contractual documents and deposits are received. Orders and backlog are not measures defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (\"GAAP\"), and our methodology for determining orders and backlog may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and backlog amounts.\nOrder and backlog levels provide management and investors additional details surrounding the results of our business activities in the marketplace and highlight fluctuations caused by seasonality and multimillion dollar projects. Management uses orders to evaluate market share and performance in the competitive environment. Management uses backlog information for capacity and resource planning. We believe order information is useful to investors because it provides an indication of our market share and future revenues. \n6\nTable of Contents\nOur product order backlog as of April\u00a029, 2023 was $400.7 million as compared to $471.6 million as of April\u00a030, 2022. This decrease in backlog is driven by fulfilling orders from our April\u00a030, 2022 backlog. During fiscal 2022 we had record order volume and muted conversion to sales due to supply chain challenges. Our customers had also placed orders for future deliveries to secure our manufacturing capacity during fiscal 2022. \nWe expect to fulfill the backlog as of April\u00a029, 2023 within the next \n24 months\n. The timing of backlog may be impacted by project delays resulting from parts availability and other constraints stemming from the supply chain disruptions.\nGovernment and Other Regulation\nIn the United States and other countries, various laws, regulations and ordinances related to our products and controllers restrict the installation of outdoor signs and displays, particularly in the commercial and transportation markets. These laws and regulations impose greater restrictions on electronic displays versus non-electronic displays due to alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety. Globally, our products are also subject to various regulations and standards including electromagnetic interference, electromagnetic compatibility, electrical safety, and flammability standards. We design and have our products tested for these regulations; however, these factors may prevent or inhibit us from selling products to some prospective customers in certain geographies.\nOur manufacturing facilities and products comply with industry specific requirements, including environmental rules and regulations and safety standards. These requirements include quality, manufacturing process controls, manufacturing documentation, supplier certification of raw materials, and various safety tests. Our production processes require the storage, use and disposal of a variety of hazardous chemicals under applicable laws.\nOur global supply chain and sales distribution channels subject us to various trade compliance regulations. These requirements can include certification of country of origin, classification within the various tariff codes and trade agreements; compliance with other specific product or country import/export regulations; and payment of certain import or export tariffs, duties, or taxes.\nOur global operations subject us to various laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to tax compliance, anti-corruption, data privacy, cybersecurity, governance, and disclosure reporting. These requirements vary and can involve matters and processes such as using resources for related expertise and information systems, records management, policy creation and maintenance, data protection programs, compliance filings, control design and testing, and continued training of employees.\nWe are subject to regulations restricting the movement and interaction of people and business operations. Countries and states and/or localities in the United States can issue lock down orders impacting the availability of employees, third parties, suppliers, customers, and other services we need to operate our business.\nWe believe we are in material compliance with government and other regulatory requirements.\nCompetition\nWe encounter a wide variety of competitors that vary by product, geographic area, and business unit. Our competitors include both domestic and foreign companies which range in size and product offerings. Our competitors may develop lower-cost or lower-featured products, may be willing to charge lower prices to increase their market share, or include different service and controller offerings. Some competitors have more capital, governmental funding, supply chain access, and other resources, which may allow them to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements. Other competitors use sponsorships as a way to win business at a particular location or market. In addition, our products compete with other forms of advertising, such as television, print media, digital and mobile, and fixed display signs.\nWe believe that our ability to compete depends upon customer centric product and service quality and features, technical expertise, service breadth, and cost-effective solutions.\n7\nTable of Contents\nResearch and Development\nOur experience in engineering, process design, and product and service design and development capabilities and investments made in affiliates are very important factors in continuing to develop, produce, and offer the most up-to-date digital displays and control system solutions desired by the market.\nWe invest in our development and our affiliates to increase differentiated product platforms, advance our software architecture and offerings, support customer requirements, advance new competitive narrow pixel and micro-electronic technologies, and advance sustainable technologies and related products.\nDuring the first half of fiscal 2023, our design teams focused on adjusting designs to utilize available components as a strategy to gain stability in our production levels.\nDuring fiscal 2024, we will continue to invest in product design and development to improve our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches and sustainable technologies for both indoor and outdoor applications and to advance micro-LED devices and placement processes. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points. \nEmployees and Human Capital Resource Management\nOur core values of \nHonest, Helpful and Humble\n support our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, which leads to our vision of every person at Daktronics being able to contribute their best every day. We seek to recruit, retain, and develop our existing and future workforce for decades-long engagements to build long-term mutual prosperity. We facilitate company-wide teams to inspire a more inclusive culture and achieve company goals through teamwork. We encourage each employee to proactively and continuously build self-awareness, understanding of aspects of diversity, and openness to others\u2019 experiences and perspectives. We also foster and encourage self development and a continuous learning environment to build talent.\nThe safety and well-being of our team are a top priority, and we believe each and every team member plays an essential role in creating a safe and healthy workplace. We provide training for safety measures on the job site and in our facilities. We provide our employees and their families with access to a variety of health programs, including benefits that support their physical and mental health. \nAs of April\u00a029, 2023, we employed approximately 2,441 full-time employees and 293 part-time and temporary employees. Of these employees, approximately 1,121 were in manufacturing, 451 were in sales and marketing, 561 were in customer service, 378 were in engineering and 223 were in general and administrative. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe employee relations are good.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. RISK FACTORS\nThe factors that are discussed below, as well as the matters that are generally set forth in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein, could materially and adversely affect the Company\u2019s business, results of operations and financial condition.\nMacroeconomic Risks \nOur business is sensitive to global economic conditions, including recessions, inflation, and interest rate fluctuations. Weakened global economic or recessionary conditions may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.\nOur overall performance depends in part on worldwide economic conditions. The United States and other key international economies have experienced downturns and recessions from time to time during which economic activity was impacted by falling demand for a variety of goods and services; restricted credit; poor liquidity; reduced corporate profitability; volatility in credit, equity and foreign exchange markets; increased unemployment; bankruptcies; and overall uncertainty with respect to the economy. These conditions affect consumer and entertainment spending and could adversely affect our customers\u2019 ability or willingness to purchase our products, delay prospective customers\u2019 purchasing decisions, reduce the value of their contracts, or affect attrition rates, all of which could adversely affect our operating results.\n8\nTable of Contents\nThese demand fluctuations and various factors may reduce our ability to effectively utilize our capacity and impact our results of operations.\nWe rely on global supply chains, and inflationary pressures can increase our input costs faster than our ability to raise prices. These could eliminate our ability to sell our products or receive parts and components through our global supply chains.\nThe rate of interest we pay on our asset-based lending facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is correlated to the Standard Overnight Fund Rate (SOFR), which is determined by governmental policy decisions. Increases in SOFR will increase the rate of any extended borrowing on this facility. \nGeopolitical issues, conflicts, governmental actions and other global events could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\nOur business is subject to global political issues and conflicts and governmental actions. Such factors can create trade restrictions, increase tariff costs, increase prices for raw materials and components used in our products, increase the cost of sales, decrease demand for our products, or cause other implications to our business operations. These impacts could reduce profitability and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition if they escalate into geographies in which we do business, manufacture our products, or obtain raw materials and components for production. \nFor example, the continuing conflict arising from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, or tensions between Taiwan, China, the United States or other countries, could adversely impact macroeconomic conditions, give rise to regional instability and result in heightened economic tariffs, sanctions and import-export restrictions from the United States and the international community in a manner that adversely affects our Company, including to the extent that any such actions cause material business interruptions or restrict our ability in these regions to conduct business with certain suppliers or vendors. Additionally, such conflict or sanctions may significantly devalue various global currencies and have a negative impact on economies in geographies in which we do business.\nWe face risks related to actual or threatened health epidemics and other outbreaks, which have had and could have a material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, financial conditions, and financial results. \nA serious global pandemic can adversely impact, shock and weaken the global economy. These impacts can amplify other risk factors and could have a material impact on our operations, liquidity, financial conditions, and financial results.\nOur business, operations, and financial results have been, and may continue to be, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Impacts on our business include, but are not limited to:\n\u2022\nInability to meet our customers' demand due to disruptions in our manufacturing caused by delays and disruptions in obtaining certain raw material and other manufacturing components and because of restrictions affecting our ability to conduct work at sites during shutdowns; \n\u2022\nRapid increases in raw material, components, and personnel related costs and expenses; and\n\u2022\nRapid declines and increases in demand for our products.\nUnexpected events, including natural disasters, weather events, war, terrorist acts, and pandemics, may increase our cost of doing business or disrupt our operations.\nWe operate manufacturing operations in three locations in the United States - Brookings, South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and we have production facilities in Ireland and China. Unexpected events could result in damage to, and a complete or partial closure of, one or more of our manufacturing facilities, which could make it difficult to supply our customers with product and provide our employees with work, thereby adversely affecting our business, operating results or financial condition.\nThe occurrence of one or more unexpected events in the United States or in other countries in which we operate may disrupt our operations and the operations of our customers and suppliers. Such events could create additional uncertainties, forcing customers to reduce, delay, or cancel already planned projects or cause our suppliers not to perform, resulting in parts and component shortages. \n9\nTable of Contents\nRisks Related to Our Business and Industry\nWe operate in highly competitive markets and face significant competition and pricing pressures. If we are unable to keep up with the rapidly changing product developments and new technologies or if we cannot compete effectively, we could lose market share and orders, which would negatively impact our results of operations.\nThe electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product improvement, innovations and development. We compete against products produced in foreign countries and the United States. Our competitors may develop lower-cost or lower-featured products, may be willing to charge lower prices to increase their market share, or market new and unique product, service and controller offerings. Some competitors have more capital and other resources, which may allow them to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements. Other competitors use sponsorships as a way to win business at a particular location or market. In addition, our products compete with other forms of advertising, such as television, print media, digital and mobile, and fixed display signs. To remain competitive, we must anticipate and respond quickly to provide products and services that meet our customers\u2019 needs, enhance our existing products, introduce new products and features, and continue to price our products competitively.\nWe may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights effectively, or we may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others, either of which may have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.\nWe rely on a variety of intellectual property rights we use in our products and services. We may not be able to successfully preserve our intellectual property rights in the future, and these rights could be invalidated, circumvented or challenged. In particular, the laws of certain countries in which our products are sold do not protect our products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. If litigation is necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources even if we ultimately prevail.\nIn addition, intellectual property rights of others also have an impact on our ability to offer some of our products and services for specific uses or at competitive prices. Competitors' patents or other intellectual property may limit our ability to offer products or services to our customers. Any infringement or claimed infringement by us of the intellectual property rights of others could result in litigation and adversely affect our ability to continue to provide, or could increase the cost of providing, products and services.\nIf we fail to timely and effectively obtain shipments of raw materials and components from our suppliers or to send shipments of our manufactured product to our customers, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.\nWe cannot control all of the various factors that might affect our suppliers' timely and effective delivery of raw materials and components to our manufacturing facilities or the availability of freight capacity for us to deliver products to our customers.\nOur utilization of a complex supply chain for raw material and component imports and the global distribution of our products makes us vulnerable to many risks, including, among other things, shortages or delays because of work restrictions for various reasons like COVID-19 restrictions, supply chain implications due to war or other geopolitical impacts on supply chains, risks of damage, destruction or confiscation of products while in transit to and from our manufacturing facilities; organized labor strikes and work stoppages, such as labor disputes or related employee worker unavailability, that could disrupt operations at ports-of-entry; transportation and other delays in shipments as a result of heightened security screening and inspection processes or other port-of-entry limitations or restrictions; unexpected or significant port congestion; lack of freight availability; and freight cost increases. In addition, we may be required to arrange for products to be delivered through airfreight, which is significantly more expensive than standard shipping by sea. We may not be able to obtain sufficient freight capacity on a timely basis and, therefore, may not be able to timely receive shipments of raw materials and components or deliver products to customers.\nCOVID-19 created constraints on supply chain operations and resulted in component part shortages due to global capacity constraints, such as the current global capacity constraint we have been facing in the supply of component parts, particularly of semiconductor components. In addition, transportation availability has disrupted the timeliness of raw material and component shipments and customer shipments. Such a constraint could cause and has caused lead times for our products to increase.\n10\nTable of Contents\nCost inflation in, and shortages of, raw materials, components, and related transportation and tariff costs have had and may continue to have a significant impact on our price competitiveness and/or ability to produce our products, which have caused and could continue to cause harm to our sales, financial condition and results of operations.\nCost inflation and shortages of any raw materials and components used to manufacture our products have and may continue to occur due to various factors, such as worldwide demand, natural disasters, logistic disruptions, war and other conflicts, and trade regulations.\nElectronic and other components and materials used in our products are sometimes in short supply, which may impact our ability to meet customer demand. Transportation costs and availability can fluctuate due to fluctuations in oil prices and other social, economic, and geopolitical factors. \nIf we experience shortages or increases in the prices we pay for raw materials and components and are unable to pass on those increases to our customers or are unable to manufacture our products at all or on a timely basis, it could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations as such conditions have in the past. In addition to increased costs, these factors could delay delivery of products, which may result in the assessment of liquidated damages or other contractual damages that could negatively impact our profits.\nDuring late fiscal 2021, supply chain disruptions began to emerge because of COVID-19, shipping container shortages, winter weather, and changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global inflation and shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight. While supply chain disruptions from these factors have subsided over the last half of fiscal 2023 and we expect infrequent disruptions going forward from these factors, it is reasonably possible that future disruptions could occur that would have a material impact on our business. \nTrade disruptions between countries could make us subject to additional regulatory costs and challenges, affect global economic and market conditions, and contribute to volatility in foreign exchange markets, which we may be unable to effectively manage through our foreign exchange risk management program. We monitor for these types of situations and evaluate ways to minimize these impacts through vendor negotiations, alternative sources, and potential price adjustments. \nWe depend on a single-source or a limited number of suppliers for our raw materials and components from countries around the world. The loss, an interruption, or a material change in our business relationships with our suppliers or in global supply chain conditions has had and could continue to cause a disruption in our supply chains and a substantial increase in the costs of such raw materials and components. Such changes have and could continue to result in extended lead times or supply changes, which could disrupt or delay our scheduled product deliveries to our end user customers and may result in the loss of sales and end user customers and cause harm to our sales, financial condition, and results of operations.\nThe performance and financial condition of a supplier may cause us to alter our business terms, cease doing business with a particular supplier, or change our sourcing practices. Our suppliers are subject to the fluctuations in global economic cycles and conditions and other business risk factors which may impact their ability to operate their businesses. Our supply chain includes materials that are sourced or packaged directly or indirectly through Taiwan or China suppliers. Geopolitical tensions and shipping disruptions can impact our suppliers ability to deliver components and raw materials. \nAn interruption from our suppliers of raw materials or components could affect our ability to manufacture our products until a new source of supply is located and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our suppliers may need to allocate available supply, and we may not be able to obtain parts needed for production. Qualifying new suppliers to compensate for such shortages may be time-consuming and costly and may increase the likelihood of errors in design or production. \nIn order to reduce manufacturing lead times and plan for adequate component supply, from time to time we may issue purchase orders or prepay for components and products that are non-cancelable and non-returnable. In addition, we may purchase components and products that have extended lead teams to ensure adequate supply to support long-term customer demand and mitigate the impact of supply disruptions. If we are unable to use all of the components we have purchased, we may have excess inventory or obsolescence, or increased inventory or carrying costs, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operation or financial condition.\n11\nTable of Contents\nWe may fail to continue to attract, develop and retain personnel throughout our business areas, which could negatively impact our operating results.\nWe depend on qualified employees, including experienced and skilled technical personnel, to design, market, fulfill, and serve our customers. Qualified employees can be in high demand and limited in availability. Our future success and operating results will also depend upon our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain qualified personnel to maintain and grow capacity. Although we intend to continue to provide competitive compensation packages to attract and retain qualified personnel, market conditions for pay levels and availability may negatively impact our operations.\nWe depend on third parties to complete some of our contracts.\nDepending on a contract's scope of work, we may hire third-party subcontractors to perform on-site installation and service-related activities, hire manufacturers of structures or elements of structures related to on-site installations, hire contract manufacturers for certain product lines, or purchase specialty non-display related system elements from other companies. If we are unable to hire qualified subcontractors, find qualified manufacturers for on-site elements, find qualified contract manufacturers, or purchase specialty non-display system elements, our ability to successfully complete a project could be impaired. If we are not able to locate qualified third party subcontractors or manufacturers, the amount we are required to pay may exceed what we have estimated, and we may suffer losses on these contracts. If the subcontractor or manufacturer fails to perform, we may be required to source these services to other third parties on a delayed basis or on less favorable terms, which could impact contract profitability. There is a risk that we may have disputes with our subcontractors relating to, among other things, the quality and timeliness of work performed, customer concerns about the subcontractor, or faulty workmanship, resulting in claims against us for failure to meet required project specifications and negatively impacting our financial condition and results of operations.\nThese third parties are subject to fluctuations in global economic cycles and conditions and other business risk factors which may adversely impact their ability to operate their businesses. The performance and financial condition of the third parties may cause us to alter our business terms or to cease doing business with a particular third party or change our sourcing practices.\nWe may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our business and operating results. \nWe increase and decrease our production and services capacity and the overhead supporting order fulfillment based on anticipated market demand. Market demand, however, has not always developed as expected or remained at a consistent level. These underutilization and overbooking capacity risks can potentially decrease our profitability and result in the impairment of certain assets.\nThe following factors are among those that could complicate capacity planning for market demand:\n\u2022\nchanges in the demand for and mix of products that our customers buy;\n\u2022\nour ability scale down or to add and train our manufacturing and services staff in advance of demand changes;\n\u2022\nthe market\u2019s pace of technological change;\n\u2022\nvariability in our manufacturing or services productivity;\n\u2022\nlong lead times for and availability of raw materials and components used in production;\n\u2022\nour ability to engage qualified third parties;\n\u2022\ngeography of the order and related shipping methods; and\n\u2022\nlong lead times for our plant and equipment expenditures.\nOur results of operations on a quarterly and annual basis have and are likely to continue to fluctuate and be substantially affected by the size and timing of large contract order awards.\nCustomer demand and the timing and size of large contracts create volatility in supply chain planning and capacity requirements to fulfill orders. Awards of large contracts and their timing and amounts are difficult to predict, may not be repeatable, and are outside of our control. Market demand has not always developed as expected or remained at a consistent level. Adjusting supply chain material planning and production and services capacity to meet this varied demand can increase costs. Large contracts or customer awards include projects for college and professional sports facilities \n12\nTable of Contents\nmarkets, the OOH niche, the transportation market, and the large spectacular niche. These projects can have short delivery time frames. Some factors that may cause our operating results to vary due to timing and size of the awards include:\n\u2022\nthe timing of orders and related deliveries, including delays or cancellations of orders;\n\u2022\nour ability to obtain raw materials and components timely and at reasonable prices;\n\u2022\nour ability to adjust and utilize production and services capacity;\n\u2022\nour ability to engage third parties to support production and fulfillment;\n\u2022\nnew product introductions;\n\u2022\nvariations in product mix; and\n\u2022\ncustomer financial wherewithal and the related economic conditions impacting their business.\nOperating results in one or more quarters of a fiscal year may not be indicative of future operating results.\nWe enter into fixed-price contracts, which could reduce our profits if actual costs exceed estimated costs.\nBecause of the complexity of many of our client contracts, accurately estimating the cost, scope and duration of a particular contract can be a difficult task. Unanticipated costs that exceed our original estimates may not be recoverable under fixed price contracts. Unanticipated cost increases may occur as a result of several factors including, but not limited to: increases in the cost, shortages or non-availability of materials or labor; unanticipated technical problems; required project modifications not initiated by the customer; suppliers\u2019 or subcontractors\u2019 failure to perform or delay in performing their obligations; logistics disruptions or delays; and capacity constraints. In addition to increased costs, these factors could delay delivery of products, which may result in the assessment of liquidated damages or other contractual damages which would negatively impact our profits. We evaluate changes in estimates on a contract-by-contract basis and disclose significant changes, if material, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The cumulative catch-up method is used to account for revisions in estimates.\nBacklog may not be indicative of future revenue or profitability.\nMany of our products have long sales, delivery and acceptance cycles. In addition, our backlog is subject to order cancellations and delays. Orders normally contain cancellation provisions to permit our recovery of costs expended as well as a pro-rata portion of the profit. If projects are delayed, revenue recognition can occur over longer periods of time, and projects may remain in backlog for extended periods of time. If we receive relatively large orders in any given quarter, fluctuations in the levels of the quarterly backlog can result because the backlog may reach levels which may not be sustained in subsequent quarters.\nUnanticipated events resulting in credit losses to us could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.\nSignificant portions of our sales are to customers who place large orders for custom products. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of our customers and have not, to date, experienced significant credit losses. We mitigate our exposure to credit risk, to some extent, by requiring deposits, payments prior to shipment, progress payments, payment bonds and letters of credit. However, because some of our exposure to credit losses is outside of our control, unanticipated events resulting in credit losses could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.\nOur actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions we make to prepare our financial statements, which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.\nIn connection with the preparation of our financial statements, including the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, our management is required under GAAP to make estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors. Our most critical accounting estimates are described in \"Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\" in this Form 10-K.\nThese estimates and assumptions affect the timing and amount of net sales, costs, and profits or losses in applying the principles to contracts with customers under over time method of recording revenue using the cost-to-cost input method; credit losses for accounts receivables and contract assets; the valuation of inventory; estimated amounts for warranty and product maintenance agreement costs; the calculation and valuation of our investments and deferred tax assets; the valuation of our investment in affiliates or unconsolidated subsidiaries; fair value estimates used in goodwill and long-term assets testing; estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws; and calculating share-based compensation expense. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances, they \n13\nTable of Contents\nare subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If management's estimates and assumptions change or are not correct, our financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.\nUnanticipated warranty and other costs for defective products could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.\nWe provide warranties on our products with terms varying from one to 10 years. In addition, we offer extended warranties. These warranties require us to repair or replace faulty products and meet certain performance standards, among other customary warranty provisions. Although we continually monitor our warranty claims and accrue a liability for estimated warranty costs, unanticipated claims could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. In some cases, we may be able to subrogate a claim back to a subcontractor or supplier if the subcontractor or supplier supplied the defective product or performed the service, but this may not always be possible. In addition, the need to repair or replace products with design and manufacturing defects could adversely affect our reputation. Remediation of a claim may take time and could result in lost or deferred revenue, lead to costly warranty expenses, and have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.\nThe terms and conditions of our credit facilities impose restrictions on our operations, and if we default on our credit facilities, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and make us vulnerable to adverse economic or industry conditions and cause liquidity issues.\nThe terms and conditions of our credit facilities impose restrictions limiting our ability to incur debt, contingent liabilities, lease obligations or liens; to merge or consolidate with another company; to dispose substantially all our assets ; to acquire or purchase a business or its assets; or to sell our assets. Our credit facilities also impose certain financial covenants on us which restrict the level of cash dividends and capital expenditures. A breach of any of these covenants could result in an event of default under our credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lender could elect to declare any and all amounts outstanding under such facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. For additional information on financing agreements, see \"Note 7. Financing Agreements\" and \"Note 17. Subsequent Events\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.\nFor the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that our cash on hand, marketable securities, cash provided by operating activities, and borrowings under our credit facilities should provide sufficient funds to finance our capital expenditures and working capital needs and otherwise meet operating expenses and debt service requirements. However, if additional capital is required or we are unable to renew our existing credit facilities at all or on a timely basis, there can be no assurance we will be able to obtain such capital when needed or on satisfactory terms. \nIf we became unable to obtain adequate surety bonding or letters of credit, it could adversely affect our ability to bid on new work, which could have a material adverse effect on our future revenue and business prospects.\nIn line with industry practice, we are often required to provide performance and surety bonds to customers and may be required to provide letters of credit. These bonds and letters of credit provide credit support for the client if we fail to perform our obligations under the contract. If security is required for a project and we are unable to obtain a bond or letter of credit on terms acceptable to us and our client, we may not be able to pursue that project. In addition, bonding may be more difficult to obtain in the future or may be available only at significant additional cost as a result of general conditions that affect the insurance and bonding markets.\nVolatility in our business driven by global economic conditions and supply chain disruptions can have a negative effect on our liquidity and could cause us to express substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.\nGlobal economic conditions and supply chain disruptions have and will continue to cause volatility in our cash flow, pricing, order volumes lead times, competitiveness, revenue cycles, and production costs. Our ability to fund inventory levels, operations and capital expenditures in the future will be dependent on our ability to generate cash flow from operations in these conditions, to maintain or improve margins, and to use funds from our credit facility. Also, market conditions can negatively impact our customers' ability to fund their projects and can impact our vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors and may not allow them to meet their obligations to us and impact our liquidity.\nA determination that there is a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern can cause our existing and prospective suppliers, customers, and financing sources to not do business with us. \n14\nTable of Contents\nWe previously disclosed that liquidity constraints conditions raised substantial doubt about the Company\u2019s ability to continue in our second and third quarter of fiscal 2023 financial statements. On May 11, 2023, we secured long-term financing. During fiscal 2023, we recognized operating income of $21.4 million and generated $15.0 million in cash flows provided by operating activities, and we project we will have sufficient cash on hand and availability under the financing agreements to fund future operations. Therefore, the events and conditions that gave rise to substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern were resolved.\nAcquisitions, investments, and divestitures pose financial, management and other risks and challenges.\nWe routinely invest in and explore investing in or acquiring other businesses and related assets to complement or enhance our business strategies. These investments are often made to increase customer relations and market base, expand geographically, or obtain technological advances to support our solution portfolio. Periodically, we may also consider disposing of these businesses, partial investments, assets, or other lines of business.\nThe financial, management and other risks and challenges associated with these activities include, but are not limited to, the following:\n\u2022\ndiversion of management attention;\n\u2022\ndifficulty with integrating acquired businesses;\n\u2022\nadverse impact on overall profitability if the expanded operations or investments in affiliates do not achieve the strategic benefits forecasted;\n\u2022\npotential loss or adverse relationship with or a change of key employees, customers, or suppliers of the acquired business;\n\u2022\ninability to effectively manage our expanded operations;\n\u2022\ndifficulty with the integration of different corporate cultures;\n\u2022\npersonnel issues;\n\u2022\nincreased expenses;\n\u2022\nassumption of unknown liabilities and indemnification obligations;\n\u2022\npotential disputes with the buyers or sellers;\n\u2022\nthe time involved in evaluating or modifying the financial systems of an acquired business and the establishment of appropriate internal controls; \n\u2022\nincorrect estimates made in the accounting for the transaction that cause misstatements of acquisition assets and liabilities; and\n\u2022\nincorrect assumptions and estimates made in accounting for the value of such asset.\nThere can be no assurance that we will engage in any acquisitions or divestitures or that we will be able to do so on terms that will result in any expected benefits. \nWe have $20.7 million, net invested in affiliates as of April\u00a029, 2023. Our financial results are impacted negatively or positively from our proportionate share of our affiliates' financial performance. Any reduction or impairment of the value of an investment and related acquired assets, goodwill, or investments in affiliates would result in charges against earnings, which would adversely affect our results of operations in future periods. We recorded an impairment to the value of one of these investments by $4.5 million during fiscal year 2023.\nIf goodwill or other intangible assets in connection with our acquisitions become impaired, we could take significant non-cash charges against earnings.\nWe have pursued and will continue to seek potential acquisitions to complement and expand our existing businesses, increase our revenues and profitability, and expand our markets. As a result of prior acquisitions, we have goodwill and intangible assets recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as described in \"Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.\nGoodwill represents the purchase price paid in excess of the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized and remains in our consolidated balance sheets indefinitely unless there is an impairment or a sale of a portion of the business. Under current accounting guidelines, we must assess, at least annually, whether the value of goodwill and other intangible assets has been impaired. Any reduction or impairment of the value of goodwill or other intangible assets will result in charges against earnings, which would adversely affect our results of operations in future periods.\n15\nTable of Contents\nWe performed our annual impairment test on October 30, 2022 and concluded that the carrying value of the Live Events and International reporting units exceeded their respective fair values and consequently recorded a \n$4.6 million \nimpairment charge. We \ndetermined the fair value of the reporting units based on an income approach, using the present value of future discounted cash flows. Significant estimates used to determine fair value include the weighted average cost of capital and financial forecasts. The recognized impairment was primarily a result of our weighted average cost of capital being notably higher, which was driven by strains on our liquidity caused by disrupted supply chains and geopolitical conditions. As a result, the present value of our future cash flows was lower, which caused the impairment charge. \nBased on our annual impairment test, we concluded that the fair value of the Commercial and Transportation reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values and concluded no goodwill impairment existed for those reporting units. The \nannual impairment test for fiscal years 2022 and 2021 concluded no goodwill impairment existed.\nWe may fail to continue to attract, develop and retain key management personnel, which could negatively impact our operating results.\nWe depend on the performance of our senior executives and key employees, including experienced and skilled technical personnel. The loss of any of our senior executives could negatively impact our operating results and ability to execute our business strategy. Our future success will also depend upon our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain qualified personnel.\nAlthough we intend to continue to provide competitive compensation packages to attract and retain key personnel, some of our competitors for these employees have greater resources and more experience, making it difficult for us to compete successfully for key personnel. If we cannot attract and retain sufficiently qualified technical employees for our research and development and manufacturing operations, we may be unable to achieve the synergies expected from mergers and acquisitions or to develop and commercialize new products or new applications for existing products. Furthermore, possible shortages of key personnel, including engineers, could require us to pay more to hire and retain key personnel, thereby increasing our costs.\nThe outcome of pending and future claims, investigations or litigation can have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nWe are involved from time to time in a variety of litigation, investigations, inquires or similar matters arising in our business. Litigation, investigations and regulatory proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings and outcomes can and do occur. Pending or future claims against us could result in professional liability, product liability, criminal liability, warranty obligations, indemnity claims, or other liabilities to the extent we are not insured against a loss or our insurance fails to provide adequate coverage. Also, a well-publicized actual or perceived threat of litigation could adversely affect our reputation and reduce the demand for our products. See \"Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on litigation obligations.\nInformation Systems, Legal, and Regulatory Risks\nOur business depends on numerous complex information systems. Any failure to maintain these systems, a network disruption, or breaches in data security that could cause a material adverse effect on our business.\nWe rely heavily on complex information systems for the successful operation of our business, for the support of our controller offerings, and for the collection and retention of business data. Any failure of our digital systems, or any breach of our systems\u2019 security measures, could adversely affect our operations, at least until our data can be restored and/or the breaches remediated. Despite the security measures we have in place, our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, ransomware attacks, programming issues, and/or human errors or other similar events. Any misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable information, whether by us or by our third-party service providers, could adversely affect our business and operations. We could face significant fines and penalties under various global laws revolving around data loss, lack of adequate data protection or lack of required reporting. Any disruption in our digital technologies could affect our business and operations, causing potentially significant expenses to recover and modify the data systems, to reimburse customers' losses, and to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities, which could severely damage our reputation with customers, suppliers, employees and investors and expose us to risk of litigation and liability.\n16\nTable of Contents\nOur global operations expose us to global regulatory, geopolitical, economic and social changes and add additional risks and uncertainties which can harm our business, operating results, and financial condition.\nOur domestic and foreign operations, sales, earnings, and strategies for profitable growth can be adversely affected by global conditions and compliance with global regulations and governmental orders. Global conditions include political developments; economic changes; unfavorable trading policies; difficulties in staffing and managing global operations; changes in foreign and domestic governmental regulations or requirements, treaty and trade relationships; the imposition of government orders that differ among jurisdictions, including mandatory closures, work-from-home and lock-down orders and social distancing protocols; changes in monetary and fiscal policies; changes in laws and regulations; or other activities of the United States and other foreign governments, agencies, and similar organizations. These conditions include, but are not limited to, changes in a country's or region's economic or political conditions; pricing and marketing of products; local labor conditions and regulations; reduced protection of intellectual property rights; changes in the regulatory or legal environment; lack of well-developed legal systems; restrictions and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; and burdensome taxes and tariffs and other trade regulations or barriers. Other exposures and uncertainties that exist include changing social conditions and attitudes, terrorism, or political hostilities and war. Other difficulties of global operations include staffing and managing our various locations, including logistical and communication challenges. The likelihood of such occurrences and their overall effect on us vary greatly from country to country and are not predictable.\nOur business involves the use of hazardous materials, and we must comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, which can be expensive and restrict how we do business.\nOur business involves the blending, controlled storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials. We and our suppliers are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials. Although we believe the safety procedures we utilize for handling and disposing of these materials comply with the standards prescribed by these laws and regulations, we cannot eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. In the event of an accident, local, state, federal or foreign authorities may curtail the use of these materials and interrupt our business operations. If we are subject to any liability as a result of activities involving hazardous materials, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected, and our reputation may be harmed.\nOur future results may be affected by compliance risks related to United States and other countries' anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, trade controls, economic sanctions, and similar laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to civil, criminal and administrative proceedings or penalties and harm our reputation.\nDoing business on a worldwide basis requires us to comply with the laws and regulations of the United States government and various foreign jurisdictions. These laws and regulations place restrictions on our operations, trade practices, partners, customers, and investments.\nIn particular, we and our operations are subject to United States and foreign anti-corruption and trade control laws and regulations, such as the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the \u201cFCPA\u201d); the United Kingdom Bribery Act (the \u201cBribery Act\u201d); and export controls and economic sanctions programs, including those administered by the United States Treasury Department\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control (\u201cOFAC\u201d), the State Department\u2019s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (the \u201cDDTC\u201d), and the Bureau of Industry and Security of the United States Department of Commerce.\nAs part of our business, we deal with state-owned business enterprises, the employees of which are considered to be foreign officials for purposes of the FCPA's prohibition on United States companies from engaging in bribery, providing anything of value, or making other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and other similar regulations in other areas of the world. In addition, the provisions of the Bribery Act apply to the bribery of foreign officials and to transactions with individuals that a government does not employ. The FCPA also requires us to maintain specific record-keeping standards and adequate internal accounting controls. In addition, we are subject to similar requirements in other countries. Some of the international locations in which we do business lack a developed legal system and have higher than normal levels of corruption. Our expansion outside of the United States, and our development of new partnerships and joint venture relations worldwide, could increase the risk of violation of the FCPA, OFAC, the Bribery Act or similar laws and regulations.\nAs an exporter, we must comply with various laws and regulations relating to the export of products and technology from the United States and other countries having jurisdiction over our operations and trade sanctions against embargoed \n17\nTable of Contents\ncountries and destinations administered by OFAC. Before shipping certain items, we must obtain an export license or verify that license exemptions are available. Any failures to comply with these laws and regulations could result in fines, adverse publicity, and restrictions on our ability to export our products. Repeat failures could carry more significant penalties.\nAnti-bribery, corruption, and trade laws and regulations, and the enforcement thereof, are increasing in frequency, complexity and severity on a global basis. Violations of anti-corruption, anti-bribery and trade control laws and sanctions regulations are punishable by civil penalties, including fines; the denial of export privileges; injunctions; asset seizures; debarment from government contracts and revocations or restrictions of license; as well as criminal fines and imprisonment, and could harm our reputation, create negative shareholder sentiment and affect our share value. We have established policies and procedures with the intention of providing reasonable assurance of compliance with these laws and regulations and trained our employees to comply with these laws and regulations. However, our employees, contractors, agents and licensees involved in our international operations may take actions in violations of such policies. If our employees, agents, distributors, suppliers and other third parties with whom we do business violate anti-bribery, anti-corruption or similar laws and regulations, we may incur severe fines, penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, there can be no assurance that our policies and procedures will effectively prevent us from violating these regulations in every transaction in which we may engage or provide a defense to any alleged violation. In particular, we may be held liable for the actions that our partners take inside or outside of the United States even though we are not aware of such actions or our partners may not be subject to these laws. Such a violation, even if our policies prohibit it, could have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, various state and municipal governments, universities and other investors maintain prohibitions or restrictions on investments in companies that do business with sanctioned countries, persons and entities, which could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.\nRegulation in the areas of privacy, data protection and information security could increase our costs and affect or limit our business opportunities and how we collect or use personal information.\nAs privacy, data protection and information security laws, including data localization laws, are interpreted and applied, compliance costs may increase, particularly in the context of ensuring that adequate data protection and data transfer mechanisms are in place. In recent years, there have been increasing regulatory enforcement and litigation activities in the areas of privacy, data protection and information security in the United States and in various countries in which we operate.\nIn addition, state and federal legislators and/or regulators in the United States and other countries in which we operate are increasingly adopting or revising privacy, data protection and information security laws that potentially could have a significant impact on our current and planned privacy, data protection and information security-related practices; our collection, use, sharing, retention and safeguarding of consumer and/or employee information; and some of our current or planned business activities. New legislation or regulation could increase our costs of compliance and business operations and could reduce revenues from certain business initiatives. Moreover, the application of existing or new laws to existing technology and practices can be uncertain and may lead to additional compliance risk and cost.\nCompliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws relating to consumer and/or employee data, including the General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union and similar laws in other regions of the world, including the United States, could result in higher compliance and technology costs and could restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Our failure to comply with privacy, data protection and information security laws could result in potentially significant regulatory and/or governmental investigations and/or actions, litigation, fines, sanctions, ongoing regulatory monitoring, customer attrition, customer indemnity claims, decreases in the use or acceptance of our products and services, and damage to our reputation and our brand.\nGlobal tax law changes may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nWe are subject to the income tax laws of the United States and its various state and local governments as well as several foreign tax jurisdictions. Our future income taxes could be materially adversely affected by changes in the amount or mix of earnings amongst countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax rates or the interpretation of tax rules and regulations in jurisdictions in which we do business, changes in tax laws, or the outcome of income tax audits and any related litigation. The United States Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is one such example of legislation that has impacted our effective tax rate.\n18\nTable of Contents\nFurther changes in the tax laws of the United States and foreign jurisdictions could arise, including additional tax reform in the United States and the base erosion and profit shifting project undertaken by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (\u201cOECD\u201d). Both the United States tax reform and the OECD proposed recommendations which, in some cases, would make substantial changes to numerous long-standing tax positions and principles. These contemplated changes could increase tax uncertainty and may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. \nIneffective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in our financial statements, reduce investor confidence, and adversely impact our stock price.\nUnder Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Ineffective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in our financial statements, reduce investor confidence, and adversely affect our stock price. As discussed in Part II, Item 9A \u201cControls and Procedures\u201d in this Form 10-K, during the year-end closing processes for fiscal 2023, we identified a material weakness in our internal control related to the ineffective operation of certain transactional level controls over revenue recognition, specifically related to revenue contracts recognized over time, which resulted from insufficient precision of processes and insufficient training of the relevant control operators. These internal controls are important to accurately reflect our financial position and results of operations in our financial reports. We performed additional procedures over contracts for which revenue is recognized over time, including leveraging the expertise of a third-party specialist, and we did not identify any material errors in our reported revenue balance. However, due to the material weakness described above, there is a reasonable possibility that our existing controls would not have detected a material misstatement in a timely manner if it were to be material. We are in the process of remediating the material weakness, but our efforts may not be successful. If we are unable to remediate the material weakness in an appropriate and timely manner, or if we identify additional control deficiencies that individually or together constitute significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, our ability to accurately record, process, and report financial information and, consequently, our ability to prepare financial statements within required time periods, could be adversely affected. Our failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in violations of applicable securities laws and stock exchange listing requirements; subject us to litigation and investigations; negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements; and adversely impact our stock price and ability to access capital markets.\nInsurance coverage can be difficult or expensive to obtain, and our failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.\nWe maintain insurance both as a corporate risk management strategy and to satisfy the requirements of many of our contracts with customers. As the costs and availability of insurance change, we may decide not to be covered against certain losses where, in the judgment of management, the insurance is not warranted due to the cost or availability of coverage or the remoteness of the perceived risk. We cannot provide assurance that all necessary or appropriate insurances will be available, cover every type of loss incurred, or be able to be economically secured. For example, some insurers limit or refuse coverages, increase premium costs or increase deductibles when global catastrophic events occur. As part of our corporate risk management strategy, we monitor and place our coverages with financially strong insurers, layer our risk with multiple insurers, and seek advice on the amount, breadth and type of insurance coverages to protect our interests. We also contractually require subcontractors and others working on our behalf to carry common insurance coverages for the types of work they perform to mitigate any risk of our loss. Our failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable costs could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.\nWe have been required to conduct a good faith reasonable country of origin analysis on our use of \u201cconflict minerals\u201d, which has imposed and may impose additional costs on us and could raise reputational challenges and other risks.\nThe SEC has promulgated rules in connection with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act regarding disclosure of the use of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, mined from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries. As required, we have filed annual Forms SD with the SEC since 2014 reporting our work performed to gain information on the source of conflict minerals we use. We incur costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements. As we continue our due diligence, we may face reputational challenges if we continue to be unable to verify the origins of all conflict minerals used in our products. We may also encounter challenges in our efforts to satisfy customers that may require all of the components of products purchased to be certified as conflict free. If we are not able to meet customer requirements, customers may choose to disqualify us as a supplier.\n19\nTable of Contents\nRisks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock\nThe protections we have adopted and to which we are subject may discourage takeover offers favored by our shareholders.\nOur articles of incorporation, by-laws and other corporate governance documents and the South Dakota Business Corporation Act (\"SD Act\") contain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect and discourage, delay or prevent a change in control or an acquisition that many shareholders may find attractive. These provisions make it more difficult for our shareholders to take some corporate actions and include provisions relating to:\n\u2022\nthe ability of our Board of Directors, without shareholder approval, to authorize and issue shares of stock with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights and preferences that are superior to our common stock;\n\u2022\nthe classification of our Board of Directors, which effectively prevents shareholders from electing a majority of the directors at any one meeting of shareholders;\n\u2022\nthe adoption of a shareholder rights agreement providing for the exercise of junior participating preferred stock purchase rights when a person becomes the beneficial owner of 20 percent or more of our outstanding common stock and upon the occurrence of certain similar events (subject to certain exceptions);\n\u2022\nunder the SD Act, limitations on the voting rights of shares acquired in specified types of acquisitions and restrictions on specified types of business combinations; and\n\u2022\nunder the SD Act, prohibitions against engaging in a \u201cbusiness combination\u201d with an \u201cinterested shareholder\u201d for a period of four years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder unless the business combination is approved.\nThese provisions may deny shareholders the receipt of a premium on their common stock, which in turn may have a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock.\nOur common stock has at times been thinly traded, which may result in low liquidity and price volatility.\nThe daily trading volume of our common stock has at times been relatively low. If this were to occur in the future, the liquidity and appreciation of our common stock may not meet our shareholders\u2019 expectations, and the price at which our stock trades may be volatile. The market price of our common stock could be adversely impacted as a result of sales by existing shareholders of a large number of shares of common stock in the market or by the perception such sales could cause.\nSignificant changes in the market price of our common stock could result in securities litigation claims against us.\nThe market price of our common stock has fluctuated and will likely continue to fluctuate. In the past, companies that have experienced significant changes in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities litigation claims. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management\u2019s attention from other business concerns, which could harm our business.\nAdditionally, if we fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts and investors, or if one or more of the securities analysts who cover us adversely change their recommendation regarding our stock, the market price of our common stock could decline. Moreover, our stock price may be based on expectations, estimates and forecasts of our future performance that may be unrealistic or that may not be met. Further, our stock price may fluctuate based on reporting by the financial media, including television, radio, press reports and blogs.\nThere can be no assurance that we will pay dividends on our common stock.\nOur Board of Directors approved regular dividends from fiscal 2006 until March 2020. The declaration, amount and timing of such dividends are determined by our Board of Directors at its discretion. Such determinations are subject to capital availability, compliance with all respective laws and agreements applicable to the declaration and payment of cash dividends, our strategic investment cash needs, our business outlook, and other factors the board uses to balance long-term business needs, credit availability, and the interests of our shareholders.\nOur ability to pay dividends will depend upon, among other factors, our cash balances and potential future capital requirements for strategic transactions, including acquisitions, results of operations, financial condition and other factors \n20\nTable of Contents\nthat our Board of Directors may deem relevant. A reduction in or elimination of our dividend payments and/or our dividend program could have a material negative effect on our stock price.\nOur business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist shareholders, and such activism could impact the trading value of our securities.\nResponding to actions by activist shareholders can be costly and time-consuming, and impact our brand, disrupting our operations and diverting the attention of management and our employees. Such activities could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan. In addition, a proxy contest for the election of directors would require us to incur significant legal fees and proxy solicitation expenses and require significant time and attention by management and our board of directors. The perceived uncertainties as to our future direction also could affect the market price and volatility of our securities.\nOur executive officers, directors and principal shareholders have the ability to significantly influence all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval.\nCo-founder Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach served as our Chairman of the Board until September 3, 2014. Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach's family members currently serve as executive officers of the Company. His son, Mr. Reece Kurtenbach, serves as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and two other children serve as our Vice President of Human Resources and as our Vice President of Manufacturing. Together, these individuals, in the aggregate, beneficially owned 10.2 percent of our outstanding common stock as of June\u00a030, 2023, assuming the exercise by them of all of their options that were currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June\u00a030, 2023. Our other executive officers and directors, in the aggregate, beneficially owned an additional 4.2 percent of our outstanding common stock as of June\u00a030, 2023, assuming the exercise by them of all of their options currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June\u00a030, 2023. Although this does not represent a majority of our outstanding common stock, if these shareholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to significantly influence all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, could significantly influence the election of directors and the approval of any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other business combination or reorganization requiring shareholder approval. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of us on terms that other shareholders may desire. The interests of this group of shareholders may not always coincide with the interests of other shareholders, and they may act in a manner that advances their best interests and not necessarily those of other shareholders, including seeking a premium value for their common stock, that might affect the prevailing market price for our common stock.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThe following discussion provides our highlights and commentary related to factors impacting our financial conditions and further describes the results of operations. The most significant risks and uncertainties are discussed in \"Item 1A. Risk Factors.\"\nThis discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.\n22\nTable of Contents\nManagement's Discussion and Analysis - Fiscal 2022 compared to Fiscal 2021\nThe comparison of fiscal 2022 with fiscal 2021, including the results of operations and liquidity, can be found in the \"Management's Discussion and Analysis\" section of our Annual Report on \nForm 10-K\n for fiscal 2022 filed with the SEC on June 16, 2022, which comparison is incorporated by reference herein. \nEXECUTIVE OVERVIEW\nOur mission is to be a world leader at informing and entertaining audiences through dynamic audio-visual communication systems. We organize into business units to focus on customer loyalty over time and earn new and replacement business, as our products have a finite lifetime. See \"Note 3. Segment Reporting\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information. Our strategies include the creation of a comprehensive line of innovative solutions and systems and our ability to create and leverage platform designs and technologies. These strategies align us to effectively deliver value to our varied customers and their market needs, while serving our stakeholders over the long-term. We focus on creating local capabilities for sales, service, and manufacturing in geographies with expected digital market opportunities. We believe consistently generating profitable growth will provide value to our stakeholders (customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers, and communities).\nWe measure our success using a variety of measures including:\n\u2022\nour percentage of market share by comparing our estimated revenue to the total estimated global digital display revenue;\n\u2022\nour order growth compared to the overall digital market order change;\n\u2022\nfinancial metrics such as annual order volume and profit change as compared to our previous financial results;\n\u2022\ncustomer retention and expansion rates; and\n\u2022\nour ability to generate profits over the long-term to provide a shareholder return.\nCertain factors impact our ability to succeed in these strategies and impact our business units to varying degrees. For example, due to volatility in our supply chain and labor conditions through the last two years, our lead times and manufacturing and fulfillment costs increased. We deployed various pricing strategies and redesigned products to utilize available raw materials and components. However, not all of our competitors were impacted to the same degree in accessibility to parts and components or reacted similarly with pricing. As a result, in some instances, competitors were awarded more business.\nThe cost to produce digital solutions has declined, which has caused a decline of digital solution pricing over the years. We must sell more products to generate the same or a greater level of net sales as in previous fiscal years. However, the increased user adoption and number of applications available have increased the size of the global market.\nCompetitors' offerings, actions and reactions also can vary and change over time or in certain customer situations. Projects with multimillion-dollar revenue potential attract competition, and competitors can use marketing or other tactics to win business.\nEach business unit's long-term performance can be impacted by economic conditions in different ways and to different degrees. The effects of an adverse economy are generally less severe on our sports related business as compared to our other businesses, although in severe economic downturns with social changes causing decreases in sporting event revenues, the sports business can also be seriously impacted.\nOutlook:\n \nDaktronics endured a dynamic operating environment through the pandemic years. At the beginning of the pandemic, orders pulled back swiftly and abruptly, and we lowered capacity. Then order volumes recovered sharply while supply chain disruptions coupled with a tight labor market constrained our ability to deliver efficiently at traditional lead times and service levels. Inflation in parts, components, and labor increased our operating costs and decreased gross margins. To adapt to these conditions, our teams came together to take decisive and deliberate actions to improve our customers' experience while implementing strategies to improve our profitability and working capital levels.\nSupply chains have gradually been stabilizing, which should allow reduced inventory levels in the coming months as our production levels continue to increase and we are able to purchase less safety stock. Although the post-pandemic \n23\nTable of Contents\ngeopolitical situation and global trade patterns continue to evolve, we believe that the levels of uncertainty and volatility will not be as great in the coming months and will continue to stabilize in the coming fiscal year.\nWe believe the audiovisual industry fundamentals and the development of new technologies and services will drive long-term growth for our business; however,\u202four customers may reduce their spend on audiovisual systems and related services\u202fbecause of the impacts of global economic conditions, war and geopolitical situations, or other factors outside of our control.\nThe outlook and unique key growth drivers and challenges by our business units include the following:\nCommercial Business Unit:\n Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Commercial business unit will result from a number of factors, including:\n\u2022\nStandard display product market growth due to market adoption and lower product costs, which drive marketplace expansion. Standard display products are used to attract or communicate with customers and potential customers of retail, commercial, and other establishments. Pricing and economic conditions are the principal factors that impact our success in this business unit. We utilize a reseller network to distribute our standard products.\n\u2022\nNational accounts standard display market opportunities due to customers' desire to communicate their message, advertising and content consistently across the country. Increased demand is possible from national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, petroleum retailers, and other nationwide organizations.\n\u2022\nAdditional standard display offerings using micro-LED designs.\n\u2022\nIncreasing use of LED technologies replacing signage previously using LCD technology by existing and new customers.\n\u2022\nDevelopment and marketing alternative low-power and sustainable solutions for installations in power constrained areas or for customers desiring these types of products.\n\u2022\nIncreasing interest in spectaculars, which include very large and sometimes highly customized displays as part of entertainment venues such as casinos, shopping centers, cruise ships and Times Square type locations.\n\u2022\nNew market adoption and expansion for use of LED in government and military and corporate campuses.\n\u2022\nDynamic messaging systems demand growth due to market adoption and expanded use of this technology.\n\u2022\nThe use of architectural lighting products for commercial buildings, which real estate owners use to add accents or effects to an entire side or circumference of a building to communicate messages or to decorate the building.\n\u2022\nThe continued deployment of digital billboards as OOH advertising companies continue developing new sites and replacing digital billboards reaching end of life. This is dependent on no adverse changes occurring in the digital billboard regulatory environment restricting future billboard deployments, as well as maintaining our current market share in a business that is concentrated in a few large OOH companies.\n\u2022\nReplacement cycles within each of these areas.\nLive Events Business Unit:\n We believe growth in the Live Events business unit will result from a number of factors, including:\n\u2022\nFacilities spending more on larger display systems to enhance the game-day and event experience for attendees.\n\u2022\nLower product costs, driving an expansion of the marketplace.\n\u2022\nOur product and service offerings, including additional micro-LED offerings which remain the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry.\n\u2022\nThe competitive nature of sports teams, which strive to out-perform their competitors with display systems.\n\u2022\nThe desire for high-definition video displays, which typically drive larger displays or higher resolution displays, both of which increase the average transaction size.\n\u2022\nDynamic messaging system needs throughout a sports facility.\n\u2022\nIncreasing use of LED technologies replacing signage previously using LCD technology in and surrounding live events facilities.\n\u2022\nReplacement cycles within each of these areas.\nHigh School Park and Recreation Business Unit:\n Over the long-term, we believe growth in the High School Park and Recreation business unit will result from a number of factors, including:\n\u2022\nIncreased demand for video systems in high schools as school districts realize the revenue generating potential of these displays compared to traditional scoreboards and these systems' ability to provide or enhance academic curriculum offerings for students.\n24\nTable of Contents\n\u2022\nIncreased demand for different types of displays and dynamic messaging systems, such as message centers at schools to communicate to students, parents and the broader community.\n\u2022\nLower system costs driving the use of more sophisticated displays in school athletic facilities, such as large integrated video systems.\n\u2022\nExpanding control system options tailored for the markets' needs.\n\u2022\nCertain display requirements for sporting events.\nTransportation Business Unit:\n Daktronics has experienced governmental agencies placing orders as a way to spend their allocated budgets for their fiscal years. In addition, the \nInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act \nsigned into law in November 2021 is expected to have a positive impact on all segments of United States transportation terminals and public transit facilities. \nOver the long-term, we believe growth in the Transportation business unit will result from a number of factors, including:\n\u2022\nIncreasing applications and acceptance of electronic displays to manage transportation systems, including roadway, airport, parking, transit and other applications.\n\u2022\nDevelopment and marketing alternative low-power and sustainable solutions for installations in power constrained areas or for customers desiring these types of products.\n\u2022\nEffective use of the United States transportation infrastructure requires intelligent transportation systems. This growth is highly dependent on government spending, primarily by state and federal governments, along with the continuing acceptance of private/public partnerships as an alternative funding source. \n\u2022\nExpanded use of dynamic messaging systems for advertising and wayfinding use in public transport and airport terminals due to expanded market usage and displays, with LED technology replacing prior LCD installations and additional display offerings using micro-LEDs. \nInternational Business Unit: \nOver the long-term, we believe growth in the International business unit will result from a number of factors, including:\n\u2022\nAchieving greater penetration in various geographies and building products more suited to individual markets. We continue to broaden our product offerings into the transportation segment in Europe and the Middle East. \n\u2022\nContinued focus on sports facility, spectacular-type, OOH advertising products, and architectural lighting market opportunities and the factors listed in each of the other business units to the extent they apply outside of the United States and Canada. \n\u2022\nIncreasing interest in spectaculars, which include very large and sometimes highly customized displays as part of entertainment venues such as casinos, shopping centers, cruise ships and city-center locations.\n\u2022\nNew market adoption and expansion of use of LED in government and military and corporate campuses.\n\u2022\nAdditional opportunities exist with expanded market usage of LED technology due to price considerations, usage of LED technology replacing prior LCD installations and additional display offerings using micro-LEDs. \n\u2022\nDevelopment and marketing alternative low-power and sustainable solutions for installations in power constrained areas or for customers desiring these types of products.\n\u2022\nOur product and service offerings, including additional micro-LED offerings, which remain the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry. \n\u2022\nGrowing our reseller channels to promote our products and gain market share.\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES\nThe following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (\"MD&A\") are based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (\"GAAP\"). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Although our significant accounting policies are described in \"Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, the following discussion is intended to highlight and describe those accounting policies that are especially critical to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.\nA critical accounting policy is defined as a policy that is both very important to the portrayal of a company's financial condition and results and requires management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. We regularly review our \n25\nTable of Contents\ncritical accounting policies and evaluate them based on these factors. We believe the estimation process for uniquely configured contracts and warranties are most material and critical. These areas contain estimates with a reasonable likelihood to change, and those changes could have a material impact on our financial condition and reported results of operations. The estimation processes for these areas are also difficult, subjective and use complex judgments. Our critical accounting estimates are based on historical experience; on our interpretation of GAAP, current laws and regulations; and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.\nRevenue recognition on uniquely configured contracts.\n Revenue for uniquely configured (custom) or integrated systems is recognized over time using the cost-to-cost input method by comparing cumulative costs incurred to the total estimated costs and applying that percentage of completion to the transaction price to recognize revenue. Over time revenue recognition is appropriate because we have no alternative use for the uniquely configured system and have an enforceable right to payment for work performed, including a reasonable profit margin. The cost-to-cost input method measures cost incurred to date compared to estimated total costs for each contract. This method is the most faithful depiction of our performance because it measures the value of the contract transferred to the customer. Costs to perform the contract include direct and indirect costs for contract design, production, integration, installation, and assurance-type warranty reserve. Direct costs include material and components; manufacturing, project management and engineering labor; and subcontracting expenses. Indirect costs include allocated charges for such items as facilities and equipment depreciation and general overhead. Provisions of estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period when such losses are capable of being estimated.\nWe may have multiple performance obligations in these types of contracts; however, a majority are treated as a combined single performance obligation. In our judgment, this accounting treatment is most appropriate because the substantial part of our promise to our customer is to provide significant integration services and incorporate individual goods and services into a combined output or system. Often times the system is customized or significantly modified to the customer's desired configurations and location, and the interrelated goods and services provide utility to the customer as a package. See \"Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on our revenue recognition policies.\nWarranties.\n We have recognized an accrued liability for warranty obligations equal to our estimate of the actual costs to be incurred in connection with our performance under contractual warranties. Warranty estimates include the cost of direct material and labor estimates to repair products over their warranty coverage period. Generally, estimates are based on historical experience considering known or expected changes. If we would become aware of an increase in our estimated warranty costs, additional accruals may become necessary, resulting in an increase in cost of sales. Although prior estimates have been materially correct, estimates for warranty liabilities can change based on actual versus estimated defect rates over the lifetime of the warranty coverage, a difference in actual to estimated costs to conduct repairs for the components and related labor needed, and other site related actual to estimated cost changes.\nAs of April\u00a029, 2023 and April\u00a030, 2022, we had approximately $32.5 million and $28.9 million accrued for these warranty obligations, respectively. Due to the difficulty in estimating probable costs related to certain warranty obligations, there is a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate remaining costs to remediate the warranty claims could differ materially from the recorded accrued liabilities. See \"Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on warranties.\nRECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS\nFor a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the effects those pronouncements have on our financial results, refer to \"Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nDaktronics, Inc. operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13-week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53-week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period.\n26\nTable of Contents\nNet Sales\nThe following table shows information regarding net sales for the fiscal years ended April\u00a029, 2023 and April\u00a030, 2022:\nYear Ended\n(in thousands)\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\nDollar Change\nPercent Change\nNet Sales:\nCommercial\n$\n170,590\u00a0\n$\n154,211\u00a0\n$\n16,379\u00a0\n10.6\u00a0\n%\nLive Events\n284,900\u00a0\n199,106\u00a0\n85,794\u00a0\n43.1\u00a0\nHigh School Park and Recreation\n141,748\u00a0\n111,816\u00a0\n29,932\u00a0\n26.8\u00a0\nTransportation\n72,306\u00a0\n62,707\u00a0\n9,599\u00a0\n15.3\u00a0\nInternational\n84,652\u00a0\n83,130\u00a0\n1,522\u00a0\n1.8\u00a0\n$\n754,196\u00a0\n$\n610,970\u00a0\n$\n143,226\u00a0\n23.4\u00a0\n%\nOrders:\nCommercial\n$\n158,028\u00a0\n$\n192,917\u00a0\n$\n(34,889)\n(18.1)\n%\nLive Events\n259,653\u00a0\n313,940\u00a0\n(54,287)\n(17.3)\nHigh School Park and Recreation\n144,919\u00a0\n156,305\u00a0\n(11,386)\n(7.3)\nTransportation\n66,751\u00a0\n77,993\u00a0\n(11,242)\n(14.4)\nInternational\n51,603\u00a0\n104,916\u00a0\n(53,313)\n(50.8)\n$\n680,954\u00a0\n$\n846,071\u00a0\n$\n(165,117)\n(19.5)\n%\nFiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year \n2022\nFor fiscal year 2023, net sales were $754.2 million, an increase of $143.2 million from fiscal year 2022. The year-over-year growth was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and continued order bookings. Sales growth was driven by strong market demand, increased capacity, and realization of price increases implemented beginning in late fiscal year 2022. We have seen stabilizing and improving supply chain conditions and have invested in automated machinery and equipment and in labor capacity to increase the rate of conversion of orders into sales, creating more throughput in our factories.\nOrder volume decreased in fiscal year 2023 from fiscal year 2022. Fiscal 2022 saw a record number of orders from pent-up demand after COVID, though orders for fiscal 2023 continued to be strong. Macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions caused the decline in orders in the International business unit.\nDue to a number of factors, such as the discretionary nature of customers committing to a system, long replacement cycles, the limited number of large custom projects and competitive factors, advertising revenues during macroeconomic changes, economic dependencies, regulatory environments, and competitive factors, it is difficult to predict orders and net sales for fiscal 2024.\nCommercial\n:\n The increase in net sales for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and continued order bookings. \nWe continued to see increased adoption of video solutions in our Commercial business unit marketplace. Depending on the duration of the current economic conditions, we see opportunities for orders and sales over the coming years in our OOH, on-premise, and spectacular focused niches due to replacement cycles, expansion of dynamic messaging systems usage, releases of new solutions, additional distribution methods, and increased market size due to the decline of digital pricing over the years as well as the desire for higher resolution technology. We expect growth in the Commercial business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and our success in counteracting competitive pressures.\nLive Events\n: \nThe increase in net sales for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and continued order bookings. Sales growth was driven by strong market demand, increased capacity, and realization of price increases implemented beginning in late fiscal year 2022. \n27\nTable of Contents\nWe continue to see ongoing interest from venues at all levels in increasing the size and capabilities of their display systems and in the usage of dynamic messaging systems throughout their facilities in our Live Events business unit marketplace.\nWe expect this business unit's size to remain stable over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions, and success in maintaining market share by counteracting competitive pressures.\nHigh School Park and Recreation\n: \nThe increase in net sales for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and strong market demand, increased capacity, and realization of price increases implemented beginning in late fiscal year 2022. \nWe expect sales to continue to grow in fiscal year 2024 because of the adoption of video displays for sporting and educational use. Trends towards deploying professional grade technology, especially in high schools, has expanded the market size. These facilities benefit from our sports marketing services that generate advertising revenue to fund the display systems, from our curriculum program designed to increase educational use, and because of schools' desire to communicate with students and parents using these systems. Some growth is also expected because of regulatory requirements for certain display types for sports events. We expect growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions.\nTransportation\n: \nThe\n \nincrease in net sales for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and continued order bookings. Sales growth was driven by strong market demand, increased capacity, and realization of price increases implemented in late fiscal year 2022 and the beginning of fiscal year 2023. \nSeveral factors, such as transportation funding, the competitive environment, and customer delivery changes, make forecasting orders and net sales difficult for fiscal 2024. However, the stability of long-term federal transportation funding and the number of capital projects for highways and public transit that include dynamic message signs and for advertising and wayfinding use in public transport and airport terminals continue to rise. We expect continued growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and continued transportation funding.\nInternational\n:\n Net sales were relatively flat for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.\nWe expect demand for larger video systems for commercial and sports applications, indoor and outdoor OOH applications, and transportation applications to remain strong over the long-term. Macroeconomic factors, the discretionary nature of customers committing to new systems or replacements, and the pace of market growth, have impacted order bookings and timing, making it difficult to predict order and sales levels for fiscal 2024. For the long-term, we believe the International business unit has the potential for sales growth as we penetrate markets with our established sales networks to increase our International market share, continue to enhance our tailored portfolio of product and control solution offerings, invest in additional distribution methods, and expect the trend of increased use and adoption of our technology globally to continue.\nGross Profit and Contribution Margin\nYear Ended\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\n(in thousands)\nAmount\nAs a Percent of Net Sales\nAmount\nAs a Percent of Net Sales\nGross Profit:\nCommercial\n$\n31,155\u00a0\n18.3\u00a0\n%\n$\n31,851\u00a0\n20.7\u00a0\n%\nLive Events\n49,255\u00a0\n17.3\u00a0\n21,787\u00a0\n10.9\u00a0\nHigh School Park and Recreation\n41,145\u00a0\n29.0\u00a0\n35,477\u00a0\n31.7\u00a0\nTransportation\n19,825\u00a0\n27.4\u00a0\n18,172\u00a0\n29.0\u00a0\nInternational\n9,975\u00a0\n11.8\u00a0\n9,410\u00a0\n11.3\u00a0\n$\n151,355\u00a0\n20.1\u00a0\n%\n$\n116,697\u00a0\n19.1\u00a0\n%\nFiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year 2022\nThe increase in gross profit percentage in fiscal 2023 was primarily due to strategic pricing actions implemented in late fiscal year 2022 and the beginning of fiscal year 2023 and increased productivity starting late in the second quarter of fiscal \n28\nTable of Contents\n2023 because of fewer supply chain and operational disruptions and investments in capacity. These improvements were offset by higher material, component, freight and labor costs throughout fiscal 2023. Factors impacting gross profit in fiscal 2022 included ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflationary challenges in materials, freight and personnel related costs, the difference in sales mix between periods, and increases in warranty reserves for inflation. Total warranty expense as a percent of sales increased to 2.1 percent for fiscal 2023 as compared to 1.9 percent during fiscal 2022. \nIt is difficult to project gross profit levels for fiscal 2024 because of the uncertainty regarding the level of sales, the sales mix, price strategy and timing of sales generation, potential inflation, the availability of materials, labor, and freight, and the competitive factors in our business. We are focused on improving our gross profit margins as we execute our strategies for improved profitability, which include selectively increasing pricing, releasing new product designs to lower overall costs of the product; improving reliability to reduce warranty expenses; expanding our global capacity and planning; meeting customer solution expectations; and continued improvements in operational effectiveness in manufacturing, installation, and service delivery areas. \nYear Ended\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\n(in thousands)\nAmount\nAs a Percent of Net Sales\nDollar Change\nPercent Change\nAmount\nAs a Percent of Net Sales\nContribution Margin:\nCommercial\n$\n14,025\u00a0\n8.2\u00a0\n%\n$\n(2,048)\n(12.7)\n%\n$\n16,073\u00a0\n10.4\u00a0\n%\nLive Events\n39,015\u00a0\n13.7\u00a0\n27,112\u00a0\n227.8\u00a0\n11,903\u00a0\n6.0\u00a0\nHigh School Park and Recreation\n27,621\u00a0\n19.5\u00a0\n4,034\u00a0\n17.1\u00a0\n23,587\u00a0\n21.1\u00a0\nTransportation\n15,901\u00a0\n22.0\u00a0\n1,348\u00a0\n9.3\u00a0\n14,553\u00a0\n23.2\u00a0\nInternational\n(1,862)\n(2.2)\n(1,368)\n276.6\u00a0\n(494)\n(0.6)\n$\n94,700\u00a0\n12.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n29,078\u00a0\n44.3\u00a0\n%\n$\n65,622\u00a0\n10.7\u00a0\n%\nFiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year 2022\nContribution margin\n is a non-GAAP measure and consists of gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of personnel related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, marketing related expenses (show rooms, product demonstration, depreciation and maintenance, conventions and trade show expenses), the cost of customer relationship management/marketing systems, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions, and other expenses. \nContribution margin in fiscal 2023 was positively impacted by the previously discussed sales levels and impacts on gross profit. We have adjusted our sales and marketing activities and staffing levels to achieve current and expected future sales levels. \nReconciliation from non-GAAP contribution margin to operating income GAAP measure is as follows: \nYear Ended\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\n(in thousands)\nAmount\nAs a Percent of Net Sales\nDollar Change\nPercent Change\nAmount\nAs a Percent of Net Sales\nContribution margin\n$\n94,700\u00a0\n12.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n29,078\u00a0\n44.3\u00a0\n%\n$\n65,622\u00a0\n10.7\u00a0\n%\nGeneral and administrative\n38,747\u00a0\n5.1\u00a0\n6,184\u00a0\n19.0\u00a0\n32,563\u00a0\n5.3\u00a0\nProduct design and development\n29,989\u00a0\n4.0\u00a0\n976\u00a0\n3.4\u00a0\n29,013\u00a0\n4.7\u00a0\nGoodwill Impairment\n4,576\u00a0\n0.6\u00a0\n4,576\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nOperating income\n$\n21,388\u00a0\n2.8\u00a0\n%\n$\n17,342\u00a0\n428.6\u00a0\n%\n$\n4,046\u00a0\n0.7\u00a0\n%\n29\nTable of Contents\nFiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year 2022\nGeneral and administrative expenses for fiscal 2023 increased as compared to the same period one year ago due to compensation and staffing, marketing expenses, other expense growth, and approximately $4.5 million of discrete professional fees related to the going concern and internal control consultation and shareholder engagement fees.\nOur costs for product design and development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, professional services, material costs and the overhead of our engineering departments. Generally, a significant portion of our engineering time is spent on product design and development, while the rest is allocated to large contract work and included in cost of sales.\nProduct design and development expenses in fiscal 2023 increased as compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to an increase in personnel related expenses. \nWe expect general and administrative and product design and development expenses to increase for fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023 due to continued increases in labor costs and for planned investments in digital transformation initiatives and to enhance and develop existing and new product technologies. \nOther Income and Expenses\nYear Ended\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\n(in thousands)\nAmount\nAs a Percent of Net Sales\nDollar Change\nPercent Change\nAmount\nAs a Percent of Net Sales\nInterest income (expense), net\n$\n(920)\n(0.1)\n%\n$\n(1,091)\n(638.0)\n%\n$\n171\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nOther expense, net\n$\n(7,211)\n(1.0)\n%\n$\n(4,102)\n131.9\u00a0\n%\n$\n(3,109)\n(0.5)\n%\nFiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year 2022\nThe change in interest income and expense, net for fiscal \n2023\n as compared to fiscal \n2022\n was primarily due to utilizing our previous bank line of credit during fiscal \n2023\n for our strategic investments in inventory.\nOther expense, net: \nThe change in other expense, net for fiscal \n2023\n as compared to fiscal \n2022\n was primarily due to losses and impairments recorded for equity method affiliates and foreign currency volatility.\nIncome Taxes\nOur effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 was 48.7 percent. The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2023 was impacted due to valuation allowances on equity investments and on foreign net operating losses in Ireland, goodwill impairment, state taxes, a mix of taxes in foreign countries where the tax rate is higher than the United States, as well as prior year provision to return adjustments reduced in part by tax benefits from permanent tax credits. \nOur effective tax rate for fiscal 2022 was 46.6 percent resulting from the tax benefit of permanent tax credits reduced by valuation allowances, various permanent tax adjustments and state taxes and prior year provision to return adjustments.\nOur consolidated effective tax rate is impacted by the statutory income tax rates applicable to each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Due to various factors, and because we operate in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions, our effective tax rate is subject to fluctuation. See \"Note 12. Income Taxes\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information.\n30\nTable of Contents\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\nYear Ended\n(in thousands)\nApril 29, 2023\nApril 30, 2022\nDollar Change\nNet cash (used in) provided by:\nOperating activities\n$\n15,024\u00a0\n$\n(27,035)\n$\n42,059\u00a0\nInvesting activities\n(25,388)\n(31,384)\n5,996\u00a0\nFinancing activities\n17,568\u00a0\n(3,576)\n21,144\u00a0\nEffect of exchange rate changes on cash\n(522)\n(399)\n(123)\nNet (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash\n$\n6,682\u00a0\n$\n(62,394)\n$\n69,076\u00a0\nNet cash (used in) provided by operating activities: \nNet cash provided by operating activities was $15.0 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $27.0 million net cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2022. The $42.0 million increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of changes in net operating assets and liabilities and an increase of $6.2 million in net income. For specific quantitative changes in operating assets and liabilities, see \"Note 13. Cash Flow Information\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.\nNet cash used in investing activities:\n Net cash used in investing activities totaled $25.4 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $31.4 million in fiscal 2022. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $25.4 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $20.4 million in fiscal 2022. Proceeds from the sales of property and equipment totaled $0.8 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $0.9 million in fiscal 2022. Purchases of marketable securities totaled $4.0 million in fiscal 2022 compared to the sale of $3.5 million of marketable securities in fiscal 2023. \nNet cash (used in) provided by financing activities:\n Net cash provided by financing activities was $17.6 million for fiscal 2023 due to draws on our previous bank line of credit compared to $3.6 million of net cash used by financing activities for other investing activities in fiscal 2022.\nOther Liquidity and Capital Resources Discussion:\n \nAs of April 29, 2023, we had $17.8 million borrowed under a previous bank line of credit. Subsequent to the end of the 2023 fiscal year, we paid off and terminated that credit line on May 11, 2023 after closing on a $75.0 million senior credit facility (the \"Credit Facility\") and the sale of a $25.0 million senior secured convertible note (the \"Convertible Note\"). The Credit Facility consists of a $60.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility (the \"ABL\") maturing on May 11. 2026, secured by first priority lien on the Company's assets and which is subject to certain factors which can impact our borrowing capacity, and a $15.0 million delayed draw loan (the \"Mortgage\") secured by our Brookings, South Dakota real estate. The ABL and Mortgage are evidenced by a Credit Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 (the \"Credit Agreement\") between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the lender. \nUnder the ABL, certain factors can impact our borrowing capacity. As of May 11, 2023, our borrowing capacity was $47.5 million and there were no borrowings outstanding. The interest rate on the ABL is set on a sliding scale based on the trailing twelve month fixed charge coverage and ranges from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent over the standard overnight financing rate (SOFR). The ABL is secured by a first priority lien on the Company's assets described in the Credit Agreement and the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and among the Company, Daktronics Installation, Inc. and the JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. \nThe $15.0 million delayed draw on the Mortgage closed on July 7, 2023, is secured by a mortgage on the Company's Brookings, South Dakota real estate, amortizes over 10 years and is payable monthly. The Mortgage is subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement and matures on May 11, 2026. The Mortgage interest rate is set on a sliding scale based on the trailing twelve month fixed charge coverage ratio and ranges between 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent.. \nOn May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the \"Securities Purchase Agreement\") with Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP (the \u201cInvestor\u201d) under which the Company agreed to sell and issue to the Investor its senior secured Convertible Note in exchange for the payment by the Investor to the Company of $25.0 million. The Convertible Note allows the Investor and any of the Investor\u2019s permitted transferees, donees, pledgees, assignees or successors-in-interest (collectively, the \u201cSelling Shareholders\u201d) to convert all or any portion of the principal amount of the \n31\nTable of Contents\nConvertible Note, together with any accrued and unpaid interest and any other unpaid amounts, including late charges, if any (together, the \u201cConversion Amount\u201d), into shares of the Company\u2019s common stock at an initial conversion price of $6.31 per share, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Note (the \u201cConversion Price\u201d).The Company also has a forced conversion right, which is exercisable on the occurrence of certain conditions set forth in the Convertible Note, pursuant to which it can cause all or any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount to be converted into shares of common stock at the Conversion Price. The Convertible Note incurs interest at an annual rate of 9.0 percent when interest is paid in cash or an annual rate of 10.0 percent if interest is capitalized. Upon an event of default under the Convertible Note, the annual interest rate will increase to 12.0 percent. Under the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 between the Company and the Investor, the Convertible Note is secured by a second priority lien on assets securing the ABL facility and a first priority lien on substantially all of the other assets of the Company, excluding all real property, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the Investor. The Convertible Note has a maturity date of May 11, 2027 (the \u201cMaturity Date\u201d). On the Maturity Date, the Company must pay to the Investor and any Selling Shareholders an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal, any accrued and unpaid interest, and any accrued and unpaid late charges on such principal and interest. We expect annual cash usage for interest of up to $2.3 million.\nEffective on May 11, 2023, in connection with the Company\u2019s entry into the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Investor (the \u201cRegistration Rights Agreement\u201d). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed to file with the SEC by the dates set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement a registration statement covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Note. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company is required to use reasonable best efforts to have such registration statement declared effective by the SEC by the dates set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. If the registration statement is not filed with the SEC or declared effective by the SEC on a timely basis, certain penalties would be applicable to the Company.\nThe Credit Agreement and the Convertible Note require a fixed charged coverage ratio of greater than 1.1 and include other customary non-financial covenants. We expect to be in compliance with these covenants for the foreseeable future. Refer to \"Note 17. Subsequent Events\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.\n \nOur cash and cash equivalent balances consist of high-quality, short-term money market instruments.\nWorking capital was $132.5 million and $103.9 million as of April\u00a029, 2023 and April\u00a030, 2022, respectively. The changes in working capital, particularly changes in inventory, accounts payable, accounts receivable, contract assets and liabilities, are impacted by the sports market and construction seasonality. These changes can have a significant impact on the amount of net cash provided by or used in operating activities largely due to the timing of payments for inventory and subcontractors and receipts from our customers. On multimillion-dollar orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to or exceed 12 months depending on the amount of custom work and a customer\u2019s delivery needs. We use cash to purchase inventory and services at the beginning of these orders and often receive down payments or progress payments on these orders to balance cash flows.\nOur business growth and profitability improvement strategies depend on investments in capital expenditures and strategic investments. We are projecting total capital expenditures to be approximately $19.0 million for fiscal 2024. Projected capital expenditures include purchasing manufacturing equipment for new or enhanced product production and expanded capacity and increased automation of processes; investments in quality and reliability equipment and demonstration and showroom assets; and continued information infrastructure investments. We also evaluated and may make strategic investments in new technologies or in our affiliates or acquire companies aligned with our business strategy.\nWe had $10.4 million of retainage on long-term contracts included in receivables and contract assets as of April\u00a029, 2023, which has an impact on our liquidity. We expect to collect these amounts within one year. \nWe are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations, and we have bonding capacity available through surety companies for an aggregate of $165.0 million in bonded work outstanding. If we were unable to complete the installation work, and our customer would call upon the bond for payment, the surety company would subrogate its loss to Daktronics. As of April\u00a029, 2023, we had $56.4 million of bonded work outstanding.\nWe repurchase our common stock and pay dividends pursuant to programs approved by our Board of Directors. Our long-term capital allocation strategy is to first fund operations and investments in growth, maintain reasonable liquidity, maintain a leverage ratio that reflects a prudent and compliant capital structure in light of the cyclicality of business, and \n32\nTable of Contents\nthen return excess cash over time to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. During fiscal year 2023, we did not repurchase shares of common stock, and we did not pay a dividend. \nWe believe cash on hand, funds generated from operations, and the borrowing capacity available under our Credit Facility and other debt instruments will be sufficient to support our expected change in working capital, capital expenditures, strategic investments, and financing payments for the foreseeable future.",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nForeign Currency Exchange Rates\nOur results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. We derive net sales in United States dollars and other currencies including Canadian dollars, Euros, Chinese renminbi, British pounds, Australian dollars, or other currencies. For fiscal 2023, 12.3 percent of net sales were derived in currencies other than United States dollars. We incur expenses in currencies other than United States dollars relating to specific contracts with customers and for our operations outside the United States\nIf we believe currency risk in any foreign location or with respect to specific sales or purchase transaction is significant, we utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations. The notional amount of the foreign currency agreements as of April\u00a029, 2023 was $7.8 million, and all contracts mature within six months. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as hedges. See \"Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments\" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further details. We estimate that a 10 percent change in all foreign exchange rates would impact our reported income before taxes by approximately $0.4 million. This sensitivity analysis disregards the possibilities that rates can move in opposite directions and that losses from one geographic area may be offset by gains from another geographic area.\nOver the long term, net sales to international markets are expected to increase as a percentage of total net sales and, consequently, a greater portion of our business could be denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, operating results may become more subject to fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the United States dollar. To the extent we engage in international sales denominated in United States dollars, an increase in the value of the United States dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in international markets. This effect is also impacted by sources of raw materials from international sources and costs of our sales, service, and manufacturing locations outside the United States\nWe will continue to monitor and minimize our exposure to currency fluctuations and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques to minimize the effect of these fluctuations. However, exchange rate fluctuations as well as differing economic conditions, changes in political climates, and other rules and regulations could adversely affect our ability to effectively hedge exchange rate fluctuations in the future.\nWe have foreign currency cash accounts to operate our global business. These accounts are impacted by changes in foreign currency rates. Of our \n$24.0 million\n in cash balances as of April\u00a029, 2023, \n$15.9 million\n were denominated in United States dollars, of which \n$1.3 million\n were held by our foreign subsidiaries. As of April\u00a029, 2023, we had an additional \n$8.1 million\n in cash balances denominated in foreign currencies, of which \n$7.7 million\n were maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.\nInterest Rate Risks\nOur exposure to market risks relate primarily to changes in interest rates on our financing agreements, cash, and marketable securities. We do not expect our income or cash flows to be significantly impacted by interest rates.\nCommodity Risk\nWe are dependent on basic raw materials, sub-assemblies, components, and other supplies used in our production operations. Our financial results have been and could continue to be affected by changes in the availability, prices, and global tariff regulation of these materials. Some of these materials are sourced from one or a limited number of suppliers in countries around the world. Some of these materials are also key source materials for our competitors and for other technology companies. Some of these materials are sourced outside of the countries in which we manufacture our products and are subject to transportation delays. Any of these factors may cause a sudden increase in costs and/or limited or \n33\nTable of Contents\nunavailable supplies. As a result, we may not be able to acquire key production materials on a timely basis, which could adversely impact our ability to produce products and satisfy incoming sales orders on a timely basis. Our sourcing and material groups work to implement strategies to monitor and mitigate these risks. Periodically, we enter into pricing agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year. \n34\nTable of Contents",
+ "cik": "915779",
+ "cusip6": "234264",
+ "cusip": ["234264109", "234264959", "234264909"],
+ "names": ["DAKTRONIC INC COM", "DAKTRONICS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915779/000091577923000046/0000915779-23-000046-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000918965-23-000023.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000918965-23-000023.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..152fb5cd98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000918965-23-000023.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business.\nScanSource, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries referred to as the \"Company\u201d or \u201cScanSource\u201d or \u201cwe\u201d) is a leading hybrid distributor connecting devices to the cloud and accelerating growth for customers across hardware, Software as a Service (\"SaaS\"), connectivity and cloud. ScanSource enables customers to deliver solutions for their end users to address changing buying and consumption patterns. ScanSource sells through multiple, specialized routes-to-market with hardware, SaaS, connectivity and cloud service offerings from the world's leading technology suppliers. We provide technology solutions and services from more than 500 leading suppliers of mobility, barcode, point-of-sale (\"POS\"), payments, physical security, networking, unified communications, collaboration (UCaaS, CCaaS), connectivity and cloud services.\nScanSource was incorporated in South Carolina in 1992 and serves approximately 30,000 customers. Net sales for fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 totaled \n$3.79 billion\n. Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Se\nlect Market under the symbol \u201cSCSC.\u201d \nOur customers are businesses of all sizes that sell to end-customers across many industries. Our customer channels include value-added resellers (\u201cVARs\u201d), customers or agents, independent sales organizations (\u201cISOs\u201d) and independent software vendors (\u201cISVs\u201d). These customer channels provide us with multiple routes-to-market. We align our teams, tools and processes around all of our customers to help them grow through reducing their costs, creating efficiencies and generating end-customer demand for business solutions. We enable our customers to create, deliver and grow hybrid technology offerings for end-customers across almost every vertical market in the United States, Canada, Brazil and the United Kingdom (\"UK\").\nIn fiscal year 2021, we completed the sale of our product distribution businesses in Europe, the UK, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru and our Miami-based export operations (the \"Divestitures\"). Management determined that the Company did not have sufficient scale in these markets to maximize our value-added model for physical product distribution, leading us to focus and invest in our higher margin businesses. The Divestitures are reported as discontinued operations within this Form 10-K. Unless otherwise indicated, descriptions of our business and amounts reported in this Form 10-K pertain to continuing operations only. \nStrategy\nOur strategy is to drive sustainable, profitable growth by orchestrating hybrid technology solutions through a growing ecosystem of partners leveraging our people, processes, and tools. Our goal is to provide exceptional experiences for our partners, suppliers, and people, and we strive for operational excellence. Our hybrid distribution strategy relies on a channel sales model to offer hardware, SaaS, connectivity and cloud services from leading technology suppliers to customers that solve end users\u2019 challenges. ScanSource enables customers to deliver solutions for their end users to address changing buying and consumption patterns. Our solutions may include a combination of offerings from multiple suppliers or give our customers access to additional services. As a trusted adviser to our customers, we provide customized solutions through our strong understanding of end user needs.\nValue Proposition\nOur customer channels and supplier relationships serve as competitive advantages. From our pivotal position at the intersection of technology distribution trends, we provide robust value to both our customers and our suppliers. We make it easier for our sales partners and suppliers to deliver leading technology solutions that drive business outcomes for end users.\nValue proposition for our customers/sales partners:\n\u2022\nEnable end-user consumption preferences\n\u2022\nProvide pre-sale engineering\n\u2022\nMake it easier to sell the technology stack\n\u2022\nInventory availability\n\u2022\nOffer training, education and marketing services\n\u2022\nProvide custom configuration, services, platforms and digital tools\n\u2022\nOffer innovative financial solutions for our customers\n1\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nValue proposition for our suppliers:\n\u2022\nExpand reach at a variable cost\n\u2022\nProvide access to multiple routes to market\n\u2022\nLower customer acquisition cost\n\u2022\nRecruit and train new sales partners\n\u2022\nManage channel credit\nFinancial Strength\nOur consolidated balance sheet reflects financial strength. Our strong balance sheet and cash generated from our business provide us with the ability to execute our capital allocation plan, which includes organic growth and strategic acquisitions. We have the financial flexibility to invest in our business and in future growth.\nBusiness Segments\nWe operate our business under a management structure that enhances our technology focus and hybrid distribution growth strategy. Our segments operate in the United States, Canada, Brazil and the UK and consist of the following: \n\u2022\nSpecialty Technology Solutions\n\u2022\nModern Communications & Cloud\nSpecialty Technology Solutions Segment\nThe Specialty Technology Solutions portfolio includes enterprise mobile computing, data capture, barcode printing, POS, payments, networking, electronic physical security, cybersecurity and other technologies. There are adjacencies among these technologies to develop and deliver solutions for our customers. These solutions include data capture and POS solutions that interface with computer systems to automate the collection, processing and communication of information for commercial and industrial applications, including retail sales, distribution, shipping, inventory control, materials handling, warehouse management and health care applications. Electronic physical security products include identification, access control, video surveillance and intrusion-related devices. Our networking products include wireless and networking infrastructure products. This segment also includes recurring revenue from hardware rentals and other SaaS offerings. \nModern Communications & Cloud Segment\nThe Modern Communications & Cloud portfolio of solutions includes communications technologies and services for voice, video conferencing, wireless, data networking, cybersecurity, cable, unified communications and collaboration, cloud and technology services. As these solutions come together on IP networks, new opportunities are created to move into adjacent solutions for all vertical markets, such as education, healthcare and government. This segment includes recurring revenue from our Intelisys and intY businesses.\nCustomers\nOur customers, or sales partners, are businesses of all sizes that sell to end users across industries ranging from manufacturing, warehouse and distribution, retail and e-commerce, hospitality, transportation and logistics, government, education and healthcare, among others. Our customers provide us with multiple, specialized routes-to-market through various channels, including: VARs, agents, ISOs and ISVs. No single customer accounted for more than 4% of our total net sales for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023.\nVARs\nWithin VARs, our customers include specialty technology VARs, direct marketers, IT system integrators, network integrators, service providers, managed service providers and cloud service providers. Specialty technology VARs focus on one or more technologies, providing specialized knowledge and expertise for technology solutions, such as tailored software or integrated hardware. Direct marketers provide a very broad range of technology brands to business, government, education and healthcare markets. IT system integrators and network integrators develop computer and networking solutions for end-customers\u2019 IT \n2\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nneeds. Service providers, managed service providers and cloud service providers deliver advanced multi-discipline services with customized solutions that bundle data, collaboration, cloud, network and digital telecommunication services for end-customers' needs. \nAgents\nAgents focus on selling telecommunications and cloud services to end-customers, advising about various services, technologies and cost alternatives to help them make informed choices. Agents typically earn monthly commissions on multi-year contract sales as they build their recurring revenue business.\nIndependent Sales Organizations\nISOs focus on selling credit card processing and finding new merchant customers for credit card member banks. They offer on-going customer service and support and look to bundle hardware, software and processing services. \nIndependent Software Vendors\nISVs develop software, apps and integrated solutions. They generally focus on cloud solutions and sell or certify bundled hardware, software and service solutions.\nSuppliers\nWe provide products and services from approximately\n 500 \nsuppliers, including 8x8, AT&T, Aruba/HPE, Avaya, Axis, Cisco, Comcast Business, Datalogic, Dell, Elo, Epson, Equinix, Extreme, F5, Five9, Fortinet, Genesys, Granite, GTT, Hanwha, Honeywell, Ingenico, Jabra, Logitech, Lumen, Microsoft, MetTel, Mitel, NCR, NICE CXone, Poly HP, RingCentral, Spectrum, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Trend Micro, Ubiquiti, Verifone, Verizon, VMWare, Windstream, Zebra Technologies and Zoom. \nWe provide products and services from many of our key suppliers in all of our geographic markets; however, certain suppliers only allow distribution to specific geographies. We typically purchase products directly from the supplier and our supplier agreements generally do not restrict us from selling similar or competitive products or services. We have the flexibility to terminate or curtail sales of one product line in favor of another due to technological change, pricing considerations, product availability, customer demand or supplier distribution policies.\nProducts from two suppliers, Cisco and Zebra, each constituted more than 10% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023.\n\u2022\nWe have three non-exclusive agreements with Cisco. One agreement covers the distribution of Cisco products in the United States and has a two year term. The second agreement covers the distribution of products in Brazil and has a two year term. Each of these agreements must be renewed by written agreement. Either party may terminate these agreements upon 30 days' notice to the other party. The third agreement is an agency contract for North America and has a two year term. Either party may terminate this agreement upon 60 days' prior written notice.\n\u2022\nWe have three non-exclusive agreements with Zebra. One agreement covers sales of Zebra Enterprise Visibility & Mobility (\u201cEVM\u201d) products in North America and Brazil, while the other two agreements cover sales of Zebra Asset Intelligence & Tracking (\u201cAIT\u201d) products in North America and Brazil. The Zebra agreements each have a one year term that automatically renews for additional one year terms. Either party may terminate the EVM agreement upon 30 days' notice to the other party. Either party may terminate the AIT agreement for North America upon 60 days\u2019 notice to the other party. Either party may terminate the AIT agreement for Brazil upon 90 days\u2019 notice to the other party. \nIn addition to the agreements mentioned above, we have written agreements with almost all of our other suppliers. These agreements generally include the following terms:\n\u2022\nNon-exclusive distribution rights to resell products and related services in geographical areas (supplier agreements often include territorial restrictions that limit the countries in which we can sell their products and services).\n3\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\n\u2022\nShort-term periods, subject to periodic renewal, and provide for termination by either party without cause upon 30 to 120 days' notice.\n\u2022\nStock rotation rights, which give us the ability, subject to limitations, to return for credit or exchange a portion of the items purchased.\n\u2022\nPrice protection provisions, which enables us to take a credit for declines in inventory value resulting from the supplier's price reductions. \nAlong with our inventory management policies and practices, these stock rotation rights and price protection provisions are designed to reduce our risk of loss due to slow-moving inventory, supplier price reductions, product updates and obsolescence.\nWe participate in various rebate, cash discount and cooperative marketing programs offered by our suppliers to support expenses associated with selling and marketing the suppliers' products and services. These rebates and purchase discounts are largely influenced by sales volumes and are subject to change.\nOur suppliers generally warrant their products we sell and allow returns of defective products, including those returned to us by our customers. For certain of our product offerings, we offer a self-branded warranty program. We purchase contracts from unrelated third parties, generally the original equipment manufacturers, to fulfill our obligations to service or replace defective product claimed on these warranty programs. To maintain customer relations, we also facilitate returns of defective products from our customers by accepting for exchange, with our prior approval, most defective products within 30 days of invoicing. In addition, local laws may in some cases impose warranty obligations on the Company.\nOfferings and Markets\nWe currently market over 65,000 products from approximately 500 hardware, software and service suppliers to approximately 30,000 customers. We sell products and services to the United States and Canada from our facilities located in Mississippi, California and Kentucky; into Brazil from facilities located within the Brazilian states of Paran\u00e1, Esp\u00edrito Santo and Santa Catarina. We provide some of our digital products, which include SaaS and subscriptions, through our digital tools and platforms. See \"Risk Factors\" for a discussion of the risks related to our foreign operations.\nOur offerings to our customers include hardware, software, services and connectivity across premise, hybrid and cloud environments. We believe that customers want to offer end users complete technology solutions that solve end-user challenges and deliver positive outcomes. We align our people, processes and tools to help our sales partners grow by providing more hybrid solutions through a better understanding of end-customer needs. We are able to provide a combination of offerings from multiple suppliers or give our sales partners access to additional services, including configuration, key injection, integration support and others to deliver solutions. \nWe provide our customers and suppliers with an array of pre-sale business tools and value-added services, including market and technology solution expertise, education and training, product configuration tools, technical support, logistics and channel financial services. These services allow our customers to gain knowledge and experience on marketing, negotiation and selling, to improve customer service, to profitably grow their business and be more cost effective. Our business is enhanced by our ability and willingness to provide the extra level of services that keeps both our sales partners and suppliers satisfied.\nWe offer technology solutions and services that include the following:\n\u2022\nMobility and Barcode\n: We offer automatic identification and data capture (\u201cAIDC\u201d) technology that incorporates the capabilities for electronic identification and data processing without the need for manual input. These solutions consists of a wide range of products that include portable data collection terminals, wireless products, barcode label printers and scanners. As AIDC technology has become more pervasive, applications have evolved from traditional uses, such as inventory control, materials handling, distribution, shipping and warehouse management, to more advanced applications, such as healthcare.\n\u2022\nPOS\n: We provide POS solutions for retail, grocery and hospitality environments to efficiently manage in-store sales and operations. POS solutions include computer-based terminals, tablets, monitors, payment processing solutions, receipt printers, pole displays, cash drawers, keyboards, peripheral equipment and fully integrated processing units. These solutions may include self-service checkout, kiosks and products that attach to the POS network in the store, including network access points, routers and digital signage.\n4\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\n\u2022\nPayments\n: We offer payment terminals, comprehensive key injection services, reseller partner branding, extensive key libraries, ability to provide point-to-point encryption, and redundant key injection facilities. We have the resources to deliver secure payment devices that are preconfigured and ready for use. In addition, we partner with ISVs to deliver to merchants integrated tablet POS solution hardware that a merchant may purchase outright or \u201cas a service,\u201d and which includes merchant hardware support and next-day replacement of tablets, terminals and peripherals.\n\u2022\nPhysical Security and Networking\n: We provide electronic physical security solutions that include identification, access control, video surveillance and intrusion-related products. Physical security products are used every day across every vertical market to protect lives, property and information. These technology solutions require specialized knowledge to deploy effectively, and we offer in-depth training and education to our sales partners to enable them to maintain the appropriate skill levels. Our networking products include wireless and networking infrastructure products. \n\u2022\nCommunications and Collaboration\n: We offer communications and collaboration solutions, delivered in the cloud, on-premise or hybrid, such as voice, video, integration of communication platforms and contact center solutions. These offerings combine voice, video and data with computers, telecommunications and the internet to deliver communications solutions on-premise. Software and hardware products include IP-based telephony platforms, Voice over Internet Protocol systems, private branch exchanges, call center applications, video conferencing, desk phones, headsets and cloud-enabled endpoints. Cloud-delivered services, such as unified communications, contact center and video conferencing, enable end-customers to consume and pay for communications services typically on a monthly subscription basis.\n\u2022\nConnectivity and Cloud Services:\n We offer business communications services, including voice, data, access, cable collaboration, wireless and cloud. We focus on empowering and educating sales partners so they can advise end-customers in making informed choices about services, technology and cost savings. Through our digital tools and platforms, we offer sales partners another way to grow their recurring revenue practices, and take\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the friction out of acquiring, provisioning and managing SaaS offerings. We have contracts with more than 200 of the world\u2019s leading telecom carriers and cloud services providers.\nPeople and Culture \nAs a people-first organization, respecting and protecting our people and our partners are our top priorities. From ensuring and supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and partner base; providing a safe, healthy work environment; and working with suppliers and partners that share this commitment, we are dedicated to doing what is right for our employees, channel partners and end customers.\nGeneral\n \nOur real competitive advantage is our people, working together to help our customers and partners grow their businesses. The foundation of ScanSource has always been based on strong values and culture with the clear vision of people first. In a changing environment, ScanSource is investing in new infrastructure, tools and programs to ensure a \"productivity anywhere\" outcome, in the new hybrid working world. In 2023, the Company was named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for the eighth consecutive year.\nAs of June\u00a030, 2023, we have approximately 2,300 employees, of which approximately 1,500 are in the United States and 800 are located internationally in Canada, Brazil and the UK. We have no organized labor or trade unions in the United States. As of June\u00a030, 2023 we have 10\n \noffice locations in the U.S. and three distribution centers, eight office locations outside of the U.S., and have a remote employee presence.\nProfessional Development \nWe want to help our employees succeed\u2014both personally and professionally. We focus heavily on the intellectual and professional development of our employees, and we strive to create an immersive working environment for them. To promote personal and professional growth, we also encourage our employees to pursue ongoing training and career development opportunities, and we provide tuition assistance and reimbursement for certain pre-approved continuing education programs and professional certifications. We enhanced our learning management system, The Hub, to provide a modernized and engaging user experience for our global employees at all levels. The ScanSource Leadership Institute (\"SLI\") is another \n5\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nimportant program that focuses on identifying and helping to develop the next wave of senior leaders for the Company. The SLI program brings together twelve hand-selected leaders from our global offices for a two-week program of intensive training and development. While this provides a tool for an individual\u2019s education and growth, it also nurtures cross-functional collaboration with colleagues through a unique social capability.\nBenefits\n \nWe offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes traditional health insurance, as well as telemedicine alternatives, life insurance, disability insurance and work-life balance resources. The financial future of our employees is important to us, which is why we have a 401(k) program with a market-competitive employer match, performance-based bonus program and employee ownership opportunities for a meaningful portion of our employees through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as well as our equity incentive grants. We partner with Fidelity to provide employees access to knowledge and tools to help manage or plan for student loan debt. To expand our financial wellness offerings, we offer workshops and webinars focused on student debt and general debt-counselling services.\nHealth and Safety \nWe care about our employees\u2019 overall well-being and encourage them to have a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. That\u2019s why we offer dedicated resources to help foster a work/life balance. We have implemented a work-from-home policy for all employees across geographies, outside of our distribution centers. We are pleased with how our employees have adjusted to this new way of doing business, maintaining an extremely high level of productivity and performance. With a largely remote workforce, it is critical that we continue to focus on our employees\u2019 health. We continue to build our 360you program, which provides employees with extensive education and training/coaching opportunities, wellness and fitness challenges, and other valuable resources.\nDiversity and Inclusion\n \nOne of our core values is to promote an environment that respects and values the diverse backgrounds, interests and talents of our employees. ScanSource is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace with our comprehensive Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) program, led by our first Chief Diversity Officer (\"CDO\") and an internal D&I Advisory Council. The Council is an employee-led group focused on sharing insights, ideas, and opinions from our employee base to assist in the implementation of our DEI plan. To support our goal of becoming a more inclusive workplace, our DEI strategic plan focuses on awareness and education, workforce representation, partner diversity, and community relations. Additionally, initiatives including a D&I book and movie club, educational DEI opportunities, and global employee resource groups are allowing interested employees to broaden their knowledge on various topics in this space.\nBoard Role in People and Culture Management \nOur Board of Directors believes that people and culture management is an important component of our continued growth and success and is essential for our ability to attract, retain and develop talented and skilled employees. We pride ourselves on a culture that respects co-workers and values concern for others. Our Board provides oversight of the Company's policies and strategies relating to talent including corporate culture, diversity and inclusion, and employee development, as well as the Company's compensation principles and practices. Our Board, through the Compensation Committee, evaluates and approves the Company's compensation plans, policies, and programs applicable to our senior executives. Our Board also engages in an active succession planning process.\nDigital Workplace\nEmployee outreach and engagement remain critical to the continued success and growth of ScanSource. Inclusion, participation, and appreciation are key components in retaining talent, maintaining our culture, and keeping employees engaged. In support of that, in 2023, we launched a new global digital workplace, The Bridge, as our new corporate intranet. We are excited to enhance global communication, increase employee recognition, and celebrate milestones through this engaging new platform.\nEmployee Feedback\n \n6\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nWe foster opportunities for employee engagement and have multiple avenues for communication, which allows all full-time employees to anonymously give us feedback on our workplace culture, employee programs, and more. We also implement employee engagement surveys globally to gather feedback and build the best environment possible for our employees. \nCompetition\nWe believe we are a leader in the specialty markets we serve. The market for technology products and solutions is highly competitive, both in the United States and internationally. Competitive factors include price, product availability, speed and accuracy of delivery, effectiveness of sales and marketing programs, credit availability, ability to tailor specific solutions to customer needs, quality and breadth of product lines and services and availability of technical and product information. \nOur competitors include local, regional, national and international distributors, as well as suppliers that sell directly to resellers and to end users. In addition, our competitors include resellers that sell to franchisees, third-party dealers and end users. Competition has increased over the last several years as broad line and other value-added distributors have entered into the specialty technology markets. Such competition could also result in price reductions, reduced margins and loss of market share.\nIn our Specialty Technology Solutions segment, we compete with broad-line distributors, such as Ingram Micro and TD Synnex, in most geographic areas, and more specialized security distributors, such as ADI and Wesco. We also compete against other smaller, more specialized AIDC and POS distributors, such as BlueStar. In our Modern Communications & Cloud segment, we compete against broad-line distributors, such as Ingram Micro and TD Synnex, and more specialized distributors, such as Jenne. Additionally, for Intelisys' technology services, we compete against other smaller, technology services distributors, such as Avant and Telarus. For our intY business, we compete against other developers of cloud software and services platforms, such as CloudBlue and Pax8. As we seek to expand our business into other areas closely related to our offerings, we may encounter increased competition from current competitors and/or from new competitors, some of which may be our current customers.\nSales\nOur sales organization consists of inside and field sales representatives located in the United States, Canada, the UK and Brazil. The majority of our sales partners are assigned to a dedicated sales representative or team whose main focus is developing customer relationships and providing our customers with solutions to meet their end-customer\u2019s needs. Our sales teams are advocates for and trusted advisers to our customers. Sales teams are responsible for developing technical expertise within broad product markets, recruiting sales partners, creating demand, negotiating pricing and reviewing overall product and service requirements of our customers. Our sales representatives receive comprehensive training with respect to the technical characteristics of suppliers\u2019 products, supplemented by frequent product and service seminars conducted by supplier representatives and bi-weekly meetings among product, marketing and sales managers.\nOur sales teams also provide customers with online ordering, API, EDI and other information systems, allowing customers to easily gain access to product specifications, availability and customized pricing, as well as the ability to place and follow the status of orders. \nMarketing\nWe market our technology solutions and services through a range of digital and print channels, including online product catalogs customized for our North American and Brazilian markets; social media; search engine optimization and marketing; content marketing; content automation; e-commerce; email direct marketing, among others. Our marketing practices are tailored to fit the specific needs of our customers and suppliers - ensuring we help our partners create, deliver and manage solutions for end users across our vertical markets. Our comprehensive marketing efforts include sales promotions, advertisements, management of sales leads, trade show design and event management, advertorials, content creation, partner events and training and certification courses with leading suppliers in an effort to recruit prospective sales partners. \nOperations\nInformation Technology Systems\n7\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nOur information systems are scalable and capable of supporting numerous operational functions including purchasing, receiving, order processing, shipping, inventory management and accounting. Our customers and employees rely on our information systems for online, real-time information on pricing, inventory availability and reservation and order status. Our warehouse operations use bar code technology for receiving and shipping and automated systems for freight processing and shipment tracking, each of which is integrated with our multiple information systems. The customer service and technical support departments employ systems for documentation and faster processing of sales partner inquiries. To ensure that adequate inventory levels are maintained, our buyers depend on the system\u2019s purchasing and receiving functions to track inventory on a perpetual basis. \nWarehouse and Shipping Strategy\nWe operate a 741,000 square foot distribution center in Southaven, Mississippi, which is located near the FedEx hub facility in Memphis, Tennessee, and primarily serves North America. We also acquired warehouses in California and Kentucky through our POS Portal acquisition. Our principal warehouses for our Brazil operations are located in the Brazilian states of Paran\u00e1, Esp\u00edrito Santo and Santa Catarina. Our objective is to ship all orders on the same day, using technology to expedite shipments and minimize shipping errors. We offer reduced freight rates and flexible delivery options to minimize our sales partners' need for inventory.\nFinancial Services\nOur sales terms include trade credit, various third-party financing options, which include leasing, flooring and other secured financing for qualified customers. These sales terms allow us to compete within our specific geographic areas to facilitate our growth plans. We believe these options reduce the customer\u2019s need to establish multiple credit relationships.\nTrade and Service Marks\nWe conduct our business under the trade names \"ScanSource POS and Barcode,\" \"ScanSource Catalyst,\" \"ScanSource Communications,\" \"ScanSource Services,\" \"ScanSource Networking and Security,\" \"ScanSource KBZ,\" \"ScanSource Brasil,\" \"Network1, a ScanSource company,\" \"Intelisys,\" \"POS Portal,\" \"RPM Software, a ScanSource company\" and \"intY, a ScanSource company.\" \nCertain of our tradenames, trademarks and service marks are registered, or are in the process of being registered, in the United States or various other countries. We have been issued registrations for many of our marks including, among others, \"ScanSource,\" \"Catalyst Telecom,\" and \"Network1\" in countries in our principal markets.\u00a0Even though our marks are not registered in every country where we conduct business, in many cases we have acquired rights in those marks because of our continued use of them. These marks do not have value assigned to them and have a designated indefinite life. We do not believe that our operations are dependent upon any of our marks. We also sell products and provide services under various third-party tradenames, trademarks and service marks, some of which we reference in this report, and these tradenames, trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.\nAdditional Information\nOur principal internet address is www.scansource.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report. We provide our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, free of charge on www.scansource.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (\"SEC\").",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Risk Factors.\nThe following are certain risks that could affect our business, financial position and results of operations. These risks should be considered in connection with evaluating an investment in our company and, in particular, the forward-looking statements contained in this Report because these risks could cause the actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These factors are neither presented in order of importance nor weighted. Additionally, there are other risks which could impact us that we may not describe, because we currently do not perceive them to be material or because they are presently unknown. If any of these risks develops into actual events, our business, financial condition and \n8\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nresults of operations could be negatively affected, the market price of our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment in our common stock. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any risk factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.\nRisk Factors Related to our Operations\nPeople - If we cannot continue to hire and retain high quality employees, our business and financial results may be negatively affected. \nOur operating results could be adversely affected by increased competition for employees, difficulty in recruiting employees, higher employee turnover or increased compensation and benefit costs. Our employees are important to our success and we are dependent in part on our ability to retain the services of our employees in key roles. We have built our business on a set of core values, and we attempt to hire and retain employees who are committed to these values and our culture of providing exceptional service to our customers and suppliers. In order to compete and to continue to grow, we must attract, retain and motivate employees, including those in executive, senior management, sales, marketing, logistics, technical support and other operating positions. \nMany of our employees work in small teams to provide specific services to customers and suppliers. They are trained to develop their knowledge of products, services, programs and practices and customer business needs, as well as to enhance the skills required to provide exceptional service and to manage our business. As they gain experience and develop their knowledge and skills, our employees become highly desired by other businesses. Therefore, to retain our employees and attract new ones, we have to provide a satisfying work environment and competitive compensation and benefits.\nAcquisitions - Our growth strategy includes acquisitions of companies that complement or expand our existing business. Acquisitions involve unique risks and uncertainties, including difficulty in identifying and completing potential acquisitions.\nWe have acquired, and may continue to acquire, companies that complement or expand our existing business in the United States and internationally, and some of these acquisitions may be in business lines where we have little, if any, experience. Acquisitions entail a number of risks, including that the acquired company will not perform as expected and that we will be responsible for unexpected costs or liabilities. In addition, increases in the size and complexity of our business may place a significant strain on our management, operations, technical performance, financial resources and internal financial control and reporting functions, and there are no assurances that we will be able to manage the acquisition process or newly acquired companies effectively. \nOur personnel, systems, procedures and controls may not be adequate to effectively manage our future operations, especially as we employ personnel in multiple domestic and international locations. We may not be able to hire, train, retain and manage the personnel required to address our growth. Failure to effectively manage our acquisition opportunities could damage our reputation, limit our future growth, and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.\nWe may be unable to identify acquisitions or strategic relationships we deem suitable. Even if we do, we may be unable to successfully complete any such transactions on favorable terms or at all, or to successfully integrate an acquired business, facilities, technologies, or products into our business or retain any key personnel, suppliers, or customers. Furthermore, even if we complete such transactions and effectively integrate the newly acquired business or strategic alliance into our existing operations, we may fail to realize the anticipated returns and/or fail to capture the expected benefits, such as strategic or operational synergies or cost savings.\nIT Systems - Our ability to manage our business and monitor results is highly dependent upon information and communication systems. A failure of these systems could disrupt our business. \nWe are highly dependent upon a variety of computer and telecommunication systems to operate our business, including our enterprise resource planning systems. As we are dependent upon our ability to gather and promptly transmit accurate information to key decision makers, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if our information systems do not allow us to transmit accurate information, even for a short period of time. Failure to properly or adequately address these issues could impact our ability to perform necessary business operations, which could adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, business, financial condition and results of operations. \n9\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nIn addition, the information systems of companies we acquire may not meet our standards or we may not be able to successfully convert them to provide acceptable information on a timely and cost-effective basis. Furthermore, we must attract and retain qualified people to operate our systems, expand and improve them, integrate new programs effectively with our existing programs and convert to new systems efficiently when required. Any disruption to our business due to such issues, or an increase in our costs to cover these issues, could have an adverse effect on our financial results and operations. \nOur customers rely on our electronic ordering, information systems and website for product information, including availability, pricing and placing orders. Our systems were disrupted during our recent ransomware incident, and there can be no assurance that our systems will not fail or experience disruptions again in the future, and any significant failure or disruption of these systems could prevent us from making sales, ordering and delivering products and otherwise conducting our business.\nSupply Chain issues, include a shortage of products, may increase our costs or cause a delay in fulfilling customer orders, completing services or purchasing products and services needed to support our internal operations, resulting in an adverse impact on our financial results.\nOur business depends on the timely supply of products in order to meet the demands of our customers.\nManufacturing interruptions or delays, including as a result of the financial instability or bankruptcy of manufacturers, significant labor disputes such as strikes, natural disasters, political or social unrest, pandemics or other public health crises or other adverse occurrences affecting any of our suppliers\u2019 facilities, could further disrupt our supply chain. We could experience product constraints due to the failure of suppliers to accurately forecast customer demand or to manufacture sufficient quantities of product to meet customer demand (including as a result of shortages of product components), among other reasons.\nOur supply chain is also exposed to risks related to international operations. While we purchase our products primarily in the markets we serve (for example, products for United States customers are primarily sourced in the United States), our vendor partners manufacture or purchase a significant portion of the products we sell outside of the United States, primarily in Asia. Political, social or economic instability in Asia, or in other regions in which our vendor partners purchase or manufacture the products we sell, could cause disruptions in trade, including exports to the United States.\nSupply chain issues, including a shortage of technology products and available services, may increase our costs or cause a delay in purchasing technology products needed to support our internal systems and infrastructure or operations, resulting in an impact on our operations and availability of our systems, which could result in a materially adverse effect on our operations and financial results.\nOrganic growth strategies - If we fail to effectively manage and implement our operating strategies, we may experience a negative effect on our business and financial results.\nA significant component of our growth strategy is to expand our channels and expand our existing products and services in our existing channels and entry into new channels. These efforts may divert our resources and systems, require additional resources that might not be available (or available on acceptable terms), result in new or more intense competition, require longer implementation times or greater expenditures than anticipated and otherwise fail to achieve timely desired results, if at all. If we are unable to increase our sales and earnings by expanding our product and service offerings in a cost-effective manner, our results may suffer.\nOur ability to successfully manage our organic growth will require continued enhancement of our operational, managerial and financial resources, controls, and models. Our failure to effectively manage our organic growth could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nCredit exposure - We have credit exposure to our customers. Any adverse trends or significant adverse incidents in their businesses could cause us to suffer credit losses.\nAs is customary in our industry, we extend credit to our customers, and most of our sales are on open accounts; we also provide financing to some Intelisys customers based on their future commission flows. As we grow and compete for business, our typical payment terms tend to be longer, and therefore may increase our credit risk. \n10\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nWhile we evaluate our customers' qualifications for credit and monitor our extensions of credit, these efforts cannot prevent all credit losses and any credit losses negatively impact our performance. In addition, for financial reporting purposes, we estimate future credit losses and establish reserves. To the extent that our credit losses exceed those reserves, our financial performance will be negatively impacted beyond what is expected. If there is deterioration in the collectability of our receivables, or if we fail to take other actions to adequately mitigate such credit risk, our earnings, cash flows and our ability to utilize receivable-based financing could deteriorate. \nIn addition, extending credit to international customers involves additional risks. It is often more difficult to evaluate credit risk with a customer or obtain credit protections in our international operations. Also, credit cycles and collection periods are typically longer in our international operations. As a result of these factors and other challenges in extending credit to international customers, we generally face greater credit risk from international sales compared to domestic sales. \nReliance on third parties - We are dependent on third parties for some services, including the delivery of a majority of our products, logistics and warehousing. Changes in shipping terms or the failure or inability of our third-party shippers to perform could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.\nWe rely on third parties to perform certain services for our business and for our customers, which, if not performed by these third parties in accordance with the terms of the arrangement, could result in significant disruptions or costs to our organization, including monetary damages and an adverse effect on our customer relationships. \nIn particular, we are dependent upon major shipping companies, including FedEx and UPS, for the shipment of our products to and from our centralized warehouses. Changes in shipping terms, or the inability of these third-party shippers to perform effectively, could affect our responsiveness to our customers. From time to time, we have experienced significant increases in shipping costs due to increases in fuel costs and transit losses due to a congested supply chain. Increases in our shipping costs or transit losses may adversely affect our financial results if we are unable to pass on these higher costs to our customers.\nIn Brazil, we use third parties to provide warehousing and logistics services in order to provide cost-effective operations and scale in certain regions. The failure or inability of one or more of these third parties to deliver products from suppliers to us, or products from us to our customers, for any reason could disrupt our business and harm our reputation and operating results. We work closely with our third-party logistics and warehousing providers to anticipate issues, and also review public information regarding their financial health. However, issues may not be identified quickly, which may lead to lack of or poor execution of services, loss or litigation. Additionally, deterioration of the financial condition of our logistical and warehousing providers could result in delayed responsiveness or delivery failure, which would ultimately affect our responsiveness to our customers and thus may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nInventory - The value of our inventory may be adversely affected by market and other factors.\nOur business, like that of other distributors, is subject to the risk that the value of our inventory will be adversely affected by price reductions by manufacturers, by technological changes affecting the usefulness or desirability of our products or by foreign currency fluctuations. Some of our supplier agreements and certain manufacturers\u2019 policies have some price protection and stock rotation opportunities with respect to slow-moving or obsolete inventory items; however, these protections are becoming less standard, subject to change, limited in scope and do not protect against all declines in inventory value, excess inventory, or product obsolescence, and in some instances we may not be able to fulfill all necessary conditions or successfully manage such price protection or stock rotation opportunities. In addition, these protections are not always reflected in supplier agreements and their application in a particular situation is dependent upon negotiations with our suppliers. As a result, occasionally we are required to write down the value of excess and obsolete inventory, and should any of these write-downs occur at a significant level, they could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nSuppliers - Changes to supply agreement terms or lack of product availability from our suppliers could adversely affect our operating margins, revenue or the level of capital required to fund our operations.\nOur future success is highly dependent on our relationships with our suppliers. A significant percentage of our net sales relates to products we purchase from relatively few suppliers, including Cisco and Zebra. As a result of such concentration risk, terminations of supply or services agreements or a change in terms or conditions of sale from one or more of our key suppliers could adversely affect our operating margins, revenue or the level of capital required to fund our operations. Our suppliers have the ability to make adverse changes in their sales terms and conditions, such as reducing the level of purchase discounts and \n11\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nrebates they make available to us. In addition, our supplier agreements typically are short-term and may be terminated without cause on short notice. We have no guaranteed price or delivery agreements with our suppliers. In certain product categories, limited price protection or return rights offered by our suppliers may have a bearing on the amount of product we are willing to stock. Our inability to pass through to our customers the impact of these changes, as well as if we fail to develop or maintain systems to manage ongoing supplier programs, could cause us to record inventory write-downs or other losses and could have significant negative impact on our gross margins.\nWe receive purchase discounts and rebates from some suppliers based on various factors, including goals for quantitative and qualitative sales or purchase volume and customer related metrics. Certain purchase discounts and rebates may affect gross margins. Many purchase discounts from suppliers are based on percentage increases in sales of products. Our operating results could be adversely impacted if these rebates or discounts are reduced or eliminated or if our suppliers significantly increase the complexity of their refund procedures and thus increase costs for us to obtain such rebates. \nOur ability to obtain particular products or product lines in the required quantities and our ability to fulfill customer orders on a timely basis is critical to our success. Our suppliers have experienced product supply shortages from time to time due to the inability of certain of their suppliers to supply products on a timely basis. Specifically, shortages of computer chips may lead to product constraints and adversely affect our sales volumes and product availability. In addition, our dependence on a limited number of suppliers leaves us vulnerable to having an inadequate supply of required products, price increases, late deliveries and poor product quality.\u00a0As a result, we have experienced, and may in the future continue to experience, short-term shortages of specific products or be unable to purchase our desired volume of products. Suppliers that currently distribute their products through us, may decide to shift to or substantially increase their existing distribution with other distributors, their own dealer networks, or directly to resellers or end-customers. Suppliers have, from time to time, made efforts to reduce the number of distributors with which they do business. This could result in more intense competition as distributors strive to secure distribution rights with these suppliers, which could have an adverse impact on our operating results. We cannot provide any assurances that suppliers will maintain an adequate supply of products to fulfill all of our customer orders on a timely basis. Our reputation, sales and profitability may suffer if suppliers are not able to provide us with an adequate supply of products to fulfill our customer orders on a timely basis or if we cannot otherwise obtain particular products or product lines. \nIncreasingly, our suppliers are combining and merging, leaving us with fewer alternative sources. Supplier consolidation may also lead to changes in the nature and terms of relationships with our suppliers. In addition, suppliers may face liquidity or solvency issues that in turn could negatively affect our business and operating results. Any loss or deterioration of a major supplier relationship could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nLiquidity and capital resources - Market factors and our business performance may increase the cost and decrease the availability of capital. Additional capital may not be available to us on acceptable terms to fund our working capital needs and growth.\n \nOur business requires significant levels of capital to finance accounts receivable and product inventory that is not financed by trade creditors. We have an increased demand for capital when our business is expanding, including through acquisitions and organic growth. Changes in payment terms with either suppliers or customers could also increase our capital requirements. We have historically relied on cash generated from operations, borrowings under our revolving credit facility and secured and unsecured borrowings to satisfy our capital needs and to finance growth. While we believe our existing sources of liquidity will provide sufficient resources to meet our current working capital and cash requirements, if we require an increase in capital to meet our future business needs or if we are unable to comply with covenants under our borrowings, such capital may not be available to us on terms acceptable to us, or at all. We have a multi-currency senior secured credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of banks (the \u201cAmended Credit Agreement\u201d). The Amended Credit Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants. Specifically, our Leverage Ratio must be less than or equal to 3.50:1.00 at all times. In addition, our Interest Coverage Ratio (as such term is defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) must be at least 3.00:1.00 as of the end of each fiscal quarter. In the event of a default, customary remedies are available to the lenders, including acceleration and increased interest rates.\nIn addition, the cost of borrowings under our existing sources of capital and any potential new sources of capital as a result of variable interest rates may increase, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition. Changes in how lenders rate our credit worthiness, as well as macroeconomic factors such as an economic downturn, inflation, rising interest rates and \n12\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nglobal economic instability may restrict our ability to raise capital in adequate amounts or on terms acceptable to us, and the failure to do so could harm our ability to operate our business.\nIn addition, our cash and cash equivalents are deposited with various financial institutions located in the various countries in which we operate. We endeavor to monitor these financial institutions regularly for credit quality; however, we are exposed to risk of loss on such funds or we may experience significant disruptions in our liquidity needs if one or more of these financial institutions were to fail or suffer bankruptcy or similar restructuring.\nCustomers - We operate in a highly competitive environment and good customer relations are critical to our success. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain and expand our customer relationships or acquire new customers.\nMeeting our customers' needs quickly and fairly is critical to our business success. Transactions with our customers generally are performed on a purchase order basis rather than under long term supply agreements. Therefore, our customers can choose to purchase from other sources. From time to time, we experience shortages in availability of some products from suppliers, and this impacts customers' decisions regarding whether to make purchases from us. Anything that negatively influences customer relations can also negatively impact our operating results. \nCustomer consolidation also may lead to changes in the nature and terms of relationships with our customers. The loss or deterioration of a major customer relationship could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Economic recession, higher interest rates and inflation could result in some of our customers shuttering their businesses, thus negatively impacting our business.\nLitigation - We routinely are involved in litigation that can be costly and lead to adverse results.\nIn the ordinary course of our business, we are involved in a wide range of disputes, some of which result in litigation. We are routinely involved in litigation related to commercial disputes surrounding our business activities, intellectual property disputes, employment disputes and accounts receivable collection activity. In addition, as a public company with a large shareholder base, we are susceptible to class-action lawsuits and other litigation resulting from disclosures that we or our officers and directors make (or do not make) and our other activities. Litigation is expensive to bring and defend, and the outcome of litigation can be adverse and significant. Not all adverse outcomes can be anticipated, and applicable accounting rules do not always require or permit the establishment of a reserve until a final result has occurred or becomes probable and estimable. In some instances we are insured or indemnified for the potential losses; in other instances we are not. An uninsured, under insured or non-indemnified adverse outcome in significant litigation could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We can make no assurances that we will ultimately be successful in any dispute that we are a party to. See Item 3. \"Legal Proceedings\" for further discussion of our material legal matters.\nFair value measurement of goodwill and other intangible assets - Changes in the fair value of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value could have a significant effect on our reported earnings.\nWe have substantial goodwill. On at least an annual basis, we are required to assess our goodwill and other intangible assets, including but not limited to customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, for impairment. This includes continuously monitoring events and circumstances that could trigger an impairment test outside of our annual impairment testing date in the fourth quarter of each year. Testing goodwill and other intangibles for impairment requires the use of significant estimates and other inputs outside of our control. If the carrying value of goodwill in any of our goodwill reporting units or other intangible assets is determined to exceed their respective fair values, we may be required to record significant impairment charges. In addition, our decision to dispose of certain of our operations has in the past and may in the future require us to recognize an impairment to the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets attendant to those operations. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Specialty Technology Solutions and Modern Communications & Cloud reporting units' goodwill balances are $16.4\u00a0million and $200.3\u00a0million, respectively. The fair value of the reporting units exceeded its carrying value by 2% and 13%, respectively, as of the annual goodwill impairment testing date. Any declines resulting in a goodwill impairment or long-lived asset impairment may result in material non-cash charges to our earnings. Impairment charges would also reduce our consolidated shareholders' equity and increase our debt-to-total-capitalization ratio, which could negatively impact our credit rating and access to the public debt and equity markets. \n13\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nInternational operations - Our international operations expose us to risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks we are exposed to domestically.\nWe currently have significant facilities outside the United States. For fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, approximately 9.4% of our revenue is derived from our international operations outside of the United States and Canada. These operations are subject to a variety of risks that are different from the risks that we face domestically or are similar risks but with potentially greater exposure. These risks include:\n\u2022\nFluctuations of foreign currency and exchange rates, which can impact sales, costs of the goods we sell and the reporting of our results and assets on our financial statements;\n\u2022\nChanges in international trade laws, trade agreements, or trading relationships affecting our import and export activities, including export license requirements, restrictions on the export of certain technology and tariff changes, or the imposition of new or increased trade sanctions; \n\u2022\nDifficulties in collecting accounts receivable and longer collection periods;\n\u2022\nChanges in, or expiration of, various foreign incentives that provide economic benefits to us;\n\u2022\nLabor laws or practices that impact our ability and costs to hire, retain and discharge employees;\n\u2022\nDifficulties in staffing and managing operations in foreign countries;\n\u2022\nChanges in the interpretation and enforcement of laws (in particular related to items such as duty and taxation), and laws related to data privacy such as GDPR and other similar privacy laws that impact our IT systems and processes;\n\u2022\nGlobal economic and financial market instability;\n\u2022\nPotential political and economic instability and changes in governments;\n\u2022\nCompliance with foreign and domestic import and export regulations and anti-corruption laws, including the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, U.S.\u00a0Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, UK Bribery Act, and similar laws of other jurisdictions, governing our business activities outside the United States, the violation of which could result in severe penalties, including monetary fines, criminal proceedings and suspension of export or import privileges; and\n\u2022\nTerrorist or military actions that result in destruction or seizure of our assets or suspension or disruption of our \noperations or those of our customers, suppliers or service providers. \nWe have substantial operations in Brazil and face risks related to these countries' complex tax, labor, trade compliance and consumer protection laws and regulations. Additionally, developing markets such as Brazil have greater political volatility and vulnerability to infrastructure and labor disruptions, are more likely to experience market and interest rate fluctuations and may have higher inflation. In addition, doing business in foreign countries poses additional challenges, such as finding and retaining qualified employees, particularly management-level employees, navigating underdeveloped infrastructure and identifying and retaining qualified suppliers, resellers, agents and service providers, among other risks. Furthermore, in developing markets it may be common for others to engage in business practices prohibited by laws and regulations applicable to us, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, UK Bribery Act, or similar local anti-bribery laws. Our commitment to legal compliance could put us at a competitive disadvantage, and any lapses in our compliance could subject us to civil and criminal penalties that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. \nIn addition, competition in developing markets is increasing. If we cannot successfully increase our business, our product sales, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. \nQuarterly fluctuations - Our net sales and operating results are dependent on a number of factors. Our net sales will fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and these fluctuations may cause volatility in our stock price.\nOur net sales and operating results may fluctuate quarterly and, as a result our performance in one period may vary significantly from our performance in the preceding quarter, and may differ significantly from our forecast of performance from quarter to quarter. The impact of these variances may cause volatility in our stock price. Additionally, any past financial performance should not be considered an indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in the future as our operating results may fluctuate significantly quarter to quarter. The results of any quarterly period are not indicative of results to be expected for a full fiscal year. \n14\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nCentralized functions - We have centralized a number of functions to provide efficient support to our business. As a result, a loss or reduction of use of one of our locations would have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial results.\nIn order to be as efficient as possible, we centralize a number of critical functions. For instance, we currently distribute products to the majority of North America from a single warehouse. Similarly, for the primary business operations, we utilize a single information system based in the United States for the majority of our North American operations, while our Brazilian and UK operations have separate systems. While we have backup systems and business continuity plans, any significant or lengthy interruption of our ability to provide these centralized functions as a result of natural disasters, prolonged inclement weather, security breaches or otherwise would significantly impair our ability to continue normal business operations. In addition, the centralization of these functions increases our exposure to local risks, such as the availability of qualified employees and the lessening of competition for critical services, such as freight and communications. \nRisk Factors Related to our Industry\nCompetition - We experience intense competition in all of our markets. This competition could result in reduced margins and loss of our market share.\nOur markets are fiercely competitive. We compete on the basis of price, product and service availability, speed and accuracy of delivery, effectiveness of sales and marketing programs, credit availability and terms, ability to tailor solutions to the needs of our customers, quality and breadth of product line and services, and availability of technical and product information. Our competitors include local, regional, national and international distributors as well as hardware and service suppliers that sell directly to resellers and to end-customers. In addition, we compete with resellers and master agents that sell to franchisees, third-party dealers and end-customers. Certain of our current and potential competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we have and may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. Certain smaller, regional competitors, that are specialty two-tier or mixed model master resellers, may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements in their regions. Competition has increased for our sales units as broad line and other value-added distributors have entered into the specialty technology markets. Such competition could result in price reductions, reduced margins and loss of our market share. \nAs a result of intense price competition in our industry, our gross margins and our operating profit margins historically have been narrow, and we expect them to continue to be narrow in the future. To remain competitive, we may be forced to offer more credit or extended payment terms to our customers. This could result in an increase in our need for capital, increase our financing costs, increase our bad debt expenses and have an adverse impact on our results of operations. We may lose market share, reduce our prices in response to actions of our competitors, or withdraw from geographical markets where we do not believe we can earn appropriate margins. We expect continued intense competition as current competitors expand their operations and new competitors enter the market. Our inability to compete successfully against current and future competitors could cause our revenue and earnings to decline. \nDisruptive technology - We may not be able to respond and adapt to rapid technological changes, evolving industry standards or changing customer needs or requirements, and thus may become less competitive.\nThe market for some of our products and services is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and changes in customer demand, which can contribute to the decline in value or obsolescence of inventory. Although some of our suppliers provide us with certain protections from the loss in value of inventory (such as price protection and certain return rights), we cannot be sure that such protections will fully compensate for any loss in value, or that the suppliers will choose to, or be able to, honor such agreements. \nOur ability and our supplier's ability to anticipate and react quickly to new technology trends and customer requirements is crucial to our overall success, financial condition and results of operations. If our suppliers fail to evolve their product and service offerings, or if we fail to evolve our product and service offerings or engage with desirable suppliers in time to respond to, and remain ahead of, new technological developments, it would adversely affect our ability to retain or increase market share and revenue. New technologies may emerge that quickly surpass the capabilities of the products we currently hold in inventory or have access to sell through our existing supplier network, and our customers may no longer view our product offerings as desirable or necessary, which could result in a reduction in our market share and ability to obtain sufficient profit margins. Some of our competitors and our suppliers\u2019 competitors may be better at adapting to disruptive technology or entering \n15\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nnew markets. Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to adapt and manage our product and service offerings to meet customer needs at prices that our customers are willing to pay. \nGeneral Risk Factors\nCybersecurity risk - If we are the subject of a ransomware or other cyberattack, we could lose valuable financial and operational data, we could be prevented from processing customer orders, ordering and tracking inventory, and efficiently operating our business, and we could lose revenue and profits and incur significant costs. In addition, we could be subject to legal claims in the event of the loss, disclosure or misappropriation of, or access to, our customer's or business partners' or our own information.\nWe make extensive use of online services and integrated information systems, including through third-party service providers. The secure maintenance and transmission of customer information is a critical element of our operations. Our information technology and other systems that maintain and transmit customer or employee information or those of service providers or business partners may be compromised by a malicious third-party penetration of our network security, or that of a third-party service provider or business partner, or impacted by advertent or inadvertent actions or inactions by our employees, or those of a third-party service provider or business partner. With constant changes in the security landscape, experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate our network security, or that of our third-party service providers, and misappropriate or compromise our confidential information, create system disruptions, or cause shutdowns. As a result, our customers' information may be lost, disclosed, accessed or taken without our customers' consent. \nWe are subject to laws and regulations relating to customer privacy and the protection of personal information. Any such loss, disclosure or misappropriation of, or access to, customers' or business partners' information or our information or other breach of such information security can result in legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations and actions, and may have a serious impact on our reputation and may adversely affect our businesses, operating results and financial condition. \nIn May 2023, we learned that we had been the subject of a ransomware attack. The attacker encrypted files that, in turn, made certain of our systems inaccessible until they were restored. This attack interrupted our ability to accept and process orders for approximately nine business days and resulted in the disclosure on the \"dark web\" of various information from our systems. Although substantially all of the restoration is complete, there can be no assurance that we will not be a victim of a ransomware or other cyberattack again in the future.\nIncreased government regulation - We may be subject to additional costs and subject to fines and penalties because certain governmental entities are end-customers of products that we sell.\nCertain of our customers sell our products to government entities, which requires us to comply with additional laws, regulations and contractual requirements relating to how we conduct business. In complying with such laws, regulations and other requirements, we may incur additional costs. In addition, non-compliance with such laws, regulations and other requirements also may expose us to fines and penalties, including contractual damages or the loss of certain contracts or business. We also may be subject to increased scrutiny and investigation into our business practices, which may increase operating costs and increase legal liability, as well as expose us to additional reputational risk. \nVolatility of Stock Price - The trading price of our common stock fluctuates. \nThe stock market as a whole and the trading prices of companies with smaller capitalization have been volatile. This volatility could significantly reduce the price of our common stock at any time, without regard to our own operating performance. This volatility may affect the price at which you could sell your common stock. Our stock price is likely to continue to be volatile in response to market and other factors; variations in our quarterly operating results from our expectations or those of securities analysts or investors; downward revisions in securities analysts\u2019 estimates; and announcement by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, transactions, partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments.\nA material decline in the price of our common stock may result in the assertion of certain claims against us, and/or the commencement of inquiries and/or investigations against us. A prolonged decline in the price of our common stock could result in a reduction in the liquidity of our common stock and a reduction in our ability to raise capital, if needed, and the inability for you to obtain a favorable price at which you could sell your shares. \n16\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nForeign currency - Our international operations expose us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that could adversely affect our results of operations. \n \nWe transact sales, pay expenses, own assets and incur liabilities in countries using currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Volatility in foreign exchange rates increase our risk of loss related to products and services purchased in a currency other than the currency in which those products and services are sold. We maintain policies to reduce our net exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through the use of derivative financial instruments, however there can be no assurance that fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates will not materially affect our financial results. Because our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, we must translate our financial statements into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect during each reporting period. Therefore, increases or decreases in the exchanges rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies we transact in may positively or negatively affect our results of operations. In addition, unexpected and dramatic changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect our earnings from those markets. \nEconomic weakness - Economic weakness, including recession and inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty could adversely affect our results and prospects.\nOur financial results, operations and prospects depend significantly on worldwide economic and geopolitical conditions, the demand for our products and services, and the financial condition of our customers and suppliers. Economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty have in the past resulted, and may result in the future, in reduced demand for products resulting in decreased sales, margins and earnings. Economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty may also lead us to impair assets, including goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, take restructuring actions or adjust our operating strategy and reduce expenses in response to decreased sales or margins. We may not be able to adequately adjust our cost structure in a timely fashion, which may adversely impact our profitability. Uncertainty about economic conditions may increase foreign currency volatility in markets in which we transact business, which may negatively impact our results. Economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty also make it more difficult for us to manage inventory levels and/or collect customer receivables, which may result in provisions to create reserves, write-offs, reduced access to liquidity and higher financing costs. ",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\nOverview\nScanSource is a leading hybrid distributor connecting devices to the cloud and accelerating growth for customers across hardware, SaaS, connectivity and cloud. We provide technology solutions and services from more than 500 leading suppliers of mobility and barcode, POS and payments, physical security and networking, communications and collaboration, connectivity and cloud services to our approximately 30,000 customers located in the United States, Canada, Brazil, the UK and Europe. \nWe operate our business under a management structure that enhances our technology focus and hybrid distribution growth strategy. Our segments operate in the United States, Canada, Brazil and the UK and consist of the following:\n\u2022\nSpecialty Technology Solutions\n\u2022\nModern Communications & Cloud\nWe sell hardware, SaaS, connectivity and cloud solutions and services through channel partners to end users. We operate distribution facilities that support our United States and Canada business in Mississippi, California and Kentucky. Brazil distribution facilities are located in the Brazilian states of Paran\u00e1, Espirito Santo and Santa Catarina. We provide some of our digital products, which include SaaS and subscriptions, through our digital tools and platforms.\nOur key suppliers include 8x8, AT&T, Aruba/HPE, Avaya, Axis, Cisco, Comcast Business, Datalogic, Dell, Elo, Epson, Equinix, Extreme, F5, Five9, Fortinet, Genesys, Granite, GTT, Hanwha, Honeywell, Ingenico, Jabra, Logitech, Lumen, Microsoft, MetTel, Mitel, NCR, NICE CXone, Poly HP, RingCentral, Spectrum, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Trend Micro, Ubiquiti, Verifone, Verizon, VMWare, Windstream, Zebra Technologies and Zoom.\nRecent Developments\nCybersecurity Incident\nOn May 14, 2023, we discovered that we were subject to a cybersecurity attack perpetrated by unauthorized third parties that affected our IT systems. Upon detection, we took immediate steps to address the incident, engaged third-party experts, and notified law enforcement. We have cyber insurance and are working with our insurance carriers on claims to recover costs incurred. On May 26, 2023, we substantially recovered our operations and completed the restoration of our pertinent IT systems. We have taken actions to strengthen our existing IT security infrastructure and will continue to implement additional measures to prevent unauthorized access to, or manipulation of, our systems and data.\nImpact of the Macroeconomic Environment, Including Inflation and Supply Chain Constraints\nThe macroeconomic environment, including the economic impacts of supply chain constraints, rising interest rates and inflation continues to create significant uncertainty and may adversely affect our consolidated results of operations. We are actively monitoring changes to the global macroeconomic environment and assessing the potential impacts these challenges may have on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. We are also mindful of the potential impact these conditions could have on our customers and suppliers.\nIn spite of these challenges and uncertainties, we believe we have managed the supply chain requirements of our customers and suppliers effectively to date. While we are unable to predict the ultimate impact these factors will have on our business, certain technologies have benefited from the widespread adoption to a work-from-anywhere business model, as well as the accelerated shift to digitize and automate processes.\nOur Strategy\nOur strategy is to drive sustainable, profitable growth by orchestrating hybrid technology solutions through a growing ecosystem of partners leveraging our people, processes and tools. Our goal is to provide exceptional experiences for our partners, suppliers and employees, and we strive for operational excellence. Our hybrid distribution strategy relies on a channel sales model to offer hardware, SaaS, connectivity and cloud services from leading technology suppliers to customers that solve end users\u2019 challenges. ScanSource enables customers to deliver solutions for their end users to address changing buying and \n21\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nconsumption patterns. Our solutions may include a combination of offerings from multiple suppliers or give our customers access to additional services. As a trusted adviser to our customers, we provide customized solutions through our strong understanding of end user needs.\nResults of Operations from Continuing Operations\nThe following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain income and expense items as a percentage of net sales. Totals may not sum due to rounding.\n\u00a0\nFiscal\u00a0Year\u00a0Ended\u00a0June\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n2021\nStatement of income data:\nNet sales\n100.0\n\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nCost of goods sold\n88.1\n\u00a0\n87.9\u00a0\n88.9\u00a0\nGross profit\n11.9\n\u00a0\n12.1\u00a0\n11.1\u00a0\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n7.5\n\u00a0\n7.8\u00a0\n7.9\u00a0\nDepreciation expense\n0.3\n\u00a0\n0.3\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\nIntangible amortization expense\n0.4\n\u00a0\n0.5\u00a0\n0.6\u00a0\nRestructuring and other charges\n0.0\n\u00a0\n0.0\u00a0\n0.3\u00a0\nOperating income\n3.6\n\u00a0\n3.5\u00a0\n2.0\u00a0\nInterest expense\n0.5\n\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\n0.2\u00a0\nInterest income\n(0.2)\n(0.1)\n(0.1)\nOther (income) expense, net\n0.0\n\u00a0\n0.0\u00a0\n0.0\u00a0\nIncome from continuing operations before income taxes\n3.2\n\u00a0\n3.4\u00a0\n1.8\u00a0\nProvision for income taxes\n0.9\n\u00a0\n0.8\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\nNet income from continuing operations\n2.3\n\u00a0\n2.5\u00a0\n1.4\u00a0\nNet income (loss) from discontinued operations\n0.0\n\u00a0\n0.0\u00a0\n(1.1)\nNet income\n2.4\n\u00a0\n%\n2.5\u00a0\n%\n0.3\u00a0\n%\nComparison of Fiscal Years Ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022\nBelow is a discussion of fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022. Please refer to our form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022 for a discussion of fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2021.\nNet Sales\nWe have two reportable segments, which are based on technology. The following table summarizes our net sales results by business segment and by geographic location for the comparable fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022.\n22\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\n2023\n2022\n$\u00a0Change\n%\u00a0Change\n% Change Constant Currency, Excluding Divestitures and Acquisitions \n(a)\n\u00a0\n(in thousands)\n\u00a0\nSales by Segment:\nSpecialty Technology Solutions\n$\n2,331,030\n\u00a0\n$\n2,082,321\u00a0\n$\n248,709\u00a0\n11.9\u00a0\n%\n11.9\u00a0\n%\nModern Communications & Cloud\n1,456,691\n\u00a0\n1,447,614\u00a0\n9,077\u00a0\n0.6\u00a0\n%\n0.4\u00a0\n%\nTotal net sales\n$\n3,787,721\n\u00a0\n$\n3,529,935\u00a0\n$\n257,786\u00a0\n7.3\u00a0\n%\n7.2\u00a0\n%\nSales by Geography Category:\nUnited States\n$\n3,432,074\n\u00a0\n$\n3,173,694\u00a0\n$\n258,380\u00a0\n8.1\u00a0\n%\n8.1\u00a0\n%\nInternational\n355,647\n\u00a0\n356,241\u00a0\n(594)\n(0.2)\n%\n(1.4)\n%\nTotal net sales\n$\n3,787,721\n\u00a0\n$\n3,529,935\u00a0\n$\n257,786\u00a0\n7.3\u00a0\n%\n7.2\u00a0\n%\n(a)\n \nA reconciliation of non-GAAP net sales in constant currency, excluding divestitures and acquisitions is presented at the end of \nResults of Operations\n, under \nNon-GAAP Financial Information\n.\nOur sales during our fourth quarter were adversely impacted by the cybersecurity attack that we discovered on May 14, 2023. Until the appropriate restoration was completed, we generally were not able to use our core systems to accept orders or ship products. Because some of the lost sales may simply have been deferred, we do not yet have a complete estimate of the ultimate impact. We have business interruption insurance that should cover a portion of the lost profits attributable to any lost sales.\nSpecialty Technology Solutions\nThe Specialty Technology Solutions segment consists of sales to customers in North America and Brazil. During fiscal year 2023, net sales for this segment increased $248.7 million, or 11.9%, compared to fiscal year 2022. Excluding the foreign exchange positive impact of $0.9 million, adjusted net sales for fiscal year 2023 increased $247.8 million, or 11.9%, compared to the prior year. The increase in net sales and in adjusted net sales is primarily due to strong growth in key technologies in North America.\nModern Communications & Cloud\nThe Modern Communications & Cloud segment consists of sales to customers in North America, Brazil, Europe and the UK. During fiscal year 2023, net sales for this segment increased $9.1 million, or 0.6%, compared to fiscal year 2022. Excluding the foreign exchange positive impact of $3.5 million, adjusted net sales increased $5.6 million, or 0.4%, compared to the prior year. The increase in net sales and adjusted net sales is primarily due to increased networking sales, partially offset by lower sales volumes in our communications hardware.\nIntelisys connectivity and cloud net sales for fiscal year 2023 increased 7.0% year-over-year. For our Intelisys business, net sales reflect the net commissions received from suppliers after paying sales partner commissions. For fiscal year 2023, Intelisys net billings, which are amounts billed by suppliers to end users and represents annual recurring revenue, totaled approximately $2.47\u00a0billion. The fiscal year 2023 Intelisys net billings resulted in Intelisys net sales of approximately $79.5 million.\nGross Profit \nThe following table summarizes our gross profit for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022:\n23\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n% of Sales\nJune 30,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n$\u00a0Change\n%\u00a0Change\n2023\n2022\n\u00a0\n(in\u00a0thousands)\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSpecialty Technology Solutions\n$\n224,239\n\u00a0\n$\n205,757\u00a0\n$\n18,482\u00a0\n9.0\u00a0\n%\n9.6\u00a0\n%\n9.9\u00a0\n%\nModern Communications & Cloud\n225,000\n\u00a0\n220,767\u00a0\n4,233\u00a0\n1.9\u00a0\n%\n15.4\u00a0\n%\n15.3\u00a0\n%\nTotal gross profit\n$\n449,239\n\u00a0\n$\n426,524\u00a0\n$\n22,715\u00a0\n5.3\u00a0\n%\n11.9\u00a0\n%\n12.1\u00a0\n%\nOur gross profit is primarily affected by sales volume and gross margin mix. Gross margin mix is impacted by multiple factors, which include sales mix (proportion of sales of higher margin products or services relative to total sales), vendor program recognition (consisting of volume rebates, inventory price changes and purchase discounts) and freight costs. Increases in vendor program recognition decrease cost of goods sold, thereby increasing gross profit. Net sales derived from our Intelisys business contribute 100% to our gross profit dollars and margin as they have no associated cost of goods sold.\nSpecialty Technology Solutions\nFor the Specialty Technology Solutions segment, gross profit dollars increased $18.5 million. Higher sales volume, after considering the associated cost of goods sold, contributed $24.6\u00a0million to the growth of gross profit dollars. Gross margin mix negatively impacted gross profit by $6.1\u00a0million, largely from a less favorable sales mix. For the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, the gross profit margin decreased 26 basis points over the prior-year to 9.6%.\nModern Communications & Cloud\nFor the Modern Communications & Cloud segment, gross profit dollars increased $4.2 million. Higher sales volume, after considering the associated cost of goods sold, contributed $1.4\u00a0million to the growth of gross profit dollars. Gross margin mix positively impacted gross profit by $2.8\u00a0million, largely from a more favorable sales mix, partially offset by lower vendor program recognition. For the year ended June\u00a030, 2023, the gross profit margin increased 20 basis points over the prior year to 15.4%. \nOperating expenses\nThe following table summarizes our operating expenses for the periods ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n% of Sales\nJune\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n$\u00a0Change\n%\u00a0Change\n2023\n2022\n\u00a0\n(in thousands)\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n$\n285,695\n\u00a0\n$\n275,442\u00a0\n$\n10,253\u00a0\n3.7\u00a0\n%\n7.5\u00a0\n%\n7.8\u00a0\n%\nDepreciation expense\n10,912\n\u00a0\n11,062\u00a0\n(150)\n(1.4)\n%\n0.3\u00a0\n%\n0.3\u00a0\n%\nIntangible amortization expense\n16,746\n\u00a0\n17,853\u00a0\n(1,107)\n(6.2)\n%\n0.4\u00a0\n%\n0.5\u00a0\n%\nOperating expenses\n$\n313,353\n\u00a0\n$\n304,357\u00a0\n$\n8,996\u00a0\n3.0\u00a0\n%\n8.3\u00a0\n%\n8.6\u00a0\n%\nSelling, general and administrative expenses (\"SG&A\") increased $10.3 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 compared to the prior year. The increase in SG&A expenses is primarily attributable to higher employee costs, partially offset by net tax recoveries of $3.0\u00a0million related to prior periods.\nSG&A includes approximately $1.5\u00a0million in costs attendant to the cybersecurity attack. We have cyber-related insurance that should cover a portion (or all) of these expenses. While we continuously try to improve our cybersecurity, the nature of the particular attack did not suggest a broad problem with our cybersecurity efforts, and we do not expect a significant increase in ongoing cybersecurity-related expenses.\n24\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nIntangible amortization expense decreased $1.1 million for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 compared to the prior year. Amortization expense decreased during fiscal year 2023 due to certain trade name and non-compete intangibles becoming fully amortized in the current year.\nOperating Income\nThe following table summarizes our operating income for the periods ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n% of Sales\nJune 30,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n$\u00a0Change\n%\u00a0Change\n2023\n2022\n\u00a0\n(in thousands)\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSpecialty Technology Solutions\n$\n75,688\n\u00a0\n$\n66,686\u00a0\n$\n9,002\u00a0\n13.5\u00a0\n%\n3.2\u00a0\n%\n3.2\u00a0\n%\nModern Communications & Cloud\n61,658\n\u00a0\n55,511\u00a0\n6,147\u00a0\n11.1\u00a0\n%\n4.2\u00a0\n%\n3.8\u00a0\n%\nCorporate\n(1,460)\n(30)\n(1,430)\n*nm\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nTotal operating income\n$\n135,886\n\u00a0\n$\n122,167\u00a0\n$\n13,719\u00a0\n11.2\u00a0\n%\n3.6\u00a0\n%\n3.5\u00a0\n%\n*nm - not meaningful\nSpecialty Technology Solutions\nFor the Specialty Technology Solutions segment, operating income increased $9.0 million, and operating margin increased 5 basis points to 3.2% for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, compared to the prior year. The increase in operating income and operating margin is primarily due to higher gross profits.\nModern Communications & Cloud\nFor the Modern Communications & Cloud segment, operating income increased $6.1 million and the operating margin increased 40 basis points to 4.2% for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, compared to the prior year. The increase in operating income and margin is largely due to higher gross profits.\nCorporate\nThe fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 Corporate operating loss of $1.5 million represents cyberattack restoration charges. Corporate incurred less than $0.1\u00a0million in divestiture costs during the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2022.\nTotal Other (Income) Expense\nThe following table summarizes our total other (income) expense for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n% of Sales\nJune\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n$\u00a0Change\n%\u00a0Change\n2023\n2022\n\u00a0\n(in thousands)\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nInterest expense\n$\n19,786\n\u00a0\n$\n6,523\u00a0\n$\n13,263\u00a0\n203.3\u00a0\n%\n0.5\u00a0\n%\n0.2\u00a0\n%\nInterest income\n(7,414)\n(4,333)\n(3,081)\n71.1\u00a0\n%\n(0.2)\n%\n(0.1)\n%\nNet foreign exchange losses\n2,168\n\u00a0\n2,078\u00a0\n90\u00a0\n4.3\u00a0\n%\n0.1\u00a0\n%\n0.1\u00a0\n%\nOther, net\n(504)\n(724)\n220\u00a0\n(30.4)\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\n\u2014\u00a0\n%\nTotal other (income) expense\n$\n14,036\n\u00a0\n$\n3,544\u00a0\n$\n10,492\u00a0\n296.0\u00a0\n%\n0.4\u00a0\n%\n0.1\u00a0\n%\n25\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nInterest expense consists primarily of interest incurred on borrowings, non-utilization fees charged on the revolving credit facility and amortization of debt issuance costs. Interest expense increased in fiscal 2023 as compared to 2022 primarily from higher interest rates and higher average borrowings on our multi-currency revolving credit facility.\nInterest income for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022 was generated on interest-bearing investments in Brazil and customer receivables. \nNet foreign exchange gains and losses consist of foreign currency transactional and functional currency re-measurements, offset by net foreign exchange forward contracts gains and losses. Foreign exchange gains and losses are generated as the result of fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar versus the Brazilian real, the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar, the euro versus the U.S. dollar, and the British pound versus the U.S. dollar. We partially offset foreign currency exposure with the use of foreign exchange contracts to hedge against these exposures. The costs associated with foreign exchange contracts are included in the net foreign exchange losses. \nProvision for Income Taxes\nIncome tax expense for continuing operations was $33.8 million and $29.9 million for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively, reflecting effective tax rates of 27.7% and 25.2%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 is primarily the result of an increase in global intangible low taxed income. Subsequent to the 2023 fiscal year end, the IRS issued Notice 2023-55, which provides taxpayers with Brazilian subsidiaries temporary relief from the final foreign tax credit regulations. As a result, we anticipate recognizing a $1.5\u00a0million tax benefit for the 2023 fiscal year as a discrete item in the first quarter of the 2024 fiscal year.\nWe expect the fiscal year 2024 effective tax rate from continuing operations to be approximately 26.6% to 27.6%. See Note 13 - \nIncome Taxes\n in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion including an effective tax rate reconciliation. \n26\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nNon-GAAP Financial Information\nEvaluating Financial Condition and Operating Performance\nIn addition to disclosing results that are determined in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (\"US GAAP\" or \"GAAP\"), we also disclose certain non-GAAP financial measures. These measures include non-GAAP operating income; non-GAAP pre-tax income; non-GAAP net income; non-GAAP EPS; adjusted earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (\"adjusted EBITDA\"); adjusted return on invested capital (\"adjusted ROIC\"); and constant currency. Constant currency is a measure that excludes the translation exchange impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates between reporting periods. We use non-GAAP financial measures to better understand and evaluate performance, including comparisons from period to period.\nThese non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and the non-GAAP financial measures that we report may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts reported by other companies. Analysis of results and outlook on a non-GAAP basis should be considered in addition to, and not in substitution for or as superior to, measurements of financial performance prepared in accordance with US GAAP.\nAdjusted Return on Invested Capital\nAdjusted ROIC assists us in comparing our performance over various reporting periods on a consistent basis because it removes from our operating results the impact of items that do not reflect our core operating performance. We believe the calculation of adjusted ROIC provides useful information to investors and is an additional relevant comparison of our performance during the year.\nAdjusted EBITDA starts with net income and adds back interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation expense, amortization of intangible assets, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, non-cash shared-based compensation expense and other non-GAAP adjustments. Since adjusted EBITDA excludes some non-cash costs of investing in our business and people, we believe that adjusted EBITDA shows the profitability from our business operations more clearly. The presentation for adjusted EBITDA for all periods presented has been recast to reflect this change to enhance comparability between periods.\n \nWe calculate adjusted ROIC as adjusted EBITDA, divided by invested capital. Invested capital is defined as average equity plus average daily funded interest-bearing debt for the period. The following table summarizes annualized adjusted ROIC for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022.\n2023\n2022\nAdjusted return on invested capital ratio\n14.6\n\u00a0\n%\n17.0\u00a0\n%\nThe components of our adjusted ROIC calculation and reconciliation to our financial statements are shown, as follows:\nFiscal Year Ended June\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n\u00a0\n(in thousands)\nReconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA:\nNet income from continuing operations (GAAP)\n$\n88,092\n\u00a0\n$\n88,698\u00a0\nPlus: Interest expense\n19,786\n\u00a0\n6,523\u00a0\nPlus: Income taxes\n33,758\n\u00a0\n29,925\u00a0\nPlus: Depreciation\u00a0and amortization\n28,614\n\u00a0\n29,884\u00a0\nEBITDA (non-GAAP)\n170,250\n\u00a0\n155,030\u00a0\nPlus: Share-based compensation\n11,219\n\u00a0\n11,663\u00a0\nPlus: Tax recovery\n(2,986)\n\u2014\u00a0\nPlus: Cyberattack restoration costs\n1,460\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPlus: Divestiture costs\n(a)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n30\u00a0\nAdjusted EBITDA (numerator for adjusted ROIC) (non-GAAP)\n179,943\n\u00a0\n166,723\u00a0\n27\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nFiscal Year Ended June\u00a030,\n\u00a0\n2023\n2022\n\u00a0\n(in thousands)\nInvested capital calculations:\nEquity \u2013 beginning of the year\n$\n806,528\n\u00a0\n$\n731,191\u00a0\nEquity \u2013 end of the year\n905,298\n\u00a0\n806,528\u00a0\nPlus: Share-based compensation, net\n8,326\n\u00a0\n8,709\u00a0\nPlus: Divestiture costs\n(a)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n30\u00a0\nPlus: Cyberattack restoration costs, net\n1,092\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPlus: Tax recovery, net\n(3,985)\n\u2014\u00a0\nPlus: Impact of discontinued operations, net\n(1,717)\n(100)\nAverage equity\n857,771\n\u00a0\n773,179\u00a0\nAverage funded debt\n(b)\n372,235\n\u00a0\n209,114\u00a0\nInvested capital (denominator for adjusted ROIC) (non-GAAP)\n$\n1,230,006\n\u00a0\n$\n982,293\u00a0\n(a)\n \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Includes divestiture costs for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022. Divestiture costs are generally non-deductible for tax purposes.\n(b)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAverage funded debt is calculated as the daily average amounts outstanding on our short-term and long-term interest-bearing debt.\nNet Sales in Constant Currency, Excluding Acquisitions and Divestitures\nWe make references to \"constant currency,\" a non-GAAP performance measure that excludes the foreign exchange rate impact from fluctuations in the average foreign exchange rates between reporting periods. Constant currency is calculated by translating current period results from currencies other than the U.S. dollar into U.S. dollars using the comparable average foreign exchange rates from the prior year period. We also exclude the impact of acquisitions prior to the first full year of operations from the acquisition date in order to show net sales results on an organic basis. This information is provided to analyze underlying trends without the translation impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates and the impact of acquisitions. Below we show organic growth by providing a non-GAAP reconciliation of net sales in constant currency, excluding acquisitions:\nNet Sales by Segment:\nFiscal Year Ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\n$ Change\n% Change\nSpecialty Technology Solutions:\n(in thousands)\nNet sales, reported\n$\n2,331,030\n\u00a0\n$\n2,082,321\u00a0\n$\n248,709\u00a0\n11.9\u00a0\n%\nForeign exchange impact\n(a)\n(923)\n\u2014\u00a0\nNon-GAAP net sales, constant currency\n$\n2,330,107\n\u00a0\n$\n2,082,321\u00a0\n$\n247,786\u00a0\n11.9\u00a0\n%\nModern Communications & Cloud:\nNet sales, reported\n$\n1,456,691\n\u00a0\n$\n1,447,614\u00a0\n$\n9,077\u00a0\n0.6\u00a0\n%\nForeign exchange impact\n(a)\n(3,492)\n\u2014\u00a0\nNon-GAAP net sales, constant currency\n$\n1,453,199\n\u00a0\n$\n1,447,614\u00a0\n$\n5,585\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\n%\nConsolidated:\nNet sales, reported\n$\n3,787,721\n\u00a0\n$\n3,529,935\u00a0\n$\n257,786\u00a0\n7.3\u00a0\n%\nForeign exchange impact\n(a)\n(4,415)\n\u2014\u00a0\nNon-GAAP net sales, constant currency\n$\n3,783,306\n\u00a0\n$\n3,529,935\u00a0\n$\n253,371\u00a0\n7.2\u00a0\n%\n(a) Year-over-year net sales growth rate excluding the translation impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Calculated by translating the net sales for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 into U.S. dollars using the average foreign exchange rates for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022.\n28\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nNet Sales by Geography:\nFiscal Year Ended June 30,\n2023\n2022\n$ Change\n% Change\nUnited States and Canada:\n(in thousands)\nNet sales, as reported\n$\n3,432,074\n\u00a0\n$\n3,173,694\u00a0\n$\n258,380\u00a0\n8.1\u00a0\n%\nInternational:\nNet sales, reported\n$\n355,647\n\u00a0\n$\n356,241\u00a0\n$\n(594)\n(0.2)\n%\nForeign exchange impact\n(a)\n(4,415)\n\u2014\u00a0\nNon-GAAP net sales, constant currency\n$\n351,232\n\u00a0\n$\n356,241\u00a0\n$\n(5,009)\n(1.4)\n%\nConsolidated:\nNet sales, reported\n$\n3,787,721\n\u00a0\n$\n3,529,935\u00a0\n$\n257,786\u00a0\n7.3\u00a0\n%\nForeign exchange impact\n(a)\n(4,415)\n\u2014\u00a0\nNon-GAAP net sales, constant currency\n$\n3,783,306\n\u00a0\n$\n3,529,935\u00a0\n$\n253,371\u00a0\n7.2\u00a0\n%\n(a) Year-over-year net sales growth rate excluding the translation impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Calculated by translating the net sales for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 into U.S. dollars using the average foreign exchange rates for the year ended June\u00a030, 2022.\n29\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nOperating Income by Segment:\nFiscal year ended June 30,\n% of Net Sales \nJune 30,\n2023\n2022\n$ Change\n% Change\n2023\n2022\nSpecialty Technology Solutions:\n(in thousands)\nGAAP operating income\n$\n75,688\n\u00a0\n$\n66,686\u00a0\n$\n9,002\u00a0\n13.5\u00a0\n%\n3.2\n\u00a0\n%\n3.2\u00a0\n%\nAdjustments:\nAmortization of intangible assets\n5,136\n\u00a0\n6,005\u00a0\n(869)\nNon-GAAP operating income\n$\n80,824\n\u00a0\n$\n72,691\u00a0\n$\n8,133\u00a0\n11.2\u00a0\n%\n3.5\n\u00a0\n%\n3.5\u00a0\n%\nModern Communications & Cloud:\nGAAP operating income\n$\n61,658\n\u00a0\n$\n55,511\u00a0\n$\n6,147\u00a0\n11.1\u00a0\n%\n4.2\n\u00a0\n%\n3.8\u00a0\n%\nAdjustments:\nAmortization of intangible assets\n11,610\n\u00a0\n11,848\u00a0\n(238)\nTax recovery\n(2,986)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(2,986)\nNon-GAAP operating income\n$\n70,282\n\u00a0\n$\n67,359\u00a0\n$\n2,923\u00a0\n4.3\u00a0\n%\n4.8\n\u00a0\n%\n4.7\u00a0\n%\nCorporate:\nGAAP operating loss\n$\n(1,460)\n$\n(30)\n$\n(1,430)\nnm*\nnm*\nnm*\nAdjustments:\nDivestiture costs\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n30\u00a0\n(30)\nCyberattack restoration costs\n1,460\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n1,460\u00a0\nNon-GAAP operating income\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nnm*\nnm*\nnm*\nConsolidated:\nGAAP operating income\n$\n135,886\n\u00a0\n$\n122,167\u00a0\n$\n13,719\u00a0\n11.2\u00a0\n%\n3.6\n\u00a0\n%\n3.5\u00a0\n%\nAdjustments:\nAmortization of intangible assets\n16,746\n\u00a0\n17,853\u00a0\n(1,107)\nCyberattack restoration costs\n1,460\n\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n1,460\u00a0\nDivestiture costs\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n30\u00a0\n(30)\nTax recovery\n(2,986)\n\u2014\u00a0\n(2,986)\nNon-GAAP operating income\n$\n151,106\n\u00a0\n$\n140,050\u00a0\n$\n11,056\u00a0\n7.9\u00a0\n%\n4.0\n\u00a0\n%\n4.0\u00a0\n%\n30\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nAdditional Non-GAAP Metrics \nTo evaluate current period performance on a more consistent basis with prior periods, we disclose non-GAAP SG&A expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP pre-tax income, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. Non-GAAP results exclude amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, acquisition and divestiture costs, restructuring costs, impact of Divestitures and other non-GAAP adjustments. These year-over-year metrics include the translation impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These metrics are useful in assessing and understanding our operating performance, especially when comparing results with previous periods or forecasting performance for future periods. Below we provide a non-GAAP reconciliation of the aforementioned metrics adjusted for the costs and charges mentioned above:\nYear ended June 30, 2023\nGAAP Measure\nIntangible amortization expense\nTax recovery\nDivestiture costs\nCyberattack restoration costs\nNon-GAAP measure\n(in thousands, except per share data)\nSG&A expenses\n$\n285,695\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n2,986\n\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n(1,460)\n$\n287,221\n\u00a0\nOperating income\n135,886\n\u00a0\n16,746\n\u00a0\n(2,986)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n1,460\n\u00a0\n151,106\n\u00a0\nPre-tax income\n121,850\n\u00a0\n16,746\n\u00a0\n(2,986)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n1,460\n\u00a0\n137,070\n\u00a0\nNet income\n88,092\n\u00a0\n12,489\n\u00a0\n(3,985)\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n1,092\n\u00a0\n97,688\n\u00a0\nDiluted EPS\n$\n3.47\n\u00a0\n$\n0.49\n\u00a0\n$\n(0.16)\n$\n\u2014\n\u00a0\n$\n0.04\n\u00a0\n$\n3.85\n\u00a0\nYear ended June 30, 2022\nGAAP Measure\nIntangible amortization expense\nTax recovery\nDivestiture costs\nCyberattack restoration costs\nNon-GAAP measure\n(in thousands, except per share data)\nSG&A expenses\n$\n275,442\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n(30)\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n275,412\u00a0\nOperating income\n122,167\u00a0\n17,853\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n30\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n140,050\u00a0\nPre-tax income\n118,623\u00a0\n17,853\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n30\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n136,506\u00a0\nNet income\n88,698\u00a0\n13,412\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n30\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n102,140\u00a0\nDiluted EPS\n$\n3.44\u00a0\n$\n0.52\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n3.97\u00a0\n31\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\nManagement\u2019s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with US GAAP. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis management evaluates its estimates, including those related to the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, inventory reserves to reduce inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value, supplier incentives and goodwill. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form a basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. For further discussion of our significant accounting policies, refer to Note 1 - \nBusiness and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\n.\nAllowances for Trade and Notes Receivable\nWe adopted ASU 2016-13, \nFinancial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326) \neffective July 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Our policy for estimating allowances for doubtful accounts receivable is described below.\nWe maintain an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable for estimated future expected credit losses resulting from customers\u2019 failure to make payments on accounts receivable due us. Management determines the estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable by considering a number of factors, including: (i)\u00a0historical experience, (ii)\u00a0aging of the accounts receivable, (iii)\u00a0specific information obtained by us on the financial condition and the current creditworthiness of its customers, (iv) the current economic and country specific environment and (v) reasonable and supportable forecasts about collectability. Expected credit losses are estimated on a pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist using an age-based reserve model. Receivables that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Estimates of expected credit losses on trade receivables are recorded at inception and adjusted over the contractual life.\nInventory Reserves\nManagement determines the inventory reserves required to reduce inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value based principally on the effects of technological changes, quantities of goods and length of time on hand and other factors. An estimate is made of the net realizable value, less cost to dispose, of products whose value is determined to be impaired. If these products are ultimately sold at less than estimated amounts, additional reserves may be required. The estimates used to calculate these reserves are applied consistently. The adjustments are recorded in the period in which the loss of utility of the inventory occurs, which establishes a new cost basis for the inventory. This new cost basis is maintained until such time that the reserved inventory is disposed of, returned to the supplier or sold. To the extent that specifically reserved inventory is sold, cost of goods sold is expensed for the new cost basis of the inventory sold.\nSupplier Programs\nWe receive incentives from suppliers related to cooperative advertising allowances, volume rebates and other incentive programs. These incentives are generally under quarterly, semi-annual or annual agreements with the suppliers. Some of these incentives are negotiated on an ad hoc basis to support specific programs mutually developed between the Company and the supplier. Suppliers generally require that we use the suppliers' cooperative advertising allowances for advertising or other marketing programs. Incentives received from suppliers for specifically identified incremental cooperative advertising programs are recorded as adjustments to selling, general and administrative expenses. ASC 606\u2013 \nRevenue from Contracts with Customers \naddresses accounting for consideration payable to a customer, which the Company interprets and applies as the customer (i.e., the Company) receives advertising funds from a supplier. The portion of these supplier funds in excess of our costs are reflected as a reduction of inventory. Such funds are recognized as a reduction of the cost of goods sold when the related inventory is sold.\nWe record unrestricted volume rebates received as a reduction of inventory and reduces the cost of goods sold when the related inventory is sold. Amounts received or receivables from suppliers that are not yet earned are deferred in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Supplier receivables are generally collected through reductions to accounts payable authorized by the supplier. In addition, we may receive early payment discounts from certain suppliers. We record early payment discounts received as a \n32\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nreduction of inventory, thereby resulting in a reduction of cost of goods sold when the related inventory is sold. ASC 606 requires management to make certain estimates of the amounts of supplier consideration that will be received. Estimates are based on the terms of the incentive program and historical experiences. Actual recognition of the supplier consideration may vary from management estimates.\nGoodwill\nWe account for recorded goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, \nGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets\n, which requires that goodwill be reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators exist. Goodwill testing utilizes an impairment analysis, whereby we compare the carrying value of each identified reporting unit to its fair value. The carrying value of goodwill is reviewed at a reporting unit level at least annually for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist. Our goodwill reporting units align directly with our operating segments, Specialty Technology Solutions and Modern Communications & Cloud. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using the net present value of discounted cash flows generated by each reporting unit. Considerable judgment is necessary in estimating future cash flows, discount rates and other factors affecting the estimated fair value of the reporting units, including the operating and macroeconomic factors. Historical financial information, internal plans and projections and industry information are used in making such estimates.\nUnder ASC 350, if fair value of goodwill fair value is determined to be less than carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount of the carrying value that exceeds the amount of the reporting units' fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Additionally, we would consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. We also assess the recoverability of goodwill if facts and circumstances indicate goodwill may be impaired. In our most recent annual test, we estimated the fair value of our reporting units primarily based on the income approach utilizing the discounted cash flow method. As of June\u00a030, 2023, the Specialty Technology and Modern Communications & Cloud reporting units' goodwill balances are $16.4\u00a0million and $200.3\u00a0million, respectively. The fair value of the reporting units exceeded its carrying value by 2% and 13%, respectively, as of the annual goodwill impairment testing date. We also utilized fair value estimates derived from the market approach utilizing the public company market multiple method to validate the results of the discounted cash flow method, which required us to make assumptions about the applicability of those multiples to our reporting units. The discounted cash flow method requires us to estimate future cash flows and discount those amounts to present value. The key assumptions utilized in determining fair value included:\n\u2022\nIndustry WACC: We utilized a WACC relative to each reporting unit's respective geography and industry as the discount rate for estimated future cash flows. The WACC is intended to represent a rate of return that would be expected by a market place participant in each respective geography. \n\u2022\nOperating income: We utilized historical and expected revenue growth rates, gross margins and operating expense percentages, which varied based on the projections of each reporting unit being evaluated.\n\u2022\nCash flows from working capital changes: We utilized a projected cash flow impact pertaining to expected changes in working capital as each of our goodwill reporting units grow.\nWhile we believe our assumptions are appropriate, they are subject to uncertainty and by nature include judgments and estimates regarding future events, including projected growth rates, margin percentages and operating efficiencies. Key assumptions used in determining fair value include projected growth and operating margin, working capital requirements and discount rates. During fiscal years 2023 and 2022, we completed our annual impairment test as of April 30th and determined that our goodwill was not impaired.\nSee Note 7 - \nGoodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets\n in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on our goodwill impairment testing and results.\nAccounting Standards Recently Issued\nSee Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the discussion on recent accounting pronouncements.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nOur primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and borrowings under the $350 million revolving credit facility. Our business requires significant investment in working capital, particularly accounts receivable and inventory, partially financed through our accounts payable to suppliers. In general, as our sales volumes increase, our net investment in \n33\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nworking capital typically increases, which typically results in decreased cash flow from operating activities. Conversely, when sales volumes decrease, our net investment in working capital typically decreases, which typically results in increased cash flow from operating activities.\nCash and cash equivalents totaled $36.2 million and $38.0 million at June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of which $31.0 million and $35.0 million was held outside of the United States as of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Checks released but not yet cleared from these accounts in the amounts of $8.0 million and $18.0 million are classified as accounts payable as of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nWe conduct business in many locations throughout the world where we generate and use cash. We provide for United States income taxes from the earnings of our Canadian and Brazilian subsidiaries. See Note 13 - \nIncome Taxes\n in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.\nOur net investment in working capital increased $160.7 million to $870.3 million at June\u00a030, 2023 from $709.5 million at June\u00a030, 2022, primarily from increases in inventory. Our net investment in working capital is affected by several factors such as fluctuations in sales volume, net income, timing of collections from customers, increases and decreases to inventory levels and payments to vendors. For the fiscal year ended \nJune\u00a030, 2023, our working capital investment increased to support our 7.3% year-over-year net sales growth, as well as impacts from supply chain constraints and the cybersecurity incident.\nYear ended\nCash (used in) provided by:\nJune 30, 2023\nJune 30, 2022\n(in thousands)\nOperating activities of continuing operations\n$\n(35,769)\n$\n(124,354)\nInvesting activities of continuing operations\n(8,262)\n(3,724)\nFinancing activities of continuing operations\n39,531\n\u00a0\n108,106\u00a0\nNet cash used in operating activities was $35.8 million and $124.4 million for the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cash used in operating activities for the year ended June\u00a030, 2023 is primarily due to increases in inventory, which increased 23.2% compared to the beginning of the year, partially offset by earnings from operations. Cash used in operating activities for the year ended \nJune\u00a030, 2022 is primarily due to increases in accounts receivable and inventory, which increased 28.2% and 30.8%, respectively, compared to the beginning of the prior year period.\n \nOperating cash flows are subject to variability period over period as a result of the timing of payments related to accounts receivable, accounts payable and other working capital items.\nThe number of days sales outstanding (\"DSO\") was 72 at June\u00a030, 2023, compared to 68 at June\u00a030, 2022. The increase in DSO for fiscal year 2023 is driven by a 3.3% increase in net receivables at period end and a 1.8% decrease in fourth quarter average daily sales compared to the prior fiscal year. Throughout the current fiscal year, DSO ranged from 69 to 72. Inventory turnover was 4.4 times during the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year, compared to 5.6 times in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022. Throughout fiscal year 2023, inventory turnover ranged from 4.1 to 5.1 times.\nCash used in investing activities was $8.3 million and $3.7 million for the years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2023 and 2022 represents capital expenditures, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of our discontinued operations. \nManagement expects capital expenditures for fiscal year 2024 to range from $6.0 million to $8.0 million, primarily for IT investments and facility improvements.\nCash provided by financing activities totaled $39.5 million and $108.1 million for the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and \n2022, respectively\n, primarily from net borrowings on the revolving line of credit.\nShare Repurchase Program\n34\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nIn August 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a $100 million share repurchase program. The authorization does not have any time limit. In fiscal year \n2023\n, we repurchased 524,108 shares totaling $15.8 million.\nCredit Facility\nWe have a multi-currency senior secured credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of banks (as amended, the \u201cAmended Credit Agreement\u201d). On September 28, 2022, we amended and restated our Amended Credit Agreement, which includes (i) a five-year, $350\u00a0million multicurrency senior secured revolving credit facility and (ii) a five-year $150\u00a0million senior secured term loan facility. The amendment extended the revolving credit facility maturity date to September 28, 2027. In addition,\u00a0pursuant to an \u201caccordion feature,\u201d we may increase our borrowings up to an additional $250\u00a0million, subject to obtaining additional credit commitments from the lenders participating in the increase. The Amended Credit Agreement allows for the issuance of up to $50\u00a0million for letters of credit. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of our domestic assets and our domestic subsidiaries. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the payment of cash dividends is restricted. We incurred debt issuance costs of $1.4\u00a0million in connection with the amendment and restatement of the Amended Credit Agreement. These costs were capitalized to other non-current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and added to the unamortized debt issuance costs from the previous credit facility.\nLoans denominated in U.S. dollars, other than swingline loans, bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, (i) the adjusted term SOFR or adjusted daily simple SOFR plus an additional margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% depending upon our ratio of (A) total consolidated debt less up to $30\u00a0million of unrestricted domestic cash (\"Credit Facility Net Debt\") to (B) trailing four-quarter consolidated EBITDA measured as of the end of the most recent year or quarter, as applicable (Credit Facility EBITDA\"), for which financial statements have been delivered to the Lenders (the \u201cleverage ratio\u201d); or (ii) the alternate base rate plus an additional margin ranging from 0% to 0.75%, depending upon our leverage ratio, plus, if applicable, certain mandatory costs. All swingline loans denominated in U.S. dollars bear interest based upon the adjusted daily simple SOFR plus an additional margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% depending upon our leverage ratio, or such other rate as agreed upon with the applicable swingline lender. The adjusted term SOFR and adjusted daily simple SOFR include a fixed credit adjustment of 0.10% over the applicable SOFR reference rate. Loans denominated in foreign currencies bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable benchmark rate set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement plus an additional margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75%, depending upon our leverage ratio plus, if applicable, certain mandatory costs. \nDuring the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023, our borrowings under the credit facility were U.S. dollar loans. The spread in effect as of June\u00a030, 2023 was 1.50%, plus a 0.10% credit spread adjustment for SOFR-based loans and 0.50% for alternate base rate loans. The commitment fee rate in effect as of June\u00a030, 2023 was 0.25%. The Amended Credit Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants. Specifically, our Leverage Ratio must be less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00 at all times. In addition, our Interest Coverage Ratio (as such term is defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) must be at least 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of each fiscal quarter. In the event of a default, customary remedies are available to the lenders, including acceleration and increased interest rates. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement as of June\u00a030, 2023.\nThe average daily balance on the revolving credit facility, excluding the term loan facility, was $223.5 million and $69.0 million during the fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There was $171.0 million and $214.2 million available for additional borrowings as of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no letters of credit issued under the multi-currency revolving credit facility as of June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022.\nAvailability to use this borrowing capacity depends upon, among other things, the levels of our Leverage Ratio and Interest Coverage Ratio, which, in turn, will depend upon (1) our Credit Facility Net Debt relative to our EBITDA and (2) Credit Facility EBITDA relative to total interest expense respectively.\u00a0 As a result, our availability will increase if EBITDA increases (subject to the limit of the facility) and decrease if EBITDA decreases. At June\u00a030, 2023, based upon the calculation of our Credit Facility Net Debt relative to our Credit Facility EBITDA, there was \n$171.0 million\n available for borrowing. While we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Credit Facility as of June\u00a030, 2023, and currently expect to continue to maintain such compliance, should we encounter difficulties, our historical relationship with our Credit Facility lending group has been strong and we anticipate their continued support of our long-term business.\nContractual Obligations\n35\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements\nAt June\u00a030, 2023, we had \n$179.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility. We also had $147.2 million outstanding under our term loan facility, $6.6 million of which matures in fiscal year 2024. Our revolving credit facility and our term loan facility have a maturity date \nSeptember\u00a028, 2027\n. The remaining principal debt payments on our industrial development revenue bond, which total $3.7 million, have maturity dates in 2024 through 2032. See Footnote 8 - \nShort Term Borrowings and Long Term Debt\n.\nWe also had a non-cancelable operating lease agreement of $13.7 million at \nJune\u00a030, 2023, of which \n$4.8 million is expected to be paid within the next 12 months. Remaining amounts are expected to be paid through 2028. See Footnote 14 - \nLeases\n.\nSummary\nWe believe that our existing sources of liquidity, including cash resources and cash provided by operating activities, supplemented as necessary with funds under our credit agreements, will provide sufficient resources to meet our present and future working capital and cash requirements for at least the next twelve months. We also believe that our longer-term working capital, planned expenditures and other general funding requirements will be satisfied through cash flows from operations and, to the extent necessary, from our borrowing facilities.\n36\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.\nOur principal exposure to changes in financial market conditions in the normal course of our business is a result of our selective use of bank debt and transacting business in foreign currencies in connection with our foreign operations.\nInterest Rate Risk\nWe are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing activities, which include revolving credit facilities with a group of banks used to maintain liquidity and fund our business operations. The nature and amount of our debt may vary as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates on total borrowings on our revolving credit facility and variable rate long-term debt, net of the impact of the interest rate swap, would have resulted in approximately a $2.5\u00a0million and $1.1\u00a0million increase or decrease in pre-tax income for the fiscal year ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nWe evaluate our interest rate risk and utilize interest rate swaps to mitigate the risk of interest rate fluctuations associated with our current and long-term debt. At June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, we had $329.9 million and $271.2 million, respectively, in variable rate debt. \nWe entered into an interest rate swap on April 30, 2019, which was amended on September 28, 2022. The interest rate swap has a notional amount of $100.0 million, with a $50.0 million tranche scheduled to mature on April\u00a030, 2024 and a $50.0 million tranche scheduled to mature April\u00a030, 2026. We entered into an additional interest rate swap on March 31, 2023 to lock into a fixed SOFR interest rate. The interest rate swap has notional amount of $25\u00a0million and a maturity date of March 31, 2028.\nThe purpose of these interest rate swaps is to manage or hedge our exposure to floating rate debt and achieve a desired proportion of fixed versus floating rate debt. Our use of derivative instruments have the potential to expose us to certain market risks including the possibility of (1)\u00a0our hedging activities not being as effective as anticipated in reducing the volatility of our cash flows, (2)\u00a0the counterparty not performing its obligations under the applicable hedging arrangement, (3)\u00a0the hedging arrangement being imperfect or ineffective or (4)\u00a0the terms of the swap or associated debt changing. We seek to lessen such risks by having established a policy to identify, control and manage market risks which may arise from changes in interest rates, as well as limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions. \nForeign Currency Exchange Rate Risk\nWe are exposed to foreign currency risks that arise from our foreign operations in Canada, Brazil and the UK. These risks include transactions denominated in non-functional currencies and intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries. In the normal course of the business, foreign exchange risk is managed by the use of currency options and forward contracts to hedge these exposures as well as balance sheet netting of exposures. In addition, exchange rate fluctuations may cause our international results to fluctuate significantly when translated into U.S. dollars. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in foreign exchange rates would have resulted in approximately a $2.7\u00a0million and $2.2\u00a0million increase or decrease in pre-tax income for fiscal years ended June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These risks may change over time as business practices evolve and could have a material impact on our financial results in the future. \nOur senior management has approved a foreign exchange hedging policy to reduce foreign currency exposure. Our policy is to utilize financial instruments to reduce risks where internal netting cannot be effectively employed and not to enter into foreign currency derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. We monitor our risk associated with the volatility of certain foreign currencies against our functional currencies and enter into foreign exchange derivative contracts to minimize short-term currency risks on cash flows. These positions are based upon balance sheet exposures and, in certain foreign currencies, our forecasted purchases and sales. We continually evaluate foreign exchange risk and may enter into foreign exchange transactions in accordance with our policy. Actual variances from these forecasted transactions can adversely impact foreign exchange results. Foreign currency gains and losses are included in other expense (income).\nWe have elected not to designate our foreign currency contracts as hedging instruments, and therefore, the instruments are marked-to-market with changes in their values recorded in the consolidated income statement each period. Our foreign currencies are primarily Brazilian reais, British pounds and Canadian dollars. At June\u00a030, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of our currency forward contracts were a net asset or payable of less than $0.1\u00a0million. \n37\nTable of Contents\nIndex to Financial Statements",
+ "cik": "918965",
+ "cusip6": "806037",
+ "cusip": ["806037957", "806037107"],
+ "names": ["SCANSOURCE INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/918965/000091896523000023/0000918965-23-000023-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000939057-23-000178.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000939057-23-000178.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..07fb3c454a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000939057-23-000178.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\u00a0 Business\nGeneral\nRiverview Bancorp, Inc., a Washington corporation, is the bank holding company of Riverview Bank. At March 31, 2023, the Company had total assets of $1.6 billion, total deposits of $1.3 billion and total shareholders\u2019 equity of $155.2 million. The Company\u2019s executive offices are located in Vancouver, Washington. The Bank has two subsidiaries Riverview Trust Company (the \u201cTrust Company\u201d) and Riverview Services, Inc. (\u201cRiverview Services\u201d). The Trust Company is a trust and financial services company located in downtown Vancouver, Washington, and provides full-service brokerage activities, trust and asset management services. Riverview Services acts as a trustee for deeds of trust on mortgage loans granted by the Bank and receives a reconveyance fee for each deed of trust.\nSubstantially all of the Company\u2019s business is conducted through the Bank, which until April 28, 2021, was a federal savings bank subject to extensive regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (\u201cOCC\u201d). The Bank converted from a federally chartered savings bank to a Washington state-chartered commercial bank on April 28, 2021.\u00a0As a Washington state-chartered commercial bank, the Bank\u2019s regulators are the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (\u201cWDFI\u201d) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (\u201cFDIC\u201d), the insurer of its deposits. The Bank\u2019s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (\u201cFederal Reserve\u201d) remains the primary federal regulator for the Company. In connection with the Bank\u2019s charter conversion, the Company converted from a Savings and Loan Holding Company to a Bank Holding Company. The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (\u201cFHLB\u201d) which is one of the 11 regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System (\u201cFHLB System\u201d).\nAs a progressive, community-oriented financial services company, the Company emphasizes local, personal service to residents of its primary market area. The Company considers Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties of Washington, and Multnomah, Washington and Marion counties of Oregon as its primary market area. The Company is engaged predominantly in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and using such funds in its primary market area to originate commercial business, commercial real estate, multi-family real estate, land, real estate construction, residential real estate and other consumer loans. The Company\u2019s loans receivable, net, totaled $993.5 million at March 31, 2023 compared to $975.9 million at March 31, 2022.\nThe Company\u2019s strategic plan includes targeting the commercial banking customer base in its primary market area for loan originations and deposit growth, specifically small and medium size businesses, professionals and wealth building individuals. In pursuit of these goals, the Company will seek to increase the loan portfolio consistent with its strategic plan and asset/liability and regulatory capital objectives, which includes maintaining a significant amount of commercial business and commercial real estate loans in its loan portfolio which typically carry adjustable rates, higher yields and shorter terms, as well as higher credit risk, compared to traditional fixed-rate consumer real estate one-to-four family loans.\nOur strategic plan also stresses increased emphasis on non-interest income, including increased fees for asset management through the Trust Company and deposit service charges. The strategic plan is designed to enhance earnings, reduce interest rate risk and provide a more complete range of financial services to customers and the local communities the Company serves. We believe we are well positioned to attract new customers and to increase our market share through our \n17 branch locations, including, among others, 10 in Clark County, three in the Portland metropolitan area and three lending centers.\n\u200b\n4\n\n\nTable of Contents\nMarket Area\nThe Company conducts operations from its home office in Vancouver, Washington and 17 branch offices located in Camas, Washougal, Stevenson, White Salmon, Battle Ground, Goldendale, Ridgefield and Vancouver, Washington (six branch offices), and Portland, Gresham, Tualatin and Aumsville, Oregon. The Trust Company has two locations, one in downtown Vancouver, Washington and one in Lake Oswego, Oregon, providing full-service brokerage activities, trust and asset management services. Riverview Mortgage, a mortgage broker division of the Bank, originates mortgage loans for various mortgage companies predominantly in the Vancouver/Portland metropolitan areas, as well as for the Bank. The Bank\u2019s Business and Professional Banking Division, with two lending offices located in Vancouver and one in Portland, offers commercial and business banking services.\nVancouver is located in Clark County, Washington, which is just north of Portland, Oregon. Many businesses are located in the Vancouver area because of the favorable tax structure and lower energy costs in Washington as compared to Oregon. Companies located in the Vancouver area include: Sharp Microelectronics, Hewlett Packard, Georgia Pacific, Underwriters Laboratory, WaferTech, Nautilus, Barrett Business Services, PeaceHealth and Banfield Pet Hospitals, as well as several support industries. In addition to this industry base, the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area and the Portland metropolitan area are sources of tourism.\nLending Activities\nGeneral\n.\u00a0 At March 31, 2023, the Company\u2019s net loans receivable totaled $993.5 million, or 62.5% of total assets at that date. The principal lending activity of the Company is the origination of loans collateralized by commercial properties and commercial business loans. A substantial portion of the Company\u2019s loan portfolio is secured by real estate, either as primary or secondary collateral, located in its primary market area. The Company\u2019s lending activities are subject to the written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by the Bank\u2019s Board of Directors (\u201cBoard\u201d) and management. The customary sources of loan originations are realtors, walk-in customers, referrals and existing customers. The Bank also uses commissioned loan brokers and print advertising to market its products and services. Loans are approved at various levels of management, depending upon the amount of the loan. Our current loan policy generally limits the maximum amount of loans we can make to one borrower to the greater of $500,000 or 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus (except for loans fully secured by certain readily marketable collateral, in which case this limit is increased to 25% of unimpaired capital and surplus). The regulatory limit of loans we can make to one borrower is 20% of total risk-based capital, or $36.4 million, at March\u00a031, 2023. At this date, the Bank\u2019s largest lending relationship with one borrower was $29.5 million, which consisted of a multi-family loan of $17.6 million and a commercial real estate loan of $11.9 million, both of which were performing in accordance with their original payment terms at March 31, 2023.\nLoan Portfolio Analysis\n.\u00a0 The following table sets forth the composition of the Company\u2019s loan portfolio, excluding loans held for sale, by type of loan at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAt\u00a0March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u200b\n2022\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPercent\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPercent\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCommercial and construction:\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCommercial business\n\u200b\n$\n 232,868\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 23.08\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 228,091\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 23.03\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nCommercial real estate\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 564,496\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 55.95\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 582,837\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 58.85\n\u200b\nLand\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 6,437\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 0.64\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 11,556\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1.16\n\u200b\nMulti-family\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 55,836\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 5.54\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 60,211\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 6.08\n\u200b\nReal estate construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 47,762\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 4.73\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 24,160\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 2.44\n\u200b\nTotal commercial and construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 907,399\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 89.94\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 906,855\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 91.56\n\u200b\nConsumer:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\nReal estate one-to-four family\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 99,673\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 9.88\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 82,006\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 8.28\n\u200b\nOther installment\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,784\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 0.18\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,547\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 0.16\n\u200b\nTotal consumer\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 101,457\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 10.06\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 83,553\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 8.44\n\u200b\nTotal loans\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,008,856\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 100.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n 990,408\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n 100.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nLess:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\nAllowance for loan losses\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 15,309\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 14,523\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal loans receivable, net\n\u200b\n$\n 993,547\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 975,885\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n5\n\n\nTable of Contents\nLoan Portfolio Composition.\n The following tables set forth the composition of the Company\u2019s commercial and construction loan portfolio based on loan purpose at the dates indicated (in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nOther\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial\u00a0and\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCommercial\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nReal\u00a0Estate\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nReal\u00a0Estate\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nConstruction \n\u200b\n\u200b\nBusiness\n\u200b\nMortgage\n\u200b\nConstruction\n\u200b\nTotal\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02023\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial business\n\u200b\n$\n 232,859\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 232,859\nSBA PPP\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 9\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 9\nCommercial construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 29,565\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 29,565\nOffice buildings\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 117,045\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 117,045\nWarehouse/industrial\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 106,693\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 106,693\nRetail/shopping centers/strip malls\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 82,700\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 82,700\nAssisted living facilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 396\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 396\nSingle purpose facilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 257,662\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 257,662\nLand\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 6,437\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 6,437\nMulti-family\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 55,836\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 55,836\nOne-to-four family construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 18,197\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 18,197\nTotal\n\u200b\n$\n 232,868\n\u200b\n$\n 626,769\n\u200b\n$\n 47,762\n\u200b\n$\n 907,399\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02022\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial business\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 225,006\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 225,006\nSBA PPP\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 3,085\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3,085\nCommercial construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 12,741\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 12,741\nOffice buildings\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 124,690\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 124,690\nWarehouse/industrial\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 100,184\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 100,184\nRetail/shopping centers/strip malls\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 97,192\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 97,192\nAssisted living facilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 663\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 663\nSingle purpose facilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 260,108\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 260,108\nLand\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 11,556\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 11,556\nMulti-family\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 60,211\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 60,211\nOne-to-four family construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 11,419\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 11,419\nTotal\n\u200b\n$\n 228,091\n\u200b\n$\n 654,604\n\u200b\n$\n 24,160\n\u200b\n$\n 906,855\n\u200b\nCommercial Business Lending.\n At March 31, 2023, the commercial business loan portfolio totaled $232.9 million, or 23.1% of total loans. Commercial business loans are typically secured by business equipment, accounts receivable, inventory or other property. The Company\u2019s commercial business loans may be structured as term loans or as lines of credit. Commercial term loans are generally made to finance the purchase of assets and usually have maturities of five years or less. Commercial lines of credit are typically made for the purpose of providing working capital and usually have a term of one year or less. Lines of credit are made at variable rates of interest equal to a negotiated margin above an index rate and term loans are at either a variable or fixed rate. The Company also generally obtains personal guarantees from financially capable parties based on a review of personal financial statements.\nCommercial business lending typically involves risks that are different from those associated with residential and commercial real estate lending. Although commercial business loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable or other business assets, the liquidation of collateral in the event of default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories may be obsolete or of limited use, among other things. Accordingly, the repayment of commercial business loans depends primarily on the cash flow and credit-worthiness of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Additionally, the borrower\u2019s cash flow may be unpredictable and collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.\n\u200b\n6\n\n\nTable of Contents\nOther Real Estate Mortgage Lending.\n The Company originates other real estate mortgage loans secured by office buildings, warehouse/industrial, retail, assisted living facilities and single-purpose facilities (collectively \u201ccommercial real estate loans\u201d or \u201cCRE\u201d) and land and multi-family loans primarily located in its market area, collectively referred to herein as the \u201cother real estate mortgage loan portfolio\u201d. At March 31, 2023, the other real estate mortgage loan portfolio totaled $564.5 million, or 56.0% of total loans. At March 31, 2023, owner occupied properties accounted for 27.8% and non-owner occupied properties accounted for 72.2% of the Company\u2019s commercial real estate loans.\nCommercial real estate and multi-family loans typically have higher loan balances, are more difficult to evaluate and monitor, and involve a higher degree of risk than residential one-to-four family loans. As a result, commercial real estate and multi-family loans are generally priced at a higher rate of interest than residential one-to-four family loans. Often payments on loans secured by commercial properties are dependent on the successful operation and management of the property securing the loan or business conducted on the property securing the loan; therefore, repayment of these loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. Real estate lending is generally considered to be collateral based lending with loan amounts based on predetermined loan to collateral values and liquidation of the underlying real estate collateral being viewed as the primary source of repayment in the event of borrower default. The Company seeks to minimize these risks by generally limiting the maximum loan-to-value ratio to 80% and strictly scrutinizing the financial condition of the borrower, the quality of the collateral and the management of the property securing the loan. Loans are secured by first mortgages and often require specified debt service coverage (\u201cDSC\u201d) ratios depending on the characteristics of the collateral. The Company generally imposes a minimum DSC ratio of 1.20 for loans secured by income producing properties. Rates and other terms on such loans generally depend on our assessment of credit risk after considering such factors as the borrower\u2019s financial condition and credit history, loan-to-value ratio, DSC ratio and other factors.\nThe Company actively pursues commercial real estate loans. Loan demand within the Company\u2019s market area was competitive in fiscal year 2023 as economic conditions and competition for strong credit-worthy borrowers remained high. At March 31, 2023, the Company had one commercial real estate loan of $100,000 on non-accrual status. At March 31, 2022, the Company had one commercial real estate loan of $122,000 on non-accrual status. For more information concerning risks related to commercial real estate loans, see Item 1A. \u201cRisk Factors \u2013 Risks Related to Our Lending \u2013 Commercial and multi-family real estate lending involves higher risks than one-to-four family real estate and other consume lending, which exposes us to increased lending risks.\u201d\nLand loans represent loans made to developers for the purpose of acquiring raw land and/or for the subsequent development and sale of residential lots. Such loans typically finance land purchases and infrastructure development of properties (e.g., roads, utilities, etc.) with the aim of making improved lots ready for subsequent sales to consumers or builders for ultimate construction of residential units. The primary source of repayment is generally the cash flow from developer sale of lots or improved parcels of land, secondary sources and personal guarantees, which may provide an additional measure of security for such loans. At March 31, 2023, land loans totaled $6.4 million, or 0.64% of total loans, compared to $11.6 million, or 1.16% of total loans at March 31, 2022. The largest land loan had an outstanding balance at March 31, 2023 of $1.8 million and was performing according to its original payment terms. At March 31, 2023, all of the land loans were secured by properties located in Washington and Oregon. At March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no land loans on non-accrual status.\nReal Estate Construction.\n The Company originates three types of residential construction loans: (i) speculative construction loans, (ii) custom/presold construction loans and (iii) construction/permanent loans. The Company also originates construction loans for the development of business properties and multi-family dwellings. All of the Company\u2019s real estate construction loans were made on properties located in Washington and Oregon.\n\u200b\n7\n\n\nTable of Contents\nThe composition of the Company\u2019s construction loan portfolio, including undisbursed funds, was as follows at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAt March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u200b\n2022\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount \n(1)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPercent\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount \n(1)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPercent\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\nSpeculative construction\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 16,224\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n 19.23\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 16,561\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n 26.22\n%\nCommercial/multi-family construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 63,973\n\u00a0\n 75.85\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 37,429\n\u00a0\n 59.27\n\u200b\nCustom/presold construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4,149\n\u00a0\n 4.92\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 9,160\n\u00a0\n 14.51\n\u200b\nTotal\n\u200b\n$\n 84,346\n\u00a0\n 100.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 63,150\n\u00a0\n 100.00\n%\n\u200b\n(1)\n Includes undisbursed funds of $36.6 million and $39.0 million at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nAt March 31, 2023, the balance of the Company\u2019s construction loan portfolio, including undisbursed funds, was $84.3 million compared to $63.2 million at March 31, 2022. The $21.1 million increase was primarily due to a $26.5 million increase in commercial/multi-family construction loans, partially offset by a decrease of $5.0 million in custom/presold construction loans. The Company plans to continue to proactively manage its construction loan portfolio in fiscal year 2024 while continuing to originate new construction loans to selected customers.\nSpeculative construction loans are made to home builders and are termed \u201cspeculative\u201d because the home builder does not have, at the time of loan origination, a signed contract with a home buyer who has a commitment for permanent financing with either the Company or another lender for the finished home. The home buyer may be identified either during or after the construction period, with the risk that the builder will have to service the speculative construction loan and finance real estate taxes and other carrying costs of the completed home for a significant period of time after the completion of construction until a home buyer is identified. The largest speculative construction loan at March 31, 2023 was a loan to finance the construction of 36 townhomes totaling $8.1 million that is secured by property located in the Company\u2019s market area. The average balance of loans in the speculative construction loan portfolio at March 31, 2023 was $959,000. At March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no speculative construction loans on non-accrual status.\nPresold construction loans are made to homebuilders who, at the time of construction, have a signed contract with a home buyer who has a commitment for permanent financing for the finished home from the Company or another lender. Presold construction loans are generally originated for a term of 12 months. At March 31, 2023 and 2022, presold construction loans totaled $4.1 million and $4.5 million, respectively.\nThe composition of land \u00a0and speculative/presold construction loans by geographical area is as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nNorthwest\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nSouthwest\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nOther\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nOregon\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nWashington\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nWashington\n\u200b\nTotal\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02023\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nLand\n\u200b\n$\n 1,884\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 4,553\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 6,437\nSpeculative and presold construction\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 17,105\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,092\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 18,197\nTotal\n\u200b\n$\n 1,884\n\u200b\n$\n 21,658\n\u200b\n$\n 1,092\n\u200b\n$\n 24,634\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02022\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nLand\n\u200b\n$\n 2,111\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 9,445\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 11,556\nSpeculative and presold construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 10,989\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 430\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 11,419\nTotal\n\u200b\n$\n 2,111\n\u200b\n$\n 20,434\n\u200b\n$\n 430\n\u200b\n$\n 22,975\n\u200b\nUnlike speculative and presold construction loans, custom construction loans are made directly to the homeowner. Construction/permanent loans are originated to the homeowner rather than the homebuilder along with a commitment by the Company to originate a permanent loan to the homeowner to repay the construction loan at the completion of construction. The construction phase of a construction/permanent loan generally lasts six to nine months. At the completion of construction, the Company may either originate a fixed-rate mortgage loan or an adjustable rate mortgage (\u201cARM\u201d) loan or use its mortgage \n8\n\n\nTable of Contents\nbrokerage capabilities to obtain permanent financing for the customer with another lender. For adjustable rate loans, the interest rates adjust on their first adjustment date. See \u201cMortgage Brokerage\u201d and \u201cMortgage Loan Servicing\u201d below for more information. At March 31, 2023, the Company had no construction/permanent loans.\nThe Company provides construction financing for non-residential business properties and multi-family dwellings. At March 31, 2023, commercial construction loans totaled $29.6 million, or 61.9% of total real estate construction loans, and 2.9% of total loans. Borrowers may be the business owner/occupier of the building who intends to operate their business from the property upon construction, or non-owner developers. The expected source of repayment of these loans is typically the sale or refinancing of the project upon completion of the construction phase. In certain circumstances, the Company may provide or commit to take-out financing upon construction. Take-out financing is subject to the project meeting specific underwriting guidelines. No assurance can be given that such take-out financing will be available upon project completion. These loans are secured by office buildings, retail rental space, mini storage facilities, assisted living facilities and multi-family dwellings located in the Company\u2019s market area. At March 31, 2023, the largest commercial construction loan had a balance of $6.6 million and was performing according to its original repayment terms. The average balance of loans in the commercial construction loan portfolio at March 31, 2023 was $2.1 million. At March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no commercial construction loans on non-accrual status.\nThe Company has originated construction and land acquisition and development loans where a component of the cost of the project was the interest required to service the debt during the construction period of the loan, sometimes known as interest reserves. The Company allows disbursements of this interest component as long as the project is progressing as originally projected and if there has been no deterioration in the financial standing of the borrower or the underlying project. If the Company makes a determination that there is such deterioration, or if the loan becomes nonperforming, the Company halts any disbursement of those funds identified for use in paying interest. In some cases, additional interest reserves may be taken by use of deposited funds or through credit lines secured by separate and additional collateral. For additional information concerning the risks related to construction lending, see Item 1A. \u201cRisk Factors \u2013 Risks Related to our Lending Activities \u2013 Our real estate construction and land acquisition and development loans expose us to risk.\u201d\nConsumer Lending.\n Consumer loans totaled $101.5 million at March 31, 2023 and were comprised of $88.8 million of real estate one-to-four family loans, $10.3 million of home equity lines of credit, $552,000 of land loans to consumers for the future construction of one-to-four family homes and $1.8 million of other secured and unsecured consumer loans.\nThe majority of our real estate one-to-four family loans are located in the Company\u2019s primary market area. Underwriting standards require that real estate one-to-four family loans generally be owner occupied and that originated loan amounts not exceed 80% (95% with private mortgage insurance) of the lesser of current appraised value or cost of the underlying collateral. Terms typically range from 15 to 30 years. At March 31, 2023, the Company had three residential real estate loans totaling $86,000 on non-accrual status compared to two residential real estate loans totaling $51,000 at March 31, 2022. All of these loans were secured by properties located in Oregon and Washington. The Company no longer originates real estate one-to-four family loans. During the fiscal year 2023, the Company purchased $26.8 million real estate one-to-four family loans as a way to supplement loan originations in this category.\nThe Company also originates a variety of installment loans, including loans for debt consolidation and other purposes, automobile loans, boat loans and savings account loans. At March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no installment loans on non-accrual status.\u00a0The Company did not purchase any automobile loans during fiscal years 2023 and 2022 and does not have plans to purchase any additional automobile loan pools.\nInstallment consumer loans generally entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured by assets that depreciate rapidly, such as mobile homes, automobiles, boats and recreational vehicles. In these cases, we face the risk that any collateral for a defaulted loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance. Thus, the recovery and sale of such property could be insufficient to compensate us for the principal outstanding on these loans as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further collection efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower\u2019s continuing financial stability and are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit our ability to recover on such loans.\nLoan Maturity.\n The following table sets forth certain information at March 31, 2023 regarding the dollar amount of loans maturing in the loan portfolio based on their contractual terms to maturity, but does not include potential prepayments. Demand \n9\n\n\nTable of Contents\nloans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments or stated maturity and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less. Loan balances are reported net of deferred fees (in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nWithin\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBetween 1-5\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBetween\u00a05-15\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBeyond 15\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n1\u00a0Year\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nYears\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nYears\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nYears\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nTotal\nCommercial and construction:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\nCommercial business\n\u200b\n$\n 10,646\n\u200b\n$\n 28,033\n\u200b\n$\n 100,415\n\u200b\n$\n 93,774\n\u200b\n$\n 232,868\nCommercial real estate\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 13,862\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 145,950\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 397,232\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 7,452\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 564,496\nLand\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 3,284\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,885\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,268\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 6,437\nMulti-family\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 83\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 5,199\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 48,639\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,915\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 55,836\nReal estate construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 9,103\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 7,106\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 31,553\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 47,762\nTotal commercial and construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 36,978\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 188,173\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 579,107\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 103,141\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 907,399\nConsumer:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\nReal estate one-to-four family\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 596\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 3,552\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 95,525\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 99,673\nOther installment\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 49\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,274\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 461\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,784\nTotal consumer\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 49\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,870\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4,013\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 95,525\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 101,457\nTotal loans\n\u200b\n$\n 37,027\n\u200b\n$\n 190,043\n\u200b\n$\n 583,120\n\u200b\n$\n 198,666\n\u200b\n$\n 1,008,856\n\u200b\nThe following table sets forth the dollar amount of loans due after one year from March 31, 2023, which have fixed and adjustable interest rates (in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAdjustable\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nFixed Rate\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRate\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nTotal\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial and construction:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\nCommercial business\n\u200b\n$\n 138,306\n\u200b\n$\n 83,916\n\u200b\n$\n 222,222\nCommercial real estate\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 295,059\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 255,575\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 550,634\nLand\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 2,528\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 625\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 3,153\nMulti-family\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 46,865\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 8,888\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 55,753\nReal estate construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 20,994\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 17,665\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 38,659\nTotal commercial and construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 503,752\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 366,669\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 870,421\nConsumer:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\nReal estate one-to-four family\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 86,864\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 12,809\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 99,673\nOther installment\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,355\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 380\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,735\nTotal consumer\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 88,219\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 13,189\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 101,408\nTotal loans\n\u200b\n$\n 591,971\n\u200b\n$\n 379,858\n\u200b\n$\n 971,829\n\u200b\nLoan Commitments\n. The Company issues commitments to originate commercial loans, other real estate mortgage loans, construction loans, real estate one-to-four family loans and other installment loans conditioned upon the occurrence of certain events. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Commitments to originate loans are conditional and are honored for up to 45 days subject to the Company\u2019s usual terms and conditions. Collateral is not required to support commitments. At March 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding commitments to originate loans of $12.5 million compared to $20.0 million at March 31, 2022.\nMortgage Brokerage.\n The Company employs commissioned brokers who originate mortgage loans (including construction loans) for various mortgage companies. The loans brokered to mortgage companies are closed in the name of, and funded by, the purchasing mortgage company and are not originated as an asset of the Company. In return, the Company receives a fee ranging from 1.5% to 2.0% of the loan amount that it shares with the commissioned broker. Loans previously brokered to the Company are closed on the Company\u2019s books and the commissioned broker receives a portion of the origination fee. Beginning in fiscal year 2021, the Company transitioned to a model where it no longer originates and sells mortgage loans to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Company (\u201cFHLMC\u201d) as all mortgage loan originations are instead brokered to various third-party mortgage companies. The Company does, however, continue to service its existing FHLMC portfolio. Brokered loans totaled $22.0 million and $58.1 million as of March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no loans brokered to the Company for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. Gross fees of $346,000, including brokered loan fees, were earned in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, gross fees earned were $1.1 million, which included brokered loan fees and fees for loans sold to the FHLMC. The interest rate environment has a strong influence on the loan volume and amount of fees generated from the mortgage broker activity. In general, during periods of rising interest rates, the volume of loans and the amount \n10\n\n\nTable of Contents\nof loan fees generally decrease as a result of decreased mortgage loan demand. Conversely, during periods of falling interest rates, the volume of loans and the amount of loan fees generally increase as a result of the increased mortgage loan demand.\u00a0\nMortgage Loan Servicing.\n\u00a0 The Company is a qualified servicer for the FHLMC. Prior to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, the Company historically sold its fixed-rate residential one-to-four family mortgage loans that it originated with maturities of 15 years or more and balloon mortgages to the FHLMC as part of its asset/liability strategy. Mortgage loans were sold to the FHLMC on a non-recourse basis whereby foreclosure losses are the responsibility of the FHLMC and not the Company. Upon sale, the Company continues to collect payments on the loans, supervise foreclosure proceedings, and otherwise service the loans. At March 31, 2023, total loans serviced for others were $63.4 million, of which $36.5 million were serviced for the FHLMC.\nNonperforming Assets.\n Nonperforming assets were $1.9 million or 0.12% of total assets at March 31, 2023 compared with $22.1 million or 1.27% of total assets at March 31, 2022. The Company had net recoveries totaling $36,000 during fiscal 2023 compared to net charge-offs of $30,000 during fiscal 2022. The decrease in nonperforming assets is attributed to the progress made in resolving the delay in servicing transfer between two third-party servicers of SBA and United States Department of Agriculture (\u201cUSDA\u201d) government guaranteed loans, as further discussed below. Non-performing SBA government guaranteed loans totaled $1.6 million at March 31, 2023 compared to $21.8 million at March 31, 2022.\nLoans are reviewed regularly and it is the Company\u2019s general policy that when a loan is 90 days or more delinquent or when collection of principal or interest appears doubtful, it is placed on non-accrual status, at which time the accrual of interest ceases and a reserve for any unrecoverable accrued interest is established and charged against operations. In general, payments received on non-accrual loans are applied to reduce the outstanding principal balance on a cash-basis method.\nThe Company continues to proactively manage its residential construction and land acquisition and development loan portfolios. At March 31, 2023, the Company\u2019s residential construction and land acquisition and development loan portfolios were $18.2 million and $6.4 million, respectively, as compared to $11.4 million and $11.6 million, respectively, at March 31, 2022. At March 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no nonperforming loans in the residential construction loan portfolio or the land acquisition and development portfolio. For the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no charge-offs or recoveries in the residential construction and land acquisition and development loan portfolios.\nThe following table sets forth information regarding the Company\u2019s nonperforming loans at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02022\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNumber\u00a0of\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNumber\u00a0of\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nLoans\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nLoans\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial business\n\u00a0\n 1\n\u200b\n$\n 79\n\u00a0\n 1\n\u200b\n$\n 100\nCommercial real estate\n\u00a0\n 1\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 100\n\u00a0\n 1\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 122\nConsumer\n\u00a0\n 3\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 86\n\u00a0\n 2\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 51\n Subtotal\n\u200b\n 5\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 265\n\u200b\n 4\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 273\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nSBA and USDA Government Guaranteed\n\u200b\n 6\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,587\n\u200b\n 66\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 21,826\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal\n\u00a0\n 11\n\u200b\n$\n 1,852\n\u00a0\n 70\n\u200b\n$\n 22,099\n\u200b\nThe Company continues its efforts to work out problem loans, seek full repayment or pursue foreclosure proceedings and has made significant progress in regards to the SBA and USDA government guaranteed loan servicing transfer. At March 31, 2023, the Bank holds approximately $1.6 million of the government guaranteed portion of SBA and USDA loans originated by other banks that, when purchased, were placed into a Direct Registration Certificate (\u201cDRC\u201d) program by the SBA\u2019s former fiscal transfer agent, Colson Inc. (\u201cColson\u201d) that remain to be reconciled. Under the DRC program, Colson was required to remit monthly payments to the investor holding the guaranteed balance, whether or not a payment had actually been received from the borrower. In 2020, Colson did not successfully retain its existing contract as the SBA\u2019s fiscal transfer agent and began transitioning servicing over to a new company called Guidehouse. In late 2021, Guidehouse, under their contract with the SBA, declined to continue the DRC program. After declining to continue the DRC program, all payments under the DRC program began to be held by Guidehouse or Colson until the DRC program could be unwound and the DRC holdings converted into normal pass through certificates. As part of unwinding the DRC program, Colson has requested investors who had received payments in advance of the borrower actually remitting payment return advanced funds before they will process the conversion of certificates. The Bank \n11\n\n\nTable of Contents\ncontinues to work with Colson on the reconciliation and transfer of the two remaining loans. The Bank expects the reconciliation and unwinding process to continue and until these processes are completed for all loans being transferred, with such loans continuing to be reflected as past due. These nonperforming government guaranteed loans are not considered non-accrual loans because there is no concern of the collectability of the full principal and interest given the Company purchased the guaranteed portion of these loans which is backed by government guaranteed interest certificates. \u00a0At March 31, 2023, all of \u00a0the Company\u2019s nonperforming loans exclusive of the SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans are to borrowers with properties located in Southwest Washington. At March 31, 2023, 9.69% of the Company\u2019s nonperforming loans, totaling $179,000 were measured for impairment. These loans have been charged down to the estimated fair market value of the collateral less selling costs or carry a specific reserve to reduce the net carrying value. There were no reserves associated with these nonperforming loans that were measured for impairment at March 31, 2023. At March 31, 2023, the largest single nonperforming loan was a USDA government guaranteed loan for $879,000. The largest single nonperforming loan exclusive of the SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans was a commercial real estate loan for $100,000 at March 31, 2023.\nThe following table sets forth information regarding the Company\u2019s nonperforming assets at the dates indicated (in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAt\u00a0March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2022\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nLoans accounted for on a non-accrual basis:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\nCommercial business\n\u200b\n$\n 97\n\u200b\n$\n 118\nCommercial real estate\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 100\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 122\nConsumer\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 86\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 51\nTotal\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 283\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 291\nAccruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,569\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 21,808\nTotal nonperforming loans\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,852\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 22,099\nReal estate owned (\u201cREO\u201d)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\nTotal nonperforming assets\n\u200b\n$\n 1,852\n\u200b\n$\n 22,099\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nForegone interest on non-accrual loans\n\u200b\n$\n 14\n\u200b\n$\n 24\n\u200b\nThe following tables set forth information regarding the Company\u2019s nonperforming assets by loan type and geographical area at the dates indicated (in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nSouthwest\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nWashington\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nOther\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nTotal\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02023\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial business\n\u200b\n$\n 79\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 79\nCommercial real estate\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 100\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 100\nConsumer\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 86\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 86\n Subtotal\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 265\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 265\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nSBA and USDA Government Guaranteed\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,587\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,587\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal nonperforming assets\n\u200b\n$\n 265\n\u200b\n$\n 1,587\n\u200b\n$\n 1,852\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02022\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial business\n\u200b\n$\n 100\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 100\nCommercial real estate\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 122\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 122\nConsumer\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 51\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 51\n Subtotal\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 273\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 273\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nSBA and USDA Government Guaranteed\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 21,826\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 21,826\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal nonperforming assets\n\u200b\n$\n 273\n\u200b\n$\n 21,826\n\u200b\n$\n 22,099\n\u200b\n\u200b\n12\n\n\nTable of Contents\nOther loans of concern, which are classified as substandard loans and are not presently included in the non-accrual category, consist of loans where the borrowers have cash flow problems, or the collateral securing the respective loans may be inadequate. In either or both of these situations, the borrowers may be unable to comply with the present loan repayment terms, and the loans may subsequently be included in the non-accrual category. Management considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate at March 31, 2023, to cover the probable losses inherent in these and other loans.\nThe following table sets forth information regarding the Company\u2019s other loans of concern at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMarch\u00a031,\u00a02022\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNumber of\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNumber of\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nLoans\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nLoans\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial business\n\u00a0\n 1\n\u200b\n$\n 38\n\u00a0\n 1\n\u200b\n$\n 45\nCommercial real estate\n\u00a0\n 2\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,344\n\u00a0\n 3\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 6,087\nTotal\n\u00a0\n 3\n\u200b\n$\n 2,382\n\u00a0\n 4\n\u200b\n$\n 6,132\n\u200b\nAt March 31, 2023 and 2022, loans delinquent 30 \u2013 89 days were 0.20% and 0.81% of total loans, respectively. At March 31, 2023, loans 30 \u2013 89 days past due were comprised of SBA government guaranteed loans (which are included in commercial business), commercial business and consumer loans. The SBA government guaranteed loans comprise a substantial amount of the total loans 30-89 days past due at March 31, 2023. At March 31, 2022, loans 30 \u2013 89 days past due were comprised of SBA government guaranteed loans, residential real estate construction and consumer loans. There were no commercial real estate (\u201cCRE\u201d) loans 30 \u2013 89 days past at March 31, 2023 or March 31, 2022. At March 31, 2023, CRE loans represent the largest portion of our loan portfolio at 55.95% of total loans and commercial business loans represent 23.08% of total loans.\nTroubled debt restructurings (\u201cTDRs\u201d) are loans for which the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower\u2019s financial condition, has granted a concession to the borrower that it would otherwise not consider. A TDR typically involves a modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate or face amount of the loan, a reduction of accrued interest, and/or an extension of the maturity date(s) at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk.\nTDRs are considered impaired loans when a loan is deemed to be impaired, the amount of the impairment is measured using discounted cash flows and the original note rate, except when the loan is collateral dependent. In these cases, the estimated fair value of the collateral (less any selling costs, if applicable) is used. Impairment is recognized as a specific component within the allowance for loan losses if the estimated value of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan. When the amount of the impairment represents a confirmed loss, it is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses. At March 31, 2023, the Company had TDRs totaling $629,000, of which $450,000 were on accrual status. The $179,000 of TDRs accounted for on a non-accrual basis at March 31, 2023 are included as nonperforming loans in the nonperforming asset table above. All of the Company\u2019s TDRs were paying as agreed at March 31, 2023. The related amount of interest income recognized on these TDR loans was $24,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.\nThe Company has determined that, in certain circumstances, it is appropriate to split a loan into multiple notes. This typically includes a nonperforming charged-off loan that is not supported by the cash flow of the relationship and a performing loan that is supported by the cash flow. These may also be split into multiple notes to align portions of the loan balance with the various sources of repayment when more than one exists. Generally, the new loans are restructured based on customary underwriting standards. In situations where they are not, the policy exception qualifies as a concession, and if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, the loans are accounted for as TDRs. At March 31, 2023, no loans had been restructured in this manner.\nThe accrual status of a loan may change after it has been classified as a TDR. The Company\u2019s general policy related to TDRs is to perform a credit evaluation of the borrower\u2019s financial condition and prospects for repayment under the revised terms. This evaluation includes consideration of the borrower\u2019s sustained historical repayment performance for a reasonable period of time. A sustained period of repayment performance generally would be a minimum of six months and may include repayments made prior to the restructuring date. If repayment of principal and interest appears doubtful, it is placed on non-accrual status.\nIn accordance with the Company\u2019s policy guidelines, unsecured loans are generally charged-off when no payments have been received for three consecutive months unless an alternative action plan is in effect. Consumer installment loans delinquent six months or more that have not received at least 75% of their required monthly payment in the last 90 days are charged-off. In addition, loans discharged in bankruptcy proceedings are charged-off. Loans under bankruptcy protection with no payments \n13\n\n\nTable of Contents\nreceived for four consecutive months are charged-off. The outstanding balance of a secured loan that is in excess of the net realizable value is generally charged-off if no payments are received for four to five consecutive months. However, charge-offs are postponed if alternative proposals to restructure, obtain additional guarantors, obtain additional assets as collateral or a potential sale of the underlying collateral would result in full repayment of the outstanding loan balance. Once any other potential sources of repayment are exhausted, the impaired portion of the loan is charged-off. Regardless of whether a loan is unsecured or collateralized, once an amount is determined to be a confirmed loan loss it is promptly charged-off.\nAsset Classification.\n Federal regulations provide for the classification of lower quality loans and other assets (such as other real estate owned and repossessed property), debt and equity securities, as substandard, doubtful or loss. An asset is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and pay capacity of the borrower or of any collateral pledged. Substandard assets have a well-defined weakness and include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values. Assets classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted.\nWhen the Company classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, we may determine that the loan is impaired and establish a specific allowance in an amount we deem prudent to address the risk specifically or we may allow the loss to be addressed in the general allowance. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been specifically allocated to particular problem assets. When a problem asset is classified by us as a loss, we are required to charge off the asset in the period in which it is deemed uncollectible.\nThe aggregate amount of the Company\u2019s classified loans (comprised entirely of substandard loans), general loss allowances, specific loss allowances and net charge-offs (recoveries) were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAt\u00a0or\u00a0For\u00a0the\u00a0Year\n\u200b\n\u200b\nEnded\u00a0March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2022\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nClassified loans\n\u200b\n$\n 2,647\n\u200b\n$\n 6,405\nGeneral loss allowances\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 15,303\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 14,515\nSpecific loss allowances\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 6\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 8\nNet charge-offs (recoveries)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (36)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 30\n\u200b\nAll loans on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2023 were categorized as classified loans with the exception of one commercial business loan for $18,000 which is fully guaranteed by the SBA. Classified loans at March 31, 2023 were comprised of \u00a0three commercial business loans totaling $117,000, three commercial real estate loans totaling $2.4 million (the largest of which was $1.5 million) and three one-to-four family real estate loans totaling $86,000. The net decrease in classified loans is primarily attributed to the upgrade of one commercial real estate loan totaling $3.6 million. As discussed earlier, nonperforming SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans totaled $1.6 million. These nonperforming government guaranteed loans are not considered classified as there is no well-defined weakness and do not include the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected in regard to these loans. The Company purchased the guaranteed portion of these loans which is backed by government guaranteed interest certificates and expects to receive all principal and interest on these loans.\nAllowance for Loan Losses.\n The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (\u201cGAAP\u201d) guidelines. The adequacy of the allowance is evaluated monthly to maintain the allowance at levels sufficient to provide for inherent losses existing at the balance sheet date. The key components to the evaluation are the Company\u2019s internal loan review function by its credit administration, which reviews and monitors the risk and quality of the loan portfolio; as well as the Company\u2019s external loan reviews and its loan classification systems. Credit officers are expected to monitor their loan portfolios and make recommendations to change loan grades whenever changes are warranted. Credit administration approves any changes to loan grades and monitors loan grades. For additional discussion of the Company\u2019s methodology for assessing the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses see Item 7. \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations \u2013 Critical Accounting Estimates.\u201d\n14\n\n\nTable of Contents\nIn accordance with GAAP, loans acquired from MBank during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 were recorded at their estimated fair value, which resulted in a net discount to the loans\u2019 contractual amounts, of which a portion reflects a discount for possible credit losses. Credit discounts are included in the determination of fair value, and, as a result, no allowance for loan losses is recorded for acquired loans at the acquisition date. The discount recorded on the acquired loans is not reflected in the allowance for loan losses or related allowance coverage ratios. However, we believe it should be considered when comparing certain financial ratios of the Company calculated in periods after the MBank transaction, compared to the same financial ratios of the Company in periods prior to the MBank transaction. The net discount on these acquired loans was $228,000 and $371,000 at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nThe Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $750,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to a recapture of loan losses of $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The increase in the allowance for loan losses in fiscal year 2023 is mainly attributed to an isolated downgrade of a commercial real estate loan for $15.9 million that occurred in the fourth quarter. \nAt March 31, 2023, the Company had an allowance for loan losses of $15.3 million, or 1.52% of total loans, compared to $14.5 million, or 1.47% of total loans at March 31, 2022. Net recoveries totaled $36,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to net charge-offs of $30,000 in the prior fiscal year. Criticized loans, which are comprised of watch and special mention loans, increased $11.3 million to $19.1 million at March 31, 2023 from $7.8 million at March 31, 2022. Classified loans decreased $3.8 million to $2.6 million at March 31, 2023 compared to $6.4 million at March 31, 2022. The net increase in criticized loans\u00a0is mainly attributed to the downgrade of the $15.9 million commercial real estate loan mentioned above offset by the upgrade to a pass rating of a $6.6 million commercial real estate loan that was part of the criticized total at March 31, 2022. Additionally, the criticized balance at March 31, 2023 includes three commercial business loans and one commercial real estate loan totaling $1.3 million to a related borrower that were downgraded in the third quarter. The decrease in classified loans is mainly due to the upgrade to a pass rating of a $3.6 million commercial real estate loan. The coverage ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 826.62% at March 31, 2023 compared to 65.72% at March 31, 2022, and excluding SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans was 5777.0% at March 31, 2023. \u00a0The Company\u2019s general valuation allowance to non-impaired loans was 1.52% and 1.47% at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\nManagement considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate at March 31, 2023 to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio based on the assessment of various factors affecting the loan portfolio, and the Company believes it has established its existing allowance for loan losses in accordance with GAAP. However, a decline in national and local economic conditions (including a recession and continued inflationary pressures), results of examinations by the Company\u2019s banking regulators, or other factors could result in a material increase in the allowance for loan losses and may adversely affect the Company\u2019s future financial condition and results of operations. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses will be adequate or that substantial increases will not be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate or should collateral values decline as a result of the factors discussed elsewhere in this document.\n15\n\n\nTable of Contents\nThe following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAt March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u200b\n2022\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nLoan Category\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nLoan Category\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nas\u00a0a Percent\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nas\u00a0a Percent\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nof\u00a0Total Loans\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nof\u00a0Total Loans\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial and construction:\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCommercial business\n\u200b\n$\n 3,123\n\u00a0\n 23.08\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 2,422\n\u00a0\n 23.03\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nCommercial real estate\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 8,894\n\u200b\n 55.95\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 9,037\n\u200b\n 58.85\n\u200b\nLand\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 93\n\u200b\n 0.64\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 168\n\u200b\n 1.16\n\u200b\nMulti-family\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 798\n\u200b\n 5.54\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 845\n\u200b\n 6.08\n\u200b\nReal estate construction\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 764\n\u00a0\n 4.73\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 393\n\u00a0\n 2.44\n\u200b\nConsumer:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\nReal estate one-to-four family\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,087\n\u00a0\n 9.88\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 905\n\u00a0\n 8.28\n\u200b\nOther installment\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 40\n\u00a0\n 0.18\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 38\n\u00a0\n 0.16\n\u200b\nUnallocated\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 510\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 715\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\nTotal allowance for loan losses\n\u200b\n$\n 15,309\n\u00a0\n 100.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 14,523\n\u00a0\n 100.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n16\n\n\nTable of Contents\nThe following table shows certain credit ratios at and for the periods indicated and each component of the ratio\u2019s calculations.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAt or For the Year Ended March 31,\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2022\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2021\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAllowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans outstanding at period end\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1.52\n%\n\u200b\n 1.47\n%\n\u200b\n 2.03\n%\nAllowance for loan losses\n\u200b\n$\n 15,309\n\u200b\n$\n 14,523\n\u200b\n$\n 19,178\n\u200b\nTotal loans outstanding\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,008,856\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 990,408\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 943,235\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNon-accrual loans as a percentage of total loans outstanding at period end\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 0.03\n%\n\u200b\n 0.03\n%\n\u200b\n 0.04\n%\nTotal non-accrual loans\n\u200b\n$\n 283\n\u200b\n$\n 291\n\u200b\n$\n 395\n\u200b\nTotal loans outstanding\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,008,856\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 990,408\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 943,235\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAllowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-accrual loans at period end\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 5,409.54\n%\n\u200b\n 4,990.72\n%\n\u200b\n 4,855.19\n%\nAllowance for loan losses\n\u200b\n$\n 15,309\n\u200b\n$\n 14,523\n\u200b\n$\n 19,178\n\u200b\nTotal non-accrual loans\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 283\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 291\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 395\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNet charge-offs/(recoveries) during period to average loans outstanding:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCommercial business:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n 0.03\n%\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\nNet charge-offs/(recoveries)\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 69\n\u200b\n$\n (10)\n\u200b\nAverage loans receivable, net\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 233,884\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 225,677\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 268,363\n\u200b\nCommercial real estate:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n (0.06)\n%\nNet charge-offs/(recoveries)\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n (332)\n\u200b\nAverage loans receivable, net\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 568,999\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 559,275\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 526,965\n\u200b\nLand:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\nNet charge-offs/(recoveries)\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\nAverage loans receivable, net\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 8,486\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 13,498\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 13,765\n\u200b\nMulti-family:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\nNet charge-offs/(recoveries)\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\nAverage loans receivable, net\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 57,548\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 48,651\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 50,489\n\u200b\nReal estate construction:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\nNet charge-offs/(recoveries)\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\nAverage loans receivable, net\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 38,214\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 16,828\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 32,834\n\u200b\nConsumer:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n (0.04)\n%\n\u200b\n (0.06)\n%\n\u200b\n 0.12\n%\nNet charge-offs/(recoveries)\n\u200b\n$\n (36)\n\u200b\n$\n (39)\n\u200b\n$\n 88\n\u200b\nAverage loans receivable, net\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 99,914\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 70,813\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 73,654\n\u200b\nTotal loans:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\n\u200b\n (0.03)\n%\nTotal net recoveries/(recoveries)\n\u200b\n$\n (36)\n\u200b\n$\n 30\n\u200b\n$\n (254)\n\u200b\nTotal average loans receivable, net\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,007,045\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 934,742\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 966,070\n\u200b\n\u200b\nInvestment Activities\nThe Board sets the investment policy of the Company. The Company\u2019s investment objectives are: to provide and maintain liquidity within regulatory guidelines; to maintain a balance of high quality, diversified investments to minimize risk; to provide collateral for pledging requirements; to serve as a balance to earnings; and to optimize returns. The policy permits investment in various types of liquid assets (generally debt and asset-backed securities) permissible under applicable regulations, which includes U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies, \u201cbank qualified\u201d municipal bonds, certain certificates of deposit of insured banks, repurchase agreements, federal funds, real estate mortgage investment conduits (\u201cREMICS\u201d) and mortgage-backed securities (\u201cMBS\u201d), but does not permit investment in non-investment grade bonds. The policy also dictates the criteria for classifying investment securities into one of three categories: held to maturity, available for sale or trading. At March 31, 2023, no investment securities were held for trading purposes. At March 31, 2023, the Company\u2019s investment portfolio consisted of solely debt securities and no equity securities. See Item 7. \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations \u2013 Critical Accounting Estimates.\u201d\nThe Company primarily purchases agency securities and a combination of MBS backed by government agencies (FHLMC, Fannie Mae (\u201cFNMA\u201d), SBA or Ginnie Mae (\u201cGNMA\u201d)). FHLMC and FNMA securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, while SBA and GNMA securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. At March 31, 2023, the Company owned no privately issued MBS. Our REMICS are MBS issued by FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA and our \n17\n\n\nTable of Contents\nCRE MBS are issued by FNMA. The Company does not believe that it has any exposure to sub-prime lending in its investment securities portfolio. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.\nThe following table sets forth the investment securities portfolio and carrying values at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAt March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u200b\n2022\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCarrying\n\u200b\nPercent\u00a0of\n\u200b\nCarrying\n\u200b\nPercent\u00a0of\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nValue\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPortfolio\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nValue\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPortfolio\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAvailable for sale (at estimated fair value):\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nMunicipal securities\n\u200b\n$\n 40,261\n\u00a0\n 8.84\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 39,604\n\u00a0\n 9.45\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nAgency securities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 85,907\n\u00a0\n 18.87\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 40,705\n\u00a0\n 9.72\n\u200b\nREMICs\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 28,877\n\u00a0\n 6.34\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 32,717\n\u00a0\n 7.81\n\u200b\nResidential MBS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 15,471\n\u00a0\n 3.40\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 16,945\n\u00a0\n 4.05\n\u200b\nOther MBS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 40,983\n\u00a0\n 9.00\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 35,811\n\u00a0\n 8.55\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 211,499\n\u00a0\n 46.45\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 165,782\n\u00a0\n 39.58\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nHeld to maturity (at amortized cost):\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\nMunicipal securities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 10,344\n\u00a0\n 2.27\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 10,368\n\u00a0\n 2.47\n\u200b\nAgency securities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 53,941\n\u00a0\n 11.85\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 45,277\n\u00a0\n 10.81\n\u200b\nREMICs\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 35,186\n\u00a0\n 7.73\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 39,394\n\u00a0\n 9.40\n\u200b\nResidential MBS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 123,773\n\u00a0\n 27.18\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 137,343\n\u00a0\n 32.79\n\u200b\nOther MBS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 20,599\n\u00a0\n 4.52\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 20,718\n\u00a0\n 4.95\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 243,843\n\u00a0\n 53.55\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 253,100\n\u00a0\n 60.42\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal investment securities\n\u200b\n$\n 455,342\n\u00a0\n 100.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 418,882\n\u00a0\n 100.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\nThe following table sets forth the maturities and weighted average yields in the securities portfolio at March 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAfter One Year\n\u200b\nAfter\u00a0Five\u00a0Years\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\nOne Year or Less\n\u200b\nThrough Five Years\n\u200b\nThrough Ten\u00a0Years\n\u200b\nAfter Ten Years\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nWeighted\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nWeighted\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nWeighted\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nWeighted\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nYield \n(1)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nYield \n(1)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nYield \n(1)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAmount\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nYield \n(1)\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAvailable for sale:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nMunicipal securities\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 3,970\n\u200b\n 3.29\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 8,874\n\u00a0\n 2.74\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 27,417\n\u00a0\n 2.04\n%\nAgency securities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 8,890\n\u00a0\n 3.01\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 61,647\n\u00a0\n 2.60\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 15,370\n\u00a0\n 1.26\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\nREMICS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1\n\u00a0\n 5.86\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 544\n\u00a0\n 2.09\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 28,332\n\u00a0\n 1.73\n\u200b\nResidential MBS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 624\n\u00a0\n 1.95\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 5,870\n\u00a0\n 1.78\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 8,977\n\u00a0\n 2.99\n\u200b\nOther MBS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3,370\n\u00a0\n 2.82\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 11,963\n\u00a0\n 4.23\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 16,556\n\u00a0\n 1.73\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 9,094\n\u00a0\n 2.96\n\u200b\nTotal available for sale\n\u200b\n$\n 12,261\n\u00a0\n 2.96\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 78,204\n\u00a0\n 2.88\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 47,214\n\u00a0\n 1.76\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 73,820\n\u00a0\n 2.13\n%\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nHeld to maturity:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nMunicipal securities\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n \u2014\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 10,344\n\u200b\n 2.34\n%\nAgency securities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 38,937\n\u200b\n 1.84\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 11,913\n\u200b\n 1.42\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3,091\n\u200b\n 0.80\n\u200b\nREMICS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 35,186\n\u200b\n 1.76\n\u200b\nResidential MBS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4\n\u00a0\n 3.84\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,473\n\u200b\n 1.20\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 121,296\n\u200b\n 1.77\n\u200b\nOther MBS\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3,274\n\u00a0\n 1.95\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 15,309\n\u200b\n 1.48\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,016\n\u200b\n 1.33\n\u200b\nTotal held to maturity\n\u200b\n$\n 4\n\u00a0\n 3.84\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 42,211\n\u00a0\n 1.85\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 29,695\n\u00a0\n 1.43\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 171,933\n\u00a0\n 1.78\n%\n\u200b\n(1)\nThe weighted average yields are calculated by multiplying each amortized cost value by its yield and dividing the sum of these results by the total amortized cost values. Yields on tax-exempt investments are not calculated on a fully tax equivalent basis.\nManagement reviews investment securities quarterly for the presence of other than temporary impairment (\u201cOTTI\u201d), taking into consideration current market conditions, the extent and nature of changes in estimated fair value, issuer rating changes and trends, financial condition of the underlying issuers, current analysts\u2019 evaluations, the Company\u2019s ability and intent to hold investments \n18\n\n\nTable of Contents\nuntil a recovery of estimated fair value, which may be maturity, as well as other factors. There was no OTTI charge for investment securities for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021. \n \nSee Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding investment securities.\nDeposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds\nGeneral.\n Deposits, loan repayments and loan sales are the major sources of the Company\u2019s funds for lending and other investment purposes. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in the availability of funds from other sources. They may also be used on a longer-term basis for general business purposes.\nDeposit Accounts.\n The Company attracts deposits from within its primary market area by offering a broad selection of deposit instruments, including demand deposits, negotiable order of withdrawal (\u201cNOW\u201d) accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and retirement savings plans. The Company has focused on building customer relationship deposits which include both business and consumer depositors. Deposit account terms vary according to, among other factors, the minimum balance required, the time periods the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. In determining the terms of its deposit accounts, the Company considers the rates offered by its competition, profitability to the Company, matching deposit and loan products and customer preferences and concerns.\nThe following table sets forth the average balances of deposit accounts held by the Company at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nYear Ended March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u200b\n2022\n\u200b\n2021\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRate\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRate\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRate\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNon-interest-bearing demand\n\u200b\n$\n 480,029\n\u00a0\n0.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 476,203\n\u00a0\n0.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 387,579\n\u00a0\n0.00\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nInterest-bearing checking\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 286,627\n\u00a0\n0.03\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 279,053\n\u00a0\n0.03\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 225,579\n\u00a0\n0.04\n\u200b\nSavings accounts\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 308,840\n\u00a0\n0.07\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 318,885\n\u00a0\n0.08\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 257,285\n\u00a0\n0.16\n\u200b\nMoney market accounts\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 266,795\n\u00a0\n0.16\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 272,161\n\u00a0\n0.06\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 204,931\n\u00a0\n0.07\n\u200b\nCertificates of deposit\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 103,484\n\u00a0\n0.75\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 117,391\n\u00a0\n0.80\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 129,928\n\u00a0\n1.45\n\u200b\nTotal\n\u200b\n$\n 1,445,775\n\u00a0\n0.10\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 1,463,693\n\u00a0\n0.10\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 1,205,302\n\u00a0\n0.21\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\nDeposit accounts totaled $1.3 billion at March 31, 2023 compared to $1.5 billion at March 31, 2022. The Company did not have any wholesale-brokered deposits at March 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company continues to focus on core deposits and growth generated by customer relationships as opposed to obtaining deposits through the wholesale markets, although the Company continued to experience competition for customer deposits within its market area during fiscal year 2023. Core branch deposits (comprised of all demand, savings, interest checking accounts and all time deposits excluding wholesale-brokered deposits, trust account deposits, Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (\u201cIOLTA\u201d), public funds, and internet based deposits) at March 31, 2023 decreased $250.1 million since March 31, 2022 due to deposit pricing pressures in our market and customers seeking higher yielding investment alternatives. At March 31, 2023, the Company had $22.8 million, or 1.80% of total deposits, in Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (\u201cCDARS\u201d) and Insured Cash Sweep (\u201cICS\u201d) deposits, which were gathered from customers within the Company\u2019s primary market-area. CDARS and ICS deposits allow customers access to FDIC insurance on deposits exceeding the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit.\nAt March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company also had $21.3 million and $25.9 million, respectively, in deposits from public entities located in the States of Washington and Oregon, all of which were fully covered by FDIC insurance or secured by pledged collateral.\nThe Company is enrolled in an internet deposit listing service. Under this listing service, the Company may post certificates of deposit rates on an internet site where institutional investors have the ability to deposit funds with the Company. At March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not have any deposits through this listing service as the Company chose not to utilize these internet-based deposits. Although the Company did not originate any internet based deposits during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Company may do so in the future consistent with its asset/liability objectives. \n\u200b\n19\n\n\nTable of Contents\nDeposit growth remains a key strategic focus for the Company and our ability to achieve deposit growth, particularly in core deposits, is subject to many risk factors including the effects of competitive pricing pressures, changing customer deposit behavior, and increasing or decreasing interest rate environments. Adverse developments with respect to any of these risk factors could limit the Company\u2019s ability to attract and retain deposits and could have a material negative impact on the Company\u2019s future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.\nAs of March 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $225.7 million and $320.0 million, respectively, of our deposit portfolio was uninsured. The uninsured amounts are estimates based on the methodologies and assumptions used for the Bank\u2019s regulatory reporting requirements. The following table presents the maturity period and amount of certificates of deposit greater than $250,000 at March 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMaturity Period\n\u200b\nAmount\n\u200b\nThree months or less\n\u200b\n$\n 1,741\n\u00a0\nOver three through six months\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 5,195\n\u00a0\nOver six through 12 months\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 19,592\n\u00a0\nOver 12 months\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 13,787\n\u00a0\nTotal\n\u200b\n$\n 40,315\n\u00a0\n\u200b\nFor more information, see also Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\n\u200b\nBorrowings.\n The Company relies upon advances from the FHLB and borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (\u201cFRB\u201d), as needed, to supplement its supply of lendable funds and to meet deposit withdrawal requirements. Advances from the FHLB and borrowings from the FRB are typically secured by the Bank\u2019s commercial business loans, commercial real estate loans and real estate one-to-four family loans. At March 31, 2023, the Bank had FHLB advances totaling $123.8 million and no FRB borrowings. At March 31, 2022, the Bank did not have any FHLB advances or FRB borrowings.\nThe FHLB functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for member financial institutions. As a member, the Bank is required to own capital stock in the FHLB and is authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of its mortgage loans and other assets (primarily securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S.) provided certain standards related to credit-worthiness have been met. The FHLB determines specific lines of credit for each member institution and the Bank has a line of credit with the FHLB equal to 45% of its total assets to the extent the Bank provides qualifying collateral and holds sufficient FHLB stock. At March 31, 2023, the Bank had an available credit capacity of $718.9 million, subject to sufficient collateral and stock investment.\nThe Bank also has a borrowing arrangement with the FRB with an available credit facility of $57.4 million, subject to pledged collateral, as of March 31, 2023. The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Company\u2019s borrowings for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nYear Ended March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2022\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2021\n\u00a0\nMaximum amounts of FHLB advances outstanding at any month end\n\u200b\n$\n 123,754\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n 30,000\n\u200b\nAverage FHLB advances outstanding\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 21,045\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 15,044\n\u200b\nWeighted average rate on FHLB advances\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4.88\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n 0.31\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n 0.31\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nMaximum amounts of FRB borrowings outstanding at any month end\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\n$\n \u2014\n\u200b\nAverage FRB borrowings outstanding\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 13\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\nWeighted average rate on FRB borrowings\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4.62\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n 0.25\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n20\n\n\nTable of Contents\nAt March 31, 2023, the Company had three wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts totaling $26.9 million that were established for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and common securities. The trust preferred securities accrue and pay distributions periodically at specified annual rates as provided in each trust agreement. The trusts used the net proceeds from each of the offerings to purchase a like amount of junior subordinated debentures (the \u201cDebentures\u201d) of the Company. The Debentures are the sole assets of the trusts. The Company\u2019s obligations under the Debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the obligations of the trusts. The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity of the Debentures or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indentures. The Company has the right to redeem the Debentures in whole or in part on or after specific dates, at a redemption price specified in the indentures governing the Debentures plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date. The Company also has the right to defer the payment of interest on each of the Debentures for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters, provided that the deferral period does not extend beyond the stated maturity. During such deferral period, distributions on the corresponding trust preferred securities will also be deferred and the Company may not pay cash dividends to the holders of shares of the Company\u2019s common stock. The common securities issued by the grantor trusts are held by the Company, and the Company\u2019s investment in the common securities of $836,000 at both March 31, 2023 and 2022 is included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets included in the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. For more information, see also Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\nTaxation\nFor details regarding the Company\u2019s taxes, see Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\nEmployees and Human Capital\nAs of March 31, 2023, the Company had 229 full-time equivalent employees, none of whom are represented by a collective bargaining unit. The Company believes its relationship with its employees is good.\nTo facilitate talent attraction and retention, we strive to make the Bank an inclusive, safe and healthy workplace, with opportunities for our employees to grow and develop in their careers, supported by competitive compensation and benefits programs. Approximately 65.8% of our workforce was female and 34.2% male, 58.0% of our management roles were held by females and 42.0% were held by males and our average tenure was\u00a0seven years. The ethnicity of our workforce was 84.0% White, 5.4% Asian, 4.6% Hispanic or Latinx, 1.3% two or more races, 1.7% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 1.3% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and 1.7% African American or Black. Benefit programs include quarterly or annual incentive opportunities, a Company sponsored Employee Stock Ownership Plan (\u201cESOP\u201d), a Company-matched 401(k) Plan, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, family leave, and employee assistance programs including educational reimbursement opportunities.\nThe success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people. Accordingly, we are committed to the health, safety, and wellness of our employees. In support of our commitment, we have onsite gym facilities at our operations center to promote health and wellness. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented significant operating environment changes that we determined were in the best interest of our employees, as well as the communities in which we operate, and which comply with government regulations. We continue to utilize a hybrid work model which is supported by technology that promotes flexibility to work remotely while also recognizing the benefits of in-person collaboration. \nThe Company recognizes that the skills and knowledge of its employees are critical to the success of the organization, and promotes training and continuing education as an ongoing function for its employees. The Bank\u2019s compliance training program provides required annual training courses to assure that all employees know the rules applicable to their jobs. \n\u200b\n21\n\n\nTable of Contents\nCorporate Information\nThe Company\u2019s principal executive offices are located at 900 Washington Street, Vancouver, Washington 98660. Its telephone number is (360) 693-6650. The Company maintains a website with the address www.riverviewbank.com. The information contained on the Company\u2019s website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other than an investor\u2019s own internet access charges, the Company makes available free of charge through its website the Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after it has electronically filed such material with, or furnished such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d).\nSubsidiary Activities\nRiverview has one operating subsidiary, the Bank. The Bank has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Riverview Services and the Trust Company.\nRiverview Services acts as a trustee for deeds of trust on mortgage loans granted by the Bank and receives a reconveyance fee for each deed of trust. Riverview Services had net income of $21,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and total assets of $1.3 million at March 31, 2023. Riverview Services\u2019 operations are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\nThe Trust Company is an asset management company providing trust, estate planning and investment management services. The Trust Company had net income of $860,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and total assets of $9.0 million at March 31, 2023. The Trust Company earns fees on the management of assets held in fiduciary or agency capacity. At March 31, 2023, total assets under management were $890.6 million. The Trust Company\u2019s operations are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\n\u200b\n22\n\n\nTable of Contents\nInformation about our Executive Officers\n. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nName\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAge\u00a0\n(1)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPosition\nKevin J. Lycklama\n\u00a0\n 45\n\u00a0\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\nDavid Lam\n\u00a0\n 46\n\u00a0\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer\nDaniel D. Cox\n\u00a0\n 45\n\u00a0\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer\nTracie L. Jellison\n\u200b\n 54\n\u200b\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer\nSteven P. Plambeck\n\u00a0\n 63\n\u00a0\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer\nEvan Sowers\n\u00a0\n 45\n\u00a0\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Riverview Trust Company\n\u200b\n(1)\nAt March 31, 2023\nKevin J. Lycklama\n is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, positions he has held since April 2018. Prior to assuming the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lycklama served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, positions he had held since July 2017. Prior to July 2017, Mr. Lycklama served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 2008 and Vice President and Controller of the Bank since 2006. Prior to joining Riverview, Mr. Lycklama spent five years with a local public accounting firm advancing to the level of audit manager. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State University, is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and is a certified public accountant (CPA). Mr. Lycklama is a member of the Washington State University Vancouver Advisory Council.\nDavid Lam\n is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, positions he has held since July 2017. Prior to July 2017, Mr. Lam served as Senior Vice President and Controller of the Bank since 2008. He is responsible for accounting, SEC reporting and treasury functions for the Bank and the Company. Prior to joining Riverview, Mr. Lam spent ten years working in the public accounting sector advancing to the level of audit manager. Mr. Lam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from Oregon State University. Mr. Lam is a CPA, holds a chartered global management accountant designation and is a member of both the American Institute of CPAs and Oregon Society of CPAs.\nDaniel D. Cox\n is Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank and is responsible for credit administration related to the Bank\u2019s commercial, mortgage and consumer loan activities. Mr. Cox joined the Bank in August 2002 and spent five years as a commercial lender and progressed through the credit administration function, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Credit Administration. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State University and was an Honor Roll graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. Mr. Cox is an active mentor in the local schools and was the Past Treasurer and Endowment Chair for the Washougal Schools Foundation and Past Board Member of Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce.\nTracie L. Jellison\n is Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer of the Bank, a position she has held since June 2022. \u00a0Mrs. Jellison is responsible for the oversight of the bank\u2019s retail branches. \u00a0Prior to June 2022, Mrs. Jellison served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Team Leader of the Portland Commercial Lending Team. \u00a0Mrs. Jellison has spent her entire professional career working in banking and is passionate about delivering high level service to all clients. Mrs. Jellison attended The University of San Diego, studying music, and is a graduate of Flight Safety. \u00a0\nSteven P. Plambeck\n\u00a0is Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank, a position he has held since March 2018. Mr. Plambeck is responsible for all loan production including commercial, consumer, mortgage and builder/developer construction loans. Mr. Plambeck joined the Bank in January 2011 as Director of Medical Banking. For the past two years Mr. Plambeck served as Senior Vice President and Team Leader for the Portland Commercial Team. Mr. Plambeck holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Wyoming and is also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. Mr. Plambeck is a board member for the Providence St. Vincent Council of Trustees, Providence Heart and Vascular Institute and the Providence Brain and Spine Institute. Mr. Plambeck is also a member of the Medical and Dental Advisory Team.\nEvan Sowers\n is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. Mr. Sowers joined the Trust Company in 2022, after having spent twenty-two years working in trusts and investments. Mr. Sowers was managing director of private banking and wealth management and led the region for a large trust company in the Midwest. Mr. Sowers holds an MBA in Finance, Accounting and Investment Banking from Washington University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri. \n\u200b\n23\n\n\nTable of Contents\nREGULATION\nGeneral.\nOn April 28, 2021, the Bank converted from a federally chartered savings bank to a Washington state-chartered commercial bank. As a Washington state-chartered commercial bank, the Bank\u2019s regulators are the WDFI and the FDIC, rather than the OCC. The Company converted from a Savings and Loan Holding Company to a Bank Holding Company and the Federal Reserve remained its primary federal regulator.\nThe following is a brief description of certain laws and regulations which are applicable to the Company and the Bank. The description of these laws and regulations, as well as descriptions of laws and regulations contained elsewhere herein, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable laws and regulations.\nLegislation is introduced from time to time in the United States Congress (\u201cCongress\u201d) or the Washington State Legislature that may affect the Company\u2019s and Bank\u2019s operations. In addition, the regulations governing the Company and the Bank may be amended from time to time by the WDFI, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve or the SEC, as appropriate. Any such legislation or regulatory changes in the future could have an adverse effect\u00a0on our operations and financial condition. We cannot predict whether any such changes may occur.\nThe WDFI and FDIC have extensive enforcement authority over all Washington state-chartered commercial banks, including the Bank. The Federal Reserve has the same type of authority over Riverview.\nRegulation and Supervision of the Bank\nGeneral.\n As a state-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to applicable provisions of Washington state law and regulations of the WDFI in addition to federal law and regulations of the FDIC applicable to state banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System. State law and regulations govern the Bank\u2019s ability to take deposits and pay interest, to make loans on or invest in residential and other real estate, to make consumer loans, to invest in securities, to offer various banking services to its customers and to establish branch offices. Under state law, commercial banks in Washington also generally have all of the powers that national banks have under federal laws and regulations. The Bank is subject to periodic examination by and reporting requirements of the WDFI and FDIC.\nCapital Requirements.\n Federally insured financial institutions, such as the Bank and\u00a0their holding companies, are required to maintain a minimum level of regulatory capital. The Bank is subject to capital regulations adopted by the FDIC, which establish minimum required ratios for a common equity Tier 1 (\u201cCET1\u201d) capital to risk-based assets ratio, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio, a total capital to risk-based assets ratio and a Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. The capital standards require the maintenance of the following minimum capital ratios: (i) a CET1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%; (iii) a total capital ratio of 8%; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to subsidiary banks generally apply to bank holding companies. However, the Federal Reserve has provided a \u201cSmall Bank Holding Company\u201d exception to its consolidated capital requirements, and bank holding companies with less than $3.0 billion of consolidated assets are not subject to the consolidated holding company capital requirements unless otherwise directed by the Federal Reserve.\nThe Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (\u201cEGRRCPA\u201d), enacted in May 2018, required the federal banking agencies, including the FDIC, to establish for institutions with assets of less than $10 billion a \u201ccommunity bank leverage ratio\u201d or \u201cCBLR\u201d of between 8 to 10%. Institutions with capital meeting or exceeding the ratio and otherwise complying with the specified requirements (including off-balance sheet exposures of 25% or less of total assets and trading assets and liabilities of 5% or less of total assets) and electing the alternative framework are considered to comply with the applicable regulatory capital requirements, including the risk-based requirements. The CBLR was established at 9% Tier 1 capital to total average assets, effective January 1, 2020. A qualifying institution may opt in and out of the community bank leverage ratio framework on its quarterly call report. An institution that temporarily ceases to meet any qualifying criteria is provided with a two- quarter grace period to again achieve compliance. Failure to meet the qualifying criteria within the grace period or maintain a leverage ratio of 8% or greater requires the institution to comply with the generally applicable capital requirements. The Bank has not elected to use the CBLR framework as of March 31, 2023.\n24\n\n\nTable of Contents\nCertain changes in what constitutes regulatory capital, including the phasing out of certain instruments as qualifying capital, are subject to transition periods, most of which have expired. The Bank does not have any such instruments. Because of the Bank\u2019s asset size, the Bank elected to take a one-time option to permanently opt-out of the inclusion of unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities in its capital calculations.\nThe Bank also must maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional CET1 capital greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the required minimum risk-based capital levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses.\nIn order to be considered well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations described below, the Bank must maintain a CET1 risk-based ratio of 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 8%, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% and a leverage ratio of 5%, and the Bank must not be subject to an individualized order, directive or agreement under which its primary federal banking regulator requires it to maintain a specific capital level. As of March 31, 2023, the Bank met the requirements to be \u201cwell capitalized\u201d and met the fully phased-in capital conservation buffer requirement. For a complete description of the Bank\u2019s required and actual capital levels on March 31, 2023, see Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\nThe Financial Accounting Standards Board (\u201cFASB\u201d) has adopted a new accounting standard for GAAP that is effective for us for our first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022. This standard, referred to as Current Expected Credit Loss (\u201cCECL\u201d) requires FDIC-insured institutions and their holding companies (banking organizations) to recognize credit losses expected over the life of certain financial assets. CECL covers a broader range of assets than the current method of recognizing credit losses and generally results in earlier recognition of credit losses. Upon adoption of CECL, a banking organization must record a one-time adjustment to its credit loss allowances as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of credit loss allowances under the current methodology and the amount required under CECL. For a banking organization, implementation of CECL may reduce retained earnings, and to affect other items, in a manner that reduces its regulatory capital.\nThe federal banking regulators (the Federal Reserve, the OCC and the FDIC) have adopted a rule that gives a banking organization the option to phase in over a three-year period the day-one adverse effects of CECL on its regulatory capital.\nPrompt Corrective Action.\n Federal statutes establish a supervisory framework for FDIC-insured institutions based on five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. An institution\u2019s category generally depends upon where its capital levels are in relation to relevant capital measures, which include risk-based capital measures, a leverage ratio capital measure, and certain other factors. An institution that is not well capitalized is subject to certain restrictions on brokered deposits, including restrictions on the rates it can offer on its deposits generally. Any institution which is neither well capitalized nor adequately capitalized is considered under- capitalized. The previously referenced final rule establishing an elective \u201ccommunity bank leverage ratio\u201d regulatory capital framework provides that a qualifying institution whose capital exceeds the CBLR and opts to use that framework will be considered \u201cwell capitalized\u201d for purposes of prompt corrective action.\nUndercapitalized institutions are subject to certain prompt corrective action requirements, regulatory controls and restrictions which become more extensive as an institution becomes more severely undercapitalized. Failure by the Bank to comply with applicable capital requirements would, if unremedied, result in progressively more severe restrictions on its activities and lead to enforcement actions, including, but not limited to, the issuance of a capital directive to ensure the maintenance of required capital levels and, ultimately, the appointment of the FDIC as receiver or conservator. Banking regulators will take prompt corrective action with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. Additionally, approval of any regulatory application filed for their review may be dependent on compliance with capital requirements.\nFederal Home Loan Bank System.\n The Bank is a member of the FHLB, which is one of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks that administer the home financing credit function of savings institutions, each of which serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes loans or advances to members in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors of the FHLB, which are subject to the oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. All advances from the FHLB are required to be fully secured by sufficient collateral as determined by the FHLB. In addition, all long-term advances are required to provide funds for residential home financing. See Business \u2013 \u201cDeposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds \u2013 Borrowings.\u201d As a member, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the FHLB. At March 31, 2023, the Bank held $6.9 million \n25\n\n\nTable of Contents\nin FHLB stock, which is comprised of $1.9 million of membership stock and $5.0 million of activity stock from borrowing activities. At March 31, 2023, the Bank is in compliance with FHLB stock requirements. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Bank redeemed $102,000 of FHLB membership stock at par due to the decrease in the Bank\u2019s consolidated assets at December 31, 2022 as compared to December 31, 2021.\nThe FHLB continues to contribute to low- and moderately-priced housing programs through direct loans or interest subsidies on advances targeted for community investment and low- and moderate-income housing projects. These contributions have adversely affected the level of FHLB dividends paid and could continue to do so in the future. These contributions could also have an adverse effect on the value of FHLB stock in the future. A reduction in value of the Bank\u2019s FHLB stock may result in a decrease in net income and possibly capital.\nInsurance of Accounts and Regulation by the FDIC.\n The Bank\u2019s deposits are insured up to $250,000 per separately insured deposit ownership right or category by the Deposit Insurance Fund (\u201cDIF\u201d) of the FDIC. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and is authorized to conduct examinations of, and to require reporting by, FDIC-insured institutions. The FDIC assesses deposit insurance premiums quarterly on each FDIC-insured institution applied to its deposit base, which is their average consolidated total assets minus its Tier 1 capital. No institution may pay a dividend if it is in default on its federal deposit insurance assessment. Total base assessment rates currently range from 3 to 30 basis points subject to certain adjustments. \nExtraordinary growth in insured deposits during the first and second quarters of 2020 caused the DIF reserve ratio to decline below the statutory minimum of 1.35 percent as of June 30, 2020. \u00a0In September 2020, the FDIC Board of Directors adopted a Restoration Plan to restore the reserve ratio to at least 1.35 percent within eight years, absent extraordinary circumstances, as required by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. \u00a0The Restoration Plan maintained the assessment rate schedules in place at the time and required the FDIC to update its analysis and projections for the deposit insurance fund balance and reserve ratio at least semiannually. In the semiannual update for the Restoration Plan in June 2022, the FDIC projected that the reserve ratio was at risk of not reaching the statutory minimum of 1.35 percent by September 30, 2028, the statutory deadline to restore the reserve ratio. \u00a0Based on this update, the FDIC Board approved an Amended Restoration Plan, and concurrently proposed an increase in initial base deposit insurance assessment rate schedules uniformly by two basis points, applicable to all insured depository institutions. In October 2022, the FDIC Board finalized the increase with an effective date of January 1, 2023, applicable to the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. The revised assessment rate schedules are intended to increase the likelihood that the reserve ratio of the DIF reaches the statutory minimum level of 1.35 percent by September 30, 2028. Revised assessment rate schedules will remain in effect unless and until the reserve ratio meets or exceeds two percent, absent further action by the FDIC Board. A significant increase in insurance premiums or a special assessment levied by the FDIC could likely have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Bank.\u00a0There can be no prediction as to what changes in insurance assessment rates may be made in the future. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Bank\u2019s FDIC deposit insurance premiums totaled $534,000. \nThe FDIC also may prohibit any insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the DIF. The FDIC also has the authority to take enforcement actions against banks and savings associations. Management is not aware of any existing circumstances which would result in termination of the Bank\u2019s deposit insurance.\nActivities and Investments of Insured State-Chartered Financial Institutions.\n Federal law generally limits the activities and equity investments of FDIC-insured, state-chartered banks to those that are permissible for national banks. An insured state bank is not prohibited from, among other things, (1) acquiring or retaining a majority interest in a subsidiary, (2) investing as a limited partner in a partnership the sole purpose of which is direct or indirect investment in the acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of a qualified housing project, provided that such limited partnership investments may not exceed 2% of the bank\u2019s total assets, (3) acquiring up to 10% of the voting stock of a company that solely provides or reinsures directors\u2019, trustees\u2019 and officers\u2019 liability insurance coverage or bankers\u2019 blanket bond group insurance coverage for insured depository institutions and (4) acquiring or retaining the voting shares of a depository institution owned by another FDIC-insured institution if certain requirements are met.\nWashington State has enacted a law regarding financial institution parity. Primarily, the law affords Washington state-chartered commercial banks the same powers as Washington state-chartered savings banks and provides that Washington state-chartered commercial banks may exercise any of the powers that the Federal Reserve has determined to be closely related to the business of banking and the powers of national banks, subject to the approval of the Director of the WDFI in certain situations. Finally, the law provides additional flexibility for Washington state-chartered commercial and savings banks with respect to interest rates on loans and other extensions of credit. Specifically, they may charge the maximum interest rate allowable for loans and other extensions of credit by federally-chartered financial institutions to Washington residents.\n26\n\n\nTable of Contents\nTransactions with Affiliates.\n\u00a0Riverview and the Bank are separate and distinct legal entities. The Bank is an affiliate of Riverview and any non-bank subsidiary of Riverview, federal laws strictly limit the ability of banks to engage in certain transactions with their affiliates. Transactions deemed to be a \u201ccovered transaction\u201d under Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act between a bank and an affiliate are limited to 10% of a bank\u2019s capital and surplus and, with respect to all affiliates, to an aggregate of 20% of a bank\u2019s capital and surplus. Further, covered transactions that are loans and extensions of credit generally are required to be secured by eligible collateral in specified amounts. Federal law also requires that covered transactions and certain other transactions listed in Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act between a bank and its affiliates be on terms as favorable to a bank as transactions with non-affiliates.\nCommunity Reinvestment Act.\n The Bank is subject to the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (\u201cCRA\u201d), which require the appropriate federal bank regulatory agency to assess a bank\u2019s performance under the CRA in meeting the credit needs of the community serviced by the Bank, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The regulatory agency\u2019s assessment of the Bank\u2019s record is made available to the public. Further, a bank\u2019s CRA performance must be considered in connection with a bank\u2019s application, to among other things, establish a new branch office that will accept deposits, relocate an existing office or merge or consolidate with, or acquire the assets or assume the liabilities of, a federally regulated financial institution. An unsatisfactory rating may be the basis for denial of certain applications. The Bank received a \u201csatisfactory\u201d rating during its most recent CRA examination.\nOn May 5, 2022, the federal bank regulatory agencies overhauled the CRA and jointly issued a proposal to strengthen and modernize regulations implementing the CRA. \u00a0The proposed regulations included major changes from the current regulation and will be effective on the first day of the first calendar quarter that begins at least 60 days after the publication date of the final rules. The new rules as proposed are intended to, (1) provide expanded access to credit, investment, and basic banking services in low- and moderate-income communities, (2) address changes in the banking industry, including internet and mobile banking, (3) yield greater clarity, consistency, and transparency, (4) tailor CRA evaluations and data collection to bank size and type, and (5) maintain a unified approach amongst the regulating agencies.\nDividends.\n The amount of dividends payable by the Bank to Riverview depends upon the Bank\u2019s earnings and capital position, and is limited by federal and state laws, regulations and policies. Under Washington law, the Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on its capital stock if it would cause its net worth to be reduced below (1) the amount required for liquidation accounts or (2) the net worth requirements, if any, imposed by the Director of the WDFI. In addition, dividends may not be declared or paid if the Bank is in default in payment of any assessments due to the FDIC. Dividends on the Bank\u2019s capital stock may not be paid in an aggregate amount greater than the aggregate retained earnings of the Bank, without the approval of the Director of the WDFI.\nThe amount of dividends actually paid during any one period is affected by the Bank\u2019s policy of maintaining a strong capital position. Federal law further restricts dividends payable by an institution that does not meet the capital conservation buffer requirement and provides that no insured depository institution may pay a cash dividend if it would cause the institution to be \u201cundercapitalized,\u201d as defined in the prompt corrective action regulations. Moreover, the federal bank regulatory agencies also have the general authority to limit the dividends paid by insured banks if such payments are deemed to constitute an unsafe and unsound practice.\nStandards for Safety and Soundness.\n Each federal banking agency, including the FDIC, has adopted guidelines establishing general standards relating to internal controls, information and internal audit systems; loan documentation; credit underwriting; interest rate risk exposure; asset growth; asset quality; earnings; and compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director, or principal shareholder. If the FDIC determines that an institution fails to meet any of these guidelines, it may require an institution to submit to the FDIC an acceptable plan to achieve compliance. Management of the Bank is not aware of any conditions relating to these safety and soundness standards which would require submission of a plan of compliance.\nFederal Reserve System.\n The Federal Reserve requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts, primarily checking accounts. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve reduced \n27\n\n\nTable of Contents\nreserve requirement ratios to zero percent effective on March 26, 2020, to support lending to households and businesses. At March 31, 2023, the Bank was not required to maintain any reserve balances.\nThe Bank is authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco\u2019s \u201cdiscount window.\u201d An eligible institution need not exhaust other sources of funds before going to the discount window, nor are there restrictions on the purposes for which the institution can use primary credit. At March 31, 2023, the Bank had no outstanding borrowings from the Federal Reserve.\nCommercial Real Estate Lending Concentrations\n. The federal banking agencies have issued guidance on sound risk management practices for concentrations in commercial real estate lending. The particular focus is on exposure to commercial real estate loans that are dependent on the cash flow from the real estate held as collateral and that are likely to be sensitive to conditions in the commercial real estate market (as opposed to real estate collateral held as a secondary source of repayment or as an abundance of caution). The purpose of the guidance is not to limit a bank\u2019s commercial real estate lending but to guide banks in developing risk management practices and capital levels commensurate with the level and nature of real estate concentrations. The guidance directs the FDIC and other federal bank regulatory agencies to focus their supervisory resources on institutions that may have significant commercial real estate loan concentration risk. A bank that has experienced rapid growth in commercial real estate lending, has notable exposure to a specific type of commercial real estate loan, or is approaching or exceeding the following supervisory criteria may be identified for further supervisory analysis with respect to real estate concentration risk:\n\u25cf\nTotal reported loans for construction, land development and other land represent 100% or more of the bank\u2019s capital; or\n\u25cf\nTotal commercial real estate loans (as defined in the guidance) represent 300% or more of the bank\u2019s total capital or the outstanding balance of the bank\u2019s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months.\nThe guidance provides that the strength of an institution\u2019s lending and risk management practices with respect to such concentrations will be taken into account in supervisory guidance on evaluation of capital adequacy.\nEnvironmental Issues Associated with Real Estate Lending.\n The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (\u201cCERCLA\u201d), is a federal statute that generally imposes strict liability on all prior and present \u201cowners and operators\u201d of sites containing hazardous waste. However, Congress acted to protect secured creditors by providing that the term \u201cowner and operator\u201d excludes a person whose ownership is limited to protecting its security interest in the site. Since the enactment of the CERCLA, this \u201csecured creditor exemption\u201d has been the subject of judicial interpretations which have left open the possibility that lenders could be liable for cleanup costs on contaminated property that they hold as collateral for a loan. To the extent that legal uncertainty exists in this area, all creditors, including the Bank, that have made loans secured by properties with potentially hazardous waste contamination (such as petroleum contamination) could be subject to liability for cleanup costs, which could substantially exceed the value of the collateral property.\nAnti-Money Laundering and Customer Identification.\n The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (\u201cUSA PATRIOT Act\u201d) was signed into law on October 26, 2001. The USA PATRIOT Act and the Bank Secrecy Act requires financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities. If such activities are detected, financial institutions are obligated to file suspicious activity reports with the U.S. Treasury\u2019s Office of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. These rules require financial institutions to establish procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of customers seeking to open new financial accounts, and, effective in 2018, the beneficial owners of accounts. Bank regulators are directed to consider a holding company\u2019s effectiveness in combating money laundering when ruling on Bank Holding Company Act and Bank Merger Act applications.\nPrivacy Standards and Cybersecurity.\n The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 modernized the financial services industry by establishing a comprehensive framework to permit affiliations among commercial banks, insurance companies, securities firms and other financial service providers. \u00a0Federal banking agencies, including the FDIC, have adopted guidelines for establishing information security standards and cybersecurity programs for implementing safeguards under the supervision of the board of directors. These guidelines, along with related regulatory materials, increasingly focus on risk management and processes related to information technology and the use of third parties in the provision of financial services. These regulations require the Bank to disclose its privacy policy, including informing consumers of its information sharing practices and informing consumers of their rights to opt out of certain practices.\u00a0In addition, Washington State and other federal and state cybersecurity and data privacy laws and regulations may expose the Bank to risk and result in certain risk management costs. In addition, on November 18, 2021, the federal banking agencies announced the adoption of a final rule providing for new \n28\n\n\nTable of Contents\nnotification requirements for banking organizations and their service providers for significant cybersecurity incidents. Specifically, the new rule requires a banking organization to notify its primary federal regulator as soon as possible, and no later than 36 hours after, the banking organization determines that a \u201ccomputer-security incident\u201d rising to the level of a \u201cnotification incident\u201d has occurred. Notification is required for incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the viability of a banking organization\u2019s operations, its ability to deliver banking products and services, or the stability of the financial sector. Service providers are required under the rule to notify affected banking organization customers as soon as possible when the provider determines that it has experienced a computer-security incident that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the banking organization\u2019s customers for four or more hours. Compliance with the new rule was required by May 1, 2022. Non-compliance with federal or similar state privacy and cybersecurity laws and regulations could lead to substantial regulatory imposed fines and penalties, damages from private causes of action and/or reputational harm\nOther Consumer Protection Laws and Regulations.\n The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the \u201cDodd-Frank Act\u201d) established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (\u201cCFPB\u201d) and empowered it to exercise broad regulatory, supervisory and enforcement authority with respect to both new and existing consumer financial protection laws. The Bank is subject to consumer protection regulations issued by the CFPB, but as a financial institution with assets of less than $10 billion, the Bank is generally subject to supervision and enforcement by the FDIC with respect to its compliance with federal consumer financial protection laws and CFPB regulations.\nThe Bank is subject to a broad array of federal and state consumer protection laws and regulations that govern almost every aspect of its business relationships with consumers. While not exhaustive, these laws and regulations include the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Right to Financial Privacy Act, the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act, the Consumer Leasing Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Homeowners Protection Act, the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, laws governing flood insurance, laws governing consumer protections in connection with the sale of insurance, federal and state laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive business practices and various regulations that implement some or all of the foregoing. These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting loans and providing other services. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can subject the Bank to various penalties, including but not limited to, enforcement actions, injunctions, fines, civil liability, criminal penalties, punitive damages and the loss of certain contractual rights.\nRegulation and Supervision of Riverview Bancorp, Inc.\nGeneral.\n Riverview as sole shareholder of the Bank, is a bank holding company registered with the Federal Reserve. Bank holding companies are subject to comprehensive regulation by the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (\u201cBHCA\u201d), and the regulations of the Federal Reserve. Accordingly, Riverview is required to file semi-annual reports with the Federal Reserve and provide additional information as the Federal Reserve may require. The Federal Reserve may examine Riverview, and any of its subsidiaries, and charge Riverview for the cost of the examination. The Federal Reserve also has extensive enforcement authority over bank holding companies, including, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease and desist or removal orders and to require that a holding company divest subsidiaries (including its bank subsidiaries). In general, enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of law and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Riverview, as a public company, is also required to file certain reports and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC. See \u201cFederal Securities Laws\u201d below.\nThe Bank Holding Company Act.\n Under the BHCA, Riverview is supervised by the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has a policy that a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary bank and may not conduct its operations in an unsafe or unsound manner. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act and earlier Federal Reserve policy provide that a bank holding company should serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary bank by having the ability to provide financial assistance to its subsidiary bank during periods of financial distress to the bank. A bank holding company\u2019s failure to meet its obligation to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary bank will generally be considered by the Federal Reserve to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of the Federal Reserve\u2019s regulations or both. No regulations have yet been proposed by the Federal Reserve to implement the source of strength provisions required by the Dodd-Frank Act. Riverview and any subsidiaries that it may control are considered \u201caffiliates\u201d within the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act, and transactions between the Bank and affiliates are subject to numerous restrictions. With some exceptions, Riverview and its \n29\n\n\nTable of Contents\nsubsidiaries are prohibited from tying the provision of various services, such as extensions of credit, to other services offered by Riverview or by its affiliates.\nAcquisitions.\n\u00a0 The BHCA prohibits a bank holding company, with certain exceptions, from acquiring ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company that is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks, or providing services for its subsidiaries. Under the BHCA, the Federal Reserve may approve the ownership of shares by a bank holding company in any company, the activities of which the Federal Reserve has determined to be so closely related to the business of banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. These activities include: operating a savings institution, mortgage company, finance company, credit card company or factoring company; performing certain data processing operations; providing certain investment and financial advice; underwriting and acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing property on a full-payout, non-operating basis; selling money orders, travelers\u2019 checks and U.S. Savings Bonds; real estate and personal property appraising; providing tax planning and preparation services; and, subject to certain limitations, providing securities brokerage services for customers. The Federal Reserve must approve the acquisition (or acquisition of control) of a bank or other FDIC-insured depository institution by a bank holding company, and the appropriate federal banking regulator must approve a bank\u2019s acquisition (or acquisition of control) of another bank or other FDIC-insured institution.\nAcquisition of Control of a Bank Holding Company.\n Under federal law, a notice or application must be submitted to the appropriate federal banking regulator if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire \u201ccontrol\u201d of a bank holding company. An acquisition of control can occur upon the acquisition of 10% or more of the voting stock of a bank holding company or as otherwise defined by federal regulations. In considering such a notice or application, the Federal Reserve takes into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the anti-trust effects of the acquisition. Any company that acquires control becomes subject to regulation as a bank holding company. Depending on circumstances, a notice or application may be required to be filed with appropriate state banking regulators and may be subject to their approval or non-objection.\nRegulatory Capital Requirements.\nAs discussed above, pursuant to the \u201cSmall Bank Holding Company\u201d exception, effective August 30, 2018, bank holding companies with less than $3 billion in consolidated assets were generally no longer subject to the Federal Reserve\u2019s capital regulations, which are generally the same as the capital regulations applicable to the Bank. At the time of this change, Riverview was considered \u201cwell capitalized\u201d as defined for a bank holding company\u00a0with a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or more and a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, and was not subject to an individualized order, directive or agreement under which the Federal Reserve requires it to maintain a specific capital level.\nRestrictions on Dividends.\n The Federal Reserve\n\u00a0\nhas issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies which expresses its view that a bank holding company must maintain an adequate capital position and generally should not pay cash dividends unless the company\u2019s net income for the past year is sufficient to fully fund the cash dividends and that the prospective rate of earnings appears consistent with the company\u2019s capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve policy statement also indicates that it would be inappropriate for a company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends.\n\u00a0\nUnder Washington corporate law, Riverview generally may not pay dividends if after that payment it would not be able to pay its liabilities as they become due in the usual course of business, or its total assets would be less than its total liabilities. The capital conservation buffer requirement may also limit or preclude dividends payable by the Company. For additional information, see Item 1.A. \u201cRisk Factors \u2013 Risks Related to Regulatory and Compliance Matters \u2013 Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions\u201d in this report.\n\u200b\n30\n\n\nTable of Contents\nStock Repurchases.\n A bank holding company, except for certain \u201cwell-capitalized\u201d and highly rated bank holding companies, is required to give the Federal Reserve prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding twelve months, is equal to 10% or more of its consolidated net worth.\n\u00a0\nThe Federal Reserve may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve order or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve.\nFederal Securities Laws.\n Riverview\u2019s common stock is registered with the SEC under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (\u201cExchange Act\u201d). The Company is subject to information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Exchange Act.\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n31\n\n\nTable of Contents",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\u00a0 Risk Factors\nAn investment in our common stock is subject to risks inherent in our business. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included in this report. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described below, \nother \nrisks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\u00a0The value or market price of our common stock could decline due to any of these identified or other risks, and you could lose all or part of your investment. The risks below also include forward-looking statements. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.\nRisks Related to Macroeconomic Conditions\nOur business may be adversely affected by downturns in the national and the regional economies on which we depend.\nSubstantially all of our loans are to businesses and individuals in the states of Washington and Oregon. A decline in the economies of the seven counties in which we operate, including the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, which we consider to be our primary market area, could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Weakness in the global economy and global supply chain issues have adversely affected many businesses operating in our markets that are dependent upon international trade. Changes in agreements or relationships between the U.S. and other countries may also affect these businesses.\nA deterioration in economic conditions in the market areas we serve could result in the following consequences, any of which could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations:\n\u200b\n\u25cf\nloan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase;\n\u25cf\nwe may increase our allowance for loan losses;\n\u25cf\ndemand for our products and services may decline possibly resulting in a decrease in our total loans or assets;\n\u25cf\ncollateral for loans, especially real estate, may decline in value, thereby reducing customers\u2019 future borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with existing loans;\n\u25cf\nthe net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us; and\n\u25cf\nthe amount of our low-cost or non-interest bearing deposits may decrease.\n\u200b\nMany of the loans in our portfolio are secured by real estate. A decline in local economic conditions may have a greater effect on our earnings and capital than on the earnings and capital of larger financial institutions whose real estate loan portfolios are geographically diverse. Deterioration in the real estate markets where collateral for a mortgage loan is located could negatively affect the borrower\u2019s ability to repay the loan and the value of the collateral securing the loan. Real estate values are affected by various other factors, including changes in general or regional economic conditions, governmental rules or policies and natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes. If we are required to liquidate a significant amount of collateral during a period of reduced real estate values, our financial condition and profitability could be adversely affected.\nInflationary pressures and rising prices may affect our results of operations and financial condition.\n\u200b\nInflation has risen sharply since the end of 2021 to levels not seen in more than 40 years. Small to medium-sized businesses may be impacted more during periods of high inflation as they are not able to leverage economies of scale to mitigate cost pressures compared to larger businesses. Consequently, the ability of our business customers to repay their loans may deteriorate, and in some cases this deterioration may occur quickly, which would adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, a prolonged period of inflation could cause wages and other costs to the Company to increase, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\n\u200b\nRisks Related to our Lending Activities\nOur real estate construction loans are based upon estimates of costs and the value of the completed project, and as with land loans may be more difficult to liquidate, if necessary.\nWe make construction and land loans primarily to builders to finance the construction of single and multifamily homes, subdivisions, as well as commercial properties, a portion of which are originated whether or not the collateral property underlying \n32\n\n\nTable of Contents\nthe loan is under contract for sale. At March 31, 2023, real estate construction and land loans totaled $54.2 million, or 5.37% of our total loan portfolio, and was comprised of $18.2 million of speculative and presold construction loans, $6.4 million of land loans and $29.6 million of commercial/multi-family construction loans.\nIn general, construction and land lending involve additional risks when compared with other lending because of the inherent difficulty in estimating a property\u2019s value both before and at completion of the project, as well as the estimated cost of the project and the time needed to sell the property at completion. Construction costs may exceed original estimates as a result of increased materials, labor or other costs. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation on real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. Changes in the demand, such as for new housing and higher than anticipated building costs may cause actual results to vary significantly from those estimated. For these reasons, this type of lending also typically involves higher loan principal amounts and is often concentrated with a small number of builders. A downturn in housing, or the real estate market, could increase loan delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures, and significantly impair the value of our collateral and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure. Some of our builders have more than one loan outstanding with us and also have residential mortgage loans for rental properties with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss.\nConstruction loans often involve the disbursement of funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property or obtain permanent take-out financing, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. Moreover, during the term of most of our construction loans, no payment from the borrower is required since the accumulated interest is added to the principal of the loan through an interest reserve. If our appraisal of the value of a completed project proves to be overstated, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project and may incur a loss. Because construction loans require active monitoring of the building process, including cost comparisons and on-site inspections, these loans are more difficult and costly to monitor.\nIncreases in market rates of interest also may have a more pronounced effect on construction loans by rapidly increasing the end-purchasers\u2019 borrowing costs, thereby reducing the overall demand for the project. Properties under construction are often difficult to sell and typically must be completed in order to be successfully sold which also complicates the process of working out problem construction loans. This may require us to advance additional funds and/or contract with another builder to complete construction. Furthermore, in the case of speculative construction loans, there is the added risk associated with identifying an end-purchaser for the finished project. \nLoans on land under development or raw land held for future construction, including lot loans made to individuals for the future construction of a residence also pose additional risk because of the lack of income being produced by the property and the potential illiquid nature of the collateral. These risks can be significantly impacted by supply and demand conditions. As a result, this type of lending often involves the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to develop, sell or lease the property, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to independently repay principal and interest. There were no non-performing real estate construction and land loans at March 31, 2023. A material increase in non-performing real estate construction and land loans could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation. \nCommercial and multi-family real estate lending involves higher risks than real estate one-to-four family and other consumer lending, which exposes us to increased lending risks.\nWhile commercial and multi-family real estate lending is typically more profitable than real estate one-to-four family lending, it is generally more sensitive to regional and local economic conditions, making loss levels more difficult to predict. Collateral evaluation and financial statement analysis in these types of loans requires a more detailed analysis at the time of loan underwriting and on an ongoing basis. At March 31, 2023, we had $620.3 million of commercial and multi-family real estate loans, representing 61.49% of our total loan portfolio.\nCommercial and multi-family real estate loans typically involve higher principal amounts than other types of loans and some of our commercial borrowers have more than one loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one-to-four family residential loan. Repayment on these loans is dependent upon income generated, or expected to be generated, by the property securing the loan in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service, which may be \n33\n\n\nTable of Contents\nadversely affected by changes in the economy or local market conditions. For example, if the cash flow from the borrower\u2019s project is reduced as a result of leases not being obtained or renewed, the borrower\u2019s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Commercial and multi-family mortgage loans also expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by one-to-four family residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans typically cannot be sold as easily as residential real estate. In addition, many of our commercial and multi-family real estate loans are not fully amortizing and contain large balloon payments upon maturity. Such balloon payments may require the borrower to either sell or refinance the underlying property in order to make the payment, which may increase the risk of default or non-payment.\nA secondary market for most types of commercial real estate and multi-family loans is not readily liquid, so we have less opportunity to mitigate credit risk by selling part or all of our interest in these loans. As a result of these characteristics, if we foreclose on a commercial or multi-family real estate loan, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than for one-to-four family residential mortgage loans because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Accordingly, charge-offs on commercial and multi-family real estate loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios.\nOur business may be adversely affected by credit risk associated with residential property and declining property values.\nAt March 31, 2023, $99.7 million, or 9.88% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of real estate one-to-four family loans and home equity loans. Our first-lien real estate one-to-four family loans are primarily made based on the repayment ability of the borrower and the collateral securing these loans. Home equity lines of credit generally entail greater risk than do real estate one-to-four family loans where we are in the first-lien position. For those home equity lines secured by a second mortgage, it is less likely that we will be successful in recovering all of our loan proceeds in the event of default. Our foreclosure on these loans requires that the value of the property be sufficient to cover the repayment of the first mortgage loan, as well as the costs associated with foreclosure. \nThis type of lending is generally sensitive to regional and local economic conditions that significantly impact the ability of borrowers to meet their loan payment obligations, making loss levels difficult to predict. A downturn in the economy or the housing market in our market areas or a rapid increase in interest rates may reduce the value of the real estate collateral securing these types of loans and increase the risk that we would incur losses if borrowers default on their loans. Residential loans with high combined loan-to-value ratios generally will be more sensitive to declining property values than those with lower combined loan-to-value ratios and therefore may experience a higher incidence of default and severity of losses. In addition, if the borrowers sell their homes, the borrowers may be unable to repay their loans in full from the sale proceeds. As a result, these loans may experience higher rates of delinquencies, defaults and losses, which will in turn adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. \nRepayment of our commercial business loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.\nAt March 31, 2023, commercial business loans totaled $232.9 million, or 23.08% of total loans. Our commercial business loans are primarily made based on the cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The borrowers\u2019 cash flow may be unpredictable, and collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. This collateral may consist of equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers. Other collateral securing loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise, may be illiquid and may fluctuate in value based on the specific type of business and equipment. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself which, in turn, is often dependent in part upon general economic conditions and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower.\nOur allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses in our loan portfolio. Future additions to our allowance for loan losses, as well as charge-offs in excess of reserves, will reduce our earnings.\nLending money is a substantial part of our business and each loan carries a certain risk that it will not be repaid in accordance with its terms or that any underlying collateral will not be sufficient to assure repayment. This risk is affected by, among other things:\n\u200b\n\u25cf\nthe cash flow of the borrower and/or the project being financed;\n\u25cf\nin the case of a collateralized loan, the changes and uncertainties as to the future value of the collateral;\n\u25cf\nthe duration of the loan;\n34\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\u25cf\nthe credit history of a particular borrower; and\n\u25cf\nchanges in economic and industry conditions.\n\u200b\nWe maintain an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which we believe is appropriate to provide for probable losses in our loan portfolio. The amount of this allowance is determined by management through periodic reviews and consideration of several factors, including, but not limited to:\n\u200b\n\u25cf\nour general reserve, based on our historical default and loss experience and certain macroeconomic factors based on management\u2019s expectations of future events;\n\u25cf\nour specific reserve, based on our evaluation of impaired loans and their underlying collateral or discounted cash flow; and\n\u25cf\nan unallocated reserve to provide for other credit losses inherent in our loan portfolio that may not have been contemplated in the other loss factors.\n\u200b\nThe determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. If our estimates are incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in the need for increases in our allowance for loan losses through the provision for losses on loans which is charged against income. Deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may also require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. Additionally, pursuant to our growth strategy, management recognizes that significant new growth in loan portfolios, new loan products and the refinancing of existing loans can result in portfolios comprised of unseasoned loans that may not perform in a historical or projected manner and will increase the risk that our allowance may be insufficient to absorb losses without significant additional provisions. \u00a0Further, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for possible loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.\nIn addition, the FASB has adopted an accounting standard referred to as Current Expected Credit Loss, or CECL, which requires financial institutions to determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans and recognize the expected credit losses as allowances for credit losses. This will change the current method of providing allowances for credit losses only when they have been incurred and are probable, which is expected to require us to adjust our allowance for loan losses and greatly increase the types of data we need to collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses. This accounting pronouncement is applicable to us effective April 1, 2023. As of the adoption and day one measurement date of April 1, 2023, the Company expects to record a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, net of income taxes, on the consolidated balance sheet. Also, as required by CECL, the Company reviewed the held-to-maturity debt securities portfolio and determined the expected losses were immaterial. The magnitude of the change in the Company\u2019s allowance for credit losses at the adoption date will depend upon the nature and characteristics of the portfolio at the adoption date, as well as macroeconomic conditions and forecasts at that time, other management judgements, and continued refinement and validation of the model and methodologies. See also, Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements contained in Item 8 of this report. The federal banking regulators, including the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, have adopted a rule that gives a banking organization the option to phase in over a three- year period the day-one adverse effects of CECL on its regulatory capital. \nAny increases in the provision for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and capital.\nRisks Related to Market and Interest Rate Changes\nChanges in interest rates may reduce our net interest income and may result in higher defaults in a rising rate environment.\nOur earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon our net interest income, which is the difference, or spread, between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets and the interest paid on deposits, borrowings, and other interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, in particular, the Federal Reserve. Since March 2022, in response to inflation, the Federal Open Market Committee (\u201cFOMC\u201d) of the Federal Reserve has increased the target range for the federal funds rate by 475 basis points, including 50 basis points during the first quarter of 2023, to a range of 4.75% to 5.00% as of March 31, 2023. In May 2023, the FOMC increased the target range for the federal funds rate another 25 basis \n35\n\n\nTable of Contents\npoints to a range of 5.00% to 5.25%. If the FOMC further increases the targeted federal funds rates, overall interest rates will likely continue to rise, which will positively impact our net interest income but may negatively impact the housing market by reducing refinancing activity, new home purchases and the U.S. economy. In addition, as previously discussed, inflationary pressures will increase our operational costs and could have a significant negative effect on our borrowers, especially our business borrowers, and the values of collateral securing loans which could negatively affect our financial performance. \nWe principally manage interest rate risk by managing our volume and mix of our earning assets and funding liabilities. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, our net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings. In a changing interest rate environment, we may not be able to manage this risk effectively. If we are unable to manage interest rate risk effectively, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially affected.\nChanges in interest rates could also have a negative impact on our results of operations by reducing the ability of borrowers to repay their current loan obligations or by reducing our margins and profitability. Our net interest margin is the difference between the yield we earn on our assets and the interest rate we pay for deposits and our other sources of funding. Changes in interest rates\u2014up or down\u2014could adversely affect our net interest margin and, as a result, our net interest income. Although the yields we earn on our assets and our funding costs tend to move in the same direction in response to changes in interest rates, one can rise or fall faster than the other, causing our net interest margin to expand or contract. Our liabilities tend to be shorter in duration than our assets, so they may adjust faster in response to changes in interest rates. As a result, when interest rates rise, our funding costs may rise faster than the yield we earn on our assets, causing our net interest margin to contract until the yield catches up. Changes in the slope of the \u201cyield curve\u201d\u2014or the spread between short-term and long-term interest rates\u2014could also reduce our net interest margin. Normally, the yield curve is upward sloping, meaning short-term rates are lower than long-term rates. Because our liabilities tend to be shorter in duration than our assets, when the yield curve flattens or even inverts, we could experience pressure on our net interest margin as our cost of funds increases relative to the yield we can earn on our assets. Also, interest rate decreases can lead to increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities as borrowers refinance their loans to reduce borrowing costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk as we may have to redeploy such repayment proceeds into lower yielding investments, which would likely hurt our income.\nA sustained increase in market interest rates could adversely affect our earnings. A significant portion of our loans have fixed interest rates and longer terms than our deposits and borrowings. As is the case with many financial institutions, our emphasis on increasing the development of core deposits, those deposits bearing no or a relatively low rate of interest with no stated maturity date, has resulted in our having a significant amount of these deposits which have a shorter duration than our assets. At March 31, 2023, we had $404.9 million in non-interest bearing demand deposits and $84.6 million in certificates of deposit that mature within one year. We would incur a higher cost of funds to retain these deposits in a rising interest rate environment. Our net interest income could be adversely affected if the rates we pay on deposits and borrowings increase more rapidly than the rates we earn on loans. In addition, a substantial amount of our home equity lines of credit have adjustable interest rates. As a result, these loans may experience a higher rate of default in a rising interest rate environment.\nChanges in interest rates also affect the value of our securities portfolio. Generally, the fair value of fixed-rate securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale are reported as a separate component of stockholders\u2019 equity, net of tax. Decreases in the fair value of securities available for sale resulting from increases in interest rates could have an adverse effect on stockholders\u2019 equity. At March 31, 2023, we recorded an $18.3 million accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is reflected as a reduction to stockholders\u2019 equity.\nAlthough management believes it has implemented effective asset and liability management strategies to reduce the potential effects of changes in interest rates on our results of operations, any substantial, unexpected or prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Also, our interest rate risk modeling techniques and assumptions likely may not fully predict or capture the impact of actual interest rate changes on our consolidated balance sheet or projected operating results. See Item 7A., \u201cQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,\u201d of this Form 10-K.\nWe may incur losses on our securities portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates.\nFactors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency actions in respect to the \n36\n\n\nTable of Contents\nsecurities, defaults by, or other adverse events affecting, the issuer or with respect to the underlying securities, and changes in market interest rates and continued instability in the capital markets. Any of these factors, among others, could cause other-than-temporary impairments and realized and/or unrealized losses in future periods and declines in other comprehensive income, which could have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The process for determining whether impairment of a security is other-than-temporary usually requires complex, subjective judgments about the future financial performance and liquidity of the issuer and any collateral underlying the security to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security. There can be no assurance that the declines in market value will not result in other-than-temporary impairments of these assets, and would lead to accounting charges that could have a material adverse effect on our net income and capital levels. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, we did not incur any other-than-temporary impairments on our securities portfolio.\nRevenue from broker loan fees is sensitive to changes in economic conditions, decreased economic activity, a slowdown in the housing market, higher interest rates or new legislation which may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.\nOur mortgage brokerage operations provide additional non-interest income. The Company employs commissioned brokers who originate mortgage loans (including construction loans) for various mortgage companies. The loans brokered to mortgage companies are closed in the name of, and funded by, the purchasing mortgage company and are not originated as an asset of the Company. In return, the Company receives a fee ranging from 1.5% to 2.0% of the loan amount that it shares with the commissioned broker. The prevailing interest rate environment has a strong influence on the loan volume and amount of fees generated from our mortgage brokerage activity. In general, during periods of rising interest rates, the volume of loans and the amount of brokered loan fees included in non-interest income generally decrease as a result of slower mortgage loan demand. Conversely, during periods of falling interest rates, the volume of loans and the amount of brokered loan fees generally increase as a result of the increased mortgage loan demand. \nA general decline in economic conditions may adversely affect the fees generated by our asset management company.\nTo the extent our asset management clients and their assets become adversely affected by weak economic and stock market conditions, they may choose to withdraw the amount of assets managed by us and the value of their assets may decline. Our asset management revenues are based on the value of the assets we manage. If our clients withdraw assets or the value of their assets decline, the revenues generated by the Trust Company will be adversely affected.\nRisks Related to Regulatory, Legal and Compliance Matters\nThe continued focus on increasing our commercial real estate loan portfolio may subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny.\nThe FDIC, the Federal Reserve and the OCC have promulgated joint guidance on sound risk management practices for financial institutions with concentrations in commercial real estate lending. Under this guidance, a financial institution that, like us, is actively involved in commercial real estate lending should perform a risk assessment to identify concentrations. A financial institution may have a concentration in commercial real estate lending if, among other factors (i) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 100% or more of total capital, or (ii) total reported loans secured by multi-family and non-farm residential properties, loans for construction, land development and other land, and loans otherwise sensitive to the general commercial real estate market, including loans to commercial real estate related entities, represent 300% or more of total capital. Based on these criteria, the Bank determined that it did not have a concentration in commercial real estate lending as total loans for multifamily, non-farm/non-residential, construction, land development and other land represented 285% of total risk-based capital at March 31, 2023. The particular focus of the guidance is on exposure to commercial real estate loans that are dependent on the cash flow from the real estate held as collateral and that are likely to be at greater risk to conditions in the commercial real estate market (as opposed to real estate collateral held as a secondary source of repayment or as an abundance of caution). The purpose of the guidance is to guide banks in developing risk management practices and capital levels commensurate with the level and nature of real estate concentrations. The guidance states that management should employ heightened risk management practices including board and management oversight and strategic planning, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing.\n \nWhile we believe we have implemented policies and procedures with respect to our commercial real estate loan portfolio consistent with this guidance, bank regulators could require us to implement additional policies and procedures consistent with their interpretation of the guidance that may result in additional costs to us.\n37\n\n\nTable of Contents\nWe operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in federal and state laws and regulations.\nThe financial services industry is extensively regulated. Federal and state banking regulations are designed primarily to protect the deposit insurance funds and consumers, not to benefit a company\u2019s shareholders. These regulations may sometimes impose significant limitations on operations.\u00a0Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on the operation of an institution, the classification of assets by the institution and the adequacy of an institution\u2019s allowance for loan losses. These bank regulators also have the ability to impose conditions in the approval of merger and acquisition transactions. The significant federal and state banking regulations that affect us are described under the heading \u201cItem 1. Business-Regulation\u201d in Item I of this Form 10-K. These regulations, along with the currently existing tax, accounting, securities, insurance, and monetary laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance, and govern financial reporting and disclosures. These laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time. Any new regulations or legislation, change in existing regulations or oversight, whether a change in regulatory policy or a change in a regulator\u2019s interpretation of a law or regulation, may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to make any necessary changes to operations to comply and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, actions by regulatory agencies or significant litigation against us may lead to penalties that materially affect us. Further, changes in accounting standards can be both difficult to predict and involve judgment and discretion in their interpretation by us and our independent registered public accounting firm. These accounting changes could materially impact, potentially even retroactively, how we report our financial condition and results of our operations as could our interpretation of those changes.\nNon-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions and limit our ability to get regulatory approval of acquisitions.\nThe USA PATRIOT Act and Bank Secrecy Acts require financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or sanctions and limit our ability to get regulatory approval of acquisitions. Recently, several banking institutions have received large fines for non-compliance with these laws and regulations. While we have developed policies and procedures designed to assist in compliance with these laws and regulations, no assurance can be given that these policies and procedures will be effective in preventing violations of these laws and regulations. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.\nIf our enterprise risk management framework is not effective at mitigating risk and loss to us, we could suffer unexpected losses and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.\nOur enterprise risk management framework seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between risk and return, which is critical to optimizing shareholder value. We have established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor, report, analyze and control the types of risk to which we are subject. These risks include, among others, liquidity, credit, market, interest rate, operational, legal and compliance, and reputational risk. Our framework also includes financial or other modeling methodologies that involve management assumptions and judgment. We also maintain a compliance program to identify, measure, assess, and report on our adherence to applicable laws, policies and procedures. While we assess and improve these programs on an ongoing basis, there can be no assurance that our risk management or compliance programs, along with other related controls, will effectively mitigate risk under all circumstances, or that it will adequately mitigate any risk or loss to us. However, as with any risk management framework, there are inherent limitations to our risk management strategies as they may exist, or develop in the future, including risks that we have not appropriately anticipated or identified. If our risk management framework proves ineffective, we could suffer unexpected losses and our business, financial condition, results of operations or growth prospects could be materially adversely affected. We may also be subject to potentially adverse regulatory consequences.\nClimate change and related legislative and regulatory initiatives may materially affect the Company\u2019s business and results of operations.\nThe effects of climate change continue to create an alarming level of concern for the state of the global environment. As a result, the global business community has increased its political and social awareness surrounding the issue, and the United States has entered into international agreements in an attempt to reduce global temperatures, such as reentering the Paris Agreement. Further, \n38\n\n\nTable of Contents\nthe U.S. Congress, state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies continue to propose numerous initiatives to supplement the global effort to combat climate change. Similar and even more expansive initiatives are expected under the current administration, including potentially increasing supervisory expectations with respect to banks\u2019 risk management practices, accounting for the effects of climate change in stress testing scenarios and systemic risk assessments, revising expectations for credit portfolio concentrations based on climate-related factors and encouraging investment by banks in climate-related initiatives and lending to communities disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. The lack of empirical data surrounding the credit and other financial risks posed by climate change render it difficult, or even impossible, to predict how specifically climate change may impact our financial condition and results of operations; however, the physical effects of climate change may also directly impact us. Specifically, unpredictable and more frequent weather disasters may adversely impact the real property, and/or the value of the real property, securing the loans in our portfolios. Additionally, if insurance obtained by our borrowers is insufficient to cover any losses sustained to the collateral, or if insurance coverage is otherwise unavailable to our borrowers, the collateral securing our loans may be negatively impacted by climate change, natural disasters and related events, which could impact our financial condition and results of operations. Further, the effects of climate change may negatively impact regional and local economic activity, which could lead to an adverse effect on our customers and impact the communities in which we operate. Overall, climate change, its effects and the resulting, unknown impact could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.\nRisks Related to Cybersecurity, Data and Fraud\nWe are subject to certain risks in connection with our use of technology.\nOur security measures may not be sufficient to mitigate the risk of a cyber-attack\n. Communications and information systems are essential to the conduct of our business, as we use such systems to manage our customer relationships, our general ledger and virtually all other aspects of our business. Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks. Although we take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant, the security of our computer systems, software, and networks may be vulnerable to breaches, fraudulent or unauthorized access, denial or degradation of service attacks, misuse, computer viruses, malware or other malicious code and cyber-attacks that could have a security impact. If one or more of these events occur, this could jeopardize our or our customers\u2019 confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations or the operations of our customers or counterparties. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance maintained by us. We could also suffer significant reputational damage.\nFurther, our cardholders use their debit and credit cards to make purchases from third parties or through third-party processing services. As such, we are subject to risk from data breaches of such third-party\u2019s information systems or their payment processors. Such a data security breach could compromise our account information. The payment methods that we offer also subject us to potential fraud and theft by criminals, who are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, seeking to obtain unauthorized access to or exploit weaknesses that may exist in the payment systems. If we fail to comply with applicable rules or requirements for the payment methods we accept, or if payment-related data is compromised due to a breach or misuse of data, we may be liable for losses associated with reimbursing our clients for such fraudulent transactions on clients\u2019 card accounts, as well as costs incurred by payment card issuing banks and other third parties or may be subject to fines and higher transaction fees, or our ability to accept or facilitate certain types of payments may be impaired. We may also incur other costs related to data security breaches, such as replacing cards associated with compromised card accounts. In addition, our customers could lose confidence in certain payment types, which may result in a shift to other payment types or potential changes to our payment systems that may result in higher costs.\nBreaches of information security also may occur through intentional or unintentional acts by those having access to our systems or our clients\u2019 or counterparties\u2019 confidential information, including employees. The Company is continuously working to install new and upgrade its existing information technology systems and provide employee awareness training around phishing, malware, and other cyber risks to further protect the Company against cyber risks and security breaches.\nThere continues to be a rise in electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches and cyber-attacks within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector due to cyber criminals targeting commercial bank accounts. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber and other security threats and must continuously monitor and develop our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events that could have a security impact. Insider or employee cyber and security threats are increasingly a concern for \n39\n\n\nTable of Contents\ncompanies, including ours. We are not aware that we have experienced any material misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable information as a result of a cyber-security breach or other act, however, some of our clients may have been affected by third-party breaches, which could increase their risks of identity theft, credit card fraud and other fraudulent activity that could involve their accounts with us.\nSecurity breaches in our internet banking activities could further expose us to possible liability and damage our reputation\n. Increases in criminal activity levels and sophistication, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries, vulnerabilities in third-party technologies (including browsers and operating systems) or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology, processes and controls that we use to prevent fraudulent transactions and to protect data about us, our clients and underlying transactions. Any compromise of our security could deter customers from using our internet banking services that involve the transmission of confidential information. We rely on standard internet security systems to provide the security and authentication necessary to effect secure transmission of data. Although we have developed and continue to invest in systems and processes that are designed to detect and prevent security breaches and cyber-attacks and periodically test our security, these precautions may not protect our systems from compromises or breaches of our security measures, and could result in losses to us or our clients, our loss of business and/or clients, damage to our reputation, the incurrence of additional expenses, disruption to our business, our inability to grow our online services or other businesses, additional regulatory scrutiny or penalties, or our exposure to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nOur security measures may not protect us from system failures or interruptions\n. While we have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of systems failures and interruptions, there can be no assurance that such events will not occur or that they will be adequately addressed if they do. In addition, we outsource certain aspects of our data processing and other operational functions to certain third-party providers. While the Company selects third-party vendors carefully, it does not control their actions. If our third-party providers encounter difficulties, including\u00a0those resulting from breakdowns or other disruptions in communication services provided by a vendor, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher transaction volumes, cyber-attacks and security breaches or if we otherwise have difficulty in communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and otherwise conduct our business operations could be adversely impacted. Replacing these third-party vendors could also entail significant delay and expense. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.\nWe cannot assure that such breaches, failures or interruptions will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed by us or the third parties on which we rely. We may not be insured against all types of losses as a result of third-party failures and insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover all losses resulting from breaches, system failures or other disruptions. If any of our third-party service providers experience financial, operational or technological difficulties, or if there is any other disruption in our relationships with them, we may be required to identify alternative sources of such services, and we cannot assure that we could negotiate terms that are as favorable to us, or could obtain services with similar functionality as found in our existing systems without the need to expend substantial resources, if at all. Further, the occurrence of any systems failure or interruption could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business, could subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose us to legal liability. Any of these occurrences could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.\nThe board of directors oversees the risk management process, including the risk of cybersecurity, and engages with management on cybersecurity issues.\nOur business may be adversely affected by an increasing prevalence of fraud and other financial crimes.\nAs a bank, we are susceptible to fraudulent activity that may be committed against us or our clients, which may result in financial losses or increased costs to us or our clients, disclosure or misuse of our information or our client information, misappropriation of assets, privacy breaches against our clients, litigation or damage to our reputation. Such fraudulent activity may take many forms, including check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, phishing, social engineering and other dishonest acts. Nationally, reported incidents of fraud and other financial crimes have increased. We have also experienced losses due to apparent fraud and other financial crimes. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent such losses, there can be no assurance that such losses will not occur.\n40\n\n\nTable of Contents\nRisks Related to Accounting Matters\nThe Company\u2019s reported financial results depend on management\u2019s selection of accounting methods and certain assumptions and estimates, which, if incorrect, could cause unexpected losses in the future.\nThe Company\u2019s accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how the Company records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. The Company\u2019s management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting policies and methods so they comply with GAAP and reflect management\u2019s judgment regarding the most appropriate manner to report the Company\u2019s financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, management must select the accounting policy or method to apply from two or more alternatives, any of which might be reasonable under the circumstances, yet might result in the Company\u2019s reporting materially different results than would have been reported under a different alternative.\nCertain accounting policies are critical to presenting the Company\u2019s financial condition and results of operations. They require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are uncertain. Materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions or estimates. These critical accounting estimates include, but are not limited to the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of investment securities, goodwill valuation and the calculation of income taxes, including tax provisions and realization of deferred tax assets; and the fair value of assets and liabilities. Because of the uncertainty of estimates involved in these matters, the Company may be required, among other things, to significantly increase the allowance for loan losses, sustain credit losses that are significantly higher than the reserve provided, and/or record a write-off of goodwill as a result of impairment. \u00a0For more information, refer to \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates\u201d contained in this Form 10-K.\n \nWe may experience future goodwill impairment, which could reduce our earnings.\nWe performed our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31, 2022, and the test concluded that recorded goodwill was not impaired. Our assessment of the fair value of goodwill is based on an evaluation of current purchase transactions, discounted cash flows from forecasted earnings, our current market capitalization, and a valuation of our assets. Our evaluation of the fair value of goodwill involves a substantial amount of judgment. If our judgment was incorrect, or if events or circumstances change, and an impairment of goodwill was deemed to exist, we would be required to write down our goodwill resulting in a charge to earnings, which would adversely affect our results of operations, perhaps materially; however, it would have no impact on our liquidity, operations or regulatory capital. We performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill at March 31, 2023 and concluded that recorded goodwill was not impaired. Our test of goodwill for potential impairment is based on a qualitative assessment by management that takes into consideration macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost or margin factors, financial performance and share price.\nRisks Related to our Business and Industry General\nWe rely on other companies to provide key components of our business infrastructure.\nWe rely on numerous external vendors to provide us with products and services necessary to maintain our day-to-day operations. Accordingly, our operations are exposed to risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements. The failure of an external vendor to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements because of changes in the vendor\u2019s organizational structure, financial condition, support for existing products and services or strategic focus or for any other reason, could be disruptive to our operations, which in turn could have a material negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations. We also could be adversely affected to the extent such an agreement is not renewed by the third-party vendor or is renewed on terms less favorable to us. Additionally, the bank regulatory agencies expect financial institutions to be responsible for all aspects of our vendors\u2019 performance, including aspects which they delegate to third parties. Disruptions or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support our business and clients, or cyber-attacks or security breaches of the networks, systems or devices that our clients use to access our products and services could result in client attrition, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs, any of which could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.\n41\n\n\nTable of Contents\nWe will be required to transition from the use of LIBOR in the future.\nWe have junior subordinated debentures indexed to LIBOR to calculate the interest rate. ICE Benchmark Administration, the authorized and regulated administrator of LIBOR, \u00a0ended publication of the one-week and two-month U.S. Dollar (\u201cUSD\u201d) LIBOR tenors on December 31, 2021 and the remaining USD LIBOR tenors will end publication in June 2023. Financial services regulators and industry groups have collaborated to develop alternate reference rate indices or reference rates. The transition to a new reference rate requires changes to contracts, risk and pricing models, valuation tools, systems, product design and hedging strategies. At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR (with the exception of overnight repurchase agreements, which are expected to be based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR). The language in our LIBOR-based contracts and financial instruments has developed over time and may have various events that trigger when a successor rate to the designated rate would be selected. If a trigger is satisfied, contracts and financial instruments may give the calculation agent discretion over the substitute index or indices for the calculation of interest rates to be selected. The implementation of a substitute index or indices for the calculation of interest rates under our agreements may result in incurring significant expenses in effecting the transition, may result in reduced loan balances if the substitute index or indices is not accepted and may result in disputes or litigation with customers and creditors over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute index or indices, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.\nIneffective liquidity management could adversely affect our financial results and condition.\nLiquidity is essential to our business. We rely on a number of different sources in order to meet our potential liquidity demands. Our primary sources of liquidity are increases in deposit accounts, cash flows from loan payments and our securities portfolio. Borrowings also provide us with a source of funds to meet liquidity demands. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans or investment securities, or other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities or on terms which are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically, or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in the Washington or Oregon markets in which our loans are concentrated, negative operating results, or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry or deterioration in credit markets. Any decline in available funding in amounts adequate to finance our activities or on terms which are acceptable could adversely impact our ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet our expenses or fulfill obligations such as repaying our borrowings or meeting deposit withdraw demands, any of which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity\u201d of this Form 10-K.\nAdditionally, collateralized public funds are bank deposits of state and local municipalities. These deposits are required to be secured by certain investment grade securities to ensure repayment, which on the one hand tends to reduce our contingent liquidity risk by making these funds somewhat less credit sensitive, but on the other hand reduces standby liquidity by restricting the potential liquidity of the pledged collateral. Although these funds historically have been a relatively stable source of funds for us, availability depends on the individual municipality\u2019s fiscal policies and cash flow needs.\nOur branching strategy may cause our expenses to increase faster than revenues.\nSince June 2020, we opened three new branches in Clark County, Washington and may open additional branches in our market area in the future. The success of our branch expansion strategy is contingent upon numerous factors, such as our ability to secure managerial resources, hire and retain qualified personnel and implement effective marketing strategies. The opening of new branches may not increase the volume of our loans and deposits as quickly or to the degree that we hope and opening new branches will increase our operating expenses. On average, de novo branches do not become profitable until three to four years after opening. Further, the projected timeline and the estimated dollar amounts involved in opening de novo branches could differ significantly from actual results. We may not successfully manage the costs and implementation risks associated with our branching strategy. Accordingly, any new branch may negatively impact our earnings for some period of time until the branch reaches certain economies of scale. Finally, there is a risk that our new branches will not be successful even after they have been established.\n42\n\n\nTable of Contents\nOur growth or future losses may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or the cost of that capital may be very high.\nWe are required by federal regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial condition and performance. Accordingly, we cannot make assurances that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations could be materially impaired and our financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, any additional capital we obtain may result in the dilution of the interests of existing holders of our common stock. Further, if we are unable to raise additional capital when required by our bank regulators, we may be subject to adverse regulatory action.\nIf we fail to meet the expectations of our stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) practices, including those relating to sustainability, it may have an adverse effect on our reputation and results of operation. \u00a0\nOur reputation may also be negatively impacted by our diversity, equity and inclusion (\u201cDEI\u201d) efforts if they fall short of expectations. In addition, various private third-party organizations have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG and DEI matters. These ratings may be used by some investors to assist with their investment and voting decisions. Any unfavorable ratings may lead to reputational damage and negative sentiment among our investors and other stakeholders. Furthermore, increased ESG related compliance costs could result in increases to our overall operational costs. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact our reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, and our stock price. New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure.\nCompetition with other financial institutions could adversely affect our profitability.\nAlthough we consider ourselves competitive in our market areas, we face intense competition in both making loans and attracting deposits. Price competition for loans and deposits might result in our earning less on our loans and paying more on our deposits, which reduces net interest income. Some of the institutions with which we compete have substantially greater resources than we have and may offer services that we do not provide. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Our profitability will depend upon our continued ability to compete successfully in our market areas.\nOur ability to retain and recruit key management personnel and bankers is critical to the success of our business strategy and any failure to do so could impair our customer relationships and adversely affect our business and results of operations.\nCompetition for qualified employees and personnel in the banking industry is intense and there are a limited number of qualified persons with knowledge of, and experience in, the community banking industry where the Bank conducts its business.\u00a0The process of recruiting personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to carry out our strategies is often lengthy. Our success depends to a significant degree upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management, loan origination, finance, administrative, marketing and technical personnel and upon the continued contributions of our management and personnel.\u00a0In particular, our success has been and continues to be highly dependent upon the abilities of key executives, including our President and Chief Executive Officer, and certain other employees.\u00a0Our ability to retain and grow our loans, deposits, and fee income depends upon the business generation capabilities, reputation, and relationship management skills of our lenders. If we were to lose the services of any of our bankers, including successful bankers employed by banks that we may acquire, to a new or existing competitor, or otherwise, we may not be able to retain valuable relationships and some of our customers could choose to use the services of a competitor instead of our services. In addition, our success has been and continues to be highly dependent upon the services of our directors, many of whom are at or nearing retirement age, and we may not be able to identify and attract suitable candidates to replace such directors.\n43\n\n\nTable of Contents\nManaging reputational risk is important to attracting and maintaining customers, investors and employees.\nThreats to our reputation can come from many sources, including adverse sentiment about financial institutions generally, unethical practices, employee misconduct, failure to deliver minimum standards of service or quality or operational failures due to integration or conversion challenges as a result of acquisitions we undertake, compliance deficiencies, and questionable or fraudulent activities of our customers. We have policies and procedures in place to protect our reputation and promote ethical conduct, but these policies and procedures may not be fully effective. Negative publicity regarding our business, employees, or customers, with or without merit, may result in the loss of customers, investors and employees, costly litigation, a decline in revenues and increased governmental regulation.\nWe rely on dividends from the Bank for substantially all of our revenue at the holding company level.\nRiverview is a separate legal entity from \u00a0its subsidiaries and does not have significant operations of its own. The long-term ability of Riverview to pay dividends to its stockholders and debt payments is based primarily upon the ability of the Bank to make capital distributions to Riverview, and also on the availability of cash at the holding company level. The availability of dividends from the Bank is limited by the Bank\u2019s earnings and capital, as well as various statutes and regulations. In the event the Bank is unable to pay dividends to us, we may not be able to pay dividends on our common stock or make payments on our outstanding debt. Consequently, the inability to receive dividends from the Bank could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects. Also, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary\u2019s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary\u2019s creditors.\n\u200b\n44\n\n\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\u00a0 Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\u200b\nGeneral\n\u200b\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes thereto contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and the other sections contained in this Form 10-K. \n\u200b\nCritical Accounting Estimates\nWe prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. In doing so, we have to make estimates and assumptions. Our critical accounting estimates are those estimates that involve a significant level of uncertainty at the time the estimate was made, and changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, or use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from our estimates. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We have reviewed our critical accounting estimates with the audit committee of our Board of Directors. \nThe Company has identified policies that due to the significant level of judgement, estimation and assumptions inherent in those policies are critical to an understanding of the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements. These policies include our accounting policies related to the methodology for the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of investment securities and goodwill valuations. The following is a discussion of the critical accounting estimates involved with those accounting policies.\nAllowance for Loan Losses\n\u200b\nThe allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy by management because of the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions used, and the potential for changes in the economic environment that could result in changes to the amount of the recorded allowance for loan losses. The provision for loan losses reflects the amount required to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an appropriate level based upon management\u2019s evaluation of the adequacy of general and specific loss reserves. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses involves a high degree of judgment. Among the material estimates required to establish the allowance for loan losses are: overall economic conditions; value of collateral; strength of guarantors; loss exposure at default; the amount and timing of future cash flows on impaired loans; and determination of loss factors to be applied to the various elements of the portfolio. All of these estimates are susceptible to significant change. Based on the analysis of the allowance for loan losses, the amount of the allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by a recapture of loan losses and are charged against current period earnings. \n\u200b\nThe allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level sufficient to provide for probable losses based on evaluating known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio and upon our continuing analysis of the factors underlying the quality of the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is comprised of a general component, a specific component and an unallocated component. The general component is based on historical loss experience applied to loan segments adjusted by qualitative factors. These qualitative factors include: lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices; national and local economic trends and conditions; nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff; volume and severity of past due, classified and non-accrual loans as well as other loan modifications; quality of the Company\u2019s loan review system; existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations; changes in the value of underlying collateral; and other external factors. The specific component relates to loans that been evaluated for impairment because all contractual amounts of principal and interest will not be paid as scheduled. Based on this impairment analysis, a specific reserve may be established. An unallocated portion is established for uncertainties that may not be identified in either the general or specific component of the allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is based upon factors and trends identified by us at the time financial statements are prepared. Although we use the best information available, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond our control. While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in our determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will not be proven incorrect in the future, or that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n47\n\n\nTable of Contents\nValuation of Investment Securities. \n\u200b\nThe Company determines the estimated fair value of certain assets that are classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy established under GAAP. These Level 3 assets are valued using significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the estimated fair value of the assets. These Level 3 assets are certain loans measured for impairment for which there is neither an active market for identical assets from which to determine fair value, nor is there sufficient, current market information about similar assets to use as observable, corroborated data for all significant inputs in a valuation model. Under these circumstances, the estimated fair values of these assets are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, appraisals, and other valuation methods in accordance with accounting standards, for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.\nValuations using models or other techniques are dependent upon assumptions used for the significant inputs. Where market data is available, the inputs used for valuation reflect that information as of the valuation date. In periods of extreme volatility, lessened liquidity or in illiquid markets, there may be more variability in market pricing or a lack of market data to use in the valuation process. Judgment is then applied in formulating those inputs.\nCertain loans included in the loan portfolio were deemed impaired at March 31, 2023. Accordingly, loans measured for impairment were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as there is no active market for these loans. Measuring impairment of a loan requires judgment and estimates, and the eventual outcomes may differ from those estimates. Impairment was measured based on a number of factors, including recent independent appraisals which are further reduced for estimated selling costs or by estimating the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan\u2019s effective interest rate.\nFor additional information on our Level 1, 2 and 3 fair value measurements see Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\n\u200b\nGoodwill Valuation\n\u200b\nGoodwill is initially recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite useful life and is tested, at least annually, for impairment at the reporting unit level. The Company has two reporting units, the Bank and the Trust Company, for purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment. All of the Company\u2019s goodwill has been allocated to the Bank reporting unit. The Company performs an annual review in the third quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if indications of potential impairment exist, to determine if the recorded goodwill is impaired. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not considered impaired and no additional analysis is necessary. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than its fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and additional analysis must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit\u2019s goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. Specifically, the Company would allocate the fair value to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that would calculate the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, the Company would record an impairment charge for the difference.\nA significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; adverse action or assessment by a regulator; and unanticipated competition. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on the Company\u2019s consolidated financial statements.\nThe Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31, 2022. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. Step one of the goodwill impairment test estimates the fair value of the reporting unit utilizing the allocation of corporate value approach, the income approach, the whole bank transaction approach and the market approach in order to derive an enterprise value of the Company. The allocation of corporate value approach applies the aggregate market value of the Company and divides it among the reporting units. A key assumption in this approach is the control premium applied to the aggregate market value. A control premium is utilized as the value of a company from the perspective of a controlling interest is generally higher than the widely quoted market price per share. The Company used an expected control premium of 30%, which was based on comparable transactional history. The income approach uses a reporting unit\u2019s projection of estimated operating results and cash flows that are discounted using a rate that reflects current market conditions. The projection uses management\u2019s best estimates of \n48\n\n\nTable of Contents\neconomic and market conditions over the projected period including growth rates in loans and deposits, estimates of future expected changes in net interest margins and cash expenditures. Assumptions used by the Company in its discounted cash flow model (income approach) included an annual revenue growth rate that approximated 2.0%, a net interest margin that approximated 3.7% and a return on assets that ranged from 1.22% to 1.30% (average of 1.26%). In addition to utilizing the above projections of estimated operating results, key assumptions used to determine the fair value estimate under the income approach were the discount rate of 18.33% utilized for our cash flow estimates and a terminal value estimated at 1.43 times the ending book value of the reporting unit. The Company used a build-up approach in developing the discount rate that included: an assessment of the risk-free interest rate, the rate of return expected from publicly traded stocks, the industry the Company operates in and the size of the Company. The whole bank transaction approach estimates fair value by applying key financial variables in transactions involving acquisitions of similar institutions. The market approach estimates fair value by applying tangible book value multiples to the reporting unit\u2019s operating performance. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics of the reporting unit. In applying the market approach method, the Company selected four publicly traded comparable institutions. After selecting comparable institutions, the Company derived the fair value of the reporting unit by completing a comparative analysis of the relationship between their financial metrics listed above and their market values utilizing a market multiple of 1.0 times book value, a market multiple of 1.1 times tangible book value and an earnings multiple of 10 times. The Company calculated a fair value of its reporting unit of $192.0 million using the corporate value approach, $169.2 million using the income approach and $230.0 million using the market approach, with a final concluded value of $197.0 million, with equal weight given to the income approach, the market approach and the corporate value approach. The results of the Company\u2019s step one test indicated that the reporting unit\u2019s fair value was greater than its carrying value and therefore no impairment of goodwill exists.\nThe Company also completed a qualitative assessment of goodwill as of March 31, 2023 and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Bank (the reporting unit), exceeds its carrying value at that date. Even though the Company determined that there was no goodwill impairment, a sustained decline in the value of its stock price as well as values of other financial institutions, declines in revenue for the Company beyond our current forecasts, significant adverse changes in the operating environment for the financial industry or an increase in the value of our assets without an increase in the value of the reporting unit may result in a future impairment charge.\nIt is also possible that changes in circumstances existing at the measurement date or at other times in the future, or in the numerous estimates associated with management\u2019s judgments, assumptions and estimates made in assessing the fair value of our goodwill, could result in an impairment charge of a portion or all of our goodwill. If the Company recorded an impairment charge, its financial position and results of operations would be adversely affected; however, such an impairment charge would have no impact on our liquidity, operations or regulatory capital.\nFor additional information concerning critical accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in \"Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\" and the following:\nOperating Strategy and Selected Financial Information\nFiscal year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary for Riverview Bank, which opened for business in 1923. Our primary business strategy is to provide comprehensive banking and related financial services within our primary market area. The Company\u2019s goal is to deliver returns to shareholders by increasing higher-yielding assets (in particular, commercial real estate and commercial business loans), increasing core deposit balances, managing problem assets, reducing expenses, hiring experienced employees with a commercial lending focus and exploring expansion opportunities. The Company seeks to achieve these results by focusing on the following objectives:\nExecution of our Business Plan\n. The Company is focused on increasing its loan portfolio, especially higher yielding commercial and construction loans, and its core deposits by expanding its customer base throughout its primary market areas. While the Company historically emphasized residential real estate lending, since 1998 it has been diversifying its loan portfolio through the expansion of its commercial and construction loan portfolios. At March 31, 2023, commercial and construction loans represented 89.9% of total loans. Commercial lending, including commercial real estate loans, typically involves more credit risk than residential lending, justifying higher interest margins and fees on loans which can increase the loan portfolio\u2019s profitability. In addition, by emphasizing total relationship banking, the Company intends to deepen the relationships with its customers and increase individual customer profitability through cross-marketing programs, which allows the Company to better identify lending opportunities and services for customers. To build its core deposit base, the Company will continue to utilize additional product offerings, technology and a focus on customer service in working toward this goal. The Company will also continue to seek to expand its franchise through de novo branches, the selective acquisition of individual branches, loan purchases and whole bank \n49\n\n\nTable of Contents\ntransactions that meet its investment and market objectives. In this regard, the Company recently opened three new branches located in Clark County, Washington, to complement its existing branch network. \nMaintaining Strong Asset Quality\n. The Company believes that strong asset quality is a key to long-term financial success. The Company has actively managed delinquent loans and nonperforming assets by aggressively pursuing the collection of consumer debts, marketing saleable properties upon foreclosure or repossession, and through work-outs of classified assets and loan charge-offs. The Company\u2019s approach to credit management uses well defined policies and procedures and disciplined underwriting criteria resulting in our strong asset quality and credit metrics in fiscal year 2023. Although the Company intends to prudently increase the percentage of its assets consisting of higher-yielding commercial real estate, real estate construction and commercial business loans, which offer higher risk-adjusted returns, shorter maturities and more sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations, the Company intends to manage credit exposure through the use of experienced bankers in these areas and a conservative approach to its lending.\nIntroduction of New Products and Services\n. The Company continuously reviews new products and services to provide its customers more financial options. All new technology and services are generally reviewed for business development and cost saving purposes. The Company continues to experience growth in customer use of its online banking services, where the Bank provides a full array of traditional cash management products as well as online banking products including mobile banking, mobile deposit, bill pay, e-statements, and text banking. The products are tailored to meet the needs of small to medium size businesses and households in the markets we serve. The Company intends to selectively add other products to further diversify revenue sources and to capture more of each customer\u2019s banking relationship by cross selling loan and deposit products and additional services, including services provided through the Trust Company to increase its fee income. Assets under management by the Trust Company totaled $890.6 million and $1.3 billion at March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively. The Company also offers a third-party identity theft product to its customers. The identity theft product assists our customers in monitoring their credit and includes an identity theft restoration service.\nAttracting Core Deposits and Other Deposit Products\n.\n The Company offers personal checking, savings and money-market accounts, which generally are lower-cost sources of funds than certificates of deposit and are less likely to be withdrawn when interest rates fluctuate. To build its core deposit base, the Company has sought to reduce its dependence on traditional higher cost deposits in favor of stable lower cost core deposits to fund loan growth and decrease its reliance on other wholesale funding sources, including brokered deposits, FHLB advances and FRB borrowings. The Company believes that its continued focus on building customer relationships will help to increase the level of core deposits and locally-based retail certificates of deposit. In addition, the Company intends to increase demand deposits by growing business banking relationships through expanded product lines tailored to meet its target business customers\u2019 needs. The Company maintains technology-based products to encourage the growth of lower cost deposits, such as personal financial management, business cash management, and business remote deposit products, that enable it to meet its customers\u2019 cash management needs and compete effectively with banks of all sizes. Core branch deposits decreased $250.1 million\u00a0at March 31, 2023 compared to March 31, 2022 due to deposit pricing pressures in our markets, resulting in the Company\u2019s use of higher costing FHLB advances during fiscal 2023. Core branch deposits accounted for 97.5% of total deposits at March 31, 2023 compared to 96.8% at March 31, 2022.\nRecruiting and Retaining Highly Competent Personnel with a Focus on Commercial Lending\n.\n The Company\u2019s ability to continue to attract and retain banking professionals with strong community relationships and significant knowledge of its markets will be a key to its success. The Company believes that it enhances its market position and adds profitable growth opportunities by focusing on hiring and retaining experienced bankers focused on owner occupied commercial real estate and commercial lending, and the deposit balances that accompany these relationships. The Company emphasizes to its employees the importance of delivering exemplary customer service and seeking opportunities to build further relationships with its customers. The goal is to compete with other financial service providers by relying on the strength of the Company\u2019s customer service and relationship banking approach. The Company believes that one of its strengths is that its employees are also shareholders through the Company\u2019s ESOP and 401(k) plans.\nSelected Financial Data:\n The following financial condition data as of March 31, 2023 and 2022 and operating data and key financial ratios for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 have been derived from the Company\u2019s audited consolidated financial statements. The information below is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information included elsewhere herein and should be read along with this \u00a0\u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d and Item 8. \u201cFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d included in this Form 10-K.\n50\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAt March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2022\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n(In\u00a0thousands)\nFINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal assets\n\u200b\n$\n 1,589,712\n\u200b\n$\n 1,740,096\nLoans receivable, net\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 993,547\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 975,885\nInvestment securities available for sale\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 211,499\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 165,782\nInvestment securities held to maturity\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 243,843\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 253,100\nCash and cash equivalents\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 22,044\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 241,424\nDeposits\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,265,217\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,533,878\nFHLB advances\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 123,754\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\nShareholders\u2019 equity\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 155,239\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 157,249\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nYear Ended March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2022\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2021\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)\nOPERATING DATA:\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nInterest and dividend income\n\u200b\n$\n 55,666\n\u200b\n$\n 49,825\n\u200b\n$\n 48,344\nInterest expense\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4,060\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,200\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3,427\nNet interest income\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 51,606\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 47,625\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 44,917\nProvision for (recapture of) loan losses\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 750\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (4,625)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 6,300\nNet interest income after provision for (recapture of) loan losses\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 50,856\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 52,250\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 38,617\nOther non-interest income\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 12,194\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 12,744\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 11,090\nNon-interest expense\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 39,371\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 36,718\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 36,254\nIncome before income taxes\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 23,679\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 28,276\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 13,453\nProvision for income taxes\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 5,610\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 6,456\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,981\nNet income\n\u200b\n$\n 18,069\n\u200b\n$\n 21,820\n\u200b\n$\n 10,472\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nEarnings per share:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\nBasic\n\u200b\n$\n 0.84\n\u200b\n$\n 0.98\n\u200b\n$\n 0.47\nDiluted\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 0.83\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 0.98\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 0.47\nDividends per share\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 0.240\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 0.215\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 0.200\n\u200b\n51\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAt\u00a0or\u00a0For\u00a0the\u00a0Years\u00a0Ended\u00a0March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2022\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n2021\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nKEY FINANCIAL RATIOS:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPerformance Ratios:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nReturn on average assets\n\u200b\n 1.08\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n 1.31\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n 0.74\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nReturn on average equity\n\u200b\n 11.71\n\u00a0\n 13.62\n\u00a0\n 6.91\n\u00a0\nDividend payout ratio \n(1)\n\u200b\n 28.92\n\u00a0\n 21.94\n\u00a0\n 42.55\n\u00a0\nInterest rate spread\n\u200b\n 3.12\n\u00a0\n 2.95\n\u00a0\n 3.27\n\u00a0\nNet interest margin\n\u200b\n 3.26\n\u00a0\n 3.03\n\u00a0\n 3.41\n\u00a0\nNon-interest expense to average assets\n\u200b\n 2.36\n\u00a0\n 2.20\n\u00a0\n 2.56\n\u00a0\nEfficiency ratio \n(2)\n\u200b\n 61.71\n\u00a0\n 60.82\n\u00a0\n 64.73\n\u00a0\nAverage equity to average assets\n\u200b\n 9.25\n\u00a0\n 9.58\n\u00a0\n 10.71\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAsset Quality Ratios:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAllowance for loan losses to total loans at end of period\n\u200b\n 1.52\n\u00a0\n 1.47\n\u00a0\n 2.03\n\u00a0\nAllowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans\n\u200b\n 826.62\n\u00a0\n 65.72\n\u00a0\n 3,358.67\n\u00a0\nNet charge-offs (recoveries) to average outstanding loans during the period\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n (0.03)\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nRatio of nonperforming assets to total assets\n\u200b\n 0.12\n\u00a0\n 1.27\n\u00a0\n 0.04\n\u00a0\nRatio of nonperforming loans to total loans\n\u200b\n 0.18\n\u00a0\n 2.23\n\u00a0\n 0.06\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nCapital Ratios:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nTotal capital to risk-weighted assets\n\u200b\n 16.94\n\u00a0\n 16.38\n\u00a0\n 17.35\n\u00a0\nTier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets\n\u200b\n 15.69\n\u00a0\n 15.12\n\u00a0\n 16.09\n\u00a0\nCommon equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets\n\u200b\n 15.69\n\u00a0\n 15.12\n\u00a0\n 16.09\n\u00a0\nLeverage ratio\n\u200b\n 10.47\n\u00a0\n 9.19\n\u00a0\n 9.63\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n(1)\nDividends per share divided by diluted earnings per share.\n(2)\nNon-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n52\n\n\nTable of Contents\nComparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2023 and 2022\nCash and cash equivalents, including interest-earning accounts, totaled $22.0 million at March 31, 2023 compared to $241.4 million at March 31, 2022. The Company\u2019s cash balances typically fluctuate based upon funding needs, deposit activity and investment securities purchases. Based on the Company\u2019s asset/liability management program and liquidity objectives, the Company may deploy a portion of excess cash balances to purchase investment securities depending on the rate environment and other considerations. As a part of this strategy, the Company also invests a portion of its excess cash in short-term certificates of deposit held for investment, all of which are fully insured by the FDIC. Certificates of deposits held for investment totaled $249,000 at both March 31, 2023 and 2022.\nInvestment securities totaled $\n455.3 \nmillion and $418.9 million at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was due to investment purchases, partially offset by normal pay downs, calls and maturities.\u00a0During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, purchases of investment securities totaled $81.8 million and $224.6 million, respectively. The Company primarily purchases a combination of securities backed by government agencies (FHLMC, FNMA, SBA or GNMA). At March 31, 2023, the Company determined that none of its investment securities required an OTTI charge. In the third quarter of \u00a0fiscal \u00a02022, \u00a0the Company reassessed and transferred $85.8 million of U.S. government and agency securities from the available for sale classification to the held to maturity classification. The net unrealized after tax gain of $18,000 was deemed insignificant and the book balance of investment securities were transferred. No gains or losses were recognized at the time of the transfer. For additional information on the Company\u2019s investment securities, see Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\n\u200b\nLoans receivable, net, totaled $993.5 million at March 31, 2023, compared to $975.9 million at March 31, 2022, an increase of $17.6 million. The increase was primarily attributed to increases in real estate construction loans of $23.6 million, commercial business loans of $4.8 million and real estate one-to-four family loans of $17.7 million. The increases in commercial business loans and real estate one-to-four family loans were attributable to the purchase of $28.7 million and $26.8 million of such loans, respectively. These increases were partially offset by decreases in commercial real estate, multi-family and land loans of $18.3 million, $4.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively, since March 31, 2022. In addition, these increases were offset by a decrease in SBA PPP loans related to forgiveness repayments. At March 31, 2023, SBA PPP loans, net of deferred fees which are included in the commercial business loan category were insignificant compared to $3.1 million at March 31, 2022. \nThe Company no longer originates real estate one-to-four family loans and will from time to time purchase these loans consistent with its asset/liability objectives. Additionally, the Company will purchase commercial business loans to supplement loan originations and diversify the commercial loan portfolio. These loans were originated by a third-party located outside of the Company\u2019s primary market area and totaled $26.2 million and $14.7 million at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company also purchases the guaranteed portion of SBA loans as a way to supplement loan originations, to further diversify its loan portfolio and earn a higher yield than earned on its cash or short-term investments. These SBA loans are originated through another financial institution located outside of the Company\u2019s primary market area and are purchased with servicing retained by the seller. \u00a0At March 31, 2023, the Company\u2019s purchased SBA loan portfolio was $55.5 million compared to $59.4 million at March 31, 2022. \u00a0\nGoodwill was $27.1 million at both March 31, 2023 and 2022. For additional information on our goodwill impairment testing, see \u201cGoodwill Valuation\u201d included in this Item 7.\nPrepaid expenses and other assets increased $3.6 million to $16.0 million at March 31, 2023 compared to $12.4 million at March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to a computer software contract for a new loan origination system that was executed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. \nDeposits decreased $268.7 million to $1.3 billion at March 31, 2023 compared to $1.5 billion at March 31, 2022 due to increased competition, pricing and an overall decrease in market liquidity. The decrease in deposits was attributable to reductions in non-interest-bearing accounts of $89.9 million, regular savings accounts of $84.9 million, money market accounts of $78.0 million and interest checking of $33.3 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $17.5 million in certificates of deposit. \u00a0The Company had no wholesale-brokered deposits at March 31, 2023 and 2022. Core branch deposits accounted for 97.5% of total deposits at March 31, 2023 compared to 96.8% at March 31, 2022. The Company plans to continue its focus on core deposits and on building customer relationships as opposed to obtaining deposits through the wholesale markets.\n53\n\n\nTable of Contents\nFHLB advances increased to $123.8 million at March 31, 2023 and were comprised of overnight advances and a short-term borrowing of $73.8 million and $50.0 million, respectively. There were no outstanding FHLB advances at March 31, 2022. These FHLB advances were utilized to offset the decrease in deposit balances.\nShareholders\u2019 equity decreased $2.0 million to $155.2 million at March 31, 2023 from $157.2 million at March 31, 2022. The decrease was mainly attributable to the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the change in unrealized holding losses on securities available for sale, net of tax, of $8.4 million, the repurchase of 975,666 shares of common stock totaling $6.7 million, and the payment of cash dividends totaling $5.2 million. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $18.1 million.\nComparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022\nNet Income.\n Net income was $18.1 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, compared to $21.8 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.\u00a0The Company\u2019s net income decreased primarily as a result of a provision for loan losses of $750,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to a $4.6 million recapture of loan losses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. Non-interest expense increased to $39.4 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, compared to $36.7 million for the prior fiscal year as the Company recognized a $1.0 million gain on sale of premises and equipment during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, that was not present during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, as well as year over year increases in salary and employee benefits, occupancy and depreciation, and advertising and marketing expense. In addition,\n \nnon-interest income decreased $550,000 as a result of a decrease in fees and service charges and a $500,000 BOLI death benefit received during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 that was not present during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, partially offset by an increase in asset management fees.\nNet Interest Income.\n The Company\u2019s profitability depends primarily on its net interest income, which is the difference between the income it receives on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. When the rate earned on interest-earning assets equals or exceeds the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, this positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income. The Company\u2019s results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, government legislation and regulation, and monetary and fiscal policies.\nNet interest income for fiscal year 2023 increased $4.0 million, or 8.4%, to $51.6 million compared to $47.6 million in fiscal year 2022. The net interest margin for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 was 3.26% compared to 3.03% for the prior fiscal year. The increase in the net interest margin was primarily attributable to both the higher average balance and yield on investment securities compared to the legacy investment securities portfolios and an increase in the average yield on interest-bearing deposits in other banks balances between the periods reflecting the lagging benefit of variable rate interest-earning assets beginning to reprice higher following recent increases in market interest rates.\nInterest and Dividend Income.\n Interest and dividend income increased $5.8 million to $55.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 from $49.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily related to the increase in interest income on the investment securities portfolio due to the overall increase in average balance of and yield on investment securities. Interest income on investment securities increased $3.8 million to $9.0 million at March 31, 2023 compared to $5.2 million at March 31, 2022. This increase was also attributable to the increase of $665,000 on interest and fees earned on loans receivable for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the prior fiscal year due to the increase in the average balance of average net loans. The impact of the increase in the average net loans was offset by the decrease in the average yield on net loans by 28 basis points to 4.44% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, predominantly from higher deferred SBA PPP loan fees recognized from SBA PPP loans that were forgiven. SBA PPP loans had a favorable impact on our loan yields when SBA PPP loans are forgiven and the remaining deferred fees are recognized which increase the average net loan yield for fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 that were not present for the fiscal year-ended March 31, 2023. Interest and dividend income included $102,000 and $3.0 million of interest and fees related to SBA PPP loans for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. \u00a0The average balance of overnight cash balances positively impacted interest and dividend income due to the average yield on interest-bearing deposits at other banks which increased 161 basis points for fiscal year 2023 to 1.76% compared to 0.15% for fiscal year 2022. \n\u200b\n54\n\n\nTable of Contents\nInterest Expense.\n Interest expense for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 totaled $4.1 million, a $1.9 million or 84.5% increase from $2.2 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily the result of an 18 basis point increase in the weighted average interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities and a $21.0 million increase in the average balance of FHLB advances for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the prior fiscal year. The weighted average interest rate on interest-bearing deposits increased to 0.16% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 from 0.14% for the prior fiscal year. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits decreased $21.7 million to $965.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to $987.5 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. Although the weighted average interest rate increased on interest-bearing deposits due to the overall increase in the interest rate environment, this increase was partially offset by the decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits. \nInterest expense on borrowings increased $1.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the prior fiscal year due to an increase in the average balance of FHLB advances. The average balance of FHLB advances increased to $21.0 million for fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to $3,000 for the same period in the prior year. The weighted average interest rate on FHLB advances increased to 4.88% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 0.31% for the prior fiscal year\n. The weighted average interest rate on the junior subordinated debentures increased 281 basis points to 5.09% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 2.28% for the prior fiscal year.\n\u200b\nProvision for Loan Losses.\n The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $750,000 and a recapture of loan losses of $4.6 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The provision for loan losses for the fiscal year 2023 was due to an isolated loan downgrade that affected the allowance for loan losses. The recapture of loan losses for fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to the improving economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic since March 31, 2021. Any future decline in national and local economic conditions could result in a material increase in the allowance for loan losses and may adversely affect the Company\u2019s financial condition and results of operations.\nAt March 31, 2023, the Company had an allowance for loan losses of $15.3 million, or 1.52% of total loans, compared to $14.5 million, or 1.47% of total loans at March 31, 2022. Net recoveries were $36,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to net charge-offs of $30,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. Net recoveries and net charge-offs to average net loans were insignificant for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. \nImpaired loans are subjected to an impairment analysis to determine an appropriate reserve amount to be held against each loan. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had identified $629,000 of impaired loans. Because the significant majority of the impaired loans are collateral dependent, nearly all of the specific allowances are calculated based on the estimated fair value of the collateral. Of those impaired loans, $534,000 have no specific valuation allowance as their estimated net collateral value is equal to or exceeds the carrying amount of the loan, which in some cases is the result of previous loan charge-offs. The remaining impaired loan of $95,000 has a specific valuation allowance of $6,000. Charge-offs on these impaired loans totaled $85,000 from their original loan balances. Based on a comprehensive analysis, management deemed the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at March 31, 2023. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the allowance for loan losses.\nNon-Interest Income.\n Non-interest income decreased $550,000 to $12.2 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 from $12.7 million for fiscal year 2022. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in fees and service charges related to a decrease in brokered loan fees of $723,000. \u00a0These decreases are partially offset by an increase in asset management fees of $627,000 due to an increase in custody fees of $930,000 and trust tax preparation fees of $76,000 partially offset by a decrease in irrevocable trust fees of $342,000 and agency fees of $126,000 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. Additionally, non-interest income also included a BOLI death benefit on a former employee of $500,000 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 that was not present for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. \n\u200b\n55\n\n\nTable of Contents\nNon-Interest Expense.\n Non-interest expense increased $2.7 million to $39.4 million for the year ended March 31, 2023 from $36.7 million for fiscal year 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $347,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the prior year and was mainly due to wage pressures, and the competitive landscape for attracting and retaining employees in the Company\u2019s primary market. Additionally, occupancy and depreciation expense for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 increased mainly due to an increase in rent expense, depreciation expense and repair and maintenance expense as the Company continues to update and modernize certain branch locations. In addition, the increase in non-interest expense is due to the recognition of a $1.0 million gain on sale of premises and equipment related to a former branch building during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, that was not present in the current fiscal year. Advertising and marketing expense increased $309,000 due to additional sponsorships and events as our local economy began to reopen when compared to the prior fiscal year. FDIC insurance premium expense increased $95,000 compared to the prior fiscal year primarily due to the increased FDIC assessment rate. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in data processing expense of $218,000 for fiscal year 2023 compared to the prior year due to a decreased cost associated with our core banking platform. \nIncome Taxes.\n The provision for income taxes was $5.6 million and $6.5 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in the provision for income taxes was due to lower pre-tax income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in the prior year. The effective tax rate was 23.7% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 22.8% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The effective tax rate may be affected by the effects of apportioned income for state and local jurisdictions where we do business. The Company\u2019s effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 was lower than its historical effective tax rate due to a non-taxable BOLI death benefit of $500,000 that was not present for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. At March 31, 2023, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $10.3 million. As of March 31, 2023, management deemed that a deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to the Company\u2019s deferred tax asset was not necessary. See Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of the Company\u2019s income taxes.\n\u200b\n56\n\n\nTable of Contents\nAverage Balance Sheet\n. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities as well as the total dollar amounts of interest income earned on average interest-earning assets and interest expense paid on average interest-bearing liabilities, resultant yields, interest rate spread, ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities and net interest margin. Average balances for a period have been calculated using daily average balances during such period. Non-accruing loans were included in the average loan amounts outstanding. Loan fees, net, of $2.4 million, $5.5 million and $4.5 million were included in interest income for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nYears\u00a0Ended\u00a0March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\n\u200b\n2022\n\u200b\n2021\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\nInterest\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\nInterest\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\nInterest\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u200b\nand\n\u200b\nYield/\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u200b\nand\n\u200b\nYield/\n\u200b\nAverage\n\u200b\nand\n\u200b\nYield/\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nDividends\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCost\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nDividends\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCost\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBalance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nDividends\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCost\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n(Dollars in thousands)\n\u00a0\nInterest-earning assets:\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\nMortgage loans\n\u200b\n$\n 760,821\n\u200b\n$\n 34,694\n\u200b\n 4.56\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 696,700\n\u200b\n$\n 33,280\n\u200b\n 4.78\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 681,999\n\u200b\n$\n 33,989\n\u200b\n 4.98\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nNon-mortgage loans\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 246,224\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 10,050\n\u200b\n 4.08\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 238,042\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 10,799\n\u200b\n 4.54\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 284,071\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 11,509\n\u200b\n 4.05\n\u200b\nTotal net loans \n(1)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,007,045\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 44,744\n\u200b\n 4.44\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 934,742\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 44,079\n\u200b\n 4.72\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 966,070\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 45,498\n\u200b\n 4.71\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nInvestment securities \n(2)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 472,396\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 9,129\n\u200b\n 1.93\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 345,869\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 5,314\n\u200b\n 1.54\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 156,723\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,592\n\u200b\n 1.65\n\u200b\nInterest-bearing deposits in other banks\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 100,694\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,773\n\u200b\n 1.76\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 291,897\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 439\n\u200b\n 0.15\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 194,456\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 198\n\u200b\n 0.10\n\u200b\nOther earning assets\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3,696\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 103\n\u200b\n 2.79\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,560\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 69\n\u200b\n 2.70\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,860\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 97\n\u200b\n 3.39\n\u200b\nTotal interest-earning assets\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,583,831\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 55,749\n\u200b\n 3.52\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,575,068\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 49,901\n\u200b\n 3.17\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,320,109\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 48,385\n\u200b\n 3.67\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNon-interest-earning assets:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\nOffice properties and equipment, net\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 19,621\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 18,933\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 18,469\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nOther non-interest-earning assets\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 63,511\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 77,135\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 77,775\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal assets\n\u200b\n$\n 1,666,963\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 1,671,136\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 1,416,353\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nInterest-bearing liabilities:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\nSavings accounts\n\u200b\n$\n 308,840\n\u200b\n$\n 219\n\u00a0\n 0.07\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 318,885\n\u200b\n$\n 247\n\u00a0\n 0.08\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n$\n 257,285\n\u200b\n$\n 418\n\u00a0\n 0.16\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nInterest checking accounts\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 286,627\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 89\n\u00a0\n 0.03\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 279,053\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 87\n\u00a0\n 0.03\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 225,579\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 85\n\u00a0\n 0.04\n\u200b\nMoney market accounts\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 266,795\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 415\n\u00a0\n 0.16\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 272,161\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 150\n\u00a0\n 0.06\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 204,931\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 153\n\u00a0\n 0.07\n\u200b\nCertificates of deposit\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 103,484\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 779\n\u00a0\n 0.75\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 117,391\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 940\n\u00a0\n 0.80\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 129,928\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,888\n\u00a0\n 1.45\n\u200b\nTotal interest-bearing deposits\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 965,746\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,502\n\u00a0\n 0.16\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 987,490\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,424\n\u00a0\n 0.14\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 817,723\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,544\n\u00a0\n 0.31\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nJunior subordinated debentures\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 26,873\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,368\n\u00a0\n 5.09\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 26,789\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 611\n\u00a0\n 2.28\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 26,703\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 667\n\u00a0\n 2.50\n\u200b\nFHLB advances\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 21,046\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,027\n\u200b\n 4.88\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 3\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n 0.31\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 15,044\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 47\n\u200b\n 0.31\n\u200b\nOther interest-bearing liabilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,271\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 163\n\u00a0\n 7.18\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,310\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 165\n\u00a0\n 7.14\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,350\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 169\n\u00a0\n 7.19\n\u200b\nTotal interest-bearing liabilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,015,936\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 4,060\n\u00a0\n 0.40\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,016,592\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,200\n\u00a0\n 0.22\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 861,820\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3,427\n\u00a0\n 0.40\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNon-interest-bearing liabilities:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\nNon-interest-bearing deposits\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 480,029\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 476,203\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 387,579\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nOther liabilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 16,757\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 18,186\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 15,304\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal liabilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,512,722\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,510,981\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,264,703\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nShareholders\u2019 equity\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 154,241\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 160,155\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 151,650\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal liabilities and shareholders\u2019 equity\n\u200b\n$\n 1,666,963\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 1,671,136\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 1,416,353\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nNet interest income\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 51,689\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 47,701\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 44,958\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nInterest rate spread\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3.12\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2.95\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3.27\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nNet interest margin\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3.26\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3.03\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3.41\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nRatio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 155.90\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 154.94\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 153.18\n%\u00a0\u00a0\nTax-Equivalent Adjustment \n(3)\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 83\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 76\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n$\n 41\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n(1)\nIncludes non-accrual loans.\n(2)\nFor purposes of the computation of average yield on investment securities available for sale, historical cost balances were utilized; therefore, the yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of shareholders\u2019 equity.\n(3)\nTax-equivalent adjustment relates to non-taxable investment interest income calculated based on a combined federal and state tax rate of 24% for all three years.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n57\n\n\nTable of Contents\nRate/Volume Analysis\nThe following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income of the Company for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. Information is provided with respect to: (i) effects on interest income attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (ii) effects on interest income attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and (iii) changes in rate/volume (change in rate multiplied by change in volume). Variances that were insignificant have been allocated based upon the percentage relationship of changes in volume and changes in rate to the total net change (in thousands). The changes noted in the table below include tax equivalent adjustments, and as a result, will not agree to the amounts reflected on the Company\u2019s consolidated statements of income for the categories that have been adjusted to reflect tax equivalent income.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nYear Ended March\u00a031,\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n2023\u00a0vs.\u00a02022\n\u200b\n2022\u00a0vs.\u00a02021\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIncrease\u00a0(Decrease)\u00a0Due\u00a0to\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIncrease\u00a0(Decrease)\u00a0Due\u00a0to\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nIncrease\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nTotal\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nVolume\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRate\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n(Decrease)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nVolume\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRate\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIncrease\nInterest Income:\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\u00a0\nMortgage loans\n\u200b\n$\n 2,986\n\u200b\n$\n (1,572)\n\u200b\n$\n 1,414\n\u200b\n$\n 705\n\u200b\n$\n (1,414)\n\u200b\n$\n (709)\nNon-mortgage loans\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 365\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (1,114)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (749)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (2,000)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,290\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (710)\nInvestment securities \n(1)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,255\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,560\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 3,815\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,906\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (184)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2,722\nInterest-bearing deposits in other banks\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (464)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,798\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,334\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 121\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 121\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 242\nOther earning assets\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 32\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 34\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (9)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (20)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (29)\nTotal interest income\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 5,174\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 674\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 5,848\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,723\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (207)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,516\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nInterest Expense:\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\nRegular savings accounts\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (6)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (22)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (28)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 78\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (249)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (171)\nInterest checking accounts\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 23\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (21)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 2\nMoney market accounts\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (3)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 268\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 265\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 26\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (29)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (3)\nCertificates of deposit\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (105)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (56)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (161)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (168)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (780)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (948)\nJunior subordinated debentures\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 2\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 755\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 757\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 2\n\u200b\n\u200b\n (58)\n\u200b\n\u200b\n (56)\nFHLB advances\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,027\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n 1,027\n\u200b\n\u200b\n (47)\n\u200b\n\u200b\n \u2014\n\u200b\n\u200b\n (47)\nOther interest-bearing liabilities\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (3)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (2)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (3)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (1)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (4)\nTotal interest expense\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 914\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 946\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n 1,860\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (89)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (1,138)\n\u200b\n\u00a0\n (1,227)\nNet interest income\n\u200b\n$\n 4,260\n\u200b\n$\n (272)\n\u200b\n$\n 3,988\n\u200b\n$\n 1,812\n\u200b\n$\n 931\n\u200b\n$\n 2,743\n\u200b\n(1)\nInterest on municipal securities is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis.\nAsset and Liability Management\nThe Company\u2019s principal financial objective is to achieve long-term profitability while reducing its exposure to fluctuating market interest rates. The Company has sought to reduce the exposure of its earnings to changes in market interest rates by attempting to manage the difference between asset and liability maturities and interest rates. The principal element in achieving this objective is to increase the interest rate sensitivity of the Company\u2019s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate sensitivity increases by originating and purchasing portfolio loans with interest rates subject to periodic adjustment to market conditions and fixed rate loans with shorter terms to maturity. The Company relies on retail deposits as its primary source of funds, but also has access to FHLB advances, FRB borrowings, and other wholesale facilities, as needed. Management believes retail deposits reduce the effects of interest rate fluctuations because they generally represent a stable source of funds. As part of its interest rate risk management strategy, the Company promotes transaction accounts and certificates of deposit with terms up to ten years.\nThe Company has adopted a strategy that is designed to maintain or improve the interest rate sensitivity of assets relative to its liabilities. The primary elements of this strategy involve: the origination of adjustable rate loans; increasing commercial loans, consumer loans that are adjustable rate and other short-term loans as a portion of total net loans receivable because of their generally shorter terms and higher yields than real estate one-to-four family loans; matching asset and liability maturities; and investing in short-term securities. The strategy for liabilities has been to shorten the maturities for both deposits and borrowings. \n58\n\n\nTable of Contents\nThe longer-term objective is to increase the proportion of non-interest-bearing demand deposits, low interest- bearing demand deposits, money market accounts, and savings deposits relative to certificates of deposit to reduce our overall cost of funds.\nConsumer loans, such as home equity lines of credit and installment loans, commercial loans and construction loans typically have shorter terms and higher yields than real estate one-to-four family loans, and accordingly reduce the Company\u2019s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. Adjustable interest rate loans totaled $403.6 million or 40.00% of total loans at March 31, 2023 as compared to $438.1 million or 44.23% at March 31, 2022. Although the Company has sought to originate adjustable rate loans, the ability to originate and purchase such loans depends to a great extent on market interest rates and borrowers\u2019 preferences. Particularly in lower interest rate environments, borrowers often prefer to obtain fixed-rate loans. See Item 1. \u201cBusiness - Lending Activities \u2013 Real Estate Construction \u201c and \u201c- Lending Activities - Consumer Lending.\u201d\nThe Company may also invest in short-term to medium-term U.S. Government securities as well as mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies. At March 31, 2023, the combined investment portfolio carried at $455.3 million had an average life of 6.1 years. Adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities totaled $3.7 million at March 31, 2023 compared to $5.5 million at March 31, 2022. See Item 1. \u201cBusiness \u2013 Investment Activities\u201d for additional information.\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nLiquidity is essential to our business. The objective of the Bank\u2019s liquidity management is to maintain ample cash flows to meet obligations for depositor withdrawals, to fund the borrowing needs of loan customers, and to fund ongoing operations. Core relationship deposits are the primary source of the Bank\u2019s liquidity. As such, the Bank focuses on deposit relationships with local consumer and business clients who maintain multiple accounts and services at the Bank.\nLiquidity management is both a short and long-term responsibility of the Company\u2019s management. The Company adjusts its investments in liquid assets based upon management\u2019s assessment of (i) expected loan demand, (ii) projected loan sales, (iii) expected deposit flows, (iv) yields available on interest-bearing deposits and (v) its asset/liability management program objectives. Excess liquidity is invested generally in interest-bearing overnight deposits and other short-term government and agency obligations. If the Company requires funds beyond its ability to generate them internally, it has additional diversified and reliable sources of funds with the FHLB, the FRB and other wholesale facilities. These sources of funds may be used on a long or short-term basis to compensate for a reduction in other sources of funds or on a long-term basis to support lending activities.\nThe Company\u2019s primary sources of funds are customer deposits, proceeds from principal and interest payments on loans, proceeds from the sale of loans, maturing securities, FHLB advances and FRB borrowings. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and prepayment of mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Management believes that its focus on core relationship deposits coupled with access to borrowing through reliable counterparties provides reasonable and prudent assurance that ample liquidity is available. However, depositor or counterparty behavior could change in response to competition, economic or market situations or other unforeseen circumstances, which could have liquidity implications that may require different strategic or operational actions.\nThe Company must maintain an adequate level of liquidity to ensure the availability of sufficient funds for loan originations, deposit withdrawals and continuing operations, satisfy other financial commitments and take advantage of investment opportunities. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Bank used its sources of funds primarily to fund loan commitments and investment purchases. At March 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit held for investment and available for sale investment securities totaled $233.8 million, or 14.7% of total assets. Management believes that the Company\u2019s security portfolio is of high quality and its securities would therefore be marketable. The levels of these assets are dependent on the Company\u2019s operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period. The Bank generally maintains sufficient cash and short-term investments to meet short-term liquidity needs; however, its primary liquidity management practice is to manage short-term borrowings, consistent with its asset/liability objectives. In addition to these primary sources of funds, the Bank has several secondary borrowing sources available to meet potential funding requirements, including FRB borrowings and FHLB advances. At March 31, 2023, the Bank had no advances from the FRB and maintains a credit facility with the FRB with available borrowing capacity of $57.4 million, subject to sufficient collateral. At March 31, 2023, FHLB advances totaled $123.8 million and the Bank had an available borrowing capacity of $315.4 million, subject to sufficient collateral and stock investment. At March 31, 2023, the Bank had sufficient unpledged collateral to allow it to utilize its available borrowing capacity from the FRB and the FHLB. Borrowing capacity may, however, fluctuate based on acceptability and risk rating of loan collateral and counterparties could adjust discount rates applied to such collateral at their discretion. \n59\n\n\nTable of Contents\nThe Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) was created by the Federal Reserve to support and make additional funding available to eligible depository institutions to help banks meet the needs of their depositors. Riverview has registered and is eligible to utilize the BTFP. Riverview does not intend to utilize the BTFP, but could do so should the need arise. \nDuring the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, deposits decreased $268.7 million. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, deposits increased $187.8 million. An additional source of wholesale funding includes brokered certificates of deposit. While the Company has utilized brokered deposits from time to time, the Company historically has not extensively relied on brokered deposits to fund its operations. At March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank had no wholesale brokered deposits. The Bank also participates in the CDARS and ICS deposit products, which allow the Company to accept deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limit for a depositor and obtain \u201cpass-through\u201d insurance for the total deposit. The Bank\u2019s CDARS and ICS balances were $22.8 million, or 1.8% of total deposits, and $66.3 million, or 4.3% of total deposits, at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The combination of all the Bank\u2019s funding sources gives the Bank available liquidity of $702.5 million, or 44.2% of total assets at March 31, 2023.\nAt March 31, 2023, the Company had total commitments of $144.4 million, which includes commitments to extend credit of $12.5 million, unused lines of credit totaling $93.7 million, undisbursed construction loans totaling $36.6 million, and standby letters of credit totaling $1.6 million. For additional information regarding future financial commitments, see Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet current loan commitments. Certificates of deposit that are scheduled to mature in less than one year from March 31, 2023 totaled $84.6 million. Historically, the Bank has been able to retain a significant amount of its deposits as they mature. Offsetting these cash outflows are scheduled loan maturities of less than one year totaling $37.0 million at March 31, 2023.\nThe Company incurs capital expenditures on an ongoing basis to expand and improve our product offerings, enhance and modernize our technology infrastructure, and to introduce new technology-based products to compete effectively in our markets. We evaluate capital expenditure projects based on a variety of factors, including expected strategic impacts (such as forecasted impact on revenue growth, productivity, expenses, service levels and customer retention) and our expected return on investment. The amount of capital investment is influenced by, among other things, current and projected demand for our services and products, cash flow generated by operating activities, cash required for other purposes and regulatory considerations. Based on our current capital allocation objectives, during fiscal 2024 we expect cash expenditures of approximately $3.7 million for capital investment in premises and equipment.\nRiverview, as a separate legal entity from the Bank, must provide for its own liquidity. Sources of capital and liquidity for Riverview include distributions from the Bank and the issuance of debt or equity securities. Dividends and other capital distributions from the Bank are subject to regulatory notice. Management currently expects to continue the Company\u2019s current practice of paying quarterly cash dividends on its common stock subject to the Board of Directors\u2019 discretion to modify or terminate this practice at any time and for any reason without prior notice. The current quarterly common stock dividend rate is $0.06 per share, as approved by the Board of Directors, which management believes is a dividend rate per share which enables the Company to balance our multiple objectives of managing and investing in the Bank, \u00a0and returning a substantial portion of the Company\u2019s cash to its shareholders. Assuming continued payment during fiscal year 2024 at this rate of $0.06 per share, average total dividends paid each quarter would be approximately $1.3 million based on the number of the Company\u2019s outstanding shares at March 31, 2023. At March 31, 2023, Riverview had $5.5 million in cash to meet its liquidity needs.\nBank holding companies and federally-insured state-chartered banks are required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. \u00a0At March 31, 2023, Riverview and the Bank were in compliance with all applicable capital requirements. \u00a0For additional information, see Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Item 1. Business \u2013 Regulation and Supervision of the Bank.\nNew Accounting Pronouncements\nFor a discussion of new accounting pronouncements and their impact on the Company, see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.\n\u200b\n60\n\n\nTable of Contents",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nOur financial condition and operations are influenced significantly by general economic conditions, including the absolute level of interest rates as well as changes in interest rates and the slope of the yield curve. Our profitability is dependent to a large extent on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest received from our interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on our interest-bearing liabilities.\u00a0Our activities, like all financial institutions, inherently involve the assumption of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates will have an adverse impact on the institution\u2019s earnings and underlying economic value. Interest rate risk is determined by the maturity and repricing characteristics of an institution\u2019s assets, liabilities and off-balance-sheet contracts. Interest rate risk is measured by the variability of financial performance and economic value resulting from changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is the primary market risk affecting our financial performance.\nOur Asset/Liability Management Committee (\u201cALCO\u201d) is responsible for monitoring and reviewing asset/liability processes and interest rate risk exposure to determine the level of risk appropriate given our operating environment, business plan strategies, performance objectives, capital and liquidity constraints, and asset and liability allocation alternatives; and to manage our interest rate risk consistent with regulatory guidelines and policies approved by the Board of Directors. Through such management, we seek to reduce the vulnerability of our earnings and capital position to changes in the level of interest rates. Our actions in this regard are taken under the guidance of the ALCO, which is comprised of members of our senior management. The ALCO closely monitors our interest sensitivity exposure, asset and liability allocation decisions, liquidity and capital positions, and local and national economic conditions and attempts to structure the loan and investment portfolios and funding sources to maximize earnings within acceptable risk tolerances.\nThe Company does not maintain a trading account for any class of financial instrument nor does it engage in hedging activities or purchase high-risk derivative instruments. Furthermore, the Company is not subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity price risk. For information regarding the sensitivity to interest rate risk of the Company\u2019s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, see the tables under Item 1. \u201cBusiness \u2013 Lending Activities,\u201d \u201c\u2013 Investment Activities\u201d and \u201c\u2013 Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds\u201d.\nThe Company\u2019s principal financial objective is to achieve long-term profitability while limiting its exposure to fluctuating market interest rates. The Company intends to reduce risk where appropriate but accepts a degree of risk when warranted by economic circumstances. The Company has sought to reduce the exposure of its earnings to changes in market interest rates by attempting to manage the mismatch between asset and liability maturities and interest rates. The principal element in achieving this objective is to increase the interest rate sensitivity of the Company\u2019s interest-earning assets by retaining in its loan portfolio, short\u2013term loans and loans with interest rates subject to periodic adjustments.\nConsumer and commercial loans are originated and held in the loan portfolio as the short-term nature of these portfolio loans match durations more closely with the short-term nature of retail deposits such as interest checking, money market accounts and savings accounts. The Company relies on retail deposits as its primary source of funds. Management believes retail deposits reduce the effects of interest rate fluctuations because they generally represent a more stable source of funds. As part of its interest rate risk management strategy, the Company promotes transaction accounts and certificates of deposit with longer terms to maturity. Except for immediate short-term cash needs, and depending on the current interest rate environment, FHLB advances will have short or long-term maturities. FRB borrowings have short-term maturities. For additional information, see Item 7. \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d contained herein.\nA number of measures are utilized to monitor and manage interest rate risk, including simulation modeling and traditional interest rate gap analysis. While both methods provide an indication of risk for a given change in interest rates, the simulation model is primarily used to assess the impact on earnings that changes in interest rates may produce. Key assumptions in the model include cash flows and maturities of financial instruments, changes in market conditions, loan volumes and pricing, deposit sensitivity, consumer preferences and management\u2019s capital leverage plans. These assumptions are inherently uncertain; therefore, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income or precisely predict the impact of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income. Actual results may significantly differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions and specific strategies among other factors.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n61\n\n\nTable of Contents\nThe following table shows the approximate percentage change in net interest income as of March 31, 2023 over a 12 and 24-month period under several instantaneous changes in interest rate scenarios:\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nPercent\u00a0change\u00a0in\u00a0net\n\u200b\nPercent\u00a0change\u00a0in\u00a0net\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\ninterest\u00a0income\u00a0(12\n\u200b\ninterest\u00a0income\u00a0(24\n\u00a0\nChange in interest rates\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nmonths)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nmonths)\n\u00a0\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\n\u200b\nUp 300 basis points\n\u00a0\n (13.0)\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n (3.2)\n%\nUp 200 basis points\n\u00a0\n (9.1)\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n (0.9)\n%\nUp 100 basis points\n\u00a0\n (4.2)\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n 4.0\n%\nBase case\n\u00a0\n \u2014\n\u00a0\n 7.2\n%\nDown 100 basis points\n\u200b\n 0.4\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n 5.7\n%\nDown 200 basis points\n\u200b\n (0.1)\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n 2.3\n%\nDown 300 basis points\n\u00a0\n (1.6)\n%\u00a0\u00a0\n (2.8)\n%\n\u200b\nIn general, interest-earning assets reprice faster than interest-bearing liabilities in a given period. However, due to a number of loans in our loan portfolio with fixed interest rates, our net interest income will be negatively impacted in a rising interest rate environment. In a rising interest rate environment, net interest income will decrease in year one as set forth in the table above as our interest-bearing liabilities are expected to continue to increase faster than interest-earning assets. In a falling interest rate environment, our net interest income will be positively impacted in the first 100 basis point movement as our interest-bearing liabilities decrease faster in relation to our interest-earning assets. We attempt to limit our interest rate risk through managing the repricing characteristics of our assets and liabilities.\nAs with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as ARM loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Furthermore, in the event of a change in interest rates, expected rates of prepayments on loans and early withdrawals from certificates could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table.\n\u200b\n\u200b\n62\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\u200b",
+ "cik": "1041368",
+ "cusip6": "769397",
+ "cusip": ["769397100"],
+ "names": ["RIVERVIEW BANCORP INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1041368/000093905723000178/0000939057-23-000178-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000939930-23-000052.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000939930-23-000052.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..6106db6f62
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000939930-23-000052.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. Business\nCompany Overview\nThis Annual Report on Form 10-K (this \"Annual Report\") is being filed by Pyxus International, Inc. (the \"Company,\" \"Pyxus,\" \"we,\" or \"us\"). Pyxus is a global agricultural company with 150 years of experience delivering value-added products and services to businesses and customers. The Company is a trusted provider of responsibly sourced, independently verified, sustainable, and traceable products and ingredients. The Company has one reportable segment for financial reporting purposes: Leaf. See \"\nNote 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of \nSignificant\n \nAccounting Policies\n\" to the \"Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information. \nLeaf Tobacco Operations\nOur leaf tobacco revenues are principally comprised of sales of processed leaf tobacco and fees charged for processing and related services to manufacturers of tobacco products. Our leaf tobacco operations deal primarily in flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos that are used in international cigarette brands. \nWe purchase tobacco on five continents \nand ship to customers globally\n. We primarily purchase tobacco directly from suppliers. In those instances, we assume the risk of matching the quantities and grades required by our customers to the entire crop we must purchase under contract. \nOur arrangements with suppliers vary depending on our predictions of future supply and demand, local historical practice and availability of capital. In some locales, we purchase seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and other products related to growing tobacco, which represent prepaid inventory, and issue them to suppliers with whom we have purchase contracts. The suppliers then utilize these inputs to grow tobacco, which we are contractually obligated to purchase as long as the supplier meets our specifications. The advances of inputs for the current crop generally include the original cost of the inputs plus a mark-up and interest as it is earned. Where contractually permitted, we charge interest to the suppliers during the period the current crop advance is outstanding. We account for our advances to tobacco suppliers using a cost accumulation model, which results in us reporting our advances at the lower of cost or recoverable amounts excluding the mark-up and interest. The mark-up and interest on our advances are recognized when the tobacco is delivered as a decrease in our cost of the current crop. Upon delivery of tobacco, part of the purchase price paid to the supplier is paid in cash and part through a reduction of the advance balance. The advances applied to the delivery are reclassified out of advances and into unprocessed inventory. Under longer-term arrangements with suppliers, we may advance or guarantee financing on suppliers' capital assets, which are also recovered through the delivery of tobacco to us by our suppliers.\nAs a result of various factors including weather, not all suppliers are able to settle the entire amount of advances through delivery of tobacco in a given crop year. Throughout the crop cycle, we monitor events that may impact the suppliers\u2019 ability to deliver tobacco. If we determine we will not be able to recover the original cost of the advances with deliveries of the current crop, or future crop deliveries, the unit cost of tobacco actually received is increased when unrecoverable costs are within a normal range or expensed immediately when they are above a normal range. The normal range is based on our historical results. We account for the unrecoverable costs in this manner to ensure only costs within a normal range are capitalized in inventory and costs that are above a normal range are expensed immediately as current period charges.\nWe process tobacco to meet each customer's specifications as to quality, yield, chemistry, particle size, moisture content and other characteristics. Unprocessed tobacco is a semi-perishable commodity. The processing of leaf tobacco facilitates shipping and prevents spoilage and is an essential service to our customers because the quality of processed leaf tobacco substantially affects the quality of the manufacturer\u2019s end product. Accordingly, we have located our production facilities in proximity to our principal sources of tobacco. We process tobacco in Company-owned and third-party facilities around the world, including in Argentina, Brazil, China, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Macedonia, Malawi, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United States, and Zimbabwe. These facilities encompass leading export locations of flue-cured, burley and oriental tobaccos. After processing, whole leaves, bundles, strips or stems, and scrap where applicable, are separately packed in cases, bales, cartons or hogsheads for storage and shipment. Packed flue-cured, burley and oriental tobacco generally is transported in the country of origin by truck or rail, and exports are moved by ship. \nDuring the years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, approximately 65% and 64% of our total purchases for the respective period were from Brazil, China, Turkey, and the Africa region. We have entered into contracts, joint ventures and other arrangements for the purchase of tobacco grown in substantially all other countries that produce export-quality flue-cured and burley tobacco.\nKey Customers\nIn our leaf tobacco business, our primary customers are major consumer tobacco product manufacturers. Refer to \"\nNote 26. Segment Information\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information regarding customers, and \n4 \ntheir respective affiliates, that account for more than 10% of our annual revenues. Pyxus delivered approximately 31% of its tobacco sales to customers in Europe, approximately 18% to customers in China, and approximately 12% to customers in the United States for year ended March\u00a031, 2023. The remaining sales of leaf tobacco are to customers located in Asia, Africa, and other geographic regions of the world.\nCompetition\nLeaf tobacco industry competition is based primarily on the price charged for products and services as well as the merchant's ability to meet customer specifications in the buying, processing, residue compliance and financing of tobacco. The Company is one of only two global, publicly held leaf tobacco merchants. We hold a leading position in most major tobacco growing regions in the world, including the principal export markets for flue-cured, burley and oriental tobacco. In addition to the primary global independent leaf tobacco merchants, there are a number of other independent global, regional or national competitors. Local independent leaf merchants with low fixed costs and overhead also supply cigarette manufacturers. \nSeasonality\nThe purchasing and processing activities of our leaf tobacco business are seasonal. Tobacco purchases vary by market and tobacco variety. Tobacco grown in North America is purchased, processed, and marketed generally during the five-month period beginning in July and ending in November. Tobacco grown in South America is usually purchased, processed, and marketed from January through July and, for tobacco grown in Africa, from April through September. Other tobacco markets around the world have similar purchasing periods, although at different times of the year. During the purchasing, processing and marketing seasons, inventories of unprocessed tobacco, inventories of redried tobacco, and trade accounts receivable normally reach peak levels in succession. Current liabilities, particularly advances from customers, and short-term notes payable to banks, normally reach their peak in this period as a means of financing the seasonal expansion of current assets. At March 31, the end of our fiscal year, the seasonal components of our working capital reflect primarily the operations related to foreign-grown tobacco.\nTrack and Trace Technology\nIn connection with our leaf tobacco operations, the Company uses a proprietary \"track and trace\" platform, which we have branded as the SENTRI\n\u00ae\n, which we believe provides transparency into the lifecycle of agricultural products by monitoring information and obtaining data related to the growth, cultivation, harvest, processing, formulation, testing, and release of individual batches of products. By obtaining data on products at each stage of the supply chain, SENTRI\n\u00ae\n permits proactive decision-making for both the Company and its leaf tobacco customers. The key features of the SENTRI\n\u00ae\n includes:\n\u2022\nProduct Tracking\n: Data collection and tracking at various stages in the product lifecycle permits customers to gain an understanding of where products originate from, how they were produced, and the product testing data in order to understand ingredients and the product journey. \n\u2022\nControl and Visibility\n: With access to increased data regarding the supply chain, we are able to monitor quality control at various points in the product route to market.\n\u2022\nSustainability Commitments\n: SENTRI\n\u00ae\n incorporates visibility into the practices and procedures of the product supply chain.\n\u2022\nLot Number Tracking\n: We are able to track specific products through the manufacturing process by lot number with full visibility to our customers. This permits us and our customers to discover more about the product, its origin and other information relevant to quality control and product transparency.\n\u2022\nAgronomic Services\n: SENTRI\n\u00ae\n utilizes an experienced team of agronomists to track data and insights regarding growing practices.\nRegulation\nSee \"\nItem 1A. Risk Factors\n\" for a discussion of applicable government regulation of leaf tobacco.\nHuman Capital Management\nOur workforce is one of our most important stakeholder groups and is critical to achieving our purpose \u2013 to transform people\u2019s lives so that together we can grow a better world. The attraction, development and retention of talent enables us to make progress against our business strategy, and it is essential that we create and maintain a culture of conducting business in an ethical and responsible manner. It is for these reasons that we dedicate resources to employee engagement, focus on creating a safe workplace and recognizing employees for the results that they deliver. \nAs of March\u00a031, 2023, we employed approximately \n3,000 p\neople, excluding seasonal employees, in our worldwide operations. We maintain positive relationships with the Company\u2019s employees and their respective organizations. We have collective bargaining agreements in place in many of the countries in which we operate and we have long-term agreements in-place in certain jurisdictions to resolve disputes through binding arbitration. \n5 \nOversight and Management\nOur Human Resources department is responsible for managing employment-related matters, including recruiting and hiring, onboarding, compensation design and implementation, performance management, advancement and succession planning, and professional and learning development. Our Board of Directors provides oversight of various matters pertaining to our workforce. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for executive compensation matters and oversight of the risks and programs related to talent management. Our Human Rights Policy and Code of Business Conduct highlight our commitment to diversity, inclusion, fairness, safety and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. \nSupply Chain Human Rights Matters\nWe support efforts to address human rights concerns in the tobacco supply chain. For example, in our tobacco supply chain, we use on-farm good agricultural practices assessments to assess suppliers\u2019 compliance with labor practices. Our subsidiaries establish contract terms and conditions with tobacco suppliers related to issues such as forced and child labor, and they conduct social compliance due diligence throughout our tobacco-growing regions.\nEnvironmental Compliance\nWe are aware of the impact our business activities have on the environment, and we understand that climate change will have a long-term impact on our business, our employees, suppliers and the communities in which they live. We have committed to reducing our environmental impact from our operations and working with our contracted growers to apply sustainable agricultural methods and practices. Additional information regarding our activities related to our sustainability strategy can be found in our Sustainability Report, which is published on our website.\nCurrently, there are no material estimated capital expenditures related to environmental control facilities. In addition, there is no material effect on capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position anticipated as a result of compliance with current or pending federal or state laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment.\nAvailable Information\nOur website is \nwww.pyxus.com\n. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge at \nhttp://investors.pyxus.com\n as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (\"SEC\"). The information contained on our website shall not be deemed part of this annual report on Form 10-K. The SEC maintains a website \n(www.sec.gov\n) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.\nDevelopment of the Business\nA description of the general development of the Company's business is included in Item 1 of Part I of the Company's \nAnnual Report on Form 10-\nK for the fiscal year ended March \n31, 2022\n under the heading \"Company Overview\" and the paragraph immediately preceding such heading, which description is incorporated herein by reference.\nItem 1A. Risk Factors\nThe following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, our operating results, our financial condition, and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this Annual Report.\nRisks Related to Our Leaf Tobacco Operations\nOur reliance on a small number of significant customers may adversely affect our financial results.\nThe customers of our leaf tobacco business are manufacturers of cigarette and other tobacco products. Several of these customers individually may account for a significant portion of our sales in a normal year. \nFor the year ended March\u00a031, 2023, Philip Morris International Inc., China Tobacco International Inc., and \nBritish American Tobacco\n each accounted for more than 10% of our revenues from continuing operations. \nIn addition, tobacco product manufacturers have experienced consolidation and further consolidation among our customers could decrease such customers\u2019 demand for our leaf tobacco or processing services. The loss of any one or more of our significant customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.\nVertical integration by our customers could materially adversely affect our financial performance.\nDemand for our leaf tobacco or processing services could be materially reduced if cigarette manufacturers make the decision to significantly vertically integrate their operations, either through acquisition of our competitors, establishing new operations or contracting directly with suppliers. In general, our results of operations have not been adversely affected by vertical integration initiatives, and some customers have reversed certain aspects of their previous vertical integration of operations. However, further vertical integration by our customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.\n6 \nGlobal shifts in sourcing customer requirements may negatively affect our organizational structure and asset base.\nShifts in sourcing of tobacco may occur as a result of currency fluctuations, including changes in currency exchange rates against the United States Dollar (\"USD\"), the imposition of tariffs and other changes in international trade policies. We may not be able to timely or efficiently adjust to shifts in sourcing origins, and adjusting to shifts may require changes in our production facilities in certain origins and changes in our fixed asset base. We have incurred, and may continue to incur, restructuring charges as we continue to adjust to shifts in sourcing. Adjusting our capacity and adjusting to shifts in sourcing may have an adverse impact on our ability to manage our costs and could have an adverse effect on our financial performance.\nOur financial results will vary according to growing conditions, customer indications, and other factors, which significantly impacts our ability to forecast our quarterly and annual financial performance.\nOur financial results may be significantly affected by fluctuations in tobacco growing seasons and crop sizes, which affect the supply of tobacco. Crop sizes may be affected by, among other things, crop infestation and disease, the volume of annual tobacco plantings and yields realized by suppliers, and suppliers' elections to grow crops other than tobacco. The cultivation period for tobacco is dependent upon a number of factors, including the weather and other natural events, such as hurricanes or tropical storms, and our processing schedule and results of operations for any quarterly period can be significantly altered by these factors. The unpredictability may be exacerbated by the effects of climate change, which could increase the likelihood or severity of disruptive weather events.\nThe cost of acquiring tobacco can fluctuate greatly due to crop sizes and increased competition in certain markets in which we purchase tobacco. For example, short crops in periods of high demand translate into higher average green prices, higher throughput costs and less volume to sell. Furthermore, large crops translate into lower average green prices, lower throughput costs and excess volume to sell.\nThe timing and unpredictability of customer indications, orders, and shipments cause us to keep tobacco in inventory, increase our risk, and result in variations in financial results. The timing of shipments can be materially impacted by shortages of containers and vessels for shipping, increased spot-prices for shipping leading vessel operators to reduce cargo allocations of our customers' containers covered by lower-priced, long-term shipping arrangements, as well as infrastructure and accessibility issues in ports we use for shipment. We may, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, keep a significant amount of processed tobacco in inventory for our customers to accommodate their inventory management and other needs. Sales recognition by us and our subsidiaries is based on the passage of ownership, usually with shipment of product. Because individual shipments may represent significant amounts of revenue, our financial results may vary significantly depending on our customers\u2019 needs and shipping instructions. These fluctuations result in varying volumes and sales in given periods, which also reduces your ability to compare our financial results in different periods or in the same periods in different years.\nLoss of confidence in us by our customers and suppliers may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. \nIf our customers and suppliers lose confidence in us, they may seek to establish alternative commercial relationships. In addition, in such circumstances, our suppliers, farmers, vendors, counterparties and service providers may seek to renegotiate the terms of our agreements, attempt to terminate their relationships with us or require financial assurances from us. If our suppliers, farmers, vendors, and other providers require stricter terms and conditions, we may not find these terms and conditions acceptable. Failure to timely obtain suitable inventory at competitive prices could materially adversely affect our businesses, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.\nSuppliers who have historically grown tobacco may elect to grow other crops instead of tobacco, which affects the world supply of tobacco and may impact our financial performance.\nIncreases in the prices for other crops have led and may in the future lead suppliers who have historically grown tobacco to elect to grow these other, more profitable, items instead of tobacco. A decrease in the volume of tobacco available for purchase may increase the purchase price of such tobacco. As a result, we could experience an increase in tobacco crop acquisition costs, which may impact our financial performance.\nOur advancement of inputs to tobacco suppliers could expose us to losses.\nOur arrangements with suppliers vary depending on our predictions of future supply and demand, local historical practice and availability of capital. In some locales, we purchase seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and other products related to growing tobacco, which represent prepaid inventory, and issue them to suppliers with whom we have purchase contracts. The suppliers then utilize these inputs to grow tobacco, which we are contractually obligated to purchase if they meet our specifications. These advances to tobacco suppliers are settled as part of the consideration paid upon the suppliers delivering us unprocessed tobacco at market prices. Two primary factors determine the market value of the tobacco suppliers deliver to us: the quantity of tobacco delivered and the quality of the tobacco delivered, both of which are subject to factors outside of our control at the time we make advances to suppliers. Unsatisfactory quantities or quality of the tobacco delivered could result in losses with respect to advances to our tobacco suppliers or the deferral of those advances.\n7 \nWhen we purchase tobacco directly from suppliers, we bear the risk that the tobacco will not meet our customers\u2019 quality and quantity requirements.\nIn countries where we contract directly with tobacco suppliers, we bear the risk that the tobacco delivered will not meet quality and quantity requirements of our customers. If the tobacco does not meet such market requirements, we may not be able to sell the tobacco we agreed to buy and may not be able to meet all of our customers\u2019 orders, which would have an adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.\nWeather and other conditions can affect the marketability of our inventory, and climate change may adversely alter weather patterns in tobacco-growing regions.\nLike other agricultural products, the quality of tobacco is affected by weather and the environment, which can change the quality or size of the crop. If a weather event is particularly severe, such as a major drought or hurricane, the affected crop could be destroyed or damaged to an extent that it would be less desirable to our customers, which would result in a reduction in revenues. If such an event is also widespread, it could affect our ability to acquire the quantity of products required by customers. In addition, the potential impact of climate change is uncertain and may vary by geographic region. The possible effects, as described in various public accounts, could include changes in rainfall patterns, water shortages, changing storm patterns and intensities, and changing temperature levels, all of which may be of greater permanence than typical weather fluctuations. Some or all of these impacts could adversely affect the ability of farmers in the regions in which we source leaf tobacco to continue to produce crops of acceptable quality and in sufficient quantities. Their inability to do so could materially adversely affect our operations, results of operations and financial condition. \nIn addition, other items can affect the marketability of tobacco, including, among other things, the presence of:\n\u2022\nnon-tobacco related material;\n\u2022\ngenetically modified organisms; and\n\u2022\nexcess residues of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.\nA significant event impacting the condition or quality of a large amount of the tobacco crops we buy could make it difficult for us to sell such tobacco or to fill our customers\u2019 orders.\nCompetition could erode our earnings.\nThe leaf tobacco industry is highly competitive. Competition is based primarily on the prices charged for products and services as well as the merchant\u2019s ability to meet customer specifications in the buying, processing, and financing of tobacco. The loss or substantial reduction of any large or significant customer could reduce our earnings. Although we are one of only two primary global independent publicly held leaf tobacco merchants, cigarette manufacturers also buy tobacco directly from local and regional suppliers. We also face increasing competition from new local and regional independent leaf merchants with low fixed costs and overhead and good local customer connections, where the new entrants have been able to capitalize in the global transition to those markets. Any of these sources of new competition may result in less tobacco available for us to purchase and process in the applicable markets.\nContinued high inflation may adversely affect our profitability and the demand for our leaf tobacco products.\nThe economies of the United States and other nations have recently experienced the highest levels of consumer price inflation in decades. Continued inflationary pressures may continue to increase our costs, including the cost of leaf tobacco that we purchase. If these increased costs cannot successfully be passed on to our customers, many of which have significant negotiating power, our profitability and results of operations may be adversely affected. In addition, since our leaf tobacco products are used in the manufacturing of tobacco consumer goods, consumer behavior that deprioritizes the purchase of tobacco consumer goods in response to inflationary increases in the price of such goods could result in reduced overall demand for consumer tobacco products and consequently for the leaf tobacco we provide to manufacturers, which could materially adversely affect our profitability, results of operations and financial position.\nRisks Related to the Scope of Our International Operations\nWe face increased risks of doing business due to the extent of our international operations.\nSome of the countries we do business in do not have stable economies or governments. Our international operations are subject to international business risks, including unsettled political conditions, uncertainty in the enforcement of legal obligations, including the collection of accounts receivable, fraud risks, expropriation, import and export restrictions, exchange controls, inflationary economies, currency risks, and risks related to the restrictions on repatriation of earnings or proceeds from liquidated assets of foreign subsidiaries. These risks are exacerbated in countries where we have advanced substantial sums or guaranteed local loans or lines of credit for the purchase of tobacco from suppliers. \nIn 2006, as a result of the political environment, economic instability, foreign currency controls, and governmental regulations in Zimbabwe, we deconsolidated our Zimbabwe subsidiary, Mashonaland Tobacco Company LTD (\"MTC\"). Subsequently, we determined that the significant doubt about our ability to control MTC was eliminated and reconsolidated MTC as of March 31, \n8 \n2016. The Company utilizes the Zimbabwe RTGS system for local transactions. RTGS is a local currency equivalent that is exchanged at a government specified rate with USD. To convert these units to USD, the Company must obtain foreign currency resources from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, which are subject to the monetary and exchange control policy in Zimbabwe. If the foreign exchange restrictions and government-imposed controls become severe, we may have to reassess our ability to control MTC.\nIn recent years, economic problems in certain countries where we have international operations have received wide publicity related to devaluation and appreciation of the local currency and inflation, including the classification of the Argentina, Turkey, and Zimbabwe economies as highly inflationary. Devaluation and appreciation of the local currency and inflation can affect our purchase costs of tobacco and our processing costs. In addition, we conduct business with suppliers and customers in countries that have recently had or may be subject to dramatic political regime change. In the event of such dramatic changes in the government of such countries, we may be unable to continue to operate our business, or adequately enforce legal obligations, after the change in a manner consistent with prior practice.\nFurther, the imposition of governmental sanctions or other restrictions may preclude us from continuing to sell to certain customers or to source leaf tobacco from certain jurisdictions. For example, governmental sanctions imposed in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia have adversely affected sales to customers impacted by the sanctions. Similarly, the imposition of sanctions with respect to other jurisdictions, including sanctions imposed in response to conflict or threat of conflict in other regions could have a material adverse effect on our profitability, results of operations and financial position.\nWe are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the \"FCPA\") and we operate in jurisdictions that pose a high risk of potential FCPA violations.\nWe are subject to the FCPA, which generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business and/or other benefits. We operate in a number of jurisdictions that pose a high risk of potential FCPA violations. Although our corporate policy prohibits foreign bribery and we have adopted procedures to promote compliance, we cannot assure you that our policy or procedures will work effectively all of the time or protect us against liability under the FCPA for actions taken by our agents, employees, and intermediaries with respect to our business or any businesses that we acquire. Failure to comply with the FCPA, other anti-corruption laws and other laws governing the conduct of business with government entities (including local laws) could lead to criminal and civil penalties and other remedial measures (including further changes or enhancements to our procedures, policies, and controls, the imposition of a compliance monitor at our expense and potential personnel changes and/or disciplinary actions), any of which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Any investigation of any potential violations of the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws by U.S. or foreign authorities also could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nOur exposure to foreign tax regimes, and changes in U.S. or foreign tax regimes, could adversely affect our business.\nOur global exposure to tax regimes could adversely affect our business. We do business in countries that have tax regimes in which the rules are not clear, are not consistently applied and are subject to sudden change. Our earnings could be changed by the uncertain and changing nature of these tax regimes. Certain of our subsidiaries are and may in the future be subject to audit, investigation, or other tax controversies. While the outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not currently expect that such matters will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position. However, should one or more of these matters be resolved in a manner adverse to our current expectation, the effect on our results of operations for a particular fiscal reporting period could be material. \nFluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations.\nWe conduct our business in many countries around the world. Our business is generally conducted in USD, as is the business of the leaf tobacco industry as a whole. We generally must purchase tobacco in non-U.S. countries using local currency. As a result, local country operating costs, including the purchasing and processing costs for tobaccos, are subject to the effects of exchange fluctuations of the local currency against the USD. When the USD weakens against foreign currencies, our costs for purchasing and processing tobacco in such currencies increases. Although we operate in many non-U.S. countries and are exposed to fluctuations in the currencies of numerous foreign countries, exchange fluctuation in the Brazilian Real against the USD has the greatest potential for impact on our financial results. We attempt to reduce such currency risks by matching the timing of our working capital borrowing needs against the tobacco purchasing and processing funds requirements in the currency of the country where the tobacco is grown. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies can significantly affect our operating results.\nIn addition, the devaluation of foreign currencies has resulted and may in the future result in reduced purchasing power from customers whose capital resources are denominated in those currencies. We may incur a loss of business as a result of the devaluation of these currencies now or in the future.\n9 \nRisks Related to Other Aspects of Our Operations\nWe rely on internal and externally hosted information technology systems and disruption, failure, or security breaches of these systems could adversely affect our business.\nWe rely on information technology (\"IT\") systems, including systems hosted by service providers. For example, our enterprise resource planning system and our domestic employee payroll system are hosted by external service providers. Although we have disaster recovery plans and several intrusion preventive mitigating tools and services in-place, which are active inline services or are tested routinely, our portfolio of hardware and software products, solutions and services and our enterprise IT systems, including those hosted by service providers, may be vulnerable to damage or disruption caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as catastrophic events, power outages, natural disasters, computer system, or network failures, computer viruses or other malicious software programs, and cyber-attacks, including system hacking and other cyber-security breaches. The failure or disruption of our IT systems to perform as anticipated for any reason could disrupt our business and result in decreased performance, significant remediation costs, transaction errors, loss of data, processing inefficiencies, downtime, litigation, and the loss of suppliers or customers. A significant disruption or failure could have a material adverse effect on our business operations, financial performance, and financial condition.\nWe cannot assure you that material weaknesses will not be identified in the future.\nIn certain prior years, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Although we intend to continue to aggressively monitor and improve our internal controls, we cannot assure you that other material weaknesses will not occur in the future. Failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in misstatements in our financial statements in amounts that could be material. Ineffective internal controls could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the value of our common stock and could also require additional restatements of our prior reported financial information. In addition, because we are not an \"accelerated filer\" under applicable SEC regulations, we are not required to obtain and present a report of our independent accounting firm with respect to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and we have not obtained such a report with respect to an evaluation of our internal controls as of March\u00a031, 2023 and, accordingly, no such report is included in this Form 10-K. \nRegulations regarding environmental matters may affect us by substantially increasing our costs and exposing us to potential liability.\nWe are subject to environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations in each jurisdiction in which we operate. Such regulations govern, among other things, emissions of pollutants into the air, wastewater discharges, waste disposal, the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination, and the health and safety of our employees. For example, our products and the raw materials used in its production processes are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations. We may be required to obtain environmental permits from governmental authorities for certain of its current or proposed operations. We may not have been, nor may be able to be at all times, in full compliance with such laws, regulations and permits. If we violate or fail to comply with these laws, regulations or permits, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators.\nAs with other companies engaged in similar activities or that own or operate real property, we face inherent risks of environmental liability at our current and historical production sites. Certain environmental laws impose strict and, in certain circumstances, joint and several liability on current or previous owners or operators of real property for the cost of the investigation, removal or remediation of hazardous substances as well as liability for related damages to natural resources. In addition, we may discover new facts or conditions that may change our expectations or be faced with changes in environmental laws or their enforcement that would impose additional liabilities. Furthermore, our costs of complying with current and future environmental, health, and safety laws, or our liabilities arising from past or future releases of, or exposure to, regulated materials, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nIncreasing scrutiny and changing expectations from governments, as well as other stakeholders such as investors and customers, with respect to our environmental, social and governance (\"ESG\") policies, including sustainability policies, may impose additional costs on us or expose us to additional risks.\nGovernments, the non-governmental community, and industry increasingly understand the importance of implementing comprehensive environmental, labor, and governance practices. We are committed to implementing a robust sustainability management system, and we continue to implement what we believe are responsible ESG practices. Government regulations, however, could result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and disclosures. These may lead to increased expenditures for environmental controls, land use restrictions, reporting, and other conditions, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.\nIn addition, a number of governments have implement or are considering implementing due diligence procedures to ensure strict compliance with environmental, labor, and government regulations. The European Union has proposed broad due diligence reporting requirements for all industries operating within Europe. The United States has called for a broader and more \n10 \nrobust approach to labor compliance in foreign jurisdictions, which could include some of our strategic origins. Due to general uncertainty regarding the timing, content, and extent of any such regulatory changes in the United States or abroad, we cannot predict the impact, if any, that these changes could have to our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nOur e-liquids business faces inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action, and litigation if its products are alleged to have caused significant loss, injury, or death.\nAs a manufacturer and distributor of products that are ingested or otherwise consumed by humans, our e-liquids business faces the risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation (including class proceedings and individual proceedings) if its products are alleged to have caused loss, injury or death. Our e-liquids business may be subject to these types of claims due to allegations that its products caused or contributed to injury, illness or death, made false, misleading or impermissible claims, failed to include adequate labeling and instructions for use or failed to include adequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of these e-liquids products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could also occur. In addition, the manufacture and sale of any ingested or consumable product involves a risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Our e-liquids business may in the future have to recall certain of its products as a result of potential contamination and quality assurance concerns. A product liability claim or regulatory action against our e-liquids business could result in increased costs and could adversely affect its reputation and goodwill with its consumers. We cannot assure you that product liability insurance can be maintained on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could result in the Company's becoming subject to significant liabilities that are uninsured.\nThe risk of class-based litigation (and individual litigation) for manufacturers and distributors of e-liquids and other vaping products, and others involved in the vaping industry, is significant, particularly in the face of increasing health and marketing concerns, the potential for product recalls or other product-related issues. The United States has a highly active plaintiffs\u2019 bar. Recent years have seen a number of purported class action lawsuits in the United States against manufacturers and distributors of e-liquids and other vaping products. These circumstances create enhanced risk and exposure for the Company given the nature of its operations, the products it manufactures, distributes and sells, and its business environment.\nRisks Related to Our Capital Structure\nWe may be unable to continue to access short-term operating credit lines to fund local operations on terms that are acceptable or at all.\nWe have historically financed our non-U.S. local leaf tobacco operations with short-term operating credit lines at the local level. These operating lines are typically seasonal in nature, corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location. Certain of these facilities are uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans or demand payment of outstanding loans at any time. Moreover, as these facilities mature, local lenders may not renew them or otherwise offer replacement financing facilities. If local lenders lose confidence in us, they may cease making loans or demand payment of outstanding loans with respect to uncommitted facilities or, with respect to committed facilities, decline to renew or extend existing facilities, or require stricter terms and conditions with respect to future facilities. We may not find these terms and conditions acceptable or they may overly restrict our ability to conduct our businesses successfully. An inability to maintain adequate financing to fund our non-U.S. local leaf tobacco operations in any significant location could result in a significant decline in our revenues, profitability and cash flow and may require us to exit operations in that jurisdiction.\nWe may not continue to have access to the capital markets to obtain long-term and short-term financing on acceptable terms and conditions.\nWe access the short-term capital markets and, from time to time, the long-term markets to obtain financing. Our access to, and the availability of acceptable terms and conditions of, such financing are impacted by many factors, including: (i) our credit ratings; (ii) the liquidity and volatility of the overall capital markets; and (iii) the current state of the economy, including the tobacco industry. There can be no assurances that we will continue to have access to the capital markets on terms acceptable to us.\nWe have substantial debt which may adversely affect us by limiting future sources of financing, interfering with our ability to pay interest, and principal on our indebtedness and subjecting us to additional risks.\nWe have a significant amount of indebtedness and debt service obligations. As of March\u00a031, 2023, we had approximately $1,001.0 million in aggregate principal amount of indebtedness. Our substantial debt could have important consequences, including:\n\u2022\nmaking it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our senior credit obligations and our other obligations;\n11 \n\u2022\nrequiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, product development, and other purposes;\n\u2022\nlimiting our ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms and to otherwise fund working capital, capital expenditures, debt refinancing, acquisitions, and other general corporate requirements;\n\u2022\nhampering our ability to adjust to changing market conditions;\n\u2022\nincreasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;\n\u2022\nplacing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt or are less leveraged;\n\u2022\nlimiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, and the industries in which we operate; \n\u2022\nrestricting us from making strategic acquisitions or exploiting business opportunities; and\n\u2022\nexposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as borrowings under a substantial portion of our debt are subject to variable interest rates.\nWe require a significant amount of cash to service our indebtedness. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.\nWe require a significant amount of cash to service our indebtedness and a substantial portion of our cash flow is required to fund the interest payments on our indebtedness. Our ability to service our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures depends on our ability to generate cash. This is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control, including the continuing impact of shipping constraints related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, a substantial portion of our debt, including borrowings under our ABL credit facility, bears interest at variable rates. If market interest rates increase, variable-rate debt will create higher debt-service requirements, which would adversely affect our cash flow. We cannot assure you that our businesses will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.\nDespite current indebtedness levels, we may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could exacerbate further the risks associated with our significant leverage.\nWe may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future to the extent permitted under our existing credit arrangements. As of March\u00a031, 2023, $414.3 million was available for borrowing under our short and long-term credit facilities. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the risks discussed above could intensify.\nWe may not be able to refinance or renew our indebtedness or be able to borrow under our ABL credit facility or other future credit facilities, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.\nWe may not be able to renew or refinance our ABL credit facility or other indebtedness, including our senior secured indebtedness, on substantially similar terms, or at all, including as a result of volatility and disruption of global credit markets. We may have to pay additional fees and expenses that we might not have to pay under normal circumstances, and we may have to agree to terms that could increase the cost of our debt structure. If we are unable to renew or refinance our ABL credit facility and other senior secured indebtedness on terms which are not materially less favorable than the terms currently available to us or obtain alternative or additional financing arrangements, we may not be able to repay the ABL credit facility, our senior secured indebtedness, or certain of our other indebtedness, which may result in a default under other indebtedness.\nFailure of foreign banks in which our subsidiaries deposit funds or the failure to transfer funds or honor withdrawals may affect our results of operations.\nFunds held by our foreign subsidiaries are often deposited in their local banks. In addition, we maintain deposit accounts with numerous financial institutions around the world in amounts that exceed applicable governmental deposit insurance levels. Banks in certain foreign jurisdictions may be subject to a higher rate of failure or may not honor withdrawals of deposited funds. In addition, the countries in which these local banks operate may lack sufficient regulatory oversight or suffer from structural weaknesses in the local banking system. Due to uncertainties and risks relating to the political stability of certain foreign governments, these local banks also may be subject to exchange controls and therefore unable to perform transfers of certain currencies. If our ability to gain access to these funds was impaired, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. \nWe may not be able to achieve our stated goals, which may adversely affect our liquidity.\nWe face a number of risks, such as changes in economic conditions, pandemics, changes in the leaf tobacco market, changes in regulations affecting the tobacco industry, other changes in demand for our products, and increasing expenses. We may need to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financing or other various means to fund our business, both at a holding-company level and the local short-term credit lines that fund the operating needs of our non-U.S. local leaf tobacco subsidiaries. Our access to necessary financing may be limited, if it is available at all. Therefore, adequate funds may not be available when needed or may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. \n12 \nDevelopments with respect to our liquidity needs and sources of liquidity could result in a deficiency in liquidity.\nOur liquidity requirements are affected by various factors from our core tobacco leaf business, including crop seasonality, foreign currency and interest rates, green tobacco prices, customer mix and shipping requirements, crop size, and quality. Our leaf tobacco business is seasonal, and purchasing, processing, and selling activities have several associated peaks where cash on-hand and outstanding indebtedness may vary significantly during the fiscal year. We anticipate periods in the next twelve months during which our liquidity needs will approach the levels of our anticipated available cash and permitted borrowings under our credit facilities. Developments affecting our liquidity needs, including with respect to the foregoing factors, and sources of liquidity, including impacts affecting our cash flows from operations (including as a result of delays with respect to the anticipated timing of shipments of leaf tobacco, whether due to the impact of pandemics, customer preferences, or other reasons) and the availability of capital resources (including an inability to renew or refinance short-term operating lines of credit and other short-term indebtedness), may result in a deficiency in liquidity. To address a potential liquidity deficiency, we may continue to undertake plans to minimize cash outflows, which could include exiting operations that do not generate positive cash flow. It is possible that, depending on the occurrence of events affecting our liquidity needs and sources of liquidity, such plans may not be sufficient to adequately or timely address a liquidity deficiency.\nDerivative transactions may expose us to potential losses and counterparty risk.\nWe may, from time to time, enter into certain derivative transactions, including interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts. Changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments that are not accounted for as cash flow hedges are reported as income, and accordingly could materially affect our reported income in any period. In addition, the counterparties to these derivative transactions may be financial institutions or affiliates of financial institutions, and we would be subject to risks that these counterparties default under these transactions. In some of these transactions, our exposure to counterparty credit risk may not be secured by any collateral. Global economic conditions over the last few years have resulted in the actual or perceived failure or financial difficulties of many financial institutions, including bankruptcy. If one or more of the counterparties to one or more of our derivative transactions not secured by any collateral becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, we would become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at the time under those transactions. We cannot assure you of the financial stability or viability of our counterparties.\nRisks Related to the Ownership of Our Common Stock\nCertain shareholders have the ability to exercise controlling influence on various corporate matters.\nTwo shareholders and their respective affiliates, Glendon Capital Management LP (together with its affiliates, the \"Glendon Investor\") and Monarch Alternative Capital LP (together with its affiliates, the \"Monarch Investor;\" the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor are together referred to as the \"Significant Shareholders\") beneficially own in the aggregate approximately 56% of our issued and outstanding common stock and, therefore, have significant control on the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including, but not limited to, electing directors and approving corporate transactions. Pursuant to the terms of a Shareholders Agreement dated as of August 24, 2020 among the Company and certain shareholders, including the Significant Shareholders, each of the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor has the right (depending on its continued ownership of a specified percentage of the outstanding shares of our common stock) to nominate up to two individuals for election as directors, and each of them and the other shareholders that are parties to the Shareholders Agreement have agreed to take all necessary action to elect such nominees as directors. Under our articles of incorporation, the affirmative vote of each of the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor, so long as it continues to maintain an Investor Percentage Interest (as defined in the Shareholders Agreement) of at least five percent, is required for the approval of any amendment to the articles of incorporation. It is our understanding that each of the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor hold a significant amount of our senior secured indebtedness. Circumstances may occur in which the interests of the Significant Shareholders could be in conflict with the interests of other shareholders, and the Significant Shareholders could have substantial influence to cause us to take actions that align with their interests. Should conflicts arise, we can provide no assurance that the Significant Shareholders would act in the best interests of other shareholders or that any conflicts of interest would be resolved in a manner favorable to our other shareholders.\nThe price of our common stock may be negatively impacted by factors that are unrelated to our operations.\nAlthough our common stock is currently listed for quotation on the OTC Markets, we understand that no securities brokerage firm is making a market in the Company\u2019s common stock. Trading through the OTC Markets is frequently thin and may be highly volatile. There is no assurance that a sufficient market will continue in our stock, in which case it could be difficult for shareholders to sell their stock. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including market perception of the markets in which our businesses operate, quarterly operating results of our competitors, trading volume in our common stock, changes in general conditions in the economy and the financial markets or other developments affecting our competitors or us. In addition, the stock market is subject to extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance and could have the same effect on our common stock.\n13 \nRisks Related to the Tobacco Industry\nReductions in demand for consumer tobacco products could adversely affect our results of operations.\nThe tobacco industry, both in the United States and abroad, continues to face a number of issues that may reduce the consumption of cigarettes and adversely affect our business, sales volume, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.\nThese issues, some of which are more fully discussed below, include:\n\u2022\ngovernmental actions seeking to ascribe to tobacco product manufacturers liability for adverse health effects associated with smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke;\n\u2022\nsmoking and health litigation against tobacco product manufacturers;\n\u2022\nincreased consumer acceptance of electronic cigarettes;\n\u2022\ntax increases on consumer tobacco products;\n\u2022\npotential prohibition on the sale of menthol cigarettes in the United States;\n\u2022\ncurrent and potential actions by state attorneys general to enforce the terms of the Master Settlement Agreement, or MSA, between state governments in the United States and tobacco product manufacturers;\n\u2022\ngovernmental and private banks and restrictions on smoking;\n\u2022\nactual and proposed price controls and restrictions on imports in certain jurisdictions outside the United States;\n\u2022\nrestrictions on tobacco product manufacturing, marketing, advertising and sales;\n\u2022\nthe diminishing social acceptance of smoking;\n\u2022\nincreased pressure from anti-smoking groups;\n\u2022\nother tobacco product legislation that may be considered by Congress, the states, municipalities and other countries; and\n\u2022\nthe impact of consolidation among multinational cigarette manufacturers.\nLegislation and regulatory and other governmental initiatives could impose burdensome restrictions on the tobacco industry and reduce consumption of consumer tobacco products and demand for our services.\nThe Tobacco Control Act, which amended the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, extends the authority of the FDA to regulate tobacco products. This act authorizes the FDA to adopt product standards for tobacco products, including the level of nicotine yield and the reduction or elimination of other constituents of the products, along with provisions for the testing of products against these standards. The act imposes further restrictions on advertising of tobacco products, authorizes the FDA to limit the sales of tobacco products to face-to-face transactions permitting the verification of the age of the purchaser, authorizes a study to determine whether the minimum age for the purchase of tobacco products should be increased and requires submission of reports from manufacturers of tobacco products to the FDA regarding product ingredients and other matters, including reports on health, toxicological, behavioral, or physiologic effects of tobacco products and their constituents. The act also mandates warning labels and requires packaging to indicate the percentage of domestically grown tobacco and foreign grown tobacco included in the product, although the FDA has issued guidance to the industry announcing its intent to enforce the latter requirements until further notice. The FDA has adopted regulations under the act establishing requirements for the sale, distribution, and marketing of cigarettes, as well as package warnings and advertising limitations.\nThe act directs the FDA to promulgate regulations requiring that the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the manufacture, preproduction design validation, packing, and storage of a tobacco product conform to current good manufacturing practice. Regulations under the act do not apply to tobacco leaf that is not in the possession of a manufacturer of tobacco products, or to the producers of tobacco leaf, including tobacco suppliers, tobacco warehouses, and tobacco supplier cooperatives unless those entities are controlled by a tobacco product manufacturer, but do apply to our U.S. cut rag processing facility with respect to covered tobacco products.\nOn April 28, 2022, the FDA announced its proposals to adopt regulations to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, and sale in the United States of cigarettes having menthol as a characterizing flavor and all cigars having a characterizing flavor other than tobacco. According to the FDA\u2019s proposed rulemaking, sales of menthol-flavored cigarettes accounted for 34-36% of total cigarette sales in the U.S. in 2020. While we are unable to precisely estimate the portion of our sales of leaf tobacco in the U.S. that is used in the manufacture of menthol-flavored cigarettes, we believe a significant portion of our U.S. leaf tobacco sales are used for such purpose. In addition, a significant portion of the tobacco from our U.S. cut rag processing facility is used in the manufacture of flavored cigars. The FDA\u2019s proposed regulations are subject to public comment and may not be adopted exactly as proposed. In addition, if the proposed regulations are adopted, the extent of any reduction in consumer demand for tobacco products is uncertain, though such reduction could be significant.\nThe full impact of the act, including regulations adopted thereunder, the recently proposed regulations, and any further regulatory action to implement the act, is uncertain. However, if the effect of the act and FDA regulations under the act is a significant reduction in consumption of tobacco products, it could materially adversely affect our business, volume, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.\n14 \nReports with respect to the harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been publicized for many years, and the sale, promotion and use of cigarettes continue to be subject to increasing governmental regulation. Since 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services have released a number of reports linking cigarette smoking with a broad range of health hazards, including various types of cancer, coronary heart disease and chronic lung disease, and recommending various governmental measures to reduce the incidence of smoking. More recent reports focus upon the addictive nature of cigarettes, the effects of smoking cessation, the decrease in smoking in the United States, the economic and regulatory aspects of smoking in the Western Hemisphere, and cigarette smoking by adolescents, particularly the addictive nature of cigarette smoking in adolescence. Numerous state and municipal governments have taken and others may take actions to diminish the social acceptance of smoking of tobacco products, including banning smoking in certain public and private locations.\nA number of foreign nations also have taken steps to restrict or prohibit cigarette advertising and promotion, to increase taxes on cigarettes and to discourage cigarette smoking. In some cases, such restrictions are more onerous than those in the United States. For example, advertising and promotion of cigarettes has been banned or severely restricted for a number of years in Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Italy, Singapore and other countries. Further, in February 2005, the World Health Organization (\"WHO\") treaty, the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (\"FCTC\"), entered into force. This treaty, which the WHO reports has been signed or otherwise ratified by 181 nations, requires party nations to enact legislation that would require, among other things, specific actions to prevent youth smoking; restrict or prohibit tobacco product marketing; inform the public about the health consequences of smoking and the benefits of quitting; regulate the content of tobacco products; impose new package warning requirements including the use of pictorial or graphic images; eliminate cigarette smuggling and counterfeit cigarettes; restrict smoking in public places; increase and harmonize cigarette excise taxes; abolish duty-free tobacco sales; and permit and encourage litigation against tobacco product manufacturers.\nDue to the present regulatory and legislative environment, a substantial risk exists that tobacco product sales may decline. A significant decrease in worldwide tobacco consumption brought about by existing or future governmental laws and regulations would reduce demand for tobacco products and services and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\nThe impact of potential regulations to prohibit the sale of cigarettes in the United States other than low-nicotine cigarettes, if they are adopted and become effective, is uncertain, but they could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nIn June 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the \"FDA\") announced its plan to publish a proposed rule in 2023 that would prohibit the sale of cigarettes in the United States other than cigarettes having significantly reduced levels of nicotine. The definitive provisions of such a proposed rule have not yet been announced and any rule proposal is subject to public comment prior to being adopted by the FDA.\n \nAccordingly, the terms of any such final rule are uncertain and the date of effectiveness of such a rule is also uncertain.\n \nWhile the FDA announced that reducing the nicotine levels of cigarettes would reduce consumption of cigarettes by future generations and facilitate current smokers to stop consuming cigarettes, it is uncertain whether such potential regulations, if they are adopted and become effective, will have such effect.\n \nWhile the impact of such potential regulations on the Company is also uncertain, such regulations, if they are adopted and become effective, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nGovernment actions can have a significant effect on the sourcing of tobacco. If some of the current efforts are successful, we could have difficulty obtaining sufficient tobacco to meet our customers\u2019 requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our performance and results of operations.\nA variety of government actions can have a significant effect on the sourcing and production of leaf tobacco. If some of the current proposed efforts are successful, we could have increased barriers to meeting our customers\u2019 requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our performance and results of operations.\nThe WHO, through the FCTC, has specifically issued policy options and recommendations to promote crop diversification initiatives and alternatives to growing leaf tobacco in countries whose economies depend upon tobacco production. If certain countries were to follow these policy recommendations and seek to eliminate or significantly reduce leaf tobacco production, we could encounter difficulty in sourcing leaf tobacco from these regions to fill customer requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.\nCertain recommendations by the WHO, through the FCTC, may also cause shifts in customer usage of certain styles of tobacco. In countries such as Canada and Brazil and in the European Union, efforts have been taken to eliminate certain ingredients from the manufacturing process for tobacco products. The FCTC and national governments have also discussed formulating a strategy to place limitations on the level of nicotine allowed in tobacco and tobacco smoke. Such decisions could cause a change in requirements for certain styles of tobacco in particular countries. Shifts in customer demand from one type of tobacco to another could create sourcing challenges as requirements move from one origin to another.\nRegulations impacting our customers that change the requirements for leaf tobacco or restrict their ability to sell their products would inherently impact our business. We have implemented a proprietary \"track and trace\" system that gathers data on leaf \n15 \nproduct beginning at the farm level to assist our customers\u2019 collection of raw material information to support leaf traceability and customer testing requirements. Additionally, given our global presence, we also have the ability to source different types and styles of tobacco for our customers should their needs change due to regulation. Despite our capabilities, the extent to which governmental actions will affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and demand for our products and services will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. \nIn addition, continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues, including climate change, conservation, and natural resource management, could result in new or more stringent forms of regulatory oversight of industry activities, which may lead to increased levels of expenditures for environmental controls, land use restrictions affecting us or our suppliers, and other conditions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. For example, certain aspects of our business generate carbon emissions. Regulatory restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions have been proposed in certain countries in which we operate. These may include limitations on such emissions, taxes or emission allowance fees on such emissions, various restrictions on industrial operations, and other measures that could affect land-use decisions, the cost of agricultural production, and the cost and means of processing and transporting our products. These actions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\nWe have been subject to governmental investigations into, and litigation concerning, leaf tobacco industry buying and other payment practices.\nThe leaf tobacco industry, from time to time, has been the subject of government investigations regarding trade practices. For example, we were the subject of an investigation by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice into certain buying practices alleged to have occurred in the industry, we were named defendants in an antitrust class action litigation alleging a conspiracy to rig bids in the tobacco auction markets, and we were the subject of an administrative investigation into certain tobacco buying and selling practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in some countries within the European Union, including Spain, Italy, Greece and potentially other countries.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. Risk Factors\n\" and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement is qualified by reference to these cautionary statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all risks and uncertainties relevant to these forward-looking statements. Consequently, the risks and uncertainties identified in this Annual Report should not be considered a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that we may make from time to time except as may be required by law.\nNon-GAAP Financial Measure\nOur financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (\"U.S. GAAP\"). However, we use net debt, a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate our financial condition. We believe that the presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure, when viewed as a supplement to our indebtedness reflected on our balance sheets prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, provides useful information to investors in evaluating our indebtedness. In addition, this non-GAAP measure addresses questions we routinely receive from analysts and investors and, in order to ensure that investors have access to similar data, we make this data available to the public. This non-GAAP measure should not be considered as an alternative to total debt or any other measure derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This non-GAAP measure has important limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures may change from time to time, including as a result of changed business conditions, new accounting rules, or otherwise. Further, our use of \"net debt\" may vary from the use of similarly-titled measures by other companies due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation and differences due to items subject to interpretation.\nExecutive Summary\nIn fiscal year 2023, we experienced the third consecutive year of La Ni\u00f1a weather patterns, which limited tobacco supplies and increased tobacco costs in certain markets. We utilized our global footprint to offset reduced production in these markets and were able to meet our customers' demand for sustainably grown compliant leaf in a short crop year. In addition, the Company overcame challenges with inflationary tobacco costs, increasing interest rates, and lingering geopolitical issues by growing revenue for the full year by 16.8% to $1.9 billion, improving gross margin per kilo by 13.0% to $0.61, and accelerating our operating cycle. We strategically utilized some of the funds generated by increased revenue and improvement in our operating \n17 \ncycle to partially repay the Company's outstanding indebtedness under the ABL Credit Facility as of March 31, 2023, which provides the Company with increased financial flexibility as we approach the buying cycle. \nIn February 2023, the Company successfully completed an exchange of its existing long-term debt with varying maturity dates for new long-term debt with maturity dates in 2027. Our new capital structure addresses approaching maturity dates, provides the Company with increased financial flexibility, and relief from certain restrictive covenants.\nOverview \nPyxus is a global agricultural company with 150 years of experience delivering value-added products and services to businesses and customers. The Company is a trusted provider of responsibly sourced, independently verified, sustainable, and traceable products and ingredients. The Company has one reportable segment for financial reporting purposes: Leaf. An All Other category is included for purposes of reconciliation of the results of the Leaf reportable segment to the consolidated results. See \"\nNote 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\n\" to the \"Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information. \n18 \nResults of Operations \nYears Ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022\nConsolidated*\nYear Ended March 31, 2023\nYear Ended March 31, 2022\nChange\n(in millions)\n$\n%\nSales and other operating revenues\n$\n1,914.9\u00a0\n$\n1,639.9\u00a0\n$\n275.0\u00a0\n16.8\u00a0\nCost of goods and services sold\n1,653.9\u00a0\n1,412.8\u00a0\n241.1\u00a0\n17.1\u00a0\nGross profit\n261.0\u00a0\n227.1\u00a0\n33.9\u00a0\n14.9\u00a0\nGross profit as a percent of sales\n13.6\u00a0\n%\n13.8\u00a0\n%\nSelling, general, and administrative expenses\n$\n151.5\u00a0\n$\n142.0\u00a0\n9.5\u00a0\n6.7\u00a0\nOther expense, net\n11.0\u00a0\n3.1\u00a0\n7.9\u00a0\n254.8\u00a0\nRestructuring and asset impairment charges\n4.7\u00a0\n8.0\u00a0\n(3.3)\n(41.3)\nGoodwill impairment\n\u2014\u00a0\n32.2\u00a0\n(32.2)\n(100.0)\nOperating income\n93.8\u00a0\n41.7\u00a0\n52.1\u00a0\n124.9\u00a0\nLoss on deconsolidation/disposition of subsidiaries\n0.6\u00a0\n10.7\u00a0\n(10.1)\n(94.4)\nLoss on pension settlement\n2.6\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n2.6\u00a0\n100.0\u00a0\nDebt retirement expense\n\u2014\u00a0\n2.0\u00a0\n(2.0)\n(100.0)\nInterest expense, net\n113.2\u00a0\n108.4\u00a0\n4.8\u00a0\n4.4\u00a0\nIncome tax expense\n34.1\u00a0\n12.6\u00a0\n21.5\u00a0\n170.6\u00a0\nIncome from unconsolidated affiliates, net\n18.5\u00a0\n10.0\u00a0\n8.5\u00a0\n85.0\u00a0\nNet income attributable to noncontrolling interests\n0.9\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\n0.8\u00a0\n800.0\u00a0\nNet loss attributable to Pyxus International, Inc.\n$\n(39.1)\n$\n(82.1)\n$\n43.0\u00a0\n52.4\u00a0\n \nLeaf:\nSales and other operating revenues\n$\n1,812.2\u00a0\n$\n1,531.8\u00a0\n$\n280.4\u00a0\n18.3\u00a0\nTobacco costs\n1,474.0\u00a0\n1,233.7\u00a0\n240.3\u00a0\n19.5\u00a0\nTransportation, storage, and other period costs\n98.9\u00a0\n92.2\u00a0\n6.7\u00a0\n7.3\u00a0\nTotal cost of goods sold\n1,572.9\u00a0\n1,325.9\u00a0\n247.0\u00a0\n18.6\u00a0\nProduct revenue gross profit\n239.3\u00a0\n205.9\u00a0\n33.4\u00a0\n16.2\u00a0\nProduct revenue gross profit as a percent of sales\n13.2\u00a0\n%\n13.4\u00a0\n%\nKilos sold\n387.8\u00a0\n381.0\u00a0\n6.8\u00a0\n1.8\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Average price per kilo\n$\n4.67\u00a0\n$\n4.02\u00a0\n$\n0.65\u00a0\n16.2\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Average cost per kilo\n4.06\u00a0\n3.48\u00a0\n0.58\u00a0\n16.7\u00a0\nAverage gross profit per kilo\n0.61\u00a0\n0.54\u00a0\n0.07\u00a0\n13.0\u00a0\nProcessing and other revenues\n88.4\u00a0\n95.4\u00a0\n(7.0)\n(7.3)\nProcessing and other revenues costs of services sold\n64.0\u00a0\n65.9\u00a0\n(1.9)\n(2.9)\nProcessing and other gross margin\n24.4\u00a0\n29.5\u00a0\n(5.1)\n(17.3)\nProcessing and other gross margin as a percent of sales\n27.6\u00a0\n%\n30.9\u00a0\n%\nAll Other:\nSales and other operating revenues\n$\n14.3\u00a0\n$\n12.6\u00a0\n$\n1.7\u00a0\n13.5\u00a0\nCost of goods and services sold\n16.9\u00a0\n21.0\u00a0\n(4.1)\n(19.5)\nGross loss\n(2.6)\n(8.4)\n5.8\u00a0\n69.0\u00a0\nGross loss as a percent of sales\n(18.2)\n%\n(66.7)\n%\n*Dollar and percentage changes may not calculate exactly due to rounding\n19 \nSales and other operating revenues increased\u00a0$275.0 million, or 16.8%, to $1,914.9 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 from $1,639.9 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2022. This increase was \ndue \nto \na 16.2% increase in average price per kilo driven by higher tobacco prices\n \nand \na 1.8% increase in kilo\n volume primarily from Asia. \nCost of goods and services sold increased $241.1 million, or 17.1%, to $1,653.9\u00a0million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 from $1,412.8\u00a0million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2022. This increase was driven by a \n16.7% increase in a\nverage cost per kilo primarily due to undersupply conditions and inflation.\nGross profit as a percent of sales decreased to 13.6%\u00a0for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 from 13.8% for the year ended March\u00a031, 2022. Average gross profit per kilo increased 13.0% primarily due to product mix in Asia and customer mix in North America.\nSelling, general, and administrative expenses increased $9.5 million, or 6.7%, to $151.5 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 from $142.0 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2022. This increase was primarily due to increased accrued bonus compensation, costs incurred in conjunction with the Debt Exchange Transactions, the normalization of travel expenses post-COVID, and rising healthcare costs. These increases were partially offset by lower legal and professional service fees driven by strategic cost cutting initiatives. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percent of sales decreased to 7.9% for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 from 8.7% for the year ended March\u00a031, 2022. This decrease was related to increased sales and other operating revenues.\nOperating income of $93.8 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 increased $52.1 million, or 124.9%, from operating income of $41.7 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2022. This increase was mainly due to higher leaf sales and other operating revenues and increased average leaf gross margin per kilo.\nOther expense, net increased $7.9 million, or 254.8%, to $11.0 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 from $3.1 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2022. This increase was primarily due to higher utilization of securitization facilities. See \"\nNote 4. Other Expense, Net\n\" for additional information.\nGoodwill impairment charges of $32.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2022 were from the full write-off of the carrying value of goodwill for each of the Company's reporting units. See \"\nNote 13. Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net\n\" for additional information.\nIncome tax expense increased \n$21.5 million, or 170.6%, to $34.1 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 from $12.6 million for the year ended March\u00a031, 2022. This increase was primarily due to $20.8 million of non-recurring expense associated with a valuation allowance for deferred assets recognized in conjunction with the Debt Exchange Transactions. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" for additional information regarding the debt exchange transactions completed in February 2023.\n20 \nLiquidity and Capital Resources\nOverview\nOur primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, short-term borrowings under our foreign seasonal lines of credit, availability under ABL Credit Facility (defined below), and cash collections from our securitized receivables. Our liquidity requirements are affected by various factors from our core tobacco leaf business, including crop seasonality, foreign currency and interest rates, green tobacco prices, customer mix, crop size, and quality. Our leaf tobacco business is seasonal, and purchasing, processing, and selling activities have several associated peaks where cash on-hand and outstanding indebtedness may vary significantly compared to year end. The first three quarters of our fiscal year generally represent the peak of our working capital requirements. \nWe believe our sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our anticipated operating needs for the next twelve months. During such time our liquidity needs for operations may approach the levels of our anticipated available cash and permitted borrowings under our credit facilities. Unanticipated developments affecting our liquidity needs, including with respect to the foregoing factors, and sources of liquidity, including impacts affecting our cash flows from operations and the availability of capital resources (including an inability to renew or refinance seasonal lines of credit), may result in a deficiency in liquidity. To address a potential liquidity deficiency, we may undertake plans to minimize cash outflows, which could include exiting operations that do not generate positive cash flow. It is possible that, depending on the occurrence of events affecting our liquidity needs and sources of liquidity, such plans may not be sufficient to adequately or timely address a liquidity deficiency.\nDebt Financing\nWe continue to finance our business with a combination of short-term and long-term seasonal credit lines, the long-term debt instruments and securities, advances from customers, and cash from operations when available. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for a summary of our short-term and long-term debt.\nWe continuously monitor and, as available, adjust funding sources as needed to enhance and drive various business opportunities. From time to time we may take steps to reduce our debt or otherwise improve our financial position. Such actions could include prepayments, open market debt repurchases, negotiated repurchases, other redemptions or retirements of outstanding debt, and refinancing of debt. The amount of prepayments or the amount of debt that may be repurchased, refinanced, or otherwise retired, if any, will depend on market condition, trading levels of our debt, our cash position, compliance with debt covenants, and other considerations. \nSenior Secured Debt \nABL Credit Facility\nOn February 8, 2022, our wholly owned subsidiary, Pyxus Holdings, Inc. (\"Pyxus Holdings\"), certain subsidiaries of Pyxus Holdings (together with Pyxus Holdings, the \"Borrowers\"), and the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Pyxus Parent, Inc. (\"Pyxus Parent\"), as guarantors, entered into an ABL Credit Agreement (as amended, the \"ABL Credit Agreement\"), dated as of February 8, 2022, by and among Pyxus Holdings, as Borrower Agent, the Borrowers and parent guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, to establish an asset-based revolving credit facility (the \"ABL Credit Facility\"), the proceeds of which may be used to provide for the ongoing working capital and general corporate purposes of the Borrowers, the Company, Pyxus Parent, and their subsidiaries. The ABL Credit Facility may be used for revolving credit loans and letters of credit from time to time up to an initial maximum principal amount of $100.0 million, subject to the limitations described below in this paragraph. The ABL Credit Facility includes a $20.0 million uncommitted accordion feature that permits Pyxus Holdings, under certain conditions, to solicit the lenders under the ABL Credit Facility to provide additional revolving loan commitments to increase the aggregate amount of the revolving loan commitments under the ABL Credit Facility not to exceed a maximum principal amount of $120.0 million. The amount available under the ABL Credit Facility is limited by a borrowing base consisting of certain eligible accounts receivable and inventory, reduced by specified reserves, as follows:\n\u2022\n85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus \n\u2022\nthe lesser of (i) 85% of the book value of Eligible Extended Terms Receivables (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) and (ii) $5.0 million, plus\n\u2022\n90% of eligible credit insured accounts receivable, plus \n\u2022\nthe lesser of (i) 70% of eligible inventory valued at the lower of cost (based on a first-in first-out basis) and market value thereof (net of intercompany profits) or (ii) 85% of the net-orderly-liquidation value percentage of eligible inventory, minus\n\u2022\napplicable reserves. \nAt March 31, 2023, $75.0 million was available for borrowing under the ABL Credit Facility, after reducing availability by the aggregate borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility of $25.0 million outstanding on that date and the $20.0 million of \n21 \nDomestic Availability (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) required to be maintained. Weighted average borrowings outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 were $70.2 million.\nThe ABL Credit Facility permits both base rate borrowings and borrowings based upon the Bloomberg-Short-Term Bank Yield Index rate (\"BSBY\"). Borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to one, three, or six-month reserve-adjusted BSBY Rate plus 300 basis points or 200 basis points above base rate, as applicable, with a fee on unutilized commitments at an annual rate of 37.5 basis points. \nThe ABL Credit Agreement was amended on May 23, 2023, which extended the maturity of the ABL Credit Facility to February 8, 2027. The outstanding amount under the ABL Credit Facility is recorded as noncurrent as of March\u00a031, 2023.\nThe ABL Credit Facility may be prepaid from time to time, in whole or in part, without prepayment or premium, subject to a termination fee upon the permanent reduction of commitments under the ABL Credit Facility of 300 basis points for terminations in the first year after entry into the ABL Credit Agreement, 200 basis points for terminations in the second year and 100 basis points for termination in the third year.\n \nIn addition, customary mandatory prepayments of the loans under the ABL Credit Facility are required upon the occurrence of certain events including, without limitation, outstanding borrowing exposures exceeding the borrowing base, certain dispositions of assets outside of the ordinary course of business in respect of certain collateral securing the ABL Credit Facility and certain casualty and condemnation events. With respect to base rate loans, accrued interest is payable monthly in arrears and, with respect to BSBY loans, accrued interest is payable monthly and on the last day of any applicable interest period. \nThe Borrowers\u2019 obligations under the ABL Credit Facility (and certain related obligations) are (a) guaranteed by Pyxus Parent, and the Company and all of Pyxus Holdings\u2019 wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, and each of Pyxus Holdings\u2019 future wholly owned domestic subsidiaries is required to guarantee the ABL Credit Facility on a senior secured basis (collectively, the \"ABL Loan Parties\") and (b) secured by the collateral, as described below, which is owned by the ABL Loan Parties. \nCash Dominion. \nUnder the terms of the ABL Credit Facility, if (i) an event of default has occurred and is continuing, (ii) excess borrowing availability under the ABL Credit Facility (based on the lesser of the commitments thereunder and the borrowing base) (the \"Excess Availability\") falls below 10% of the total commitments under the ABL Credit Facility at such time, or (iii) Domestic Availability (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) being less than $20.0 million, the ABL Loan Parties will become subject to cash dominion, which will require daily prepayment of loans under the ABL Credit Facility with the cash deposited in certain deposit accounts of the ABL Loan Parties, including concentration accounts, and will restrict the ABL Loan Parties\u2019 ability to transfer cash from their concentration accounts to their disbursement accounts. Such cash dominion period (a \"Dominion Period\") shall end when (i) if arising as a result of a continuing event of default, such event of default ceases to exist, (ii) if arising as a result of non-compliance with the Excess Availability threshold, Excess Availability shall be equal to or greater than 10% of the total commitments under the ABL Credit Facility for a period of \n30\n consecutive days and no event of default is continuing, or (iii) if arising as a result of Domestic Availability being less than $20.0 million, Domestic Availability is greater than $20.0 million for a period of 30 consecutive days and no event of default is continuing.\nCovenants. \nThe ABL Credit Agreement governing the ABL Credit Facility contains (i) a springing covenant requiring that the Company\u2019s fixed charge coverage ratio be no less than 1.10 to 1.00 during any Dominion Period and (ii) a covenant requiring Domestic Availability greater than $20.0 million at all times until audited financial statements for fiscal year ending March\u00a031, 2023 are delivered under the ABL Credit Agreement. \nThe ABL Credit Agreement governing the ABL Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (subject, in each case, to exceptions and qualifications) and events of defaults, including covenants that limit the Company\u2019s ability to, among other things: \n\u2022\nincur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; \n\u2022\nmake investments; \n\u2022\npay dividends and make other restricted payments; \n\u2022\nsell certain assets; \n\u2022\ncreate liens; \n\u2022\nenter into sale and leaseback transactions; \n\u2022\nconsolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Company\u2019s assets; \n\u2022\nenter into transactions with affiliates; and \n\u2022\ndesignate subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement). \nOn March 31, 2023, the Borrowers were in compliance with all covenants under the ABL Credit Agreement. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\n22 \nIntabex Term Loans\nPursuant to (i) an exchange offer (the \"DDTL Facility Exchange\") made to, and accepted by, holders of 100.0% of the outstanding term loans (the \"DDTL Term Loans\") under the Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement, effectuated pursuant to that certain Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2022 (the \"DDTL Credit Agreement\"), by and among Intabex Netherlands B.V., as borrower (\"Intabex\"), the guarantors party thereto, the administrative agent and collateral agent thereunder, and the several lenders from time to time party thereto and (ii) an exchange offer (the \"Exit Facility Exchange\") made to, and accepted by, holders of 100.0% of the outstanding term loans (the \"Exit Term Loans\") under the Exit Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020 (the \"Exit Term Loan Credit Agreement\"), by and among Pyxus Holdings, as borrower, the guarantors party thereto, the administrative agent and collateral agent thereunder, and the several lenders from time to time party thereto, on February 6, 2023, Pyxus Holdings entered into the Intabex Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2023 (the \"Intabex Term Loan Credit Agreement\"), by and among, Pyxus Holdings, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Alter Domus (US) LLC (\"Alter Domus\"), as administrative agent and senior collateral agent. The Intabex Term Loan Credit Agreement established a term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $189.0 million (the \"Intabex Credit Facility\"), under which term loans in the full aggregate principal amount of the Intabex Credit Facility (the \"Intabex Term Loans\") were deemed made in exchange for (i) $100.0 million principal amount of the DDTL Term Loans, plus an additional $2.0 million on account of the exit fee payable under the DDTL Credit Agreement and (ii) approximately $87.0 million principal amount of Exit Term Loans, representing 40.0% of the outstanding principal amount thereof (including the applicable accrued and unpaid PIK interest thereon).\nThe Intabex Term Loans bear interest, at Pyxus Holdings\u2019 option, at either (i) a term SOFR rate (subject to a floor of 1.5%) plus 8.0% per annum or (ii) an alternate base rate plus 7.0% per annum. The Intabex Term Loans are stated to mature on December 31, 2027.\nThe Intabex Term Loans may be prepaid from time to time, in whole or in part, without prepayment or penalty. With respect to alternate base rate loans, accrued interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the last business day of each calendar quarter and, with respect to SOFR loans, accrued interest is payable on the last day of each applicable interest period but no less frequently than every three months.\nThe Intabex Term Loan Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (subject, in each case, to exceptions and qualifications) and events of defaults, including covenants that limit the Company\u2019s and its restricted subsidiaries\u2019 ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; make investments; pay dividends and make other restricted payments; sell certain assets; incur liens; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all their assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and, in the case of Intabex, undertake business activities and sell certain subsidiaries.\nOn March 31, 2023, Pyxus Holdings and the guarantors under the Intabex Term Loan Credit Agreement were in compliance with all covenants under the Intabex Term Loan Credit Agreement. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nPyxus Term Loans\nPursuant to the Exit Facility Exchange, on February 6, 2023, Pyxus Holdings entered into the Pyxus Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2023 (the \"Pyxus Term Loan Credit Agreement\"), by and among, Pyxus Holdings, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Alter Domus, as administrative agent and senior collateral agent, to establish a term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $130.5 million (the \"Pyxus Credit Facility\"), under which term loans in the full aggregate principal amount of the Pyxus Credit Facility (the \"Pyxus Term Loans\" and, together with the Intabex Term Loans, the \"New Term Loans\") were deemed made in exchange for 60.0% of the outstanding principal amount of Exit Term Loans (including the applicable accrued and unpaid PIK interest thereon).\nThe Pyxus Term Loans bear interest, at Pyxus Holdings\u2019 option, at either (i) a term SOFR rate (subject to a floor of 1.5%) plus 8.0% per annum or (ii) an alternate base rate plus 7.0% per annum. The Pyxus Term Loans are stated to mature on December 31, 2027.\nThe Pyxus Term Loans may be prepaid from time to time, in whole or in part, without prepayment or penalty. With respect to alternate base rate loans, accrued interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the last business day of each calendar quarter and, with respect to SOFR loans, accrued interest is payable on the last day of each applicable interest period but no less frequently than every three months.\nThe Pyxus Term Loan Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (subject, in each case, to exceptions and qualifications) and events of defaults, including covenants that limit the Company\u2019s and its restricted subsidiaries\u2019 ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or \n23 \npreferred stock; make investments; pay dividends and make other restricted payments; sell certain assets; incur liens; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all their assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; and designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.\nOn March 31, 2023, Pyxus Holdings and the guarantors under the Pyxus Term Loan Credit Agreement were in compliance with all covenants under the Pyxus Term Loan Credit Agreement. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\n8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2027\nPursuant to an exchange offer (the \"Notes Exchange\" and, together with the DDTL Facility Exchange and the Exit Facility Exchange, the \"Debt Exchange Transactions\") made by Pyxus Holdings and accepted by holders of approximately 92.7% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 10.0% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2024 issued by Pyxus Holdings (the \"2024 Notes\") pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of August 24, 2020 (the \"2024 Notes Indenture\"), by and among Pyxus Holdings, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee, collateral agent, registrar and paying agent thereunder, on February 6, 2023, Pyxus Holdings issued approximately $260.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.5% Senior Secured Notes due December 31, 2027 (the \"2027 Notes\" and, together with the New Term Loans, the \"New Secured Debt\") to the exchanging holders of the 2024 Notes for an equal principal amount of 2024 Notes. The 2027 Notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of February 6, 2023 (the \"2027 Notes Indenture\"), among Pyxus Holdings, the guarantors party thereto, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, and Alter Domus, as collateral agent. \nThe 2027 Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.5% per annum, which interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. Interest accrues on the 2027 Notes from the date of issuance and is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2023. The 2027 Notes are stated to mature on December 31, 2027.\nAt any time from time to time, Pyxus Holdings may redeem the 2027 Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of 2027 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date.\nThe 2027 Notes Indenture contains customary affirmative and negative covenants (subject, in each case, to exceptions and qualifications) and events of defaults, including covenants that limit the Company\u2019s and its restricted subsidiaries\u2019 ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; make investments; pay dividends and make other restricted payments; sell certain assets; incur liens; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all their assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; and designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.\nOn March 31, 2023, Pyxus Holdings and the guarantors of the 2027 Notes were in compliance with all covenants under the 2027 Notes Indenture. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nGuarantees and Collateral\nThe obligations of Pyxus Holdings under the ABL Credit Agreement and the New Secured Debt are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, Pyxus Parent and all of the Company\u2019s domestic subsidiaries and certain of the Company\u2019s foreign subsidiaries, subject to certain limitations (the \"Senior Secured Debt Obligors\"). In addition, under the Intabex Term Loan Credit Facility, Intabex and Alliance One International Tabak B.V. (which were obligors under the DDTL Term Loans) also guarantee the Intabex Credit Facility (together, the \"Specified Intabex Obligors\") but do not guarantee the 2027 Notes, the Pyxus Term Loans or obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement. In addition, certain assets of the Specified Intabex Obligors (which were pledged as collateral for the DDTL Term Loans) are pledged as collateral to secure the Intabex Term Loans (the \"Intabex Collateral\") but do not secure the 2027 Notes, the Pyxus Term Loans or obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement.\nThe Senior Secured Debt Obligors\u2019 obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement are secured by (i) a first-priority senior lien the ABL Priority Collateral (as defined in the ABL/New Secured Debt Intercreditor Agreement (as defined below)), which includes certain accounts receivable and inventory and certain related intercompany notes, cash, deposit accounts, related general intangibles and instruments, certain other related assets and proceeds of the foregoing of the Senior Secured Debt Obligors, and (ii) a junior-priority lien on substantially all assets of the Senior Secured Debt Obligors other than certain exclusions and the ABL Priority Collateral. The New Secured Debt is secured by (i) a first-priority senior lien on substantially all assets of the Senior Secured Debt Obligors other than certain exclusions and the ABL Priority Collateral and (ii) a junior-priority lien on the ABL Priority Collateral. The Intabex Term Loans are further secured by a first-priority lien on the Intabex Collateral. \nThe obligations under the New Secured Debt share a single lien, held by Alter Domus, as senior collateral agent (the \"Senior Collateral Agent\"), on the Collateral (as defined below) subject to the payment waterfall pursuant to the intercreditor \n24 \narrangements described below. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nIntercreditor Agreements \nThe priority of the obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement and the New Secured Debt are set forth in the two intercreditor agreements entered into in connection with consummation of the DDTL Facility Exchange, the Exit Facility Exchange and the Notes Exchange.\nABL/New Secured Debt Intercreditor Agreement\n. On February 6, 2023, Pyxus Holdings, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as ABL Agent, Alter Domus, as Pyxus Term Loan Administrative Agent, Intabex Term Loan Administrative Agent and Senior Collateral Agent, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Senior Notes Trustee entered into an Amended and Restated ABL Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2023 (the \"ABL/New Secured Debt Intercreditor Agreement\") to provide for the intercreditor relationship between, (i) on one hand, the holders of obligations under the ABL Credit Facility, the guarantees thereof and certain related obligations and (ii) on the other hand, the holders of obligations under the New Secured Debt, the guarantees thereof and certain related obligations. Pursuant to the terms of the ABL/Term Loan/Notes Intercreditor Agreement, Pyxus Holdings\u2019 obligations under the ABL Credit Facility, the guarantees thereof and certain related obligations have first-priority senior liens on the ABL Priority Collateral, which includes certain accounts receivable and inventory and certain related intercompany notes, cash, deposit accounts, related general intangibles and instruments, certain other related assets of the foregoing entities and proceeds of the foregoing, with the obligations under the New Secured Debt having junior-priority liens on the ABL Priority Collateral. Pursuant to the ABL/New Secured Debt Intercreditor Agreement, Pyxus Holdings\u2019 collective obligations under the New Secured Debt, the guarantees thereof and certain related obligations have first-priority senior liens on the collateral that is not ABL Priority Collateral, including owned material real property in the United States, capital stock of subsidiaries owned directly by Pyxus Holdings or a guarantor (other than the Intabex Collateral), existing and after acquired intellectual property rights, equipment, related general intangibles and instruments and certain other assets related to the foregoing and proceeds of the foregoing, with the obligations under the ABL Credit Facility having junior-priority liens on such collateral, other than real property. The ABL Credit Facility is not secured by real property.\nNew Secured Debt Intercreditor Agreement\n. On February 6, 2023, the New Secured Debt Obligors, together with the representative for the holders of the New Secured Debt and the Senior Collateral Agent, entered into the Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2023 (the \"New Secured Debt Intercreditor Agreement\"), pursuant to which the Senior Collateral Agent, serves as joint collateral agent for the benefit of the holders of the 2027 Notes, the Pyxus Term Loans and the Intabex Term Loans with respect to all common collateral securing such indebtedness (the \"Collateral\"; which excludes Intabex Collateral). The New Secured Debt Intercreditor Agreement provides that Collateral or proceeds thereof received in connection with or upon the exercise of secured creditor remedies will be distributed (subject to the provisions described in the next paragraph) first to holders of the New Secured Debt on a pro rata basis based on the aggregate principal amount of each class of New Secured Debt, and then to holders of future junior debt secured by such Collateral on a pro rata basis based on the aggregate principal amount of each class of future junior debt (and in each case permitted refinancing indebtedness thereof).\nExercise of rights and remedies against the Collateral and certain rights in a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding (including the right to object to debtor-in-possession financing or to credit bid) by the Senior Collateral Agent will be controlled first by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the New Term Loans (including, in any event, each holder holding at least 20.0% of the New Term Loans as of February 6, 2023, provided such holder holds at least 15.0% of the New Term Loans as of the date of determination), second, after repayment in full of the New Term Loans, by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the 2027 Notes and last, after repayment in full of the New Term Loans and the 2027 Notes, by holders of a majority in principal amount of any future junior debt secured by the Collateral. Any such future junior debt will be subject to certain customary waivers of rights in a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding in favor of the Senior Collateral Agent, including, but not limited to, with respect to debtor-in-possession financing, adequate protection and credit bidding. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nRelated Party Transactions\nThe Company, Pyxus Parent and Pyxus Holdings (collectively, the \"Holding Companies\") entered into a Support and Exchange Agreement, effective as of December 27, 2022 (as amended, including by joinders thereto, the \"Support Agreement\"), with a group of creditors, including Glendon Capital Management LP, Monarch Alternative Capital LP, Nut Tree Capital Management, L.P., Intermarket Corporation and Owl Creek Asset Management, L.P. on behalf of certain funds managed by them and/or certain of their advisory clients, as applicable (collectively, the \"Supporting Holders\"), holding in aggregate:\n\u2022\napproximately 99.7% of the DDTL Term Loans outstanding under the DDTL Credit Agreement;\n\u2022\napproximately 68.1% of the Exit Term Loans outstanding under the Exit Term Loan Credit Agreement; and\n25 \n\u2022\napproximately 64.1% of the 2024 Notes outstanding under the 2024 Notes Indenture.\nPursuant to the Support Agreement, the Supporting Holders agreed to participate in the DDTL Facility Exchange, the Exit Facility Exchange and the Notes Exchange. Based on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on January 4, 2023 by Glendon Capital Management, L.P. (the \"Glendon Investor\"), Glendon Opportunities Fund, L.P. and Glendon Opportunities Fund II, L.P., Glendon Capital Management, L.P. reported beneficial ownership of 7,938,792 shares of the Company\u2019s common stock, representing approximately 31.8% of the outstanding shares of the Company\u2019s common stock. Based on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on January 23, 2023, by Monarch Alternative Capital LP (the \"Monarch Investor\"), MDRA GP LP and Monarch GP LLC, Monarch Alternative Capital LP reported beneficial ownership of 6,140,270 shares of the Company\u2019s common stock, representing approximately 24.6% of the outstanding shares of the Company\u2019s common stock. Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 10, 2022 by Owl Creek Asset Management, L.P. and Jeffrey A. Altman, Owl Creek Asset Management, L.P. is the investment manager of certain funds and reported beneficial ownership of 2,405,287 shares of the Company\u2019s common stock on December 31, 2021, representing approximately 9.6% of the outstanding shares of the Company\u2019s common stock. A representative of the Glendon Investor and a representative of the Monarch Investor served as directors of Pyxus at the time the Company and its applicable subsidiaries entered into the DDTL Credit Agreement, its predecessor agreement and the amendments thereto, and the Support Agreement, effected borrowings under the DDTL Credit Agreement and its predecessor agreement and commenced the Debt Exchange Transactions. The DDTL Credit Agreement, its predecessor agreement and the amendments thereto, any and all borrowings thereunder, the related guaranty transactions, the Support Agreement, the Debt Exchange Transactions, including the Intabex Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Intabex Term Loans, the Pyxus Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Pyxus Term Loans, the 2027 Notes and the 2027 Notes Indenture were approved, and determined to be on terms and conditions at least as favorable to the Company and its subsidiaries as could reasonably have been obtained in a comparable arm\u2019s-length transaction with an unaffiliated party, by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of Pyxus. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\n2024 Notes\nIn conjunction with the Notes Exchange, Pyxus Holdings received consents from requisite holders of 2024 Notes to amend the 2024 Notes Indenture, the 2024 Notes and the related intercreditor and security documents to, among other things, (i) eliminate most of the restrictive covenants and certain of the affirmative covenants in the 2024 Notes Indenture, (ii) eliminate the change of control repurchase obligation in the 2024 Notes Indenture, (iii) subordinate the 2024 Notes in right of payment to existing and future senior indebtedness (including the New Secured Debt), (iv) eliminate certain events of default and (v) release all of the collateral securing the 2024 Notes. On February 6, 2023, the relevant parties to the 2024 Notes Indenture entered into the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 6, 2023 (the \"2024 Notes Supplemental Indenture\"), to the 2024 Notes Indenture, pursuant to which the 2024 Notes Indenture, the 2024 Notes and the related intercreditor and security documents were amended to effect these changes.\nThe 2024 Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The 2024 Notes are stated to mature on August 24, 2024. At March 31, 2023, the remaining 2024 Notes outstanding is $19.9 million, net of a debt discount of $0.5 million. The total repayment amount due at maturity is $20.4 million.\nOn March 31, 2023, Pyxus Holdings and the guarantors of the 2024 Notes were in compliance with all covenants under the 2024 Notes Indenture, as amended by the 2024 Notes Supplemental Indenture. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nForeign Seasonal Lines of Credit\nExcluding its long-term credit arrangements, the Company has typically financed its non-U.S. operations with uncommitted short-term seasonal lines of credit arrangements with a number of banks. These operating lines are generally seasonal in nature, typically extending for a term of 180 to 365 days corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location. These facilities are typically uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans at any time or at specified dates. These loans are generally renewed at the outset of each tobacco season. Certain of the foreign seasonal lines of credit are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. At March\u00a031, 2023, the total borrowing capacity under individual foreign seasonal lines of credit range up to $131.8 million. At March\u00a031, 2023, the aggregate outstanding borrowings of the Company under these seasonal credit lines was approximately $365.1 million and approximately $332.3 million was available for borrowing under these seasonal credit lines, subject to limitations as provided under the ABL Credit Agreement and the agreements governing the New Secured Debt. The weighted average variable interest rate for these seasonal lines of credit for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 was 6.8%. Certain of the foreign seasonal lines of credit, with aggregate outstanding borrowings at March\u00a031, 2023 of approximately $84.6 million, are secured by trade receivables and inventories as collateral. At March\u00a031, 2023, the Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the covenants associated with the short-term seasonal lines of credit.\n26 \nSeasonal liquidity beyond cash flow from operations is provided by our foreign seasonal lines of credit, advances from customers, and sales of accounts receivable. For the years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, our average short-term borrowings, aggregated peak short-term borrowings outstanding, and weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings were as\u00a0follows:\n(in millions)\nMarch 31, 2023\nMarch 31, 2022\nAverage short-term borrowings\n(1)\n$\n456.4\u00a0\n$\n393.1\u00a0\nAggregated peak short-term borrowings outstanding\n(1)\n$\n690.6\u00a0\n$\n559.4\u00a0\nWeighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings\n6.8\u00a0\n%\n6.1\u00a0\n%\n(1)\n The Company utilized borrowings under the DDTL Facility during the year ended March 31, 2022 to fund a portion of its tobacco purchasing commitments.\nAggregated peak borrowings for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 occurred during the\n first q\nuarter, which represents peak timing for green tobacco purchases and repayments being made in Africa and South America, due to increased borrowing capacity in certain markets. Borrowings during the prior year and in the current year were repaid with cash provided by operating activities. For further information on our debt financing as of March\u00a031, 2023, see \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information. \nThe following summarizes our total borrowing capacity at March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022 under our short-term and long-term credit lines and letter of credit facilities and the remaining available amount after the reduction for outstanding borrowings and amounts reserved for outstanding letters of credit:\nMarch 31, 2023\nMarch 31, 2022\n(in millions)\nTotal Borrowing Capacity\nRemaining Amounts Available\nTotal Borrowing Capacity\nRemaining Amounts Available\nSenior Secured Credit Facilities:\nABL Credit Facility\n$\n100.0\u00a0\n$\n75.0\u00a0\n$\n100.0\u00a0\n$\n10.0\u00a0\nForeign seasonal lines of credit\n697.5\u00a0\n332.3\u00a0\n659.7\u00a0\n287.2\u00a0\nOther long-term debt\n0.6\u00a0\n0.1\u00a0\n0.7\u00a0\n0.4\u00a0\nLetters of credit\n18.6\u00a0\n6.9\u00a0\n13.5\u00a0\n4.5\u00a0\nTotal\n$\n816.7\u00a0\n$\n414.3\u00a0\n$\n773.9\u00a0\n$\n302.1\u00a0\nNet Debt\nWe refer to \"Net debt\", a non-GAAP measure, as total debt liabilities less cash and cash equivalents. We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to monitor leverage and to evaluate changes to the Company's capital structure. A limitation associated with using net debt is that it subtracts cash and cash equivalents, and therefore, may imply that management intends to use cash and cash equivalents to reduce outstanding debt and that cash held in certain jurisdictions can be applied to repay obligations owing in other jurisdictions and without reduction for applicable taxes. In addition, net debt suggests that our debt obligations are less than the most comparable GAAP measure indicates.\n(in millions)\nMarch 31, 2023\nMarch 31, 2022\nNotes payable to banks\n$\n382.5\u00a0\n$\n378.6\u00a0\nCurrent portion of long-term debt\n(1)\n0.1\u00a0\n107.9\u00a0\nLong-term debt\n(2)\n618.4\u00a0\n580.5\u00a0\nTotal debt liabilities\n$\n1,001.0\u00a0\n$\n1,067.0\u00a0\nLess: Cash and cash equivalents\n(3)\n136.7\u00a0\n198.8\u00a0\nNet debt\n$\n864.3\u00a0\n$\n868.2\u00a0\n(1)\n The decrease in the current portion of long-term debt is due to the refinancing of the DDTL Term Loans on a long-term basis.\n(2)\n The increase in long-term debt is primarily due to the refinancing of the DDTL Term Loans on a long-term basis, partially offset by net repayments on the ABL Credit Facility.\n(3)\n The decrease in cash and cash equivalents is driven by net repayments on the ABL Credit Facility.\n27 \nWorking Capital\nThe following summarizes our working capital:\nChange\n(in millions except for current ratio)\nMarch 31, 2023\nMarch 31, 2022\n$\n%\nCash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash\n$\n138.9\u00a0\n$\n200.9\u00a0\n(62.0)\n(30.9)\nTrade and other receivables, net\n202.7\u00a0\n260.2\u00a0\n(57.5)\n(22.1)\nInventories and advances to tobacco\u00a0suppliers, net\n817.4\u00a0\n798.4\u00a0\n19.0\u00a0\n2.4\u00a0\nRecoverable income taxes\n5.8\u00a0\n7.9\u00a0\n(2.1)\n(26.6)\nPrepaid expenses and other current assets\n55.7\u00a0\n60.3\u00a0\n(4.6)\n(7.6)\nTotal current assets*\n$\n1,220.6\u00a0\n$\n1,327.6\u00a0\n(107.0)\n(8.1)\nNotes payable to banks\n$\n382.5\u00a0\n$\n378.6\u00a0\n3.9\u00a0\n1.0\u00a0\nAccounts payable\n170.3\u00a0\n179.0\u00a0\n(8.7)\n(4.9)\nAdvances from customers\n42.5\u00a0\n53.0\u00a0\n(10.5)\n(19.8)\nAccrued expenses and other current liabilities\n92.7\u00a0\n82.2\u00a0\n10.5\u00a0\n12.8\u00a0\nCurrent portion of long-term debt\n0.1\u00a0\n107.9\u00a0\n(107.8)\n(99.9)\nOther current liabilities\n$\n27.0\u00a0\n$\n13.7\u00a0\n13.3\u00a0\n97.1\u00a0\nTotal current liabilities\n$\n715.1\u00a0\n$\n814.4\u00a0\n(99.3)\n(12.2)\nCurrent ratio\n1.7 to 1\n1.6 to 1\nWorking capital\n$\n505.5\u00a0\n$\n513.2\u00a0\n(7.7)\n(1.5)\n*Amounts may not equal column totals due to rounding\nWorking capital decreased $7.7 million, or 1.5%, to $505.5 million as of March\u00a031, 2023 from $513.2 million as of March\u00a031, 2022 due to a decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and a decrease in accounts receivable through higher utilization of securitization programs. Higher collections of cash through securitization facilities enabled us to purchase more expensive green tobacco inventories without significantly increasing borrowings under our seasonal foreign lines of credit, and the ability to partially repay the outstanding indebtedness under the ABL Credit Facility, which is classified as long-term debt. Current liabilities decreased mainly due to the refinancing of the DDTL Term Loans on a long-term basis.\nInventories\nThe following summarizes inventory committed to a customer and uncommitted inventory balances for processed tobacco:\n(in millions)\nMarch 31, 2023\nMarch 31, 2022\nCommitted\n$\n479.4\u00a0\n$\n471.9\u00a0\nUncommitted\n$\n19.0\u00a0\n$\n45.7\u00a0\nTotal processed tobacco\n$\n498.4\u00a0\n$\n517.6\u00a0\nProcessed tobacco decreased 19.2 million, or 3.7%, to $498.4 million as of March\u00a031, 2023 from $517.6 million as of March\u00a031, 2022 due to undersupply conditions in the global tobacco market and higher sales of inventories. See \"\nNote 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\n\" and \"\nNote 8. Inventories, Net\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for further information.\nSources and Uses of Cash\nWe have typically financed our non-U.S. tobacco operations with uncommitted short-term foreign seasonal lines of credit. These foreign lines of credit are generally seasonal in nature, normally extending for a term of 180 to 365 days, corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that market. These short-term foreign seasonal lines of credit are typically uncommitted and provide lenders the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans. These short-term foreign seasonal lines of credit are typically renewed at the outset of each tobacco season. We maintain various other financing arrangements to meet the cash requirements of our businesses. See \"\nNote 16. Debt Arrangements\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nWe utilize capital in excess of cash flow from operations to finance accounts receivable, inventory, and advances to tobacco suppliers in foreign countries. In addition, we may periodically elect to purchase, redeem, repay, retire, or cancel indebtedness prior to stated maturity under our various foreign credit lines.\n28 \nAs of March\u00a031, 2023 our cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash was $138.9 million, of which $76.5\u00a0million was held in foreign jurisdictions and subject to exchange controls and tax consequences that could limit our ability to fully repatriate these funds. Fluctuation of the U.S. dollar versus many of the currencies in which we incur costs may have an impact on our working capital requirements. We will continue to monitor and hedge foreign currency costs, as needed.\nThe following summarizes our sources and uses of our cash flows:\n(in millions)\nYear Ended March 31, 2023\nYear Ended March 31, 2022\nTrade and other receivables\n$\n(111.9)\n$\n(261.9)\nInventories and advances to tobacco suppliers\n(21.1)\n(31.5)\nPayables and accrued expenses\n5.1\u00a0\n59.3\u00a0\nAdvances from customers\n(10.7)\n41.2\u00a0\nOther\n0.8\u00a0\n(5.9)\nNet cash used in operating activities\n$\n(137.8)\n$\n(198.8)\nCollections from beneficial interests in securitized trade receivables\n165.3\u00a0\n189.4\u00a0\nOther\n(10.4)\n(8.2)\nNet cash provided by investing activities\n$\n154.9\u00a0\n$\n181.2\u00a0\nNet proceeds of short-term borrowings\n5.2\u00a0\n9.2\u00a0\nProceeds from DDTL facility\n\u2014\u00a0\n117.6\u00a0\nNet (repayment of) proceeds from revolving loan facilities\n(65.0)\n21.9\u00a0\nOther\n(23.2)\n(25.4)\nNet cash (used in) provided by financing activities\n$\n(83.0)\n$\n123.3\u00a0\nIncrease (decrease) from exchange rate changes on cash\n3.5\u00a0\n(2.1)\n(Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash\n$\n(62.4)\n$\n103.6\u00a0\nThe change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased $166.0\u00a0million for the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2023 compared to the fiscal year ended March\u00a031, 2022. The decrease was primarily from net repayments made on the outstanding indebtedness under the ABL Credit Facility in the current fiscal year, and proceeds from the DDTL Facility during the prior fiscal year that did not reoccur. These decreases were partially offset by improvements in trade accounts receivable due to higher sales and higher utilization of securitization facilities, which resulted in less cash used by operating activities.\nPlanned Capital Expenditures \nWe are estimating $21.1 \nmillion i\nn capital investments for fiscal 2024 for routine replacement of equipment, as well as investments in assets that will add value to the customer or increase efficiency.\nSecuritized Receivables\nWe sell trade receivables to unaffiliated financial institutions under multiple revolving trade accounts receivable securitization facilities. Under the first and second programs, we receive a discount from the face value of the receivable sold, less contractual dilutions which limit the amount that may be outstanding from any one particular customer and insurance reserves that also have the effect of limiting the risk attributable to any one customer. Our beneficial interests in the first and second facilities is subordinate to the purchaser of the receivables. Under the third and fourth programs, we receive an amount equal to the face value of the receivable sold, less a discount rate tied to a benchmark rate, which varies based on the invoice currency. See \"\nNote 17. Securitized Receivables\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\n29 \nAggregate Contractual Obligations and Commitments\nThe following summarizes our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments as of March\u00a031, 2023\n:\nPayments / Expirations by Fiscal Year\n(in millions)\nTotal\n2024\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Years \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02025-2026\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Years \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02027-2028\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0After \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02028\nLong-Term Debt Obligations \n(1)\n$\n618.4\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n20.3\u00a0\n$\n598.1\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nShort-Term Debt Obligations \n(2)\n382.6\u00a0\n382.6\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nInterest on Debt Obligations \n(3)\n321.8\u00a0\n69.6\u00a0\n135.7\u00a0\n116.5\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nPension and Postretirement Obligations\n68.0\u00a0\n7.0\u00a0\n13.8\u00a0\n13.4\u00a0\n33.8\u00a0\nOperating Lease Obligations\n52.2\u00a0\n13.0\u00a0\n15.3\u00a0\n10.1\u00a0\n13.8\u00a0\nTobacco and Other Purchase Obligations\n658.6\u00a0\n658.6\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nAmounts Guaranteed for Tobacco Suppliers\n152.0\u00a0\n152.0\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal Contractual Obligations and Other \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Commercial Commitments\n$\n2,253.6\u00a0\n$\n1,282.8\u00a0\n$\n185.1\u00a0\n$\n738.1\u00a0\n$\n47.6\u00a0\n(1) \nOn May 23, 2023, the ABL Credit Agreement was amended to extend the maturity of the ABL Credit Facility to February 8, 2027.\n(2)\n Short-term debt obligations consist of the current portion of long-term debt and our seasonal foreign credit lines.\n(3)\n Interest obligations includes interest for long-term debt, including indebtedness under the ABL Credit Facility. The projected interest includes both fixed and variable rate debt. The variable rate used in the projections is the rate that was being charged on our variable rate debt as of March\u00a031, 2023.\nTobacco and Other Purchase Obligations\nTobacco purchase obligations result from contracts with suppliers, primarily in Africa, Europe, North America, and South America, to buy either specified quantities of tobacco or the supplier\u2019s total tobacco production. Amounts shown as tobacco purchase obligations are estimates based on projected purchase prices of the future crop tobacco. Payment of these obligations is net of our advances to these suppliers. Our tobacco purchase obligations do not exceed our projected requirements over the related terms and are in the normal course of business. Other purchase obligations consist primarily of purchase commitments of agricultural material. Tobacco and other purchase obligations increased $143.1 million, or 27.8%, from $515.5 million to $658.6 million primarily due to higher tobacco prices.\nAmounts Guaranteed for Tobacco Suppliers\nIn Africa and South America, we provide guarantees to ensure financing is available to our tobacco suppliers. In the event these suppliers should default, we would be responsible for repayment of the funds provided to these suppliers. We also provide guarantees for the financing of certain unconsolidated subsidiaries in Asia and South America. See \"\nNote 18. Guarantees\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nTax and Repatriation Matters\nWe are subject to income tax laws in the countries in which we do business through wholly owned subsidiaries and through affiliates. We regularly review of the income tax requirements of each of our operations, file appropriate returns, and make appropriate income tax planning analyses.\nWe regularly evaluate the status of the accumulated unremitted earnings of each of our foreign subsidiaries. If the undistributed earnings are needed in the U.S., we may be required to pay state income and/or foreign local withholding taxes upon repatriation. We provide deferred income taxes, net of creditable foreign taxes, if applicable, on earnings that are not indefinitely invested. See \"\nNote 6. Income Taxes\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nCritical Accounting Estimates\nThe preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that have an impact on the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers an accounting estimate critical if it: (i) requires us to make judgments and estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain, (ii) it is important to an understanding of our financial condition or operating results, and (iii) has a material impact to the financial statements. \nWe base our estimates on currently available information, historical experience, and various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Management has discussed the development, selection, and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.\n \n30 \nManagement believes the following accounting estimates are most critical to our business operations and to an understanding of our financial condition and results of operations and reflect the more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.\nIncome Taxes\nOur annual effective income tax rate is based on our jurisdictional mix of pretax income, statutory tax rates, exchange rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws are complex, subject to change, and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions including evaluating uncertainties under ASC 740. We record unrecognized tax benefits in multiple jurisdictions and evaluate the future potential outcomes of tax positions, based upon our interpretation of the country-specific tax law, and the likelihood of future settlement. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available.\nDeferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise from temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions by assessing the impact from changes in or issuance of new tax law and the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income inherently rely on estimates. To provide insight, we use our historical experience along with our short and long-range business forecasts. In addition, we make adjustments to historical data for objectively verifiable information where appropriate. \nWe believe it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred income tax assets may expire as unused and have established a valuation allowance against them. Although realization is not assured for the remaining deferred income tax assets, we believe it is more likely than not such remaining deferred tax assets will be fully recoverable within the applicable statutory expiration periods. However, deferred tax assets could be reduced in the near term if estimates of taxable income are significantly reduced or available tax planning strategies are no longer viable. See \"\nNote 6. Income Taxes\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nPensions and Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits\nThe valuation of our pension and other postretirement health care and life insurance plans requires the use of assumptions and estimates that are used to develop actuarial valuations of expenses, assets and liabilities. These assumptions include discount rates, investment returns, projected salary increases, benefits, and mortality rates. The significant assumptions used in the calculation of pension and postretirement obligations are:\n\u2022\nDiscount rate: The discount rate is based on investment yields available at the measurement date on high-quality fixed income obligations, such as those included in the Moody\u2019s Aa bond index.\n\u2022\nSalary increase assumption: The salary increase assumption reflects our expectations with respect to long-term salary increases of our workforce. Historical pay increases, expectations for the future, and anticipated inflation and promotion rates are considered in developing this assumption.\n\u2022\nCash balance crediting rate: Interest is credited on cash balance accounts based on the yield on one-year Treasury Constant Maturities plus 1%. The assumed crediting rate thus considers the discount rate, current treasury rates, current inflation rates, and expectations for the future.\n\u2022\nMortality rates: Mortality rates are based on gender-distinct group annuity mortality tables.\n\u2022\nExpected return on plan assets: The expected return reflects asset allocations, investment strategy, and our historical actual returns.\n\u2022\nTermination and retirement rates: Termination and retirement rates are based on standard tables reflecting past experience and anticipated future experience under the plan. No early retirement rates are used since benefits provided are actuarially equivalent and there are not early retirement subsidies in the plan.\n\u2022\nInflation:\n \nThe inflation assumption is based on an evaluation of external market indicators, including real gross domestic product growth and central bank inflation targets.\n\u2022\nExpected contributions: The expected amount and timing of contributions are based on an assessment of minimum requirements, cash availability, and other considerations (e.g., funded status, avoidance of regulatory premiums, and levies, and tax efficiency).\n\u2022\nHealth care cost trends: The health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends.\nAssumptions are set at each year end and are generally not changed during the year unless there is a major plan event such as a curtailment or settlement that would trigger a plan remeasurement.\n31 \nManagement periodically reviews actual demographic experience as it compares to the actuarial assumptions. Changes in assumptions are made if there are significant deviations or if future expectations change significantly. Based upon anticipated changes in assumptions, pension and postretirement expense is expected to decrease by $3.1 million in the year ended March 31, 2024 as compared to March\u00a031, 2023. The cash contribution to our employee benefit plans during the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 was $11.3 million and is expected to be $7.0\n mil\nlion in fiscal 2024.\nThe effect of actual results differing from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods. Changes in other assumptions and future investment returns could potentially have a material impact on our pension and postretirement expenses and related funding requirements. The effect of a change in certain assumptions is shown below:\n(in thousands)\nEstimated Change \nin Projected\nBenefit Obligation \nIncrease (Decrease) \nEstimated Change in \nAnnual Expense \nIncrease (Decrease) \nChange in Assumption (Pension and Postretirement Plans)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01% increase in discount rate\n$\n(7,719)\n$\n(143)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01% decrease in discount rate\n$\n8,809\u00a0\n$\n94\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01% increase in salary increase assumption\n$\n131\u00a0\n$\n35\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01% decrease in salary increase assumption\n$\n(124)\n$\n(37)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01% increase in rate of return on assets\n$\n(509)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01% decrease in rate of return on assets\n$\n509\u00a0\nChanges in assumptions for other postretirement benefits are no longer applicable as the benefit is capped and no longer subject to inflation. See \"\nNote 21. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements\" for additional information.\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted\nInformation with respect to recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted is included in \"\nNote 2. New Accounting Standards\n\" to the \"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,\" which information is incorporated by reference herein.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\nForward-Looking Statements\nReaders are cautioned that the statements contained in this report regarding expectations of our performance or other matters that may affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition are \"forward-looking statements\" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are based on current expectations of future events, may be identified by the use of words such as \"strategy,\" \"expects,\" \"continues,\" \"plans,\" \"anticipates,\" \"believes,\" \"will,\" \"estimates,\" \"intends,\" \"projects,\" \"goals,\" \"targets,\" and other words of similar meaning. These statements also may be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, or if known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. Some of these risks and uncertainties include the risks, uncertainties, and other factors set forth in this Annual Report, including in \"",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\nDerivatives policies\nHedging foreign exchange exposure using forward contracts are specifically contemplated to manage risk in accordance with management's policies and reduce the risks inherent in currency fluctuations. We do not utilize derivatives for speculative purposes or enter into market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes. Derivatives are transaction specific such that a specific contract or invoice determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge.\nForeign exchange rates\nOur business is generally conducted in USD, as is the business of the tobacco industry as a whole. However, local country operating costs, including the purchasing and processing costs for tobaccos, are subject to the effects of exchange fluctuations of the local currency against the USD. We attempt to minimize such currency risks by matching the timing of our working capital borrowing needs against the tobacco purchasing and processing funds requirements in the currency of the country where the tobacco is grown. Also, in some cases, our sales pricing arrangements with our customers allow adjustments for the effect of currency exchange fluctuations on local purchasing and processing costs. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies can significantly affect our operating results. In our cost of goods and services sold, we have recognized exchange losses of $5.2\u00a0million and $2.7\u00a0million for the years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We recognized exchange (losses) gains of $(1.8)\u00a0million and $2.6\u00a0million related to tax balances in our tax expense for the years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, foreign currency fluctuations in the Euro and (U.K.) Sterling can significantly impact the currency translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income. We recognized gains (losses) of $1.7\u00a0million and $(4.2)\u00a0million for the years ended March\u00a031, 2023 and 2022, respectively, as a result of fluctuations in these currencies.\nOur consolidated SG&A expenses denominated in foreign currencies are subject to translation risks from currency exchange fluctuations. These foreign denominated expenses accounted for approximately $35.2\u00a0million, or 23.2%, of our total SG&A expenses for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023. A 10% change in the value of the USD relative to those currencies would have caused the reported value of those expenses to increase or decrease by approximately $3.5 million.\n32 \nInterest rates\nWe manage our exposure to interest rate risk through the proportion of fixed rate and variable rate debt in our total debt portfolio. A 1% change in variable interest rates would have increased or decreased our reported interest cost for the year ended March\u00a031, 2023 by approximatel\ny $8.6 million. \nA substantial portion of our borrowings are denominated in USD and bear interest at commonly quoted rates.",
+ "cik": "939930",
+ "cusip6": "018802",
+ "cusip": ["018802908", "018802958", "018802108"],
+ "names": ["ALLIANT ENERGY CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/939930/000093993023000052/0000939930-23-000052-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000940944-23-000037.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000940944-23-000037.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..130597e0cb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000940944-23-000037.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. BUSINESS\nIntroduction \nDarden Restaurants, Inc. is a full-service restaurant company, and as of May\u00a028, 2023, we owned and operated 1,914 restaurants through subsidiaries in the United States and Canada under the Olive Garden\n\u00ae\n, LongHorn Steakhouse\n\u00ae\n, Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\n\u00ae\n, Yard House\n\u00ae\n, The Capital Grille\n\u00ae\n, Seasons 52\n\u00ae\n, Bahama Breeze\n\u00ae\n, Eddie V\u2019s Prime Seafood\n\u00ae\n, and The Capital Burger\n\u00ae\n trademarks. As of May\u00a028, 2023, we also had 69 restaurants operated by independent third parties pursuant to area development and franchise agreements. The following table details the number of company-owned and operated restaurants, as well as those operated under franchise agreements, as of May\u00a028, 2023: \nNumber of restaurants \nOlive\nGarden\nLongHorn\nSteakhouse\nCheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\nYard House (1)\nThe\nCapital\nGrille\nSeasons 52\nBahama Breeze\nEddie V\u2019s\nThe Capital Burger\nTotal\nOwned and operated:\nUnited States\n897\n562\n180\n86\n62\n44\n42\n29\n4\n1,906\nCanada\n8\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n8\nTotal\n905\n562\n180\n86\n62\n44\n42\n29\n4\n1,914\nFranchised:\nUnited States (2)\n11\n18\n4\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n1\n\u2014\n\u2014\n34\nLatin America\n29\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n2\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n31\nAsia\n2\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n2\nMiddle East\n1\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n1\nThe Caribbean\n1\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n\u2014\n1\nTotal\n44\n18\n4\n\u2014\n2\n\u2014\n1\n\u2014\n\u2014\n69\n(1)\nIncludes two restaurants that are owned jointly by us and third parties, and managed by us.\n(2)\nIncludes Puerto Rico and Guam.\nDarden Restaurants, Inc. is a Florida corporation incorporated in March 1995, and is the parent company of GMRI, Inc., also a Florida corporation. GMRI, Inc. and certain other of our subsidiaries own and operate our restaurants. GMRI, Inc. was originally incorporated in March 1968 as Red Lobster Inns of America, Inc. We were acquired by General Mills, Inc. in 1970 and became a separate publicly held company in 1995 when General Mills distributed all of our outstanding stock to the stockholders of General Mills. Our principal executive offices and restaurant support center are located at 1000 Darden Center Drive, Orlando, Florida 32837, telephone (407)\u00a0245-4000. Our corporate website address is \nwww.darden.com\n. We make our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, Section\u00a016 reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5, and all amendments to those reports available free of charge on our website the same day as the reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information on our website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K. Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references to \u201cDarden,\u201d \u201cthe Company,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cour\u201d or \u201cus\u201d include Darden Restaurants, Inc., GMRI, Inc. and our respective subsidiaries.\nOn June 14, 2023, we completed our acquisition of Ruth\u2019s Hospitality Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Ruth\u2019s), for $21.50 per share in cash. Ruth\u2019s is the owner, operator and franchisor of restaurants under the Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House\n\u00ae\n trademark. As the acquisition was subsequent to our fiscal year ended on May 28, 2023, there was no impact to our consolidated financial statements or operations. As of the closing, Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House had 155 locations around the globe, including 81 company-owned or company-operated restaurants and 74 franchised restaurants. Because our acquisition of Ruth\u2019s was completed during the first quarter of fiscal 2024, the description of the business throughout this Item 1 does not include a description of Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House unless specifically referenced herein.\nWe have a 52/53 week fiscal year ending the last Sunday in May. Our fiscal year \n2023\n ended May\u00a028, 2023 and consisted of 52 weeks, fiscal 2022 ended May\u00a029, 2022 and consisted of 52 weeks, and fiscal 2021 ended May\u00a030, 2021 and consisted of 52 weeks.\nThe following description of our business should be read in conjunction with the information in Part II of this report under the caption \u201cItem 7 - Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d and \u201cItem 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\u201d \n1\nCOVID-19 Pandemic and Other Impacts to our Operating Environment\nDuring fiscal 2022, increases in the number of cases of COVID-19 throughout the United States including the Omicron variant which significantly impacted our restaurants in the third quarter, subjected some of our restaurants to other COVID-19-related restrictions such as mask and/or vaccine requirements for team members, guests or both.\n \n Along with COVID-19, our operating results were impacted by geopolitical and other macroeconomic events, leading to higher than usual inflation on wages and other cost of goods sold; these events further impacted the availability of team members needed to staff our restaurants and caused additional disruptions in our product supply chain. During fiscal 2023, these events have continued to impact our operating results as wage and cost inflation continue to exceed recent norms.\nThe ongoing efforts to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants, along with other geopolitical and macroeconomic events could impact our restaurants through wage inflation, staffing challenges, product cost inflation and disruptions in the supply chain that impact our restaurants\u2019 ability to obtain the products needed to support their operations.\nSegment Information\nWe manage our restaurant brands in North America as operating segments. The brands operate principally in the U.S. within full-service dining. We aggregate our operating segments into reportable segments based on a combination of the size, economic characteristics and sub-segment of full-service dining within which each brand operates. We have four reportable segments: 1) Olive Garden, 2) LongHorn Steakhouse, 3) Fine Dining (which, as of the end of fiscal 2023, includes The Capital Grille and Eddie V\u2019s) and 4) Other Business (which includes Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Burger and results from our franchise operations). External sales are derived principally from food and beverage sales, we do not rely on any major customers as a source of sales and the customers and long-lived assets of our reportable segments are predominantly in the U.S. There were no material transactions among reportable segments. \nRestaurant Brands\nOlive Garden\nOlive Garden is an internally-developed brand and \nis the largest full-service dining Italian restaurant operator in the United States. Olive Garden \noffers a variety of Italian foods featuring fresh ingredients presented simply with a focus on flavor and quality, and a broad selection of imported Italian wines. In 1982, Olive Garden opened its first restaurant in Orlando, Florida. \n \nMost dinner menu entr\u00e9e prices range from $11.00 to $21.00, and most lunch menu entr\u00e9e prices range from $9.00 to $11.00. The price of each entr\u00e9e includes as much fresh salad or soup and breadsticks as a guest desires. During fiscal 2023, the average check per person (defined as total sales divided by number of entr\u00e9es sold) was approximately $22.50, with alcoholic beverages accounting for 5.3 percent of Olive Garden\u2019s sales. Olive Garden maintains dif\nferent menus across its trade areas to reflect geographic differences in consumer preferences, prices and selections, as well as a smaller portioned, lower-priced children\u2019s menu. \nLongHorn Steakhouse\nLongHorn Steakhouse is a full-service steakhouse restaurant brand with locations primarily in the eastern United States, operating in an atmosphere inspired by the American West. LongHorn Steakhouse opened its first restaurant in 1981 and we acquired LongHorn Steakhouse in October 2007 as part of the \nRARE Hospitality International, Inc. (RARE) acquisition.\n LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants feature a variety of menu items including signature fresh steaks and chicken, as well as salmon, shrimp, ribs, pork chops and burgers.\nMost dinner menu entr\u00e9e prices range from $13.50 to $38.00, and most lunch menu entr\u00e9e prices range from $9.00 to $12.00. The price of most entr\u00e9es includes a side and/or salad and as much freshly baked bread as a guest desires. During fiscal 2023, the average check per person was approximately $25.50, with alcoholic beverages accounting for 8.9 percent of LongHorn Steakhouse\u2019s sales. LongHorn Steakhouse maintains different menus for dinner and lunch and different menus across its trade areas to reflect geographic differences in consumer preferences, \nprices and selections, as well as a smaller portioned, lower-priced children\u2019s menu.\nCheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\nCheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen is a full-service restaurant brand operating primarily in Texas and throughout the southern, mid-western and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The casual dining menu features modern classics and American favorites cooked from scratch. Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen opened its first restaurant in 1979 and we acquired Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen in April 2017.\n2\nMost lunch and dinner menu entr\u00e9e prices range from $8.00 to $23.00. During fiscal 2023, the average check per person was approximately $18.00, with alcoholic beverages accounting for 7.9 percent of Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\u2019s sales. Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen features different menus across its trade areas to reflect geographic differences in consumer preferences, prices and selections, \nas well as a smaller portioned, lower-priced children\u2019s menu\n.\nYard House\nYard House is a full-service restaurant brand operating in metropolitan areas across the United States and is known for great food, classic rock and over 100 draft beer offerings. The American menu includes more than 100 chef driven items with a wide range of appetizers, snacks, burgers and steaks, street tacos, salads, sandwiches and a generous selection of vegetarian dishes. Yard House opened its first restaurant in 1996 and we acquired Yard House in August 2012. \nYard House design elements create a contemporary, yet casual, \u201ccome as you are\u201d environment. Most lunch and dinner menu entr\u00e9e prices range from $10.00 to $48.00. During fiscal 2023, the average check per person was approximately $34.50, with alcoholic beverages accounting for 32.6 percent of Yard House\u2019s sales. Yard House maintains different menus and selections of craft beers across its trade areas to reflect geographic differences in consumer preferences, prices and selections, as well as a smaller portioned, lower-priced children\u2019s menu. \nThe Capital Grille\nThe Capital Grille is a fine dining restaurant brand with locations primarily in major metropolitan cities in the United States featuring relaxed elegance and style. The Capital Grille opened its first restaurant in 1990 and we acquired The Capital Grille in October 2007 as part of\n the RARE acquisition.\n Nationally acclaimed for dry aging steaks on the premises, the restaurants feature an award-winning wine list offering over 350 selections, personalized service, a comfortable club-like atmosphere, and premiere private dining rooms.\nMost dinner menu entr\u00e9e price\ns range from $35.00 to $95.00 and m\nost lunch menu entr\u00e9e p\nrices range from $20.00 to $49.00. Durin\ng fiscal 2023, the average check per person was approxi\nmately $97.00, with al\ncoholic beverages accounting for\n 26.9 percent\n of The Capital Grille\u2019s sales. The Capital Grille offers different menus for dinner and lunch and varies its wine list to reflect geographic differences in consumer preferences, prices and selections. \nSeasons 52\nSeasons 52 is an internally-developed full-service restaurant brand with a casually sophisticated, fresh grill and wine bar that offers a seasonally changing menu with all items under 595 calories. The menu includes an international collection of wines, featuring 52 wines available by the glass, along with exceptional signature handcrafted cocktails. In 2003, Seasons 52 opened its first restaurant in Orlando, Florida. \nMost lunch and dinner menu entr\u00e9e prices range\n from $13.00 to $49.50. During fiscal 2023, the average check per person was approximately $49.50, with alcoholic beverages accounting for 23.8 percent of Seasons 52\u2019s sales. Seasons 52 maintains an all-day menu in addition to different seasonal offerings, a pared-down lunch menu and a happy-hour menu.\nBahama Breeze\nBahama Breeze is an internally-developed full-service restaurant brand operating primarily in the eastern United States that offers guests the feeling of a Caribbean escape, with food, drinks and atmosphere found in the islands. The menu features distinctive, Caribbean-inspired fresh seafood, chicken and steaks as well as handcrafted tropical cocktails. \nIn 1996, Bahama Breeze opened its first restaurant in Orlando, Florida. \nMost lunch and dinner menu entr\u00e9e prices range from $9.00 to $25.00. During fiscal 2023, the average check per person was approximately $32.50, with alcoholic beverages accounting for 21.8 percent of Bahama Breeze\u2019s sales. Bahama Breeze maintains different menus across its trade areas to reflect geographic differences in consumer preferences, prices and selections, as well as a smaller portioned, lower-priced children\u2019s menu. \nEddie V\u2019s\nEddie V\u2019s is a fine dining restaurant brand with locations in major metropolitan cities in the United States, with a sophisticated and contemporary ambiance, featuring live music trios nightly in the V Lounge. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime steaks, hand cut and broiled to perfection. The atmosphere provides an alluring dining experience reminiscent of a modern day Gatsby, infusing an indulgent experience with an irresistible vibe. Eddie V\u2019s opened its first restaurant in 2000 and we acquired Eddie V\u2019s in November 2011. \n3\nMost dinner menu entr\u00e9e prices range from $38.00 to $107.00. During fiscal 2023, the average check per person was approximately $114.50, with alcoholic beverages accounting for 29.1 percent of Eddie V\u2019s sales. Eddie V\u2019s maintains different menus for dinner and varies its wine list to reflect geographic differences in consumer preferences, prices and selections. \nThe Capital Burger\nThe Capital Burger is an internally created, development-stage full-service restaurant concept with locations primarily in major metropolitan cities in the United States that offers guests a luxe burger experience. The Capital Burger opened its first restaurant in 2018. The menu features burgers made with a proprietary beef blend, sandwiches and appetizers. It is a bar-centric concept offering local craft beers, a unique wine list and spiked shakes. Multiple items take from the parentage of The Capital Grille, like the signature Stoli Doli, a pineapple-infused martini. \nMost lunch and dinner menu entr\u00e9e prices range from $17.00 to $39.00. During fiscal 2023, the average check per person was approximately $34.00, with alcoholic beverages accounting for 30.5 percent of The Capital Burger\u2019s sales. The Capital Burger maintains an all-day menu in addition to a happy hour menu.\nThe following table shows our restaurant growth over the last five years and lists the number of restaurants owned and operated by each of our brands and concept as of the end of the fiscal years indicated and excludes Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House since the information provided below is as of May 28, 2023. The table excludes our restaurants operated by independent third parties pursuant to area development and franchise agreements. The final column in the table lists our total sales from continuing operations for the fiscal years indicated.\nFiscal\nYear\nOlive\nGarden\nLongHorn\nSteakhouse\nCheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\nYard House\nThe\nCapital\nGrille\nSeasons\n52\nBahama\nBreeze\nEddie V\u2019s\nThe Capital Burger\nTotal\nRestaurants\nTotal\u00a0\nSales\n(\nin millions\n) (1)\n2019\n866\n514\n161\n79\n57\n44\n42\n21\n1\n1,785\n$8,510.4\n2020\n868\n522\n165\n81\n58\n44\n41\n23\n2\n1,804\n$7,806.9\n2021\n875\n533\n170\n81\n60\n44\n42\n26\n3\n1,834\n$7,196.1\n2022\n884\n546\n172\n85\n62\n45\n42\n28\n3\n1,867\n$9,630.0\n2023\n905\n562\n180\n86\n62\n44\n42\n29\n4\n1,914\n$10,487.8\n(1) During fiscal 2020 and 2021, many of our locations experienced restrictions on operations, including the ability to have dine-in operations and were subject to vaccine and/or mask mandates as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. \nStrategy\nWe believe that capable operators of strong multi-unit brands have the opportunity to increase their share of the restaurant industry\u2019s full-service segment. Generally, the restaurant industry is considered to be comprised of three segments: quick service, fast casual, and full-service. All of our restaurants fall within the full-service segment, which is highly fragmented and includes many independent operators and small chains. We believe we have strong brands, and that the breadth and depth of our experience and expertise sets us apart in the full-service restaurant industry. This collective capability is the product of investments over many years in areas that are critical to success in our business, including restaurant operations excellence, brand management excellence, supply chain, talent management and information technology, among other things.\nOur operating philosophy remains focused on strengthening the core operational fundamentals of the business by providing an outstanding guest experience rooted in culinary innovation, attentive service, engaging atmosphere, and integrated marketing. Darden enables each brand to reach its full potential by leveraging its scale, insights, and experience in a way that protects uniqueness and competitive advantages. Additionally, our brands can capitalize on data driven insights to deliver customized one-to-one customer relationship marketing. We hold ourselves accountable for operating our restaurants with a sense of urgency to achieve our commitments to all of our stakeholders.\n4\nRecent and Planned Restaurant Growth \nDuring fiscal 2023, we added 47 net new company-owned restaurants in the United States. Our fiscal 2023 actual restaurant openings and closings, fiscal 2024 projected openings, and approximate capital investment, square footage and dining capacity, by brand \n(4)\n, are shown below:\nActual - Fiscal 2023\nProjected - Fiscal 2024 (4)\nPro-Forma New Restaurants (4)\nRestaurant Openings\nRestaurant Closings\nNew Restaurant Openings\nCapital Investment\n\u00a0Range (1)\n\u00a0(in millions)\nApproximate Square Feet\n(2)\nApproximate Dining Seats\n(3)\nOlive Garden\n22\n1\n18-22\n$4.0\n-\n$5.8\n7,700\n250\nLongHorn Steakhouse\n18\n2\n15-18\n$3.3\n-\n$4.6\n5,700\n180\nCheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\n10\n2\n4-5\n$4.0\n\u00a0-\n$5.3\n6,000\n210\nYard House \n2\n1\n2-3\n$7.0\n-\n$9.2\n11,000\n360\nThe Capital Grille\n2\n2\n2-4\n$8.5\n-\n$10.0\n10,000\n320\nSeasons 52\n1\n2\n0-1\n$6.0\n-\n$7.2\n9,000\n250\nBahama Breeze\n\u2014\n\u2014\n1-2\n$5.6\n-\n$7.0\n9,000\n350\nEddie V\u2019s\n1\n\u2014\n2-3\n$8.5\n-\n$10.0\n10,000\n320\nTotals\n56\n10\n46-53\n(1)\nIncludes cash investments for building, equipment, furniture and other construction costs; excludes internal capitalized overhead, pre-opening expenses, tenant allowance and future lease obligations. Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen capital investments are based on costs associated with land-only leases; Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V\u2019s capital investments are based on ground and building leases. Actual costs can vary significantly depending on the specific location.\n(2)\nIncludes all space under the roof, including the coolers and freezers; based on primary prototypes.\n(3)\nIncludes bar dining seats and patio seating, but excludes bar stools.\n(4)\nThe Capital Burger is a development-stage concept with limited pro-forma information, and as such, it is excluded from this table. We project opening approximately 3-4 Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House restaurants during fiscal 2024 which is captured in the total projected new restaurant openings above.\nWhile our objective is to continue to expand all of our restaurant brands, the actual number of openings for each of our brands for fiscal 2024 will depend on many factors, including our ability to recruit and train restaurant management and hourly personnel, locate appropriate sites, negotiate acceptable purchase or lease terms, obtain necessary local governmental permits, and complete construction.\nWe consider location to be a critical factor in determining a restaurant\u2019s long-term success, and we devote significant effort to the site selection process. Prior to entering a market, we conduct a thorough study to determine the optimal number and placement of restaurants. Our site selection process incorporates a variety of analytical techniques to evaluate key factors. These factors include trade area demographics, such as target population density and household income levels; competitive influences in the trade area; the site\u2019s visibility, accessibility and traffic volume; and proximity to activity centers such as shopping malls, hotel/motel complexes, offices and universities. Members of senior management evaluate, inspect and approve each restaurant site prior to its acquisition. Constructing and opening a new restaurant typically takes approximately 250 days on average after the site is acquired and permits are obtained.\nWe systematically review the performance of our restaurants to ensure that each one meets our standards. When a restaurant falls below minimum standards, we conduct a thorough analysis to determine the causes, and implement operational and marketing plans to improve that restaurant\u2019s performance. If performance does not improve to acceptable levels, the restaurant is evaluated for relocation, closing or conversion to one of our other brands. Permanent closures are typically due to economic changes in trade areas, the expiration of lease agreements, or site concerns. Accordingly, we continue to evaluate our site locations in order to minimize the risk of future closures or asset impairment charges. \n5\nRestaurant Operations\nWe believe that high-quality restaurant management is critical to our long-term success. Our restaurant management structure varies by brand and restaurant size. We issue detailed operations manuals covering all aspects of restaurant operations, as well as food and beverage manuals which detail the preparation procedures of our recipes. The restaurant management teams are responsible for the day-to-day operation of each restaurant and for ensuring compliance with our operating standards.\nThe management structures below describe our restaurant operations during the normal and fully operational conditions that were in place at the end of fiscal 2023. Since the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the staffing levels at many of our restaurants have returned to pre-pandemic levels. \nEach Olive Garden restaurant is led by a General Manager, and each LongHorn Steakhouse and Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen restaurant is led by a Managing Partner. Each also has three to six additional managers, depending on the operating complexity and sales volume of the restaurant. In addition, each restaurant typically employs between 35 to 200 hourly team members, most of whom work part-time. Restaurant General Managers or Managing Partners report to a Director of Operations who is responsible for approximately five to eleven restaurants. Each Director of Operations reports to a Senior Vice President of Operations who is responsible for between 80 and 120 restaurants. Restaurants are visited regularly by operations management, including officer level executives, to help ensure strict adherence to all aspects of our standards and to solicit feedback on opportunities for improvement.\n \nEach Yard House and Bahama Breeze restaurant is led by a General Manager, and each The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V\u2019s and The Capital Burger restaurant is led by a Managing Partner. Each also has three to ten additional managers. Each Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52 and Eddie V\u2019s restaurant has one executive chef and one to two sous chefs. The Capital Burger restaurant has one sous chef and each Bahama Breeze restaurant has one to three culinary managers. In addition, each restaurant typically employs between 60 to 200 hourly team members, most of whom work part-time. The General Manager or Managing Partner of each restaurant reports directly to a Director of Operations, who has operational responsibility for approximately three to eleven restaurants. Restaurants are visited regularly by operations management, including officer level executives, to help ensure strict adherence to all aspects of our standards and to solicit feedback on opportunities for improvement.\nOur Learning and Development team in partnership with each brand\u2019s training leader, together with senior operations executives, is responsible for developing and maintaining our operations training programs. These efforts include an eight to twelve-week training program for management trainees and continuing development programs for all levels of leadership. The emphasis of the training and development programs varies by restaurant brand, but includes inclusive leadership, restaurant business management and culinary skills. We also use a highly structured training program to open new restaurants, including deploying training teams experienced in all aspects of restaurant operations. The opening training teams typically begin work one and a half weeks prior to opening and remain at the new restaurant for up to three weeks after the opening. They are re-deployed as appropriate to enable a smooth transition to the restaurant\u2019s operating staff.\nWe maintain performance measurement and incentive compensation programs for our management-level team members. We believe that our leadership position, strong results-oriented culture and various short-term and long-term incentive programs, including stock-based compensation, enhances our ability to attract and retain highly motivated restaurant managers.\nQuality Assurance \nOur Total Quality Department helps ensure that all restaurants provide safe, high-quality food in a clean and safe environment. \nThrough rigorous supplier and risk-based product evaluations, we purchase only products that meet or exceed our product specifications. We rely on independent third parties to inspect and evaluate our suppliers and distributors. Suppliers that produce \u201chigh-risk\u201d products are subject to a food safety evaluation by Darden personnel at least annually. We require our suppliers to maintain sound manufacturing practices and operate with comprehensive Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety programs and risk-based preventative controls adopted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These programs focus on preventing hazards that could cause food-borne illnesses by applying scientifically-based controls to analyze hazards, identify and monitor critical control points, and establish corrective actions when monitoring shows that a critical limit has not been met.\nThird party auditors inspect each restaurant regularly throughout the year to assess food safety and sanitation practices. Our total quality team verifies the application of preventative controls through on-site support visits ensuring an effective and robust \n6\nfood safety system. Total quality managers provide support to operations staff with education and training in food safety and sanitation. The team also serves as a liaison to regulatory agencies on issues relating to food safety.\nPurchasing and Distribution\nOur ability to ensure a consistent supply of safe, high-quality food and supplies at competitive prices to all of our restaurant brands depends on reliable sources of procurement. Our purchasing staff sources, negotiates and purchases food and supplies from more than 1,500 suppliers whose products originate in more than 35 countries. Suppliers must meet our requirements and strict quality control standards in the development, harvest, catch and production of food products. Competitive bids, long-term contracts and strategic supplier relationships are routinely used to manage availability and cost of products.\nWe believe that our significant scale is a competitive advantage and our purchasing team leverages this purchasing capability. Our purchasing staff travels routinely within the United States and internationally to source top-quality food products at competitive prices. We actively engage with and monitor our suppliers, both in person and remotely, including hosting virtual visits and audits. We believe that we have established excellent long-term relationships with key suppliers and usually source our product directly from producers (not brokers or middlemen). We actively support several national minority supplier organizations to ensure that we incorporate women- and minority-owned businesses in our purchasing decisions.\nWe have entered into long-term agreements with multiple third-party national distribution companies to deliver food and supplies to our restaurants. Under these arrangements we maintain ownership of the food and supplies inventory through our subsidiary Darden Direct Distribution, Inc. (Darden Direct). This inventory is stored in distribution company warehouses that are wholly or primarily dedicated to Darden where practical to do so. Because of the relatively rapid turnover of perishable food products, inventories in the restaurants have a modest aggregate dollar value in relation to sales.\nWe continue to drive automation of our supply chain by collaborating with our suppliers, logistics partners and distributors to improve optimization with information visibility and other technological advances. These and other terms of Darden Direct\u2019s long-term supply agreements further enable our purchasing staff to integrate demand forecasts into our purchasing operations, driving efficiencies in our operations.\nAdvertising and Marketing\nIntegrated marketing is a key element of our strategy, and our scale enables us to be a leading advertiser in the full-service dining segment of the restaurant industry.\n \nOlive Garden leverages the efficiency of national advertising, on both traditional and streaming television, supplemented with additional targeted digital media investments.\n \nLongHorn Steakhouse uses digital advertising to build engagement and loyalty by market.\n \nCheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V\u2019s and The Capital Burger do not use television advertising, but rely on local and digital marketing.\n \nOur restaurants appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers and we use advertising and marketing to build awareness and strengthen our brands\u2019 relevance.\n \nWe implement periodic promotions, as appropriate, to increase frequency of guest visits while maintaining overall profitability. We also rely on outdoor billboard and email advertising, as well as radio, digital coupons, search engine marketing and social media such as Facebook\u00ae and Instagram\u00ae, as appropriate, to attract, engage and retain our guests.\n \nWe have developed and consistently use sophisticated consumer marketing research techniques to monitor guest satisfaction and evolving food service trends and marketplace dynamics.\nIn fiscal 2023, we continued a multi-year effort to implement new technology platforms that allow us to digitally engage with our guests and team members and strengthen our marketing and analytics capabilities in an increasingly connected society. We also continued making improvements to our online and mobile ordering and payment systems across all of our brands.\n \nIn addition, we continued working on developing sophisticated customer relationship management programs, data analytics and data-driven marketing approaches to effectively and efficiently target our existing and potential guests across our portfolio of brands. This enables us to tailor our messaging and offerings depending on guest visit history, preferences and brand loyalty.\nHuman Capital\nWe prioritize our team members through our People Strategy that includes four strategic imperatives:\n\u2022\nHire - Attract and select diverse team members that reflect our values and are committed to our results-oriented culture;\n\u2022\nTrain - Teach team members to perform in today\u2019s environment and develop the skills to meet tomorrow\u2019s needs;\n7\n\u2022\nReward - Invest in compelling programs that recognize team members when goals are achieved and further motivate our culture of winning; and \n\u2022\nRetain - Keep team members engaged and motivated, ready to deliver results and grow their careers.\nWe closely track and assess a variety of metrics that help us to evaluate our performance on each of these imperatives.\nHire. \nWe are committed to attracting, engaging, developing and retaining a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our guests and the communities in which we operate. We track a variety of workforce statistics to help us understand the gender, racial and ethnic diversity of our team members.\n \nKey team member statistics as of the end of fiscal 2023 included the following:\nTotal team members (hourly and salaried)\n187,384\nTotal number of hourly team members\n177,164\nPercent of hourly team members \u2013 female\n58%\nPercent of hourly team members \u2013 members of racial or ethnic minority groups\n55%\nTotal number of new hires of hourly team members during fiscal 2023\n182,882\nPercent of hourly new hires \u2013 female\n57%\nPercent of hourly new hires \u2013 members of racial or ethnic minority groups\n57%\nIn addition to the gender, racial and ethnic diversity of our workforce, our team members are also very diverse in age; we employ members of five generations of the United States population: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Centennials.\n \nWe provide our EEO-1 report and additional details about our inclusion and diversity programs on our website at www.darden.com.\nTrain.\n \nWe succeed because of our people, and with our success come rewards, recognition and great opportunities for our team members.\n \nWe regularly invest in our team members\u2019 careers by providing the tools they need to succeed in their current roles, to grow personally and professionally, and to deliver exceptional experiences to our guests each day.\n \nWith thousands of leadership positions across our restaurants, we provide a pathway and training for thousands of individuals across the country to advance from entry-level jobs into management roles.\n \nIn fiscal 2023, 81% of the participants in our restaurant Manager In Training program were internal promotions and 100% of the new General Managers or Managing Partners were internal promotions.\nReward.\n We believe that we provide working conditions and pay and benefits that compare favorably with those of our competitors. Most team members, other than restaurant management and corporate management, are paid on an hourly basis.\n \nWe offer our team members flexible work schedules and competitive pay and benefits, including paid sick leave and access to free counseling through our employee assistance program for team members and their families.\n \nWe regularly review our pay and benefits programs to identify and implement enhancements to the ways we reward our team members.\n \nIn January 2022, we announced that each hourly restaurant team member company-wide would earn a minimum hourly wage of at least $12 per hour, inclusive of tip income. Also in January 2022, we began a new \"First Rewards\u201d program to provide a phantom stock grant worth $10,000 to newly promoted General Managers and Managing Partners, numbering approximately 300 annually, to reward these high-performing leaders and provide immediate alignment between their compensation and shareholder value creation.\n \nFurther, in fiscal 2023, the Darden Restaurants Foundation introduced the Next Course Scholarship program for children and dependents of our team members and in its inaugural year, the program awarded scholarships worth $3,000 each to nearly 100 children or dependents of Darden team members.\n \n In January 2023, we introduced a new benefit for restaurant team members called Fast Fluency \u2013 which offers Spanish-speaking team members the chance to learn English for free. \nNone of our team members are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.\n \nWe consider our team member relations to be good, with our employee engagement levels nearly double the United States average, as recently surveyed by Gallup, Inc.\nConsistent with our core values of respect, caring and teamwork, in fiscal 1999 we established a program called Darden Dimes to help fellow Darden team members in need.\n \nDarden Dimes provides short-term financial grants to team members experiencing financial need caused by unexpected emergencies or catastrophic natural disasters. Participating team members \n8\ndonate as little as 10 cents from each paycheck to the Darden Dimes fund, which raised and granted over $2.0 million in fiscal 2023.\nRetain.\n \nAs a full-service restaurant company, food is always top of mind, but our team members make the difference: they are at the heart of everything we do.\n \nWe believe the guest experience can never exceed the team member experience, so we strive to hire the best individuals and retain them by fostering an environment of respect and inclusion, where diversity of thought and background is valued and everyone has the opportunity to develop and grow their careers.\n \nIn addition, our geographic footprint often puts us in a position to offer our restaurant team members jobs in their current roles when personal circumstances require relocation.\nDarden\u2019s consolidated turnover rate for hourly team members during fiscal 2023 was 93%, one of the lowest rates in the restaurant industry. Each of our brands experienced a turnover rate during fiscal 2023 that was lower than the most recent relevant casual dining or fine dining turnover rate for their segment of the industry as reported in The People Report\nTM \nby Black Box Intelligence\nTM\n.\n \nDarden\u2019s consolidated restaurant management turnover rate of 19% was also significantly lower than the broader restaurant industry benchmark. Our executive leadership (vice president and above) has an average of over 17 years of experience with Darden, while our restaurant General Managers and Managing Partners have an average of 14 years of experience with us. \nInformation Technology and Cybersecurity\nWe strive for leadership in the restaurant business by using technology as a competitive advantage and as an enabler of our strategy. We have implemented technology-enabled business solutions to improve financial control, cost management, guest service and employee effectiveness, as well as enable e-commerce. These solutions are designed to be used across restaurant brands, yet are flexible enough to meet the unique needs of each restaurant brand. Our strategy is to fully integrate systems to drive operational efficiencies and enable restaurant teams to focus on restaurant operations excellence. Restaurant hardware and software support for all of our restaurant brands is provided or coordinated from the restaurant support center facility in Orlando, Florida. Our data center contains sufficient computing power to process information from all restaurants quickly and efficiently. We leverage public cloud computing where appropriate to enhance our capabilities and to leverage scale. Our information is processed in a secure environment to protect both our data and the physical computing assets. We guard against business interruption by maintaining a disaster recovery plan, which includes storing critical business information off-site, testing the disaster recovery plan annually and providing on-site power backup. We periodically engage third parties to perform cybersecurity audits utilizing the National Institute of Standards and Technology framework. We also engage third parties to conduct security reviews of our network, processes and systems on a regular basis. We use internally developed proprietary software, cloud-based software as a service (SaaS), as well as purchased software, with proven, non-proprietary hardware.\nAll of our brands share a secure, robust digital platform with online ordering and other guest-facing capabilities. We also have deployed mobile applications with online ordering and other features for all of our casual dining brands and for most of our specialty restaurant brands. We successfully leverage these digital capabilities to address evolving guest needs. We will continue to invest in these platforms and applications to enhance the guest experience. \nWe maintain a robust system of data protection and cybersecurity resources, technology and processes. We regularly evaluate new and emerging risks and ever-changing legal and compliance requirements. We make strategic investments to address these risks and compliance requirements to keep Company, guest and team member data secure. We monitor risks of sensitive information compromise at our business partners where relevant and reevaluate these risks on a periodic basis. We also perform annual and ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for our restaurant management and restaurant support center team members. In addition, we provide annual credit card handling training following Payment Card Industry (PCI) guidelines to all team members that handle guest credit cards.\nOur management believes that our current systems and practice of implementing regular updates positions us well to support current needs and future growth. We use a strategic information systems multi-year planning process that involves senior management and is integrated into our overall business planning. We provide data protection and cybersecurity reports to the Audit Committee of the Company\u2019s Board of Directors on a quarterly basis and periodically to the full Board of Directors. Information systems projects are prioritized based upon strategic, financial, regulatory, risk and other business advantage criteria.\nCompetition\nThe restaurant industry is intensely competitive with respect to the type and quality of food, price, service, restaurant location, personnel, brand, attractiveness of facilities, availability of carryout and home delivery, internet and mobile ordering \n9\ncapabilities and effectiveness of advertising and marketing. The restaurant business is often affected by changes in consumer tastes; national, regional or local economic conditions; demographic trends; traffic patterns; the type, number and location of competing restaurants; and consumers\u2019 discretionary purchasing power. We compete within each market with national and regional chains and locally-owned restaurants for guests, management and hourly personnel and suitable real estate sites. In addition, expanding product offerings at fast casual and quick-service restaurants and the convenience of home delivery services, together with negative economic conditions, could cause consumers to choose less expensive alternatives or reduce the frequency of their restaurant visits. We expect intense competition to continue in all of these areas.\nOther factors pertaining to our competitive position in the industry are addressed under the sections entitled \u201cPurchasing and Distribution,\u201d \u201cAdvertising and Marketing\u201d and \u201cInformation Technology and Cybersecurity\u201d in this Item\u00a01 and in our Risk Factors in Item\u00a01A of this Form 10-K.\nTrademarks and Service Marks\nWe regard our Olive Garden\n\u00ae\n, LongHorn Steakhouse\n\u00ae\n, Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\n\u00ae\n, Yard House\n\u00ae\n, The Capital Grille\n\u00ae\n, Seasons 52\n\u00ae\n, Bahama Breeze\n\u00ae\n, Eddie V\u2019s Prime Seafood\n\u00ae\n, The Capital Burger\n\u00ae\n, Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House\n\u00ae\n, Darden\n\u00ae \nand Darden Restaurants\n\u00ae \nservice marks, and other service marks and trademarks related to our restaurant businesses, as having significant value and as being important to our marketing efforts. Our policy is to pursue registration of our important service marks and trademarks and to vigorously oppose any infringement of them. Generally, with appropriate renewal and use, the registration of our service marks and trademarks will continue indefinitely.\nFranchises, Joint Ventures and New Business Development\nAs of May\u00a028, 2023, we operated 1,914 restaurants through subsidiaries in the United States and Canada. We own all of those locations, except for 2 restaurants managed by us and owned by joint ventures in which we hold a majority ownership. We control the joint ventures\u2019 use of our service marks and the joint ventures pay management fees to us, which are not material to our consolidated financial statements.\nAs of May\u00a028, 2023, franchisees operated 34 franchised restaurants in the United States and 35 franchised restaurants outside of the United States. We have area development, franchise and/or license agreements in place with unaffiliated operators to develop and operate Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille and Bahama Breeze restaurants in the following regions:\n\u2022\nUnited States (including Puerto Rico and Guam),\n\u2022\nMexico, \n\u2022\nCentral and South America (Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador and Panama),\n\u2022\nPhilippines,\n\u2022\nAruba, and\n\u2022\nSaudi Arabia.\nThe open and operating franchised restaurants are all reflected in the table under the \u201cIntroduction\u201d section of this Item 1. We do not have an ownership interest in any of these franchisees, but we receive fees under the area development and franchise agreements and royalty income under the franchise or license agreements. The amount of income we derive from our franchise arrangements is not material to our consolidated financial statements.\nWe license the sales and distribution of several items including Olive Garden salad dressings, salad croutons and seasoning through various channels including wholesale distribution chains and major grocery chains. The amount of income we derive from these licensing arrangements is not material to our consolidated financial statements.\nSeasonality\nOur sales volumes have historically fluctuated seasonally. Typically, our average sales per restaurant are highest in the winter and spring, followed by the summer, and lowest in the fall. Holidays, changes in the economy, severe weather and similar conditions may impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions. Because of the historical seasonality of our business and these other factors, results for any fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.\n10\nGovernment Regulation\nWe are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws affecting our business. Each of our restaurants must comply with licensing requirements and regulations by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, safety and fire agencies in the state or municipality in which the restaurant is located. The development and operation of restaurants depend on selecting and acquiring suitable sites, which are subject to zoning, land use, environmental, traffic and other regulations. To date, we have not been significantly affected by any difficulty, delay or failure to obtain required licenses or approvals.\nDuring fiscal 2023, 11.2 percent of our sales were attributable to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Regulations governing their sale require licensure by each site (in most cases, on an annual basis), and licenses may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. These regulations relate to many aspects of restaurant operation, including the minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling, and storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on restaurants, many states have modified their regulations to permit To Go sales of alcoholic beverages, and in some locations we now offer a variety of alcoholic beverages, including in bottles, from draft and mixed drinks To Go. The failure of a restaurant to obtain or retain these alcoholic beverage licenses or to comply with regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages would adversely affect the restaurant\u2019s operations. We also are subject in certain states to \u201cdram shop\u201d statutes, which generally provide an injured party with recourse against an establishment that serves alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person who then causes injury to himself or a third party. We carry liquor liability coverage as part of our comprehensive general liability insurance.\nWe also are subject to federal and state minimum wage laws and other laws governing such matters as overtime, tip credits, working conditions, paid leave, safety standards, and hiring and employment practices.\nSince 1995, Darden has had a Tip Rate Alternative Commitment (TRAC) agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).\u00a0 TRAC requirements, which include increased educational and other efforts in each restaurant to increase the reporting compliance of employees with respect to cash tips, are applied across all of our brands.\u00a0 Compliance with TRAC requirements reduces the likelihood of potential employer-only FICA tax assessments related to cash tips that are unreported by employees at Darden\u2019s covered units. Consistent with our long-standing agreement with the IRS, we work proactively with IRS personnel responsible for tip compliance to ensure that we are taking the appropriate steps to continue to meet our TRAC obligations.\n \u00a0\nIn 2023, the IRS issued a proposed revenue procedure that would establish the Service Industry Tip Compliance Agreement (SITCA) program and eliminate TRAC. We are working closely with the IRS as it finalizes its guidance.\nWe are subject to federal and state environmental regulations, but these rules have not had a material effect on our operations. During fiscal 2023, there were no material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities and no material expenditures for this purpose are anticipated.\nOur facilities must comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and related state accessibility statutes. Under the ADA and related state laws, we must provide equivalent service to disabled persons and make reasonable accommodation for their employment, and when constructing or undertaking significant remodeling of our restaurants, we must make those facilities accessible.\nWe are subject to federal and state regulations relating to employer-provided health insurance, but these rules have not had a material effect on our operations. \nWe are subject to laws and regulations relating to the preparation and sale of food, including regulations regarding product safety, nutritional content and menu labeling. We are subject to laws and regulations requiring disclosure of calorie, fat, trans fat, salt and allergen content. \nWe are subject to laws relating to information security, privacy, cashless payments and consumer credit, protection and fraud. An increasing number of governments and industry groups worldwide have established data privacy laws and standards for the protection of personal information, including social security numbers, financial information (including credit card numbers), and health information. As a merchant and service provider of point-of-sale services, we are also subject to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard issued by the Payment Card Industry Council (PCI DSS). \nWe are subject to anti-corruption laws in the United States and in the international jurisdictions where we do business, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. We are also subject to a variety of international laws relating to franchising and licensing of intellectual property in the various countries across the world where we are engaged in franchising our restaurant brands.\nSee Item\u00a01A \u201cRisk Factors\u201d below for a discussion of risks relating to federal, state and local regulation of our business, including in the areas of data privacy and environmental matters.\n11\nSustainability\nThe sustainability of our food sources and restaurant operations is a key component of providing great service and food to our guests. During fiscal 2023, we remained focused on our climate strategy, restaurant sustainability metrics and Darden\u2019s Animal Welfare Council. We will continue to adapt our sustainability approach with development or enhancement of integrated and strategic priorities in the near term across the enterprise, from the food we source to the operation of our restaurants. \nDarden manages energy and water conservation within our restaurant operations and engages with our supply chain partners on sustainability topics including climate, deforestation and animal welfare. In fiscal 2023, Darden expanded its assessment and disclosure of environmental metrics in our operations and extended value chain. Additional environmental indicators, including energy and water consumption, waste generation and diversion, as well as Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, are reported on our website at \nwww.darden.com/our-impact/communities/sustainability\n.\n \nGreenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions\n(1)\nFiscal Year Ended\n(in metric tons CO2e)\nMay 29, 2022\nMay 30, 2021\nMay 31, 2020\nAverage Per Restaurant \n(2)\n412\n373\n(3)\n424\nTotal - Scope 1 and 2\n769,811\n(4)\n683,294\n774,200\n(1)\nGHG reporting is for the fiscal year preceding the year of this report and is not available for the current financial reporting period. Above emissions are for owned and operated restaurants only.\n \nFranchises are accounted for in our Scope 3 inventory.\n(2)\nPer restaurant Intensity Ratio includes only Scope 1 and 2 totals (as defined in the Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard of the GHG Protocol) divided by the total number of restaurants.\n(3)\nFiscal 2021 emissions reductions resulted from business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic during fiscal 2021.\n(4)\nAPEX Companies, LLC. provided a statement of third-party verification to a limited assurance level for the above stated values for fiscal year 2022 in accordance with ISO Standard 14064-3 Second edition 2019-4 on greenhouse gases- Part 3: Specification with guidance for the verification and validation of GHG statements.\nWe shared Darden\u2019s Food Principles in 2016 to outline our commitment to guests in areas of sustainable sourcing, nutritional disclosure, food safety and animal welfare. Darden\u2019s Food Principles connect each of these strategic business efforts in a guest-centered platform, including sourcing and ingredient commitments to our guests. We have set commitments related to the following food attributes: animal welfare, chickens raised without medically-important antibiotics, cage-free eggs and gestation crate-free pork. We continue to work with our supplier partners to make progress toward these commitments and we provide annual updates on our efforts in the Sustainability section of our website, \nwww.darden.com\n.\nBuilding on our Food Principles, Darden established an Animal Welfare Policy that adopts an outcomes-based approach to continue to ensure high level of care for farm animals in the food supply chain. To implement this policy, we established an Animal Welfare Council consisting of leading academics and thought leaders with expertise in the care of animals in food supply chains.\n \nThe Council advises and supports the Company on our efforts to advance strategy and implementation of an outcomes-based approach to animal welfare, from supplier collaborations to reporting improvements. \nMore information about our sustainability strategy, our commitment to our guests on Food Principles and our progress to date is available at \nwww.darden.com\n.\nDarden Foundation and Community Affairs\nWe are recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. That defines service for Darden.\n \nThe Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation (the Foundation) works to bring this spirit of service to life through its philanthropic support of charitable organizations across the country and support for the volunteer involvement of our team members. The Foundation does this by focusing its philanthropic efforts on programs that enhance the communities where our team members and guests live and work.\n \nIn addition, team members at our Restaurant Support Center are eligible for 16 hours per calendar year of paid time for approved community service activities during scheduled work hours.\nIn fiscal 2023, the Foundation awarded approximately $4.2 million in grants to national organizations as well as local nonprofits including Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the Heart of Florida United Way. These organizations \n12\nprovide service to the public through hunger relief, community engagement, disaster preparedness and the promotion of career opportunities in the culinary industry.\nThe Foundation continued to invest in mobile food pantry programs through its long-standing partnership with Feeding America.\n \nIn fiscal 2023, the Foundation awarded a $2.0 million grant to help fund 10 additional refrigerated box trucks to help Feeding America increase access to nutritious food and address transportation needs at food banks that are under-resourced and serve a high percentage of people of color.\n \nThe most recent donation marks a total of $16.3 million that the Foundation and Darden have contributed to the Feeding America network since 2010.\nOur support of Feeding America and the fight against hunger goes hand-in-hand with our Darden Harvest program, which began in 2003 as a mechanism for delivering fresh and healthy food to people who need it. Each day, our restaurants collect surplus, wholesome food that is not served to guests and, rather than discarding the food, they prepare it for donation to local nonprofit feeding partners. In fiscal 2023, Darden contributed approximately 5.3 million pounds of food, the equivalent of more than 4.4 million meals provided to people in need across the communities served by our restaurants. As an added benefit of the Darden Harvest program, we are able to divert millions of pounds of surplus food from waste streams every year.\nIn fiscal 2023, as part of Darden\u2019s continued commitment to inclusion and diversity, the Foundation donated an additional $500,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support the development and implementation of programming that will help youth embrace diversity and combat racial discrimination. The Youth for Unity curriculum will provide meaningful, action-oriented solutions to address social injustice and racial inequity and help foster the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers and advocates for change.\nThe Foundation\u2019s funding helps support the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation\u2019s ProStart program, a national high school program that introduces students to the restaurant industry and provides them with an industry-driven curriculum on topics ranging from culinary techniques to management skills. The Foundation\u2019s fiscal 2023 contribution of $250,000 also supports the Restaurant Ready program to engage and encourage disconnected young people to pursue a path to employment and improve their quality of life.\nWe are also a proud member of the American Red Cross\u2019 Annual Disaster Giving Program, which enables the Red Cross to respond to the needs of individuals and families impacted by disasters anywhere in the United States. In fiscal 2023, the Foundation provided $500,000 to the American Red Cross for the program. In addition to financial support, our restaurants donate meals to feed first responders and victims of natural disasters. The Foundation also provided $250,000 to nonprofit organizations such as Volunteer Florida Foundation to support Hurricane Ian relief and recovery efforts.\nIn fiscal 2023, the Foundation launched the Next Course Scholarship program to help the children or dependents of Darden team members reach their educational goals. The Foundation has partnered with Scholarship America to administer the initiative, which provided scholarships for post-secondary education to children or dependents of eligible full-time and part-time Darden team members for the 2023-24 academic year. As a result, nearly 100 children or dependents of Darden team members were awarded scholarships worth $3,000 each. These team members represent more than 80 different restaurants across seven of our brands and 32 states.\nMore information about the Foundation and its efforts to enhance the quality of life in the communities where we do business is available on our website at \nwww.darden.com\n.",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. RISK FACTORS \nVarious risks and uncertainties could affect our business. Any of the risks described below or elsewhere in this report or our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. It is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also impair our business operations. \n13\nRisks Relating to Inflation and Macroeconomic Disruption\nA failure to address cost pressures, including rising costs for commodities, labor, health care and utilities used by our restaurants, and a failure to effectively deliver cost management activities and achieve economies of scale in purchasing could compress our margins and adversely affect our sales and results of operations.\nOur results of operations depend significantly on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the price and availability of food, ingredients, labor, health care, utilities, fuel and other related costs over which we may have little control. We have experienced and continue to experience inflationary conditions with respect to most or all of these costs during fiscal 2023. Operating margins for our restaurants are subject to changes in the price and availability of food commodities, including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, cheese, butter and produce. The introduction of or changes to tariffs on imported food products, such as produce and seafood, could increase our costs and possibly impact the supply of those products. We cannot predict whether we will continue to be able to anticipate and react to changing food costs by adjusting our purchasing practices, menu offerings, and menu prices, and a failure to do so could adversely affect our operating results. We attempt to leverage our size to achieve economies of scale in purchasing, but there can be no assurances that we can always do so effectively. We are also subject to the general risks of inflation. \nIncreases in minimum wage, health care and other benefit costs may have a material adverse effect on our labor costs. We operate in many states and localities where the minimum wage is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage. The market for labor in the United States is competitive and has resulted in pressure on wages and may continue to do so in the future. Increases in minimum wage and market pressure may also result in increases in the wage rates paid for non-minimum wage positions. Many states and localities are also passing laws regulating employment practices and working conditions which could have a material adverse effect on our labor costs in those areas.\nOur restaurants\u2019 operating margins are also affected by fluctuations in the price of utilities such as electricity and natural gas, whether as a result of inflation or otherwise, on which the restaurants depend for their energy supply. In addition, interruptions to the availability of gas, electric, water or other utilities, whether due to aging infrastructure, weather conditions, fire, animal damage, trees, digging accidents, geopolitical impacts or other reasons largely out of our control, may adversely affect our operations. Our inability to anticipate and respond effectively to an adverse change in any of these factors could have a significant adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.\nCertain economic and business factors and their impacts on the restaurant industry and other general macroeconomic factors including unemployment, energy prices and interest rates that are largely beyond our control may adversely affect consumer behavior and our results of operations.\nOur business results depend on a number of industry-specific and general economic factors, many of which are beyond our control. The full-service dining sector of the restaurant industry is affected by changes in international, national, regional and local economic conditions, seasonal fluctuation of sales volumes, consumer spending patterns and consumer preferences, including changes in consumer tastes and dietary habits, and the level of consumer acceptance of our restaurant brands. The performance of individual restaurants may also be adversely affected by factors such as demographic trends, severe weather including hurricanes, traffic patterns and the type, number and location of competing restaurants.\nGeneral economic conditions, including slow global recovery from the economic downturns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conditions and uncertainty about the strength or pace of economic recovery, have also adversely affected our results of operations and may continue to do so. Economic recession, a protracted economic slowdown, a worsening economy, increased unemployment, increased energy prices, rising interest rates, a downgrade of the U.S. government\u2019s long-term credit rating, imposition of retaliatory tariffs on important U.S. imports and exports or other industry-wide cost pressures have affected and can continue to affect consumer behavior and spending for restaurant dining occasions and lead to a decline in sales and earnings. Economic uncertainty has caused and may continue to cause guests to make fewer discretionary purchases, and any significant decrease in our guest traffic or average profit per transaction will negatively impact our financial performance. In addition, if gasoline, natural gas, electricity and other energy costs remain at the current elevated levels or increase further, and credit card, home mortgage and other borrowing costs increase with rising interest rates, our guests may have lower disposable income and reduce the frequency of their dining occasions, may spend less on each dining occasion or may choose more inexpensive restaurants.\nFurthermore, we cannot predict the effects that actual or threatened armed conflicts, including the ongoing armed conflict in the Ukraine, terrorist attacks, efforts to combat terrorism, heightened security requirements, or a failure to protect information systems for critical infrastructure, such as the electrical grid and telecommunications systems, could have on our operations, the economy or consumer confidence generally. Any of these events could affect consumer spending patterns or result in increased costs for us due to security measures.\n14\nUnfavorable changes in the above factors or in other business and economic conditions affecting our guests could increase our costs, reduce traffic in some or all of our restaurants or impose practical limits on pricing, any of which could lower our profit margins and have a material adverse effect on our sales, financial condition and results of operations.\nRisks Related to Human Capital\nThe inability to hire, train, reward and retain restaurant team members and determine and maintain adequate staffing may impact our ability to achieve our operating, growth and financial objectives.\nOur long-term growth depends substantially on our ability to recruit and retain high-quality team members to work in and manage our restaurants. Adequate staffing and retention of qualified restaurant team members is a critical factor impacting our guests\u2019 experience in our restaurants. Maintaining adequate staffing in our existing restaurants and hiring and training staff for our new restaurants requires precise workforce planning which has been complicated by the tight labor market in the United States and on consumer preferences. The market for the most qualified talent continues to be competitive and we must provide competitive wages, benefits and workplace conditions to maintain our most qualified team members. \n \nA shortage of qualified candidates who meet all legal citizenship or work authorization requirements, failure to recruit and retain new team members in a timely manner or higher than expected turnover levels all could affect our ability to open new restaurants, grow sales at existing restaurants or meet our labor cost objectives. An inability to adequately monitor and proactively respond to team member dissatisfaction could lead to poor guest satisfaction, higher turnover, litigation and unionization which could jeopardize our ability to meet our growth targets or impact our results of operations.\nA failure to recruit, develop and retain effective leaders or the loss or shortage of personnel with key capacities and skills could impact our strategic direction and jeopardize our ability to meet our business performance expectations and growth targets.\nOur future growth depends substantially on the contributions and abilities of key executives and other leadership team members. We must continue to recruit, retain and motivate management team members in order to achieve our current business objectives and support our projected growth. Unplanned changes in senior management could expose us to significant changes in strategic direction and initiatives. A failure to maintain appropriate organizational capacity and capability to support leadership excellence (adequate resources, innovative skill sets and expectations) and build adequate bench strength required for growth or a loss of key skill sets could jeopardize our ability to meet our business performance expectations and growth targets.\nWe may be subject to increased labor and insurance costs.\nOur restaurant operations are subject to United States and Canadian federal, state and local laws governing such matters as minimum wages, working conditions, overtime and tip credits. As federal, state and local minimum wage rates increase, we may need to increase not only the wages of our minimum wage employees, but also the wages paid to employees at wage rates that are above minimum wage. Labor shortages, increased employee turnover and health care and other benefit or working condition regulations also have increased and may continue to increase our labor costs. These increased costs could, in turn, lead us to increase our menu prices which could impact our sales. Conversely, if competitive pressures or other factors prevent us from offsetting increased labor costs by increases in menu prices, our profitability may decline. In addition, the current premiums that we pay for our insurance (including workers\u2019 compensation, general liability, property, health, and directors\u2019 and officers\u2019 liability) may increase at any time, thereby further increasing our costs. The dollar amount of claims that we actually experience under our workers\u2019 compensation and general liability insurance, for which we carry high per-claim deductibles, may also increase at any time, thereby further increasing our costs. Further, the decreased availability of property and liability insurance has the potential to negatively impact the cost of premiums and the magnitude of uninsured losses.\nRisks Relating to Health and Safet\ny\nHealth concerns arising from food-related pandemics, outbreaks of flu, viruses or other diseases may have an adverse effect on our business.\nThe United States and other countries have experienced, or may experience in the future, outbreaks of viruses, such as the novel coronavirus that caused COVID-19, norovirus, avian flu or \u201cSARS,\u201d \u201cMERS,\u201d H1N1 or \u201cswine flu,\u201d or other diseases. To the extent that a virus or disease is food-borne, or perceived to be food-borne, future outbreaks may adversely affect the price and availability of certain food products and cause our guests to eat less of a product, or could reduce public confidence in food handling and/or public assembly. For example, public concern over avian flu may cause fear about the consumption of chicken, eggs and other products derived from poultry. The inability to serve poultry-based products would restrict our ability to provide a variety of menu items to our guests. If we change a restaurant menu in response to such concerns, we may lose guests who do not prefer the new menu, and we may not be able to attract a sufficient new guest base to produce the sales needed to make the restaurant profitable. We also may have different or additional competitors for our intended guests as a result of such a change and may not be able to successfully compete against such competitors. If a virus is transmitted by human contact or respiratory \n15\ntransmission, our employees or guests could become infected, or could choose, or be advised, to avoid gathering in public places, any of which could adversely affect our restaurant guest traffic and our ability to adequately staff our restaurants, receive deliveries on a timely basis or perform functions at the corporate level. We also could be adversely affected if the World Health Organization and/or The United States Centers for Disease Control were to restrict travel to affected geographic areas where we source our products, thus possibly impacting the continuity of supply. Additionally, jurisdictions in which we have restaurants may impose mandatory closures, seek voluntary closures or impose restrictions on operations. Even if such measures are not implemented and a virus or other disease does not spread significantly, the perceived risk of infection or significant health risk may cause guests to choose other alternatives to dining out in our restaurants which may adversely affect our business.\nA failure to maintain food safety throughout the supply chain and food-borne illness concerns may have an adverse effect on our business.\nFood safety is a top priority, and we dedicate substantial resources to ensuring that our guests enjoy safe, quality food products.\u00a0 Even with strong preventative interventions and controls, food safety issues could be caused at the source or by food suppliers or distributors and, as a result, be out of our control and require prompt action to mitigate impact.\u00a0 In addition, regardless of the source or cause, any report of food-borne illnesses such as E. coli, hepatitis A, norovirus or salmonella, or other food safety issues including food tampering or contamination at one of our restaurants could adversely affect the reputation of our brands and have a negative impact on our sales. Even instances of food-borne illness, food tampering or food contamination occurring solely at restaurants of our competitors could result in negative publicity about the food service industry generally and adversely impact our sales. The occurrence of food-borne illnesses or food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, resulting in higher costs and lower margins.\nRisks Relating to Information Technology and Privacy\nWe rely heavily on information technology in our operations, and insufficient guest or employee facing technology or a failure to maintain a continuous and secure cyber network, free from material failure, interruption or security breach, could harm our ability to effectively operate our business and/or result in the loss of respected relationships with our guests or employees.\nWe rely heavily on information systems across our operations, including for e-commerce, marketing programs, employee engagement, management of our supply chain, the point-of-sale processing system in our restaurants, and various other processes and transactions. Our ability to effectively manage our business and coordinate the production, distribution and sale of our products depends significantly on the reliability, security and capacity of these systems. In addition, we must effectively respond to changing guest expectations and new technological developments. Disruptions, failures or other performance issues with guest facing technology systems could impair the benefits that they provide to our business and negatively affect our relationship with our guests. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, a material network breach in the security of these systems as a result of a cyber attack, phishing attack, ransomware attack or any other failure to maintain a continuous and secure cyber network could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the Company, our team members or guests. This could include the theft of our intellectual property, trade secrets or sensitive financial information. Some of these essential business processes that are dependent on technology are outsourced to third parties. While we make efforts to ensure that our providers are observing proper standards and controls, we cannot guarantee that breaches or failures caused by these outsourced providers will not occur. \nAny such failures or disruptions may cause delays in guest service, reduce efficiency in our operations, require significant capital investments to remediate the problem, result in customer, employee or advertiser dissatisfaction or otherwise result in negative publicity that could harm our reputation. We could also be subjected to litigation, regulatory investigations or the imposition of penalties. As information security laws and regulations change and cyber risks evolve, we may incur additional costs to ensure we remain in compliance and protect guest, employee and Company information.\nWe may incur increased costs to comply with privacy and data protection laws and, if we fail to comply or our systems are compromised, we could be subject to government enforcement actions, private litigation and adverse publicity.\nWe receive and maintain certain personal, financial and other information about our customers, employees, vendors and suppliers. In addition, certain of our vendors receive and maintain certain personal, financial and other information about our employees and customers. The use and handling, including security, of this information is regulated by evolving and increasingly demanding data privacy laws and regulations in various jurisdictions, as well as by certain third-party contracts and industry standards. Complying with newly developed laws and regulations, which are subject to change and uncertain interpretations and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, may lead to a decline in guest engagement or cause us to incur substantial costs or modifications to our operations or business practices to comply. In addition, if our security and information systems are compromised as a result of data corruption or loss, cyber attack or a network security incident, or if our employees or vendors fail to comply with these laws and regulations or fail to meet industry standards and this information is obtained by unauthorized \n16\npersons or used inappropriately, it could result in liabilities and penalties and could damage our reputation, cause interruption of normal business performance, cause us to incur substantial costs and result in a loss of customer confidence, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, we could be subject to litigation and government enforcement actions as a result of any such failure.\nRisks Relating to the Acquisition of Ruth\u2019s\nThe inability to successfully integrate Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House into our business could harm our ability to achieve the sales growth, cost savings and other benefits we expect to be able to realize in the Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House operations.\nOn June 14, 2023, we completed our acquisition of Ruth\u2019s, owner, operator and franchisor of Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House restaurants. Our integration of the Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House business into our operations is a complex and time-consuming process that may not be successful. The primary areas of focus for successfully combining the business of Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House with our operations may include, among others: retaining and integrating management and other key employees and franchisees; integrating information, communications and other systems; and managing the growth of the combined company.\nEven if we successfully integrate the business of Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House into our operations, there can be no assurance that we will realize the anticipated benefits. We acquired Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House with the expectation that the acquisition would result in various benefits for the combined company including, among others, business and growth opportunities and significant synergies from increased efficiency in purchasing, distribution and other restaurant and corporate support. Increased competition and/or deterioration in business conditions may limit our ability to expand this business. As such, we may not be able to realize the synergies, goodwill, business opportunities and growth prospects anticipated in connection with the acquisition.\nRisks Related to the Restaurant Industry\nWe are subject to a number of risks relating to public policy changes and federal, state and local regulation of our business, including in the areas of environmental matters, minimum wage, employee benefit regulations, unionization, menu labeling, immigration requirements and taxes, and an insufficient or ineffective response to legislation or government regulation may impact our cost structure, operational efficiencies and talent availability. \nThe restaurant industry is subject to extensive federal, state, local and international laws and regulations. The development and operation of restaurants depends to a significant extent on the selection and acquisition of suitable sites, which are subject to building, zoning, land use, environmental, traffic and other regulations and requirements. We are subject to licensing and regulation by state and local authorities relating to health, sanitation, safety and fire standards and the sale of alcoholic beverages. We are subject to laws and regulations relating to the preparation and sale of food, including regulations regarding product safety, nutritional content and menu labeling. We are subject to federal, state, and local laws governing employment practices and working conditions.\u00a0 \u00a0These laws cover minimum wage rates, wage and hour practices, labor relations, paid and family leave, workplace safety, and immigration, among others.\u00a0 The myriad of laws and regulations being passed at the state and local level creates unique challenges for a multi-state employer as different standards apply to different locations, sometimes with conflicting requirements.\u00a0 We must continue to monitor and adapt our employment practices to comply with these various laws and regulations.\u00a0\nWe also are subject to federal and state laws which prohibit discrimination and other laws regulating the design and operation of facilities, such as the ADA. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be costly and increase our exposure to litigation and governmental proceedings, and a failure or perceived failure to comply with these laws could result in negative publicity that could harm our reputation. New or changing laws and regulations relating to union organizing rights and activities may impact our operations at the restaurant level and increase our labor costs. \nWe are subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge, emission and disposal of hazardous materials. There also has been increasing focus by United States and overseas governmental authorities on other environmental matters, such as climate change, the reduction of greenhouse gases and water consumption. This increased focus may lead to new initiatives directed at regulating a yet to be specified array of environmental matters. Legislative, regulatory or other efforts to combat climate change or other environmental concerns could result in future increases in the cost of raw materials, taxes, transportation and utilities, which could decrease our operating profits and necessitate future investments in facilities and equipment.\nWe are subject to laws relating to information security, cashless payments and consumer credit, protection and fraud. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be costly, and any failure or perceived failure to comply with these laws or any breach of our systems could harm our reputation or lead to litigation, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.\n17\nThe impact of current laws and regulations, the effect of future changes in laws or regulations that impose additional requirements and the consequences of litigation relating to current or future laws and regulations, or an insufficient or ineffective response to significant regulatory or public policy issues, could negatively impact our cost structure, operational efficiencies and talent availability, and therefore have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Failure to comply with the laws and regulatory requirements of federal, state and local authorities could result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be costly and can increase our exposure to litigation or governmental investigations or proceedings.\nWe face intense competition, and if we have an insufficient focus on competition and the consumer landscape, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.\nThe full-service dining sector of the restaurant industry is intensely competitive with respect to pricing, service, location, personnel, take-out and delivery options and type and quality of food, and there are many well-established competitors. We compete within each market with national and regional restaurant chains and locally-owned restaurants. We also face growing competition as a result of the trend toward convergence in grocery, deli and restaurant services, particularly in the supermarket industry which offers \u201cconvenient meals\u201d in the form of improved entr\u00e9es, side dishes or meal preparation kits from the deli or prepared foods sections. We compete primarily on the quality, variety and value perception of menu items. The number and location of restaurants, type of brand, quality and efficiency of service, attractiveness of facilities and effectiveness of advertising and marketing programs are also important factors. We anticipate that intense competition will continue with respect to all of these factors. If we are unable to continue to compete effectively, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.\nWe are subject to changes in consumer preferences that may adversely affect demand for food at our restaurants. \nConsumers are continually changing health and dietary preferences. As a result, our diverse portfolio of restaurant brands are continually challenged to evolve our menu offerings to appeal to these changing customer preferences, while maintaining our brand character and retaining popular menu items. During periods of high public health risk such as the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers choose to order food To Go or for delivery rather than dining in at full-service restaurants. If other future public health issues cause these preferences to increase, we may need to further adapt our offerings to respond to these additional changes. New information or changes in dietary, nutritional, allergen or health guidelines or environmental or sustainability concerns, whether issued by government agencies, academic studies, advocacy organizations or similar groups, may cause some groups of consumers to select foods other than those that are offered by our restaurants. If we fail to anticipate changing trends or other consumer preferences, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. \nOur inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media could have a material adverse impact on our business.\n \nThe proliferation and utilization of existing and innovative social media platforms allows individuals and businesses access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons.\u00a0Many social media platforms immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted.\u00a0Information posted on such platforms at any time may be adverse to our interests or may be inaccurate, each of which may harm our performance, prospects, or business.\u00a0\u00a0The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction.\u00a0\u00a0The dissemination of information online could harm our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations, regardless of the information\u2019s accuracy.\n\u00a0\nOur competitors are constantly expanding their use of social media and new social media platforms are rapidly being developed, potentially making more traditional social media platforms obsolete. As a result, we need to continuously innovate and develop our social media strategies in order to maintain broad appeal with guests and brand relevance. As part of our marketing efforts, we rely on social media platforms and search engine marketing to attract and retain guests. We also continue to invest in other digital marketing initiatives that allow us to reach our guests across multiple digital channels and build their awareness of, engagement with, and loyalty to our brands. These initiatives may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without the benefit of higher revenues, increased employee engagement or brand recognition. In addition, a variety of risks are associated with the use of social media, including the improper disclosure of proprietary information, negative comments about us, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, or out-of-date information. The inappropriate use of social media vehicles by our guests or employees could increase our costs, lead to litigation or result in negative publicity that could damage our reputation.\n18\nA failure to identify and execute innovative marketing and guest relationship tactics, ineffective or improper use of other marketing initiatives, and increased advertising and marketing costs could adversely affect our results of operations.\nIf our competitors increase their spending on advertising and promotions, if our advertising, media or marketing expenses increase, if our advertising and promotions become less effective than those of our competitors, or if we do not adequately leverage technology and data analytic capabilities needed to generate concise competitive insight, we could experience a material adverse effect on our results of operations. A failure to sufficiently innovate, develop guest relationship initiatives, or maintain adequate and effective advertising could inhibit our ability to maintain brand relevance and drive increased sales. \nAs part of our marketing efforts, we rely on social media platforms and search engine marketing to attract and retain guests. These initiatives may not be successful, and pose a variety of other risks, as discussed above under the heading: \u201cOur inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media could have a material adverse impact on our business.\u201d\nClimate change, adverse weather conditions and natural disasters could adversely affect our restaurant sales or results of operations.\nThe long-term effects of climate change and global warming will result in more severe, volatile weather or extended droughts, which could increase the frequency and duration of weather impacts on our operations. Adverse weather conditions have in the past and may continue to impact guest traffic at our restaurants, cause the temporary underutilization of outdoor patio seating and, in more severe cases such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires or other natural disasters, cause property damage and temporary closures, sometimes for prolonged periods, which could negatively impact our restaurant sales or costs. Climate change and government regulation relating to climate change, including regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, could result in construction delays and increased costs, interruptions to the availability or increases in the cost of utilities, and shortages or interruptions in the supply or increases to the costs of food items and other supplies. \nRisks Relating to Our Business Model and Strategy\nA majority of our restaurants are operated in leased properties and as a result, we are committed to long-term lease obligations that we may not be able to cancel if we want to close a restaurant location and we may be unable to renew the leases that we may want to extend at the end of their terms.\nAs of May\u00a028, 2023, 1,839 of our 1,914 restaurants operating in the United States and Canada operate in leased locations and the leases are generally non-cancellable for some period of time. If we close a restaurant in a leased location, we may remain committed to perform our obligations under the applicable lease, which would include, among other things, payment of the base rent for the balance of the lease term. Additionally, the potential losses associated with our inability to cancel leases may result in our keeping open restaurant locations that are performing significantly below targeted levels. As a result, ongoing lease obligations at closed or underperforming restaurant locations could impair our results of operations. In addition, at the end of the lease term and expiration of all renewal periods, we may be unable to renew the lease without substantial additional cost, if at all. As a result, we may be required to close or relocate a restaurant, which could subject us to construction and other costs and risks that may have an adverse effect on our operating performance.\nOur inability or failure to execute on a comprehensive business continuity plan following a major natural disaster such as a hurricane or manmade disaster, at our corporate facility could have a materially adverse impact on our business.\nMany of our corporate systems and processes and corporate support for our restaurant operations are centralized at one Florida location.\n\u00a0\nWe have disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans in place to address most events of a crisis nature, including hurricanes and other natural or manmade disasters, and back up and off-site locations for recovery of electronic and other forms of data and information.\u00a0However, if we are unable to fully implement our disaster recovery plans, we may experience delays in recovery of data, inability to perform vital corporate functions, tardiness in required reporting and compliance, failures to adequately support field operations and other breakdowns in normal communication and operating procedures that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and exposure to administrative and other legal claims.\nWe may lose sales or incur increased costs if our restaurants experience shortages, delays or interruptions in the delivery of food and other products from our third party vendors and suppliers.\nWe have a limited number of suppliers and distributors for certain of our products and services. Shortages, delays or interruptions in the supply of food items and other supplies to our restaurants may be caused by severe weather; natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, droughts, wildfires and earthquakes; macroeconomic conditions resulting in disruptions to the shipping and transportation industries; labor issues such as increased costs or worker shortages or other operational disruptions \n19\nat our suppliers, vendors or other service providers; the inability of our vendors or service providers to manage adverse business conditions, obtain credit or remain solvent; or other conditions beyond our control. Such shortages, delays or interruptions could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of the items we buy and the operations of our restaurants. Supply chain disruptions have increased some of our costs and limited the availability of certain products for our restaurants and may continue to do so. If we increase menu prices as a result of increased food costs or remove menu items due to shortages, such responses may negatively impact our sales. If we temporarily close a restaurant or remove popular items from a restaurant\u2019s menu, that restaurant may experience a significant reduction in sales during the time affected by the shortage or thereafter as a result of our guests changing their dining habits.\nOur failure to drive both short-term and long-term profitable sales growth through brand relevance, operating excellence, opening new restaurants of existing brands, and acquiring new restaurant brands could result in poor financial performance.\nAs part of our business strategy, we intend to drive profitable sales growth by increasing same-restaurant sales at existing restaurants, continuing to expand our current portfolio of restaurant brands, and acquiring additional brands that can be expanded profitably. This strategy involves numerous risks, and we may not be able to achieve our growth objectives. \nAt existing brands, we may not be able to maintain brand relevance and restaurant operating excellence to achieve sustainable same-restaurant sales growth and warrant new unit growth. Existing brand short-term sales growth could be impacted if we are unable to drive near term guest count and sales growth, and long-term sales growth could be impacted if we fail to extend our existing brands in ways that are relevant to our guests. A failure to innovate and extend our existing brands in ways that are relevant to guests and occasions in order to generate sustainable same-restaurant traffic growth and produce non-traditional sales and earnings growth opportunities, insufficient focus on our competition, or failure to adequately address declines in the casual dining industry, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to support sustained new unit growth or open all of our planned new restaurants, and the new restaurants that we open may not be profitable or as profitable as our existing restaurants. New restaurants typically experience an adjustment period before sales levels and operating margins normalize, and even sales at successful newly-opened restaurants generally do not make a significant contribution to profitability in their initial months of operation. The opening of new restaurants can also have an adverse effect on guest counts and sales levels at existing restaurants. \nThe ability to open and profitably operate restaurants is subject to various risks, such as the identification and availability of suitable and economically viable locations, the negotiation of acceptable lease or purchase terms for new locations, the need to obtain all required governmental permits (including zoning approvals and liquor licenses) on a timely basis, the need to comply with other regulatory requirements, the availability of necessary contractors and subcontractors, the ability to meet construction schedules and budgets, the ability to manage union activities such as picketing or hand billing which could delay construction, increases in labor and building material costs, supply chain disruptions, the availability of financing at acceptable rates and terms, changes in patterns or severity of weather or other acts of God that could result in construction delays and adversely affect the results of one or more restaurants for an indeterminate amount of time, our ability to hire and train qualified management personnel and general economic and business conditions. At each potential location, we compete with other restaurants and retail businesses for desirable development sites, construction contractors, management personnel, hourly employees and other resources. If we are unable to successfully manage these risks, we could face increased costs and lower than anticipated sales and earnings in future periods.\nWe also may not be able to identify and successfully acquire and integrate additional brands that are as profitable as our existing restaurants or that provide potential for further growth.\nA lack of availability of suitable locations for new restaurants or a decline in the quality of the locations of our current restaurants may adversely affect our sales and results of operations.\nThe success of our restaurants depends in large part on their locations. As demographic and economic patterns change, current locations may not continue to be attractive or profitable. Possible declines in neighborhoods where our restaurants are located or adverse economic conditions in areas surrounding those neighborhoods could result in reduced sales in those locations. In addition, desirable locations for new restaurant openings or for the relocation of existing restaurants may not be available at an acceptable cost when we identify a particular opportunity for a new restaurant or relocation. The occurrence of one or more of these events could have a significant adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.\nWe may experience higher-than-anticipated costs or delays associated with the opening of new restaurants or with the closing, relocating and remodeling of existing restaurants, which may adversely affect our results of operations.\nOur sales and expenses can be impacted significantly by the number and timing of the opening of new restaurants and the closing, relocating and remodeling of existing restaurants. We incur substantial pre-opening expenses each time we open a new \n20\nrestaurant and other expenses when we close, relocate or remodel existing restaurants. The expenses of opening, closing, relocating or remodeling any of our restaurants may be higher than anticipated. Increases in the time to procure or shortages of construction labor and materials and capital equipment, or permitting delays, may impact the time it takes to open new restaurants. An increase in such expenses or delays in the timeline to complete construction could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.\nWe face a variety of risks associated with doing business with franchisees and licensees.\nCertain of our domestic and all of our international locations other than in Canada are operated by franchisees or licensees. We believe that we have selected high-caliber operating partners and franchisees with significant experience in restaurant operations, and we are providing them with training and support. However, the probability of opening, ultimate success and quality of any franchise or licensed restaurant rests principally with the franchisee or licensee. If the franchisee or licensee does not successfully open and operate its restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards, or guests have negative experiences due to issues with food quality or operational execution, our brand values could suffer, which could have an adverse effect on our business.\nWe face a variety of risks associated with doing business with business partners and vendors in foreign markets.\nWe are making efforts to expand our brands overseas through licensing and franchising relationships. There is no assurance that international operations will be profitable or that international growth will continue. Our international operations are subject to all of the same risks associated with our domestic operations, as well as a number of additional risks. These include, among other things, international economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, and differing cultures and consumer preferences. In addition, expansion into international markets could create risks to our brands and reputation. \nWe also are subject to governmental regulations throughout the world that impact the way we do business with our international franchisees and vendors. These include antitrust and tax requirements, anti-boycott regulations, import/export/customs regulations and other international trade regulations, the USA Patriot Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and applicable local law. Failure to comply with any such legal requirements could subject us to monetary liabilities and other sanctions, which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.\nVolatility in the market value of derivatives we may use to hedge exposures to fluctuations in commodity and broader market prices may cause volatility in our gross margins and net earnings.\nWe use or may use derivatives to hedge price risk for some of our principal ingredient, labor and energy costs, including but not limited to coffee, butter, wheat, soybean oil, pork, beef, diesel fuel, gasoline and natural gas. Changes in the values of these derivatives may be recorded in earnings currently, resulting in volatility in both gross margin and net earnings. These gains and losses are reported as a component of cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings included in our consolidated financial statements.\nVolatility in the United States equity markets affects our ability to efficiently hedge exposures to our market risk related to equity-based compensation awards.\nThe equity markets in the United States have experienced recent periods of volatility due to the\u00a0impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical concerns and the unpredictability of the recovery of the United States economy as a result of these factors. Market volatility has contributed to and may continue to contribute to fluctuations in the Company\u2019s stock price. We have equity hedges in place to protect the Company from exposure to market risk related to future payout of equity-based compensation awards. However, because these hedges also net settle on a cash basis quarterly, we have been and may in the future be required to make cash payments at those quarterly settlement dates and the amounts of those payments are difficult to predict during periods of extreme volatility in the equity markets. These cash payments may ultimately be offset by payments to us from the hedge counterparties or reductions in expected payouts to employees when those equity hedges finally fully settle and the related equity awards pay out.\nFailure to protect our service marks or other intellectual property could harm our business.\nWe regard our Olive Garden\n\u00ae\n, LongHorn Steakhouse\n\u00ae\n, Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\n\u00ae\n, Yard House\n\u00ae\n, The Capital Grille\n\u00ae\n, Seasons 52\n\u00ae\n, Bahama Breeze\n\u00ae\n, Eddie V\u2019s Prime Seafood\n\u00ae\n, Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House\n\u00ae\n, The Capital Burger \n\u00ae\n, Darden\n\u00ae \nand Darden Restaurants\n\u00ae \nservice marks, and other service marks and trademarks related to our restaurant businesses, as having significant value and being important to our marketing efforts. We rely on a combination of protections provided by contracts, copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks and other common law rights, such as trade secret and unfair competition laws, to protect our restaurants and services from infringement. We have registered certain trademarks and service marks in the United States and foreign jurisdictions. However, we are aware of names and marks identical or similar to our service marks being used \n21\nfrom time to time by other persons. Although our policy is to oppose any such infringement, further or unknown unauthorized uses or other misappropriation of our trademarks or service marks could diminish the value of our brands and adversely affect our business. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which we have or intend to open or franchise a restaurant. Although we believe we have taken appropriate measures to protect our intellectual property, there can be no assurance that these protections will be adequate, and defending or enforcing our service marks and other intellectual property could result in the expenditure of significant resources.\nGeneral Risks\nLitigation, including allegations of illegal, unfair or inconsistent employment practices, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nOur business is subject to the risk of litigation by employees, guests, suppliers, business partners, shareholders, government agencies or others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation. These actions and proceedings may involve allegations of illegal, unfair or inconsistent employment practices, including wage and hour violations and employment discrimination; guest discrimination; food safety issues including poor food quality, food-borne illness, food tampering, food contamination, and adverse health effects from consumption of various food products or high-calorie foods (including obesity); other personal injury; violation of \u201cdram shop\u201d laws (providing an injured party with recourse against an establishment that serves alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated party who then causes injury to himself or a third party); trademark infringement; violation of the federal securities laws; or other concerns. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to such lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. The cost to defend litigation may be significant. There may also be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could decrease guest acceptance of our brands, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or we ultimately are found liable. Litigation could impact our operations in other ways as well. Allegations of illegal, unfair or inconsistent employment practices, for example, could adversely affect employee acquisition and retention. As a result, litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\nUnfavorable publicity, or a failure to respond effectively to adverse publicity, could harm our reputation and adversely impact our guest counts and sales.\nThe good reputation of our restaurant brands is a key factor in the success of our business. Actual or alleged incidents at any of our restaurants could result in negative publicity that could harm our brands. Even incidents occurring at restaurants operated by our competitors or in the supply chain generally could result in negative publicity that could harm the restaurant industry overall and, indirectly, our own brands. Negative publicity may result from allegations of illegal, unfair or inconsistent employment practices, employee dissatisfaction, guest discrimination, illness, injury, or any of the other matters discussed above that could give rise to litigation. Regardless of whether the allegations or complaints are valid, unfavorable publicity relating to a limited number of our restaurants, or to only a single restaurant, could adversely affect public perception of the entire brand. Negative publicity also may result from health concerns including food safety and flu or virus outbreaks, publication of government or industry findings concerning food products, environmental disasters, crime incidents, data security breaches, scandals involving our employees, or operational problems at our restaurants, all of which could make our brands and menu offerings less appealing to our guests and negatively impact our guest counts and sales. Adverse publicity and its effect on overall consumer perceptions of our brands, or our failure to respond effectively to adverse publicity, could have a material adverse effect on our business.\nDisruptions in the financial and credit markets may adversely impact consumer spending patterns and affect the availability and cost of credit.\nOur ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance our debt and to obtain financing for acquisitions or other general corporate and commercial purposes will depend on our operating and financial performance, which in turn is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors beyond our control. Turmoil in global credit markets could adversely impact the availability of credit already arranged, and the availability and cost of credit in the future. There can be no assurances that we will be able to arrange credit on terms we believe are acceptable or that permit us to finance our business with historical margins. A lack of credit could have an adverse impact on certain of our suppliers, landlords and other tenants in retail centers in which we are located. If these issues occur, they could negatively affect our financial results. Any new disruptions in the financial markets may also adversely affect the U.S. and world economy, which could negatively impact consumer spending patterns. \n22\nImpairment of the carrying value of our goodwill or other intangible assets could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.\nGoodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired companies and the related fair values of net assets acquired. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indication of impairment of goodwill exists. Factors may include, among others: a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. We compute the amount of impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with the carrying amount of that reporting unit. We are required to record a non-cash impairment charge if the testing performed indicates that goodwill has been impaired.\nWe evaluate the useful lives of our other intangible assets, primarily the LongHorn Steakhouse\n\u00ae\n, Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\n\u00ae\n,\n \nThe Capital Grille\n\u00ae\n, Yard House\n\u00ae \nand Eddie V\u2019s Prime Seafood\n\u00ae\n trademarks, to determine if they are definite or indefinite-lived. Reaching a determination on useful life requires significant judgments and assumptions regarding the future effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, other economic factors (such as the stability of the industry, legislative action that results in an uncertain or changing regulatory environment, and expected changes in distribution channels), the level of required maintenance expenditures, and the expected lives of other related groups of assets.\nAs with goodwill, we test our indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily trademarks) for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. We cannot accurately predict the amount and timing of any impairments of these or other assets. Should the value of goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired, there could be an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.\nChanges in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could adversely affect our financial results.\nWe are primarily subject to income and other taxes in the United States. Our effective income tax rate and other taxes in the future could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws or other legislative changes and the outcome of income tax audits. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of a tax audit could have a material effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made. In addition, our effective income tax rate and our results may be impacted by our ability to realize deferred tax benefits and by any increases or decreases of our valuation allowances applied to our existing deferred tax assets. \nFailure of our internal controls over financial reporting and future changes in accounting standards may cause adverse unexpected operating results, affect our reported results of operations or otherwise harm our business and financial results.\nOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that we would prevent or detect a misstatement of our financial statements or fraud. Our growth and acquisition of other restaurant companies with procedures not identical to our own could place significant additional pressure on our system of internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting could limit our ability to report our financial results accurately and timely or to detect and prevent fraud. A significant financial reporting failure or material weakness in internal control over financial reporting could cause a loss of investor confidence and decline in the market price of our common stock, increase our costs, lead to litigation or result in negative publicity that could damage our reputation.\nA change in accounting standards can have a significant effect on our reported results and may affect our reporting of transactions before the change is effective. New pronouncements and varying interpretations of pronouncements have occurred and may occur in the future. Changes to existing accounting rules or the application of current accounting practices may adversely affect our reported financial results. Additionally, our assumptions, estimates and judgments related to complex accounting matters could significantly affect our financial results. Generally accepted accounting principles and related accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations with regard to a wide range of matters that are relevant to our business, including but not limited to, revenue recognition, fair value of investments, impairment of long-lived assets, leases and related economic transactions, derivatives, pension and post-retirement benefits, intangibles, self-insurance, income taxes, property and equipment, unclaimed property laws and litigation, and stock-based compensation are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by us. Changes in these rules or their interpretation or \n23\nchanges in underlying assumptions, estimates or judgments by us could significantly change our reported or expected financial performance.",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\nMANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\nThis discussion and analysis below for Darden Restaurants, Inc. (Darden, the Company, we, us or our) should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related financial statement notes included in Part II of this report under the caption \u201cItem 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\u201d We operate on a 52/53-week fiscal year, which ends on the last Sunday in May. Fiscal 2023, which ended May\u00a028, 2023, and fiscal 2022, which ended May\u00a029, 2022, each consisted of 52 weeks. \nOVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS \nOur business operates in the full-service dining segment of the restaurant industry. At May\u00a028, 2023, we operated 1,914 restaurants through subsidiaries in the United States and Canada under the Olive Garden\n\u00ae\n, LongHorn Steakhouse\n\u00ae\n, Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\n\u00ae\n, Yard House\n\u00ae\n, The Capital Grille\n\u00ae\n, Seasons 52\n\u00ae\n, Bahama Breeze\n\u00ae\n, Eddie V\u2019s Prime Seafood\n\u00ae\n, and The Capital Burger\n\u00ae\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\ntrademarks. We own and operate all of our restaurants in the United States and Canada, except for 2 joint venture restaurants managed by us and 34 franchised restaurants. We also have 35 franchised restaurants in operation located in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.\nCOVID-19 Pandemic and Other Impacts to our Operating Environment\nDuring fiscal 2022, increases in the number of cases of COVID-19 throughout the United States including the Omicron variant which significantly impacted our restaurants in the third quarter, subjected some of our restaurants to COVID-19-related restrictions such as mask and/or vaccine requirements for team members, guests or both.\n \n Along with COVID-19, our operating results were impacted by geopolitical and other macroeconomic events, leading to higher than usual inflation on wages and other cost of goods sold; these events further impacted the availability of team members needed to staff our restaurants and caused additional disruptions in our product supply chain.\nThe ongoing efforts to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants, along with other geopolitical and macroeconomic events, could impact our restaurants through wage inflation, staffing challenges, product cost inflation and disruptions in the supply chain that impact our restaurants\u2019 ability to obtain the products needed to support their operations.\nFiscal 2023 Financial Highlights\n\u2022\nTotal sales increased 8.9 percent to $10.49 billion in fiscal 2023 from $9.63 billion in fiscal 2022 driven by a blended same-restaurant sales increase of 6.8 percent and sales from 47 net new restaurants.\n\u2022\nReported diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations increased to $8.00 in fiscal 2023 from $7.40 in fiscal 2022, a 8.1 percent increase.\n\u2022\nNet earnings from continuing operations increased to $983.5 million in fiscal 2023 from $954.7 million in fiscal 2022, a 3.0 percent increase.\n\u2022\nNet loss from discontinued operations decreased to $1.6 million ($0.01 per diluted share) in fiscal 2023, from $1.9 million ($0.01 per diluted share) in fiscal 2022. When combined with results from continuing operations, our diluted net earnings per share was $7.99 for fiscal 2023 and $7.39 for fiscal 2022. \nOutlook\nOn June 14, 2023, we completed our acquisition of Ruth\u2019s, a Delaware corporation, for $21.50 per share in cash. Ruth\u2019s is the owner, operator and franchisor of Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House restaurants.\nWe expect fiscal 2024 sales from continuing operations to increase between 9.5 percent and 10.5 percent, driven by the addition of the Ruth\u2019s Chris Steak House restaurants to our portfolio, Darden same-restaurant sales growth of 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent, and sales from approximately 50 new restaurant openings. In fiscal 2024, we expect our annual effective tax rate to be 12 percent to 12.5 percent and we expect capital expenditures incurred to build new restaurants, remodel and maintain existing restaurants and technology initiatives to be between $550 million and $600 million.\n27\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR FISCAL 2023 AND 2022\nTo facilitate review of our results of operations, the following table sets forth our financial results for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the consolidated statements of earnings for the fiscal years ended May\u00a028, 2023 and\u00a0May\u00a029, 2022: \nFiscal Year Ended\nPercent Change\n(in millions)\nMay 28, 2023\nMay 29, 2022\n2023 v. 2022\nSales\n$\n10,487.8\u00a0\n$\n9,630.0\u00a0\n8.9%\nCosts and expenses:\nFood and beverage\n3,355.9\u00a0\n2,943.6\u00a0\n14.0%\nRestaurant labor\n3,346.3\u00a0\n3,108.8\u00a0\n7.6%\nRestaurant expenses\n1,702.2\u00a0\n1,582.6\u00a0\n7.6%\nMarketing expenses\n118.3\u00a0\n93.2\u00a0\n26.9%\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n386.1\u00a0\n373.2\u00a0\n3.5%\nDepreciation and amortization\n387.8\u00a0\n368.4\u00a0\n5.3%\nImpairments and disposal of assets, net\n(10.6)\n(2.0)\nNM\nTotal operating costs and expenses\n$\n9,286.0\u00a0\n$\n8,467.8\u00a0\n9.7%\nOperating income\n$\n1,201.8\u00a0\n$\n1,162.2\u00a0\n3.4%\nInterest, net\n81.3\u00a0\n68.7\u00a0\n18.3%\nEarnings before income taxes\n$\n1,120.5\u00a0\n$\n1,093.5\u00a0\n2.5%\nIncome tax expense (1)\n137.0\u00a0\n138.8\u00a0\n(1.3)%\nEarnings from continuing operations\n$\n983.5\u00a0\n$\n954.7\u00a0\n3.0%\nLosses from discontinued operations, net of tax\n(1.6)\n(1.9)\n(15.8)%\nNet earnings\n$\n981.9\u00a0\n$\n952.8\u00a0\n3.1%\n(1) Effective tax rate\n12.2\u00a0\n%\n12.7\u00a0\n%\nNM- Percentage change not considered meaningful.\n28\nThe following table details the number of company-owned restaurants currently reported in continuing operations, compared with the number open at the end of fiscal 2022:\nMay 28, 2023\nMay 29, 2022\nOlive Garden\n905\u00a0\n884\u00a0\nLongHorn Steakhouse\n562\u00a0\n546\u00a0\nCheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen\n180\u00a0\n172\u00a0\nYard House\n86\u00a0\n85\u00a0\nThe Capital Grille\n62\u00a0\n62\u00a0\nSeasons 52\n44\u00a0\n45\u00a0\nBahama Breeze\n42\u00a0\n42\u00a0\nEddie V\u2019s\n \n29\u00a0\n28\u00a0\nThe Capital Burger\n4\u00a0\n3\u00a0\nTotal\n1,914\u00a0\n1,867\u00a0\nSALES \nThe following table presents our company-owned restaurant sales, U.S. same-restaurant sales (SRS) and average annual sales per restaurant by segment for the periods indicated:\nSales\nAverage Annual Sales per Restaurant (2)\nFiscal Year Ended\nPercent Change\nFiscal Year Ended\n(in millions)\nMay 28, 2023\nMay 29, 2022\nSRS (1)\nMay 28, 2023\nMay 29, 2022\nOlive Garden\n$\n4,877.8\u00a0\n$\n4,503.9\u00a0\n8.3\u00a0\n%\n6.7\u00a0\n%\n$\n5.5\u00a0\n$\n5.1\u00a0\nLongHorn Steakhouse\n$\n2,612.3\u00a0\n$\n2,374.3\u00a0\n10.0\u00a0\n%\n7.4\u00a0\n%\n$\n4.7\u00a0\n$\n4.4\u00a0\nFine Dining\n$\n830.8\u00a0\n$\n776.2\u00a0\n7.0\u00a0\n%\n5.7\u00a0\n%\n$\n9.2\u00a0\n$\n8.8\u00a0\nOther Business\n$\n2,166.9\u00a0\n$\n1,975.6\u00a0\n9.7\u00a0\n%\n7.0\u00a0\n%\n$\n6.0\u00a0\n$\n5.7\u00a0\n$\n10,487.8\u00a0\n$\n9,630.0\u00a0\n(1)\nSame-restaurant sales is a year-over-year comparison of each period\u2019s sales volumes for a 52-week year and is limited to restaurants that have been open, and operated by Darden, for at least 16 months.\n(2)\nAverage annual sales are calculated as sales divided by total restaurant operating weeks multiplied by 52 weeks; excludes franchise locations.\nOlive Garden\u2019s sales increase for fiscal 2023 was primarily driven by a U.S. same-restaurant sales increase combined with revenue from new restaurants. The increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales in fiscal 2023 resulted from an 8.4 percent increase in average check, partially offset by a 1.6 percent decrease in same-restaurant guest counts. \nLongHorn Steakhouse\u2019s sales increase for fiscal 2023 was driven by a same-restaurant sales increase combined with revenue from new restaurants. The increase in same-restaurant sales in fiscal 2023 resulted from a 1.2 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts combined with a 6.1 percent increase in average check. \nFine Dining\u2019s sales increase for fiscal 2023 was driven by a same-restaurant sales increase combined with revenue from new restaurants. The increase in same-restaurant sales in fiscal 2023 resulted from a 0.5 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts combined with a 5.1 percent increase in average check. \nOther Business\u2019s sales increase for fiscal 2023 was driven by a same-restaurant sales increase combined with revenue from new restaurants. The increase in same-restaurant sales in fiscal 2023 resulted from a 0.6 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts combined with a 6.4 percent increase in average check. \nCOSTS AND EXPENSES \nThe following table sets forth selected operating data as a percent of sales from continuing operations for the periods indicated. This information is derived from the consolidated statements of earnings for the fiscal years ended May\u00a028, 2023 and\u00a0May\u00a029, 2022.\n29\nFiscal Year Ended\nMay 28, 2023\nMay 29, 2022\nSales\n100.0\u00a0\n%\n100.0\u00a0\n%\nCosts and expenses:\nFood and beverage\n32.0\u00a0\n30.6\u00a0\nRestaurant labor\n31.9\u00a0\n32.3\u00a0\nRestaurant expenses\n16.2\u00a0\n16.4\u00a0\nMarketing expenses\n1.1\u00a0\n1.0\u00a0\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n3.7\u00a0\n3.9\u00a0\nDepreciation and amortization\n3.7\u00a0\n3.8\u00a0\nImpairments and disposal of assets, net\n(0.1)\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal operating costs and expenses\n88.5\u00a0\n%\n87.9\u00a0\n%\nOperating income\n11.5\u00a0\n%\n12.1\u00a0\n%\nInterest, net\n0.8\u00a0\n0.7\u00a0\nEarnings before income taxes\n10.7\u00a0\n%\n11.4\u00a0\n%\nIncome tax expense (benefit)\n1.3\u00a0\n1.4\u00a0\nEarnings from continuing operations\n9.4\u00a0\n%\n9.9\u00a0\n%\nTotal operating costs and expenses from continuing operations were $9.29 billion in fiscal 2023 and $8.47 billion in fiscal 2022. \nFiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022: \n\u2022\nFood and beverage costs increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 3.0% impact from inflation and a 0.8% impact from menu mix, partially offset by a 2.3% impact from pricing and other changes.\n\u2022\nRestaurant labor costs decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.5% impact from sales leverage and a 1.2% impact from increased productivity, partially offset by a 2.3% impact from inflation.\n\u2022\nRestaurant expenses decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.0% impact from pricing leverage, partially offset by a 0.3% impact from utility cost inflation, 0.2% impact from repairs and maintenance inflation, and 0.3% of inflation on other restaurant expenses.\n\u2022\nMarketing expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to increased marketing and media.\n\u2022\nGeneral and administrative expenses decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 0.3% impact from sales leverage.\n\u2022\nDepreciation and amortization expenses decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to sales leverage.\n\u2022\nImpairments and disposal of assets, net decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to gains recognized on the sale of five properties.\nINCOME TAXES \n The effective income tax rates for fiscal 2023 and 2022 for continuing operations were 12.2 percent and 12.7 percent, respectively. During fiscal 2023, we had income tax expense of $137.0 million on earnings before income tax of $1.12 billion compared to income tax expense of $138.8 million on earnings before income taxes of $1.09 billion in fiscal 2022. This change was primarily driven by the impact of federal tax credits.\nThe Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was enacted on August 16, 2022. The IRA includes provisions imposing a 1 percent excise tax on share repurchases that occur after December 31, 2022 and introduces a 15 percent corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) on adjusted financial statement income. The IRA excise tax and the CAMT are immaterial to our financial statements.\nNET EARNINGS AND NET EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS \nNet earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2023 were $983.5 million ($8.00 per diluted share) compared with net earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2022 of $954.7 million ($7.40 per diluted share). \n30\nNet earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2023 increased 3.0 percent and diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations increased 8.1 percent compared with fiscal 2022.\nLOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS \nOn an after-tax basis, results from discontinued operations for fiscal 2023 were a net loss of $1.6 million ($0.01 per diluted share) compared with a net loss for fiscal 2022 of $1.9 million ($0.01 per diluted share).\nSEGMENT RESULTS\nWe manage our restaurant brands, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V\u2019s and The Capital Burger in the U.S. and Canada as operating segments. We aggregate our operating segments into reportable segments based on a combination of the size, economic characteristics and sub-segment of full-service dining within which each brand operates. Our four reportable segments are: (1) Olive Garden, (2) LongHorn Steakhouse, (3) Fine Dining and (4) Other Business. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8 of this report) for further details.\nOur management uses segment profit as the measure for assessing performance of our segments. The following table presents segment profit margin for the periods indicated:\nFiscal Year Ended\nChange\nSegment\nMay 28, 2023\nMay 29, 2022\n2023 vs 2022\nOlive Garden\n21.0%\n22.1%\n(110)\nBP\nLongHorn Steakhouse\n16.5%\n17.6%\n(110)\nBP\nFine Dining\n19.1%\n21.3%\n(220)\nBP\nOther Business\n13.9%\n15.2%\n(130)\nBP\nThe decrease in the Olive Garden segment profit margin for fiscal 2023 was driven primarily by higher food and beverage and marketing costs, offset by lower restaurant expenses, restaurant labor, and positive same-restaurant sales. The decrease in the LongHorn Steakhouse segment profit margin for fiscal 2023 was driven primarily by higher food and beverage costs, partially offset by lower restaurant labor and positive same-restaurant sales. The decrease in the Fine Dining segment profit margin for fiscal 2023 was driven primarily by higher food and beverage costs, restaurant labor, and restaurant expenses, partially offset by positive same-restaurant sales. The decrease in the Other Business segment profit margin for fiscal 2023 was driven primarily by higher food and beverage costs and restaurant labor, partially offset by positive same-restaurant sales.\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR FISCAL 2022 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2021\nFor a comparison of our results of operations for the fiscal years ended May\u00a029, 2022 and May\u00a030, 2021, see \u201cPart II, Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May\u00a029, 2022, filed with the SEC on July 22, 2022.\nSEASONALITY \nOur sales volumes have historically fluctuated seasonally. Typically, our average sales per restaurant are highest in the winter and spring, followed by the summer, and lowest in the fall. Holidays, changes in the economy, severe weather and similar conditions may impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions. Because of the historical seasonality of our business and these other factors, results for any fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.\nIMPACT OF INFLATION \nWe attempt to minimize the annual effects of inflation through appropriate planning, operating practices and menu price increases. We are currently operating in a period of higher than usual inflation, led by food and beverage cost and labor inflation. Food and beverage inflation is principally due to increased costs incurred by our vendors related to higher labor, transportation, packaging, and raw materials costs. Some of the impacts of the inflation have been offset by menu price increases and other adjustments made during the year. Whether we are able and/or choose to continue to offset the effects of inflation will determine to what extent, if any, inflation affects our restaurant profitability in future periods.\n31\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES\nWe prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. \nOur significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8 of this report). Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. We consider the following estimates to be most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our consolidated financial statements. \nLeases \nWe evaluate our leases at their inception to estimate their expected term, which commences on the date when we have the right to control the use of the leased property and includes the non-cancelable base term plus all option periods we are reasonably certain to exercise. Our judgment in determining the appropriate expected term and discount rate for each lease affects our evaluation of: \n\u2022\nThe classification and accounting for leases as operating versus finance; \n\u2022\nThe rent holidays and escalation in payments that are included in the calculation of the lease liability and related right-of-use asset; and\n\u2022\nThe term over which leasehold improvements for each restaurant facility are amortized. \nThese judgments may produce materially different amounts of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognized on our consolidated balance sheets, as well as depreciation, amortization, interest and rent expense recognized in our consolidated statements of earnings if different discount rates and expected lease terms were used. \nValuation of Long-Lived Assets \nLand, buildings and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets and certain other assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; changes in expected useful life; unanticipated competition; slower growth rates, ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, or changes in the usage or operating performance. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Based on a review of operating results for each of our restaurants, given the current operating environment, the amount of net book value associated with lower performing restaurants that would be deemed at risk for impairment is not material to our consolidated financial statements.\nValuation and Recoverability of Goodwill and Trademarks \n We have nine reporting units, six of which have goodwill and seven of which have trademarks. Goodwill and trademarks are not subject to amortization and goodwill has been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. The reporting units are our restaurant brands. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We review our goodwill and trademarks for impairment annually, as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.\nWe estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using the best information available, including market information (also referred to as the market approach) and discounted cash flow projections (also referred to as the income approach). A market approach estimates fair value by applying sales or cash flow multiples to the reporting unit\u2019s operating performance. The multiples are derived from observable market data of comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics of the reporting units. The income approach uses a reporting unit\u2019s projection of estimated operating cash flows which are based on a combination of historical and current trends, organic growth expectations, and residual growth rate assumptions. These cash flows are discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital (WACC) that reflects current market conditions. We recognize a goodwill impairment loss when the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value.\nWe estimate the fair value of trademarks using the relief-from-royalty method, which requires assumptions related to projected sales from the reporting unit\u2019s projection of estimated operating cash flows; assumed royalty rates that could be payable \n32\nif we did not own the trademarks; and a discount rate based on an adjusted estimated WACC for each business unit. We recognize an impairment loss when the estimated fair value of the trademark is less than its carrying value.\nWe performed our annual impairment test of our goodwill and trademarks as of February 27, 2023 which was the first day of our fiscal 2023 fourth quarter. As of February 27, 2023, no impairment of goodwill or trademarks was indicated based on our testing. \nIf our assessment resulted in an impairment of our assets, including goodwill or trademarks, our financial position and results of operations would be adversely affected and our leverage ratio for purposes of our revolving credit agreement (Revolving Credit Agreement) would increase. A leverage ratio exceeding the maximum permitted under our Revolving Credit Agreement would be a default under our Revolving Credit Agreement. At May 28, 2023, additional write-downs of goodwill, other indefinite-lived intangible assets, or any other assets in excess of approximately $1.01 billion would have been required to cause our leverage ratio to exceed the permitted maximum. As our leverage ratio is determined on a quarterly basis, and due to the seasonal nature of our business, a lesser amount of impairment in future quarters could cause our leverage ratio to exceed the permitted maximum. \nUnearned Revenues \nUnearned revenues primarily represent our liability for gift cards that have been sold but not yet redeemed. The estimated value of gift cards expected to remain unused is recognized over the expected period of redemption as the remaining gift card values are redeemed, generally over a period of 12 years. Utilizing this method, we estimate both the amount of breakage and the time period of redemption. If actual redemption patterns vary from our estimates, actual gift card breakage income may differ from the amounts recorded. We update our estimates of our redemption period and our breakage rate periodically and apply that rate to gift card redemptions on a prospective basis. Changing our breakage-rate estimates by 50 basis points would have resulted in an adjustment in our breakage income of approximately $3.3 million for\u00a0fiscal 2023.\nIncome Taxes \nWe estimate certain components of our provision for income taxes. These estimates include, among other items, depreciation and amortization expense allowable for tax purposes, allowable tax credits for items such as taxes paid on reported employee tip income, effective rates for state and local income taxes and the tax deductibility of certain other items. We adjust our annual effective income tax rate as additional information on outcomes or events becomes available. \nAssessment of uncertain tax positions requires judgments relating to the amounts, timing and likelihood of resolution. As described in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8 of this report), the $23.0 million balance of unrecognized tax benefits at May\u00a028, 2023, includes $7.8 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could change during the next 12 months based on the outcome of examinations. Of the $7.8 million, $5.7\u00a0million relates to items that would impact our effective income tax rate. \nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES \nTypically, cash flows generated from operating activities are our principal source of liquidity, which we use to finance capital expenditures for new restaurants and to remodel and maintain existing restaurants, to pay dividends to our shareholders and to repurchase shares of our common stock. Since substantially all of our sales are for cash and cash equivalents, and accounts payable are generally paid in 5 to 90 days, we are typically able to carry current liabilities in excess of current assets. \nWe currently manage our business and financial ratios to target an investment-grade bond rating, which has historically allowed flexible access to financing at reasonable costs. Our publicly issued long-term debt currently carries the following ratings:\n\u2022\nMoody\u2019s Investors Service \u201cBaa2\u201d; \n\u2022\nStandard\u00a0& Poor\u2019s \u201cBBB\u201d; and\n\u2022\nFitch \u201cBBB\u201d. \nOur commercial paper has ratings of:\n\u2022\nMoody\u2019s Investors Service \u201cP-2\u201d; \n\u2022\nStandard\u00a0& Poor\u2019s \u201cA-2\u201d; and \n\u2022\nFitch \u201cF-2\u201d.\nThese ratings are as of the date of the filing of this report and have been obtained with the understanding that Moody\u2019s Investors Service, Standard\u00a0& Poor\u2019s and Fitch will continue to monitor our credit and make future adjustments to these ratings to the extent warranted. The ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our securities, may be changed, superseded or withdrawn at any time and should be evaluated independently of any other rating.\n33\nOn September 10, 2021, we entered into a $1\u00a0billion Revolving Credit Agreement (Revolving Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A. (BOA), as administrative agent, and the lenders and other agents party thereto. The Revolving Credit Agreement is a senior unsecured credit commitment to the Company and contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on liens and subsidiary debt and a maximum consolidated lease adjusted total debt to total capitalization ratio of 0.75 to 1.00) and events of default usual for credit facilities of this type. The Revolving Credit Agreement replaced our prior $750.0\u00a0million revolving credit agreement, dated as of October 27, 2017 and amended as of March 25, 2020.\n \nAs of May\u00a028, 2023, we had no outstanding balances and we were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement.\nThe Revolving Credit Agreement matures on September 10, 2026, and the proceeds may be used for working capital and capital expenditures, the refinancing of certain indebtedness, certain acquisitions and general corporate purposes.\n \nDuring fiscal 2023, loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement bore interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin determined by reference to a ratings-based pricing grid (Applicable Margin), or the base rate (which is defined as the highest of the BOA prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.500 percent, and the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00 percent) plus the Applicable Margin. Assuming a \u201cBBB\u201d equivalent credit rating level, the Applicable Margin under the Revolving Credit Agreement would have been 1.000 percent for LIBOR loans and 0.000 percent for base rate loans. \nEffective May 31, 2023, we entered into an amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement (the \u201cAmendment\u201d.) Pursuant to the terms of the Amendment, the Company, the administrative agent and the lenders have agreed to replace the LIBOR-based interest rate applicable to borrowings under the Credit Agreement with a Term SOFR-based interest rate in advance of the cessation of LIBOR, and make certain other conforming changes. All other material terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement were unchanged. Effective May 31, 2023, loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate of (a) Term SOFR (which is defined, for the applicable interest period, as the Term SOFR Screen Rate two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such interest period with a term equivalent to such interest period) plus a Term SOFR adjustment of 0.10 percent plus the relevant margin determined by reference to a ratings-based pricing grid (Applicable Margin), or (b) the base rate (which is defined as the highest of the BOA prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.500 percent, and the Term SOFR plus 1.00 percent) plus the relevant Applicable Margin. Assuming a \u201cBBB\u201d equivalent credit rating level, the Applicable Margin under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be 1.00 percent for Term SOFR loans and 0.00 percent for base rate loans.\nAlso on May 31, 2023, the Company entered into a senior unsecured $600 million 3-year Term Loan Credit Agreement (Term Loan Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, the lenders and other agents party thereto, the material terms of which are consistent with the Credit Agreement, as amended. The Term Loan Agreement provided for a single borrowing on any business day up to 90 days after May 31, 2023, and matures on the third anniversary of the funding date thereunder, June 14, 2023. \nOn June 14, 2023, we completed the acquisition of Ruth\u2019s. We borrowed $600 million under the Term Loan Agreement to fund a portion of the approximately $715 million in consideration paid in connection with our acquisition of Ruth\u2019s.\nAs of May\u00a028, 2023, our outstanding long-term debt consisted principally of:\n\u2022\n$500.0 million of unsecured 3.850 percent senior notes due in May 2027;\n\u2022\n$96.3 million of unsecured 6.000 percent senior notes due in August 2035;\n\u2022\n$42.8 million of unsecured 6.800 percent senior notes due in October 2037; and\n\u2022\n$300.0 million of unsecured 4.550 percent senior notes due in February 2048.\nThe interest rate on our $42.8 million 6.800 percent senior notes due October 2037 is subject to adjustment from time to time if the debt rating assigned to such series of notes is downgraded below a certain rating level (or subsequently upgraded). The maximum adjustment is 2.000 percent above the initial interest rate and the interest rate cannot be reduced below the initial interest rate. As of May\u00a028, 2023, no such adjustments are made to this rate. \nThrough our shelf registration statement on file with the SEC, depending on conditions prevailing in the public capital markets, we may from time to time issue equity securities or unsecured debt securities in one or more series, which may consist of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more offerings. \nFrom time to time, we or our affiliates, may repurchase our outstanding debt in privately negotiated transactions, open-market transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.\n34\nFrom time to time, we enter into interest rate derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk inherent in our operations. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8 of this report). \nA summary of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments at May\u00a028, 2023, is as follows: \n(in millions)\nPayments Due by Period\nContractual Obligations\nTotal\nLess Than \n1 Year\n1-3 \nYears\n3-5 \nYears\nMore\u00a0Than \n5 Years\nLong-term debt (1)\n$\n1,471.7\u00a0\n$\n41.6\u00a0\n$\n83.2\u00a0\n$\n563.9\u00a0\n$\n783.0\u00a0\nLeases (2)\n3,039.1\u00a0\n441.3\u00a0\n836.6\u00a0\n720.6\u00a0\n1,040.6\u00a0\nPurchase obligations (3)\n697.7\u00a0\n654.7\u00a0\n41.1\u00a0\n1.9\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nBenefit obligations (4)\n383.7\u00a0\n32.5\u00a0\n68.3\u00a0\n73.2\u00a0\n209.7\u00a0\nUnrecognized income tax benefits (5)\n25.6\u00a0\n9.6\u00a0\n3.6\u00a0\n12.4\u00a0\n\u2014\u00a0\nTotal contractual obligations\n$\n5,617.8\u00a0\n$\n1,179.7\u00a0\n$\n1,032.8\u00a0\n$\n1,372.0\u00a0\n$\n2,033.3\u00a0\n(in millions)\nAmount of Commitment Expiration per Period\nOther Commercial Commitments\nTotal \nAmounts \nCommitted\nLess Than \n1 Year\n1-3 \nYears\n3-5 \nYears\nMore Than \n5 Years\nStandby letters of credit (6)\n$\n100.6\u00a0\n$\n100.6\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\n$\n\u2014\u00a0\nGuarantees (7)\n82.0\u00a0\n28.5\u00a0\n35.9\u00a0\n13.3\u00a0\n4.3\u00a0\nTotal commercial commitments\n$\n182.6\u00a0\n$\n129.1\u00a0\n$\n35.9\u00a0\n$\n13.3\u00a0\n$\n4.3\u00a0\n(1)\nIncludes interest payments associated with existing long-term debt. Excludes discount and issuance costs of $8.8 million. \n(2)\nIncludes non-cancelable future operating lease and finance lease commitments. \n(3)\nIncludes commitments for food and beverage items and supplies, capital projects, information technology and other miscellaneous items.\n(4)\nIncludes expected contributions associated with our supplemental defined benefit pension plan and payments associated with our postretirement benefit plan and our non-qualified deferred compensation plan through fiscal 2033.\n(5)\nIncludes interest on unrecognized income tax benefits of $2.7 million, $1.8 million of which relates to contingencies expected to be resolved within one year.\n(6)\nIncludes letters of credit for $85.3 million of workers\u2019 compensation and general liabilities accrued in our consolidated financial statements and letters of credit for $15.2 million of surety bonds related to other payments. \n(7)\nConsists solely of guarantees associated with leased properties that have been assigned to third parties and are primarily related to the disposition of Red Lobster in fiscal 2015.\n35\nOur adjusted debt to adjusted total capital ratio was 62 percent and 61 percent as of May\u00a028, 2023 and May\u00a029, 2022, respectively. Based on these ratios, we believe our financial condition is strong. We include the lease-debt equivalent and contractual lease guarantees in our adjusted debt to adjusted total capital ratio reported to shareholders, as we believe its inclusion better represents the optimal capital structure that we target from period to period and because it is consistent with the calculation of the covenant under our Revolving Credit Agreement. For fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, the lease-debt equivalent includes 6.00 times the total annual minimum rent for consolidated lease obligations of $424.3 million and $409.8 million, respectively. The composition of our capital structure is shown in the following table: \n(in millions, except ratios)\nMay 28, 2023\nMay 29, 2022\nCAPITAL STRUCTURE\nLong-term debt, excluding unamortized discount and issuance costs and fair value hedge\n939.1\u00a0\n939.1\u00a0\nTotal debt\n$\n939.1\u00a0\n$\n939.1\u00a0\nStockholders\u2019 equity\n2,201.5\u00a0\n2,198.2\u00a0\nTotal capital\n$\n3,140.6\u00a0\n$\n3,137.3\u00a0\nCALCULATION OF ADJUSTED CAPITAL\nTotal debt\n$\n939.1\u00a0\n$\n939.1\u00a0\nLease-debt equivalent\n2,545.8\u00a0\n2,459.0\u00a0\nGuarantees\n82.0\u00a0\n101.0\u00a0\nAdjusted debt\n$\n3,566.9\u00a0\n$\n3,499.1\u00a0\nStockholders\u2019 equity\n2,201.5\u00a0\n2,198.2\u00a0\nAdjusted total capital\n$\n5,768.4\u00a0\n$\n5,697.3\u00a0\nCAPITAL STRUCTURE RATIOS\nDebt to total capital ratio\n30\u00a0\n%\n30\u00a0\n%\nAdjusted debt to adjusted total capital ratio\n62\u00a0\n%\n61\u00a0\n%\nNet cash flows provided by operating activities from continuing operations were $1.55 billion and $1.26 billion in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash flows provided by operating activities include net earnings from continuing operations of $983.5 million in fiscal 2023 and $954.7 million in fiscal 2022. Net cash flows provided by operating activities from continuing operations increased in fiscal 2023 primarily due to changes in working capital and higher net earnings from continuing operations.\nNet cash flows used in investing activities from continuing operations were $568.4 million and $389.0 million in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Capital expenditures incurred principally for building new restaurants, remodeling existing restaurants, replacing equipment, and technology initiatives were $564.9 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $376.9 million in fiscal 2022.\nNet cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations were $1.03 billion and $1.61 billion in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash flows used in financing activities in fiscal 2023 included dividend payments of $589.8 million and share repurchases of $458.7 million, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options. Net cash flows used in financing activities in fiscal 2022 included dividend payments of $563.0 million and share repurchases of $1.07 billion, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options.\nOur defined benefit and other postretirement benefit costs and liabilities are determined using various actuarial assumptions and methodologies prescribed under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits and Topic 712, Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits. We expect to contribute approximately $0.4 million to our supplemental defined benefit pension plan and approximately $1.6 million to our postretirement benefit plan during fiscal 2024. \nWe are not aware of any trends or events that would materially affect our capital requirements or liquidity. We believe that our internal cash-generating capabilities, the potential issuance of equity or unsecured debt securities under our shelf registration statement and short-term commercial paper or drawings under our Revolving Credit Agreement should be sufficient to finance our capital expenditures, debt maturities and other operating activities through fiscal 2024. \n36\nOFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS \nWe are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. \nFINANCIAL CONDITION \nOur total current assets were $997.7 million at May\u00a028, 2023, compared with $1.18 billion at May\u00a029, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in prepaid income taxes and cash and cash equivalents.\nOur total current liabilities were $1.94 billion at May\u00a028, 2023 and $1.85 billion at May\u00a029, 2022. The increase was primarily due to increases in accounts payable and other current liabilities.\nAPPLICATION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS \nSee Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8 of this report) for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\nWe are exposed to a variety of market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, compensation and commodity prices. To manage this exposure, we periodically enter into interest rate, foreign currency exchange instruments, equity forward and commodity derivative instruments for other than trading purposes. See Notes 1 and 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8 of this report). \nWe use the variance/covariance method to measure value at risk, over time horizons ranging from one week to one year, at the 95 percent confidence level. At May\u00a028, 2023, our potential losses in future net earnings resulting from changes in equity forwards, commodity instruments and floating rate debt interest rate exposures were approximately $75.0 million over a period of one year. The value at risk from an increase in the fair value of all of our long-term fixed-rate debt, over a period of one year, was approximately $79.7 million. The fair value of our long-term fixed-rate debt outstanding as of May\u00a028, 2023, averaged $857.3 million, with a high of $893.7 million and a low of $798.0 million during fiscal 2023. Our interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows by targeting an appropriate mix of variable and fixed-rate debt. \n37",
+ "cik": "940944",
+ "cusip6": "237194",
+ "cusip": ["237194105", "237194955", "237194905"],
+ "names": ["DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC", "Darden Restaurants"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/940944/000094094423000037/0000940944-23-000037-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-026915.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-026915.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..477f57ca48
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-026915.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\n \nBusiness\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGraham Corporation (\"we,\" \"us,\" \"our\" or the \"Company\") is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries. For the defense industry, our equipment is used in nuclear and non-nuclear propulsion, power, fluid transfer, and thermal management systems. For the space industry our equipment is used in propulsion, power and energy management systems and for life support systems. We supply equipment for vacuum, heat transfer and fluid transfer applications used in energy and new energy markets including oil refining, cogeneration, and multiple alternative and clean power applications including hydrogen. For the chemical and petrochemical industries, our heat transfer equipment is used in fertilizer, ethylene, methanol and downstream chemical facilities.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur corporate headquarters is located with our production facilities in Batavia, New York, where surface condensers and ejectors are designed, engineered, and manufactured. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Barber-Nichols, LLC (\"BN\"), based in Arvada, Colorado, designs, develops and manufactures specialty turbomachinery products for the aerospace, cryogenic, defense and energy markets (see \"Acquisition\" below). We also have wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries, Graham Vacuum and Heat Transfer Technology Co., Ltd. (\"GVHTT\"), located in Suzhou, China and Graham India Private Limited (\"GIPL\"), located in Ahmedabad, India. GVHTT provides sales and engineering support for us in the People's Republic of China and management oversight throughout Southeast Asia. GIPL serves as a sales and market development office focusing on the refining, petrochemical and fertilizer markets in India and the Middle East.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe were incorporated in Delaware in 1983 and are the successor to Graham Manufacturing Co., Inc., which was incorporated in New York in 1936. Our stock is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol \"GHM\".\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur fiscal year ends on March 31 of each year. We refer to our fiscal year, which ended March 31, 2023, as fiscal 2023. Likewise, we refer to our fiscal years that ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 as fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAcquisition\n \n- On June 1, 2021, we acquired BN, a privately-owned designer and manufacturer of turbomachinery products for the aerospace, cryogenic, defense and energy markets located in Arvada, Colorado. We believe that this acquisition furthered our growth strategy through market and product diversification, broadened our offerings to the defense and energy markets, and strengthened our presence in the defense sector. The purchase price of $72,014 was comprised of shares of common stock, representing a value of $8,964, cash consideration of $61,150 and a contingent earn-out. A total of $93,121 of assets were acquired including goodwill of $23,523 and other intangibles of $32,500.\n\n\nOur Products, Customers and Markets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\tWe manufacture critical, custom-engineered products with high quality and reliability including:\n\n\n\u2022\nDefense \n\n\n\uf0be\nPower plant systems\n - ejectors, surface condensers\n\n\n\uf0be\nTorpedo ejection, propulsion & power systems\n - turbines, alternators, regulators, pumps, blowers\n\n\n\uf0be\nThermal management systems\n - pumps, blowers, drive electronics\n\n\n\u2022\nSpace\n\n\n\uf0be\nRocket propulsion systems\n - turbopumps, fuel pumps\n\n\n\uf0be\nCooling systems\n - pumps, compressors, fans, blowers\n\n\n\uf0be\nLife support systems\n - fans, pumps, blowers\n\n\n\u2022\nEnergy\n\n\n\uf0be\nHeat transfer & vacuum systems\n - ejectors, process condensers, surface condensers, liquid ring pumps, heat exchangers, nozzles\n\n\n\uf0be\nPower generation systems\n - turbines, generators, compressors, pumps\n\n\n\uf0be\nThermal management systems\n - pumps, blowers, electronics\n\n\n\u2022\nChemical and Petrochemical Processing\n\n\n\uf0be\nHeat transfer & vacuum systems\n - ejectors, process condensers, surface condensers, liquid ring pumps, heat exchangers, nozzles\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur products are used in a wide range of applications, including:\n\n\n3\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nDefense \n\n\n\uf0be\nAircraft carrier program (CVN)\n\n\n\uf0be\nVirginia fast-attack submarine program (SSN)\n\n\n\uf0be\nColumbia and Ohio ballistic submarine program (SSBN)\n\n\n\uf0be\nU.S. Navy torpedoes\n\n\n\uf0be\nRefueling and overhaul replacement equipment\n\n\n\u2022\nSpace\n\n\n\uf0be\nNASA xEMU next-generation space suit and commercial derivatives\n\n\n\uf0be\nRelativity Space's Aeon program\n\n\n\uf0be\nVarious commercial space propulsion, fluid and heat transfer applications\n\n\n\u2022\nEnergy\n\n\n\uf0be\nconventional oil refining\n\n\n\uf0be\noil sands extraction and upgrading\n\n\n\uf0be\nethanol plants\n\n\n\uf0be\ncogeneration power plants\n\n\n\uf0be\ngeothermal and biomass power plants\n\n\n\uf0be\nconcentrated solar power\n\n\n\uf0be\nmolten salt reactor development\n\n\n\uf0be\nsmall modular nuclear reactor development\n\n\n\uf0be\nhydrogen fuel cell power\n\n\n\uf0be\nzero-emission aviation\n\n\n\u2022\nChemical and Petrochemical Processing\n\n\n\uf0be\nethylene, methanol and nitrogen producing plants \n\n\n\uf0be\nurea and fertilizer plants\n\n\n\uf0be\nplastics, resins and fibers plants\n\n\n\uf0be\ndownstream petrochemical plants\n\n\n\uf0be\ncoal-to-chemicals plants\n\n\n\uf0be\ngas-to-liquids plants\n\n\n \n\n\n\u2022\nCryogenic Fluid Processes\n\n\n\uf0be\nsuperconducting cable and magnet cooling\n\n\n\uf0be\nspace simulation chambers\n\n\n\uf0be\nhydrogen production, transportation, distribution, fueling\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\tOur principal customers include tier one and tier two suppliers to the defense and aerospace industry, refineries, petrochemical plants, large engineering companies that build installations for companies in the energy and process industries (or Engineering Procurement Contractors (\u201cEPCs\u201d), and original equipment manufacturers (\"OEM\"). A representative list of our customers include: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Air Liquide, Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University, Aramco, Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Blue Origin, Boeing, CERN, China State-owned Refiners, Cummins, DuPont, Dow Chemical, General Atomics, General Dynamics, ExxonMobil, Fluor Corporation, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Kairos Power, Koch Fertilizer ENID LLC, Lockheed Martin, MHI Compressor International Corporation, NASA, Newport News Shipbuilding, Northrop Grumman, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Raytheon Technologies, SAIC, Sierra Space, U.S. Navy, and United Launch Alliance.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\tOur products are sold by a team of sales engineers whom we employ directly. Two customers each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 (\"Fiscal 2023\").\n \nAs a result of our diversification efforts to more extensively support the U.S. Navy and the acquisition of BN, we have increased our concentration in domestic and defense sales. Domestic sales accounted for approximately 81% of total sales in fiscal 2023, while sales to the defense industry were 42%.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur backlog at March 31, 2023 was $301,734 compared with $256,536 at March 31, 2022. For more information on this performance indicator see \"Orders and Backlog\" below.\n \n\n\nOur Strengths\n\n\n\tOur core strengths include:\n\n\n\u2022\nWe have a value-enhancing engineering sales and product development platform. \n We believe our customer-facing platform of technical sales, project estimating and application engineering are competitive advantages. We have tools and \n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ncapabilities that we believe allow us to move quickly and comprehensively to meet the unique needs of our customers. We believe that our early and deep involvement in our customers' projects adds significant value and is an important competitive differentiator in the long sales cycle industries we serve. We believe customers need our engineering and fabrication expertise early in a project life cycle to understand how best to utilize our equipment in the optimization of their systems.\n \n\n\n\u2022\nWe are known for our strong capabilities to handle complex, custom orders\n. The orders we receive are extremely complex. In our markets, we believe that order administration, risk management, cost containment, quality control and engineering documentation are as important as the equipment itself. We have developed order management capabilities to enable us to deliver high quality, engineered-to-order, as well as build-to-spec, process-critical equipment in a timely manner. For our customers\u2019 complex, custom orders we typically manage very rigorous interaction between our project management teams and the end user or its engineering firm, as product design and quality requirements are finalized. Customers' supplier selection process begins by assessing these order management capabilities.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe maintain a responsive, flexible production environment.\n Our operations teams are experienced at handling low volume, high mix orders of highly customized solutions. While certain equipment in a product group may look similar, there are often subtle differences which are required to deliver the desired specification. Also, during production it is not uncommon for customer-driven engineering changes to occur that alter the configuration of what had been initially released into production. The markets we serve demand this flexible operating model.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe have the capability to manage outsourced production.\n Effectively accessing the global fabrication supply chain expands our market reach, increases execution capacity and can improve competitiveness. We use this capability for three primary reasons: 1. delivering a lower cost manufacturing option; 2. expanding capacity to execute an order to meet customer timing requirements; and 3. addressing localized content requirements. We have proven capability to deliver our specialized product designs with outsourced fabrication that meets our high quality standards.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe provide robust technical support.\n Our engineering and performance improvement personnel work with our customers to optimize the performance of our equipment, provide operator training and troubleshoot performance issues. Technical expertise is important to our customers throughout the full product lifecycle and we believe their focus is on leveraging our equipment to maximize their systems' productivity.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe have a highly trained workforce\n.\n \nWe maintain a long-tenured, highly skilled and flexible workforce. We support the development of our employees through programs such as our internal weld school, our partnerships with community colleges and other external training programs. We continually strive to enhance our corporate culture, develop our employees and improve employee engagement. \n\n\n\u2022\nWe have the capability to manufacture to tight tolerances. \nOur manufacturing abilities include the capability to fabricate to tight tolerances. Additionally, we possess highly specialized manufacturing and electrochemical milling expertise on turbomachinery equipment. This, combined with our strong quality control with objective quality evidence, provides us a unique competitive advantage.\n\n\nOur Strategy\n\n\nOur strategy is to build a diversified business that provides mission critical, high compliance products requiring exceptional engineering know-how and a highly-skilled and engaged workforce. We expect to accomplish this by pursuing niche applications in markets with enduring tailwinds that reward differentiated engineered product and full lifecycle scope of work with higher margins. Over the last few years, we have transitioned from a highly cyclical energy business to a diversified company serving multiple markets including the defense, space and alternative energy industries. Our long-term goal is to drive 8% to 10% average annualized revenue growth and low to mid-teen adjusted EBITDA margins by fiscal year 2027. We expect to accomplish our goals through the development of our full lifecycle product model serving multiple markets while leveraging business unit synergies to optimize profitability and stability. Additionally, we believe we must develop a highly engaged team that will drive continual improvement for the long term. Executed effectively, we expect our strategy to create more enduring, recurring opportunities and profitable growth.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we stabilized our vacuum and heat transfer business and invested in growth of our turbomachinery business. As we advance into fiscal 2024, we will continue to evolve our strategy to reduce our cyclicality and further diversify our opportunities as we develop technologies that help solve our customers\u2019 problems. We are focusing our efforts to:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nPursue clearly defined markets where product and technology differentiation matters;\n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nDrive operational excellence while investing in process optimization including digital and automated tools;\n\n\n\u2022\nBuild an elite team of people passionate about their work; and\n\n\n\u2022\nEngage all stakeholders to capture value.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have not reconciled non-GAAP forward-looking adjusted EBITDA margin to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, as permitted by Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. Such reconciliation would require unreasonable efforts to estimate and quantify various necessary GAAP components largely because forecasting or predicting our future operating results is subject to many factors out of our control or not readily predictable.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nOur business is highly competitive. The principal bases on which we compete include technology, price, performance, reputation, delivery, and quality. Our competitors listed in alphabetical order by market include:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorth America\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarket\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPrincipal Competitors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNavy Nuclear Propulsion Program / Defense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDC Fabricators; Joseph Oat; PCC; Triumph Aerospace; Xylem\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRefining vacuum distillation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCroll Reynolds Company, Inc.; Gardner Denver, Inc.; GEA Wiegand GmbH\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChemicals/petrochemicals\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCroll Reynolds Company, Inc.; Gardner Denver, Inc.; Schutte Koerting\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurbomachinery OEM \u2013 defense and aerospace/space\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmetek, Inc., Concepts NREC; Curtiss Wright; Florida Turbine Technologies; Honeywell; Kratos Defense & Security Solns\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurbomachinery OEM \u2013 refining, petrochemical\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDonghwa Entec Co., Ltd..; KEMCO; Oeltechnik GmbH\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurbomachinery OEM \u2013 power and power producer\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHoltec; KEMCO; Maarky Thermal Systems; Thermal Engineering International (USA), Inc.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\ninternational\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarket\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPrincipal Competitors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRefining vacuum distillation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEdwards, Ltd.; Gardner Denver, Inc.; GEA Wiegand GmbH; Korting Hannover AG\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChemicals/petrochemicals\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCroll Reynolds Company, Inc.; Edwards, Ltd.; Gardner Denver, Inc.; GEA Wiegand GmbH; Korting Hannover AG; \nSchutte Koerting\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurbomachinery OEM \u2013 refining, petrochemical\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChem Process Systems; Donghwa Entec Co., Ltd.; Hangzhou Turbine Equipment Co., Ltd.; KEMCO; Mazda (India); \nOeltechnik GmbH\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurbomachinery OEM \u2013 power and power producer\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChem Process Systems; Holtec; KEMCO; Mazda (India); SPX Heat Transfer; Thermal Engineering International\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIntellectual Property\t\n\n\nOur success depends in part on our ability to protect our proprietary technologies. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret laws and contractual confidentiality provisions to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We also depend heavily on the brand recognition of the Graham and Barber-Nichols names in the marketplace.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAvailability of Raw Materials\n\n\nAs discussed more fully in Item 1A \u201cRisk Factors\u201d of this report, inflation has accelerated in the U.S. and globally due in part to global supply chain issues, a rise in energy prices, labor shortages, and strong consumer demand as economies continue to reopen from restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, international conflicts and other geopolitical events, including the ongoing war between Russia and the Ukraine, have further contributed to increased supply chain costs due to shortages in raw materials, increased costs for transportation and energy, disruptions in supply chains, and heightened inflation. The inflationary environment has increased the cost of our raw materials and labor, which impacted our financial results, especially given that a large percentage of our contracts are fixed-price in nature. To help mitigate this risk, we place orders for raw materials when the purchase orders are received from the customer to lock-in raw material pricing.\n \n\n\nWorking Capital Practices\n\n\nOur business does not require us to carry significant amounts of inventory or materials beyond what is needed for work in process. We negotiate progress payments from our customers on our large projects to finance costs incurred. We do not provide rights to return goods, or payment terms to customers that we consider to be extended in the context of the industries we serve. We do provide for warranty claims, which historically have not had a material impact on our results of operations.\n\n\nGovernment and Environmental Regulation\n\n\nWe are subject to a variety of laws, rules and regulations in numerous jurisdictions within the United States and in each of the countries where we conduct business. We are committed to conducting our business in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. These laws, rules and regulations cover several diverse areas including environmental matters, employee health and safety, data and privacy protection, foreign practices, and anti-trust provisions. Compliance with governmental regulations did not have a material impact on our financial results during fiscal 2023, and is not expected to have, a material impact on our capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position.\n\n\nWe believe that a focus on environmental stewardship is fundamental and integral to the work we do every day to serve our customers, create value for our stockholders, and benefit our global community. We have taken steps at both our business units in Batavia, New York and Arvada, Colorado to improve energy efficiencies and air quality and manage water consumption and waste. These efforts are focused on reducing our impact on the environment. We have enhanced our Environmental, Social and Governance (\"ESG\") strategy to align with the broader transformation of our business. Our executive management team recognizes the importance of embedding environmental and social priorities within our business operations and approved an enhanced and modernized ESG strategy intended to drive additional progress on initiatives that promote sustainability and increase transparency. We have also established an ESG working group, which is responsible for leading our ESG strategy and monitoring our corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability initiatives. We do not expect environmental costs or contingencies to be material or to have a material adverse effect on our financial performance. Due to risks in these areas, we cannot provide assurance that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in the future, which could adversely affect us.\n \n\n\nSeasonality\n\n\nNo material part of our business is seasonal in nature. However, our energy business is highly cyclical as it depends on the willingness of our customers to invest in major capital projects. To help mitigate this risk, we have taken steps to diversify our business into the defense industry including the acquisition of BN. For fiscal 2023, sales to the defense industry accounted for approximately 42% of our total sales compared with approximately 25% prior to the acquisition. Conversely, sales to the refining industry, which are more cyclical in nature, represented approximately 17% of revenue in fiscal 2023 compared with approximately 40% prior to the acquisition.\n\n\nResearch and Development Activities\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, we spent $4,144, $3,845 and $3,367, respectively, on research and development (\"R&D\") activities. The majority of our R&D is funded by our customers and is specific to help solve our customers\u2019 problems in order to improve efficiencies, address challenging environments, or redesign for form and function. Additionally, we may be engineering new products and services for our customers and investing to improve existing products and services.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHuman Capital Resources\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had 538 employees. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.\n\n\nAt Graham, we believe our most important asset is our people. We are committed to fostering and embracing a Graham community in which employees share a mutual understanding and respect for each other. Our pledge to diversity and equality encompasses our commitment to create a work environment which embraces inclusion regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual\n \n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\norientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, disability, veteran status, medical conditions, or any protected status.\n \n\n\n\u2022\nDiversity: Our Management recognizes that a diverse workforce and a culture of equity and inclusion helps us compete more effectively for talent, sustain success as a business, and build an engaged employee base. We encourage every one of our team members to form deeper relationships with those around them based on mutual respect, dignity, and understanding. \n\n\n\u2022\nEngagement: to encourage productive conversations within our organization, we have implemented employee surveys and an active engagement committee. \n\n\n\u2022\nDevelopment: We believe that employee development is vital to our continued success, and we support the development of our employees through programs such as our internal weld school training, our partnerships for external weld training, our tuition assistance program, our apprenticeship program, our external partnership with community colleges, and our management training and six sigma training classes. \n\n\n\u2022\nHealth and Safety: We are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our team members by supporting the whole person. Our dedicated global health and safety function is executed through our business unit safety committees to ensure that employees are trained and understand our best practices to create a safe and healthy workplace for all. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCorporate Governance and Available Information\n \n\n\nWe maintain a website located at www.grahamcorp.com. On our website, we provide links that contain the reports, proxy statements and other information we file electronically with the SEC. Printed copies of all documents we file with the SEC are available free of charge for any stockholder who makes a request. Such requests should be made to our Corporate Secretary at our corporate headquarters. The other information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.\n \n\n\nIte\nm 1A. Risk Factors\n\n\n \n\n\nOur business and operations are subject to numerous risks, many of which are described below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. If any of the events described below or elsewhere in this Form 10-K occur, our business and results of operations could be harmed. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us, or which we currently deem to be immaterial, could also harm our business and results of operations.\n\n\n \n\n\nRisks Related to the Impacts of Macroeconomic Events\n\n\nDisruptions or delays in our supply chains could adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.\n\n\nThe raw materials that we source come from a wide variety of domestic and international suppliers. Global sourcing of many of the products we sell is an important factor in our financial results. Reliance on our suppliers for these products exposes us to volatility in the prices and availability of these materials. Disruptions in our supply chain, especially for an extended period of time, could impact our ability to meet customer requirements and our financial performance could be materially and adversely impacted.\n\n\nMacroeconomic impacts, including rising inflation, a slowdown in the economy, or a recession or expectation of a recession, may result in increased costs of operations and negatively impact the credit and securities markets generally, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the market price of our common stock.\n\n\nCurrent and future conditions in the economy have an inherent degree of uncertainty and are impacted by political, market, health and social events or conditions. As a result, it is difficult to estimate the level of growth or contraction for the economy as a whole and in the specific markets in which we participate. Current economic uncertainty and market volatility, including volatility in the banking sector, is anticipated to continue as a result of higher inflation, increased interest rates, supply chain disruptions, fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates and other geopolitical events. An inflationary environment can increase our cost of labor, as well as other operating costs, which may have a material and adverse impact on our financial results. In addition, economic conditions could impact and reduce the number of customers who purchase our products or services as credit becomes more expensive or unavailable. Although interest rates have increased and are expected to increase further, inflation may continue. Further, increased interest rates could have a negative effect on the securities markets generally which may, in turn, have a material and adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.\n\n\nActual or perceived events involving banking volatility or limited liquidity, defaults or other adverse developments that affect national or international financial systems or financial services industry companies, may result in market-wide liquidity problems which could have a material and adverse impact on our available cash and results of operations.\n \n\n\nAt any point in time, we hold our cash and cash equivalents that we use to meet our working capital needs in deposit accounts at various financial institutions or financial services industry companies at levels that may exceed the applicable Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (\"FDIC\") insurance limits or similar government guarantee programs. While we monitor the cash balances in\n \n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nour operating accounts and adjust the cash balances as appropriate, these cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institution or financial services industry company fails. There is no guarantee that the FDIC, or the applicable deposit insurance, if any, in other countries in which we conduct significant business, will provide access to all or some uninsured funds in the event of the closure, default or non-performance of the financial institution or financial services industry company with which we have a relationship, or that they would do so in a timely manner.\n \n\n\nAdditionally, if any parties with whom we conduct business are unable to access funds with their financial institutions or financial services industry companies with which they have relationships, such parties may be unable to satisfy their obligations to us. To date, we have not experienced significant losses of cash in our operating accounts or our invested cash or cash equivalents as a result of any banking volatility; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our operating cash or invested cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. Further, banking volatility or adverse developments impacting financial systems may make equity or debt financing more difficult to obtain, and additional equity or debt financing might not be available on reasonable terms, if at all. Difficulties obtaining equity or debt financing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nOur business, financial condition and results of operations have been and may continue to be adversely affected by public health issues, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\nOur business, financial condition and results of operations have been and in the future may be adversely affected as a result of a global health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A global health crisis could impact our employees, suppliers, customers, financing sources or others\u2019 ability to conduct business or negatively affect consumer and business confidence or the global economy. A public health crisis has affected, and could affect in the future, large segments of the global economy, including the markets we operate in, disrupting global supply chains, resulting in significant travel and transport restrictions, and creating significant disruption of the financial markets. Economic uncertainty as a result of any global health crisis could negatively affect our business, suppliers, distribution channels, and customers, including as a result of business shutdowns or disruptions for an indefinite period of time, reduced operations, restrictions on shipping, fabricating or installing products, reduced consumer demand or customers\u2019 ability to make payments. As a result of public health crises, we may experience additional operating costs due to increased challenges with our workforce (including as a result of illness, absenteeism or government orders), implement further precautionary measures to protect the health of our workforce, experience increased project cancellations or projects put on hold, and reduced access to supplies, capital, and fundamental support services (such as shipping and transportation). Any resulting financial impact from a global health crisis cannot be fully estimated at this time, but may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.\n\n\nFor example, due to a potential reduction in throughput capacity related to a global pandemic, such as that experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic, we may not be able to deliver products to customers on a timely basis. Certain contracts in our backlog may contain provisions for a buyer to recover liquidated damages if our delivery is past contractual delivery dates, and such liquidated damages claimed by a customer could adversely affect our financial performance.\n\n\nIn addition, we operate and compete globally and the response to global health crises by domestic and foreign governments has been and may be in the future varied and those differences may impact our competitiveness. There are uncertain political climates in the regions where our subsidiaries operate, and governmental action in those regions may result in the temporary closure or limited operations of our subsidiaries. Government assistance during a pandemic may also differ between private and public companies, which may provide an advantage to one compared with another. This may affect our competitive position and could disrupt the market access and success of our business compared with other current or new competitors which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operation.\n\n\nThe extent to which our operations may be impacted by any global health situation will depend largely on future developments which are highly uncertain and we are unable to predict the ultimate impact that it may have on our business, future results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Even while government restrictions and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have lessened, we may experience materially adverse impacts to our business due to any resulting supply chain disruptions, economic recession or depression. Furthermore, the impacts of a potential worsening of global economic conditions and the continued disruptions to and volatility in the financial markets remain unknown. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may also exacerbate other risks discussed in this section, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us.\n\n\nRisks Related to our Business\n \n\n\nWe may experience customer concentration risk related to strategic growth for U.S. Navy projects.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, sales to the defense industry continued to grow and represented 42% of our business compared with 51% and 25% of sales to the defense industry in fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively. While these projects are spread across multiple contractors for the U.S. Navy, the end customer for these projects is the same. This concentration of business could add additional risk to us should there be a disruption, short or long term, in the funding for these projects or our participation in the U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion program.\n\n\nThe size of our contracts with the U.S. Navy may produce volatility in short term financial results.\n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe believe our strategy to increase the penetration of U.S. Navy related opportunities, which are often much larger contracts than our commercial contracts, can, on occasion, be delayed before or during the revenue recognition cycle. If we are unable to reallocate resources to other projects, we may see an increase in volatility in our near-term financial results and may impact our ability to effectively provide accurate investor guidance.\n\n\nEfforts to reduce large U.S. federal budget deficits could result in government cutbacks or shifts in focus in defense spending or in reduced incentives to pursue alternative energy projects, resulting in reduced demand for our products, which could harm our business and results of operations.\n\n\nOur business strategy calls for us to continue to pursue defense-related projects as well as projects for end users in the alternative energy markets in the U.S. In recent years, the U.S. federal government has incurred large budget deficits. In the event that U.S. federal government defense spending is reduced or alternative energy related incentives are reduced or eliminated in an effort to reduce federal budget deficits, projects related to defense or alternative energy may decrease demand for our products. The impact of such reductions could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, as well as our growth opportunities.\n\n\nU.S. Navy orders are subject to annual government funding. A disruption in funding or a lapse in funding could materially and adversely impact our business.\n\n\nOne of our growth strategies is to increase our penetration of U.S. Navy-related opportunities. Projects for the U.S. Navy and its contractors generally have a much longer order-to-shipment time period than our commercial orders. The time between the awarding of an order to the completion of shipment can take three to seven years. Annual government funding is required to continue the production of this equipment. Disruption of government funding, short or long term, could impact the ability for us to continue our production activity on these orders. Since this business is expected to increase as a percentage of our overall business, such a disruption, should it occur, could adversely impact the sales and profitability of our business.\n\n\nIn addition, the U.S. has previously experienced lapses in federal appropriations, which had, in the past, a short-term effect on our business. Any such future lapse (each, a \"Government Shutdown\") could negatively affect our ability to ship finished products to customers. We rely on federal government personnel, who are not able to perform their duties during a Government Shutdown, to conduct routine business processes related to the inspection and delivery of our products, process export licenses for us and perform other services for us that, when disrupted, may prevent us from timely shipping products outside the U.S. If we are unable to timely ship our products outside the U.S., there could be a material adverse impact on our results of operations and business. Moreover, our inability to ship products, or the perception by customers that we might not be able to timely ship our products in the future, may cause such customers to look to foreign competitors to fulfill their demand. If our customers look to foreign competitors to source equipment of the type we manufacture, there could be a material and adverse impact on our results of operations and business.\n\n\nOur efforts to expand our U.S. Navy business and changes in the competitive environment for U.S. Navy procurement could materially and adversely impact our ability to grow this portion of our business.\n\n\nOver the past few years, we have expanded our business and the opportunities where we bid related to U.S. Navy projects. Certain of our business expansions have relied, and in the future may rely, on awards or grants for capital expenditures related to build-outs to support this business. If we are unable to meet the required milestone achievements for these build-outs in a timely way, we may be exposed to penalties or other added costs.\n\n\nIn addition, our increased market share has caused an adverse share position for some of our competitors for these products. Competitor response to our market penetration is possible. Our customers may also raise concerns about their supplier concentration issues and the risk exposure related to this concentration. As the U.S. Navy is looking to expand its fleet, there is also a risk that their facilities, their supply chain or our supply chain for raw materials, may not be able to support this expansion. This could adversely impact our ability to grow this portion of our business. Further, the bidding process related to these U.S. Navy projects requires us to devote a certain amount of time and resources to prepare bids and proposals and there is no assurance that we will recoup those investments.\n\n\nContract liabilities for large U.S. Navy contracts may be beyond our normal insurance coverage and a claim could have an adverse impact on our financial results.\n\n\nWe are diligent at managing ongoing risks related to projects and the requirements of our customers. In addition, we secure business insurance coverage to minimize the impact of a major failure or liability related to our customers. Due to certain U.S. government procurement policies, we may take on the risk of a liability for large U.S. Navy projects in excess of our insurance coverage and at a level which is higher than our commercial projects. A claim related to one of these projects could have an adverse impact on our financial results.\n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNew technology used by the ships for the U.S. Navy may delay projects and may impact our ability to grow this portion of our business.\n\n\nCertain U.S. Navy vessels are implementing new technologies, unrelated to any of the equipment that we provide. If there is a complication or delay to any ship caused by this new technology, it may delay the procurement and fabrication of future vessels, which could have a negative impact on our business.\n\n\nZero defect and other unfavorable provisions in government contracts, some of which are customary, may subject our business to material limitations, restrictions and uncertainties and may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.\n \n\n\nGovernment contracts contain provisions that provide the U.S. government with substantial rights and remedies, many of which are not typically found in commercial contracts, including provisions that allow the U.S. government to inspect our products and unilaterally determine whether additional work is required to be completed to remedy any deemed deficiencies; to terminate existing contracts, in whole or in part, for any reason or no reason; unilaterally reduce or modify the government\u2019s obligations under such contracts without our consent; decline to exercise an option to continue a contract or exercise an option to purchase only the minimum amount, if any, specified in a contract; take actions that result in a longer development timeline than expected; and change the course of a program in a manner that differs from the contract\u2019s original terms or from our desired plan.\n\n\nGenerally, government contracts, including our contracts with the U.S. Navy, contain provisions permitting unilateral termination or modification, in whole or in part, at the U.S. government\u2019s convenience. Under general principles of government contracting law, if the U.S. government terminates a contract for convenience, the government contractor may recover only its incurred or committed costs, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to the termination. If the U.S. government terminates a contract for default, the government contractor is entitled to recover costs incurred and associated profits on accepted items only and may be liable for excess costs incurred by the government in procuring undelivered items from another source. In addition, government contracts normally contain additional requirements that may increase our costs of doing business, reduce our profits, and expose us to liability for failure to comply with these terms and conditions. These requirements include, for example, unilateral inspection rights and the requirement that we complete additional work to remedy any deemed deficiency; specialized accounting systems unique to government contracts; mandatory financial audits and potential liability for price adjustments or recoupment of government funds after such funds have been spent; mandatory internal control systems and policies; and mandatory socioeconomic compliance requirements, including labor standards, non-discrimination and affirmative action programs and environmental compliance requirements. If we fail to maintain compliance with these requirements, we may be subject to potential contract liability and to termination of our government contracts.\n\n\nFurthermore, any agreements and subcontracts with third parties, including suppliers, consultants and other third-party contractors that we enter into in order to satisfy our contractual obligations pursuant to our agreements with the U.S. government must also be compliant with the terms of our government contract. Negotiating and entering into such arrangements can be time-consuming and we may not be able to reach agreement with such third parties. Any delay or inability to enter into such arrangements or entering into such arrangements in a manner that is non-compliant with the terms of our government contract, may result in violations of our contract.\n\n\nThe markets we serve include the petroleum refining and petrochemical industries. These industries are both highly cyclical in nature and dependent on the prices of crude oil and natural gas. As a result, volatility in the prices of oil and natural gas may negatively impact our operating results.\n \n\n\nA portion of our revenue is derived from the sale of our products to companies in the chemical, petrochemical, and petroleum refining industries, or to firms that design and construct facilities for these industries. These industries are highly cyclical, and are subject to the prices of crude oil and natural gas. The prices of crude oil and natural gas have historically had periods when they have been very volatile, as evidenced by the extreme volatility in oil prices over the past few years, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war, and macroeconomic impacts. During times of significant volatility in the market for crude oil or natural gas, our customers often refrain from placing orders until the market stabilizes and future demand projections are clearer. If our customers refrain from placing orders with us, our revenue would decline and there could be a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Further, our commercial customers in these markets confront competing budget priorities and may have more limited resources for the types of products and services we provide. As a result, there may be fewer projects available for us to compete for and the pricing environment is anticipated to remain challenging. A sustained deterioration in any of the chemical, petrochemical, and petroleum refining industries we serve, would materially and adversely harm our business and operating results because our customers would not likely have the resources necessary to purchase our products, nor would they likely have the need to build additional facilities or improve existing facilities.\n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe relative costs of oil, natural gas, nuclear power, hydropower and numerous forms of alternative energy production, and transitions in consumer demand toward different types of energy, may have a material and adverse impact on our business and operating results.\n\n\nGlobal and regional energy supply comes from many sources, including oil, natural gas, coal, hydro, nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal and biomass, among others. A cost or supply shift among these sources could negatively impact our business opportunities. A demand shift, where technological advances or consumer preferences favor the utilization of one or a few sources of energy may also impact the demand for our products. Changes in consumer demand, including some driven by governmental and political preferences, toward electric, compressed natural gas, hydrogen vehicles and other alternative energy may impact our business. We have products which can support certain technologies, while other technologies will not require our equipment. If demand shifts in a manner that increases energy utilization outside of our traditional customer base or expertise, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected. In addition, governmental policy can affect the relative importance of various forms of energy sources. For example, non-fossil based sources may receive government tax incentives to foster investment. If these incentives become more prominent, our business and results of operations could suffer.\n\n\nClimate change and greenhouse gas regulations may affect our customers\u2019 investment decisions.\n \n\n\nDue to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These restrictions may affect our customers' abilities and willingness to invest in new facilities or to re-invest in current operations. These requirements could impact the cost of our customers\u2019 products, lengthen project implementation times, and reduce demand for hydrocarbons, as well as shift hydrocarbon demand toward lower-carbon sources. Any of the foregoing could adversely impact the demand for our products, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\nOur future success may be affected by our current and future indebtedness.\n\n\nUnder our loan agreements, as of March 31, 2023, we had $12,500 outstanding under our term loan with Bank of America, N.A. (\"Bank of America\"). We may borrow additional funds in the future to support our growth and working capital needs. Pursuant to our loan agreements with Bank of America, we are required to provide financial information and reports while complying with other financial covenants. On February 4, 2022, March 31, 2022 and June 7, 2022, we entered into amendment agreements with Bank of America that placed additional restrictive covenants on the Company and increased our borrowing costs. In the future, should we be out of compliance with our bank agreement, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain additional waivers or renegotiate our credit facilities in a timely manner, on acceptable terms or at all. If we were not able to obtain a covenant waiver under our debt facilities or renegotiate such facilities, we could be in default of such agreements, and in the event of such default our lender could demand immediate repayment of amounts outstanding. There can be no assurance that we would have sufficient cash, or be able to raise sufficient debt or equity capital, or divest assets, to refinance or repay such facility or facilities in the event of such demand. As a result, the failure to obtain covenant waivers or renegotiate our facilities as described above would have a material adverse effect on us and our ability to service our debt obligations.\n\n\nOur business is highly competitive. If we are unable to successfully implement our business strategy and compete against entities with greater resources than us or against competitors who have a relative cost advantage, we risk losing market share to current and future competitors.\n\n\nWe encounter intense competition in all of our markets. Some of our present and potential competitors may have substantially greater financial, marketing, technical or manufacturing resources. Our competitors may also be able to respond more quickly to new technologies or processes and changes in customer demands and they may be able to devote greater resources towards the development, promotion and sale of their products. Certain competitors may also have a cost advantage compared to us due to their geography or changes in relative currency values and may compete against us based on price. This may affect our ability to secure new business and maintain our level of profitability. As our markets continue to grow, and new market opportunities expand, we could see a shift in pricing as a result of facing competitors with lower production costs, which may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial results. In addition, our current and potential competitors may make strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties that increase their ability to address the needs of our customers. Moreover, customer buying patterns can change if customers become more price sensitive and accepting of lower cost suppliers. If we cannot compete successfully against current or future competitors, our business will be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nCustomer focus on short-term costs versus prioritizing quality and brand recognition, could harm our business and negatively impact our financial results.\n\n\nAlthough we have long-term relationships with many of our customers and with many engineering, procurement and construction companies, the project management requirements, pricing levels and costs to support each customer and customer type are often different. Our customers have historically focused on the quality of the engineering and product solutions which we have provided to them, which may come at a higher cost. Because our customers are unable to predict the length of the time period for the economic\n \n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nviability of their plants, there has been more of a focus on relative importance of cost versus quality which looks at short-term costs instead of total long-term cost of operations.\n \n\n\nIn addition, customers in emerging markets which are driving global demand growth may also place less emphasis on our high quality and brand name than do customers in the U.S. and certain other industrialized countries where we compete. If we are forced to compete for business with customers that place less emphasis on quality and brand recognition than our current customers, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.\n \n\n\nA change in the structure of our markets, including through consolidation, could harm our business and negatively impact our financial results.\n\n\nThere are strong and long-standing relationships throughout the supply chain between the many parties involved in serving the end user of our products. A change in the landscape between engineering and procurement companies, original equipment suppliers, others in the supply chain, and/or with the end users could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. These changes, or others, might occur through industry consolidations such as mergers, acquisitions or other business partnerships, and could have a material impact on our business and negatively impact our financial results.\n \n\n\nThe loss of, or significant reduction or delay in, purchases by our largest customers could reduce our revenue and adversely affect our results of operations.\n \n\n\nWhile we may have only one or two customers that represent over 10% of revenue in any one year, a small number of customers have accounted for a substantial portion of our historical net sales. For example, sales to our top ten customers, who can vary each year, accounted for 46%, 42% and 63% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively. We expect that a limited number of customers will continue to represent a substantial portion of our sales for the foreseeable future. The loss of any of our major customers, a decrease or delay in orders or anticipated spending by such customers, or a delay in the production of existing orders could materially adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.\n\n\nOur acquisition strategy may not be successful or may increase business risk.\n\n\nThe success of our acquisition strategy will depend, in part, on our ability to identify suitable companies or businesses to purchase and then successfully negotiate and close acquisition transactions. In addition, our success depends in part on our ability to integrate acquisitions and realize the anticipated benefits from combining the acquisition with our historical business, operations and management. We cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to complete any acquisitions and then successfully integrate the business and operations of those acquisitions without encountering difficulties, including unanticipated costs, issues or liabilities, difficulty in retaining customers and supplier or other relationships, failure to retain key employees, diversion of our management\u2019s attention, failure to integrate information and accounting systems or establish and maintain proper internal control over financial reporting. Moreover, as part of the integration process, we must incorporate an acquisition\u2019s existing business culture and compensation structure with our existing business. We also need to utilize key personnel who may be distracted from the core business. If we are not able to efficiently integrate an acquisition\u2019s business and operations into our organization in a timely and efficient manner, or at all, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition may not be realized, or it may take longer to realize these benefits than we currently expect, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.\n\n\nWe have foreign operations and a percentage of our sales occur outside of the U.S. As a result, we are subject to the economic, political, regulatory and other risks of international operations.\n\n\nFor fiscal 2023, 19% of our revenue was from customers located outside of the U.S. Moreover, through our subsidiaries, we maintain a sales office in China and a sales and market development office in India. We intend to continue to expand our international operations to the extent that suitable opportunities become available. Our foreign operations and sales could be adversely affected as a result of:\n\n\n\u2022\nnationalization of private enterprises and assets;\n\n\n\u2022\ntrade policies incentivizing domestic trade over international trade;\n\n\n\u2022\npolitical or economic instability in certain countries and regions, such as the ongoing instability throughout the Middle East and/or portions of the former Soviet Union;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe global economic impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or future global health concerns;\n\n\n\u2022\npolitical relationships between the U.S. and certain countries and regions;\n\n\n\u2022\ndifferences in foreign laws, including difficulties in protecting intellectual property and uncertainty in enforcement of contract rights;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe possibility that foreign governments may adopt regulations or take other actions that could directly or indirectly harm our business and growth strategy;\n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\ncredit risks;\n\n\n\u2022\ncurrency fluctuations;\n\n\n\u2022\ntariff and tax increases;\n\n\n\u2022\nexport and import restrictions and restrictive regulations of foreign governments; \n\n\n\u2022\nshipping products during times of crisis or war;\n\n\n\u2022\nour failure to comply with U.S. laws regarding doing business in foreign jurisdictions, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; or\n\n\n\u2022\nother factors inherent in maintaining foreign operations.\n\n\nOur reputation, ability to do business and financial statements may be materially and adversely impacted by improper conduct by any of our employees, agents or business partners.\n\n\nWe cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will always protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents or business partners (or of businesses we acquire or partner with) that would violate U.S. laws or the laws of the applicable jurisdiction where we do business, including, among others, laws governing payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, kickbacks and false claims, pricing, sales and marketing practices, conflicts of interest, competition, export and import compliance, money laundering and data privacy. In particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Any such improper actions or allegations of such acts could damage our reputation and subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions and related shareholder lawsuits, if any, could lead to substantial civil and criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties and could cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees. In addition, we rely on our suppliers to adhere to our supplier standards of conduct and violations of such standards of conduct could occur that could have a material and adverse effect on our financial statements.\n\n\nThe impact of potential changes in customs and trade policies and tariffs imposed by the U.S. and those imposed in response by other countries, including China, as well as rapidly changing trade relations, could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.\n\n\nThe U.S. government has made proposals that are intended to address trade imbalances, which include encouraging increased production in the United States. These proposals could result in increased customs duties and the renegotiation of some U.S. trade agreements. Changes in U.S. and foreign governments\u2019 trade policies have resulted and may continue to result in tariffs on imports into, and exports from, the U.S. In the past, the U.S. imposed tariffs on imports from several countries, including China, Canada, the European Union and Mexico. In response, China, Canada and the European Union have proposed or implemented their own tariffs on certain exports from the U.S. into those countries. Tariffs affecting our products and product components, including raw materials we use, particularly high-end steel and steel related products, may add significant costs to us and make our products more expensive. Potential future changes in trade policies could result in customers changing their behavior in project procurement, due to uncertainty related to timely execution and/or import and export restrictions. As a result, our products could become less attractive to customers outside the U.S. due to U.S. import tariffs on our raw materials and our profit margins would be negatively impacted. Accordingly, continued tariffs may weaken relationships with certain trading partners and may adversely affect our financial performance and results of operations. When beneficial to us, we may consider alternate sourcing options, including offshore subcontracting, in order to minimize the impact of the tariffs. Because we conduct aspects of our business in China through our subsidiary, potential reductions in trade with China and diminished relationships between China and the U.S., as well as the continued escalation of tariffs, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\nThe operations of our subsidiary in China may be adversely affected by China\u2019s evolving economic, political and social conditions.\n \n\n\nWe conduct our business in China primarily through our wholly-owned subsidiary. The results of operations and future prospects of our subsidiary in China may be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in China's political, economic and social conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the relationship between China and its western trade partners, changes in policies of the Chinese government, changes in laws and regulations or in the interpretation of existing laws and regulations, changes in foreign exchange regulations, measures that may be introduced to control inflation, such as interest rate increases and changes in the rates or methods of taxation. In addition, changes in demand could result from increased competition from local Chinese manufacturers who have cost advantages or who may be preferred suppliers for Chinese end users. Also, China's commercial laws, regulations and interpretations applicable to non-Chinese owned market participants, such as us, are continually changing. These laws, regulations and interpretations could impose restrictions on our ownership or the operation of our interests in China and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\nIntellectual property rights are difficult to enforce in China and India, which could harm our business.\n \n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCommercial law in China is relatively undeveloped compared with the commercial law in many of our other major markets and limited protection of intellectual property is available in China as a practical matter. Similarly, proprietary information may not be afforded the same protection in India as it is in our other major markets with more comprehensive intellectual property laws. Although we take precautions in the operations of our subsidiaries to protect our intellectual property, any local design or manufacture of products that we undertake could subject us to an increased risk that unauthorized parties will be able to copy or otherwise obtain or use our intellectual property, which could harm our business. We may also have limited legal recourse in the event we encounter patent or trademark infringers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\nUncertainties with respect to the legal system in China may adversely affect the operations of our subsidiary in that country.\n\n\nOur subsidiary in China is subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China. There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of laws, rules and policies in China. The legal system in China is based on written statutes, and prior court decisions have limited precedential value. Because many laws and regulations are relatively new and the Chinese legal system is still evolving, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform. Moreover, the relative inexperience of China's judiciary in many cases creates additional uncertainty as to the outcome of any litigation, and the interpretation of statutes and regulations may be subject to government policies reflecting domestic political agendas. Finally, enforcement of existing laws or contracts based on existing law may be uncertain and sporadic. For the preceding reasons, it may be difficult for us to obtain timely or equitable enforcement of laws ostensibly designed to protect companies like ours, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n \n\n\nRegulation of foreign investment in India may adversely affect the operations of our Indian subsidiary.\n\n\nOur subsidiary in India is subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in India. India regulates ownership of Indian companies by foreign entities. These regulations may apply to our funding of our Indian operating subsidiary. For example, the government of India has set out criteria for foreign investments in India, including requirements with respect to downstream investments by companies in India which are owned or controlled by foreign entities and the transfer of ownership or control of companies in India in certain industries. These requirements may adversely affect our ability to operate our Indian subsidiary. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain any required approvals for future acquisitions, investments or operations in India, or that we will be able to obtain such approvals on satisfactory terms.\n\n\nChanges in U.S. and foreign energy policy regulations could adversely affect our business.\n\n\nEnergy policy in the U.S. and other countries where we sell our products is evolving rapidly and we anticipate that energy policy will continue to be an important legislative priority in the jurisdictions where we sell our products. It is difficult, if not impossible, to predict the changes in energy policy that could occur, as they may be related to changes in political administration, public policy or other factors. The elimination of, or a change in, any of the current rules and regulations in any of our markets could create a regulatory environment that makes our end users less likely to purchase our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Government subsidies or taxes, which favor or disfavor certain energy sources compared with others, could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.\n\n\nNear-term income statement impact from competitive contracts could adversely affect our operating results.\n\n\nDuring weaker market periods, we may choose to be more aggressive in pricing certain competitive projects to protect or gain market share or to increase the utilization of our facilities. In these situations, it is possible that an incrementally profitable order, while increasing contribution, may be unprofitable from an accounting perspective when including fixed manufacturing costs. In these situations, we are required to recognize the financial loss at the time of order acceptance, or as soon as our cost estimates are updated, whichever occurs first. It is possible we may accumulate losses either on a large project or more than one project such that, in a short time period, for example a reporting quarter, these losses may have a meaningful impact on the earnings for that period.\n\n\nOur operating results could be adversely affected by customer contract cancellations and delays.\n\n\nAdverse economic or specific project conditions can lead to a project being placed on hold or cancelled by our customers. We had one project cancelled in fiscal 2023 and no projects cancelled in fiscal 2022 or fiscal 2021. We had no projects on hold at March 31, 2023. As further discussed in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, on April 4, 2023, Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. (\"Virgin Orbit\") commenced voluntary proceedings under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (\"Chapter 11 Bankruptcy\"). As a result, we reversed approximately $4,000 of purchase orders and recorded approximately $2,500 of reserves for inventory and accounts receivable during fiscal 2023 related to Virgin Orbit, net of associated performance-based compensation. As of March 31, 2023, we estimate that we have approximately $1,000 to $2,000 of additional exposure related to Virgin Orbit depending on the outcome of the bankruptcy proceedings, but currently do not expect any material financial impact to fiscal 2024 results.\n\n\nWe attempt to mitigate the risk of cancellation by structuring contracts with our customers to maximize the likelihood that progress payments made to us for individual projects cover the costs we have incurred. As a result, we do not believe we have a significant cash exposure to projects which may be cancelled. Open orders are reviewed continuously through communications with\n \n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ncustomers. If it becomes evident to us that a project is delayed well beyond its original shipment date, management will move the project into \"placed on hold\" (i.e., suspended) category. Furthermore, if a project is cancelled by our customer, it is removed from our backlog.\n\n\nThe value of our backlog as of March 31, 2023 was $301,734. Our backlog can be significantly affected by the timing of large orders. The amount of our backlog at March 31, 2023 is not necessarily indicative of future backlog levels or the rate at which our backlog will be recognized as sales. Although historically the amount of modifications and terminations of our orders has not been material compared with our total contract volume, customers can, and sometimes do, terminate or modify their orders. This generally occurs more often in times of end market or capital market turmoil. We cannot predict whether cancellations will occur or accelerate in the future. Although certain of our contracts in backlog may contain provisions allowing for us to assess cancellation charges to our customers to compensate us for costs incurred on cancelled contracts, cancellations of purchase orders or modifications made to existing contracts could substantially and materially reduce our backlog and, consequently, our future sales and results of operations. Moreover, delay of contract execution by our customers can result in volatility in our operating results.\n\n\nOur current backlog contains a number of large orders from the U.S. Navy. In addition, we are continuing to pursue business in this end market which offers large multi-year projects which have an added risk profile beyond that of our historic customer base. A delay, long-term extension or cancellation of any of these projects could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\nFurther, certain defense contracts we secure may be designated a program of highest national priority requiring production preference over commercial orders which could impact our commercial backlog and result in production delays. As a result, commercial customers could seek damages, including liquidated damages, as performance penalties and there may be a negative impact to the willingness of customers to place future orders with us due to a concern that orders may be subordinated to such contracts.\n\n\nOur customers\u2019 ability and willingness to make progress payments may be impacted by any extended downturn in their markets which could adversely impact their financial stability and increase the risk to us of uncollectable accounts receivables.\n\n\nThe financial strength of our customers can be impacted by a severe or lengthy downturn in their markets which could lead to additional risk in our ability to collect outstanding accounts receivables. We attempt to mitigate this risk with the utilization of progress payments for many projects, but certain industries, end markets and geographies are not as willing to make progress payments. Certain projects require a small portion of the total payments to be held until the customer's facility is fully operational, which can be in excess of one year beyond our delivery of equipment to them. This additional time may add risk to our ability to collect on the outstanding accounts receivables.\n\n\nOur exposure to fixed-price contracts and the timely completion of such contracts could negatively impact our results of operations.\n \n\n\nA substantial portion of our sales is derived from fixed-price contracts, which may involve long-term fixed-price commitments by us to our customers. While we believe our contract management processes are strong, we nevertheless could experience difficulties in executing large contracts, including but not limited to, estimating errors, cost overruns, supplier failures and customer disputes. For example, in fiscal 2022, we experienced material cost overruns related to defense contracts at our Batavia, NY facility. To the extent that any of our fixed-price contracts are delayed, our subcontractors fail to perform, contract counterparties successfully assert claims against us, the original cost estimates in these or other contracts prove to be inaccurate or the contracts do not permit us to pass increased costs on to our customers, our profitability may decrease or losses may be incurred which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. For our U.S. Navy projects, these fixed-priced contracts have order to shipment periods which can exceed five years. This additional time-based risk, which we believe is manageable, nevertheless increases the likelihood of cost fluctuation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operation.\n\n\nWe may experience losses if we are unable to collect on our accounts receivables if our customers are unable or unwilling to pay their invoices in a timely manner or at all.\n\n\nOur customers, even those we have had a long-standing business relationship with, may at any time, experience economic hardship which could cause those customers to be unwilling or unable to pay their invoices in a timely manner or at all. In addition, a number of our customers may have limited resources and may not have a history of creditworthiness that we can audit to determine reliability for payment of accounts receivable. For example, many of our customers and the key players within the space industry have not yet achieved profitability, have incurred significant losses since inception, and may be unable to achieve profitability when expected, if at all, similar to Virgin Orbit as discussed above. As such, our ability to predict and plan for future revenue and operations within the space industry is subject to risk. Due to the variable nature of sales and orders within the space industry our future revenue and growth in the space industry is uncertain and may materially and adversely impact our results of operations.\n \n\n\nTo the extent a company is unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations to us it could result in a material and adverse impact to our results of operations. Even if they are financially solvent and stable and we are successful in securing a commercial relationship with them, their business plans for future programs may be inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and less structured than other companies. If any of our customers suffers significant financial difficulties, insolvency or bankruptcy, they may be unable to pay us in a timely manner or at all. It is also possible that our customers may contest their obligations to pay us, including under bankruptcy laws\n \n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nor otherwise. Even if our customers do not contest their obligations to pay us, if our customers are unable to pay us in a timely manner, it could materially and adversely impact our ability to collect accounts receivable. Moreover, we may have to negotiate significant discounts and/or extended financing terms with these customers in such a situation in an attempt to secure outstanding payments or partial payment. Accordingly, if we are unable to collect upon our accounts receivable as they come due in an efficient and timely manner, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.\n\n\nGiven our size and specialization of our business, if we lose any member of our management team and we experience difficulty in finding a qualified replacement, our business could be harmed.\n\n\nCompetition for qualified management and key technical and sales personnel in our industry is intense. Moreover, our technology is highly specialized, and it may be difficult to replace the loss of any of our key technical and sales personnel. Many of the companies with which we compete for management and key technical and sales personnel have greater financial and other resources than we do or are located in geographic areas which may be considered by some to be more desirable places to live. If we are not able to retain any of our key management, technical or sales personnel, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n \n\n\nWe rely on the performance of highly skilled personnel, including our engineering, production and technology professionals; if we are unable to retain or motivate key personnel or hire, retain and motivate qualified personnel, our business could be harmed.\n\n\nWe believe our success has depended, and continues to depend, on the efforts and talents of our highly skilled work force, including our specialized engineers, machinists, and welders. Our ability to successfully pursue our growth strategy and compete effectively depends on our ability to attract, motivate and retain our personnel. Competition for well-qualified employees in all aspects of our business, including our skilled production workers such as welders, machinists, and engineers, is intense, and it may be even more challenging to retain qualified personnel as many companies have moved to offer a remote or hybrid work environment, and considering the current period of heightened employee attrition in the United States and other countries. In response to competition, rising inflation rates and labor shortages, we may need to adjust employee compensation, which could affect our operating costs and margins, as well as potentially cause dilution to existing stockholders. We may also lose new employees to our competitors in any of our markets before we realize the benefit of our investment in recruiting and training them. If we do not succeed in attracting well-qualified employees or retaining and motivating existing employees, our business would be materially and adversely affected.\n \n\n\nIf we become subject to product liability, warranty or other claims, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.\n\n\nThe manufacture and sale of our products exposes us to potential product liability claims, including those that may arise from failure to meet product specifications, misuse or malfunction of our products, design flaws in our products, or use of our products with systems not manufactured or sold by us. For example, our equipment is installed in facilities that operate dangerous processes and the misapplication, improper installation or failure of our equipment may result in exposure to potentially hazardous substances, personal injury or property damage. In addition, BN produces certain products in large quantities which could also expose us to potential product warranty and liability claims.\n\n\nProvisions contained in our contracts with customers that attempt to limit our damages may not be enforceable or may fail to protect us from liability for damages and we may not negotiate such contractual limitations of liability in certain circumstances. Our insurance may not cover all liabilities and our historical experience may not reflect liabilities we may face in the future. Our risk of liability may increase as we manufacture more complex or larger projects. We also may not be able to continue to maintain such insurance at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, or at all. Any material liability not covered by provisions in our contracts or by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.\n \n\n\nFurthermore, if a customer suffers damage as a result of an event related to one of our products, even if we are not at fault, they may reduce their business with us. We may also incur significant warranty claims which are not covered by insurance. In the event a customer ceases doing business with us as a result of a product malfunction or defect, perceived or actual, or if we incur significant warranty costs in the future, there could be a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n \n\n\nIf third parties infringe upon our intellectual property or if we were to infringe upon the intellectual property of third parties, we may expend significant resources enforcing or defending our rights or suffer competitive injury.\n\n\nOur success depends in part on our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret laws and confidentiality provisions to establish and protect our proprietary rights. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could suffer. We may also be required to spend significant resources to monitor and police our intellectual property rights. Similarly, if we were found to have infringed upon the intellectual property rights of others, our competitive position could suffer. Furthermore, other companies may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our technologies, duplicate or reverse engineer our technologies or design around our proprietary technologies. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn some instances, litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary information, or to defend against claims by third parties that our products infringe upon their intellectual property rights. Any litigation or claims brought by or against us, whether with or without merit, could result in substantial costs to us and divert the attention of our management, which could materially harm our business and results of operations. In addition, any intellectual property litigation or claims against us could result in the loss or compromise of our intellectual property and proprietary rights, subject us to significant liabilities, require us to seek licenses on unfavorable terms, prevent us from manufacturing or selling certain products or require us to redesign certain products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n \n\n\nWe are subject to foreign currency fluctuations which may adversely affect our operating results.\n\n\nWe are exposed to the risk of currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of the countries in which we sell our products to the extent that such sales are not based in U.S. dollars - primarily the Chinese RMB and India INR. Currency movements can affect sales in several ways, the foremost being our ability to compete for orders against foreign competitors that base their prices on relatively weaker currencies. Strength of the U.S. dollar compared with the Euro, India, or Asian currencies may put us in a less competitive position. Business lost due to competition for orders against competitors using a relatively weaker currency cannot be quantified. In addition, cash can be adversely impacted by the conversion of sales made by us in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. While we may enter into currency exchange rate hedges from time to time to mitigate these types of fluctuations, we cannot remove all fluctuations or hedge all exposures and our earnings could be adversely impacted by changes in currency exchange rates. In addition, if the counter-parties to such exchange contracts do not fulfill their obligations to deliver the contractual foreign currencies, we could be at risk for fluctuations, if any, required to settle the obligation. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and results of operations. At March 31, 2023, we held no forward foreign currency exchange contracts.\n\n\nSecurity threats and other sophisticated computer intrusions could harm our information systems, which in turn could harm our business and financial results.\n\n\nWe utilize information systems and computer technology throughout our business. We store sensitive data, proprietary information and perform engineering designs and calculations on these systems. Threats to these systems, and the laws and regulations governing security of data, including personal data, on information systems and otherwise held by companies is evolving and adding layers of complexity in the form of new requirements and increasing costs of attempting to protect information systems and data and complying with new cybersecurity regulations. Information systems are subject to numerous and evolving cybersecurity threats and sophisticated computer crimes, which pose a risk to the stability and security of our information systems, computer technology, and business. Global cybersecurity threats can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information systems and computer technology to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats and ransomware. The techniques used in these attacks change frequently and may be difficult to detect for periods of time and we may face difficulties in anticipating and implementing adequate preventative measures. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident and its effects include financial loss, reputational damage, litigation with third parties, theft of intellectual property, fines levied by the Federal Trade Commission or other government agencies, diminution in the value of our investment in research, development and engineering, and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs due to the increasing sophistication and proliferation of threats, which in turn could adversely affect our competitiveness and results of operations. A failure or breach in security could expose our company as well as our customers and suppliers to risks of misuse of information, compromising confidential information and technology, destruction of data, production disruptions, ransom payments, and other business risks which could damage our reputation, competitive position and financial results of our operations. Further, our technology resources may be strained due to an increase in the number of remote users. Cybersecurity laws and regulations continue to evolve, and are increasingly demanding, both in the U.S. and globally, which adds compliance complexity and may increase our costs of compliance and expose us to reputational damage or litigation, monetary damages, regulatory enforcement actions, or fines in one or more jurisdictions. While we carry cyber insurance, we cannot be certain that our coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred, that insurance will continue to be available to us on economically reasonable terms, or at all, or that any insurer will not deny coverage as to any future claim. In addition, defending ourselves against these threats may increase costs or slow operational efficiencies of our business. If any of the foregoing were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n \n\n\nOur enterprise resource planning system utilized at our facilities in Batavia, N.Y. is aging, and we may experience issues from implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system.\n\n\nWe have an enterprise resource planning system (\u201cERP\u201d) to assist with the collection, storage, management and interpretation of data from our business activities to support future growth and to integrate significant processes. Our ERP at our Batavia, N.Y. operations is aging and we expect to begin implementing a new ERP during fiscal 2024. ERP implementations are complex, distracting to the business and management, and time-consuming and involve substantial expenditures on system software and implementation activities, as well as changes in business processes. Our ERP is critical to our ability to accurately maintain books and records, record transactions, provide important information to our management and prepare our consolidated financial statements. ERP implementations also require the transformation of business and financial processes in order to reap the benefits of the new ERP; any such transformation involves risks inherent in the conversion to a new computer system, including loss of information and potential disruption to our normal operations. Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design and implementation of a new ERP could adversely affect our ability to\n \n\n\n18\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nprocess orders, provide services and customer support, send invoices and track payments, fulfill contractual obligations or otherwise operate our business. Additionally, if the ERP does not operate as intended, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could be adversely affected or our ability to assess it adequately could be delayed. Further, we may not realize the benefits we anticipate should all or part of the ERP upgrade implementation process prove to be ineffective. Accordingly, such events may disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our entire operations and have a material adverse effect on our operating results and cash flows.\n\n\nWe face potential liability from asbestos exposure and similar claims that could result in substantial costs to us as well as divert attention of our management, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\nWe are a defendant in a number of lawsuits alleging illnesses from exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products and seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome of these lawsuits or whether we could become subject to any similar, related or additional lawsuits in the future. In addition, because some of our products are used in systems that handle toxic or hazardous substances, any failure or alleged failure of our products in the future could result in litigation against us. For example, a claim could be made under various regulations for the adverse consequences of environmental contamination. Any litigation brought against us, whether with or without merit, could result in substantial costs to us as well as divert the attention of our management, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\nMany of our large international customers are nationalized or state-owned businesses. Any failure to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could adversely impact our competitive position and subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences, which could harm our business and results of operations.\n\n\nWe are subject to the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (\"FCPA\"), which generally prohibits U.S. companies from engaging in bribery or making other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in the global enforcement of anti-corruption laws, with more frequent voluntary self-disclosures by companies, aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission resulting in record fines and penalties, increased enforcement activity by non-U.S. regulators, and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals. Many foreign companies, including some of our competitors, are not subject to these prohibitions. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time-to-time in certain of the jurisdictions in which we may operate or sell our products. We strictly prohibit our employees and agents from engaging in such conduct and have established procedures, controls and training to prevent such conduct from occurring. However, we operate in many parts of the world that are recognized as having governmental corruption problems to some degree and where strict compliance with anti-corruption laws may conflict with local customs and practices, and it is possible that our employees or agents will engage in such conduct and that we might be held responsible. Despite our training and compliance programs, we cannot assure you that our internal control policies and procedures always will protect us from unauthorized reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or agents. In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that our employees or agents have or may have violated applicable anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA, we may be required to investigate or have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances, which can be expensive and require significant time and attention from senior management. If our employees or other agents are alleged or are found to have engaged in such practices, we could incur significant costs and suffer severe penalties or other consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nThe terms of our loan agreement restrict our ability to pay dividends, and we may not be able to pay dividends in the future.\n\n\nOur loan agreement with Bank of America contains terms that restrict our ability to declare or pay dividends. Any determination by our Board of Directors regarding dividends in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including our future financial performance, organic growth opportunities, general economic conditions and financial, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. There can be no guarantee that we will pay dividends in the future.\n \n\n\nProvisions contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could impair or delay stockholders' ability to change our management and could discourage takeover transactions that some stockholders might consider to be in their best interests.\n\n\nProvisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could impede attempts by our stockholders to remove or replace our management and could discourage others from initiating a potential merger, takeover or other change of control transaction, including a potential transaction at a premium over the market price of our common stock, that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests. Such provisions include:\n\n\n\u2022\nWe could issue shares of preferred stock with terms adverse to our common stock\n. Under our certificate of incorporation, our Board of Directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the rights, preferences and privileges of such shares without obtaining any further approval from the holders of our common stock. We could issue shares of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights that adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock, or that have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company.\n\n\n\u2022\nOnly a minority of our directors may be elected in a given year\n. Our bylaws provide for a classified Board of Directors, with only approximately one-third of our Board elected each year. This provision makes it more difficult to effect a change of control because at least two annual stockholder meetings are necessary to replace a majority of our directors.\n\n\n19\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nOur bylaws contain advance notice requirements\n. Our bylaws also provide that any stockholder who wishes to bring business before an annual meeting of our stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at an annual meeting of our stockholders must deliver advance notice of their proposals to us before the meeting. Such advance notice provisions may have the effect of making it more difficult to introduce business at stockholder meetings or nominate candidates for election as director. \n\n\n\u2022\nOur certificate of incorporation requires supermajority voting to approve a change of control transaction\n. Seventy-five percent of our outstanding shares entitled to vote are required to approve any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets and similar transactions if the other party to such transaction owns 5% or more of our shares entitled to vote. In addition, a majority of the shares entitled to vote not owned by such 5% or greater stockholder are also required to approve any such transaction. \n\n\n\u2022\nAmendments to our certificate of incorporation require supermajority voting\n. Our certificate of incorporation contains provisions that make its amendment require the affirmative vote of both 75% of our outstanding shares entitled to vote and a majority of the shares entitled to vote not owned by any person who may hold 50% or more of our shares unless the proposed amendment was previously recommended to our stockholders by an affirmative vote of 75% of our Board. This provision makes it more difficult to implement a change to our certificate of incorporation that stockholders might otherwise consider to be in their best interests without approval of our Board.\n\n\n\u2022\nAmendments to our bylaws require supermajority voting\n. Although our Board of Directors is permitted to amend our bylaws at any time, our stockholders may only amend our bylaws upon the affirmative vote of both 75% of our outstanding shares entitled to vote and a majority of the shares entitled to vote not owned by any person who owns 50% or more of our shares. This provision makes it more difficult for our stockholders to implement a change they may consider to be in their best interests without approval of our Board.\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A\n\n\nRisk Factors\n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\nItem 1B\n\n\nUnresolved Staff Comments\n\n\n20\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 2\n\n\nProperties\n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 3\n\n\nLegal Proceedings\n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 4\n\n\nMine Safety Disclosures\n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 5\n\n\nMarket for Registrant\u2019s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities\n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 6\n\n\nReserved\n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 7\n\n\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 7A\n\n\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n\n\n35\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\nFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\n\n\n37\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 9\n\n\nChanges in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n\n\n69\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 9A\n\n\nControls and Procedures\n\n\n69\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 9B\n\n\nOther Information\n\n\n70\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 9C\n\n\nDisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections\n\n\n70\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPART III\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 10\n\n\nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n\n\n71\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 11\n\n\nExecutive Compensation\n\n\n71\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 12\n\n\nSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\n\n\n71\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 13\n\n\nCertain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n\n\n71\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 14\n\n\nPrincipal Accounting Fees and Services\n\n\n71\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPART IV\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 15\n\n\nExhibits, Financial Statement Schedules\n\n\n72\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItem 16\n\n\nForm 10-K Summary\n\n\n75\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCautionary Note R\negarding Forward-Looking Statements\n\n\n \n\n\nThis Annual Report on Form 10-K (the \"Form 10-K\") and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (\"SEC\") include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements for purposes of this Form 10-K. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are indicated by words such as \"anticipate,\" \"believe,\" \"continue,\" \"could,\" \"estimate,\" \"can,\" \"may,\" \"might,\" \"intend,\" \"expect,\" \"plan,\" \"goal,\" \"predict,\" \"project,\" \"outlook,\" \"encourage,\" \"potential,\" \"should,\" \"will,\" and similar words and expressions.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nForward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and there are certain important factors that could cause our actual results to differ, possibly materially, from expectations or estimates reflected in such forward-looking statements including those described in the \"Risk Factors\" and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Undue reliance should not be placed on our forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time and we cannot predict these events or how they may affect us and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on our forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. When considering these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements contained in this Form 10-K and any documents incorporated herein by reference. You should read this document and the documents that we reference in this Form 10-K completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.\n\n\n \n\n\nAll forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are made only as of the date indicated or as of the date of this Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or announce any revisions to forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nPAR\nT I\n\n\n(Dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7.\t \nManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\n\n (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)\n\n\nOverview\n \n\n\nWe are a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries. We design and manufacture custom-engineered vacuum, heat transfer, pump and turbomachinery technologies. For the defense industry, our equipment is used in nuclear and non-nuclear propulsion, power, fluid transfer, and thermal management systems. For the space industry our equipment is used in propulsion, power and energy management systems and for life support systems. We supply equipment for vacuum, heat transfer and fluid transfer applications used in energy and new energy markets including oil refining, cogeneration, and multiple alternative and clean power applications including hydrogen. For the chemical and petrochemical industries, our heat transfer equipment is used in fertilizer, ethylene, methanol and downstream chemical facilities.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur brands are built upon engineering expertise and close customer collaboration to design, develop, and produce mission critical equipment and systems that enable our customers to meet their economic and operational objectives. Continual improvement of our processes and systems to ensure qualified and compliant equipment are hallmarks of our brand. Our early engagement with customers and support until the end of service life are values upon which our brands are built.\n\n\n \n\n\nOur corporate headquarters is located with our production facilities in Batavia, New York, where surface condensers and ejectors are designed, engineered, and manufactured. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Barber-Nichols, LLC (\"BN\"), based in Arvada, Colorado, designs, develops and manufactures specialty turbomachinery products for the aerospace, cryogenic, defense and energy markets (see \"Acquisition\" below). We also have wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries, Graham Vacuum and Heat Transfer Technology Co., Ltd. (\"GVHTT\"), located in Suzhou, China and Graham India Private Limited (\"GIPL\"), located in Ahmedabad, India. GVHTT provides sales and engineering support for us in the People's Republic of China and management oversight throughout Southeast Asia. GIPL serves as a sales and market development office focusing on the refining, petrochemical and fertilizer markets in India and the Middle East.\n\n\nThis management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations omits a comparative discussion regarding the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 versus the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. Such information is located in Item 7 \u2013 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our \nAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022\n.\n \n\n\nOur fiscal year ends on March 31 of each year. We refer to our fiscal year, which ended March 31, 2023, as fiscal 2023. Likewise, we refer to our fiscal years that ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, as fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAcquisition\n\n\nWe completed the acquisition of BN on June 1, 2021, which changed the composition of our end market mix. For fiscal 2023, sales to the defense and space industries were 55% of our business compared with approximately 25% of sales prior to the acquisition. The remaining 45% of our fiscal 2023 sales came from the refining, chemical/petrochemical and other commercial markets. These markets represented approximately 75% of our sales prior to the acquisition.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nThe BN transaction was accounted for as a business combination, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair value as of the acquisition date. The purchase price of $72,014 was comprised of 610 shares of common stock, representing a value of $8,964 at $14.69 per share, and cash consideration of $61,150. The cash consideration was funded through cash on-hand and debt proceeds (See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The purchase agreement also included a contingent earn-out dependent upon certain financial measures of BN post-acquisition, pursuant to which the sellers were eligible to receive up to $14,000 in additional cash consideration. At June 30, 2021, a liability of $1,900 was recorded for the contingent earn-out. In the second quarter of the fiscal 2022, the earn-out agreement was terminated and the contingent liability was reversed into other operating (income) expense, net, on our Consolidated Statement of Operations. In connection with the termination of this earn-out agreement, we entered into a Performance Bonus Agreement (the \"Bonus Agreement\") to provide employees of BN with cash performance-based awards based on the achievement of BN performance objectives for fiscal years ending March 31, 2024, 2025, and 2026 and can range between $2,000 to $4,000 per year.\n \n\n\n \n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey Results\n\n\nKey results for fiscal 2023 include the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nNet sales of $157,118 for fiscal 2023 increased $34,304 or 28% over the prior year period across our diversified revenue base. Approximately $8,900 of this increase was due to having two less months of BN results in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2023. Net sales also benefitted from strong growth in aftermarket sales to the refining and petrochemical markets of approximately $5,000 in comparison to the prior year, as well as growth in our commercial space market, which was driven by newly awarded programs with several key industry players. Additionally, our defense market sales benefitted from improved execution and pricing in fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022. \n\n\n\u2022\nOn April 4, 2023, Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. (\"Virgin Orbit\") commenced voluntary proceedings under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (\"Chapter 11 Bankruptcy\"). As a result, we recorded reserves of approximately $2,500 for accounts receivable and inventory related to Virgin Orbit during fiscal 2023, net of associated performance-based compensation, and reversed approximately $4,000 of purchase orders. During fiscal 2023, approximately $5,300 of space revenue and $3,000 of space orders related to Virgin Orbit. As of March 31, 2023, we have $0 included in backlog related to Virgin Orbit. As of March 31, 2023, we estimate that we have approximately $1,000 to $2,000 of additional exposure related to Virgin Orbit depending on the outcome of the bankruptcy proceedings, but currently do not expect any material financial impact to fiscal 2024 results.\n\n\n\u2022\nResults for fiscal 2022 included the impact of first article U.S. Navy project labor and material cost overruns due to our strategic decision to take on additional costs in order to meet our customer's delivery schedules. We estimate that these strategic decisions for first article projects impacted our results in fiscal 2022 by over $10,000. In fiscal 2023, we completed four first article U.S. Navy projects, which were the source of many of the losses in fiscal 2022, and remain on schedule to complete the remaining two first article projects by the end of the second quarter of our fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 (\"fiscal 2024\"). \n\n\n\u2022\nNet income and net income per diluted share for fiscal 2023 were $367 and $0.03 per share, respectively, compared with a loss of $8,773 and $0.83 per share, respectively, for fiscal 2022. This increase over the prior year was driven by our higher sales, an improved mix of sales related to higher margin projects (commercial space and aftermarket), improved execution, especially on our strategic U.S. Navy programs which resulted in losses in fiscal 2022, and strong cost discipline partially offset by the Virgin Orbit reserves discussed above. \n\n\n\u2022\nAdjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share for fiscal 2023 were $2,519 and $0.24 per share, respectively, compared with an adjusted loss and adjusted loss per diluted share of $6,582 and $0.62 per share, respectively, for fiscal 2022. See \"Non-GAAP Measures\" below for important information about these measures and a reconciliation of adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share to the comparable GAAP amount.\n\n\n\u2022\nOrders booked in fiscal 2023 were $202,686 compared to $143,875 in fiscal 2022 and were 129% of sales during fiscal 2023. This increase was primarily due to a $53,499 increase in defense orders and was primarily from repeat orders in strategic U.S. Navy programs. We believe these repeat orders validate the investments we made, our position as a key supplier to the defense industry, and our customer\u2019s confidence in our execution. Fiscal 2023 orders were also strong to the refining and petrochemical aftermarket, which increased 34% over the prior year, but were partially offset by lower large capital investment projects by our refining and petrochemical customers. Fiscal 2023 orders also benefitted from newly awarded programs with several key commercial space and new energy customers. For additional information see \"Orders and Backlog\" below. \n\n\n\u2022\nBacklog was $301,734 at March 31, 2023, compared with $256,537 at March 31, 2022. This 18% increase was primarily due to the growth in orders received during 2023 in the defense and new energy markets. Approximately 81% of our backlog at March 31, 2023 was to the defense industry, which we believe provides stability and visibility to our business. For additional information see \"Orders and Backlog\" below.\n\n\n\u2022\nCash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2023 was $18,257, compared with $14,741 at March 31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to cash provided by operating activities of $13,914, partially offset by net repayment of debt of $6,000 and $3,749 of capital expenditures as we began to invest in longer-term growth opportunities. Cash provided by operating activities includes approximately $13,000 of customer deposits received for material purchases on a long-term U.S. Navy defense contracts that will be paid over the next twelve months as materials are received. These cash receipts were partially offset by an increase in working capital, in particular unbilled revenue, which is expected to generate positive cash flow in fiscal 2024.\n\n\n\u2022\nIn fiscal 2023, we did not pay dividends to shareholders compared with $3,523 of dividends paid in fiscal 2022. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we suspended our dividend in accordance with the terms of our credit agreement with Bank of America. There can be no guarantee that we will pay dividends in the future, and any determination by our board of directors with respect to \n\n\n24\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ndividends will depend on a variety of factors, including our future financial performance, organic growth and acquisition opportunities, general economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.\n\n\n\u2022\nAt March 31, 2023, we had $0 outstanding on our line of credit and $10,016 available to be drawn under our line of credit subject to financial covenants under our credit facility. We believe cash flow from operations, availability under our line of credit, along with our cash balances, provide us adequate financial flexibility to meet our obligations. As of March 31, 2023, our bank leverage ratio calculated in accordance with our amended credit agreement was 2.1x and we were in compliance with all financial covenants of that agreement. For additional information see \"Liquidity and Capital Resources\" below.\n\n\nCurrent Market Conditions\n \n\n\n \n\n\nDemand for our equipment and systems for the defense industry is expected to remain strong and continue to expand, based on our significant backlog, improved execution, long-standing relationship with the U.S. Navy, the strategic programs we are qualified on, the projected procurement of submarines, aircraft carriers and undersea propulsion and power systems and the solutions we provide. In addition to U.S. Navy applications, we also provide specialty pumps, turbines, compressors and controllers for various fluid and thermal management systems used in Department of Defense radar, laser, electronics and power systems. We have built a leading position, and in some instances a sole source position, for certain systems and equipment for the defense industry.\n\n\n \n\n\nOur traditional energy markets are undergoing significant transition. While we expect that fossil fuels will continue to be an important component in the global energy industry for many years to come, there are significant changes in the priorities for capital investments by our customers and the regions in which those investments are being made. We expect that the changes in the energy markets, which are influenced by conservation and the increasing use of alternative fuels, will lead to demand growth for fossil-based fuels that is less than the global growth rate. Currently, opportunities in the energy markets outside North America have been greater than opportunities inside of North America, but opportunities outside of North America are highly competitive and pricing is challenging. In those instances, we have been selective in the opportunities we have pursued in order to ensure we receive the proper returns. Over the long-term, we anticipate that future investment by refiners in renewable fuels (e.g., renewable diesel), in existing refineries (e.g., to expand feedstock processing flexibility and to improve conversion of oil to refined products) to gain greater throughput, or to build new capacity (e.g., integrated refineries with petrochemical products capabilities), will continue to drive demand for our products and services. The timing and catalyst for a recovery in these markets (crude oil refining and chemical/petrochemical) remains uncertain. Accordingly, we believe that in the near term the quantity of projects available for us to compete for will remain low and that new project pricing will remain challenging.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nOf note, during fiscal 2023, we have experienced an increase in our aftermarket orders to the refining and petrochemical markets, primarily from the domestic market. Aftermarket orders have historically been a leading indicator of future capital investment by our customers in their facilities for upgrades and expansions. As such, we believe there is the possibility of a cyclical upturn following several years of reduced capital spending in a low oil price environment. Additionally, the financial performance of some of our larger energy customers improved during fiscal 2023, which may provide funding for capital spending. However, we do not expect the next cycle to be as robust as years past due to the factors discussed above.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nThe alternative and clean energy opportunities for our heat transfer, power production and fluid transfer systems are expected to continue to grow. We assist in designing, developing and producing equipment for hydrogen production, distribution and fueling systems, concentrated solar power and storage, geothermal power and lithium production, and small modular nuclear systems. We are positioning the Company to be a more significant contributor as these markets continue to develop.\n\n\n \n\n\nWe believe that chemical and petrochemical capital investment will continue to decouple from energy investment. Over the long-term, we expect that population growth, an expanding global middle class, and an increasing desire for improved quality of life and access to consumer products will drive increased demand for industrial goods within the plastics and resins value chain along with fertilizers and related products. As such, we expect investment in new global chemical and petrochemical capacity will improve and drive growth in demand for our products and services over the long-term.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nOur turbomachinery, pumps, and cryogenic products and market access provide revenue and growth potential in the commercial space/aerospace markets. The commercial space market has grown and evolved rapidly, and we provide rocket engine turbopump systems and components to many of the key players in the industry. We expect that in the long-term, extended space exploration will become more prevalent, and we anticipate that our thermal/fluid management and environmental control and life support system turbomachinery will play important roles. We are also participating in future aerospace power and propulsion system development through supply of fluid and thermal management systems components. Small power dense systems are imperative for these applications, and we believe our technology and expertise will enable us to achieve sales growth in this market as well. For fiscal 2023, sales to the space industry represented 13% of our sales compared to 0% prior to the BN acquisition. Sales and orders to the space industry are variable in nature and many of our customers, who are key players in the industry, have yet to achieve profitability and may be unable\n \n\n\n25\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nto continue operations without additional funding similar to Virgin Orbit. Thus, future revenue and growth to this market can be uncertain and may negatively impact our business.\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nThe chart below illustrates our strategy to increase our participation in the defense market. The defense market comprised 81% of our total backlog at March 31, 2023 and generally have longer conversion times than our other markets. We believe this strategy shift provides us more stability and visibility and is especially beneficial when our refining and petrochemical markets are weak.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResults of Operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n \n\n\nThe following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n157,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n122,814\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n25,408\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,129\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSG&A expense \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n24,158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n21,299\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSG&A as a percent of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income (loss)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n367\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(8,773\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted income (loss) per share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.03\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.83\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n203,918\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n183,691\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nSelling, general and administrative expense is referred to as \"SG&A.\"\t\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\nThe following tables provides our net sales by product line and geographic region including the percentage of total sales and change in comparison to the prior year for each category and period presented:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarket\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRefining\n\n\n$\n\n\n27,270\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n24,406\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,864\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChemical/Petrochemical\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21,950\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,955\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,995\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpace\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21,180\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,744\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,436\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n269\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDefense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65,327\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62,189\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,138\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21,391\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,520\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,871\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n$\n\n\n157,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n122,814\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n34,304\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeographic Region\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnited States\n\n\n$\n\n\n127,519\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n81\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n97,718\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n80\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n29,801\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,599\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,096\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,503\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n$\n\n\n157,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n122,814\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n34,304\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales for fiscal 2023 were $157,118, an increase of 28% from fiscal 2022 and was across our diversified revenue base. Approximately $8,900 of this increase was due to having two less months of BN results in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2023. Net sales also benefitted from strong growth in aftermarket sales to the refining and petrochemical markets of approximately $5,000 in comparison to the prior year, as well as growth in our commercial space market which was driven by newly awarded programs. Additionally, our defense market sales benefitted from improved execution and pricing in fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022. See also \"Current Market Conditions,\" above. For additional information on anticipated future sales and our markets, see \"Orders and Backlog\" below.\n\n\nOur gross margin for fiscal 2023 was 16.2% compared with 7.4% for fiscal 2022. This increase was primarily due to an improved mix of sales related to higher margin projects (commercial space and aftermarket) and improved execution and pricing on defense contracts, partially offset by approximately $800 impact of Virgin Orbit reserves, net of applicable performance-based compensation, and higher overall incentive based compensation in comparison to the prior year. Results for fiscal 2022 included the impact of first article Navy project labor and material cost overruns. We estimate that the impact of these labor and material cost increases for first article Navy projects, was over $10,000 in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, we completed four first article U.S. Navy projects, which were the source of many of the losses in fiscal 2022, and remain on schedule to complete the remaining two first article projects by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2024. In addition to the above, fiscal 2023 included two additional months of operations from BN compared to fiscal 2022 which was acquired in June 2021.\n \n\n\nSG&A expense including amortization for fiscal 2023 was $24,447, up $3,148 compared with $21,299 for fiscal 2022. Approximately $1,400 of this increase was due to having two less months of BN results in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2023, approximately $1,700 impact of Virgin Orbit reserves net of applicable performance-based compensation, as well as higher overall\n \n\n\n27\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nincentive compensation. These increases were partially offset by cost savings and deferred initiatives, which included reducing the use of outside sales agents, cost management, and delayed hiring of non-critical positions. Additionally, SG&A expense for fiscal 2022 included $562 of acquisition and integration costs incurred in connection with the BN acquisition. As a result, SG&A expense as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2023 was 15.4% of sales compared with 17.3% of sales in the prior year period.\n \n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, we terminated the BN contingent earn-out agreement and the contingent liability of $1,900 was reversed into other operating (income) expense, net, on our Consolidated Statement of Operations. In connection with the termination of this earn-out agreement, we entered into a Bonus Agreement to provide employees of BN with cash performance-based awards based on results of BN for fiscal years ending March 31, 2024, 2025, and 2026. Additionally, in fiscal 2022 we incurred $1,073 of severance costs related to the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Financial Officer, which was also recorded in other operating (income) expense, net.\n\n\nNet interest expense for fiscal 2023 was $939 compared to $400 in fiscal 2022 primarily due to borrowings related to the BN acquisition, as well as increased interest rates since the time of the acquisition.\n\n\nOur effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 was 35%, compared with 22% for fiscal 2022. This increase was primarily due to discrete tax expense recognized in fiscal 2023 related to the vesting of restricted stock awards, as well as a higher mix of income in higher tax rate foreign jurisdictions. Our expected effective tax rate for fiscal 2024 is approximately 22% to 23%.\n \n\n\nThe net result of the above is that net income and net income per diluted share for fiscal 2023 were $367 and $0.03 per share, respectively, compared with a loss of $8,773 and $0.83 per share, respectively, for fiscal 2022. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share for fiscal 2023 were $2,519 and $0.24 per share, respectively, compared with a loss of $6,582 and $0.62 per share, respectively, for fiscal 2022. See \"Non-GAAP Measures\" below for important information about these measures and a reconciliation of adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share to the comparable GAAP amount.\n\n\nNon-GAAP Measures\n\n\nAdjusted net income (loss) before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (\"EBITDA\"), adjusted net income (loss), and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share are provided for information purposes only and are not measures of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (\"GAAP\"). Management believes the presentation of these financial measures reflecting non-GAAP adjustments provides important supplemental information to investors and other users of our financial statements in evaluating the operating results of the Company. In particular, those charges and credits that are not directly related to operating performance, and that are not a helpful measure of the performance of our underlying business particularly in light of their unpredictable nature. These non-GAAP disclosures have limitations as analytical tools, should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss) or net income (loss) per diluted share determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. In addition, supplemental presentation should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by similar adjustments to net income (loss) or net income (loss) per diluted share determined in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share are key metrics used by management and our board of directors to assess the Company\u2019s financial and operating performance and adjusted EBITDA is a basis for a portion of management's performance-based compensation.\n\n\n Adjusted EBITDA excludes charges for depreciation, amortization, net interest expense, taxes, acquisition related expenses, and other unusual/nonrecurring expenses. Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share exclude intangible amortization, acquisition related expenses, other unusual/nonrecurring expenses and the related tax impacts of those adjustments.\n\n\n A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss), and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share to net income (loss) in accordance with GAAP is as follows:\n\n\n28\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income (loss)\n\n\n$\n\n\n367\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(8,773\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Acquisition related inventory step-up expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n95\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Acquisition & integration costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n562\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Change in fair value of contingent consideration\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,900\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0CEO and CFO transition costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,182\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Debt amendment costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n194\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n278\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Net interest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n939\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n194\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2,443\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Depreciation & amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,987\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,599\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjusted EBITDA\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,735\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(5,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjusted EBITDA as a % of revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4.1\n\n\n%)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income (loss)\n\n\n$\n\n\n367\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(8,773\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Acquisition related inventory step-up expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n95\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Acquisition & integration costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n562\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Amortization of intangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,476\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,522\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Change in fair value of contingent consideration\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,900\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0CEO and CFO transition costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,182\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Debt amendment costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n194\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n278\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Normalize tax rate\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(572\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(548\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjusted net income (loss)\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,519\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(6,582\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGAAP diluted net income (loss) per share\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.03\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.83\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjusted diluted net income (loss) per share\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.62\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted weighted average common shares outstanding\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,654\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,541\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1)\n\u00a0Applies a normalized tax rate to non-GAAP adjustments, which are pre-tax, based upon the statutory tax rate of 21%.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated balance sheets appearing in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n18,257\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14,741\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWorking capital\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,904\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27,796\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWorking capital ratio\n(2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nWorking capital equals current assets minus current liabilities. \n\n\n(2)\nWorking capital ratio equals current assets divided by current liabilities.\n\n\nWe use the above ratios to assess our liquidity and overall financial strength.\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2023 was $13,914 compared with $2,219 of cash used by operating activities for fiscal 2022. This increase was primarily due to higher cash net income during fiscal 2023 than the comparable prior year period, partially offset by lower cash flow from net working capital. Results for fiscal 2022 included the impact of our strategic decision to take on additional costs in order to meet our U.S. Navy customers delivery schedules. We believe the increased level of repeat defense orders received during fiscal 2023 validates the investments we made, our position as a key supplier to the defense industry and our customer\u2019s confidence in our execution. In fiscal 2023 we collected approximately $13,000 of customer deposits related to material purchases for\n \n\n\n29\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\na large U.S. Navy order that will be paid over the next nine months as materials are received. This increase in customer deposits was more than offset by increases in inventories and unbilled revenue due to growth and the timing of billing milestones. Net repayment of debt for fiscal 2023 was $6,000 compared to a net borrowing of $18,500 for fiscal 2022 primarily due to the cash used for the acquisition of BN of $60,282.\n \n\n\nDividend payments and capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 were $0 and $3,749, respectively, compared with $3,523 and $2,324, respectively, for fiscal 2022. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we suspended our dividend in accordance with the terms of our credit agreement with Bank of America. There can be no guarantee that we will pay dividends in the future and any determination by our board of directors with respect to dividends will depend on a variety of factors, including our future financial performance, organic growth and acquisition opportunities, general economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 are expected to be approximately $5,500 to $7,000. Our fiscal 2024 capital expenditures are expected to be primarily for machinery and equipment, as well as for buildings and leasehold improvements to fund our growth and productivity improvement initiatives. The majority of our planned capital expenditures are discretionary. We estimate that our maintenance capital spend is approximately $2,000 per year.\n\n\n Cash and cash equivalents were $18,257 at March 31, 2023 compared with $14,741 at March 31, 2022, as cash provided by operating activities was used to fund capital expenditures and repayment of debt. At March 31, 2023, approximately $6,968 of our cash and cash equivalents was used to secure our letters of credit and $2,618 of our cash was held by our subsidiaries in China and India.\n\n\n On June 1, 2021, we entered into a $20,000 five-year loan with Bank of America. The term loan requires monthly principal payments of $167 through June 1, 2026, with the remaining principal amount plus all interest due on the maturity date. The interest rate on the term loan is the applicable Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index (\"BSBY\"), plus 1.50%, subject to a 0.00% floor.\n \n\n\n On June 1, 2021, we entered into a five-year revolving credit facility with Bank of America that provided a $30,000 line of credit, including letters of credit and bank guarantees, expandable at our option and the bank's approval at any time up to $40,000. As of March 31, 2023, there was $0 outstanding on the line of credit. Amounts outstanding under the facility agreement bear interest at a rate equal to BSBY plus 1.50%, subject to a 0.00% floor. As of March 31, 2023, the BSBY rate was 4.92%. As of March 31, 2023, there was $5,874 letters of credit outstanding with Bank of America.\n \n\n\n Under the original term loan agreement and revolving credit facility, we covenanted to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio, as defined in such agreements, of 3.0 to 1.0, with an allowable increase to 3.25 to 1.0 for a period of twelve months following the closing of an acquisition. In addition, we covenanted to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in such agreements, of 1.2 to 1.0 and minimum margined assets, as defined in such agreements, of 100% of total amounts outstanding on the revolving credit facility, including letters of credit. At December 31, 2021, we were out of compliance with our bank agreement covenants and were granted a waiver for noncompliance by Bank of America.\n \n\n\n We entered into amendment agreements with Bank of America since origination. Under the amended agreements, we were not required to comply with the maximum total leverage ratio and the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio covenants contained in the original term loan agreement for the periods ending December 31, 2021 and March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2022. The principal balance outstanding on the line of credit may not exceed $15,000, unless letters of credit exceed $11,500, in which case the limit is $17,000, until the compliance date. The compliance date is defined as the date on which Bank of America has received all required financial information with respect to us for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023 and no event of default exists. In addition, on or before September 1, 2023 and at all times thereafter, all of our deposit accounts, except certain accounts, will be either subject to a deposit account control agreement or maintained with Bank of America. We covenanted to maintain EBITDA, as defined in such amendment, of at least ($700) for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2022 and $1,800 for the twelve-month period ending September 30, 2022; maintain a total maximum leverage ratio of 4.0 to 1.0 for the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2022 and 3.0 to 1.0 for the period ending March 31, 2023; and maintain liquidity, as defined in such amendment, of at least $10,000 prior to the occurrence of the compliance date and $20,000 from and after the occurrence of the compliance date. As of March 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the amended financial covenants of our loan agreement and our leverage ratio as calculated in accordance with the terms of the credit facility was 2.1x. At March 31, 2023, the amount available under the revolving credit facility was $10,016 subject to the above liquidity and leverage covenants.\n \n\n\n We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2023 other than letters of credit incurred in the ordinary course of business.\n\n\n We believe that cash generated from operations, combined with the liquidity provided by available financing capacity under our credit facility, will be adequate to meet our cash needs for the immediate future.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStockholders' Equity\n\n\nThe following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity that can be found in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following table shows the balance of stockholders' equity on the dates indicated:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarch 31, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$\n\n\n96,933\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n96,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrders and Backlog\n\n\nIn addition to the non-GAAP measures discussed above, management uses the following key performance metrics to analyze and measure the Company\u2019s financial performance and results of operations: orders, backlog, and book-to-bill ratio. Management uses orders and backlog as measures of current and future business and financial performance and these may not be comparable with measures provided by other companies. Orders represent written communications received from customers requesting the Company to provide products and/or services. Backlog is defined as the total dollar value of net orders received for which revenue has not yet been recognized. Management believes tracking orders and backlog are useful as it often times is a leading indicator of future performance. In accordance with industry practice, contracts may include provisions for cancellation, termination, or suspension at the discretion of the customer.\n \n\n\nThe book-to-bill ratio is an operational measure that management uses to track the growth prospects of the Company. The Company calculates the book-to-bill ratio for a given period as net orders divided by net sales.\n\n\nGiven that each of orders, backlog and book-to-bill ratio is an operational measure and that the Company's methodology for calculating orders, backlog and book-to-bill ratio does not meet the definition of a non-GAAP measure, as that term is defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a quantitative reconciliation for each is not required or provided.\n\n\nThe following table provides our orders by market and geographic region including the percentage of total orders and change in comparison to the prior year for each category and period presented:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarket\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRefining\n\n\n$\n\n\n29,276\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n28,411\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n865\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChemical/Petrochemical\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,306\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22,241\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,935\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-31\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpace\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,160\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,733\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,427\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDefense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n116,714\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n58\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n63,215\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n44\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53,499\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n85\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26,230\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,275\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,955\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal orders\n\n\n$\n\n\n202,686\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n143,875\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n58,811\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeographic Region\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnited States\n\n\n$\n\n\n167,984\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n83\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n117,106\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n81\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n50,878\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n34,702\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26,769\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,933\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal orders\n\n\n$\n\n\n202,686\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n143,875\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n58,811\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrders booked in fiscal 2023 were $202,686 compared to $143,875 in fiscal 2022. This increase was primarily driven by growth in defense, refining and petrochemical aftermarket, space, and new energy customers. Noteworthy orders during fiscal 2023 included the following:\n\n\n\u2022\n$116,714 from the defense industry driven by repeat orders for critical U.S. Navy programs including a $23,000 follow-on order to support the MK48 Mod 7 Heavyweight Torpedo program;\n\n\n\u2022\n$40,566 from the refining and petrochemical aftermarket; \n\n\n\u2022\n$15,160 of orders for highly engineered pumps and turbo pumps for a variety of applications and customers in the commercial space industry (of which approximately $3,000 were to Virgin Orbit);\n\n\n\u2022\nIncreased orders to the new energy market including hydrogen, solar, and geothermal with lithium extraction including a $5,000 order for a vacuum system for the Hell\u2019s Kitchen Stage 1 Project in the Imperial Valley of California; and\n\n\n\u2022\n$7.0 million for a vacuum system for a refinery in India.\n\n\n For fiscal 2023, our book-to-bill ratio was 1.3x. We believe the increased level of repeat U.S. Navy orders received during the fiscal year validates the investments we made, our position as a key supplier to the defense industry and our customer\u2019s confidence\n \n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nin our execution. Additionally, we believe the strong aftermarket orders are significant because they historically have been a leading indicator of a cyclical upturn in capital project orders. However, we do not expect the next cycle to be as robust as years past due to the factors discussed above under \"Current Market Conditions.\" The increase in space orders for fiscal 2023 over fiscal 2022 was due to newly awarded programs, as well as having an additional two months of BN operations included in the results for fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\n Orders to the U.S. represented 83% of total orders for fiscal 2023 and is relatively consistent with the prior year. These orders were primarily to the defense and space markets, which represented 58% and 7% of orders, respectively, and are U.S. based.\n\n\nThe following table provides our backlog by market, including the percentage of total backlog, for each category and period presented:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarket\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRefining\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n26,142\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n25,402\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n%\n\n\n$\n\n\n740\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChemical/Petrochemical\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,842\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,647\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5,805\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-43\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpace\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,242\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,283\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,041\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-27\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDefense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n243,628\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n81\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n194,758\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n76\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48,870\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,880\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,447\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,433\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n39\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal backlog\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n301,734\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n256,537\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n$\n\n\n45,197\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBacklog was $301,734 at March 31, 2023, an increase of 18% compared with $256,537 at March 31, 2022. Approximately 50% to 55% of orders currently in our backlog are expected to be converted to sales within one year and 25% to 30% after one year but within two years. The majority of the orders that are expected to convert beyond twelve months are for the defense industry, specifically the U.S. Navy that have a long conversion cycle (up to six years).\n \n\n\nOutlook\n\n\nWe are providing the following fiscal 2024 outlook:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet Sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$165 million to $175 million\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross Profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17% to 18% of sales\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSG&A Expenses\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15% to 16% of sales\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTax Rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22% to 23%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjusted EBITDA\n(2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$10.5 million to $12.5 million\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1)\n\u00a0Includes approximately $2 million to $3 million of BN performance bonus and approximately $0.5 million to $1.0 million of ERP conversion costs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(2)\n\u00a0Excludes approximately $2 million to $3 million of BN performance bonus and approximately $0.5 million to $1.0 million of ERP conversion costs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSee \"Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\" and \"Non-GAAP Measures\" above for additional information about forward-looking statements and non-GAAP measures. We have not reconciled non-GAAP forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, as permitted by Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. Such reconciliation would require unreasonable efforts to estimate and quantify various necessary GAAP components largely because forecasting or predicting our future operating results is subject to many factors out of our control or not readily predictable.\n\n\nWe have made significant progress with the advancements in our business, which puts us ahead of schedule in achieving our fiscal 2027 goals. As a result, we now believe that we can achieve greater than $200 million in revenue (8% to 10% average annualized revenue growth) and adjusted EBITDA margins in the low to mid-teens in fiscal 2027.\n\n\n Our expectations for sales and profitability assume that we will be able to operate our production facilities at planned capacity, have access to our global supply chain including our subcontractors, do not experience significant global health related disruptions, and assumes no further impact from Virgin Orbit or any other unforeseen events.\n \n\n\nContingencies and Commitments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos allegedly contained in or accompanying our products. We are a co-defendant with numerous other defendants in these lawsuits and intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these claims. The claims in our current lawsuits are similar to those made in previous asbestos lawsuits that named us as a defendant. Such previous lawsuits either were dismissed when it was shown that we had not supplied products to the plaintiffs\u2019 places of work, or were settled by us for immaterial amounts.\n\n\n \n\n\n32\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we are subject to the claims noted above, as well as other legal proceedings and potential claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of the lawsuits, legal proceedings or potential claims to which we are or may become a party cannot be determined and an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss cannot be made for the majority of the claims, we do not believe that the outcomes, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.\n\n\nCritical Accounting Policies\n\n\nThe discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.\n\n\nCritical accounting policies are defined as those that reflect significant judgments and uncertainties and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.\n\n\nRevenue Recognition. \nThe Company accounts for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification 606, \"Revenue from Contracts with Customers\" (\"ASC 606\").\n\n\nWe recognize revenue on all contracts when control of the product is transferred to the customer. Control is generally transferred when products are shipped, title is transferred, significant risks of ownership have transferred, we have rights to payment, and rewards of ownership pass to the customer. Customer acceptance may also be a factor in determining whether control of the product has transferred. Although revenue on the majority of our contracts, as measured by number of contracts, is recognized upon shipment to the customer, revenue on larger contracts, which are fewer in number but generally represent the majority of revenue, is recognized over time as these contracts meet specific criteria in ASC 606. Revenue from contracts that is recognized upon shipment accounted for approximately 26% of revenue in fiscal 2023. Revenue from contracts that is recognized over time accounted for approximately 74% of revenue in fiscal 2023. We recognize revenue over time when contract performance results in the creation of a product for which we do not have an alternative use and the contract includes an enforceable right to payment in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of the performance completed. To measure progress towards completion on performance obligations for which revenue is recognized over time the Company utilizes an input method based upon a ratio of direct labor hours incurred to date to management\u2019s estimate of the total labor hours to be incurred on each contract, or cost incurred to date to management's estimate of the total cost to be incurred on each contract, or an output method based upon completion of operational milestones, depending upon the nature of the contract.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBusiness Combinations and Intangible Assets. \nAssets and liabilities acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based upon detailed valuations that use various assumptions made by management. Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired. Definite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are assessed for impairment if certain indicators are present. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment testing annually or earlier if an event or change in circumstances indicates that the fair value of a reporting unit or the indefinite lived asset may have been reduced below its carrying value.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPension and Postretirement Benefits. \nDefined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent on actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions are reviewed annually and include the discount rate, long-term expected rate of return on plan assets, salary growth, healthcare cost trend rate and other economic and demographic factors. We base the discount rate assumption for our plans on the FTSE Pension Liability Above-Median AA-Index. The long-term expected rate of return on plan assets is based on the plan\u2019s asset allocation, historical returns and expectations as to future returns that are expected to be realized over the estimated remaining life of the plan liabilities that will be funded with the plan assets. The salary growth assumptions are determined based on long-term actual experience and future and near-term outlook. The healthcare cost trend rate assumptions are based on historical cost and payment data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends.\n\n\nCritical Accounting Estimates and Judgments\n\n\nWe have evaluated the accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and believe those policies to be reasonable and appropriate.\n\n\nWe believe that the most critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements relate to labor hour estimates, total cost, and establishment of operational milestones which are used to recognize revenue over time, accounting\n \n\n\n33\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nfor contingencies, under which we accrue a loss when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated, accounting for business combinations and intangible assets, and accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits.\n\n\nAs discussed above under the heading \"Critical Accounting Policies\", we recognize a majority of our revenue using an over-time recognition method. The key estimate for the over-time recognition model is total labor, total cost and operational milestones to be incurred on each contract and to the extent that these estimates change, it may significantly impact revenue recognized in each period.\n\n\nContingencies, by their nature, relate to uncertainties that require us to exercise judgment both in assessing the likelihood that a liability has been incurred as well as in estimating the amount of potential loss. For more information on these matters, see the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\nAs discussed above under the heading \"Critical Accounting Policies\", we allocate the purchase price of an acquired company, including when applicable, the acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration between tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the acquired business based on their estimated fair values, with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. Third party appraisal firms and other consultants are engaged to assist management in determining the fair values of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Estimating fair values requires significant judgments, estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to discount rates, future cash flows and the economic lives of trade names, technology, customer relationships, and property, plant and equipment. These estimates are based on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired company and are inherently uncertain.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, we completed the acquisition of BN for an aggregate purchase price of $72,014. We identified and assigned value to identifiable intangible assets of customer relationships, technology and technical know-how, backlog and trade name, and estimated the useful lives over which these intangible assets would be amortized. The estimates of fair values of these identifiable intangible assets were based upon discounted cash flow models, which include assumptions such as forecasted cash flows, customer attrition rates, discount rates, and royalty rates. The fair value estimates resulted in identifiable intangible assets, in the aggregate, of $32,500. The resulting goodwill, in the aggregate, from this acquisition was $23,523. For more information on these matters, see the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits involves estimating the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and attributing that cost over the time period each employee works. To accomplish this, assumptions are made about inflation, investment returns, mortality, turnover, medical costs and discount rates. These assumptions are reviewed annually.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe discount rate used in accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits expense (income) is determined in conjunction with our actuary by reference to a current yield curve and by considering the timing and amount of projected future benefit payments. The discount rate assumption for fiscal 2023 was 3.66% for our defined benefit pension plans and 3.32% for our other postretirement benefit plan. A reduction in the discount rate of 50 basis points, with all other assumptions held constant, would have increased fiscal 2023 net periodic benefit expense for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan by approximately $290 and $0.2, respectively.\n\n\nThe expected return on plan assets assumption of 5.50% used in accounting for our pension plan is determined by evaluating the mix of investments that comprise plan assets and external forecasts of future long-term investment returns. A reduction in the rate of return of 50 basis points, with other assumptions held constant, would have increased fiscal 2023 net periodic pension expense by approximately $197.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, the pension plan extinguished liabilities for vested benefits of certain participants through the purchase of nonparticipating annuity contracts with a third-party insurance company. As a result of these transactions, in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, the projected benefit obligation and plan assets each decreased $1,383 and $1,279, respectively.\n \n\n\nAs part of our ongoing financial reporting process, a collaborative effort is undertaken involving our managers with functional responsibilities for financial, credit, tax, engineering, manufacturing and benefit matters, and outside advisors such as lawyers, consultants and actuaries. We believe that the results of this effort provide management with the necessary information on which to base their judgments and to develop the estimates and assumptions used to prepare the financial statements.\n\n\nWe believe that the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K related to revenue, contingencies, pensions, other postretirement benefits and other matters requiring the use of estimates and judgments are reasonable, although actual outcomes could differ materially from our estimates.\n\n\n34\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNew Accounting Pronouncements\n\n\nIn the normal course of business, management evaluates all new accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or any other authoritative accounting body to determine the potential impact they may have on our consolidated financial statements. For discussion of the newly issued accounting pronouncements see ''Accounting and reporting changes'' in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A\n. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n\n\nThe principal market risks (i.e., the risk of loss arising from market changes) to which we are exposed are foreign currency exchange rates, price risk, and interest rate risk.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe assumptions applied in preparing the following qualitative and quantitative disclosures regarding foreign currency exchange rate, price risk and interest rate risk are based upon volatility ranges experienced by us in relevant historical periods, our current knowledge of the marketplace, and our judgment of the probability of future volatility based upon the historical trends and economic conditions of the markets in which we operate.\n\n\nForeign Currency\n\n\nInternational consolidated sales for fiscal 2023 were 19% of total sales. Operating in markets throughout the world exposes us to movements in currency exchange rates. Currency movements can affect sales in several ways, the foremost being our ability to compete for orders against foreign competitors that base their prices on relatively weaker currencies. Business lost due to competition for orders against competitors using a relatively weaker currency cannot be quantified. In addition, cash can be adversely impacted by the conversion of sales made by us in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. In fiscal 2023, substantially all sales by us and our wholly owned subsidiaries, for which we were paid, were denominated in the local currency of the respective subsidiary (U.S. dollars, Chinese RMB, or India INR). For fiscal 2023, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations reduced our cash balances by $208 primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Chinese RMB and India INR.\n \n\n\nWe have limited exposure to foreign currency purchases. In fiscal 2023, our purchases in foreign currencies represented 6% of the cost of products sold. At certain times, we may enter into forward foreign currency exchange agreements to hedge our exposure against potential unfavorable changes in foreign currency values on significant sales and purchase contracts negotiated in foreign currencies. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts were not used in fiscal 2023 and as of March 31, 2023, we held no forward foreign currency contracts.\n\n\nPrice Risk\n\n\nOperating in a global marketplace requires us to compete with other global manufacturers which, in some instances, benefit from lower production costs and more favorable economic conditions. Although we believe that our customers differentiate our products on the basis of our manufacturing quality, engineering experience, and customer service, among other things, such lower production costs and more favorable economic conditions mean that our competitors are able to offer products similar to ours at lower prices. In extreme market downturns, such as we recently experienced, we typically see depressed price levels. Additionally, we have faced, and may continue to face, significant cost inflation, specifically in labor costs, raw materials, and other supply chain costs due to increased demand for raw materials and resources caused by the broad disruption of the global supply chain associated, including as a result of the impact of COVID-19. International conflicts or other geopolitical events, including the ongoing war between Russia and the Ukraine, may further contribute to increased supply chain costs due to shortages in raw materials, increased costs for transportation and energy, disruptions in supply chains, and heightened inflation. Further escalation of geopolitical tensions may also lead to changes to foreign exchange rates and financial markets, any of which may adversely affect our business and supply chain, and consequently our results of operations. While there could ultimately be a material impact on our operations and liquidity, at the time of this report, the impact could not be determined.\n \n\n\nInterest Rate Risk\n\n\nIn connection with the BN acquisition, we entered into a $20,000 five-year term loan and a five-year revolving credit facility with Bank of America. The term loan and revolving credit facility bear interest rates that are tied to BSBY, plus 1.50%, subject to a 0.00% floor. As part of our risk management activities, we evaluate the use of interest rate derivatives to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. As of March 31, 2023, we had $12,500 outstanding on our term loan, $0 outstanding on our revolving credit facility and no interest rate derivatives outstanding. See ''Debt'' in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about our outstanding\n \n\n\n35\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ndebt. A hypothetical one percentage point (100 basis points) change in the BSBY rate on the $12,500 of variable rate debt outstanding at March 31, 2023 would have an impact of approximately $125 on our interest expense for fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\n36\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "cik": "716314",
+ "cusip6": "384556",
+ "cusip": ["384556106"],
+ "names": ["Graham"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/716314/000095017023026915/0000950170-23-026915-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-027474.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-027474.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3258bf3070
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-027474.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1. \nBUSINESS\n\n\nAs used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, all references to \u201cOrion,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d \u201cCompany\u201d and similar references are to Orion Energy Systems, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.\n\n\nOverview\n\n\nWe provide state-of-the-art light emitting diode (\u201cLED\u201d) lighting systems, wireless Internet of Things (\u201cIoT\u201d) enabled control solutions, commercial and industrial electric vehicle \"EV\" charging infrastructure solutions and maintenance services. We help our customers achieve their sustainability, energy savings and carbon footprint reduction goals through innovative technology and exceptional service. We sell our products and services into many vertical markets within the broader commercial and industrial market segment. Primary verticals include: big box retail, manufacturing, warehousing/logistics, commercial office, federal and municipal government, healthcare and schools. Our services consist of turnkey installation (lighting and EV) and system maintenance. Virtually all of our sales occur within North America.\n\n\nOur principal lighting customers include large national account end-users, electrical distributors, electrical contractors and energy service companies (\u201cESCOS\u201d). Currently, a significant amount of our lighting products are manufactured at our leased production facility located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, although as the LED and related IoT market continues to evolve, we are increasingly sourcing products and components from third parties in order to diversify our product offerings.\n\n\nWe differentiate ourselves from our competitors by offering very efficient light fixtures (measured in lumens per watt) coupled with our project management services to national account customers to retrofit their multiple locations. Our comprehensive services include initial site surveys and audits, utility incentive and government subsidy management, engineering design, and project management from delivery through to installation and controls integration. In addition, we began to offer lighting and electrical maintenance services in fiscal 2021, which enable us to support a long-term business relationship with our customers. We completed the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting on January 1, 2022, which is intended to further expand our maintenance services capabilities. On October 5, 2022, we acquired Voltrek, which is intended to leverage our project management and maintenance expertise into the rapidly growing EV sector.\n\n\nOur lighting products consist primarily of LED lighting fixtures, many of which include IoT enabled control systems provided by third parties. We believe the market for LED lighting products continues to grow. Due to their size and flexibility in application, we also believe that LED lighting systems can address opportunities for retrofit applications that cannot be satisfied by other lighting technologies.\n \n\n\nWe generally do not have long-term contracts with our customers for product or turnkey services that provide us with recurring annual revenue. However, our maintenance services contracts usually consist of multi-year arrangements. We typically generate substantially all of our lighting revenue from sales of lighting systems and related services to governmental, commercial and industrial customers on a project-by-project basis. We also perform work under global services or product purchasing agreements with major customers with sales completed on a purchase order basis. The loss of, or substantial reduction in sales to, any of our significant customers, or our current single largest customer, or the termination or delay of a significant volume of purchase orders by one or more key customers, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any given future period.\n\n\nWe typically sell our lighting systems in replacement of our customers\u2019 existing lighting fixtures. We call this replacement process a \"retrofit\". We frequently sell our products and services directly to our customers and in many cases we provide design and installation as well as project management services. We also sell our lighting systems on a wholesale basis, principally to electrical distributors, electrical contractors and ESCOs to sell to their own customer bases.\n\n\nThe gross margins of our products can vary significantly depending upon the types of products we sell, with gross margins typically ranging from 10% to 50%. As a result, a change in the total mix of our sales among higher or lower gross margin products can cause our profitability to fluctuate from period to period.\n\n\nOur fiscal year ends on March 31. We refer to our current fiscal year which ended on March 31, 2023 as \"fiscal 2023\". We refer to our most recently completed fiscal year, which ended on March 31, 2022, as \u201cfiscal 2022\u201d, and our prior fiscal year which ended on\n \n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31, 2021 as \"fiscal 2021\". Our fiscal first quarter of each fiscal year ends on June 30, our fiscal second quarter ends on September 30, our fiscal third quarter ends on December 31, and our fiscal fourth quarter ends on March 31.\n\n\nReportable Segments\n\n\nReportable segments are components of an entity that have separate financial data that the entity's chief operating decision maker (\"CODM\") regularly reviews when allocating resources and assessing performance. Our CODM is our chief executive officer. Historically, we have had three reportable segments: Orion Services Group Division (\"OSG\"), Orion Distribution Services Division (\"ODS\"), and\n \nOrion U.S. Markets Division (\"USM\"). With the acquisition of Voltrek on October 5, 2022, we added a fourth reporting segment, Orion Electric Vehicle Charging Division (\u201cEV Division\u201d).\n \n\n\nFor financial results by reportable segment, please refer to Note 18 \u2013 Segment Data in our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report.\n\n\nOrion Services Group Division\n\n\nOur OSG segment (a) develops and sells lighting products and provides construction and engineering services for our commercial lighting and energy management systems and (b) provides retailers, distributors and other businesses with maintenance, repair and replacement services for the lighting and related electrical components deployed in their facilities. OSG provides engineering, design, lighting products and in many cases turnkey solutions for large national accounts, governments, municipalities, schools and other customers.\n\n\nOrion Distribution Services Division\n\n\nOur ODS segment focuses on selling lighting products through manufacturer representative agencies and a network of North American broadline and electrical distributors and contractors.\n\n\nOrion U.S. Markets Division\n\n\nOur USM segment sells commercial lighting systems and energy management systems to the wholesale contractor markets. USM customers include ESCOs and contractors.\n \n\n\nOrion Electric Vehicle Charging Division\n\n\nOur EV Division offers leading electric vehicle charging expertise and provides EV turnkey installation solutions with ongoing support to all commercial verticals.\n\n\nOur Market Opportunity\n\n\nWe provide enterprise-grade LED lighting and energy management project solutions. We are primarily focused on providing commercial and industrial facilities lighting retrofit solutions in North America using solid-state LED technology. We believe the market for lighting products has shifted to LED lighting systems and continues to grow. We believe that LED lighting technology allows for better optical performance, significantly reduced energy consumption. Due to their size and flexibility in application, we also believe that LED lighting systems can address opportunities for retrofit applications that cannot be satisfied by other technologies.\n \n\n\nOur lighting products deliver energy savings and efficiency gains to our commercial and industrial customers without compromising their quantity or quality of light. We estimate that our energy management systems reduce our customers\u2019 legacy lighting-related electricity costs by approximately 50% or greater, while maintaining their quantity of light after the reduced wattage and improving overall lighting quality when replacing traditional fixtures. Our customers with legacy lighting systems typically realize a one to four-year payback period, and most often 18 \u2013 24 months, from electricity cost savings generated by our lighting systems without considering utility incentives or government subsidies. Energy-efficient lighting systems are cost-effective and environmentally responsible solutions allowing end users to reduce operating expenses and their carbon footprint.\n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe serve government and private sector end-customers in the following primary markets: commercial office and retail, exterior area lighting and industrial applications.\n\n\nCommercial office and retail. \nOur commercial office and retail market includes commercial office buildings, retail store fronts, government offices, schools, hospitals and other buildings with traditional 10 to 12 foot ceiling heights.\n \n\n\nIndustrial applications. \nOur market for industrial facilities includes manufacturing facilities, distribution and warehouse facilities, government buildings and agricultural buildings. These facilities typically contain \"high-bay\" lighting fixtures for ceiling heights of 20-60 feet.\n \n\n\nCommercial and industrial facilities in the United States employ a variety of lighting technologies, including HID, traditional fluorescents, LED and incandescent lighting fixtures. We estimate that approximately 25-30% of this market still utilizes inefficient high intensity discharge (\"HID\") lighting technologies. Our lighting systems typically replace less efficient HID, HIF fixtures, and earlier generation of LED fixtures.\n \n\n\nExterior Area lighting. \nOur market for area lighting includes parking garages, surface lots, automobile dealerships and gas service stations.\n\n\n \nEV Charging Infrastructure:\n Our market for designing/engineering and installing EV charging systems (we do not make equipment) includes commercial and industrial customers including government. We focus largely on level 2 EV charging solutions for employee and guest charging of passenger vehicles and level 3 DC fast charge systems for fleet applications and high speed passenger vehicle charging.\n\n\nMaintenance Business:\n Our maintenance business services customers generally require third party lighting maintenance services. along with modest electrical maintenance service.\n\n\nWe believe that utilities within the United States recognize the importance of energy efficiency as an economical means to manage capacity constraints and as a low-cost alternative when compared to the construction costs of building new power plants. Accordingly, many of these utilities are continually focused on demand reduction through energy efficiency. According to our research of individual state and utility programs, utilities design and fund programs that promote or deliver energy efficiency through legislation, regulation or voluntary action. Our product sales are not solely dependent upon these incentive programs, but we do believe that these incentive programs provide an important benefit as our customers evaluate their out-of-pocket cash investments.\n\n\nOur Solution\n\n\nValue Proposition.\n We estimate our LED lighting systems generally reduce lighting-related electricity usage and costs by approximately 50% or greater, compared to legacy fixtures, while retaining the quantity of light, improving overall lighting quality and helping customers reduce their carbon footprint.\n\n\nMulti-Facility Roll-Out Capability.\n We offer our customers a single source, turnkey solution for project implementation in which we manage and maintain responsibility for entire multi-facility rollouts of our energy management solutions across North American commercial and industrial facility portfolios. This capability allows us to offer our customers an orderly, timely and scheduled process for recognizing energy reductions and cost savings.\n\n\nRapid Payback Period Retrofit Lighting.\n In most lighting retrofit projects where we replace HID and HIF fixtures, our customers typically realize a one to four year, but most often 18 \u2013 24 months, payback period on our lighting systems. These returns are achieved without considering utility incentives or government subsidies (although subsidies and incentives are continually being made available to our customers in connection with the installation of our systems that further shorten payback periods).\n\n\nEasy Installation, Implementation and Maintenance.\n Most of our fixtures are designed with a lightweight construction and modular plug-and-play architecture that allows for fast and easy installation, facilitates maintenance, and integration of other components of our energy management system. Our office LED Troffer Door Retrofit\n \n(\n\"\nLDR\nTM\n\") products are designed to allow for fast and easy installation without disrupting the ceiling space or the office workspace. We believe our system\u2019s design reduces installation time and\n \n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nexpense compared to other lighting solutions, which further improves our customers\u2019 return on investment. We also believe that our use of standard components reduces our customers\u2019 ongoing maintenance costs.\n\n\nExpanded Product Offerings.\n We are committed to continuing to develop LED product offerings in all of the markets we serve. Our third generation of ISON\u00ae class of LED interior fixture delivers a market leading up to 214 lumens per watt. This advancement means our customers can get more light with less energy, and sometimes fewer fixtures, than with any other product on the market. We have also recently launched a variety of new products, features and functionality targeting healthcare, food service, high and low temperature environments and other market segments. Our lighting products also may be configured to include IoT enabled control systems. In fiscal 2022, we introduced a product range under the brand PureMotion. These products circulate air for enhanced airflow, temperature comfort and energy savings. In addition, the PureMotion UVC products sanitize air in a safe UVC chamber that eliminates various airborne viruses, bacteria, mold and fungi. See \"Products and Services\" below. In addition, we offer lighting maintenance services on both a preventative and reactive basis to the commercial and industrial verticals. In October, 2022, we acquired Voltrek LLC, which offers leading EV charging expertise and provides turnkey EV installation solutions with ongoing support to all commercial verticals.\n\n\nEnvironmental Benefits.\n By allowing for the permanent reduction of electricity consumption, we believe our energy management systems significantly reduce indirect CO2 emissions that are a negative by-product of energy generation which help enable our customers to achieve their sustainability, energy savings and carbon footprint reduction goals.\n\n\nOur Competitive Strengths\n\n\nCompelling Value Proposition.\n By permanently reducing lighting-related electricity usage, our systems help enable our customers to achieve their sustainability, energy savings and carbon footprint reduction goals without compromising quantity and quality of light in their facilities. As a result, our products offer our customers a rapid return on their investment, without relying on government subsidies or utility incentives. We also help our customers with their mobility infrastructure needs supporting the transition to passenger and fleet EVs.\n\n\nComprehensive Project Management.\n We offer our customers a single source solution whereby we manage and are responsible for an entire retrofit lighting project, from initial site surveys and energy audits through to installation and controls integration and subsequent maintenance. Our ability to offer such comprehensive turnkey project management services, coupled with best-in-class customer service, allows us to deliver energy reductions and cost savings to our customers in timely, orderly and planned multi-facility rollouts nationwide. We believe one of our competitive advantages is our ability to deliver full turnkey LED lighting project capabilities. The success of this approach has resulted in what we call a \u201cCustomer for Life\u201d relationship with customers that encourages additional projects and maintenance services. Few LED lighting providers are organized to serve every step of a custom retrofit project in a comprehensive, non-disruptive and timely fashion, from custom fixture design and initial site surveys to final installations. Incrementally, we are also able to help customers deploy state-of-the-art IoT control systems that provide even greater long-term value from their lighting system investments.\n\n\nLarge and Growing Customer Base.\n We have developed a large and growing national customer base and have installed our products in commercial and industrial facilities across North America. We believe that the willingness of our blue-chip customers to install our products across multiple facilities represents a significant endorsement of our value proposition, which in turn helps us sell our energy management systems to new customers.\n \n\n\nInnovative Technology.\n We have developed a portfolio of United States patents primarily covering various elements of our products. We believe these innovations allow our products to produce more light output per unit of input energy compared to our competition. We also have patents pending that primarily cover various elements of our newly developed LED products and certain business methods. To complement our innovative energy management products, our integrated energy management services provide our customers with a turnkey solution either at a single facility or across their North American facility footprints. Our demonstrated ability to innovate provides us with significant competitive advantages. Our lighting products offer significantly more light output as measured in foot-candles of light delivered per watt of electricity consumed when compared to HID or traditional fluorescent fixtures. Beyond the benefits of our lighting fixtures, we believe that there is also an opportunity to utilize our system platform as a \u201cconnected ceiling\u201d or \u201csmart ceiling\u201d, or a framework or network that can support the installation and integration of other solutions on a digital\n \n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nplatform. This \u201csmart ceiling\u201d can be integrated with other technologies to collect data and manage assets and resources more efficiently. Our \u201cIndustrial Internet of Things\u201d, or IoT, enabled devices not only contain energy management control functions, but also have the ability to collect facility usage and traffic data as well as collect data from other facility mechanical systems, providing our customers with a path to digitization for their business operations. Our percentage of systems utilizing IoT enabled devices has grown significantly over the past few years and we expect this trend to continue.\n\n\nExpanded Sales and Distribution Network.\n In addition to selling directly to national accounts, electrical contractors and ESCOs, we sell our lighting products and services to electrical distributors through a North American network of independent lighting agencies. As of the end of fiscal 2023, we had 33 independent lighting agencies representing us in substantially all of North America. We intend to continue to selectively evaluate our sales network in the future, with a focus on geographic regions where we do not currently have a strong sales presence.\n\n\nOur Growth Strategies\n\n\nIn fiscal 2023, we continued to successfully capitalize on our capability of being a full service, turn-key provider of LED lighting and controls systems with design, build, installation and project management services, including being awarded large additional projects for a major national account. To build on this success, we are evolving our business strategy to further leverage this unique capability, along with a strong network of ESCO partners, agents and distributors to offer more products and services to our customers. We have adopted a \u201cCustomers for Life\u201d philosophy that broadens our view of platforms that can be offered to deliver our mission. Two new platforms that we recently added to our service offerings have been our maintenance services business, along with our EV charging station business. We intend to continue to pursue expanding our product and service offerings, organically and through potential acquisitions that could accelerate our progress.\n \n\n\nFocus on executing and marketing our turnkey LED retrofit capabilities to large national account customers. \nWe believe one of our competitive advantages is our ability to deliver full turnkey LED lighting project capabilities starting with energy audits and site assessments that lead to custom engineering and manufacturing through to fully managed installations. These attributes coupled with our superior customer service, high quality designs and expedited delivery responsiveness resulted in our contract to retrofit multiple locations for a significant single national account beginning in fiscal 2020 that continued into fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\nContinue Product Innovation. \nWe continue to innovate, developing lighting fixtures and features that address specific customer requirements, while also working to maintain a leadership position in energy efficiency, smart product design and installation benefits. For interior building applications, we recently expanded our product line to include a family of ceiling air movement solutions, some of which incorporate LED lighting and others which utilize ultraviolet C light waves to kill viruses, bacteria and germs. We also continue to deepen our capabilities in the integration of smart lighting controls. Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art lighting products with modular plug-and-play designs to enable lighting system customization from basic controls to advanced IoT capabilities.\n \n\n\nLeverage Orion\u2019s Smart Lighting Systems to Support Internet of Things Applications. \nWe believe we are ideally positioned to help customers to efficiently deploy new IoT controls and applications by leveraging the \u201cSmart Ceiling\u201d capabilities of their Orion solid state lighting system. IoT capabilities can include the management and tracking of facilities, personnel, resources and customer behavior, driving both sales and lowering costs. As a result, these added capabilities provide customers an even greater return on investment from their lighting system and make us an even more attractive partner, providing our customers with a path to digitization for their business operations.\n\n\nExpand Maintenance Service Offerings.\n We believe we can leverage our construction management process expertise to develop a high-quality, quick-response, multi-location maintenance service offering. Our experience with large national customers and our large installed base of fixtures positions us well to extend our maintenance services to historical customers, as well as to new customers. Development of this recurring revenue stream is making progress and we believe there is significant market opportunity.\n\n\nSupport success of our ESCO and agent driven distribution sales channels.\n We continue to focus on building our relationships and product and sales support for our ESCO and agent driven distribution channels. These efforts include an array of product and sales training efforts as well as the development of new products to cater to the unique needs of these sales channels.\n \n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \nGrow EV Charging Installation Business.\n In fiscal 2023, we acquired Voltrek, a turnkey EV charging installation business. We believe there are significant growth opportunities in Voltrek\u2019s existing east coast geographic market, as well as on a national basis. We plan to focus our growth plans on cross selling our new EV charging solutions to our historical market channels and customers.\n\n\nProducts and Services\n\n\nOur primary focus has been the sale of our LED lighting fixtures with integrated controls technology and related installation services. We will continue to focus on these products and services, as well as on expanding our maintenance service offerings and our EV charging station solutions.\n \n\n\nCurrently, a significant amount of our lighting products are manufactured at our leased production facility location in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, although as the LED market continues to evolve, we also source products and components from third parties in order to have versatility in our product development. We are focused on researching, developing and/or acquiring new innovative LED products and technologies for the retrofit markets. We plan to continue developing creative new LED retrofit products in order to offer our customers a variety of integrated energy management services, such as system design, project management and installation.\n\n\nProducts\n\n\nThe following is a description of our primary products:\n\n\nInterior LED High Bay Fixture: \nOur LED interior high bay lighting products consist of our Harris high bay, Apollo\nTM\n high bay and ISON\u00ae high bay products. Our ISON\u00ae class of LED interior fixture offers a full package of premium features, including low total cost of ownership, optics that currently exceed competitors in terms of lumen package, delivered light, modularity and advanced thermal management. Our third generation of ISON\u00ae class of LED interior fixture delivers up to an exceptional 214 lumens per watt. This advancement means our customers can get more light with less energy, and sometimes fewer fixtures, compared to other products on the market. Our Apollo\nTM\n class of LED interior fixtures is designed for new construction and retrofit projects where initial cost is the largest factor in the purchase decision. Our Harris high bay is ideal for customers seeking a cost-effective solution to deliver energy savings and maintenance reductions. In addition, our LED interior lighting products are lightweight and easy to handle, which further reduces installation and maintenance costs and helps to build brand loyalty with electrical contractors and installers.\n\n\nSmart Lighting Controls.\n We offer a broad array of smart building control systems. These control systems provide both lighting control options (such as occupancy, daylight, or schedule control) and data intelligence capabilities for building managers to log, monitor, and analyze use of space, energy savings, and provide physical security of the space.\n \n\n\nThe LED Troffer Door Retrofit (LDR\nTM\n): \nThe LDR\nTM\n is designed to replace existing 4 foot by 2 foot and 2 foot by 2 foot fluorescent troffers that are frequently found in office or retail grid ceilings. Our LDR\nTM\n product is unique in that the LED optics and electronics are housed within the doorframe that allows for installation of the product in approximately one to two minutes. Our LDR\nTM\n product also provides reduced maintenance expenses based upon improved LED chips.\n\n\nIn addition, in October 2022, we acquired Voltrek LLC, which offers leading EV charging expertise and provides turnkey EV installation solutions with ongoing support to all commercial verticals. We believe there are significant growth opportunities in Voltrek\u2019s existing east coast geographic market, as well as on a national basis. We plan to focus our growth plans on cross selling our new EV charging solutions to our historical market channels and customers.\n\n\nOther Products.\n In fiscal 2022, we introduced a range of air movement products capable of virus elimination. We also offer our customers a variety of other LED fixtures to address their lighting and energy management needs, including fixtures designed for agribusinesses, parking lots, roadways, retail, mezzanine, outdoor applications and private label resale.\n\n\nWarranty Policy\n. Our warranty policy generally provides for a limited five-year warranty on our LED products, although we do offer warranties ranging up to 10 years for certain LED products. Ballasts, lamps, drivers, LED chips and other electrical components are excluded from our standard warranty as they are covered by separate warranties offered by the original equipment manufacturers.\n \n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe coordinate and process customer warranty inquiries and claims, including inquiries and claims relating to ballast and lamp components, through our customer service department.\n\n\nServices\n\n\nWe provide a range of fee-based lighting-related energy management services to our customers, including:\n\n\n\u2022 \ncomprehensive site assessment, which includes a review of the current lighting and controls including IoT enabled devices requirements and energy usage at the customer\u2019s facility;\n\n\n\u2022 \nsite field verification, or SFV, during which we perform a test implementation of our energy management system at a customer\u2019s facility;\n\n\n\u2022 \nutility incentive and government subsidy management, where we assist our customers in identifying, applying for and obtaining available utility incentives or government subsidies;\n\n\n\u2022 \nengineering design, which involves designing a customized system to suit our customers' facility lighting and energy management needs, and providing the customer with a written analysis of the potential energy savings and lighting and environmental benefits associated with the designed system;\n\n\n\u2022 \nproject management, which involves us working with the electrical contractor in overseeing and managing all phases of implementation from delivery through installation for a single facility or through multi-facility roll-outs tied to a defined project schedule;\n\n\n\u2022 \ninstallation services, for our products, which we provide through our national network of qualified third-party installers;\n\n\n\u2022 \ncomplete facility design commissioning of IoT enabled control devices\n\n\n\u2022 \nrecycling in connection with our retrofit installations, where we remove, dispose of and recycle our customer\u2019s legacy lighting fixtures; and\n\n\n\u2022 \nlighting and electrical system maintenance services both preventative and reactive in nature.\n\n\nWe also provide similar turnkey services to our EV customers that include site audit, engineering, grant filing, installation, commissioning and network services. Our maintenance business provides services that includes both preventative and reactive services. We also provide other services that comprise a small amount of our revenue. These services primarily include management and control of power quality and remote monitoring and control of our installed systems. We also sell and distribute replacement lamps and fixture components into the after-market.\n\n\nOur Customers\n\n\nWe primarily target commercial, institutional and industrial customers who have warehousing, retail, manufacturing and office facilities. In fiscal 2023, one customer accounted for 16.2% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2022, that same customer accounted for 49.1% of our total revenue, and in fiscal 2021, this same customer accounted for 56.0% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2024, we expect that our customer concentration will continue at the approximate level experienced in fiscal 2023. As we continue to diversify our customer base by expanding our reach to national accounts, ESCOs, the agent driven distribution channel, lighting maintenance customers and the EV market, we expect to continue to derive a significant percentage of our revenue from contracts with one or a few customers. These contracts are entered into in the ordinary course of business and typically provide that we will deliver products and services on a work order or purchase order basis and any purchase order may be terminated prior to shipment. Our maintenance work orders or contracts may be for discrete projects or may have multi-year terms. These contracts generally do not guarantee that the customer will buy our products or services.\n \n\n\nThe amount and concentration of our revenues with one or more customer may fluctuate on a year to year or quarter to quarter basis depending on the number of purchase orders issued by our customers. The loss of a significant customer or the termination of a material volume of purchase orders (or the underlying agreements) could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\n \n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSales and Marketing\n\n\nWe sell our lighting products in one of three ways: (i) directly through our relationships with our national account partners or through Voltrek; (ii) indirectly through independent sales agencies and broadline North American distributors; and (iii) through ESCOs. Our ODS segment focuses on developing and expanding customer relationships with independent manufacturer\u2019s sales agents and broadline distributors. As of the end of fiscal 2023 we had 33 independent lighting agencies representing us in substantially all of North America expanding our reach with broadline distributors. We attempt to leverage the customer relationships of these distributors to further extend the geographic scope of our selling efforts. We work cooperatively with our indirect channels through participation in national trade organizations and by providing training on our sales methodologies.\n\n\nWe have historically focused our marketing efforts on traditional direct advertising, as well as developing brand awareness through customer education and active participation in trade shows and energy management seminars. These efforts have included participating in national, regional and local trade organizations, exhibiting at trade shows, executing targeted direct mail campaigns, advertising in select publications, public relations campaigns, social media and other lead generation and brand-building initiatives.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nThe market for energy-efficient lighting products, EV charging solutions and maintenance services is fragmented. We face strong competition primarily from manufacturers and distributors of lighting products and services as well as electrical contractors. We compete primarily on the basis of technology, cost, performance, quality, customer experience, energy efficiency, customer service and marketing support. We compete against other value-added resellers and electrical contractors in the EV charging market. We compete against a variety of service providers for lighting maintenance.\n\n\nThere are a number of lighting fixture manufacturers that sell LED products that compete with our lighting product lines. Lighting companies such as Acuity Brands, Inc., Signify Co., Cree, Inc., LSI Industries, Inc. and GE Current, a Daintree Company, are some of our main competitors within the commercial office, retail and industrial markets. We are also facing increased competition from manufacturers in low-cost countries.\n\n\nIntellectual Property\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had been issued over 100 United States patents and have applied for a number of additional United States patents. The patented and patent pending technologies cover various innovative elements of our products, including our HIF and LED fixtures. Our patented LDR\nTM\n product allows for a significantly quicker installation when compared to competitor's commercial office lighting products. Our smart lighting controls allow our lighting fixtures to selectively provide a targeted amount of light where and when it is needed most.\n\n\nWe believe that our patent portfolio as a whole is material to our business. We also believe that our patents covering our ability to manage the thermal and optical performance of our lighting products are material to our business, and that the loss of these patents could significantly and adversely affect our business, operating results and prospects.\n\n\nBacklog\n\n\nBacklog represents the amount of revenue that we expect to realize in the future as a result of firm, committed orders. Our backlog as of March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 totaled $17.2 million and $10.1 million, respectively. We generally expect our backlog to be recognized as revenue within one year. Backlog does not include any amounts for contracted maintenance services.\n\n\nManufacturing and Distribution\n\n\nWe lease an approximately 266,000 square foot primary manufacturing and distribution facility located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where most of our products are manufactured. We utilize both solar and wind power to support the energy requirements for our manufacturing facility, allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint.\n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe generally maintain a significant supply of raw material and purchased and manufactured component inventory. We contract with transportation companies to ship our products and manage all aspects of distribution logistics. We generally ship our products directly to the end user.\n\n\nResearch and Development\n\n\nOur research and development efforts are centered on developing new LED products and technologies and enhancing existing products. The products, technologies and services we are developing are focused on increasing end user energy efficiency and enhancing lighting output. Over the last three fiscal years, we have focused our development on additional LED products, resulting in our development and commercialization of several new suites of LED interior high bay products.\n\n\nWe operate research and development lab and test facilities in our Jacksonville, Florida and Manitowoc, Wisconsin locations.\n\n\nRegulatory Matters\n\n\nOur operations are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge to water, the remediation of contaminated properties and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of, and exposure to, waste and other materials, as well as laws and regulations relating to occupational health and safety. We believe that our business, operations, and facilities are being operated in compliance in all material respects with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and regulations.\n\n\nState, county or municipal statutes often require that a licensed electrician be present and supervise each retrofit project. Further, all installations of electrical fixtures are subject to compliance with electrical codes in virtually all jurisdictions in the United States. In cases where we engage independent contractors to perform our retrofit projects, we believe that compliance with these laws and regulations is the responsibility of the applicable contractor.\n\n\nOur Corporate and Other Available Information\n\n\nWe were incorporated as a Wisconsin corporation in April 1996 and our corporate headquarters are located at 2210 Woodland Drive, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220. Our Internet website address is www.orionlighting.com. Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, are available through the investor relations page of our internet website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report.\n\n\nHuman Capital\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had approximately 265 full-time employees. We also employ temporary employees in our manufacturing facility as demand requires. Our employees are not represented by any labor union, and we have never experienced a work stoppage or strike due to employee relations.\n\n\nWe are an employee-centric organization, maintaining a safe and respectful environment that provides opportunity for our employees.\n\n\nWe believe our employees are among our most important resources and are critical to our continued success. We focus significant attention on attracting and retaining talented and experienced individuals to manage and support our operations. We pay our employees competitively and offer a broad range of company-paid benefits, which we believe are competitive with others in our industry.\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are committed to hiring, developing and supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our management teams and all of our employees are expected to exhibit and promote honest, ethical and respectful conduct in the workplace. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. All of our employees must adhere to a code of conduct that sets standards for appropriate behavior and includes required annual training on preventing, identifying, reporting and stopping any type of unlawful discrimination.\n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A. RI\nSK FACTORS\n\n\nYou should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below and in other reports that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The matters discussed in the following risk factors, and additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects and could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline.\n\n\n1. Risk Factor Summary\n \n\n\nOur business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted immediately following this summary. Some of these risks are summarized below:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nWe do not have major sources of recurring revenue and we depend upon a limited number of customers in any given period to generate a substantial portion of our revenue. The reduction of revenue from our most significant customer over the past three fiscal years has had, and the potential future loss of other significant customers or a major customer would likely have, a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. \n\n\n\u2022\nOur ability to replace the substantially reduced revenue from our prior most significant customer, regain and sustain our profitability and achieve our desired revenue and profitability goals depends on our ability to effectively and timely execute on our key strategic initiatives.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe may not realize the anticipated benefits of our recent acquisitions of Stay-Lite Lighting and Voltrek, and the integration of Stay-Lite Lighting and Voltrek may disrupt our business and management, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations\n\n\n\u2022\nOur products use components and raw materials that may be subject to price fluctuations, shortages or interruptions of supply. \n\n\n\u2022\nOur ability to balance customer demand and production capacity and increased difficulty in obtaining permanent employee staffing could negatively impact our business. \n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nWe increasingly rely on third-party manufacturers for the manufacture and development of our products and product components. \n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nMacroeconomic pressures in the markets in which we operate or anticipate operating in the future may adversely affect our financial results.\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nOur existing liquidity and capital resources may not be sufficient to allow us to effectively pursue our evolving strategies, complete potential acquisitions or otherwise fund or sustain growth initiatives.\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nAdverse conditions in the global economy have negatively impacted, and could in the future negatively impact, our customers, suppliers and business. \n\n\n\u2022\nAs we evolve our business strategy to increase our focus on new product and service offerings, the nature of our business may be significantly changed, or transformed. \n\n\n\u2022\nOur continued emphasis on indirect distribution channels to sell our products and services to supplement our direct distribution channels has had limited success to date. \n\n\n\u2022\nThe success of our LED lighting retrofit solutions depends, in part, on our ability to claim market share away from our competitors. \n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nGovernment tariffs and other actions may adversely affect our business.\n\n\n\u2022\nThe reduction or elimination of investments in, or incentives to adopt, LED lighting or the elimination of, or changes in, policies, incentives or rebates in certain states or countries that encourage the use of LEDs over some traditional lighting technologies could cause the growth in demand for our products to slow. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Business\n\n\nOperational Risks\n\n\nWe do not have major sources of recurring revenue and we depend upon a limited number of customers in any given period to generate a substantial portion of our revenue. The reduction of revenue from our most significant customer over the past three fiscal years has had, and the potential future loss of other significant customers or a major customer would likely have, a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn fiscal 2023, one customer accounted for 16.2% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2022, that same customer accounted for 49.1% of our total revenue, and in fiscal 2021, this same customer accounted for 56.0% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2024, we expect that our customer concentration will continue at the approximate level experienced in fiscal 2023. The reduction of revenue from this customer has had a material advent effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. We continue to attempt to replace this reduced revenue by diversifying our customer base and expanding our reach to national accounts, ESCOs, the agent driven distribution channel, lighting maintenance customers and the EV market, there is no assurance we will be successful in replacing this reduced revenue.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur ability to replace the substantially reduced revenue from our prior most significant customer, regain and sustain profitability and achieve our desired revenue and profitability goals depends on our ability to effectively and timely execute on our key strategic initiatives.\n \n\n\nOur ability to replace the substantially reduced revenues from our prior most significant customer, regain profitability and achieve our desired revenue and profitability goals depends on how effectively and timely we execute on our following key strategic initiatives:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nexecuting and marketing our turnkey LED retrofit capabilities to large national account customers; \n\n\n\u2022\ncontinuing our product innovation; \n\n\n\u2022\nleveraging our smart lighting systems to support IoT applications; \n\n\n\u2022\ndeveloping our maintenance service offerings; \n\n\n\u2022\nsupporting the success of our ESCO and distribution sales channels; and \n\n\n\u2022\ncross selling our EV charging solutions to our historical sales channels and customers.\n\n\nWe also may identify and pursue additional strategic acquisition candidates that would help support these initiatives. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement these initiatives or, even if implemented, that they will result in the anticipated benefits to our business.\n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may not realize the anticipated benefits of our recent acquisitions of Stay-Lite Lighting and Voltrek. The integrations of Stay-Lite Lighting and Voltrek may disrupt our business and management, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.\n\n\nEffective on January 1, 2022, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Stay-Lite Lighting, Inc., a nationwide lighting and electrical maintenance service provider. On October 5, 2022, we acquired the equity interests of Voltrek, LLC an EV charging station solutions provider. We may acquire additional companies or enter into other business combinations or strategic initiatives in the future. We may not realize the anticipated benefits of the Stay-Lite or Voltrek acquisition or such other business combinations or acquisitions, and we may encounter substantial difficulties, costs and delays involved in integrating our operations with such businesses, including:\n\n\n\u2022\nExposure to unknown liabilities;\n\n\n\u2022\nPotential conflicts between business cultures;\n\n\n\u2022\nAdverse changes in business focus perceived by third-party constituencies;\n\n\n\u2022\nDisruption of our ongoing business;\n\n\n\u2022\nPotential conflicts in distribution, marketing or other important relationships;\n\n\n\u2022\nPotential constraints of management resources;\n\n\n\u2022\nInability to implement uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;\n\n\n\u2022\nFailure to maximize our financial and strategic position;\n\n\n\u2022\nFailure to achieve planned synergies or expected financial results benefits;\n\n\n\u2022\nFailure to realize the potential of the acquired businesses' technologies, complete product development, or properly obtain or secure appropriate protection of intellectual property rights; and \n\n\n\u2022\nLoss of key employees and/or the diversion of management's attention from other ongoing business concerns.\n\n\nBusiness combinations and acquisitions of companies are inherently risky, and ultimately, if we do not complete the integration of Stay-Lite Lighting or Voltrek or other acquired businesses successfully and in a timely manner, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions to the extent anticipated, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.\n\n\nOur products use components and raw materials that may be subject to price fluctuations, shortages or interruptions of supply, including semiconductor chips. If we are unable to maintain supply sources of our components and raw materials or if our sources fail to satisfy our supply requirements, we may lose sales and experience increased component costs.\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are vulnerable to price increases, as well as transportation and delivery delays, for components and raw materials that we require for our products, including aluminum, copper, certain rare earth minerals, semiconductor chips, power supplies and LED chips and modules. In particular, we utilize semiconductor chips in our LED lighting products and control sensors. For example, our ability to source semiconductor chips has been adversely affected in the recent past and could occur again. Difficulty in sourcing necessary components in the past has resulted in increased component delivery lead times, delays in our product production and increased costs to obtain components with available semiconductor chips. To the extent a semiconductor chip shortage occurs or our ability to acquire the parts necessary to conduct our business operations, such as other necessary finished goods, is materially affected, our production ability and results of operations will be adversely affected. \n\u00a0\n\n\nLimitations inherent within our supply chain of certain of our components, raw materials and finished goods, including competitive, governmental, and legal limitations, natural disasters, and other events, could impact costs and future increases in the costs of these items. For example, the adoption of new tariffs by the United States administration or by other countries and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 in China could continue to adversely affect our profitability and availability of raw materials and components, as there\n \n\n\n18\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ncan be no assurance that future price increases will be successfully passed through to customers or that we will be able to find alternative suppliers. Further, suppliers\u2019 inventories of certain components that our products require may be limited and are subject to acquisition by others and we may not, as a result, have the necessary inventory of parts and goods necessary to conduct our operations. We have in the past purchased excess quantities of certain components critical to our product manufacturing, but there is no guarantee that we will be able to follow or continue to follow this practice in the future. As a result, we have had, and may need to continue, to devote additional working capital to support component and raw material inventory purchases that may not be used over a reasonable period to produce saleable products, and we may be required to increase our excess and obsolete inventory reserves to account for these excess quantities, particularly if demand for our products does not meet our expectations. Also, any further delays, shortages or interruptions in the supply of our components or raw materials could further disrupt our operations. If any of these events occur, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.\n \n\n\nOur ability to balance customer demand and production capacity and increased difficulty in obtaining permanent employee staffing could negatively impact our business.\n\n\nAs customer demand for our products changes, we must be able to adjust our production capacity, including increasing or decreasing our employee workforce, to meet demand. We are continually taking steps to address our manufacturing capacity needs for our products. If we are not able to increase or decrease our production capacity at our targeted rate or if there are unforeseen costs associated with adjusting our capacity levels, our ability to execute our operating plan could be adversely affected.\n \n\n\nWe have, in the past, experienced difficulty in hiring sufficient permanent employees to support our production demands. This circumstance has resulted in our increased reliance on temporary employee staffing to support our production operations. Temporary employees can be less reliable and require more ongoing training than permanent employees. These factors can adversely affect our operational efficiencies. This situation has also placed a significant burden on our continuing employees, has resulted in higher recruiting expenses as we have sought to recruit and train additional new permanent employees, and introduced increased instability in our operations to the extent responsibilities are reallocated to new or different employees. To the extent that we are unable to effectively hire a sufficient number of permanent employees, and our reliance on temporary staffing continues to increase, our operations and our ability to execute our operating plan could be adversely affected.\n\n\nOur inability to attract and retain key employees, our reseller network members or manufacturer representative agencies could adversely affect our operations and our ability to execute on our operating plan and growth strategy.\n\n\nWe rely upon the knowledge, experience and skills of key employees throughout our organization, particularly our senior management team, our sales group that requires technical knowledge or contacts in, and knowledge of, the LED industry, and our innovation and engineering team. In addition, our ability to attract talented new employees, particularly in our sales group and our innovation and engineering team, is also critical to our success. We also depend on our distribution channels and network of manufacturer sales representative agencies. If we are unable to attract and retain key employees, resellers, and manufacturer sales representative agencies because of competition or, in the case of employees, inadequate compensation or other factors, our results of operations and our ability to execute our operating plan could be adversely affected.\n\n\nIf our information technology systems security measures are breached or fail, our products may be perceived as not being secure, customers may curtail or stop buying our products, we may incur significant legal and financial exposure, and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nOur information technology systems involve the storage of our confidential information and trade secrets, as well as our customers\u2019 personal and proprietary information in our equipment, networks and corporate systems. Security breaches expose us to a risk of loss of this information, litigation and increased costs for security measures, loss of revenue, damage to our reputation and potential liability. Security breaches or unauthorized access may result in a combination of significant legal and financial exposure, increased remediation and other costs, theft and/or unauthorized use or publication of our trade secrets and other confidential business information, damage to our reputation and a loss of confidence in the security of our products, services and networks that could have an adverse effect upon our business. While we take steps to prevent unauthorized access to our corporate systems, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or sabotage systems change frequently or may be designed to remain dormant until a triggering event, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. Further, the risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber attacks, or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments, and cyber\n \n\n\n19\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nterrorists, has generally increased as cyber attacks have become more prevalent and harder to detect and fight against. In addition, hardware, software or applications we procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise network and data security. Any breach or failure of our information technology systems could result in decreased revenue, increased expenses, increased capital expenditures, customer dissatisfaction and potential lawsuits, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nSome of our existing information technology systems are in need of enhancement, updating and replacement. If our information technology systems fail, or if we experience an interruption in their operation, then our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nThe efficient operation of our business is dependent on our information technology systems, some of which are in need of enhancement, updating and replacement. We rely on these systems generally to manage day-to-day operations, manage relationships with our customers, maintain our research and development data, and maintain our financial and accounting records. The failure of our information technology systems, our inability to successfully maintain, enhance and/or replace our information technology systems, or any compromise of the integrity or security of the data we generate from our information technology systems, could have a material adverse affect on our results of operations, disrupt our business and product development and make us unable, or severely limit our ability, to respond to customer demands. In addition, our information technology systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from:\n\n\n\u2022\nearthquake, fire, flood and other natural disasters;\n\n\n\u2022\nemployee or other theft;\n\n\n\u2022\nattacks by computer viruses or hackers;\n\n\n\u2022\npower outages; and\n\n\n\u2022\ncomputer systems, internet, telecommunications or data network failure.\n\n\nAny interruption of our information technology systems could result in decreased revenue, increased expenses, increased capital expenditures, customer dissatisfaction and potential lawsuits, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nThe success of our business depends upon market acceptance of our energy management products and services.\n\n\nOur future success depends upon the continued market acceptance of our energy management products and services and obtaining additional project management retrofit contracts, as well as customer orders for new and expanded products and services to supplement our contract with our current single largest customer. If we are unable to convince current and potential new customers of the advantages of our lighting systems and energy management products and services, or our expanded product and services offerings, then our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected. In addition, because the market for energy management products and services, as well as potential new customer uses for our products and services, is rapidly evolving, we may not be able to accurately assess the size of the market, and we may have limited insight into trends that may emerge and affect our business. If the market for our lighting systems and energy management products and services, as well as potential new customer uses for our products and services, does not continue to develop as we anticipate, or if the market does not accept our products or services, then our ability to grow our business could be limited and we may not be able to increase our revenue and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nWe increasingly rely on third-party manufacturers for the manufacture and development of our products and product components.\n\n\nWe have increased our utilization of third-party manufacturers for the manufacture and development of our products and product components. Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected if our third-party manufacturers were to experience problems with product quality, credit or liquidity issues, or disruptions or delays in their manufacturing process or delivery of the finished products and components or the raw materials used to make such products and components.\n \n\n\n20\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMacroeconomic pressures in the markets in which we operate or anticipate operating in the future may adversely affect our financial results.\n \n\n\nGeopolitical issues around the world can impact macroeconomic conditions in where we operate and where we anticipate operating in the future and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. For example, the ultimate impact of the conflict in Ukraine on fuel prices, inflation, the global supply chain and other macroeconomic conditions is unknown and could materially adversely affect global economic growth, disrupting discretionary spending habits and generally decreasing demand for our products and services, including our planned retrofit project in Germany in fiscal 2024. While we do not purchase any of our significant raw materials directly from Russia, it is a significant global producer of fuel, nickel and copper. Disruptions in the markets for those inputs could negatively impact the macroeconomy. We cannot predict the extent or duration of sanctions in response to the conflict in Ukraine, nor can we predict the effects of legislative or other governmental actions or regulatory scrutiny of Russia and Belarus, Russia's other allies or other countries with which Russia has significant trade or financial ties, including China. The conflict in Ukraine may also continue to exacerbate geopolitical tensions globally.\n\n\nWe operate in a highly competitive industry and, if we are unable to compete successfully, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nWe face strong competition, primarily from manufacturers and distributors of energy management products and services, as well as from ESCOs and electrical contractors. We are also facing increased competition from manufacturers in low-cost countries. We compete primarily on the basis of customer relationships, price, quality, energy efficiency, customer service and marketing support. Our products are in direct competition with the expanding availability of LED products, as well as other technologies in the lighting systems retrofit market.\n \n\n\nMany of our competitors are better capitalized than we are and have strong customer relationships, greater name recognition, and more extensive engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing capabilities. In addition, the LED market has seen increased convergence in recent years, resulting in our competition gaining increased market share and resources. Competitors could focus their substantial resources on developing a competing business model or energy management products or services that may be potentially more attractive to customers than our products or services. In addition, we may face competition from other products or technologies that reduce demand for electricity. Our competitors may also offer energy management products and services at reduced prices in order to improve their competitive positions. Any of these competitive factors could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain customers, or require us to lower our average selling prices in order to remain competitive, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nIf we fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, our business and financial results could be harmed.\n\n\nOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that we would prevent or detect a misstatement of our consolidated financial statements or fraud. As of March 31, 2023, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our internal controls for fiscal 2023 were designed and operating effectively. However, there can be no assurance that we will not experience a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting in the future. A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting could limit our ability to report our financial results accurately and in a timely manner or to detect and prevent fraud, could result in a restatement of our consolidated financial statements, and could also cause a loss of investor confidence and decline in the market price of our common stock.\n\n\nThe revenue growth of our EV Division ultimately depends on consumers\u2019 willingness to adopt electric vehicles in a market which is still in its early stages.\n\n\n The growth of our EV Division is highly dependent upon the adoption by consumers of EVs, and we are subject to a risk of any reduced demand for EVs. If the market for EVs does not gain broader market acceptance or develops slower than we expect, our\n \n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nbusiness, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be harmed. The market for alternative fuel vehicles is relatively new, rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, frequent new vehicle announcements, long development cycles for EV original equipment manufacturers, and changing consumer demands and behaviors. Factors that may influence the purchase and use of alternative fuel vehicles, specifically EVs, include:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\nperceptions about EV quality, safety (in particular with respect to lithium-ion battery packs), design, performance and cost, especially if adverse events or accidents occur that are linked to the quality or safety of EVs;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\nthe limited range over which EVs may be driven on a single battery charge and concerns about running out of power while in use;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\nconcerns regarding the stability of the electrical grid;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\nimprovements in the fuel economy of the internal combustion engine;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\nconsumers\u2019 desire and ability to purchase a luxury automobile or one that is perceived as exclusive;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\nthe environmental consciousness of consumers;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\nvolatility in the cost of oil and gasoline;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\nconsumers\u2019 perceptions of the dependency of the United States on oil from unstable or hostile countries and the impact of international conflicts;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\ngovernment regulations and economic incentives promoting fuel efficiency and alternate forms of energy;\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\naccess to charging stations, standardization of EV charging systems and consumers\u2019 perceptions about convenience and cost to charge an EV; and\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u25cf\n\n\nthe availability of tax and other governmental incentives to purchase and operate EVs or future regulation requiring increased use of nonpolluting vehicles.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe influence of any of the factors described above may negatively impact the widespread consumer adoption of EVs, which could materially and adversely affect our EV Division business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.\n\n\n \n\n\nOur business was, and could again in the future be, negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted business, trade, commerce, financial and credit markets in the United States and globally. Our business was adversely impacted by measures taken by customers, suppliers, government entities and others to control the spread of the virus beginning in March 2020, the last few weeks of our fiscal 2020, and continuing most significantly into the second quarter of fiscal 2021. During the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we experienced a rebound in business, with a full quarter of project installations for our largest customer, as well as installations for a new large specialty retail customer, and no significant COVlD-19 impacts. However, some customers continue to refrain from awarding new projects and potential future risks remain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If the COVID-19 pandemic experiences a resurgence in markets recovering from the spread of COVID-19, or if another significant natural disaster or pandemic were to occur in the future, our results of operation would likely be materially adversely affected.\n \n\n\nFinancial Risks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur existing liquidity and capital resources may not be sufficient to allow us to effectively pursue our evolving growth strategies, complete potential acquisitions or otherwise fund or sustain our growth initiatives.\n\n\nOur existing liquidity and capital resources may not be sufficient to allow us to effectively pursue our evolving growth strategies, complete potential acquisitions or otherwise fund or sustain our growth initiatives. If we require additional capital resources, we may\n \n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nnot be able to obtain sufficient equity capital and/or debt financing on acceptable terms or conditions, or at all. Factors affecting the availability to us of additional equity capital or debt financing on acceptable terms and conditions, or in sufficient amounts, include:\n\n\n\u2022\nOur operating loss in fiscal 2023;\n\n\n\u2022\nOur history of operating losses prior to our fiscal 2020;\n\n\n\u2022\nOur current and future financial results and condition;\n\n\n\u2022\nOur limited collateral availability;\n\n\n\u2022\nOur current customer concentration; \n\n\n\u2022\nThe market\u2019s, investors\u2019 and lenders' view of our company, industry and products;\n\n\n\u2022\nThe perception in the equity and debt markets of our ability to execute and sustain our business plan or achieve our operating results expectations; and\n\n\n\u2022\nThe price, volatility and trading volume and history of our common stock.\n\n\nOur inability to obtain the equity capital or debt financing necessary to pursue our evolving growth strategy could force us to scale back our growth initiatives or abandon potential acquisitions. If we are unable to pursue our evolving growth strategy and growth initiatives, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe do not have major sources of recurring revenue and we depend upon a limited number of customers in any given period to generate a substantial portion of our revenue. The reduction of revenue from our prior most significant customer has had, and the loss of other significant customers or a major customer would likely have, a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nWe do not have any significant long-term contracts with our customers that provide us with recurring revenue from period to period. We currently generate a substantial portion of our revenue by securing large retrofit and multi-facility roll-out projects from new and existing customers. As a result, our dependence on individual key customers can vary from period to period due to the significant size of some of our retrofit and multi-facility roll-out projects. Our top 10 customers accounted for approximately 48.9%, 69.4% and 80.0% respectively, of our total revenue for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021. In fiscal 2021, one customer accounted for 56.0% of our total revenue compared to 49.1% in fiscal 2022 and in fiscal 2023, this customer accounted for 16.2% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2024, we expect our customer concentration will continue at the approximate level experienced in fiscal 2023. The reduction in revenue from this customer over the past three fiscal years has had\n \na material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. While we continue to try to diversify and expand our customer base, there can be no assurance we will be successful doing so. We expect large retrofit and rollout projects to continue to remain a significant component of our total revenue.\n \n\n\nThe multi-location master retrofit agreements we have entered into with several of our key customers (including our current largest customer) generally require that the customer issue individual facility location work orders or purchase orders before we may install our products at that location. These master agreements do not guarantee that our key customers will make individual facility location purchases from us and they also generally allow any individual location purchase order or work order to be terminated prior to shipment. As a result, the relative amount and concentration of our revenues may fluctuate year over year and period over period depending on the number of purchase orders or work orders issued by our key customers, which may fluctuate due to factors such as our customers\u2019 capital expenditure budgets and general economic conditions. The loss of, or substantial reduction in sales to, any of our significant customers, or a major customer, or the termination or delay of a significant volume of purchase orders by one or more key customers, would likely have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in any given future period.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur net operating loss carry-forwards provide a future benefit only if we regain sustained profitability and may be subject to limitation based upon ownership changes.\n \n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have significant federal net operating loss carry-forwards and state net operating loss carry-forwards. If we are unable to regain sustained profitability, we will not be able to fully utilize these tax benefits. Furthermore, generally a change of more than 50% in the ownership of a company\u2019s stock, by value, over a three-year period constitutes an ownership change for federal income tax purposes. An ownership change may limit a company\u2019s ability to use its net operating loss carry-forwards attributable to the period prior to such change. As a result, our ability to use our net operating loss carry-forwards attributable to the period prior to such ownership change to offset taxable income could be subject to limitations in a particular year, which could potentially result in our increased future tax liability.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe experienced a net loss in fiscal 2023 and, until fiscal 2020, we had a history of losses and negative cash flow. We may be unable to regain sustained profitability and positive cash flows in the future.\n\n\nWe experienced a net loss in fiscal 2023, and prior to fiscal 2020, we experienced net losses and negative cash flows for the prior five fiscal years. There is no guarantee that we will be able to regain or sustain profitability and positive cash flows in the future. Our inability to successfully regain or sustain our profitability and positive cash flows could materially and adversely affect our ability to pursue our evolving strategies and growth initiatives.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdverse conditions in the global economy have negatively impacted, and could in the future negatively impact, our customers, suppliers and business.\n\n\nOur operations and financial performance are impacted by worldwide economic conditions. Uncertainty about global economic conditions has contributed to customers postponing purchases of our products and services in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news and/or declines in income or asset values and other macroeconomic factors. The occurrence of these circumstances will likely have a material negative effect on demand for our products and services and, accordingly, on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. For example, any economic and political uncertainty caused by the United States tariffs imposed on other countries, and any corresponding tariffs from such other countries in response, may negatively impact demand and/or increase the cost for our products and components used in our products.\n \n\n\nThe new United States administration may pursue a wide range of monetary, regulatory and trade policies, including the continued imposition of the previous United States administration\u2019s tariffs on certain imports. Certain sourced finished products and certain of the components used in our products are impacted by tariffs imposed on China imports. Our efforts to mitigate the impact of added costs resulting from these tariffs include a variety of activities, such as sourcing from non-tariff impacted countries and raising prices. If we are unable to successfully mitigate the impacts of these tariffs and other trade policies, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected.\n \n\n\nIn addition, global economic and political uncertainty has led many customers to adopt strategies for conserving cash, including limits on capital spending. Our lighting systems are often purchased as capital assets and therefore are subject to our customers\u2019 capital availability. Uncertainty around such availability has led customers to delay their purchase decisions, which has elongated the duration of our sales cycles. Weak economic conditions in the past have adversely affected our customers\u2019 capital budgets, purchasing decisions and facilities managers and, as a result, have adversely affected our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The return to a recessionary state of the global economy could potentially have negative effects on our near-term liquidity and capital resources, including slower collections of receivables, delays of existing order deliveries, postponements of incoming orders and reductions in the number and volume of purchase orders received from key customers as a result of reduced capital expenditure budgets. Our business and results of operations will be adversely affected to the extent these adverse economic conditions affect our customers\u2019 purchasing decisions.\n\n\n24\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are subject to financial and operating covenants in our credit agreement and any failure to comply with such covenants, or obtain waivers in the event of non-compliance, could limit our borrowing availability under the credit agreement, resulting in our being unable to borrow under our credit agreement and materially adversely impact our liquidity.\n\n\nOur credit agreement contains provisions that limit our future borrowing availability and sets forth other customary covenants, including certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, consolidate or merge, enter into acquisitions, make investments, pay any dividend or distribution on our stock, redeem, repurchase or retire shares of our stock, or pledge or dispose of assets.\n\n\nThere can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the financial and other covenants in our credit agreement. Our failure to comply with these covenants could cause us to be unable to borrow under the credit agreement and may constitute an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of the maturity of any indebtedness then outstanding under the credit agreement, which would require us to pay all amounts then outstanding. Such an event could materially adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity. Additionally, such events of non-compliance could impact the terms of any additional borrowings and/or any credit renewal terms. Any failure to comply with such covenants may be a disclosable event and may be perceived negatively. Such perception could adversely affect the market price for our common stock and our ability to obtain financing in the future.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStrategic Risks\n\n\nAs we evolve our business strategy to increase our focus on new product and service offerings, including our comprehensive energy management and maintenance services and our IoT, \u201csmart-building,\u201d \u201cconnected ceilings\u201d and other related technology, software and controls products and services, the nature of our business may be significantly changed, or transformed, and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nOur future growth and profitability are tied in part to our ability to successfully bring to market new and innovative product and service offerings. We have begun to evolve our business strategy to focus on further expanding the nature and scope of our products and services offered to our customers. This further expansion of our products and services includes pursuing projects to develop recurring revenue streams, including beginning to offer lighting, electrical, heating and ventilation, and other energy maintenance services to large customers with numerous locations. Our expansion efforts also involve utilizing control sensor technology to collect data and assisting customers in the digitization of this data, along with other potential services. We have experienced recent success offering our comprehensive energy project management services to national account customers to retrofit their multiple locations. We also plan to pursue the expansion of our IoT \u201csmart-building\u201d and \u201cconnected ceiling\u201d and other related technology, software and controls products and services we offer to our customers. We have invested, and plan to continue to invest, significant time, resources and capital into expanding our offerings in these areas with no expectation that they will provide material revenue in the near term and without any assurance they will succeed or be profitable. In fact, these efforts have reduced our profitability, and will likely continue to do so, at least in the near term. Moreover, as we continue to explore, develop and refine new offerings, we expect that market preferences will continue to evolve, our offerings may not generate sufficient interest by end-user customers and we may be unable to compete effectively with existing or new competitors, generate significant revenues or achieve or maintain acceptable levels of profitability.\n \n\n\nIf we are successful in introducing new product and services offerings, including expanded energy management and maintenance services and products with new technology, software and controls, the nature of our business may significantly change or be transformed away from being principally lighting products focused. Additionally, our experience providing energy maintenance services and technology, software and controls products and services is limited. If we do not successfully execute our strategy or anticipate the needs of our customers, our credibility as a provider of energy maintenance services and technology, software and controls products could be questioned and our prospects for future revenue growth and profitability may never materialize.\n \n\n\nAs we expand our product and services offerings to new markets, the overall complexity of our business will likely increase at an accelerated rate and we may become subject to different market dynamics. The new markets into which we are expanding, or may expand, may have different characteristics from the markets in which we have historically competed. These different characteristics may include, among other things, rapidly changing technologies, different supply chains, different competitors and methods of competition,\n \n\n\n25\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nnew product development rates, client concentrations and performance and compatibility requirements. Our failure to make the necessary adaptations to our business model to address these different characteristics, complexities and new market dynamics could adversely affect our operating results.\n \n\n\nAccordingly, if we fail to successfully launch, manage and maintain our evolving business strategy, our future revenue growth and profitability would likely be limited and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows would likely be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nOur evolving business strategies may include exploring potential acquisitions, including potential acquisitions that could significantly change, or even transform, the nature of our business. These potential acquisitions could be unsuccessful or consume significant resources, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nWe may explore additional potential business acquisitions which could more quickly add expanded and different capabilities to our product and services offerings, including potential acquisitions that could significantly change, or even transform, the nature of our business. There can be no assurance that we will identify or successfully complete transactions with suitable acquisition candidates in the future. Similarly, there can be no assurance that our recently completed acquisitions will be successful. Acquisitions may involve significant cash expenditures, debt incurrence, stock issuances, operating losses and expenses that would otherwise be directed to investments in our existing business and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. To pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions, we may need to raise additional debt and/or equity capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms, in sufficient amounts or at all. In addition, we may issue new shares of our common stock as consideration in such transactions, which may have a dilutive impact on our existing shareholders and may also result in a reduction in the market price of our shares once those newly issued shares are resold in the market. In addition, acquisitions involve numerous other risks, including:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nthe failure of the acquired business to achieve its revenue or profit forecasts; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe business culture of the acquired business may not match well with our culture; \n\n\n\u2022\nour business strategies and focus may change in ways that adversely affect our results of operations; \n\n\n\u2022\ntechnological and product synergies, economies of scale and cost reductions from the acquisition may not occur as expected; \n\n\n\u2022\nunforeseen expenses, delays or conditions may result from the acquisition, including required regulatory approvals or consents; \n\n\n\u2022\npotential changes may result to our management team and/or board of directors; \n\n\n\u2022\nwe may acquire or assume unexpected liabilities or be subject to unexpected penalties or other enforcement actions or legal consequences; \n\n\n\u2022\nfaulty assumptions may be made regarding the macroeconomic environment or the integration process that form a basis for the acquisition; \n\n\n\u2022\nunforeseen difficulties, delays and costs may arise in integrating the acquired business\u2019s operations, processes and systems; \n\n\n\u2022\nhigher than expected investments may be required to implement necessary compliance processes and related systems, including information technology systems, accounting systems and internal controls over financial reporting; \n\n\n\u2022\nwe may fail to retain, motivate and integrate key management and other employees of the acquired business; \n\n\n\u2022\nhigher than expected costs may arise due to unforeseen changes in tax, trade, environmental, labor, safety, payroll or pension policies in any jurisdiction in which the acquired business conducts its operations; \n\n\n\u2022\nwe may adversely impact our sales channels and our sales channel partners; and \n\n\n\u2022\nwe may experience problems in retaining customers and integrating customer bases. \n\n\n26\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMany of these factors will be outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs and reduced profitability, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of our management\u2019s time and attention. They may also delay, decrease or eliminate the realization of some or all of the benefits we anticipate when we enter into the transaction.\n \n\n\nOur management team has limited experience in, and limited time to dedicate to, pursuing, negotiating or integrating acquisitions. If we do identify suitable candidates, we may not be able to negotiate or consummate such acquisitions on favorable terms or at all. Any acquisitions we complete may not achieve their initially intended results and benefits, and may be viewed negatively by investors and other stakeholders.\n \n\n\nWe may undertake acquisitions financed in part through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, including through the new issuance of our common stock or debt securities as consideration in an acquisition transaction. Such acquisition financing could result in dilution to our current shareholders, a decrease in our earnings and/or adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity or other leverage measures.\n \n\n\nIn addition to committing additional capital resources to complete any acquisitions, substantial additional capital may be required to operate the acquired businesses following their acquisition. Moreover, these acquisitions may result in significant financial losses if the intended objectives of the transactions are not achieved. Some of the businesses we may acquire may have significant operating and financial challenges, requiring significant additional capital commitments to overcome such challenges and adversely affecting our financial condition and liquidity.\n \n\n\nFailure to implement our acquisition strategy, including successfully integrating acquired businesses, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur continued emphasis on indirect distribution channels to sell our products and services to supplement our direct distribution channels has had limited success to date. If we are unable to attract, incentivize and retain our third-party distributors and sales agents, or our distributors and sales agents do not sell our products and services at the levels expected, our revenues could decline and our costs could increase.\n \n\n\nWe utilize manufacturer representative sales agencies that sell our products through distributors. Many of these sales agents and distributors are not exclusive, which means that these sales agents and distributors may sell other third-party products and services in direct competition with us. Since many of our competitors use sales agents and distributors to sell their products and services, competition for such agents and distributors is intense and may adversely affect our product pricing and gross margins. Additionally, due to mismanagement, industry trends, macro-economic developments, or other reasons, our sales agents and distributors may be unable to effectively sell our products at the levels desired or anticipated. In addition, we have historically relied on direct sales to sell our products and services, which were often made in competition with sales agents and distributors. In order to attract and form lasting partnerships with sales agents and distributors, we are attempting to overcome our historical perception as a direct sales competitor. As a result, we may have difficulty attracting and retaining sales agents and distributors and any inability to do so could have a negative effect on our ability to attract and obtain customers, which could have an adverse impact on our business.\n\n\nThe success of our business depends upon our adaptation to the quickly changing market conditions in the lighting industry and on market acceptance of our lighting retrofit solutions using LED and control technologies.\n\n\nThe market for lighting products has experienced a significant technology shift to LED lighting systems. In addition, we continue to explore utilizing our system platform as a \u201cconnected ceiling\u201d or \u201csmart ceiling\u201d, or a framework or network that can support the installation and integration of other business technology or data information solutions on our lighting platform.\n \n\n\nAs a result, our future success depends significantly upon the adoption rate of LED products within our primary markets, our ability to participate in this ongoing market trend and our ability to expand into complementary markets. To be an effective participant in the LED market, we must keep up with the evolution of LED and related technologies, which continue to move at a fast pace. We may be unable to successfully develop and market new products or services that keep pace with technological or industry changes, differentiate ourselves from our competition, satisfy changes in customer demands or comply with present or emerging government and\n \n\n\n27\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nindustry regulations and technology standards. The development and introduction of new products and services may result in increased warranty expenses and other new product and services introduction expenses. In addition, we will likely continue to incur substantial costs to research and develop new products and services, which will increase our expenses, without guarantee that our new products and services will be commercially viable. We may also spend time and resources to develop and release new products and services only to discover that a competitor has also introduced similar new products and services with superior performance, at a lower price or on better delivery terms. Moreover, if new sources of lighting or lighting-based solutions are developed, our current products and technologies could become less competitive or obsolete, which could result in reduced revenue, reduced earnings or increased losses, and/or inventory and other impairment charges.\n \n\n\nFinally, in connection with our historical primary focus on selling our LED products, we expect our results of operations to continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter to the extent that customers delay purchasing decisions as they evaluate their return on investment from purchasing LED products compared to alternative lighting solutions, the pricing of LED products continues to fall and LED products continue to gain more widespread customer acceptance. Similarly, these circumstances have adversely impacted, and may continue to adversely impact, our product gross margins and our profitability from quarter to quarter.\n \n\n\nIf we are unable to achieve market acceptance of our lighting retrofit solutions using LED technologies and our system platform as a \u201cconnected ceiling\u201d or \u201csmart ceiling\u201d or realize the expected benefits from our focus on promoting new products and services, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nOur financial performance is dependent on our ability to achieve growth in our average selling price of our products.\n\n\nThe gross margins of our products can vary significantly, with margins ranging from 10% to 50%. While we continue to implement our strategy of transitioning to higher-margin products and reducing the material cost of our products, a change in the total mix of our sales toward lower margin products, a decrease in the margins on our products as a result of competitive pressures driving down the average selling price of our products, lower sales volumes, and promotional programs to increase sales volumes could reduce our profitability and result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Furthermore, the average selling price of our products has been, and may be further, negatively impacted by market over-supply conditions, product feature cannibalization by competitors or component providers, low-cost non-traditional sales methods by new market entrants, and comparison of our retrofit fixture products with replacement lamp equivalents. While we have previously implemented general price increases applicable to many new product orders, there is no assurance that such price increases will be accepted by our customers or succeed in increasing the average selling price of our products. In our highly competitive lighting industry, we must be able to innovate and release new products on a regular basis with features and benefits that generate increases in our average selling price and average gross margin. There can be no assurance we will be successful in achieving these goals.\n\n\nThe success of our LED lighting retrofit solutions depends, in part, on our ability to claim market share away from our competitors. If we are unable to expand our customer base and increase sales in our targeted markets, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nParticipants in the LED market who are able to quickly establish customer relationships and achieve market penetration are likely to gain a competitive advantage as the lighting retrofit solutions offered by us and our competitors generally have a product life of several years following installation. If we are unable to broaden our customer base and achieve greater market penetration in the LED market in a timely manner, we may lose the opportunity to market our LED products and services to significant portions of the lighting systems retrofit market for several years and may be at a disadvantage in securing future business opportunities from customers that have previously established relationships with one or more of our competitors. These circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nIn addition, as we continue to seek to expand our customer base within our national account, agent and ESCO sales channels, our success will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain talent to execute on our sales model. If we are unable to attract and retain sufficient talent, we may be unable to broaden our customer base, which will adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\n28\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLegal, Regulatory and Compliance Risks\n\n\nOur retrofitting process frequently involves responsibility for the removal and disposal of components containing hazardous materials.\n\n\nWhen we retrofit a customer\u2019s facility, we typically assume responsibility for removing and disposing of its existing lighting fixtures. Certain components of these fixtures typically contain trace amounts of mercury and other hazardous materials. Older components may also contain trace amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. We currently rely on contractors to remove the components containing such hazardous materials at the customer job site. The contractors then arrange for the disposal of such components at a licensed disposal facility. Failure by such contractors to remove or dispose of the components containing these hazardous materials in a safe, effective and lawful manner could give rise to liability for us, or could expose our workers or other persons to these hazardous materials, which could result in claims against us which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nGovernment tariffs and other actions may adversely affect our business.\n \n\n\nThe United States government has, from time to time, implemented various monetary, regulatory, and trade importation restraints, penalties, and tariffs. Certain sourced finished products and certain of the components used in our products have been impacted by tariffs imposed on China imports. Our efforts to mitigate the impact of added costs resulting from these government actions include a variety of activities, such as sourcing from non-tariff impacted countries and raising prices. If we are unable to successfully mitigate the impacts of these tariffs and other trade policies, our results of operations may be adversely affected. Any future policy changes that may be implemented by the current or future United States administration could have a negative consequence on our financial performance.\n \n\n\nThe reduction or elimination of investments in, or incentives to adopt, LED lighting or the elimination of, or changes in, policies, incentives or rebates in certain states or countries that encourage the use of LEDs over some traditional lighting technologies could cause the growth in demand for our products to slow, which could have a material adverse affect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nReductions in (including as a result of any budgetary constraints), or the elimination of, government investment and favorable energy policies designed to accelerate the adoption of LED lighting could result in decreased demand for our products and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, if our products fail to qualify for any financial incentives or rebates provided by governmental agencies or utilities for which our competitors\u2019 products qualify, such programs may diminish or eliminate our ability to compete by offering products at lower prices than ours.\n\n\nChanges in government budget priorities and political gridlock, and future potential government shutdown, could negatively impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nActual and perceived changes in governmental budget priorities, and future potential government shutdowns, could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Certain government agencies purchase certain products and services directly from us. When the government changes budget priorities, such as in times of war, financial crisis, or a changed administration, or reallocates spending to areas unrelated to our business, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows can be negatively impacted. For example, demand and payment for our products and services may be affected by public sector budgetary cycles, funding authorizations or rebates. Funding reductions or delays, including delays caused by political gridlock, and future potential government shutdowns, could negatively impact demand and payment for our products and services. If any of these events occur, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.\n \n\n\nProduct liability claims could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.\n\n\nWe face exposure to product liability claims in the event that our energy management products fail to perform as expected or cause bodily injury or property damage. Since virtually all of our products use electricity, it is possible that our products could result in injury, whether by product malfunctions, defects, improper installation or other causes. Particularly because our products often incorporate new technologies or designs, we cannot predict whether or not product liability claims will be brought against us in the future or result in negative publicity about our business or adversely affect our customer relations. Moreover, we may not have adequate\n \n\n\n29\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nresources in the event of a successful claim against us. A successful product liability claim against us that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of our available insurance limits could require us to make significant payments of damages and could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur inability to protect our intellectual property, or our involvement in damaging and disruptive intellectual property litigation, could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows or result in the loss of use of the related product or service.\n\n\nWe attempt to protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, as well as employee and third-party nondisclosure and assignment agreements. Our failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nWe own United States patents and patent applications for some of our products, systems, business methods and technologies. We offer no assurance about the degree of protection which existing or future patents may afford us. Likewise, we offer no assurance that our patent applications will result in issued patents, that our patents will be upheld if challenged, that competitors will not develop similar or superior business methods or products outside the protection of our patents, that competitors will not infringe upon our patents, or that we will have adequate resources to enforce our patents. Effective protection of our United States patents may be unavailable or limited in jurisdictions outside the United States, as the intellectual property laws of foreign countries sometimes offer less protection or have onerous filing requirements. In addition, because some patent applications are maintained in secrecy for a period of time, we could adopt a technology without knowledge of a pending patent application, and such technology could infringe a third party\u2019s patent.\n\n\nWe also rely on unpatented proprietary technology. It is possible that others will independently develop the same or similar technology or otherwise learn of our unpatented technology. To protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information, we generally require employees, consultants, advisors and collaborators to enter into confidentiality agreements. We cannot assure you that these agreements will provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use, misappropriation or disclosure of such trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information. If we are unable to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies, our business could be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nWe rely on our trademarks, trade names, and brand names to distinguish our company and our products and services from our competitors. Some of our trademarks may conflict with trademarks of other companies. Failure to obtain trademark registrations could limit our ability to protect our trademarks and impede our sales and marketing efforts. Further, we cannot assure you that competitors will not infringe our trademarks, or that we will have adequate resources to enforce our trademarks.\n\n\nIn addition, third parties may bring infringement and other claims that could be time-consuming and expensive to defend. Also, parties making infringement and other claims against us may be able to obtain injunctive or other equitable relief that could effectively block our ability to provide our products, services or business methods and could cause us to pay substantial damages. In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us, we may need to obtain one or more licenses from third parties, which may not be available at a reasonable cost, or at all. It is possible that our intellectual property rights may not be valid or that we may infringe upon existing or future proprietary rights of others. Any successful infringement claims could subject us to significant liabilities, require us to seek licenses on unfavorable terms, prevent us from manufacturing or selling products, services and business methods and require us to redesign or, in the case of trademark claims, re-brand our company or products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nThe cost of compliance with environmental laws and regulations and any related environmental liabilities could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge to water, the remediation of contaminated properties and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of, and exposure to, waste and other materials, as well as laws and regulations relating to occupational health and safety. These laws and regulations frequently change, and the violation of these laws or regulations can lead to substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities. The operation of our manufacturing facility entails risks in these areas and there can be no assurance that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in the future that could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\n30\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Common Stock\n\n\nWe expect our quarterly revenue and operating results to fluctuate. If we fail to meet the expectations of market analysts or investors, the market price of our common stock could decline substantially, and we could become subject to securities litigation.\n\n\nOur quarterly revenue and operating results have fluctuated in the past and will likely vary from quarter to quarter in the future. Our results for any particular quarter are not an indication of our future performance. Our revenue and operating results may fall below the expectations of market analysts or investors in some future quarter or quarters. Our failure to meet these expectations could cause the market price of our common stock to decline substantially. If the price of our common stock is volatile or falls significantly below our current price, we may be the target of securities litigation. If we become involved in this type of litigation, regardless of the outcome, we could incur substantial legal costs, management\u2019s attention could be diverted from the operation of our business, and our reputation could be damaged, which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nIf securities or industry analysts do not continue to publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.\n\n\nThe trading market for our common stock will continue to depend, in part, on the research reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us and our peer group companies. If these analysts do not continue to provide adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock, lowers our stock\u2019s price target or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.\n\n\nThe price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, volatile.\n \n\n\nHistorically, the market price of our common stock has fluctuated over a wide range, and it is likely that the price of our common stock will continue to be volatile in the future. The trading price of our common stock has ranged from $1.45 to $2.94 per share during the period from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. The market price of our common stock could be impacted due to a variety of factors, including:\n \n\n\n\u2022 \nactual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results or our competitors\u2019 operating results; \n\n\n\u2022 \nactual or anticipated changes in the growth rate of the general LED lighting industry, our growth rates or our competitors\u2019 growth rates; \n\n\n\u2022 \nconditions in the financial markets in general or changes in general economic conditions, including government efforts to mitigate the severe economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; \n\n\n\u2022 \nnovel and unforeseen market forces and trading strategies, such as the massive short squeeze rally caused by retail investors and social media activity affecting companies such as GameStop Corp.; \n\n\n\u2022 \nactual or anticipated changes in governmental regulation, including taxation and tariff policies; \n\n\n\u2022 \ninterest rate or currency exchange rate fluctuations; \n\n\n\u2022 \nour ability to forecast or report accurate financial results; and \n\n\n\u2022 \nchanges in stock market analyst recommendations regarding our common stock, other comparable companies or our industry generally. \n\n\nIn addition, due to one or more of the foregoing factors in one or more future quarters, our results of operations may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. In the event any of the foregoing occur, the market price of our common stock could be highly volatile and may materially decline\n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe market price of our common stock could be adversely affected by future sales of our common stock in the public market by us or our executive officers and directors.\n\n\nWe and our executive officers and directors may from time to time sell shares of our common stock in the public market or otherwise. We cannot predict the size or the effect, if any, that future sales of shares of our common stock by us or our executive officers and directors, or the perception of such sales, will have on the market price of our common stock.\n\n\nWe are not currently paying dividends on our common stock and will likely continue not paying dividends for the foreseeable future.\n\n\nWe have never paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the continued development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of our existing revolving credit agreement restrict the payment of cash dividends on our common stock. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. The restrictions on, and decision not to, pay dividends on our common stock may impact our ability to attract certain investors and raise funds, if necessary, in the capital markets.\n\n\nAnti-takeover provisions included in the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law, provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation or bylaws and the common share purchase rights that accompany shares of our common stock could delay or prevent a change of control of our company, which could adversely impact the value of our common stock and may prevent or frustrate attempts by our shareholders to replace or remove our current board of directors or management.\n\n\nA change of control of our company may be discouraged, delayed or prevented by certain provisions of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law. These provisions generally restrict a broad range of business combinations between a Wisconsin corporation and a shareholder owning 15% or more of our outstanding common stock. These and other provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation, including our staggered board of directors and our ability to issue \u201cblank check\u201d preferred stock, as well as the provisions of our amended and restated bylaws and Wisconsin law, could make it more difficult for shareholders or potential acquirers to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by our then-current board of directors, including to delay or impede a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving our company or result in a lower price per share paid to our shareholders.\n \n\n\nIn addition, our employment arrangements with senior management provide for severance payments and accelerated vesting of benefits, including accelerated vesting of stock options and restricted stock awards, upon a change of control and a subsequent qualifying termination. These provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, thereby adversely affecting the market price of our common stock. These provisions may also discourage or prevent a change of control or result in a lower price per share paid to our shareholders.\n\n",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS O\nF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\n\n\nThe following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. See also \u201cForward-Looking Statements\u201d and Item 1A \u201cRisk Factors\u201d.\n\n\nOverview\n\n\nWe provide state-of-the-art light emitting diode (\u201cLED\u201d) lighting systems, wireless Internet of Things (\u201cIoT\u201d) enabled control solutions, project engineering, energy project management design and maintenance services and electric vehicle (\u201cEV\u201d) charging infrastructure solutions. We help our customers achieve their sustainability, energy savings and carbon footprint reduction goals through innovative technology and exceptional service. We research, design, develop, manufacture, market, sell, install, and implement energy management systems consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient commercial and industrial interior and exterior LED lighting systems and related services. Our products are targeted for applications in primary market segments: commercial office and retail, area lighting, industrial applications and government, although we do sell and install products into other markets. Our services consist of turnkey installation and system maintenance. Virtually all of our sales occur within North America.\n\n\nOur lighting products consist primarily of LED lighting fixtures, many of which include IoT enabled control systems. Our principal lighting customers include large national account end-users, federal and state government facilities, large regional account end-users, electrical distributors, electrical contractors and energy service companies (\u201cESCOs\u201d). Currently, most of our lighting products are manufactured at our leased production facility located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, although as the LED and related IoT market continues to evolve, we are increasingly sourcing products and components from third parties in order to provide versatility in our product development.\n\n\nWe differentiate ourselves from our competitors through offering comprehensive project management services to national account customers to retrofit their multiple locations. Our comprehensive services include initial site surveys and audits, utility incentive and government subsidy management, engineering design, and project management from delivery through to installation and controls integration. In addition, we began to offer lighting and electrical maintenance services in fiscal 2021 which enables us to support a lifetime business relationship with our customer (which we call \u201cCustomers for Life\u201d). We completed the acquisition of Voltrek on October 5, 2022, which is intended to further expand our turnkey services capabilities as well as capitalize on the rapidly growing market for EV charging solutions. We completed the Stay-Lite Lighting acquisition on January 1, 2022, which is intended to further expand our maintenance services capabilities.\n\n\nWe believe the market for LED lighting products and related controls continues to grow. Due to their size and flexibility in application, we also believe that LED lighting systems can address opportunities for retrofit applications that cannot be satisfied by other lighting technologies. Our LED lighting technologies have become the primary component of our revenue as we continue to strive to be a leader in the LED market.\n \n\n\nIn fiscal 2022, we continued to successfully capitalize on our capability of being a full service, turn-key provider of LED lighting and controls systems with design, build, installation and project management services, as we continued a very large project for a major national account. As a result of this success, we have begun to evolve our business strategy to focus on further expanding the nature and scope of our products and services offered to our customers. This further expansion of our products and services includes pursuing projects to develop recurring revenue streams, including providing lighting and electrical maintenance services and utilizing control sensor technology to collect data and assisting customers in the digitization of this data, along with other potential services. We also are pursuing the expansion of our IoT, \u201csmart-building\u201d and \u201cconnected ceiling\u201d and other related technology, software and controls products and services that we offer to our customers. While we currently intend to primarily pursue these expansion strategies organically, we also may explore potential additional business acquisitions, like our acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting\n \nand Voltrek, which have more quickly added these types of expanded and different capabilities to our product and services offerings.\n\n\n35\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe generally do not have long-term contracts with our customers for product or turnkey services that provide us with recurring annual revenue. However, our maintenance services contracts usually consist of multi-year arrangements. We typically generate substantially all of our revenue from sales of lighting and control systems and related services to governmental, commercial and industrial customers on a project-by-project basis. We also perform work under master services or product purchasing agreements with major customers with sales completed on a purchase order basis. In addition, in order to provide quality and timely service under our multi-location master retrofit agreements we are required to make substantial working capital expenditures and advance inventory purchases that we may not be able to recoup if the agreements or a substantial volume of purchase orders under the agreements are delayed or terminated. The loss of, or substantial reduction in sales to, any of our significant customers, or our current single largest customer, or the termination or delay of a significant volume of purchase orders by one or more key customers, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any given future period.\n \n\n\nWe typically sell our lighting systems in replacement of our customers\u2019 existing fixtures. We call this replacement process a \"retrofit\". We frequently engage our customer\u2019s existing electrical contractor to provide installation and project management services. We also sell our lighting systems on a wholesale basis, principally to electrical distributors and ESCOs to sell to their own customer bases.\n\n\nThe gross margins of our products can vary significantly depending upon the types of products we sell, with margins typically ranging from 10% to 50%. As a result, a change in the total mix of our sales among higher or lower margin products can cause our profitability to fluctuate from period to period.\n\n\nOur fiscal year ends on March 31. We refer to our just completed fiscal year, which ended on March 31, 2023, as \"fiscal 2023\", and our prior fiscal years which ended on March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 as \"fiscal 2022\" and \u201cfiscal 2021\u201d, respectively. Our fiscal first quarter of each fiscal year ends on June 30, our fiscal second quarter ends on September 30, our fiscal third quarter ends on December 31 and our fiscal fourth quarter ends on March 31.\n\n\nReportable segments are components of an entity that have separate financial data that the entity's chief operating decision maker (\"CODM\") regularly reviews when allocating resources and assessing performance. Our CODM is our chief executive officer. We have four reportable segments: Orion Services Group Division (\"OSG\"), Orion Distribution Services Division (\"ODS\"), Orion U.S. Markets Division (\u201cUSM\u201d) and Orion Electric Vehicle Charging Division (\u201cEV Division\u201d).\n\n\n36\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSelected Financial Data\n\n\nThe selected historical consolidated financial data are not necessarily indicative of future results.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2019\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(in thousands, except per share amounts)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated statements of operations data:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n57,210\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n91,889\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n87,664\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n113,352\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n56,261\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nService revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20,173\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,176\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37,489\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,493\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n77,383\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n124,383\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n116,840\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n150,841\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65,754\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenue (1) (2) (7)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42,979\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65,249\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n63,233\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n83,588\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n44,111\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of service revenue (1) (3) (7)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,893\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,483\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,091\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cost of revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59,872\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n90,471\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n86,716\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n113,718\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51,202\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,511\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33,912\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,124\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37,123\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,552\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative expenses (1) (4) (7)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,487\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,680\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,262\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,231\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition related costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n765\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n512\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing expenses (1) (5) (7)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,392\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,628\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,341\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,113\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,104\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development expenses (1) (7)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,852\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,701\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,685\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,716\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,374\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Loss) income from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(15,985\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,391\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,836\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,110\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,157\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n56\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(339\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(80\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(127\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(279\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(493\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmortization of debt issue costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(73\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(62\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(157\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(243\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(101\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoss on debt extinguishment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(90\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividend and interest income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n34\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Loss) income before income tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(16,363\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,250\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,518\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,621\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,660\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense (benefit) (6)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,978\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,159\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(19,616\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n159\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet (loss) income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(34,341\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,091\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n26,134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n12,462\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(6,674\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet (loss) income per share attributable to common\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0shareholders:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1.08\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.85\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.41\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.23\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1.08\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.83\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.40\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.23\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted-average shares outstanding:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,704\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,018\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,635\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,105\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,430\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,704\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,295\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,304\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,965\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,430\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nIncludes stock-based compensation expense recognized under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or ASC Topic 718, as follows:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2019\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of service revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,596\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n793\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n716\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n576\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n764\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal stock-based compensation expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,612\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n813\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n753\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n618\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n825\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(2)\nFiscal 2020 includes expenses of $0.1 million related to restructuring. \n\n\n(3)\nFiscal 2020 includes expenses of $0.1 million related to restructuring. \n\n\n(4)\nFiscal 2020 includes expenses of $28 thousand related to restructuring. \n\n\n(5)\nFiscal 2020 includes expenses of $0.2 million related to restructuring. \n\n\n(6)\nFiscal 2021 includes tax benefit of $20.9 million related to the release of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. Fiscal 2023 includes tax expense of $17.8 million related to the recording of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.\n\n\n37\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7)\nFiscal 2022 includes an offset to payroll expenses of $1.6 million related to the anticipated employee retention payroll tax credit (\u201cpayroll tax credit\u201d), as expanded and extended by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, as follows:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n649\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of service revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n144\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n273\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n416\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n105\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal payroll tax credit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,587\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal 2024 Outlook\n\n\nIn fiscal 2024, we plan on focusing on the following initiatives:\n\n\nExecuting and marketing our turnkey LED retrofit capabilities to large national account customers\n. We believe one of our competitive advantages is our ability to deliver full turnkey LED lighting project capabilities. These turnkey services were the principal reason we achieved significant recent revenue growth as we executed on our commitment to retrofit multiple locations for a major national account customer. Our success in the national account market segment centers on our turnkey design, engineering, manufacturing and project management capabilities, which represent a very clear competitive advantage for us among large enterprises seeking to benefit from the illumination benefits and energy savings of LED lighting across locations nationwide. We believe one of our competitive advantages is that we are organized to serve every step of a custom retrofit project in a comprehensive, non-disruptive and timely fashion, from custom fixture design and initial site surveys to final installations. We are also able to help customers deploy state-of-the-art control systems that provide even greater long-term value from their lighting system investments.\n\n\nLooking forward, we are focused on continuing to successfully execute on existing national account opportunities while also actively pursuing new national account opportunities that leverage our customized, comprehensive turnkey project solutions, and expanding our addressable market with high-quality, basic lighting systems to meet the needs of value-oriented customer segments served by our other market channels. Given our compelling value proposition, capabilities and focus on customer service, we are optimistic about our business prospects and working to build sales momentum with existing and new customers.\n \n\n\nContinued Product Innovation. \nWe continue to innovate, developing lighting fixtures and features that address specific customer requirements, while also working to maintain a leadership position in energy efficiency, smart product design and installation benefits. For interior building applications, we recently expanded our product line to include a family of ceiling air movement solutions, some of which incorporate LED lighting and others which utilize ultraviolet C light waves to kill viruses, bacteria and germs. We also continue to deepen our capabilities in the integration of smart lighting controls. Orion is launching a new line of exterior products in FY\u201924 Q2 designed to increase sales and market share in the application market. Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art lighting products with modular plug-and-play designs to enable lighting system customization from basic controls to advanced IoT capabilities.\n \n\n\nLeverage of our Smart Lighting Systems to Support Internet of Things Applications. \nWe believe we are ideally positioned to help customers to efficiently deploy new IoT controls and applications by leveraging the \u201cSmart Ceiling\u201d capabilities of their Orion solid state lighting system. IoT capabilities can include the management and tracking of facilities, personnel, resources and customer behavior, driving both sales and lowering costs. As a result, these added capabilities provide customers an even greater return on investment from their lighting system and make us an even more attractive partner. We plan to pursue the expansion of our IoT, \u201csmart-building\u201d and \u201cconnected ceiling\u201d and other related technology, software and controls products and services that we offer to our customers. While we intend to pursue these expansion strategies organically, we also are actively exploring potential business acquisitions which would more quickly add these types of expanded and different capabilities to our product and services offerings.\n\n\nIncrease our Maintenance Service Offerings. \nWe believe we can leverage our construction management process expertise to develop a high-quality, quick-response, multi-location maintenance service offering. Our experience with large national customers and our large installed base of fixtures positions us well to extend a maintenance offering to historical customers, as well as to new customers.\n \n\n\n38\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDevelopment of this recurring revenue stream is making progress and we believe there is significant market opportunity. In fiscal 2021, we began providing energy maintenance services, and, on January 1, 2022, we completed the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting. The acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting is intended to further increase our energy maintenance services capabilities.\n\n\n Support success of our ESCO and agent-driven distribution sales channels.\n We continue to focus on building our relationships and product and sales support for our ESCO and agent driven distribution channels. These efforts include an array of product and sales training efforts as well as the development of new products to cater to the unique needs of these sales channels.\n\n\nGrow EV Charging Installation Business.\n We acquired Voltrek, a turnkey EV charging installation business, in fiscal 2023. We believe there are significant growth opportunities in Voltrek\u2019s existing east coast geographic market, as well as on a national basis. We plan to focus our growth plans on maximizing the initial positive momentum realized in fiscal 2023 from our Voltrek acquisition and on cross selling our EV charging solutions into our historical market channels and customers.\n\n\nRecent Acquisitions\n\n\nAcquisition of Voltrek\n\n\nEffective on October 5, 2022, we acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of Voltrek LLC, a leading electric vehicle charging company that provides turnkey installation solutions with ongoing support to all commercial verticals. The initial purchase price consisted of $5.0 million cash and $1.0 million of stock. We will also pay an additional $3.0 million based on Voltrek's performance in fiscal 2023 and could pay up to an additional $3.5 million and $7.15 million in compensatory consideration if Voltrek exceeds certain earnings targets in fiscal 2024 and 2025, respectively. The acquisition was funded from existing cash and credit resources and has been operating as Voltrek, a division of Orion Energy Systems.\n\n\nAcquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting\n\n\nEffective on January 1, 2022, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Stay-Lite Lighting, a nationwide lighting and electrical maintenance service provider, for a cash purchase price of $4.0 million. The acquisition was funded from existing cash resources. Stay-Lite Lighting has been operating as Stay-Lite, an Orion Energy Systems business. The acquisition accelerates the growth of our maintenance services offerings through our Orion Services Group, which provides lighting and electrical services to customers. Our fiscal 2023 results included a full year of operations of Stay-Lite Lighting.\n\n\nReplacing Reduced Revenue from Primary Customer\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn fiscal 2023, one customer accounted for 16.2% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2022, that same customer accounted for 49.1% of our total revenue, and in fiscal 2021, this same customer accounted for 56.0% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2024, we expect that our customer concentration will continue at the approximate level experienced in fiscal 2023. We continue to attempt to diversify our customer base by expanding our reach to national accounts, ESCOs, the agent driven distribution channel, lighting maintenance customers and the EV market, in order to replace this reduced level of revenue from our prior most significant customer.\n\u00a0\n\n\n39\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResults of Operations: Fiscal 2023 versus Fiscal 2022\n\n\nThe following table sets forth the line items of our consolidated statements of operations and as a relative percentage of our total revenue for each applicable period, together with the relative percentage change in such line item between applicable comparable periods (in thousands, except percentages):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% \nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n57,210\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n91,889\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(37.7\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n73.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n73.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nService revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20,173\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(37.9\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n77,383\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n124,383\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(37.8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42,979\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65,249\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(34.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of service revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,893\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(33.0\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cost of revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59,872\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n90,471\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(33.8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n77.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n72.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,511\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33,912\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(48.4\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,487\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,680\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition related costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n765\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n512\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,392\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,628\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2.0\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,852\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,701\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Loss) income from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(15,985\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,391\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(20.7\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(339\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(80\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(323.8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.4\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmortization of debt issue costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(73\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(62\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(17.7\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.0\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Loss) income before income tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(16,363\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,250\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(21.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,978\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,159\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet (loss) income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(34,341\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,091\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(44.4\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n* NM = Not Meaningful\n\n\nRevenue, Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin.\n Product revenue decreased by 37.7%, or $34.7 million, for fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022. Service revenue decreased by 37.9%, or $12.3 million, for fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022. The decrease in product revenue was primarily due to the completion of a significant project for our largest customer and delays in the commencement of certain projects partially offset by revenue associated with the Stay-Lite and Voltrek acquisitions. The decrease in service revenue was primarily due to the completion of the significant project for our largest customer partially offset by revenue association with the acquisition of Stay-Lite and Voltrek. Cost of product revenue decreased by 34.1%, or $22.3 million, in fiscal 2023 versus the comparable period in fiscal 2022. Cost of service revenue decreased by 33.0%, or $8.3 million, in fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022. The decreases were primarily because of decreases in revenue described above. Gross margin decreased to 22.6% of revenue in fiscal 2023 from 27.3% in fiscal 2022, due primarily to lower absorption of fixed costs on reduced revenue volume.\n \n\n\nOperating Expenses\n\n\nGeneral and Administrative.\n General and administrative expenses increased 66.8%, or $7.8 million, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. This comparative increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting and Voltrek, which included $4.0 million for compensatory Voltrek earn-out payments. In addition, there were lower employment costs in fiscal 2022 as a result of COVID-19 related actions and the payroll tax credit.\n \n\n\nAcquisition Related Costs\n. In fiscal 2023, we incurred acquisition costs of $0.8 million, primarily relating to the Voltrek acquisition. In fiscal 2022, we incurred acquisition expenses of $0.5 million relating to the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting.\n \n\n\nSales and Marketing.\n Our sales and marketing expenses decreased 2.0%, or $0.2 million, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. The decrease was primarily due to an decrease in commission expense on lower sales partially offset by expenses associated with the Stay-Lite Lighting and Voltrek businesses.\n \n\n\n40\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResearch and Development.\n Research and development expenses increased 8.9%, or $0.2 million, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 .\n \n\n\nInterest Expense.\n Interest expense in fiscal 2023 increased by $0.2 million to $0.3 million primarily because of higher borrowings on Orion\u2019s credit facility and increased third party financing costs related to the sale of receivables.\n\n\nIncome Taxes.\n In fiscal 2023, we recognized tax expense of $18.0 million. In fiscal 2022, we recognized tax expense of $2.2 million. The fiscal 2023 expense was driven by a $17.8 million non-cash charge to increase the valuation allowance on a significant portion of our deferred tax assets. This resulted in substantially and disproportionately decreasing our reported net income and our earnings per share compared to our operating results. Historical and future comparisons to these amounts are not, and will not be, indicative of actual profitability trends for our business. Our fiscal 2022 income tax provision reflects a more normalized effective income tax rate. We do not expect to remit significant cash taxes for the next several years.\n\n\nResults of Operations: Fiscal 2022 versus Fiscal 2021\n\n\nThe following table sets forth the line items of our consolidated statements of operations and as a relative percentage of our total revenue for each applicable period, together with the relative percentage change in such line item between applicable comparable periods (in thousands, except percentages):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% \nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n91,889\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n87,664\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n73.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n75.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nService revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,176\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n124,383\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n116,840\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65,249\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n63,233\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of service revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,483\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cost of revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n90,471\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n86,716\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n72.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33,912\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,124\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,680\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,262\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition related costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n512\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,628\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,341\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,701\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,685\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,391\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,836\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n56\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(98.2\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(80\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(127\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmortization of debt issue costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(62\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(157\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.0\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoss on debt extinguishment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(90\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome before income tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,250\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,518\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense (benefit)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,159\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(19,616\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(16.8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,091\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n26,134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(76.7\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n* NM = Not Meaningful\n\n\n \n\n\nRevenue, Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin.\n Product revenue increased by 4.8%, or $4.2 million, for fiscal 2022 versus fiscal 2021. Service revenue increased by 11.4%, or $3.3 million, for fiscal 2022 versus fiscal 2021. The increase in product revenue was primarily due to multiple projects put on hold in the prior year as a result of COVID-19.\n \nThe increase in service revenue was primarily due to the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting. Cost of product revenue increased by 3.2%, or $2.0 million, in fiscal 2022 versus the comparable period in fiscal 2021. Cost of service revenue increased by 7.4%, or $1.7 million, in fiscal 2022 versus fiscal 2021. The\n \n\n\n41\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nincrease in product costs was primarily due to the increase in product revenue. Gross margin increased to 27.3% of revenue in fiscal 2022 from 25.8% in fiscal 2021, due primarily to cost management and a change in customer sales mix.\n \n\n\nOperating Expenses\n\n\nGeneral and Administrative.\n General and administrative expenses increased 3.7%, or $0.4 million, in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021. This comparative increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting and lower employment costs in fiscal 2021 as a result of COVID-19 related actions, partially offset by the payroll tax credit.\n \n\n\nAcquisition Related Costs\n. In fiscal 2022, we incurred acquisition expenses of $0.5 million relating to the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting.\n \n\n\nSales and Marketing.\n Our sales and marketing expenses increased 12.4%, or $1.3 million, in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily due to an increase in commission expense on higher sales and an increase in travel, both a result of COVID-19 restrictions in fiscal 2021, as well as a result of the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting.\n \n\n\nResearch and Development.\n Research and development expenses were essentially flat in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 and also remained consistent as a percentage of sales between years.\n \n\n\nInterest Expense.\n Interest expense in fiscal 2022 decreased by 37.0%, or $47 thousand, from fiscal 2021. The decrease in interest expense was due to fewer sales of receivables.\n\n\nLoss on Debt Extinguishment\n. Loss on debt extinguishment in fiscal 2021 related to the write-off of fees incurred with respect to our prior credit facility, which was recognized upon execution of our new credit facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2021.\n\n\nIncome Taxes.\n In fiscal 2022, we recognized a tax expense of $2.2 million. In fiscal 2021, we recognized a tax benefit of $19.6 million. The benefit was driven by the release of the valuation allowance on a significant portion of our deferred tax assets. This resulted in substantially and disproportionately increasing our reported net income and our earnings per share compared to our operating results. Historical and future comparisons to these amounts are not, and will not be, indicative of actual profitability trends for our business. Our fiscal 2022 income tax provision reflects a more normalized effective income tax rate. We do not expect to remit significant cash taxes for the next several years.\n\n\nOrion Services Group Division\n\n\nOur OSG segment (a) develops and sells lighting products and provides construction and engineering services for our commercial lighting and energy management systems and (b) provides retailers, distributors and other businesses with maintenance, repair and replacement services for the lighting and related electrical components deployed in their facilities. OSG provides engineering, design and lighting products and in many cases turnkey solutions for large national accounts, governments, municipalities, schools and other customers.\n\n\nThe following table summarizes our OSG segment operating results (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n38,002\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n82,568\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n84,243\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating (loss) income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(6,982\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,462\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,472\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(18.4\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022\n \n\n\nOSG segment revenue decreased in fiscal 2023 by 54.0%, or $44.6 million, and operating income decreased $13.4 million to an operating loss, compared to fiscal 2022, due to an overall reduction in project volume performed for our largest customer, partially offset\n \n\n\n42\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nby revenue from the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting. This decrease led to a corresponding operating loss in this segment, as a result of decreased absorption of fixed costs.\n\n\nFiscal 2022 Compared to Fiscal 2021\n \n\n\nOSG segment revenue decreased in fiscal 2022 by 2.0%, or $1.7 million, and operating income decreased by 13.5%, or $1.0 million, compared to fiscal 2021, due to an overall reduction in project volume performed for our largest customer, partially offset by revenue from the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting.\n\n\nOrion Distribution Services Division\n \n\n\nOur ODS segment focuses on selling lighting products through manufacturer representative agencies and a network of North American broadline and electrical distributors and contractors.\n\n\nThe following table summarizes our ODS segment operating results (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15,395\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n22,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n21,122\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating (loss) income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(186\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,114\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,430\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1.2\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022\n \n\n\nODS segment revenue decreased $6.8 million, or 30.7%, and operating income decreased $3.3 million, or 106.0%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to reduced sales to a large global on-line retailer. Operating income in this segment decreased as a result of increased allocation of corporate costs.\n\n\nFiscal 2022 Compared to Fiscal 2021\n \n\n\nODS segment revenue in fiscal 2022 increased 5.1%, or $1.1 million, compared to fiscal 2021, primarily due to sales to a more diversified customer base. This sales increase led to a corresponding increase in operating income in this segment based on operating leverage.\n\n\nOrion U.S. Markets Division\n\n\nOur USM segment sells commercial lighting systems and energy management systems to the wholesale contractor markets. USM customers include ESCOs and contractors.\n\n\nThe following table summarizes our USM segment operating results (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n17,710\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n19,606\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11,475\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,605\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,963\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,683\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022\n \n\n\nUSM segment revenue decreased $1.9 million, or 9.7%, and operating income decreased by $2.4 million, or 59.5%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to a less diversified customer base. Operating income in this segment decreased as a result of lower revenue and increased allocation of corporate costs.\n\n\n43\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2022 Compared to Fiscal 2021\n \n\n\nUSM segment revenue increased $8.1 million, or 70.9%, and operating income increased by $2.3 million, or 135.5%, in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021, primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 on fiscal 2021 and an increased focus on sales opportunities in this segment.\n\n\nOrion EV Charging Division\n\n\nWe acquired Voltrek effective October 5, 2022, upon which it became an additional reporting segment. The results shown below are since the acquisition date and include the accrual of compensatory earn-out payments. Absent allocations and earn-out payment expenses, the EV Division had a positive effect on our consolidated earnings in fiscal 2023.\nThe following table summarizes our EV Division operations results (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,275\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating (loss)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(4,133\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(65.9\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEV Division revenue generated by Voltrek in fiscal 2023 was $6.3 million. Operating loss in this segment was primarily a result of $4.0 million earn-out expense included in general and administrative costs.\n\n\n Liquidity and Capital Resources\n\n\nOverview\n\n\nWe had $16.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023, compared to $14.5 million at March 31, 2022. Our cash position increased primarily as a result of a $10.0 million draw made on our Credit Facility, together with positive changes in working capital changes, partially offset by the results of our operations and the funding of our acquisition of Voltrek.\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, our borrowing base supported $17.3 million of availability under our Credit Facility, with $10.0 million drawn against that availability. As of March 31, 2022, no amounts were borrowed under the Credit Facility.\n\n\nAdditional information on our Credit Agreement can be found in the \u201cIndebtedness\u201d section located below.\n \n\n\nIn March 2023, we filed a universal shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under our shelf registration statement, we currently have the flexibility to publicly offer and sell from time to time up to $100 million of debt and/or equity securities. The filing of the shelf registration statement may help facilitate our ability to raise public equity or debt capital to expand existing businesses, fund potential acquisitions, invest in other growth opportunities, repay existing debt, or for other general corporate purposes.\n \n\n\nIn March 2021, we entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement to undertake an \u201cat the market\u201d (ATM) public equity capital raising program pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $50 million from time to time through or to the Agent, acting as sales agent or principal. No share sales have yet been effected pursuant to the ATM program through March 31, 2023.\n\n\nWe also are exploring various alternative sources of liquidity to help ensure that we will have the best allocation of investing capital to satisfy our working capital needs.\n \n\n\nOur future liquidity needs and forecasted cash flows are dependent upon many factors, including our relative revenue, gross margins, cash management practices, cost containment, working capital management, capital expenditures. While we believe that we\n \n\n\n44\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nwill likely have adequate available cash and equivalents and credit availability under our Credit Agreement to satisfy our currently anticipated working capital and liquidity requirements during the next 12 months and beyond based on our current cash flow forecast, there can be no assurance to that effect. If we experience significant liquidity constraints, we may be required to issue equity or debt securities, reduce our sales efforts, implement additional cost savings initiatives or undertake other efforts to conserve our cash.\n\n\nCash Flows\n\n\nThe following table summarizes our cash flows for our fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(2,291\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(113\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,729\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvesting activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,195\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4,918\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(946\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,012\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n104\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10,141\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncrease (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(4,927\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(9,358\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash Flows Related to Operating Activities.\n Cash provided by (used in) operating activities primarily consists of net loss adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, amortization of debt issue costs, provisions for reserves, and the effect of changes in working capital and other activities.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash used in operating activities for fiscal 2023 was $2.3 million and consisted of our net loss of $34.3 million adjusted for non-cash expense items and net cash used in changes in operating assets of $32.1 million, the largest of which was a $17.8 million decrease in deferred income tax assets as a result of the valuation allowance.\n\n\nCash used in operating activities for fiscal 2022 was $0.1 million and consisted of a net income of $6.1 million adjusted for non-cash expense items of $5.0 million and offset by net cash used by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $11.2 million. Cash used by changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of decreases in accounts payable of $8.1 million and accrued liabilities of $6.9 million, partially offset by cash provided by a decrease in accounts receivable of $4.4 million, all caused by changes in business volume late in fiscal 2022 compared to late fiscal 2021.\n \n\n\nCash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2021 was $1.7 million and consisted of a net income adjusted for non-cash expense items of $9.1 million and net cash used by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $7.4 million. Cash used by changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of an increase in inventory of $5.3 million due to the release of new product lines and pre-ordering due to supply chain delays as a result of COVID-19, a decrease in accounts payable of $2.6 million due to the timing of payments, an increase in accounts receivable of $2.4 million due to the timing of billing and customer collections, and an increase in Revenue earned but not billed of $2.4 million due to timing on revenue recognition compared to invoicing. Cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities included an increase in accrued expenses of $5.8 million due to the timing of project completions and the receipt of invoices.\n\n\nCash Flows Related to Investing Activities.\n Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2023 was $6.2 million and consisted primarily of the $5.6 million acquisition of Voltrek and $0.6 million purchases of property and equipment.\n\n\nCash used in investing activities in fiscal 2022 was $4.9 million and consisted primarily of the $4.0 million acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting, and an investment of a non-controlling equity stake in ndustrial, Inc. of $0.5 million and purchases of property and equipment.\n\n\nCash used in investing activities in fiscal 2021 was $0.9 million and consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment.\n\n\nCash Flows Related to Financing Activities. \nCash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2023 was $10.0 million which consisted of proceeds from the revolving credit facility.\n \n\n\n45\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2022 was $0.1 million.\n \n\n\nCash used in financing activities in fiscal 2021 was $10.1 million. This cash used consisted primarily of a net payment of $10.0 million under our Credit Facility.\n \n\n\nWorking Capital\n\n\nOur net working capital as of March 31, 2023 was $25.9 million, consisting of $50.4 million of current assets and $24.5 million of current liabilities. Our net working capital as of March 31, 2022 was $32.9 million, consisting of $51.2 million in current assets and $18.4 million in current liabilities. The change was primarily due to decreases in inventory and collection of the employee retention tax credit plus increases in accounts payable, accrued expenses and accounts receivable.\n\n\nOur net working capital as of March 31, 2021 was $26.2 million, consisting of $56.5 million in current assets and $30.4 million in current liabilities. The increase in our working capital from the fiscal 2021 year-end was primarily due to an overall reduction in project volume performed for our largest customer and partially offset by the acquisition of Stay-Lite Lighting.\n \n\n\nWe generally attempt to maintain at least a three-month supply of on-hand inventory of purchased components and raw materials to meet anticipated demand, as well as to reduce our risk of unexpected raw material or component shortages or supply interruptions. Because of recent supply chain challenges, we have been making additional incremental inventory purchases. Our accounts receivables, inventory and payables may increase to the extent our revenue and order levels increase\n\n\nIndebtedness\n\n\nRevolving Credit Agreement\n\n\nOur Credit Agreement provides for a five-year $25.0 million revolving credit facility (the \u201cCredit Facility\u201d) that matures on December 29, 2025. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base requirement based on eligible receivables, inventory and cash. As of March 31, 2023, the borrowing base supported approximately $17.3 million of availability under the Credit Facility with $10.0 million drawn against that availability. As of March 31, 2022, no amounts were borrowed under the Credit Facility.\n\n\nThe Credit Agreement is secured by a first lien security interest in substantially all of our assets.\n\n\nBorrowings under the Credit Agreement are permitted in the form of LIBOR or prime rate-based loans and generally bear interest at floating rates plus an applicable margin determined by reference to our availability under the Credit Agreement. Among other fees, we are required to pay an annual facility fee of $15,000 and a fee of 25 basis points on the unused portion of the Credit Facility.\n\n\nThe Credit Agreement includes a springing minimum fixed cost coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 when excess availability under the Credit Facility falls below the greater of $3.0 million or 15% of the committed facility. Currently, the required springing minimum fixed cost coverage ratio is not required.\n \n\n\nThe Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default and other covenants, including certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, consolidate or merge, enter into acquisitions, pay any dividend or distribution on our stock, redeem, retire or purchase shares of our stock, make investments or pledge or transfer assets. If an event of default under the Credit Agreement occurs and is continuing, then the lender may cease making advances under the Credit Agreement and declare any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable. In addition, if we become the subject of voluntary or involuntary proceedings under any bankruptcy or similar law, then any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement will automatically become immediately due and payable.\n\n\nWe did not incur any early termination fees in connection with the termination of the Prior Credit Agreement, but did recognize a loss on debt extinguishment of $0.1 million on the write-off of unamortized debt issue costs related to the Prior Credit Agreement.\n\n\n46\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCapital Spending\n\n\nOur capital expenditures are primarily for general corporate purposes for our corporate headquarters and technology center, production equipment and tooling and for information technology systems. Our capital expenditures totaled $0.7 million in fiscal 2023, $0.5 million in fiscal 2022 and $0.9 million in fiscal 2021. Our capital spending plans predominantly consist of investments related to maintenance fleet vehicles, new product development tooling and equipment and information technology systems, exclusive of any capital spending for potential acquisitions. We expect to finance these capital expenditures primarily through our existing cash, equipment secured loans and leases, to the extent needed, long-term debt financing, or by using our Credit Facility.\n\n\nInflation\n\n\nWe have experienced increases in various input costs including labor, components and transportation in the past year. In response, we have implemented multiple price increases, and we have substantially mitigated the inflationary pressures, such that our results from operations have not been materially affected by inflation. We are monitoring input costs and cannot currently predict the future impact to our operations by inflation.\n\n\nCritical Accounting Estimates\n\n\nThe discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make certain estimates and judgments that affect our reported assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and our related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We re-evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to revenue recognition, inventory valuation, collectability of receivables, stock-based compensation, warranty reserves and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. A summary of our critical accounting estimates is set forth below.\n\n\nRevenue Recognition.\n We recognize revenue in accordance with the guidance in \u201cRevenue from Contracts with Customers\u201d (Topic 606) (\u201cASC 606\u201d) when control of the goods or services being provided (which we refer to as a performance obligation) is transferred to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The amount of expected consideration includes estimated deductions and early payment discounts calculated based on historical experience, customer rebates based on agreed upon terms applied to actual and projected sales levels over the rebate period, and any amounts paid to customers in conjunction with fulfilling a performance obligation.\n\n\nIf there are multiple performance obligations in a single contract, the contract\u2019s total transaction price per GAAP is allocated to each individual performance obligation based on their relative standalone selling price. A performance obligation\u2019s standalone selling price is the price at which we would sell such promised good or service separately to a customer. We use an observable price to determine the stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations or an expected cost-plus margin per GAAP approach when one is not available. The expected cost-plus margin per GAAP approach is used to determine the stand-alone selling price for the installation performance obligation and is based on average historical installation margin.\n\n\nRevenue derived from customer contracts which include only performance obligation(s) for the sale of lighting fixtures and components we manufacture, or source is classified as product revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The revenue for these transactions is recorded at the point in time when management believes that the customer obtains control of the products, generally either upon shipment or upon delivery to the customer\u2019s facility. This point in time is determined separately for each contract and requires judgment by management of the contract terms and the specific facts and circumstances concerning the transaction.\n\n\nRevenue from a customer contract which includes both the sale of Orion manufactured or sourced fixtures and the installation of such fixtures (which we refer to as a turnkey project) is allocated between each lighting fixture and the installation performance obligation based on relative standalone selling prices.\n\n\n47\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenue from turnkey projects that is allocated to the single installation performance obligation is reflected in Service revenue. Service revenue is recorded over-time as we fulfill our obligation to install the light fixtures. We measure our performance toward fulfilling our performance obligations for installations using an output method that calculates the number of light fixtures completely removed and installed as of the measurement date in comparison to the total number of light fixtures to be removed and installed under the contract.\n\n\nRevenue from the maintenance offering that includes both the sale of Orion manufactured or sourced product and service is allocated between the product and service performance obligations based on relative standalone selling prices, and is recorded in Product revenue and Service revenue, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. .\n\n\nThe sale of installation and services related to the EV charging business is presented in Service revenue. Revenue from the EV segment that includes both the sale of product and service is allocated between the product and service performance obligations based on relative standalone selling prices, and is recorded in Product revenue and Service revenue, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.\n \n\n\nInventories.\n We review our inventory for obsolescence. If the net realizable value, which is based upon the estimated selling price, less estimated costs of completion, disposal, and transportation, falls below cost, then the inventory value is reduced to its net realizable value. Our inventory obsolescence reserves at March 31, 2023 were $1.8 million, or 8.9% of gross inventory, and $2.1 million, or 9.5% of gross inventory, at March 31, 2022.\n\n\nRecoverability of Long-Lived Assets.\n We evaluate long-lived assets such as property, equipment and definite lived intangible assets, such as patents, for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets recognized in our financial statements may not be recoverable. Factors that we consider include whether there has been a significant decrease in the market value of an asset, a significant change in the way an asset is being utilized, or a significant change, delay or departure in our strategy for that asset, or a significant change in the macroeconomic environment, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets involves significant judgment and estimation. These assessments reflect our assumptions, which, we believe, are consistent with the assumptions hypothetical marketplace participants use. Factors that we must estimate when performing recoverability and impairment tests include, among others, forecasted revenue, margin costs and the economic life of the asset. If impairment is indicated, we determine if the total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amounts of the asset or assets. If so, an impairment loss is measured and recognized.\n\n\nAs of December 31, 2022, due to a change in our forecast, a triggering event occurred requiring us to evaluate the long-lived assets in its enterprise asset group for impairment. The enterprise asset group includes the corporate assets that support the revenue producing activities of other asset groups. We performed the recoverability test for the asset group by comparing its carrying value to the group\u2019s expected future undiscounted cash flows. We concluded that the undiscounted cash flows of the long-lived asset group exceeded its carrying value. As such the asset group was deemed recoverable and no impairment was recorded.\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur impairment loss calculations require that we apply judgment in identifying asset groups, estimating future cash flows, determining asset fair values, and estimating asset\u2019s useful lives. To make these judgments, we may use internal discounted cash flow estimates, quoted market prices, when available, and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair value.\n\n\nIf actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be required to recognize future impairment losses which could be material to our results of operations.\n\n\nIndefinite Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill.\n We test indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment at least annually on the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. We monitor for the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year. Our annual impairment test may begin with a qualitative test to determine\n \n\n\n48\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nwhether it is more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset's carrying value is greater than its fair value. If our qualitative assessment reveals that asset impairment is more likely than not, we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible asset to its carrying value. Alternatively, we may bypass the qualitative test and initiate impairment testing with the quantitative impairment test.\n\n\nWe performed a qualitative assessment in conjunction with our annual impairment test of our indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill as of January 1, 2023. These qualitative assessments considered our operating results for the first nine months of fiscal 2023 in comparison to prior years as well as its anticipated fourth quarter results and fiscal 2023 plan. As a result of the conditions that existed as of the assessment date, an asset impairment was not deemed to be more likely than not and a quantitative analysis was not required.\n\n\nStock-Based Compensation.\n We currently issue restricted stock awards to our employees, executive officers and directors. Prior to fiscal 2015, we also issued stock options to these individuals. We apply the provisions of ASC 718, \nCompensation - Stock Compensation\n, to these restricted stock and stock option awards which requires us to expense the estimated fair value of the awards based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant. Compensation costs for equity incentives are recognized in earnings, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.\n\n\nAccounting for Income Taxes.\n As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to determine our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current tax expenses, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from recognition of items for income tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we must reflect this increase as an expense within the tax provision in our statements of operations.\n\n\nOur judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We continue to monitor the realizability of our deferred tax assets and adjust the valuation allowance accordingly. Prior to fiscal 2021, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our net federal and net state deferred tax assets due to our cumulative three-year taxable losses. During fiscal 2021, we reduced our valuation allowance on the basis of our reassessment of the amount of our deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. During fiscal 2023, we reestablished a full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets due to end of the period of sustained profitability. In making these determinations, we considered all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, recent financial performance and ownership changes.\n\n\nWe believe that past issuances and transfers of our stock caused an ownership change in fiscal 2007 that affected the timing of the use of our net operating loss carry-forwards, but we do not believe the ownership change affects the use of the full amount of the net operating loss carry-forwards. As a result, our ability to use our net operating loss carry-forwards attributable to the period prior to such ownership change to offset taxable income will be subject to limitations in a particular year, which could potentially result in increased future tax liability for us.\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $71.4 million for federal tax purposes, $66.1 million for state tax purposes, and $0.8 million for foreign tax purposes. As of the fiscal 2018, this amount is inclusive of the entire loss carryforward on the filed returns.\n\n\nWe also had federal tax credit carryforwards of $1.3 million and state tax credit carryforwards of $0.3 million, which are reserved for as part of our valuation allowance. Of these tax attributes, $19.7 million of the federal and state net operating loss carryforwards are not subject to time restrictions on use but may only be used to offset 80% of future adjusted taxable income. The $120.2 million net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in varying amounts between 2023 and 2033.\n \n\n\n49\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe recognize penalties and interest related to uncertain tax liabilities in income tax expense. Penalties and interest were immaterial as of the date of adoption and are included in unrecognized tax benefits.\n \n\n\nBy their nature, tax laws are often subject to interpretation. Further complicating matters is that in those cases where a tax position is open to interpretation, differences of opinion can result in differing conclusions as to the amount of tax benefits to be recognized under Financial Accounting Standards Board (\"FASB\") Accounting Standards Codification (\"ASC\") 740, Income Taxes. ASC 740 utilizes a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. Recognition (Step 1) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (Step 2) is only addressed if Step 1 has been satisfied. Under Step 2, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Consequently, the level of evidence and documentation necessary to support a position prior to being given recognition and measurement within the financial statements is a matter of judgment that depends on all available evidence. As of March 31, 2023, the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $0.2 million, all of which would reduce our effective tax rate if recognized. We believe that our estimates and judgments discussed herein are reasonable, however, actual results could differ, which could result in gains or losses that could be material.\n\n\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\n\n\nSee Note 3 \u2013 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective expected dates of adoption and expected effects on results of operations and financial condition.\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A.\tQuantitative and Qualita\ntive Disclosure About Market Risk\n\n\nMarket risk is the risk of loss related to changes in market prices, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity pricing that may adversely impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.\n\n\nInflation.\n We have experienced increases in various input costs including labor, components and transportation in the past year. In response, we have implemented multiple price increases, and we have substantially mitigated the inflationary pressures, such that our results from operations have not been materially affected by inflation. We are monitoring input costs and cannot currently predict the future impact to our operations by inflation.\n\n\nForeign Exchange Risk.\n We face minimal exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Our foreign currency losses for all reporting periods have been nominal.\n\n\nInterest Rate Risk.\n We do not believe that we are subject to any material risks arising from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices or other market changes that affect market risk sensitive instruments. It is our policy not to enter into interest rate derivative financial instruments. As a result, we do not currently have any significant interest rate exposure.\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had $10 million of outstanding debt with floating interest rates.\n\n\nCommodity Price Risk.\n We are exposed to certain commodity price risks associated with our purchases of raw materials, most significantly our aluminum purchases. During fiscal 2023, we have experienced commodity price increases; however, as of the date of this report, we are not able to predict the future impact of on this risk. A hypothetical additional 20% increase in aluminum prices would have had a negative impact of $0.7 million on our net income in fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\n50\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "cik": "1409375",
+ "cusip6": "686275",
+ "cusip": ["686275908", "686275108"],
+ "names": ["ORION ENERGY SYS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1409375/000095017023027474/0000950170-23-027474-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-027948.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-027948.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..2741a0f0ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-027948.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. \nBusiness\n\n\nOverview\n\n\nNetApp, Inc. (NetApp, we, us or the Company) is a global cloud-led, data-centric software company. We were incorporated in 1992 and are headquartered in San Jose, California. Building on more than three decades of innovation, we give customers the freedom to manage applications and data across hybrid multicloud environments. Our portfolio of cloud services, and storage infrastructure, powered by intelligent data management software, enables applications to run faster, more reliably, and more securely, all at a lower cost.\n\n\nOur opportunity is defined by the durable megatrends of data-driven digital and cloud transformations. NetApp helps organizations meet the complexities created by rapid data and cloud growth, multi-cloud management, and the adoption of next-generation technologies, such as AI, Kubernetes, and modern databases. Our modern approach to hybrid, multicloud infrastructure and data management, which we term \u2018evolved cloud\u2019, provides customers the ability to leverage data across their entire estate with simplicity, security, and sustainability which increases our relevance and value to our customers.\n\n\nIn an evolved cloud state, the cloud is fully integrated into an organization\u2019s architecture and operations. Data centers and clouds are seamlessly united and hybrid multicloud operations are simplified, with consistency and observability across environments. The key benefits NetApp brings to an organization\u2019s hybrid multicloud environment are:\n\n\n\u2022\nOperational simplicity: NetApp\u2019s use of open source, open architectures and APIs, microservices, and common capabilities and data services facilitate the creation of applications that can run anywhere.\n\n\n\u2022\nFlexibility and consistency: NetApp makes moving data and applications between environments seamless through a common storage foundation across on-premises and multicloud environments.\n\n\n\u2022\nCyber resilience: NetApp unifies monitoring, data protection, security, governance, and compliance for total cyber resilience - with consistency and automation across environments. \n\n\n\u2022\nContinuous operations: NetApp uses AI-driven automation for continuous optimization to service applications and store stateless and stateful applications at the lowest possible costs.\n\n\n\u2022\nSustainability: NetApp has industry-leading tools to audit consumption, locate waste, and set guardrails to stop overprovisioning.\n\n\nProduct, Solutions and Services Portfolio\n \n\n\nNetApp's portfolio of cloud services and storage infrastructure is powered by intelligent data management software. Our operations are organized into two segments: Hybrid Cloud and Public Cloud.\n\n\n \n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n\n\nHybrid Cloud \noffers a portfolio of storage management and infrastructure solutions that help customers recast their traditional data centers into modern data centers with the power of the cloud. Our hybrid cloud portfolio is designed to operate with public clouds to unlock the potential of hybrid, multi-cloud operations. We offer a broad portfolio of cloud-connected all-flash, hybrid-flash, and object storage systems, powered by intelligent data management software. Hybrid Cloud is composed of software, hardware, and related support, as well as professional and other services.\n\n\nIntelligent data management software\n\n\nNetApp ONTAP\n software is our foundational technology that underpins NetApp's critical storage solutions in the data center and the cloud. ONTAP includes various data management and protection features and capabilities, including automatic ransomware protection against cyber-attacks, built-in data transport features, and storage efficiency capabilities. ONTAP provides the flexibility to design and deploy a storage environment across the broadest range of architectures \u2013 from on-premises, hybrid, public, and private clouds. It can be used in NAS, SAN, object environments, and software-defined storage (SDS) situations.\n\n\nData integrity and safety are at the heart of any company\u2019s data center. With NetApp\u2019s extensive software tools and utilities, customers can realize their business continuity goals with time, costs, and personnel savings. With \nNetApp Snapshot\n, customers can create and manage point-in-time file system copies with no performance impact and minimal storage consumption. This is important for continuous data protection of information in read-only, static, and immutable form. \nNetApp SnapCenter Backup Management\n \ns\noftware\n \nis designed to deliver high-performance backup and recovery for database and application workloads hosted on ONTAP storage. \nNetApp SnapMirror Data Replication\n software can replicate data at high speeds across environments. SnapMirror delivers\n \n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nrobust data management capabilities for virtualization, protecting critical data while providing the flexibility to move data between locations and storage tiers, including cloud service providers. \nNetApp SnapLock Data Compliance \nsoftware delivers high-performance disk-based data permanence for HDD and SSD deployments.\n \n\n\nNetApp Astra (Astra)\n is a fully managed application-aware data management service built for emerging Kubernetes workloads container infrastructures. Astra allows organizations to protect, recover, and move applications deployed on Kubernetes with no software to download, install, manage, or upgrade.\n \n\n\nStorage infrastructure\n \n\n\nNetApp All-Flash FAS (AFF A-Series)\n is a scale-out platform built for virtualized environments, combining low-latency performance via flash memory (also known as a solid-state storage disk) with best-in-class data management, built-in efficiencies, integrated data protection, multiprotocol support, and nondisruptive operations; cloud and on-premises. AFF A-Series, powered by ONTAP, allows customers to connect to clouds for more data services, data tiering, caching, and disaster recovery. The AFF A-Series has a portfolio of products designed for multiple markets and price/performance considerations, from smaller channel commercial market offerings to large-scale, global enterprises.\n\n\nNetApp QLC-Flash FAS (AFF C-Series) \nis NetApp\u2019s newest family of storage infrastructure solutions. AFF C-Series arrays are sustainable, scalable, and secure solutions for Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications. AFF C-series provides customers capacity flash performance and affordability, so that customers do not need to make compromises. The AFF C-Series is ideal for transitioning from hybrid/HDD to all-flash storage; running non-latency sensitive VMware database applications and file environments; and providing a solution for secondary storage targets for disaster recovery, backup, and tiering.\n \n\n\nNetApp Fabric Attached Storage (FAS)\n series\n \nare high-volume, high-capacity data storage devices powered by NetApp ONTAP. NetApp FAS Storage Arrays provide customers with a balance of performance and capacity running either disk drives or hybrid-flash configurations. FAS systems are suitable for secondary storage targets for disaster recovery, backup, and tiering.\n\n\nNetApp E/EF series\n is built for dedicated, high-bandwidth applications that need simple, fast SAN storage with enterprise-grade reliability. The E-Series is available as a hybrid-flash platform, while the EF-Series is all-flash. On the SANtricity storage operating system, the E/EF-Series storage appliances are designed for performance-sensitive workloads like real-time analytics, high performance computing, and databases.\n \n\n\nNetApp StorageGRID\n is a software-defined object storage solution for large archives, media repositories, and web data stores. Using the industry-standard object APIs like the Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3), the StorageGRID solution, running on the ElementOS data management storage operating system, is provided as a NetApp-branded storage solution and as a software-defined solution on third-party hardware.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPublic Cloud\n\n\nPublic Cloud\n offers a portfolio of products delivered primarily as-a-service, including related support. This portfolio includes cloud storage and data services and cloud operations services. Our enterprise-class solutions and services enable customers to control and manage storage in the cloud, consume high-performance storage services for primary workloads, and optimize cloud environments for cost and efficiency. These solutions and services are generally available on the leading public clouds, including Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.\n \n\n\nCloud storage, data services, and software\n\n\nThe NetApp Cloud Volumes Platform is an integrated collection of cloud storage infrastructure and data services. The platform is anchored by \nNetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP\n, a cloud-based software for customers who wish to manage their own cloud storage infrastructure. It is based on the same ONTAP data management software that underpins our storage infrastructure offerings. Fully managed cloud storage offerings are available natively on Microsoft Azure as \nAzure NetApp Files\n, on AWS as \nAmazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP\n, and on Google Cloud as \nNetApp Cloud Volumes Service for Google Cloud.\n \n\n\nManageability\n\n\nAt the heart of our public cloud storage and data service offerings is \nNetApp\n \nBlueXP\n. BlueXP is a unified control plane that enables customers to manage their entire data landscape through one single, SaaS-delivered point of control. NetApp BlueXP combines storage and data services via its unified control plane to change how hybrid, multicloud environments are managed, optimized, and controlled. An intuitive interface and powerful automation help decrease resource waste, complexity, and the risk of managing diverse environments. It brings customers operational simplicity in a complex world. Within BlueXP are standard and optional capabilities (services) which allow customers to control their data and operations.\n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWith \nBlueXP Sync\n service, customers can migrate data to the cloud securely and efficiently. Customers can choose where to deploy primary workloads without re-architecting applications or databases. Customers also get a comprehensive, industry-leading portfolio of storage efficiency capabilities. Inline data compression, deduplication, compaction, and cloud tiering (\nBlueXP Tiering \nservice) work together to reduce storage costs and maximize data storage. \nNetApp Backup \nservice delivers seamless and cost-effective backup and restore capabilities for protecting and archiving cloud and on-premises data managed by ONTAP. \nBlueXP\n \nCompliance \nservice provides data discovery, mapping, and classification driven by artificial intelligence algorithms with automated controls and reporting for data privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and more. Lastly, the \nBlueXP Cache \nservice delivers fast and secure access to data for users by caching active data sets to distributed offices globally.\n \n\n\nCloud operations services\n\n\nNetApp Cloud Insights\n is an infrastructure monitoring tool that gives organizations visibility into their entire infrastructure. It can monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize costs across all resources, including public clouds and private data centers. Working in conjunction with the BlueXP manageability and control plane services, customers can have deep insights into their data operations.\n\n\nOur \nSpot by NetApp \nsuite of products delivers a platform for cloud operations, enabling customers to deploy and operate cloud applications reliably and securely in their choice of the cloud while reducing costs and complexity. Combining machine learning, predictive analytics, and cloud automation, the Spot platform continuously optimizes cloud infrastructure and operations to deliver scalable, reliable, and secure application infrastructure.\n\n\nAnother cloud operations service is \nInstaclustr\n, our platform that provides fully managed open-source databases, pipelines, and workflow applications delivered as a service. Instaclustr helps organizations deliver cloud-native applications at scale by operating and supporting their data infrastructure through its SaaS platform for those designing and building around open-source technologies.\n \n\n\nProfessional and Support Services\n\n\nNetApp and our certified services partners offer a comprehensive portfolio of assessment, design, implementation, migration, and proactive support services to help customers optimize the performance and efficiency of their on-premises and hybrid multicloud storage environments. Our portfolio of offerings include strategic consulting, professional, managed, and support services.\n \n\n\n\u2022\nNetApp strategic consulting services provide executive-level, high-touch consulting engagements to help organizations facilitate the alignment of their business and technology goals. Our proven expertise can help organizations define long-term data fabric strategies and operations models to drive IT initiatives for digital transformation.\n \n\n\n\u2022\nNetApp Professional Services provide the expertise to mitigate risk and streamline the design, implementation, migration, and integration of NetApp hybrid cloud solutions to realize the business benefits of new technology investments faster. Highly skilled services experts help enable secure, optimized environments that deliver the consistent, high-quality outcomes customers expect from the start.\n \n\n\n\u2022\nNetApp Managed Services optimize performance and efficiency in hybrid cloud and on-premises environments. Our NetApp experts use proven methodology and best practices to monitor, administer, operate, and optimize customer environments so their organization's IT staff is free to focus on initiatives to move the business forward.\n \n\n\n\u2022\nNetApp Keystone is our pay-as-you-grow, storage-as-a-service (STaaS) offering that delivers a seamless hybrid cloud experience for those preferring operating expense consumption models to upfront capital expense or leasing. With a unified management console and monthly bill for both on-premises and cloud data storage services, Keystone lets organizations provision and monitor, and even move storage spend across their hybrid cloud environment for financial and operational flexibility. \n\n\n\u2022\nNetApp Global Support supplies systems, processes, and people wherever needed to provide continuous operation in complex and critical environments, with an emphasis on proactive and preemptive technology support for operational continuity across the NetApp hybrid cloud. Personalized support options provide actionable intelligence to resolve problems faster, reduce downtime, and optimize performance of the entire NetApp ecosystem.\n\n\nSales, Principal Markets, and Distribution Channels\n\n\nWe market and sell our products and services in numerous countries throughout the world. Our sales efforts are organized around the evolving needs of our current and targeted customers, and our marketing initiatives reflect this focus. NetApp uses a multichannel distribution strategy. We sell our products, solutions and services to end-user business customers and service providers through a direct sales force and an ecosystem of partners, including the leading cloud providers. Our marketing is focused on building our brand reputation, creating market awareness, communicating customer advantages and generating demand for our sales force and channel partners.\n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur diversified customer base spans industry segments and vertical markets such as energy, financial services, government, technology, internet, life sciences, healthcare services, manufacturing, media, entertainment, animation, video postproduction and telecommunications. NetApp focuses primarily on the enterprise storage and data management, cloud storage and cloud operations markets. We design our products to meet the evolving requirements of a hybrid, multicloud world, driven by digital transformation and cloud initiatives.\n\n\nOur partnerships with the industry\u2019s leading cloud, infrastructure, consulting, application, and reseller partners are created with one goal in mind: the success of our customers. Global enterprises, local businesses, and government installations look to NetApp and our ecosystem of partners to help maximize the business value of their IT and cloud investments.\n\n\nWe work with a wide range of partners for our customers, including technology partners, value-added resellers, system integrators, OEMs, service providers and distributors. During fiscal 2023, sales through our indirect channels represented 78% of our net revenues. Our global partner ecosystem is critical to NetApp\u2019s growth and success. We are continually strengthening existing partnerships and investing in new ones to ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of our customers.\n\n\nAs of April 28, 2023, our worldwide sales and marketing functions consisted of approximately 5,700 managers, sales representatives and technical support personnel. We have offices in approximately 25 countries. Sales to customers Arrow Electronics, Inc. and Tech Data Corporation accounted for 24% and 21% of our net revenues, respectively, in fiscal 2023. Information about sales to and accounts receivables from our major customers, segment disclosures, foreign operations and net sales attributable to our geographic regions is included in Note 15 \u2013 Segment, Geographic, and Significant Customer Information of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.\n\n\nSeasonality\n\n\nWe have historically experienced a sequential decline in revenues in the first quarter of our fiscal year, as the sales organization spends time developing new business after higher close rates in the fourth quarter, and because sales to European customers are typically weaker during the summer months. We derive a substantial amount of our revenue in any given quarter from customer orders booked in the same quarter. Customer orders and revenues typically follow intra-quarter seasonality patterns weighted toward the back end of the quarter. If recurring services and cloud revenue continue to increase as a percentage of our total revenues, historical seasonal patterns may become less pronounced.\n\n\nBacklog\n\n\nWe manufacture products based on a combination of specific order requirements and forecasts of our customers\u2019 demand. Orders are generally placed by customers on an as-needed basis. A substantial portion of our products is sold on the basis of standard purchase orders that are cancelable prior to shipment without penalty. In certain circumstances, purchase orders are subject to change with respect to quantity of product or timing of delivery resulting from changes in customer requirements. Our business is characterized by seasonal and intra-quarter variability in demand, as well as short lead times and product delivery schedules. Accordingly, backlog at any given time may not be a meaningful indicator of future revenue.\n\n\nManufacturing and Supply Chain\n\n\nWe have outsourced manufacturing operations to third parties located in Fremont, California; San Jose, California; San Antonio, Texas; Guadalajara, Mexico; Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands; Tiszaujvaros, Hungary; Wuxi, China; Taoyuan City, Taiwan; and Singapore. These operations include materials procurement, commodity management, component engineering, test engineering, manufacturing engineering, product assembly, product assurance, quality control, final test, and global logistics. We rely on a limited number of suppliers for materials, as well as several key subcontractors for the production of certain subassemblies and finished systems. We strive to have multiple suppliers qualified to provide critical components where possible and have our products manufactured in a number of locations to mitigate our supply chain risk. Our strategy has been to develop close relationships with our suppliers, maximizing the exchange of critical information and facilitating the implementation of joint quality programs. We use contract manufacturers for the production of major subassemblies and final system configuration. This manufacturing strategy minimizes capital investments and overhead expenditures while creating flexibility for rapid expansion.\n\n\nWe are certified to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification standards. We have been Tier 2 certified under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection\u2019s (CBP) Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program since January 2015.\n\n\nResearch and Development\n\n\nOur research and development team delivers innovation to help customers create an evolved cloud experience. Our R&D structure allows us to align and accelerate the execution of our strategies and roadmaps across product groups. We leverage our talent and shared IP for cloud- and hybrid-cloud solutions to remain agile to changing market conditions. Our R&D priorities are to help\n \n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ncustomers break down silos to simplify management, create consistency, and deliver observability across on premises and multiple cloud environments. We design our products and services from the ground up with cloud connectivity in mind, including tiering, disaster recovery, replication, bursting, and migration.\n\n\nWe conduct research and development activities in various locations throughout the world. Total research and development expenses were $956 million in fiscal 2023, and $881 million in each of fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021. These costs consist primarily of personnel and related costs incurred to conduct product development activities. Although we develop many of our products internally, we also acquire technology through business combinations or through licensing from third parties when appropriate. We believe that technical leadership is essential to our success, and we expect to continue to commit substantial resources to research and development.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nWe operate in an industry in which there are rapid technological advances in hardware, software, and related services offerings. Cloud, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence initiatives are driving changes in customer and solution requirements.\n\n\nWe compete with many companies in the markets we serve. Our hybrid cloud solutions primarily compete with legacy IT and storage vendors. Some offer a broad spectrum of products, solutions and services and others offer a more limited set of storage- and data-management products, solutions or services. Additionally, public cloud providers offer customers storage as an operating expense which competes with more traditional storage offerings that customers acquire through capital expenditures. We both partner with and compete against cloud providers with our public cloud software and services. We rarely see legacy vendors competing in the cloud.\n\n\nWe compete with many companies in the cloud operations marketplace, including new companies (startups) and larger software companies who target developers, operations engineering (DevOps) and financial engineering (FinOps). Some companies have single point solutions that compete with one of our services and others are building platforms. Additionally public cloud providers offer similar services on their own cloud.\n\n\nWe face ongoing product and price competition in all areas of our business, including from both branded- and generic-product competitors.\n \n\n\nOur current and potential competitors may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties, including some of our partners. It is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors might emerge and further increase competitive pressures.\n\n\nWe consider our software innovation, cloud integration, and technology partnerships key to our competitive differentiation. We believe our competitive advantage also includes the nature of the relationships we form with our customers and partners worldwide. We strive to deliver an outstanding experience in every interaction we have with our customers and partners through our product, service, and support offerings, which enables us to provide our customers a full range of expertise before, during and after their purchases.\n\n\nProprietary Rights\n\n\nWe generally rely on patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and contract laws to establish and maintain our proprietary rights in our technology, products and services. While our intellectual property rights are important to our success, we believe that our business is not materially dependent on any particular patent, trademark, copyright, license or other individual intellectual property right. We have been granted, or own by assignment\n,\n well over two thousand U.S. patents, hundreds of pending U.S. patent applications, and many corresponding patents and patent applications in other countries. From time to time, we may make certain intellectual property available under an open source license. Our primary trademarks are NetApp and the NetApp design logo, which are registered trademarks in the U.S. and in many other countries. In addition, we have trademarks and trademark registrations in the U.S. and other countries covering our various product or service names.\n\n\nWe generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, resellers, distributors, customers, and suppliers. In addition, through various licensing arrangements, we receive certain rights to the intellectual property of others. We expect to maintain current licensing arrangements and to secure additional licensing arrangements in the future, as needed and to the extent available on reasonable terms and conditions, to support continued development and sales of our products and services. Some of these licensing arrangements require or may require royalty payments and other licensing fees. The amount of these payments and fees may depend on various factors, including but not limited to the structure of royalty payments; offsetting considerations, if any; and the degree of use of the licensed technology.\n\n\nThe industry in which we compete is characterized by rapidly changing technology, a large number of patents, and frequent claims and related litigation regarding intellectual property rights, and we may be exposed to various risks related to such claims or legal\n \n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nproceedings. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, we may be subject to increased competition that could materially and adversely affect our business operations, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.\n\n\nEnvironmental Disclosure\n\n\nWe are committed to the success of our customers and partners, to delivering value to our stockholders, and to positively affecting the communities where our employees work and live. We firmly believe that we can accomplish these objectives concurrently with our commitment to sound environmental management. We are committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; efficient use of natural resources; and minimizing, relative to the growth of the Company, the environmental impacts from our operations, products, and services, as well as complying with laws and regulations related to these areas.\n \n\n\nWe voluntarily measure, monitor, and publicly report our scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 (partial) greenhouse gas emissions and water impacts to CDP, a global standardized mechanism by which companies report their greenhouse gas emissions and water impacts to customers and institutional investors. We continuously seek to optimize the energy efficiency of our buildings, labs, and data centers; and we have increased our use of renewable energy, especially at our facilities in Bangalore, India and Wichita, Kansas, both of which are powered almost exclusively by renewable energy.\n\n\nAt both the global and regional/state levels, various laws and regulations have been implemented or are under consideration to mitigate or report on the effects of climate change. Environmental laws are complex, change frequently, and have tended to become more stringent over time. However, it is often difficult to anticipate future regulations pertaining to environmental matters and to estimate their impacts on our operations. Based on current information, we believe that our primary risk related to climate change is the risk of increased energy costs. We are not currently subject to a cap-and-trade system or any other mitigation measures that could be material to our operations, nor are we aware of any such measures that will impact us in the near future. Additionally, we have implemented disaster recovery and business resiliency measures to mitigate the physical risks our facilities, business, and supply chain might face as a consequence of severe weather/climate-related phenomena such as earthquakes, floods, droughts, and other such natural occurrences.\n\n\nWe are subject to international, federal, state, and local regulations regarding workplace safety and protection of the environment. Various international, federal, state, and local provisions regulate the use and discharge of certain hazardous materials used in the manufacture of our products. Failure to comply with environmental regulations in the future could cause us to incur substantial costs, subject us to business interruptions or cause customers to cease purchasing from us. We strive to comply with all applicable environmental laws. All of our products meet the applicable requirements of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH); Energy Related Products (ErP); Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS); and China RoHS directives. We have a product take-back program and an e-waste scheme to comply with the EU directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in India.\n\n\nWe have maintained an environmental management system since December 2004 that provides the framework for setting, monitoring, and continuously improving our environmental goals and objectives. As part of ISO 14001 requirements, we set local environmental performance goals, such as reducing energy use per square foot and minimizing waste generated on site, that are aligned with our overall corporate strategy. We also conduct periodic reviews and are subject to third-party audits of our operations, and we monitor environmental legislation and requirements to help make sure we are taking necessary measures to remain in compliance with applicable laws, not only in our operations but also for our products.\n\n\nHuman Capital\n\n\nWe take pride in, and believe our success depends on, attracting and retaining leading talent in the industry based on a culture-fit approach. From our inception, NetApp has worked to build a model company and has embraced a culture of openness and trust. Our employees are supported and encouraged to be innovative, and we communicate openly and transparently so that employees can focus on critical and impactful work that ties directly to our business strategy. We continue to invest in our global workforce to support diversity and inclusion and to support our employees\u2019 well-being and development.\n \n\n\nDiversity, Inclusion and Belonging\n\n\nWe believe diversity, inclusion and belonging leads to more innovation, better access to talent and improved business outcomes. Our strategies are intended to increase the demographic and cognitive diversity of our employee population, promote a culture of inclusion and to leverage such diversity to achieve business results. For more information about our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging, go to the \u201cDiversity Inclusion and Belonging\u201d section of our website.\n\n\nBenefits, Wellbeing and Engagement\n\n\nOur healthcare options offer competitive, comprehensive coverage for our employees and their families, including:\n \n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nNational medical plans,\n\n\n\u2022\nRegional medical plans,\n\n\n\u2022\nExpert advice from world-renowned doctors through our medical second opinion program,\n\n\n\u2022\nNational dental plans,\n\n\n\u2022\nNational vision plans with two levels of coverage to choose from and a\n\n\n\u2022\nRobust wellness program.\n\n\nInsurance and income protection\n. We provide life, accidental death and dismemberment and disability insurance programs. For additional peace of mind, we also offer supplemental insurance for our employees and their dependents.\n\n\nFinancial and savings programs.\n We offer flexible spending accounts, an employee stock purchase plan and a competitive 401(k) retirement plan with a company match. Our 401(k) plan gives employees more options to maximize retirement savings with pre-tax, Roth and after-tax contributions. We help our employees prepare for retirement by capitalizing on their total compensation and helping them save.\n\n\nFlexible Work.\n We offer a flexible work program (Thrive Everywhere) that allows employees, in consultation with their managers and teams, flexibility around where, when and how work is performed to deliver business outcomes, understanding that certain roles may be tied to specific locations or require an in-office presence due to business needs and job responsibilities, while others may be primarily virtual.\n\n\nEmployee Wellbeing.\n We provide a wide range of wellbeing programs and tools to ensure employees and their families have the resources they need when they need them. We offer emotional wellbeing resources and programs such as back-up child and elder care, student debt repayment, educational assistance, and legal services for employees and their dependents. NetApp also offers a variety of time-off programs to help support our employees who need time-off. Employees also have access to discounts and fitness centers.\n\n\nEngagement. \nOur Thrive Everywhere program is designed to help employees grow, develop and succeed at NetApp by encouraging an open and interactive culture, where individual needs are recognized and met, and Company goals are supported. For employees, growth goals are tied to corporate objectives and key results to ensure that employees are progressing and are supported by management teams. Managers are encouraged to set aside time each quarter to conduct a two-way conversation with each team member to offer feedback, guidance and support on goals, priorities and career development. The Company also conducts surveys that gauge employee sentiment in areas like cross-functional collaboration, manager performance and inclusivity and create action plans to address concerns and amplify opportunities.\n \n\n\nGiving Back. \nThe NetApp Serves Program supports how our employees want to make a difference in the world. In 2022, more than 3,160 NetApp employees donated over 42,600 hours to serve their communities and make an impact around the world. The NetApp Serves Program encourages employees to volunteer through individual, team or company efforts.\n\n\nBoard Oversight of Human Capital Management\n\n\nOur Board of Directors plays an active role in overseeing the Company's human capital management strategy and programs. Our Talent and Compensation Committee provides oversight of our talent strategy and key programs related to corporate culture, workforce diversity and inclusion, talent acquisition, engagement, development and retention.\n \n\n\nEmployees\n\n\nAs of April 28, 2023, we had approximately 12,000 employees worldwide. None of our employees are represented by a labor union and we consider relations with our employees to be good.\n \n\n\nPlease visit our website for more detailed information regarding our human capital programs and initiatives. Nothing on our website shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\nInformation About Our Executive Officers\n\n\nOur executive officers and their ages as of June 10, 2023, were as follows:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nName\n\n\nAge\n\n\nPosition\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeorge Kurian\n\n\n56\n\n\nChief Executive Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nC\u00e9sar Cernuda\n\n\n51\n\n\nPresident\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichael J. Berry\n\n\n60\n\n\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHarvinder S. Bhela\n\n\n51\n\n\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Product Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElizabeth M. O'Callahan\n\n\n54\n\n\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeorge Kurian \nis the chief executive officer of NetApp, a position he has held since June 1, 2015. He joined our Board of Directors in June 2015. From September 2013 to May 2015, he was executive vice president of product operations, overseeing all aspects of technology strategy, product and solutions development across our portfolio. Mr. Kurian joined NetApp in April 2011 as the senior vice president of the storage solutions group and was appointed to senior vice president of the Data ONTAP group in December 2011. Prior to joining NetApp, Mr. Kurian held several positions with Cisco Systems from 2002 to 2011, including vice president and general manager of the application networking and switching technology group. Additional roles include vice president of product management and strategy at Akamai Technologies from 1999 to 2002, as well as a management consultant at McKinsey and Company and a leader on the software engineering and product management teams at Oracle Corporation. Mr. Kurian is a board member at Cigna Corporation, a global health services company, and holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University and an MBA degree from Stanford University.\n\n\nC\u00e9sar Cernuda \ncame to NetApp in July 2020 as president and is responsible for leading the Company\u2019s global go-to-market organization spanning sales, marketing, services, support, and customer success. Mr. Cernuda joined NetApp after a long career at Microsoft that included various leadership roles. Mr. Cernuda is non-executive director and chairman of the ESG committee at Gestamp, an international group dedicated to automotive components. He is also on the advisory boards of Georgetown University\u2019s McDonough School of Business and the IESE Business School \u2013 University of Navarra. Mr. Cernuda is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Leadership Program and the Program for Management Development at IESE Business School \u2013 University of Navarra, and he also completed the Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme at Oxford University\u2019s Sa\u00efd Business School. He earned his bachelor\u2019s degree in Business Administration from ESIC Business & Marketing School.\n\n\nMichael J. Berry \njoined NetApp in March 2020 as executive vice president and chief financial officer, overseeing the worldwide finance, investor relations, security and IT organizations. Mr. Berry has served as a chief financial officer for 16 years in both public and private companies including McAfee, FireEye, Informatica, and SolarWinds. Most recently he was executive vice president and chief financial officer at McAfee where he was responsible for all aspects of finance, including financial planning, accounting, tax and treasury, as well as operations and shared services. Mr. Berry is a board member of Rapid7 and Certinia, holding the chair of the audit committee position at each company. Mr. Berry holds a BS degree in finance from Augsburg University and an MBA degree in finance from the University of St. Thomas.\n\n\nHarvinder S. Bhela\n joined NetApp in January 2022 as executive vice president and chief product officer. He is responsible for leading NetApp\u2019s product and engineering teams and building our storage and data services products. Before joining NetApp, Mr. Bhela spent 25 years at Microsoft where he held multiple executive leadership positions. Most recently he served as corporate vice president of the Microsoft 365 Security, Compliance and Management business. Mr. Bhela holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Mumbai and a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota.\n\n\nElizabeth M. O\u2019Callahan \nwas appointed executive vice president, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary in January 2022. Ms. O\u2019Callahan joined NetApp in 2013, and prior to her appointment as chief legal officer, Ms. O\u2019Callahan served as senior vice president and general counsel from May 2021 to December 2021, as vice president and deputy general counsel from May 2020 to April 2021, and as vice president, corporate legal from October 2013 to April 2020. Ms. O\u2019Callahan has over 20 years of experience advising technology companies on a variety of matters, including corporate governance, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, corporate compliance and ethics, data privacy, intellectual property, and litigation. Before joining NetApp, Ms. O\u2019Callahan served in a senior legal role at Xilinx (since acquired by AMD). She began her legal career in private practice in Silicon Valley specializing in corporate law and business litigation. Ms. O\u2019Callahan holds a bachelor\u2019s degree from the University of California at Los Angeles and a J.D. from Santa Clara University.\n\n\nAdditional Information\n\n\nOur internet address is \nwww.netapp.com.\n We make available through our internet website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports and other documents filed or furnished pursuant to the Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC.\n\n\nThe SEC maintains an internet site (\nwww.sec.gov\n) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.\n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt\nem 1A. \nRisk Factors\n\n\nThe information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be considered and understood in the context of the following risk factors, which describe circumstances that may materially harm our future business, operating results or financial condition. The following discussion reflects our current judgment regarding the most significant risks we face. These risks can and will change in the future.\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Business and Industry\n\n\nOur business may be harmed by technological trends in our market or if we are unable to keep pace with rapid industry, technological and market changes.\n\n\nThe growth in our industry and the markets in which we compete is driven by the increase in demand for storage and data management solutions by consumers, enterprises and governments around the world, and the purchases of storage and data management solutions to address this demand. The rise in cloud usage and commensurate spending is driving customers to search for cloud operations solutions to lower costs and speed development. Despite these growth drivers, our markets could be adversely impacted by customers delaying purchases in the face of technology transitions, increasing adoption of substitute products and/or services, increased storage efficiency, and/or changing economic and business environments. For example, in fiscal 2023, we observed a slowdown in demand as a result of continuing global economic uncertainty. Additionally, customer requirements are evolving in the nascent cloud operations market, which could also adversely impact our opportunity. While customers are navigating through their information technology (IT) transformations, which leverage modern architectures and hybrid cloud environments, they are also looking for simpler solutions, and changing how they consume IT. This evolution is diverting spending towards transformational projects and architectures like flash, hybrid cloud, cloud storage, IT as a service, converged infrastructure, and software defined storage.\n \n\n\nOur business may be adversely impacted if we are unable to keep pace with rapid industry, technological or market changes or if our evolved cloud strategy is not accepted in the marketplace. As a result of these and other factors discussed in this report, our revenue may decline on a year-over-year basis, as it did in fiscal 2017 and 2020. The future impact of these trends on both short- and long-term growth patterns is uncertain. If the general historical rate of industry growth declines, if the growth rates of the specific markets in which we compete decline, and/or if the consumption model of storage changes and our new and existing products, services and solutions do not receive customer acceptance, our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows could suffer.\n \n\n\nIf we are unable to develop, introduce and gain market acceptance for new products and services while managing the transition from older ones, or if we cannot provide the expected level of quality and support for our new products and services, our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be harmed.\n\n\nOur future growth depends upon the successful development and introduction of new hardware and software products and services. Due to the complexity of storage software, cloud operations software, subsystems and appliances and the difficulty in gauging the engineering effort required to produce new products and services, such products and services are subject to significant technical and quality control risks.\n\n\nIf we are unable, for technological, customer reluctance or other reasons, to develop, introduce and gain market acceptance for new products and services, as and when required by the market and our customers, our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.\n\n\nNew or additional product and feature introductions, including new software and cloud offerings, such as Astra by NetApp, cloud operations services including Spot by NetApp, Instaclustr and Cloud Insights, and new hardware and all-flash storage products, including AFF A900 and AFF C-series, subject us to additional financial and operational risks, including our ability to forecast customer preferences and/or demand, our ability to successfully manage the transition from older products and solutions, our ability to forecast and manage the impact of customers\u2019 demand for new products, services and solutions or the products being replaced, and our ability to manage production capacity to meet the demand for new products and services. In addition, as existing customers transition from older products and solutions to new software and cloud offerings, the transition could take longer than expected, or the customer could decide to delay the transition, either of which could result in non-renewal of the new offerings or affect our ability to manage and forecast customer churn and expansion rates for new software and cloud offerings, as we saw in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. As new or enhanced products and services are introduced, we must avoid excessive levels of older product inventories and related components and ensure that new products and services can be delivered to meet customers\u2019 demands. Further risks inherent in the introduction of new products, services and solutions include the uncertainty of price-performance relative to products of competitors, competitors\u2019 responses to the introductions, delays in sales caused by the desire of customers to evaluate new products for extended periods of time and our partners\u2019 investment in selling our new products and solutions. If these risks are not managed effectively, we could experience material risks to our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs we enter new or emerging markets, we will likely increase demands on our service and support operations and may be exposed to additional competition. We may not be able to provide products, services and support to effectively compete for these market opportunities.\n\n\nOur sales and distribution structure makes forecasting revenues difficult and, if disrupted, could harm our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur business and sales models make revenues difficult to forecast. We sell to a variety of customers directly and through various channels, with a corresponding variety of sales cycles. The majority of our sales are made and/or fulfilled indirectly through channel partners, including value-added resellers, systems integrators, distributors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and strategic business partners, which include public cloud providers. This structure significantly complicates our ability to forecast future revenue, especially within any particular fiscal quarter or year. Moreover, our relationships with our indirect channel partners and strategic business partners are critical to our success. The loss of one or more of our key indirect channel partners in a given geographic area or the failure of our channel or strategic partners, including public cloud providers, to promote our products could harm our operating results. Qualifying and developing new indirect channel partners typically requires a significant investment of time and resources before acceptable levels of productivity are met. If we fail to maintain our relationships with our indirect channel partners and strategic partners, including public cloud providers, if their financial condition, business or customer relationships were to weaken, if they fail to comply with legal or regulatory requirements, or if we were to cease to do business with them for these or other reasons, our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be harmed.\n\n\nIncreasing competition and industry consolidation could harm our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur markets are intensely competitive and are characterized by fragmentation and rapidly changing technology. We compete with many companies in the markets we serve, including established public companies, newer public companies with a strong flash focus, and new market entrants addressing the growing opportunity for application data management for Kubernetes and cloud operations. Some offer a broad spectrum of IT products and services (full-stack vendors) and others offer a more limited set of products or services. Technology trends, such as hosted or public cloud storage, SaaS and flash storage are driving significant changes in storage architectures and solution requirements. Cloud service provider competitors provide customers storage for their data centers on demand, without requiring a capital expenditure, which meets rapidly evolving business needs and has changed the competitive landscape. We also now compete in the emerging cloud operations market, where growth is being driven by increased customer cloud usage and commensurate spend, but customer requirements are still evolving. There is no clear leader in this market.\n \n\n\nCompetitors may develop new technologies, products or services in advance of us or establish new business models, more flexible contracting models or new technologies disruptive to us. By extending our flash, cloud storage, converged infrastructure and cloud operations offerings, we are competing in new segments with both traditional competitors and new competitors, particularly smaller emerging storage and cloud operations vendors. The longer-term potential and competitiveness of these emerging vendors remains to be determined. In cloud and converged infrastructure, we also compete with large well-established competitors.\n\n\nIt is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors might emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share or buying power. An increase in industry consolidation might result in stronger competitors that are better able to compete as full-stack vendors for customers and achieve increased economies of scale in the supply chain. In addition, current and potential competitors have established or might establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties, including some of our partners or suppliers. For additional information regarding our competitors, see the section entitled \u201cCompetition\u201d contained in Part I, Item 1 \u2013 Business of this Form 10-K.\n\n\nGlobal economic and geopolitical conditions restrict our visibility and may harm our industry, business, and operating results, including our revenue growth and profitability, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nWe operate globally and as a result, our business, revenues and profitability are impacted by global economic and market conditions, including, among others, inflation, slower growth or recession, changes to fiscal and monetary policy, higher interest rates, tax rates, economic uncertainty, political instability, warfare, changes in laws, reduced consumer confidence and spending, and economic and trade barriers. Such factors may limit our ability to forecast future demand for our products and services, contribute to increased periodic volatility in the computer, storage and networking industries at large, as well as the IT market, impact availability of supplies and could constrain future access to capital for our suppliers, customers and partners. The impacts of these circumstances are global and pervasive, and the timing and nature of any ultimate resolution of these matters remain highly uncertain. Adverse macroeconomic conditions, including those identified above, could materially adversely impact the demand for our products and our operating results amid customer concerns over slowing demand for their products, reduced asset values, volatile energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit and the stability and solvency of financial institutions, financial markets, businesses, local and state governments, and sovereign nations. For example, in fiscal 2023, global economic uncertainty had, and could continue to have, a material adverse impact on the demand for our products. Additionally, constraints in our supply chain in\n \n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nfiscal 2023, including higher component and freight costs, resulted, and may continue to result, in increased costs of revenue and delays in fulfillment of certain customer orders. Consequently, these concerns have challenged our business and we expect them to continue to challenge our business for the foreseeable future. All of these risks and conditions could materially adversely affect our future sales and operating results.\n\n\nTransition to consumption-based business models may adversely affect our revenues and profitability in other areas of our business and as a result may harm our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nWe offer customers a full range of consumption models, including the deployment of our software through our subscription and cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS), and utility pricing and managed services offerings for our hardware and software systems. These business models continue to evolve, and we may not be able to compete effectively, generate significant revenues or maintain the profitability of our consumption-based offerings. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of cloud and SaaS delivery models offered by us and our competitors may unfavorably impact the pricing of our on-premise hardware and software offerings and could have a dampening impact on overall demand for our on-premise hardware and software product and service offerings, which could reduce our revenues and profitability, at least in the near term. If we do not successfully execute our consumption model strategy or anticipate the needs of our customers, our revenues and profitability could decline.\n\n\nAs customer demand for our consumption model offerings increases, we will experience differences in the timing of revenue recognition between our traditional hardware and software license arrangements (for which revenue is generally recognized in full at the time of delivery), relative to our consumption model offerings (for which revenue is generally recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement). We incur certain expenses associated with the infrastructure and marketing of our consumption model offerings in advance of our ability to recognize the revenues associated with these offerings.\n\n\nDue to the global nature of our business, risks inherent in our international operations could materially harm our business.\n\n\nA significant portion of our operations are located, and a significant portion of our revenues are derived, outside of the U.S. In addition, most of our products are manufactured outside of the U.S., and we have research and development, sales and service centers overseas. Accordingly, our business and future operating results could be adversely impacted by factors affecting our international operations including, among other things, local political or economic conditions, trade protection and export and import requirements, tariffs, local labor conditions, transportation costs, government spending patterns, acts of terrorism, international conflicts and natural disasters in areas with limited infrastructure and adverse public health developments. In particular, ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China could impact our business and operating results. For products we manufacture in Mexico, tensions between the U.S. and Mexico related to trade and border security issues could delay our shipments to customers, or impact pricing or our business and operating results. As a result of Russia\u2019s actions in the Ukraine, numerous countries and organizations have imposed sanctions and export controls, while businesses, including the Company, have limited or suspended Russian operations. Russia has likewise imposed currency restrictions and regulations and may further take retaliatory trade or other actions, including the nationalization of foreign businesses. These actions could impact our supply chain, pricing, business and operating results and expose us to cyberattacks. In addition, due to the global nature of our business, we are subject to complex legal and regulatory requirements in the U.S. and the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate and sell our products, including antitrust and anti-competition laws, and regulations related to data privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity. We are also subject to the potential loss of proprietary information due to piracy, misappropriation, or laws that may be less protective of our intellectual property rights than U.S. laws. Such factors could have an adverse impact on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nWe face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of our international operations. These exposures may change over time as business practices evolve, and they could have a material adverse impact on our operating results, financial condition and cash flows. We utilize forward and option contracts in an attempt to reduce the adverse earnings impact from the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on certain assets and liabilities. Our hedging strategies may not be successful, and currency exchange rate fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and cash flows. In addition, our foreign currency exposure on assets, liabilities and cash flows that we do not hedge could have a material impact on our financial results in periods when the U.S. dollar significantly fluctuates in relation to foreign currencies.\n\n\nMoreover, in many foreign countries, particularly in those with developing economies, it is a common business practice to engage in activities that are prohibited by NetApp's internal policies and procedures, or U.S. laws and regulations applicable to us, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. There can be no assurance that all our employees, contractors and agents, as well as those companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, will comply with these policies, procedures, laws and/or regulations. Any such violation could subject us to fines and other penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur acquisitions may not achieve expected benefits, and may increase our liabilities, disrupt our existing business and harm our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n As part of our strategy, we seek to acquire other businesses and technologies to complement our current products and services, expand the breadth of our markets, or enhance our technical capabilities. For example, we acquired eight privately held companies from fiscal 2020 through the end of fiscal 2023. The benefits we have received, and expect to receive, from these and other acquisitions depend on our ability to successfully conduct due diligence, negotiate the terms of the acquisition and integrate the acquired business into our systems, procedures and organizational structure. Any inaccuracy in our acquisition assumptions or any failure to uncover or mitigate liabilities or risks associated with the acquisition, such as differing or inadequate cybersecurity and data privacy protection controls or contractual limitations of liability, and any failure to make the acquisition on favorable terms, integrate the acquired business or assets as and when expected, or retain key employees of the acquired company may reduce or eliminate the expected benefits of the acquisition to us, increase our costs, disrupt our operations, result in additional liabilities, investigations and litigation, and may also harm our strategy, our business and our operating results. The failure to achieve expected acquisition benefits may also result in impairment charges for goodwill and purchased intangible assets.\n\n\nIf we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel, our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be harmed.\n\n\nOur continued success depends, in part, on our ability to hire and retain qualified personnel and to advance our corporate strategy and preserve the key aspects of our corporate culture. Because our future success is dependent on our ability to continue to enhance and introduce new products and features, we are particularly dependent on our ability to hire and retain qualified engineers, including in emerging areas of technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. In addition, to increase revenues, we will be required to increase the productivity of our sales force and support infrastructure to achieve adequate customer coverage. Competition for qualified employees, particularly in the technology industry, is intense. We have periodically reduced our workforce, including reductions of approximately 6% and 8% announced in fiscal 2021 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, respectively, and these actions may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified employees. Our inability to hire and retain qualified management and skilled personnel, particularly engineers, salespeople and key executive management, could disrupt our development efforts, sales results, business relationships and/or our ability to execute our business plan and strategy on a timely basis and could materially and adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nMany of our employees participate in our flexible work program (Thrive Everywhere), and work remotely on a full- or part-time basis. While Thrive Everywhere has been generally well received by employees, it may also create other challenges that impact our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including, but not limited to, some employees may prefer an in person work environment, decreased collaboration and communication among employees, and reduced ability to maintain our corporate culture and workforce morale. If we are unable to effectively manage the risks and challenges associated with remote work, our business operations and financial performance may be adversely affected.\n \n\n\nEquity grants are a critical component of our current compensation programs as they support attraction and engagement of key talent and align employee interests with shareholders. A competitive broad-based equity compensation program is essential to compete for talent in both the hardware and software industries, in which competitors for talent provide a more significant portion of compensation via equity. If we reduce, modify or eliminate our equity programs or fail to grant equity competitively, we may have difficulty attracting and retaining critical employees.\n \n\n\nIn addition, because of the structure of our sales, cash and equity incentive compensation plans, we may be at increased risk of losing employees at certain times. For example, the retention value of our compensation plans decreases after the payment of periodic bonuses or the vesting of equity awards.\n\n\nWe often incur expenses before we receive related benefits, and expenses may be difficult to reduce quickly if demand declines.\n\n\nWe base our expense levels in part on future revenue expectations and a significant percentage of our expenses are fixed. It is difficult to reduce our fixed costs quickly, and if revenue levels are below our expectations, operating results could be adversely impacted. During periods of uneven growth or decline, we may incur costs before we realize the anticipated related benefits, which could also harm our operating results. We have made, and will continue to make, significant investments in engineering, sales, service and support, marketing and other functions to support and grow our business. We are likely to recognize the costs associated with these investments earlier than some of the related anticipated benefits, such as revenue growth, and the return on these investments may be lower, or may develop more slowly, than we expect, which could harm our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nInitiatives intended to make our cost structure, business processes and systems more efficient may not achieve the expected benefits and could inadvertently have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nWe continuously seek to make our cost structure and business processes more efficient, including by moving our business activities from higher-cost to lower-cost locations, outsourcing certain business processes and functions, and implementing changes to our business information systems. These efforts may involve a significant investment of financial and human resources and significant\n \n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nchanges to our current operating processes. For example, in fiscal 2024, we are implementing certain business information systems. We may encounter difficulties in implementing new business information systems or maintaining and upgrading existing systems and software. Such difficulties may lead to significant expenses or losses due to unexpected additional costs required to implement or maintain systems, disruption in business operations, loss of sales or profits, or disruption to our ability to timely and accurately process and report key aspects of our financial statements and, as a result, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.\n\n\nIn addition, as we move operations into lower-cost jurisdictions and outsource certain business processes, we become subject to new regulatory regimes and lose control of certain aspects of our operations and, as a consequence, become more dependent upon the systems and business processes of third-parties. If we are unable to move our operations, outsource business processes or implement new business information systems in a manner that complies with local law and maintains adequate standards, controls and procedures, the quality of our products and services may suffer and we may be subject to increased litigation risk, either of which could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. Additionally, we may not achieve the expected benefits of these and other transformational initiatives, which could harm our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nWe are exposed to credit risks, our investment portfolio may experience fluctuations in market value or returns, and our cash and cash equivalents could be adversely affected if the financial institutions in which we hold our cash and cash equivalents fail.\n \n\n\nWe maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. Credit ratings and pricing of our investments can be negatively affected by liquidity, credit deterioration, financial results, economic risk, political risk, sovereign risk or other factors. As a result, the value and liquidity of our investments and the returns thereon may fluctuate substantially. Unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, rising interest rates, or other circumstances could result in an economic slowdown and possibly cause a global recession. An economic slowdown or increased regional or global economic uncertainty may lead to failures of counterparties, including financial institutions, governments and insurers, which could result in a material decline in the value of our investment portfolio and substantially reduce our investment returns. We regularly maintain cash balances at large third-party financial institutions in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limit of $250,000 and similar regulatory insurance limits outside the United States. If a depository institution where we maintain deposits fails or is subject to adverse conditions in the financial or credit markets, we may not be able to recover all of our deposits, which could adversely impact our operating liquidity and financial performance. Similarly, if our customers or partners experience liquidity issues as a result of financial institution defaults or non-performance where they hold cash assets, their ability to pay us may become impaired and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, including the collection of accounts receivable and cash flows.\n\n\nOur goals and disclosures related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters expose us to risks that could adversely affect our reputation and performance.\n \n\n\nWe have established and publicly announced ESG goals, including our commitment to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and increasing our representation of women in our global workforce and underrepresented minorities in our US workforce. These statements reflect our current plans and aspirations and are not guarantees that we will be able to achieve them. Our failure to accomplish or accurately track and report on these goals on a timely basis, or at all, could adversely affect our reputation, financial performance and growth, and expose us to increased scrutiny from our stakeholders, the investment community as well as enforcement authorities.\n\n\nOur ability to achieve any ESG objective is subject to numerous risks, many of which are outside of our control, including the changing regulatory requirements affecting ESG standards or disclosures, our ability to recruit, develop and retain diverse talent in our labor markets, the locations and usage of our products and the implications on their greenhouse gas emissions and the success of our organic growth and acquisitions.\n\n\nStandards for tracking and reporting ESG matters continue to evolve. Our selection of voluntary disclosure frameworks and standards, and the interpretation or application of those frameworks and standards, may change from time to time or differ from those of others. This may result in a lack of consistent or meaningful comparative data from period to period or between the Company and other companies in the same industry. In addition, our processes and controls may not always comply with evolving standards for identifying, measuring and reporting ESG metrics, including ESG-related disclosures that may be required of public companies by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and such standards may change over time, which could result in significant revisions to our current goals, reported progress in achieving such goals, or ability to achieve such goals in the future.\n\n\nIf our ESG practices do not meet evolving investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, then our reputation, our ability to attract or retain employees, and our attractiveness as an investment, business partner, acquiror or supplier could be negatively impacted. Further, our failure or perceived failure to pursue or fulfill our goals and objectives or to satisfy various reporting standards on a timely basis, or at all, could have similar negative impacts or expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation.\n\n\n18\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Customers and Sales\n\n\nA portion of our revenues is generated by large, recurring purchases from various customers, resellers and distributors. A loss, cancellation or delay in purchases by any of these parties has negatively affected our revenues in the past, and could negatively affect our revenues in the future.\n\n\nA significant portion of our net revenues is generated through sales to a limited number of customers and distributors. We generally do not enter into binding purchase commitments with our customers, resellers and distributors for extended periods of time, and thus there is no guarantee we will continue to receive large, recurring orders from these customers, resellers or distributors. For example, our reseller agreements generally do not require minimum purchases, and our customers, resellers and distributors can stop purchasing and marketing our products at any time. In addition, unfavorable economic conditions may negatively impact the solvency of our customers, resellers and distributors or the ability of such customers, resellers and distributors to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products. If any of our key customers, resellers or distributors changes its pricing practices, reduces the size or frequency of its orders for our products, or stops purchasing our products altogether, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely impacted.\n\n\nIf we are unable to maintain and develop relationships with strategic partners, our revenues may be harmed.\n\n\nOur growth strategy includes developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with major third-party software and hardware vendors to integrate our products into their products and also co-market our products with them. A number of our strategic partners are industry leaders that offer us expanded access to segments in which we do not directly participate. In particular, strategic partnerships with public cloud providers and other cloud service vendors are critical to the success of our cloud-based business. However, there is intense competition for attractive strategic partners, and these relationships may not be exclusive, may not generate significant revenues and may be terminated on short notice. For instance, some of our partners are also partnering with our competitors, which may increase the availability of competing solutions and harm our ability to grow our relationships with those partners. Moreover, some of our partners, particularly large, more diversified technology companies, including major cloud providers, are also competitors, thereby complicating our relationships. If we are unable to establish new partnerships or maintain existing partnerships, if our strategic partners favor their relationships with other vendors in the storage industry or if our strategic partners increasingly compete with us, we could experience lower than expected revenues, suffer delays in product development, or experience other harm to our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur success depends upon our ability to effectively plan and manage our resources and restructure our business in response to changing market conditions and market demand for our products, and such actions may have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur ability to successfully offer our products and services in a rapidly evolving market requires an effective planning, forecasting, and management process to enable us to effectively scale and adjust our business in response to fluctuating market opportunities and conditions.\n\n\nWe recently reorganized our sales resources, which included changes and additions to our sales leadership team, to gain operational efficiencies and improve the alignment of our resources with customer and market opportunities. We expect to continue developing our sales organization and go-to-market model towards these goals throughout fiscal 2024. The reorganization of our sales resources, and ongoing evolution of our go-to-market model, could result in short or long-term disruption of our sales cycles, may not produce the efficiencies and benefits desired, and could harm our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n \n\n\nWe have and may in the future undertake initiatives that could include reorganizing our workforce, restructuring, disposing of, and/or otherwise discontinuing certain products, facility reductions or a combination of these actions. Rapid changes in the size, alignment or organization of our workforce, including our business unit structure, structure of our sales team, and sales account coverage, could adversely affect our ability to develop, sell and deliver products and services as planned or impair our ability to realize our current or future business and financial objectives. Any decision to take these actions may result in charges to earnings associated with, among other things, inventory or other fixed, intangible or goodwill asset reductions (including, without limitation, impairment charges), workforce and facility reductions and penalties and claims from third-party resellers or users of discontinued products. Charges associated with these activities could harm our operating results. In addition to the costs associated with these activities, we may not realize any of the anticipated benefits of the underlying restructuring activities.\n\n\nReduced U.S. government demand could materially harm our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, we could be harmed by claims that we have or a channel partner has failed to comply with regulatory and contractual requirements applicable to sales to the U.S. government.\n\n\nThe U.S. government is an important customer for us. However, government demand is uncertain, as it is subject to political and budgetary fluctuations and constraints. Events such as the U.S. federal government shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019\n \n\n\n19\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nand continued uncertainty regarding the U.S. budget and debt levels have increased demand uncertainty for our products. In addition, like other customers, the U.S. government may evaluate competing products and delay purchasing in the face of the technology transitions taking place in the storage industry. If the U.S. government or an individual agency or multiple agencies within the U.S. government continue to reduce or shift their IT spending patterns, our operating results, including revenues may be harmed.\n\n\nSelling our products to the U.S. government, whether directly or through channel partners, also subjects us to certain regulatory and contractual requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements by either us or our channel partners could subject us to investigations, fines, and other penalties, which could materially harm our operating results and financial condition. As an example, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the General Services Administration (GSA) have in the past pursued claims against and financial settlements with IT vendors, including us and several of our competitors and channel partners, under the False Claims Act and other statutes related to pricing and discount practices and compliance with certain provisions of GSA contracts for sales to the federal government. Although the DOJ and GSA currently have no claims pending against us, we could face claims in the future. Violations of certain regulatory and contractual requirements, including with respect to cybersecurity or affirmative action program requirements could also result in us being suspended or debarred from future government contracting. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n \n\n\nIn response to increasing cybersecurity threats, the U.S. government has subjected IT vendors, including us, to certain additional requirements. As an example, the Executive Order on Improving the Nation\u2019s Cybersecurity (EO 14028), released in May 2021, outlines the U.S. government\u2019s plan to address software supply chain security for \u201ccritical software\u201d and other software. NetApp\u2019s products are categorized as critical software, requiring us to achieve compliance with the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) under NIST special publication 800-218. The current deadline for compliance is subject to the U.S. government\u2019s finalization of their common attestation form, and any products that cannot attest to compliance with the SSDF may result in delays or inability to execute contracts with customers, particularly with government entities.\n\n\nIf we do not achieve forecasted sales orders in any quarter, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be harmed.\n\n\nWe derive a majority of our revenues in any given quarter from orders booked in the same quarter. Orders typically follow intra-quarter seasonality patterns weighted toward the back end of the quarter. If we do not achieve the level, timing and mix of orders consistent with our quarterly targets and historical patterns, or if we experience cancellations of significant orders, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be harmed.\n\n\nOur gross margins may vary.\n\n\nOur gross margins reflect a variety of factors, including competitive pricing, component and product design, and the volume and relative mix of revenues from product, software support, hardware support and other services offerings. Increased component costs, increased pricing and discounting pressures, the relative and varying rates of increases or decreases in component costs and product prices, or changes in the mix of revenue or decreased volume from product, software support, hardware support and other services offerings could harm our revenues, gross margins or earnings. Our gross margins are also impacted by the cost of any materials that are of poor quality and our sales and distribution activities, including, without limitation, pricing actions, rebates, sales initiatives and discount levels, and the timing of service contract renewals.\n\n\nThe costs of third-party components comprise a significant portion of our product costs. While we generally have been able to manage our component and product design costs, we may have difficulty managing these costs if supplies of certain components become limited or component prices increase. Any such limitation could result in an increase in our product costs. An increase in component or design costs relative to our product prices could harm our gross margins and earnings.\n\n\nWe are exposed to the credit and non-payment risk of our customers, resellers and distributors, especially during times of economic uncertainty and tight credit markets, which could result in material losses.\n\n\nMost of our sales to customers are on an open credit basis, with typical payment terms of 30 days. We may experience increased losses as potentially more customers are unable to pay all or a portion of their obligations to us, particularly in the current macroeconomic environment when access to sources of liquidity may be limited. Beyond our open credit arrangements, some of our customers have entered into recourse and non-recourse financing leasing arrangements using third-party leasing companies. Under the terms of recourse leases, which are generally three years or less, we remain liable for the aggregate unpaid remaining lease payments to the third-party leasing companies in the event of end-user customer default. During periods of economic uncertainty, our exposure to credit risks from our customers increases. In addition, our exposure to credit risks of our customers may increase further if our customers and their customers or their lease financing sources are adversely affected by global economic conditions.\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Products and Services\n\n\nAny disruption to our supply chain could materially harm our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\n20\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe do not manufacture certain components used in our products. We rely on third parties to manufacture critical components, as well as for associated logistics. Our lack of direct responsibility for, and control over, these elements of our business, as well as the diverse international geographic locations of our manufacturing partners and suppliers, creates significant risks for us, including, among other things:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nLimited number of suppliers for certain components; \n\n\n\u2022\nNo guarantees of supply and limited ability to control the quality, quantity and cost of our products or of their components; \n\n\n\u2022\nThe potential for binding price or purchase commitments with our suppliers at higher than market rates; \n\n\n\u2022\nLimited ability to adjust production volumes in response to our customers\u2019 demand fluctuations; \n\n\n\u2022\nLabor and political unrest at facilities we do not operate or own; \n\n\n\u2022\nGeopolitical disputes disrupting our supply chain; \n\n\n\u2022\nImpacts on our supply chain from adverse public health developments, including outbreaks of contagious diseases such as COVID-19; \n\n\n\u2022\nBusiness, legal compliance, litigation and financial concerns affecting our suppliers or their ability to manufacture and ship components in the quantities, quality and manner we require; and \n\n\n\u2022\nDisruptions due to floods, earthquakes, storms and other natural disasters, especially those caused by climate change, and particularly in countries with limited infrastructure and disaster recovery resources.\n\n\nSuch risks have subjected us, and could in the future subject us, to supply constraints, price increases and minimum purchase requirements and our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be harmed. For example, the global shortage of critical product components in fiscal 2023 caused us to experience increased prices and extended lead times for certain critical components, such as semiconductors. Such shortages could reduce our flexibility to react to product mix changes and disrupt our production schedule. The risks associated with our outsourced manufacturing model are particularly acute when we transition products to new facilities or manufacturers, introduce and increase volumes of new products or qualify new contract manufacturers or suppliers, at which times our ability to manage the relationships among us, our manufacturing partners and our component suppliers, becomes critical. New manufacturers, products, components or facilities create increased costs and risk that we will fail to deliver high quality products in the required volumes to our customers. Any failure of a manufacturer or component supplier to meet our quality, quantity or delivery requirements in a cost-effective manner will harm our business, including customer relationships and as a result could harm our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nWe rely on a limited number of suppliers for critical product components.\n\n\nWe rely on a limited number of suppliers for drives and other components utilized in the assembly of our products, including certain single source suppliers, which has subjected us, and could in the future subject us, to price rigidity, periodic supply constraints, and the inability to produce our products with the quality and in the quantities demanded. Consolidation among suppliers, particularly within the semiconductor and storage media industries, has contributed to price volatility and supply constraints. When industry supply is constrained, or the supply chain is disrupted, as it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, our suppliers may allocate volumes away from us and to our competitors, all of which rely on many of the same suppliers as we do. Accordingly, our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows may be harmed.\n\n\nIf a material cybersecurity or other security breach impacts our services or occurs on our systems, within our supply chain, or on our end-user customer systems, or if stored data is improperly accessed, customers may reduce or cease using our solutions, our reputation may be harmed and we may incur significant liabilities.\n \n\n\nWe store and transmit, and sell products and services that store and transmit, personal, sensitive and proprietary data related to our products, our employees, customers, clients and partners (including third-party vendors such as data centers and providers of SaaS, cloud computing, and internet infrastructure and bandwidth), and their respective customers, including intellectual property, books of record and personal information. It is critical to our business strategy that our infrastructure, products and services remain secure and are perceived by customers, clients and partners to be secure. There are numerous and evolving risks to cybersecurity and privacy, including criminal hackers, state-sponsored intrusions, industrial espionage, human error and technological vulnerabilities. Material cybersecurity incidents or other security breaches could result in (1) unauthorized access to, or loss or unauthorized use, alteration, or disclosure of, such information; (2) litigation, indemnity obligations, government investigations and proceedings, and other possible liabilities; (3) negative publicity; and (4) disruptions to our internal and external operations. Any of these could damage our reputation\n \n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nand public perception of the security and reliability of our products, as well as harm our business and cause us to incur significant liabilities. In addition, a material cybersecurity incident or loss of personal information, or other material security breach could result in other negative consequences, including remediation costs, disruption of internal operations, increased cybersecurity protection costs and lost revenues.\n\n\nOur clients and customers use our platforms for the transmission and storage of sensitive data. We do not generally review the information or content that our clients and their customers upload and store, and we have no direct control over the substance of the information or content stored within our platforms. If our employees, or our clients, partners or their respective customers use our platforms for the transmission or storage of personal or other sensitive information, or our supply chain cybersecurity is compromised and our security measures are breached as a result of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance, stolen or fraudulently obtained log-in credentials or otherwise, our reputation could be damaged, our business may be harmed and we could incur significant liabilities.\n\n\nSecurity industry experts and US Government officials continue to emphasize risks to our industry. Cyber attacks and security breaches continue to increase, and of particular concern are supply-chain attacks against software development. We anticipate that cyberattacks will continue to increase in the future. We cannot give assurance that we will always be successful in preventing or repelling unauthorized access to our systems. We also may face delays in our ability to identify or otherwise respond to any cybersecurity incident or any other breach. Additionally, we use third-party service providers to provide some services to us that involve the storage or transmission of data, such as SaaS, cloud computing, and internet infrastructure and bandwidth, and they face various cybersecurity threats and also may suffer cybersecurity incidents or other security breaches.\n \n\n\nMany jurisdictions have enacted or are enacting laws requiring companies to notify regulators or individuals of data security incidents involving certain types of personal data. These mandatory disclosures regarding security incidents often lead to widespread negative publicity. Moreover, the risk of reputational harm may be magnified and/or distorted through the rapid dissemination of information over the internet, including through news articles, blogs, social media, and other online communication forums and services. Any security incident, loss of data, or other security breach, whether actual or perceived, or whether impacting us or our third-party service providers, could harm our reputation, erode customer confidence in the effectiveness of our data security measures, negatively impact our ability to attract new customers, cause existing customers to elect not to renew their support contracts or their SaaS subscriptions, or subject us to third-party lawsuits, regulatory fines or other action or liability, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.\n\n\nThere can be no assurance that the limitations of liability in our contracts would be enforceable or adequate or would otherwise protect us from any such liabilities or damages with respect to any particular claim. Our existing general liability insurance coverage, cybersecurity insurance coverage and coverage for errors and omissions may not continue to be available on acceptable terms or may not be available in sufficient amounts to cover one or more large claims, or our insurers may deny coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceeds available insurance coverage, or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nIf a data center or other third-party who relies on our products experiences a disruption in service or a loss of data, such disruption could be attributed to the quality of our products, thereby causing financial or reputational harm to our business.\n\n\nOur clients, including data centers, SaaS, cloud computing and internet infrastructure and bandwidth providers, rely on our products for their data storage needs. Our clients may authorize third-party technology providers to access their data on our systems. Because we do not control the transmissions between our clients, their customers, and third-party technology providers, or the processing of such data by third-party technology providers, we cannot ensure the complete integrity or security of such transmissions or processing. Errors or wrongdoing by clients, their customers, or third-party technology providers resulting in actual or perceived security breaches may result in such actual or perceived breaches being attributed to us.\n\n\nA failure or inability to meet our clients\u2019 expectations with respect to security and confidentiality through a disruption in the services provided by these third-party vendors, or the loss or alteration of data stored by such vendors, could result in financial or reputational harm to our business to the extent that such disruption or loss is caused by, or perceived by our customers to have been caused by, defects in our products. Moreover, the risk of reputational harm may be magnified and/or distorted through the rapid dissemination of information over the internet, including through news articles, blogs, social media, and other online communication forums and services. This may affect our ability to retain clients and attract new business.\n\n\n Failure to comply with new and existing laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, and information security could cause harm to our reputation, result in liability and adversely impact our business.\n\n\n \nOur business is subject to increasing regulation by various federal, state and international governmental agencies responsible for enacting and enforcing laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, and information security. For example, since the\n \n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\neffective date of the EU\u2019s General Data Privacy Regulation in 2018, the Court of Justice of the European Union has issued rulings that have impacted how multinational companies must implement that law and the European Commission (EC) has published new regulatory requirements relating to cross-border data transfers applicable to multinational companies like NetApp. NetApp relies on a variety of compliance methods to transfer personal data of European Economic Area (EEA) individuals to other countries, including Binding Corporate Rules and Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs). In June 2021, the EC imposed new SCC requirements which impose certain contract and operational requirements on NetApp and its contracting parties, including requirements related to government access transparency, enhanced data subject rights, and broader third-party assessments to ensure safeguards necessary to protect personal data transferred from NetApp or its partners to countries outside the EEA, requiring NetApp to revise customer and vendor agreements. In addition to the EU\u2019s General Data Privacy Regulation, other global governments have adopted new privacy and data protection laws. In particular, the United Kingdom\u2019s exit from the EU has resulted in a parallel comprehensive privacy law known as the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation, which is similarly supplemented by other domestic data protection laws, such as the United Kingdom Data Protection Act 2018.\n\n\n The rapidly evolving regulatory framework in this area is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. In addition, changes in the interpretation and enforcement of existing laws and regulations could impact our business operations and those of our partners, vendors and customers. Customers, privacy advocates and industry groups also may propose new and different self-regulatory standards or standards of care that may legally or contractually apply to us, and these standards may be subject to change. These factors create uncertainty and we cannot yet determine the impact such future laws, regulations and standards, or changes to such laws, regulations, or standards, or to their interpretation or enforcement, may have on our business or the businesses of our partners, vendors and customers. In addition, changes in the interpretation of existing laws and regulations could impact our business operations and those of our partners, vendors and customers.\n\n\n Because the interpretation and application of many laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection and information security, along with industry standards, are uncertain, it is possible that relevant laws, regulations, or standards may be interpreted and applied in manners that are, or are alleged to be, inconsistent with our data management practices or the features of our products. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us or our business partners to comply with federal, state or international laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, and information security, commitments relating to privacy, data protection, and information security contained in our contracts, self-regulatory standards that apply to us or that third parties assert are applicable to us, or our policies or notices we post or make available could subject us to claims, investigations, sanctions, enforcement actions and other proceedings, disgorgement of profits, fines, damages, civil and criminal liability, penalties or injunctions.\n \n\n\nAdditionally, as a technology provider, our customers expect that we can demonstrate compliance with laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, and information security, and our inability or perceived inability to do so may adversely impact sales of our products and services, particularly to customers in highly-regulated industries. We have invested company resources in complying with new laws, regulations, and other obligations relating to privacy, data protection, and information security, and we may be required to make additional, significant changes in our business operations, all of which may adversely affect our revenue and our business overall. As a result of any inability to comply with such laws and regulations, our reputation and brand may be harmed, we could incur significant costs, and financial and operating results could be materially adversely affected, and we could be required to modify or change our products or our business practices, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business. Our business could be subject to stricter obligations, greater fines and private causes of action, including class actions, under the enactment of new laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, and information security, including but not limited to, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, which provides for penalties of up to 20 million Euros or four percent of our annual global revenues, UK General Data Protection Regulation, which provides for penalties up to 15 million Pounds or four percent of our annual global revenue, the California Consumer Privacy Act and the California Privacy Rights Act, and other U.S. state-based regulation.\n\n\nIf our products or services are defective, or are perceived to be defective as a result of improper use or maintenance, our operating results, including gross margins, and customer relationships may be harmed.\n\n\nOur products and services are complex. We have experienced in the past, and expect to experience in the future, quality issues impacting certain products, and in the future, we could experience reliability issues with services we provide. Such quality and reliability issues may be due to, for example, our own designs or processes, the designs or processes of our suppliers, and/or flaws in third-party software used in our products. These types of risks are most acute when we are introducing new products. Quality or reliability issues have and could again in the future cause customers to experience outages or disruptions in service, data loss or data corruption. If we fail to remedy a product defect or flaw, we may experience a failure of a product line, temporary or permanent withdrawal from a product or market, damage to our reputation, loss of revenue, inventory costs or product reengineering expenses and higher ongoing warranty and service costs, and these occurrences could have a material impact on our gross margins, business and operating results. In addition, we exercise little control over how our customers use or maintain our products and services, and in some cases improper usage or maintenance could impair the performance of our products and services, which could lead to a perception of a quality or reliability issue. Customers may experience losses that may result from or are alleged to result from defects or flaws in our products and services, which could subject us to claims for damages, including consequential damages.\n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChanges in regulations relating to our products or their components, or the manufacture, sourcing, distribution or use thereof, may harm our business, operating results financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nThe laws and regulations governing the manufacturing, sourcing, distribution and use of our products have become more complex and stringent over time. For example, in addition to various environmental laws relating to carbon emissions, the use and discharge of hazardous materials and the use of certain minerals originating from identified conflict zones, many governments, including the U.S., the United Kingdom and Australia, have adopted regulations concerning the risk of human trafficking in supply chains which govern how workers are recruited and managed. We incur costs to comply with the requirements of such laws. Further, since our supply chain is complex, we may face reputational harm if our customers or other stakeholders conclude that we are unable to verify sufficiently the origins of the minerals used in the products we sell or the actions of our suppliers with respect to workers. As the laws and regulations governing our products continue to expand and change, our costs are likely to rise, and the failure to comply with any such laws and regulations could subject us to business interruptions, litigation risks and reputational harm.\n\n\nSome of our products are subject to U.S. export control laws and other laws affecting the countries in which our products and services may be sold, distributed, or delivered, and any violation of these laws could have a material and adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nDue to the global nature of our business, we are subject to import and export restrictions and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations administered by the Commerce Department\u2019s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the trade and economic sanctions regulations administered by the Treasury Department\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The U.S., through the BIS and OFAC, places restrictions on the sale or export of certain products and services to certain countries and persons, including most recently to Russia, Belarus and portions of Ukraine. These regulations have caused the Company to stop selling or servicing our products temporarily in restricted areas, such as Russia, Belarus and portions of Ukraine. The BIS and OFAC have also placed restrictions on dealing with certain \"blocked\u201d entities, such as Russia\u2019s federal security service (FSB), including the Company\u2019s filing of notifications to the FSB for exporting certain products to Russia. Violators of these export control and sanctions laws may be subject to significant penalties, which may include significant monetary fines, criminal proceedings against them and their officers and employees, a denial of export privileges, and suspension or debarment from selling products to the federal government. Our products could be shipped to those targets by third parties, including potentially our channel partners, despite our precautions.\n\n\nIf we were ever found to have violated U.S. export control laws, we may be subject to various penalties available under the laws, any of which could have a material and adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Even if we were not found to have violated such laws, the political and media scrutiny surrounding any governmental investigation of us could cause us significant expense and reputational harm. Such collateral consequences could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur failure to protect our intellectual property could harm our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\nOur success depends significantly upon developing, maintaining and protecting our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions with employees, resellers, strategic partners and customers, to protect our proprietary rights. We currently have multiple U.S. and international patent applications pending and multiple U.S. and international patents issued. The pending applications may not be approved, and our existing and future patents may be challenged. If such challenges are brought, the patents may be invalidated. We may not be able to develop proprietary products or technologies that are patentable, and patents issued to us may not provide us with any competitive advantages and may be challenged by third parties. Further, the patents of others may materially and adversely affect our ability to do business. In addition, a failure to obtain and defend our trademark registrations may impede our marketing and branding efforts and competitive condition. Litigation may be necessary to protect our proprietary technology. Any such litigation may be time-consuming and costly. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to as great an extent as do the laws of the U.S. Our means of protecting our proprietary rights may not be adequate or our competitors may independently develop similar technology, duplicate our products, or design around patents issued to us or other intellectual property rights of ours. In addition, while we train employees in confidentiality practices and include terms in our employee and consultant agreements to protect our intellectual property, there is persistent risk that some individuals will improperly take our intellectual property after terminating their employment or other engagements with us, which could lead to intellectual property leakage to competitors and a loss of our competitive advantages.\n\n\nWe may be found to infringe on intellectual property rights of others.\n\n\nWe compete in markets in which intellectual property infringement claims arise in the normal course of business. Third parties have, from time to time, asserted intellectual property-related claims against us, including claims for alleged patent infringement brought by non-practicing entities. Such claims may be made against our products and services, our customers\u2019 use of our products\n \n\n\n24\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nand services, or a combination of our products and third-party products. We also may be subject to claims and indemnification obligations from customers and resellers with respect to third-party intellectual property rights pursuant to our agreements with them. If we refuse to indemnify or defend such claims, even in situations in which the third-party\u2019s allegations are meritless, then customers and resellers may refuse to do business with us.\n \n\n\nPatent litigation is particularly common in our industry. We have been, and continue to be, in active patent litigations with non-practicing entities. While we vigorously defend our ability to compete in the marketplace, there is no guarantee that, in patent or other types of intellectual property litigation, we will prevail at trial or be able to settle at a reasonable cost. If a judge or jury were to find that our products infringe, we could be required to pay significant monetary damages and be subject to an injunction that could cause product shipment delays, require us to redesign our products, affect our ability to supply or service our customers, and/or require us to enter into compulsory royalty or licensing agreements.\n \n\n\nWe expect that companies in the enterprise storage and data management, cloud storage and cloud operations markets will increasingly be subject to infringement claims as the number of products and competitors in our industry segment grows and the functionality of products in different industry segments overlaps. Any such claims, and any such infringement claims discussed above, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, cause suspension of product shipments or product shipment delays, require us to redesign our products, or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements, any of which could materially and adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and cash flows. Such royalty or licensing agreements, if required, may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.\n \n\n\nWe rely on software from third parties, and a failure to properly manage our use of third-party software could result in increased costs or loss of revenue.\n \n\n\nMany of our products are designed to include software licensed from third parties. Such third-party software includes software licensed from commercial suppliers and software licensed under public open source licenses. We have internal processes to manage our use of such third-party software. However, if we fail to adequately manage our use of third-party software, then we may be subject to copyright infringement or other third-party claims. If we are non-compliant with a license for commercial software, then we may be required to pay penalties or undergo costly audits pursuant to the license agreement. In the case of open-source software licensed under certain \u201ccopyleft\u201d licenses, the license itself may require, or a court-imposed remedy for non-compliant use of the open source software may require, that proprietary portions of our own software be publicly disclosed or licensed. This could result in a loss of intellectual property rights, increased costs, damage to our reputation and/or a loss of revenue.\n\n\nIn addition, many of our products use open-source software. Such open-source software generally does not provide any warranty or contractual protection, and may be susceptible to attack from bad actors. Further, open-source software may contain vulnerabilities, which may or may not be known at the time of our inclusion of the software in a product. If a vulnerability in such software is successfully exploited, we could be subject to damages including remediation costs, reputational damage and lost revenues.\n \n\n\nOur failure to adjust to emerging standards may harm our business.\n\n\nEmerging standards may adversely affect the UNIX\n\u00ae\n, Windows\n\u00ae\n and World Wide Web server markets upon which we depend. For example, we provide our open access data retention solutions to customers within the financial services, healthcare, pharmaceutical and government market segments, industries that are subject to various evolving governmental regulations with respect to data access, reliability and permanence in the U.S. and in the other countries in which we operate. If our products do not meet and continue to comply with these evolving governmental regulations in this regard, customers in these market and geographical segments will not purchase our products, and we may not be able to expand our product offerings in these market and geographical segments at the rates which we have forecasted.\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Securities\n\n\nOur stock price is subject to volatility.\n\n\nOur stock price is subject to changes in recommendations or earnings estimates by financial analysts, changes in investors' or analysts' valuation measures for our stock, changes in our capital structure, including issuance of additional debt, changes in our credit ratings, our ability to pay dividends and to continue to execute our stock repurchase program as planned and market trends unrelated to our performance.\n \n\n\nOur ability to pay quarterly dividends and to continue to execute our stock repurchase program as planned will be subject to, among other things, our financial condition and operating results, available cash and cash flows in the U.S., capital requirements, and other factors. Future dividends are subject to declaration by our Board of Directors, and our stock repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares. However, if we fail to meet any investor expectations related to dividends and/or stock repurchases, the market price of our stock could decline significantly, and could have a material adverse impact on investor\n \n\n\n25\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nconfidence. Additionally, price volatility of our stock over a given period may cause the average price at which we repurchase our own stock to exceed the stock\u2019s market price at a given point in time.\n\n\nFurthermore, speculation in the press or investment community about our strategic position, financial condition, results of operations or business can cause changes in our stock price. These factors, as well as general economic and political conditions and the timing of announcements in the public market regarding new products or services, product enhancements or technological advances by our competitors or us, and any announcements by us of acquisitions, major transactions, or management changes may adversely affect our stock price.\n\n\nOur quarterly operating results may fluctuate materially, which could harm our common stock price.\n\n\nOur operating results have fluctuated in the past and will continue to do so, sometimes materially. All of the matters discussed in this Risk Factors section could impact our operating results in any fiscal quarter or year. In addition to those matters, we face the following issues, which could impact our quarterly results:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nSeasonality, such as our historical seasonal decline in revenues in the first quarter of our fiscal year and seasonal increase in revenues in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year;\n\n\n\u2022\nLinearity, such as our historical intra-quarter customer orders and revenue pattern in which a disproportionate percentage of each quarter\u2019s total orders and related revenue occur in the last month of the quarter; and\n\n\n\u2022\nUnpredictability associated with larger scale enterprise software license agreements which generally take longer to negotiate and occur less consistently than other types of contracts, and for which revenue attributable to the software license component is typically recognized in full upon delivery.\n\n\nIf our operating results fall below our forecasts and the expectations of public market analysts and investors, the trading price of our common stock may decline.\n \n\n\nThere are risks associated with our outstanding and future indebtedness.\n\n\nAs of April 28, 2023, we had $2.4 billion aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness for our senior notes that mature at specific dates in calendar years 2024, 2025, 2027 and 2030. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future under existing credit facilities and/or enter into new financing arrangements. We may fail to pay these or additional future obligations, as and when required. Specifically, if we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or to borrow sufficient funds in the future to service or refinance our debt, our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows will be harmed. Any downgrades from credit rating agencies such as Moody\u2019s Investors Service or Standard & Poor\u2019s Rating Services may adversely impact our ability to obtain additional financing or the terms of such financing and reduce the market capacity for our commercial paper. Furthermore, if prevailing interest rates or other factors result in higher interest rates upon any potential future financing, then interest expense related to the refinance indebtedness would increase.\n \n\n\nIn addition, all our debt and credit facility arrangements subject us to continued compliance with restrictive and financial covenants. If we do not comply with these covenants or otherwise default under the arrangements, we may be required to repay any outstanding amounts borrowed under these agreements. Moreover, compliance with these covenants may restrict our strategic or operational flexibility in the future, which could harm our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGeneral Risks\n \n\n\nOur business could be materially and adversely affected as a result of natural disasters, terrorist acts or other catastrophic events.\n\n\nWe depend on the ability of our personnel, inventories, equipment and products to move reasonably unimpeded around the world. Any political, military, terrorism, global trade, world health or other issue that hinders this movement or restricts the import or export of materials could lead to significant business disruptions. For example, in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic impeded the mobility of our personnel, inventories, equipment and products and disrupted our business operations. Furthermore, any economic failure or other material disruption caused by natural disasters, including fires, floods, droughts, hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes; power loss or shortages; environmental disasters; telecommunications or business information systems failures or break-ins and similar events could also adversely affect our ability to conduct business. As a result of climate change, we expect the frequency and impact of such natural disasters or other material disruptions to increase. If such disruptions result in cancellations of customer orders or contribute to a general decrease in economic activity or corporate spending on IT, or directly impact our marketing, manufacturing, financial and logistics functions, or impair our ability to meet our customer demands, our operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Our headquarters is located in Northern California, an area susceptible to earthquakes and wildfires. If any significant disaster were to occur there, our ability to operate our business and our operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely impacted.\n\n\n26\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe could be subject to additional income tax liabilities.\n \n\n\nOur effective tax rate is influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control. These factors include among other things, fluctuations in our earnings and financial results in the various countries and states in which we do business, changes to the tax laws in such jurisdictions and the outcome of income tax audits. Changes to any of these factors could materially impact our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n \n\n\nWe receive significant tax benefits from sales to our non-U.S. customers. These benefits are contingent upon existing tax laws and regulations in the U.S. and in the countries in which our international operations are located. Future changes in domestic or international tax laws and regulations or a change in how we manage our international operations could adversely affect our ability to continue realizing these tax benefits.\n \n\n\nMany countries around the world are beginning to implement legislation and other guidance to align their international tax rules with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development\u2019s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting recommendations and related action plans that aim to standardize and modernize global corporate tax policy, including changes to cross-border tax, transfer-pricing documentation rules and nexus-based tax incentive practices. As a result, many of these changes, if enacted, could increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.\n \n\n\nOur effective tax rate could also be adversely affected by changes in tax laws and regulations and interpretations of such laws and regulations, which in turn would negatively impact our earnings and cash and cash equivalent balances we currently maintain. Additionally, our effective tax rate could also be adversely affected if there is a change in international operations, our tax structure and how our operations are managed and structured, and as a result, we could experience harm to our operating results and financial condition. For example, on August 16, 2022, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes a corporate minimum tax and a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases. We continue to evaluate the impacts of changes in tax laws and regulations on our business.\n \n\n\nWe are routinely subject to income tax audits in the U.S. and several foreign tax jurisdictions. If the ultimate determination of income taxes or at-source withholding taxes assessed under these audits results in amounts in excess of the tax provision we have recorded or reserved for, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt\nem 1B. \nUnresolved Staff Comments\n\n\nNot applicable.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nItem 2. \nP\nroperties\n\n\nWe owned or leased, domestically and internationally, the following properties as of April 28, 2023.\n\n\nWe own approximately 0.8 million square feet of facilities in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. In addition, we own 65 acres of undeveloped land. The RTP site supports research and development, global services and sales and marketing.\n\n\nWe own approximately 0.7 million square feet of facilities in Bangalore, India on 14 acres of land. The Bangalore site supports research and development, marketing and global services.\n\n\nWe lease approximately 0.3 million square feet of office space for our corporate headquarters located in San Jose, California. The San Jose site supports research and development, corporate general administration, sales and marketing, global services and operations.\n\n\nWe lease approximately 1.3 million square feet in other sales offices and research and development facilities throughout the U.S. and internationally. We expect that our existing facilities and those being developed worldwide are suitable and adequate for our requirements over at least the next two years.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt\nem 3. \nLegal Proceedings\n\n\nFor a discussion of legal proceedings, see Note 17 \u2013 Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.\n\n\nIt\nem 4. \nMine Safety Disclosures\n\n\nNot applicable.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPA\nRT II\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt\nem 5. \nMarket for Registrant\u2019s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (NASDAQ) under the symbol NTAP.\n\n\nPrice Range of Common Stock\n\n\nThe price range per share of common stock presented below represents the highest and lowest intraday sales prices for the Company\u2019s common stock on the NASDAQ during each quarter of our two most recent fiscal years.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHigh\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLow\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHigh\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLow\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst Quarter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n76.73\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n61.26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n84.19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n73.30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSecond Quarter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n79.09\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n60.56\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n94.69\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n78.05\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThird Quarter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n75.19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n58.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n96.81\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n82.50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFourth Quarter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n69.75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n59.74\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n96.82\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n58.83\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHolders\n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023 there were approximately 443 holders of record of our common stock.\n\n\nDividends\n\n\nThe Company paid cash dividends of $0.50 per outstanding common share in each quarter of fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 for an aggregate of $432 million and $446 million, respectively, and $0.48 per outstanding common share in each quarter of fiscal 2021 for an aggregate of $427 million. In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock, payable on July 26, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 7, 2023.\n\n\n29\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPerformance Graph\n\n\nThe following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total shareholder return, calculated on a dividend reinvested basis, of an investment of $100 for the Company, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 500 Information Technology Index and the S&P 1500 Technology Hardware & Equipment Index for the five years ended April 28, 2023. The comparisons in the graphs below are based upon historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, future performance of our common stock. The graph and related information shall not be deemed \u201csoliciting material\u201d or be deemed to be \u201cfiled\u201d with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any past or future filing with the SEC, except to the extent that such filing specifically states that such graph and related information are incorporated by reference into such filing.\n\n\nCOMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN\n\n\nAmong NetApp, Inc., the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 500 Information Technology Index and the S&P 1500 Technology Hardware & Equipment Index*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n *$100 invested on April 27, 2018 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Data points are the last day of each fiscal year for the Company\u2019s common stock and each of the indexes.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 2018\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 2019\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNetApp, Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n100.00\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n109.09\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n67.77\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n121.79\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n122.26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n108.29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nS&P 500 Index\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n100.00\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n112.33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n110.58\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n165.75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n166.10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n170.53\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nS&P 500 Information Technology Index\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n100.00\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n121.88\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n139.72\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n222.24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n226.45\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n244.75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nS&P 1500 Technology Hardware & Equipment Index\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n100.00\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n122.50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n140.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n249.10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n283.44\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n300.91\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe believe that a number of factors may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly. See Item 1A. \u2013 Risk Factors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPurchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers\n\n\nThe following table provides information with respect to the shares of common stock repurchased by us during the three months ended April 28, 2023:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal Number of Shares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApproximate Dollar\n \nValue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal Number\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPurchased as Part of\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nof Shares That May Yet\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nof Shares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPrice\n \nPaid\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPublicly Announced\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBe Purchased Under The\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPeriod\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPurchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nper Share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProgram\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRepurchase Program\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(Shares in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(Shares in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(Dollars in millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJanuary 28, 2023 - February 24, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n417\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n66.89\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n358,124\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n524\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFebruary 25, 2023 - March 24, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n698\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n63.11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n358,822\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n480\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarch 25, 2023 - April 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n63.85\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n360,044\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n402\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,337\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n65.09\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn May 2003, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. As of April 28, 2023, our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $15.1 billion of our common stock, and on May 26, 2023, authorized an additional $1.0 billion. Since inception of the program through April 28, 2023, we repurchased a total of 360 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $14.7 billion. Under this program, we may purchase shares of our outstanding common stock through solicited or unsolicited transactions in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through accelerated share repurchase programs, pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan or in such other manner as deemed appropriate by our management. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt\nem 6. \n[Reserved]\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt\nem 7. \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\n\nThe following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the financial statements and the accompanying notes set forth under Item 8. \u2013 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. The following discussion also contains trend information and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A. \u2013 Risk Factors are hereby incorporated into the discussion by reference.\n\n\nExecutive Overview\n\n\nOur Company\n \n\n\nNetApp is a global cloud-led, data-centric software company that empowers customers with hybrid multicloud solutions built for a better future. Building on more than three decades of innovation, we give customers the freedom to manage applications and data across hybrid multicloud environments. NetApp delivers value in simplicity, security, savings, and sustainability with automation and optimization for IT teams to thrive on premises, in the clouds, and everywhere in between. We are a proven leader in all-flash storage with the only storage OS natively available on the biggest clouds, and we believe we provide industry-leading protection and security, and innovative CloudOps services.\n \n\n\nIn a world of hybrid multicloud complexity, we envision a better IT experience\u2014an evolved cloud state where on-premises and cloud environments are united as one. We build solutions that drive faster innovation wherever our customers\u2019 data and applications live, with unified management and AI-driven optimization, giving organizations the freedom to do what\u2019s best for today\u2019s business and the flexibility to adapt for tomorrow. Our infrastructure, data, and application services are hybrid multicloud by design to deliver a unified experience that is integrated with the rich services of our cloud partners.\n \n\n\nOur operations are organized into two segments: Hybrid Cloud and Public Cloud.\n\n\nHybrid Cloud \noffers a portfolio of storage management and infrastructure solutions that help customers recast their traditional data centers into modern data centers with the power of the cloud. Our hybrid cloud portfolio is designed to operate with public clouds to unlock the potential of hybrid, multi-cloud operations. We offer a broad portfolio of cloud-connected all-flash, hybrid-flash, and object storage systems, powered by intelligent data management software. Hybrid Cloud is composed of software, hardware, and related support, as well as professional and other services.\n\n\nPublic Cloud \noffers a portfolio of products delivered primarily as-a-service, including related support. This portfolio includes cloud storage and data services and cloud operations services. Our enterprise-class solutions and services enable customers to control and manage storage in the cloud, consume high-performance storage services for primary workloads, and optimize cloud environments for cost and efficiency. These solutions and services are generally available on the leading public clouds, including Amazon AWS\n, \nMicrosoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.\n\n\nGlobal Business Environment\n\n\nMacroeconomic Conditions\n\n\nContinuing global economic uncertainty, political conditions and fiscal challenges in the U.S. and abroad have resulted and may continue to result in adverse macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, rising interest rates, foreign exchange volatility, slower growth and possibly a recession. In particular, in fiscal 2023, we experienced a weakened demand environment, characterized by cloud optimizations and increased budget scrutiny, which resulted in smaller deal sizes, longer selling cycles, and delays of some deals.\n\n\nIf these macroeconomic uncertainties persist or worsen in fiscal 2024, we may observe a further reduction in customer demand for our offerings, which could impact our operating results.\n\n\n33\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSupply Chain\n\n\nSupply chain constraints, particularly in the first half of fiscal 2023, led to higher product component and freight costs in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Supply chain constraints also delayed our ability to fulfill certain customer orders during the first half of fiscal 2023.\n\n\nFinancial Results and Key Performance Metrics Overview\n\n\nThe following table provides an overview of key financial metrics for each of the last three fiscal years (in millions, except per share amounts and percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,362\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,318\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,744\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,220\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,815\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit margin percentage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,018\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,157\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,031\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations as a percentage of net revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Benefit) provision for income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(208\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted net income per share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5.79\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.09\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3.23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,107\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,333\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,313\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nNet revenues\n: Our net revenues increased approximately 1% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, due to an increase in services revenues, primarily driven by an increase in public cloud revenues.\n\n\n\u2022\nGross profit margin percentage:\n Our gross profit margin as a percentage of net revenues decreased less than one percentage point in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to the decrease in gross profit margins on product revenues.\n\n\n\u2022\nIncome from operations as a percentage of net revenues:\n Our income from operations as a percentage of net revenues decreased by two percentage points in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to a slightly lower gross profit margin percentage and an increase in restructuring charges.\n\n\n\u2022\n(Benefit) provision for income taxes:\n We had a benefit from income taxes in fiscal 2023, compared to a provision for income taxes in fiscal 2022, due to a discrete tax benefit of $524 million that resulted from an intra-entity asset transfer of certain intellectual property.\n\n\n\u2022\nNet income and Diluted net income per share:\n The increase in both net income and diluted net income per share in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 reflect the factors discussed above. Higher net income and increased share repurchases in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 favorably impacted diluted net income per share.\n\n\nStock Repurchase Program and Dividend Activity\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we repurchased approximately 13 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $66.42 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $850 million. We also declared aggregate cash dividends of $2.00 per share in fiscal 2023, for which we paid a total of $432 million.\n\n\nAcquisition\n\n\nOn May 20, 2022, we acquired all the outstanding shares of privately-held Instaclustr US Holding, Inc. (Instaclustr), a leading platform provider of fully managed open-source database, pipeline and workflow applications delivered as a service, for approximately $498 million.\n\n\nRestructuring Events\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we executed several restructuring plans and recognized expenses totaling $120 million consisting primarily of employee severance-related costs.\n \n\n\n \n\n\n34\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResults of Operations\n\n\nOur fiscal year is reported on a 52- or 53-week year that ends on the last Friday in April. An additional week is included in the first fiscal quarter approximately every six years to realign fiscal months with calendar months. Fiscal 2023, which ended on April 28, 2023, and fiscal 2022, which ended on April 29, 2022 were both 52-week years. Fiscal 2021, which ended on April 30, 2021 was a 53-week year, with 14 weeks included in its first quarter and 13 weeks in each subsequent quarter. Unless otherwise stated, references to particular years, quarters, months and periods refer to our fiscal years ended in April and the associated quarters, months and periods of those fiscal years\n.\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain Consolidated Statements of Income data as a percentage of net revenues for the periods indicated:\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nServices\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of revenues:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRestructuring charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition-related expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGain on sale or derecognition of assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income (expense), net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome before income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Benefit) provision for income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nPercentages may not add due to rounding\n\n\nDiscussion and Analysis of Results of Operations\n\n\nNet Revenues (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,362\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,318\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,744\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nThe increase in net revenues for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was due to an increase in services revenue partially offset by a decrease in product revenues. Product revenues as a percentage of net revenues decreased by approximately four percentage points in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, while services revenues as a percentage of net revenues increased by approximately four percentage points. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates adversely impacted net revenues percent growth by approximately four percentage points in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.\n\n\nThe increase in net revenues for fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 was due to an increase in both product revenues and services revenues, with revenues increasing despite the additional week in fiscal 2021. Product revenues and services revenues as a percentage of net revenues both remained relatively consistent in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021.\n\n\nSales through our indirect channels represented 78%, 77% and 77% of net revenues in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\n\nThe following customers, each of which is a distributor, accounted for 10% or more of net revenues:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArrow Electronics, Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTech Data Corporation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct Revenues (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,049\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,284\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,991\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware (Non-GAAP)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,251\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,358\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,355\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoftware (Non-GAAP)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,798\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,926\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,636\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n\n\nProduct revenues are derived through the sale of our Hybrid Cloud solutions and consist of sales of configured all-flash array systems (including All-Flash FAS and QLC-Flash FAS) and hybrid systems, which are bundled hardware and software products, as well as add-on flash, disk and/or hybrid storage and related OS, StorageGrid, OEM products, NetApp HCI and add-on optional software.\n\n\nIn order to provide visibility into the value created by our software innovation and R&D investment, we disclose the software and hardware components of our product revenues. Software product revenues includes the OS software and optional add-on software solutions attached to our systems across our entire product set, while hardware product revenues include the non-software component of our systems across the entire set. Because our revenue recognition policy under GAAP defines a configured storage system, inclusive of the operating system software essential to its functionality, as a single performance obligation, the hardware and software components of our product revenues are considered non-GAAP measures. The hardware and software components of our product revenues are derived from an estimated fair value allocation of the transaction price of our contracts with customers, down to the level of the product hardware and software components. This allocation is primarily based on the contractual prices at which NetApp has historically billed customers for such respective components.\n \n\n\nTotal product revenues decreased in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to lower sales of all flash array systems, as a result of softening customer demand. Product revenues were also unfavorably impacted by foreign exchange rate fluctuations. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in sales of hybrid systems.\n\n\nTotal product revenues increased in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021, primarily driven by an increase in sales of all-flash array systems and, to a lesser extent, an increase in sales of StorageGrid, partially offset by a decrease in sales of NetApp HCI. Supply chain challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic impeded our ability to fulfill certain customer orders in fiscal 2022, particularly in the fourth quarter.\n\n\nRevenues from the hardware component of product revenues represented 41%, 41% and 45% of product revenues in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The software component of product revenues represented 59%, 59% and 55% of product revenues in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The software component percentage of product revenues remained relatively flat in fiscal 2023 as compared to fiscal 2022 despite the decrease in sales of all-flash array systems, which contain a higher proportion of software components than other Hybrid Cloud products, primarily due to the mix of other Hybrid Cloud products sold. The increase in the software component percentage of product revenues in fiscal 2022 is primarily due to a higher mix of all-flash array systems sales.\n\n\nServices Revenues (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nServices revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,313\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,034\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,753\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupport\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,419\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessional and other services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n319\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n294\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPublic cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n575\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n396\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n199\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n \n\n\nHybrid Cloud services revenues are derived from the sale of: (1) support, which includes both hardware and software support contracts (the latter of which entitle customers to receive unspecified product upgrades and enhancements, bug fixes and patch releases), and (2) professional and other services, which include customer education and training.\n\n\n36\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSupport revenues increased in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, despite the unfavorable impact from foreign exchange rate fluctuations, primarily due to a higher aggregate support contract value for our installed base in the current year.\n \n\n\nSupport revenues increased in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021, despite an extra week in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 that contributed approximately $40 million of additional revenues in that period, primarily due to a higher aggregate support contract value for our installed base in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021.\n\n\nProfessional and other services revenues increased in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to an increase in other services revenues. The increase in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 was primarily due to an increase in demand from increased product sales.\n \n\n\nPublic Cloud\n \n\n\nPublic Cloud revenues are derived from the sale of public cloud offerings delivered primarily as-a-service, which include cloud storage and data services, and cloud operations services.\n\n\nPublic Cloud revenues increased in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 compared to the respective prior years primarily due to growing customer demand for NetApp's diversified cloud offerings, coupled with overall growth in the cloud market, and the acquisitions of Instaclustr early in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 and CloudCheckr, Inc. (CloudCheckr) in the third quarter of fiscal 2022. The acquisition of Spot, Inc. (Spot) late in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 also contributed to the increase in Public Cloud revenues in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021.\n\n\nRevenues by Geographic Area:\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnited States, Canada and Latin America (Americas)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEurope, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsia Pacific (APAC)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercentages may not add due to rounding\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmericas revenues consist of sales to Americas commercial and United States (U.S.) public sector markets. During fiscal 2023, Americas revenues were negatively impacted by adverse macroeconomic conditions which resulted in a weakened demand environment. Demand across geographies was relatively consistent in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021.\n \n\n\nCost of Revenues\n\n\nOur cost of revenues consists of:\n \n\n\n(1) cost of product revenues, composed of (a) cost of Hybrid Cloud product revenues, which includes the costs of manufacturing and shipping our products, inventory write-downs, and warranty costs, and (b) unallocated cost of product revenues, which includes stock-based compensation and amortization of intangibles, and;\n\n\n(2) cost of services revenues, composed of (a) cost of support revenues, which includes the costs of providing support activities for hardware and software support, global support partnership programs, and third party royalty costs, (b) cost of professional and other services revenues, (c) cost of public cloud revenues, constituting the cost of providing our Public Cloud offerings which includes depreciation and amortization expense and third party datacenter fees, and (d) unallocated cost of services revenues, which includes stock-based compensation and amortization of intangibles.\n \n\n\nCost of Product Revenues (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,517\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,554\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,432\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,511\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,541\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,402\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnallocated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(54\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(57\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n\n\n37\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCost of Hybrid Cloud product revenues represented 50%, 47% and 47% of Hybrid Cloud product revenues in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Materials costs represented 94%, 93% and 91% of cost of Hybrid Cloud product revenues in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\n\nMaterials costs were approximately flat in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 reflecting the decrease in product revenues, offset by higher component and freight costs as a result of supply chain challenges.\n \n\n\nHybrid Cloud product gross margins decreased by approximately three percentage points in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to higher component and freight costs and the adverse impacts of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.\n\n\nMaterials costs increased by approximately $156 million in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 reflecting the increase in product revenues in fiscal 2022, the mix of systems sold, and higher component and freight costs as a result of COVID-19 related supply chain challenges. Excess and obsolete inventory reserves were lower in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021.\n\n\nHybrid Cloud product gross margins remained relatively flat in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 despite the increase in component and freight costs, which were offset primarily by a higher mix of all-flash array systems sales, which have higher margins than hybrid systems.\n\n\nUnallocated\n\n\nUnallocated cost of product revenues decreased in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 compared to the respective prior year periods due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized.\n\n\nCost of Services Revenues (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of services revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n636\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n544\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n497\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupport\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n201\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessional and other services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n205\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n206\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPublic cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n56\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n82\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnallocated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n\n\n \nCost of Hybrid Cloud services revenues, which are composed of the costs of support and professional and other services, increased slightly in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 and decreased in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021. Cost of Hybrid Cloud services revenues represented 14%, 15% and 16% of Hybrid Cloud services revenues in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\n\nHybrid Cloud support gross margins were relatively consistent in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, while they increased by one percentage point in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 due to growth in support revenues achieved with a consistent cost base.\n\n\nPublic Cloud\n\n\nCost of Public Cloud revenues increased in fiscal 2023 and in fiscal 2022 compared to the respective prior years, reflecting the ongoing growth in Public Cloud revenues in each period. Public Cloud gross margins decreased by two percentage points in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to the mix of offerings provided. Public Cloud gross margins increased by three percentage points in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021, reflecting efficiencies from scaling our Public Cloud segment.\n \n\n\nUnallocated\n \n\n\nUnallocated cost of services revenues increased in fiscal 2023 and in fiscal 2022 compared to the respective prior years, due to our acquisitions of Instaclustr early in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 and CloudCheckr in the third quarter of fiscal 2022, which resulted in higher amortization expense from acquired intangible assets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating Expenses\n\n\nSales and Marketing, Research and Development and General and Administrative Expenses\n\n\nSales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2023 totaled $3,050 million, or 48% of net revenues, relatively consistent with fiscal 2022. While fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates adversely impacted net revenues in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, they favorably impacted sales and marketing, research and development and general and administrative expenses by approximately 3% in fiscal 2023.\n\n\nSales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2022 totaled $3,017 million, or 48% of net revenues, representing a decrease of two percentage points compared to fiscal 2021.\n\n\nCompensation costs represent the largest component of operating expenses. Included in compensation costs are salaries, benefits, other compensation-related costs, stock-based compensation expense and employee incentive compensation plan costs.\n\n\nTotal compensation costs included in sales and marketing, research and development and general and administrative expenses increased by $101 million, or 6%, during fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to higher salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation expense, reflecting an increase in average headcount of 8%. The increase was partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense.\n\n\nTotal compensation costs included in operating expenses increased by $74 million, or 4%, during fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021, primarily due to higher salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation expenses, reflecting a 3% increase in average headcount. This increase was partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense. Total compensation costs for fiscal 2021 includes the impact of an additional week in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.\n \n\n\nSales and Marketing (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,829\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,857\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,744\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nSales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation costs, commissions, outside services, facilities and IT support costs, advertising and marketing promotional expense and travel and entertainment expense. The changes in sales and marketing expenses consisted of the following (in percentage points of the total change):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 to Fiscal 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2022 to Fiscal 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompensation costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommissions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdvertising and marketing promotional expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTravel and entertainment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nThe increase in compensation costs for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 reflected an increase in average headcount of approximately 6%. The impact of the increase in headcount was partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations.\n\n\nThe increase in compensation costs in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 reflected an increase in average headcount of approximately 5%, partially offset by the impact of one less week in fiscal 2022.\n \n\n\nThe decrease in commissions expense for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily due to lower performance against sales goals\n.\n The increase in commissions expense in fiscal 2022 primarily reflected the increase in the average headcount of our sales team compared to fiscal 2021, partially offset by slightly lower attainment against sales goals than in fiscal 2021.\n \n\n\nAdvertising and marketing promotional expense decreased in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to lower spending on certain marketing programs.\n \n\n\nTravel and entertainment expense increased in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 compared to the respective prior years, as COVID-19 related travel restrictions eased.\n\n\n39\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResearch and Development (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n956\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n881\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n881\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nResearch and development expenses consist primarily of compensation costs, facilities and IT support costs, depreciation, equipment and software related costs, prototypes, non-recurring engineering charges and other outside services costs. Changes in research and development expense consisted of the following (in percentage points of the total change):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 to Fiscal 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2022 to Fiscal 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompensation costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDevelopment projects and outside services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nThe increase in compensation costs for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily attributable to an increase in average headcount of 11%. The impact of the increase in headcount was partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. The increase in development projects and outside services for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily due to the higher spending on certain engineering projects.\n \n\n\nThe decrease in compensation costs for fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 was primarily due to lower incentive compensation expense, while average headcount was relatively consistent in each period. Compensation costs for fiscal 2022 also reflected the impact of one less week in fiscal 2022. The increase in development projects and outside services during fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 was primarily due to the higher spending on certain engineering projects.\n\n\nGeneral and Administrative (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n265\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n279\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n257\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nGeneral and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation costs, professional and corporate legal fees, outside services and facilities and IT support costs. Changes in general and administrative expense consisted of the following (in percentage points of the total change):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 to Fiscal 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2022 to Fiscal 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompensation costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessional and legal fees and outside services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFacilities and IT support costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe decrease in compensation costs in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily attributable to lower incentive compensation expense, partially offset by the increase in salaries and stock-based compensation expenses. The increases in professional and legal fees and outside services expense in fiscal 2023 were primarily due to higher spending on certain business transformation projects. The decrease in facilities and IT support costs in fiscal 2023 was primarily related to lower spending for certain IT projects.\n\n\nThe increase in compensation costs in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 were primarily attributable to a 4% increase in average headcount and higher stock-based compensation expense, which was partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense and the impact of one less week in fiscal 2022. The increases in professional and legal fees and outside services expense in fiscal 2022 were primarily due to higher spending on business transformation projects and an increase in legal fees. The decreases in facilities and IT support costs were primarily due to lower spending levels on IT projects.\n \n\n\n40\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \nRestructuring Charges (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRestructuring charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n120\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n264\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(21\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn an effort to reduce our cost structure and redirect resources to our highest return activities, in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, we initiated a number of business realignment plans designed to streamline our business and focus on key strategic opportunities. These plans resulted in aggregate reductions of our global workforce of approximately 9% in fiscal 2023, 1% in fiscal 2022, and 6% in fiscal 2021, and aggregate charges of $120 million, $33 million and $42 million, respectively, consisting primarily of employee severance costs. The aggregate charges in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 also included legal and tax-related consulting fees associated with the establishment of an international headquarters in Cork, Ireland. See Note 12 \u2013 Restructuring Charges of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more details regarding our restructuring plans.\n\n\nAcquisition-related Expense (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition-related expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(19\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe incurred $21 million, $13 million and $16 million of acquisition-related expenses, primarily consisting of legal and consulting fees, in fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively, associated with our acquisition and subsequent integration of Instaclustr, CloudCheckr and Spot, respectively.\n\n\nGain on Sale or Derecognition of Assets (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGain on sale or derecognition of assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(156\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(100\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn April 2021, we sold certain land and buildings located in Sunnyvale, California with an aggregate net book value of $210 million and received cash proceeds of $365 million, resulting in a gain, net of direct selling cost, and adjusted for below-market rent, of $156 million.\n\n\nOther Income (Expense), Net (in millions, except percentages)\n\n\nThe components of other income (expense), net were as follows:\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n69\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n886\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(22\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(67\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(73\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(74\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(62\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(69\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nNM - Not Meaningful\n\n\nInterest income increased in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to higher yields earned on our cash and investments. Interest income decreased during fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 compared to the respective prior years due to both a reduction in the size of our investment portfolio and lower yields earned on the investments.\n \n\n\nInterest expense decreased in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 due to the extinguishment of certain senior notes in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. Interest expense remained flat in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 as the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding Senior Notes remained consistent.\n \n\n\n Other, net for fiscal 2023 includes $22 million of other income for non-refundable, up-front payments from customers in Russia for support contracts, which we were not able to fulfill due to imposed sanctions and for which we have no remaining legal obligation to perform. Other, net for fiscal 2023 also includes a $32 million gain recognized on our sale of a minority equity interest in a privately held company for proceeds of approximately $59 million. The remaining differences in Other, net for fiscal 2023 as compared to fiscal 2022 are primarily due to foreign exchange gains and losses year-over-year. The differences in Other, net during fiscal 2022 as compared to fiscal 2021 are partially due to foreign exchange gains and losses year-over-year. In fiscal 2021, other, net includes a $6 million gain recognized on our sale of a minority equity interest in a privately held company for proceeds of\n \n\n\n41\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\napproximately $8 million. This benefit was more than offset by a $14 million loss recognized from the extinguishment of our Senior Notes due June 2021 in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.\n \n\n\nProvision for Income Taxes (in millions, except percentages):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProvision for income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(208\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(232\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(32\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nOur effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 was (19.5)% compared to 14.4% in fiscal 2022, primarily due to benefits resulting from an intra-entity asset transfer of certain IP, offset by discrete tax expense recorded as a result of the Danish Supreme Court ruling received January 9, 2023.\n \n\n\nDuring the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we completed an intra-entity asset transfer of certain IP to our international headquarters (the \u201cIP Transfer\u201d). The transaction resulted in a step-up of tax-deductible basis in the transferred assets, and accordingly, created a temporary difference where the tax basis exceeded the financial statement basis of such intangible assets, which resulted in the recognition of a discrete tax benefit and related deferred tax asset of $524 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2023. Management applied significant judgment when determining the fair value of the IP, which serves as the tax basis of the deferred tax asset. With the assistance of third-party valuation specialists, the fair value of the IP was determined principally based on the present value of projected cash flows related to the IP which reflects management\u2019s assumptions regarding projected revenues, earnings before interest and taxes, and a discount rate. The tax-deductible amortization related to the transferred IP rights will be recognized in future periods and any amortization that is unused in a particular year can be carried forward indefinitely. The deferred tax asset and the tax benefit were measured based on the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years the asset is expected to be realized. We expect to realize the deferred tax asset resulting from the IP Transfer and will assess the realizability of the deferred tax asset quarterly. Any Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development\u2019s (\u201cOECD\u201d) actions adopted internationally could impact our financial results in future periods. The impact of the transaction to net cash provided by or used in operating, investing and financing activities on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows during fiscal 2023 was not material.\n\n\nDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Danish Supreme Court issued a non-appealable ruling on the distributions declared in 2005 and 2006. The Danish Supreme Court reversed the lower court's decision and ruled the 2005 dividend was subject to at-source dividend withholding tax while the smaller 2006 distribution would not be subject to withholding tax. We recorded $69 million of tax expense, which includes $23 million of withholding tax (which we paid in fiscal 2023) and $46 million of interest (which is included in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet as of the end of fiscal 2023), associated with the Danish Supreme Court ruling as a discrete item during the third quarter of fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\nOur effective tax rate for fiscal 2022 was lower than the prior year primarily due to the inclusion of one-time benefits related to the prepayment of certain intercompany expenses. Additionally, the fiscal 2021 tax provision included the impact of taxes resulting from the integration of certain acquired companies.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLiquidity, Capital Resources and Cash Requirements\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except percentages)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash, cash equivalents and short-term investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,070\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrincipal amount of debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,650\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nThe following is a summary of our cash flow activities:\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,107\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in investing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,390\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(561\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in financing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,513\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,017\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(49\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1,797\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(416\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n42\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of April 28, 2023, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $3.1 billion, reflecting a decrease of $1.1 billion from April 29, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to $850 million used to repurchase shares of our common stock, $432 million used for the payment of dividends, $239 million in purchases of property and equipment, a $250 million repayment of our Senior Notes due December 2022, and $491 million, net of cash acquired, used for the acquisition of a privately-held company, partially offset by $1.1 billion of cash from operating activities. Net working capital was $1.2 billion as of April 28, 2023, a reduction of $779 million when compared to April 29, 2022, primarily due to the decrease in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments discussed above.\n\n\nCash Flows from Operating Activities\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we generated cash from operating activities of $1.1 billion, reflecting net income of $1.3 billion which was reduced by $606 million for non-cash deferred tax benefits and increased for non-cash depreciation and amortization expense of $248 million and non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $312 million.\n\n\nSignificant changes in assets and liabilities during fiscal 2023 included the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nAccounts receivable \ndecreased $260 million, reflecting lower billing in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u2022\nAccounts payable \ndecreased by $207 million, primarily reflecting lower inventory purchases, and the timing of those purchases from, and payments to, our contract manufacturers.\n\n\n\u2022\nAccrued expenses \ndecreased by $103 million, primarily due to employee compensation payments related to fiscal 2022 incentive compensation and commissions plans.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, we generated cash from operating activities of $1.2 billion, reflecting net income of $937 million, adjusted by non-cash depreciation and amortization of $194 million and non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $245 million.\n\n\nSignificant changes in assets and liabilities during fiscal 2022 included the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nAccounts receivable \nincreased $313 million, primarily reflecting less favorable shipping linearity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.\n\n\n\u2022\nDeferred revenue and financed unearned services \nincreased by $384 million, due to an increase in the aggregate contract value under software and hardware support contracts, primarily reflecting a higher mix of all-flash systems which carry a higher support dollar content than our other products.\n\n\n\u2022\nAccounts payable \nincreased by $181 million, primarily due to higher inventory purchase levels in fiscal 2022, and the timing of inventory purchases during the fourth quarter of each year.\n\n\n\u2022\nAccrued expenses \ndecreased by $111 million, primarily reflecting a reduction of income tax liabilities, and a decrease in accruals for incentive compensation and commissions plans.\n\n\nWe expect that cash provided by operating activities may materially fluctuate in future periods due to a number of factors, including fluctuations in our operating results, shipping linearity, accounts receivable collections performance, inventory and supply chain management, vendor payment initiatives, and the timing and amount of compensation, income taxes and other payments.\n\n\nCash Flows from Investing Activities\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we used $719 million for the purchases of investments, net of maturities and sales, paid $491 million, net of cash acquired, for a privately-held company and $239 million for capital expenditures. Additionally, we received proceeds of $59 million from the sale of one of our minority investments in fiscal 2023.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, we generated $45 million primarily from maturities of investments in available-for-sale securities, net of purchases, and paid $226 million for capital expenditures. We paid $380 million, net of cash acquired, for three privately-held companies.\n\n\n43\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash Flows from Financing Activities\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, cash flows used in financing activities totaled $1.5 billion and include $850 million for the repurchase of approximately 13 million shares of common stock, $432 million for the payment of dividends and $250 million to redeem our Senior Notes due in December 2022.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, cash flows used in financing activities totaled $1.0 billion and included $600 million for the repurchase of approximately seven million shares of common stock and $446 million for the payment of dividends.\n\n\nKey factors that could affect our cash flows include changes in our revenue mix and profitability, our ability to effectively manage our working capital, in particular, accounts receivable, accounts payable and inventories, the timing and amount of stock repurchases and payment of cash dividends, the impact of foreign exchange rate changes, our ability to effectively integrate acquired products, businesses and technologies and the timing of repayments of our debt. Based on past performance and our current business outlook, we believe that our sources of liquidity, including cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, cash generated from operations, and our ability to access capital markets and committed credit lines will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, investment requirements, stock repurchases, cash dividends, contractual obligations, commitments, principal and interest payments on our debt and other liquidity requirements associated with operations and meet our cash requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, in the event our liquidity is insufficient, we may be required to curtail spending and implement additional cost saving measures and restructuring actions or enter into new financing arrangements. We cannot be certain that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels or that we will be able to obtain additional financing, if necessary, on satisfactory terms, if at all. For further discussion of factors that could affect our cash flows and liquidity requirements, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.\n \n\n\nLiquidity\n\n\nOur principal sources of liquidity as of April 28, 2023 consisted of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, cash we expect to generate from operations, and our commercial paper program and related credit facility.\n\n\nCash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following (in millions):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,316\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,112\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n754\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,070\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nAs of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were held by various foreign subsidiaries and were generally based in U.S. dollar-denominated holdings, while $0.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, were available in the U.S.\n\n\nOur principal liquidity requirements are primarily to meet our working capital needs, support ongoing business activities, fund research and development, meet capital expenditure needs, invest in critical or complementary technologies through asset purchases and/or business acquisitions, service interest and principal payments on our debt, fund our stock repurchase program, and pay dividends, as and if declared. In the ordinary course of business, we engage in periodic reviews of opportunities to invest in or acquire companies or units in companies to expand our total addressable market, leverage technological synergies and establish new streams of revenue, particularly in our Public Cloud segment.\n\n\nThe principal objectives of our investment policy are the preservation of principal and maintenance of liquidity. We attempt to mitigate default risk by investing in high-quality investment grade securities, limiting the time to maturity and monitoring the counter-parties and underlying obligors closely. We believe our cash equivalents and short-term investments are liquid and accessible. We are not aware of any significant deterioration in the fair value of our cash equivalents or investments from the values reported as of April 28, 2023.\n\n\nOur investment portfolio has been and will continue to be exposed to market risk due to trends in the credit and capital markets. We continue to closely monitor current economic and market events to minimize the market risk of our investment portfolio. We routinely monitor our financial exposure to both sovereign and non-sovereign borrowers and counterparties. We utilize a variety of planning and financing strategies in an effort to ensure our worldwide cash is available when and where it is needed. We also have an automatic shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We may in the future offer an additional unspecified amount of debt, equity and other securities.\n\n\n44\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSenior Notes\n\n\nThe following table summarizes the principal amount of our Senior Notes as of April 28, 2023 (in millions):\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.30% Senior Notes Due September 2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1.875% Senior Notes Due June 2025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n750\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2.375% Senior Notes Due June 2027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2.70% Senior Notes Due June 2030\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n700\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nInterest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually. For further information on the underlying terms, see Note 8 \u2013 Financing Arrangements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.\n\n\nOn September 15, 2022, we extinguished our 3.25% Senior Notes due December 2022 for an aggregate cash redemption price of $252 million, comprised of the principal and unpaid interest.\n\n\nCommercial Paper Program and Credit Facility\n\n\nWe have a commercial paper program (the Program), under which we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes. Amounts available under the Program may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed, with the aggregate face or principal amount of the notes outstanding under the Program at any time not to exceed $1.0 billion. The maturities of the notes can vary, but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issue. The notes are sold under customary terms in the commercial paper market and may be issued at a discount from par or, alternatively, may be sold at par and bear interest at rates dictated by market conditions at the time of their issuance. The proceeds from the issuance of the notes are used for general corporate purposes. No commercial paper notes were outstanding as of April 28, 2023.\n\n\nIn connection with the Program, we have a senior unsecured credit agreement with a syndicated group of lenders. The credit agreement, \nwhich was amended in May 2023 primarily to replace the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as the basis for establishing the interest rate applicable to certain borrowings under the agreement\n, provides for a $1.0 billion revolving unsecured credit facility, with a sublimit of $50 million available for the issuance of letters of credit on our behalf. The credit facility matures on January 22, 2026, with an option for us to extend the maturity date for two additional 1-year periods, subject to certain conditions. The proceeds of the loans may be used by us for general corporate purposes and as liquidity support for our existing commercial paper program. As of April 28, 2023, we were compliant with all associated covenants in the agreement. No amounts were drawn against this credit facility during any of the periods presented.\n\n\nCapital Expenditure Requirements\n\n\nWe expect to fund our capital expenditures, including our commitments related to facilities, equipment, operating leases and internal-use software development projects over the next few years through existing cash, cash equivalents, investments and cash generated from operations. The timing and amount of our capital requirements cannot be precisely determined and will depend on a number of factors, including future demand for products, changes in the network storage industry, hiring plans and our decisions related to the financing of our facilities and equipment requirements. We anticipate capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 to be between $175 million and $225 million.\n\n\nTransition Tax Payments\n\n\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 imposed a mandatory, one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings and profits that had not previously been subject to U.S. income tax. As of April 28, 2023, outstanding payments related to the transition tax are estimated to be approximately $303 million of which $88 million, $115 million and $100 million are expected to be paid during fiscal 2024, fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026, respectively. During fiscal 2023, transition tax payments totaled $48 million. Our estimates for future transition tax payments, however, could change with further guidance or review from U.S. federal and state tax authorities or other regulatory bodies.\n\n\nDividends and Stock Repurchase Program\n\n\nOn May 26, 2023, we declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock, payable on July 26, 2023 to holders of record as of the close of business on July 7, 2023.\n\n\n45\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of April 28, 2023, our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $15.1 billion of our common stock under our stock repurchase program. Under this program, we may purchase shares of our outstanding common stock through solicited or unsolicited transactions in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through accelerated share repurchase programs, pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan or in such other manner as deemed appropriate by our management. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Since the May 13, 2003 inception of this program through April 28, 2023, we repurchased a total of 360 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $40.89 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $14.7 billion. As of April 28, 2023, the remaining authorized amount for stock repurchases under this program was $0.4 billion. On May 26, 2023 our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $1.0 billion of our common stock.\n \n\n\nPurchase Commitments\n\n\nIn the ordinary course of business, we make commitments to third-party contract manufacturers and component suppliers to manage manufacturer lead times and meet product forecasts, and to other parties, to purchase various key components used in the manufacture of our products. In addition, we have open purchase orders and contractual obligations associated with our ordinary course of business for which we have not yet received goods or services. These off-balance sheet purchase commitments totaled $0.7\n \nbillion at April 28, 2023, of which $0.5 billion is due in fiscal 2024, with the remainder due thereafter.\n\n\nFinancing Guarantees\n\n\nWhile most of our arrangements for sales include short-term payment terms, from time to time we provide long-term financing to creditworthy customers. We have generally sold receivables financed through these arrangements on a non-recourse basis to third party financing institutions within 10 days of the contracts\u2019 dates of execution, and we classify the proceeds from these sales as cash flows from operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. We account for the sales of these receivables as \u201ctrue sales\u201d as defined in the accounting standards on transfers of financial assets, as we are considered to have surrendered control of these financing receivables. We sold $38 million and $59 million of receivables during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n\n\nIn addition, we enter into arrangements with leasing companies for the sale of our hardware systems products. These leasing companies, in turn, lease our products to end-users. The leasing companies generally have no recourse to us in the event of default by the end-user.\n \n\n\nSome of the leasing arrangements described above have been financed on a recourse basis through third-party financing institutions. Under the terms of recourse leases, which are generally three years or less, we remain liable for the aggregate unpaid remaining lease payments to the third-party leasing companies in the event of end-user customer default. These arrangements are generally collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. As of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, the aggregate amount by which such contingencies exceeded the associated liabilities was not significant. To date, we have not experienced significant losses under our lease financing programs or other financing arrangements.\n\n\nWe have entered into service contracts with certain of our end-user customers that are supported by third-party financing arrangements. If a service contract is terminated as a result of our non-performance under the contract or our failure to comply with the terms of the financing arrangement, we could, under certain circumstances, be required to acquire certain assets related to the service contract or to pay the aggregate unpaid payments under such arrangements. As of April 28, 2023, we have not been required to make any payments under these arrangements, and we believe the likelihood of having to acquire a material amount of assets or make payments under these arrangements is remote. The portion of the financial arrangement that represents unearned services revenue is included in deferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue in our consolidated balance sheets\n.\n \n\n\nLegal Contingencies\n\n\nWe are subject to various legal proceedings and claims which arise in the normal course of business. See further details on such matters in Note 17 \u2013 Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\n\n\nOur consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), which require management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. We believe that the accounting estimates employed and the resulting balances are reasonable; however, actual results may differ from these estimates and such differences may be material.\n\n\n46\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe summary of significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 \u2013 Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the estimate that are reasonably possible could materially impact the financial statements. The accounting policies described below reflect the significant judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nRevenue Recognition\n\n\nOur contracts with customers often include the transfer of multiple products and services to the customer. In determining the amount and timing of revenue recognition, we assess which products and services are distinct performance obligations and allocate the transaction price, which may include fixed and/or variable amounts, among each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price (SSP) basis. The following are the key estimates and assumptions and corresponding uncertainties included in this approach:\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey Estimates and Assumptions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey Uncertainties\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nWe evaluate whether products and services promised in our contracts with customers are distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nIn certain contracts, the determination of our distinct performance obligations requires significant judgment. As our business and offerings to customers change over time, the products and services we determine to be distinct performance obligations may change. Such changes may adversely impact the amount of revenue and gross margin we report in a particular period.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nIn determining the transaction price of our contracts, we estimate variable consideration based on the expected value, primarily relying on our history. In certain situations, we may also use the most likely amount as the basis of our estimate.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nWe may have insufficient relevant historical data or other information to arrive at an accurate estimate of variable consideration using either the \u201cexpected value\u201d or \u201cmost likely amount\u201d method. Additionally, changes in business practices, such as those related to sales returns or marketing programs, may introduce new forms of variable consideration, as well as more complexity and uncertainty in the estimation process.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nIn contracts with multiple performance obligations, we establish SSPs based on the price at which products and services are sold separately. If SSPs are not observable through past transactions, we estimate them by maximizing the use of observable inputs including pricing strategy, market data, internally-approved pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations and other observable inputs.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nAs our business and offerings evolve over time, modifications to our pricing and discounting methodologies, changes in the scope and nature of product and service offerings and/or changes in customer segmentation may result in a lack of consistency, making it difficult to establish and/or maintain SSPs. Changes in SSPs could result in different and unanticipated allocations of revenue in contracts with multiple performance obligations. These factors, among others, may adversely impact the amount of revenue and gross margin we report in a particular period.\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventory Valuation and Purchase Order Accruals\n\n\nInventories consist primarily of purchased components and finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. A provision is recorded when inventory is determined to be in excess of anticipated demand or obsolete in order to adjust inventory to its estimated realizable value. The following are the key estimates and assumptions and corresponding uncertainties for estimating the value of our inventories:\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey Estimates and Assumptions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey Uncertainties\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nWe periodically perform an excess and obsolete analysis of our inventory. Inventories are written down based on excess and obsolete reserves determined primarily on assumptions about future demand forecasts and market conditions. At the point of the loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nAlthough we use our best estimates to forecast future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand, including due to macroeconomic uncertainties, or obsolescence related to technological developments, new product introductions, customer requirements, competition or other factors could have a significant impact on the valuation of our inventory. If actual market conditions are less favorable than\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n47\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ndo not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nthose projected, additional write-downs and other charges against earnings that adversely impact gross margins may be required. If actual market conditions are more favorable, we may realize higher gross profits in the period when the written-down inventory is sold.\nWe are subject to a variety of environmental laws relating to the manufacture of our products. If there are changes to the current regulations, we may be required to make product design changes which may result in excess or obsolete inventory, which could adversely impact our operating results.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nWe make commitments to our third-party contract manufacturers and other suppliers to manage lead times and meet product forecasts and to other parties to purchase various key components used in the manufacture of our products. We establish accruals for estimated losses on non-cancelable purchase commitments when we believe it is probable that the components will not be utilized in future operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nIf the actual materials demand is significantly lower than our forecast, we may be required to increase our recorded liabilities for estimated losses on non-cancelable purchase commitments, including incremental commitments made in response to recent developments in the broader technology supply chain, which would adversely impact our operating results.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets\n\n\nWe allocate the purchase price of acquisitions to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values based on established valuation techniques. Goodwill represents the residual value as of the acquisition date, which in most cases is measured as the excess of the purchase consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.\n\n\nThe carrying values of purchased intangible assets are reviewed whenever events and circumstances indicate that the net book value of an asset may not be recovered through expected future cash flows from its use and eventual disposition. We periodically review the estimated remaining useful lives of our intangible assets. This review may result in impairment charges or shortened useful lives, resulting in charges to our consolidated statements of income.\n\n\nWe review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of one of our reporting units may exceed its fair value. The provisions of the accounting standard for goodwill allow us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. For our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we performed a quantitative test and determined the fair value of each of our reporting units substantially exceeded its carrying amount, therefore, there was no impairment of goodwill.\n \n\n\n48\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following are the key estimates and assumptions and corresponding uncertainties for estimating the value of our goodwill and purchased intangible assets:\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey Estimates and Assumptions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey Uncertainties\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nThe assessment of fair value for goodwill and purchased intangible assets is based on factors that market participants would use in an orderly transaction in accordance with the accounting guidance for the fair value measurement of nonfinancial assets.\nThe valuation of purchased intangible assets is principally based on estimates of the future performance and cash flows expected to be generated by the acquired assets from the acquired business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nWhile we employ experts to determine the acquisition date fair value of acquired intangibles, the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on significant management assumptions and estimates, which are inherently uncertain and highly subjective and as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. If different assumptions were to be used, it could materially impact the purchase price allocation. Volatile macroeconomic and market conditions have increased the level of uncertainty and subjectivity of certain management assumptions and estimates.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nEvaluations of possible goodwill and purchased intangible asset impairment require us to make judgments and assumptions related to the allocation of our balance sheet and income statement amounts and estimate future cash flows and fair market values of our reporting units and assets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nIn response to changes in industry and market conditions, we could be required to strategically realign our resources and consider restructuring, disposing of, or otherwise exiting businesses, which could result in an impairment of goodwill or purchased intangible assets.\n \nAssumptions and estimates about expected future cash flows and the fair values of our reporting units and purchased intangible assets are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as the adverse impact of unanticipated changes in macroeconomic conditions, and technological changes or new product introductions from competitors. They can also be affected by internal factors such as changes in business strategy or in forecasted product life cycles and roadmaps. Our ongoing consideration of these and other factors could result in future impairment charges or accelerated amortization expense, which could adversely affect our operating results.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Taxes\n\n\nWe are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. We compute our provision for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized.\n\n\nThe following are the key estimates and assumptions and corresponding uncertainties for our income taxes, including those specifically related to the intra-entity asset transfer of the IP to our international headquarters during fiscal 2023:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey Estimates and Assumptions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKey Uncertainties\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nOur income tax provision is based on existing tax law and advanced pricing agreements or letter rulings we have with various tax authorities.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nOur provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be adversely impacted by future changes in existing tax laws, such as a change in tax rate, possible U.S. changes to the taxation of earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, and uncertainties as to future renewals of favorable tax agreements and rulings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nThe determination of whether we should record or adjust a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets is based on assumptions regarding our future profitability.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nOur future profits could differ from current expectations resulting in a change to our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. We could adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the tax provision in the period in which such determination is made.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nThe estimates for our uncertain tax positions are based primarily on company specific circumstances, applicable tax laws, tax opinions from outside firms and past results from examinations of our income tax returns.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nSignificant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions. Although we believe our reserves are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome or tax court rulings of these matters will not be different from that which is reflected in our historical tax provisions and accruals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nThe assessment of the fair value of the IP transferred to our international headquarters is based on factors that market participants would use in an orderly transaction in accordance with the accounting guidance for the fair value measurement of nonfinancial assets and transfer pricing principles from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.\n \nThe valuation of our IP is principally based on the present value of projected cash flows related to the IP which reflects management\u2019s assumptions regarding projected revenues, earnings before interest and taxes, and a discount rate.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\uf0b7\n\n\nWhile we employ experts to assist with the determination of the fair value of IP, its fair value is based on significant management assumptions and estimates, which are inherently uncertain and highly subjective, and as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. If different assumptions were to be used, it could materially impact the IP valuation. Volatile macroeconomic and market conditions have increased the level of uncertainty and subjectivity of certain management assumptions and estimates.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt\nem 7A. \nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\n\n\nWe are exposed to market risk related to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We use certain derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange risks. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. All financial instruments are used in accordance with management-approved policies.\n\n\nInterest Rate Risk\n\n\nFixed Income Investments\n \u2014 As of April 28, 2023, we had fixed income debt investments of $754 million and certificates of deposit of $59 million. Our fixed income debt investment portfolio primarily consists of investments with original maturities greater than three months at the date of purchase, which are classified as available-for-sale investments. These fixed income debt investments, which consist primarily of corporate bonds and U.S. Treasury and government debt securities, and our certificates of deposit are subject to interest rate and interest income risk and will decrease in value if market interest rates increase. Conversely, declines in interest rates, including the impact from lower credit spreads, could have a material adverse impact on interest income for our investment portfolio. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in market interest rates from levels as of April 28, 2023 would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of our fixed-income securities of approximately $2 million. Volatility in market interest rates over time will cause variability in our interest income. We do not use derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio.\n \n\n\nOur investment policy is to limit credit exposure through diversification and investment in highly rated securities. We further mitigate concentrations of credit risk in our investments by limiting our investments in the debt securities of a single issuer and by diversifying risk across geographies and type of issuer. We actively review, along with our investment advisors, current investment ratings, company-specific events and general economic conditions in managing our investments and in determining whether there is a significant decline in fair value that is other-than-temporary. We monitor and evaluate our investment portfolio on a quarterly basis for any other-than-temporary impairments.\n\n\nDebt\n \u2014 As of April 28, 2023 we have outstanding $2.4 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes. We carry these instruments at face value less unamortized discount and issuance costs on our consolidated balance sheets. Since these instruments\n \n\n\n50\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nbear interest at fixed rates, we have no financial statement risk associated with changes in interest rates. However, the fair value of these instruments fluctuates when interest rates change. See Note 8 \u2013 Financing Arrangements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.\n\n\nCredit Facility\n \u2014 We are exposed to the impact of changes in interest rates in connection with our $1.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the facility accrue interest at rates that vary based on certain market rates and our credit rating on our Senior Notes. Consequently, our interest expense would fluctuate with any changes in these market interest rates or in our credit rating if we were to borrow any amounts under the credit facility. As of April 28, 2023, no amounts were outstanding under the credit facility.\n\n\nForeign Currency Exchange Rate Risk\n\n\nWe hedge risks associated with certain foreign currency transactions to minimize the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on earnings. We utilize foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge against the short-term impact of foreign currency fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities. We also use foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge foreign currency exposures related to forecasted sales transactions denominated in certain foreign currencies. These derivatives are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges under accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging.\n\n\nWe do not enter into foreign currency exchange contracts for speculative or trading purposes. In entering into foreign currency exchange forward contracts, we have assumed the risk that might arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of the contracts. We attempt to limit our exposure to credit risk by executing foreign currency exchange contracts with creditworthy multinational commercial banks. All contracts have a maturity of 12 months or less. See Note 11 \u2013 Derivatives and Hedging Activities of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding our derivatives and hedging activities.\n\n\n51\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt\nem 8. \nFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data\n\n\nINDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Balance Sheets as of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022\n\n\n53\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Statements of Income for the years ended April 28, 2023, April 29, 2022 and April 30, 2021\n\n\n54\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended April 28, 2023, April 29, 2022 and April 30, 2021\n\n\n55\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended April 28, 2023, April 29, 2022 and April 30, 2021\n\n\n56\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Statements of Stockholders\u2019 Equity for the years ended April 28, 2023, April 29, 2022 and April 30, 2021\n\n\n57\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements\n\n\n58\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nReports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. \n34\n)\n\n\n88\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNETAPP, INC.\n\n\nCONSOLIDATED B\nALANCE SHEETS\n\n\n(In millions, except par value)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nASSETS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent assets:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,316\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,112\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n754\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n987\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,230\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n167\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n204\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n456\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n377\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,680\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,945\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and equipment, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n650\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n602\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,759\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,346\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther intangible assets, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n142\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther non-current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,548\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n991\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,818\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10,026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent liabilities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n392\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n607\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n857\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n925\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent portion of long-term debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n250\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term deferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,218\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,171\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,467\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,953\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,389\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,386\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n708\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n788\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term deferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,095\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,061\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,659\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,188\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommitments and contingencies (Note 17)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStockholders' equity:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreferred stock, $\n0.001\n\u00a0par value, \n5\n\u00a0shares authorized; \nno\n\u00a0shares issued\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0or outstanding as of April 28, 2023 or April 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock and additional paid-in capital, $\n0.001\n\u00a0par value, \n885\n\u00a0shares\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0authorized; \n212\n\u00a0and \n220\n\u00a0shares issued and outstanding as of April 28, 2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0and April 29, 2022, respectively\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n945\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n760\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetained earnings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n265\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n122\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated other comprehensive loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n51\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n44\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal stockholders' equity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,159\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n838\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities and stockholders' equity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,818\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10,026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNETAPP, INC.\n\n\nCONSOLIDATED STATEM\nENTS OF INCOME\n\n\n(In millions, except per share amounts)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,049\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,284\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,991\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nServices\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,313\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,034\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,753\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,362\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,318\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,744\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of revenues:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,517\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,554\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,432\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n636\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n544\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n497\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cost of revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,153\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,098\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,929\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,220\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,815\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,829\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,857\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,744\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n956\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n881\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n881\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n265\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n279\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n257\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRestructuring charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n120\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition-related expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGain on sale or derecognition of assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n156\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,191\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,063\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,784\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,018\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,157\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,031\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income (expense), net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n62\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n69\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome before income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,066\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,095\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n962\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Benefit) provision for income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n208\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income per share:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5.87\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3.29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5.79\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.09\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3.23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares used in net income per share calculations:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n217\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n223\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n220\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n229\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n226\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n54\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNETAPP, INC.\n\n\nCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS O\nF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther comprehensive (loss) income:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign currency translation adjustments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n17\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDefined benefit obligations:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDefined benefit obligation adjustments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnrealized holding losses arising during the period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n11\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0net income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther comprehensive (loss) income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComprehensive income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,267\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n923\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n742\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n55\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNETAPP, INC.\n\n\nCONSOLIDATED STATEM\nENTS OF CASH FLOWS\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows from operating activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0operating activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n248\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n194\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n207\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-cash operating lease cost\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n312\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n197\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n606\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n144\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGain on sale or derecognition of assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n156\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther items, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n67\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n54\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n260\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n313\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n90\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther operating assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n63\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n21\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n60\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n207\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n11\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n103\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n111\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n384\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n193\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term taxes payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n76\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n45\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n57\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther operating liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,107\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,333\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows from investing activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchases of investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,269\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n18\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaturities, sales and collections of investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n63\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n165\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchases of property and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n239\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n226\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n162\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from sale of properties\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n371\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n491\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n380\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n350\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther investing activities, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash (used in) provided by investing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,390\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n561\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows from financing activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock award plans\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n108\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n105\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n98\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments for taxes related to net share settlement of stock awards\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n84\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n74\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n42\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase of common stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n850\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n600\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n125\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepayments of commercial paper notes, original maturities of three months or less, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n420\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuances of debt, net of issuance costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,057\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepayments and extinguishment of debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n250\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n689\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividends paid\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n432\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n446\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n427\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther financing activities, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash (used in) provided by financing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,513\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,017\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n444\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n49\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n71\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,797\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n416\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,869\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,119\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,535\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,666\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnd of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,322\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,119\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,535\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nSee accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n56\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNETAPP, INC.\n\n\nCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS \nOF STOCKHOLDERS\u2019 EQUITY\n\n\n(In millions, except per share amounts)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccumulated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCommon Stock and\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditional Paid-in Capital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRetained\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nComprehensive\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEarnings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLoss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalances, April 24, 2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n219\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n284\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n42\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n242\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther comprehensive income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock under employee\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0stock award plans, net of taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n56\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n56\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase of common stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n122\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n125\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n197\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n197\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash dividends declared ($\n1.92\n\u00a0per\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0common share)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n30\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n397\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n427\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalances, April 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n504\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n30\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n685\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther comprehensive loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock under employee\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0stock award plans, net of taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase of common stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n20\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n580\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n600\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash dividends declared ($\n2.00\n\u00a0per\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0common share)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n446\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n446\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalances, April 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n220\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n760\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n122\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n44\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n838\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther comprehensive loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock under employee\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0stock award plans, net of taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase of common stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n13\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n45\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n805\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n850\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n312\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n312\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash dividends declared ($\n2.00\n\u00a0per\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0common share)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n106\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n326\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n432\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalances, April 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n212\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n945\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n265\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n51\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,159\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n57\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNETAPP, INC.\n\n\nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED\n FINANCIAL STATEMENTS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1. Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies\nDescription of Business\n \u2014 NetApp, Inc. (we, us, or the Company) is a global cloud-led, data-centric software company that provides organizations the ability to manage and share their data across on-premises, private and public clouds. We provide a full range of enterprise-class software, systems and services solutions that customers use to modernize their infrastructures, build next generation data centers and harness the power of hybrid clouds.\nFiscal Year\n \u2014 Our fiscal year is reported on a 52- or 53-week year ending on the last Friday in April. An additional week is included in the first fiscal quarter approximately every six years to realign fiscal months with calendar months. Fiscal 2023, which ended on April 28, 2023, and fiscal 2022, which ended on April 29, 2022 were both 52-week years. Fiscal 2021, ending on April 30, 2021 was a 53-week year, with 14 weeks included in its first quarter and 13 weeks in each subsequent quarter. Unless otherwise stated, references to particular years, quarters, months and periods refer to the Company\u2019s fiscal years ended on the last Friday of April and the associated quarters, months and periods of those fiscal years\n.\nPrinciples of Consolidation\n \u2014 The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.\n \nUse of Estimates\n \u2014 The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Such estimates include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition, reserves and allowances; inventory valuation; valuation of goodwill and intangibles; restructuring reserves; employee benefit accruals; stock-based compensation; loss contingencies; investment impairments; income taxes and fair value measurements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates, the anticipated effects of which have been incorporated, as applicable, into management\u2019s estimates as of and for the year ended April 28, 2023.\nCash Equivalents\n \u2014 We consider all highly liquid debt investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.\nAvailable-for-Sale Investments\n \u2014 We classify our investments in debt securities as available-for-sale investments. Debt securities primarily consist of corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury and government debt securities and certificates of deposit. These investments are primarily held in the custody of a major financial institution. A specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of debt securities sold. These investments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.\nUnrealized gains and temporary losses, net of related taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI). Upon realization, those amounts are reclassified from AOCI to earnings. The amortization of premiums and discounts on the investments are included in our results of operations. Realized gains and losses are calculated based on the specific identification method.\nWe classify our investments as current or noncurrent based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.\nOther-than-Temporary Impairments on Investments\n \u2014 All of our available-for-sale investments are subject to periodic impairment review. When the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost, it is deemed impaired, and we assess whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. An impairment is considered other-than-temporary if (i) we have the intent to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis, or (iii) we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If impairment is considered other-than-temporary based on condition (i) or (ii) described above, the entire difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the debt security is recognized in the results of operations. If an impairment is considered other-than-temporary based on condition (iii) described above, the amount representing credit losses (defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security) is recognized in earnings, and the amount relating to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI).\n58\n\n\n\u00a0\nInventories\n \u2014 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. We write down excess and obsolete inventory based on the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value. Net realizable value is estimated using management\u2019s best estimate of forecasts for future demand and expectations regarding market conditions. At the point of a loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts or circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established basis. In addition, we record a liability for firm, non-cancelable and unconditional purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers for quantities in excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with our valuation of excess and obsolete inventory.\nProperty and Equipment\n \u2014 Property and equipment are recorded at cost.\n \nDepreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method, generally over the following periods:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDepreciation Life\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuildings and improvements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\u00a0to \n40 years\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurniture and fixtures\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComputer, production, engineering and other equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\u00a0to \n3 years\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComputer software\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\u00a0to \n5 years\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeasehold improvements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShorter of remaining lease term or useful life\n\n\n\n\n \nConstruction in progress will be depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets when they are ready for use. We capitalize interest on significant facility assets under construction and on significant software development projects. Interest capitalized during the periods presented was not material.\nSoftware Development Costs\n \u2014 The costs for the development of new software products and substantial enhancements to existing software products are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at which time any additional costs would be capitalized in accordance with the accounting guidance for software. Because our current process for developing software is essentially completed concurrently with the establishment of technological feasibility, which occurs upon the completion of a working model, no costs have been capitalized for any of the periods presented.\nInternal-Use Software Development Costs\n \u2014 We capitalize qualifying costs, which are incurred during the application development stage, for computer software developed or obtained for internal-use and amortize them over the software\u2019s estimated useful life.\nBusiness Combinations\n \u2014 We recognize identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values, with the exception of contract assets and liabilities, which beginning in fiscal 2022, we recognize in accordance with our revenue recognition policy as if we had originally executed the customer contract. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions as a part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill to the extent that we identify adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to our consolidated statements of income.\nGoodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets\n \u2014 Goodwill is recorded when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Purchased intangible assets with finite lives are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their economic lives of\n three\n to \nfive years\n for developed technology, \ntwo\n to \nfive years\n for customer contracts/relationships, \ntwo\n to \nthree years\n for covenants not to compete and \ntwo\n to \nfive years\n for trademarks and trade names as we believe this method most closely reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the assets will be consumed. In-process research and development is accounted for as an indefinite lived intangible asset and is assessed for potential impairment annually until development is complete or when events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts might be impaired. Upon completion of development, in-process research and development is accounted for as a finite-lived intangible asset.\nThe carrying value of goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. Triggering events for impairment reviews may be indicators such as adverse industry or economic trends, restructuring actions, lower projections of profitability, or a sustained decline in our market capitalization. For the purpose of impairment testing, we have two reporting units, which are the same as our two reportable segments. We initially conduct a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. The performance of the quantitative impairment test requires comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is based on a combination of the income approach and the market approach.\n \n59\n\n\n\u00a0\nUnder the income approach, we estimate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on discrete forecast periods as well as terminal value determinations, and are derived based on forecasted revenue growth rates and operating margins. These cash flow projections are discounted to arrive at the fair value of each reporting unit. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital of comparable public companies adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the reporting unit's ability to execute on the projected cash flows. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value based on market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly traded companies with operating and investment characteristics similar to the reporting unit. In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to individual reporting units to determine the carrying amount of each reporting unit. \nAn impairment exists if the fair value of a reporting unit is lower than its carrying amount. The impairment loss is measured based on the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, with the recognized loss not to exceed the total amount of allocated goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit has substantially exceeded its carrying amount in all periods presented.\nImpairment of Long-Lived Assets\n \u2014 We review the carrying values of long-lived assets whenever events and circumstances, such as reductions in demand, lower projections of profitability, significant changes in the manner of our use of acquired assets, or significant negative industry or economic trends, indicate that the net book value of an asset may not be recovered through expected future cash flows from its use and eventual disposition. If this review indicates that there is an impairment, the impaired asset is written down to its fair value, which is typically calculated using: (i) quoted market prices and/or (ii) expected future cash flows utilizing a discount rate. Our estimates regarding future anticipated cash flows, the remaining economic life of the products and technologies, or both, may differ materially from actual cash flows and remaining economic life. In that event, impairment charges or shortened useful lives of certain long-lived assets may be required, resulting in charges to our consolidated statements of income when such determinations are made.\nDerivative Instruments\n \u2014 Our derivative instruments, which are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets, consist of foreign currency exchange contracts as described below:\nBalance Sheet Hedges\n \u2014 We utilize foreign currency exchange forward and option contracts to hedge against the short-term impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations related to certain foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, primarily intercompany receivables and payables. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments and do not subject us to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements because the gains and losses on these contracts are intended to offset the gains and losses in the underlying foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities being hedged, and the net amount is included in earnings.\nCash Flow Hedges\n \u2014 We utilize foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge foreign currency exchange exposures related to forecasted sales transactions denominated in certain foreign currencies. These derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and, in general, closely match the underlying forecasted transactions in duration. The effective portion of the contracts\u2019 gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value is recorded in AOCI until the forecasted transaction is recognized in the consolidated statements of income. When the forecasted transactions occur, we reclassify the related gains or losses on the cash flow hedges into net revenues. If the underlying forecasted transactions do not occur, or it becomes probable that they will not occur within the defined hedge period, the gains or losses on the related cash flow hedges are reclassified from AOCI and recognized immediately in earnings. We measure the effectiveness of hedges of forecasted transactions on a monthly basis by comparing the fair values of the designated foreign currency exchange forward purchase contracts with the fair values of the forecasted transactions.\nFactors that could have an impact on the effectiveness of our hedging programs include the accuracy of forecasts and the volatility of foreign currency markets. These programs reduce, but do not entirely eliminate, the impact of currency exchange movements. Currently, we do not enter into any foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge exposures related to firm commitments. Cash flows from our derivative programs are included under operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.\nRevenue Recognition\n \u2014 We recognize revenue by applying the following five step approach.\n\u2022\nIdentification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer \u2014\n A contract with a customer is within the scope of ASC 606 when it meets all the following criteria:\n-\nIt is enforceable\n-\nIt defines each party\u2019s rights\n-\nIt identifies the payment terms\n-\nIt has commercial substance, and\n-\nWe determine that collection of substantially all consideration for goods or services that will be transferred is probable based on the customer\u2019s intent and ability to pay \n\u00a0\n60\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2022\nIdentification of the performance obligations in the contract \n\u2014 Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods or services (or a bundle of goods and services) that will be transferred to the customer that are distinct. \n\u00a0\n\u2022\nDetermination of the transaction price\n \n\u2014 The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to the customer. \n\u00a0\n\u2022\nAllocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract\n \n\u2014 Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation.\n\u2022\nRecognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation\n \n\u2014 We satisfy performance obligations either over time or at a point in time.\nCustomarily we have a purchase order from or executed contract with our customers that establishes the goods and services to be transferred and the consideration to be received.\n \nWe combine two or more contracts entered into at or near the same time with the same customer as a single contract if the contracts are negotiated as one package with a single commercial objective, if the amount of consideration to be paid on one contract depends on the price or performance of the other contract or if the goods and services promised in each of the contracts are a single performance obligation.\nOur contracts with customers may include hardware systems, software licenses, software support, hardware support, public cloud services and other services. Software support contracts entitle our customers to receive unspecified upgrades and enhancements on a when-and-if-available basis, and patch releases. Hardware support services include contracts for extended warranty and technical support with minimum response times. Other services include professional services and customer education and training services.\n \nWe identify performance obligations in our contracts to be those goods and services that are distinct. A good or service is distinct where the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from us, and is distinct in the context of the contract, where the transfer of the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract.\n \nIf a contract includes multiple promised goods or services, we apply judgment to determine whether promised goods or services are distinct. If they are not, we combine the goods and services until we have a distinct performance obligation. For example, a configured storage system inclusive of the operating system (OS) software essential to its functionality is considered a single performance obligation, while optional add-on software is a separate performance obligation. In general, hardware support, software support, and different types of professional services are each separate performance obligations.\nWe determine the transaction price of our contracts with customers based on the consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services. Consideration promised may include fixed amounts, variable amounts or both. We sell public cloud services either on a subscription basis or a consumption basis. We sell professional services either on a time and materials basis or under fixed price projects.\nWe evaluate variable consideration in arrangements with contract terms such as rights of return, potential penalties and acceptance clauses. We generally use the expected value method, primarily relying on our history, to estimate variable consideration. However, when we believe it to provide a better estimate, we use the most likely amount method. In either case, we consider variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. Reassessments of our variable consideration may occur as historical information changes. Transaction prices are also adjusted for the effects of time value of money if the timing of payments provides either the customer or us a significant benefit of financing.\nContracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. We determine standalone selling price based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, we estimate the standalone selling price by maximizing the use of observable inputs including pricing strategy, market data, internally-approved pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations and other observable inputs. We regularly review standalone selling prices and maintain internal controls over the establishment and updates of these estimates. Variable consideration is also allocated to the performance obligations. If the terms of variable consideration relate to one performance obligation, it is entirely allocated to that obligation. Otherwise, it is allocated to all the performance obligations in the contract.\nWe \ntypically recognize revenue at a point in time upon the transfer of goods to a customer. Products we transfer at a point in time include our configured hardware systems, OS software licenses, optional add-on software licenses and add-on hardware. Services are typically transferred over time and revenue is recognized based on an appropriate method for measuring our progress toward\n \n61\n\n\n\u00a0\ncompletion \nof the performance obligation. Our stand-ready services, including both hardware and software support, are transferred ratably over the period of the contract. Our public cloud services are transferred either 1) for subscription arrangements, ratably over the subscription period or 2) for consumption-based arrangements, as actually consumed by the customer. For other services such as our fixed professional services contracts, we use an input method to determine the percentage of completion. That is, we estimate the effort to date versus the expected effort required over the life of the contract. \n \nDeferred Commissions \n\u2014\n \nWe capitalize sales commissions that are incremental direct costs of obtaining customer contracts for which revenue is not immediately recognized and classify them as current or non-current based on the terms of the related contracts. Capitalized commissions are amortized based on the transfer of goods or services to which they relate, typically over \none\n to \nthree years\n, and are also periodically reviewed for impairment. Amortization expense is recorded to sales and marketing expense in our consolidated statements of income.\nLeases\n \u2014 We determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception, and we classify leases as operating or finance leases at commencement. In our consolidated balance sheets, operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets are included in other non-current assets, while finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment, net. Lease liabilities for both types of leases are included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments over that term.\n \n\u00a0\nOperating and finance lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets also include any lease payments made prior to lease commencement and exclude lease incentives. The lease term is the noncancelable period of the lease and includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that an option will be exercised. As the rate implicit in our leases is typically not readily determinable, in computing the present value of lease payments we generally use our incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date. Variable lease payments not dependent on an index or rate are expensed as incurred and not included within the calculation of ROU assets and lease liabilities. Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.\nWe do not separate non-lease components from lease components for any class of leases, and we do not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for leases with a lease term of twelve months or less.\nForeign Currency Translation\n \u2014 For international subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency, gains and losses resulting from translation of these foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are recorded in AOCI. For international subsidiaries where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar, gains and losses resulting from the process of remeasuring foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in other (expense) income, net.\nBenefit Plans\n \u2014 We record actuarial gains and losses associated with defined benefit plans within AOCI and amortize net gains or losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the market value of plan assets or the plans' projected benefit obligation on a straight-line basis over the remaining estimated service life of plan participants. The measurement date for all defined benefit plans is our fiscal year end.\nStock-Based Compensation\n \u2014 We measure and recognize stock-based compensation for all stock-based awards, including employee stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), including time-based RSUs and performance-based RSUs (PBRSUs), and rights to purchase shares under our employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), based on their estimated fair value, and recognize the costs in our financial statements using the straight-line attribution approach over the requisite service period for the entire award.\nThe fair value of employee time-based RSUs, and PBRSUs that include a performance condition, is equal to the market value of our common stock on the grant date of the award, less the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period, discounted at a risk-free interest rate. The fair value of PBRSUs that include a market condition is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant.\nThe fair value of time-based RSUs, and PBRSUs that include a market condition, is not remeasured as a result of subsequent stock price fluctuations. When there is a change in management\u2019s estimate of expected achievement relative to the performance target for PBRSUs that include a performance condition, such as our achievement against a billings result average target, the change in estimate results in the recognition of a cumulative adjustment of stock-based compensation expense.\nOur expected term assumption is based primarily on historical exercise and post-vesting forfeiture experience. Our stock price volatility assumption is based on a combination of our historical and implied volatility. The risk-free interest rates are based upon United States (U.S.) Treasury bills with equivalent expected terms, and the expected dividends are based on our history and expected dividend payouts.\nWe account for forfeitures of stock-based awards as they occur.\n \n62\n\n\n\u00a0\nIncome Taxes\n \u2014 Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are provided for temporary differences that will result in tax deductions or income in future periods, as well as the future benefit of tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance reduces tax assets to their estimated realizable value.\n \nWe recognize the tax liability for uncertain income tax positions on the income tax return based on the two-step process prescribed in the interpretation. The first step is to determine whether it is more likely than not that each income tax position would be sustained upon audit. The second step is to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority. Estimating these amounts requires us to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We evaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes line on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.\nNet Income per Share\n \u2014 Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed giving effect to the weighted-average number of dilutive potential shares that were outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Potential dilutive common shares consist primarily of outstanding stock options, shares to be purchased under our employee stock purchase plan and unvested RSUs.\nTreasury Stock\n \u2014 We account for treasury stock under the cost method. Upon the retirement of treasury stock, we allocate the value of treasury shares between common stock, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings.\n\n\n2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements\nAlthough there are new accounting pronouncements issued or proposed by the FASB that we have adopted or will adopt, as applicable, we do not believe any of these accounting pronouncements had or will have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, operating results, cash flows or disclosures.\n\n\n3. Concentration of Risk\nFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, investments, foreign currency exchange contracts and accounts receivable. We maintain the majority of our cash and cash equivalents with several major financial institutions where the deposits exceed federally insured limits. Cash equivalents and short-term investments consist primarily of money market funds, U.S. Treasury and government debt securities and certificates of deposit, all of which are considered high investment grade. Our policy is to limit the amount of credit exposure through diversification and investment in highly rated securities. We further mitigate concentrations of credit risk in our investments by limiting our investments in the debt securities of a single issuer and by diversifying risk across geographies and type of issuer. General macroeconomic uncertainty has led to an increase in market volatility, however, management believes that the financial institutions that hold our cash, cash equivalents and investments are financially sound and, accordingly, are subject to minimal credit risk.\nBy entering into foreign currency exchange contracts, we have assumed the risk that might arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The counterparties to these contracts are major multinational commercial banks, and we do not expect any losses as a result of counterparty defaults.\nWe sell our products primarily to large organizations in different industries and geographies. We do not require collateral or other security to support accounts receivable. In addition, we maintain an allowance for potential credit losses. To reduce credit risk, we perform ongoing credit evaluations on our customers\u2019 financial condition. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of customers, historical trends and other information, including the expected impact of macroeconomic disruptions, and, to date, such losses have been within management\u2019s expectations. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the wide variety of customers who are dispersed across many geographic regions.\nThere are no concentrations of business transacted with a particular market that would severely impact our business in the near term. However, we rely on a limited number of suppliers for certain key components and a few key contract manufacturers to manufacture most of our products; any disruption, or termination of these arrangements could materially adversely affect our operating results.\n\n\n4. Business Combinations\n\u00a0\nFiscal 2023 Acquisition\n\u00a0\nInstaclustr Acquisition\n63\n\n\n\u00a0\nOn May 20, 2022, we acquired all the outstanding shares of privately-held Instaclustr US Holding, Inc. (Instaclustr) for approximately $\n498\n million. Instaclustr is a leading platform provider of fully managed open-source database, pipeline and workflow applications delivered as-a-service.\nThe acquisition-date values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in millions):\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n107\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n413\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets acquired\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n543\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiabilities assumed\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n45\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal purchase price\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n498\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe components of the intangible assets acquired were as follows (in millions, except useful life):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEstimated useful life\n(years)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloped technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n55\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer contracts/relationships\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrade name\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal intangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n107\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThe acquired net assets and assumed debt of Instaclustr were recorded at their estimated values. We determined the estimated values with the assistance of valuations and appraisals performed by third party specialists and estimates made by management. We expect to realize revenue synergies and anticipate opportunities for growth through the ability to leverage additional future products and capabilities. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of its identifiable net assets acquired, and as a result, we have recorded goodwill in connection with the acquisition. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.\n \nThe results of operations related to the acquisition of Instaclustr have been included in our consolidated statements of income from the acquisition date. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the impact from the acquisition was not material to our consolidated results of operations.\n\u00a0\nFiscal 2022 Acquisitions\n\u00a0\nFylamynt Acquisition\nOn February 18, 2022, we acquired all the outstanding shares of privately-held NeurOps Inc. (which operated under the name \"Fylamynt\") for approximately $\n27\n million in cash, of which $\n22\n million was paid at closing. The purchase price includes $\n5\n million related to an indemnity holdback provision, of which $\n4\n million was paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Fylamynt is an innovative CloudOps automation technology company that enables customers to build, run, manage and analyze workflows securely in any cloud with little to no code.\nThe acquisition-date values of the assets acquired are as follows (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloped technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets acquired\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal purchase price\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCloudCheckr Acquisition\n \nOn November 5, 2021, we acquired all the outstanding shares of privately-held CloudCheckr Inc., (CloudCheckr) for approximately $\n347\n million in cash. CloudCheckr is a leading cloud optimization platform that provides cloud visibility and insights to lower costs, maintain security and compliance, and optimize cloud resources.\n \nThe acquisition-date values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in millions):\n64\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n276\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets acquired\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n360\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiabilities assumed\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n13\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal purchase price\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n347\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe components of the intangible assets acquired were as follows (in millions, except useful life):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEstimated useful life\n(years)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloped technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n45\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer contracts/relationships\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrade name\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal intangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nData Mechanics Acquisition\nOn June 18, 2021, we acquired all the outstanding shares of privately-held Data Mechanics Inc. (Data Mechanics), a provider of managed platforms for big data processing and cloud analytics headquartered in Paris, France, for approximately $\n15\n million in cash\n.\n \nThe acquisition-date values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloped technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets acquired\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiabilities assumed\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal purchase price\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThe acquired assets and assumed liabilities of Fylamynt, CloudCheckr and Data Mechanics were recorded at their estimated values. We determined the estimated values with the assistance of valuations and appraisals performed by third party specialists and estimates made by management. We expect to realize incremental revenue by offering continuous cost optimization and managed services from our existing capabilities to help customers improve their cloud resources and realize the benefits of cloud faster and at scale. We also anticipate opportunities for growth through the ability to leverage additional future products and capabilities. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of their identifiable net assets acquired, and as a result, we have recorded goodwill in connection with these acquisitions. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.\n \nThe results of operations related to the acquisitions of Fylamynt, CloudCheckr and Data Mechanics have been included in our consolidated statements of income from their respective acquisition dates. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the impact from these acquisitions was not material to our consolidated results of operations.\nFiscal 2021 Acquisitions\nSpot, Inc. Acquisition\nOn July 9, 2020, we acquired all the outstanding shares of privately-held Spot, Inc. (Spot), a provider of compute management cost optimization services on the public clouds based in Israel, for $\n340\n million in cash.\n \nThe acquisition-date values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n84\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n249\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets acquired\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n363\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiabilities assumed\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n23\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal purchase price\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n340\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n65\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe components of the Spot intangible assets acquired were as follows (in millions, except useful life):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEstimated useful life\n(years)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloped technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n53\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer contracts/relationships\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrade name\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total intangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n84\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCloud Jumper Corporation Acquisition\nOn April 28, 2020, we acquired all the outstanding shares of privately-held Cloud Jumper Corporation (Cloud Jumper), a provider of virtual desktop infrastructure and remote desktop services solutions based in North Carolina, for $\n34\n million in cash.\nThe acquisition-date values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloped technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer contracts/relationships\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets acquired\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiabilities assumed\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal purchase price\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n34\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThe acquired assets and assumed liabilities of Spot and Cloud Jumper were recorded at their estimated values. We determined the estimated values with the assistance of valuations and appraisals performed by third party specialists and estimates made by management. We expect to realize revenue synergies, leverage and expand the existing Spot and Cloud Jumper sales channels and product development resources, and utilize their existing workforces. We also anticipate opportunities for growth through the ability to leverage additional future products and capabilities. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of their identifiable net assets acquired, and as a result, we have recorded goodwill in connection with both of these acquisitions. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.\nThe results of operations related to the acquisition of both Spot and Cloud Jumper have been included in our consolidated statements of income from their respective acquisition dates. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the impact from these acquisitions would not have been material to our consolidated results of operations.\n\n\n5. Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets, Net\nGoodwill activity is summarized as follows (in millions):\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,039\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n307\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,346\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n413\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,759\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThe\n $\n413\n million addition to goodwill in fiscal 2023 was from the Instaclustr acquisition and was allocated to our Public Cloud segment.\nGoodwill by reportable segment as of April 28, 2023 is as follows (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,714\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPublic Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,045\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal goodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,759\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n66\n\n\n\u00a0\nPurchased intangible assets, net are summarized below (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGross\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccumulated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGross\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccumulated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAssets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAssets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAssets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAssets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloped technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n212\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n107\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n105\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n157\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n65\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n92\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer contracts/relationships\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n44\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n68\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n20\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther purchased intangibles\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal purchased intangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n336\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n155\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n229\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n87\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n142\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAmortization expense for purchased intangible assets is summarized below (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStatements of\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncome\nClassifications\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloped technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n41\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCost of revenues\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer contracts/relationships\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating expenses\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther purchased intangibles\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating expenses\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n68\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n49\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nAs of April 28, 2023, future amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets is as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n57\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n39\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6. Supplemental Financial Information\nCash and cash equivalents (in millions):\nThe following table presents cash and cash equivalents as reported in our consolidated balance sheets, as well as the sum of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported on our consolidated statements of cash flows:\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,316\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,112\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRestricted cash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash, cash equivalents and restricted cash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,322\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,119\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nInventories (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchased components\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n65\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n131\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinished goods\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n102\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n73\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n167\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n204\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n67\n\n\n\u00a0\nProperty and equipment, net (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLand\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuildings and improvements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n359\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n353\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeasehold improvements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n91\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n92\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComputer, production, engineering and other equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,053\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n904\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComputer software\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n325\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n316\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurniture and fixtures\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n84\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConstruction-in-progress\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,013\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,852\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated depreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,363\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,250\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and equipment, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n650\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n602\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment, net is summarized below (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n148\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nOther non-current assets (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred tax assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n948\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n362\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease ROU assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n281\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n294\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n319\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n335\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther non-current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,548\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n991\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n Other non-current assets as of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022 include $\n80\n million and $\n73\n million, respectively, for our \n49\n% non-controlling equity interest in Lenovo NetApp Technology Limited (LNTL), a China-based entity that we formed with Lenovo (Beijing) Information Technology Ltd. in fiscal 2019. LNTL is integral to our sales channel strategy in China, acting as a distributor of our offerings to customers headquartered there, and involved in certain OEM sales to Lenovo. LNTL is also focused on localizing our products and services, and developing new joint offerings for the China market by leveraging NetApp and Lenovo technologies. Our sales to LNTL are conducted on terms equivalent to those prevailing in an arm\u2019s length transaction.\nAccrued expenses (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued compensation and benefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n363\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n462\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct warranty liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n430\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n399\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n857\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n925\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nOther long-term liabilities (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiability for uncertain tax positions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n144\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n131\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome taxes payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n215\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n303\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct warranty liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n248\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n257\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n93\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n88\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n708\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n788\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nDeferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue\n \n68\n\n\n\u00a0\n \nThe following table summarizes the components of our deferred revenue and financed unearned services balance as reported in our consolidated balance sheets (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred product revenue\n\n\n$\n\n\n18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n31\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred services revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,247\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,140\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinanced unearned services revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n61\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,313\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReported as:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,218\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,171\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,095\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,061\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,313\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDeferred product revenue represents unrecognized revenue related to undelivered product commitments and other product deliveries that have not met all revenue recognition criteria. Deferred services revenue represents customer payments made in advance for services, which include software and hardware support contracts, certain public cloud services and other services. Financed unearned services revenue represents undelivered services for which cash has been received under certain third-party financing arrangements. See Note 17 \u2013 Commitments and Contingencies for additional information related to these arrangements.\nDuring the years ended April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, we recognized revenue of $\n2,171\n million and $\n2,062\n million, respectively, that was included in the deferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue balance at the beginning of the respective periods.\n \n As of April 28, 2023, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations related to customer contracts that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied approximated our deferred revenue and unearned services revenue balance. Because customer orders are typically placed on an as-needed basis, and cancellable without penalty prior to shipment, orders in backlog may not be a meaningful indicator of future revenue and have not been included in this amount. We expect to recognize as revenue approximately \n51\n% of our deferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue balance in the next \n12\n months, approximately \n24\n% in the next 13 to 24 months, and the remainder thereafter.\n \nDeferred commissions\n \n The following table summarizes deferred commissions balances as reported in our consolidated balance sheets (in millions):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current assets\n\n\n$\n\n\n64\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther non-current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n117\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal deferred commissions\n\n\n$\n\n\n163\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n197\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDuring the years ended April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, we recognized amortization expense from deferred commissions of $\n116\n million and $\n146\n million, respectively, and there were \nno\n impairment charges recognized.\nOther income (expense), net (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n69\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n67\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n73\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n74\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income (expense), net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n62\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n69\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\nOther, net for fiscal 2023 includes $\n22\n million of other income for non-refundable, up-front payments from customers in Russia for support contracts, which we were not able to fulfill due to imposed sanctions and for which we have no remaining legal obligation to perform. Other, net for fiscal 2023 also includes a $\n32\n million gain recognized on our sale of a minority equity interest in a privately held company for proceeds of approximately $\n59\n million.\n \n\u00a0\nStatements of cash flows additional information (in millions):\n\u00a0\nSupplemental cash flow information related to our operating leases is included in Note 9 \u2013 Leases. Non-cash investing and other supplemental cash flow information are presented below:\n\u00a0\n69\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-cash Investing and Financing Activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapital expenditures incurred but not paid\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiabilities incurred to former owners of acquired business\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupplemental Cash Flow Information:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome taxes paid, net of refunds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n386\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n398\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n338\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest paid\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n65\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n67\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n57\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements\nThe accounting guidance for fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis, whereby the inputs used in valuation techniques are assigned a hierarchical level. The following are the three levels of inputs to measure fair value:\nLevel 1\n: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.\nLevel 2:\n Inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in less active markets; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.\nLevel 3:\n Unobservable inputs that reflect our own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to measure fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available.\nWe consider an active market to be one in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis, and consider an inactive market to be one in which there are infrequent or few transactions for the asset or liability, the prices are not current, or price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers. Where appropriate, our own or the counterparty\u2019s non-performance risk is considered in measuring the fair values of liabilities and assets, respectively.\nInvestments\nThe following is a summary of our investments at their cost or amortized cost for the years ended April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022 (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. Treasury and government debt securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n754\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoney market funds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n794\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,166\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCertificates of deposit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n71\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMutual funds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal debt and equity securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,643\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,295\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nThe fair value of our investments approximates their cost or amortized cost for both periods presented. Investments in mutual funds relate to the non-qualified deferred compensation plan offered to certain employees.\n70\n\n\n\u00a0\nAs of April 28, 2023, all our debt investments are due to mature in one year or less.\n \nFair Value of Financial Instruments\nThe following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,463\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,463\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoney market funds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n794\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n794\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCertificates of deposit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,316\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,257\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term investments:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. Treasury and government debt securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n754\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n754\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal short-term investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n754\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n754\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,070\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,011\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n59\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther items:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMutual funds\n \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMutual funds\n \n(2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign currency exchange contracts assets\n \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign currency exchange contracts liabilities\n \n(3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,875\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,875\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoney market funds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,166\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,166\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCertificates of deposit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n71\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n71\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,112\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,041\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n71\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term investments:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. Treasury and government debt securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal short-term investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,054\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther items:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMutual funds\n \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMutual funds\n \n(2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign currency exchange contracts assets\n \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign currency exchange contracts liabilities\n \n(3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n29\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n29\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n(1)\nReported as other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets\n(2)\nReported as other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets\n(3)\nReported as accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets\n\u00a0\n71\n\n\n\u00a0\nOur Level 2 debt instruments are held by a custodian who prices some of the investments using standard inputs in various asset price models or obtains investment prices from third-party pricing providers that incorporate standard inputs in various asset price models. These pricing providers utilize the most recent observable market information in pricing these securities or, if specific prices are not available for these securities, use other observable inputs like market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. We review Level 2 inputs and fair value for reasonableness and the values may be further validated by comparison to multiple independent pricing sources. In addition, we review third-party pricing provider models, key inputs and assumptions and understand the pricing processes at our third-party providers in determining the overall reasonableness of the fair value of our Level 2 debt instruments. As of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, we have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from our third-party pricing providers.\nFair Value of Debt\nAs of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, the fair value of our long-term debt was approximately $\n2,206\n million and $\n2,491\n million, respectively. The fair value of our long-term debt was based on observable market prices in a less active market.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8. Financing Arrangements\nLong-Term Debt\nThe following table summarizes information relating to our long-term debt, which we collectively refer to as our Senior Notes (in millions, except interest rates):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEffective Interest Rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.25% Senior Notes Due December 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.43\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n250\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.30% Senior Notes Due September 2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.42\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1.875% Senior Notes Due June 2025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.03\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n750\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n750\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2.375% Senior Notes Due June 2027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.51\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2.70% Senior Notes Due June 2030\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.81\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n700\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n700\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal principal amount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,650\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnamortized discount and issuance costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n11\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal senior notes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,389\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,636\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess: Current portion of long-term debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n250\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal long-term debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,389\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,386\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nSenior Notes\nOur $\n750\n million aggregate principal amount of \n1.875\n% Senior Notes due 2025, $\n550\n million aggregate principal amount of \n2.375\n% Senior Notes due 2027 and $\n700\n million aggregate principal amount of \n2.70\n% Senior Notes due 2030, were each issued in June 2020. Interest on each of these Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in June and December. Our \n3.30\n% Senior Notes, with a principal amount of $\n400\n million, were issued in September 2017 with interest paid semi-annually in March and September.\nOn September 15, 2022, we extinguished our \n3.25\n% Senior Notes due December 2022 for an aggregate cash redemption price of $\n252\n million, comprised of the principal and unpaid interest.\nOur Senior Notes, which are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations, rank equally in right of payment with any existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness.\nWe may redeem the Senior Notes in whole or in part, at any time at our option at specified redemption prices. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events, we may be required to repurchase the Senior Notes under specified terms. The Senior Notes also include covenants that limit our ability to incur debt secured by liens on assets or on shares of stock or indebtedness of our subsidiaries; to engage in certain sale and lease-back transactions; and to consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets. As of April 28, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants associated with the Senior Notes.\n72\n\n\n\u00a0\nAs of April 28, 2023, our aggregate future principal debt maturities are as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n750\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n700\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nCommercial Paper Program and Credit Facility\nWe have a commercial paper program (the Program), under which we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes. Amounts available under the Program, as amended in July 2017, may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed, with the aggregate face or principal amount of the notes outstanding under the Program at any time not to exceed $\n1.0\n billion. The maturities of the notes can vary, but may not exceed \n397\n days from the date of issue. The notes are sold under customary terms in the commercial paper market and may be issued at a discount from par or, alternatively, may be sold at par and bear interest at rates dictated by market conditions at the time of their issuance. The proceeds from the issuance of the notes are used for general corporate purposes. \nThere were \nno\n commercial paper notes outstanding as of April 28, 2023 or April 29, 2022.\nIn connection with the Program, \nwe have a senior unsecured credit agreement with a syndicated group of lenders. The credit agreement, \nwhich was amended in May 2023 primarily to replace the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as the basis for establishing the interest rate applicable to certain borrowings under the agreement, provides for a $\n1.0\n billion revolving unsecured credit facility, with a sublimit of $\n50\n million available for the issuance of letters of credit on our behalf. The credit facility matures on \nJanuary 22, 2026\n, with an option for us to extend the maturity date for \ntwo\n additional \n1\n-year periods, subject to certain conditions. The proceeds of the loans may be used by us for general corporate purposes and as liquidity support for our existing commercial paper program. As of April 28, 2023, we \nwere compliant with all associated covenants in the agreement\n. \nNo\n amounts were drawn against this credit facility during any of the periods presented.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9. Leases\n\u00a0\nWe lease real estate, equipment and automobiles in the U.S. and internationally. Our real estate leases, which are responsible for the majority of our aggregate ROU asset and liability balances, include leases for office space, data centers and other facilities, and as of April 28, 2023, have remaining lease terms not exceeding 19 years. Some of these leases contain options that allow us to extend or terminate the lease agreement. Our equipment leases are primarily for servers and networking equipment and as of April 28, 2023, have remaining lease terms not exceeding \n4\n years. As of April 28, 2023, our automobile leases have remaining lease terms not exceeding \n4 \nyears. All our leases are classified as operating leases except for certain immaterial equipment finance leases.\n \nIn April 2021, we entered into a lease for our new corporate headquarters located in San Jose, California, which is comprised of approximately \nthree hundred thousand\n square feet of office space and requires future minimum undiscounted payments of approximately $\n180\n million over the initial \n11\n-year lease term. The lease agreement also provides us \ntwo\n successive renewal options, each for \nfive years\n. \nThe lease commenced during the first quarter of fiscal 2022.\n \n\u00a0\nThe components of lease cost related to our operating leases were as follows (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease cost\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n61\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n61\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVariable lease cost\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal lease cost\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n77\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nVariable lease cost is primarily attributable to amounts paid to lessors for common area maintenance and utility charges under our real estate leases.\n\u00a0\nThe supplemental cash flow information related to our operating leases is as follows (in millions):\n73\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n55\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n56\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n38\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n236\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe supplemental balance sheet information related to our operating leases is as follows (in millions, except lease term and discount rate):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther non-current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n281\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n294\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating lease ROU assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n281\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n294\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n248\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n257\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n295\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n304\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted Average Remaining Lease Term\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.4\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.6\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted Average Discount Rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\nFuture minimum operating lease payments as of April 28, 2023 are as follows (in millions):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n53\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n44\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n149\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal lease payments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n343\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess: Interest\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n48\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n295\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10. Stockholders\u2019 Equity\nEquity Incentive Programs\nThe 2021 Plan\n \u2014 The 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2021 Plan) was adopted by our Board of Directors and approved by the stockholders on September 10, 2021. The 2021 Plan replaced the 1999 Stock Option Plan (the 1999 Plan), and the 1999 Plan terminated effective as of September 11, 2021, except that the 1999 Plan will continue to govern awards outstanding thereunder as of the date of such plan\u2019s termination and such awards will continue in force and effect until terminated pursuant to their terms. The 2021 Plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance awards to our employees, directors, and consultants.\nUnder the 2021 Plan, the Board of Directors may grant to employees, nonemployee directors, consultants and independent advisors options to purchase shares of our common stock during their period of service. The exercise price for an incentive stock option and a nonstatutory option cannot be less than \n100\n% of the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. The 2021 Plan prohibits the repricing of any outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right after it has been granted or to cancel any outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right and immediately replace it with a new stock option or stock appreciation right with a lower exercise price unless approved by stockholders. RSUs granted under the 2021 Plan include time-based RSUs that generally vest over a \nfour-year\n period with \n25\n% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and \n6.25\n% vesting quarterly thereafter. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Compensation Committee) has the discretion to use different vesting schedules. In addition, performance-based RSUs may be granted under the 2021 Plan and are subject to performance criteria and vesting terms specified by the Compensation Committee.\n As of April 28, 2023, \n1\n million shares were available for grant under the 2021 Plan.\n74\n\n\n\u00a0\nStock Options\nLess than \n1\n million stock options were outstanding as of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022.\n \nAdditional information related to our stock options is summarized below (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntrinsic value of exercises\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds received from exercises\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFair value of options vested\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nRestricted Stock Units\nIn fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, we granted PBRSUs to certain of our executives. Each PBRSU has performance-based vesting criteria (in addition to the service-based vesting criteria) such that the PBRSU cliff-vests at the end of either an approximate one, two or \nthree year\n performance period, which began on the date specified in the grant agreement and typically ends on the last day of the first, second or third fiscal year, respectively, following the grant date. The number of shares of common stock that will be issued to settle most of these PBRSUs at the end of the applicable performance and service period will range from \n0\n% to \n200\n% of a target number of shares originally granted. For half of the PBRSUs granted in fiscal 2023 and most of the PBRSUs granted in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, the number of shares issued will depend upon our Total Stockholder Return (TSR) as compared to the TSR of a specified group of benchmark peer companies (each expressed as a growth rate percentage) calculated as of the end of the performance period. The fair values of these awards were fixed at grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model. \nFor the remaining PBRSUs granted in fiscal 2023, \nthe number of shares issued will depend upon the Company's billings result average over the three-year performance period as compared to a predetermined billings target. Billings for purposes of measuring the performance of these PBRSUs means the total obtained by adding net revenues as reported on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income to the amount reported as the change in deferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the applicable measurement period, excluding the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.\n The fair values of these billings PBRSUs were established consistent with our methodology for valuing time-based RSUs, while compensation cost was recognized based on the probable outcome of the performance condition. The aggregate grant date fair value of all PBRSUs granted in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $\n28\n million, $\n59\n million and $\n27\n million, respectively, and these amounts are being recognized to expense over the shorter of the remaining applicable performance or service periods.\n \nAs of April 28, 2023, April 29, 2022 and April 30, 2021, there were approximately \n1\n million PBRSUs outstanding.\nThe following table summarizes information related to RSUs, including PBRSUs, (in millions, except for fair value):\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNumber of\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted-\nAverage\nGrant Date \nFair Value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOutstanding as of April 24, 2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n51.40\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n42.46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVested\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n44.74\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForfeited\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n51.20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOutstanding as of April 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n47.75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n80.40\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVested\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n48.91\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForfeited\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n57.46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOutstanding as of April 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n64.09\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n59.87\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVested\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n62.85\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForfeited\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n61.99\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOutstanding as of April 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n62.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nWe primarily use the net share settlement approach upon vesting, where a portion of the shares are withheld as settlement of employee withholding taxes, which decreases the shares issued to the employee by a corresponding value. \nThe number and value of the shares netted for employee taxes are summarized in the table below (in millions):\n75\n\n\n\u00a0\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares withheld for taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFair value of shares withheld\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n84\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n74\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nEmployee Stock Purchase Plan\nEligible employees are offered shares through a \n24\n-month offering period, which consists of \nfour\n consecutive \n6\n-month purchase periods. Employees may purchase a limited number of shares of the Company\u2019s stock at a discount of up to \n15\n% of the lesser of the market value at the beginning of the offering period or the end of each 6-month purchase period. On September 10, 2021, the ESPP was amended to increase the shares reserved for issuance by \n3\n million shares of common stock. As of April 28, 2023, \n2\n million shares were available for issuance. \nThe following table summarizes activity related to the purchase rights issued under the ESPP (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares issued under the ESPP\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from issuance of shares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n107\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n104\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n90\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nStock-Based Compensation Expense\nStock-based compensation expense is included in the consolidated statements of income as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of hardware support and other services revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n135\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n115\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n92\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n111\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n64\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal stock-based compensation expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n312\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n197\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAs of April 28, 2023, total unrecognized compensation expense related to our equity awards was $\n606\n million, which is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average remaining service period of \n2.2\n years.\nValuation Assumptions\nThe valuation of RSUs and ESPP purchase rights and the underlying weighted-average assumptions are summarized as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRSUs:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisk-free interest rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected dividend yield\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted-average fair value per share granted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n59.87\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n80.40\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n42.46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nESPP:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected term in years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisk-free interest rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected volatility\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected dividend yield\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted-average fair value per right granted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n21.28\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n24.75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nStock Repurchase Program\nAs of April 28, 2023, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $\n15.1\n billion of our common stock. Under this program, which we may suspend or discontinue at any time, we may purchase shares of our outstanding common stock through solicited or unsolicited transactions in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through accelerated share repurchase programs, pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan or in such other manner as deemed appropriate by our management.\nThe following table summarizes activity related to this program (in millions, except per share amounts):\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNumber of shares repurchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage price per share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n66.42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n84.49\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n67.61\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock repurchases allocated to additional paid-in capital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n45\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock repurchases allocated to retained earnings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n805\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n580\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n122\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRemaining authorization at end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n402\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,252\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n352\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nSince the May 13, 2003 inception of our stock repurchase program through April 28, 2023, we repurchased a total of \n360\n million shares of our common stock at an average price of $\n40.89\n per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $\n14.7\n billion. On May 26, 2023 our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $\n1.0\n billion of our common stock.\nPreferred Stock\nOur Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to \n5\n million shares of preferred stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares without any further vote or action by the stockholders. \nNo\n shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding in any period presented.\nDividends\nThe following is a summary of our fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 activities related to dividends on our common stock (in millions, except per share amounts).\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividends per share declared\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2.00\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2.00\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1.92\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividend payments allocated to additional paid-in capital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n106\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividend payments allocated to retained earnings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n326\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n446\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n397\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nOn May 26, 2023, we declared a cash dividend of $\n0.50\n per share of common stock, payable on \nJuly 26, 2023\n to shareholders of record as of the close of business on \nJuly 7, 2023\n. The timing and amount of future dividends will depend on market conditions, corporate business and financial considerations and regulatory requirements. All dividends declared have been determined by the Company to be legally authorized under the laws of the state in which we are incorporated.\n77\n\n\n\u00a0\nAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)\nChanges in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) by component, net of tax, are summarized below (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForeign\nCurrency\nTranslation\nAdjustments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDefined\nBenefit\nObligation\nAdjustments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnrealized\nGains\n(Losses) on \nAvailable-\nfor-Sale\nSecurities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnrealized\nGains\n(Losses) on\nCash Flow Hedges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 24, 2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n42\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n42\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOCI before reclassifications, net of tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n11\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal OCI\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n27\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n30\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOCI before reclassifications, net of tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n17\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal OCI\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n17\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n44\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n44\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOCI before reclassifications, net of tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal OCI\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n48\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n51\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe amounts reclassified out of AOCI are as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStatements of Income\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nClassification\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRealized losses (gains) on cash flow hedges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet revenues\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal reclassifications\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n11. Derivatives and Hedging Activities\nWe use derivative instruments to manage exposures to foreign currency risk. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The maximum length of time over which forecasted foreign currency denominated revenues are hedged is 12 months. The program is not designated for trading or speculative purposes. Our derivatives expose us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet their obligations under the terms of our agreements. We seek to mitigate such risk by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. We also have in place master netting arrangements to mitigate the credit risk of our counterparties and to potentially reduce our losses due to counterparty nonperformance. We present our derivative instruments as net amounts in our consolidated balance sheets. The gross and net fair value amounts of such instruments were not material as of April 28, 2023 or April 29, 2022. All contracts have a maturity of less than 12 months.\nThe notional amount of our outstanding U.S. dollar equivalent foreign currency exchange forward contracts consisted of the following (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28,\n\u00a02023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29,\n\u00a02022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash Flow Hedges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForward contracts purchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n95\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n78\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance Sheet Contracts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForward contracts sold\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n965\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n841\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForward contracts purchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n96\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n129\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nThe effect of cash flow hedges recognized in net revenues is presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and Note 10 \u2013 Stockholders\u2019 Equity.\n78\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments recognized in other expense, net on our consolidated statements of income was as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGain (Loss) Recognized into Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign currency exchange contracts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n91\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12. Restructuring Charges\nDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2023, management approved a restructuring plan to redirect resources to highest return activities and reduce costs. As a result, we recorded restructuring charges in the third quarter comprised of employee severance-related expenses. This plan reduced our global workforce by approximately \n8\n% and activities under this plan are substantially complete.\nIn the first quarter of fiscal 2023, \nwe executed a restructuring plan to redirect resources to highest return activities, which included a reduction in our global workforce of approximately \n1\n% and resulted in restructuring charges comprised primarily of employee severance-related costs\n. Activities under this plan are substantially complete.\nIn fiscal 2023, we also continued activities related to the establishment of an international headquarters in Cork, Ireland, which was initiated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, and incurred restructuring charges consisting primarily of severance-related costs and legal and tax-related professional fees. Substantially all activities under this plan are complete.\nIn the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we executed a restructuring plan to reduce the amount of office space we occupied as we allow more employees to work remotely. In connection with the plan, we also reduced our global workforce by approximately \n1\n%. Charges related to the plan consisted primarily of office relocation costs, lease termination fees, and employee severance-related costs. Substantially all activities under the plan had been completed by the end of fiscal 2022.\n \nManagement has previously approved several restructuring actions in fiscal 2021, under which we reduced our global workforce by approximately \n6\n%. Charges related to these restructuring plans consisted primarily of employee severance-related costs. Substantially all activities under these plans were completed as of the end of fiscal 2021.\nActivities related to our restructuring plans are summarized as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 24, 2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash payments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n42\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash payments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n31\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n120\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash payments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n87\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n36\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nLiabilities for our restructuring activities are included in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets.\n\n\n13. Income Taxes\nIncome before income taxes is as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDomestic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n420\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n546\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n433\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n646\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n549\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n529\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,066\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,095\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n962\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n79\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe (benefit) provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFederal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n187\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n82\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n39\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n150\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n398\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n302\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n238\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFederal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n44\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n125\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n27\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n559\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal deferred\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n606\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n144\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Benefit) provision for income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n208\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nDuring the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we completed an intra-entity asset transfer of certain IP to our international headquarters (the \u201cIP Transfer\u201d). The transaction resulted in a step-up of tax-deductible basis in the transferred assets, and accordingly, created a temporary difference where the tax basis exceeded the financial statement basis of such intangible assets, which resulted in the recognition of a discrete tax benefit and related deferred tax asset of $\n524\n million during the second quarter of fiscal 2023. Management applied significant judgment when determining the fair value of the IP, which serves as the tax basis of the deferred tax asset. With the assistance of third-party valuation specialists, the fair value of the IP was determined principally based on the present value of projected cash flows related to the IP which reflects management\u2019s assumptions regarding projected revenues, earnings before interest and taxes, and a discount rate. The tax-deductible amortization related to the transferred IP rights will be recognized in future periods and any amortization that is unused in a particular year can be carried forward indefinitely. The deferred tax asset and the tax benefit were measured based on the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years the asset is expected to be realized. We expect to realize the deferred tax asset resulting from the IP Transfer and will assess the realizability of the deferred tax asset quarterly. Any Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development\u2019s (\u201cOECD\u201d) actions adopted internationally could impact our financial results in future periods.\n\u00a0\nIn September 2010, the Danish Tax Authorities issued a decision concluding that distributions declared in 2005 and 2006 by our Danish subsidiary were subject to Danish at-source dividend withholding tax. We did not believe that our Danish subsidiary was liable for such withholding tax and filed an appeal with the Danish Tax Tribunal. In December 2011, the Danish Tax Tribunal issued a ruling in favor of NetApp. The Danish tax examination agency appealed this decision at the Danish High Court (DHC) in March 2012. In February 2016, the DHC requested a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). In March 2018, the Advocate General issued an opinion which was largely in favor of NetApp. The CJEU was not bound by the opinion of the Advocate General and issued its preliminary ruling in February 2019. On May 3, 2021, the DHC reached a decision resulting in NetApp prevailing on the predominate distribution made in 2005. The smaller distribution made in 2006 was ruled in favor of the Danish Tax Authorities. On May 28, 2021, the Danish Tax Authorities appealed the DHC decision to the Danish Supreme Court. On January 9, 2023, the Danish Supreme Court reversed the lower court's decision and ruled the 2005 dividend was subject to withholding tax while the smaller 2006 distribution would not be subject to withholding tax. The Danish Supreme Court ruling on the distributions declared in 2005 and 2006 is non-appealable. During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we recorded $\n69\n million of discrete tax expense, which includes $\n23\n million of withholding tax and $\n46\n million of interest, associated with the Danish Supreme Court ruling.\n80\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTax computed at federal statutory rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n224\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n230\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n202\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState income taxes, net of federal benefit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign earnings in lower tax jurisdictions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n43\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n46\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n26\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development credits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n24\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n18\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n13\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBenefit for foreign derived intangible income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n49\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGlobal minimum tax on intangible income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n61\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTransition tax and related reserves\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTax (benefits) charges from integration of acquired companies\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n27\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTax benefit due to IP Transfer\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n524\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResolution of income tax matters \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n71\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Benefit) provision for income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n208\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(1)\nDuring fiscal 2023, we recognized tax expense related to a Danish Supreme Court decision related to withholding tax on a 2005 distribution as well as tax expense related to the currently in progress IRS audit of our fiscal 2018 and 2019 U.S. tax returns. During fiscal 2022, we recognized a tax benefit related to the lapse of statute of limitations for certain issues in our fiscal 2012 and 2013 state income tax returns. During fiscal 2021, we recognized a tax benefit related to the lapse of statutes of limitations for certain issues on our fiscal 2016 and 2017 federal income tax returns.\n The components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred tax assets:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReserves and accruals\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n189\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n267\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet operating loss and credit carryforwards\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n124\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n121\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n264\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n235\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquired intangibles\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n523\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapitalized research and development \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n111\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross deferred tax assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,244\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n652\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nValuation allowance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n113\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n111\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,131\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n541\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred tax liabilities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrepaids and accruals\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n94\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n108\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquired intangibles\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n39\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal deferred tax liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n212\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n202\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance and deferred tax liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n919\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n339\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(1)\nAs required under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, research and development expenditures are capitalized and amortized beginning in our fiscal 2023.\n The valuation allowance increased by $\n2\n million in fiscal 2023. The increase is mainly attributable to corresponding changes in deferred tax assets, primarily certain state tax credit carryforwards.\nAs of April 28, 2023, we have federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $\n17\n million. In addition, we have gross state net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards of $\n13\n million and $\n135\n million, respectively. The majority of the state credit carryforwards are California research credits which are offset by a valuation allowance as we believe it is more likely than not that these credits will not be utilized. We also have $\n8\n million of foreign net operating losses and $\n30\n million of foreign tax credit carryforwards of which the majority were generated by our Dutch subsidiary and are fully offset by a valuation allowance. Certain acquired net operating loss carryforwards are subject to an annual limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, but are expected to be realized with the exception of those which have a valuation allowance. \nThe \nstate and foreign net operating loss \n81\n\n\n\u00a0\ncarryforwards \nand credits will expire in various years from fiscal 2024 through 2042.\n The federal net operating loss carryforwards, the California research credit, and the Dutch foreign tax credit carryforwards do not expire.\nA reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at beginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n220\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n221\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditions based on tax positions related to the current year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditions for tax positions of prior years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDecreases for tax positions of prior years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSettlements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n10\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n220\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n221\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nAs of April 28, 2023, we had $\n222\n million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $\n144\n million has been recorded in other long-term liabilities. Unrecognized tax benefits of $\n144\n million, including penalties, interest and indirect benefits, would affect our provision for income taxes if recognized.\n \nWe recognized expense for increases to accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision of approximately $\n7\n million, $\n4\n million and $\n1\n million, respectively, in fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021. Accrued interest and penalties of $\n22\n million and $\n15\n million were recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, respectively.\nThe tax years that remain subject to examination for our major tax jurisdictions are shown below:\nFiscal Years Subject to Examination for Major Tax Jurisdictions at April 28, 2023\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2016\n\u00a0\u2014 \n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnited States \u2014 federal income tax\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2018\n\u00a0\u2014 \n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnited States \u2014 state and local income tax\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2020\n\u00a0\u2014 \n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAustralia\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2018\n\u00a0\u2014 \n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGermany\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2007\n\u00a0\u2014 \n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIndia\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2017\n\u00a0\u2014 \n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Netherlands\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2016\n\u00a0\u2014 \n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCanada\n\n\n\n\n \nWe are currently undergoing various income tax audits in the U.S. and several foreign tax jurisdictions. Transfer pricing calculations are key topics under these audits and are often subject to dispute and appeals. We are effectively subject to federal tax examination adjustments for tax years ended on or after fiscal 2001, in that we have carryforward attributes from these years that could be subject to adjustment in the tax years of utilization.\nWe continue to monitor the progress of ongoing discussions with tax authorities and the impact, if any, of the expected expiration of the statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions. We engage in continuous discussion and negotiation with taxing authorities regarding tax matters in multiple jurisdictions. We believe that within the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that either certain audits will conclude, certain statutes of limitations will lapse, or both. As a result of uncertainties regarding tax audits and their possible outcomes, an estimate of the range of possible impacts to unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months cannot be made at this time.\n As of April 28, 2023, we continue to record a deferred tax liability related to state taxes on unremitted earnings of certain foreign entities. We estimate the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the earnings we expect to be indefinitely reinvested to be immaterial. We will continue to monitor our plans to indefinitely reinvest undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and will assess the related unrecognized deferred tax liability considering our ongoing projected global cash requirements, tax consequences associated with repatriation and any U.S. or foreign government programs designed to influence remittances.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14. Net Income per Share\n82\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe following is a calculation of basic and diluted net income per share (in millions, except per share amounts):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNumerator:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDenominator:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares used in basic computation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n217\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n223\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDilutive impact of employee equity award plans\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares used in diluted computation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n220\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n229\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n226\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet Income per Share:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5.87\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3.29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5.79\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.09\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3.23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nSix\n and \nfour\n million shares from outstanding employee equity awards were excluded from the diluted net income per share calculations for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2021, respectively, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. \nNo\n potential shares from outstanding employee equity awards were excluded from the diluted net income per share calculation for fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15. Segment, Geographic, and Significant Customer Information\nWe have two operating segments and two reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Hybrid Cloud and Public Cloud. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), who is our Chief Executive Officer, reviews certain financial information for components of our business, organized based on category of product/solution, to evaluate performance and allocate resources. The CODM measures performance of each segment based on segment revenue and segment gross profit. We do not allocate to our segments certain cost of revenues which we manage at the corporate level. These unallocated costs include stock-based compensation and amortization of intangible assets. We do not allocate assets to our segments.\n \nHybrid Cloud \noffers a portfolio of storage management and infrastructure solutions that help customers recast their traditional data centers with the power of cloud. This portfolio is designed to operate with public clouds to unlock the potential of hybrid, multi-cloud operations. Hybrid Cloud is composed of software, hardware, and related support, as well as professional and other services.\nPublic Cloud \noffers a portfolio of products delivered primarily as-a-service, including related support. This portfolio includes cloud storage and data services and cloud operations services. Public Cloud includes certain reseller arrangements in which the timing of our consideration follows the end user consumption of the reseller services.\nSegment Revenues and Gross Profit\nFinancial information by segment is as follows (in millions, except percentages):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended April 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPublic Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nConsolidated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct revenues\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,049\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,049\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupport revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,419\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,419\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessional and other services revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n319\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n319\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPublic cloud revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n575\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n575\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Net revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,787\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n575\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,362\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,511\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,511\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of support revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of professional and other services revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of public cloud revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Segment cost of revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,903\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,087\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Segment gross profit\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,884\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n391\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,275\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Segment gross margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n68.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Unallocated cost of revenues\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total gross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total gross margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1\n \nUnallocated cost of revenues are composed of $\n24\n\u00a0million of stock-based compensation expense and $\n42\n\u00a0million of amortization of intangible assets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n83\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended April 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPublic Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nConsolidated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct revenues\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,284\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,284\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupport revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessional and other services revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n294\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n294\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPublic cloud revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n396\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n396\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Net revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,922\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n396\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,318\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,541\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,541\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of support revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of professional and other services revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n205\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n205\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of public cloud revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Segment cost of revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,930\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,048\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Segment gross profit\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,992\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n278\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,270\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Segment gross margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n70.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Unallocated cost of revenues\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total gross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,220\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total gross margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1\n \nUnallocated cost of revenues are composed of $\n17\n\u00a0million of stock-based compensation expense and $\n33\n\u00a0million of amortization of intangible assets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended April 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHybrid Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPublic Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nConsolidated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct revenues\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,991\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,991\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupport revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessional and other services revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPublic cloud revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n199\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n199\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Net revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,545\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n199\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,744\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of product revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,402\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,402\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of support revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n201\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n201\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of professional and other services revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n206\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n206\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of public cloud revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Segment cost of revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,809\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,874\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Segment gross profit\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,736\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,870\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Segment gross margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Unallocated cost of revenues\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total gross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,815\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total gross margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1\n \nUnallocated cost of revenues are composed of $\n14\n\u00a0million of stock-based compensation expense and $\n41\n\u00a0million of amortization of intangible assets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nGeographical Revenues and Certain Assets\nRevenues summarized by geographic region are as follows (in millions):\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnited States, Canada and Latin America (Americas)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,390\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,460\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,097\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEurope, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,063\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,979\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,775\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsia Pacific (APAC)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n909\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n879\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n872\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet revenues\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,362\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,318\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,744\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nAmericas revenues consist of sales to Americas commercial and U.S. public sector markets. Sales to customers inside the U.S. were $\n2,973\n million, $\n3,041\n million and $\n2,784\n million during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n84\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe majority of our assets, excluding cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable, were attributable to our domestic operations. \nThe following table presents cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments held in the U.S. and internationally in various foreign subsidiaries (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n887\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,820\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,183\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,314\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,070\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n \nWith the exception of property and equipment, we do not identify or allocate our long-lived assets by geographic area. \nThe following table presents property and equipment information for geographic areas based on the physical location of the assets (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n413\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n392\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n237\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n210\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n650\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n602\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nSignificant Customers\n \nThe following customers, each of which is a distributor, accounted for 10% or more of our net revenues:\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArrow Electronics, Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTech Data Corporation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe following customers accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable:\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArrow Electronics, Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTech Data Corporation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16. Employee Benefits and Deferred Compensation\nEmployee 401(k) Plan\nOur 401(k) Plan is a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the 401(k) Plan, participating U.S. employees may defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings, up to the IRS annual contribution limit. We match \n100\n% of the first \n2\n% of eligible earnings an employee contributes to the 401(k) Plan, and then match \n50\n% of the next \n4\n% of eligible earnings an employee contributes. \nAn employee receives the full 4% match when he/she contributes at least \n6\n% of his/her eligible earnings, up to a maximum calendar year matching contribution of $\n6,000\n.\n \nOur employer matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan were as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n401(k) matching contributions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n31\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nDeferred Compensation Plan\nWe \nhave a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that allows a group of employees within the U.S. to contribute base salary and commissions or incentive compensation on a tax deferred basis in excess of the IRS limits imposed on 401(k) plans. The marketable\n \n85\n\n\n\u00a0\nsecurities \nrelated to these investments are held in a Rabbi Trust. \nThe related deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities under the non-qualified deferred compensation plan were as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred compensation plan assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n36\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n36\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred compensation liabilities reported as:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nDefined Benefit Plans\nWe maintain various defined benefit plans to provide termination and postretirement benefits to certain eligible employees outside of the U.S. We also provide disability benefits to certain eligible employees in the U.S. Eligibility is determined based on the terms of our plans and local statutory requirements.\nThe funded status of our defined benefit plans, which is recognized in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets, was as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFair value of plan assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n44\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n39\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBenefit obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n75\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n69\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfunded obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n31\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n30\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17. Commitments and Contingencies\nPurchase Orders and Other Commitments\nIn the ordinary course of business, we make commitments to third-party contract manufacturers and component suppliers to manage manufacturer lead times and meet product forecasts, and to other parties, to purchase various key components used in the manufacture of our products. A significant portion of our reported purchase commitments arising from these agreements consist of firm, non-cancelable, and unconditional commitments. As of April 28, 2023, we had $\n0.4\n billion in non-cancelable purchase commitments for inventory. We record a liability for firm, non-cancelable and unconditional purchase commitments for quantities in excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with the valuation of our excess and obsolete inventory. As of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, such liability amounted to $\n15\n million and $\n18\n million, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets. To the extent that such forecasts are not achieved, our commitments and associated accruals may change.\nIn addition to inventory commitments with contract manufacturers and component suppliers, we have open purchase orders and contractual obligations associated with our ordinary course of business for which we have not yet received goods or services. As of April 28, 2023, we had $\n0.3\n billion in other purchase obligations.\nOf the total $\n0.7\n billion in purchase commitments, $\n0.5\n billion is due in fiscal 2024, with the remainder due thereafter.\n \nFinancing Guarantees\nWhile most of our arrangements for sales include short-term payment terms, from time to time we provide long-term financing to creditworthy customers. We have generally sold receivables financed through these arrangements on a non-recourse basis to third party financing institutions within 10 days of the contracts\u2019 dates of execution, and we classify the proceeds from these sales as cash flows from operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. We account for the sales of these receivables as \u201ctrue sales\u201d as defined in the accounting standards on transfers of financial assets, as we are considered to have surrendered control of these financing receivables. Provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, we recognize product revenues for these arrangements, net of any payment discounts from financing transactions, upon product acceptance. We sold $\n38\n million, $\n59\n million and $\n102\n million of receivables during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n \nIn addition, we enter into arrangements with leasing companies for the sale of our hardware systems products. These leasing companies, in turn, lease our products to end-users. The leasing companies generally have no recourse to us in the event of default by the end-user and we recognize revenue upon delivery to the end-user customer, if all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.\n \n86\n\n\n\u00a0\nSome of the leasing arrangements described above have been financed on a recourse basis through third-party financing institutions. Under the terms of recourse leases, which are generally \nthree years\n or less, we remain liable for the aggregate unpaid remaining lease payments to the third-party leasing companies in the event of end-user customer default. These arrangements are generally collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. Where we provide a guarantee for recourse leases and collectability is probable, we account for these transactions as sales type leases. If collectability is not probable, the cash received is recorded as a deposit liability and revenue is deferred until the arrangement is deemed collectible. For leases that we are not a party to, other than providing recourse, we recognize revenue when control is transferred. As of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, the aggregate amount by which such contingencies exceeded the associated liabilities was not significant. To date, we have not experienced significant losses under our lease financing programs or other financing arrangements.\nWe have entered into service contracts with certain of our end-user customers that are supported by third-party financing arrangements. If a service contract is terminated as a result of our non-performance under the contract or our failure to comply with the terms of the financing arrangement, we could, under certain circumstances, be required to acquire certain assets related to the service contract or to pay the aggregate unpaid financing payments under such arrangements. As of April 28, 2023, we have not been required to make any payments under these arrangements, and we believe the likelihood of having to acquire a material amount of assets or make payments under these arrangements is remote. The portion of the financial arrangement that represents unearned services revenue is included in deferred revenue and financed unearned services revenue in our consolidated balance sheets\n.\nLegal Contingencies\nWhen a loss is considered probable and reasonably estimable, we record a liability in the amount of our best estimate for the ultimate loss. However, the likelihood of a loss with respect to a particular contingency is often difficult to predict and determining a meaningful estimate of the loss or a range of loss may not be practicable based on the information available and the potential effect of future events and decisions by third parties that will determine the ultimate resolution of the contingency.\nOn August 14, 2019, a purported securities class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, naming as defendants NetApp and certain of our executive officers. The complaint alleged that the defendants violated Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and SEC Rule 10b-5, by making materially false or misleading statements with respect to our financial guidance for fiscal 2020, as provided on May 22, 2019, and further alleged unspecified damages based on the decline in the market price of our shares following the issuance of the revised guidance on August 1, 2019. On July 30, 2021, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding providing for the settlement of the class action, pursuant to which NetApp agreed to pay approximately $2.0 million in connection with the settlement, which was accrued during the three months ended July 30, 2021. On September 1, 2022, the court held a final approval hearing, approved the stipulation of settlement (which contained no admission of liability, wrongdoing or responsibility by any of the parties and provided for the mutual release by all parties), and dismissed the case with prejudice.\nWe are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the normal course of business. We may, from time to time, receive claims that we are infringing third parties\u2019 intellectual property rights, including claims for alleged patent infringement brought by non-practicing entities. We are currently involved in patent litigations brought by non-practicing entities and other third parties. We believe we have strong arguments that our products do not infringe and/or the asserted patents are invalid, and we intend to vigorously defend against the plaintiffs\u2019 claims. However, there is no guarantee that we will prevail at trial and if a jury were to find that our products infringe, we could be required to pay significant monetary damages, and may cause product shipment delays or stoppages, require us to redesign our products, or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements.\n \nAlthough management at present believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not materially harm our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or overall trends, legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings or other events could occur. Unfavorable resolutions could include significant monetary damages. In addition, in matters for which injunctive relief or other conduct remedies are sought, unfavorable resolutions could include an injunction or other order prohibiting us from selling one or more products at all or in particular ways or requiring other remedies. An unfavorable outcome may result in a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial position, cash flows and overall trends\n. \nNo\n material accrual has been recorded as of April 28, 2023 related to such matters.\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n87\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGIST\nERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo the stockholders and Board of Directors of NetApp, Inc.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nOpinion on the Financial Statements\n\n\nWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NetApp, Inc. and subsidiaries (the \"Company\") as of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity, for each of the three years in the period ended April 28, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the \"financial statements\"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 28, 2023 and April 29, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 28, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.\n\n\nWe have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of April 28, 2023, based on criteria established in \nInternal Control \u2014 Integrated Framework (2013)\n issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 14, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBasis for Opinion\n\n\nThese financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.\n\n\nWe conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCritical Audit Matters\n\n\nThe critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.\n\n\nRevenue \u2014 Refer to Notes 1, 6, and 15 to the financial statements\n\n\nCritical Audit Matter Description\n\n\nCertain of the Company\u2019s revenue contracts with customers include multiple promises (such as cloud services, hardware systems, software licenses, software and hardware support, and other services). The Company typically negotiates contracts with its customers, and while many of these contracts contain standard terms and conditions, certain large enterprises and distributors may have customer specific terms and performance obligations due to the nature of the contracts.\n \n\n\nPursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the Company is required to evaluate whether each performance obligation represents goods and services that are distinct. A good or service is distinct where the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and is distinct in the context of the contract, where the transfer of the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. The evaluation of performance obligations can require significant judgment and could change the amount of revenue recognized in a given period.\n\n\nWe identified the evaluation of performance obligations in certain large enterprise and distributor contracts as a critical audit matter because of the judgment management makes in evaluating such contracts and the impact of such judgment on the amount of revenue recognized in a given period. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of testing.\n\n\n88\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHow the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit\n\n\n Our audit procedures related to the Company\u2019s evaluation of performance obligations for certain large enterprise and distributor contracts included the following, among others:\n\n\n\u2022\nWe tested the effectiveness of internal controls related to the review of large enterprise and distributor contracts specifically around the review of the terms and conditions and proper evaluation of performance obligations.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe evaluated management\u2019s significant accounting policies related to revenue recognition for reasonableness and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe selected a sample of contracts for large enterprise and distributor customers and performed the following: \n\n\no\nObtained and read contract source documents, including master agreements, amendments, and other documents that were part of the contract. \n\n\no\nAssessed the terms and conditions in the contract source documents and evaluated the appropriateness of management\u2019s application of their accounting policies in the evaluation of performance obligations.\n\n\nIncome Taxes \u2014 Refer to Note 13 to the financial statements\n\n\nCritical Audit Matter Description\n\n\n During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company completed an intra-entity asset transfer of certain Intellectual Property (\u201cIP\u201d). The transaction resulted in a step-up of tax-deductible basis in the transferred assets, and accordingly, created a temporary difference where the tax basis exceeded the financial statement basis of such intangible assets, which resulted in the recognition of a discrete tax benefit and related deferred tax asset of $524 million.\n\n\n The Company determined the fair value of the transferred IP based principally on the present value of projected cash flows related to the IP requiring management to make significant assumptions related to the discount rate and the forecast of future revenues and earnings before interest and taxes.\n\n\n We identified the valuation of the IP as a critical audit matter because of the significant assumptions made by management to estimate the fair value of the IP. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value and tax transfer pricing specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management\u2019s estimates and assumptions related to the selection of the discount rate and forecasts of future revenues and earnings before interest and taxes.\n\n\nHow the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit\n\n\nOur audit procedures related to the discount rate and forecasted future revenues and earnings before interest and taxes used by management to estimate the fair value of the IP included the following, among others:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nWe tested the effectiveness of the control over management\u2019s valuation of the intra-entity IP transfer including management\u2019s selection of the discount rate and forecasts of future revenues and earnings before interest and taxes. \n\n\n\u2022\nWith the assistance of our fair value and tax transfer pricing specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the discount rate, including testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rate, testing the mathematical accuracy of the calculation, and developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rate selected by management.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe evaluated management\u2019s ability to accurately forecast future revenues and earnings before interest and taxes by comparing actual results to management\u2019s historical forecasts. \n\n\n\u2022\nWe evaluated the reasonableness of management\u2019s forecasts of revenue and earnings before interest and taxes by comparing the forecasts to (1) historical results, (2) revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxes of comparable guideline public companies and (3) industry reports.\n \n\n\n/s/ \nDELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP\n\n\nSan Jose, California\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have served as the Company's auditor since 1995.\n\n\n89\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM\n\n\nTo the stockholders and Board of Directors of NetApp, Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOpinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting\n\n\n We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of NetApp, Inc. and subsidiaries (the \"Company\") as of April 28, 2023, based on criteria established in \nInternal Control \u2014 Integrated Framework (2013)\n issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 28, 2023, based on criteria established in \nInternal Control \u2014 Integrated Framework (2013)\n issued by COSO.\n\n\n We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended April 28, 2023, of the Company and our report dated June 14, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.\n\n\nBasis for Opinion\n \n\n\n The Company\u2019s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management\u2019s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.\n\n\n We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.\n\n\nDefinition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting\n\n\n A company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company\u2019s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.\n\n\n Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.\n\n\n/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP\n\n\nSan Jose, California\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n90\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt\nem 9. \nChanges in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n\n\nNone.\n\n\nIt\nem 9A. \nControls and Procedures\n\n\n(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures\n\n\nThe phrase \u201cdisclosure controls and procedures\u201d refers to controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), such as this Annual Report on Form 10-K, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.\n\n\nUnder the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of April 28, 2023, the end of the fiscal period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the Evaluation Date). Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded as of the Evaluation Date that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information required to be disclosed in our SEC reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.\n\n\n(b) Management\u2019s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting\n\n\nOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.\n\n\nUnder the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in \nInternal Control \u2014 Integrated Framework (2013)\n issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management concluded that, as of April 28, 2023, our internal control over financial reporting was effective at the reasonable assurance level based on those criteria.\n\n\nThe effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of April 28, 2023 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\n(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting\n\n\nThere has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with our evaluation required by paragraph (d) of rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.\n\n\nIt\nem 9B. Other Information\n\n\nNone.\n \n\n\nItem 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n\n\nNot Applicable.\n\n\n91\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPA\nRT III\n\n\nIt\nem 10. \nDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n\n\nThe information required by Item 10 with respect to our executive officers is incorporated herein by reference from the information under Item 1 \u2013 Business of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the section entitled \u201cInformation About Our Executive Officers.\u201d The information required by Item 10 with respect to the Company\u2019s directors and corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference from the information provided under the headings \u201cElection of Directors\u201d and \u201cCorporate Governance,\u201d respectively, in the Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of our year ended April 28, 2023. The information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the information provided under the heading \u201cDelinquent Section 16(a) Reports\u201d in the Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to the extent applicable.\n\n\nWe have adopted a written code of ethics that applies to our Board of Directors and all of our employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer. A copy of the code of ethics, which we refer to as our \u201cCode of Conduct,\u201d is available on our website at \nhttp://netapp.com/us/media/code-of-conduct.pdf.\n We will post any amendments to or waivers from the provisions of our Code of Conduct on our website.\n\n\nIt\nem 11. \nExecutive Compensation\n\n\nInformation regarding the compensation of executive officers and directors of the Company is incorporated by reference from the information under the headings \u201cExecutive Compensation and Related Information\u201d and \u201cDirector Compensation,\u201d respectively, in our Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (provided that the information under the heading \"Pay Versus Performance\" shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein).\n\n\nIt\nem 12. \nSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\n\n\nInformation regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters is incorporated by reference from the information under the heading \u201cSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management\u201d in our Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n\n\nIt\nem 13. \nCertain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n\n\nInformation regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is incorporated by reference from the information under the headings \u201cCorporate Governance\u201d and \u201cCertain Transactions with Related Parties\u201d in our Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n\n\nIt\nem 14. \nPrincipal Accountant Fees and Services\n\n\nThe information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption \u201cAudit Fees\u201d in our Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n\n\nWith the exception of the information incorporated in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, NetApp\u2019s Proxy Statement is not deemed \u201cfiled\u201d as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\nPA\nRT IV\n\n\nIt\nem 15. \nExhibits, Financial Statement Schedules\n\n\n(a) Documents filed as part of this report\n\n\n \n(1) All Financial Statements\n\n\nSee index to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K\n\n\n(2) Financial Statement Schedules\n\n\nAll financial statement schedules have been omitted, since the required information is not applicable or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Form 10-K.\n\n\n(3) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K\n\n\nThe information required by this Section (a)(3) of Item 15 is as follows:\n\n\n92\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEXHIBIT INDEX\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncorporation by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExhibit No\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFile No.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExhibit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiling Date\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeptember 13, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBylaws of the Company.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeptember 13, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIndenture dated December 12, 2012, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDecember 12, 2012\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFirst Supplemental Indenture dated December 12, 2012, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDecember 12, 2012\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThird Supplemental Indenture dated September 29, 2017 by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeptember 29, 2017\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFourth Supplemental Indenture, dated June 22, 2020, by and between NetApp, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 22, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription of Capital Stock of the Company.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.1*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Indemnification Agreement by and between the Company and each of its directors and executive officers.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 31, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.2*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Change of Control Severance Agreement.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 22, 2019\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.3*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s Amended and Restated Executive Compensation Plan, as amended effective June 20, 2018.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 21, 2018\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.4*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s Deferred Compensation Plan.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJuly 7, 2005\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.5*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended effective July 19, 2021.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDEF 14A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAppendix B\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJuly 30, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.6*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan, as amended effective July 19, 2018.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDEF 14A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAppendix A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 1, 2018\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.7*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement approved for use under the Company\u2019s amended and restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (Employees).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNovember 26, 2013\n\n\n\n\n\n\n93\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.8*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Employees) approved for use under the Company\u2019s 1999 Stock option Plan, effective June 2019.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 15, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.9*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Company\u2019s amended and restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (Non-Employee Director Automatic Stock Option \u2014 Initial).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJuly 8, 2005\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.10*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Stock Option Agreement approved for use under the Company\u2019s amended and restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (Non-Employee Director Automatic Stock Option \u2014 Annual).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.28\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJuly 8, 2005\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.11*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement approved for use under the Company\u2019s amended and restated 1999 Stock Option Plan (Non-Employees Directors).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 18, 2010\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.12*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-Employee Directors) approved for use under the Company\u2019s 1999 Stock Option Plan.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFebruary 11, 2019\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.13*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-Employee Directors) approved for use under the Company\u2019s 1999 Stock Option Plan, effective June 2019.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 15, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.14*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance-Based) Total Stockholder Return approved for use under the Company\u2019s 1999 Stock Option Plan, effective June 2019.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 15, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.15*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSolidFire, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nS-8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n333-209570\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFebruary 17, 2016\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.16*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSpotinst Inc. 2016 Equity Incentive Plan.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nS-8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n333-248480\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 28, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.17*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Company's 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, effective September 10, 2021.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDEF 14A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAppendix A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJuly 30, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n94\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.18*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement approved for use under the Company's 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (Employee), effective September 10, 2021\n.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDecember 2, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.19*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement approved for use under the Company's 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (Senior Executive), effective September 10, 2021.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDecember 2, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.20*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance Based) under the Company's 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, effective September 10, 2021.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDecember 2, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.21*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement approved for use under the Company's 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (Non-Employee Director), effective November 1, 2021.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 2, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.22*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPlexistor Ltd. Amended and Restated Global Share Incentive Plan (2014).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nS-8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n333-219061\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 29, 2017\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.23*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCognigo Research Ltd. Amended and Restated Global Share Incentive Plan (2016).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nS-8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n333-232187\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 18, 2019\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.24*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCloudCheckr Inc. Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Option and Grant Plan.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nS-8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n333-261465\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDecember 2, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.25*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOutside Director Compensation Policy, effective November 1, 2021.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 2, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.26*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmended and Restated Instaclustr US Holding, Inc. 2018 Stock Option Plan\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nS-8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n333-265648\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 16, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.27*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance-Based) \u2013 Billings approved for use under the Company\u2019s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, effective July 1, 2022\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.28*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance-Based) \u2013 Total Shareholder Return approved for use under the Company\u2019s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, effective July 1, 2022\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNetApp, Inc. Executive Retiree Health Plan, as amended and restated.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNovember 21, 2016\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 22, 2021, by and among the NetApp, Inc, the lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJanuary 22, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.31\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmendment No.1 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2021, by and among the Company, the\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 2, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n95\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nlenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.32\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmendment No.2 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2023, by and among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Dealer Agreement between the Company, as issuer, and each Dealer.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDecember 12, 2016\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.34\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAgreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of March 9, 2016 by and between the Company and Google Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.41\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 22, 2016\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.35\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFirst Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of March 11, 2016, by and between the Company and Google Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 22, 2016\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.36\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSecond Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of April 8, 2016, by and between the Company and Google Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.43\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 22, 2016\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.37\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAgreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of September 11, 2017 by and between the Company and Google Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNovember 29, 2017\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.38\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFirst Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of October 2, 2017, by and between the Company and Google LLC.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNovember 29, 2017\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.39\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSecond Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of October 25, 2017, by and between the Company and Google LLC.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNovember 29, 2017\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.40\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThird Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of October 31, 2017, by and between the Company and Google LLC.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFebruary 22, 2018\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.41\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFourth Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of November 2, 2017,\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFebruary 22, 2018\n\n\n\n\n\n\n96\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nby and between the Company and Google LLC.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFifth Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of November 8, 2017, by and between the Company and Google LLC.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFebruary 22, 2018\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.43\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSixth Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of November 10, 2017, by and between the Company and Google LLC.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFebruary 22, 2018\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.44\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeventh Amendment to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions dated as of March 15, 2019 by and between the Company and Google LLC.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 18, 2019\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.45\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeparation Agreement dated May 28, 2020 by and between the Company and Henri Richard.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.57\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 15, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOffer Letter for employment at the Company to C\u00e9sar Cernuda, date March 23, 2020.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.58\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 15, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.47\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSenior Executive Employment Contract by and between NetApp Sales Spain S.L., a subsidiary of the Company, and Cesar Cernuda, effective January 1, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJanuary 29, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.48\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOffer Letter for employment at the Company to Michael J. Berry, dated January 30, 2020.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-Q\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 28, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.49\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnderwriting Agreement, dated June 17, 2020, by and among the Company, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n000-27130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 17, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n21.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSubsidiaries of the Company.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n23.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\nConsent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n24.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPower of Attorney (see signature page).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n31.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n97\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n31.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n32.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n32.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.INS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInline XBRL Instance Document \u2013 the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.SCH\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.CAL\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.DEF\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.LAB\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.PRE\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n104\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n*\tIdentifies management plan or compensatory plan or arrangement.\n\n\n(p)\tIdentifies paper format filed exhibit.\n\n\n98\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSIGNATURES\n\n\nPursuant to the requirements of Sec\ntion 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNETAPP, INC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBy:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n/s/ GEORGE KURIAN\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGeorge Kurian\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChief Executive Officer and Director\n(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Operating Officer)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDate: June 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPOWER OF ATTORNEY\n\n\nKNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints George Kurian and Michael J. Berry, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.\n\n\nPursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSignature\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTitle\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDate\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ \nGEORGE KURIAN\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChief Executive Officer and Director\n \n(Principal Executive Officer\nand Principal Operating Officer)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeorge Kurian\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ MICHAEL J. BERRY\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichael J. Berry\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ \nROBERT PARKS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nVice President and Chief Accounting Officer\n \n(Principal Accounting Officer)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRobert Parks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ \nT. MICHAEL NEVENS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChairman of the Board\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nT. Michael Nevens\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ \nGERALD HELD\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGerald Held\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ KATHRYN M. HILL\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKathryn M. Hill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ DEBORAH KERR\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeborah Kerr\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ SCOTT SCHENKEL\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScott Schenkel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ \nGEORGE T. SHAHEEN\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeorge T. Shaheen\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n/s/ CARRIE PALIN\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarrie Palin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ \nDEEPAK AHUJA\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\nJune 14, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeepak Ahuja\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRisk Factors\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50\n\n\n\n",
+ "cik": "1002047",
+ "cusip6": "64110D",
+ "cusip": ["64110D954", "64110D904", "64110D104", "64110d104"],
+ "names": ["Netapp Inc", "NETAPP INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1002047/000095017023027948/0000950170-23-027948-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-029412.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-029412.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..328f9d6207
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-029412.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBUSINESS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRISK FACTORS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of \nFinancial Condition and Results of Operations\n \n\n\nYou should read the following Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors\u201d and elsewhere in this report.\n\n\nThe results of our outdoor products and accessories business, which was previously reported as a separate business segment, are being presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented, See Note 3 \u2013 \nDiscontinued Operations \nto our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding these discontinued operations. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to income statement items in this Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations refers to results from continuing operations.\n \n\n\n2023 Highlights\n \n\n\nOur operating results for fiscal 2023 included the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nNet sales of $479.2 million represented a decrease of $384.9 million, or 44.5%, from our fiscal 2022 net sales. The decrease in net sales was primarily as a result of a return to more normalized demand from the historic pandemic-related demand that lasted from March 2020 through the beginning of fiscal 2022 combined with a reduction in inventory within the distribution channel.\n\n\n\u2022\nGross profit decreased $220.0 million, or 58.7%, from the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of lower sales volume. Gross margin decreased 11.1% from the prior fiscal year as a result of reduced sales volumes across nearly all product lines, combined with the impact of inflation, unfavorable fixed-cost absorption due to lower production volume, and expenses related to the Relocation. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by decreased compensation costs and favorable inventory valuation adjustments caused by amortization of variance capitalization offset by an increase in excess and obsolescence reserves. \n\n\n\u2022\nNet income was $36.9 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, compared with net income of $194.5 million, or $4.08 per diluted share, for the prior fiscal year. \n\n\n\u2022\nDuring fiscal 2023, we paid $18.3 million in dividends compared with $15.0 million in fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u2022\nOn September 30, 2021, we announced the Relocation. In connection with the Relocation, we are building a new facility in Maryville. Our corporate headquarters, some of our Springfield manufacturing operations, a portion of our Deep River plastic injection molding facility, and our Columbia distribution operations will be relocated to Maryville. In total, we expect to incur capital expenditures in connection with the construction and equipping of the new facility in an aggregate amount of approximately $160.0 million to $170.0 million through the end of fiscal 2024. Through April 30, 2023, we had incurred $93.5 million of capital expenditures and $18.5 million of other restructuring charges related to the Relocation.\n\n\nKey Performance Indicators\n \n\n\nWe evaluate the performance of our business based upon operating profit, which includes net sales, cost of sales, selling and administrative expenses, and certain components of other income and expense. We also track our return on invested capital, and we use adjusted EBITDAS (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation expense, excluding certain non-operational items), which is a non-GAAP financial metric, as a supplemental measure of our performance in order to provide investors with an improved understanding of\n \n\n\n37\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nunderlying performance trends. We evaluate the performance of our products using measurements such as gross margin per unit produced, units produced per day, revenue by trade channel, and incoming orders per day.\n \n\n\nExternal Factors that Impact the Firearm Industry\n \n\n\nThe firearm industry has been subject to many external factors in the past that have significantly increased the volatility of revenue generated for companies within the industry. These factors include, among others, fears surrounding crime and terrorism; significant news events, such as those related to mass shootings; potential restrictions on the sale or makeup of firearms; actual and potential legislative, judicial, and regulatory actions; economic changes; and changes in the social and political environment, including congressional and presidential elections. See Item IA, \nRisk Factors, \nfor further discussion of external factors that impact the firearm industry. Although these external factors have created demand surges and volatility in the firearm market, and often make it difficult to predict demand, we believe that those external factors have also likely contributed to a long-term increase in consumer interest in firearms. We estimate that the annual domestic non-military firearm market is approximately $3.5 billion for handguns and $1.6 billion for long guns, excluding shotguns, based on the latest data for industry shipments as calculated by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, or NSSF, utilizing Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax data for calendar year 2022. According to calendar 2021 reports by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, the U.S. firearm manufacturing industry grew at a 3.7% compound annual growth rate in units from 2016 through 2021, although there has been wide variation among years (e.g., 2019 to 2020 grew 58.0%). We believe that this expanding base of consumers combined with our strong brand reputation and attractive price points lend support to our goal of continuing to increase our market share.\n\n\nResults of Operations\n \n\n\nNet Sales and Gross Profit\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding net sales and gross profit for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHandguns\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n360,668\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n624,219\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(263,551\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-42.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n755,735\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong Guns\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74,230\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n189,467\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(115,237\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-60.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n253,340\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther Products & Services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n44,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50,440\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,096\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-12.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50,120\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n479,242\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n864,126\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(384,884\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-44.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,059,195\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n324,705\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n489,562\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(164,857\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-33.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n610,212\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n154,537\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n374,564\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(220,027\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-58.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n448,983\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n% of net sales (gross margin)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding units shipped by trade channel for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (units in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Units Shipped\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n# Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHandguns\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n793\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,518\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(725\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-47.8%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,079\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong Guns\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n148\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n363\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(215\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-59.2%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n524\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSporting Goods Channel Units Shipped\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n# Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHandguns\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n734\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,422\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(688\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-48.4%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,953\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong Guns\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n137\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n342\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(205\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-59.9%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n508\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessional Channel Units Shipped\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n# Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHandguns\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n96\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(37\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-38.5%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n126\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong Guns\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-47.6%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Net Sales and Gross Profit Compared with Fiscal 2022\n \n\n\nSales of our handguns decreased $263.6 million, or 42.2%, from fiscal 2022, primarily as a result of a return to more normalized demand from the historic pandemic-related demand that lasted from March 2020 through the beginning of fiscal 2022 as competing products became more available through the replenishment of depleted channel inventory, partially offset by net sales generated from increased shipments of new products, which represented 26.8% of sales in the period, combined with one price increase of 5% on select products. Handgun unit shipments into the sporting goods channel decreased 48.4% from fiscal 2022, while overall consumer demand decreased 3.3%, (as indicated by adjusted background checks for handguns reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS). In addition, during the fiscal year, handgun inventory in our distribution channel declined by 44.4%, which negatively impacted our net sales.\n\n\nSales of our long guns decreased $115.2 million, or 60.8%, from fiscal 2022. Similar to handgun sales, this decrease was primarily a result of lower demand for the majority of our long gun products as competing products became more available through the replenishment of depleted channel inventory, partially offset by increased shipments of new products in the fiscal year, which represented 36.3% of sales in the period. Unit shipments into the sporting goods channel decreased 59.9% from fiscal 2022, while overall consumer demand for long guns decreased 5.9%, as indicated by NICS. In addition, during the fiscal year, long gun inventory in our distribution channel declined by 49.6%, which negatively impacted our net sales.\n\n\nWe believe that overall firearm demand remains healthy, as indicated by NICS data, but has normalized from the surge levels we experienced during much of calendar years 2020 and 2021. We believe our comparable shipments year over year underperformed in comparison to NICS primarily because of an over-replenishment of our channel inventory during the first three quarters of fiscal 2022, at which time channel inventory peaked, and which led to our distribution partners actively seeking to reduce inventory of our products during fiscal 2023.\n\n\nOther products and services sales decreased $6.1 million, or 12.1%, from fiscal 2022, primarily because of decreased sales of component parts and business-to-business sales, partially offset by increased sales of handcuffs.\n\n\nNew products, defined as any new SKU not shipped in the prior year, represented 25.8% of net sales for the 12 months ended April 30, 2023 and included three new pistols, one new modern sporting rifle, and many new product line extensions.\n \n\n\nGross margin for fiscal 2023 decreased by 11.1% from \nthe prior fiscal year, primarily because of a combination of reduced sales volumes across nearly all product lines, the impact of inflation on raw material and finished parts, which increased approximately 9.6% over the prior year, the impact of inflation on labor costs, particularly as it relates to entry level positions, unfavorable fixed-cost absorption due to lower production volume, and expenses related to employee severance, partially offset by decreased compensation costs and favorable inventory valuation adjustments caused by amortization of variance capitalization offset by an increase in excess and obsolescence reserves. We generally attempt to mitigate inflationary impacts with price increases, when and where possible, based on market dynamics, and process improvements, although our ability to utilize process improvements in recent periods has been constrained by factors related to the Relocation.\n\n\nOur inventory levels increased $40.5 million during fiscal 2023, as we slowly ramped down production to minimize impact to our employees and suppliers while replenishing stock to provide our customers with a more robust selection of inventory and position ourselves for potential increases in consumer demand and plan for the Relocation. During the second half of fiscal 2023, our inventory balances decreased $16.3 million. While inventory levels, both internally and in the distribution channel, in excess of demand may negatively impact future operating results, it is difficult to forecast the potential impact of distributor inventories on future revenue and income as demand is impacted\n \n\n\n39\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nby many factors, including seasonality, new product introductions, news events, political events, and consumer tastes. We expect our inventories to remain elevated as we begin our transition to our new facility in Maryville.\n\n\nA discussion of our results of net sales and gross profit for fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 is included in Part II, Item 7. \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2022, filed with the SEC on June 23, 2022.\n\n\nOperating Expenses\n \n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding operating expenses for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,262\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n288\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,480\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, marketing, and distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36,976\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43,156\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,180\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-14.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42,603\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n61,604\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n72,493\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10,889\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-15.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n79,268\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n106,130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n122,911\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(16,781\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-13.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n129,351\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n% of net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Operating Expenses Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\nOperating expenses decreased $16.8 million from the prior fiscal year. Research and development expenses increased $288,000, primarily because of increased new product development costs, partially offset by decreased compensation-related costs. Selling, marketing, and distribution expenses decreased $6.2 million, primarily as a result of decreased compensation-related expenses, decreased co-op advertising expenses, decreased advertising costs, and decreased freight costs due to lower shipments, partially offset by increased spending on targeted customer promotions. General and administrative expenses decreased $10.9 million, primarily because of a decrease of $5.3 million in profit sharing expense, decreased profit-related compensation costs, lower costs associated with the Relocation, decreased legal-related expenses, and decreased bad debt expense, partially offset by increased travel and entertainment expenses. Fiscal 2023 general and administrative expenses were reduced by sublease income of $1.8 million, of which $1.6 million was reported in other income/(expense) in fiscal 2022.\n\n\nFiscal 2022 Operating Expenses Compared with Fiscal 2021\n\n\nOperating expenses decreased $6.4 million from the prior fiscal year. Research and development expenses decreased $218,000, primarily because of decreased compensation-related costs, driven by temporarily unfilled positions, we believe as a result of the Relocation. Selling, marketing, and distribution expenses increased $553,000, primarily as a result of increased digital advertising costs and expenses relating to industry shows, partially offset by decreased co-op advertising expenses on lower sales and decreased freight costs due to lower shipments. General and administrative expenses decreased $6.8 million, primarily because of a decrease of $7.0 million related to Separation costs incurred in the prior year, $5.2 million of lower compensation-related expenses primarily as a result of the synergy savings realized from the Separation, and a decrease of $1.5 million in depreciation expenses, partially offset by an increase of $5.6 million of costs associated with the Relocation and $1.4 million of increased legal-related expenses.\n\n\nOperating Income from Operations\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding operating income for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating income from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n48,407\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n251,653\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(203,246\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-80.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n319,632\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n% of net sales (operating margin)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n40\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Operating Income from Operations Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating income from operations for fiscal 2023 decreased $203.2 million, or 80.8%, from the prior fiscal year, primarily because of reduced sales volumes across nearly all product lines, unfavorable fixed-cost absorption, and increased spending on targeted customer promotions, partially offset by decreased profit sharing expense, decreased profit-related compensation costs, lower costs associated with the Relocation, decreased legal-related expenses, decreased bad debt expense, favorable inventory valuation adjustments, and the change in classification of rental income.\n\n\nFiscal 2022 Operating Income from Operations Compared with Fiscal 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating income from operations for fiscal 2022 decreased $68.0 million, or 21.3%, from the prior fiscal year, primarily because of reduced sales volumes across nearly all product lines, unfavorable fixed-cost absorption, expenses incurred in relation to the Relocation, and increased legal costs. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by lower promotional product spending, lower spend related to the Separation, decreased co-op advertising expenses, and decreased freight costs.\n\n\nOther Income\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding operating income for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n150\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,868\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(2,718\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-94.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,252\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther income for fiscal 2023 decreased $2.7 million, or 94.8%, from the prior fiscal year, primarily as a result of the reclassification of sublease income to general and administrative expenses and interest expense, as applicable, in the current fiscal year.\n\n\nInterest (Expense)\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding interest expense for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(331\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(2,135\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1,804\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-84.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(3,919\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInterest expense decreased by $1.8 million, or 84.5%, from the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of the reclassification of interest income on the sublease from other income combined with higher average interest rates paid on cash on deposit.\n\n\nIncome Tax Expense\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding income tax expense for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11,350\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n57,892\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(46,542\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-80.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n74,394\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n% of income from operations (effective tax rate)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe recorded income tax expense of $11.4 million for fiscal 2023, $46.5 million lower than the prior fiscal year, primarily because of decreased profitability. The effective tax rates were 23.5% and 22.9% for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe recorded income tax expense of $57.9 million for fiscal 2022, $16.5 million lower than the prior fiscal year, primarily because of decreased profitability. The effective tax rates were 22.9% and 23.4% for fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet Income\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding net income and the related per share data for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands, except per share data):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n36,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n194,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(157,618\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-81.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n243,571\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income per share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(3.32\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-80.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(3.28\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-80.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.40\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Net Income Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet income decreased $157.6 million, or $3.32 per diluted share, from the prior fiscal year for reasons outlined above.\n\n\nFiscal 2022 Net Income Compared with Fiscal 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet income decreased $49.1 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, from the prior fiscal year for reasons outlined above.\n\n\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n \n\n\nOur principal cash requirements are to (1) finance the growth of our operations, including working capital and capital expenditures, (2) fund the Relocation, and (3) return capital to our stockholders. Capital expenditures for the Relocation, new product development, and repair and replacement of equipment represent important cash needs.\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain cash flow information for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n16,732\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n137,814\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(121,082\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-87.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n317,260\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvesting activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(89,781\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(24,116\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(65,665\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-272.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(22,261\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,877\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(105,987\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n111,864\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n105.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(303,758\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cash flow\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(67,172\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,711\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(74,883\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-971.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(8,759\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating Activities\n \n\n\nOperating activities represent the principal source of our cash flow.\n \n\n\nCash provided by operating activities was $16.7 million in fiscal 2023, or $121.1 million lower than the prior fiscal year. Cash from operating activities was negatively impacted by a $157.7 million reduction in net income, partially offset by an incremental $17.7 million decrease in inventory and an incremental $18.4 million increase in accounts payable.\n \n\n\nCash provided by operating activities was $137.8 million in fiscal 2022, or $179.4 million lower than the prior fiscal year. The fiscal 2022 cash from operating activities was negatively impacted by an incremental $83.4 million increase in inventory due to increased production capacity combined with reduced consumer demand, an incremental\n \n\n\n42\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$52.5 million decrease in accounts payable due to lower operating activities, and the impact of paying the fiscal 2021 profit sharing in fiscal 2022. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by an incremental $14.9 million increase in accrued expenses as a result of the payment of deferred federal excise tax liabilities during the first quarter of 2021, the fulfillment of performance obligations relating to sales promotions in the prior year, and a $9.9 million decrease in accounts receivable due to timing of shipments and customer payments.\n \n\n\nInvesting Activities\n \n\n\nCash used in investing activities in fiscal 2023 was $89.8 million, or $65.7 million higher than fiscal 2022. We recorded capital expenditures of $89.6 million for fiscal 2023, $65.6 million higher than fiscal 2022. Capital expenditures relating to the Relocation were $73.2 million for fiscal 2023, of which $513,000 is capitalized interest. Excluding spending related to the Relocation, we currently expect to spend between $20.0 million and $25.0 million on capital expenditures in fiscal 2024.\n \n\n\nAdditionally, as it relates to the Relocation, we currently expect to spend between $70.0 million and $75.0 million on capital expenditures in fiscal 2024, of which $50.0 million to $55.0 million is expected for the construction of the facility.\n\n\nCash used in investing activities in fiscal 2022 was $24.1 million, or $1.9 million higher than fiscal 2021 primarily due to cash used for capital expenditures.\n\n\nFinancing Activities\n \n\n\nCash provided by financing activities was $5.9 million in fiscal 2023 compared with cash used of $106.0 million in fiscal 2022. Cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2023 was primarily a result of $25.0 million of borrowings under our revolving line of credit, partially offset by $18.3 million in dividend distributions.\n \n\n\nCash used in financing activities was $106.0 million in fiscal 2022, or $197.8 million lower than fiscal 2021. Cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2022 primarily included $90.0 million of share repurchases and $15.0 million in dividend distributions.\n\n\nFinance Lease\n \n \u2013 \nWe are a party to a material finance lease, the Missouri Lease, which is a $46.2 million lease for our Missouri distribution center that has an effective interest rate of approximately 5.0% and is payable in 240 monthly installments through fiscal 2039. The building is pledged to secure the amounts outstanding. During fiscal 2023, we paid approximately $1.2 million in principal payments relating to the Missouri Lease. With the completion of the Separation, we entered into the Missouri Sublease. On July 16, 2022, we entered into an amendment to the Missouri Sublease, increasing the subleased space to 64.7% of the facility under the same terms as the Missouri Lease. On January 31, 2023, we entered into the Assignment and Assumption Agreement and the Amended and Restated Guaranty. We intend to terminate the Missouri Sublease on or around the effective date of the Assignment and Assumption Agreement. We recorded $2.3 million of income related to the Missouri Sublease, of which $1.1 million was recorded in general and administrative expenses and $1.2 million was recorded in interest income in our condensed consolidated statements of income.\n\n\nCredit Facilities\n \n\u2013 \nWe maintain an unsecured revolving line of credit with TD Bank, N.A. and other lenders, or the Lenders, which includes availability up to $100.0 million at any one time, or the Revolving Line. The revolving line provides for availability for general corporate purposes, with borrowings to bear interest at either the Base Rate or LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin based on our consolidated leverage ratio, as of April 30, 2023. The credit agreement also provides a swingline facility in the maximum amount of $5.0 million at any one time (subject to availability under the revolving line). Each swingline loan bears interest at the Base Rate, plus an applicable margin based on our consolidated leverage ratio. In response to a Springing Lien Triggering Event (as defined in the credit agreement), we would be required to enter into certain documents that create in favor of TD Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party to such documents as legal, valid, and enforceable first priority lien on the collateral described therein. Subject to the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions described in the credit agreement, we have an option to increase the revolving line by an aggregate amount not exceeding $50.0 million. The revolving line matures on the earlier of August 24, 2025, or the date that is six months in advance of the earliest maturity of any permitted notes under the credit agreement.\n\n\n43\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOn April 28, 2023, we entered into an amendment to our existing credit agreement to, among other things, replace LIBOR with SOFR as the interest rate benchmark and amend the definition of \"Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio\" to exclude unfinanced capital expenditures in connection with the Relocation.\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we had $25.0 million of borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Line, which bore interest at 6.62%, which was equal to the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin.\n \n\n\nThe credit agreement for our credit facility contains financial covenants relating to maintaining maximum leverage and minimum debt service coverage. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of April 30, 2023.\n\n\nShare Repurchase Programs\n \n\u2013\n On March 2, 2021, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of $100.0 million of our common stock, subject to certain conditions, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions until March 2022. Pursuant to this authorization, during fiscal 2021, we purchased 3,380,447 shares of our common stock for $60.0 million, utilizing cash on hand. During fiscal 2022, we completed this stock repurchase program by purchasing 1,967,420 of our common stock for $40.0 million, utilizing cash on hand. On June 15, 2021, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $50.0 million of our common stock, subject to certain conditions, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, until August 2022. Pursuant to this authorization, during fiscal 2022, we completed this repurchase program by purchasing 2,788,152 shares of our common stock for $50.0 million, utilizing cash on hand. As of April 30, 2023, we had no authorized share repurchase programs. We did not purchase any shares of our common stock during fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\nAt April 30, 2023, we had $53.6 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand.\n \n\n\nBased upon our current working capital position, current operating plans, and expected business conditions, we believe that our existing capital resources and credit facilities will be adequate to fund our operations for the next 12 months.\n \n\n\nOur future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including net sales, the construction of the new facility in Maryville, the timing and extent of spending to support product development efforts, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, the timing of introductions of new products and enhancements to existing products, and the costs to ensure access to adequate manufacturing capacity.\n \n\n\nInflation\n \n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, inflationary pressures resulted in increases in the cost of certain of the components, parts, raw materials, and other supplies necessary for the production of our products, as well as labor costs. We do not believe that inflation had a material impact on us during fiscal 2022 or 2021. We expect that there will be an increased impact from inflation during fiscal 2024.\n\n\nCritical Accounting Estimates\n\n\nManagement's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires that we make accounting estimates, judgments, and assumptions that can have a meaningful effect on the reporting of consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 \u2014 Significant Accounting Policies for additional information.\n\n\nCritical accounting estimates are defined as those reflective of significant judgments, estimates, and uncertainties, which may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company believes the following are its critical accounting estimates:\n\n\nRevenue Recognition\n \n\n\nDescription\n: We recognize revenue in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, \nRevenue from Contracts with\n \nCustomers\n (Topic 606), which became effective for us on May 1, 2018. Generally,\n \n\n\n44\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nall performance obligations are satisfied and revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the customer, which is generally upon shipment but could be delayed until the receipt of customer acceptance.\n \n\n\nJudgments and Uncertainties\n: In some instances, sales include multiple performance obligations. These may include sales promotion programs that entitle customers to receive rebates or free goods based upon their purchase of our products. The fulfillment of these free goods is our responsibility. We recognize revenue proportionally as each performance obligation is satisfied, based on the relative transaction price of each product. The net change in contract liabilities for a given period is reported as an increase or decrease to sales.\n\n\nOur product sales are generally sold free on board, or FOB, shipping point and provide payment terms to most commercial customers ranging from 20 to 60 days of product shipment with a discount available in certain cases for early payment. In some instances, we may provide longer payment terms. We do not consider these extended terms to be a significant financing component of the contract because the payment terms are always less than one year. In all cases, we consider our costs related to shipping and handling to be a cost of fulfilling the contract with the customer.\n\n\nSensitivity of Estimate to Change\n:\n \nThe liability relating to performance obligations is based on the estimated level of participation in the sales promotional program and the timing of the shipment of all products included in the promotional program. For contracts with discounted terms, we determine the transaction price upon establishment of the contract that contains the final terms of the sale, including the description, quantity, and price of each product purchased. We estimate variable consideration relative to the amount of cash discounts to which customers are likely to be entitled.\n \n\n\nValuation of Goodwill, Long-lived Tangible, and Intangible Assets\n \n\n\nDescription\n:\n \nWe evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets, or asset groups, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. When such evaluations indicate that the related future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying values of the assets, such carrying values are reduced to fair value and this adjusted carrying value becomes the asset\u2019s new cost basis. We determine fair value primarily using future anticipated cash flows that are directly associated with and are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset, or asset group, discounted using an interest rate commensurate with the risk involved.\n \n\n\nJudgments and Uncertainties\n: Determining whether impairment indicators exist and estimating the fair value of our goodwill, tangible and intangible assets requires significant judgment. Estimating the fair value of goodwill requires management to make assumptions and projections of future cash flows, revenues, earnings, discount rates, long term growth rates, and other factors.\n\n\nSensitivity of Estimate to Change\n: The assumptions used to assess impairment consider historical trends, macroeconomic conditions, and projections consistent with our operating strategy. Changes in these estimates can have a significant impact on the assessment of fair value which could result in material impairment losses.\n\n\nInventories\n\n\nDescription\n: We value inventories at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out, or FIFO, method, or net realizable value.\n \n\n\nJudgments and Uncertainties\n: An allowance for potential non-saleable inventory due to excess stock or obsolescence is based upon a detailed review of inventory, past history, and expected future usage.\n \n\n\nSensitivity of Estimate to Change\n: The assumptions used to assess inventory valuation consider historical activity. Changes in these estimates can have a significant impact on the assessment of excess and obsolete inventory, which could result in material losses.\n\n\n45\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWarranty\n \n\n\nDescription\n: We generally provide a limited one-year warranty and a lifetime service policy to the original purchaser of our new firearm products. We will also repair or replace certain products or parts found to be defective under normal use and service with an item of equivalent value, at our option, without charge during the warranty period. We provide for estimated warranty obligations in the period in which we recognize the related revenue.\n \n\n\nJudgments and Uncertainties\n: We quantify and record an estimate for warranty-related costs based on our actual historical claims experience and current repair costs. We adjust accruals as warranty claims data and historical experience warrant. Should we experience actual claims and repair costs that are higher than the estimated claims and repair costs used to calculate the provision, our operating results for the period or periods in which such returns or additional costs materialize could be adversely impacted.\n\n\nSensitivity of Estimate to Change\n: The assumptions used to assess warranty consider historical trends. Changes in these estimates can have a significant impact on the assessment of warranty, which could result in material losses.\n\n\nRelocation\n\n\nDescription\n:\n \nAs part of the Relocation, we offered a severance and relocation package to every affected employee. The severance was, in part, based on the employee's service term, job function, and classification status, and required the employee to remain active and in good standing through their relocation date.\n\n\nJudgments and Uncertainties\n:\n \nIn accounting for severance and relocation costs, management must make a variety of assumptions and estimates, including, but not limited to, the number of employees that will meet all of the requirements to receive the severance and relocation package, the number of those employees that will be electing to relocate versus opt for severance, and the potential cost of self-insured benefits that may be incurred during any potential severance period. We consider current facts when determining these estimates.\n \n\n\nSensitivity of Estimate to Change\n: The liabilities relating to severance and relocation obligations is based on the number of employees affected by the Relocation, the number of employees that have decided to relocate, the estimated cost of benefits during the severance period, and the employees' terms of service and rates of pay as of the fiscal year end. Changes in these assumptions can have a significant impact on the estimate of these liabilities.\n\n\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\n \n\n\nThe nature and impact of recent accounting pronouncements is discussed in Note 2 \u2014 \nSignificant Accounting Policies\n to our consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.\n \n\n\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements\n \n\n\nWe do not have any transactions, arrangements, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that are reasonably likely to affect our liquidity or capital resources. We have no special purpose or limited purpose entities that provide off-balance sheet financing, liquidity, or market or credit risk support or that engage in leasing, hedging, research and development services, or other relationships that expose us to liability that is not reflected in our financial statements.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk\n \n\n\nWe do not enter into any market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes. Our principal market risk relates to the variable interest rate associated with our credit agreement, which consists of a $100.0 million revolving line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR or prime, at our election, plus an applicable margin based on our consolidated leverage ratio. For more information regarding our financing arrangements, see Note 5 \u2014 \nNotes, Loans Payable, and Financing Arrangements\n. As of April 30, 2023, we had $25.0 million of borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Line, which bore an interest rate of 6.62%, which is equal to the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin. On April 28, 2023, we entered into an amendment to our existing credit agreement to, among other things, replace LIBOR with SOFR as the interest rate benchmark and amend the definition of \"Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio\" to exclude unfinanced capital expenditures in connection with the Relocation.\n\n\n46\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nI\ntem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\n \n\n\nReference is made to our consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto, and the report thereon, commencing on page F-1 of this report, which financial statements, notes, and report are incorporated herein by reference.\n\n\nI\ntem 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n \n\n\nNot applicable.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 9A. Controls and Procedures\n \n\n\nEvaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures\n \n\n\nWe maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC\u2019s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.\n\n\nOur management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of April 30, 2023, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form-10-K. Based on that evaluation, we have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form-10-K, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide such reasonable assurance.\n\n\nManagement\u2019s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting\n\n\nEvaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures\n\n\nManagement is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBecause of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies may deteriorate.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nManagement conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the 2013 framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO Framework). Based on that evaluation, management believes that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 30, 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2023 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited our consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2023. Deloitte & Touche LLP's report on our internal control over financial reporting is included herein.\n\n\nInherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures\n\n\nIn designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of\n \n\n\n47\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nachieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and we are is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.\n\n\nChanges in Internal Control over Financial Reporting\n \n\n\nThere was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fourth fiscal quarter of 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.\n\n\nI\ntem 9B. Other Information\n \n\n\nNot applicable.\n\n\nItem 9C. D\nisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n\n\nNot applicable.\n \n\n\n48\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nP\nART III\n \n\n\nI\ntem 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item relating to our directors and corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The information required by this Item relating to our executive officers is included in Item 1, \u201cBusiness \u2014 Executive Officers\u201d of this report.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 11. Executive Compensation\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nP\nART IV\n\n\nI\ntem 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules\n\n\n(a)\nFinancial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules \n\n\n(1)\nConsolidated Financial Statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report. \n\n\n(2)\nAll schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the information required is shown in the financial statements or notes above. \n\n\n(b)\nExhibits \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExhibit\nNumber\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExhibit\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02.13***\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeparation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of August 21, 2020, by and between the Registrant and American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (1)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmended and Restated Bylaws (2)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSecond Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (3)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertificate of Withdrawal of Certificate of Designation (4)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a04.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Common Stock Certificate (5)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a04.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription of Securities (13)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.51**\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAgreement with Respect to Defense of Smith & Wesson: Firearms Litigation, dated as of November 11, 2004 (6)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.107*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSmith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Executive Severance Pay Plan (8)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.108*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdoption Agreement to the Smith & Wesson Nonqualified Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan (9)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.109*\n\n\n \n\n\nSmith & Wesson Nonqualified Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan Document (9)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.110(a)*\n\n\n \n\n\n2013 Incentive Stock Plan (10)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.110(b)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022 Incentive Stock Plan (11)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.111(b)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Agreement to the 2013 Incentive Stock Plan for awards made beginning in April 2015 (12)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n50\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.111(c)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Agreement to the 2013 Incentive Stock Plan for awards made beginning in April 2020 (13)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.111(d)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Agreement to the 2022 Incentive Stock Plan for awards made beginning in April 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.112(b)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Performance Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Agreement to the 2013 Incentive Stock Plan for awards made in 2020 (13)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.112(c)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Performance Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Agreement to the 2013 Incentive Stock Plan for awards made beginning in 2021 (13)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.112(d)*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Performance Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Agreement to the 2022 Incentive Stock Plan for awards made beginning in 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.114(a)\n\n\n \n\n\nLease Agreement, dated October 26, 2017, by and between Ryan Boone County, LLC and Smith & Wesson Corp. (14)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.114(b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAssignment and Assumption of Lease Agreement, dated January 31, 2023, between Smith & Wesson Sales Company and American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (15)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.115(a)\n\n\n \n\n\nGuaranty, dated October 26, 2017, entered into by the Registrant (14)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.115(b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmended and Restated Guaranty, dated January 31, 2023 (15)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.119*\n\n\n \n\n\nEmployment Agreement, executed April 4, 2020 and effective as of January 15, 2020, by and between Mark P. Smith and the Registrant (16)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.121\n\n\n \n\n\nTransition Services Agreement dated as of August 21, 2020, by and between the Registrant and American Outdoor Brands, Inc (1)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.122\n\n\n \n\n\nTax Matters Agreement, dated as of August 21, 2020, by and between the Registrant and American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (1)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.123\n\n\n \n\n\nEmployee Matters Agreement, dated as of August 21, 2020, by and between the Registrant and American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (1)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.124***\n\n\n \n\n\nTrademark License Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020, by and between Smith & Wesson Inc. and AOB Products Company (1)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.125***\n\n\n \n\n\nSublease, dated as of August 24, 2020, by and between the Smith & Wesson Sales Company and American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (1)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.126***\n\n\n \n\n\nSupply Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2022, by and between Crimson Trace Corporation, as Supplier, and Smith & Wesson Inc.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.127***\n\n\n \n\n\nSupply Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2022, by and between AOB Products Company, as Supplier, and Smith & Wesson Inc.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.128(a)***\n\n\n \n\n\nAmended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020, by and among the Registrant, Smith & Wesson Sales Company, Smith & Wesson, Inc., the Guarantors, the Lenders, and TD Bank, N.A. (1)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.128(b)***\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFirst Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2023 (17)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.129*\n\n\n \n\n\nSeparation and Release Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2021, by and between Robert J. Cicero and the Registrant (18)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n51\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProject Agreement, dated September 30, 2021, by and among The Industrial Development Board of Blount County and the cities of Alcoa and Maryville, Tennessee, a public, nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Tennessee and the Registrant (19)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.131*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (20)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.132***\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStandard Design-Build Agreement and General Conditions, dated February 2, 2023, between Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc and The Christman Company (portions of the exhibit have been omitted) (15)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a010.133*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Indemnity Agreement entered into with the following directors and executive officers: as of August 9, 2022 with Anita D. Britt, Fred M. Diaz, Kevin A. Maxwell, Deana L. McPherson, Barry M. Monheit, and Robert L. Scott; as of August 15, 2022 with Michael F. Golden; as of August 24, 2022 with Susan J. Cupero; as of August 25, 2022 with Denis G. Suggs and Mark P. Smith; and as of September 5, 2022 with John B. Furman (7)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a021.1\n\n\n \n\n\nSubsidiaries of the Registrant\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a023.1\n\n\n \n\n\nConsent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a031.1\n\n\n \n\n\nRule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a031.2\n\n\n \n\n\nRule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a032.1\n\n\n \n\n\nSection 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a032.2\n\n\n \n\n\nSection 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.INS\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Instance Document \u2013 the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.SCH\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.CAL\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.DEF\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.LAB\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.PRE\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n104\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n* Management contract or compensatory arrangement.\n \n\n\n** An application has been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission for confidential treatment, pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, of portions of this exhibit. These portions have been omitted from this exhibit.\n \n\n\n*** Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(a) (5) of the Regulation S-K. We agree to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.\n\n\n(1)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 26, 2020.\n\n\n(2)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2023.\n\n\n(3)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 12, 2019.\n\n\n(4)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 1, 2013. \n\n\n(5)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 19, 2020.\n\n\n(6)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on March 10, 2005.\n\n\n(7)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on September 8, 2022. \n\n\n(8)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 9, 2020.\n\n\n(9)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2013. \n\n\n52\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on December 20, 2013.\n\n\n(11)\nIncorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Registrant's Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on August 3, 2022.\n\n\n(12)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 22, 2015.\n\n\n(13)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 17, 2021.\n\n\n(14)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 31, 2017.\n\n\n(15)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 3, 2023.\n\n\n(16)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 9, 2020.\n\n\n(17)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 2, 2023.\n\n\n(18)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 24, 2021.\n\n\n(19)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 30, 2021.\n\n\n(20)\nIncorporated by reference to the Registrant\u2019s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on March 30, 2022.\n\n\nItem 16. Form 10-K Summary\n\n\nNot applicable.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nS\nIGNATURES\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Mark P. Smith\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark P. Smith\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDate: June 22, 2023\n\n\nPursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSignature\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCapacity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDate\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Mark P. Smith\n\n\n \n\n\nPresident, Chief Executive Officer, and Director\n \n(Principal Executive Officer)\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark P. Smith\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Deana L. McPherson\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary\n \n(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeana L. McPherson\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Robert L. Scott\n\n\n \n\n\nChairman of the Board\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRobert L. Scott\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Anita D. Britt\n\n\n \n\n\nDirector\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnita D. Britt\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Fred M. Diaz\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFred M. Diaz\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ John B. Furman\n\n\n \n\n\nDirector\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJohn B. Furman\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Barry M. Monheit\n\n\n \n\n\nDirector\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBarry M. Monheit\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Denis G. Suggs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 22, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDenis G. Suggs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nI\nNDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS\n \n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPage\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n2\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n5\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Statements of Income for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n6\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders\u2019 Equity for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, \nand 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n7\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n8\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n10\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n1\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nREPORT OF INDEPENDENT RE\nGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM\n\n\nTo the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.\n \n\n\nOpinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting\n\n\nWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (the \"Company\") as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the \"financial statements\"). We also have audited the Company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2023, based on criteria established in \nInternal Control \u2014 Integrated Framework (2013)\n issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).\n\n\nIn our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2023, based on criteria established in \nInternal Control \u2014 Integrated Framework (2013)\n issued by COSO.\n\n\nBasis for Opinions\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.\n\n\nWe conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.\n\n\nOur audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.\n\n\nDefinition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting\n\n\nA company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance\n \n\n\nF-\n2\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nregarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company\u2019s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.\n\n\nBecause of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.\n\n\nCritical Audit Matters\n\n\nThe critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.\n\n\nProperty, Plant, and Equipment \u2013 Evaluation of Impairment as a result of the Relocation (Refer to Notes 4 and 16)\n\n\nCritical Audit Matter Description\n\n\nOn September 30, 2021, the Company announced their plan to move their headquarters and significant elements of its operations to Maryville in 2023, or the Relocation. As part of the Relocation, the Company intends to vacate and sublease their Missouri distribution facility. In addition, at or near the conclusion of its Deep River building lease in May 2024, the Company intends to relocate a portion of its plastic injection molding operations to Maryville and will evaluate selling the remaining molding operations utilized in their Connecticut operations to a third party.\n\n\nWe identified accounting implications of the Relocation as a critical audit matter because it is an impairment indictor for Property, Plant, and Equipment, including right of use assets because of the significant assumptions and judgments management makes when determining whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred indicating that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. This required a high degree of auditor judgment when performing audit procedures to evaluate whether management appropriately identified impairment indicators and determined the recoverability of the assets.\n \n\n\nHow the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit\n\n\nOur audit procedures related to the evaluation of Property, Plant, and Equipment for impairment included the following, among others:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nWe tested the effectiveness of the controls over management\u2019s identification of possible impairment indicators and their analysis of whether the carrying amounts of Property, Plant, and Equipment are no longer recoverable. \n\n\n\u2022\nWe evaluated management\u2019s impairment analysis by:\n\n\n\u2022\nReviewing contracts including the assignment and assumption agreement to determine potential impairment indicators and compare those with management\u2019s identified indicators and analysis.\n\n\n\u2022\nInspecting Board of Director\u2019s minutes to determine Management\u2019s plans including determination of Property, Plant, and Equipment to be relocated or sold. \n\n\n\u2022\nEvaluating the recoverability of the right of use asset by taking into consideration the anticipated future cash flows of the sublease.\n\n\n\u2022\nObtaining written representations from Management regarding Management\u2019s plans and assumptions used in their impairment analysis. \n\n\nF-\n3\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating Expenses - Determination of Applicable Severance Charges as a result of the Relocation (Refer to Note 17)\n \n\n\nCritical Audit Matter Description\n\n\nOn September 30, 2021, the Company announced their plan to move their headquarters and significant elements of its operations to Maryville in 2023, or the Relocation. As part of the Relocation, the Company intends to vacate and sublease their Missouri distribution facility. In addition, at or near the conclusion of its Deep River building lease in May 2024, the Company intends to relocate a portion of their plastic injection molding operations to Maryville and will evaluate selling the remaining molding operations utilized in their Connecticut operations to a third party.\n\n\nWe identified the accounting for the Company\u2019s severance and relocation package as a critical audit matter because of the high degree of auditor judgment when performing audit procedures to evaluate the assumptions and judgments management utilized in determining its obligation.\n\n\nHow the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit\n\n\nOur audit procedures related to the accounting for applicable severance charges to Operating Expenses included the following, among others:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nWe tested the effectiveness of the controls over management\u2019s calculation and assumptions of the Relocation charges. \n\n\n\u2022\nWe tested management\u2019s calculation of Relocation charges by:\n\n\n\u2022\nReviewing management\u2019s communications to understand the terms and conditions of the relocation package. \n\n\n\u2022\nAgreeing inputs to source documents.\n\n\n\u2022\nChallenging management\u2019s assumptions of which employees are affected by the Relocation and who will be eligible for a Relocation package. \n\n\n\u2022\nVerifying the mathematical accuracy of management\u2019s calculation.\n\n\n/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP\n\n\n \n\n\nHartford, Connecticut\n \n\n\nJune 22, 2023\n \n\n\nWe have served as the Company's auditor since 2014.\n\n\nF-\n4\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n\n\nC\nONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In\n \nthousands, except par value and share data)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nASSETS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent assets:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n53,556\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n120,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable, net of allowances for credit losses of $\n23\n\u00a0on\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0April 30, 2023 and $\n36\n\u00a0on April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55,153\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62,695\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n177,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n136,660\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrepaid expenses and other current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,917\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,569\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,176\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,945\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n291,920\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n327,597\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty, plant, and equipment, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n210,330\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n135,591\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangibles, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,588\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,608\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,085\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,221\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,347\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,435\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n541,294\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n497,476\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS\u2019 EQUITY\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent liabilities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n36,795\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n30,042\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses and deferred revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20,149\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,482\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued payroll and incentives\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,565\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,371\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,831\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,673\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued profit sharing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,203\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,543\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued warranty\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,670\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,838\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n87,213\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n88,949\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotes and loans payable (Note 5)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,790\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance lease payable, net of current portion\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36,961\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37,628\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther non-current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,707\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,385\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n156,671\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n136,962\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommitments and contingencies (Note 16)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStockholders\u2019 equity:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreferred stock, $\n0.001\n\u00a0par value, \n20,000,000\n\u00a0shares authorized, \nno\n\u00a0shares\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0issued or outstanding\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock, $\n0.001\n\u00a0par value, \n100,000,000\n\u00a0shares authorized, \n75,029,300\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0issued and \n45,988,930\n\u00a0shares outstanding on April 30, 2023 and \n74,641,439\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0shares issued and \n45,601,069\n\u00a0shares outstanding on April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditional paid-in capital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n283,666\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n278,101\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetained earnings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n523,184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n504,640\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated other comprehensive income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n73\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n73\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTreasury stock, at cost (\n29,040,370\n\u00a0shares on April 30, 2023 and\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0April 30, 2022)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n422,375\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n422,375\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal stockholders\u2019 equity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n384,623\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n360,514\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities and stockholders' equity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n541,294\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n497,476\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nF-\n5\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n\n\nC\nONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO\nM\nE\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In thousands, except per share data)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n$\n\n\n479,242\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n864,126\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,059,195\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n324,705\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n489,562\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n610,212\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n154,537\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n374,564\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n448,983\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,262\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,480\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, marketing, and distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36,976\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43,156\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42,603\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n61,604\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n72,493\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n79,268\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n106,130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n122,911\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n129,351\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating income from continuing operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48,407\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n251,653\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n319,632\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income/(expense), net:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income/(expense), net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n150\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,868\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,252\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n331\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,135\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,919\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal other income/(expense), net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n181\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n733\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,667\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from continuing operations before income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48,226\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n252,386\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n317,965\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,350\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n57,892\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74,394\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from continuing operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n194,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n243,571\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiscontinued operations:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from discontinued operations, net of tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,478\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n$\n\n\n36,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n194,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n252,049\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income per share:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic - continuing operations\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic - net income\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.62\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted - continuing operations\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.40\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted - net income\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.55\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted average number of common shares outstanding:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45,844\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47,227\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54,613\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46,170\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55,352\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\nF-\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\nC\nONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS\u2019 EQUITY\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAccumulated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCommon\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAdditional\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nPaid-In\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nRetained\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nComprehensive\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTreasury Stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStockholders\u2019\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nCapital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nEarnings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nIncome\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEquity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at April 30, 2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n73,527\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n74\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n267,630\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n341,716\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n73\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,167\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n222,375\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n387,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from exercise of employee stock options\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n201\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,540\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,540\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation - continuing operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,706\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,706\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation - discontinued operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares issued under employee stock purchase plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n205\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,614\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,614\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock under restricted\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0stock unit awards, net of shares surrendered\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n289\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,243\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,243\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase of treasury stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n110,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n110,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividends issued\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n8,223\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n8,223\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpin-off of outdoor products and accessories business\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n260,361\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n260,361\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n252,049\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n252,049\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at April 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74,222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n74\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n273,431\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n325,181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n73\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,285\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n332,375\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n266,384\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,536\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,536\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares issued under employee stock purchase plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n129\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,719\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,719\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock under restricted\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0stock unit awards, net of shares surrendered\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n290\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,585\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,584\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase of treasury stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,755\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n90,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n90,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividends issued\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n15,035\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n15,035\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n194,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n194,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74,641\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n278,101\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n504,640\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n73\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,040\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n422,375\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n360,514\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,102\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,102\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares issued under employee stock purchase plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n175\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,528\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,528\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock under restricted\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0stock unit awards, net of shares surrendered\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n213\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,065\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,065\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividends issued\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n18,333\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n18,333\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at April 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n75,029\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n283,666\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n523,184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n73\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,040\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n422,375\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n384,623\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\nF-\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\nC\nONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows from operating activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from continuing operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n36,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n194,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n243,571\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,436\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,073\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,575\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Gain)/loss on sale/disposition of assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n55\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n625\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n154\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProvision for (recoveries)/losses on notes and accounts receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n27\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n689\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n739\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImpairment of long-lived tangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n86\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n6,864\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,125\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n447\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,102\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,536\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,706\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in operating assets and liabilities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,569\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,058\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5,824\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n40,458\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n58,183\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,264\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrepaid expenses and other current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n653\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,839\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n852\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n74\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n480\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,643\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n8,606\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n26,957\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,540\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued payroll and incentives\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,194\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n10\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,933\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued profit sharing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5,340\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n902\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,248\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses and deferred revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,618\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n9,725\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n24,633\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued warranty\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n168\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n361\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,098\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,789\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,561\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,579\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther non-current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,677\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4,364\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,032\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash provided by operating activities - continuing operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,732\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n137,814\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n317,260\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash used in operating activities - discontinued operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,926\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,732\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n137,814\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n315,334\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows from investing activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRefunds on machinery and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n310\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments to acquire patents and software\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n334\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n283\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n632\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from sale of property and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n139\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n113\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments to acquire property and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n89,565\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n23,972\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n22,052\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash used in investing activities - continuing operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n89,781\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n24,116\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n22,261\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash used in investing activities - discontinued operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,143\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in investing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n89,781\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n24,116\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n23,404\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows from financing activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from loans and notes payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash paid for debt issuance costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n450\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments on finance lease obligation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,253\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,087\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n996\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments on notes and loans payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n185,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDistribution to discontinued operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n25,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments to acquire treasury stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n90,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n110,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividend distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n18,333\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n15,035\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n8,223\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from exercise of options to acquire common\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0stock, including employee stock purchase plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,528\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,719\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,154\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayment of employee withholding tax related to\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0restricted stock units\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,065\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,584\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,243\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash provided by/(used in) financing activities - continuing operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,877\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n105,987\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n303,758\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash used in financing activities - discontinued operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n166\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by/(used in) financing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,877\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n105,987\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n303,924\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n67,172\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,711\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n11,994\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents, beginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n120,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n113,017\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n125,011\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents, end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n53,556\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n120,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n113,017\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupplemental disclosure of cash flow information\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash paid for:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,148\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,219\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,306\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n18,208\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n59,183\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n80,874\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nF-\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n\n\nCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (Continued)\n\n\nSupplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15,767\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n408\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n746\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMachinery and equipment on deposit placed into service\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,855\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapital lease included in accrued expenses and finance lease payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n767\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nF-\n9\n\n\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\nN\nOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS\n \n\n\n1. Organization\n \n We are one of the world\u2019s leading manufacturers and designers of firearms. We manufacture a wide array of handguns (including revolvers and pistols), long guns (including modern sporting rifles), handcuffs, firearm suppressors, and other firearm-related products for sale to a wide variety of customers, including firearm enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, individuals desiring home and personal protection, law enforcement and security agencies and officers, and military agencies in the United States and throughout the world. We sell our products under the Smith & Wesson, M&P, and Gemtech brands. We manufacture our products at our facilities in Springfield, Massachusetts; Houlton, Maine; and Deep River, Connecticut. We also sell our manufacturing services to other businesses to attempt to level-load our factories. We sell those services under our Smith & Wesson and Smith & Wesson Precision Components brands. We plan to move our headquarters and certain of our manufacturing operations to a new facility being constructed in Maryville. See Note 16 \u2014 \nCommitments and Contingencies\n, for more information regarding this plan.\nOn November 13, 2019, we announced that we were proceeding with a plan to spin-off our outdoor products and accessories business and create an independent publicly traded company to conduct that business, or the Separation. On August 24, 2020, or the Distribution Date, we completed the Separation. See also Note 3 \u2014 \nDiscontinued Operations\n, for more information.\n \n\n\n2. Significant Accounting Policies\n \nUse of Estimates\n \u2014 The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statement dates and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Our significant estimates include the accrual for warranty, reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, rebates and other promotions, valuation of intangible assets, and costs associated with the Relocation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.\n \nPrinciples of Consolidation\n \u2014 The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Smith & Wesson Inc., Smith & Wesson Sales Company, and SWPC Plastics, LLC. In our opinion, all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations, changes in stockholders\u2019 equity, and cash flows at April 30, 2023 and 2022 and for the periods presented, have been included. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.\n \nFair Value of Financial Instruments\n \u2014 Unless otherwise indicated, the fair values of all reported assets and liabilities, which represent financial instruments not held for trading purposes, approximate the carrying values of such amounts because of their short-term nature or market rates of interest.\n \nCash and Cash Equivalents\n \u2014 We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of \nthree months\n or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. We maintain our cash in bank deposit accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts. As of April 30, 2023, all of our accounts exceeded federally insured limits.\nFinancial Instruments \n\u2014 We account for derivative instruments under Accounting Standards Codification (\u201cASC\u201d) 815-10, \nFair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic\n, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities and requires us to recognize these instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure them at fair value. As of April 30, 2023, we did \nno\nt have any derivative instruments or any Level 2 or Level 3 financial instruments within the hierarchy. See Note 5 \u2013 \nNotes, Loans Payable, and Financing Arrangements\n for more information regarding our financial instruments.\n \nF-\n10\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nTrade Receivables\n \u2014 We extend credit to our domestic customers and some foreign distributors based on their financial condition. We sometimes offer discounts for early payment on invoices. When we believe the extension of credit is not advisable, we rely on either a prepayment or a letter of credit. We write off balances deemed uncollectible by us against our allowance for doubtful accounts. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts through current past due balances, knowledge of our customers\u2019 financial situations, and past payment history.\n \nConcentrations of Credit Risk\n \u2014 Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, and trade receivables. We place our cash and cash equivalents in overnight U.S. government securities. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited by the large number of customers comprising our customer base and their geographic and business dispersion. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers\u2019 financial condition and generally do not require collateral.\n \nFor fiscal 2023, \ntwo\n of our customers each accounted for more than \n10\n% of our net sales, totaling \n22.8\n% of our net sales. As of April 30, 2023, \nthree\n of our customers each accounted for more than \n10\n% of our accounts receivable, for a total of \n39.4\n%. For fiscal 2022, \none\n customer accounted for \n16.9\n% of our net sales. As of April 30, 2022, \ntwo\n of our customers each accounted for more than \n10\n% of our accounts receivable, for a total of \n36.8\n%. For fiscal 2021, \nfour\n of our customers each accounted for more than \n10\n% of our net sales, totaling \n45.0\n% of our net sales. As of April 30, 2021, \ntwo\n of these customers each accounted for more than \n10\n% of our accounts receivable, for a total of \n28.4\n%.\nInventories \n\u2014 We value inventories at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out, or FIFO method, or net realizable value. An allowance for potential non-saleable inventory due to excess stock or obsolescence is based upon a detailed review of inventory, past history, and expected future usage.\n \nProperty, Plant, and Equipment\n \u2014 We record property, plant, and equipment, consisting of land, building, improvements, machinery, equipment, software, hardware, furniture, and fixtures, at cost and depreciate them using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. We charge expenditures for maintenance and repairs to earnings as incurred, and we capitalize additions, renewals, and betterments. Upon the retirement or other disposition of property and equipment, we remove the related cost and accumulated depreciation from the respective accounts and include any gain or loss in operations. We lease certain of our real estate, machinery, photocopiers, and vehicles under non-cancelable operating lease agreements, and we recognize expenses under our operating lease assets and liabilities at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are based on the expected life of the lease. \nA summary of the estimated useful lives is as follows: \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDescription\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUseful Life\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuilding and improvements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10 \nto \n40\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoftware and hardware\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\u00a0to \n7\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMachinery and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\u00a0to \n10\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nWe include tooling, dies, and fixtures as part of machinery and equipment and depreciate them over a period generally not exceeding \nten years\n.\n \nIntangible Assets\n \u2014 We record intangible assets at cost or based on the fair value of the assets acquired. Intangible assets consist of developed technology, customer relationships, trademarks, trade names, and patents. We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives or in proportion to expected yearly revenue generated from the intangibles that were acquired.\n \nRevenue Recognition \n\u2014 We recognize revenue in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, \nRevenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)\n, which became effective for us on May 1, 2018. Generally, all performance obligations are satisfied and revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the customer, which is generally upon shipment but could be delayed until the receipt of customer acceptance.\n \nIn some instances, sales include multiple performance obligations. The most common of these instances relates to sales promotion programs under which customers are entitled to receive free goods based upon their purchase of\n \nF-\n11\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nour products, which we have identified as a material right. The fulfillment of these free goods is our responsibility. In such instances, we allocate the revenue of the promotional sales based on the estimated level of participation in the sales promotional program and the timing of the shipment of all of the products included in the promotional program, including the free goods. We recognize revenue related to the material right proportionally as each performance obligation is satisfied. The net change in contract liabilities for a given period is reported as an increase or decrease to sales.\n \nWe generally sell our products free on board, or FOB, shipping point and provide payment terms to most commercial customers ranging from 20 to 60 days of product shipment with a discount available to some customers for early payment. Generally, framework contracts define the general terms of sales, including payment terms, freight terms, insurance requirements, and cancelation provisions. Purchase orders define the terms for specific sales, including description, quantity, and price of each product purchased. We estimate variable consideration relative to the amount of cash discounts to which customers are likely to be entitled. In some instances, we provide longer payment terms, particularly as it relates to our fall dating programs for hunting sales, which represent payment terms due in the fall for certain orders of hunting products received in the spring and summer. As a result of utilizing practical expedience upon the adoption of ASC 606, we do not consider these extended terms to be a significant financing component of the contract because the payment terms are less than one year.\n In all cases, we consider our costs related to shipping and handling to be a cost of fulfilling the contract with the customer.\nResearch and Development\n \u2014 We engage in both internal and external research and development, or R&D, in order to remain competitive and to exploit possible untapped market opportunities. We approve prospective R&D projects after analysis of the cost and benefits associated with the potential product. Costs in R&D expense include, among other items, salaries, materials, utilities, and administrative costs.\nEarnings per Share\n \u2014 We calculate basic and diluted earnings per common share in accordance with the provisions of ASC 260-10,\n Earnings Per Share\n. Basic earnings per common share equals net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share equals net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including the effect of outstanding stock options and other stock-based instruments if their effect is dilutive.\n \nThe following table provides a reconciliation of the net income amounts and weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares used to determine basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands, except per share data):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from continuing operations\n\n\n$\n\n\n36,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n194,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n243,571\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from discontinued operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,478\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n$\n\n\n36,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n194,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n252,049\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted average shares outstanding \u2014 Basic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45,844\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47,227\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54,613\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffect of dilutive stock awards\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n326\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n501\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n739\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted average shares outstanding \u2014 Diluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46,170\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55,352\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarnings per share \u2014 Basic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from continuing operations\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from discontinued operations\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.62\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarnings per share \u2014 Diluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from continuing operations\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.40\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from discontinued operations\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.55\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nF-\n12\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nFor fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, the number of shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share was \n30,307\n, \n43,530\n, and \n9,301\n, respectively, because the effect would be antidilutive.\nValuation of Long-lived Tangible and Intangible Assets\n \u2014 We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets, or asset groups, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. When such evaluations indicate that the related future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying values of the assets, such carrying values are reduced to fair value and this adjusted carrying value becomes the asset\u2019s new cost basis. We determine fair value primarily using future anticipated cash flows that are directly associated with and are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset, or asset group, discounted using an interest rate commensurate with the risk involved.\n \nWe have significant long-lived tangible and intangible assets, which are susceptible to valuation adjustments as a result of changes in various factors or conditions. The most significant long-lived tangible and intangible assets, other than goodwill, are property, plant, and equipment, right of use assets, developed technology, customer relationships, patents, trademarks, and trade names. We amortize all finite-lived intangible assets either on a straight-line basis or based upon patterns in which we expect to utilize the economic benefits of such assets. We initially determine the values of intangible assets by a risk-adjusted, discounted cash flow approach. We assess the potential impairment of identifiable intangible assets and fixed assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable and at least annually. Factors we consider important, which could trigger an impairment of such assets, include the following:\n \n\u2022\nsignificant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results; \n\u2022\nsignificant changes in the manner or use of the assets or the strategy for our overall business; \n\u2022\nsignificant negative industry or economic trends; \n\u2022\na significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and \n\u2022\na decline in our market capitalization below net book value. \nFuture adverse changes in these or other unforeseeable factors could result in an impairment charge that could materially impact future results of operations and financial position in the reporting period identified.\nIn accordance with ASC 350,\n Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,\n we test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis on February 1 and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist. The impairment test compares the fair value of the operating units to their carrying amounts to assess whether impairment is present. We have reviewed the provisions of ASC 350-20, with respect to the criteria necessary to evaluate the number of reporting units that exist. Based on this review, following the Separation, we had concluded that we have one operating unit when reviewing ASC 350-20.\n \nWe review the fair value of our goodwill based on financial performance annually. As of our last valuation date, February 1, 2023, we had $\n19.0\n million of goodwill and its fair value significantly exceeded its carrying value, based on EBITDAS, cashflow, and market capitalization. Our assumptions related to the development of fair value could deviate materially from actual results and forecasts used to support asset carrying values may change in the future, which could result in non-cash charges that would adversely affect our financial results of operations.\n \nThe re-measurement of goodwill is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment as described in Note 11 - \nFair Value Measurement, \ndue to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using company-specific information.\nIncome Taxes \u2013 \nWe use the asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting income taxes. The provision for income taxes is based upon income reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as required by ASC 740, \nIncome Taxes. \nWe \ndetermine our deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases in assets and liabilities, which are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We recognize the effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates in the period that includes the enactment date. In assessing the realization of our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely that not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets depends upon generating future taxable income during the periods in\n \nF-\n13\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nwhich \nour temporary differences become deductible and before our net operating loss carryforwards expire. We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets by assessing the need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. If we determine that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will not be recovered, we establish a valuation allowance against some or all of our deferred tax assets. Recording or reversing a valuation allowance could have a significant effect on our future results of operations and financial position.\nWarranty\n \u2014 We generally provide a limited one-year warranty and a lifetime service policy to the original purchaser of our new firearm products. We will also repair or replace certain products or parts found to be defective under normal use and service with an item of equivalent value, at our option, without charge during the warranty period. We quantify and record an estimate for warranty-related costs based on our actual historical claims experience and current repair costs. We adjust accruals as warranty claims data and historical experience warrant. Should we experience actual claims and repair costs that are higher than the estimated claims and repair costs used to calculate the provision, our operating results for the period or periods in which such returns or additional costs materialize would be adversely impacted.\nFrom time to time, we have experienced certain manufacturing and design issues with respect to some of our firearms and have initiated some product recalls and safety alerts. In October 2021, we initiated a safety recall for M&P 12 shotguns manufactured prior to October 15, 2021 as a result of two field reports related to cracked barrels. This safety recall was limited to only M&P 12 shotguns manufactured prior to October 15, 2021 and was conducted to ensure there were no barrel anomalies or conditions that might adversely affect the safety, function, or performance of these shotguns. The remaining estimated cost of all recalls, safety alerts, and consumer advisories is $\n40,000\n, which is recorded in accrued warranty on our consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2023. The remaining balance relates to a general accrual related to standard warranty costs for products shipped in the ordinary course of business.\nWarranty expense for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 amounted to $\n1.5\n million, $\n1.9\n million, and $\n5.2\n million, respectively.\nThe following table sets forth the change in accrued warranties, a portion of which is recorded as a non-current liability, in the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in thousands):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,693\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarranties issued and adjustments to provisions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,910\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarranty claims\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,730\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,873\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarranties issued and adjustments to provisions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,496\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarranty claims\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,364\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,005\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nSales and Promotional Related Expenses\n \u2014 We present product sales in our consolidated financial statements, net of customer promotional program costs that depend upon the volume of sales. For promotional program costs that do not depend on the volume of sales, we record promotional costs in cost of goods sold. The total of all our promotional programs amounted to $\n10.2\n million, $\n6.6\n million, and $\n10.5\n million for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. We have a co-op advertising program at the retail level. We expensed sales and promotional related costs amounting to $\n2.7\n million, $\n4.3\n million, and $\n15.2\n million for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, as selling and marketing expenses.\nShipping and Handling\n \u2014 In the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we included amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling in net sales. Inbound freight charges and internal transfer costs are included in cost of goods sold; however, costs incurred to distribute products to customers is included in selling, marketing, and distribution expenses.\n \nInsurance Reserves\n \u2014 In January 2020, we formed a wholly owned captive insurance company, which provides product liability insurance to us and our subsidiaries. We are self-insured through retentions or deductibles for the majority of our workers\u2019 compensation, automobile, general liability, product liability, and group health insurance programs. Self-insurance amounts vary up to $\n10.0\n million per occurrence; however, we believe the likelihood of reaching the maximum per occurrence limit is remote. We record our liability for estimated premiums and incurred losses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on an undiscounted basis.\nF-\n14\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nRecently Issued Accounting Standards \n\u2014 There are no new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\n3. Discontinued Operations\nOn August 24, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, we completed the Separation of our wholly owned subsidiary, American Outdoor Brands, Inc., or AOUT. The Separation was treated as tax free for U.S. federal income tax purposes and was achieved through the transfer of all the assets and legal entities, subject to any related liabilities, associated with our outdoor products and accessories business to AOUT, or the Transfer, and the distribution of \n100\n% of the AOUT outstanding capital stock to holders of our common stock, or the Distribution, as of the close of business on August 10, 2020, or the Record Date. In connection with the Distribution, our stockholders received \none share of AOUT common stock for every four shares of our common\n stock held as of the close of business on the Record Date. Following the Distribution, AOUT became an independent, publicly traded company, and we retain no ownership interest in AOUT.\n \nFor further information relating to the Separation, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended April 30, 2021, filed with the SEC on June 17, 2021.\nThe following table summarizes the major line items for the outdoor products and accessories business that are included in income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the condensed consolidated statements of income:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n61,249\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27,147\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,458\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income/(expense), net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n112\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from discontinued operations before\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,756\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense/(benefit)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,278\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from discontinued operations, net of tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,478\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4. Leases\nWe lease certain of our real estate, machinery, equipment, photocopiers, and vehicles under non-cancelable operating lease agreements.\n \nWe recognize expenses for our operating lease assets and liabilities at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate. We use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease agreements do not require material variable lease payments, residual value guarantees, or restrictive covenants. For operating leases, we recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Tenant improvement allowances are recorded as an offsetting adjustment included in our calculation of the respective right-of-use asset.\n \nMany of our leases include renewal options that enable us to extend the lease term. The execution of those renewal options is at our sole discretion and renewals are reflected in the lease term when they are reasonably certain to be exercised. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term.\nF-\n15\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nThe amounts of assets and liabilities related to our operating and financing leases as of April 30, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBalance Sheet Caption\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating Leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of-use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,994\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4,153\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of-use assets, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,841\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccrued expenses and deferred revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther non-current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n801\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,075\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance Leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of-use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n41,631\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated depreciation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n9,448\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of-use assets, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProperty, plant, and equipment, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n32,183\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccrued expenses and deferred revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,434\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFinance lease payable, net of current portion\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36,961\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal finance lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n38,395\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDuring fiscal\n 2023, we recorded $\n1.6\n million of operating lease costs, of which $\n99,000\n related to short-term leases that were not recorded as right-of-use assets. We recorded $\n2.2\n million of finance lease amortization and $\n1.9\n million of financing lease interest expense during fiscal 2023. As of April 30, 2023, our weighted average lease term and weighted average discount rate for our operating leases was \n2.8\n years and \n4.3\n%, respectively. As of April 30, 2023, our weighted average lease term and weighted average discount rate for our financing leases were \n15.3\n years and \n5.0\n%, respectively, and consisted primarily of our Missouri distribution center. The building is pledged to secure the amounts outstanding. The depreciable lives of right-of-use assets are limited by the lease term and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.\n \nOn October 26, 2017, we entered into (a) a lease agreement with Ryan Boone County, LLC, or the Original Missouri Landlord, concerning certain real property located in Boone County, Missouri on which we have been operating our distribution center, or the Missouri Lease, and (b) a guaranty in favor of the Original Missouri Landlord, or the Guaranty. With the completion of the Separation, we entered into a sublease under which AOUT subleases from us \n59.0\n% of our Missouri distribution center under the same terms as the Missouri Lease, or the Sublease. On July 16, 2022, we entered into an amendment to the Sublease, increasing the leased space to \n64.7\n% of the facility under the same terms as the Missouri Lease. On January 31, 2023, we entered into (i) an assignment and assumption agreement with AOUT, pursuant to which AOUT will assume all of our rights, entitlement, and obligations in, to, and under the Missouri Lease, in each case effective on January 1, 2024, subject to a number of conditions precedent, or the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, and (ii) an amended and restated guaranty in favor of RCS-S&W Facility, LLC, as successor in interest to the Original Missouri Landlord, pursuant to which Smith & Wesson Sales Company was added as a guarantor, or the Amended and Restated Guaranty. We intend to terminate the Sublease on or around the effective date of the Assignm\nent and Assumption Agreement. For the fiscal year April 30, 2023, income related to the Sublease was $\n2.3\n million, of which $\n1.1\n million was recorded in general and administrative expense and $\n1.2\n million was recorded in interest expense, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of income. In addition, we intend to occupy our Deep River f\nacility through the lease term. As of April 30, 2023, we do not believe there are any indications of impairment relating to these right-of-use assets.\nF-\n16\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nThe following table represents future expected undiscounted cashflows, based on the sublease agreement to AOUT, to be received on an annual basis for the next five years and thereafter, as of April 30, 2023 (in thousands):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,435\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,180\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,235\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,292\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,350\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38,906\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal future sublease receipts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54,398\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess amounts representing interest\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n16,989\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPresent value of sublease receipts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n37,409\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nFuture lease payments for all our operating and finance leases for succeeding fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFinancing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,381\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,323\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,704\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n324\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,378\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,702\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n301\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,433\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,734\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n272\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,490\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,762\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n125\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,416\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,541\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38,906\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38,906\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal future lease payments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,403\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55,946\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n58,349\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess amounts representing interest\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n328\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n17,551\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n17,879\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPresent value of lease payments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,075\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38,395\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n40,470\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess current maturities of lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,274\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,434\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,708\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term maturities of lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n801\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n36,961\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n37,762\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, the cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of liabilities and operating cash flows was $\n4.8\n million.\n\n\n5. Notes, Loans Payable, and Financing Arrangements\nCredit Facilities\n \u2014 On August 24, 2020, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated credit agreement, or the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, with certain lenders, including TD Bank, N.A., as administrative agent; TD Securities (USA) LLC and Regions Bank, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners; and Regions Bank, as syndication agent. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is currently unsecured; however, should any Springing Lien Trigger Event (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) occur, we and certain of our subsidiaries would be required to execute certain documents in favor of TD Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party to such documents would have a legal, valid, and enforceable \u200efirst priority lien on the Collateral described therein.\n \n \nThe Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for a revolving line of credit of $\n100.0\n million at any one time, or the Revolving Line. \nThe Revolving Line bears interest at either the Base Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) or LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin based on our consolidated leverage ratio.\n The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also provides a swingline facility in the maximum amount of $\n5.0\n million at any one time (subject to availability under the Revolving Line). \nEach Swingline Loan (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) bears interest at the Base Rate, plus an applicable margin based on our Adjusted Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)\n. Subject to the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions described in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, we have an option to increase the Revolving Line by an aggregate amount not exceeding $\n50.0\n million. The Revolving Line matures on the earlier of \nAugust 24, 2025\n or \nthe date that is six months in advance of the earliest maturity of any Permitted Notes (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) under the Amended and Restated Credit\n \nF-\n17\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nAgreement. \nOn April 28, 2023, we entered into an amendment to our existing credit agreement to, among other things, replace LIBOR with SOFR as the interest rate benchmark and amend the definition of \u201cConsolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ration\u201d to exclude unfinanced capital expenditures in connection with the Relocation.\n \nAs of April 30, 2023, we had $\n25.0\n million of borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Line, which bore an interest rate of \n6.62\n%\n, which is equal to the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin. As a result of the Relocation, as of April 30, 2023, $\n513,000\n of interest has been capitalized.\nThe Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary limitations, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes to business or organizational structure, investments, loans, advances, guarantees, and acquisitions, asset sales, dividends, stock repurchases, stock redemptions, and the redemption or prepayment of other debt, and transactions with affiliates. We are also subject to financial covenants, including a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio. As of April 30, 2023, we were compliant with all required financial covenants.\nLetters of Credit\n \u2013 At April 30, 2023, we had outstanding letters of credit aggregating $\n2.6\n million, which included a $\n1.5\n million letter of credit to collateralize our captive insurance company.\n \nDebt Issuance Costs\n \u2014 During the fiscal years ended 2023 and 2022, we did not incur any debt issuance costs. We recorded, in notes payable, $\n450,000\n of debt issuance costs during fiscal 2021. The remaining costs are being amortized to expense over the life of the credit facility. In total, we amortized $\n89,560\n, $\n89,560\n, and $\n890,553\n to interest expense for all debt issuance costs in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n \n\n\n6. Net Sales\nThe following table sets forth the breakdown of net sales for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in thousands):\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHandguns\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n360,668\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n624,219\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n755,735\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong Guns\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74,230\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n189,467\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n253,340\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther Products & Services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n44,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50,440\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50,120\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Net Sales\n\n\n\u00a0$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n479,242\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n864,126\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,059,195\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nWe sell our products and services under our Smith & Wesson, Gemtech, and Smith & Wesson Precision Components brands. Depending upon the product or service, our customers primarily include distributors; federal, state, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officers; government and military agencies; businesses; and retailers.\n \nWe sell our products worldwide.\n The following table sets forth the breakdown of export net sales included in the above table. Our export net sales accounted for \n4\n%, \n3\n%, and \n2\n% of total net sales for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively (in thousands): \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegion\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEurope\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,569\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,342\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,742\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsia\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,411\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,899\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,255\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLatin America\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,052\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,272\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,473\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll others international\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,736\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,382\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal international net sales\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,768\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,527\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21,852\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nF-\n18\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\n\n\n7. Advertising Costs\n \nWe expense advertising costs, primarily consisting of magazine advertisements, printed materials, television advertisements, digital advertisements, radio advertisements, and billboards, either as incurred or upon the first occurrence of the advertising. Advertising expense, included in selling, marketing, and distribution expenses, for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, amounted to $\n14.7\n million, $\n17.5\n million, and $\n12.5\n million, respectively.\n\n\n8. Property, Plant, and Equipment\nThe following table summarizes property, plant, and equipment as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMachinery and equipment\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n308,852\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n299,318\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoftware and hardware\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49,569\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47,918\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuilding and improvements\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n40,131\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38,552\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLand and improvements\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,945\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,817\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight of use assets\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41,631\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n40,986\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n443,128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n429,591\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess: Accumulated depreciation and amortization\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n334,383\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n306,350\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n108,745\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n123,241\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nConstruction in progress\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n101,585\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,350\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal property, plant, and equipment, net\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n210,330\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n135,591\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nDepreciation of tangible assets and amortization of software expense amounted to $\n31.0\n million $\n29.5\n million, and $\n30.1\n million for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\nThe following table summarizes depreciation and amortization expense, which includes amortization of intangibles and debt financing costs, by line item for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in thousands):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n22,205\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n21,879\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n21,026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n529\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n484\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n519\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, marketing, and distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,524\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n509\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n533\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,088\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,111\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,606\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n90\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n90\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n891\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal depreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n31,436\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n30,073\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n31,575\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9. Inventories\nThe following table sets forth a summary of inventories, net of reserves, stated at lower of cost or market, as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinished goods\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n93,705\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n58,460\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinished parts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n65,460\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62,187\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWork in process\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,821\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,304\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRaw material\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,132\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,709\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal inventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n177,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n136,660\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nF-\n19\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\n\n\n10. Accrued Expenses and Deferred Revenue\nThe following table sets forth other accrued expenses as of April 30, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued other\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,597\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,959\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued taxes other than income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,703\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,008\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued employee benefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,256\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,705\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued professional fees\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,596\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,997\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued rebates and promotions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,649\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,243\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued distributor incentives\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,640\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,917\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent portion of finance lease obligation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,434\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent portion of operating lease obligation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,495\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal accrued expenses and deferred revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n20,149\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n23,482\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11. Fair Value Measurement\n \nWe follow the provisions of ASC 820-10,\n Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic\n, or ASC 820-10, for our financial assets and liabilities. ASC 820-10 provides a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820-10 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.\n \nFinancial assets and liabilities recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:\n \nLevel 1\n \u2014 Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that we have the ability to access at the measurement date (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities, listed derivatives, and most U.S. Government and agency securities).\n \nOur cash and cash equivalents, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, totaled $\n53.6\n million and $\n120.7\n million as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The carrying value of our revolving line of credit approximated the fair value as of April, 30, 2023. We utilized Level 1 of the value hierarchy to determine the fair values of these assets.\nLevel 2\n \u2014 Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets in which trading occurs infrequently or whose values are based on quoted prices of instruments with similar attributes in active markets. Level 2 inputs include the following:\n \n\u2022\nquoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (such as corporate and municipal bonds which trade infrequently); \n\u2022\ninputs other than quoted prices that are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (such as interest rate and currency swaps); and \n\u2022\ninputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (such as certain securities and derivatives). \nLevel 3\n \u2014 Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect our assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.\n \nWe currently do \nno\nt have any Level 2 or Level 3 financial assets or liabilities as of April 30, 2023.\n\n\nF-\n20\n\n\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12. Self-Insurance Reserves\nAs of April 30, 2023 and 2022, we had reserves for workers\u2019 compensation, product liability, and medical/dental costs totaling $\n9.2\n million and $\n8.7\n million, respectively, of which $\n2.6\n million and $\n3.1\n million, respectively, was classified as other non-current liabilities. As of April 30, 2023 and 2022, $\n6.6\n million and $\n5.6\n million, respectively, were included in accrued expenses or accounts payable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In addition, as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, $\n663,000\n and $\n571,000\n, respectively, of workers\u2019 compensation recoverable was classified as other assets. While we believe these reserves to be adequate, it is possible that the ultimate liabilities will exceed such estimates.\n \nThe following table summarizes the activity in the workers\u2019 compensation, product liability, municipal liability, and medical/dental reserves in the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeginning balance\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,676\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,469\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditional provision charged to expense\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,589\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n719\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,026\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,512\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnding balance\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,239\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,676\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nIt is our policy to provide an estimate for loss as a result of expected adverse findings or legal settlements on product liability, workers\u2019 compensation, and other matters when such losses are probable and are reasonably estimable. It is also our policy to accrue for reasonable estimable legal costs associated with defending such litigation. While such estimates involve a range of possible costs, we determine, in consultation with counsel, the most likely cost within such range on a case-by-case basis. We also record receivables from insurance carriers relating to these matters when their collection is probable. As of April 30, 2023 and 2022, we had accrued reserves for product litigation liabilities of $\n4.3\n million and $\n3.7\n million, respectively (of which $\n568,000\n and $\n895,000\n, respectively, was non-current), consisting entirely of expected legal defense costs. In addition, as of April 30, 2023, we did \nno\nt record any receivables from insurance carriers related to these liabilities. Prior to fiscal 2023, we had recorded receivables from insurance carriers related to these liabilities of $\n1.9\n million, nearly all of which has been classified as other assets.\n\n\n13. Stockholders\u2019 Equity\n \nTreasury Stock\n \nOn March 2, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $\n100.0\n million of our common stock, subject to certain conditions, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. During fiscal 2021, we purchased \n3,380,447\n shares of our common stock for $\n60.0\n million under this authorization. During fiscal 2022, we completed this stock repurchase program by purchasing \n1,967,420\n of our common stock for $\n40.0\n million, utilizing cash on hand. On June 15, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $\n50.0\n million of our common stock, subject to certain conditions, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Pursuant to this authorization, during fiscal 2022, we completed this repurchase program by purchasing \n2,788,152\n shares of our common stock for $\n50.0\n million, utilizing cash on hand. We did not purchase any shares of our common stock during fiscal 2023, and we do not have an authorized repurchase program as of April 30, 2023.\nIncentive Stock and Employee Stock Purchase Plans\n \nWe have \ntwo\n stock incentive plans: the 2013 Incentive Stock Plan and the 2022 Incentive Stock Plan. New grants under the 2013 Incentive Stock Plan have not been made since our stockholders approved the 2022 Incentive Stock Plan at our annual meeting of stockholders held on September 12, 2022. All new grants covering participants are issued under the 2022 Incentive Stock Plan.\n \nF-\n21\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nThe 2022 Incentive Stock Plan authorizes the issuance of \n1,000,000\n shares, plus any shares that were reserved and remained available for grant and delivery under the 2013 Incentive Stock Plan as of September 12, 2022, the effective date of the 2022 Incentive Stock Plan. The 2022 Incentive Stock Plan permits the grant of options to acquire common stock, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, or RSUs, stock appreciation rights, bonus stock and awards in lieu of obligations, performance awards, and dividend equivalents. Our Board of Directors, or a committee of our board, administers the stock plans, selects recipients to whom awards are granted, and determines the grants to be awarded. Options granted under the stock plans are exercisable at a price determined by our Board of Directors or a committee of our board at the time of grant, but in no event, less than fair market value of our common stock on the effective date of the grant. Grants of options may be made to employees and directors without regard to any performance measures. All options issued pursuant to the stock plans are generally nontransferable and subject to forfeiture.\n \nUnless terminated earlier by our Board of Directors, the 2022 Incentive Stock Plan will terminate at the earliest of (1) the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the 2022 Incentive Stock Plan, or (2) such time as no shares of common stock remain available for issuance under the plan and we have no further rights or obligations with respect to outstanding awards under the plan. The date of grant of an award is deemed to be the effective date upon which our Board of Directors or a committee authorizes the granting of such award.\n \nExcept in specific circumstances, grants of stock options vest over a period of \nfour years\n and are exercisable for a period of \n10 \nyears after vesting. The 2022 Incentive Stock Plan also permits the grant of stock options to non-employees, which our Board of Directors or a committee has authorized in the past.\nThe number of shares and weighted average exercise prices of stock options for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 are as follows:\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExercise Price\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExercise Price\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExercise Price\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOptions outstanding, beginning of year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n200,667\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7.70\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExercised during the period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n200,667\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.67\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOptions outstanding, end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted average remaining contractual life\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOptions exercisable, end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted average remaining contractual life\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThere were \nno\n outstanding and exercisable stock options for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. The aggregate intrinsic value of the options exercised for fiscal 2021 was $\n2.9\n million.\n \nThe following table summarizes stock compensation expense by line item for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in thousands):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n667\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n809\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n740\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n80\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n61\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n71\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, marketing, and distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n814\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n844\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n767\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,541\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,822\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal stock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,102\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,536\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,706\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, there were \n998,364\n shares \navailable for grant under the 2022 Incentive Stock Plan. We use our unissued share pool for all shares issued for options, restricted stock awards, RSUs, performance share units,\n \nF-\n22\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nperformance-based \nrestricted stock units, or PSUs, and shares issued under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP.\n \nWe grant service-based RSUs to employees, consultants, and directors. The awards are made at no cost to the recipient. An RSU represents the right to acquire one share of our common stock and does not carry voting or dividend rights. Except in specific circumstances, RSU grants to employees and consultants generally vest over a period of three or \nfour years\n with \none-third \nor \none-fourth\n of the units vesting, respectively, on each anniversary date of the grant date. RSU grants to directors generally vest over a period of \none year\n with \none-twelfth\n of the units vesting each month. The aggregate fair value of our RSU grants is amortized to compensation expense over the applicable vesting period.\n \nWe grant PSUs to our executive officers. At the time of grant, we calculate the fair value of our PSUs using the Monte-Carlo simulation. We incorporate the following variables into the valuation model:\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrant date fair market value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmith & Wesson Brands, Inc\n\n\n$\n\n\n14.19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n18.67\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ \n16.99\n\u00a0- \n17.27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRussell 2000 Index\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,015.04\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,277.45\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ \n1,526.46\n\u00a0- \n1,571.21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVolatility (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmith & Wesson Brands, Inc\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n64.77\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62.33\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59.09\n% - \n61.34\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRussell 2000 Index\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.75\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.69\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27.62\n% - \n29.27\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorrelation coefficient (b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.2094\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1540\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1242\n\u00a0- \n0.1302\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisk-free interest rate (c)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.91\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.33\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.16\n% - \n0.22\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividend yield\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.26\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.07\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.95\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nExpected volatility is calculated over the most recent period that represents the remaining term of the performance period as of the valuation date, or \nthree years\n.\n \n(b)\nThe correlation coefficient utilizes the same historical price data used to develop the volatility assumptions.\n \n(c)\nThe risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bill, commensurate with the \nthree-year\n performance period.\n \n\u00a0\nThe PSUs vest, and the fair value of such PSUs are recognized, over the corresponding \nthree-year\n performance period. Our PSUs have a maximum aggregate award equal to \n200\n% of the target amount granted. Generally, the number of PSUs that may be earned depends upon the total stockholder return, or TSR, of our common stock compared with the TSR of the Russell 2000 Index, or RUT, over the three-year performance period. For PSUs, our stock must outperform the RUT by \n5\n% in order for the target award to vest. In addition, there is a cap on the number of shares that can be earned under our PSUs, which is equal to six times the grant-date value of each award.\nIn connection with the spin-off of AOUT and in accordance with the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement between us and AOUT, all outstanding PSU awards were adjusted such that the performance criteria relative to SWBI share price was modified to compare the market cap of SWBI for the 90 days subsequent to the original grant date to the combined market cap of SWBI and AOUT for the 90 days preceding the original vest date. The change in the market cap will be compared to the change in the value of the Russell 2000 index for the same period. In addition, a pro rata number of AOUT PSUs were granted at the time of the spin to each SWBI PSU recipient with the same terms as the underlying original SWBI PSU.\nIn certain circumstances, the vested awards will be delivered on the first anniversary of the applicable vesting date. We have applied a discount to the grant date fair value when determining the amount of compensation expense to be recorded for these RSUs and PSUs.\nDuring fiscal 2023, we granted \n108,736\n PSUs to certain of our executive officers. We also granted \n287,854\n service-based RSUs during fiscal 2023, including \n72,494\n RSUs to certain of our executive officers, \n56,497\n RSUs to our directors, and \n158,863\n RSUs to non-executive officer employees.\n \nF-\n23\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nDuring fiscal 2023, we canceled \n35,179\n service-based RSUs as a result of the service period condition not being met. We delivered \n202,859\n shares of common stock to current employees under vested RSUs with a total market value of $\n2.7\n million. In addition, in connection with a 2018 grant, which vested in fiscal 2022, we delivered \n83,586\n market-condition PSUs to certain of our executive officers and a former executive officer with a total market value of $\n1.2\n million. In addition, in connection with a 2019 grant, \n57,600\n PSUs vested to certain of our executive officers and a former executive officer, which resulted from achieving the maximum performance of \n200.0\n% of target for the original \n28,800\n PSUs granted. Relating to this same grant, \n1,874\n shares were released to cover tax obligations on the vesting.\n \nDuring fiscal 2022, we granted \n73,913\n PSUs to certain of our executive officers and a former executive officer. We also granted \n184,767\n service-based RSUs during fiscal 2022, including \n65,518\n RSUs to certain of our executive officers and a former executive officer, \n42,702\n RSUs to our directors, and \n76,547\n RSUs to non-executive officer employees.\n \nDuring fiscal 2022, we canceled \n45,249\n service-based RSUs as a result of the service period condition not being met. We canceled \n40,869\n PSUs as a result of the service period condition not being met. We delivered \n365,736\n shares of common stock to current employees under vested RSUs with a total market value of $\n7.5\n million. In addition, in connection with a 2018 grant, we vested \n86,400\n market-condition PSUs to certain of our executive officers and a former executive officer, which resulted from achieving the maximum performance of \n200.0\n% of target for the original \n43,200\n PSUs granted. Related to this same grant, we released \n2,814\n market-condition PSUs to cover tax obligations as a result of the vesting.\nDuring fiscal 2021, we granted \n36,308\n PSUs to certain of our executive officers. We also granted \n234,007\n service-based RSUs during fiscal 2021, including \n68,461\n RSUs to certain of our executive officers, \n25,570\n RSUs to our directors, and \n139,976\n RSUs to non-executive officer employees.\n \nDuring fiscal 2021, we canceled \n88,365\n service-based RSUs, of which \n57,547\n RSUs was a result of the Separation, and \n30,818\n RSUs was as a result of the service period condition not being met. We canceled \n92,500\n PSUs of which \n28,800\n PSUs was a result of the spin-off and \n63,700\n was a result of the three-year stock performance targets were not being achieved. We delivered \n50,200\n shares of common stock to our former chief financial officer under vested PSUs with a total market value of $\n1.3\n million, under the terms of his retirement. We delivered \n357,345\n shares of common stock to current employees under vested RSUs with a total market value of $\n5.8\n million.\nThe grant date fair value of RSUs and PSUs that vested in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $\n4.0\n million, $\n4.4\n million, and $\n5.9\n million, respectively.\n \nA summary of activity for unvested RSUs and PSUs for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021 is as follows:\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal # of\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal # of\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal # of\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRestricted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGrant Date\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRestricted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGrant Date\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRestricted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGrant\n \nDate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStock Units\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStock Units\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStock Units\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRSUs and PSUs outstanding, beginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n830,813\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13.30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n995,879\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11.14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,313,974\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10.86\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAwarded (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n425,390\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.52\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n301,880\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18.95\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n270,315\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReleased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n288,319\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.92\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n368,550\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.99\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n407,545\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.57\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForfeited\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n35,179\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n98,396\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n180,865\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRSUs and PSUs outstanding, end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n932,705\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13.14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n830,813\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13.30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n995,879\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11.14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n_____________________\na)\nIncludes \n28,800\n PSUs that vested during the fiscal year in connection with achieving maximum performance targets for the 2019 grants.\nAs of April 30, 2023, there was $\n3.0\n million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs and PSUs. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining contractual term of \n1.3\n years.\n \nF-\n24\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nWe had an ESPP that commenced on September 26, 2011, or the 2011 ESPP, which authorized the sale of up to \n6,000,000\n of our common stock to employees. The 2011 ESPP continued in effect for a term of \n10\n years and expired with the offering period that ended March 31, 2022. All options and rights to participate in the 2011 ESPP are nontransferable and subject to forfeiture in accordance with the 2011 ESPP guidelines. As of April 30, 2022, we had issued \n1,948,334\n shares of common stock under the 2011 ESPP, all of which were purchased prior to April 30, 2022. During fiscal 2022 and 2021, \n128,422\n and \n204,482\n shares were purchased under the 2011 ESPP, respectively.\nOn September 27, 2021, our stockholders approved our 2021 ESPP, which authorizes the sale of up to \n3,000,000\n shares of our common stock to employees. All options and rights to participate in our ESPP are nontransferable and subject to forfeiture in accordance with our ESPP guidelines. Our current ESPP will be implemented in a series of successive offering periods, each with a maximum duration of 12 months. If the fair market value, or FMV, per share of our common stock on any purchase date is less than the FMV per share on the start date of a 12-month offering period, then that offering period will automatically terminate, and a new 12-month offering period will begin on the next business day. Each offering period will begin on April 1 or October 1, as applicable, immediately following the end of the previous offering period. Payroll deductions will be on an after-tax basis, in an amount of not less than \n1\n% and not more than \n20\n% (or such greater percentage as the committee appointed to administer our ESPP may establish from time to time before the first day of an offering period) of a participant\u2019s compensation on each payroll date. The option exercise price per share will equal \n85\n% of the lower of the FMV on the first day of the offering period or the FMV on the exercise date. The maximum number of shares that a participant may purchase during any purchase period is \n12,500\n shares, or a total of $\n25,000\n in shares, based on the FMV on the first day of the offering period. Our ESPP will remain in effect until the earliest of (a) the exercise date that participants become entitled to purchase a number of shares greater than the number of reserved shares available for purchase under our ESPP, (b) such date as is determined by our board of directors in its discretion, or (c) March 31, 2022. In the event of certain corporate transactions, each option outstanding under our ESPP will be assumed or an equivalent option will be substituted by the successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation. During fiscal 2023, \n175,047\n shares were purchased under the 2021 ESPP.\nWe measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We calculate the fair value of our stock options issued to employees using the Black-Scholes model at the time the options were granted. That amount is then amortized over the vesting period of the option. With our ESPP, fair value is determined at the beginning of the purchase period and amortized over the term of each exercise period.\nThe following assumptions were used in valuing our ESPP purchases during the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisk-free interest rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.301\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.682\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.08\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected term\n\n\n6 months\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n6 months\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n6 months\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected volatility\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49.18\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60.62\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n70.93\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividend yield\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.59\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.85\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.17\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\nWe estimate expected volatility using historical volatility for the expected term. The fair value of each stock option or ESPP purchase was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model (using the risk-free interest rate, expected term, expected volatility, and dividend yield variables, as noted in the above table). The total stock-based compensation expense, including stock options, purchases under our ESPP, and RSU and PSU awards, was $\n5.1\n million, $\n4.5\n million, and $\n4.7\n million, for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n \n\n\nF-\n25\n\n\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14. Employer Sponsored Benefit Plans\nContributory Defined Investment Plan\n \u2014 \nWe offer two contributory defined investment plans covering substantially all employees, subject to service requirements. Employees may contribute up to \n100\n% of their annual pay, depending on the plan. We generally make discretionary matching contributions of up to \n50\n% of the first \n6\n% of employee contributions to the plan.\n We contributed $\n2.6\n million, $\n2.9\n million, and $\n2.9\n million for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n \nNon-Contributory Profit Sharing Plan\n \u2014 We have a non-contributory profit sharing plan covering substantially all of our employees. Employees become eligible on May 1 following the completion of a full fiscal year of continuous service. Our contributions to the plan are discretionary. For fiscal 2023, we plan to contribute approximately $\n8.2\n million, which has been recorded in general and administrative costs. We contributed $\n13.5\n million and $\n14.4\n million for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Contributions are funded after the fiscal year-end.\n \n\n\n15. Income Taxes\nIncome tax expense/(benefit) from continuing operations consisted of the following (in thousands):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFederal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,259\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52,843\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n64,417\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,955\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,174\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,530\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,214\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60,017\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n73,947\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFederal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n6,217\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,889\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n358\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n647\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n236\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n89\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal deferred\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n6,864\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,125\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n447\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal income tax expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,350\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n57,892\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74,394\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThe following table presents a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations at the statutory rate of \n21\n% to the provision/(benefit) in the consolidated financial statements (in thousands):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFederal income taxes expected at the statutory rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,127\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53,001\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66,773\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState income taxes, less federal income tax benefit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,503\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,685\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n136\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n749\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n578\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBusiness meals and entertainment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n89\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n115\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development tax credit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n265\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n300\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n297\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-deductible separation expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n195\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n240\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n319\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n501\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal income tax expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,350\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n57,892\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74,394\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nF-\n26\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nDeferred tax assets and liabilities related to temporary differences consisted of the following (in thousands):\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred Tax Assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventory reserves\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,495\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,187\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses, including compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,764\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,138\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet operating loss carryforwards and tax credits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,156\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,168\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease liability\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n473\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n866\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct liability\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n596\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n614\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWorkers' compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n477\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n567\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState bonus depreciation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n755\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n787\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarranty reserve\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n913\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,111\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,551\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,356\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSection 174 capitalized R&D expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,549\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n622\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n973\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal deferred tax assets before valuation allowance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22,351\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,767\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nValuation allowance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,031\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,086\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet deferred tax assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,320\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,681\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred Tax Liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease right-of-use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n420\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n806\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty, plant & equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n8,847\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12,049\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,581\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,186\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n387\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n419\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal deferred tax liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n11,235\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14,460\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet Deferred Tax Asset/(Liability)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,085\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,221\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nWe had \nno\n federal net operating losses as of April 30, 2023.\nWe had $\n17.7\n million in state net operating loss carryforwards as of both April 30, 2023 and 2022. The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire between \nApril 30, 2027\n and \nApril 30, 2040\n. We had $\n2.8\n million and $\n2.9\n million of state tax credit carryforwards as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The state tax credit carryforwards will expire between \nApril 30, 2023\n and \nApril 30, 2025\n, with certain of these credits having no expiration date.\n \nAs of both April 30, 2023 and 2022, valuation allowances related to future deductible temporary differences were $\n957,000\n and $\n904,000\n, respectively and $\n2.2\n million and $\n2.3\n million were provided on our deferred tax assets for state net operating loss carryforwards and state tax credits, respectively, that we do not anticipate using prior to expiration.\nThe income tax provisions represent effective tax rates of \n23.5\n% and \n22.9\n% for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n \nWith limited exception, we are subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income tax audits by tax authorities for fiscal years subsequent to April 30, 2018.\nAt April 30, 2023 and 2022, we have \nno\nt recorded any unrecognized tax benefits. We maintain an accounting policy of recording interest and penalties, if applicable, related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income taxes. As of April 30, 2023 and 2022, there were \nno\n interest and penalties accrued.\n\n\n16. Commitments and Contingencies\nLitigation\n \nIn \nJanuary 2018, Gemini Technologies, Incorporated, or Gemini, commenced an action against us in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, or the District Court. The complaint alleges, among other things, that we\n \nF-\n27\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nbreached \nthe earn-out and other provisions of the asset purchase agreement and ancillary agreements between the parties in connection with our acquisition of the Gemtech business from Gemini. The complaint seeks a declaratory judgment interpreting various terms of the asset purchase agreement and damages in the sum of $\n18.6\n million. In May 2018, the District Court dismissed the complaint on the grounds of \nforum non conveniens\n. In June 2018, Gemini appealed the decision dismissing its complaint to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, or the Ninth Circuit. In July 2019, the Ninth Circuit reversed the dismissal and remanded the case to the District Court to perform a traditional \nforum non conveniens\n analysis. In September 2019, the parties stipulated that they do not contest that the venue is proper in the District of Idaho. In November 2019, we filed an answer to Gemini\u2019s complaint and a counterclaim against Gemini and its stockholders at the time of the signing of the asset purchase agreement. Plaintiffs amended their complaint to add a claim of fraud in the inducement. In September 2021, Gemini filed a motion for summary judgment seeking to dismiss our counterclaim. In October 2021, we filed our opposition to Gemini\u2019s motion. On June 27, 2022, the court denied Gemtech's motion for summary judgment. We believe the claims asserted in the complaint have no merit, and we intend to aggressively defend this action.\nWe are a defendant in \nseven\n product liability cases and are aware of \neight\n other product liability claims, primarily alleging defective product design, defective manufacturing, or failure to provide adequate warnings. In addition, we are a co-defendant in a case filed in August 1999 by the city of Gary, Indiana, or the City, against numerous firearm manufacturers, distributors, and dealers seeking to recover monetary damages, as well as injunctive relief, allegedly arising out of the misuse of firearms by third parties. In January 2018, the Lake Superior Court, County of Lake, Indiana granted defendants\u2019 Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings, dismissing the case in its entirety. In February 2018, plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the Indiana Court of Appeals. In May 2019, the Indiana Court of Appeals issued a decision, which affirmed in part and reversed in part and remanded for further proceedings, the trial court\u2019s dismissal of the City\u2019s complaint. In July 2019, defendants filed a Petition to Transfer jurisdiction to the Indiana Supreme Court. In November 2019, the Indiana Supreme Court denied defendants' petition to transfer and the case was returned to the trial court. Discovery remains ongoing.\nIn May 2018, we were named in an action related to the Parkland, Florida shooting that was filed in the Circuit Court, Broward County, Florida seeking a declaratory judgment that a Florida statute that provides firearm manufacturers and dealers immunity from liability when their legally manufactured and lawfully sold firearms are later used in criminal acts applies only to civil actions commenced by governmental agencies, not private litigants. In August 2018, we moved to dismiss the complaint on the grounds that it seeks an impermissible advisory opinion. In December 2018, the court granted defendants\u2019 motion to dismiss without prejudice and granted plaintiffs leave to amend their complaint. Later in December 2018, plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint for Declaratory Relief and defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs\u2019 Second Amended Complaint. In November 2019, the court granted defendants\u2019 motion to dismiss plaintiffs\u2019 second amended complaint, with prejudice. In June 2021, upon plaintiffs\u2019 motion, the Fourth District Court of Appeal of the State of Florida, or the Court of Appeal, ruled that the Circuit Court\u2019s order dismissing the case was not \u201cfinal and appealable\u201d and ordered the Circuit Court to enter a final order of dismissal. In July 2021, certain plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal. On January 4, 2023, the Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court's dismissal of the case. On February 6, 2023, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court of Florida. In March 2023, we filed a jurisdictional brief with the Supreme Court of Florida. On June 1, 2023, The Supreme Court of Florida denied the petition for review and provided that no motion for rehearing will be entertained.\nWe are a defendant in a putative class proceeding before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, Canada that was filed in \nDecember 2019\n. The action claims CAD$\n50\n million in aggregate general damages, CAD$\n100\n million in aggregate punitive damages, special damages in an unspecified amount, together with interest and legal costs. The named plaintiffs are \ntwo\n victims \nof a shooting that took place in Toronto in July 2018 and their family members. One victim was shot and injured during the shooting. The other victim suffered unspecified injuries while fleeing the shooting. The plaintiffs are seeking to certify a claim on behalf of classes that include all persons who were killed or injured in the shooting and their immediate family members. The plaintiffs allege negligent design and public nuisance. The case has not been certified as a class action. In July 2020, we filed a Notice of Motion for an order striking the claim and dismissing the action in its entirety. In February 2021, the court granted our motion in part, and dismissed the plaintiffs\u2019 claims in public nuisance and strict liability. The court declined to strike the negligent design claim and ordered that the claim proceed to a certification motion. In March 2021, we filed a motion for leave to appeal the court\u2019s refusal to strike the negligent design claim with the Divisional Court, Ontario Superior Court of Justice. In July 2021, plaintiffs filed a motion to stay our motion for leave to appeal with the Divisional Court,\n \nF-\n28\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\non \ngrounds that appeal is premature. In November 2021, the Divisional Court granted plaintiffs' motion, staying our motion for leave to appeal until 30 days after the decision on the balance of plaintiffs' certification motion. Plaintiffs\u2019 certification motion was extended by the court to January 2024.\n \nIn May 2020, we were named in an action related to the Chabad of Poway synagogue shooting that took place in April 2019. The complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of San Diego \u2013 Central, and asserts claims against us for product liability, unfair competition, negligence, and public nuisance. The plaintiffs allege they were present at the synagogue on the day of the incident and suffered physical and/or emotional injury. The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys\u2019 fees, and injunctive relief. In September 2020, we filed a demurrer and motion to strike, seeking to dismiss plaintiffs\u2019 complaint. In July 2021, the court granted our motion in part, and reversed it in part, ruling that (1) the PLCAA barred plaintiffs\u2019 product liability action; (2) plaintiffs did not have standing to maintain an action under the Unfair Competition Law for personal injury related damages, but gave plaintiffs leave to amend to plead an economic injury; and (3) the PLCAA did not bar plaintiffs\u2019 ordinary negligence and public nuisance actions because plaintiffs had alleged that we violated 18 U.S.C. Section 922(b)(4), which generally prohibits the sale of fully automatic \u201cmachineguns.\u201d In August 2021, we filed a Petition for Writ of Mandate in the Court of Appeal of the State of California, Fourth Appellate District, Division One. In September 2021, the Court of Appeal denied our appeal. In February 2022, the court consolidated the case with three related cases, in which we are not a party. In March 2022, the court granted our motion, dismissing plaintiffs\u2019 Unfair Competition Law claim, without further leave to amend. Discovery is ongoing. On February 28, 2023, we filed a motion for summary judgment. On May 5, 2023, plaintiffs filed their opposition to our motion for summary judgment. On May 12, 2023, we filed our reply to plaintiffs\u2019 opposition to our motion for summary judgment. On May 19, 2023, the court denied our motion for summary judgment without prejudice, and allowed plaintiffs time for additional, limited discovery. A hearing on our renewed motion for summary judgment is set for January 12, 2024, and the trial date has been moved to August 30, 2024.\nWe are a defendant in an action filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. In August 2021, the Mexican Government filed an action against several U.S.-based firearms manufacturers and a firearms distributor, claiming defendants design, market, distribute, and sell firearms in ways they know routinely arm the drug cartels in Mexico. Plaintiff alleges, among other claims, negligence, public nuisance, design defect, unjust enrichment and restitution against all defendants and violation of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act against us alone, and is seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief. In November 2021, defendants filed motions to dismiss plaintiff's complaint. In January 2022, plaintiff filed its oppositions to our motions. Several amicus briefs were also filed with the court. In April 2022, a hearing was held on defendants\u2019 motions to dismiss. In September 2022, the district court granted defendants\u2019 motions to dismiss. In October 2022, plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. On March 14, 2023, plaintiff filed its appellant brief with the First Circuit. On May 11, 2023, defendants-appellees filed their responsive brief. Oral argument is scheduled for July 24, 2023.\nIn September 2022, we were named as defendants in 12 nearly identical, separate actions related to a shooting in Highland Park, Illinois on July 4, 2022. The complaints were filed in the Circuit Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in Lake County, Illinois and assert claims against us for negligence and for deceptive and unfair practices under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Plaintiffs also name as defendants the website and retailer that sold the firearm, the shooter, and the shooter\u2019s father. The plaintiffs allege they were present at a parade at the time of the incident and suffered physical and/or emotional injury. The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, attorneys\u2019 fees and injunctive relief. We filed motions for removal of each case to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. In November 2022, we filed a motion to consolidate the cases for preliminary motion purposes. In December 2022, plaintiffs filed motions to remand the cases back to the state court. On January 20, 2023, we filed our opposition to plaintiffs\u2019 motion to remand.\nIn December 2022, the City of Buffalo, New York filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Erie, against numerous manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of firearms. Later in December 2022, the City of Rochester, New York filed an almost identical complaint in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Monroe, against the same defendants. The complaints allege violation of New York General Business Law, public nuisance, and deceptive business practices in violation of NY General Business Laws. In January 2023, we filed notices of removal of the cases to the US District Court. On March 24, 2023, defendants filed a motion to stay both cases pending a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in the NSSF v. James case. On June\n \nF-\n29\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\n8, 2023, the court granted defendants\u2019 motions to consolidate and to stay pending resolution of the NSSF v. James appeal.\n \nWe believe that the various allegations as described above are unfounded, and, in addition, that any incident and any results from them or any injuries were due to negligence or misuse of the firearm by the claimant or a third party.\nIn March 2022, \ntwo\n plaintiffs, on behalf of a proposed class of current and former employees and temporary workers who worked at our Springfield facility from November 2018 to the present, filed a claim alleging non-payment of wages and overtime in violation of the Massachusetts Wage Act and Massachusetts Fair Wage Act. The case has not been certified as a class action. We believe the claims asserted in the complaint have no merit, and we intend to aggressively defend this action. Mediation is scheduled for June 23, 2023.\nIn addition, from time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings, including commercial, environmental, premises and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business.\n \nThe relief sought in individual cases primarily includes compensatory and, sometimes, punitive damages. Certain of the cases and claims seek unspecified compensatory or punitive damages. In others, compensatory damages sought may range from less than $\n75,000\n to approximately $\n50.0\n million. In our experience, initial demands do not generally bear a reasonable relationship to the facts and circumstances of a particular matter. We believe that our accruals for product liability cases and claims are a reasonable quantitative measure of the cost to us of product liability cases and claims.\n \nWe are vigorously defending ourselves in the lawsuits to which we are subject. An unfavorable outcome or prolonged litigation could harm our business. Litigation of this nature also is expensive, time consuming, and diverts the time and attention of our management.\nWe monitor the status of known claims and the related product liability accrual, which includes amounts for defense costs for asserted and unasserted claims. After consultation with litigation counsel and a review of the merit of each claim, we have concluded that we are unable to reasonably estimate the probability or the estimated range of reasonably possible losses related to material adverse judgments related to such claims and, therefore, we have not accrued for any such judgments. In the future, should we determine that a loss (or an additional loss in excess of our accrual) is at least reasonably possible and material, we would then disclose an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, if such estimate could be made, or disclose that an estimate could not be made. We believe that we have provided adequate accruals for defense costs.\n \nFor the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we paid $\n988,000\n, $\n729,000\n, and $\n606,000\n, respectively, in defense and administrative costs relative to product liability and municipal litigation. In addition, during fiscal 2023 and 2021, we paid an aggregate of $\n1.5\n million and $\n65,000\n, respectively, in settlement fees related to product liability cases. During fiscal 2022, we made \nno\n payments related to settlement fees for product liability cases. As of April 30, 2023 and 2022, we had $\n1.6\n million and $\n815,000\n, respectively, accrued for settlement fees, that were paid subsequent to the corresponding year end.\n \nWe have recorded our liability for defense costs before consideration for reimbursement from insurance carriers. We have also recorded the amount due as reimbursement under existing policies from the insurance carriers as a receivable shown in other current assets and other assets.\n \nWe recognize gains and expenses for changes in our product liability provisions and municipal litigation liabilities. In fiscal 2023, we recorded expense of $\n176,000\n; in fiscal 2022, we recorded expense of $\n1.2\n million; and in fiscal 2021, we recorded expense of $\n388,000\n.\nAt this time, an estimated range of reasonably possible additional losses relating to unfavorable outcomes cannot be made.\nCommitments\nF-\n30\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nOn September 30, 2021, we announced our plan to move our headquarters and significant elements of our operations to Maryville in 2023, or the Relocation. In connection with the Relocation, we entered into a project agreement, or the Project Agreement, with The Industrial Development Board of Blount County and the cities of Alcoa and Maryville, Tennessee, a public, nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Tennessee, or the IDB. \nPursuant to the Project Agreement, we represented to the IDB that we intend to incur, or cause to be incurred, no less than $120.0 million in aggregate capital expenditures on or before December 31, 2025, create no less than 620 new jobs, and sustain an average hourly wage of at least $\n25.97\n at the facility. Further, pursuant to the Project Agreement, we are required to, among other things, (A) execute a facility lease and an equipment lease with the IDB; (B) cause the construction of the new facility at our sole cost and expense to commence on or before May 31, 2022; (C) incur, or cause to be incurred, aggregate capital expenditures in connection with the construction and equipping of the new facility in an aggregate amount of not less than $\n120.0\n million on or before December 31, 2025; (D) cause the construction of the new facility to be substantially completed and for a certificate of occupancy to be issued therefore on or before December 31, 2023; (E) provide the IDB with a written report certified by one of our authorized officers, not later than January 31 of each year during the period between January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2031; and (F) make certain payments to IDB in the event that our actual capital expenditures, number of employees, or average hourly wage of such employees are less than our projections.\nOn February 2, 2023, we entered into a design-build agreement with The Christman Company, or Christman, related to the construction of our new distribution center and corporate office headquarters in Maryville, or the Construction Contract. The Construction Contract has an effective date of September 13, 2021 and incorporates the arrangements under which we and Christman have been proceeding. Pursuant to the Construction Contract, Christman is obligated to deliver certain services, including, among others, design phase services and construction phase services, and we are obligated to pay Christman for services performed. The parties to the Construction Contract have jointly agreed that Christman will perform and complete the Work (as defined therein) on a cost-plus basis for a guaranteed maximum price of $\n114,533,853\n, including contingencies. When adding the cost of machinery and equipment, we expect to spend between $\n160.0\n million and $\n170.0\n million through the end of fiscal 2024. The Construction Contract includes terms that are customary for contracts of this type, including with respect to indemnification and insurance. The Construction Contract lists certain contract milestones and guaranteed completion dates, and we will be entitled to liquidated damages under certain circumstances. Each party to the Construction Contract is entitled to terminate the Construction Contract under certain circumstances.\nAs part of the Relocation, on January 31, 2023, we entered into the Assignment and Assumption Agreement and the Amended and Restated Guaranty. Assets associated with certain of our assembly operations in Massachusetts and distribution operations in Missouri continue to be fully utilized, and we intend to either move those assets to Maryville at the appropriate time or sell or sublease those assets that will not be moved. Consequently, as of April 30, 2023, we do not believe we have an impairment related to the building or assets. Subsequent to the Relocation, we expect our Springfield facility will continue to remain an important part of our manufacturing activities with significant portions of the operations being unaffected by the Relocation.\nIn addition, we intend to relocate a portion of our plastic injection molding operations to Maryville and will evaluate selling the remaining molding operations utilized in our Connecticut operations to a third party. As of April 30, 2023, all plastic injection molding machinery and equipment was being utilized. Therefore, we could not determine an estimated range of reasonably possible losses associated with any impairment of such assets because we have not yet determined which assets may be sold.\nEnvironmental Remediation\n \nWe are subject to numerous federal, state, and local laws and regulations that regulate the health and safety of our workforce, including, but not limited to, those regulations monitored by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Department of Public Health. Though not exhaustive, examples of applicable regulations include confined space safety, walking and working surfaces, machine guarding, and life safety.\n \nWe are also subject to numerous federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions in the air; discharges to land, surface, subsurface strata and water; and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes and other materials. These laws have required us\n \nF-\n31\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nto make significant expenditures of both a capital and expense nature. Several of the more significant federal laws applicable to our operations include the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.\n \nWe have in place programs and personnel to monitor compliance with various federal, state, and local environmental regulations. In the normal course of our manufacturing operations, we are subject to governmental proceedings and orders pertaining to waste disposal, air emissions, and water discharges into the environment. We fund our environmental costs through cash flows from operations. We believe that we are in compliance with applicable environmental regulations in all material respects.\n \nWe are required to remediate hazardous waste at our facilities. Currently, we own a designated site in Springfield, Massachusetts that contains two release areas, which are the focus of remediation projects as part of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, or MCP. The MCP provides a structured environment for the voluntary remediation of regulated releases. We may be required to remove hazardous waste or remediate the alleged effects of hazardous substances on the environment associated with past disposal practices at sites not owned by us. We have received notice that we are a potentially responsible party from the Environmental Protection Agency and/or individual states under CERCLA or a state equivalent at two sites.\nAs of April 30, 2023, and 2022, we did \nno\nt have an open environmental reserve recorded in our consolidated balance sheet.\n \nWhen the available information is sufficient to estimate the amount of liability, that estimate has been used. When the information is only sufficient to establish a range of probable liability and no point within the range is more likely than any other, the lower end of the range has been used. We may not have insurance coverage for our environmental remediation costs. We have not recognized any gains from probable recoveries or other gain contingencies.\n \nBased on information known to us, we do not expect current environmental regulations or environmental proceedings and claims to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, it is not possible to predict with certainty the impact on us of future environmental compliance requirements or the cost of resolving of future environmental health and safety proceedings and claims, in part because the scope of the remedies that may be required is not certain, liability under federal environmental laws is joint and several in nature, and environmental laws and regulations are subject to modification and changes in interpretation. There can be no assurance that additional or changing environmental regulation will not become more burdensome in the future and that any such development would not have a material adverse effect on our company.\n \nContracts\n \nEmployment Agreements \n\u2014 We have employment, severance, and change of control agreements with certain employees.\n\n\n17. Restructuring\nAs a result of the Relocation, $\n8.3\n and $\n10.2\n million of restructuring charges were recorded in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.\nThe following table summarizes restructuring charges by line item for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 (in thousands):\nF-\n32\n\n\nSMITH & WESSON BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,923\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,361\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, marketing, and distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,055\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,294\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,280\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,590\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal restructuring charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,261\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10,245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThe components of the restructuring charges recorded in our consolidated income statement are as follows (in thousands):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeverance and employee-related benefits (a)(b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,354\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,732\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRelocation (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,856\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n456\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsulting services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n473\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,628\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmployee relations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n349\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n368\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOffice rent and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n229\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n61\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal restructuring charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,261\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10,245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n____________________________________\n(a)\nRecorded in accrued payroll and incentive\n(b)\nAmounts reported in Severance and employee-related benefits in fiscal year 2022 were reclassified to Relocation.\nThe following table summarizes the activity in the severance and employee-related benefits and relocation accruals for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 (in thousands):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeverance and employee-related benefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRelocation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrual at April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,732\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n456\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,188\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,354\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,856\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,210\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cash payments and settlements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n32\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,566\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,598\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrual at April 30, 2023 (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10,054\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,746\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11,800\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n___________________________________\na)\nRecorded in accrued payroll and incentive\n\n\nF-\n33\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nQUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\n",
+ "cik": "1092796",
+ "cusip6": "831754",
+ "cusip": ["831754106", "831754956", "831754906"],
+ "names": ["SMITH & WESSON BRANDS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1092796/000095017023029412/0000950170-23-029412-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-030037.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-030037.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..bc607843fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-030037.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. B\nusiness\n \n\n\nGeneral\n \n\n\nNicholas Financial, Inc. (\u201cNicholas Financial-Canada\u201d) is a Canadian holding company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia in 1986. The business activities of Nicholas Financial-Canada are currently conducted exclusively through its wholly-owned indirect subsidiary, Nicholas Financial, Inc., a Florida corporation (\u201cNicholas Financial\u201d). Nicholas Financial is a specialized consumer finance company engaged primarily in acquiring and servicing automobile finance installment contracts (\u201cContracts\u201d) for purchases of used and new automobiles and light trucks. Additionally, Nicholas Financial sells consumer-finance related products and, prior to the end of the third fiscal quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, Nicholas Financial originated direct consumer loans (\u201cDirect Loans\u201d). Nicholas Data Services, Inc. (\u201cNDS\u201d), is a second Florida subsidiary of Nicholas Financial-Canada and it serves as the intermediate holding company for Nicholas Financial. NF Funding I, LLC (\u201cNF Funding I\u201d), was a wholly-owned, special purpose financing subsidiary of Nicholas Financial, but that subsidiary no longer served any purpose and, as a result, it was dissolved prior to the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.\n \n\n\nNicholas Financial-Canada, Nicholas Financial, and NDS are hereafter collectively referred to as the \u201cCompany\u201d.\n\n\nAll financial information herein is designated in United States dollars. References to \u201cfiscal 2023\u201d are to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and references to \u201cfiscal 2022\u201d are to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.\n \n\n\nThe Company\u2019s principal executive offices are located at 26133 US HWY 19 North, Suite 300, Clearwater, Florida 33763, and its telephone number is (727) 726-0763.\n \n\n\nAvailable Information\n \n\n\nThe Company\u2019s filings with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, definitive proxy statements on Schedule 14A, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are made available free of charge through the Investor Center section of the Company\u2019s Internet website at \nhttp://www.nicholasfinancial.com\n as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. The Company is not including the information contained on or available through its website as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Report. Copies of any materials the Company files with the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC\u2019s website at \nhttp://www.sec.gov\n.\n \n\n\nOperating Strategy\n \n\n\nThe Company announced on Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2022 a change in its operating strategy and\n\n\nrestructuring plan with the goal of reducing operating expenses and freeing up capital. As part of this plan, the\n\n\nCompany has shifted from a decentralized to a regionalized business model in which each of its originators focuses\n\n\non a specific region in the Company\u2019s smaller target market footprint, and the Company has entered into a loan\n\n\nservicing agreement with Westlake Portfolio Management, LLC (\u201cWPM\u201d, and, collectively with its affiliate,\n\n\nWestlake Capital Finance, LLC, \u201cWestlake\u201d). An affiliate of Westlake, Westlake Services, LLC, is the beneficial\n\n\nowner of approximately 6.8% of the Company\u2019s common stock.\n\n\nWhile the Company intends to continue Contract purchase and origination activities, albeit on a much smaller scale,\n\n\nits servicing, collections and recovery operations have been outsourced to Westlake. The Company has ceased all\n\n\noriginations of Direct Loans.\n\n\nThe Company anticipates that execution of its evolving restructuring plan will free up capital and permit the\n\n\nCompany to allocate excess capital to increase shareholder returns, whether by acquiring loan portfolios or\n\n\nbusinesses or by investing outside of the Company\u2019s traditional business. The overall timeframe and structure of the\n\n\nCompany\u2019s restructuring remains uncertain.\n\n\nAlthough the Company no longer employs the branch-based model, it remains committed to its core product of financing primary transportation to and from work for the subprime borrower through the local independent automobile dealership. The Company's strategy includes risk-based pricing (rate, yield, advance, term, collateral value) and a commitment to the underwriting discipline required for optimal portfolio performance. The Company\u2019s\n \n\n\n1\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nprincipal goals are to increase its profitability and its long-term shareholder value. During fiscal 2023, the Company focused on the following items:\n\n\n\u2022\nrestructuring the Company\u2019s business by downsizing and streamlining operations and reducing\nexpenses;\n\n\n\u2022\noutsourcing servicing, collections and recovery operations;\n\n\n\u2022\ndiscontinuing our local branch model in favor of a regionalized business model;\n\n\n\u2022\noptimizing our technology to better fit the Company\u2019s restructured operations; and\n\n\n\u2022\nterminating our live checks program for prospective new customers\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn fiscal 2023, the Company also restructured and consolidated its operations by closing all of its brick and mortar branch locations in 18 states \u2014 Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. As a\n\n\nresult, as of March 31, 2023, the Company only had two offices in two states \u2013 its headquarters in Florida and its\n\n\ncentral business operations hub in North Carolina, and the Company expects to focus its business operations in the\n\n\nforeseeable future in seven states \u2014 Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, the Company did not have any completed bulk portfolio purchases. Although the Company did not complete any bulk portfolio purchases during fiscal 2023, the Company would consider pursuing one or more bulk portfolio purchases if and when any favorable opportunities present themselves.\n \n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, the Company completed bulk portfolio purchases for a total of $3.1 million, with $1.2 million in the first quarter, $0.6 million in the second quarter, $1.1 million in the third quarter, and $0.2 million in the fourth quarter.\n\n\nAlthough the Company had been licensed to provide Direct Loans in 14 states \u2014 Alabama, Florida, Georgia (over $3,000), Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee during fiscal 2023 the Company has cancelled, not renewed, or otherwise terminated all of such Direct Loan licenses.\n\n\nConsequently, the Company has not originated any new Direct Loans since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and the Company does not intend to originate any new Direct Loans going forward. However, the Company expects its third-party service provider to continue to service the Company\u2019s existing Direct Loans. The Company\u2019s total Direct Loans portfolio comprises approximately 27% of its total portfolio, and the Company expects its total Direct Loans portfolio to be reduced over time as such Direct Loans are paid off for otherwise liquidated until there are no Direct Loans in the Company\u2019s portfolio, which at the current rate of such activity is expected to occur sometime during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027.\n\n\nFollowing the restructuring and consolidation of the Company\u2019s operations, the Company does not expect to expand in either its current markets or any new markets.\n \n\n\nAutomobile Finance Business \u2013 Contracts\n \n\n\nThe Company is engaged in the business of providing financing programs, primarily to purchasers of used cars and light trucks who meet the Company\u2019s credit standards but who do not meet the credit standards of traditional lenders, such as banks and credit unions, because of the customer\u2019s credit history, job instability, the age of the vehicle being financed, or some other factor(s). Unlike lenders that look primarily to the credit history of the borrower in making lending decisions, typically financing new automobiles, the Company is willing to purchase Contracts for purchases made by borrowers who do not have a good credit history and for older model and high-mileage automobiles. In making decisions regarding the purchase of a particular Contract, the Company considers the following factors related to the borrower: current income; credit history; history in making installment payments for automobiles; current and prior job status; and place and length of residence. In addition, the Company examines its prior experience with Contracts purchased from the dealer from which the Company is purchasing the Contract, and the value of the automobile in relation to the purchase price and the term of the Contract.\n \n\n\nAs of the date of this Annual Report, the number of states in which the Company\u2019s automobile finance programs have been conducted has been reduced from 19 states during fiscal 2023 - Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin - to just six of such states continuing - Florida, Indiana, Kentucky,\n \n\n\n2\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNorth Carolina, Ohio, and South Carolina. The Company acquires Contracts in these states through its originators who work from home in the states of Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had non-exclusive agreements with approximately 3000 dealers, of which approximately 586 were active, for the purchase of individual Contracts that meet the Company\u2019s financing criteria. The Company considers a dealer agreement to be active if the contract is complete and executed. Each dealer agreement requires the dealer to originate Contracts in accordance with the Company\u2019s guidelines. Once a Contract is purchased by the Company, the dealer is no longer involved in the relationship between the Company and the borrower, other than through the existence of limited representations and warranties of the dealer in favor of the Company.\n \n\n\nA customer under a Contract typically makes a down payment, in the form of cash and/or trade-in, ranging from 5% to 35% of the sale price of the vehicle financed. The balance of the purchase price of the vehicle plus taxes, title fees and, if applicable, premiums for extended service contracts, GAP waiver coverage, roadside assistance plans, credit disability insurance and/or credit life insurance are generally financed over a period of 12 to 60 months. At approximately the time of origination, the Company purchases a Contract from an automobile dealer at a negotiated price that is less than the original principal amount being financed by the purchaser of the automobile. The Company refers to the difference between the negotiated price and the original principal amount being financed as the dealer discount. The amount of the dealer discount depends upon factors such as the age and value of the automobile and the creditworthiness of the customer. The Company has recommitted to maintaining pricing discipline and therefore places less emphasis on competition when pricing the discount. Generally, the Company will pay more (i.e., purchase the Contract at a smaller discount from the original principal amount) for Contracts as the credit risk of the customer improves. To date, the Contracts purchased by the Company have been purchased at discounts that range from 1% to 15% of the original principal amount of each Contract, with the typical average discount being between 6% and 8%. As of March 31, 2023, the Company\u2019s indirect loan portfolio consisted of Contracts purchased from a dealer or acquired through a bulk acquisition. Such Contracts are purchased without recourse to the dealer, however each dealer remains potentially liable to the Company for breaches of certain representations and warranties made by the dealer with respect to compliance with applicable federal and state laws and valid title to the vehicle. The Company\u2019s policy is to only purchase a Contract after the dealer has provided the Company with the requisite proof that (a) the Company has a first priority lien on the financed vehicle (or the Company has, in fact, perfected such first priority lien), (b) the customer has obtained the required collision insurance naming the Company as loss payee with a deductible of not more than $1,000 and (c) the Contract has been fully and accurately completed and validly executed. Once the Company has received and approved all required documents, it pays the dealer for the Contract and servicing of the Contract commences.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nContract Procurement\n \n\n\nThe Company purchased Contracts in the states listed in the table below during the periods indicated. The Contracts purchased by the Company are predominantly for used vehicles; for the periods shown below, less than 1% were for new vehicles. The average model year collateralizing the portfolio as of March 31, 2023 was a 2012 vehicle. The dollar amounts shown in the table below represent the Company\u2019s finance receivables on Contracts purchased within the respective fiscal year:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMaximum\nallowable\ninterest\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNumber of Branches on\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal year ended March 31, (In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nrate (1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 31, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlabama\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18-36%(2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,919\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,121\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArizona\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n343\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlorida\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18-30%(3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,410\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,886\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeorgia\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18-30%(3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,103\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,007\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIdaho\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n343\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n828\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIllinois\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,109\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,632\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndiana\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,363\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,878\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKansas\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18-25%(3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,887\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,458\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichigan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n549\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,947\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMissouri\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,841\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,459\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNevada\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,150\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,434\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorth Carolina\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18-29%(3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,989\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,997\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOhio\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,345\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,495\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPennsylvania\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18-21%(3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,139\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,441\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSouth Carolina\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,932\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,432\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTennessee\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,203\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,046\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTexas\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18-23%(3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n594\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,762\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUtah\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n102\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n460\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWisconsin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,178\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n47,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n85,804\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nThe maximum allowable interest rates are subject to change and vary based on the laws of the individual states. \n\n\n(2)\nNone of these states currently impose a maximum allowable interest rate with respect to the types and sizes of Contracts the Company purchases. The maximum rate which the Company will typically charge any customer in each of these states is 36% per annum. \n\n\n(3)\nThe maximum allowable interest rate in each of these states varies depending upon the model year of the vehicle being financed. In addition, Georgia does not currently impose a maximum allowable interest rate with respect to Contracts over $5,000. \n\n\nThe following table presents selected information on Contracts purchased by the Company:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal year ended March 31,\n(Purchases in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContracts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n47,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n85,804\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage APR\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage dealer discount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage term (months)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage loan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11,932\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11,002\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNumber of Contracts purchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,040\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,793\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirect Loans\n \n\n\nEffective during the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company no longer originates any Direct Loans. Previous to that time, the Company originated Direct Loans in Alabama, Florida, Georgia (over $3,000), Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Direct Loans were loans originated directly between the Company and the consumer. These loans were typically for amounts ranging from $500 to $11,000 and are generally secured by a lien on an automobile, watercraft or other permissible tangible personal property. The average loan made during fiscal 2023 by the Company had an initial principal balance of approximately $4,300. Most of the Direct Loans were originated with current or former customers under the Company\u2019s automobile financing program. The typical Direct Loan represented a better credit risk than our typical Contract due to the customer\u2019s payment history with the Company, as well as their established relationship with the local branch staff. The size of the loan and maximum interest rate that may be (and is) charged varies from state to state. The Company considered the individual\u2019s income, credit history, job stability, and the value of the collateral offered by the borrower to secure the loan as the primary factors in determining whether an applicant would receive an approval for such loan. Additionally, because most of the Direct Loans made by the Company to date have been made to borrowers under Contracts previously purchased by the Company, the collection experience of the borrower under the Contract was a significant factor in making the underwriting decision. The Company\u2019s Direct Loan program was implemented in April 1995 and accounted for approximately 13% of the Company\u2019s annual consolidated revenues during the fiscal 2023.\n\n\nIn connection with its Direct Loan program, the Company also made available credit disability insurance, credit life insurance, and involuntary unemployment insurance coverage to customers through unaffiliated third-party insurance carriers. Approximately 63% of the Direct Loans outstanding as of March 31, 2023 elected to purchase third-party insurance coverage made available by the Company. The cost of this insurance to the customer, which included a commission for the Company, was included in the amount financed by the customer.\n \n\n\nThe following table presents selected information on Direct Loans originated by the Company:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal year ended March 31,\n(Originations in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirect Loans\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOriginations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15,822\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n28,740\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage APR\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage term (months)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage loan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,307\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNumber of contracts originated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,662\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,770\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnderwriting Guidelines\n \n\n\nThe Company\u2019s typical customer has a credit history that fails to meet the lending standards of most banks and credit unions. Some of the credit problems experienced by the Company\u2019s customers that resulted in a poor credit history include but are not limited to: prior automobile account repossessions, unpaid revolving credit card obligations, unpaid medical bills, unpaid student loans, prior bankruptcy, and evictions for nonpayment of rent. The Company believes that its customer profile is similar to that of its direct competitors.\n \n\n\nThe Company\u2019s process to approve the purchase of a Contract begins with the Company receiving a standardized credit application completed by the consumer which contains information relating to the consumer\u2019s background, employment, and credit history. The Company also obtains credit reports from Equifax and/or TransUnion, which are independent credit reporting services. The Company verifies the consumer\u2019s employment history, income, and residence. In most cases, consumers are interviewed via telephone by a Company application processor (usually the Branch Manager or Assistant Branch Manager when the Company employed its branch-based model, and the originators in the Company's regionalized business model after the branches were closed). The Company also considers the customer\u2019s prior payment history with the Company, if any, as well as the collateral value of the vehicle being financed.\n \n\n\nThe Company has established internal underwriting guidelines that were used by its Branch Managers and internal underwriters when Contracts were purchased by the Company prior to the restructuring of its operations. The Company has adopted updated guidelines consistent with its post-restructuring operations, which guidelines are to be used by the Company\u2019s originators and internal underwriters when purchasing Contracts in the Company\u2019s\n \n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nregionalized business model. Any Contract that does not meet these guidelines must be approved by the senior management of the Company. In addition to a variety of administrative duties, the Company's management is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Company\u2019s underwriting guidelines as well as approving underwriting exceptions.\n \n\n\nWhen the Company was originating Direct Loans, the Company used similar criteria in analyzing a Direct Loan as it did in analyzing the purchase of a Contract. Lending decisions regarding Direct Loans were made based upon a review of the customer\u2019s loan application, income, credit history, job stability, and the value of the collateral offered by the borrower to secure the loan. To date, since the majority of the Company\u2019s Direct Loans have been made to individuals whose automobiles have been financed by the Company, the customer\u2019s payment history under his or her existing or past Contract was a significant factor in the lending decision.\n \n\n\nAfter reviewing the information included in the Contract or, when applicable, Direct Loan application and taking the other factors into account, the Company\u2019s loan origination system categorizes the customer using internally developed credit classifications from \u201c1,\u201d indicating higher creditworthiness, through \u201c4,\u201d indicating lower creditworthiness. Contracts are financed for individuals who fall within all four acceptable rating categories utilized, \u201c1\u201d through \u201c4\u201d. Usually a customer who falls within the two highest categories (i.e., \u201c1\u201d or \u201c2\u201d) is purchasing a two to five-year old, lower mileage used automobile, while a customer in any of the two lowest categories (i.e., \u201c3,\u201d or \u201c4\u201d) usually is purchasing an older, higher mileage automobile from an independent used automobile dealer.\n\n\nPrior to the closure of the Company\u2019s branches, the Company performed audits of its branches\u2019 compliance with Company underwriting guidelines. The Company audited branches on a schedule that was variable depending on the size of the branch, length of time a branch had been open, then current tenure of the Branch Manager, previous branch audit score, and then current and historical branch profitability. Additionally, field supervisions and audits were conducted by District Managers, Divisional Vice Presidents and Divisional Administrative Assistants to try to ensure operational and underwriting compliance throughout the former branch network.\n \n\n\nMonitoring and Enforcement of Contracts\n \n\n\nOn November 3, 2022, the Company entered into a loan servicing agreement with Westlake (the \u201cServicing\n\n\nAgreement\u201d). Under the Servicing Agreement, the Company will originate and acquire receivables and Westlake\n\n\nwill perform the servicing duties with respect to such receivables, including without limitation that Westlake shall\n\n\nmanage, service, administer and make collections on the receivables, including with respect to any repossession of\n\n\nany financed vehicle securing a receivable under which it is determined that payments thereunder are not likely to be\n\n\nresumed. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with its provisions, the Servicing Agreement shall expire upon the\n\n\nearliest to occur of (i) the date on which the Company sells, transfers or assigns all outstanding receivables to a third\n\n\nparty (including Westlake), (ii) the date on which the last receivable is repaid or otherwise terminated, or (iii) three\n\n\nyears from the closing date of the Servicing Agreement.\n\n\nThe Company requires each customer under a Contract to obtain and maintain collision insurance covering damage to the vehicle. Failure to maintain such insurance constitutes a default under the Contract, that would permit the repossession of the vehicle. To reduce potential loss due to insurance lapse, the Company has the contractual right to obtain collateral protection insurance through a third-party, which covers loss due to physical damage to a vehicle not covered by any insurance policy of the customer.\n\n\nThe servicer monitors compliance by the Company's customers with their obligations under Contracts and Direct Loans made by the Company and the servicer provides reports to the Company on such activity. These reports may be accessed throughout the Company by management personnel at computer terminals located in the Company's offices. These reports include delinquency reports, customer promise reports, vehicle information reports, purchase reports, dealer analysis reports, static pool reports, and repossession reports.\n \n\n\nA delinquency report is an aging report that provides basic information regarding each customer account and indicates accounts that are past due. The report includes information such as the account number, address of the customer, phone numbers of the customer, original term of the Contract, number of remaining payments, outstanding balance, due dates, date of last payment, number of days past due, scheduled payment amount, amount of last payment, total past due, and special payment arrangements or agreements.\n\n\nWhen an account becomes delinquent, the customer is promptly contacted to determine the reason for the delinquency and to determine if appropriate arrangements for payment can be made. If acceptable payment\n \n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\narrangements can be made, the information is entered into a database and is used to generate a customer promises report, which is utilized for account follow up.\n \n\n\nThe servicer prepares a repossession report that provides information regarding repossessed vehicles and aids in disposing of repossessed vehicles. In addition to information regarding the customer, this report provides information regarding the date of repossession, date the vehicle was sold, number of days it was held in inventory prior to sale, year, make and model of the vehicle, mileage, payoff amount on the Contract, NADA book value, Black Book value, suggested sale price, location of the vehicle, original dealer and condition of the vehicle, as well as notes and other information that may be helpful.\n \n\n\nIf an account is 121 days delinquent and the related vehicle has not yet been repossessed, the account is charged-off and transferred to the servicer's loss prevention and recovery department. Once a vehicle has been repossessed, the related loan balance no longer appears on the delinquency report. Instead, the vehicle appears on the servicer's repossession report and is generally sold at auction.\n\n\nThe servicer also prepares a dealer report that provides information regarding each dealer from which the Company purchases Contracts. This report allows the Company to analyze the volume of business done with each dealer, the terms on which it has purchased Contracts from such dealer, as well as the overall portfolio performance of Contracts purchased from the dealer.\n \n\n\nThe Company is subject to seasonal variations within the subprime marketplace. While the APR, discount, and term remain consistent across quarters, write-offs and delinquencies tend to be lower while purchases tend to be higher in the fourth and first quarters of the fiscal year. The second and third quarters of the fiscal year tend to have higher write-offs and delinquencies, and a lower level of purchases. Despite the foregoing, during fiscal 2023 the fourth quarter had the most write-offs and delinquencies.\n\n\nMarketing and Advertising\n \n\n\nThe Company\u2019s Contract marketing efforts currently are directed primarily toward automobile dealers. The Company attempts to meet dealers\u2019 needs by offering highly responsive, cost-competitive, and service-oriented financing programs. The Company relies on its staff of originators to solicit agreements for the purchase of Contracts with automobile dealers based within the regions located in the seven states in which the Company conducts operations as of the date of this Annual Report. The Company provides dealers with information regarding itself and the general terms upon which the Company is willing to purchase Contracts. The Company uses web advertising, social media and print ads in dealer association publications for marketing purposes. The Company is a member and corporate sponsor of the National Independent Auto Dealers Association, which also gives it access to state-level associations. Its representatives attend conferences and events for both state and national associations to market its products directly to dealers in attendance.\n\n\nWhen the Company was originating Direct Loans, the Company solicited customers under its Direct Loan program primarily through direct mailings, followed by telephone calls to individuals who had a good credit history with the Company in connection with Contracts purchased by the Company. It also relied on other forms of electronic messaging and in-store advertising.\n \n\n\nComputerized Information System\n \n\n\nAll Company personnel are provided with real-time access to information. The Company has purchased or otherwise has access through its servicer to the specialized programs to monitor the Contracts and Direct Loans from inception. The Company\u2019s computer network encompasses both its corporate headquarters and its central business operations hub. See \u201cMonitoring and Enforcement of Contracts\u201d above for a summary of the different reports available to the Company.\n \n\n\nCompetition\n \n\n\nThe consumer finance industry is highly fragmented and highly competitive. Due to various factors, the competitiveness of the industry continues to increase as new competitors continue to enter the market and certain existing competitors continue to expand their operations. There are numerous financial service companies that\n \n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nprovide consumer credit in the markets served by the Company, including banks, credit unions, other consumer finance companies, and captive finance companies owned by automobile manufacturers and retailers. Increased competition for the purchase of Contracts enables automobile dealers to shop for the best price, which can result in an erosion in the dealer discounts from the initial principal amounts at which the Company is willing to purchase Contracts and higher advance rates. However, the Company instead focuses on purchasing Contracts that are priced to reflect the inherent risk level of the Contract, and sacrifices loan volume, if necessary, to maintain that pricing discipline. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Company\u2019s average dealer discount on Contracts purchased decreased to 6.5%, compared to 6.9% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The table below shows the number\n \n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nand principal amount of Contracts purchased, average amount financed, average term, and average APR and discount for the periods presented:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKey Performance Indicators on Contracts Purchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Purchases in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNumber of\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nContracts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nPrincipal Amount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0/Quarter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nPurchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nPurchased#\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nFinanced*^\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAPR*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nDiscount%*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nTerm*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,040\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n47,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n11,932\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n127\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,579\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,433\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n383\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,511\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,778\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,595\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,082\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,964\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,935\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22,354\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,552\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,793\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n85,804\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n11,002\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,404\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27,139\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,289\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,735\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,480\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,228\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,707\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,880\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,061\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,947\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20,305\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,429\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,307\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n74,025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n10,135\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,429\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,637\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,143\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n7.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,483\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,285\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,307\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,709\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,307\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,127\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,686\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,796\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,962\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,647\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n76,696\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n10,035\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,991\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,658\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,873\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,753\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,880\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,200\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,011\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20,104\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,997\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,892\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,054\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,071\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKey Performance Indicators on Direct Loans Originated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Originations in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNumber of\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nContracts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nPrincipal Amount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0/Quarter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nOriginated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nOriginated#\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nFinanced*^\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAPR*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nTerm*\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,662\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n15,822\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,080\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,427\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,527\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,574\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,990\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,215\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,770\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n28,740\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,307\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,584\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,458\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,708\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,282\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,505\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,727\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,588\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,040\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,433\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,316\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,737\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,359\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,497\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14,148\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,131\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29.6075\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n753\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,284\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,362\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,265\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,605\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,641\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n924\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,832\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,147\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29.23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n555\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,427\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,373\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,142\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n12,638\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n4,017\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n28.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n720\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,104\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,310\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,137\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,490\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,949\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n739\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,988\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,043\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n27.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n546\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,056\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,765\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n28.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*Each average included in the tables is calculated as a simple average.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n^Average amount financed is calculated as a single loan amount.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n#Bulk portfolio purchase excluded for period-over-period comparability.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s ability to compete effectively with other companies offering similar financing arrangements depends in part upon the Company maintaining close business relationships with dealers of used and new vehicles. No single dealer out of the approximately 586 dealers with which the Company currently has active contractual relationships represents a significant amount of the Company\u2019s business volume for any of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 or 2022.\n \n\n\nRegulation\n \n\n\nNumerous federal and state consumer protection laws and related regulations impose substantial requirements upon creditors and servicers involved in consumer finance. These laws include the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, state adaptations of the National Consumer Act and of the Uniform Consumer Credit Code and state lending acts, motor vehicle retail installment acts and other similar laws. Also, the laws of certain states impose finance charge ceilings and other restrictions on consumer transactions and require contract disclosures in addition to those required under federal law. These requirements impose specific statutory liabilities upon creditors who fail to comply with their provisions. In some cases, this liability could affect the ability of an assignee such as the Company to enforce consumer finance contracts such as the Contracts.\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s financing operations are subject to regulation, supervision and licensing under many federal, state and local statutes, regulations and ordinances. In addition, the Company and its service providers must comply with certain federal and state requirements in connection with the servicing and collection on Direct Loans and Contracts, and the repossession of vehicles securing Direct Loans and Contracts in the states in which the Company does business. The Company and its third-party service providers must comply with federal, state and local regulatory regimes, including those applicable to consumer credit transactions. In particular, the Company may be subject to laws such as:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nState consumer statutory and regulatory requirements.\n Pursuant to state laws and regulations, on-site or off-site examinations can be conducted for any of our locations. Examinations monitor compliance with applicable regulations. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to: licensure requirements, requirements for maintenance of proper records, fee requirements, maximum interest rates that may be charged on loans to finance used vehicles, and proper disclosure to customers regarding financing terms. These may also include state laws and regulations that impose requirements related to data privacy, credit discrimination, credit reporting, debt servicing and collection, and unfair or deceptive business practices. \n\n\n\u2022\nState licensing requirements.\n The Company must comply with state licensing requirements and varying compliance requirements in all the states in which it operates. The Company files a notification or obtains a license to acquire Contracts in each state in which it acquires Contracts. Furthermore, some states require dealers to maintain a Retail Installment Seller\u2019s License, and where applicable, the Company only conducts business with dealers who hold such a license. For Direct Loan activities, the Company obtained licenses, where required, from each state in which it offered consumer loans. \n\n\n\u2022\nFair Debt Collection Practices Act.\n The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (\u201cFDCPA\u201d) provides guidelines and limitations on the conduct of third-party debt collectors and debt buyers when collecting consumer debt. While the FDCPA generally does not apply to first-party creditors collecting their own debts or to servicers when collecting debts that were current when servicing began, the Company uses the FDCPA as a guideline for all collections. The Company requires all vendors and third-party service providers that provide collection services on the Company\u2019s behalf to comply with the FDCPA to the extent applicable. The Company also complies with state and local laws that apply to creditors and provide guidance and limitations similar to the FDCPA.\n\n\n\u2022\nTruth in Lending Act.\n The Truth in Lending Act (\u201cTILA\u201d) requires the Company and the dealers it does business with to make certain disclosures to customers, including the terms of repayment, the total finance charge and the annual percentage rate charged on each Contract or Direct Loan. \n\n\n\u2022\nEqual Credit Opportunity Act.\n The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (\u201cECOA\u201d) prohibits creditors from discriminating against loan applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, age or marital status. Pursuant to Regulation B promulgated under the ECOA, creditors are required to make certain disclosures regarding consumer rights and advise consumers whose credit applications are not approved of the reasons for the rejection. \n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nElectronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.\n The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act requires the Company to provide consumers with clear and conspicuous disclosures before the consumer gives consent to authorize the use of electronic signatures, electronic contracts, and electronic records. \n\n\n\u2022\nFair Credit Reporting Act.\n The Fair Credit Reporting Act (\u201cFCRA\u201d) and similar state laws regulate the use of consumer reports and the reporting of information to credit reporting agencies. Specifically, the FCRA establishes requirements that apply to the use of \u201cconsumer reports\u201d and similar data, including certain notifications to consumers, including when an adverse action, such as a loan declination, is based on information contained in a consumer report. \n\n\n\u2022\nGramm-Leach-Bliley Act.\n The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (\u201cGLBA\u201d) requires the Company to maintain privacy with respect to certain consumer data in its possession and to periodically communicate with consumers on privacy matters. \n\n\n\u2022\nFederal Trade Commission Act. Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (the \u201cFTC Act\u201d) prohibits\nunfair and deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.\n\n\n\u2022\nServicemembers Civil Relief Act.\n The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (\u201cSCRA\u201d) requires the Company to reduce the interest rate charged on each loan to customers who have subsequently joined, enlisted, been inducted or called to active military duty and places limitations on collection and repossession activity. Under the terms of the SCRA, an obligor who enters the military service after the origination of that\nobligor\u2019s Direct Loan or Contract (including an obligor who is a member of the National Guard or is in\nreserve status at the time of the origination of the obligor\u2019s Direct Loan or Contract and is later called to\nactive duty) is entitled to have the interest rate reduced and capped at 6% per annum for the duration of the\nmilitary service, may be entitled to a stay of proceedings on foreclosures and similar actions and may have\nthe maturity of the loan or retail installment sale contract extended or the payments lowered and the\npayment schedule adjusted. In addition, pursuant to the laws of various states, under certain circumstances\nresidents thereof called into active duty with the National Guard or the reserves can apply to a court to\ndelay payments on loans or retail installment sale contracts such as the Direct Loans and the Contracts.\n\n\n\u2022\nMilitary Lending Act.\n The Military Lending Act requires the Company to limit the military annual percentage rate that the Company may charge to a maximum of 36 percent, requires certain disclosures to military consumers, and provides other substantive consumer protections on credit extended to Servicemembers and their families. \n\n\n\u2022\nElectronic Funds Transfer Act.\n The Electronic Funds Transfer Act (\u201cEFTA\u201d) prohibits the Company from requiring its customers to repay a loan or other credit by electronic funds transfer (\u201cEFT\u201d), except in limited situations which do not apply to the Company. The Company is also required to provide certain documentation to its customers when an EFT is initiated and to provide certain notifications to its customers with regard to preauthorized payments. \n\n\n\u2022\nTelephone Consumer Protection Act.\n The Telephone Consumer Protection Act governs the Company\u2019s practice of contacting customers by certain means (i.e., auto-dialers, pre-recorded or artificial voice calls on customers\u2019 land lines, fax machines and cell phones, including text messages). \n\n\n\u2022\nBankruptcy.\n Federal bankruptcy and related state laws may interfere with or affect the Company\u2019s ability to recover collateral or enforce a deficiency judgment. For example, in a Chapter 13 proceeding under the\nBankruptcy Code, a court may prevent a creditor from repossessing a motor vehicle and, as part of the\nrehabilitation plan, reduce the amount of the secured indebtedness to the market value of the motor vehicle\nat the time of bankruptcy, as determined by the court, leaving the party providing financing as a general\nunsecured creditor for the remainder of the indebtedness. A bankruptcy court may also reduce the monthly\npayments due under the related contract or change the rate of interest and time of repayment of the\nindebtedness.\n\n\n\u2022\nDodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (\u201cDodd-Frank Act\u201d). \nTitle X of the Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (\u201cCFPB\u201d), which has the authority to issue and enforce regulations under the federal \u201cenumerated consumer laws,\u201d including (subject to certain statutory limitations) FDCPA, TILA, ECOA, FCRA, GLBA and EFTA. The CFPB has rulemaking and enforcement authority over certain non-depository institutions, including the Company. The CFPB is specifically authorized, among other things, to take actions to prevent companies providing consumer financial products or services and their service providers from engaging in unfair, deceptive or abusive acts \n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nor practices in connection with consumer financial products and services, and to issue rules requiring enhanced disclosures for consumer financial products or services. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB also may restrict the use of pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clauses in contracts between covered persons and consumers for a consumer financial product or service. The CFPB also has authority to interpret, enforce, and issue regulations implementing enumerated consumer laws, including certain laws that apply to the Company\u2019s business. The CFPB issued rules regarding the supervision and examination of non-depository \u201clarger participants\u201d in the automobile finance business. At this time, the Company is not deemed a larger participant.\n\n\n\u2022\nHolder Rule. The Federal Trade Commission\u2019s (the \u201cFTC\u201d) so-called \u201cHolder-in-Due-Course Rule\u201d (the\n\u201cHolder Rule\u201d), and equivalent state laws, make the Company or any other holder of a consumer credit\ncontract include the required notice and become subject to all claims and defenses that a borrower could\nassert against the seller of goods or services.\n\n\nFailure to comply with these laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company by, among other things, limiting the jurisdictions in which the Company may operate, restricting the Company\u2019s or its service provider's ability to realize the value of the collateral securing the Contracts, and making it more costly or burdensome to do business or resulting in potential liability. The volume of new or modified laws and regulations and the activity of agencies enforcing such law have increased in recent years in response to issues arising with respect to consumer lending. From time to time, legislation and regulations are enacted which increase the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among financial services providers. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of financial institutions and financial services providers are frequently made in the U.S. Congress, in the state legislatures and by various regulatory agencies. This legislation may change the Company\u2019s operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways and may have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business.\n \n\n\nIn particular, the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations promulgated thereunder, are likely to affect the Company\u2019s cost of doing business, may limit or expand the Company\u2019s permissible activities, may affect the competitive balance within the Company\u2019s industry and market areas and could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company\u2019s management continues to assess the Dodd-Frank Act\u2019s probable impact on the Company\u2019s business, financial condition and results of operations, and to monitor developments involving the entities charged with promulgating regulations thereunder. However, the ultimate effect of the Dodd-Frank Act on the financial services industry in general, and on the Company in particular, is uncertain at this time.\n \n\n\nIn addition to the CFPB, other state and federal agencies have the ability to regulate aspects of the Company\u2019s business. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act provides a mechanism for state Attorneys General to investigate the Company. Additionally, the FTC has jurisdiction to investigate aspects of the Company\u2019s business. The Company expects that regulatory investigation by both state and federal agencies will continue and that the results of these investigations could have a material adverse impact on the Company.\n \n\n\nThe Holder Rule of the FTC has the effect of subjecting a seller, and certain related lenders and their assignees, in a consumer credit transaction to all claims and defenses which the obligor in the transaction could assert against the seller of the goods. Liability under the Holder Rule is limited to the amounts paid by the obligor under the contract, and the holder of the contract may also be unable to collect any balance remaining due thereunder from the obligor. The Holder Rule is generally duplicated by the Uniform Consumer Credit Code, other state statutes or the common law in certain states. Most of the Contracts will be subject to the requirements of the Holder Rule. Accordingly, the Company, as holder of the Contracts, will be subject to any claims or defenses that the purchaser of a financed vehicle may assert against the seller of the financed vehicle. Such claims are limited to a maximum liability equal to the amounts paid by the obligor on the Contract.\n\n\nDealers with which the Company does business must also comply with credit and trade practice statutes and regulations. Failure of these dealers to comply with such statutes and regulations could result in customers having rights of rescission and other remedies that could have a material adverse effect on the Company.\n \n\n\nThe sale of vehicle service contracts and other ancillary products by dealers in connection with Contracts assigned to the Company from dealers is also subject to state laws and regulations. As the Company is the holder of the Contracts that may, in part, finance these products, some of these state laws and regulations may apply to the Company\u2019s servicing and collection of the Contracts. Although these laws and regulations may not significantly affect the Company\u2019s business, there can be no assurance that insurance or other regulatory authorities in the\n \n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\njurisdictions in which these products are offered by dealers will not seek to regulate or restrict the operation of the Company\u2019s business in these jurisdictions. Any regulation or restriction of the Company\u2019s business in these jurisdictions could materially adversely affect the income received from these products.\n \n\n\nThe Company\u2019s management believes that the Company maintains all requisite licenses and permits and is in material compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. The Company periodically reviews its practices in an effort to ensure such compliance. Although compliance with existing laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s operations to date, given the increasingly complex regulatory environment, the increasing costs of complying with such laws and regulations, and the increasing risk of penalties, fines or other liabilities associated therewith, no assurances can be given that the Company is in material compliance with all of such laws or regulations or that the costs of such compliance, or the failure to be in such compliance, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s business, financial condition or results of operations.\n \n\n\nFor more information, please refer to the risk factors titled \u201cFederal or state regulatory reform could have an adverse impact on the Company\u201d, \u201cOn October 5, 2017, the CFPB released the final rule Payday, Vehicle Title and Certain High-Cost Installment Loans under the Dodd Frank Act, which as adopted could potentially have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance\u201d, \u201cThe CFPB has broad authority to pursue administrative proceedings and litigation for violations of federal consumer financing laws\u201d, \u201cPursuant to the authority granted to it under the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB adopted rules that subject larger nonbank automobile finance companies to supervision and examination by the CFPB\u201d. Any such examination by the CFPB likely would have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance\u201d, \u201cOur use of vendors and our other ongoing third-party business relationships is subject to increasing regulatory requirements and attention\u201d, and \u201cWe are subject to many other laws and governmental regulations, and any material violations of or changes in these laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and business operations\u201d, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.\n\n\nIn July 2020, the CFPB rescinded provisions of the Payday, Vehicle Title, and Certain High-Cost Installment Loans rule (the \"Rule\") governing the ability to repay requirements. The payment requirements took effect in June 2022. Any regulatory changes could have effects beyond those currently contemplated that could further materially and adversely impact our business and operations. Unless rescinded or otherwise amended, the Company will have to comply with the Rule\u2019s payment requirements if it continues to allow consumers to set up future recurring payments online for certain covered loans such that it meets the definition of having a \u201cleveraged payment mechanism\u201d under the Rule. If the payment provisions of the Rule apply, the Company will have to modify its loan payment procedures to comply with the required notices and mandated timeframes set forth in the final rule.\n\n\nHuman Capital Resources\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s management and various support functions are centralized at the Company\u2019s corporate headquarters in Clearwater, Florida. In connection with the closure of all of the Company\u2019s brick and mortar branch locations in 18 states, the Company\u2019s staff was significantly downsized during fiscal 2023, both as a result of layoffs and other voluntary and involuntary terminations. As a result, as of March 31, 2023, the Company employed a total of sixteen persons, of which six persons were employed at the Company\u2019s Clearwater Corporate office. None of the Company\u2019s employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, and the Company considers its relations with its employees generally to be good.\n\n\nWe are also committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (\u201cDE&I\u201d). We believe that the collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest in their work represent a significant part of our culture, reputation, and achievement. We believe that an emphasis on DE&I drives value for our employees, customers, and shareholders, and that our DE&I commitment enables us to better serve our communities.\n\n\nIn fiscal 2023, the Company continued focusing on and invested in maintaining the health and safety of our employees in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\nWe also offer our employees a variety of training and development opportunities. New employees complete a comprehensive training curriculum that focuses on the Company- and position-specific competencies needed to be\n \n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nsuccessful. The training includes a blended approach utilizing eLearning modules, hands-on exercises, webinars, and assessments. Training content is focused on our operating policies and procedures, as well as several key compliance areas.\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. Ris\nk Factors\n \n\n\nThe following factors, as well as other factors not set forth below, may adversely affect the business, operations, financial condition or results of operations of the Company (sometimes referred to in this section as \u201cwe\u201d \u201cus\u201d or \u201cour\u201d).\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRisks Related to COVID-19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe extent to which COVID-19 and measures taken in response thereto impact our business, results of operations and financial condition will continue to depend on factors outside of our control. COVID-19 has had and is likely to continue to have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition and heightens many of our known risks.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe outbreak of the global pandemic of COVID-19 and resultant economic effects of preventative measures taken across the United States and worldwide have been weighing on the macroeconomic environment, negatively impacting consumer confidence, employment rates and other economic indicators that contribute to consumer spending behavior and demand for credit. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our business, results of operations and financial condition will continue to depend on factors outside of our control, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict, including, but not limited to, the duration and spread of the outbreak in light of different levels of vaccination across the globe and new variants of the virus or additional waves of cases, its severity, actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, and whether the recently observable resumption of pre-pandemic economic and operating conditions in the United States can continue in light of inflationary pressure and higher insurance costs. For more information, see \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\u201d\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition, the spread of COVID-19 has caused us to modify our business practices (including restricting employee travel, developing social distancing plans for our employees and cancelling physical participation in meetings, events and conferences), and we may take further actions as may be required by government authorities or as we determine is in the best interests of our employees, partners and customers. The outbreak has adversely impacted and may further adversely impact our workforce and operations and the operations of our partners, customers, suppliers and third-party vendors, throughout the time period during which the spread of COVID-19 continues and related restrictions remain in place, and even after the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEven after the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided and despite the formal declaration of the end of the COVID-19 global health emergency by the World Health Organization in May 2023, our business may continue to experience materially adverse impacts as a result of the virus\u2019s economic impact, including the availability and cost of funding and any recession that has occurred or may occur in the future. There are no comparable recent events that provide guidance as to the effect COVID-19 as a global pandemic may have, and, as a result, the ultimate impact of the outbreak is highly uncertain and subject to change.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, many of the other risk factors described below are heightened by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic conditions, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to financing and liquidity.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Business and Industry\n\n\nOur success is dependent on our ability to forecast the performance of our Contracts and remaining Direct Loans.\n\n\nWe have in the past experienced and may in the future experience high delinquency and loss rates in our portfolios. This has in the past reduced and may continue to reduce our profitability. In addition, our inability to accurately forecast and estimate the amount and timing of future collections could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity and results of operations.\n \n\n\nOur consolidated net loss for the year ended March 31, 2023 was $34.1 million as compared to net income of $3.0 million for the year ended March 31, 2022. Although our significant net loss during fiscal 2023 was largely attributable to our previously announced change in operating strategy and restructuring plan, our profitability usually\n \n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ndepends, to a material extent, on the performance of Contracts that we purchase. Historically, we have experienced higher delinquency rates than traditional financial institutions because substantially all of our Contracts and remaining Direct Loans are to non-prime borrowers, who are unable to obtain financing from traditional sources due primarily to their credit history. Contracts and Direct Loans made to these individuals generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default, repossession, and higher losses than loans made to consumers with better credit.\n \n\n\nOur underwriting standards and collection procedures may not offer adequate protection against the risk of default, especially in periods of economic uncertainty. In the event of a default, the collateral value of the financed vehicle usually does not cover the outstanding Contract or Direct Loan balance and costs of recovery.\n\n\nOur ability to accurately forecast performance and determine an appropriate provision and allowance for credit losses is critical to our business and financial results. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses based on management\u2019s evaluation of the risk inherent in the portfolio, the composition of the portfolio, specific impaired Contracts and Direct Loans, and current economic conditions. Please see \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations \u2013 Critical Accounting Estimates\u201d in Item 7 of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.\n \n\n\nThere can be no assurance that our performance forecasts will be accurate. In periods with changing economic conditions, such as is the case currently, accurately forecasting the performance of Contract and Direct Loans is more difficult. Our allowance for credit losses is an estimate, and if actual Contract and Direct Loan losses are materially greater than our allowance for credit losses, or more generally, if our forecasts are not accurate, our financial position, liquidity and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. For example, uncertainty surrounding the continuing economic impact of COVID-19 and the indirect effects of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, whether through increases in the price of gasoline and other consumer goods or otherwise, on our customers has made historical information on credit losses slightly less reliable in the current environment, and there can be no assurances that we have accurately estimated loan losses.\n\n\nOther than limited representations and warranties made by dealers in favor of the Company, Contracts are purchased from the dealers without recourse, and we are therefore only able to look to the borrowers for repayment.\n \n\n\nIn June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (\u201cFASB\u201d) issued the ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments\u2014Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Among other things, the amendments in this ASU require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. The ASU also requires additional disclosures related to estimates and judgments used to measure all expected credit losses. For smaller reporting companies like us, the new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on the consolidated financial statements by collecting and analyzing data that will be needed to produce historical inputs, evaluating current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, which are inputs into models created as a result of adopting this ASU. The Company believes the adoption of this ASU will likely result in an increase of between $0.9 million and $1.9 million to its allowance for credit losses.\n\n\nWe operate in an increasingly competitive market.\n \n\n\nThe non-prime consumer-finance industry is highly competitive, and the competitiveness of the market continues to increase as new competitors continue to enter the market and certain existing competitors continue to expand their operations and become more aggressive in offering competitive terms. There are numerous financial service companies that provide consumer credit in the markets served by us, including banks, credit unions, other consumer finance companies and captive finance companies owned by automobile manufacturers and retailers. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial resources than us. In addition, some of our competitors often provide financing on terms more favorable to automobile purchasers or dealers than we offer. Many of these competitors also have long-standing relationships with automobile dealerships and may offer dealerships, or their customers,\n \n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nother forms of financing including dealer floor-plan financing and leasing, which are not provided by us. Providers of non-prime consumer financing have traditionally competed primarily on the basis of:\n \n\n\n\u2022\ninterest rates charged; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe quality of credit accepted; \n\n\n\u2022\ndealer discount; \n\n\n\u2022\namount paid to dealers relative to the wholesale book value; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe flexibility of Contract and Direct Loan terms offered; and \n\n\n\u2022\nthe quality of service provided. \n\n\nOur ability to compete effectively with other companies offering similar financing arrangements depends in part on our ability to maintain close relationships with dealers of used and new vehicles. We may not be able to compete successfully in this market or against these competitors. In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult for the Company to match or exceed pricing of its competitors, which has generally resulted in declining Contract acquisition rates during the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years.\n \n\n\nWe have focused on a segment of the market composed of consumers who typically do not meet the more stringent credit requirements of traditional consumer financing sources and whose needs, as a result, have not been addressed consistently by such financing sources. As new and existing providers of consumer financing have undertaken to penetrate our targeted market segment, we have experienced increasing pressure to reduce our interest rates, fees and dealer discounts. The Company\u2019s average dealer discount on Contracts purchased for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was 6.5% and 6.9%, respectively. The Company\u2019s average APR on Contracts purchased for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, were 22.5% and 23.1%, respectively. These competitive factors continue to exist and may impact our ability to secure quality loans on our preferred terms in significant quantities.\n\n\nWe are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these practices because of our focus on providing financing with respect to used vehicles.\n \n\n\nOur business depends on our continued access to bank financing on acceptable terms.\n\n\nOn January 18, 2023, we entered into a new senior secured revolving credit facility (the \u201cCredit Facility\u201d) with Westlake Capital Finance, LLC (the \u201cLender\u201d), who is an affiliate of Westlake, the servicer of substantially all of our receivables. Our ability to access capital through our Credit Facility, or undertake a future facility, or other debt or equity transactions on economically favorable terms or at all, depends in large part on factors that are beyond our control, including:\n\n\n\u2022\nConditions in the securities and finance markets generally;\n\n\n\u2022\nA negative bias toward our industry;\n\n\n\u2022\nGeneral economic conditions and the economic health of our earnings, cash flows and balance sheet;\n\n\n\u2022\nSecurity or collateral requirements;\n\n\n\u2022\nThe credit quality and performance of our customer receivables;\n\n\n\u2022\nRegulatory restrictions applicable to us;\n\n\n\u2022\nOur overall business and industry prospects;\n\n\n\u2022\nOur overall sales performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet quality, and regulatory restrictions;\n\n\n\u2022\nOur ability to provide or obtain financial support for required credit enhancement;\n\n\n\u2022\nOur ability to adequately service our financial instruments;\n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nOur ability to meet debt covenant requirements; and\n\n\n\u2022\nPrevailing interest rates.\n\n\nOur Credit Facility is subject to certain defaults and negative covenants.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Credit Facility\u2019s loan documents contain customary events of default and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, investments, and sales of assets. Such loan documents also restrict the Company\u2019s ability to make distributions to its shareholders or enter into certain fundamental transactions. If an event of default occurs, the lender could increase borrowing costs, restrict our ability to obtain additional advances under the Credit Facility, accelerate all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, enforce their interest against collateral pledged under the Credit Facility or enforce such other rights and remedies as they have under the loan documents or applicable law as secured lenders.\n\n\nIf we prepay the loan and terminate the Credit Facility prior to its maturity date, then we would be obligated to pay the Lender a termination fee in an amount equal to a percentage of the average outstanding principal balance of the Credit Facility during the immediately preceding 90 days. If we were to sell our accounts receivable to a third party prior to the maturity date, then we would be obligated to pay the Lender a fee in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the proceeds of such sale.\n\n\nOur existing and future levels of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health, ability to obtain financing in the future, ability to react to changes in our business and ability to fulfill our obligations under such indebtedness.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had aggregate outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Facility of $29.1 million compared to $55.0 million under our predecessor facility as of March 31, 2022. This level of indebtedness could:\n\n\n\u2022\nMake it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our outstanding notes and other indebtedness, resulting in possible defaults on and acceleration of such indebtedness;\n\n\n\u2022\nRequire us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flows to fund working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;\n\n\n\u2022\nLimit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures, debt service requirements and other general corporate purposes;\n\n\n\u2022\nLimit our ability to refinance indebtedness or cause the associated costs of such refinancing to increase;\n\n\n\u2022\nIncrease our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including interest rate fluctuations (because our borrowings are at variable rates of interest); and\n\n\n\u2022\nPlace us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with proportionately less debt or comparable debt at more favorable interest rates which, as a result, may be better positioned to withstand economic downturns.\n\n\nOn May 27, 2020, the Company obtained a loan in the amount of $3.2 million from a bank in connection with the U.S. Small Business Administration\u2019s (\u201cSBA\u201d) Paycheck Protection Program (the \u201cPPP Loan\u201d). Pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program, all or a portion of the PPP Loan may be forgiven if the Company used the proceeds of the PPP Loan for its payroll costs and other expenses in accordance with the requirements of the Paycheck Protection Program. The Company used the proceeds of the PPP Loan for payroll costs and other covered expenses and sought full forgiveness of the PPP Loan. The Company submitted a forgiveness application to Fifth Third Bank, the lender, on December 7, 2020 and submitted supplemental documentation on January 16, 2021. On December 27, 2021 SBA informed the Company that no forgiveness was granted. The Company filed an appeal with SBA on January 5, 2022. On May 6, 2022 the Office of Hearing and Appeals SBA (OHA) rendered a decision to deny the appeal. The Company subsequently repaid the outstanding principal of $3.2 million plus accrued and unpaid interest of $65 thousand on May 23, 2022.\n\n\n18\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAny of the foregoing impacts of our level of indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on us.\n\n\nAn increase in market interest rates may reduce our profitability.\n\n\nOur long-term profitability may be directly affected by the level of and fluctuations in interest rates. Sustained, significant increases in interest rates may adversely affect our liquidity and profitability by reducing the interest rate spread between the rate of interest we receive on our Contracts and interest rates that we pay under our Credit Facility. As interest rates increase, our gross interest rate spread on new originations will generally decline since the rates charged on the Contracts originated or purchased from dealers generally are limited by statutory maximums, restricting our opportunity to pass on increased interest costs.\n\n\nCurrently, due to a number of factors including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and supply chain problems caused in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economy is experiencing inflationary pressures not seen in a significant period of time. We cannot predict the timing or the duration of any inflation. More specifically, we cannot predict whether the inflationary pressure will reduce our interest rate spread and therefore our profitability.\n\n\nWe monitor the interest rate environment and, on occasion, enter into interest rate swap agreements relating to a portion of our outstanding debt. Such agreements effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on our interest expense. However, we have not recently entered into new arrangements. We will continue to evaluate interest rate swap pricing and we may or may not enter into interest rate swap agreements in the future.\n\n\nWe have recently experienced turnover in our senior management. The loss of our key executives could have a material adverse effect on our business.\n\n\nOn May 6, 2022, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nicholas Financial, Inc. (the \u201cCompany\u201d) informed the Board of Directors of the Company (the \u201cBoard\u201d) of his intention to resign his position as President and Chief Executive Officer, and to retire from the Board, in each case, effective as of May 9, 2022.\n\n\nOn May 10, 2022, the Company entered into a separation and release of claims agreement with the previous CEO. Pursuant to the agreement, the previous CEO\u2019s resignation was effective as of May 9, 2022. In addition to unpaid salary and accrued vacation pay through May 9, 2022, the previous CEO was entitled to receive a severance payment of $131,250 and continuation of COBRA benefits for 4.5 months. His restricted stock awards continue to be governed by the award agreements for each award, with all unvested restricted stock forfeited. The separation and release of claims agreement contains a one year non-compete provision that has elapsed, and prohibits the previous CEO from soliciting customers for one year, which has elapsed, and Company employees for two years, which continues through May 10, 2024.\n\n\nOn August 30, 2022 the Board appointed Michael Rost as the Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. On September 14, 2022 the Company and Mr. Rost entered into an employment agreement with a term that continues until August 29, 2023, subject to automatic renewal for successive one-year terms. Mr. Rost has worked at the Company for more than 20 years. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Rost served as Interim CEO since May 2022, as Vice President of Branch Operations for the Company from April 2021 until May 2022, as Divisional Vice President from June 2018 until April 2021, as District Manager from December 2010 until June 2018, and as Branch Manager from December 2001 until December 2010.\n\n\nWe are subject to risks associated with litigation.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs a consumer finance company, we are subject to various consumer claims and litigation seeking damages and statutory penalties, based upon, among other things:\n\n\n\u2022\nusury laws;\n\n\n\u2022\ndisclosure inaccuracies;\n\n\n\u2022\nwrongful repossession;\n\n\n\u2022\nviolations of bankruptcy stay provisions;\n\n\n\u2022\ncertificate of title disputes;\n\n\n19\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nfraud;\n\n\n\u2022\nbreach of contract; and\n\n\n\u2022\ndiscriminatory treatment of credit applicants.\n\n\nSome litigation against us could take the form of class action complaints by consumers. As the assignee of Contracts originated by dealers, we may also be named as a co-defendant in lawsuits filed by consumers principally against dealers. The damages and penalties claimed by consumers in these types of actions can be substantial. The relief requested by the plaintiffs varies but may include requests for compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages. We also are periodically subject to other kinds of litigation typically experienced by businesses such as ours, including employment disputes and breach of contract claims. No assurances can be given that we will not experience material financial losses in the future as a result of litigation or other legal proceedings.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe depend upon our relationships with our dealers.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur business depends in large part upon our ability to establish and maintain relationships with reputable dealers who originate the Contracts we purchase. Although we believe we have been successful in developing and maintaining such relationships in the markets that we continue to service after the closing of all of our brick and mortar branches, such relationships are not exclusive, and many of them are not longstanding. There can be no assurances that we will be successful in maintaining such relationships or increasing the number of dealers with whom we do business, or that our existing smaller dealer base will continue to generate a volume of Contracts comparable to the volume of such Contracts historically generated by such dealers.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur business is highly dependent upon general economic conditions.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are subject to changes in general economic conditions that are beyond our control. During periods of economic uncertainty, such as has existed for much of the past years, delinquencies, defaults, repossessions, and losses generally increase, absent offsetting factors. These periods also may be accompanied by decreased consumer demand for automobiles and declining values of automobiles securing outstanding loans, which weakens collateral coverage on our loans and increases the amount of a loss we would experience in the event of default. Because we focus on non-prime borrowers, the actual rates of delinquencies, defaults, repossessions, and losses on these loans are higher than those experienced in the general automobile finance industry and could be more dramatically affected by a general economic downturn. In addition, during an economic slowdown or recession, our servicing costs may increase without a corresponding increase in our servicing income. No assurances can be given that our underwriting criteria and collection methods to manage the higher risk inherent in loans made to non-prime borrowers will afford adequate protection against these risks. Any sustained period of increased delinquencies, defaults, repossessions, or losses, or increased servicing costs could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFurthermore, in a low interest-rate environment such as has existed in the United States until recent years, the level of competition increases in the non-prime consumer-finance industry as new competitors enter the market and many existing competitors expand their operations. Such increased competition, in turn, has exerted increased pressure on us to reduce our interest rates, fees, and dealer discount rates in order to maintain our market share. Any further reductions in our interest rates, fees or dealer discount rates could have a material adverse impact on our profitability or financial condition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe auction proceeds received from the sale of repossessed vehicles and other recoveries are subject to fluctuation due to economic and other factors beyond our control.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf a vehicle securing a Contract, is repossessed, it will typically be transported to an automobile auction for sale. Auction proceeds from the sale of repossessed vehicles and other recoveries are usually not sufficient to cover the outstanding balance of the Contract, and the resulting deficiency is charged off. In addition, there is, on average, approximately a 30-day lapse between the time of repossession of a vehicle and the time it is sold. The proceeds we receive from such sales under our servicing agreement depend upon various factors, including the supply of, and demand for, used vehicles at the time of sale. Such supply and demand are dependent on many factors. For example, during periods of economic uncertainty, the demand for used cars may soften, resulting in decreased auction\n \n\n\n20\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nproceeds to us from the sale of repossessed automobiles. Furthermore, depressed wholesale prices for used automobiles may result from significant liquidations of rental or fleet inventories, and from increased volume of trade-ins due to promotional financing programs offered by new vehicle manufacturers. Newer, more expensive vehicles securing our larger dollar loans are more susceptible to wholesale pricing fluctuations than are older vehicles and also experience depreciation at a much greater rate. Until the Company\u2019s portfolio has been successfully converted to primarily consisting of our target vehicle (primary transportation to and from work for the subprime borrower), the Company expects to be affected by softer auction activity and reduced vehicle values.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe partially rely on third parties to deliver services, and failure by those parties to provide these services or meet contractual requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe depend on third-party service providers for many aspects of our business operations, including loan origination, loan servicing, title processing, and online payments, which increases our operational complexity and decreases our control. We rely on these service providers to provide a high level of service and support, which subjects us to risks associated with inadequate or untimely service. If a service provider fails to provide the services that we require or expect, or fails to meet contractual requirements, such as service levels or compliance with applicable laws, a failure could negatively impact our business by adversely affecting our ability to process customers\u2019 transactions in a timely and accurate manner, otherwise hampering our ability to service our customers, or subjecting us to litigation or regulatory risk for poor vendor oversight. We may be unable to replace or be delayed in replacing these sources and there is a risk that we would be unable to enter into a similar agreement with an alternate provider on terms that we consider favorable or in a timely manner. Such a failure could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe success of our business depends upon our ability to retain and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAlthough we believe that we can attract and retain qualified and experienced personnel needed to conduct our business operations, no assurance can be given that we will be successful in doing so. Competition to hire personnel possessing the skills and experience required by us could contribute to an increase in our employee turnover rate. High turnover or an inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could have an adverse effect on our origination, delinquency, default, and net loss rates and, ultimately, our business and financial condition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNatural disasters, acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats, or the escalation of military activity in response to these attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNatural disasters (such as hurricanes), acts of war, terrorist attacks and the escalation of military activity in response to these attacks or otherwise may have negative and significant effects, such as disruptions in our operations, imposition of increased security measures, changes in applicable laws, market disruptions and job losses. Our headquarters are located in Clearwater, Florida and much of our revenue is generated in Florida. Florida is particularly susceptible to hurricanes. These events may have an adverse effect on the economy in general. Moreover, the potential for future terrorist attacks and the national and international responses to these threats could affect the business in ways that cannot be predicted. The effect of any of these events or threats could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRisks Related to Regulation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFederal or state regulatory reform could have an adverse impact on the Company. The Dodd-Frank Act is extensive legislation that impacts financial institutions and other non-bank financial companies, such as the Company. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act impacts the offering, marketing and regulation of consumer financial products and services. Many of the implementing regulations have been finalized, but in some cases, additional rulemaking has not yet been finalized. Until all of the implementing regulations have been issued, there can be no assurance that any new requirements will not have an adverse impact on the servicing of the Direct Loans and the Contracts or on the regulation and supervision of the Company.\n \n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB with broad authority over federal consumer financial laws and regulations (\u201cConsumer Financial Laws\u201d). In December 2020, the CFPB issued a final rule governing the activities of third-party debt collectors. The final rule was effective on November 30, 2021. While the final rule did not address first-party debt collectors, the CFPB has previously indicated that it would address this activity in a later rulemaking. It is unclear what effect, if any, the final rule or any subsequent changes may have on Direct Loans and Contracts or the servicer\u2019s practices, procedures and other servicing activities relating to Direct Loans and Contracts in ways that could reduce the associated recoveries.\n\n\nThe CFPB also issued a Compliance Bulletin in February 2022 stating its position that automobile loan holders and servicers are responsible for ensuring that their repossession-related practices, and the practices of their service providers do not violate applicable law, and the CFPB also described its intention to hold loan holders and servicers liable for unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices related to the repossession of automobiles. In its Supervisory Highlights for Spring and Fall of 2022, the CFPB also identified certain auto loan servicing concerns, including the failure to ensure customers received add-on product refunds after events such as repossession or early payoff of the account. It is possible that the CFPB may bring enforcement actions against holders of automobile loans, such as the Company, and servicers, such as Westlake, in the future.\n \n\n\nIn addition, the FTC and state attorneys general have recently increased their scrutiny of motor vehicle dealers and auto lending, particularly with respect to antidiscrimination and deception concerns related to the prices of and fees charged in connection with automobile financing, including add-on products such as GAP insurance and extended warranties. Also, on June 23, 2022 the FTC issued a proposed rule that would (i) prohibit motor vehicle dealers from making certain misrepresentations in the course of selling, leasing, or arranging financing for motor vehicles, (ii) require accurate pricing disclosures in dealers\u2019 advertising and sales discussions, (iii) require dealers to obtain consumers\u2019 express, informed consent for charges, (iv) prohibit the sale of any add-on product or service that confers no benefit to the consumer, and (v) require dealers to keep records of advertisements and customer transactions. At this stage, it is unknown whether a final rule will be issued, the exact requirements of any final rule if issued or if any final rule would have a broader potential impact on auto lending practices, including the auto lending practices of the Company.\n\n\nFurther, changes to the regulatory framework in which the Company operates, including, for example, laws or regulations enacted to address the potential impacts of climate change (including laws which may adversely impact the auto industry in particular as a result of efforts to mitigate the factors contributing to climate change) or laws, regulations, executive orders or other guidance enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased inflation or a recession or period of economic contraction or volatility could have a significant impact on the Company. See \u201cItem 1. Business \u2013 Regulation\u201d for additional information.\n\n\nOn October 5, 2017, the CFPB released the final rule Payday, Vehicle Title and Certain High-Cost Installment Loans under the Dodd Frank Act, which as adopted could potentially have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance.\n \n\n\nIn 2017, the CFPB adopted rules applicable to payday, title and certain high cost installment loans. The rules address the underwriting of covered short-term loans and longer-term balloon-payment loans, including payday and vehicle title loans, as well as related reporting and recordkeeping provisions. These provisions have become known as the \u201cmandatory underwriting provisions\u201d and include rules for lenders to follow to determine whether or not consumers have the ability to repay the loans according to their terms. On July 7, 2020, the CFPB released a new final rule that revoked the underwriting provisions of the rule but retained and ratified the payment provisions. Implementation of the rule\u2019s payment requirements may require changes to the Company\u2019s practices and procedures for such loans, which could materially and adversely affect the Company\u2019s ability to make such loans, the cost of making such loans, the Company\u2019s ability to, or frequency with which it could, refinance any such loans, and the profitability of such loans. Additionally, the CFPB may target specific features of loans by rulemaking that could cause us to cease offering certain products, or adopt rules imposing new and potentially burdensome requirements and limitations with respect to any of our current or future lines of business, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance. The CFPB could also implement rules that limit our ability to continue servicing our financial products and services.\n\n\nThe CFPB has broad authority to pursue administrative proceedings and litigation for violations of federal consumer financing laws.\n \n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe CFPB has the authority to obtain cease and desist orders (which can include orders for restitution or rescission of contracts, as well as other kinds of affirmative relief) and monetary penalties ranging from $6,323 per day for minor violations of Consumer Financial Laws (including the CFPB\u2019s own rules) to $31,616 per day for reckless violations and $1,264,622 per day for knowing violations. If we are subject to such administrative proceedings, litigation, orders or monetary penalties in the future, this could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance. Also, where a company has violated Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act or CFPB regulations under Title X, the Dodd-Frank Act empowers state attorneys general and state regulators to bring civil actions for the kind of cease and desist orders available to the CFPB (but not for civil penalties). If the CFPB or one or more state officials believe we have violated the foregoing laws, they could exercise their enforcement powers in ways that would have a material adverse effect on us. See \u201cItem 1. Business \u2013 Regulation\u201d for additional information.\n \n\n\nPursuant to the authority granted to it under the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB adopted rules that subject larger nonbank automobile finance companies to supervision and examination by the CFPB. Any such examination by the CFPB likely would have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance.\n \n\n\nThe CFPB\u2019s \u201clarger participant\u201d rule extends supervision and examination to any nonbank auto finance company that makes, acquires, or refinances 10,000 or more loans or leases in a year. Under the rule, those companies will be considered \u201clarger participants,\u201d and the CFPB may oversee their activity to ensure they are complying with Consumer Financial Laws. The Company does not meet the threshold of at least 10,000 aggregate annual direct loan originations, and therefore does not fall under the CFPB\u2019s supervisory authority. The CFPB issued rules regarding the supervision and examination of non-depository \u201clarger participants\u201d in the automobile finance business. The CFPB\u2019s stated objectives of such examinations are: to assess the quality of a larger participant\u2019s compliance management systems for preventing violations of Consumer Financial Laws; to identify acts or practices that materially increase the risk of violations of Consumer Financial Laws and associated harm to consumers; and to gather facts that help determine whether the larger participant engages in acts or practices that are likely to violate Consumer Financial Laws in connection with its automobile finance business. If we become a \u201clarger participant\u201d, we will be subject to examination by the CFPB for, among other things, ECOA compliance, TILA compliance, Consumer Leasing Act compliance, compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act\u2019s prohibition on unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices, and the adequacy of our compliance management systems.\n\n\nWe have continued to evaluate our existing compliance management systems. We expect this process to continue as the CFPB promulgates new and evolving rules and interpretations. Given the time and effort needed to establish, implement and maintain adequate compliance management systems and the resources and costs associated with being examined by the CFPB, such an examination could likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and profitability. Moreover, any such examination by the CFPB could result in the assessment of penalties, including fines, and other remedies which could, in turn, have a material effect on our business, financial condition, and profitability.\n \n\n\nOur use of vendors and our other ongoing third-party business relationships are subject to increasing regulatory requirements and attention\n.\n\n\nWe regularly use vendors and subcontractors as part of our business. We also depend on our substantial ongoing business relationships with our dealers, merchants, and other third parties. These types of third-party relationships, particularly with our dealer partners and our third-party servicing and collection vendors, are subject to increasingly demanding regulatory requirements and oversight by regulators. Regulators may expect certain non-bank entities to maintain an effective process for managing risks associated with vendor relationships, including compliance-related risks. In connection with this vendor risk management process, we may be expected to perform due diligence reviews of potential vendors, review their policies and procedures and internal training materials to confirm compliance-related focus, include enforceable consequences in contracts with vendors regarding failure to comply with consumer protection requirements, and take prompt action, including terminating the relationship, in the event that vendors fail to meet our expectations.\n \n\n\nRegulators may hold us responsible for deficiencies in our oversight and control of third-party relationships and in the performance of the parties with which we have these relationships. As a result, if our regulators conclude that we have not exercised adequate oversight and control over vendors and subcontractors or other ongoing third-party business relationships or that such third parties have not performed appropriately, we could be subject to enforcement actions, including civil money penalties or other administrative or judicial penalties or fines, as well as requirements for consumer remediation.\n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are subject to many other laws and governmental regulations, and any material violations of or changes in these laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and business operations.\n \n\n\nAs a provider of consumer financial services, the Company operates in a highly regulated environment. The Company is subject to state licensing requirements and state and federal laws and regulations. In addition, the Company may be subject to governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, and investigations from time to time at the state and federal levels. Compliance with applicable law is costly and can affect the Company\u2019s results of operations. Compliance requires forms, processes, procedures, controls and the infrastructure to support these requirements. Compliance may create operational constraints and place limits on pricing, as the laws and regulations in the financial services industry are designed primarily for the protection of consumers. Changes in laws and regulations could restrict the Company\u2019s ability to operate its business as currently operated, could impose substantial additional costs or require it to implement new processes, which could adversely affect the Company\u2019s business, prospects, financial performance or financial condition. The failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could result in significant statutory civil and criminal fines, penalties, monetary damages, attorney or legal fees and costs, restrictions on the Company\u2019s ability to operate its business, possible revocation of licenses and damage to the Company\u2019s reputation, brand and valued customer relationships. Any such costs, restrictions, revocations or damage could adversely affect the Company\u2019s business, prospects, results of operations or financial condition. See \u201cItem 1. Business \u2013 Regulation\u201d for additional information.\n \n\n\nThe CFPB and the FTC may investigate the products, services and operations of credit providers, including banks and other finance companies engaged in auto finance activities. As a result of such investigations, the CFPB and the FTC have announced various enforcement actions against lenders in the past few years involving significant penalties, consent orders, cease and desist orders and similar remedies that, if applicable to the Company or the products, services and operations the Company offers, may require the Company to cease or alter certain business practices, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company\u2019s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Supervision and investigations by these agencies may result in monetary penalties, increase the Company\u2019s compliance costs, require changes in its business practices, affect its competitiveness, impair its profitability, harm its reputation or otherwise adversely affect its business.\n\n\nOur financing operations are subject to regulation, supervision, and licensing under various other federal, state and local statutes and ordinances. In addition, the Company and its service providers must comply with certain federal and state requirements in connection with the servicing and collection on Direct Loans and Contracts, and the repossession of vehicles securing Direct Loans and Contracts in the states the Company does business. The various federal, state and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances applicable to our business govern, among other things:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nlicensing requirements; \n\n\n\u2022\nrequirements for maintenance of proper records; \n\n\n\u2022\npayment of required fees to certain states; \n\n\n\u2022\nmaximum interest rates that may be charged on loans to finance used and new vehicles; \n\n\n\u2022\ndebt collection practices; \n\n\n\u2022\nproper disclosure to customers regarding financing terms; \n\n\n\u2022\nprivacy regarding certain customer data; \n\n\n\u2022\ninterest rates on loans to customers; \n\n\n\u2022\nlate fees and insufficient fees charged; \n\n\n\u2022\ntelephone solicitation of Direct Loan customers; and \n\n\n\u2022\ncollection of debts from loan customers who have filed bankruptcy. \n\n\nWe believe that we maintain all material licenses and permits required for our current operations and are in substantial compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations. Our failure, or the failure by dealers who originate the Contracts we purchase, or the failure by our service providers, to maintain all requisite licenses and permits, and to comply with other regulatory requirements, could result in consumers having rights of rescission and other remedies that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Furthermore, any changes in\n \n\n\n24\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\napplicable laws, rules and regulations, such as the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act and the creation of the CFPB, may make our compliance therewith more difficult or expensive or otherwise materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.\n \n\n\nSome litigation against us could take the form of class action complaints by consumers. As the assignee of contracts originated by dealers, we may also be named as a co-defendant in lawsuits filed by consumers principally against dealers. The damages and penalties claimed by consumers in these types of actions can be substantial. The relief requested by the plaintiffs varies but may include requests for compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages. We also are periodically subject to other kinds of litigation typically experienced by businesses such as ours, including employment disputes and breach of contract claims. No assurances can be given that we will not experience material financial losses in the future as a result of litigation or other legal proceedings.\n \n\n\nRisks Related to Privacy and Cybersecurity\n\n\nFailure to properly safeguard confidential customer information could subject us to liability, decrease our profitability, and damage our reputation.\n \n\n\nIn the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our customers, on our computer networks, and share such data with third parties, including our service providers. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy.\n \n\n\nAny failure, interruption, or breach in our cyber security, including through employee misconduct or any failure of our back-up systems or failure to maintain adequate security surrounding customer information, could result in reputational harm, disruption in the management of our customer relationships, or the inability to originate, process and service our products. Further, any of these cyber security and operational risks could result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to lawsuits by customers for identity theft or other damages resulting from the misuse of their personal information and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. In addition, regulators may impose penalties or require remedial action if they identify weaknesses in our security systems, and we may be required to incur significant costs to increase our cyber security to address any vulnerabilities that may be discovered or to remediate the harm caused by any security breaches. As part of our business, we may share confidential customer information and proprietary information with clients, vendors, service providers, and business partners. The information systems of these third parties may be vulnerable to security breaches and we may not be able to ensure that these third parties have appropriate security controls in place to protect the information we share with them. If our confidential information is intercepted, stolen, misused, or mishandled while in possession of a third party, it could result in reputational harm to us, loss of customer business, and additional regulatory scrutiny, and it could expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. If any vendor fails to provide the services we require, fails to meet contractual requirements (including compliance with applicable laws and regulations), fails to maintain adequate data privacy controls and electronic security systems, or suffers a cyber-attack or other security breach, we could be subject to CFPB, FTC and other regulatory enforcement actions, claims from third parties, including our consumers, and suffer economic and reputational harm that could have an adverse effect on our business. Further, we may incur significant costs to resolve any such disruptions in service, which could adversely affect our business.\n\n\nProviders of consumer financial services are subject to specific requirements to protect consumer data. In 2021, the FTC updated its Safeguards Rule implementing Section 501(b) of GLBA, to set forth specific criteria relating to the safeguards that certain nonbank financial institutions must implement as a part of their information security programs. These safeguards, among other things, limit who can access customer information, require the use of encryption to secure such information, and require the designation of a single qualified individual to oversee an institution\u2019s information security program and report at least annually to the institution\u2019s board of directors or equivalent governing body. The CFPB recently issued Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2022-04, which warned that data security shortcomings could subject financial services companies to unfairness claims under the Consumer Financial Protection Act\u2014even if those firms comply with the GLBA Safeguards Rule, the primary data security regulation for non-bank financial institutions.\n\n\nWe rely on encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties to provide the security and authentication necessary to secure online transmission of confidential customer information. Advances in computer\n \n\n\n25\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ncapabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments may result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms that we use to protect sensitive customer data. A party who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in our operations. We may be required to expend capital and other resources to protect against, or alleviate problems caused by, security breaches or other cybersecurity incidents. Although we have not experienced any material cybersecurity incidents to dates, there can be no assurance that a cyber-attack, security breach or other cybersecurity incident will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations in the future. Our security measures are designed to protect against security breaches, but our failure to prevent security breaches could subject us to liability, decrease our profitability and damage our reputation.\n\n\nRisks Related to our Common Stock\n\n\nOur stock is thinly traded, which may limit your ability to resell your shares.\n \n\n\nThe average daily trading volume of our common shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 was approximately 6,800 shares, which makes ours a thinly traded stock. Thinly traded stocks pose several risks for investors because they have wider spreads and less displayed size than other stocks that trade in higher volumes or an active trading market. Other risks posed by thinly traded stocks include difficulty selling the stock, challenges attracting market makers to make markets in the stock, and difficulty with financings. Our financial results, the introduction of new products and services by us or our competitors, and various factors affecting the consumer-finance industry generally may also have a significant impact on the market price of our common shares. In recent years, the stock market has experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and market prices for the stocks of many companies, including ours, have experienced wide price fluctuations that have not necessarily been related to their operating performance. These risks could affect a shareholder\u2019s ability to sell their shares at the volumes, prices, or times that they desire.\n\n\nWe currently do not have any analysts covering our stock which could negatively impact both the stock price and trading volume of our stock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe trading market for our common stock will likely be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. We do not currently have, and may never obtain, research coverage by financial analysts. If no or few analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price of our stock may not increase. Even if we do obtain analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts covering our business downgrade their evaluation of our stock, the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover our stock, we could lose visibility in the market for our stock, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline. Furthermore, if our operating results fail to meet analysts\u2019 expectations our stock price would likely decline.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSome provisions of our Articles may deter third parties from acquiring us and diminish the value of our common stock.\n\n\nOur Articles provide for, among other things:\n\n\n\u2022\ndivision of our board of directors into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms;\n\n\n\u2022\nour ability to issue additional shares of common stock and to issue preferred stock with terms that our board of directors may determine, in each case without shareholder approval (unless required by law); and\n\n\n\u2022\nthe absence of cumulative voting in the election of directors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThese provisions may discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of our Company that is in the best interest of our shareholders. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if they are viewed as discouraging future takeover attempts. These provisions could also make it more difficult for shareholders to nominate directors for election to our board of directors and take other corporate actions.\n\n\nWe are a \u201csmaller reporting company\u201d as defined in SEC regulations, and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are a \u201csmaller reporting company\u201d as defined under SEC regulations and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies including, among other things, reduced financial disclosure requirements including being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation. As a result, our shareholders may not have access to certain information that they may deem important. We could remain a smaller reporting company indefinitely. As a smaller reporting company, investors may deem our stock less attractive and, as a result, there may be less active trading of our common stock, and our stock price may be more volatile.\n\n\nGeneral Risk Factors\n\n\nWe have in the past had material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures could lead to a loss of investor confidence in our financial statements and have an adverse effect on our stock price.\n\n\nWe may in the future discover areas of our internal financial and accounting controls and procedures that need improvement. Our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, regardless of how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.\n\n\nIf we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, or if we are unable to maintain proper and effective internal controls, we may not be able to produce timely and accurate financial statements. If that were to happen, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could lead to a decline in the market price of our common stock and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.\n\n\nAdditionally, the existence of any material weakness could require management to devote significant time and incur significant expense to remediate any such material weakness and management may not be able to remediate any such material weakness in a timely manner. The existence of any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting could also result in errors in our financial statements that could require us to restate our financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and cause the holders of our common stock to lose confidence in our reported financial information, all of which could materially adversely affect our business and share price.\n\n\n27\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may experience problems with integrated computer systems or be unable to keep pace with developments in technology or conversion to new integrated computer systems.\n \n\n\nWe use various technologies in our business, including telecommunication, data processing, and integrated computer systems. Technology changes rapidly. Our ability to compete successfully with other financing companies may depend on our ability to efficiently and cost-effectively implement technological changes. Moreover, to keep pace with our competitors, we may be required to invest in technological changes that do not necessarily improve our profitability.\n \n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of\n Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n \n\n\nOverview\n \n\n\nNicholas Financial-Canada is a Canadian holding company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia in 1986. Nicholas Financial-Canada currently conducts its business activities exclusively through a wholly-owned indirect Florida subsidiary, Nicholas Financial. Nicholas Financial is a specialized consumer finance company engaged primarily in acquiring and servicing automobile finance installment contracts (\u201cContracts\u201d) for purchases of used and new automobiles and light trucks. To a lesser extent, prior to the end of the third fiscal quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, Nicholas Financial also originated direct consumer loans (\u201cDirect Loans\u201d) and sold consumer-finance related products. Nicholas Financial\u2019s financing activities represent a primary source of consolidated revenue for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. A second Florida subsidiary, NDS, serves as an intermediate holding company for Nicholas Financial.\n\n\nNicholas Financial-Canada, Nicholas Financial, and NDS are collectively referred to herein as the \u201cCompany\u201d.\n\n\nIntroduction\n \n\n\nThe Company\u2019s consolidated revenues decreased from $49.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 to $44.3 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. The Company\u2019s diluted earnings per share decreased from $0.39 per share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 to a net loss of $4.65 per share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. The Company\u2019s operating income before income taxes decreased from $4.0 million for the year ended March 31, 2022 to a loss before income tax of $32.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in profitability was primarily driven by an increase in the provision for credit losses from $6.0 million to $40.7 million and a decrease in average finance receivables from $178.7 million to $165.4 million for the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s consolidated net income decreased from $3.0 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 to net loss of $34.1 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.\n\n\nThe gross portfolio yield of the portfolio for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was 26.76% and 27.86%, respectively. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the average dealer discount decreased from 6.9% to 6.5% primarily as a result of market conditions in the 2023 fiscal year. The APR (and therefore overall yield) on new purchases declined in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 to 22.2% from 22.9%, which was primarily driven by the Company\u2019s continuing commitment to its core principles of disciplined underwriting and risk-based pricing. Operating expenses as presented include restructuring costs of $4.8 million for the twelve months ended March 31,\n \n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023. Operating expenses net of restructuring costs as a percentage of average finance receivables would have been 16.7% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPortfolio Summary\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year ended March 31,\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage finance receivables (1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n165,412\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n178,686\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage indebtedness (2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n54,214\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n67,684\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest and fee income on finance receivables\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n44,270\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49,779\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,931\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,366\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet interest and fee income on finance receivables\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n40,339\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n44,413\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross portfolio yield (3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26.76\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27.86\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense as a percentage of average finance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0receivables\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.38\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.00\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProvision for credit losses as a percentage of average\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0finance receivables\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24.58\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.34\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet portfolio yield (3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.20\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.52\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses as a percentage of average finance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0receivables\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19.62\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19.25\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPre-tax yield as a percentage of average finance\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0receivables(4)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(19.82\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.27\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet charge-off percentage (5)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.86\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.13\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance receivables\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n128,170\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n178,786\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAllowance percentage (6)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.57\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.61\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal reserves percentage (7)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.98\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.62\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nAverage finance receivables represent the average of finance receivables throughout the period. \n\n\n(2)\nAverage indebtedness represents the average outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility throughout the period. Average indebtedness does not include the PPP loan.\n\n\n(3)\nGross portfolio yield represents interest and fee income on finance receivables as a percentage of average finance receivables. Net portfolio yield represents (a) interest and fee income on finance receivables minus (b) interest expense minus (c) the provision for credit losses, as a percentage of average finance receivables.\n\n\n(4)\nPre-tax yield represents net portfolio yield minus operating expenses (marketing, salaries, employee benefits, depreciation, and administrative), as a percentage of average finance receivables.\n\n\n(5)\nNet charge-off percentage represents net charge-offs (charge-offs less recoveries) divided by average finance receivables, outstanding during the period.\n\n\n(6)\nAllowance percentage represents the allowance for credit losses divided by finance receivables outstanding as of ending balance sheet date.\n\n\n(7)\nTotal reserves percentage represents the allowance for credit losses, unearned purchase price discount, and unearned dealer discounts divided by finance receivables outstanding as of ending balance sheet date.\n\n\nCritical Accounting Estimates\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nA critical accounting estimate is an estimate that: (i) is made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (ii) involves a significant level of estimation uncertainty and (iii) has had or is reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company\u2019s financial condition or results of operations.\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s critical accounting estimate relates to the allowance for credit losses. It is based on management\u2019s judgement of an amount that is adequate to absorb losses incurred in the existing portfolio. Because of the nature of the customers under the Company\u2019s Contracts and Direct Loan program, the Company considers the establishment of adequate reserves for credit losses to be imperative.\n\n\nThe Company takes into consideration the composition of the portfolio, current economic conditions, the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral, historical loan loss experience, delinquency, non-performing assets, and bankrupt accounts when determining management\u2019s estimate of probable credit losses and the adequacy of the\n \n\n\n32\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nallowance for credit losses. Management utilizes significant judgment in determining probable incurred losses and in identifying and evaluating qualitative factors. This approach aligns with the Company\u2019s lending policies and underwriting standards. If the allowance for credit losses is determined to be inadequate, then an additional charge to the provision is recorded to maintain adequate reserves based on management\u2019s evaluation of the risk inherent in the loan portfolio. Management believes that estimating the allowance for credit losses using the trailing twelve-month charge-off analysis accurately reflects portfolio performance adjusted for seasonality and encompasses historical collection practices. Under the current methodology the management continues to evaluate qualitative factors to support its allowance for credit losses. The Company examines the impact of macro-economic factors, such as year-over-year inflation, as well as portfolio performance characteristics, such as changes in the value of underlying collateral, level of nonperforming accounts, delinquency trends, and accounts with extended terms. As a result, the Company incorporated an additional $1.4 million as a qualitative component amount to its current estimate of adequate reserves.\n\n\nContracts are purchased from many different dealers and are all purchased on an individual Contract-by-Contract basis. Individual Contract pricing is determined by the automobile dealerships and is generally the lesser of the applicable state maximum interest rate, if any, or the maximum interest rate which the customer will accept. In most markets, competitive forces will drive down Contract rates from the maximum rate to a level where an individual competitor is willing to buy an individual Contract. The Company generally purchases Contracts on an individual basis. The Company has established internal underwriting guidelines that were used by its Branch Managers and internal underwriters when Contracts were purchased by the Company prior to the restructuring of its operations. The Company has adopted updated guidelines consistent with its post-restructuring operations, which guidelines are to be used by the Company\u2019s originators and internal underwriters when purchasing Contracts in the Company\u2019s regionalized business model. Any Contract that does not meet these guidelines must be approved by senior management of the Company. In addition to a variety of administrative duties, the Company\u2019s management is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Company\u2019s underwriting guidelines as well as approving underwriting exceptions.\n \n\n\nFiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022\n \n\n\nInterest and Fee Income on Finance Receivables\n \n\n\nInterest and fee income on finance receivables, predominantly finance charge income, decreased to $44.3 million in fiscal 2023 as compared to $49.8 million in fiscal 2022. The average finance receivables totaled $165.4 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, a decrease of 7.4% from $178.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. Purchasing volume decreased to $47.5 million in fiscal 2023 from $85.8 million in fiscal 2022. Purchasing volume decreased from fiscal 2022 primarily as a result of our focus on restructuring to a remote purchasing model.\n\n\nCompetition continued to affect the Company\u2019s ability to acquire Contracts at desired yields. The average APR on new Contract purchases was 22.5% for fiscal 2023 and 23.1% for fiscal 2022. Concurrently, the dealer discount on new Contract purchases decreased from 6.9% for fiscal 2022 to 6.5% for fiscal 2023, primarily as a result of competitive pressures. Overall, the Company maintains its strategy focused on risk-based pricing (rate, yield, advance, term, etc.) and a commitment to the underwriting discipline required for optimal portfolio performance.\n\n\nThe gross portfolio yield decreased to 26.76% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 as compared to 27.86% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The gross portfolio yield decreased primarily as a result of the decrease in average finance receivables year over year.\n \n\n\nThe net portfolio yield decreased to (0.2)% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 from 21.5% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The net portfolio yield decreased primarily due to an increase in the provision for credit losses as a percentage of finance receivables, as described under \u201cAnalysis of Credit Losses\u201d below.\n \n\n\nOperating Expenses\n \n\n\nOur operating expenses consisted primarily of servicing and administrative expenses, payroll and employee benefits, and marketing expenses. Operating expenses decreased to $32.5 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to $34.4 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 as a result of restructuring initiatives undertaken by the Company.\n\n\n33\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInterest Expense\n \n\n\nInterest expense decreased to $3.9 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $5.4 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, due to a decrease in average outstanding debt, which was partly offset by a higher interest rate. The average outstanding debt during the year ended March 31, 2023 decreased to $54.2 million from $67.7 million during the year ended March 31, 2022. The following table summarizes the Company\u2019s average cost of borrowed funds for the fiscal years ended March 31:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVariable interest under the line of credit and credit\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0facility\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.70\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.63\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCredit spread under the line of credit and credit\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0facility\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.27\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.15\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage cost of borrowed funds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.97\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.78\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAnalysis of Credit Losses\n \n\n\nThe following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in the allowance for credit losses on Contracts and Direct Loans for the fiscal years ended March 31:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the year ended March 31, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIndirect\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirect\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at beginning of year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,961\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n988\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,949\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProvision for credit losses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37,125\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,533\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n40,658\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCharge-offs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(28,391\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,621\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(32,012\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecoveries\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,570\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n231\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,801\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at end of year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n16,265\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,131\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n17,396\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the year ended March 31, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIndirect\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirect\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at beginning of year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,001\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n153\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,154\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProvision for credit losses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,210\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,755\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,965\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCharge-offs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(13,515\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(980\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(14,495\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecoveries\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,265\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,325\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at end of year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,961\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n988\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,949\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Company defines non-performing assets as accounts that are contractually delinquent for 60 or more days past due or Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts. For these accounts, the accrual of interest income is suspended, and any previously accrued interest is reversed. Upon notification of a bankruptcy, an account is monitored for collection with other Chapter 13 accounts. In the event the debtors\u2019 balance is reduced by the bankruptcy court, the Company will record a loss equal to the amount of principal balance reduction. The remaining balance will be reduced as payments are received by the bankruptcy court. In the event an account is dismissed from bankruptcy, the Company will decide based on several factors, whether to begin repossession proceedings or allow the customer to begin making regularly scheduled payments.\n\n\nThe Company defines a Chapter 13 bankruptcy account as a Troubled Debt Restructuring (\u201cTDR\u201d). The Company records a specific reserve for Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts which is considered a qualitative reserve to the allowance for credit losses. The Company records the reserve based on the expected collectability of the principal balance of the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and the specific reserves recorded as of March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 was $241 thousand and $138 thousand, respectively.\n\n\nThe provision for credit losses increased to $40.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 from $6.0 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, due to an increase in net charge-off percentage from 5.13% to 15.86%.\n \n\n\n34\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Company\u2019s allowance for credit losses also incorporates recent trends such as delinquency, non-performing assets, and bankruptcy. The Company believes that this approach reflects the current trends of incurred losses within the portfolio and better aligns the allowance for credit losses with the portfolio\u2019s performance indicators.\n \n\n\nNet charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables increased to 15.9% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 from 5.1% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, primarily reflecting the Company's analysis of portfolio its performance trends.\n \n\n\nThe delinquency percentage for Contracts more than thirty days past due, excluding Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts, as of March 31, 2023 was 15.7%, an increase from 7.3% as of March 31, 2022. The delinquency percentage for Direct Loans more than thirty days past due, excluding Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts, as of March 31, 2023 was 17.0%, an increase from 3.6% as of March 31, 2022. The delinquency percentage for both Contracts and Direct Loans increased as enhanced unemployment benefits and stimulus programs came to an end.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn accordance with Company policies and procedures, certain borrowers qualify for, and the Company offers, one-month principal payment deferrals on Contracts and Direct Loans. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 the Company granted deferrals to approximately 37.3% and 11.8%, respectively, of total Contracts and Direct Loans. The increase in the total number of deferrals in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily influenced by portfolio performance, including but not limited to, inflation, credit quality of loans purchased, competition at the time of Contract acquisition, and general economic conditions.\n\n\nIncome Taxes\n \n\n\nThe Company recorded a tax expense of approximately $1.0 million during fiscal 2022 compared to a tax expense of approximately $1.4 million during fiscal 2023. The Company\u2019s effective tax rate in fiscal 2022 was 25.9% compared to (4.3)% in fiscal 2023. For further discussion regarding income taxes see \n\u201cNote 7 \u2013 Income Taxes\u201d.\n \n\n\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n \n\n\nThe Company\u2019s cash flows are summarized as follows:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year ended March 31,\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash provided by (used in):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(2,182\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,487\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvesting activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,894\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,862\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(32,033\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(35,551\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet increase (decrease) in cash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(4,321\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(28,202\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur major source of liquidity and capital is cash generated from our ongoing operations and our borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility.\n\n\nWe believe that our current cash balance, together with the future cash generated from operations and our borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility, will be sufficient to satisfy our requirements and plans for cash for the next 12 months. We also believe that future cash generated from operations and our borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility, will be sufficient to satisfy our requirements and plans for cash beyond the next 12 months. Our access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms in the future will be affected by many factors including overall liquidity in the capital or credit markets, the state of the economy and our credit strength as viewed by potential lenders. We cannot provide assurances that we will have future access to the capital or credit markets on acceptable terms.\n\n\nOn January 18, 2023, Nicholas Financial and NDS (collectively, the \u201cBorrowers\u201d), two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nicholas Financial-Canada, entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the \u201cLoan Agreement\u201d) for a new senior secured revolving credit facility (the \u201cCredit Facility\u201d) with Westlake Capital Finance, LLC (the \u201cLender\u201d),\n \n\n\n35\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nwho is an affiliate of Westlake, the servicer of substantially all of the Company's receivables, pursuant to which the Lender is providing the Borrowers with a senior secured revolving credit facility in the principal amount of up to $50 million.\n\n\nThe availability of funds under the Credit Facility is generally limited to an advance rate of between 70% and 85% of the value of the Borrowers\u2019 eligible receivables. Outstanding advances under the Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) plus a specified margin, subject to a specified floor interest rate. Unused availability under the Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate of 0.25% . The commitment period for advances under the Credit Facility is two years. We refer to the expiration of that time period as the \u201cMaturity Date.\u201d\n\n\nThe Loan Agreement contains customary events of default and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, and sales of assets. The Loan Agreement also requires the Borrowers to maintain (i) a minimum tangible net worth equal to the lower of $40 million and an amount equal to 60% of the outstanding balance of the Credit Facility and (ii) an excess spread ratio of less than 8.0%. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Borrowers granted a security interest in substantially all of their assets as collateral for their obligations under the Credit Facility. If an event of default occurs, the Lender could increase borrowing costs, restrict the Borrowers\u2019 ability to obtain additional advances under the Credit Facility, accelerate all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, enforce their interest against collateral pledged under the Loan Agreement or enforce such other rights and remedies as they have under the loan documents or applicable law as secured lenders.\n\n\nIf the Borrowers prepay the loan and terminate the Credit Facility prior to the Maturity Date, then the Borrowers would be obligated to pay the Lender a termination fee in an amount equal to a percentage of the average outstanding principal balance of the Credit Facility during the 90-day period immediately preceding such termination. If the Borrowers were to sell their accounts receivable to a third-party prior to the Maturity Date, then the Borrowers would be obligated to pay the Lender a fee in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the proceeds of such sale.\n\n\nThe proceeds of the Credit Facility were used in part to refinance the Company\u2019s existing indebtedness under the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 5, 2021 by and among the Borrowers, the lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as agent for lenders.\n\n\nOn May 27, 2020, the Company obtained a loan in the amount of $3.2 million from a bank in connection with the U.S. Small Business Administration\u2019s (\u201cSBA\u201d) Paycheck Protection Program (the \u201cPPP Loan\u201d). Pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program, all or a portion of the PPP Loan may be forgiven if the Company used the proceeds of the PPP Loan for its payroll costs and other expenses in accordance with the requirements of the Paycheck Protection Program. The Company used the proceeds of the PPP Loan for payroll costs and other covered expenses and sought full forgiveness of the PPP Loan. The Company submitted a forgiveness application to Fifth Third Bank, the lender, on December 7, 2020 and submitted supplemental documentation on January 16, 2021. On December 27, 2021 SBA informed the Company that no forgiveness was granted. The Company filed an appeal with SBA on January 5, 2022. On May 6, 2022 the Office of Hearing and Appeals SBA (OHA) rendered a decision to deny the appeal. The Company subsequently repaid the outstanding principal of $3.2 million plus accrued and unpaid interest of $65 thousand on May 23, 2022.\n\n\nThe Company is currently evaluating its capital allocation goals and may in the future decide to change its mix of capital resources in an effort to achieve a higher dollar value of receivables for every dollar of equity capital invested. To do so, the Company may, if so agreed with its lender, distribute future excess profits generated at its U.S. subsidiaries to the Company, or reinvest excess equity capital into its U.S. subsidiaries when opportunities warrant. In addition, the Company may determine to continue its share repurchases at a higher volume than previously and/or acquire businesses or assets that are related or unrelated to its current business, including securities in publicly-held companies. However, the Company is not limited to these alternatives. In addition, the Company may determine not to pursue these or any other alternatives to change its capital allocation, for example because it determines that such path is not prudent in light of legal and tax requirements applying to the Company as a British Columbia company listed in the United States with primarily United States shareholders and, through its U.S. subsidiaries, exclusively United States operations.\n\n\n36\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nImpact of Inflation\n \n\n\nThe Company is affected by inflation primarily through increased operating costs and expenses including increases in interest rates. Inflationary pressures on operating costs and expenses historically have been largely offset by the Company\u2019s continued emphasis on stringent operating and cost controls, although no assurances can be given regarding the Company\u2019s ability to offset the effects of inflation in the future. Management believes the rise in inflation can impact the subprime borrower due to rising cost of housing, consumer goods, gas prices, etc. and believes it could have an impact on the performance and collectability of the portfolio.\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitat\nive Disclosure About Market Risk\n\n\nNot applicable.\n \n\n\n37\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "cik": "1000045",
+ "cusip6": "65373J",
+ "cusip": ["65373J209"],
+ "names": ["NICHOLAS FINL INC BC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1000045/000095017023030037/0000950170-23-030037-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-030121.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-030121.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..801aab7910
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-030121.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\n Business\n\n\nDescription of Business\n\n\nWe are a leading global supplier of custom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. We design, engineer and produce mechatronic products for Original Equipment Manufacturers (\u201cOEMs\u201d) utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, light-emitting diode (\u201cLED\u201d) lighting system, power distribution and sensor applications.\n \n\n\nOur solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment, consumer appliance and medical devices.\n \n\n\nAcquisition of Nordic Lights Group Corporation\n\n\nOn April 20, 2023, we acquired 92.2% of the outstanding shares in Nordic Lights Group Corporation (\u201cNordic Lights\u201d) for \u20ac121.8 million ($134.2 million) in cash. Nordic Lights is a premium provider of high-quality lighting solutions for heavy duty equipment and a public limited liability company incorporated in Finland with its shares admitted to trading on Nasdaq First North. The acquisition complements our own existing LED lighting solutions. In addition, the business aligns well with our inorganic growth framework given its focus on engineered solutions for OEMs, its industrial and non-auto transportation market exposure, and its customer and geographic diversity.\n \n\n\n From May 1, 2023 to June 16, 2023, we acquired an additional 7.2% of the outstanding shares of Nordic Lights for \u20ac9.3 million ($10.2 million) resulting in a current ownership of 99.4%. In May 2023, we initiated compulsory redemption proceedings for all remaining shares in Nordic Lights in accordance with Chapter 18 of the Finnish Companies Act. We expect the redemption proceedings to be completed by October 31, 2023. See Note 3, \u201cAcquisition\u201d to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report for further information.\n \n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\nWe maintain our financial records on the basis of a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2023 ended on April 29, 2023, fiscal 2022 ended on April 30, 2022 and fiscal 2021 ended on May 1, 2021, and each represented 52 weeks of results.\n\n\nOperating Segments\n \n\n\nOur business is managed, and our financial results are reported, based on the following four segments: Automotive, Industrial, Interface and Medical. See Note 15, \u201cSegment Information and Geographic Area Information\u201d to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report for further information.\n\n\nThe Automotive segment supplies electronic and electro-mechanical devices and related products to automobile OEMs, either directly or through their tiered suppliers. Our products include integrated center consoles, hidden switches, ergonomic switches, transmission lead-frames, complex insert molded solutions, LED-based lighting solutions, and sensors which incorporate magneto-elastic sensing, eddy current or other sensing technologies that monitor the operation or status of a component or system.\n\n\nThe Industrial segment manufactures external lighting solutions, including driving, work, and signal lights, industrial safety radio remote controls, braided flexible cables, current-carrying laminated and powder-coated busbars, high-voltage high current connector and contracts, custom power-product assemblies, such as our PowerRail\u00ae solution, high-current low-voltage flexible power cabling systems that are used in various markets and applications, including aerospace, cloud computing, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, industrial, military, power conversion and transportation.\n\n\nThe Interface segment provides a variety of copper-based transceivers and related accessories for the cloud computing hardware equipment and telecommunications broadband equipment markets, user interface solutions for the appliance, commercial food service, and point-of-sale equipment markets, and fluid-level sensors for the marine/recreational vehicle and sump pump markets.\n\n\nThe Medical segment is made up of our medical device business, Dabir Surfaces, Inc. (\u201cDabir Surfaces\u201d), our surface support technology aimed at pressure injury prevention. Dabir Surfaces has developed the technology for use by patients who are immobilized or otherwise at risk for pressure injuries, including patients undergoing long-duration surgical procedures.\n\n\nThe following table reflects the percentage of net sales by segment for the last three fiscal years.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 1, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAutomotive\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n69.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndustrial\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterface\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMedical\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSales and Marketing\n\n\nThe majority of our sales activities are directed by sales managers who are supported by field application engineers and other technical personnel who work with customers to design our products into their systems. Our field application engineers also help us identify emerging markets and new products. Our products are primarily sold through our in-house sales staff. We also utilize independent manufacturers\u2019 and sales representatives with offices throughout the world. Information about our sales and operations in different geographic regions is summarized in Note 15, \u201cSegment Information and Geographic Area Information\u201d to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report. Sales are made primarily to OEMs, either directly or through their tiered suppliers, as well as to selling partners and distributors.\n\n\nSources and Availability of Materials\n\n\nThe principal materials that we purchase include application-specific integrated circuits, coil and bar stock, ferrous and copper alloy sheets, glass, LED displays, plastic molding resins, capacitors and resistors, precious metals, and silicon die castings. All of these items are available from several suppliers and we generally rely on more than one supplier for each item.\n\n\nRefer to Item 1A. \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in this Annual Report for risks related to supply chain issues, including the worldwide semiconductor supply shortage.\n \n\n\nIntellectual Property\n\n\nWe generally rely on patents, trade secrets, trademarks, licenses, and non-disclosure agreements to protect our intellectual property and proprietary products. We have been granted a number of patents in the U.S., Europe and Asia and have additional domestic and international patent applications pending related to our products. Our existing patents expire on various dates between 2023 and 2043. We seek patents in order to protect our interest in unique and critical products and technologies, including our magneto-elastic torque/force sensing, current sensing, displacement sensing, medical devices and radio-type products. We do not believe any single patent is material to our business, nor would the expiration or invalidity of any patent have a material adverse effect on our business or our ability to compete.\n\n\nSeasonality\n\n\nA significant portion of our business is dependent upon the automotive and commercial vehicle industries. Consequently, our Automotive and Industrial segments may experience seasonal fluctuations based on the sales and the production schedules of our customers.\n \n\n\nMajor Customers\n \n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, our five largest customers accounted for approximately 49% of our consolidated net sales. Two customers in the Automotive segment represented more than 10% of our consolidated net sales at 18.7% and 10.8%. In general, these sales were for component parts used in particular vehicle models. Typically, our supply arrangement for each component part includes a blanket purchase order and production releases. In general, a blanket purchase order is issued for each part as identified by the customer part number. Each blanket purchase order includes standard terms and conditions, including price. In certain circumstances, we supply the requirements for a particular customer vehicle model for the life of the model, which can vary from three to seven years. Our customers order parts using production releases approved under the relevant blanket purchase order. The production releases include information regarding part quantities and delivery specifications.\n\n\nBacklog\n\n\nWe manufacture products based on a combination of specific order requirements and forecasts of our customers\u2019 demand. For many of our OEM customers, especially in the automotive and commercial vehicle markets, we have long-term supply arrangements where there is an expectation that we will supply products in future periods. However, these arrangements do not necessarily constitute firm orders and these OEM customers are not required to purchase any minimum amount of products from us and can sunset a program at any time. Firm orders are generally limited to authorized customer purchase orders which are typically based on customer release schedules. We fulfill these purchase orders as promptly as possible. We do not consider the dollar amount of such purchase order releases on hand and not processed at any point in time to be significant based upon the time frame involved. Accordingly, backlog at any given time might not be a meaningful indicator of future revenue.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nThe markets in which we operate are highly competitive and characterized by rapid changes due to technological improvements and developments. We compete with a large number of other manufacturers in each of our product areas and many of these competitors have greater resources and sales. Price, service and product performance are significant elements of competition in the sale of our products.\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResearch and Development\n \n\n\nWe maintain a research and development program involving a number of professional employees who devote a majority of their time to the enhancement of existing products and to the development of new products and processes. Research and development costs primarily relate to product engineering and design and development expenses and are classified as a component of costs of products sold on our consolidated statements of income. Expenditures for such activities amounted to $35.0 million for fiscal 2023, $35.7 million for fiscal 2022 and $37.1 million for fiscal 2021.\n\n\nGovernment Regulations\n\n\nOur worldwide business activities are subject to various laws, rules, and regulations of the United States as well as of foreign governments. Compliance with these laws, rules, and regulations has not had a material effect upon our capital expenditures, results of operations, or competitive position, and we do not currently anticipate material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities. Nevertheless, compliance with existing or future governmental regulations, including, but not limited to, those pertaining to international operations, environmental matters (including climate change), export controls, business acquisitions, consumer and data protection, employee health and safety, and regional quarantine requirements, could have a material impact on our business in subsequent periods. Refer to Item 1A. \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in this Annual Report for a discussion of these potential impacts.\n\n\nHuman Capital\n \n\n\nThe Human Resources function at Methode is an active and visible partner to the business at all levels. Our Chief Human Resources Officer reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and interacts frequently with our Board of Directors. In fiscal 2024, our human capital focus will continue to be on talent acquisition and development, diversity and inclusion and employee health and safety.\n \n\n\nAs of April 29, 2023, we employed approximately 6,700 employees worldwide, substantially all of whom were employed full time with approximately 94% of these employees located outside the U.S. Our U.S. employees are not subject to any collective bargaining agreements although certain international employees are covered by national or local labor agreements.\n \n\n\nOur corporate culture is committed to doing business with integrity, teamwork, and performance excellence. Our management team and all our employees are expected to exhibit the principles of fairness, honesty, and integrity in the actions we undertake. Our employees must adhere to our Code of Conduct that addresses topics such as anti-corruption, discrimination, harassment, privacy, appropriate use of company assets and protecting confidential information. Our employees participate in annual training on preventing, identifying, reporting, and stopping any type of unlawful discrimination or unethical actions.\n\n\nTalent Acquisition, Development and Succession Planning\n\n\nWe strive to build a diverse and inclusive workforce through investments in talent development and retention strategies. Methode is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all qualified job seekers. We focus significant attention on attracting and retaining talented and experienced individuals to manage and support our operations. When we hire new employees, we focus not just on the skills required for current positions, but the ever-changing complex skills and competencies that will be required as we move forward.\n \n\n\nWe have a global talent review and succession planning process designed to align our talent plans with the current and future strategies of the business. This includes the identification of key positions, assessment of internal talent and potential successors and plans for talent development. Our teams meet with leaders and team members across the company to develop action plans and goals focused on both personal and professional development.\n \n\n\nDiversity and Inclusion\n\n\nAt Methode Electronics, we strive to maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our global customer base and the communities that we serve. We value every member of our workforce and want everyone to feel safe voicing their opinions and concerns. Our diversity goals apply to our entire organization, including leadership positions. We have diverse representation on our executive team and Board of Directors, with three out of twelve Board members being women.\n\n\nAs highlighted in our Diversity & Inclusion Statement (available on our corporate website), diversity and inclusion are business imperatives that will enable us to build and empower our future workforce. We embrace the diversity of our employees, including their unique backgrounds, experiences, thoughts, and talents. We also strive for diversity in leadership, which has the power to drive innovation and to encompass a wide variety of perspectives in company decision-making. We believe that an increased focus on diversity and inclusion will make us a more desirable workplace and will lead to improved business performance.\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHealth and Safety\n\n\nThe success of our business is connected to the well-being of our employees. We strive to maintain a work environment with a safety culture grounded on the premise of eliminating workplace incidents, risks, and hazards. We have processes to help eliminate safety events and to reduce their frequency and severity. The safety of our employees is a top priority and vital to our success and our employees are trained on safety-related topics.\n \n\n\nAs a global business, the communication on Environmental, Health and Safety (\u201cEHS\u201d) matters is conducted at the local level and in the local language. All our manufacturing locations structure compliance initiatives to adhere to their local environmental health and safety requirements. Site personnel provide new employee orientation and typically contractor induction training where relevant. Thereafter, relevant job-specific training is provided. Our site EHS personnel are also involved in the development of global EHS procedures and standards.\n \n\n\nBenefits and Compensation\n\n\nAs part of our efforts to attract and motivate our employees, we offer competitive compensation and benefits that may vary by region and employee-type. We provide compensation packages that include base salary/wages, and short and long-term incentives. We also provide employee benefits such as life, disability, and health (medical, dental, and vision) insurance, a 401(k) plan with a company match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, military leave, and holiday pay. We believe those benefits are competitive within our industry.\n\n\nAvailable Information\n \n\n\nThrough our internet website at \nwww.methode.com\n, we make available, free of charge, copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d), as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed or furnished to the SEC. Our filings are also available on the SEC\u2019s website at \nwww.sec.gov\n. Also posted on our website, among other documents, are our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct, Anti-Corruption Policy, Insider Trading Policy, Conflict Minerals Policy, Supplier Code of Conduct and other governance policies, and the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Medical Products Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Technology Committee. Copies of these documents are also available free of charge by sending a request to Methode Electronics, Inc., 8750 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60631, Attention: Investor Relations Department. The references in this Annual Report to our website address or any third party\u2019s website address, including but not limited to the SEC\u2019s website, do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained in those websites and should not be considered part of this document unless otherwise expressly stated.\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. Ri\nsk Factors\n \n\n\nOur business, financial condition and results of operations are subject to various risks, including, but not limited to, those set forth below, which could cause actual results to vary materially from recent results or from anticipated future results. These risk factors should be considered together with information included elsewhere in this Annual Report.\n\n\n \n\n\nOperational and Industry Risks\n\n\nThe inability of our supply chain, or the supply chain of our customers, to deliver key components, such as semiconductors, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and cause us to incur significant cost increases.\n\n\nOur products contain a significant number of components that we source globally. If our supply chain fails to deliver products to us, or to our customers, in sufficient quality and quantity on a timely basis, we will be challenged to meet our production schedules or could incur significant additional expenses for expedited freight and other related costs. Similarly, many of our customers are dependent on an ever-greater number of global suppliers to manufacture their products. These global supply chains have been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by events outside of our control, including macroeconomic events, trade restrictions, economic recessions, energy prices and availability, political crises, labor relations issues, liquidity constraints, or natural occurrences. Any significant disruptions to such supply chains could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nMany of the industries we supply, including the automotive and commercial vehicle industries, are reliant on semiconductors. Globally, there is still some disruption in procuring certain semiconductors. The semiconductor supply chain is complex, with capacity constraints occurring throughout. There is significant competition within the automotive and commercial vehicle supply chains and with other industries to satisfy current and near-term requirements for semiconductors. We have worked and will continue to work closely with our suppliers and customers to minimize any potential adverse impacts of the semiconductor supply shortage and monitor the availability of semiconductor microchips and other component parts and raw materials, customer production schedules and any other supply chain inefficiencies that may arise. However, if we are not able to mitigate the semiconductor shortage impact, any direct or indirect supply chain disruptions may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have experienced and may in the future experience supplier price increases that could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The price increases are often driven by raw material pricing and availability, component or part availability, manufacturing capacity, industry allocations, logistics capacity, military conflicts, natural disasters or pandemics, and significant changes in the financial or business condition of our suppliers.\n\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business, financial condition and results of operations. The extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or another future pandemic on our business depends on future events that continue to be highly uncertain and beyond our control.\n\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has had, and another pandemic in the future could have, a significant impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic, which began during our 2020 fiscal year, negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted consumer and customer demand and global supply chains, and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. In response, many governmental authorities throughout the world implemented numerous measures aimed at containing and mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, social distancing orders, \u201clock-down\u201d orders and shutdowns of non-essential activities. Although most of these measures have been lifted, they may be reinstated in the future in response to COVID-19 or future pandemics, endemics, or health emergencies. In fiscal 2023, COVID-19 outbreaks in China resulted in local or regional government-imposed lockdowns and restrictions, which impacted our manufacturing operations, customer production schedules and supply chains.\n \n\n\nWhile much of our customer demand and shipments have recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the extent to which any resurgence of the pandemic or other public health emergencies in the future impact our business will depend on a number of evolving factors, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including actions taken by governmental authorities to restrict business operations and social activity and impose travel restrictions, shifting consumer demand, the ability of our supply chain to deliver in a timely and cost-effective manner, the ability of our employees and manufacturing facilities to operate efficiently and effectively, the continued viability and financial stability of our customers and suppliers and future access to capital.\n\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic and measures to reduce its spread may also impact many of our other risk factors discussed in this Annual Report, including customer demand, supply chain disruptions, availability of financing sources and risks of international operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nWe are susceptible to trends and factors affecting the automotive and commercial vehicle industries.\n\n\nWe derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers in the automotive and commercial vehicle industries. Factors negatively affecting these industries also negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Automotive sales and production are highly cyclical and, in addition to general economic conditions, also depend on other factors, such as consumer confidence and consumer preferences. Any adverse occurrence, including industry slowdowns, recession, rising interest rates, rising fuel costs, political instability, costly or constraining regulations, armed hostilities, terrorism, excessive inflation, prolonged disruptions in one or more of our customers\u2019 production schedules or labor disturbances or work stoppages, that results in a significant decline in sales volumes in these industries, or in an overall downturn in the business and operations of our customers in these industries, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n \n\n\nOur business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted by the effects of inflation.\n\n\nInflation has the potential to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations by increasing our overall cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve commensurate increases in the prices we charge our customers. There have been recent significant inflationary trends in the cost of components, materials, labor, freight costs and other expenses. These inflationary pressures could affect wages, the cost and availability of components and materials, and our ability to meet customer demand. Inflation may further exacerbate other risk factors discussed in this Annual Report, including customer demand, supply chain disruptions, availability of financing sources, and risks of international operations and the recruitment and retention of talent.\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe loss or insolvency of our major customers, or a significant decline in the volume of products purchased by these customers, would adversely affect our future results.\n \n\n\nOur five largest customers accounted for approximately 49% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023. Two customers in the Automotive segment represented more than 10% of our consolidated net sales at 18.7% and 10.8%. In certain cases, the sales to these customers are concentrated in a single product. The arrangements with our major customers generally provide for supplying their requirements for particular models, rather than for manufacturing a specific quantity of products. Such supply arrangements cover a period from one year to the life of the model, which is generally three to seven years. The loss of our major customers, or a decline in the production levels of these customers or particular models, could reduce our sales and thereby adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows. We also compete to supply products for successor models for our major customers and are subject to the risk that the customer will not select us to produce products on any such successor model, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, operating results and cash flows. For example, we expect a significant program for a major EV customer to sunset in fiscal 2024.\n\n\nOur supply agreements with our OEM customers are generally requirements contracts, and a decline in the production requirements of any of our customers, and in particular our largest customers, could adversely impact our revenues and profitability.\n\n\nWe receive OEM purchase orders for specific components supplied for particular vehicles. In most instances our OEM customers agree to purchase their requirements for specific products but are not required to purchase any minimum amount of products from us. The contracts we have entered into with most of our customers have terms ranging from one year to the life of the model (usually three to seven years), although customers often reserve the right to terminate for convenience. Therefore, a significant decrease in demand for certain key models or group of related models sold by any of our major customers or the ability of a manufacturer to re-source and discontinue purchasing from us, for a particular model or group of models, could have a material adverse effect on us. For example, we expect a significant program for a major EV customer to sunset in fiscal 2024. To the extent that we do not maintain our existing level of business with our largest customers because of a decline in their production requirements or because the contracts expire or are terminated for convenience, we will need to attract new customers or win new business with existing customers, or our results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.\n\n\nOur inability to attract or retain key employees and a highly skilled workforce may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nOur success depends upon the continued contributions of our executive officers and other key employees, many of whom have many years of experience with us and would be extremely difficult to replace. We must also attract and retain experienced and highly skilled engineering, sales and marketing and managerial personnel. Competition for qualified personnel is intense in our industries, and we may not be successful in hiring and retaining these people. If we lost the services of our executive officers or our other highly qualified and experienced employees or cannot attract and retain other qualified personnel, our business could suffer due to less effective management or less successful products due to a reduced ability to design, manufacture and market our products.\n\n\nPart of our workforce is unionized which could subject us to work stoppages.\n\n\nA portion of our workforce is unionized, primarily in Mexico and Finland. A prolonged work stoppage or strike at any facility with unionized employees could increase costs and prevent us from supplying customers. In addition, upon the expiration of existing collective bargaining agreements, we may not reach new agreements without union or works council action in certain jurisdictions, and any such new agreements may not be on terms satisfactory to us. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, we may become subject to union-initiated work stoppages, including strikes. Moreover, additional groups of currently non-unionized employees may seek union or works council representation in the future.\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe global nature of our operations subjects us to political, economic and social risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nSales to customers outside of the U.S. represented a substantial portion of our fiscal 2023 net sales. We expect our net sales in international markets to continue to represent a significant portion of our consolidated net sales. In addition, we have significant personnel, property, equipment and operations in a number of countries outside of the U.S., including Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, India, Malta, Mexico and the United Kingdom. As of April 29, 2023, approximately 94% of our employees were located outside of the U.S. Our international operations subject us to a variety of political, economic, social and other risks, including:\n\n\n\u2022\ndiffering labor regulations and practices, including various minimum wage regulations;\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges in government policies, regulatory requirements and laws, including taxes, impacting our ability to manufacture, purchase or sell our products; \n\n\n\u2022\nfluctuations in currency exchange rates; \n\n\n\u2022\npolitical and economic instability (including changes in leadership and acts of terrorism and outbreaks of war); \n\n\n\u2022\nlonger customer payment cycles and difficulty collecting accounts receivable;\n\n\n\u2022\nexport duties, import controls, tariffs, and trade barriers (including quotas, sanctions and border taxes); \n\n\n\u2022\ngovernmental restrictions on the transfer of funds, including U.S. restrictions on the amount of cash that can be transferred to the U.S. without taxes or penalties; \n\n\n\u2022\ndiffering protections for our intellectual property; \n\n\n\u2022\ndiffering requirements under the various anti-bribery and anti-corruption regulations, including to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the United Kingdom Bribery Act and the China Anti-Unfair Competition Law; \n\n\n\u2022\ncoordinating communications and logistics across geographic distances and multiple time zones; and\n\n\n\u2022\nrisk of governmental expropriation of our property. \n\n\nMany of the laws and regulations listed above are complex and often difficult to interpret and violations could result in significant criminal penalties or sanctions. Any of these factors may have an adverse effect on our international operations which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nWe are dependent on the availability and price of raw materials.\n\n\nWe require substantial amounts of materials, including application-specific integrated circuits, coil and bar stock, ferrous and copper alloy sheets, extrusions, glass, LED displays, plastic molding resins, precious metals, silicon die castings and wire. The availability and prices of materials may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, inflation, new laws or regulations, suppliers\u2019 allocations to other purchasers, supply chain disruptions, changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels. Any change in the availability of, lead times for, or price for, these materials could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nOur inability, or our customers\u2019 inability, to effectively manage the timing, quality and cost of new program launches could adversely affect our financial performance.\n\n\nIn connection with the awarding of new business, we obligate ourselves to deliver new products that are subject to our customers' timing, performance and quality demands. Additionally, we must effectively coordinate the activities of numerous suppliers and our customers\u2019 personnel in order for the program launches of certain of our products to be successful. Given the complexity of new program launches, we may experience difficulties managing product quality, timeliness and associated costs. In addition, new program launches require a significant ramp up of costs; however, our sales related to these new programs generally are dependent upon the timing and success of our customers' introduction of new products. Our inability, or our customers' inability, to effectively manage the timing, quality and costs of these new program launches could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nOver the last several fiscal years, we have booked many EV-related programs. If we are unable to launch new products in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur businesses and the markets in which we operate are highly competitive and constantly evolving. If we are unable to compete effectively, our sales and profitability could decline.\n\n\nThe markets in which we operate are highly competitive. We compete with a large number of other manufacturers in each of our product areas and many of these competitors have greater resources and sales. Price, service and product performance are significant elements of competition in the sale of our products. Competition may intensify further if more companies enter the markets in which we operate. Our failure to compete effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nThe global transportation industry is increasingly focused on the development of more fuel-efficient solutions, including electrification, to meet demands from consumers and governments worldwide to address climate change and an increased desire for environmentally sustainable solutions. If we do not respond appropriately, the evolution toward electrification and other energy sources could adversely affect our business. The evolution of the industry toward electrification has also attracted increased competition from entrants outside of the traditional automotive and commercial vehicle industries, some of whom may seek to provide products which compete with ours. Failure to innovate and to develop or acquire new and compelling products that capitalize upon new technologies in response to these evolving consumer preferences and demands could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.\n\n\nFuture price reductions and increased quality standards may reduce our profitability and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nOur supply arrangements with our customers typically require us to provide our products at predetermined prices. In some cases, these prices decline over the course of the arrangement and may require us to meet certain productivity and cost reduction targets. In addition, our customers may require us to share productivity savings in excess of our cost reduction targets. The costs that we incur in fulfilling these orders may vary substantially from our initial estimates. Unanticipated cost increases or the inability to meet certain cost reduction targets may occur as a result of several factors, including increases in the costs of labor, components or materials. In some cases, we are permitted to pass on to our customers the cost increases associated with specific materials. However, cost overruns that we cannot pass on to our customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nCertain of our customers have exerted and continue to exert considerable pressure on us to reduce prices and costs, improve quality and provide additional design and engineering capabilities. We may be unable to generate sufficient production cost savings in the future to offset required price reductions. Future price reductions, increased quality standards and the cost of adding additional engineering capabilities may reduce our profitability and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nOur ability to market our automotive and commercial vehicle products is subject to a lengthy sales cycle, which requires significant investment prior to reporting significant sales revenues, and there is no assurance that our products will be implemented in any particular vehicle.\n\n\nThe sales cycles for our automotive and commercial vehicle products are lengthy because the manufacturers must develop high degrees of assurance that the products they buy will meet their needs, interface correctly with the other parts of a vehicle and with the manufacturer\u2019s production and assembly process, and have minimal warranty, safety and service problems. While we currently have active development programs with various OEMs for a variety of our products, no assurance can be given that our products will be implemented in any particular vehicles. If our products are not selected after a lengthy development process, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.\n\n\nOur inability to capitalize on prior or future acquisitions or any decision to strategically divest one or more current businesses may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nWe have completed acquisitions and divestitures in the past, including most recently the acquisition of Nordic Lights in April 2023. We intend to continue to seek acquisitions to grow our businesses and may divest operations to focus on our core businesses. We may fail to derive significant benefits from such transactions. Also, if we fail to achieve sufficient financial performance from an acquisition, certain long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, could become impaired and result in the recognition of an impairment loss.\n\n\nThe success of our acquisitions depends on our ability to:\n\n\n\u2022\nexecute the integration or consolidation of the acquired operations into our existing businesses;\n\n\n\u2022\ndevelop or modify the financial reporting and information systems of the acquired entity to ensure overall financial integrity and adequacy of internal control procedures;\n\n\n\u2022\nretain key personnel and key customers;\n\n\n\u2022\nidentify and take advantage of cost reduction opportunities; and\n\n\n\u2022\nfurther penetrate new and existing markets with the product capabilities we may acquire.\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIntegration of acquisitions may take longer than we expect and may never be achieved to the extent originally anticipated. Acquisitions may also increase our debt levels. This could result in lower than expected business growth or higher than anticipated costs. In addition, acquisitions or strategic divestitures may:\n\n\n\u2022\ncause a disruption in our ongoing business;\n\n\n\u2022\ncause dilution of our common stock;\n\n\n\u2022\ndistract our management from other ongoing business concerns; or\n\n\n\u2022\nunduly burden other resources in our company.\n\n\nOur profitability will suffer if we are unable to successfully integrate an acquisition, if the acquisition does not further our business strategy as we expected or if we do not achieve sufficient revenue to offset the increased expenses associated with any acquisition. We may overpay for, or otherwise not realize the expected return on, our investments, which could adversely affect our operating results and potentially cause impairments to assets that we record as a part of an acquisition including intangible assets and goodwill.\n\n\nOur customers may cancel their orders, change production quantities or locations or delay production.\n\n\nWe generally receive volume estimates, but not firm volume commitments from our customers, and may experience reduced or extended lead times in customer orders. Customers may cancel orders, change production quantities and delay production for a number of reasons. Cancellations, reductions or delays by a significant customer or by a number of customers may harm our results of operations by reducing the volumes of products we manufacture and sell, as well as by causing a delay in the recovery of our expenditures for inventory in preparation for customer orders, or by reducing our asset utilization, resulting in lower profitability.\n\n\nIn addition, we make key decisions based on our estimates of customer requirements, including determining the levels of orders that we will seek and accept, production schedules, component procurement commitments, personnel needs and other resource requirements. Changes in demand for our customers\u2019 products may reduce our ability to estimate future customer requirements accurately. This may make it difficult to schedule production and maximize utilization of our manufacturing capacity. Anticipated orders may not materialize and delivery schedules may be deferred as a result of changes in demand for our products or our customers\u2019 products. We often increase staffing and capacity and incur other expenses to meet the anticipated demand of our customers. On occasion, customers may require rapid increases in production, which may stress our resources. Any significant decrease or delay in customer orders could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nWe manage our business based on projected future sales volume, which is highly dependent on information received from customers and general market data, and any inaccuracies or changes in such information could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.\n\n\nWe manage our business based upon projected future sales volumes, which are based upon many factors, including awarded business and assumptions of conversion rates thereof, customers\u2019 forecasts and general macroeconomic and industry market data. Our product revenues generally are based upon purchase orders issued by our customers, with updated production schedules for volume adjustments, and our customers generally do not guarantee sales volumes. As such, we typically do not have a backlog of firm orders at any point in time. In addition, awarded business may include business under arrangements that our customers have the right to terminate without penalty at any time. Further, our customers\u2019 forecasts are subject to numerous assumptions, and such forecasts often are changed rapidly with limited notice. Therefore, our actual sales volumes, and thus the ultimate amount of revenue that we derive from such sales, are not committed. We also must incur costs and make commitments well in advance of the receipt of orders and resulting revenues from customers. If actual production orders from our customers are not consistent with our projected future sales volumes, we could realize substantially less revenue and incur greater expenses over the life of vehicle programs. The receipt of orders and resulting revenues from customers is significantly affected by global automotive production levels.\n\n\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe rate of adoption of EV\u2019s will have a significant impact on our business and the adoption cadence will inject additional variability to our forecasts\n\n\nOver the last several fiscal years, we have booked many EV-related programs, many of which will launch over our next three fiscal years. The accuracy of our forecasts will be impacted by the EV adoption rates in general and the take rate experienced by each of our OEM customers. Any significant variation in the adoption or take rates at our customers could impact the accuracy of our forecasts and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nCertain of our EV customers are start-up or emerging companies which may present additional and different risks than with our more established customers. These customers do not have an extensive product history. As a result, there is less demonstration of market acceptance of their products, making it more difficult for us to forecast needs and requirements than with established customers. In addition, funding for such companies may be more difficult to obtain and these customer relationships may not continue or materialize to the extent we plan or previously experienced. This tightening of financing for start-up customers, together with many start-up customers\u2019 lack of prior operations and unproven product markets increase our credit risk, especially in trade accounts receivable and inventories. Although we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable for all customers, including start-up customers and emerging companies, based on the information available, these allowances may not be adequate.\n \n\n\nA catastrophic event or other significant business interruption at any of our facilities could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nWeather conditions, natural disasters or other catastrophic events could cause significant disruptions at our manufacturing facilities or those of our major suppliers or customers. In such event, losses could be incurred and significant recovery time could be required to resume operations and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nWar, terrorism, geopolitical uncertainties (including the current military conflict between Russia and Ukraine), public health issues (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), and other business interruptions have caused and could cause damage or disruption to international commerce and the global economy, and thus could have a strong negative effect on us, our suppliers, logistics providers, and customers. Our business operations could be subject to interruption by power shortages, terrorist attacks and other hostile acts, labor disputes, population lockdowns and other events beyond our control. Such events could decrease demand for our products or make it difficult or impossible for us to produce and deliver products to our customers, or to receive components from our suppliers. Should major public health issues, including pandemics, arise, we could be negatively affected by shutdowns, shelter in place orders, more stringent travel restrictions, additional limitations in freight services, governmental actions limiting the movement of products between regions, and disruptions in the operations of our manufacturing partners and component suppliers. Any such business interruptions could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nRussia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic sanctions imposed by the international community have impacted the global economy and given rise to potential global security issues that may adversely affect international business and economic conditions. Although we have no operations in Russia or Ukraine, certain of our customers and suppliers have been negatively impacted by these events, which in turn has impacted markets where we do business, including Europe and Asia. These events have caused additional disruption in the supply chains, which were already experiencing disruption due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and may continue to impact demand for our products. The continuation of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine could lead to other supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and volatility in global markets and industries that could negatively impact our operations.\n \n\n\n \n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTechnology and Intellectual Property Risks\n\n\nOur operations could be negatively impacted by IT service interruptions, data corruption or misuse, cyber-based attacks, or network security breaches.\n\n\nWe face certain security threats relating to the confidentiality and integrity of our information technology (\u201cIT\u201d) systems. Despite implementation of security measures, our IT systems may be vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, cyber-attacks and other unauthorized access, and these security breaches could result in a disruption to our operations. A material network breach of our IT systems could involve the theft of our and our customers' intellectual property or trade secrets which may be used by competitors to develop competing products. To the extent that any security breach results in a loss or damage to data, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, it could cause significant damage to our reputation, affect our customer relations, lead to claims against us, increase our costs to protect against future damage and could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nAny such disruption or security breach, as well as any action by us or our employees or contractors that might be inconsistent with the rapidly evolving data privacy and security laws and regulations applicable within the U.S. and elsewhere where we conduct business, could result in enforcement actions by U.S. states, the U.S. Federal government or foreign governments, liability or sanctions under data privacy laws that protect personally identifiable information, regulatory penalties, other legal proceedings such as but not limited to private litigation, the incurrence of significant remediation costs, disruptions to our development programs, business operations and collaborations, diversion of management efforts and damage to our reputation, which could harm our business and operations. Because of the rapidly changing nature of technology and the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats, our measures to prevent, respond to and minimize such risks may be unsuccessful. While we have secured cyber insurance to potentially cover certain risks associated with cyber incidents, there can be no assurance it will be sufficient to cover any such liability.\n\n\nIn particular, the General Data Privacy Regulation (\u201cGDPR\u201d) of the European Union creates a range of compliance obligations applicable to the collection, use, retention, security, processing and transfer of personal data in the European Union. The GDPR, which is wide-ranging in scope, imposes several requirements relating to the consent of the individuals to whom the personal data relates, the information provided to the individuals, the security and confidentiality of the personal data, data breach notification and the use of third-party processors in connection with the processing of the personal data. The GDPR also imposes strict rules on the transfer of personal data out of the European Union to countries such as the U.S., enhances enforcement authority and imposes large penalties for noncompliance.\n\n\nWe may be unable to keep pace with rapid technological changes, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n \n\n\nThe technologies relating to some of our products have undergone, and are continuing to undergo, rapid and significant changes. Specifically, end-markets for electronic components and assemblies are characterized by technological change, frequent new product introductions and enhancements, changes in customer requirements and emerging industry standards. These changes could render our existing products unmarketable before we can recover any or all of our research, development and other expenses. Furthermore, the life cycles of our products vary, may change and are sometimes difficult to estimate. If we are unable, for technological or other reasons, to develop and market new products or product enhancements in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nIf we are unable to protect our intellectual property or we infringe, or are alleged to infringe, on another person\u2019s intellectual property, our competitive position and results of operations may be adversely impacted.\n\n\nWe have numerous U.S. and foreign patents, trade secrets and license agreements covering certain of our products and manufacturing processes. Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. Although we have been awarded, have filed applications for, or have been licensed under numerous patents in the U.S. and other countries, there can be no assurance concerning the degree of protection afforded by these patents or the likelihood that pending patents will be issued. The loss of certain patents and trade secrets could adversely affect our sales, margins or profitability.\n\n\nWe have and may become involved in litigation in the future to protect our intellectual property or because others may allege that we infringe on their intellectual property. These claims and any resulting lawsuit could subject us to liability for damages and invalidate our intellectual property rights. If an infringement claim is successfully asserted by a holder of intellectual property rights, we may be required to cease marketing or selling certain products, pay a penalty for past infringement and spend significant time and money to develop a non-infringing product or process or to obtain licenses for the technology, process or information from the holder. We may not be successful in the development of a non-infringing alternative, or licenses may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, in which case we may lose sales and profits. In addition, any litigation could be lengthy and costly and could materially adversely affect us even if we are successful in the litigation.\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLegal, Regulatory and Compliance Risks\n \n\n\nWe are subject to government regulations, including environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, that expose us to potential financial liability.\n\n\nOur operations are regulated by a number of federal, state, local and international government regulations, including those pertaining to EHS that govern, among other things, air and water emissions, worker protection, and the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. If we violate EHS laws and regulations, we could be liable for substantial fines, penalties, and costs of mandated remedial actions. Our environmental permits could also be revoked or modified, which could require us to cease or limit production at one or more of our facilities, thereby materially adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations. EHS laws and regulations have generally become more stringent over time and could continue to do so, particularly in response to climate change concerns, imposing greater compliance costs and increasing risks and penalties associated with any violation, which also could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nWe operate our business on a global basis and changes to trade policy, including tariffs and customs regulations, could have a material and adverse effect on our business.\n\n\nWe manufacture and sell our products globally and rely on a global supply chain to deliver the required raw materials, components, and parts, as well as the final products to our customers. Existing free trade laws and regulations, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, provide certain duties and tariffs for qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and other requirements. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particular increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where we manufacture products, such as China, Egypt and Mexico, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. For instance, beginning in 2018, the U.S. and Chinese governments have imposed a series of significant incremental retaliatory tariffs to certain imported products. Most notably with respect to the automotive and commercial vehicle industries, the U.S. imposed tariffs on imports of certain steel, aluminum and automotive components, and China imposed retaliatory tariffs on imports of U.S. vehicles and certain automotive components. Depending upon their duration and implementation, as well as our ability to mitigate their impact, these tariffs and other regulatory actions could materially affect our business, including in the form of an increase in cost of goods sold, decreased margins, increased pricing for customers, and reduced sales.\n\n\nAn emphasis on global climate change and other Environmental, Social and Governance (\u201cESG\u201d) matters by various stakeholders could adversely impact our business and results of operations.\n \n\n\nIncreased public awareness and concern regarding environmental risks, including global climate change, may result in more international, regional and/or federal requirements, customer requirements, or industry standards to reduce or mitigate global warming and other environmental risks. These requirements, regulations or standards could mandate more restrictive requirements, such as stricter limits on greenhouse gas emissions and production of single use plastics and could increase costs relating to monitoring and reporting emissions data. In addition, the risks of climate change may impact manufacturing, product demand, the availability and cost of materials and natural resources, and sources and supply of energy, and could increase insurance and other operating costs. If environmental laws or regulations or industry standards are either changed or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon us, our operations, our products or our customers, or if our operations are disrupted due to physical impacts of climate change, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.\n \n\n\nProducts we manufacture may contain design or manufacturing defects that could result in reduced demand for our products or services and liability claims against us.\n \n\n\nDespite our quality control and quality assurance efforts, defects may occur in the products we manufacture due to a variety of factors, including design or manufacturing errors, component failure or counterfeit parts. Product defects may result in delayed shipments and reduced demand for our products. We may be subject to increased costs due to warranty claims on defective products. Product defects may result in product liability claims against us where defects cause, or are alleged to cause, property damage, bodily injury or death. We may be required to participate in a recall involving products that are, or are alleged to be, defective. We carry insurance for certain legal matters involving product liability, however, we do not have coverage for all costs related to product defects or recalls and the costs of such claims, including costs of defense and settlement, may exceed our available coverage. Any such product defects or product liability claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFinancial Risks\n\n\nWe have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, and if we are unable to improve our internal controls, our financial results may not be accurately reported.\n \n\n\nAs disclosed in Item 9A, \u201cControls and Procedures,\u201d we identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related to revenue at one of our business units. The material weakness did not result in any material identified misstatements to the consolidated financial statements, and there were no changes to previously issued financial results. We are actively developing a remediation plan designed to address this material weakness, however, we cannot guarantee that these steps will be sufficient or that we will not have a material weakness in the future. This material weakness, or difficulties encountered in implementing new or improved controls or remediation, could prevent us from accurately reporting our financial results, result in material misstatements in our financial statements or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Failure to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nWe have significant goodwill and other intangible assets, and future impairment of these assets could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nA significant portion of our long-term assets consists of goodwill and other intangible assets recorded as a result of past acquisitions. We do not amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, but rather review them for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets requires significant judgement. Negative industry or economic trends, including reduced estimates of future cash flows, disruptions to our business, slower growth rates, or lack of growth in our relevant business units, could lead to impairment charges against our goodwill and other intangible assets. In the event that we determine that our goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nWe have incurred indebtedness and our level of indebtedness and restrictions under our indebtedness could adversely affect our operations and liquidity.\n\n\nOur primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and availability under our $750.0 million revolving credit facility. As of April 29, 2023, $305.4 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility. Our senior unsecured credit agreement provides for variable rates of interest based on the currency of the borrowing and our leverage ratio and contains customary representations and warranties, financial covenants, restrictive covenants and events of default.\n\n\nOur senior unsecured credit agreement provides an option to increase the size of our revolving credit facility by an additional $250.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lenders providing the new commitments. There can be no assurance that lenders will approve additional commitments under current circumstances.\n\n\nOur senior unsecured credit agreement imposes various restrictions and covenants regarding the operation of our business, including covenants that require us to obtain the lenders\u2019 consent before we can, among other things and subject to certain exceptions: (i) incur additional indebtedness or additional liens on our property; (ii) consummate certain acquisitions, dispositions, mergers or consolidations; (iii) make any material change in the nature of our business; (iv) enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; or (v) repurchase or redeem any outstanding shares of our common stock or pay cash dividends to our stockholders when a default exists or certain financial covenants are not maintained.\n\n\nThe amount of our outstanding indebtedness could have an adverse effect on our operations and liquidity, including by, among other things: (i) making it more difficult for us to pay or refinance our debts as they become due during adverse economic and industry conditions, because we may not have sufficient cash flows to make our scheduled debt payments; (ii) causing us to use a larger portion of our cash flows to fund interest and principal payments, thereby reducing the availability of cash to fund working capital, product development, capital expenditures and other business activities; (iii) making it more difficult for us to take advantage of significant business opportunities, such as acquisition opportunities or other strategic transactions, and to react to changes in market or industry conditions; and (iv) limiting our ability to borrow additional monies in the future to fund the activities and expenditures described above and for other general corporate purposes as and when needed, which could force us to suspend, delay or curtail business prospects, strategies or operations.\n\n\nVariable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase.\n\n\nBorrowings under our senior unsecured credit agreement are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates continue to increase, our debt service obligations on any variable rate indebtedness could increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, which could adversely impact our results of operations. In order to manage our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into, and may continue to enter into, derivative financial instruments, typically interest rate swaps, involving the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments. If we are unable to enter into interest rate swaps, it may adversely impact our results of operations, and, even if we use these instruments to selectively manage risks, there can be no assurance that we will be fully protected against material interest rate fluctuations.\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nA significant fluctuation between the U.S. dollar and other currencies could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.\n\n\nWe transact business in various foreign countries. We present our consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars, but a portion of our revenues and expenditures are transacted in other currencies. As a result, we are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies. Additionally, we have currency fluctuation exposure arising from funds held in local currencies in foreign countries. Volatility in the exchange rates between the foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nPerformance-based awards under our long-term incentive plan may require significant adjustments to compensation expense which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.\n \n\n\nCompensation expense for the performance-based restricted stock awards (\u201cRSAs\u201d) and performance units (\u201cPerformance Units\u201d) awarded under our five-year long-term incentive program will be \u200erecognized over the vesting \u200eperiod based on the projected probability of achieving the relevant performance goals for fiscal 2025. As of April 29, 2023, we have not recorded any compensation expense for the RSAs or the Performance Units based on the probability assessment required under the accounting rules and regulations. At the threshold level of performance, the unrecorded amortization expense was $20.1 million. At the target level of performance, the unrecorded amortization expense was $26.8 million. Each quarter, we will continue assessing the probability of vesting for the RSAs and the Performance Units and will adjust the compensation expense as necessary. At such time, we may be required to record compensation \u200eexpense relating to prior periods, and such \u200ecompensation expense adjustment could be \u200ematerial to our results of operations.\u200e\n\n\nRestructuring activities may lead to additional costs and material adverse effects.\n\n\nIn the past, we have taken actions to restructure and optimize our production and manufacturing capabilities and efficiencies through relocations, consolidations, facility closings or asset sales. In the future, we may take additional restructuring actions including the consolidating or closing of facilities and the movement of production from one geographic region to another. These actions could result in impairment charges and various charges for such items as idle capacity, disposition costs and severance costs, in addition to normal or attendant risks and uncertainties. We may be unsuccessful in any of our current or future efforts to restructure or consolidate our business. Plans to minimize or eliminate any loss of revenues during restructuring or consolidation may not be achieved. These activities may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nChanges in our effective tax rate may adversely impact our results of operations.\n\n\nA number of factors may increase our effective tax rate, which could reduce our net income, including:\n\n\n\u2022\nthe adoption of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (\u201cOECD\u201d) Pillar Two framework, which sets out global minimum tax rules designed to ensure that large multinational businesses pay a minimum effective rate of tax of 15% on profits in all countries;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe jurisdictions in which profits are earned and taxed;\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;\n\n\n\u2022\nadjustments to income taxes upon finalization of tax returns;\n\n\n\u2022\nincreases in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including write-offs of acquired in-process research and development and impairments of goodwill and long-lived assets;\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges in available tax credits;\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges in tax laws or interpretation, including changes in the U.S. to the taxation of non-U.S. income and expenses; and\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (\u201cGAAP\u201d). \n\n\nOur judgments regarding the accounting for tax positions and the resolution of tax disputes may impact our results of operations and financial condition.\n\n\nSignificant judgment is required to determine our effective tax rate and evaluate our tax positions. We provide for uncertain tax positions when such tax positions do not meet the recognition thresholds or measurement criteria prescribed by applicable accounting standards. Fluctuations in federal, state and foreign taxes or a change to uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, may impact our effective tax rate and results of operations. Additionally, we are subject to audits in the various taxing jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Based on the status of these audits and the protocol of finalizing audits by the relevant tax authorities, it is not possible to estimate the impact of changes, if any, to previously recorded uncertain tax positions. Any negative or unexpected outcomes of these examinations and audits could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of\n Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\n\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. \n\u201c\nRisk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report. We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.\n\n\nOverview\n \n\n\nWe are a leading global supplier of custom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. We design, engineer and produce mechatronic products for OEMs utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, LED lighting system, power distribution and sensor applications.\n \n\n\nOur solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment, consumer appliance and medical devices. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with our four segments being Automotive, Industrial, Interface and Medical. For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see Item 1. \u201cBusiness\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\nImpacts of Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Conditions\n \n\n\nAdverse macroeconomic conditions, including but not limited to inflation, slower growth or recession, changes to fiscal and monetary policy, higher interest rates, wage and commodity inflation, currency fluctuations and new or increased tariffs, could adversely affect demand for our products. In addition, the Russia/Ukraine conflict has resulted in, among other things, economic sanctions imposed by the international community which have impacted the global economy and given rise to potential global security issues that may adversely affect international business and economic conditions. Although we have no operations in Russia or Ukraine, certain of our customers and suppliers have been negatively impacted by these events, which in turn has impacted markets where we do business, including Europe and Asia. The economic sanctions imposed on Russia have further increased existing global supply chain, logistics, and inflationary challenges.\n \n\n\nUpdate on the Impact of COVID-19\n \n\n\nCOVID-19 has continued to evolve since it was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. We continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on our business, operations, and financial results. Beginning late in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and continuing into fiscal 2023, various regions in China, including regions where we and our customers have operations, were subjected to lockdowns imposed by governmental authorities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in those areas. The resulting industry-wide production interruptions adversely impacted our results of operations in fiscal 2023.\n\n\nGlobal Supply Chain Disruptions\n\n\nCertain direct and indirect adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to date and are expected to continue in fiscal 2024, including the worldwide semiconductor supply shortage and global supply chain disruptions. In addition, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, business interruptions, including customer shutdowns and increased material and logistics costs and labor shortages. The semiconductor supply shortage is due, in part, to increased demand across multiple industries, including the automotive industry, resulting in a slowdown in their production schedules. The semiconductor supply shortage is also impacting our supply chain and our ability to meet demand at some of our non-automotive customers. We expect this semiconductor shortage to have a continued impact on our operating results and financial condition in fiscal 2024.\n \n\n\nAcquisition of Nordic Lights\n\n\nAs noted in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report, we acquired 92.2% of the outstanding shares of Nordic Lights on April 20, 2023. The results of operations of Nordic Lights are reported within the Industrial segment from the date of acquisition and were immaterial for fiscal 2023. See Note 3, \u201cAcquisition\u201d to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report for further information.\n \n\n\nRestructuring Actions\n\n\nIn fiscal 2023, we incurred restructuring costs of $1.0 million primarily related to asset impairment charges and severance. In fiscal 2022, we initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate one of our operations within the Industrial segment in response to logistics issues and tariffs. This action resulted in a facility shutdown and consolidation of activities into an existing location and the recognition of $3.6 million of restructuring costs. We may take additional restructuring actions in future periods based upon market conditions and industry trends.\n\n\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOutlook\n \n\n\nOur current expectations for fiscal 2024 are for net sales to be relatively flat compared to fiscal 2023 and lower net income. Fiscal 2024 sales estimates reflect the full-year inclusion of Nordic Lights and the roll-off of significant programs in the Automotive segment. We expect fiscal 2024 net income to be impacted by additional costs to support new program launches, market headwinds in the higher-margin Industrial segment, higher interest expense and less government assistance.\n \n\n\nConsolidated Results of Operations\n\n\nA detailed comparison of our results of operations between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 can be found in Item 7, \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d in our fiscal 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 23, 2022.\n\n\nThe table below compares our results of operations between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(in millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,179.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,163.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of products sold\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n915.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n898.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n264.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n264.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n154.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n134.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmortization of intangibles\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2.4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10.3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n77.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n102.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\nNet sales increased $16.0 million, or 1.4%, to $1,179.6 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $1,163.6 million in fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher sales in the Industrial segment, partially offset by lower sales in the Automotive segment. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by foreign currency translation of $57.3 million, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro and Chinese renminbi. Net sales included customer cost recoveries from spot buys of materials and premium freight costs of $20.9 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $22.1 million in in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales increased $74.5 million, or 6.5%.\n\n\nCost of products sold\n\n\nCost of products sold increased $16.8 million, or 1.9%, to $915.5 million (77.6% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $898.7 million (77.2% of net sales) in fiscal 2022. Excluding foreign currency translation, cost of products sold increased $59.4 million. The increase was primarily due to higher material costs, as a result of an increase in sales volumes and material cost inflation, and higher salary and operating expenses, partially offset by lower restructuring costs. Restructuring costs included within cost of products sold were $0.4 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $1.3 million in fiscal 2022.\n \n\n\nGross profit margin\n\n\nGross profit margin was 22.4% of net sales in fiscal 2023, compared to 22.8% of net sales in fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to inflationary pressures on material and other manufacturing costs, partially offset by higher sales volumes.\n\n\nSelling and administrative expenses\n\n\nSelling and administrative expenses increased $20.8 million, or 15.5%, to $154.9 million (13.1% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $134.1 million (11.5% of net sales) in fiscal 2022. Excluding foreign currency translation, selling and administrative expenses increased $24.6 million. The increase was primarily due to $6.8 million of acquisition costs related to Nordic Lights, higher compensation expense, professional fees and travel expense, partially offset by lower restructuring costs. Restructuring costs included within selling and administrative expenses were $0.5 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $2.3 million in fiscal 2022.\n \n\n\nAmortization of intangibles\n\n\nAmortization of intangibles decreased $0.3 million, or 1.6%, to $18.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $19.1 million in fiscal 2022.\n \n\n\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInterest expense, net\n\n\nInterest expense, net was $2.7 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $3.5 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to higher interest income of $3.2 million, partially offset by higher interest expense of $2.4 million. Interest income and interest expense increased due to higher interest rates.\n\n\nOther income, net\n\n\nOther income, net decreased $7.9 million to $2.4 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $10.3 million in fiscal 2022. Net foreign exchange losses were $7.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $1.9 million in fiscal 2022. Net foreign exchange losses were higher in fiscal 2023 due to lower efficiency in our foreign currency balance sheet remeasurement hedging program. In addition, net foreign exchange loss in fiscal 2023 included the recognition of $2.1 million of foreign exchange loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as the result of a reorganization of a foreign owned subsidiary.\n \n\n\nIn fiscal 2023, we received $9.7 million of government grants at certain of our international locations, compared to $11.1 million in fiscal 2022. Fiscal 2023 government grants include $6.3 million related to the COVID-19 pandemic and $3.4 million related to maintaining certain employment levels. Fiscal 2022 government grants primarily related to COVID-19 assistance.\n\n\nIncome tax expense\n\n\nIncome tax expense decreased $3.3 million, or 20.2%, to $13.0 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $16.3 million in fiscal 2022. Our effective tax rate increased to 14.4% in fiscal 2023, compared to 13.8% in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, the effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates and a tax benefit of $7.3 million associated with the reorganization of a foreign owned subsidiary, partially offset by a reduction in foreign investment tax credits of $5.0 million and non-deductible acquisition costs of $1.4 million. In fiscal 2022, the effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates, the release of a valuation allowance of approximately $2.0 million due to a tax law change, and less U.S. tax on foreign income of $1.7 million attributable to lower earnings in non-U.S. jurisdictions, partially offset with non-deductible compensation of $2.1 million.\n \n\n\nNet income\n\n\nNet income decreased $25.1 million, or 24.6%, to $77.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $102.2 million in fiscal 2022. The impact of foreign currency translation decreased net income in fiscal 2023 by $10.3 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, net income decreased $14.8 million as a result of the reasons described above.\n\n\nOperating Segments\n\n\nAutomotive\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(in millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorth America\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n349.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n400.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEurope, the Middle East & Africa (\"EMEA\")\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n231.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n216.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsia\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n156.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n164.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n736.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n781.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n126.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n150.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a percent of net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n67.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n92.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a percent of net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer cost recoveries:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorth America\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEMEA\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsia\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet sales\n \n\n\nAutomotive segment net sales decreased $45.3 million, or 5.8%, to $736.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $781.5 million in fiscal 2022. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by foreign currency translation of $35.4 million and the roll-off of a major program in North America. Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $10.7 million, or 1.4%.\n\n\nNet sales in North America decreased $51.9 million, or 12.9%, to $349.0 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $400.9 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $51.5 million primarily due to lower sales volumes from a major program roll-off. Net sales in EMEA increased $14.7 million, or 6.8%, to $231.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $216.5 million in fiscal 2022. The weaker euro, relative to the U.S. dollar, decreased net sales in EMEA by $23.3 million. Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales in EMEA increased $36.9 million primarily due to higher sales volumes of user interface and switch products. Net sales in Asia decreased $8.1 million, or 4.9%, to $156.0 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $164.1 million in fiscal 2022. The weaker Chinese renminbi, relative to the U.S. dollar, decreased net sales in Asia by $12.1 million. Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales in Asia increased $3.9 million primarily due to higher electric vehicle product sales volumes, partially offset by lower overhead console sales volumes.\n\n\nGross profit\n \n\n\nAutomotive segment gross profit decreased $23.8 million, or 15.9%, to $126.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $150.0 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, gross profit decreased $16.4 million. Gross profit margins decreased to 17.1% in fiscal 2023, from 19.2% in fiscal 2022. The decrease in gross profit margins was due to lower sales volumes and inflationary pressures on material and other manufacturing costs.\n \n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\nAutomotive segment income from operations decreased $25.6 million, or 27.6%, to $67.0 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $92.6 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, income from operations decreased $21.2 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit and higher selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased due to higher compensation expense, professional fees and travel expense.\n\n\nIndustrial\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(in millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n384.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n318.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n127.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n101.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a percent of net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n93.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n67.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a percent of net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer cost recoveries\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n Industrial segment net sales increased $66.8 million, or 21.0%, to $384.9 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $318.1 million in fiscal 2022. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by foreign currency translation of $21.9 million. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales increased $91.6 million, or 29.5%, primarily due to higher sales volumes of power distribution solutions for data centers and of commercial vehicle lighting solutions products.\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\nIndustrial segment gross profit increased $26.3 million, or 25.9%, to $127.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $101.5 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, gross profit increased $33.6 million. Gross profit margin increased to 33.2% in fiscal 2023, from 31.9% in fiscal 2022. The increase in gross profit margins was due to higher sales volumes and lower restructuring costs. Gross profit in fiscal 2022 included restructuring costs of $1.2 million, compared to $0.1 million in fiscal 2023.\n\n\nIncome from operations\n \n\n\nIndustrial segment income from operations increased $26.0 million, or 38.7%, to $93.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $67.1 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, income from operations increased $32.1 million. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit, partially offset by an increase in selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2022 included restructuring costs of $2.2 million, compared to $0.4 million in fiscal 2023.\n\n\n22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInterface\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(in millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n54.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n59.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n12.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a percent of net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a percent of net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer cost recoveries\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\nInterface segment net sales decreased $4.9 million, or 8.2%, to $54.9 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $59.8 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $5.8 million, or 9.9%. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes of appliance products which were negatively impacted by consumer demand, partially offset by higher sales volumes of digital data products.\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n Interface segment gross profit decreased $3.3 million, or 26.2%, to $9.3 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $12.6 million in fiscal 2022. Gross profit margin decreased to 16.9% in fiscal 2023, from 21.1% in fiscal 2022. The decrease in gross profit margins was primarily due to lower sales volumes of appliance products.\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n \nInterface segment income from operations decreased $4.4 million, or 44.4%, to $5.5 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $9.9 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to lower gross profit and higher selling and administrative expenses, primarily compensation expense and professional fees.\n\n\nMedical\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(in millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoss from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(6.1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(5.5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\nMedical segment net sales decreased $0.6 million, or 14.3%, to $3.6 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $4.2 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to lower product demand.\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\nMedical segment gross profit was a loss of $0.5 million in fiscal 2023, compared to a loss of $0.4 million in fiscal 2022. Gross profit decreased due to lower net sales.\n\n\nLoss from operations\n\n\nMedical segment loss from operations increased $0.6 million, or 10.9%, to $6.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $5.5 million in fiscal 2022. The increase in the loss was due to higher selling and administrative expenses, primarily higher marketing expenses.\n\n\nFinancial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources\n\n\nOur liquidity requirements are primarily to fund our business operations, including capital expenditures and working capital requirements, as well as to fund debt service requirements, dividends and stock repurchases. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, existing cash balances and borrowings under our senior unsecured credit agreement. We believe our liquidity position will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and current commitments for at least the next twelve months. However, if economic conditions remain impacted for longer than we expect due to inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, or other geopolitical risks, including the Russia-Ukraine war, our liquidity position could be severely impacted.\n\n\nAt April 29, 2023, we had $157.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $146.3 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. Cash held by these subsidiaries is used to fund operational activities and can be repatriated, primarily through the payment of dividends and the repayment of intercompany loans, without creating material additional income tax expense.\n\n\n23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShare Buyback Program\n\n\nOn March 31, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $100.0 million of our common stock. On June 16, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the existing share buyback program of an additional $100.0 million, and extended the expiration of the program to June 14, 2024. Purchases may be made on the open market, in private transactions or pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of April 29, 2023, a total of 2,790,375 shares had been purchased at a total cost of $119.3 million since the commencement of the share buyback program. As of April 29, 2023, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased under this share buyback program was approximately $80.7 million.\n\n\nCredit Agreement\n\n\nOn October 31, 2022, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the \u201cCredit Agreement\u201d) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the Lenders and other parties named therein. The Credit Agreement amends and restates the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 12, 2018 and as previously amended (the \u201cPrior Credit Agreement\u201d), with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, and L/C Issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and the Lenders named therein. Among other things, the Credit Agreement (i) increased the multicurrency revolving credit commitments under the Prior Credit Agreement to $750,000,000, (ii) refinanced in full and terminated the term loan facility under the Prior Credit Agreement, and (iii) made certain other changes to the covenants, terms, and conditions under the Prior Credit Agreement. In addition, the Credit Agreement permits us to increase the revolving commitments and/or add one or more tranches of term loans under the Credit Agreement from time to time by up to an amount equal to (i) $250,000,000 plus (ii) an additional amount so long as the leverage ratio would not exceed 3.00:1.00 on a pro forma basis, subject to, among other things, the receipt of additional commitments from existing and/or new lenders. The Credit Agreement matures on October 31, 2027.\n\n\nAs of April 29, 2023, $305.4 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement as of April 29, 2023. For further information, see Note 10, \u201cDebt\u201d to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.\n\n\nCash Flows\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal Year Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(in millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 29, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n77.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n102.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-cash items\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in operating assets and liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3.5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(69.8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n132.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n98.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in investing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(153.1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(37.4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by (used in) financing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(114.6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(8.0\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDecrease in cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(15.0\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(61.2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n172.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n233.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents at end of the period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n157.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n172.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating activities\n\n\nNet cash provided by operating activities increased $34.0 million to $132.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $98.8 million in fiscal 2022. The increase was due to lower cash outflows related to changes in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by lower net income adjusted for non-cash items. The $3.5 million of cash outflows for operating assets and liabilities in fiscal 2023 was primarily due to higher accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets, partially offset by lower inventory, and higher accounts payable and other liabilities.\n\n\nInvesting activities\n \n\n\nNet cash used in investing activities was $153.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $37.4 million in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, we paid $114.6 million of cash, net of cash acquired, for the acquisition of Nordic Lights. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 were $42.0 million, compared to $38.0 million in fiscal 2022. We received $3.5 million of cash from the sale of property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2023.\n\n\n24\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFinancing activities\n \n\n\nNet cash provided by financing activities was $3.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $114.6 million in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, we paid $48.1 million of cash for the repurchase of our shares under our share buyback program, compared to $64.5 million in fiscal 2022. We paid cash dividends of $19.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $20.4 million in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, we had net borrowings of $73.7 million primarily to fund the acquisition of Nordic Lights. In fiscal 2022, we had net repayments on our borrowings of $29.2 million. In connection with our Credit Agreement, we paid debt issuance costs of $3.2 million.\n\n\nContractual Obligations\n\n\nThe following table summarizes our significant known contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments as of April 29, 2023:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPayments Due By Period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(in millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLess than\n\u00a01 year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1-3 years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3-5 years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMore than\n\u00a05 years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDebt (1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n310.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n305.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEstimated interest on debt (2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n73.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n426.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n28.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n48.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n341.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n8.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1) Assumes the outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility will be repaid upon maturity of the credit agreement in October 2027.\n\n\n(2) Based on interest rates in effect as of April 29, 2023 (including the impact of interest rate swaps).\n\n\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements\n\n\nWe do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under SEC rules.\n\n\nLegal Matters\n \n\n\nFor several years, Hetronic Germany-GmbH and Hydronic-Steuersysteme-GmbH (the \u201cFuchs companies\u201d) served as our distributors for Germany, Austria and other central and eastern European countries pursuant to their respective intellectual property licenses and distribution and assembly agreements. We became aware that the Fuchs companies and their managing director, Albert Fuchs, had materially violated those agreements. As a result, we\n \nterminated all of our agreements with the Fuchs companies. On June 20, 2014, we filed a lawsuit against the Fuchs companies in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma alleging material breaches of the distribution and assembly agreements and seeking damages, as well as various forms of injunctive relief. The defendants filed counterclaims alleging breach of contract, interference with business relations and business slander. On April 2, 2015, we amended our complaint against the Fuchs companies to add additional unfair competition and Lanham Act claims and to add additional affiliated parties.\n \n\n\nA trial with respect to the matter began in February 2020. During the trial, the defendants dismissed their one remaining counterclaim with prejudice. On March 2, 2020, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Company. The verdict included approximately $102 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. On April 22, 2020, the Court entered a permanent injunction barring defendants from selling infringing products and ordering them to return Hetronic\u2019s confidential information. Defendants appealed entry of the permanent injunction. On May 29, 2020, the Court held defendants in contempt for violating the permanent injunction and entered the final judgment. Defendants appealed entry of the final monetary judgment as well. The appeal of the permanent injunction and the appeal of the final judgment were consolidated into a single appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. On August 24, 2021, the Tenth Circuit issued a decision affirming the lower court\u2019s ruling with the exception that it instructed the District Court to modify the injunction from the entire world to all of the countries in which Hetronic sells its products. On April 20 and 21, 2022, the District Court held a hearing related to modifying the injunction pursuant to the Tenth Circuit\u2019s opinion, and the parties have filed post-hearing briefs. The defendants also filed a petition for certiorari with the United States Supreme Court seeking to further appeal the extraterritorial application of the Lanham Act in this case. We opposed that petition. The Supreme Court requested the views of the Solicitor General on the petition for certiorari, and the Solicitor General recommended granting the petition. On November 4, 2022, the Supreme Court granted the petition. The Supreme Court heard arguments in this matter on March 21, 2023. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Supreme Court took the matter under advisement. Like any judgment, particularly a judgment involving defendants outside of the United States, there is no guarantee that we will be able to collect all or any portion of the judgment.\n\n\nWe incurred legal fees of $3.9 million, $3.3 million and $5.7 million in fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively, related to the lawsuits. These amounts are included in the selling and administrative expenses and as part of the Industrial segment.\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\n \n\n\nThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that can affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. To the extent that there are differences between these estimates and actual results, our consolidated financial statements may be materially affected. Below are the estimates that we believe are critical to the understanding of our results of operations and financial condition. Other accounting policies are described in Note 1, \u201cDescription of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\u201d to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.\n\n\nRevenue recognition.\n Most of our revenue is recognized at a point in time. We have determined that the most definitive demonstration that control has transferred to a customer is physical shipment or delivery, depending on the contractual shipping terms, except for consignment transactions. Consignment transactions are arrangements where we transfer products to a customer location but retain ownership and control of such product until it is used by the customer. Revenue for consignment arrangements is recognized upon the customer\u2019s usage.\n\n\nRevenue associated with products which we believe have no alternative use, and where we have an enforceable right to payment, are recognized on an over time basis. Revenue is recognized based on progress to date, which is typically even over the production process through transfer of control to the customer.\n\n\nIn addition, from time to time, customers may negotiate annual price downs. Management has evaluated these price downs and determined that in some instances, these price downs give rise to a material right. In instances that a material right exists, a portion of the transaction price is allocated to the material right and recognized over the life of the contract.\n\n\nGoodwill.\n Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount including goodwill. An impairment of goodwill exists if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit\u2019s fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In performing the goodwill impairment test, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.\n \n\n\nQualitative factors include, but are not limited to, the results of prior year fair value calculations, the movement of our share price and market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not that a reporting unit\u2019s fair value is less than the carrying amount. If, after assessing the qualitative factors, we were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is performed. We may also elect to proceed directly to the quantitative assessment without considering such qualitative factors.\n\n\nFor the quantitative assessment, we utilize either, or a combination of, the income approach and market approach to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow method and the market approach uses appropriate valuation multiples observed for the reporting unit\u2019s guideline public companies. The determination of discounted cash flows are based on management\u2019s estimates of revenue growth rates and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (\u201cEBITDA\u201d) margins, taking into consideration business and market conditions for the countries and markets in which the reporting unit operates. We calculate the discount rate based on a market-participant, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital, which considers industry specific rates of return on debt and equity capital for a target industry capital structure, adjusted for risks associated with business size, geography and other factors specific to the reporting unit. Long-range forecasting involves uncertainty which increases with each successive period. Revenue growth rates and profitability assumptions, especially in the outer years, involve a greater degree of uncertainty.\n \n\n\nImpairment of long-lived assets. \nWe evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators exist, we perform an impairment analysis by comparing the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset group to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the asset\u2019s carrying amount over its fair value.\n\n\n26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncome taxes.\n Our income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management\u2019s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax provision and in evaluating income tax uncertainties.\n\n\nThe amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management\u2019s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. We use a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We record a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured and tax position taken or expected to be taken on our tax return. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. We report tax-related interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.\n\n\nOur deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. We adjust these amounts to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income, including the reversal of existing temporary differences, historical and projected operating results, and the availability of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The realization of tax benefits is evaluated by jurisdiction and the realizability of these assets can vary based on the character of the tax attribute and the carryforward periods specific to each jurisdiction. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would decrease income tax expense in the period a determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be recorded to income tax expense in the period such determination was made.\n\n\nWe provide for taxes that may be payable if undistributed earnings of overseas subsidiaries were to be remitted to the U.S., except for those earnings that\n \nwe consider to be permanently reinvested. Future sales of foreign subsidiaries are not exempt from capital gains tax in the U.S. We have no plans to dispose of any of our foreign subsidiaries and are not recording deferred taxes on outside basis differences in foreign subsidiaries for the sale of a foreign subsidiary.\n\n\nBusiness combinations. \nWe account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting whereby the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business, as well as any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business, are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date that we obtain control of the acquired business. Any purchase consideration in excess of the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses are expensed as incurred.\n\n\nDetermining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management's judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, and market multiples, among other items. We determine the fair values of intangible assets acquired generally in consultation with third-party valuation advisors. The valuation of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed requires a number of judgments and is subject to revision as additional information about the fair values becomes available. We recognize any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the period not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date in which the adjustments are determined. The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from their dates of acquisition.\n\n\nContingencies.\n We are subject to various investigations, claims and legal and administrative proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. For those matters that we can estimate a range of loss, we have established reserves at levels within that range to provide for the most likely scenario based upon available information. The valuation of reserves for contingencies is reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure that we are properly reserved. Reserve balances are adjusted to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing issues and the establishment of additional reserves for emerging issues. While we believe that the current level of reserves is adequate, changes in the future could impact these determinations.\n\n\nNew Accounting Pronouncements\n\n\nFor more information regarding new applicable accounting pronouncements, see Note 1, \u201cDescription of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\u201d to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.\n \n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualita\ntive Disclosures About Market Risk\n\n\nWe are exposed to market risks from foreign currency exchange, interest rates, and commodity prices, which could affect our operating results, financial position and cash flows. We manage a portion of these risks through use of derivative financial instruments in accordance with our policies. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.\n \n\n\nForeign currency risk\n\n\nWe are exposed to foreign currency risk on sales, costs and assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We seek to manage our foreign exchange risk largely through operational means, including matching revenue with same-currency costs and assets with same-currency liabilities. We currently transact business in eight primary currencies worldwide, of which the most significant are the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Chinese renminbi and the Mexican peso.\n\n\nA portion of our balance sheet is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, which may result in non-operating foreign currency exchange gains or losses upon remeasurement. We use foreign currency forward contracts to provide an economic hedge against balance sheet exposure to certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary. The forward contracts have a maturity of less than three months and are not designated as hedging instruments. As of April 29, 2023, the notional value of these outstanding contracts was $59.9 million. These hedges are intended to reduce, but may not entirely eliminate, foreign currency exchange risk. The impact of a change in the foreign currency exchange rates on our foreign currency forward contracts will generally be offset against the gain or loss from the re-measurement of the underlying balance sheet exposure.\n\n\nThe translation of the assets and liabilities of our international subsidiaries is made using the foreign currency exchange rates as of the end of the reporting period. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net income but are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders\u2019 equity on the consolidated balance sheets until a sale or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the international subsidiary takes place. As of April 29, 2023, the cumulative net currency translation adjustments decreased shareholders\u2019 equity by $19.8 million. As described in Note 8, \"Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities\" to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, in order to manage certain translational exposure to the euro, we have designated euro-denominated borrowings of $145.4 million as a net investment hedge in our euro-denominated subsidiaries. We have also entered into a euro-denominated cross-currency swap which is designated as a net investment hedge in our euro-denominated subsidiaries. The effective portion of the gains or losses designated as net investment hedges are recognized within the cumulative translation adjustment component in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income to offset changes in the value of the net investment in these foreign currency-denominated operations.\n\n\nInterest rate risk\n \n\n\nWe are exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings under our Credit Agreement which are based on variable rates. As of April 29, 2023, we had $305.4 million of borrowings under our Credit Agreement. We manage our interest rate exposures through the use of interest rate swaps to effectively convert a portion of our variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. The notional amount of our interest rate swaps was $100.0 million as of April 29, 2023. Based on borrowings outstanding under our Credit Agreement at April 29, 2023, net of the interest rate swaps, we estimate that a 1% increase in interest rates would result in increased annual interest expense of $3.1 million.\n\n\nCommodity price risk\n\n\nWe are exposed to commodity price risk primarily on our raw material purchases. These raw materials are not rare or unique to our industry. The cost of copper, resins, and other commodities, such as fuel and energy, has fluctuated in recent years due to changes in global supply and demand. Our gross margins could be affected if these types of costs continue to fluctuate. We actively manage these raw material costs through global sourcing initiatives and price increases on our products where possible. However, in the short-term, further increases in raw material costs can be very difficult to fully offset with price increases because of contractual agreements with our customers, which would unfavorably impact our gross margins.\n\n",
+ "cik": "65270",
+ "cusip6": "591520",
+ "cusip": ["591520200", "591520900"],
+ "names": ["METHODE ELECTRS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/65270/000095017023030121/0000950170-23-030121-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-030394.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-030394.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1d7d203c62
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-030394.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBUSINESS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRISK FACTORS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\nITEM 1B.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45\n\n\n\n\n\n\nITEM 2.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPROPERTIES\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45\n\n\n\n\n\n\nITEM 3.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLEGAL PROCEEDINGS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45\n\n\n\n\n\n\nITEM 4.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPART II\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nITEM 5.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMARKET FOR REGISTRANT\u2019S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\n\n\n\nITEM 6.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRESERVED\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\n\n\n\nITEM 7.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49\n\n\n\n\n\n\nITEM 7A.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nQUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n57\n\n\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of \nFinancial Condition and Results of Operations\n \n\n\nYou should read the following Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in conjunction with our consolidated and combined financial statements and the related notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A, \u201cRisk Factors\u201d and elsewhere in this report.\n \n \n\n\nSet forth below is a comparison of the results of operations and changes in financial condition for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022. The comparison of, and changes between, the fiscal years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021 can be found within \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022 filed with the SEC on July 14, 2022.\n\n\nBackground\n\n\nWe operate as one reporting segment. We analyze revenue streams in various ways, including customer group, brands, categories, and customer channels. However, this information does not include a full set of discrete financial information.\n \n\n\nThe following discussion and analysis includes references to net sales of our products in shooting sports and outdoor lifestyle categories. Our shooting sports category includes net sales of shooting accessories and our products used for personal protection. Our outdoor lifestyle category includes net sales of our products used in hunting, fishing, camping, rugged outdoor activities, and outdoor cooking.\n \n\n\nIn March 2022, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Grilla Grills, or Grilla, (including its branded products) from Fahrenheit Technologies, Inc., or FTI, for a purchase price of $27 million, subject to certain adjustments. Grilla is a provider of high-quality, barbecue grills; Wi-Fi-enabled wood pellet grills; smokers; accessories; and modular outdoor kitchens. We fully integrated Grilla into our business during fiscal 2023. Results of operations for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022 include activity for the period subsequent to the acquisition date of Grilla.\n \n\n\nFiscal 2023 Highlights\n \n\n\nOur operating results for fiscal 2023 included the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nNet sales were $191.2 million, a decrease of $56.3 million, or 22.8%, from the prior fiscal year, reflecting a decrease in net sales for both our e-commerce channels and our traditional channels, partially offset by an increase in our own direct-to-consumer business.\n\n\n\u2022\nGross margin was 46.1%, a decrease of 10 basis points from the prior fiscal year. \n\n\n\u2022\nNet loss was $12.0 million, or ($0.90) per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $64.9 million, or ($4.66) per diluted share, for the prior fiscal year. The net loss in the prior fiscal year included a $67.8 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge.\n\n\n\u2022\nNon-GAAP Adjusted EBITDAS was $12.8 million, compared with $35.0 million for the prior fiscal year. See non-GAAP financial measure disclosures below for our reconciliation of non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDAS. \n\n\n\u2022\nWe repurchased 377,034 shares of our common stock, in the open market, for a total of $3.5 million during fiscal 2023 leaving $6.5 million available to be purchased under our authorized repurchase program.\n\n\nResults of Operations\n \n\n\nNet Sales and Gross Profit\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding consolidated and combined net sales for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n191,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n247,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(56,317\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-22.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n103,145\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n133,287\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(30,142\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-22.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n88,064\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n114,239\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(26,175\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-22.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n% of net sales (gross margin)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding trade channel net sales for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\ne-commerce channels\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n87,219\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n97,418\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(10,199\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-10.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTraditional channels\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n103,990\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n150,108\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(46,118\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-30.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n191,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n247,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(56,317\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-22.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur e-commerce channels include net sales from customers that do not traditionally operate physical brick-and-mortar stores, but generate the majority of their revenue from consumer purchases from their retail websites. Our e-commerce channels also include our direct-to-consumer sales. Our traditional channels include customers that primarily operate out of physical brick-and-mortar stores and generate the large majority of revenue from consumer purchases in their brick-and-mortar locations.\n\n\nWe sell our products worldwide. The following table sets forth certain information regarding geographic makeup of net sales included in the above table for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDomestic net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n182,299\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n234,803\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(52,504\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-22.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,910\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,723\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,813\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-30.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n191,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n247,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(56,317\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-22.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding net sales categories for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShooting sports\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n88,885\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n128,180\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(39,295\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-30.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOutdoor lifestyle\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n102,324\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n119,346\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(17,022\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-14.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n191,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n247,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(56,317\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-22.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Net Sales Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\nTotal net sales decreased $56.3 million, or 22.8%, from the prior fiscal year.\n\n\nNet sales in our e-commerce channel decreased $10.2 million, or 10.5%, from the prior fiscal year, primarily as a result of lower net sales to the world\u2019s largest e-commerce retailer because of reduced demand primarily in our shooting sports category as well as their efforts to reduce their overall inventory. The lower net sales to our online retailers were partially offset by a 76.0% increase in our direct-to-consumer net sales over the prior year, primarily in our outdoor lifestyle products, which also include sales resulting from the acquisition of Grilla Grills. We believe the increase in our direct-to-consumer net sales represents the demand for our products in the market that are not typically hindered by retailer inventory management. Our brands that are only sold on our direct-to-consumer websites represented $24.4 million, or 28.0%, of fiscal 2023 total e-commerce channel net sales, which includes net sales from a business acquisition completed in the prior fiscal year.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet sales in our traditional channels decreased $46.1 million, or 30.7%, from the prior fiscal year, primarily because of lower net sales for most of our products as a result of decreased orders from retailers, which we believe was caused by a combination of lower foot traffic because of less discretionary consumer spending and retailers\u2019 efforts to reduce their overall inventory levels. In addition, lower net sales of our shooting sports products to our OEM customers resulted in lower traditional channel net sales from the prior fiscal year. We also believe the decrease in traditional channel net sales was a result of a build in traditional channel inventories of our products during the first fiscal quarter last year as certain customers accelerated their purchases to offset the possibility of delays caused by global supply chain disruptions. Our international net sales declined primarily because of reduced demand for our shooting sports products and timing of customer shipments.\n \n\n\nNew products, defined as any new SKU introduced over the prior two fiscal years, represented 25.5% of net sales for fiscal 2023 compared to 25.8% of net sales for fiscal 2022. We have a history of introducing over 200 new SKUs each year, the majority of which are introduced late in our third fiscal quarter.\n\n\n50\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur order backlog as of April 30, 2023 was $7.0 million, or $3.3 million higher than at the end of fiscal 2022. Although we generally fulfill the majority of our order backlog, we allow orders received that have not yet shipped to be cancelled, and therefore, our backlog may not be indicative of future sales.\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Cost of Sales and Gross Profit Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\nGross margin for fiscal 2023 decreased 10 basis points from the prior fiscal year, primarily because of lower sales volumes, product and customer mix, increased promotional product discounts that are consistent with pre-pandemic promotional discount levels, and increased expense related to provisions on inventory, partially offset by lower freight and tariff expenses from the planned reduction in inventory purchases and new product introductions that typically have higher gross margins.\n \n\n\nOperating Expenses\n \n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding operating expenses for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,361\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,501\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n860\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, marketing, and distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51,791\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n56,168\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4,377\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-7.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42,612\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41,244\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,368\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImpairment of long-lived assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67,849\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(67,849\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n100,764\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n170,762\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(69,998\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-41.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n% of net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n69.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Operating Expenses Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\nExcluding the impact of our non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded during fiscal 2022, operating expenses in fiscal 2023 decreased $2.1 million compared with the prior fiscal year. Research and development expenses increased $860,000, primarily from increased consulting expenses; higher depreciation expense from new product tooling; and increased compensation-related expenses from additional headcount. Selling, marketing, and distribution expenses decreased $4.4 million, primarily because of lower sales volume-related expenses, lower advertising expenses, and reduced facility-related costs as a result of consolidating the Crimson Trace and Grilla operations into our headquarters in Columbia, Missouri. General and administrative expenses increased $1.4 million compared with the prior fiscal year primarily because of $1.2 million of legal and advisory fees associated with the completed cooperation agreement with a stockholder and $461,000 of increased standalone expenses, such as our information technology infrastructure costs, subscription and software costs, and insurance premium costs, partially offset by lower employee compensation-related expenses.\n\n\nOperating Loss\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding operating loss for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating (loss)/income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(12,700\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(56,523\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n43,823\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-77.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n% of net sales (operating margin)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-6.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-22.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Operating Income Compared with Fiscal 2022\n \n\n\nExcluding our non-cash goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2022, we had a decrease of $24.0 million in operating income from the prior fiscal year. Operating income decreased primarily because of lower sales volumes and gross profit mentioned above.\n\n\nInterest Expense, Net\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding interest expense, net for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(761\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(324\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(437\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n134.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInterest expense, net increased $437,000 from the prior fiscal year because of interest to service our borrowings on our revolving line of credit during fiscal 2023. We borrowed $25.0 million in March 2022 to help fund the acquisition of Grilla Grills in the prior fiscal year. We had $5.0 million of borrowings on our revolving line as of April 30, 2023.\n \n\n\nIncome Taxes\n \n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding income tax expense for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax (benefit)/expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(249\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(9,593\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-102.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n% of income from operations (effective tax rate)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-16.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe recorded an income tax benefit of $249,000 for fiscal 2023 because of lower operating profit compared to income tax expense of $9.3 million for fiscal 2022. Fiscal 2023 income tax benefit was primarily because of recording return to provision adjustments relating to the Federal and State tax returns filed for the prior fiscal year and the impact of refundable state tax credits. Fiscal 2022 income tax expense was primarily due to recording a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. The effective tax rates were 2.0% and (16.8%) for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Excluding the impact of the non-cash goodwill impairment charges and establishing the full valuation allowance against our deferred taxes, our effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022 was 19.6%.\n\n\nNet Loss\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding net loss and the related per share data for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands, except per share data):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(12,024\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(64,880\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n52,856\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-81.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet loss per share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.90\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(4.66\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3.76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-80.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.90\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(4.66\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3.76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-80.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023 Net Loss Compared with Fiscal 2022\n\n\nWe had a net loss of $12.0 million, or ($0.90) per diluted share in fiscal 2023. Excluding our non-cash goodwill impairment charge and related income tax effect in fiscal 2022, we had net income of $9.9 million, or $0.71 per diluted share. The decrease in net income from the prior fiscal year was primarily because of lower sales volumes and gross profit.\n \n\n\nNon-GAAP Financial Measure\n\n\nWe use GAAP net income as our primary financial measure. We use Adjusted EBITDAS, which is a non-GAAP financial metric, as a supplemental measure of our performance in order to provide investors with an improved understanding of underlying performance trends, and it should be considered in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDAS is defined as GAAP net income/(loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and stock compensation expense. Our Adjusted EBITDAS calculation also excludes certain items we consider non-routine. We believe that Adjusted EBITDAS is useful to understanding our operating results and the ongoing performance of our underlying business, as Adjusted EBITDAS provides information on our ability to meet our capital expenditure and working capital requirements, and is also an indicator of profitability. We believe this reporting provides additional transparency and comparability to our operating results. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDAS is useful to investors because it is frequently used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. We use Adjusted EBITDAS to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, to make budgeting decisions, and to neutralize our capitalization structure to compare our performance against that of other peer companies using similar measures, especially companies that are private. We also use Adjusted EBITDAS to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate our performance in connection with compensation decisions. We believe it is useful to investors and analysts to evaluate this non-GAAP measure on the same basis as we use to evaluate our operating results.\n\n\n52\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdjusted EBITDAS is a non-GAAP measure and may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. In addition, non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. We address the limitations of non-GAAP measures through the use of various GAAP measures. In the future, we may incur expenses or charges such as those added back to calculate Adjusted EBITDAS. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDAS should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by these items.\n \n\n\nThe following table sets forth our calculation of non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDAS for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(Unaudited)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGAAP net loss\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(12,024\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(64,880\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n761\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n324\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax (benefit)/expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(249\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,048\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,967\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,050\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,812\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill impairment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67,849\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTechnology implementation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,138\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,948\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFair value inventory step-up\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n599\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFacility consolidation costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n866\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStockholder cooperation agreement costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,177\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n40\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-GAAP Adjusted EBITDAS\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,814\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35,030\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n \n\n\nHistorically, we have generated strong annual cash flow from operating activities. We have generated $45.5 million of cash from operating activities since the Separation in fiscal 2021. Our ability to fund our operating needs depends on our future ability to continue to generate positive cash flow from operations and obtain financing on acceptable terms. Based upon our history of generating strong cash flows, we believe we will be able to meet our short-term liquidity needs. We also believe we will meet known or reasonably likely future cash requirements through the combination of cash flows from operating activities, available cash balances, and available borrowings through our existing $75.0 million credit facility. If these sources of liquidity need to be augmented, additional cash requirements would likely be financed through the issuance of debt or equity securities; however, there can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on acceptable terms in the future.\n\n\nOur future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including net sales, the timing and extent of spending to support product development efforts, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, the timing of introductions of new products and enhancements to existing products, the capital needed to operate as an independent publicly traded company, enhancements to our enterprise resource planning systems, and any acquisitions or strategic investments that we may determine to make. Further equity or debt financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If sufficient funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to take advantage of unexpected business opportunities or to respond to competitive pressures could be limited or severely constrained.\n\n\nWe had $22.0 million and $19.5 million of cash equivalents on hand as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n\n\nWe expect to continue to utilize our cash flows to invest in our business, including research and development for new product initiatives; hiring additional employees; funding growth strategies, including any potential acquisitions; repaying our $5.0 million of borrowings under our revolving line of credit and any indebtedness we may incur over time; and repurchasing our common stock under our existing authorized repurchase programs.\n \n\n\n53\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain cash flow information for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n30,706\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(17,953\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n48,659\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-271.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvesting activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4,826\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(33,588\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28,762\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-85.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(23,451\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,261\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(33,712\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-328.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cash flow\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,429\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(41,280\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n43,709\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-105.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating Activities\n \n\n\nOperating activities represent the principal source of our cash flow.\n \n\n\nCash generated in operating activities was $30.7 million for fiscal 2023 compared with cash usage of $18.0 million for the prior fiscal year. Cash generated in operating activities for fiscal 2023 was primarily impacted by $21.9 million of reduced inventory as a result of a planned reduction of inventory purchases during fiscal 2023 and a decrease in accounts receivable of $2.0 million as a result of lower sales volumes and timing of customer shipments. The cash generated in fiscal 2023 was partially offset by $1.3 million of reduced accounts payable due to timing of inventory shipments and $2.0 million of lower accrued payroll, incentives, and profit sharing primarily because of lower management incentive accruals.\n \n\n\nWe expect our inventory balance to increase in our first quarter of fiscal 2024 because of increased inventory purchases to support the fall hunting and winter holiday shopping seasons as well as inventory for new products that we expect to launch later in the year. Despite the expected increase in our first quarter of fiscal 2024, we expect our overall inventory balance to decline by the end of fiscal 2024 as compared to our inventory balance as of April 30, 2023.\n \n\n\nInvesting Activities\n \n\n\nCash used in investing activities was $4.8 million for fiscal 2023 compared with cash usage of $33.6 million for the prior fiscal year. This decrease was primarily because of the $27.0 million used to acquire Grilla Grills during fiscal 2022. We have incurred capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 and 2022 related to the development and implementation of our independent information technology infrastructure, including our new enterprise resource planning system, D365. We recorded spending of $2.0 million and $3.9 million of capital expenditures for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to our development and implementation of our independent information technology infrastructure.\n\n\nFinancing Activities\n \n\n\nCash used in financing activities was $23.5 million in fiscal 2023 compared with cash provided by financing activities of $10.3 million in the prior fiscal year. Cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2023 was because of $20.2 million of payments on our revolving line of credit and $3.5 million of payments to repurchase our common stock under our authorized stock repurchase program. Cash provided by financing activity in fiscal 2022 was primarily from $25.2 million borrowings on our revolving line of credit used to acquire Grilla Grills, offset by $15.0 million to repurchase our common stock under an authorized stock repurchase program.\n\n\nCredit Facility\n\n\nOn August 24, 2020, we entered into a five-year financing arrangement consisting of a $50.0 million revolving line of credit secured by substantially all our assets, maturing five years from the start date, with available borrowings determined by a borrowing base calculation. The revolving line included an option to increase the credit commitment for an additional $15.0 million. The revolving line bore interest at a fluctuating rate equal to the Base Rate or LIBOR, as applicable, plus the applicable margin.\n \n\n\nOn March 25, 2022, we amended our secured loan and security agreement, or the Amended Loan and Security Agreement, increasing the revolving line of credit to $75.0 million, secured by substantially all our assets, maturing in March 2027, with available borrowings determined by a borrowing base calculation. The amendment also includes an option to increase the credit commitment for an additional $15 million. The amended revolving line bears interest at a fluctuating rate equal to the Base Rate or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, as applicable, plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin can range from a minimum of 0.25% to a maximum of 1.75% based on certain conditions as defined in the Amended Loan and Security Agreement. The financing arrangement contains covenants relating to minimum debt service\n \n\n\n54\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ncoverage. During fiscal 2022, we recorded $192,000 of additional debt issuance costs associated with entering into the Amended Loan and Security Agreement.\n \n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we had $5.0 million of borrowings outstanding on the revolving line of credit, which bore interest at 6.05%, equal to SOFR plus the applicable margin.\n \n\n\nInflation\n \n\n\nWe have been impacted by changes in prices of finished product inventory from our suppliers and logistics as well as other inflationary factors, such as increased interest rates and increased labor and overhead costs. We evaluate the need for price changes to offset these inflationary factors while taking into account the competitive landscape. Although we do not believe that inflation had a material impact on us during fiscal 2023, increased inflation in the future may have a negative effect on our ability to achieve certain expectations in gross margin and operating expenses. If we are unable to offset the negative impacts of inflation with increased prices, our future results from operations and cash flows would be materially impacted. Additionally, inflation may cause consumers to reduce discretionary spending, which could cause decreases in demand for our products.\n \n\n\nCritical Accounting Estimates\n \n\n\nRevenue Recognition\n \n\n\nWe recognize revenue for the sale of our products at the point in time when the control of ownership has transferred to the customer, which is generally upon shipment but could be delayed until the receipt of customer acceptance. The revenue recognized for the sale of our products reflect various sales adjustments for discounts, returns, allowances, and other customer incentives. These sales adjustments can vary based on market conditions, customer preferences, timing of customer payments, volume of products sold, and timing of new product launches. These adjustments require us to make reasonable estimates of the amount we expect to receive from the customer. We estimate sales adjustments by customer or by product category on the basis of our historical experience with similar contracts with customers, adjusted as necessary to reflect current facts and circumstances and our expectations for the future.\n \n\n\nValuation of Goodwill and Long-lived Intangible Assets\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023 and 2022, we had no goodwill recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. In the instance we have recorded goodwill, we test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis on each February 1 and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist.\n \n\n\nDuring the annual impairment review process, we have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment, commonly referred to as \u201cstep zero\u201d, over relative events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value or to perform a quantitative assessment where we estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using both an income and market approach.\n \n\n\nIf the qualitative step zero analysis indicates that its more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, we will perform a step one analysis. When we perform a step one analysis to assess the recoverability of our goodwill, we determine the estimated fair value of our reporting unit and compare it to the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The impairment test compares the fair value of our operating unit to its carrying amounts to assess whether impairment is present. We estimate the fair value of our operating unit using an equal weighting of the fair values derived from the income approach and the market approach because we believe a market participant would equally weight both approaches when valuing the operating unit. The income approach is based on the projected cash flows that are discounted to their present value using discount rates that consider the timing and risk of the forecasted cash flows. Fair value is estimated using internally developed forecasts and assumptions. The discount rate used is the average estimated value of a market participant\u2019s cost of capital and debt, derived using customary market metrics. Other significant assumptions include revenue growth rates, profitability projections, and terminal value growth rates. The market approach estimates fair values based on the determination of appropriate publicly traded market comparison companies and market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from those companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the operating unit being valued. Finally, we compare and reconcile our overall fair value to our market capitalization in order to assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our operating units. We recognize an impairment loss for goodwill if the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value.\n\n\nWe have reviewed the provisions of Accounting Standard Codification, or ASC, 350-20, with respect to the criteria necessary to evaluate the number of reporting units that exist. Based on our review of ASC 350-20, we have determined that we have one operating unit.\n\n\n55\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets on an annual basis on February 1 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. When such evaluations indicate that the related future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying values of the assets, such carrying values are reduced to fair value and this adjusted carrying value becomes the asset\u2019s new cost basis. We determine the initial fair value of our long-lived assets, primarily using future anticipated cash flows that are directly associated with and are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset, or asset group, discounted using an interest rate commensurate with the risk involved.\n \n\n\nInventories\n\n\nWe value inventories at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out, or FIFO, method, or net realizable value. We evaluate quantities that make up our current inventory against past and future demand and market conditions to determine excess or slow-moving inventory that may be sold below cost. For each product category, we estimate the market value of the inventory comprising that category based on current and projected selling prices. If the projected market value is less than cost, we will record a provision adjustment to reflect the lower value of the inventory. This methodology recognizes projected inventory losses at the time such losses are evident rather than at the time goods are actually sold. The projected market value of the inventory may decrease because of consumer preferences or loss of key contracts, among other events.\n \n\n\nIncome Tax Valuation Allowance\n\n\nWe periodically assess whether it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We establish valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize our deferred income tax assets.\n \n\n\nIn making this determination, we consider available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions. We consider, among other things, projected future taxable income, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, our historical financial results, and tax planning strategies. Significant judgment is required in this analysis.\n\n\nWe determined in the prior fiscal period that it was more likely than not that the benefit from our net deferred tax assets will not be realized and accordingly we established a full valuation allowance recorded as an increase to income tax expense. In the current fiscal year, we continued to maintain a full valuation allowance based on the assessment that it is more likely than not that the benefit from our net deferred tax assets will not be realized. Our assessment involves estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain, and unanticipated events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ from these estimates.\n \n\n\nEstimates may change as new events occur, estimates of future taxable income may increase during the expected reversal period of our deferred tax assets, or additional information becomes available. Should we change our estimate of the amount of deferred tax assets that we would be able to realize, a full or partial reversal of the valuation allowance could occur resulting in a decrease to the provision for income taxes in the period such a change in estimate is made. We will continue to assess the adequacy of the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.\n\n\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\n \n\n\nThe nature and impact of recent accounting pronouncements is discussed in Note 2 \u2014 \nSummary of\n \nSignificant Accounting Policies\n to our consolidated and combined financial statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.\n \n\n\n56\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nContractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments\n\n\nThe following table sets forth a summary of our material contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of April 30, 2023 (in thousands):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLess Than\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMore Than\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1 Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1-3 Years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3-5 Years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5 Years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term debt obligations\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest on debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,563\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n399\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n798\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n366\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37,541\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,251\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,419\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,445\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26,426\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchase obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35,691\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35,691\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal obligations\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n79,795\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38,341\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,217\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,811\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26,426\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we had $5.0 million of borrowings outstanding on our revolving line of credit. We are required to make interest payments for the unused portion of our revolving line of credit in accordance with the financing arrangement. Future unused loan fee obligations are not included above, which could accumulate up to approximately $185,000 per year, under certain circumstances, until the maturity date in fiscal 2026.\n\n\nInterest on debt is based on outstanding debt as of April 30, 2023, and includes debt issue costs to be amortized over the life of the financing arrangement. The interest rate used to calculate was 6.1% as of April 30, 2023. See Note 10, \nDebt\n, for additional information.\n\n\nOperating lease obligations represent required minimum lease payments during the noncancelable lease term. Most real estate leases also require payments of related operating expenses such as taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance, which are not included above. See Note 4, \nLeases\n, for additional information.\n\n\nPurchase obligations represent binding commitments to purchase raw materials, contract production, and finished products that are payable upon delivery of the inventory. This obligation excludes the amount included in accounts payable at April 30, 2023 related to inventory purchases. Other obligations represent other binding commitments for the expenditure of funds, including (i) amounts related to contracts not involving the purchase of inventories, such as the noncancelable portion of service or maintenance agreements for management information systems, (ii) capital spending, and (iii) advertising.\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitat\nive Disclosures about Market Risk\n \n\n\nWe do not enter into any market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes. We are exposed to risks in the ordinary course of business. We regularly assess and manage exposures to these risks through operating and financing activities. Our principal market risk relates to the variable interest rate associated with our Credit Facility, which consists of a $75.0 million revolving line of credit that bears interest at a fluctuating rate equal to the Base Rate or SOFR, as applicable, plus the applicable margin. As of April 30, 2023, we had $5.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the revolving line of credit.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\n \n\n\nReference is made to the financial statements, the notes thereto, and the report thereon, commencing on page F-1 of this report, which financial statements, notes, and report are incorporated herein by reference.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure\n \n\n\nNot applicable.\n\n\nI\ntem 9A. Controls and Procedures\n \n\n\nEvaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures\n \n\n\nWe maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC\u2019s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.\n\n\n57\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form-10-K. Based on that evaluation, we have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form-10-K, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide such reasonable assurance.\n \n\n\nManagement\u2019s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting\n\n\nOur management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company\u2019s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.\n \n\n\nBecause of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in condition, or that the degree of compliance with the policies may deteriorate.\n\n\nManagement conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the 2013 framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Tradeway Commission (the COSO Framework). Based on that evaluation, management believes that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 30, 2023.\n \n\n\nThis annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting due to an exemption established by the JOBS Act for \u201cemerging growth companies.\u201d\n\n\nInherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures\n\n\nIn designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and we are required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.\n\n\nChanges to Internal Control over Financial Reporting\n\n\nDuring our most recent fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2023, we had a change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred as a result of our implementation of a new ERP system, D365, for one of our subsidiaries that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. The new ERP system for one of our subsidiaries replaced our legacy system in which a significant portion of our business transactions originate, are processed, and recorded. We have now transitioned all of our subsidiaries to D365. D365 is intended to provide us with enhanced transactional processing and management tools compared with our legacy system and is intended to enhance internal controls over financial reporting. We believe D365 will facilitate better transactional reporting and oversight, enhance our internal control over financial reporting, and function as an important component of our disclosure controls and procedures. Other than the change to our ERP system for one of our subsidiaries, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.\n \n\n\n58\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nI\ntem 9B. Other Information\n \n\n\nNot applicable.\n\n\nIte\nm 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections\n \n\n\nNot applicable.\n\n\n59\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nP\nART III\n \n\n\nI\ntem 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item relating to our directors and corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The information required by this Item relating to our executive officers is included in Item 1, \u201cBusiness \u2014 Executive Officers\u201d of this report.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 11. Executive Compensation\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n \n\n\nI\ntem 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services\n \n\n\nThe information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nP\nART IV\n\n\nI\ntem 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules\n\n\n(a) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules\n \n\n\n(1) Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report.\n \n\n\n(b) Exhibits\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nriIncorporated by Reference\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExhibit\nNumber\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExhibit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm\n\n\nExhibit\n\n\nFiling Date\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeparation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of August 21, 2020, by and between Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. and the Registrant\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n2.1\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n3.1\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSecond Amended and Restated Bylaws\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n3.2(a)\n\n\n9/27/2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription of Securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10-K\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n7/15/2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n*\n\n\nTransition Services Agreement, dated as of August 21, 2020, by and between Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. and the Registrant\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n*\n\n\nTax Matters Agreement, dated as of August 21, 2020, by and between Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. and the Registrant\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.3\n\n\n*\n\n\nEmployee Matters Agreement, dated as of August 21, 2020, by and between Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. and the Registrant\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.3\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.4\n\n\n*\n\n\nTrademark License Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020, by and between Smith & Wesson Inc. and AOB Products Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.4\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.5\n\n\n*\n\n\nSublease, dated as of August 24, 2020, by and between Smith & Wesson Sales Company and the Registrant\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.5\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.6\n\n\n*\n\n\nAssignment and Assumption of Lease Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2023, by and between Smith & Wesson Sales Company (f/k/a Smith & Wesson Corp.) and the Registrant, and consented to by Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n2/1/2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.7\n\n\n*\n\n\nLease Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2017, by and between Ryan Boone County, LLC and Smith & Wesson Corp.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n2/1/2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.8\n\n\n*\n\n\nFirst Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated October 25, 2018, by and among Ryan Boone County, LLC, Smith & Wesson Corp., and American Outdoor Brands Corporation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.3\n\n\n2/1/2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.9\n\n\n*\n\n\nSecond Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2019, by and among Ryan Boone County, LLC, American Outdoor Brands Sales Company (f/k/a Smith & Wesson Corp.), and American Outdoor Brands Corporation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.4\n\n\n2/1/2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.10\n\n\n*\n\n\nSupply Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020, by and between Crimson Trace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant, as Supplier, and Smith & Wesson Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.6\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.11\n\n\n*\n\n\nSupply Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020, by and between AOB Products Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant, as Supplier, and Smith & Wesson Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.7\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.12\n\n\n+\n\n\n2020 Incentive Compensation Plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.8\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.13\n\n\n+\n\n\nForm of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Grant Notice and Agreement to the 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.9\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.14\n\n\n+\n\n\nForm of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Agreement to the 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.10\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n61\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.15\n\n\n+\n\n\nForm of Performance Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Agreement to the 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.11\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.16\n\n\n+\n\n\n2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.12\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.17\n\n\n+\n\n\nEmployment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Brian D. Murphy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.13\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.18\n\n\n+\n\n\nExecutive Severance Pay Plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.14\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForm of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Registrant and the following directors and executive officers: As of August 24,2020 with Brian D. Murphy, H. Andrew Fulmer, Mary E. Gallagher, Gregory J. Gluchowski, Jr., Barry M. Monheit, and I. Marie Wadecki\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.15\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.20\n\n\n \n\n\nLoan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020, by and among AOB Products Company, Crimson Trace Corporation, American Outdoor Brands, Inc., Battenfeld Acquisition Company Inc., BTI Tools, LLC, Ultimate Survival Technologies, LLC, AOBC Asia Consulting, LLC, TD Bank, N.A., and the other banks, financial institutions, and other entities from time to time parties thereto\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.16\n\n\n8/26/2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 25, 2022, by and among AOB Products Company, Crimson Trace Corporation, American Outdoor Brands, Inc., Battenfeld Acquisition Company Inc., BTI Tools, LLC, Ultimate Survival Technologies, LLC, AOBC Asia Consulting, LLC, TD Bank, N.A., and the other banks, financial institutions, and other entities from time to time parties thereto\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n3/28/2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.22\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCooperation Agreement, dated August 7, 2022, by and among the Engine Group and the Registrant\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n8/8/2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10.23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFirst Amendment to Cooperation Agreement, dated May 24, 2023, by and among the Engine Group and the Registrant\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8-K\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n5/26/2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n21.1\n\n\n#\n\n\nSubsidiaries of the Registrant\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n23.1\n\n\n#\n\n\nConsent of Grant Thornton LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n31.1\n\n\n#\n\n\nRule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n31.2\n\n\n#\n\n\nRule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n32.1\n\n\n##\n\n\nSection 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n32.2\n\n\n##\n\n\nSection 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.INS\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Instance Document \u2013 the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.SCH\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.CAL\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.DEF\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.LAB\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n101.PRE\n\n\n \n\n\nInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n104\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n* Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request; provided, however, that the registrant may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act for any document so furnished.\n \n\n\n+ Management contract or compensatory arrangement.\n\n\n# Filed herewith\n\n\n## Furnished herewith\n\n\nItem 16. \nForm 10-K Summary\n\n\nNone.\n\n\n62\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nS\nIGNATURES\n\n\nPursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n/s/ Brian D. Murphy\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBrian D. Murphy\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDate: June 28, 2023\n\n\nPursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSignature\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCapacity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDate\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Brian D. Murphy\n\n\n \n\n\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 28, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian D. Murphy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ H. Andrew Fulmer\n\n\n \n\n\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Financial\nOfficer, and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 28, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nH. Andrew Fulmer\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Barry M. Monheit\n\n\n \n\n\nChairman of the Board\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 28, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBarry M. Monheit\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Bradley T. Favreau\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 28, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBradley T. Favreau\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Mary E. Gallagher\n\n\n \n\n\nDirector\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 28, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary E. Gallagher\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Gregory J. Gluchowski, Jr.\n\n\n \n\n\nDirector\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 28, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGregory J. Gluchowski, Jr.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ Luis G. Marconi\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDirector\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 28, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLuis G. Marconi\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n/s/ I. Marie Wadecki\n\n\n \n\n\nDirector\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 28, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI. Marie Wadecki\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n63\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nI\nNDEX TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS\n \n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPage\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID Number \n248\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n2\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2023 and 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n3\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated and Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss)/Income for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n4\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated and Combined Statements of Equity for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n5\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n6\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n8\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n1\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBoard of Directors and Shareholders\n\n\nAmerican Outdoor Brands, Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOpinion on the financial statements\n \n\n\nWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the \u201cCompany\u201d) as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive (loss)/income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the \u201cfinancial statements\u201d). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBasis for opinion\n \n\n\nThese financial statements are the responsibility of the Company\u2019s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company\u2019s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (\u201cPCAOB\u201d) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company\u2019s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.\n\n\n \n\n\n/s/ \nGRANT THORNTON LLP\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have served as the Company\u2019s auditor since 2020.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHartford, Connecticut\n\n\nJune 28, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n2\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n\n\nC\nONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In\n \nthousands, except par value and share data)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nASSETS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent assets:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n21,950\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n19,521\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $\n125\n\u00a0on April 30, 2023\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0and $\n129\n\u00a0on April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26,846\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28,879\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99,734\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n121,683\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrepaid expenses and other current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,839\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,491\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,251\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,231\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n157,620\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n179,805\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty, plant, and equipment, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,488\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,621\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangible assets, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52,021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n63,194\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of-use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,198\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,884\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n260\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n336\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n243,587\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n277,840\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLIABILITIES AND EQUITY\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent liabilities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11,544\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13,563\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,741\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,853\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued payroll, incentives, and profit sharing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,813\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,786\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLease liabilities, current\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n904\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,803\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,002\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27,005\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotes and loans payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,623\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,697\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLease liabilities, net of current portion\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,064\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,076\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther non-current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n34\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51,723\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74,809\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommitments and contingencies (Note 16)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreferred stock, $\n0.001\n\u00a0par value, \n20,000,000\n\u00a0shares authorized, \nno\n\u00a0shares\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0issued or outstanding\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock, $\n0.001\n\u00a0par value, \n100,000,000\n\u00a0shares authorized, \n14,447,149\n\u00a0shares\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0issued and \n13,233,151\n\u00a0shares outstanding on April 30, 2023 and \n14,240,290\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0shares issued and \n13,403,326\n\u00a0shares outstanding on April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditional paid in capital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n272,784\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n268,393\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetained deficit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n62,375\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n50,351\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTreasury stock, at cost (\n1,213,998\n\u00a0shares on April 30, 2023 and \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n836,964\n\u00a0shares on April 30, 2022)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n18,559\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n15,025\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal equity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n191,864\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n203,031\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities and equity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n243,587\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n277,840\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statements.\n\n\nF-\n3\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n\n\nCONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OP\nERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In thousands, except per share data)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales (including $\n2.4\n\u00a0million of\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0related party sales for the four months of\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0our fiscal year 2021 prior to the Separation)\n\n\n$\n\n\n191,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n247,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n276,687\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n103,145\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n133,287\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n149,859\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n88,064\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n114,239\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n126,828\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,361\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,501\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,378\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, marketing, and distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51,791\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n56,168\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n56,773\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42,612\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41,244\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41,182\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill impairment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67,849\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100,764\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n170,762\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n103,333\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating (loss)/income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12,700\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n56,523\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,495\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income, net:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,188\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,311\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n497\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest (expense)/income, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n761\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n324\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n300\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal other income, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n427\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n987\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n797\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Loss)/income from operations before income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12,273\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n55,536\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,292\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax (benefit)/expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n249\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,887\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet (loss)/income/comprehensive (loss)/income\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n12,024\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n64,880\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n18,405\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet (loss)/income per share:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n0.90\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n4.66\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1.31\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n0.90\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n4.66\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1.29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted average number of common shares\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0outstanding:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,372\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,930\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,997\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,372\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,930\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,225\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statements.\n \n\n\nF-\n4\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n\n\nC\nONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCommon Stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFormer Net Parent\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAdditional\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTreasury Stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCompany\nInvestment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nPaid-In\nCapital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nRetained\n(Deficit)/Earnings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\nEquity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at April 30, 2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n224,098\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n224,098\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,529\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,405\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,486\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,486\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares issued under employee stock\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0purchase plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n386\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n386\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock under \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0restricted stock unit awards, net of \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n33\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n33\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet transfers from former Parent\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n34,563\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n34,563\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock and\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0reclassification of former net\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0parent company investment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,975\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n262,537\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n262,523\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at April 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,059\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n265,362\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14,529\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n279,905\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n64,880\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n64,880\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,812\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,812\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares issued under employee stock\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0purchase plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n77\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n870\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n870\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from exercise of stock\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0options\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock under \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0restricted stock unit awards, net of \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n101\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n656\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n656\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase of treasury stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n837\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n15,025\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n15,025\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,240\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n268,393\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n50,351\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n837\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n15,025\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n203,031\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12,024\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12,024\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,050\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,050\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares issued under employee stock\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0purchase plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n90\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n656\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n656\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssuance of common stock under \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0restricted stock unit awards, net of \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n117\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n315\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n315\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepurchase of treasury stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n377\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,534\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,534\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance at April 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,447\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n272,784\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n62,375\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,214\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n18,559\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n191,864\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statements.\n \n\n\nF-\n5\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n\n\nC\nONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows from operating activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet (loss)/income\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n12,024\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n64,880\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n18,405\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by/\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(used in) operating activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,511\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,967\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,827\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoss on sale/disposition of assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n94\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n161\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n107\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Benefit from)/provision for credit losses on accounts receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n11\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n48\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill impairment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67,849\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,683\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,103\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,050\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,812\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,910\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in operating assets and liabilities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,044\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,591\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,343\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21,949\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n41,431\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14,297\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrepaid expenses and other current assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n652\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,393\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5,816\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n20\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,082\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n45\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,308\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4,521\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,632\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued payroll, incentives, and profit sharing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,973\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4,921\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,467\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight of use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,645\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,650\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,337\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n888\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,140\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,691\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n279\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,870\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,831\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,543\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther non-current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n205\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash provided by/(used in) operating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,706\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n17,953\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33,320\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows from investing activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition of businesses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n27,000\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments to acquire patents and software\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,555\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,191\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n558\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from sale of property and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments to acquire property and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,301\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,397\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,623\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in investing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4,826\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n33,588\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4,181\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows from financing activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from loans and notes payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,170\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments on notes and loans payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n20,170\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments to acquire treasury stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,534\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n15,025\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet transfers from former parent\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,485\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash paid for debt issuance costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n88\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n103\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n410\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from exercise of options to acquire common stock, \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0including employee stock purchase plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n656\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n875\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n386\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayment of employee withholding tax related to restricted\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0stock units\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n315\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n656\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n33\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash (used in)/provided by financing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n23,451\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,261\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,428\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,429\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n41,280\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60,567\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents, beginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,521\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60,801\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n234\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents, end of period\n\n\n$\n\n\n21,950\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n19,521\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n60,801\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupplemental disclosure of cash flow information\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash paid for:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest\n\n\n$\n\n\n761\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n125\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n111\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome taxes (net of refunds)\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n73\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,819\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,951\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nF-\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n\n\nCONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (Continued)\n\n\nSupplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchases of property and equipment and intangibles included in accounts payable\n\n\n$\n\n\n411\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n254\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-cash transfers to/from former parent\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,398\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in right of use assets for operating lease obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,959\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,940\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in lease liabilities for operating lease obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,959\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n158\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,940\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCharges of debt issuance costs included in accrued expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n89\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statement\n\n\nF-\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n\n\nN\nOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS\n \n\n\n1. Background, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation\nBackground\nOn August 24, 2020, Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., or our former parent, completed the spin-off of its outdoor products and accessories business, or the Separation, to our company (our \u201ccompany,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d or \u201cour\u201d).\n The consolidated and combined financial statements for the period prior to the Separation do not necessarily reflect what the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows would have been had we operated as an independent, publicly traded company during the historical periods presented. For the period prior to the Separation, the combined financial statements were prepared on a \u201ccarve-out\u201d basis.\nDescription of Business\nWe are a leading provider of outdoor lifestyle products and shooting sports accessories encompassing hunting, fishing, outdoor cooking, camping, shooting, and personal security and defense products for rugged outdoor enthusiasts. We conceive, design, source, and sell our outdoor lifestyle products, including premium sportsman knives and tools for fishing and hunting; land management tools for hunting preparedness; harvesting products for post-hunt or post-fishing activities; outdoor cooking products; and camping, survival, and emergency preparedness products. We conceive, design, produce or source, and sell our shooting sports accessories, such as rests, vaults, and other related accessories; electro-optical devices, including hunting optics, firearm aiming devices, flashlights, and laser grips; and reloading, gunsmithing, and firearm cleaning supplies. We develop and market all our products as well as manufacture some of our electro-optics products at our facility in Columbia, Missouri. We also contract for the manufacture and assembly of most of our products with third parties located in Asia.\n \nWe focus on our brands and the establishment of product categories in which we believe our brands will resonate strongly with the activities and passions of consumers and enable us to capture an increasing share of our overall addressable markets. Our owned brands include BOG, BUBBA, Caldwell, Crimson Trace, Frankford Arsenal, Grilla Grills, or Grilla, Hooyman, Imperial, LaserLyte, Lockdown, MEAT! Your Maker, Old Timer, Schrade, Tipton, Uncle Henry, ust, and Wheeler, and we license additional brands for use in association with certain products we sell, including M&P, Smith & Wesson, Performance Center by Smith & Wesson, and Thompson/Center. In focusing on the growth of our brands, we organize our creative, product development, sourcing, and e-commerce teams into four brand lanes, each of which focuses on one of four distinct consumer verticals \u2013 Adventurer, Harvester, Marksman, and Defender \u2013 with each of our brands included in one of the brand lanes.\n \n\u2022\nOur Adventurer brands include products that help enhance consumers\u2019 fishing, outdoor cooking, and camping experiences.\n\u2022\nOur Harvester brands focus on the activities hunters typically engage in, including the activities to prepare for the hunt, the hunt itself, and the activities that follow a hunt, such as meat processing. \n\u2022\nOur Marksman brands address product needs arising from consumer activities that take place primarily at the shooting range and where firearms are cleaned, maintained, and worked on. \n\u2022\nOur Defender brands include products that are used by consumers in situations that require self-defense and products that help safely secure and store as well as maintain connectivity to those possessions that many consumers consider to be high value or high consequence. \nBasis of Presentation \u2013 Consolidated Financial Statements Subsequent to the Separation\nOur financial statements for the periods through the Separation date of August 24, 2020 are combined financial statements prepared on a \u201ccarve-out\u201d basis as discussed below. Our financial statements for all periods subsequent to August 24, 2020 are consolidated financial statements based on our reported results as a standalone company, and have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP.\n \nBasis of Presentation \u2013 Combined Financial Statements Prior to the Separation\nFor the period prior to the Separation, the combined financial statements reflected the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented as historically managed by our former parent and were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of our former parent in accordance with GAAP.\nF-\n8\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nIn addition, for purposes of preparing the combined financial statements, prior to the Separation, on a \u201ccarve-out\u201d basis, a portion of our former parent\u2019s total corporate expenses was allocated to us based on direct usage when identifiable or, when not directly identifiable, on the basis of proportional net revenue, employee headcount, delivered units, or square footage, as applicable. These expense allocations included the cost of corporate functions and resources provided by our former parent, including executive management, finance, accounting, legal, human resources, internal audit, and the related benefit costs associated with such functions, such as stock-based compensation and the cost of our former parent\u2019s Springfield, Massachusetts corporate headquarters. For the period prior to the Separation in fiscal 2021, we were allocated $\n2.7\n million for such corporate expenses, which were included within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income. We were also allocated $\n1.9\n million of such distribution expenses, which were included within cost of sales; selling, marketing, and distribution expenses; and general and administrative expenses in the consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income.\n\n\n2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\nUse of Estimates\nIn preparing the consolidated and combined financial statements in accordance with GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated and combined financial statements and accompanying notes. Our significant estimates include provisions for excess and obsolete inventory, accruals for freight, duty, and tariff costs on international inventory purchases, valuation of goodwill and long-lived intangible assets, and realization of deferred tax assets. Actual results may differ from those estimates.\nPrinciples of Consolidation\nThe accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements include the accounts of our company and our wholly owned subsidiaries, including AOB Products Company, or AOBPC (formerly Battenfeld Technologies, Inc., or BTI), BTI Tools LLC, Crimson Trace Corporation, Ultimate Survival Technologies, LLC, or ust, and AOB Consulting (Shenzhen), Co., LTD. In our opinion, all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations, changes in equity, and cash flows at April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 and for the periods presented, have been included. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.\nFair Value of Financial Instruments\nUnless otherwise indicated, the fair values of all reported assets and liabilities, which represent financial instruments not held for trading purposes, approximate the carrying values of such amounts because of their short-term nature or market rates of interest.\nCash and Cash Equivalents\nWe consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of \nthree months\n or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.\nAccounts Receivable and Allowance for Estimated Credit Losses\nWe record trade accounts receivable at net realizable value that include estimated allowances for trade terms, sales incentive programs, discounts, markdowns, chargebacks, and returns as discussed under Revenue Recognition. We extend credit to our domestic customers and some foreign distributors based on their creditworthiness. We sometimes offer discounts for early payment on invoices. When we believe the extension of credit is not advisable, we rely on either a prepayment or a letter of credit. We write off balances deemed uncollectible by us against our allowance for credit loss accounts.\nWe maintain an allowance for credit losses related to accounts receivable for future expected credit losses resulting from the inability or unwillingness of our customers to make required payments. We estimate our allowance for credit losses based on relevant information such as historical experience, current conditions, and future expectation and in relation to a representative pool of assets consisting of a large number of customers with similar risk characteristics and similar financial assets. We adjust the allowance as appropriate to reflect differences in current conditions as well as changes in forecasted macroeconomic conditions.\nF-\n9\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nIn November 2020, we entered into a factoring arrangement with a financial institution specifically designed to factor trade receivables with a certain customer that has extended payment terms, which are traditional to the customer\u2019s industry. Under this factoring arrangement, from time to time, we sell this customer\u2019s trade receivables at a discount on a non-recourse basis. We account for these transactions as sales and cash proceeds are included in cash provided by operating activities in the statement of cash flows. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, we recorded an immaterial amount of factoring fees related to factoring transactions, which are included in other (loss)/income, net on our consolidated and combined statement of operations.\nInventories\nWe state inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine cost on the first-in, first-out method and net of discounts or rebates received from vendors. Provisions for potential non-saleable inventory due to excess stock or obsolescence are based upon a detailed review of inventory, past history, and expected future usage.\nProperty, Plant, and Equipment\nWe record property, plant, and equipment, consisting of leasehold improvements, machinery, equipment, hardware, furniture, and fixtures at cost and depreciate them using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. We recognize depreciation expense for leasehold improvements over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease terms, and include them in depreciation and amortization expense. We charge expenditures for maintenance and repairs to earnings as incurred, and we capitalize additions, renewals, and betterments. Upon the retirement, or other disposition of property and equipment, we remove the related cost and accumulated depreciation from the respective accounts and include any gain or loss in operations. \nA summary of the estimated useful lives is as follows: \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDescription\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUseful Life\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMachinery and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\u00a0to \n10 years\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComputer and other equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\u00a0to \n7\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeasehold improvements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\u00a0to \n20\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\n\nWe include tooling, dies, furniture, and fixtures as part of machinery and equipment and depreciate them over a period generally not exceeding \n10\n years.\n \nWe assess the recoverability of assets whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We recognize an impairment loss if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable based on its undiscounted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset.\nIntangible Assets\nWe record intangible assets at cost or based on the fair value of the assets acquired. Intangible assets consist of developed software and technology, customer relationships, trademarks, trade names, and patents. We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives or in proportion to expected yearly revenue generated from the intangibles that were acquired.\n \nValuation of Goodwill and Long-lived Assets\nAs of April 30, 2023 and 2022, we had \nno\n goodwill recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. In the instance we have recorded goodwill, we test goodwill for impairment, in accordance with ASC 350, \nIntangibles Goodwill and Other\n, on an annual basis on February 1 and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist.\n \nF-\n10\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nAs of our valuation date in fiscal 2022, we had $\n64.3\n million of goodwill. During the annual impairment review process, we performed a step one analysis to assess the recoverability of our goodwill. The step one analysis estimates the fair value of our reporting unit and compares it to the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, to assess whether impairment is present. We estimated the fair value of our operating unit using an equal weighting of the fair values derived from the income approach and the market approach because we believe a market participant would equally weight both approaches when valuing the operating unit. The income approach is based on the projected cash flows that are discounted to their present value using discount rates that consider the timing and risk of the forecasted cash flows. Fair value is estimated using internally developed forecasts and assumptions. The discount rate used is the average estimated value of a market participant\u2019s cost of capital and debt, derived using customary market metrics. Other significant assumptions include revenue growth rates, profitability projections, and terminal value growth rates. The market approach estimates fair values based on the determination of appropriate publicly traded market comparison companies and market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from those companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the operating unit being valued. Finally, we compare and reconcile our overall fair value to our market capitalization in order to assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our operating units. We recognize an impairment loss for goodwill if the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value. We completed a step one analysis as of February 1, 2022, and concluded there were no indicators of impairment.\n \nOn April 30, 2022, the decline in our stock price and market capitalization indicated a reduction of the fair value of our reporting unit. We determined this decline to be a triggering event, which indicated it was more likely than not that the fair values of these reporting units were less than the respective book values and required us to complete an additional step one analysis. Given the volatility in the financial markets, we believed a market participant would determine that the income approach would be a more prominent metric for determining the fair value of our operating unit and thus we used a \n75\n% weighting on the income approach and a \n25\n% weighting on the market approach when valuing our operating unit. As of our interim valuation date in the prior year, we had $\n67.8\n million of goodwill. Based on the results of the evaluation, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of our entire $\n67.8\n million goodwill balance during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.\n \nOn March 23, 2020, we determined that our business was expected to be negatively impacted by several factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a major online retail customer\u2019s decision to halt or delay most non-essential product orders, COVID-19-related supply chain issues, as well as COVID-19-related \u201cstay at home\u201d orders and sporting goods store closures, which reduced retail foot traffic in many states. Given the extreme market volatility, we relied solely on the income approach to derive the current value of our business. Based on these factors, we expected reduced cash flows in our business, and we believed this constituted a triggering event under generally accepted accounting principles. Based on the results of this evaluation, we recorded a $\n98.9\n million non-cash impairment of goodwill during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.\nOur assumptions related to the development of fair value could deviate materially from actual results and forecasts used to support asset carrying values and may change in the future, which could result in non-cash charges that would adversely affect our results of operations. The re-measurement of goodwill is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment as described in Note 11 - Fair Value Measurement of the consolidated and combined financial statements, due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using company-specific information.\nWe have reviewed the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 350-20, with respect to the criteria necessary to evaluate the number of reporting units that exist. Based on our review of ASC 350-20, we have determined that we have \none\n operating unit.\nWe have significant long-lived assets, which are susceptible to valuation adjustments as a result of changes in various factors or conditions. The most significant long-lived assets are developed technology, customer relationships, patents, trademarks, and trade names. We amortize all finite-lived assets either on a straight-line basis or based upon patterns in which we expect to utilize the economic benefits of such assets. We initially determine the values of assets by a risk-adjusted, discounted cash flow approach. We assess the potential impairment of identifiable assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable and at least annually.\n \nF-\n11\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nWe evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets on an annual basis on February 1 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360, \nProperty, Plant, and Equipment\n. When such evaluations indicate that the related future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying values of the assets, such carrying values are reduced to fair value and this adjusted carrying value becomes the asset\u2019s new cost basis. We determine the initial fair value of our long-lived assets, primarily using future anticipated cash flows that are directly associated with and are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset, or asset group, discounted using an interest rate commensurate with the risk involved. There was no indication of impairment of our long-lived assets in fiscal 2023. Based on the triggering event noted above, we evaluated the recoverability of our long-lived assets on April 30, 2022. Based on the results of this evaluation, on an undiscounted cash flow basis, there was no indications of impairment of our long-lived assets.\nFuture adverse changes in these or other unforeseeable factors could result in an impairment charge that could materially impact future results of operations and financial position in the reporting period identified.\nBusiness Combinations\nWe allocate the purchase price, including any contingent consideration, of our acquisitions to the assets and liabilities acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. The fair values are primarily based on third-party valuations using our own assumptions that require significant judgments and estimates. The purchase price allocated to intangibles is based on unobservable factors, including projected revenues, expenses, customer attrition rates, royalty rates, a weighted average cost of capital, among others. The weighted average cost of capital uses a market participant\u2019s cost of equity and after-tax cost of debt and reflects the risks inherent in the cash flows. The unobservable factors we use are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but are also uncertain and unpredictable. As a result, these estimates and assumptions may require adjustment in the future if actual results differ from our estimates.\nRevenue Recognition\nWe recognize revenue for the sale of our products at the point in time when the control of ownership has transferred to the customer. The transfer of control typically occurs at a point in time based on consideration of when the customer has (i) a payment obligation, (ii) physical possession of goods has been received, (iii) legal title to goods has passed, (iv) risks and rewards of ownership of goods has passed to the customer, and (v) the customer has accepted the goods. The timing of revenue recognition occurs either on shipment or delivery of goods based on contractual terms with the customer. Revenue recorded excludes sales tax charged to retail customers as we are considered a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales taxes.\n \nThe duration of contractual arrangements with customers in our wholesale channels is typically less than one year. Payment terms with customers are typically between \n20\n and \n90\n days, with a discount available in certain cases for early payment. For contracts with discounted terms, we determine the transaction price upon establishment of the contract that contains the final terms of the sale, including the description, quantity, and price of each product purchased. We estimate variable consideration relative to the amount of cash discounts to which customers are likely to be entitled. In some instances, we provide longer payment terms, particularly as it relates to our hunting dating programs, which represent payment terms due in the fall for certain orders of hunting products received in the spring and summer. We do not consider these extended terms to be a significant financing component of the contract because the payment terms are less than one year.\nWe have elected to treat all shipping and handling activities as fulfillment costs and recognize the costs as distribution expenses at the time we recognize the related revenue. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in net sales.\nThe amount of revenue we recognize reflects the expected consideration to be received for providing the goods or services to customers, which includes estimates for variable consideration. Variable consideration includes allowances for trade term discounts, chargebacks, and product returns. Estimates of variable consideration are determined at contract inception and reassessed at each reporting date, at a minimum, to reflect any changes in facts and circumstances. We apply the portfolio approach as a practical expedient and utilize the expected value method in determining estimates of variable consideration, based on evaluations of specific product and customer circumstances, historical and anticipated trends, and current economic conditions. We have co-op advertising program expense, which we record within advertising expense, in recognition of a distinct service that we receive from our customers at the retail level.\nF-\n12\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nDisaggregation of Revenue\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding trade channel net sales for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\ne-commerce channels\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n87,219\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n97,418\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n10,199\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n10.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n108,726\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTraditional channels\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n103,990\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n150,108\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n46,118\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n30.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n167,961\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n191,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n247,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n56,317\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n22.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n276,687\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOur e-commerce channels include net sales from customers that do not traditionally operate a physical brick-and-mortar store, but generate the majority of their revenue from consumer purchases at their retail websites. Our e-commerce channels also include our direct-to-consumer sales. Our traditional channels include customers that operate primarily out of physical brick and mortar stores and generate the large majority of their revenue from consumer purchases at their brick-and-mortar locations.\nWe sell our products worldwide. \nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding geographic makeup of net sales included in the above table for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDomestic net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n182,299\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n234,803\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n52,504\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n22.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n267,573\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,910\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,723\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,813\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n30.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,114\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n191,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n247,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n56,317\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n22.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n276,687\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain information regarding net sales in our shooting sports and outdoor lifestyle categories for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$ Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShooting sports\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n88,885\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n128,180\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n39,295\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n30.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n165,341\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOutdoor lifestyle\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n102,324\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n119,346\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n17,022\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n14.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n111,346\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal net sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n191,209\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n247,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n56,317\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n22.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n276,687\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nOur shooting sports category includes net sales of shooting accessories and our products used for personal protection. Our outdoor lifestyle category includes net sales of our products used in hunting, fishing, camping, rugged outdoor activities, and outdoor cooking.\n \nCost of Goods Sold\nCost of goods sold for our purchased finished goods includes the purchase costs and related overhead. We source most of our purchased finished goods from manufacturers in Asia. Cost of goods sold for our manufactured goods includes all materials, labor, and overhead costs incurred in the production process. Overhead includes all costs related to manufacturing or purchasing finished goods, including costs of planning, purchasing, quality control, depreciation, freight, duties, royalties, and shrinkage.\nResearch and Development\nWe engage in both internal and external research and development, or R&D, in order to remain competitive and to exploit potential untapped market opportunities. We approve prospective R&D projects after analysis of the costs and benefits associated with the potential product. Costs in R&D expense include salaries, materials, utilities, and administrative costs.\n \nAdvertising\nWe expense advertising costs, primarily consisting of digital, printed, or television advertisements, either as incurred or upon the first occurrence of the advertising. Advertising expense, included in selling, marketing, and distribution expenses, totaled $\n11.9\n million, $\n13.3\n million, and $\n14.4\n million in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. We have co-op advertising program expense, which we record within advertising expense, in recognition of a distinct service that we receive from our customers at the retail level.\n \nF-\n13\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nWarranty\nWe generally provide either a limited lifetime, four-year, three-year, two-year, or one-year warranty program to the original purchaser of most of our products. We will also repair or replace certain products or parts found to be defective under normal use and service with an item of equivalent value, at our option, without charge during the warranty period. We provide for estimated warranty obligations in the period in which we recognize the related revenue. We quantify and record an estimate for warranty-related costs based on our actual historical claims experience and current repair costs. We make adjustments to accruals as warranty claims data and historical experience warrant. Should we experience actual claims and repair costs that are higher than the estimated claims and repair costs used to calculate the provision, our operating results for the period or periods in which such returns or additional costs materialize could be adversely impacted.\n \nThe following table sets forth the change in accrued warranties, a portion of which is recorded as a non-current liability, in the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in thousands):\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Beginning balance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n786\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n717\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n336\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarranties issued and adjustments to provisions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,419\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n399\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,083\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarranties assumed in acquisition\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n150\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarranty claims\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,239\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n480\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n702\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0Ending balance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n966\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n786\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n717\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nRent Expense\nWe occasionally enter into non-cancelable operating leases for office space, distribution facilities, and equipment. Our leases for real estate have initial terms ranging from \none\n to \n18 years\n, generally with renewal options. Leases for equipment typically have initial terms ranging from \none\n to \n10 years\n. Most leases have fixed rentals, with many of the real estate leases requiring additional payments for real estate taxes and occupancy-related costs. We record rent expense for leases containing landlord incentives or scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term beginning with the earlier of the lease commencement date or the date we take possession or control of the leased premises. See Note 4 \n\u2013 Leases\n for more information.\n \nSelf-Insurance\nWe record our liability for estimated incurred losses, related to our self-insured group health insurance program, based on historical claim data in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on an undiscounted basis. While we believe these reserves to be adequate, it is possible that the ultimate liabilities will exceed such estimates. See Note 12 - \nSelf-Insurance Reserves\n for more information.\n \n(Loss)/Earnings per Share\nOn August 24, 2020, the date of consummation of the Separation, our former parent distributed \n13,975,104\n shares of our common stock, par value $\n0.001\n per share, to our former parent\u2019s stockholders of record as of August 10, 2020, or the Record Date. We utilize this share amount for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for all periods presented prior to the Separation as all common stock was owned by our former parent prior to the Separation. These shares are treated as issued and outstanding at April 30, 2020 for purposes of calculating historical basic and diluted earnings per share. For periods prior to the Separation, it is assumed that there are \nno\n dilutive equity instruments as we had \nno\n stock-based awards outstanding.\nWe compute diluted earnings per share by giving effect to all potentially dilutive stock awards that are outstanding. For periods subsequent to the Separation, the computation of diluted earnings per share excludes the effect of the potential exercise of stock-based awards when the effect of the potential exercise would be anti-dilutive. There were \nno\n shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. After the Separation, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021 was based on the weighted-average number of actual common shares outstanding assuming the number of shares of AOUT common stock outstanding on August 24, 2020 had been outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021.\n \nF-\n14\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nThe following table provides a reconciliation of the net (loss)/income amounts and weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares used to determine basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per common share (in thousands, except per share data):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPer Share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPer Share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPer Share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLoss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLoss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncome\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic (loss)/earnings\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12,024\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,372\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n0.90\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n64,880\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,930\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4.66\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,405\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,997\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.31\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffect of dilutive stock awards\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n228\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n0.02\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted (loss)/earnings\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12,024\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,372\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n0.90\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n64,880\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,930\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4.66\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,405\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,225\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nStock-Based Compensation\nOur stock-based compensation awards consist of stock options, performance-based restricted stock units, or PSUs, and restricted stock units, or RSUs, all of which are based on our common shares. Compensation costs for all awards expected to vest are recognized over the vesting period, which generally vest annually in \nfour-year\n tranches, and are included in costs of goods sold; research and development; selling, marketing, and distribution; and general and administrative expenses in the consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss). Prior to the Separation, the combined statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss) also include an allocation of our former parent's corporate and shared employee stock-based compensation expenses. See Note 13 \u2013 \nStock-Based Compensation\n for additional information.\nIncome Taxes\nWe account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, \nIncome Taxes \n(ASC 740). The provision for income taxes is based upon income reported in the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements as required by ASC 740-10\n.\n We determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases in assets and liabilities and measure them by applying enacted rates and laws expected to be in place when the deferred items become subject to income tax or deductible for income tax purposes. We recognize the effect on deferred taxes and liabilities of a change in tax rates in the period that includes the enactment date. In assessing the realization of our deferred income tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of our deferred income tax assets depends upon generating future taxable income during the periods in which our temporary differences become deductible and before our net operating loss carryforwards expire. We periodically evaluate the recoverability of our deferred income tax assets by assessing the need for a valuation allowance. If we determine that it is more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be recovered, we establish a valuation allowance against some or all of our deferred income tax assets. Recording a valuation allowance could have a significant effect on our future results of operations and financial position. We determine unrecognized income tax benefits in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which first we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and second for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than \n50\n percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Accrued income taxes in the consolidated and combined balance sheet includes unrecognized income tax benefits along with related interest and penalties, appropriately classified as current or noncurrent. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest income/(expense) and other income/(expense), respectively, in the accompanying consolidated and combined statement of operations. All deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as noncurrent in the consolidated and combined balance sheet.\nWe periodically assess whether it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We establish valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize our deferred income tax assets.\n \nIn making this determination, we consider available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions. We consider, among other things, projected future taxable income, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, our historical financial results, and tax planning strategies. Significant judgment is required in this analysis.\nF-\n15\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nWe determined in the prior fiscal year that is more likely than not that the benefit from the Company\u2019s net deferred tax assets will not be realized and accordingly we established a full valuation allowance recorded as an increase to income tax expense. Our assessment involved estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain, and unanticipated events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ from these estimates.\n \nEstimates may change as new events occur, estimates of future taxable income may increase during the expected reversal period of our deferred tax assets, or additional information becomes available. Should we change our estimate of the amount of deferred tax assets that we would be able to realize, a full or partial reversal of the valuation allowance could occur resulting in a decrease to the provision for income taxes in the period such a change in estimate is made. We will continue to assess the adequacy of the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.\nPrior to the Separation, income taxes were allocated in a manner that is systematic, rational, and consistent with the broad principles of ASC 740. Prior to the Separation, our operations have been included in our former parent federal consolidated tax return, certain foreign tax returns, and certain state tax returns. For the purposes of the financial statements presented on a \u201ccarve-out\u201d basis, our income tax provisions were computed as if we filed separate tax returns (i.e., as if we had not been included in the consolidated income tax return group with our former parent). The separate return method applies ASC 740 to the combined financial statements of each member of a consolidated tax group as if the group member were a separate taxpayer. As a result, actual tax transactions included in the consolidated financial statements of our former parent may not be included in our consolidated and combined financial statements. Also, the tax treatment of certain items reflected in the consolidated and combined financial statements may not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements and tax returns of our former parent. It is conceivable that items such as net operating losses, other deferred taxes, uncertain tax positions, and valuation allowances may exist in the consolidated and combined financial statements that may or may not exist in our former parent\u2019s consolidated financial statements.\nSince our results, prior to the Separation, were included in our former parent consolidated tax returns, payments to certain tax authorities were made by our former parent and not by us. For tax jurisdictions in which we are included with our former parent in a consolidated tax filing, we do not maintain taxes payable to or from our former parent and the payments are deemed to be settled immediately with the legal entities paying the tax in the respective tax jurisdictions through changes in parent company investment.\n \nTax receivables in jurisdictions where we do not file a consolidated tax return with our former parent, such as certain state tax returns, are recorded as income tax receivable.\n \nDeferred income tax assets and liabilities, prior to the Separation, as presented in the combined balance sheet, reflect the net future tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.\n \nConcentration of Credit Risk\nFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and trade receivables. We place our cash and cash equivalents in overnight U.S. government securities. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited by the large number of customers comprising our customer base and their geographic and business dispersion. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers\u2019 financial condition and generally do not require collateral.\n \nFor the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, \none\n of our customers accounted for more than 10% of our net sales, accounting for $\n48.4\n million, or \n25.4\n%, $\n68.7\n million, or \n27.8\n%, and $\n76.3\n million, or \n27.6\n%, of our fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 net sales, respectively.\n \nAs of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, \none\n of our customers exceeded 10% or more of our accounts receivable, accounting for $\n10.4\n million, or \n39.2\n%, and $\n8.8\n million, or \n30.6\n%, of our fiscal 2023 and 2022 accounts receivable, respectively. We are not aware of any issues with respect to relationships with any of our top customers.\nWe source a majority of our purchased finished goods from Asia.\n \nF-\n16\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nShipping and Handling\nIn the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements, we included amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling in net sales. We include costs relating to shipping and handling charges, including inbound freight charges and internal transfer costs, in cost of goods sold; however, costs incurred to distribute products to customers is included in distribution expenses.\nLegal and Other Contingencies\nWe periodically assess liabilities and contingencies in connection with legal proceedings and other claims that may arise from time to time. When we believe it is probable that a loss has been or will be incurred, we record an estimate of the loss in the consolidated and combined financial statements. We adjust estimates of losses when additional information becomes available or circumstances change. We disclose a contingent liability when we believe there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss may have been incurred.\n \nRecently Adopted Accounting Standards\nIn December 2019, FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, or ASU 2019-12, an amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions for intraperiod tax allocations and deferred tax liabilities for equity method investments and adds guidance regarding whether a step-up in tax basis of goodwill relates to a business combination or a separate transaction. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We \nadopted\n ASU 2019-12 on \nMay 1, 2021\n, and the cumulative effect of the adoption was \nno\nt material to our consolidated and combined financial statements and related disclosures.\nIn March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, or ASU 2020-04, to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the contract modifications, hedge relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. ASU 2020-04, which was \neffective\n upon issuance and may be applied through December 31, 2022, is applicable to all contracts and hedging relationships that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or any other reference rate expected to be discontinued. As a result of the amendment to the revolving line of credit agreement, see\n Note 10 - Debt\n, which uses SOFR as an interest rate option instead of LIBOR to calculate the applicable interest rate, the new guidance does \nno\nt have a material impact on our consolidated and combined financial statements and related disclosures.\n \n\n\n3. Acquisitions:\nGrilla Grills Acquisition\nIn fiscal 2022, we acquired substantially all of the assets of the Grilla Grills business of Fahrenheit Technologies, Inc., or FTI, for $\n27\n million, financed using a combination of existing cash balances and cash from a $\n25\n million draw on our revolving line of credit. Grilla is a provider of high-quality, barbecue grills; Wi-Fi-enabled wood pellet grills; smokers; accessories; and modular outdoor kitchens.\n \nWe accounted for the acquisition as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred over the estimated fair value of the net assets received was recorded as goodwill. The factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill primarily relate to acquisition-driven anticipated cost savings and synergies. The assembled workforce is not recognized separate and apart from goodwill as it is neither separable nor contractual in nature. During the year ended April 30, 2022, we increased goodwill by $\n3.5\n million as a result of valuations related to the Grilla Grills acquisition, which was subsequently written off as we recorded a full impairment of our goodwill on April 30, 2022. The goodwill related to the Grilla Grills acquisition is deductible for tax purposes. The valuation of the assets acquired, and liabilities assumed in the Grilla Grills acquisition is complete.\nF-\n17\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nThe following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price for the Grilla Grills acquisition (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGrilla Grills Acquisition\n(as reported)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,956\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty, plant, and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n105\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangibles\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,495\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,534\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets acquired\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28,090\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n894\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued warranty\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n150\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities assumed\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,090\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n27,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nWe recorded $\n646,000\n of acquisition-related costs, including $\n47,000\n of acquisition-related costs incurred in fiscal 2023, which were recorded in general and administrative expenses. Grilla generated $\n15.0\n million and $\n2.6\n million of net sales in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.\nWe determined the fair market value of the intangible assets acquired in accordance with ASC 805 - \nBusiness Combinations\n and ASC 820 - \nFair Value Measurement\n and assigned a fair market value of $\n18.5\n million to tradenames at the acquisition date. We amortize assets in proportion to expected yearly revenue generated from the intangibles that we acquire. The weighted average life of tradenames acquired is \n6.5\n years.\n \nAdditionally, the following table reflects the unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming that the Grilla Grills acquisition had occurred on May 1, 2020 (in thousands, except per share data):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended \nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Year Ended\nApril 30, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n$\n\n\n259,647\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n290,267\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,050\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,959\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income per share - diluted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.58\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nThe unaudited pro forma income from operations for the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021 has been adjusted to reflect increased cost of goods sold from the fair value step-up in inventory, which is expensed over the first inventory cycle, and the amortization of intangibles as if the Grilla Grills acquisition had occurred on May 1, 2020. The unaudited pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the actual results that would have been achieved had the Grilla Grills acquisition occurred as of May 1, 2020, or the results that may be achieved in future periods.\n\n\n4. Leases\nWe lease real estate, as well as other equipment, under non-cancelable operating lease agreements. We recognize expenses under our operating lease assets and liabilities at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease terms. Our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate. We use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease agreements do not require material variable lease payments, residual value guarantees, or restrictive covenants. For operating leases, we recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We record tenant improvement allowances as an offsetting adjustment included in our calculation of the respective right-of-use asset.\nMany of our leases include renewal options that can extend the lease term. These renewal options are at our sole discretion and are reflected in the lease term when they are reasonably certain to be exercised. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term.\nF-\n18\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nThe amounts of assets and liabilities related to our operating leases as of April 30, 2023 are as follows (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating Leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of-use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n26,999\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n27,475\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,801\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,591\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of-use assets, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n24,198\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n23,884\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLease liabilities, current portion\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n904\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,803\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLease liabilities, net of current portion\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,064\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,076\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n24,968\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n24,879\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, we recorded $\n4.0\n million of operating lease costs, of which $\n132,000\n related to short-term leases. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, we recorded $\n3.9\n million of operating lease costs, of which $\n218,000\n related to short-term leases. As of April 30, 2023, our weighted average lease term and weighted average discount rate for our operating leases was \n15.6\n years and \n5.4\n%, respectively. The operating lease costs, weighted average lease term, and weighted average discount rate are primarily driven by the sublease of our corporate office and warehouse facility in Columbia, Missouri through fiscal 2039. The depreciable lives of right-of-use assets are limited by the lease term and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.\nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, we amended the existing operating lease for our corporate office and warehouse facility in Columbia, Missouri to expand our usable square footage in our warehouse. The term of the lease remains unchanged, through fiscal 2039. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, we recorded a right-of-use asset and lease liability of $\n1.9\n million.\n\u00a0\nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, an operating lease for warehouse and office space in Wilsonville, Oregon expired.\n \nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, we entered into an Assignment and Assumption of Lease Agreement (the \"Assignment Agreement\") with our former parent company and RCS - S&W Facility, LLC to obtain the rights of lease to the entire facility in Columbia, Missouri, subject to certain conditions. For more information, refer to Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies.\n\u00a0\nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, an operating lease for a separate location in Columbia, Missouri expired.\n \nFuture lease payments for all our operating leases as of April 30, 2023, and for succeeding fiscal years, are as follows (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,251\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,241\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,178\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,207\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,238\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26,426\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal future lease payments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37,541\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess amounts representing interest\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12,573\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPresent value of lease payments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,968\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess current maturities of lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n904\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term maturities of lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n24,064\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nF-\n19\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, the cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the liabilities and the operating cash flows was $\n1.9\n million. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, the cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the liabilities and the operating cash flows was $\n1.8\n million.\n\n\n5. Inventory\nThe following table sets forth a summary of inventories stated at lower of cost or net realizable value, as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinished goods\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n90,906\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n110,650\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinished parts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,818\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,353\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWork in process\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n66\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n194\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRaw material\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,944\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,486\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal inventories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n99,734\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n121,683\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nCertain of our suppliers in Asia require deposits to procure our inventory products prior to beginning the manufacturing process. These deposits on our inventory varies by supplier and range from \n30\n% to \n100\n%. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, we have recorded $\n4.3\n million and $\n3.9\n million, respectively, in prepaid expenses and other current assets on our consolidated balance sheet.\n \n\n\n6. Property, Plant, and Equipment\nThe following table summarizes property, plant, and equipment as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMachinery and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,678\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,664\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nComputer and other equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,865\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,095\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeasehold improvements\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n316\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,364\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,859\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22,123\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess: Accumulated depreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n11,229\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12,635\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,630\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,488\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nConstruction in progress\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n858\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,133\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal property, plant, and equipment, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,488\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,621\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nDepreciation expense for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $\n2.7\n milli\non, $\n2.3\n million, \nand $\n3.0\n million, respectively.\n \nThe following table summarizes depreciation and amortization expense, which includes amortization of intangibles, by line item for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,429\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,299\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,016\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n415\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n203\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, marketing, and distribution\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n362\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n510\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n114\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,305\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,955\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,653\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal depreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,511\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,967\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,826\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nGeneral and administrative expenses included $\n13.6\n million,\n $\n14.4\n million, a\nnd $\n16.8\n million of amortization for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, which were recorded as a result of our acquisitions.\n\n\nF-\n20\n\n\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7. Intangible Assets\nThe following table summarizes intangible assets as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGross\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGross\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCarrying\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccumulated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet Carrying\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCarrying\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccumulated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet Carrying\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer relationships\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n89,980\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n74,035\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15,945\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n89,980\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n67,955\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n22,025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloped software and technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n21,978\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,044\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,812\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n19,395\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,417\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPatents, trademarks, and trade names\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n68,943\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n44,042\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,901\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n68,663\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n39,030\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,633\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n189,945\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n140,055\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49,890\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184,455\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n126,380\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n58,075\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPatents and software in development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,701\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,701\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,689\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,689\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal definite-lived intangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n191,646\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n140,055\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51,591\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n189,144\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n126,380\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62,764\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndefinite-lived intangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n430\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n430\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n430\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n430\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal intangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n192,076\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n140,055\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n52,021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n189,574\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n126,380\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n63,194\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nWe amortize intangible assets with determinable lives over a weighted-average period of approximately \nfive years\n. The weighted-average periods of amortization by intangible asset class is approximately \nfive years\n for customer relationships, \nsix years\n for developed software and technology, and \nsix years\n for patents, trademarks, and trade names. Amortization expense amounted to $\n13.7\n million,\n $\n14.5\n million, a\nnd $\n16.8\n million for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n \nThe following table represents future expected amortization expense as of April 30, 2023 (in thousands):\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13,614\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,312\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,097\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,753\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,463\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,651\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n49,890\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nWe did \nno\nt record any impairment charges for long-lived intangible assets in the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, excluding the goodwill adjustments noted below.\n\n\n8. Goodwill\nChanges in goodwill are summarized as follows (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\nGoodwill\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 30, 2021\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n64,315\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjustments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisitions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,534\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill impairment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n67,849\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjustments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance as of April 30, 2023\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nAs of April 30, 2023, we have accumulated $\n177.2\n million of goodwill impairment charges since fiscal 2015 which includes all of our accumulated goodwill to date. Refer to Note 2 \u2013 \nSummary of Significant Accounting Policies\n for more details relating to these impairments.\n \n\n\nF-\n21\n\n\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9. Accrued Expenses\nThe following table sets forth other accrued expenses as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued sales allowances\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,453\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,392\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued freight\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,962\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,253\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued professional fees\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,106\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n951\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued commissions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,072\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,175\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued warranty\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n966\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n786\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued employee benefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n568\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n312\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued taxes other than income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n346\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n718\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued other\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n268\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n266\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal accrued expenses\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,741\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,853\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10. Debt\nOn August 24, 2020, we entered into a financing arrangement consisting of a $\n50.0\n million revolving line of credit secured by substantially all our assets, maturing \nfive years\n from the closing date, with available borrowings determined by a borrowing base calculation. The revolving line included an option to increase the credit commitment by an additional $\n15\n million. The revolving line bore interest at a fluctuating rate equal to the Base Rate or LIBOR, as applicable, plus the applicable margin.\nOn March 25, 2022, we amended our secured loan and security agreement, or the Amended Loan and Security Agreement, increasing the revolving line of credit to $\n75\n million, secured by substantially all our assets, maturing in \nMarch 2027\n, with available borrowings determined by a borrowing base calculation. \nThe amendment also includes an option to increase the credit commitment by an additional $\n15\n million. The amended revolving line bears interest at a fluctuating rate equal to the Base Rate or Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, as applicable, plus the applicable margin.\n The applicable margin can range from a minimum of \n0.25\n% to a maximum of \n1.75\n% based on certain conditions as defined in the Amended Loan and Security Agreement. The financing arrangement contains covenants relating to minimum debt service coverage.\nAs of April 30, 2023, we had $\n5.0\n million of borrowings outstanding on the revolving line of credit, which bore interest at \n6.05\n%, equal to SOFR plus the applicable margin. The proceeds from the borrowings on our revolving line of credit were used to purchase the Grilla Grills branded products from FTI in fiscal 2022.\n \nIn fiscal 2023, we executed an irrevocable standby letter of credit for $\n1.7\n million to collateralize duty drawback bonds. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, \nno\n amounts have been drawn on the letter of credit.\n \n\n\n11. Fair Value Measurement\nWe follow the provisions of ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic, or ASC 820-10, for our financial assets and liabilities. ASC 820-10 provides a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820-10 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.\nFinancial assets and liabilities recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:\nLevel 1 \u2014 \nFinancial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that we have the ability to access at the measurement date (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities, listed derivatives, and most U.S. Government and agency securities).\nOur cash and cash equivalents, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, totaled $\n22.0\n million as of April 30, 2023 and $\n19.5\n million as of April 30, 2022. Cash and cash equivalents are reported at fair value based on market prices for identical assets in active markets, and therefore classified as Level 1 of the value hierarchy.\nF-\n22\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nLevel 2\n \u2014 Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets in which trading occurs infrequently or whose values are based on quoted prices of instruments with similar attributes in active markets. Level 2 inputs include the following:\n\u2022\nquoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (such as corporate and municipal bonds which trade infrequently);\n\u2022\ninputs other than quoted prices that are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (such as interest rate and currency swaps); and\n\u2022\ninputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (such as certain securities and derivatives).\nThe carrying value of our revolving line of credit approximated the fair value, as of April 30, 2023, in considering Level 2 inputs within the hierarchy.\n \nLevel 3\n \u2014 Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect our assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.\n \nWe currently do \nno\nt have any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities as of April 30, 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12. Self-Insurance Reserves\nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, we transitioned to a self-insured group health insurance program. Prior to this transition, we had fully guaranteed cost group health insurance programs. We are now self-insured through retentions or deductibles with stop-loss insurance for medical claims that reach a certain limit per claim. We record our liability for estimated incurred losses based on historical claim data in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on an undiscounted basis. While we believe these reserves to be adequate, it is possible that the ultimate liabilities will exceed such estimates.\n \nThe following table summarizes the activity related to self-insurance reserves in the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the years ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeginning balance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditional provisions charged to expense\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,094\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPayments\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,727\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnding balance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n396\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13. Equity\nTreasury Stock\nOn December 6, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $\n15.0\n million of our common stock, subject to certain conditions, in the open market, or block purchases, executable through \nDecember 2023\n. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, we completed this stock repurchase program by purchasing \n836,964\n shares of our common stock, in the open market, for a total of $\n15.0\n million under this authorization, utilizing cash on hand. We have recorded the shares we purchased, at cost, as a reduction of stockholders\u2019 equity on the consolidated balance sheet.\n \nOn September 30, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $\n10.0\n million of our common stock, subject to certain conditions, in the open market, in block purchases, or in privately negotiated transactions, executable through \nSeptember 29, 2023\n. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, under this authorization, we repurchased \n377,034\n shares of our common stock, in the open market, for $\n3.5\n million utilizing cash on hand.\nF-\n23\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nIncentive Stock and Employee Stock Purchase Plans\n \nPrior to the Separation, our employees participated in \ntwo\n of our former parent\u2019s sponsored incentive stock plans. All grants made prior to the Separation covering all participants were issued under those plans.\nCertain of our employees have participated in our former parent\u2019s 2013 Incentive Stock Plan. The following disclosures of stock-based compensation expense recognized by us, prior to the Separation, are based on grants related directly to our employees and an allocation of our former parent\u2019s corporate and shared employee stock-based compensation expenses. Accordingly, the amounts presented are not necessarily indicative of future awards and do not necessarily reflect the results that we would have experienced as an independent company for the periods presented.\nIn connection with the Separation, outstanding and vested awards granted to employees under our former parent\u2019s incentive stock plans were converted into our stock-based awards. Unvested awards held by our employees were converted into our stock-based awards. The ratio used to convert our former parent incentive plan awards was intended to preserve the aggregate intrinsic value of each award immediately after the Separation when compared to the aggregate intrinsic value immediately prior to the Separation. All performance-based restricted share units, or PSUs, outstanding on the Distribution Date were converted to PSUs using payout metrics based on a combination of actual performance through the Distribution Date and the target for the remainder of the performance period. Due to the conversion, we expect to incur $\n711,000\n of incremental stock-based compensation expense for our employees to be recognized over the awards' remaining vesting period. As of April 30, 2023, the remaining vesting period was \n0.57\n years.\nPost-Separation, we have a stock incentive plan, or 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan, under which we can grant new awards to our employees and directors. Our 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan authorizes the issuance of awards covering up to \n1,397,510\n shares of our common stock. The plan permits the grant of options to acquire common stock, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, or RSUs, stock appreciation rights, bonus stock and awards in lieu of obligations, performance awards, and dividend equivalents. Our Board of Directors, or a committee established by our Board of Directors, administers the plan, selects recipients to whom awards are granted, and determines the grants to be awarded. Stock options granted under the plan are exercisable at a price determined by our Board of Directors or a committee thereof at the time of grant, but in no event, less than fair market value of our common stock on the date granted. Grants of options may be made to employees and directors without regard to any performance measures. All options issued pursuant to the plan are generally nontransferable and subject to forfeiture.\nUnless terminated earlier by our Board of Directors, our 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan will terminate at the earliest of (1) the tenth anniversary of the effective date of our 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan, or (2) such time as \nno\n shares of common stock remain available for issuance under the plan and we have no further rights or obligations with respect to outstanding awards under the plan. The date of grant of an award is deemed to be the date upon which our Board of Directors or a committee thereof authorizes the granting of such award.\nExcept in specific circumstances, grants generally vest over a period of \nthree\n or \nfour years\n and grants of stock options are exercisable for a period of \n10 years\n. Our 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan also permits the grant of awards to non-employees.\nWe recognized $\n4.1\n million and $\n2.8\n million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022.\n \nWe recognized $\n2.9\n million of stock-based compensation expense for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021. Of the total stock-based compensation we recognized for the period prior to the Separation, for the year ended April 30, 2021, $\n224,000\n related to allocations of our former parent\u2019s corporate and shared employee stock-based compensation expense.\n \nWe include stock-based compensation expense in the cost of sales, sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses.\nWe grant RSUs to employees and directors. The awards are made at no cost to the recipient. An RSU represents the right to receive one share of our common stock and does not carry voting or dividend rights.\n Except in specific circumstances, \nRSU grants to employees generally vest over a period of \nfour years\n with one-fourth of the units vesting on each anniversary of the grant date.\n We amortize the aggregate fair value of our RSU grants to compensation expense over the vesting period. Awards that do not vest are forfeited.\nF-\n24\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nWe grant performance stock units, or PSUs, to our executive officers and certain other employees from time to time. At the time of grant, we calculate the fair value of our PSUs using the Monte-Carlo simulation. \nWe incorporate the following variables into the valuation model:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the years ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrant date fair market value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican Outdoor Brands, Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n12.70\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n26.44\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRussell 2000 Index\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,882.91\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,277.45\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVolatility (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican Outdoor Brands, Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49.04\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47.78\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRussell 2000 Index\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.75\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.69\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorrelation coefficient (b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.46\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisk-free interest rate (c)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.91\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.33\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividend yield (d)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nExpected volatility is calculated based on a peer group over the most recent period that represents the remaining term of the performance period as of the valuation date, or \nthree year\ns.\n \n(b)\nThe correlation coefficient utilizes the same historical price data used to develop the volatility assumptions.\n \n(c)\nThe risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bill, commensurate with the \nthree-year\n performance period.\n \n(d)\nWe do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.\n \nThe PSUs vest, and the fair value of such PSUs will be recognized, over the corresponding \nthree-year\n performance period. Our PSUs have a maximum aggregate award equal to \n200\n% of the target unit amount granted. Generally, the number of PSUs that may be earned depends upon the total stockholder return, or TSR, of our common stock compared with the TSR of the Russell 2000 Index, or the RUT, over the three-year performance period. For PSUs, our stock must outperform the RUT by \n5\n% in order for the target award to vest. In addition, there is a cap on the number of shares that can be earned under our PSUs, which is equal to six times the grant-date value of each award.\nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, we granted an aggregate of \n311,676\n service based RSUs, including \n52,277\n RSUs to executive officers and \n259,399\n RSUs to non-executive officer employees and directors under our 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan. We granted an aggregate of \n52,277\n PSUs to our executive officers during fiscal 2023. In addition, in connection with a 2019 grant, we vested \n7,200\n PSUs (i.e., the target amount granted), which achieved \n200\n% of the maximum aggregate award possible, resulting in awards totaling \n14,400\n shares to certain of our executive officers and employees of our former parent that were granted as part of the Separation. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, we cancelled \n14,390\n RSUs as a result of the service condition not being met. In connection with the vesting RSUs, during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, we delivered common stock to our employees, including executive officers and directors, with a total market value of $\n1.5\n million.\nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, we granted an aggregate of \n77,251\n service based RSUs, including \n28,948\n RSUs to executive officers and \n48,303\n RSUs to non-executive officer employees and directors under our 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan. We granted an aggregate of \n26,809\n PSUs to our executive officers during fiscal 2022. In addition, in connection with a 2018 grant, we vested \n10,800\n PSUs (i.e., the target amount granted), which achieved \n200\n% of the maximum aggregate award possible, resulting in awards totaling \n21,600\n shares to certain of our executive officers and employees of our former parent that were granted as part of the Separation. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, we cancelled \n40,929\n RSUs, and \n24,565\n PSUs, as a result of the service condition not being met. In connection with the vesting RSUs, during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, we delivered common stock to our employees, including executive officers and directors, with a total market value of $\n3.3\n million.\nDuring the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021, we granted an aggregate of \n166,319\n service based RSUs to executive officers, non-executive officer employees, and directors, and \n78,045\n PSUs to certain executive officers and employees under our 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021, we cancelled \n2,994\n service based RSUs as a result of the service condition not being met. In connection with the vesting of RSUs, during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021, we delivered common stock to employees and directors under our 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan with a total market value of $\n891,000\n.\nF-\n25\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nA summary of activity for unvested RSUs and PSUs under our 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal # of\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal # of\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRestricted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGrant Date\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRestricted\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGrant Date\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStock Units\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStock Units\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRSUs and PSUs outstanding, beginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n349,774\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15.93\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n427,519\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11.67\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAwarded\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n371,153\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.68\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n114,860\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26.92\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVested\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n145,958\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.62\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n127,111\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.57\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForfeited\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14,390\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n65,494\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.86\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRSUs and PSUs outstanding, end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n560,579\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13.36\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n349,774\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15.93\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nAs of April 30, 2023, there was $\n2.3\n million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs and PSUs. We expect to recognize this expense over a weighted average remaining contractual term of \n1.1\n years.\n \nWe have an employee stock purchase plan, or ESPP, which authorizes the sale of up to \n419,253\n shares of our common stock to employees. All options and rights to participate in our ESPP are nontransferable and subject to forfeiture in accordance with our ESPP guidelines. Our current ESPP will be implemented in a series of successive offering periods, each with a maximum duration of \n12\n months. If the fair market value per share of our common stock on any purchase date is less than the fair market value per share on the start date of a 12-month offering period, then that offering period will automatically terminate, and a new 12-month offering period will begin on the next business day. Each offering period will begin on April 1 or October 1, as applicable, immediately following the end of the previous offering period. Payroll deductions will be on an after-tax basis, in an amount of not less than \n1\n% and not more than \n20\n% (or such greater percentage as the committee appointed to administer our ESPP may establish from time to time before the first day of an offering period) of a participant\u2019s compensation on each payroll date. The option exercise price per share will equal \n85\n% of the lower of the fair market value on the first day of the offering period or the fair market value on the exercise date. The maximum number of shares that a participant may purchase during any purchase period is the greater of \n2,500\n shares, or a total of $\n25,000\n in shares, based on the fair market value on the first day of the offering period. Our ESPP will remain in effect until the earliest of (a) the exercise date that participants become entitled to purchase a number of shares greater than the number of reserved shares available for purchase under our ESPP, (b) such date as is determined by our Board of Directors in its discretion, or (c) the tenth anniversary of the effective date. In the event of certain corporate transactions, each option outstanding under our ESPP will be assumed or an equivalent option will be substituted by the successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation. During fiscal years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, \n89,860\n shares and \n76,098\n shares, respectively, were purchased by our employees under our ESPP.\n \nWe measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We amortize the fair value of the award over the vesting period of the option. Under the ESPP, fair value is determined at the beginning of the purchase period and amortized over the term of each exercise period.\n \nThe following assumptions were used in valuing ESPP purchases under our ESPP during the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the years ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisk-free interest rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.97\n% - \n4.01\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.05\n% - \n0.09\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected term\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6 months\n\u00a0- \n12 months\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\u00a0months - \n12\n\u00a0months\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected volatility\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51.9\n% - \n58.4\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54.7\n% - \n56.7\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividend yield\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nWe estimate expected volatility using historical volatility for the expected term. The fair value of each stock option or ESPP purchase was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model (using the risk-free interest rate, expected term, expected volatility, and dividend yield variables, as noted in the above table).\n \n\n\nF-\n26\n\n\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \n\n\nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14. Employer Sponsored Benefit Plans\nContributory Defined Investment Plan\n \u2014 Our employees participate in a contributory defined investment plan, subject to service requirements. Under the terms of the plan, employees may contribute from \n1\n% to \n30\n% of their annual pay and we generally make discretionary matching contributions of up to \n50\n% of the first \n6\n% of employee contributions to the plan. We contributed $\n500,000\n, $\n592,000\n, and $\n461,000\n for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n \nNon-Contributory Profit-Sharing Plan\n \u2014 Our employees participate in our non-contributory profit-sharing plan upon meeting certain eligibility requirements. \nEmployees become eligible on May 1 following the completion of a full fiscal year of continuous service.\n Our contributions to the plan are discretionary. We did \nno\nt contribute to the plan for the fiscal year 2023. For fiscal years 2022 and 2021, we contributed $\n984,000\n and $\n1.9\n million, respectively, which has been recorded in general and administrative costs. Contributions are funded after the fiscal year-end.\n \n\n\n15. Income Taxes\n \nPrior to the Separation, income taxes were calculated as if we file income tax returns on a standalone basis. Our U.S. operations and certain of our non-U.S. operations historically have been included in the tax returns of our former parent or its subsidiaries. We believe the assumptions supporting our allocation and presentation of income taxes on a separate return basis were reasonable.\n \nIncome tax expense/(benefit) from operations consists of the following (in thousands):\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFederal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n126\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,356\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,356\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n123\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n302\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,085\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n249\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,661\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,445\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred federal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,958\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,222\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred state\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n725\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n336\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal deferred\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,683\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,558\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal income tax expense/(benefit)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n249\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,887\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe following table presents a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes from operations at statutory rates to the provision (benefit) in the consolidated and combined financial statements (in thousands):\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor the Years Ended April 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFederal income taxes expected at the statutory rate (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,577\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n11,663\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,101\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState income taxes, less federal income tax benefit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n303\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n633\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n586\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n96\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n276\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n83\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development tax credit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n200\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n291\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n288\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill impairment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,633\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChange in deferred tax valuation allowance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,600\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,200\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n241\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n135\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n374\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n330\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal income tax expense/(benefit)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n249\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,887\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nWe had a federal statutory rate of \n21\n% in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021.\nF-\n27\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nDeferred tax assets (liabilities) related to temporary differences are the following (in thousands):\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-current tax assets (liabilities):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,574\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,594\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued expenses, including compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,446\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,805\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct liability\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWorkers' compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarranty reserve\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n147\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,172\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n801\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState bonus depreciation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n150\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n98\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty, plant, and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,577\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,949\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,877\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,817\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of Use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5,640\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5,570\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of Use lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,820\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,803\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapitalized R&D\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,340\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n15\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n141\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoss and credit carryforwards\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,636\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess valuation allowance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n17,041\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n14,441\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet deferred tax asset/(liability) \u2014 total\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, federal and state net operating loss, or NOL, carryforwards were $\n6.2\n million and $\n2.9\n million, respectively, and $\n200,000\n of federal research & development tax credits. The tax-effected deferred tax assets recorded for federal and state NOL carryforwards were $\n1.3\n million and $\n139,000\n, respectively. Under legislation enacted in 2017, informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or Tax Act, federal NOLs incurred in taxable years ending after December 31, 2017, may be carried forward indefinitely. The federal research and development credits of $\n200,000\n, which, if unused, will expire after \nApril 30, 2043\n. State NOL carryforwards of $\n2.3\n million, which, if unused, will expire in years \nApril 30, 2033\n through \nApril 30, 2043\n. The remaining $\n605,000\n of the state NOL carryforwards may also be carried forward indefinitely.\nThere were \nno\n federal or state net operating loss carryforwards or credits as of April 30, 2022.\nAs of April 30, 2023, we continued to maintain a full valuation allowance of $\n17.0\n million against our net deferred income tax assets based on management's assessment that it was more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be recovered. We will continue to evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets until there is sufficient positive evidence to support the reversal of all or some portion of these allowances. As of April 30, 2022, we had established a full valuation allowance of $\n14.4\n million against our net deferred income tax assets based on management's assessment that it was more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be recovered.\nThe income tax provisions (benefit) represent effective tax rates of \n2.0\n%, (\n16.8\n%) and \n24.2\n% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectivel\ny. Excluding the impact of the non-cash goodwill impairment charges, and establishing the full valuation allowance against our deferred taxes, our effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022 was \n19.6\n%.\n \nU.S. income taxes have not been provided on $\n302,000\n of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiary since it is our intention to permanently reinvest such earnings offshore. If the earnings were distributed in the form of dividends, we would not be subject to U.S. tax as a result of the Tax Act but could be subject to foreign income and withholding taxes. Determination of the amount of this unrecognized deferred income tax liability is not practical.\nAs of April 30, 2023 and 2022, we did \nno\nt have any gross tax-effected unrecognized tax benefits.\n \nF-\n28\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nWith limited exception, we are subject to U.S. federal, state, and local, or non-U.S. income tax audits by tax authorities for fiscal years subsequent to April 30, 2019. On March 7, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (\u201cIRS\u201d) initiated an examination of our Federal income tax return filed for the tax period ended April 30, 2021. We have evaluated our income tax positions using the more-likely-than-not threshold in order to determine the amount of tax benefits to be recognized in our consolidated financial statements. We do not anticipate any significant changes to the net amount of Federal income tax for the period under audit, accordingly we have not recorded any related income tax impacts at this time. However, if audit proceedings with the IRS cause us to believe that any our previously recognized tax positions no longer meet the more-likely-than-not threshold, the related benefit amount would be derecognized in the first financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met.\n\n\n16. Commitments and Contingencies\n \nLitigation\n \nFrom time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings, including those relating to product liability, intellectual property, commercial relationships, employment issues, and governmental matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business.\nFor the fiscal years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we did not incur any material expenses in defense and administrative costs relative to product liability litigation. In addition, we did not incur any settlement fees related to product liability cases in those fiscal years.\n \nContracts\n \nEmployment Agreements \n\u2014 We have employment, severance, and change of control agreements with certain officers and managers.\n \nOther Agreements\n \u2014 We have distribution agreements with various third parties in the ordinary course of business.\n \nLeases\n \nThe following summarizes our operating leases for office and/or manufacturing space:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocation of Lease\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExpiration Date\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHolland, Michigan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJuly 31, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShenzhen, China\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 31, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoenix, Arizona\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30, 2024\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChicopee, Massachusetts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 31, 2025\n\n\n\n\n\n\nColumbia, Missouri\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDecember 31, 2038\n\n\n\n\nAssignment and Assumption Agreement\nOn January 31, 2023, we entered an Assignment Agreement with our former parent company and RCS \u2013 S&W Facility, LLC to assign to us the rights of the tenant under the Lease Agreement, dated October 26, 2017, as amended by the First Amendment of Lease Agreement, dated October 25, 2018, and as further amended by the Second Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated January 31, 2019 (collectively, the \u201cLease\u201d), which assignment will be effective on January 1, 2024, subject to certain conditions.\nF-\n29\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nThe Lease covers approximately \n632,000\n square feet of building and surrounding property located at 1800 North Route Z, Columbia, Boone County, Missouri, or the Building where we currently sublease approximately \n361,000\n square feet from our former parent company, or the Sublease. If the conditions precedent set forth in the Assignment Agreement are satisfied, then effective on January 1, 2024, we will no longer be subject to the provisions and terms of the Sublease, but instead we will have use of the entire Building under the Lease. The Lease provides the tenant with an option to expand the Building by up to \n491,000\n additional square feet. The Lease term ends on \nNovember 26, 2038\n and, pursuant to the Assignment Agreement, \ndoes not provide for an extension of the term of the Lease\n. Upon the effectiveness of the Lease assignment, the total annual expense under the Lease, including base rent, is estimated at $\n3.7\n million, which represents an incremental $\n1.3\n million above our annual expense under the Sublease, which we expect will be entirely offset by savings from recent facility consolidations and efficiencies gained in our distribution processes. We expect an increase of $\n12.8\n million will be recorded as a right-of-use asset on our consolidated balance sheet, when effective. We also expect to receive tax and other incentives from federal, state, and local governmental authorities previously received by our former parent. Our former parent will guarantee the Lease through the end of the term.\nGain Contingency\nIn 2018, the United States imposed additional section 301 tariffs of up to \n25\n%, on certain goods imported from China. These additional section 301 tariffs apply to our sourced products from China and have added additional cost to us. We are utilizing the duty drawback mechanism to offset some of the direct impact of these tariffs, specifically on goods that we sold internationally. We are accounting for duty drawbacks as a gain contingency and may record any such gain from a reimbursement in future periods if and when the contingency is resolved.\n\n\n17. Segment Reporting\nWe have evaluated our operations under ASC 280-10-50-1 \u2013 Segment Reporting and have concluded that we are operating as \none\n segment based on several key factors, including the reporting and review process used by the chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, who reviews only consolidated financial information and makes decisions to allocate resources based on those financial statements. We analyze revenue streams in various ways, including customer group, brands, product categories, and customer channels. However, this information does not include a full set of discrete financial information. In addition, although we currently sell our products under \n21\n distinct brands that are organized into \nfour\n brand lanes and include specific product sales that have identified revenue streams, these brand lanes are focused almost entirely on product development and marketing activities and do not qualify as separate reporting units under ASC 280-10-50-1. Other sales and customer focused activities, operating activities, and administrative activities are not divided by brand lane and, therefore, expenses related to each brand lane are not accumulated or reviewed individually. Our business is evaluated based upon a number of financial and operating measures, including sales, gross profit and gross margin, operating expenses, and operating margin.\nOur business includes our outdoor products and accessories products as well as our electro-optics products, which we develop, source, market, assemble, and distribute from our facility in Columbia, Missouri facility. We report operating costs based on the activities performed.\n\n\n18. Related Party Transactions\n \nPrior to the Separation, the combined financial statements were prepared on a standalone basis and were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of our former parent. The following discussion summarizes activity between us and the former parent prior to the Separation on August 24, 2020 (and its affiliates that are not part of the Separation).\nAllocation of General Corporate Expenses\nPrior to the Separation, the combined statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss) included expenses for certain centralized functions and other programs provided and administered by our former parent that were charged directly to us. In addition, for purposes of preparing these combined financial statements on a carve-out basis, we have allocated a portion of the former parent's total corporate and selling, marketing, and distribution expenses to us. See Note 1 \u2013 \nBackground, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation\n for a discussion of the methodology used to allocate corporate-related costs and selling, marketing, and distribution expenses for purposes of preparing these financial statements on a carve-out basis.\nF-\n30\n\n\nAMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES\n \nNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS \u2014 (Continued)\n\u00a0\nRelated Party Sales\n \nFor the period prior to the Separation in fiscal year 2021, our sales to our former parent totaled $\n2.4\n million during, which are included in net sales in the combined statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss).\n \nNet Transfers To and From our former parent\nPrior to the Separation, our former parent utilized a centralized approach to cash management and financing its operations. Disbursements were made through centralized accounts payable systems, which were operated by our former parent. Cash receipts were transferred to centralized accounts, which were also maintained by our former parent. As cash was received and disbursed by our former parent, it was accounted for by us through the former parent company investment. Certain related party transactions between us and our former parent have been included within the former parent company investment in the combined balance sheets in the historical periods presented. All notes to and from our former parent were settled in connection with the Separation. The interest income and expense related to the activity with our former parent, which was historically included in our results prior to the Separation, is presented on a net basis in the combined statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss). Interest income on the activity with our former parent was $\n424,000\n during the first four months of our fiscal year 2021, prior to the Separation. The total effect of the settlement of these related party transactions is reflected as a financing activity in the consolidated and combined statements of cash flows.\n \n\n\nF-\n31\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n",
+ "cik": "1808997",
+ "cusip6": "02875D",
+ "cusip": ["02875D109", "02875D909", "02875D959"],
+ "names": ["AMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1808997/000095017023030394/0000950170-23-030394-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032298.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032298.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ad4271edb8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032298.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. B\nusiness.\n\n\nOverview\n\n\nWe are a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecule protease inhibitors for diseases with significant unmet need. We apply our insights into the chemistry and biology of proteases to develop orally delivered therapeutics with high selectivity, potency and bioavailability that we believe will make them successful treatments for diseases. We have used these capabilities to develop novel, small molecule plasma kallikrein inhibitors targeting the disease hereditary angioedema (\u201cHAE\u201d). We also are conducting preclinical development on a novel, oral Factor XIIa (\u201cFactor XIIa\u201d) inhibitor program, which we are initially advancing to provide a next generation of HAE therapeutics and which also offers the opportunity for expansion into other high unmet need indications in the future.\n\n\nHAE is a rare and potentially life-threatening, genetically-driven disease that features episodes of debilitating and often painful swelling in the skin, gastrointestinal tract or airways. Although multiple therapies have been approved for the disease, we believe people living with HAE are in need of alternatives that better meet their objectives for quality of life and ease of disease control. Other than one oral therapy approved for prophylaxis, currently marketed therapies are all administered by injection, which patients find challenging despite their efficacy because they are painful, time consuming to prepare and administer, and difficult to transfer and store. As a result, many attacks are treated too late to prevent significant symptoms, and a large percentage aren\u2019t treated at all, leading to needless suffering. We anticipate that there will be strong interest in safe and effective, orally delivered treatments, and our strategy is to develop oral drug candidates for both on-demand and prophylactic use with the goal of providing patients with a complete set of oral options to treat their disease.\n\n\nOur belief that our therapies could fundamentally transform the manner in which HAE is managed is based upon extensive and continuing research we conduct with patients, physicians and payers. Recently we have conducted research to further understand the process that people living with HAE follow when determining what therapy to use, how they treat their attacks and how often they do so. In our research, which we refer to as the HAE Attack Journey, we have discovered that people living with HAE carry their on-demand treatment only approximately 33% of the time and, for this reason and others, treat only about 50% of attacks. When patients do treat, we believe they tend to delay that treatment excessively for reasons including not having their treatment with them, injection-associated pain, and lack of a private area for treatment. As a result, our data indicate that a significant majority of patients experience attacks that are more severe and last longer than if they treated earlier. Patient surveys have indicated to us, in contrast, that if provided with an oral on-demand therapy, they would expect to carry it 95% of the time, would expect to treat 94% of attacks, and 93% of patients would expect to treat their attacks earlier. This is the reason we believe that an oral on-demand therapy could represent such a significant advance.\n\n\nWe have advanced our candidate sebetralstat into Phase 3 clinical development as a potential oral, on-demand therapy for HAE attacks. In February 2021 we announced data from a Phase 2 efficacy trial in which sebetralstat demonstrated statistically and clinically significant responses across all primary and secondary endpoints. Based upon these data, we completed an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the United States (\u201cU.S.\u201d) Food and Drug Administration (\u201cFDA\u201d) in the fall of 2021 and initiated the Phase 3 KONFIDENT clinical trial in early 2022 that is intended to support submission of a New Drug Application (\u201cNDA\u201d). KONFIDENT is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, event-driven crossover trial in which approximately 84 patients will treat a total of three attacks: one each with 300 mg sebetralstat, 600 mg sebetralstat, and placebo, given in a randomized sequence. The study includes both adults and adolescents ages 12 and up, and allows patients to be on approved prophylactic regimens as well as on-demand only. All attack locations are eligible for treatment, including laryngeal attacks. The primary endpoint of the study is time to beginning of symptom relief assessed using the PGI-C scale. KONFIDENT is being conducted in approximately 60 sites in 20 countries. In July 2023, we announced that we reached our enrollment target of 114 patients in the study and as a result we expect data from KONFIDENT in the fourth quarter of 2023. If the trial is successful, we anticipate submitting an NDA to the FDA in the first half of 2024.\n \n\n\nIn August 2022, we initiated KONFIDENT-S, a two-year open-label extension trial assessing the long-term safety and tolerability profile of sebetralstat. In addition, this study is examining the potential use of sebetralstat as short-term prophylaxis in the setting of medical and dental procedures, where HAE attacks are known to be triggered. We also are developing an oral disintegrating tablet (\u201cODT\u201d) formulation of sebetralstat and have received FDA feedback on our proposed development program to support a supplemental NDA submission, which did not include a recommendation to conduct efficacy trials. We anticipate that the ODT formulation will follow the expected initial launch formulation in the U.S. and European Union (\u201cE.U.\u201d), although it may become the initial launch formulation in other geographies.\n\n\nSebetralstat has received Fast Track and Orphan Drug designation from the FDA, and Orphan Drug designation in the E.U. A Pediatric Investigational Plan (\u201cPIP\u201d) has also been approved by the European Medicines Agency (\u201cEMA\u201d) for sebetralstat.\n\n\n3\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn October 2022, we announced the termination of the Phase 2 KOMPLETE study for our potential HAE prophylactic treatment KVD824, due to elevations in liver enzymes observed in several patients during the trial. We remain uncertain as to the cause and the potential contribution of KVD824 to these elevations, but we do not anticipate further development of KVD824.\n\n\nOur oral Factor XIIa inhibitor program targets an enzyme that plays a key role in HAE, as the most upstream mechanism in the biochemical pathway that initiates HAE attacks. For this reason, we believe that inhibition of Factor XIIa will block the underlying causes of HAE attacks, including the uncontrolled generation of both plasma kallikrein and bradykinin which lead to swelling and pain. Clinical studies of an injectable Factor XIIa-inhibitory antibody have demonstrated a high degree of efficacy in preventing HAE attacks, and there are no known safety implications of long-term inhibition of this enzyme. We believe that our program has the potential to be the first orally delivered Factor XIIa inhibitor to enter clinical development, initially for HAE and over time for additional indications that are supported by scientific evidence. Our internal research team has discovered multiple series of low nanomolar potency Factor XIIa inhibitors that are both selective and orally bioavailable, and we continue to progress multiple compounds in IND-enabling studies. Concurrently, we have recently presented preclinical data supporting potential development in HAE as well as diabetic macular edema (\u201cDME\u201d) and thrombosis.\n \n\n\nStrategy\n\n\nKey elements of our strategy include:\n\n\n\u2022\nApply our deep scientific expertise in the area of serine proteases to develop novel oral therapies for indications with high unmet need.\n Our core scientific team has decades of experience working on protease inhibitors and developing compounds with high potency, selectivity and bioavailability. We have assembled a team of chemists and biologists who have demonstrated the ability to design and formulate multiple drug candidate programs from a broad variety of chemical classes, as indicated by our extensive intellectual property portfolio. Our initial focus is specifically on development of oral plasma kallikrein inhibitors for HAE and Factor XIIa inhibitors for HAE and other indications; however, we believe our scientific capabilities also can be applied to other proteases to develop therapies for diseases with high unmet need.\n\n\n\u2022\nDevelop multiple HAE product candidates to provide a full set of therapeutic options for patients. \nWe intend to develop drug candidates for both on-demand and prophylactic use to provide people living with HAE with a complete set of oral options to treat their disease. Our most advanced program for HAE is sebetralstat, for which we are currently conducting the Phase 3 KONFIDENT clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sebetralstat as a potential oral, on-demand therapy for treatment of HAE attacks. We are also in the preclinical development stage with Factor XIIa inhibitor candidates as a potential next generation of oral prophylactic treatments that may further enhance treatment options for people living with HAE. \n\n\n\u2022\nGrow our capabilities internally as well as through strategic partnerships. \nWe intend to retain ownership and control of our pipeline programs to key milestones and in certain markets. For certain indications, such as HAE, that can be addressed by a focused organization, we intend to keep all program rights and develop internal sales and marketing capabilities to commercialize the products in major markets. For programs that address larger markets or require greater infrastructure or resources, or for markets outside the U.S. and major E.U. countries, we may seek partners that can provide those capabilities. Decisions on whether, and when, to engage in partnerships or collaborations will be based upon our evaluations of the relative risks and rewards of those collaborations at each point in the development and commercialization cycle.\n\n\nPlasma Kallikrein in HAE\n \n\n\nPlasma kallikrein is a serine protease enzyme that is a key mediator of inflammation and edema. The body modulates the downstream inflammatory effects of plasma kallikrein through a circulating inhibitor protein called C1-esterase inhibitor (\u201cC1-INH\u201d). Most patients with HAE have a genetic mutation that leads to C1-INH deficiency, which results in an inability to control activated plasma kallikrein in affected tissues. This excessive activation leads to inflammation, edema, and pain.\n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHereditary Angioedema\n \n\n\nDisease Overview\n\n\nHAE is a rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people, according to published information from an HAE patient advocacy group. Excessive plasma kallikrein activation that is not sufficiently controlled by C1-INH leads to HAE attacks, which can vary with regard to the affected tissue or organ and severity. HAE attacks include episodes of intense swelling usually in the skin, gastrointestinal tract or airways. They often lead to temporary disfiguration of various body parts including the hands, feet, face, body trunk, and genitals. In addition, patients often have bouts of excruciating abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting that is caused by swelling in the intestinal wall. Airway swelling is particularly dangerous and can lead to death by asphyxiation. Untreated attacks can be functionally disabling and commonly take days to fully resolve.\n \n\n\nAttacks can occur spontaneously although they often are associated with triggers such as anxiety, stress, minor trauma, surgery, or illnesses. Trauma to the oral cavity caused by dental procedures makes HAE patients particularly vulnerable to airway attacks. The frequency of HAE attacks is highly variable, with some patients having attacks several times per week and others very infrequently. Population studies have shown that the mean number of attacks per month for patients is approximately two. Although life-threatening airway swelling is rare, published research suggests at least half of HAE patients have experienced at least one such attack and airway attacks remain a major cause of mortality in HAE patients. The severity of attacks is unpredictable and not related to their underlying frequency, and even most patients on long-term prophylaxis continue to experience breakthrough attacks on some basis.\n \n\n\nHAE is an autosomal dominant disease, meaning that a defect in only one copy of the gene leads to symptoms and that it occurs at similar rates in both males and females. The most common cause of HAE is a defect or mutation in the gene responsible for the production of C1-INH. C1-INH is a natural plasma-borne protein that is an inhibitor of multiple serine proteases in both the complement and kallikrein kinin systems. C1-INH is the predominant physiological inhibitor of plasma kallikrein, and thereby suppresses the generation of bradykinin, a potent hormone produced by plasma kallikrein, that activates its receptors on blood vessels to increase vascular leakage. Uncontrolled plasma kallikrein activity leads to the edema that is the hallmark of HAE.\n\n\nWhile HAE most often results from the inheritance of a defective gene from a parent, it is estimated that up to 25% of cases also arise from spontaneous mutations. Patients with C1-INH-related disease are classified as Type 1 or Type 2; Type 1 is the most common form and results in low levels of circulating C1-INH and Type 2 results in production of a low function protein. An additional form of HAE, currently referred to as normal C1-INH HAE, can occur in patients with normal levels of C1-INH for a variety of reasons including mutations in genes for Factor XII, plasminogen or angiopoetin, although in most cases a specific genetic abnormality isn\u2019t found. Selective plasma kallikrein inhibitors and a bradykinin receptor antagonist are approved therapies for HAE. As such, plasma kallikrein is a clinically validated target for HAE and previous studies have demonstrated that plasma kallikrein inhibition can both treat and prevent HAE attacks. There are currently no therapies specifically approved for normal C1-INH HAE.\n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCurrent Treatments and Market Opportunities\n\n\nThere are a number of marketed and development stage therapeutics for HAE, both for prophylaxis as well as on-demand use. Lanadelumab (Takhzyro\n\u00ae\n) is a monoclonal antibody against plasma kallikrein indicated for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of HAE. The prescribing information recommends subcutaneous administration every two weeks, though dosing at more extended intervals may be considered in some patients. Ecallantide (Kalbitor\n\u00ae\n) is a small protein inhibitor of plasma kallikrein that is approved for treatment of acute attacks of HAE. While effective, ecallantide has been associated with cases of anaphylaxis and its labeling approval by the FDA includes a boxed warning limiting its administration to healthcare professionals with appropriate medical support to manage anaphylaxis and HAE, and requiring close monitoring of patients. Other therapies provide C1-INH replacement to control plasma kallikrein levels. Marketed C1-INH replacement therapies include Cinryze\n\u00ae\n and Haegarda\n\u00ae\n for prophylaxis, and Berinert\n\u00ae\n for treatment of acute attacks, all of which are purified from human plasma, and Ruconest\n\u00ae\n which is a recombinant product also for treatment of acute attacks. Icatibant (Firazyr\n\u00ae\n) is a synthetic peptide-based antagonist that blocks the activity of bradykinin and is indicated for treatment of acute attacks. All of these products are administered by injection, which is typically less convenient for patients and has the potential to reduce compliance. Berotralstat (ORLADEYO\n\u00ae\n) is an oral prophylactic treatment which was launched in 2021. As a result of the lifelong nature of HAE and the challenges related to taking many of the injected therapies, patient surveys consistently indicate an overwhelming desire of patients for an oral therapy. We believe that a safe and effective oral on-demand agent has the potential to transform treatment for this disease.\n \n\n\nWe believe a further future market opportunity may exist in treatment of normal C1-INH HAE. Estimates of the size of this patient population vary widely, but we believe that the nature of normal C1-INH HAE disease may make prophylaxis less attractive for these patients than a safe and rapidly effective, oral on-demand plasma kallikrein inhibitor therapy. There are no therapies currently approved specifically for normal C1-INH HAE.\n\n\nOur Portfolio of HAE Programs\n\n\nOur strategy is to evaluate and develop multiple oral molecules in pursuit of best-in-class therapies for HAE patients. The first of these product candidates being evaluated in late stage clinical trials is sebetralstat. A positive Phase 2 clinical trial for sebetralstat as a potential on-demand treatment for HAE attacks was completed in February 2021, and we are currently conducting the Phase 3 KONFIDENT clinical trial.\n\n\nSebetralstat\n\n\nEvidence from studies using therapies approved for the treatment of acute HAE attacks shows that earlier treatment has a powerful impact on the efficacy outcomes, and treatment guidelines strongly recommend early treatment of attacks. Despite clear evidence that early treatment markedly reduces attack severity and duration, treatment is often delayed. \nIn one outcome study of 207 HAE attacks, attack duration was 2.75-fold shorter when treatment was administered within 1 hour of attack onset (6.1 hours versus 16.8 hours (\np\n<0.001)), yet treatment was administered more than 1 hour after attack onset in nearly 60% of attacks, and for 30% of attacks treatment was administered more than five hours after attack onset. \nWe believe this delay in administration is due to many factors including the inconvenience of preparation and administration as well as the discomfort of injectable therapies. An oral therapy has the potential to overcome these limitations and lower the barrier for treatment for patients. The combination of the rapid uptake of sebetralstat to very high blood levels and the likelihood of earlier dosing by patients, could lead to much better disease management and prevention of attacks reaching the critical stage of significant swelling and discomfort. We therefore believe that a safe, oral on-demand treatment has the potential to become a preferred alternative for patients currently using injectable treatments, including both acute and prophylactic therapies.\n\n\nIn February 2021 we announced data from a Phase 2 efficacy trial in which sebestralstat demonstrated statistical and clinically significant responses across all primary and secondary endpoints. KVD900-201 was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial investigating the safety and efficacy of a single dose of 600 mg sebetralstat as an on-demand treatment for HAE attacks in patients with Type 1 or Type 2 HAE. The trial met its primary endpoint comparing the time to use of rescue treatment within 12 hours on sebetralstat versus placebo (p=0.001) with rates of use at 12 hours of 15.1% following treatment with sebetralstat versus 30.2% after placebo. The trial also met all secondary endpoints: reduced worsening of attacks (p<0.0001; PGI-S or use of rescue) and reduced time to onset of symptom relief measured using both PGI-C (p<0.0001) and VAS (p<0.0001).\n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBased upon these data, we completed an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in the fall of 2021 and initiated the Phase 3 KONFIDENT clinical trial in early 2022 that is intended to support an NDA submission. KONFIDENT is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, event-driven crossover trial in which approximately 84 patients will treat a total of three attacks: one each with 300 mg sebetralstat, 600 mg sebetralstat, and placebo, given in a randomized sequence. The primary endpoint of the study is time to onset of symptom relief using the PGI-C scale. We agreed with the FDA that this is an appropriate primary endpoint for a registration-directed trial, and in the Phase 2 study, sebetralstat achieved this endpoint in a highly statistically significant manner. KONFIDENT is being conducted in approximately 60 sites in 20 countries. We have reached our target enrollment of 114 patients in the study, and expect data from KONFIDENT in the fourth quarter of 2023. If the trial is successful, we anticipate submitting an NDA in the first half of 2024.\n\n\nSebetralstat has received Fast Track and Orphan Drug designation from the FDA and has been granted Orphan Drug designation in the E.U. A PIP has also been approved by the EMA for sebetralstat.\n\n\nFactor XIIa\n\n\nFactor XIIa (\u201cFXIIa\u201d) is an enzyme that plays a key role in HAE as the most upstream mediator in the biochemical pathway that initiates HAE attacks. For this reason, we believe that inhibition of Factor XIIa will block the underlying mechanism of HAE attacks, including the uncontrolled generation of both plasma kallikrein and bradykinin which cause swelling and pain. Clinical studies of an injectable Factor XIIa-inhibitory antibody have demonstrated efficacy in preventing HAE attacks, and there are no published safety concerns of long-term inhibition of this enzyme. We believe that our program has the potential to be the first orally delivered Factor XIIa inhibitor to enter clinical development, initially for HAE and over time for additional indications that are supported by scientific evidence.\n\n\nOur goal is to develop an oral FXIIa inhibitor suitable for once-daily dosing and sustained suppression of kallikrein kinin system activation. Using X-ray structure-enabled drug design, we have identified multiple series of oral FXIIa inhibitors from structurally distinct discovery lineages. These series are designed to interact with different substrate pockets of the active catalytic domain of the FXIIa enzyme, thereby providing a high level of structural diversity in our portfolio of compounds.\n \n\n\nWe have presented pharmacology data for a FXIIa compound that demonstrates our ability to achieve plasma half-life consistent with once daily dosing to provide near complete inhibition of FXIIa-mediated plasma kallikrein generation and block high molecular weight kininogen cleavage that results in generation of bradykinin. We have also shown that orally administered FXIIa compounds can protect mice from angioedema. These findings that demonstrated the oral pharmacodynamic effects of a Factor XIIa inhibitor were reported at the European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology in 2022. Additional studies have demonstrated that oral administration of Factor XIIa inhibitors can protect mice from arterial thrombosis induced by iron chloride, which further demonstrates target engagement. These results have been presented at the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis in June 2023.\n\n\nIt is our expectation that this portfolio of compounds will provide multiple opportunities for the clinical development of a once-daily administered oral FXIIa inhibitor with efficacy comparable to leading injectable therapies for HAE prophylaxis. In addition, the diversity within our portfolio creates opportunities to identify oral FXIIa inhibitors that fulfill the target profile needed for the treatment of other FXIIa-mediated diseases, including thrombosis and other diseases associated with edema and inflammation.\n \n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nIn treating HAE, we expect to face competition from several FDA-approved therapeutics for both prophylactic and on-demand usage. These include Takhzyro\u00ae, marketed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Limited (\u201cTakeda\u201d) in the U.S. and Europe for the prevention of angioedema attacks in adults and adolescents; Firazyr, marketed by Takeda in the U.S., Europe and certain other geographic territories for the treatment of acute angioedema attacks in adult patients; Kalbitor, an injectable plasma kallikrein inhibitor marketed by Takeda for the resolution of acute attacks in adolescent and adult HAE patients; Berinert, marketed by CSL Behring for treatment of acute abdominal, facial or laryngeal attacks of HAE in adults and adolescents, and Haegarda, also marketed by CSL Behring, for prophylaxis; Ruconest, marketed by Pharming Group for the treatment of acute angioedema attacks in adult patients; and Orladeyo, an oral prophylactic treatment marketed by BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Firazyr became available as a generic drug in 2019 and is sold by multiple companies as generic icatibant for acute usage. We are also aware of other companies that are engaged in the clinical development of potential HAE treatments, including Pharvaris GmbH, Intellia Therapeutics, Inc., BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.\n \n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIntellectual Property\n\n\nOur success substantially depends on our ability to obtain and maintain patents and other forms of intellectual property rights for our product candidates, methods used to manufacture our product candidates and methods for treating patients using our product candidates, as well as our ability to preserve our trade secrets, to prevent third parties from infringing upon our proprietary rights and to operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of others. Our patent portfolio includes patents and patent applications covering plasma kallikrein inhibitors (the \u201cplasma kallikrein portfolio\u201d), and patent applications covering FXIIa inhibitors (the \u201cFXIIa portfolio\u201d).\n\n\nIn the plasma kallikrein portfolio, as of April 30, 2023, we are the owner of, and intend to maintain, 16 U.S. patents expiring between 2034 and 2040, absent any extensions, as well as seven pending U.S. patent applications and one pending U.S. provisional application. Any patents issuing from the foregoing U.S. patent applications, or patents arising from applications claiming priority from the foregoing U.S. provisional applications, are expected to expire between 2034 and 2044, absent any adjustments or extensions. In the plasma kallikrein portfolio, as of April 30, 2023, we are the owner of, and intend to maintain, approximately 140 pending foreign applications and approximately 453 patents in foreign jurisdictions. Any issued patents, or those issuing from these foreign patent applications, are expected to expire between 2034 and 2041, absent any adjustments or extensions. In the plasma kallikrein portfolio, as of April 30, 2023, we also control and intend to maintain two pending international applications that, if issued, are expected to expire between 2042 and 2043, absent any adjustments or extensions.\n\n\nSebetralstat is an oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor, and is covered by U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications and U.S. provisional applications, and pending international applications covering composition of matter, methods of treatment, solid form and clinical formulations. The anticipated expiration dates of these patents, patents arising from those applications, or patents arising from applications claiming priority from provisional applications range from 2035 to 2044, absent any adjustments or extensions. Sebetralstat is also covered by EPO patents, European patent applications, and expected European patent applications claiming priority from U.S. provisional applications, covering composition of matter, medical use, solid form and clinical formulations. The anticipated expiration dates of these European patents, European patents arising from applications, or European patents arising from applications claiming priority from U.S. provisional applications range from 2035 to 2044 absent any extensions.\n\n\nIn the FXIIa portfolio, as of April 30, 2023, we are the owner of, and intend to maintain, four pending U.S. patent applications, six pending U.S. provisional applications, two pending international applications, and 34 pending foreign applications in multiple jurisdictions. Any patents issuing from the foregoing applications, or patents arising from applications claiming priority from U.S. provisional applications, in the FXIIa portfolio are expected to expire in between 2039 and 2044, absent any adjustments or extensions.\n\n\nPatents extend for varying periods according to the date of patent filing or grant and the legal term of patents in various countries where patent protection is obtained. The actual protection afforded by a patent, which can vary from country to country, depends on the type of patent, the scope of its coverage and the availability of legal remedies in the country.\n\n\nWe market or intend to market our products and services under various trademarks, and have obtained or are in the process of obtaining registered trademark protection for those trademarks in the U.S. and certain countries outside the U.S. We consider these trademarks to be valuable because of their contribution to the brand identification of our current and future products and services and for protection against counterfeits.\n \n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we are the owner of, and intend to maintain, trademark registrations for \u201cKALVISTA\u201d in six foreign countries as well as all E.U. member states via an E.U. Trade Mark (a unitary right covering all twenty-seven member states of the E.U.). We also own pending trademark applications and registrations for \u201cKALVISTA\u201d and the K Design in the U.S. and multiple foreign countries.\n\n\nWe also use other forms of protection, such as copyright and trade secret protection for our intellectual property, particularly where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable. We require our employees, consultants, contractors and other advisors to execute nondisclosure and assignment of invention agreements upon commencement of their respective employment or engagement. In addition, we also require confidentiality or service agreements from third parties that receive confidential information or materials.\n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGovernment Regulation and Product Approval\n\n\nGovernment authorities in the U.S., at the federal, state and local level, and in other countries and jurisdictions, extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacture, quality control, approval, packaging, storage, recordkeeping, labeling, advertising, promotion, distribution, marketing, post-approval monitoring and reporting, and import and export of pharmaceutical products. The processes for obtaining regulatory approvals in the U.S. and in foreign countries and jurisdictions, along with subsequent compliance with applicable statutes and regulations and other regulatory authorities, require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources.\n\n\nFDA Approval Process\n\n\nIn the U.S., pharmaceutical products are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the \u201cFDC Act\u201d) and other federal and state statutes and regulations, govern, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacture, storage, recordkeeping, approval, labeling, promotion and marketing, distribution, post-approval monitoring and reporting, sampling, and import and export of pharmaceutical products. Pharmaceutical products such as small molecule drugs and biological products, or biologics used for the prevention, treatment, or cure of a disease or condition of a human being are subject to regulation under the FDC Act. Failure to comply with applicable U.S. requirements may subject a company to a variety of administrative or judicial sanctions, such as clinical hold, FDA refusal to approve pending NDAs, warning or untitled letters, product recalls, product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or distribution, injunctions, fines, civil penalties, and criminal prosecution.\n\n\nPharmaceutical product development for a new product or certain changes to an approved product in the U.S. typically involves nonclinical laboratory and animal tests, the submission to the FDA of an IND, which must become effective before clinical testing may commence, and adequate and well-controlled clinical trials to establish the safety and effectiveness of the drug for each indication for which FDA approval is sought. Satisfaction of FDA pre-market approval requirements typically take many years and the actual time required may vary substantially based upon the type, complexity, and novelty of the product or disease.\n\n\nA 30-day waiting period after the submission of each IND is required prior to the commencement of clinical testing in humans. If the FDA has neither commented on nor questioned the IND within this 30-day period, the clinical trial proposed in the IND may begin. Clinical trials involve the administration of the investigational drug to healthy volunteers or patients under the supervision of a qualified investigator. Clinical trials must be conducted: (i) in compliance with federal regulations; (ii) in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (\u201cGCP\u201d) an international standard meant to protect the rights and health of patients and to define the roles of clinical trial sponsors, administrators, and monitors; and (iii) under protocols detailing the objectives of the trial and the criteria to be evaluated. Each protocol involving testing on U.S. patients and subsequent protocol amendments must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND.\n\n\nThe FDA may order the temporary or permanent discontinuation of a clinical trial at any time, or impose other sanctions if it believes that the clinical trial either is not being conducted in accordance with FDA regulations or presents an unacceptable risk to the clinical trial patients. Imposition of a clinical hold may be full or partial. The study protocol and informed consent information for patients in clinical trials must also be submitted to an institutional review board (\u201cIRB\u201d) for approval. The IRB will also monitor the clinical trial until completed. An IRB may also require the clinical trial at the site to be halted, either temporarily or permanently, for failure to comply with the IRB\u2019s requirements, or may impose other conditions.\n\n\nClinical trials to support NDAs for marketing approval are typically conducted in three sequential phases, but the phases may overlap. In Phase 1, the initial introduction of the drug into patients, the product is tested to assess safety, dosage tolerance, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological actions, side effects associated with drug exposure, and to obtain early evidence of a treatment effect if possible. Phase 2 usually involves trials in a limited patient population to determine the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication, determine optimal dose and regimen, and to identify common adverse effects and safety risks. If a drug demonstrates evidence of effectiveness and an acceptable safety profile in Phase 2 evaluations, Phase 3 trials are undertaken to obtain additional information about clinical effects and confirm efficacy and safety in a larger number of patients, typically at geographically dispersed clinical trial sites, to permit the FDA to evaluate the overall benefit -risk relationship of the drug and to provide adequate information for the labeling of the product. In most cases, the FDA requires two adequate and well-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug. In rare instances, a single Phase 3 trial may be sufficient when either (1) the trial is a large, multicenter trial demonstrating internal consistency and a statistically very persuasive finding of a clinically meaningful effect on mortality, irreversible morbidity or prevention of a disease with a potentially serious outcome and confirmation of the result in a second trial would be practically or ethically impossible or (2) the single trial is supported by other confirmatory evidence.\n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition, the manufacturer of an investigational drug in a Phase 2 or Phase 3 clinical trial for a serious or life-threatening disease is required to make available, such as by posting on its website, its policy on evaluating and responding to requests for expanded access to such investigational drug.\n\n\nAfter completion of the required clinical testing, an NDA is prepared and submitted to the FDA. FDA approval of the NDA is required before marketing and distribution of the product may begin in the U.S. The NDA must include the results of all nonclinical, clinical, and other testing and a compilation of data relating to the product's pharmacology, chemistry, manufacture, and controls. The cost of preparing and submitting an NDA is substantial. The submission of most NDAs is additionally subject to a substantial application user fee. Under an approved NDA, the applicant is also subject to an annual program fee. These fees typically increase annually. An NDA for a drug that has been designated as an orphan drug is not subject to an application fee, unless the NDA includes an indication for other than a rare disease or condition. The FDA has 60 days from its receipt of an NDA to determine whether the application will be filed based on the FDA's determination that it is sufficiently complete to permit substantive review. Once the submission is filed, the FDA begins an in-depth review. The FDA has agreed to certain performance goals to complete the review of NDAs. Most applications are classified as Standard Review products that are reviewed within ten months of the date the FDA files the NDA; most applications classified as Priority Review are reviewed within six months of the date the FDA files the NDA. An NDA can be classified for Priority Review when the FDA determines the drug or biologic has the potential to treat a serious or life-threatening condition and, if approved, would be a significant improvement in safety or effectiveness compared to available therapies. The review process for both standard and priority reviews may be extended by the FDA for three or more additional months to consider certain late-submitted information or information intended to clarify information already provided in the NDA submission.\n\n\nThe FDA may also refer applications for novel drugs, as well as drugs that present difficult questions of safety or efficacy, to be reviewed by an advisory committee\u2014typically a panel that includes clinicians, statisticians and other experts\u2014for review, evaluation and a recommendation as to whether the NDA should be approved. The FDA is not bound by the recommendation of an advisory committee, but generally follows such recommendations.\n\n\nBefore approving an NDA, the FDA will typically inspect one or more clinical sites to assure compliance with GCP. Additionally, the FDA will inspect the facility or the facilities at which the drug is manufactured. The FDA will not approve the product unless compliance with cGMP is satisfactory.\n\n\nAfter the FDA evaluates the NDA and completes any clinical and manufacturing site inspections, it issues either an approval letter or a complete response letter. A complete response letter generally outlines the deficiencies in the NDA submission and may require substantial additional testing, or information, in order for the FDA to reconsider the application for approval. If, or when, those deficiencies have been addressed to the FDA's satisfaction in a resubmission of the NDA, the FDA will issue an approval letter. The FDA has committed to reviewing such resubmissions in two or six months depending on the type of information included. An approval letter authorizes commercial marketing and distribution of the drug with specific prescribing information for specific indications. As a condition of NDA approval, the FDA may require a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (\u201cREMS\u201d) to help ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the potential risks to patients. A REMS can include medication guides, communication plans for healthcare professionals, and elements to assure a product's safe use (\u201cETASU\u201d). An ETASU can include, but is not limited to, special training or certification for prescribing or dispensing the product, dispensing the product only under certain circumstances, special monitoring, and the use of patient-specific registries. The requirement for a REMS can materially affect the potential market and profitability of the product. Moreover, the FDA may require substantial post-approval testing and surveillance to monitor the product's safety or efficacy.\n\n\nOnce granted, product approvals may be withdrawn if compliance with regulatory standards is not maintained or problems are identified following initial marketing. Changes to some of the conditions established in an approved NDA, including changes in indications, product labeling, or manufacturing processes or facilities, require submission and FDA approval of a new NDA or supplement to an approved NDA, before the change can be implemented. An NDA supplement for a new indication typically requires clinical data similar to that in the original application, and the FDA uses the same procedures and actions in reviewing NDA supplements as it does in reviewing original NDAs.\n\n\nOrphan Drug Designation\n\n\nUnder the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may grant orphan drug designation to drugs or biologics intended to treat a rare disease or condition \u2014 generally a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the U.S., or if it affects more than 200,000 individuals in the U.S., there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing, and making a product available in the U.S. for such disease or condition will be recovered from sales of the product.\n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOrphan drug designation must be requested before submitting an NDA. After the FDA grants orphan drug designation, the identity of the drug and its potential orphan disease use are disclosed publicly by the FDA. Orphan drug designation does not convey any advantage in, or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process. The first NDA applicant to receive FDA approval for a particular active moiety to treat a particular disease with FDA orphan drug designation is entitled to a seven-year exclusive marketing period in the U.S. for that product in the approved indication. For large molecule drugs, sameness is determined based on the principal molecular structural features of a product.\n\n\nDuring the seven-year marketing exclusivity period, the FDA may not approve any other applications to market the same drug for the same disease, except in limited circumstances, such as a showing of clinical superiority to the product with orphan drug exclusivity. A product can be considered clinically superior if it is safer, more effective or makes a major contribution to patient care. Orphan drug exclusivity does not prevent the FDA from approving a different drug for the same disease or condition, or the same drug for a different disease or condition. Among the other benefits of orphan drug designation are tax credits for certain research and a waiver of the NDA user fee.\n\n\nFast Track Designation and Priority Review\n\n\nFDA is required to facilitate the development, and expedite the review, of drugs that are intended for the treatment of a serious or life-threatening disease or condition for which there is no effective treatment and which demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs for the condition. Fast track designation may be granted for products that are intended to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition for which there is no effective treatment and preclinical or clinical data demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs for the condition. Fast track designation applies to both the product and the specific indication for which it is being studied. Any product submitted to FDA for marketing, including under a fast track program, may be eligible for other types of FDA programs intended to expedite development and review, such as priority review.\n\n\nPriority review may be granted for products that are intended to treat a serious or life-threatening condition and, if approved, would provide a significant improvement in safety and effectiveness compared to available therapies. FDA will attempt to direct additional resources to the evaluation of an application designated for priority review in an effort to facilitate the review.\n\n\nDisclosure of Clinical Trial Information\n\n\nSponsors of clinical trials of FDA-regulated products, including drugs, are required to register and disclose certain clinical trial information on the website www.clinicaltrials.gov. Information related to the product, patient population, phase of investigation, trial sites and investigators, and other aspects of a clinical trial are then made public as part of the registration. Sponsors are also obligated to disclose the results of their clinical trials after completion. Disclosure of the results of clinical trials can be delayed in certain circumstances for up to two years after the date of completion of the trial. Competitors may use this publicly available information to gain knowledge regarding the progress of clinical development programs as well as clinical trial design.\n\n\nPediatric Information\n\n\nUnder the Pediatric Research Equity Act (\u201cPREA\u201d), NDAs, or supplements to NDAs must contain data to assess the safety and effectiveness of the drug for the claimed indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations and to support dosing and administration for each pediatric subpopulation for which the drug is safe and effective. The FDA may grant full or partial waivers, or deferrals, for submission of data. Unless otherwise required by regulation, PREA does not apply to any drug with orphan product designation except a product with a new active ingredient that is a molecularly targeted cancer product intended for the treatment of an adult cancer and directed at a molecular target determined by FDA to be substantially relevant to the growth or progression of a pediatric cancer that is subject to an NDA submitted on or after August 18, 2020.\n\n\nThe Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (\u201cBPCA\u201d), provides a six-month extension of any patent or non-patent exclusivity for a drug if certain conditions are met. Conditions for exclusivity include the FDA\u2019s determination that information relating to the use of a new drug in the pediatric population may produce health benefits in that population, FDA making a written request for pediatric studies, and the applicant agreeing to perform, and reporting on, the requested studies within the statutory timeframe. Applications under the BPCA are treated as priority applications.\n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPost-Approval Requirements\n\n\nOnce an NDA is approved, a product will be subject to certain post-approval requirements. For instance, the FDA closely regulates the post-approval marketing and promotion of drugs, including direct-to-consumer advertising, off-label promotion, industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities and promotional activities involving the Internet. Drugs may be marketed only for the approved indications and in accordance with the provisions of the approved labeling.\n\n\nAdverse event reporting and submission of periodic safety summary reports is required following FDA approval of an NDA. The FDA also may require post-marketing testing, known as Phase 4 testing, REMS, and surveillance to monitor the effects of an approved product, or the FDA may place conditions on an approval that could restrict the distribution or use of the product. In addition, quality control, drug manufacture, packaging, and labeling procedures must continue to conform to cGMPs after approval. Drug manufacturers and certain of their subcontractors are required to register their establishments with the FDA and certain state agencies. Registration with the FDA subjects entities to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA, during which the agency inspects a drug's manufacturing facilities to assess compliance with cGMPs. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money, and effort in the areas of production and quality-control to maintain compliance with cGMPs. Regulatory authorities may withdraw product approvals or request product recalls if a company fails to comply with required regulatory standards, if it encounters problems following initial marketing, or if previously unrecognized problems are subsequently discovered.\n\n\nThe Hatch-Waxman Amendments\n\n\nOrange Book Listing\n\n\nUnder the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly referred to as the Hatch Waxman Amendments, NDA applicants are required to identify to FDA each patent whose claims cover the applicant\u2019s drug or approved method of using the drug. Upon approval of a drug, the applicant must update its listing of patents to the NDA in timely fashion and each of the patents listed in the application for the drug is then published in the FDA\u2019s Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, commonly known as the Orange Book.\n\n\nDrugs listed in the Orange Book can, in turn, be cited by potential generic competitors in support of approval of an abbreviated new drug application (\u201cANDA\u201d). An ANDA provides for marketing of a drug product that has the same active ingredient(s), strength, route of administration, and dosage form as the listed drug and has been shown through bioequivalence testing to be therapeutically equivalent to the listed drug. An approved ANDA product is considered to be therapeutically equivalent to the listed drug. Other than the requirement for bioequivalence testing, ANDA applicants are not required to conduct, or submit results of, preclinical or clinical tests to prove the safety or effectiveness of their drug product. Drugs approved under the ANDA pathway are commonly referred to as \u201cgeneric equivalents\u201d to the listed drug and can often be substituted by pharmacists under prescriptions written for the original listed drug pursuant to each state\u2019s laws on drug substitution.\n\n\nThe ANDA applicant is required to certify to the FDA concerning any patents identified for the reference listed drug in the Orange Book. Specifically, the applicant must certify to each patent in one of the following ways: (i) the required patent information has not been filed; (ii) the listed patent has expired; (iii) the listed patent has not expired but will expire on a particular date and approval is sought after patent expiration; or (iv) the listed patent is invalid or will not be infringed by the new product. A certification that the new product will not infringe the already approved product\u2019s listed patents, or that such patents are invalid, is called a Paragraph IV certification. For patents listed that claim an approved method of use, under certain circumstances the ANDA applicant may also elect to submit a section viii statement certifying that its proposed ANDA label does not contain (or carves out) any language regarding the patented method-of-use rather than certify to a listed method-of-use patent. If the applicant does not challenge the listed patents through a Paragraph IV certification, the ANDA application will not be approved until all the listed patents claiming the referenced product have expired. If the ANDA applicant has provided a Paragraph IV certification to the FDA, the applicant must also send notice of the Paragraph IV certification to the NDA-holder and patentee(s) once the ANDA has been accepted for filing by the FDA (referred to as the \u201cnotice letter\u201d). The NDA and patent holders may then initiate a patent infringement lawsuit in response to the notice letter. The filing of a patent infringement lawsuit within 45 days of the receipt of a Paragraph IV certification automatically prevents the FDA from approving the ANDA until the earlier of 30 months from the date the notice letter is received, expiration of the patent, the date of a settlement order or consent decree signed and entered by the court stating that the patent that is the subject of the certification is invalid or not infringed, or a decision in the patent case that is favorable to the ANDA applicant.\n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe ANDA application also will not be approved until any applicable non-patent exclusivity listed in the Orange Book for the referenced product has expired. In some instances, an ANDA applicant may receive approval prior to expiration of certain non-patent exclusivity if the applicant seeks, and FDA permits, the omission of such exclusivity-protected information from the ANDA prescribing information.\n\n\nExclusivity\n\n\nUpon NDA approval of a new chemical entity (\u201cNCE\u201d) which is a drug that contains no active moiety that has been approved by FDA in any other NDA, that drug receives five years of marketing exclusivity during which FDA cannot receive any ANDA seeking approval of a generic version of that drug unless the application contains a Paragraph IV certification, in which case the application may be submitted one year prior to expiration of the NCE exclusivity. If there is no listed patent in the Orange Book, there may not be a Paragraph IV certification, and, thus, no ANDA for a generic version of the drug may be filed before the expiration of the exclusivity period.\n\n\nCertain changes to an approved drug, such as the approval of a new indication, the approval of a new strength, and the approval of a new condition of use, are associated with a three-year period of exclusivity from the date of approval during which FDA cannot approve an ANDA for a generic drug that includes the change. In some instances, an ANDA applicant may receive approval prior to expiration of the three-year exclusivity if the applicant seeks, and FDA permits, the omission of such exclusivity-protected information from the ANDA package insert.\n\n\nPatent Term Extension\n\n\nThe Hatch Waxman Amendments permit a patent term extension as compensation for patent term lost during the FDA regulatory review process. Patent term extension, however, cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the product\u2019s approval date. After NDA approval, owners of relevant drug patents may apply for the extension. The allowable patent term extension is calculated as half of the drug\u2019s testing phase (the time between IND application and NDA submission) and all of the review phase (the time between NDA submission and approval) up to a maximum of five years. The time can be reduced for any time FDA determines that the applicant did not pursue approval with due diligence.\n\n\nThe U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the \u201cUSPTO\u201d) in consultation with the FDA, reviews and approves the application for any patent term extension or restoration. However, the USPTO may not grant an extension because of, for example, failing to exercise due diligence during the testing phase or regulatory review process, failing to apply within applicable deadlines, failing to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents or otherwise failing to satisfy applicable requirements. Moreover, the applicable time period or the scope of patent protection afforded could be less than requested.\n\n\nThe total patent term after the extension may not exceed 14 years, and only one patent can be extended. The application for the extension must be submitted prior to the expiration of the patent, and for patents that might expire during the application phase, the patent owner may request an interim patent extension. An interim patent extension increases the patent term by one year and may be renewed up to four times. For each interim patent extension granted, the post-approval patent extension is reduced by one year. The director of the USPTO must determine that approval of the drug covered by the patent for which a patent extension is being sought is likely. Interim patent extensions are not available for a drug for which an NDA has not been submitted.\n\n\nOther U.S. Healthcare Laws and Compliance Requirements\n\n\nIn the U.S., pharmaceutical and biotechnology company activities are potentially subject to regulation by various federal, state and local authorities in addition to the FDA, including but not limited to, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (\u201cCMS\u201d) other divisions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (e.g., the Office of Inspector General and the Office for Civil Rights), the U.S. Department of Justice (\u201cDOJ\u201d) and individual U.S. Attorney offices within the DOJ, and state and local governments. For example, sales, marketing and scientific/educational grant programs, may have to comply with the anti-fraud and abuse provisions of the Social Security Act, the federal false claims laws, the privacy and security provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (\u201cHIPAA\u201d) and similar state laws, each as amended, as applicable.\n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, any person or entity, from knowingly and willfully offering, paying, soliciting or receiving any remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce or in return for purchasing, leasing, ordering, recommending or arranging for the purchase, lease or order of any item or service reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid or other federal healthcare programs. The term remuneration has been interpreted broadly to include anything of value. The Anti-Kickback Statute has been interpreted to apply to arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers on one hand and prescribers, purchasers, and/or formulary managers on the other. There are a number of statutory exceptions and regulatory safe harbors protecting some common activities from prosecution. The exceptions and safe harbors are drawn narrowly and practices that involve remuneration that may be alleged to be intended to induce prescribing, purchasing or recommending may be subject to scrutiny if they do not qualify for an exception or safe harbor. Failure to meet all of the requirements of a particular applicable statutory exception or regulatory safe harbor does not make the conduct per se illegal under the Anti-Kickback Statute. Instead, the legality of the arrangement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on a cumulative review of all of its facts and circumstances. Practices may not in all cases meet all of the criteria for protection under a statutory exception or regulatory safe harbor. In addition, the statutory exceptions and regulatory safe harbors are subject to change.\n\n\nAdditionally, the intent standard under the Anti-Kickback Statute was amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively the \u201cACA\u201d) to a stricter standard such that a person or entity no longer needs to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation. In addition, the ACA codified case law that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the federal False Claims Act (discussed below).\n\n\nThe civil monetary penalties statute imposes penalties against any person or entity who, among other things, is determined to have presented or caused to be presented a claim to a federal health program that the person knows or should know is for an item or service that was not provided as claimed or is false or fraudulent.\n\n\nFederal false claims laws, including the federal civil False Claims Act, prohibit, among other things, any person or entity from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, a false claim for payment to, or approval by, the federal government or knowingly making, using, or causing to be made or used a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim to the federal government. As a result of a modification made by the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009, a claim includes \u201cany request or demand\u201d for money or property presented to the U.S. government. In addition, manufacturers can be held liable under the civil False Claims Act even when they do not submit claims directly to government payors if they are deemed to \u201ccause\u201d the submission of false or fraudulent claims. Pharmaceutical and other healthcare companies have been prosecuted under these laws for, among other things, allegedly providing free product to customers with the expectation that the customers would bill federal programs for the product. Other companies have been prosecuted for causing false claims to be submitted because of the companies' marketing of the product for unapproved, and thus generally non-reimbursable, uses and purportedly concealing price concessions in the pricing information submitted to the government for government price reporting purposes.\n\n\nHIPAA created additional federal criminal statutes that prohibit knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud or to obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises, any money or property owned by, or under the control or custody of, any healthcare benefit program, including private third-party payors and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up by trick, scheme or device, a material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services. Similar to the Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation.\n\n\nAlso, many states have similar fraud and abuse statutes or regulations that apply to items and services reimbursed under Medicaid and other state programs, or, in several states, apply regardless of the payor.\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nData privacy and security regulations by both the federal government and the states in which business is conducted may also be applicable. HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (\u201cHITECH\u201d), and its implementing regulations, imposes requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information. HIPAA requires covered entities to limit the use and disclosure of protected health information to specifically authorized situations, and requires covered entities to implement security measures to protect health information that they maintain in electronic form. Among other things, HITECH made HIPAA's security standards directly applicable to business associates, independent contractors or agents of covered entities that receive or obtain protected health information in connection with providing a service on behalf of a covered entity. HITECH also created four new tiers of civil monetary penalties, amended HIPAA to make civil and criminal penalties directly applicable to business associates, and gave state attorneys general new authority to file civil actions for damages or injunctions in federal courts to enforce the federal HIPAA laws and seek attorneys\u2019 fees and costs associated with pursuing federal civil actions. In addition, state laws govern the privacy and security of health information in specified circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, thus complicating compliance efforts.\n\n\nAdditionally, the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act within the ACA, and its implementing regulations, require that certain manufacturers of covered drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (with certain exceptions) report annually to CMS information related to certain payments or other transfers of value made or distributed to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors), physician assistants, certain advance practices nurses and teaching hospitals and to report annually certain ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members. The reported data is made available in searchable form on a public website on an annual basis. Failure to submit required information may result in civil monetary penalties.\n \n\n\nCommercial distribution of products requires compliance with state laws that require the registration of manufacturers and wholesale distributors of drugs in a state, including, in certain states, manufacturers and distributors who ship products into the state even if such manufacturers or distributors have no place of business within the state. Some states also impose requirements on manufacturers and distributors to establish the pedigree of product in the chain of distribution, including some states that require manufacturers and others to adopt new technology capable of tracking and tracing product as it moves through the distribution chain. In addition, several states have enacted legislation requiring pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to establish marketing compliance programs, file periodic reports with the state, make periodic public disclosures on sales, marketing, pricing, clinical trials and other activities, and/or register their sales representatives, as well as to prohibit pharmacies and other healthcare entities from providing certain physician prescribing data to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for use in sales and marketing, and to prohibit certain other sales and marketing practices. Certain local jurisdictions also require drug manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers or marketing expenditures. Sales and marketing activities are also potentially subject to federal and state consumer protection and unfair competition laws.\n\n\nViolation of any of the federal and state healthcare laws described above or any other governmental regulations may result in penalties, including without limitation, significant civil, criminal and/or administrative penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, exclusion from participation in government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, imprisonment, injunctions, private \u201cqui tam\u201d actions brought by individual whistleblowers in the name of the government, refusal to enter into government contracts, oversight monitoring, contractual damages, reputational harm, administrative burdens, diminished profits and future earnings.\n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCoverage, pricing and reimbursement\n\n\nSignificant uncertainty exists as to the coverage and reimbursement status of any product candidates for which we obtain regulatory approval. In the U.S. and markets in other countries, sales of any products for which we receive regulatory approval for commercial sale will depend, in part, on the extent to which third party payors provide coverage, and establish adequate reimbursement levels for such products. In the U.S., third party payors include federal and state healthcare programs, private managed care providers, health insurers and other organizations. The process for determining whether a third party payor will provide coverage for a product may be separate from the process for setting the price of a product or for establishing the reimbursement rate that such a payor will pay for the product. Third party payors may limit coverage to specific products on an approved list, also known as a formulary, which might not include all of the FDA-approved products for a particular indication. Third party payors are increasingly challenging the price, examining the medical necessity and reviewing the cost-effectiveness of medical products, therapies and services, in addition to questioning their safety and efficacy. We may need to conduct expensive pharmacoeconomic studies in order to demonstrate the medical necessity and cost-effectiveness of its products, in addition to the costs required to obtain the FDA approvals. Our product candidates may not be considered medically necessary or cost-effective. A payor\u2019s decision to provide coverage for a product does not imply that an adequate reimbursement rate will be approved. Further, one payor\u2019s determination to provide coverage for a product does not assure that other payors will also provide coverage for the product. Adequate third party reimbursement may not be available to enable us to maintain price levels sufficient to realize an appropriate return on its investment in product development.\n \n\n\nDifferent pricing and reimbursement schemes exist in other countries. In the E.U., governments influence the price of pharmaceutical products through their pricing and reimbursement rules and control of national health care systems that fund a large part of the cost of those products to consumers. Some jurisdictions operate positive and negative list systems under which products may only be marketed once a reimbursement price has been agreed. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval, some of these countries may require the completion of clinical trials that compare the cost effectiveness of a particular product candidate to currently available therapies. Other member states allow companies to fix their own prices for medicines but monitor and control company profits. The downward pressure on health care costs has become intense. As a result, increasingly high barriers are being erected to the entry of new products. In addition, in some countries, cross-border imports from low-priced markets exert a commercial pressure on pricing within a country.\n\n\nThe marketability of any product candidates for which we receive regulatory approval for commercial sale may suffer if the government and third party payors fail to provide adequate coverage and reimbursement. In addition, emphasis on managed care in the U.S. has increased and we expect will continue to increase the pressure on healthcare pricing. Coverage policies and third party reimbursement rates may change at any time. Even if favorable coverage and reimbursement status is attained for one or more products for which we receive regulatory approval, less favorable coverage policies and reimbursement rates may be implemented in the future.\n\n\nU.S. Healthcare reform\n\n\nHealthcare reforms that have been adopted, and that may be adopted in the future, could result in further reductions in coverage and levels of reimbursement for pharmaceutical products, increases in rebates payable under U.S. government rebate programs and additional downward pressure on pharmaceutical product prices.\n \n\n\nRecently, healthcare reform initiatives culminated in the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (the \u201cIRA\u201d), in August 2022, which will, among other things, permit the Department of Health and Human Service (\u201cHHS\u201d) to negotiate the selling price of certain drugs that CMS reimburses under Medicare Part B and Part D, although only high-expenditure single-source drugs that have been approved for at least 7 years can be selected by CMS for negotiation, with the negotiated price taking effect two years after the selection year. The negotiated prices, which will first become effective in 2026, will be capped at a statutory ceiling price. Beginning in January 2023 for Medicare Part B and October 2022 for Medicare Part D, the IRA will also penalize drug manufacturers that increase prices of Medicare Part B and Part D drugs at a rate greater than the rate of inflation. The IRA permits the Secretary of HHS to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. Manufacturers that fail to comply with the IRA may be subject to various penalties, including civil monetary penalties. The IRA also extends enhanced subsidies for individuals purchasing health insurance coverage in ACA marketplaces through plan year 2025. These provisions will take effect progressively starting in 2023, although they may be subject to legal challenges.\n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Foreign Corrupt Practices Act\n\n\nThe Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (\u201cFCPA\u201d) prohibits any U.S. individual or business from paying, offering, or authorizing payment or offering of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any foreign official, political party or candidate for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of the foreign entity in order to assist the individual or business in obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA also obligates companies whose securities are listed in the U.S. to comply with accounting provisions requiring us to maintain books and records that accurately and fairly reflect all transactions of the corporation, including international subsidiaries, and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls for international operations.\n\n\nAdditional regulation\n\n\nIn addition to the foregoing, state and federal laws regarding environmental protection and hazardous substances, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Resource Conservancy and Recovery Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act, affect our business. These and other laws govern the use, handling and disposal of various biological, chemical and radioactive substances used in, and wastes generated by, our operations. If our operations result in contamination of the environment or expose individuals to hazardous substances, we could be liable for damages and governmental fines. We believe that we are in material compliance with applicable environmental laws and that continued compliance therewith will not have a material adverse effect on our business. We cannot predict, however, how changes in these laws may affect our future operations.\n\n\nEurope / rest of world government regulation\n\n\nIn addition to regulations in the U.S., we are subject to a variety of regulations in other jurisdictions governing, among other things, clinical trials and any commercial sales and distribution of our products. Whether or not we obtain FDA approval of a product, we must obtain the requisite approvals from regulatory authorities in foreign countries prior to the commencement of clinical trials or marketing of the product in those countries. Certain countries outside of the U.S. have a similar process that requires the submission of a clinical trial application much like the IND prior to the commencement of human clinical trials. In the E.U., for example, a clinical trial application must be submitted to each country\u2019s national health authority and an independent ethics committee, much like the FDA and IRB, respectively. Once the clinical trial application is approved in accordance with a country\u2019s requirements, clinical trial development may proceed. The requirements and process governing the conduct of clinical trials, product licensing, pricing and reimbursement vary from country to country in the E.U. In all cases, the clinical trials are conducted in accordance with GCP and the applicable regulatory requirements and the ethical principles that have their origin in the Declaration of Helsinki.\n\n\nTo obtain regulatory approval of a drug product under E.U., United Kingdom (\u201cU.K.\u201d), and Swiss regulatory systems, we must submit a marketing authorization application (\u201cMAA\u201d). The documentation submitted to the FDA in support of an NDA in the U.S. is almost identical to that required in the E.U., U.K., and Switzerland, with the exception of, among other things, country-specific document requirements. For other countries outside of the E.U., U.K. and Switzerland, such as countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America or Asia, the requirements governing the conduct of clinical trials, product licensing, pricing and reimbursement vary from country to country. In all cases, again, the clinical trials are conducted in accordance with GCP and the applicable regulatory requirements and the ethical principles that have their origin in the Declaration of Helsinki.\n\n\nIf we or our potential collaborators fail to comply with applicable foreign regulatory requirements, we may be subject to, among other things, fines, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecution.\n\n\nOther regulations\n\n\nWe are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws relating to such matters as safe working conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection, fire hazard control, and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances. We may incur significant costs to comply with such laws and regulations now or in the future.\n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHuman Capital Resources\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we had a total of 118 full-time employees, of whom 53 were located in the U.S., 61 were located in the U.K., 3 were located in Switzerland, and 1 located in Portugal. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have not experienced any work stoppages and consider our relations with employees to be good. We believe that our future success largely depends upon our continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled employees. We emphasize a number of measures and objectives in managing our human capital assets, and we provide our employees with competitive salaries and bonuses, opportunities for equity ownership, development programs that enable continued learning and growth and a robust employment package that promotes well-being across all aspects of their lives, including health care, retirement planning and paid time off. In July 2021, the Company adopted an Equity Inducement Plan in order to provide incentives to attract and motivate new employees through the grant of stock options and restricted share units.\n\n\nCorporate Information\n\n\nOur principal executive offices are located at 55 Cambridge Parkway, Suite 901 East, Cambridge, MA 02142, and our telephone number is (857) 999-0075. Our website address is www.kalvista.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this report. We have included our website address in this report solely as an inactive textual reference.\n\n\nAvailable Information\n\n\nWe file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the \u201cExchange Act\u201d), which are available on our corporate website at \nwww.kalvista.com\n as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The information posted on or accessible through these websites are not incorporated into this filing.\n \n\n\n18\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A.\n \n\n\nSummary of Risk Factors\n\n\nAn investment in our common stock involves various risks, and prospective investors are urged to carefully consider the matters discussed in the section titled \u201cRisk Factors\u201d prior to making an investment in our common stock. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nWe have incurred significant losses since our inception. We expect to incur losses over the next several years and may never achieve or maintain profitability.\n\n\n\u2022\nOur limited operating history may make it difficult to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe will need substantial additional funding. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, we may need to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs or commercialization efforts.\n\n\n\u2022\nIf we are unable to successfully develop and commercialize one or more of our compounds, or if we experience significant delays in doing so, the business will be materially harmed.\n\n\n\u2022\nClinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process, with an uncertain outcome. We may incur additional costs or experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete, the development and commercialization of our product candidates.\n\n\n\u2022\nIf we experience delays or difficulties in the enrollment of patients in clinical trials, our receipt of necessary regulatory approvals could be delayed or prevented and expenses for development of our product candidates could increase.\n\n\n\u2022\nIf we are not able to obtain, or if there are delays in obtaining, required regulatory approvals, we will not be able to commercialize our product candidates, and our ability to generate revenue will be materially impaired.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe may seek orphan drug exclusivity for some of our product candidates, and we may be unsuccessful.\n\n\n\u2022\nA Fast Track designation by the FDA may not lead to a faster development or regulatory review or approval process and does not increase the likelihood that our product candidates will receive marketing approval.\n\n\n\u2022\nFailure to obtain marketing approval in international jurisdictions would prevent our product candidates from being marketed abroad.\n\n\n\u2022\nEven if any of our product candidates receives marketing approval, we may fail to achieve the degree of market acceptance by physicians, patients, third party payors and others in the medical community necessary for commercial success.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe face substantial competition, which may result in others discovering, developing or commercializing competing products before or more successfully than we do.\n\n\n\u2022\nThe insurance coverage and reimbursement status of newly approved products is uncertain. Failure to obtain or maintain adequate coverage and reimbursement for new or current products could limit our ability to market those products and decrease our ability to generate revenue.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe contract with third parties for the manufacture of our product candidates for preclinical and clinical testing and we expect to continue to do so for commercialization. This reliance on third parties increases the risk that we will not have sufficient quantities of our product candidates or products at an acceptable cost and quality, which could delay, prevent or impair our development or commercialization efforts.\n\n\n19\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nIf we are unable to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our technology and products or if the scope of the intellectual property protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize technology and products similar or identical to ours, and our ability to successfully commercialize our technology and products may be impaired.\n\n\n\u2022\nObtaining and maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.\n\n\n\u2022\nOur future success depends on our ability to retain key executives and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe expect to expand our development and regulatory capabilities and potentially implement sales, marketing and distribution capabilities, and as a result, we may encounter difficulties in managing our growth, which could disrupt our operations.\n\n\n\u2022\nOur stock price is volatile and our stockholders may not be able to resell shares of our common stock at or above the price they paid.\n\n\n\u2022\nShareholder activism could cause material disruption to our business.\n\n\n\u2022\nProvisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law could discourage a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable and may lead to entrenchment of management.\n\n\n\u2022\nUnstable or unfavorable global market and economic conditions may have adverse consequences on our business, financial condition and stock price.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRisk Factors\n\n\nInvesting in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto and the section entitled \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before deciding whether to invest in shares of our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we deem immaterial may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the market price of our stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment.\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Business\n\n\nWe have incurred significant losses since our inception. We expect to incur losses over the next several years and may never achieve or maintain profitability.\n \n\n\nSince inception, we have incurred significant operating losses as we focused on our discovery efforts and developing our product candidates. We expect that it will be several years, if ever, before we have a product candidate ready for commercialization. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through sales of our stock and a previous option agreement with Merck and associated private placement. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially if and as we:\n\n\n\u2022\ncontinue clinical development of our current product candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\nseek to identify additional product candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\nacquire or in-license other products and technologies or enter into collaboration arrangements with regards to product discovery;\n\n\n\u2022\ninitiate clinical trials for additional product candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\nseek marketing approvals for our product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials;\n\n\n\u2022\nestablish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize any products for which we may obtain marketing approval;\n\n\n\u2022\nmaintain, expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio;\n\n\n\u2022\nhire additional personnel; \n\n\n\u2022\nadd operational, financial and management information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our product development and planned future commercialization efforts; and \n\n\n\u2022\ncontinue to incur increased costs as a result of operating as a public company.\n\n\nTo become and remain profitable, we must develop and eventually commercialize a product or products with significant market potential. This will require us to be successful in a range of challenging activities, including completing clinical trials of our product candidates, obtaining marketing approval for these product candidates and manufacturing, marketing and selling those products for which we may obtain marketing approval. We may never succeed in these activities and, even if we do, we may never generate revenues that are significant or large enough to achieve profitability. If we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. Our failure to become and remain profitable would decrease the value of our business and could impair our ability to raise capital, maintain our discovery and preclinical development efforts, expand our business or continue our operations and may require us to raise additional capital that may dilute the ownership interest of common stockholders. A decline in the value of our business could also cause stockholders to lose all or part of their investment.\n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur limited operating history may make it difficult to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.\n\n\nWe are a clinical stage company and our operations to date have been limited to organizing and staffing, business planning, raising capital, acquiring and developing the technology, identifying potential product candidates, and undertaking up to Phase 3 clinical studies of our most advanced product candidates. We have not yet demonstrated our ability to successfully complete large-scale, pivotal clinical trials, obtain marketing approvals, manufacture a commercial scale product or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Substantial time is required to develop a new medicine from the time it is discovered to when it is available for treating patients. Consequently, any predictions made about our future success or viability based on our limited operating history to date may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history.\n\n\nIn addition, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known and unknown factors. Upon regulatory approval of our product candidates, we will need to transition from a company with a research focus to a company capable of supporting and scaling commercial activities. We may not be successful in such a transition.\n\n\nWe will need substantial additional funding. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, we may need to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs or commercialization efforts.\n\n\nWe expect our expenses to increase in parallel with our ongoing activities, particularly as we continue our discovery and preclinical development collaborations to identify new clinical candidates and initiate clinical trials of, and seek marketing approval for, our product candidates. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding for our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we may be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our discovery and preclinical development programs or any future commercialization efforts.\n\n\nRaising additional capital may cause dilution to our stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or product candidates.\n \n\n\nUntil such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings and debt financings. We do not have any committed external source of funds.\n \nTo the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of common stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of common stockholders. Debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends.\n\n\nRisks Related to the Discovery and Development of Our Product Candidates\n \n\n\nIf we are unable to successfully develop and commercialize one or more of our compounds, or if we experience significant delays in doing so, the business will be materially harmed.\n\n\nWe currently do not have any products that have gained regulatory approval. We have invested substantially all of our efforts and financial resources in identifying potential drug candidates and funding our preclinical and clinical studies. Our ability to generate product revenues, which we do not expect will occur for many years, if ever, will depend heavily on the successful development and eventual commercialization of our clinical stage product candidates.\n\n\nWe have not yet demonstrated an ability to successfully overcome many of the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving fields, particularly in the biopharmaceutical area. For example, to execute our business plan, we will need to successfully:\n\n\n\u2022\nexecute ongoing clinical development activities; \n\n\n\u2022\ncomplete any clinical trials beyond Phase 2;\n\n\n\u2022\nmove other product candidates into late-stage development;\n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nobtain required regulatory approvals for the development and commercialization of one or more of our product candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\nmaintain, leverage and expand our intellectual property portfolio;\n\n\n\u2022\nmanufacture a commercial scale product or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf;\n\n\n\u2022\nbuild and maintain robust sales, distribution and marketing capabilities for successful product commercialization, either on our own or in collaboration with strategic partners;\n\n\n\u2022\ngain market acceptance for one or more of our product candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\ndevelop and maintain any strategic relationships we elect to enter into; and \n\n\n\u2022\nmanage our spending as costs and expenses increase due to drug discovery, preclinical development, clinical trials, regulatory approvals and commercialization. \n\n\nIf we are unsuccessful in accomplishing these objectives, we may not be able to successfully develop and commercialize sebetralstat or other product candidates, and our business will suffer.\n\n\nClinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process, with an uncertain outcome. We may incur additional costs or experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete, the development and commercialization of our product candidates.\n\n\nWe have not yet commercialized our product candidates and the historical failure rate in clinical drug development of product candidates in our industry is high. Before obtaining marketing approval from regulatory authorities for the sale of any product candidate, we must complete preclinical development and then conduct extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its product candidates in humans. Clinical testing is expensive, difficult to design and implement and can take many years to complete, and its outcome is inherently uncertain. Failure can occur at any time during the clinical trial process. Further, the results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials of our product candidates may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials, and interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results. Moreover, preclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and analyses, and many companies that have believed their product candidates performed satisfactorily in preclinical studies and clinical trials have nonetheless failed to obtain marketing approval of their products. It is impossible to predict when or if any of our product candidates will prove effective or safe in humans or will receive regulatory approval.\n\n\nWe may experience delays in our clinical trials and we do not know whether planned clinical trials will begin or enroll subjects on time, need to be redesigned or be completed on schedule, if at all. There can be no assurance that the FDA, Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (the \u201cMHRA\u201d), the U.K. regulatory authority, or the European Medicines Agency (the \u201cEMA\u201d) will not put any of our product candidates on clinical hold in the future. We may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, clinical trials that could delay or prevent our ability to receive marketing approval or commercialize our product candidates. Clinical trials may be delayed, suspended or prematurely terminated for a variety of reasons, such as: \n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\ndelay or failure in reaching agreement with the FDA, MHRA, EMA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority on a trial design that we want to execute; \n\n\n\u2022\ndelay or failure in obtaining authorization to commence a trial or inability to comply with conditions imposed by a regulatory authority regarding the scope or design of a clinical study; \n\n\n\u2022\ndelays in reaching, or failure to reach, agreement on acceptable clinical trial contracts or clinical trial protocols with prospective trial sites;\n\n\n\u2022\ninability, delay, or failure in identifying and maintaining a sufficient number of trial sites, many of which may already be engaged in other clinical programs; \n\n\n\u2022\ndelay or failure in recruiting and enrolling suitable subjects to participate in a trial;\n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\ndelay or failure in having subjects complete a trial or return for post-treatment follow-up;\n\n\n\u2022\ndelay or failure in data collections in connection with a clinical trial;\n\n\n\u2022\nclinical sites and investigators deviating from trial protocol, failing to conduct the trial in accordance with regulatory requirements, or dropping out of a trial; \n\n\n\u2022\nlack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial, including the incurrence of unforeseen costs due to enrollment delays, requirements to conduct additional clinical studies and increased expenses associated with the services of its clinical research organizations (\u201cCROs\u201d) and other third parties; \n\n\n\u2022\nclinical trials of our product candidates may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us to conduct additional clinical trials or abandon product development programs; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe number of patients required for clinical trials of our product candidates may be larger than we anticipate, enrollment in these clinical trials may be slower than we anticipate or participants may drop out of these clinical trials at a higher rate than we anticipate; \n\n\n\u2022\nwe may experience delays or difficulties in the enrollment of patients that our product candidates are designed to target; \n\n\n\u2022\nour third party contractors may fail to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner, or at all; \n\n\n\u2022\nwe may have difficulty partnering with experienced CROs that can identify patients that our product candidates are designed to target and run our clinical trials effectively; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe cost of clinical trials of our product candidates may be greater than we anticipate; \n\n\n\u2022\nthere may be political factors surrounding the approval process, such as government shutdowns or political instability;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe supply or quality of our product candidates or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates may be insufficient or inadequate; or \n\n\n\u2022\nthere may be changes in governmental regulations or administrative actions.\n\n\nIf we are required to conduct additional clinical trials or other testing of our product candidates beyond those that we currently contemplate, if we are unable to successfully complete clinical trials of our product candidates or other testing, if the results of these trials or tests are not positive or are only modestly positive or if there are safety concerns, we may:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nbe delayed in obtaining marketing approval for our product candidates; \n\n\n\u2022\nnot obtain marketing approval at all; \n\n\n\u2022\nobtain approval for indications or patient populations that are not as broad as intended or desired; \n\n\n\u2022\nobtain approval with labeling that includes significant use or distribution restrictions or safety warnings that would reduce the potential market for our products or inhibit our ability to successfully commercialize our products;\n\n\n\u2022\nbe subject to additional post-marketing restrictions and/or testing requirements; or \n\n\n\u2022\nhave the product removed from the market after obtaining marketing approval.\n\n\nOur product development costs will also increase if we experience delays in testing or marketing approvals. We do not know whether any of our preclinical studies or clinical trials will need to be restructured or will be completed on schedule, or at all. Significant preclinical or clinical trial delays also could shorten any periods during which we may have the exclusive right to commercialize our product candidates or allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do and impair our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates and may harm our business and results of operations.\n\n\n24\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf we experience delays or difficulties in the enrollment of patients in clinical trials, our receipt of necessary regulatory approvals could be delayed or prevented and expenses for development of our product candidates could increase.\n\n\nWe may not be able to initiate or continue clinical trials for our product candidates if we are unable to locate and enroll a sufficient number of eligible patients to participate in these trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy. We do not know whether planned or ongoing clinical trials will enroll subjects in a timely fashion, require redesign of essential trial elements or be completed on our projected schedule. In particular, because we are focused on patients with HAE, which is a rare disease, our ability to enroll eligible patients in trials may be limited or may result in slower enrollment than we anticipate. In addition, competitors have ongoing clinical trials for product candidates that treat the same indications as our product candidates, and patients who would otherwise be eligible for our clinical trials may instead enroll in clinical trials of our competitors\u2019 product candidates. Our inability to enroll a sufficient number of patients for our clinical trials would result in significant delays and could require us to abandon one or more clinical trials altogether.\n\n\nPatient enrollment is affected by many factors including:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nthe eligibility criteria for the study in question; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe perceived risks and benefits of the product candidate under study; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe efforts to facilitate timely enrollment in clinical trials; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe inability to identify and maintain a sufficient number of trial sites, many of which may already be engaged in other clinical trial programs, including some that may be for the same disease indication;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe patient referral practices of physicians; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe proximity and availability of clinical trial sites for prospective patients; \n\n\n\u2022\nambiguous or negative interim results of our clinical trials, or results that are inconsistent with earlier results; \n\n\n\u2022\nfeedback from the FDA, MHRA, EMA, IRBs, data safety monitoring boards, or a comparable foreign regulatory authority, or results from earlier stage or concurrent preclinical and clinical studies, that might require modifications to the protocol; \n\n\n\u2022\ndecisions by the FDA, MHRA, EMA, IRBs, a comparable foreign regulatory authority or us, or recommendations by data safety monitoring boards, to suspend or terminate clinical trials at any time for safety issues or for any other reason; and \n\n\n\u2022\nunacceptable risk-benefit profile or unforeseen safety issues or adverse effects.\n\n\nEnrollment delays in our clinical trials may result in increased development costs for our product candidates, which would cause the value of the company to decline and limit our ability to obtain additional financing.\n\n\nIf we do not achieve our projected development goals in the timeframes we announce and expect, the commercialization of our products may be delayed and, as a result, our stock price may decline.\n\n\nFrom time to time, we estimate the timing of the anticipated accomplishment of various scientific, clinical, regulatory and other product development goals, which we sometimes refer to as milestones. These milestones may include the commencement or completion of scientific studies and clinical trials and the submission of regulatory filings. From time to time, we may publicly announce the expected timing of some of these milestones. All of these milestones are and will be based on numerous assumptions. The actual timing of these milestones can vary dramatically compared to our estimates, in some cases for reasons beyond our control. If we do not meet these milestones as publicly announced, or at all, the commercialization of our products may be delayed or never achieved and, as a result, our stock price may decline.\n\n\n25\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf serious adverse events or unacceptable side effects are identified during the development of our product candidates, we may need to abandon or limit the development of some of our product candidates.\n \n\n\nIf our product candidates are associated with undesirable effects in preclinical or clinical trials or have characteristics that are unexpected, we may need to interrupt, delay or abandon their development or limit development to more narrow uses or subpopulations in which the undesirable side effects or other characteristics are less prevalent, less severe or more acceptable from a risk-benefit perspective. In October 2022, we terminated a Phase 2 clinical trial of KVD824, which was being developed as a potential HAE prophylaxis therapy, due to elevated liver enzymes observed in multiple study patients. Although we have not conclusively determined that KVD824 was the cause of, or a significant contributor to, these elevations, we do not anticipate further development of KVD824. Our on-demand HAE program sebetralstat is still in clinical testing and we have not yet determined what, if any, significant side effects may occur from dosing. Additional or more severe side effects may be identified for all our programs through further clinical studies. These or other drug-related side effects could affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled subjects to complete the trial or result in potential product liability claims. Any of these occurrences may significantly harm our business, financial condition and prospects.\n\n\nRisks Related to Regulatory Approval of Our Product Candidates and Other Legal Compliance Matters\n \n\n\nIf we are not able to obtain, or if there are delays in obtaining, required regulatory approvals, we will not be able to commercialize our product candidates, and our ability to generate revenue will be materially impaired.\n\n\nOur product candidates must be approved by the FDA pursuant to an NDA in the U.S. and by the EMA and similar regulatory authorities outside the U.S. prior to commercialization. The process of obtaining marketing approvals, both in the U.S. and abroad, is expensive and takes many years, if approval is obtained at all, and can vary substantially based upon a variety of factors, including the type, complexity and novelty of the product candidates and therapeutic indications involved. Failure to obtain marketing approval for a product candidate will prevent us from commercializing the product candidate. We have not received approval to market any of our product candidates from regulatory authorities in any jurisdiction. Securing marketing approval requires the submission of extensive chemistry, manufacturing and preclinical and clinical data and supporting information to regulatory authorities for each therapeutic indication to establish the product candidate\u2019s safety and efficacy. Securing marketing approval also usually requires inspection of manufacturing facilities by the regulatory authorities and also audits of the clinical trial sites, data and CROs that have supported KalVista in the clinical development. Our product candidates may not be effective, may be only moderately effective or may prove to have undesirable or unintended side effects, toxicities or other characteristics that may preclude us from obtaining marketing approval or prevent or limit commercial use. Regulatory authorities have substantial discretion in the approval process and may refuse to accept an application or may decide that our data are insufficient for approval and require additional preclinical, clinical or other studies. In addition, varying interpretations of the data obtained from preclinical and clinical testing could delay, limit or prevent marketing approval of a product candidate. Changes in marketing approval policies during the development period, changes in or the enactment of additional statutes or regulations, or changes in regulatory review for each submitted product application, may also cause delays in or prevent the approval of an application.\n\n\nFor example, the U.K. formally left the E.U. on January 31, 2020, often referred to as Brexit, and the transition period ended on December 31, 2020. Brexit has caused uncertainty in the current regulatory framework in Europe. For instance, Brexit has resulted in the EMA, moving from the U.K. to the Netherlands. The U.K. has now put in place legislation to cover the approval of new medicinal products in the U.K., including designations such as orphan designation, and a pediatric investigational plan. The requirements are similar to those in the E.U. and in many cases have adopted the same requirements. However, there are still adjustments being made to legislation. Any of these adjustments as a result of Brexit could result in significant delays and additional expense to our business. Any of the foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.\n\n\nAny marketing approval we ultimately obtain may be limited or subject to restrictions or post-approval commitments that render the approved product not commercially viable.\n\n\nIf we experience delays in obtaining approval or if we fail to obtain approval of our product candidates, the commercial prospects for our product candidates may be harmed and our ability to generate revenues will be materially impaired.\n\n\n26\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAn Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA or EMA or MHRA does not increase the likelihood that our product candidates will receive marketing exclusivity.\n\n\nRegulatory authorities in some jurisdictions, including the U.S. and Europe, may designate drugs for relatively small patient populations as orphan drugs. Under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may designate a product as an orphan drug if it is a drug intended to treat a rare disease or condition, which is generally defined as a disease with a prevalence of fewer than 200,000 individuals in the U.S.\n\n\nGenerally, if a product with an orphan drug designation in a particular jurisdiction subsequently receives the first marketing approval for the indication for which it has such designation, the product is entitled to a period of marketing exclusivity, which precludes the authority in that jurisdiction from approving another marketing application for the same drug for the same indication during the period of exclusivity. The applicable period is seven years in the U.S. and ten years in Europe. Orphan drug exclusivity may be lost if the FDA or EMA determines that the request for designation was materially defective, the criteria on which the orphan designation was originally issued no longer apply or if the manufacturer is unable to assure sufficient quantity of the drug to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition.\n\n\nThe FDA has granted orphan drug designation for sebetralstat. This designation may not effectively protect sebetralstat (or other drug products for which KalVista seeks Orphan Designation) from competition because the designation does not preclude different drugs from being approved for the same condition. Even after an orphan drug is approved, the FDA can subsequently approve the same drug for the same condition if the FDA concludes that it is clinically superior in that it is shown to be safer, more effective or makes a major contribution to patient care.\n\n\nA Fast Track designation by the FDA may not lead to a faster development or regulatory review or approval process and does not increase the likelihood that our product candidates will receive marketing approval.\n \n\n\nThe FDA has granted fast track designation for sebetralstat for the treatment of HAE. We may also seek fast track designation for other indications or for some of our other product candidates. If a drug is intended for the treatment of a serious or life-threatening condition and the drug demonstrates the potential to address unmet medical needs for this condition, the drug sponsor may apply for FDA fast track designation. The FDA has broad discretion whether or not to grant this designation. Even if we believe a particular product candidate is eligible for this designation, we cannot assure that the FDA would decide to grant it. Even though we have received fast track designation for sebetralstat for the treatment of HAE, or even if we receive fast track designation for other indications or for our other product candidates, we may not experience a faster development process, review or approval compared to conventional FDA procedures. The FDA may withdraw fast track designation if it believes that the designation is no longer supported by data from our clinical development program. Many drugs that have received fast track designation have failed to obtain drug approval.\n\n\nFailure to obtain marketing approval in international jurisdictions would prevent our product candidates from being marketed abroad.\n\n\nIn order to market and sell our products in the U.K., E.U. and many other jurisdictions, we or our third party collaborators must obtain separate marketing approvals and comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements. The approval procedure varies among countries and can involve additional testing. The time required to obtain approval may differ substantially from that required to obtain FDA approval. The regulatory approval process outside the U.S. generally includes all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval. In addition, in many countries outside the U.S., it is required that the product be approved for reimbursement before the product can be approved for sale in that country. We, or our third party collaborators, may not obtain approvals from regulatory authorities outside the U.S. on a timely basis, if at all. Approval in any one jurisdiction does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions, and likewise approval by one regulatory authority outside the U.S. does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in any other countries or jurisdictions including the U.S. We may not be able to file for marketing approvals and may not receive necessary approvals to commercialize our products in any market.\n\n\n27\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAny product candidate for which we obtain marketing approval will be subject to extensive post-marketing regulatory requirements and could be subject to post-marketing restrictions or withdrawal from the market, and we may be subject to penalties if we fail to comply with regulatory requirements or if we experience unanticipated problems with our products, when and if any of them are approved.\n\n\nOur product candidates and the activities associated with their development and commercialization, including their testing, manufacture, recordkeeping, labeling, storage, approval, advertising, promotion, sale and distribution, are subject to comprehensive regulation by the FDA, E.U., MHRA, Swiss and other regulatory authorities. In the U.S., these requirements include submissions of safety and other post-marketing information and reports, registration and listing requirements, cGMP requirements relating to manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance and corresponding maintenance of records and documents, including periodic inspections by the FDA and other regulatory authority, requirements regarding the distribution of samples to physicians and recordkeeping.\n \n\n\nThe FDA, or other regulatory authorities, may also impose requirements for costly post-marketing studies or clinical trials and surveillance to monitor the safety or efficacy of the product. The FDA closely regulates the post-approval marketing and promotion of drugs to ensure drugs are marketed only for the approved indications and in accordance with the provisions of the approved labeling. The FDA imposes stringent restrictions on manufacturers\u2019 communications regarding use of their products and if we promote our products beyond their approved indications, we may be subject to enforcement action for off-label promotion. Violations of the FDC Act relating to the promotion of prescription drugs may lead to investigations alleging violations of federal and state health care fraud and abuse laws, as well as state consumer protection laws.\n\n\nIn addition, later discovery of previously unknown adverse events or other problems with our products, manufacturers or manufacturing processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may yield various results, including:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nrestrictions on the labeling or marketing of a product; \n\n\n\u2022\nrestrictions on product distribution or use; \n\n\n\u2022\nrequirements to conduct post-marketing studies or clinical trials; \n\n\n\u2022\nwarning or untitled letters; \n\n\n\u2022\nwithdrawal of the products from the market; \n\n\n\u2022\nrefusal to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications that we submit; \n\n\n\u2022\nrecall of products; \n\n\n\u2022\nfines, restitution or disgorgement of profits or revenues; \n\n\n\u2022\nsuspension or withdrawal of marketing approvals; \n\n\n\u2022\nrefusal to permit the import or export of our products; \n\n\n\u2022\nproduct seizure; or \n\n\n\u2022\ninjunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.\n\n\nNon-compliance with U.K. and E.U. requirements regarding safety monitoring or pharmacovigilance, and with requirements related to the development of products for the pediatric population, can also result in significant financial penalties. Similarly, failure to comply with the U.K. and E.U.\u2019s requirements regarding the protection of personal information can also lead to significant penalties and sanctions.\n\n\n28\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRecently enacted and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost for us to obtain marketing approval of and commercialize our product candidates and affect the prices we may obtain.\n \n\n\nIn the U.S. and some foreign jurisdictions, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding the healthcare system that could prevent or delay marketing approval of our product candidates, restrict or regulate post-approval activities and affect our ability to profitably sell any product candidates for which we obtain marketing approval.\n \n\n\nAs an example, the ACA, was signed into law in 2010 but has been the subject of legislative and judicial efforts to modify, repeal or otherwise invalidate all or certain aspects of its provisions. The ACA mandated a substantial number of major changes to the healthcare system that impact our business, and several other pieces of legislation since then, as well as ongoing efforts, have continued to create a complicated planning and operating environment for companies in our industry.\n \n\n\nWe expect that the ACA, as well as other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved product. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our products.\n \n\n\nLegislative and regulatory proposals have been made to expand post-approval requirements and restrict sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products. We cannot be sure whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether the FDA regulations, guidance or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes on the marketing approvals of our product candidates, if any, may be. In addition, increased scrutiny by the U.S. Congress of the FDA\u2019s approval process may significantly delay or prevent marketing approval, as well as subject us to more stringent product labeling and post-marketing testing and other requirements.\n\n\nGovernments outside the U.S. tend to impose strict price controls, which may adversely affect our revenues, if any.\n \n\n\nIn some countries, particularly the countries of the E.U. and the U.K., the pricing of prescription pharmaceuticals is subject to governmental control. In these countries, pricing negotiations with governmental authorities can take considerable time after the receipt of marketing approval for a product. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval in some countries, we may be required to conduct a clinical trial that compares the cost-effectiveness of our product candidate to other available therapies. If reimbursement of our products is unavailable or limited in scope or amount, or if pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels, our business could be materially harmed.\n\n\nIf we fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or incur costs that could harm our business.\n \n\n\nWe are subject to numerous environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing laboratory procedures and the handling, use, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. Our operations involve the use of hazardous and flammable materials, including chemicals and biological materials. Our operations also produce hazardous waste products. We generally contract with third parties for the disposal of these materials and wastes. We cannot eliminate the risk of contamination or injury from these materials. In the event of contamination or injury resulting from its use of hazardous materials, we could be held liable for any resulting damages, and any liability could exceed its resources. We also could incur significant costs associated with civil or criminal fines and penalties for failure to comply with such laws and regulations.\n\n\nAlthough we maintain workers\u2019 compensation insurance to cover us for costs and expenses we may incur due to injuries to our employees resulting from the use of hazardous materials, this insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential liabilities. We do not maintain insurance for environmental liability or toxic tort claims that may be asserted against us in connection with the storage or disposal of biological, hazardous or radioactive materials.\n\n\nIn addition, we may incur substantial costs in order to comply with current or future environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. These current or future laws and regulations may impair our discovery, preclinical development or production efforts. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations also may result in substantial fines, penalties or other sanctions.\n\n\n29\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur employees may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with regulatory standards and requirements.\n\n\nAs with all companies, we are exposed to the risk of employee fraud or other misconduct. Misconduct by employees could include intentional failures to comply with FDA regulations, provide accurate information to the FDA, comply with manufacturing standards we may establish, comply with federal and state healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations, report financial information or data accurately or disclose unauthorized activities to us. In particular, sales, marketing and business arrangements in the healthcare industry are subject to extensive laws and regulations intended to prevent fraud, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit a wide range of pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, sales commission, customer incentive programs and other business arrangements. Employee misconduct could also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of clinical trials, which could result in regulatory sanctions and serious harm to our reputation. It is not always possible to identify and deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws or regulations. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, including the imposition of significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, imprisonment, the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, loss of eligibility to obtain approvals from the FDA, exclusion from participation in government contracting, healthcare reimbursement or other government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, integrity oversight and reporting obligations, or reputational harm.\n\n\nRisks Related to the Commercialization of Our Product Candidates\n \n\n\nEven if any of our product candidates receives marketing approval, we may fail to achieve the degree of market acceptance by physicians, patients, third party payors and others in the medical community necessary for commercial success.\n \n\n\nIf any of our product candidates receives marketing approval, we may nonetheless fail to gain sufficient market acceptance by physicians, patients, third party payors and others in the medical community. In addition, physicians, patients and third party payors may prefer other novel products to ours. If our product candidates do not achieve an adequate level of acceptance, we may not generate significant product revenues and we may not become profitable. The degree of market acceptance of our product candidates, if approved for commercial sale, will depend on a number of factors, including:\n\n\n\u2022\nthe efficacy and safety and potential advantages and disadvantages compared to alternative treatments; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe ability to offer our products for sale at competitive prices; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe convenience and ease of administration compared to alternative treatments; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe willingness of the target patient population to try new therapies and of physicians to prescribe these therapies; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe strength of our marketing and distribution support; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe availability of third party coverage and adequate reimbursement, including patient cost-sharing programs such as copays and deductibles; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe ability to develop or partner with third-party collaborators to develop companion diagnostics; \n\n\n\u2022\nFDA-approved labeling which may include restrictive safety and efficacy data, or may not include aspects of safety and efficacy that we believe are important; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe prevalence and severity of any side effects; and \n\n\n\u2022\nany restrictions on the use of our products together with other medications.\n\n\n30\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition, in order to commercialize any product candidates, we must build marketing, sales, distribution, managerial and other non-technical capabilities or make arrangements with third parties to perform these services, and we may not be successful in doing so. If we are unable to enter into such arrangements when needed on acceptable terms or at all, we may not be able to successfully commercialize any of our product candidates that receive regulatory approval or any such commercialization may experience delays or limitations. If we are not successful in commercializing our product candidates, either on our own or through collaborations with one or more third parties, our future product revenue will suffer and we may incur significant additional losses. Our estimates of the potential market opportunities for our products are informed by work that is not definitive and future analyses may lead to estimates that are higher or lower than these estimates than those provided at any given time, with respect to addressable patient populations. If our market opportunity is lower than anticipated, our business may suffer.\n\n\nWe face substantial competition, which may result in others discovering, developing or commercializing competing products before or more successfully than we do.\n\n\nThe development and commercialization of new drug products is highly competitive. We face competition with respect to our current product candidates, and will face competition with respect to any product candidates that we may seek to develop or commercialize in the future, from major pharmaceutical companies, specialty pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies worldwide. There are a number of large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that currently market and sell products or are pursuing the development of products for the treatment of the disease indications for which we are developing our product candidates. Some of these competitive products and therapies are based on scientific approaches that are the same as or similar to our approach, and others are based on entirely different approaches. Potential competitors also include academic institutions, government agencies and other public and private research organizations that conduct research, seek patent protection and establish collaborative arrangements for research, development, manufacturing and commercialization.\n\n\nOur commercial opportunity could be reduced or eliminated if our competitors develop and commercialize products that are safer, more effective, have fewer or less severe side effects, are more convenient or are less expensive than any products that we may develop. In addition, our ability to compete may be affected in many cases by insurers or other third party payors seeking to encourage the use of generic products. Generic products are expected to become available over the coming years, potentially creating pricing pressure. If our product candidates achieve marketing approval, we expect that they will be priced at a significant premium over competitive generic products.\n\n\nMany of the companies against which we are competing or we may compete in the future have significantly greater financial resources and expertise in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical testing, conducting clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals and marketing approved products than we do. Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a smaller number of our competitors. Smaller and other early stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies. These third parties compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and management personnel, establishing clinical trial sites and patient registration for clinical trials, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our programs.\n\n\nThe insurance coverage and reimbursement status of newly approved products is uncertain. Failure to obtain or maintain adequate coverage and reimbursement for new or current products could limit our ability to market those products and decrease our ability to generate revenue.\n\n\nThe availability and extent of reimbursement by governmental and private payors is essential for most patients to be able to afford expensive treatments. Sales of our product candidates will depend substantially, both domestically and abroad, on the extent to which the costs of our product candidates will be paid by health maintenance, managed care, pharmacy benefit and similar healthcare management organizations, or reimbursed by government health administration authorities, private health coverage insurers and other third party payors. If reimbursement is not available, or is available only to limited levels, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our product candidates. Even if coverage is provided, the approved reimbursement amount may not be high enough to allow us to establish or maintain pricing sufficient to realize a sufficient return on our investment.\n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThere is significant uncertainty related to the insurance coverage and reimbursement of newly approved products. In the U.S., the principal decisions about reimbursement for new medicines are typically made by the CMS, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as CMS decides whether and to what extent a new medicine will be covered and reimbursed under Medicare. Private payors tend to follow CMS to a substantial degree. It is difficult to predict what CMS will decide with respect to reimbursement for fundamentally novel products such as ours, as there is no body of established practices and precedents for these new products. Reimbursement agencies in Europe may be more conservative than CMS. Outside the U.S., international operations are generally subject to extensive governmental price controls and other market regulations, and we believe the increasing emphasis on cost-containment initiatives in Europe, Canada, and other countries has and will continue to put pressure on the pricing and usage of our product candidates. In many countries, the prices of medical products are subject to varying price control mechanisms as part of national health systems. In general, the prices of medicines under such systems are substantially lower than in the U.S. Other countries allow companies to fix their own prices for medicines, but monitor and control company profits. Additional foreign price controls or other changes in pricing regulation could restrict the amount that we are able to charge for our product candidates. Accordingly, in markets outside the U.S., the reimbursement for our products may be reduced compared with the U.S. and may be insufficient to generate commercially reasonable revenues and profits.\n \n\n\nMoreover, increasing efforts by governmental and third party payors, in the U.S. and abroad, to cap or reduce healthcare costs may cause such organizations to limit both coverage and level of reimbursement for new products approved and, as a result, they may not cover or provide adequate payment for our product candidates. We expect to experience pricing pressures in connection with the sale of any of our product candidates, due to the trend toward managed healthcare, the increasing influence of health maintenance organizations and additional legislative changes. The downward pressure on healthcare costs in general, particularly prescription drugs and surgical procedures and other treatments, has become very intense. As a result, increasingly high barriers are being erected to the entry of new products into the healthcare market.\n\n\nIn addition, many private payors contract with commercial vendors who sell software that provide guidelines that attempt to limit utilization of, and therefore reimbursement for, certain products deemed to provide limited benefit to existing alternatives. Such organizations may set guidelines that limit reimbursement or utilization of our products.\n\n\nOur ability to obtain services, reimbursement or funding may be impacted by possible reductions in federal spending in the U.S. as well as globally.\n\n\nU.S. federal government agencies currently face potentially significant spending reductions. Under the Budget Control Act of 2011, the failure of Congress to enact deficit reduction measures of at least $1.2 trillion for the years 2013 through 2021 triggered automatic cuts to most federal programs. These cuts would include aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers of up to two percent per fiscal year, which went into effect beginning on April 1, 2013 and will stay in effect through 2030 unless additional Congressional action is taken. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which was enacted on January 1, 2013, among other things, reduced Medicare payments to several providers, including hospitals and imaging centers. The full impact on our business of these automatic cuts is uncertain. Additionally, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (\u201cCARES\u201d) Act enacted in 2020 provides financial support and resources to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, suspended and reduced the 2% Medicare sequester from May 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022, and extended the sequester policy, through 2031, in order to offset the added expense of the 2020 cancellation. Moreover, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 among other things, further reduced Medicare payments to several types of providers, including hospitals, imaging centers and cancer treatment centers, and increased the statute of limitations period for the government to recover overpayments to providers from three to five years.\n\n\nThe IRA, which was enacted in August 2022, will, among other things, allow HHS to negotiate the selling price of certain drugs and biologics that CMS reimburses under Medicare Part B and Part D, although only high-expenditure single-source drugs that have been approved for at least 7 years (11 years for biologics) can be selected by CMS for negotiation, with the negotiated price taking effect two years after the selection year. The negotiated prices, which will first become effective in 2026, will be capped at a statutory ceiling price. Beginning in January 2023 for Medicare Part B and October 2022 for Medicare Part D, the IRA will also penalize drug manufacturers that increase prices of Medicare Part B and Part D drugs at a rate greater than the rate of inflation. The IRA permits the Secretary of HHS to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. Manufacturers that fail to comply with the IRA may be subject to various penalties, including civil monetary penalties. The IRA also extends enhanced subsidies for individuals purchasing health insurance coverage in ACA marketplaces through plan year 2025. These provisions will take effect progressively starting in 2023, although they may be subject to legal challenges. For example, in June 2023, the drug price negotiation program for Medicare Parts B and D was challenged in federal court. It is unclear whether such litigation or other litigation, if brought, will be successful.\n\n\n32\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf government spending is reduced, anticipated budgetary shortfalls may also impact the ability of relevant agencies, such as the FDA or the National Institutes of Health to continue to function at current levels. Amounts allocated to federal grants and contracts may be reduced or eliminated. These reductions may also impact the ability of relevant agencies to timely review and approve drug research and development, manufacturing, and marketing activities, which may delay our ability to develop, market and sell any products we may develop. Any reductions in government spending in countries outside the U.S. may also impact us negatively, such as by limiting the functioning of international regulatory agencies in countries outside the U.S. or by eliminating programs on which we may rely.\n\n\nProduct liability lawsuits against us could cause us to incur substantial liabilities and to limit commercialization of any products that we may develop.\n\n\nWe face an inherent risk of product liability exposure related to the testing of our product candidates in human clinical trials and will face an even greater risk if we commercially sell any products that we may develop. If we cannot successfully defend against claims that our product candidates or products caused injuries, we will incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:\n\n\n\u2022\ndecreased demand for any product candidates or products that we may develop;\n\n\n\u2022\ninjury to our reputation and significant negative media attention;\n\n\n\u2022\nwithdrawal of clinical trial participants;\n\n\n\u2022\nsignificant costs to defend the related litigation;\n\n\n\u2022\nsubstantial monetary awards to trial participants or patients;\n\n\n\u2022\nloss of revenue;\n\n\n\u2022\nreduced resources of our management to pursue our business strategy; and\n\n\n\u2022\nthe inability to commercialize any products that we may develop.\n\n\nWe currently hold $10 million in product liability insurance coverage in the aggregate, with a per incident limit of $10 million which may not be adequate to cover all liabilities that we may incur. We may need to increase our insurance coverage as we expand our clinical trials or if we commence commercialization of our product candidates. Insurance coverage is increasingly expensive. We may not be able to maintain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost or in an amount adequate to satisfy any liability that may arise.\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Dependence on Third Parties\n \n\n\nWe contract with third parties for the manufacture of our product candidates for preclinical and clinical testing and we expect to continue to do so for commercialization. This reliance on third parties increases the risk that we will not have sufficient quantities of our product candidates or products at an acceptable cost and quality, which could delay, prevent or impair our development or commercialization efforts.\n\n\nWe do not own or operate facilities for the manufacture of our product candidates, and we do not have any manufacturing personnel. We currently have no plans to build our own clinical or commercial scale manufacturing capabilities. We rely, and expect to continue to rely, on third parties for the manufacture of our product candidates for preclinical and clinical testing and we do not have backup sources of supply established for our candidates. We review the manufacturing process for each of our candidates and assess the risk to supply and, as appropriate, establish multiple manufacturers and/or establish stock levels to support future activities and do not believe we are currently substantially dependent on any one third party. Despite the drug substance and product risk management, this reliance on third parties presents a risk that we will not have sufficient quantities of our product candidates or products or such quantities at an acceptable cost or quality, which could delay, prevent or impair our development or commercialization efforts.\n\n\n33\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAny performance failure on the part of our existing or future manufacturers of drug substance or drug products could delay clinical development or marketing approval. If current suppliers cannot supply us with our Phase 2 requirements as agreed, we may be required to identify alternative manufacturers, which would lead us to incur added costs and delays in identifying and qualifying any such replacement.\n \n\n\nEven if we choose to self-manufacture, the formulation used in early studies frequently is not a final formulation for commercialization. Additional changes may be required by the FDA or other regulatory authorities on specifications and storage conditions. These may require additional studies and may delay our clinical trials.\n\n\nWe expect to rely on third party manufacturers or third party collaborators for the manufacture of commercial supply of any other product candidates for which our collaborators or we obtain marketing approval.\n\n\nWe also expect to rely on other third parties to store and distribute drug supplies for our clinical trials. Any performance failure on the part of our distributors could delay clinical development or marketing approval of our product candidates or commercialization of our products, producing additional losses and depriving us of potential product revenue.\n\n\nWe may be unable to establish any agreements with third party manufacturers or to do so on acceptable terms. Even if we are able to establish agreements with third party manufacturers, reliance on third party manufacturers entails additional risks, including:\n\n\n\u2022\nreliance on the third party for regulatory compliance and quality assurance; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe possible breach of the manufacturing agreement by the third party; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe possible misappropriation of our proprietary information, including trade secrets and know-how; and \n\n\n\u2022\nthe possible termination or nonrenewal of the agreement by the third party at a time that is costly or inconvenient for us. \n\n\nThird party manufacturers may not be able to comply with cGMP, regulations or similar regulatory requirements outside the U.S. Our failure, or the failure of our third party manufacturers, to comply with applicable regulations could result in sanctions being imposed on us, including clinical holds, fines, injunctions, civil penalties, delays, suspension or withdrawal of approvals, license revocation, seizures or recalls of product candidates or products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecutions, any of which could significantly and adversely affect supplies of our products.\n\n\nOur product candidates and any products that we may develop may compete with other product candidates and products for access to manufacturing facilities. There are a limited number of manufacturers that operate under cGMP regulations and that might be capable of manufacturing for us.\n\n\nOur current and anticipated future dependence upon others for the manufacture of our product candidates or products may adversely affect our future profit margins and our ability to commercialize any products that receive marketing approval on a timely and competitive basis.\n\n\n34\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may not successfully engage in strategic transactions, including any additional collaborations we seek, which could adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize product candidates, impact our cash position, increase our expenses and present significant distractions to our management. The terms of any collaborations may also have impacts on other aspects of our business.\n\n\nFrom time to time, we may consider strategic transactions, such as collaborations, acquisitions of companies, asset purchases and out- or in-licensing of product candidates or technologies that we believe will complement or augment our existing business. In particular, we will evaluate and, if strategically attractive, seek to enter into additional collaborations, including with major biotechnology or biopharmaceutical companies. The competition for collaborators is intense, and the negotiation process is time-consuming and complex. Any new collaboration may be on terms that are not optimal for us, and we may not be able to maintain any new collaboration if, for example, development or approval of a product candidate is delayed, sales of an approved product candidate do not meet expectations or the collaborator terminates the collaboration. In addition, there have been a significant number of recent business combinations among large pharmaceutical companies that have resulted in a reduced number of potential future strategic partners. Our ability to reach a definitive agreement for a collaboration will depend, among other things, upon our assessment of the strategic partner\u2019s resources and expertise, the terms and conditions of the proposed collaboration and the proposed strategic partner\u2019s evaluation of a number of factors. These factors may include the design or results of clinical trials, the likelihood of approval by the FDA or similar regulatory authorities outside the U.S., the potential market for the subject product candidate, the costs and complexities of manufacturing and delivering such product candidate to patients, the potential of competing products, the existence of uncertainty with respect to our ownership of technology, which can exist if there is a challenge to such ownership without regard to the merits of the challenge, and industry and market conditions generally. Moreover, even if we acquire assets with promising markets or technologies, we may not be able to realize the benefit of acquiring such assets due to an inability to successfully integrate them with our existing technologies and we may encounter numerous difficulties in developing, manufacturing and marketing any new products resulting from a strategic acquisition that delay or prevent us from realizing their expected benefits or enhancing our business.\n\n\nWe cannot assure you that following any such collaboration, or other strategic transaction, we will achieve the expected synergies to justify the transaction. For example, such transactions may require us to incur non-recurring or other charges, increase our near- and long-term expenditures and pose significant integration or implementation challenges or disrupt our management or business. These transactions would entail numerous operational and financial risks, including exposure to unknown liabilities, disruption of our business and diversion of our management\u2019s time and attention in order to manage a collaboration or develop acquired products, product candidates or technologies, incurrence of substantial debt or dilutive issuances of equity securities to pay transaction consideration or costs, higher than expected collaboration, acquisition or integration costs, write-downs of assets or goodwill or impairment charges, increased amortization expenses, difficulty and cost in facilitating the collaboration or combining the operations and personnel of any acquired business, impairment of relationships with key suppliers, manufacturers or customers of any acquired business due to changes in management and ownership and the inability to retain key employees of any acquired business. Also, such strategic alliance, joint venture or acquisition may be prohibited. Collaborations may also have potential impact on other aspects of our business.\n \n\n\nAccordingly, although there can be no assurance that we will undertake or successfully complete any transactions of the nature described above, any transactions that we do complete may be subject to the foregoing or other risks that would have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.\n\n\n35\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have entered, and may in the future seek to enter, into collaborations with third parties for the development and commercialization of our product candidates. If we fail to enter into such collaborations, or such collaborations are not successful, we may not be able to capitalize on the market potential of our product candidates.\n\n\nBiopharmaceutical companies are our prior and likely future collaborators for any marketing, distribution, development, licensing or broader collaboration arrangements. We expect that in any future collaboration agreements, we would have limited control over the amount and timing of resources that our collaborators dedicate to the development or commercialization of our product candidates. Moreover, our ability to generate revenues from these arrangements will depend on our collaborators\u2019 abilities to successfully perform the functions assigned to them in these arrangements. We face significant competition in seeking appropriate collaborators. Our ability to reach a definitive agreement for any collaboration will depend, among other things, upon our assessment of the collaborator\u2019s resources and expertise, the terms and conditions of the proposed collaboration and the proposed collaborator\u2019s evaluation of a number of factors. If we are unable to reach agreements with suitable collaborators on a timely basis, on acceptable terms, or at all, we may have to curtail the development of a product candidate, reduce or delay our development program or one or more of our other development programs, delay our potential development schedule or reduce the scope of research activities, or increase our expenditures and undertake discovery or preclinical development activities at our own expense. If we fail to enter into collaborations and do not have sufficient funds or expertise to undertake the necessary development activities, we may not be able to further develop our product candidates or continue to develop our product candidates and our business may be materially and adversely affected.\n\n\nFuture collaborations we may enter into may involve the following risks:\n\n\n\u2022\ncollaborators may have significant discretion in determining the efforts and resources that they will apply to these collaborations;\n\n\n\u2022\ncollaborators may not perform their obligations as expected;\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges in the collaborators\u2019 strategic focus or available funding, or external factors, such as an acquisition, may divert resources or create competing priorities;\n\n\n\u2022\ncollaborators may delay discovery and preclinical development, provide insufficient funding for product development of targets selected by us, stop or abandon discovery and preclinical development for a product candidate, repeat or conduct new discovery and preclinical development for a product candidate;\n\n\n\u2022\ncollaborators could independently develop, or develop with third parties, products that compete directly or indirectly with our products or product candidates if the collaborators believe that competitive products are more likely to be successfully developed than our products;\n\n\n\u2022\nproduct candidates discovered in collaboration with us may be viewed by our collaborators as competitive with their own product candidates or products, which may cause collaborators to cease to devote resources to the development of its product candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\ncollaborators may not properly maintain or defend their intellectual property rights or intellectual property rights licensed to us or may use their proprietary information in such a way as to invite litigation that could jeopardize or invalidate our intellectual property or proprietary information or expose us to potential litigation;\n\n\n\u2022\ncollaborators may infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties, which may expose us to litigation and potential liability; and\n\n\n\u2022\ncollaborations may be terminated for the convenience of the collaborator and, if terminated, we could be required to raise additional capital to pursue further development or commercialization of the applicable product candidates.\n\n\nAdditionally, subject to its contractual obligations to us, if a collaborator is involved in a business combination, the collaborator might deemphasize or terminate the development of any of our product candidates. If one of our collaborators terminates its agreement with us, we may find it more difficult to attract new collaborators and the perception of us in the business and financial communities could be adversely affected.\n\n\n36\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf our collaborations do not result in the successful development of products or product candidates, product candidates could be delayed and we may need additional resources to develop product candidates. All of the risks relating to product development, regulatory approval and commercialization described in this proxy statement also apply to the activities of our collaborators.\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Intellectual Property\n \n\n\nIf we are unable to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our technology and products or if the scope of the intellectual property protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize technology and products similar or identical to ours, and our ability to successfully commercialize our technology and products may be impaired.\n \n\n\nOur success depends in large part on our ability to obtain and maintain patent protection in the U.S., the E.U., and other countries with respect to our proprietary technology and products. We seek to protect our proprietary position by filing patent applications in the U.S. and abroad related to our novel technologies and product candidates. This patent portfolio includes issued patents and pending patent applications covering compositions of matter and methods of use.\n \n\n\nThe patent prosecution process is expensive and time-consuming, and we may not be able to file and prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. We may choose not to seek patent protection for certain innovations and may choose not to pursue patent protection in certain jurisdictions, and under the laws of certain jurisdictions, patents or other intellectual property rights may be unavailable or limited in scope. It is also possible that we will fail to identify patentable aspects of our discovery and preclinical development output before it is too late to obtain patent protection. Moreover, in some circumstances, we may not have the right to control the preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications, or to maintain the patents, covering technology that we license from third parties. Therefore, these patents and applications may not be prosecuted and enforced in a manner consistent with the best interests of our business.\n \n\n\nThe patent position of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies generally is highly uncertain, involves complex legal and factual questions, and has in recent years been the subject of much litigation. In addition, the laws of foreign countries may not protect our rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. For example, India and China do not allow patents for methods of treating the human body. Publications of discoveries in the scientific literature often lag behind the actual discoveries, and patent applications in the U.S. and other jurisdictions are typically not published until 18 months after filing, or in some cases not at all. Therefore, we cannot know with certainty whether we were the first to make the inventions claimed in our owned or licensed patents or pending patent applications, or that we were the first to file for patent protection of such inventions. If a third party has also filed a U.S. patent application prior to the effective date of the relevant provisions of the America Invents Act (i.e. before March 16, 2013) covering our product candidates or a similar invention, we may have to participate in an adversarial proceeding, known as an interference, declared by the USPTO to determine priority of invention in the U.S. As a result, the issuance, scope, validity, enforceability and commercial value of our patent rights are highly uncertain. Our pending and future patent applications may not result in patents being issued which protect our technology or products, in whole or in part, or which effectively prevent others from commercializing competitive technologies and products. Changes in either the patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the E.U., the U.S. and other countries may diminish the value of our patents or narrow the scope of our patent protection.\n\n\nMoreover, we may be subject to a third party preissuance submission of prior art to the USPTO, or become involved in opposition, derivation, reexamination, inter partes review, post-grant review or interference proceedings challenging our patent rights or the patent rights of others. An adverse determination in any such submission, proceeding or litigation could reduce the scope of, or invalidate, our patent rights, allow third parties to commercialize our technology or products and compete directly with us, without payment to us, or result in our inability to manufacture or commercialize products without infringing third party patent rights. In addition, if the breadth or strength of protection provided by our patents and patent applications is threatened, it could dissuade companies from collaborating with us to license, develop or commercialize current or future product candidates.\n\n\nEven if our owned and licensed patent applications issue as patents, they may not issue in a form that will provide us with any meaningful protection, prevent competitors from competing with us or otherwise provide us with any competitive advantage. Our competitors may be able to circumvent our owned or licensed patents by developing similar or alternative technologies or products in a non-infringing manner.\n\n\n37\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to its inventorship, scope, validity or enforceability, and our owned and licensed patents may be challenged in the courts or patent offices in the U.S. and abroad. Such challenges may result in loss of exclusivity or freedom to operate or in patent claims being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable, in whole or in part, which could limit our ability to stop others from using or commercializing similar or identical technology and products, or limit the duration of the patent protection of our technology and products. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new product candidates, patents protecting such candidates might expire before or shortly after such candidates are commercialized. As a result, our owned and licensed patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours.\n \n\n\nThe risks described elsewhere pertaining to our patents and other intellectual property rights also apply to the intellectual property rights that we license, and any failure to obtain, maintain and enforce these rights could have a material adverse effect on our business. In some cases we may not have control over the prosecution, maintenance or enforcement of the patents that we license, and our licensors may fail to take the steps that we believe are necessary or desirable in order to obtain, maintain and enforce the licensed patents. Any inability on our part to protect adequately our intellectual property may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial position.\n\n\nObtaining and maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.\n\n\nPeriodic maintenance fees, renewal fees, annuity fees and various other governmental fees on patents and/or applications will be due to be paid to the USPTO and various governmental patent agencies outside of the U.S. in several stages over the lifetime of the patents and/or applications. We employ an outside firm and rely on our outside counsel to pay these fees due to non-U.S. patent agencies. The USPTO and various non-U.S. governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. We employ reputable law firms and other professionals to help us comply, and in many cases, an inadvertent lapse can be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable rules. However, there are situations in which non-compliance can result in abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, our competitors might be able to enter the market and this circumstance would have a material adverse effect on our business.\n\n\nWe may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents or other intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.\n\n\nBecause competition in our industry is intense, competitors may infringe or otherwise violate our issued patents, patents of our licensors or other intellectual property. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file infringement claims, which can be expensive and time consuming. Any claims we assert against perceived infringers could provoke these parties to assert counterclaims against us alleging that we infringed their patents. In addition, in a patent infringement proceeding, a court may decide that a patent of ours is invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, construe the patent\u2019s claims narrowly or refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our patents do not cover the technology in question. An adverse result in any litigation proceeding could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly. We may also elect to enter into license agreements in order to settle patent infringement claims or to resolve disputes prior to litigation, and any such license agreements may require us to pay royalties and other fees that could be significant. Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure.\n \n\n\nThird parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on the success of our business.\n \n\n\nOur commercial success depends upon our ability, and the ability of our collaborators, to develop, manufacture, market and sell our product candidates and use our proprietary technologies without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. There is considerable intellectual property litigation in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. We may become party to, or threatened with, future adversarial proceedings or litigation regarding intellectual property rights with respect to our products and technology, including interference or derivation proceedings before the USPTO. Third parties may assert infringement claims against us based on existing patents or patents that may be granted in the future.\n \n\n\n38\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf we are found to infringe a third party\u2019s intellectual property rights, we could be required to obtain a license from such third party to continue developing and marketing our products and technology. However, we may not be able to obtain any required license on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if we were able to obtain a license, it could be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors access to the same technologies licensed to us. We could be forced, including by court order, to cease commercializing the infringing technology or product. In addition, we could be found liable for monetary damages, including treble damages and attorneys\u2019 fees if we are found to have willfully infringed a patent. A finding of infringement could prevent us from commercializing our product candidates or force us to cease some of our business operations, which could materially harm our business. Claims that we have misappropriated the confidential information or trade secrets of third parties could have a similar negative impact on our business.\n \n\n\nIf we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position would be harmed.\n\n\nIn addition to seeking patents for some of our technology and product candidates, we also rely on trade secrets, including unpatented know-how, technology and other proprietary information, to maintain our competitive position. We seek to protect these trade secrets, in part, by entering into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to them, such as our employees, corporate collaborators, outside scientific collaborators, contract manufacturers, consultants, advisors and other third parties. We seek to protect our confidential proprietary information, in part, by entering into confidentiality and invention or patent assignment agreements with our employees and consultants, however, we cannot be certain that such agreements have been entered into with all relevant parties. Moreover, to the extent we enter into such agreements, any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, some courts inside and outside the U.S. are less willing or unwilling to protect trade secrets. If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent them, or those to whom they communicate them, from using that technology or information to compete with us. If any of our trade secrets were to be disclosed to or independently developed by a competitor, our competitive position would be harmed.\n\n\nRisks Related to Employee Matters, Facilities, Managing Growth and Macroeconomic Conditions\n \n\n\nOur future success depends on our ability to retain key executives and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.\n \n\n\nWe are highly dependent on the research and development, clinical and business development expertise of the principal members of our management, scientific and clinical team. Although we have entered into employment letter agreements with our executive officers, each of them may terminate their employment with us at any time. We do not maintain \u201ckey person\u201d insurance for any of our executives or other employees. The loss of the services of any of our management team, other key employees and other scientific and medical advisors, and our inability to find suitable replacements, could result in delays in product development and harm our business.\n \n\n\nRecruiting and retaining qualified scientific, clinical, manufacturing, sales and marketing personnel will also be critical to our success. The loss of the services of our executive officers or other key employees could impede the achievement of our research, development and commercialization objectives and seriously harm our ability to successfully implement our business strategy. Furthermore, replacing executive officers and key employees may be difficult and may take an extended period of time because of the limited number of individuals in our industry with the breadth of skills and experience required to successfully develop, gain regulatory approval of and commercialize products. Competition to hire from this limited pool is intense, and we may be unable to hire, train, retain or motivate these key personnel on acceptable terms given the competition among numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for similar personnel. We also experience competition for the hiring of scientific and clinical personnel from universities and research institutions. In addition, we rely on consultants and advisors, including scientific and clinical advisors, to assist us in formulating our discovery and preclinical development and commercialization strategy. Our consultants and advisors may be employed by employers other than us and may have commitments under consulting or advisory contracts with other entities that may limit their availability to provide services to us. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain high quality personnel, our ability to pursue our growth strategy will be limited.\n \n\n\n39\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe expect to expand our development and regulatory capabilities and potentially implement sales, marketing and distribution capabilities, and as a result, we may encounter difficulties in managing our growth, which could disrupt our operations.\n \n\n\nWe expect to experience significant growth in the number of our employees and the scope of our operations, particularly in the areas of drug development, regulatory affairs and, if any of our product candidates receive marketing approval, sales, marketing and distribution. To manage our anticipated future growth, we must continue to implement and improve our managerial, operational and financial systems, expand our facilities and continue to recruit and train additional qualified personnel. Due to our limited financial resources and the limited experience of our management team in managing a company with such anticipated growth, we may not be able to effectively manage the expansion of our operations or recruit and train additional qualified personnel. The expansion of our operations may lead to significant costs and may divert our management and business development resources. Any inability to manage growth could delay the execution of our business plans or disrupt our operations.\n \n\n\nBusiness disruptions could seriously harm our future revenue and financial condition and increase our costs and expenses.\n\n\nOur operations, and those of our CROs and other contractors and consultants, could be subject to earthquakes, power shortages, telecommunications failures, water shortages, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, fires, extreme weather conditions, medical epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and other natural or man-made disasters or business interruptions, for which we may not have insurance coverage. The occurrence of any of these business disruptions could seriously harm our operations and financial condition and increase our costs and expenses. We rely on third-party manufacturers to produce and process our product candidates. Our ability to obtain supplies of our product candidates could be disrupted if the operations of these suppliers are affected by a man-made or natural disaster or other business interruption. Our operations and financial condition could suffer in the event of a natural or man-made disaster near our headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts or our research facility in Porton Down, United Kingdom.\n\n\nOur failure to comply with privacy and data security laws, regulations and standards may cause our business to be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nWe are, and may increasingly become, subject to various laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations, relating to data privacy and security in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Personal privacy and data security have become significant issues in the U.S., Europe and in many other jurisdictions. The regulatory framework for privacy and security issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We maintain a large quantity of sensitive information, including confidential business and patient health information in connection with our clinical development regarding the patients enrolled in our clinical trials. Any violations of these rules by us could subject us to civil and criminal penalties and adverse publicity and could harm our ability to initiate and complete clinical trials. We cannot provide assurance that current or future legislation will not prevent us from generating or maintaining personal data or that patients will consent to the use of their personal data (as necessary); either of these circumstances may prevent us from undertaking or publishing essential research and development, manufacturing, and commercialization, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.\n \n\n\nThe myriad international and U.S. privacy and data breach laws are not consistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread data breach is difficult and may be costly. In many jurisdictions, enforcement actions and consequences for noncompliance are also rising. In addition to government regulation, privacy advocates and industry groups may propose new and different self-regulatory standards that either legally or contractually applies to us. Any inability to adequately address privacy and security concerns, even if unfounded, or comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, regulations and policies, could result in additional cost and liability to us, damage our reputation, and adversely affect our business. Additionally, all of these evolving compliance and operational requirements impose significant costs, such as costs related to organizational changes, implementing additional protection technologies, training employees and engaging consultants, which are likely to increase over time. In addition, such requirements may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies, distract management or divert resources from other initiatives and projects, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.\n\n\n40\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEnforcement actions and investigations by regulatory authorities related to data security incidents and privacy violations continue to increase. Any failure or perceived failure by us (or the third parties with whom we have contracted to process such information) to comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, policies or related contractual obligations, or any compromise of security that results in unauthorized access, use or transmission of, personal user information, could result in a variety of claims against us, including governmental enforcement actions and investigations, class action privacy litigation in certain jurisdictions and proceedings by data protection authorities, potentially amounting to significant compensation or damages liabilities, as well as associated costs, diversion of internal resources, and reputational harm. When such events occur, our reputation may be harmed, we may lose current and potential users and the competitive positions of our brand might be diminished, any or all of which could materially adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. In addition, if our practices are not consistent or viewed as not consistent with legal and regulatory requirements, including changes in laws, regulations and standards or new interpretations or applications of existing laws, regulations and standards, we may become subject to audits, inquiries, whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, loss of export privileges, or severe criminal or civil sanctions, all of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, reputation, and financial condition.\n\n\nOur business and operations would suffer in the event of system failures, cyberattacks or a deficiency in our cybersecurity.\n \n\n\nOur internal computer systems and those of our CROs, collaborators and third parties on whom we rely are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication and electrical failures. Furthermore, we have little or no control over the security measures and computer systems of our third party collaborators. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyberattacks or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity, and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. In addition, the prevalent use of mobile devices that access confidential information increases the risk of data security breaches, which could lead to the loss of confidential information or other intellectual property. The costs to us or our CROs or other contractors or consultants we may utilize to mitigate network security problems, bugs, viruses, worms, phishing attempts, malicious software programs and security vulnerabilities could be significant, and while we have implemented security measures to protect our data security and information technology systems, our efforts to address these problems may not be successful, and these problems could result in unexpected interruptions, delays, cessation of service and other harm to our business and our competitive position. For example, the loss of research data could delay development of our product candidates and the loss of clinical trial data from completed or ongoing or planned clinical trials could result in delays in our regulatory approval efforts and we may incur substantial costs to attempt to recover or reproduce the data. If any disruption or security breach resulted in a loss of or damage to our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liability and/or the further development of our product candidates could be delayed or impaired.\n \n\n\nIn addition, such a breach may require notification to governmental agencies, the media or individuals pursuant to various federal and state privacy and security laws, if applicable, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, or HITECH, and its implementing rules and regulations, as well as regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission and state breach notification laws. We would also be exposed to a risk of loss or litigation and potential liability under laws, regulations and contracts that protect the privacy and security of personal information. We would also be exposed to a risk of loss or litigation and potential liability, which could materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.\n\n\nWe also depend on our information technology infrastructure for communications among our personnel, contractors, consultants and vendors. System failures or outages could also compromise our ability to perform these functions in a timely manner, which could harm our ability to conduct business or delay our financial reporting.\n\n\nRisks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock\n\n\nOur stock price is volatile and our stockholders may not be able to resell shares of our common stock at or above the price they paid.\n\n\nThe trading price of our common stock is highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Factors affecting the market price of our common stock include those discussed in this \u201cRisk Factors\u201d section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and others such as:\n\n\n\u2022\nannouncement of a strategic transaction or other significant events for us or our competitors;\n\n\n41\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nour decision to initiate a clinical trial or not to initiate a clinical trial;\n\n\n\u2022\nannouncements of significant changes in our business or operations, including the decision not to pursue drug development programs;\n\n\n\u2022\nadditions or departures of key personnel;\n\n\n\u2022\nadverse results or delays in clinical trials;\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges in reimbursement or third party coverage of treatments, or changes to treatment recommendations or guidelines applicable to treatment;\n\n\n\u2022\nannouncements relating to collaboration partnerships or other strategic transactions undertaken by us;\n\n\n\u2022\nannouncements of therapeutic innovations or new products by us or our competitors;\n\n\n\u2022\nadverse actions taken by regulatory agencies with respect to our clinical trials, manufacturing supply chain or sales and marketing activities;\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges or developments in laws or regulations applicable to any of our product candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\nany adverse changes to our relationship with any manufacturers or suppliers;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe success of our testing and clinical trials;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe success of our efforts to acquire or license or discover additional product candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\nany intellectual property infringement actions in which we may become involved;\n\n\n\u2022\nannouncements concerning our competitors or the pharmaceutical industry in general;\n\n\n\u2022\nachievement of expected product sales and profitability;\n\n\n\u2022\nmanufacture, supply or distribution shortages;\n\n\n\u2022\nactual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;\n\n\n\u2022\nFDA or other regulatory actions affecting us or our industry or other healthcare reform measures in the U.S., the U.K. or the E.U.;\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts;\n\n\n\u2022\ntrading volume of our common stock;\n\n\n\u2022\nsales of our common stock by us, our executive officers and directors or our stockholders in the future;\n\n\n\u2022\ngeneral economic and market conditions and overall fluctuations in the U.S. equity markets, including due to rising inflation and interest rates, labor shortages, supply chain issues, and global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine; and\n\n\n\u2022\nother events or factors, many of which are beyond our control.\n\n\nIn addition, the stock markets in general, and the markets for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology stocks in particular, have experienced extreme volatility that may have been unrelated to the operating performance of the issuer. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price or liquidity of our common stock. In the past, when the market price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have sometimes instituted securities class action litigation against the issuer. If any of our stockholders were to bring such a lawsuit against us, we could incur substantial costs defending the lawsuit and the\n \n\n\n42\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nattention of our management would be diverted from the operation of our business, which could seriously harm our financial position. Any adverse determination in litigation could also subject us to significant liabilities.\n\n\nWe incur significant costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management devotes substantial time to compliance initiatives. We may fail to comply with the rules that apply to public companies, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which could result in sanctions or other penalties that would harm our business.\n\n\nWe incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses as a public company, including costs resulting from public company reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, and regulations regarding corporate governance practices. The listing requirements of The NASDAQ Global Market require that we satisfy certain corporate governance requirements relating to director independence, distributing annual and interim reports, stockholder meetings, approvals and voting, soliciting proxies, conflicts of interest and a code of conduct. Our management and other personnel have devoted, and will continue to need to devote, a substantial amount of time to ensure that we comply with all of these requirements. Moreover, the reporting requirements, rules and regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time consuming and costly. Any changes we make to comply with these obligations may not be sufficient to allow us to satisfy our obligations as a public company on a timely basis, or at all. These reporting requirements, rules and regulations, coupled with the increase in potential litigation exposure associated with being a public company, could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or board committees or to serve as executive officers, or to obtain certain types of insurance, including directors\u2019 and officers\u2019 insurance, on acceptable terms.\n\n\nWe are subject to Section 404 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (\u201cSection 404\u201d), and the related rules of the SEC which generally require our management and independent registered public accounting firm to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Section 404 requires an annual management assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Effective April 27, 2020, the SEC adopted amendments to the \u201caccelerated filer\u201d and \u201clarge accelerated filer\u201d definitions in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The amendments exclude from the \u201caccelerated filer\u201d and \u201clarge accelerated filer\u201d definitions an issuer that is eligible to be a smaller reporting company and that had annual revenues of less than $100 million in the most recent fiscal year for which audited financial statements are available. We determined that our Company does not meet the accelerated or large accelerated filer definitions as of April 30, 2023. For so long as we remain a smaller reporting company and a non-accelerated filer, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to public companies, including, but not limited to, not being required as a non-accelerated filer to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b). An independent assessment by our independent registered public accounting firm of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting could detect problems that our management\u2019s assessment might not. Undetected material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could lead to financial statement restatements and require us to incur the expense of remediation.\n\n\nDuring the course of the review and testing of our internal control for the purpose of providing the reports required by these rules, we may identify deficiencies and be unable to remediate them before we must provide the required reports. Furthermore, if we have a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, we may not detect errors on a timely basis and our financial statements may be materially misstated. We or our independent registered public accounting firm may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting, which could harm our operating results, cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and cause the trading price of our stock to fall. In addition, as a public company we are required to file accurate and timely quarterly and annual reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act. Any failure to report our financial results on an accurate and timely basis could result in sanctions, lawsuits, delisting of our shares from The NASDAQ Global Market or other adverse consequences that would materially harm our business.\n\n\nIn addition, if we lose our status as a \u201cnon-accelerated filer,\u201d we will be required to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. If our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting once we are an accelerated filer or a large accelerated filer, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected.\n\n\nShareholder Activism Could Cause Material Disruption to Our Business.\n\n\nPublicly traded companies have increasingly become subject to campaigns by activist investors advocating corporate actions such as actions related to environment, social and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) matters, financial restructuring, increased borrowing, dividends, share repurchases or even sales of assets or the entire company. Responding to proxy contests and other actions by such activist investors or others in the future could be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of our\n \n\n\n43\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nboard of directors and senior management from the pursuit of our business strategies, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.\n\n\nProvisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law could discourage a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable and may lead to entrenchment of management.\n\n\nOur amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could significantly reduce the value of our shares to a potential acquirer or delay or prevent changes in control or changes in our management without the consent of our board of directors. The provisions in our charter documents include the following:\n\n\n\u2022\na classified board of directors with three-year staggered terms, which may delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our board of directors;\n\n\n\u2022\nno cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe exclusive right of our board of directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the board of directors or the resignation, death or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our board of directors;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe required approval of at least 66 2/3% of the shares entitled to vote to remove a director for cause, and the prohibition on removal of directors without cause;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe ability of our board of directors to authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe ability of our board of directors to alter our bylaws without obtaining stockholder approval;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe required approval of at least 66 2/3% of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors to adopt, amend or repeal certain provisions of our bylaws and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation regarding the election and removal of directors;\n\n\n\u2022\na prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of our stockholders;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe requirement that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by or at the direction of our board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of directors that our board of directors would have if there were no vacancies, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors; and\n\n\n\u2022\nadvance notice procedures that stockholders must comply with in order to nominate candidates to our board of directors or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders\u2019 meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer\u2019s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. In addition, these provisions would apply even if we were to receive an offer that some stockholders may consider beneficial.\n\n\nWe are also subject to the anti-takeover provisions contained in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Under Section 203, a corporation may not, in general, engage in a business combination with any holder of 15% or more of its capital stock unless the holder has held the stock for three years or, among other exceptions, the board of directors has approved the transaction.\n\n\nClaims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third party claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.\n\n\nOur amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.\n\n\n44\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition, as permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated bylaws and our indemnification agreements that we have entered into with our directors and officers provide that:\n\n\n\u2022\nwe will indemnify our directors and officers for serving us in those capacities or for serving other business enterprises at our request, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that a corporation may indemnify such person if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the registrant and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person\u2019s conduct was unlawful.\n\n\n\u2022\nwe may, in our discretion, indemnify employees and agents in those circumstances where indemnification is permitted by applicable law.\n\n\n\u2022\nwe are required to advance expenses, as incurred, to our directors and officers in connection with defending a proceeding, except that such directors or officers shall undertake to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification.\n\n\n\u2022\nwe will not be obligated pursuant to our amended and restated bylaws to indemnify a person with respect to proceedings initiated by that person against us or our other indemnitees, except with respect to proceedings authorized by our board of directors or brought to enforce a right to indemnification.\n\n\n\u2022\nthe rights conferred in our amended and restated bylaws are not exclusive, and we are authorized to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors, officers, employees and agents and to obtain insurance to indemnify such persons.\n\n\n\u2022\nwe may not retroactively amend our amended and restated bylaw provisions to reduce our indemnification obligations to directors, officers, employees and agents.\n\n\nOur ability to use our net operating losses to offset future taxable income, if any, may be subject to certain limitations.\n\n\nIn general, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, a corporation that undergoes an \u201cownership change\u201d (generally defined as a greater than 50-percentage-point cumulative change (by value) in the equity ownership of certain stockholders over a rolling three-year period) is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change net operating losses, or NOLs, to offset future taxable income. \nWe have experienced ownership changes that substantially limit our use of the NOLs available to us for U.S. federal income tax purposes. \nFor example, we believe we experienced an \u201cownership change\u201d within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in December 2022, and we continue to analyze the impact if any on our ability to utilize NOLs in the future. If we undergo additional ownership changes (some of which changes may be outside our control), our ability to utilize our NOLs could be further limited by Section 382 of the Code. Our NOLs may also be impaired under state law. Accordingly, we may not be able to utilize a material portion of our NOLs. Furthermore, our ability to utilize our NOLs is conditioned upon our attaining profitability and generating U.S. federal taxable income. We have incurred net losses since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future; thus, we do not know whether or when we will generate the U.S. federal taxable income necessary to utilize our NOLs.\n\n\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or the TCJA, changed both the federal deferred tax value of the net operating loss carryforwards and the rules of utilization of federal net operating loss carryforwards. Under the TCJA, net operating loss carryforwards generated in years after 2017 will only be available to offset 80% of future taxable income in any single year but will not expire. However, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the \u201cCARES Act\u201d) temporarily repealed the 80% taxable income limitation for tax years beginning before January 1, 2021; net operating loss carried forward generated from 2018 or later and carryforwards to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020 will be subject to the 80% limitation. Also, under the CARES Act, net operating losses arising in 2018, 2019 and 2020 can be carried back 5 years.\n\n\n45\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGeneral Risk Factors\n\n\nUnstable or unfavorable global market and economic conditions may have adverse consequences on our business, financial condition and stock price.\n\n\nOur results of operations could be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy and in the global financial markets. Challenging or uncertain economic conditions including those related to global epidemics, pandemic, or contagious diseases, geopolitical turmoil, inflation, fluctuation in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, instability in the global banking system, disruptions in supply chains may adversely affect our general business strategy and stock price. In addition, a recession, depression or other sustained adverse market event could materially and adversely affect our business and the value of our common stock.\n\n\nFor example, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (\u201cSVB\u201d) was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the \u201cFDIC\u201d) was named receiver. Similarly, on March 12, 2023, Signature Bank and Silvergate Capital Corp. were each swept into receivership. While the FDIC has taken steps to make whole all depositors of SVB, there is no assurance that similar guarantees will be made in the event of further bank closures and continued instability in the global banking system. If other banks and financial institutions enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, then our ability to obtain financing may be threatened, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Moreover, events such as the closure of SVB, in addition to other global macroeconomic conditions, may cause further turbulence and uncertainty in the capital markets.\n\n\nIf the current equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult, more costly and more dilutive. Failure to secure any necessary financing in a timely manner and on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy, financial performance and stock price and could require us to delay or abandon development plans. There is also a risk that one or more of our current service providers, manufacturers and other partners may not survive these difficult economic times, which could directly affect our ability to attain our operating goals on schedule and on budget. In addition, regarding the current conflict in Ukraine, we do not have any clinical trial sites or operations in Ukraine or Russia. However, if the current conflict in the region continues, there is the potential for trial sites in other eastern European countries to slow or stop enrollment, or to be unable to administer our clinical trials.\n\n\nChanges in tax laws or tax rulings could materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.\n\n\nThe tax regimes we are subject to or operate under, including income and non-income taxes, are unsettled and may be subject to significant change. Changes in tax laws, regulations, or rulings, or changes in interpretations of existing laws and regulations, could materially affect our financial position and results of operations. For example, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the \u201cTax Act\u201d) made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including changes to U.S. federal tax rates, additional limitations on the deductibility of interest, both positive and negative changes to the utilization of future net operating loss (\u201cNOL\u201d) carryforwards, allowing for the expensing of certain capital expenditures, and putting into effect the migration from a \u201cworldwide\u201d system of taxation to a more territorial system. Future guidance from the IRS with respect to the Tax Act may affect us, and certain aspects of the Tax Act could be repealed or modified in future legislation. The CARES Act has already modified certain provisions of the Tax Act. The IRA, enacted on August 16, 2022, further amended the U.S. tax code, imposing a 15% minimum tax on \u201cadjusted financial statement income\u201d of certain corporations as well as an excise tax on the repurchase or redemption of stock by certain corporations, beginning in the 2023 tax year. In addition, it is uncertain if and to what extent various states will conform to the Tax Act, the CARES Act, the IRA or any newly enacted federal tax legislation. The issuance of additional regulatory or accounting guidance related to the Tax Act could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate in the period issued.\n \n\n\nAs we continue to expand internationally, we will be subject to other jurisdictions around the world with increasingly complex tax laws, the application of which can be uncertain. The amount of taxes we pay in these jurisdictions could increase substantially as a result of changes in the applicable tax principles, including increased tax rates, new tax laws or revised interpretations of existing tax laws and precedents, which could have an adverse impact on our liquidity and results of operations. In addition, the authorities in several jurisdictions could review our tax returns and impose additional tax, interest and penalties, which could have an impact on us and on our results of operations. In addition, many countries in Europe and a number of other countries and organizations, have recently proposed or recommended changes to existing tax laws or have enacted new laws that could significantly increase our tax obligations in the countries where we do or intend to do business or require us to change the manner in which we operate our business.\n\n\n46\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they issue an adverse opinion regarding our stock, our stock price and trading volume could decline.\n\n\nThe trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If any analysts who cover us issue an adverse regarding us, our business model, our intellectual property or our stock performance, or if our clinical trials and operating results fail to meet the expectations of analysts, our stock price may decline. If any of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.\n\n\nWe do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock, and, consequently, our stockholders\u2019 ability to achieve a return on their investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.\n\n\nWe do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to invest our future earnings, if any, to fund our growth. Therefore, our stockholders are not likely to receive any dividends on their common stock for the foreseeable future. Since we do not intend to pay dividends, our stockholders\u2019 ability to receive a return on their investment will depend on any future appreciation in the market value of our common stock. There is no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate or even maintain the price at which our holders have purchased it.\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of\n Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\n\n\nThe following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the \u201cSecurities Act\u201d), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d or \u201ccontinue,\u201d and similar expressions or variations. These statements are based on the belief and assumptions of our management based on information currently available to management, reflecting our current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of certain events may differ materially from those discussed or implied in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the section entitled \u201cRisk Factors\u201d and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should review the risk factors for a more complete understanding of the risks associated with an investment in our securities. For further information regarding forward-looking statements, please refer to the \u201cSpecial Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\u201d at the beginning of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our fiscal year end is April 30, and references throughout this Annual Report to a given fiscal year are to the twelve months ended on that date.\n\n\nManagement Overview\n\n\nWe are a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecule protease inhibitors for diseases with significant unmet need. We apply our insights into the chemistry and biology of proteases to develop orally delivered, small molecule inhibitors with high selectivity, potency and bioavailability that we believe will make them successful treatments for diseases. We have used these capabilities to develop small molecule plasma kallikrein inhibitors targeting the disease hereditary angioedema (\u201cHAE\u201d). We also are conducting preclinical development of a novel, oral Factor XIIa (\u201cFactor XIIa\u201d) inhibitor program, which initially is being advanced to provide a next generation of HAE therapeutics and which also offers the opportunity for expansion into other high unmet need indications in the future.\n\n\nOur most advanced program for HAE is sebetralstat, which is being developed as a potential on-demand oral therapy for treatment of HAE attacks. In March 2022 we initiated the KONFIDENT trial, a Phase 3 clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sebetralstat as a potential on-demand therapy for HAE attacks. In July 2023, we announced that we had reached our targeted enrollment of 114 patients, and data from this study is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2023. If the trial is successful, we anticipate submitting an NDA to the FDA in the first half of 2024.\n\n\nIn October 2022, we announced the termination of the Phase 2 KOMPLETE study for our potential HAE prophylactic treatment KVD824, due to elevations in liver enzymes observed in several patients during the trial. We remain uncertain as to the cause and the potential contribution of KVD824 to these elevations, but we do not anticipate further development of KVD824.\n\n\nWe have devoted substantially all our efforts to research and development, including clinical trials of our product candidates. We have not completed the development of any product candidates. Pharmaceutical drug product candidates, like those being developed by us, require approvals from the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies prior to commercial sales. There can be no assurance that any product candidates will receive the necessary approvals and any failure to receive approval or delay in approval may have a material adverse impact on our business and financial results. We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties similar to those of other life science companies developing new products, including, among others, the risks related to the necessity to obtain adequate additional financing, to successfully develop product candidates, to obtain regulatory approval of product candidates, to comply with government regulations, to successfully commercialize our potential products, to the protection of proprietary technology and to our dependence on key individuals.\n\n\nOn May 21, 2021, we entered into a \nControlled Equity Offering\nSM\n Sales Agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.\n (the \u201cSales Agreement\u201d), which established an at-the-market (\u201cATM\u201d) offering program pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock from time to time. The Sales Agreement provides for the sale of shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $100.0 million. We have conducted no sales through the ATM.\n\n\nOn December 23, 2022, we entered into subscription agreements with institutional investors to sell, in a registered direct offering, an aggregate of 9,484,199 shares of our common stock at a price of $6.00 per share and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 182,470 shares of common stock at a price of $5.999 per pre-funded warrant. The purchase price per share of each pre-funded warrant represents the per share offering price for the common stock, less the $0.001 per share exercise price of each pre-funded warrant. The net proceeds from the registered direct offering, after deducting estimated expenses, were approximately $57.7 million.\n \n\n\n49\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have funded operations primarily through the issuance of capital stock. As of April 30, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $343.1 million and hold $149.4 million of cash, cash equivalents and available for sale securities. Our working capital is anticipated to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months from the date the audited consolidated financial statements are issued.\n\n\nFinancial Overview\n\n\nRevenue\n\n\nWe have not generated any revenue in the current fiscal year. To date, we have not generated any revenues from the sale of products, and we do not have any products that have been approved for commercialization. We do not expect to generate product revenue unless and until we obtain regulatory approval for, and commercialize, one of our current or future product candidates.\n \n\n\nResearch and Development Expenses\n\n\nResearch and development expenses primarily consist of costs associated with our research activities, including the preclinical and clinical development of product candidates. We contract with clinical research organizations to manage our clinical trials under agreed upon budgets for each study, with oversight by our clinical program managers. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.\n\n\nCosts for certain research and development activities, such as manufacturing development activities and clinical studies are recognized based on the contracted amounts adjusted for the percentage of work completed to date. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of the contractual arrangements, which may differ from the pattern of costs incurred, and are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as prepaid or accrued expenses. We defer and capitalize non-refundable advance payments made for research and development activities until the related goods are delivered or the related services are performed.\n\n\nWe expect to continue to incur substantial expenses related to development activities for the foreseeable future as we conduct clinical development, manufacturing and toxicology studies. Product candidates in later stages of clinical development generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of later-stage clinical trials, additional drug manufacturing requirements, and later stage toxicology studies such as carcinogenicity studies. The process of conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approval is costly and time consuming. The probability of success for each product candidate is affected by numerous factors, including preclinical data, clinical data, competition, manufacturing capability and commercial viability. Accordingly, we may never succeed in achieving marketing approval for any of our product candidates.\n\n\nCompletion dates and costs for clinical development programs as well as our research program can vary significantly for each current and future product candidate and are difficult to predict. As a result, we cannot estimate with any degree of certainty the costs associated with development of our product candidates at this point in time. We anticipate making determinations as to which programs and product candidates to pursue and how much funding to direct to each program and product candidate on an ongoing basis in response to the scientific success of early research programs, results of ongoing and future clinical trials, our ability to enter into collaborative agreements with respect to programs or potential product candidates, as well as ongoing assessments as to the commercial potential of each current or future product candidate.\n\n\nGeneral and Administrative Expenses\n\n\nGeneral and administrative expenses consist primarily of the costs associated with general management, obtaining and maintaining our patent portfolio, commercial planning, professional fees for accounting, auditing, consulting and legal services, and general overhead expenses.\n\n\nWe expect ongoing general and administrative expenses to increase in the future as we expand our operating activities, maintain and expand the patent portfolio and incur additional costs associated with the management of a public company and maintain compliance with exchange listing and requirements of the SEC. These potential increases will likely include management costs, legal fees, accounting fees, directors\u2019 and officers\u2019 liability insurance premiums and expenses associated with investor relations, among others.\n\n\n50\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther Income\n\n\nOther income consists of bank and investment interest, research and development tax credits from the U.K. government\u2019s tax incentive programs set up to encourage research and development in the U.K., realized and unrealized exchange rate gains/losses on cash held in foreign currencies and transactions settled in foreign currencies, and realized gains and losses from sales of marketable securities.\n\n\nIncome Taxes\n\n\nWe historically have incurred net losses and had no corporation tax liabilities. We file U.S. Federal tax returns, as well as certain state returns. We also file tax returns in the U.K. Under the U.K. government\u2019s research and development tax incentive scheme, we have incurred qualifying research and development expenses and filed claims for research and development tax credits in accordance with the relevant tax legislation. The research and development tax credits are paid out to us in cash and reported as other income.\n \n\n\nCritical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates\n\n\nOur management\u2019s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which we have prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (\u201cU.S. GAAP\u201d). The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and the reported revenue and expenses during the reported periods. We evaluate these estimates and judgments, including those described below, on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events, contractual milestones and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. See also Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which discusses the significant assumptions used in applying our accounting policies. Those accounting policies and estimates that we deem to be critical are as follows:\n\n\nPreclinical and Clinical Trial Accruals\n\n\nWe base our accrued expenses related to clinical trials on estimates of patient enrollment and related expenses at clinical investigator sites as well as estimates for services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with multiple research institutions and contract research organizations that conduct and manage clinical trials on our behalf. We make estimates of our accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in our financial statements based on facts and circumstances known to us and based on contracted amounts applied to the level of patient enrollment and activity according to the clinical trial protocol. If timelines or contracts are modified based upon changes in the clinical trial protocol or scope of work to be performed, we modify our estimates of accrued expenses accordingly on a prospective basis.\n\n\nIf we do not identify costs that we have begun to incur, or if we underestimate or overestimate the level of services performed or the costs of these services, our actual expenses could differ from our estimates.\n\n\n51\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResults of Operations\n\n\nThis section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses fiscal years 2023 and 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between fiscal years 2023 and 2022. Discussions of fiscal year 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between fiscal years 2022 and 2021 that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K can be found in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on July 7, 2022.\n\n\nYear Ended April 30, 2023 Compared to Year Ended April 30, 2022\n\n\nThe following table sets forth the key components of our results of operations for the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncrease\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(Decrease)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating Expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n80,276\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n70,167\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,109\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,595\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26,446\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,149\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest, exchange rate gain and other income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,964\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,690\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenue\n. No revenue was recognized in the years ended April 30, 2023 or 2022.\n\n\nResearch and Development Expenses\n. Research and development expenses were $80.3 million in the year ended April 30, 2023 compared to $70.2 million in the prior year. The increase of $10.1 million was primarily due to increases in spending on sebetralstat of $3.5 million, personnel costs of $3.5 million, and preclinical activities of $4.3 million. These increases were offset by a decrease in spending on KVD824 of $1.2 million. The impact of exchange rates on research and development expenses was a decrease of approximately $7.7 million compared to the prior year, which is reflected in the figures above.\n\n\nResearch and development expenses by major programs or categories were as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncrease\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(Decrease)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram-specific costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSebetralstat\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n27,037\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n23,493\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,544\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKVD824\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,651\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,879\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,228\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-10%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnallocated costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPersonnel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,452\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,925\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,527\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreclinical activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,136\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,870\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,266\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n80,276\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n70,167\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10,109\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExpenses for the sebetralstat program increased primarily due to activities related to the ongoing Phase 3 KONFIDENT trial. We anticipate that these expenses will remain at or above current levels as this clinical trial progresses.\n\n\nExpenses for the KVD824 program decreased primarily due to the termination of the Phase 2 KOMPLETE clinical trial in October 2022. We anticipate that these expenses will cease in the near term as we do not anticipate any further development of KVD824.\n\n\nPersonnel expenses increased primarily due to higher research and development and medical headcount compared to the prior year. We anticipate that these expenses will continue to increase to support the growth of the ongoing clinical trials and preclinical activities.\n\n\n52\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExpenses for preclinical activities increased primarily due to additional projects compared to the prior year. We anticipate that these expenses will continue to increase as we continue to progress our oral Factor XIIa inhibitor program and conduct other preclinical activities\n\n\nGeneral and Administrative Expenses\n. General and administrative expenses were $30.6 million in the year ended April 30, 2023 compared to $26.4 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase of $4.2 million was primarily due to increases of $3.9 million in commercial strategy expenses, $0.8 million in investor and public relations expenses, and $0.7 million in insurance and other administrative expenses. These increases were offset by decreases in professional fees of $0.6 million and employee-related expenses of $0.6 million compared to the prior year. We anticipate that expenses will continue at or above current levels as we continue to support the growth of the Company.\n \n\n\nOther Income\n. Other income was $18.0 million for the year ended April 30, 2023 compared to $14.3 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase of $3.7 million was primarily due to an increase of $0.5 million in income from research and development tax credit, an increase of $1.1 million in interest income, an increase in foreign currency exchange rate gains of $1.6 million from transactions denominated in foreign currencies in our U.K. subsidiary, and a decrease in realized loss from available for sale securities of $0.4 million, compared to the prior year.\n\n\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n\n\nSince inception, we have not generated any revenue from product sales and have incurred losses since inception and cash outflows from operating activities for the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022. As of April 30, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $343.1 million and cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $149.4 million. We have not yet commercialized any of our product candidates, which are in various phases of preclinical and clinical development, and we do not expect to generate revenue from sales of any products for the foreseeable future, and will continue to incur net losses as we continue the research and development efforts on our product candidates, hire additional staff, including clinical, scientific, operational, and financial and management personnel.\n\n\nSources of Liquidity\n\n\nOn May 21, 2021, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell securities having an aggregate public offering price of up to $300 million. In connection with the filing of the Registration Statement, we also entered into a Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (the \u201c2021 Sales Agreement\u201d), through which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock under an at-the-market offering program having an aggregate offering of up to $100.0 million through Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., as our sales agent. We will pay the sales agents a commission of up to 3% of the gross proceeds of sales made through the 2021 Sales Agreement. During the twelve months ended April 30, 2023, we did not offer or sell any shares under the 2021 Sales Agreement.\n\n\nIn December 2022, we entered into subscription agreements with institutional investors to sell, in a registered direct offering, an aggregate of 9,484,199 shares of our common stock at a price of $6.00 per share and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 182,470 shares of common stock at a price of $5.999 per pre-funded warrant (the \u201cOffering\u201d). The net proceeds from the Offering, after deducting estimated expenses, were approximately $57.7 million. As of April 30, 2023, no pre-funded warrants were exercised.\n \n\n\nCash Flows\n\n\nThe following table shows a summary of the net cash flow activity for the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022:\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYears Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows used in operating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(75,261\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(78,134\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows provided by investing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41,415\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n57,860\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash flows provided by financing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n58,116\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,581\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffect of exchange rate changes on cash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,236\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,167\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n25,506\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(19,860\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet cash used in operating activities\n\n\nNet cash used in operating activities was $75.3 million for the year ended April 30, 2023 and primarily consisted of a net loss of $92.9 million adjusted for stock-based compensation of $9.9 million, an increase in the research and development tax credit receivable of $2.3 million, and other changes in net working capital. The research and development tax credit receivable increased due to higher eligible spending compared to the prior year. Net cash used in operating activities was $78.1 million for the year ended April 30, 2022 and primarily consisted of a net loss of $82.4 million adjusted for stock-based compensation of $11.1 million, an increase in the research and development tax credit receivable of $5.2 million, and other changes in net working capital.\n\n\nNet cash provided by investing activities\n\n\nNet cash provided by investing activities was $41.4 million for the year ended April 30, 2023 and consisted of sales and maturities of marketable securities of $140.9 million offset by purchases of marketable securities of $98.3 million and acquisitions of property and equipment of $1.2 million. Net cash used in investing activities was $57.9 million for the year ended April 30, 2022 and consisted of sales and maturities of marketable securities of $195.7 million offset by purchases of marketable securities of $136.9 million and acquisitions of property and equipment of $0.9 million.\n\n\nNet cash provided by financing activities\n\n\nNet cash provided by financing activities was $58.1 million for the year ended April 30, 2023 and primarily consisted of the $57.7 million in net proceeds from the December 2022 registered direct offering of common stock and pre-funded warrants. Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.6 million for the year ended April 30, 2022 and primarily consisted of the issuance of common stock from equity incentive plans.\n\n\nOperating Capital Requirements\n\n\nTo date, we have not generated any revenues from the sale of products, and we do not have any products that have been approved for commercialization. We do not expect to generate significant product revenue unless and until we obtain regulatory approval for, and commercialize, one of our current or future product candidates. We anticipate that we will continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future, and we expect the losses to increase as we continue the development of, and seek regulatory approvals for, product candidates, and begin to commercialize any approved products. We are subject to all of the risks inherent in the development of new therapeutic products, and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our business. We currently anticipate that, based upon our operating plans and existing capital resources, we have sufficient funding to operate for at least the next 12 months.\n\n\nUntil such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity and debt financings, collaborations, strategic partnerships and licensing arrangements. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of stock or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of existing stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of these newly issued securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of common stockholders. Debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that include increased fixed payment obligations and covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, declaring dividends, selling or licensing intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct business. Additional fundraising through collaborations, strategic partnerships or licensing arrangements with third parties may require us to relinquish valuable rights to product candidates, including our other technologies, future revenue streams or research programs, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and commercialize other product candidates even if we would otherwise prefer to develop and commercialize such product candidates internally.\n\n\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements\n\n\nWe do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.\n\n\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\n\n\nA description of recently issued accounting pronouncements that may potentially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows is disclosed in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n54\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitat\nive Disclosures About Market Risk.\n\n\nInterest Rate Risk\n\n\nBecause of the short-term nature of the bank deposit arrangements, a sudden change in market interest rates would not be expected to have a material impact on our financial condition and/or results of operations. We do not believe that our cash or cash equivalents have significant risk of default or illiquidity.\n\n\nWe invest in marketable securities in accordance with our investment policy. The primary objectives of our investment policy are to preserve capital, maintain proper liquidity to meet operating needs and maximize yields. We invest our excess cash in securities issued by financial institutions, commercial companies, and government agencies that management believes to be of high credit quality in order to limit the amount of credit exposure. Some of the securities we invest in may have market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates may cause the principal amount of the investment to fluctuate.\n\n\nOur investment exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to the increase or decrease in the amount of interest income we can earn on our portfolio, changes in the market value of securities due to changes in interest rates and other market factors. Our investment portfolio includes only marketable securities and instruments with active secondary or resale markets to help ensure portfolio liquidity. An increase or decrease in interest rates along the entire interest rate yield curve would not significantly affect the fair value of our interest sensitive financial instruments, but may affect our future earnings and cash flows. We generally intend to hold our fixed income investments to maturity and therefore do not expect that our operating results, financial position or cash flows will be materially impacted due to a sudden change in interest rates. However, our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates, or we may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities which have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates or other factors, such as changes in credit risk related to the securities\u2019 issuers. To minimize this risk, we schedule our investments to have maturities that coincide with our expected cash flow needs, thus avoiding the need to redeem an investment prior to its maturity date. Accordingly, we do not believe that we have material exposure to interest rate risk arising from our investments. We have not realized any significant losses from our investments.\n\n\nForeign Exchange Rate Risk\n\n\nWe maintain cash balances primarily in both U.S. Dollars (\u201cUSD\u201d) and British Pound Sterling (\u201cGBP\u201d) to fund ongoing operations and manage foreign exchange risk. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of April 30, 2023 was composed of $56.2 million in cash and cash equivalents which consisted of readily available checking and bank deposit accounts held primarily in both USD and GBP and $93.1 million of USD denominated marketable securities. As of April 30, 2023, 83% of cash and cash equivalents were held in USD and 17% in GBP. We currently incur significant expense denominated in foreign currencies, primarily in GBP. We do not currently engage in exchange rate hedging or other similar activities to address our exchange rate risk. A 10% change in the exchange rate would result in an immaterial net gain or loss.\n\n\nEffects of Inflation\n\n\nWe do not believe that inflation and changing prices had a significant impact on the results of operations for any periods presented herein.\n\n\n55\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "cik": "1348911",
+ "cusip6": "483497",
+ "cusip": ["483497103", "483497903"],
+ "names": ["KALVISTA PHARMACEUTICALS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1348911/000095017023032298/0000950170-23-032298-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032889.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032889.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..30634e6b68
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032889.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. Bu\nsiness.\n \n\n\nOverview\n \n\n\nOrganovo Holdings, Inc. (\u201cOrganovo Holdings,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d the \u201cCompany\u201d and \u201cour Company\u201d) is a biotechnology company that focuses on building high fidelity, 3D tissues that recapitulate key aspects of human disease. We use these models to identify gene targets responsible for driving the disease and intend to initiate drug discovery programs around these validated targets. We are initially focusing on the intestine and have ongoing 3D tissue development efforts in ulcerative colitis (\u201cUC\u201d) and Crohn\u2019s disease (\u201cCD\u201d). We intend to add additional tissues/diseases/targets to our portfolio over time. In line with these plans, we are building upon both our external and in-house scientific expertise, which will be essential to our drug development effort.\n \n\n\nWe use our proprietary technology to build functional 3D human tissues that mimic key aspects of native human tissue composition, architecture, function and disease. Our advances include cell type-specific compartments, prevalent intercellular tight junctions, and the formation of microvascular structures. We believe these attributes can enable critical complex, multicellular disease models that can be used to develop clinically effective drugs across multiple therapeutic areas.\n\n\nOur NovoGen Bioprinters\n\u00ae\n are automated devices that enable the fabrication of 3D living tissues comprised of mammalian cells. We believe that the use of our bioprinting platform as well as complementary 3D technologies will allow us to develop an understanding of disease biology that leads to validated novel drug targets and therapeutics to those targets to treat disease.\n \n\n\nThe majority of our current focus is on inflammatory bowel disease (\u201cIBD\u201d), including CD and UC. We are creating high fidelity disease models, leveraging our prior work including the work found in our peer-reviewed publication on bioprinted intestinal tissues (\nMadden et al. Bioprinted 3D Primary Human Intestinal Tissues Model Aspects of Native Physiology and ADME/Tox Functions. iScience. 2018 Apr 27;2:156-167. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.03.015.) Our current understanding of intestinal tissue models and IBD disease models leads us to believe that we can create models that provide greater insight into the biology of these diseases than are generally currently available. Using these disease models, we intend to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets. After finding therapeutic drug targets, we will focus on developing novel small molecule, antibody, or other therapeutic drug candidates to treat the disease, and advance these drug candidates towards an Investigational New Drug (\u201cIND\u201d) filing and potential future clinical trials. We may also form partnerships around the development of targets or therapeutics for the treatment of IBD.\n \n\n\nIn March of 2023, we \nentered into and closed an asset purchase agreement with Metacrine, Inc to acquire their farnesoid X receptor (\"FXR\") program. FXR is a mediator of gastrointestinal (\"GI\") and liver diseases. FXR agonism has been tested in a variety of preclinical models of IBD. The acquired program contains two clinically tested compounds and over 2,000 discovery or preclinical compounds.\n \n \n\n\nWe expect to broaden our work into additional therapeutic areas over time and are currently exploring specific tissues for development. In our work to identify the areas of interest, we evaluate areas that might be better served with 3D disease models than currently available models as well as the commercial opportunity.\n\n\nWe hold a large and diverse patent portfolio related to our bioprinting platform and complementary 3D technologies. The strength of this patent portfolio, the fact that it was created early in the bioprinting revolution and growth in the bioprinting industry have made for an attractive business opportunity for us. We are now beginning to invest resources to explore and expand business and revenue opportunities from the leveraging of our patent portfolio.\n\n\nOur Platform Technology\n \n\n\nOur 3D human tissue platform is multifaceted. We approach each tissue agnostic to specific technologies, and intend to apply the best 3D technology to a given disease. We are developing novel disease models using high throughput systems, bioprinted and flow/stretch capable 3D systems as appropriate. Our proprietary NovoGen Bioprinters\n\u00ae\n and related technologies for preparing bio-inks and bioprinting multicellular tissues with complex architecture are grounded in over a decade of peer-reviewed scientific publications, deriving originally from research led by Dr. Gabor Forgacs, one of our founders and a former George H. Vineyard Professor of Biological Physics at the University of Missouri-Columbia (\u201cMU\u201d). We have a broad portfolio of intellectual property rights covering the principles, enabling instrumentation, applications, tissue constructs and methods of cell-based printing, including exclusive licenses to certain patented and patent pending technologies from MU and Clemson University. We own or exclusively license more than 160 patents and pending applications worldwide covering specific tissue designs, uses, and methods of manufacture.\n\n\nThe NovoGen Bioprinter\u00ae Platform\n \n\n\nOur NovoGen Bioprinters\n\u00ae\n are automated devices that enable the fabrication of 3D living tissues comprised of mammalian cells. A custom graphic user interface (\u201cGUI\u201d) facilitates the 3D design and execution of scripts that direct precision movement of multiple\n \n\n\n2\n\n\n\n\ndispensing heads to deposit defined cellular building blocks called bio-ink. Bio-ink can be formulated as a 100% cellular composition or as a mixture of cells and other matter (hydrogels, particles). Our NovoGen Bioprinters\n\u00ae\n can also dispense pure hydrogel formulations, provided the physical properties of the hydrogel are compatible with the dispensing parameters. Most typically, hydrogels are deployed to create void spaces within specific locations in a 3D tissue or to aid in the deposition of specific cell types. We are able to employ a wide variety of proprietary cell- and hydrogel-based bio-inks in the fabrication of tissues. Our NovoGen Bioprinters\n\u00ae\n also serve as important components of our tissue prototyping and manufacturing platform, as they are able to rapidly and precisely fabricate intricate small-scale tissue models for \nin vitro\n use as well as larger-scale tissues suitable for \nin vivo\n use.\n \n\n\nGeneration of bio-ink comprising human cells is the first step in our standard bioprinting. A wide variety of cells and cell-laden hydrogels can be formulated into bio-ink and bioprinted tissues, including cell lines, primary cells, and stem/progenitor cells. The majority of tissue designs employ two or more distinct varieties of bio-ink, usually comprised of cells that represent distinct compartments within a target tissue. For example, a 3D liver tissue might consist of two to three distinct bio-inks that are each made from a single cell type, a combination of cell types, and/or a combination of primary cells and one or more bio-inert hydrogels that serve as physical supports for the bioprinted tissue during its maturation period, or to transiently occupy negative spaces in a tissue design.\n \n\n\nResearch Collaborations\n \n\n\nWe continue to collaborate with several academic institutions by providing them with access to our NovoGen Bioprinters\n\u00ae\n for research purposes, including: Yale School of Medicine, Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, and the University of Virginia. We believe that the use of our bioprinting platform by major research institutions may help to advance the capabilities of the platform and generate new applications for bioprinted tissues. In prior instances, an academic institution or other third party provided funding to support the academic collaborator\u2019s access to our technology platform. This funding was typically reflected as collaboration revenues in our financial statements. Our academic research collaborations typically involve both parties contributing resources directly to projects. We are not currently generating any revenues from these collaborations.\n\n\nIntellectual Property\n \n\n\nWe rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, confidential know-how, copyrights and a variety of contractual mechanisms such as confidentiality, material transfer, licenses, research collaboration, limited technology access, and invention assignment agreements, to protect our intellectual property. Our intellectual property portfolio for our core technology was initially built through licenses from MU and the Medical University of South Carolina. We subsequently expanded our intellectual property portfolio by filing our own patent and trademark applications worldwide and negotiating additional licenses and purchases.\n\n\nOn an ongoing basis we review and analyze our full intellectual property portfolio to align it with our current business needs, strategies and objectives. Based on that ongoing review, selected patents and patent applications in various countries are or will be abandoned or allowed to lapse. The numbers provided herein are reflective of those changes.\n\n\nWe solely own or hold exclusive licenses to 32 issued U.S. patents and more than 115 issued international patents in foreign jurisdictions including Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, the Netherlands and Switzerland. We solely or jointly own or hold exclusive licenses to 17 pending U.S. patent applications and more than 5 pending international applications in foreign jurisdictions including Australia, Canada, China, the European Patent Office, Japan and South Korea. These patent families relate to our bioprinting technology and our engineered tissue products and services, including our various uses in areas of tissue creation, in vitro testing, utilization in drug discovery, and in vivo therapeutics.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn connection with the recent acquisition of the FXR program from Metacrine, we acquired the related patent portfolio by way of assignment. This includes filings on the lead candidate, FXR314, and selected filings on the prior candidate (no longer in development), FXR125. With respect to this FXR portfolio, we solely own 6 issued patents and 14 international patents in jurisdictions, including Australia, China, Eurasia, India, Israel, Mexico, Japan and South Africa. We solely own 8 pending U.S. patent applications and more than 50 pending international applications in foreign jurisdictions, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Canada, Eurasia, Europe, Israel, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Hong Kong and Taiwan. These patent families relate to FXR125 and FXR314, including generic coverage, species coverage, methods of use, formulations and polymorph crystals.\n\n\nIn-Licensed Intellectual Property\n\n\nIn 2009 and 2010, we obtained world-wide exclusive licenses to intellectual property owned by MU and the Medical University of South Carolina, which now includes 7 issued U.S. patents, 2 pending U.S. applications and 16 issued international patents. Dr. Gabor Forgacs, one of our founders and a former George H. Vineyard Professor of Biophysics at MU, was one of the co-inventors of all of these works (collectively, the \u201cForgacs Intellectual Property\u201d). The Forgacs Intellectual Property provides us with intellectual property rights relating to cellular aggregates, the use of cellular aggregates to create engineered tissues, and the use of cellular aggregates to\n \n\n\n3\n\n\n\n\ncreate engineered tissue with no scaffold present. The intellectual property rights derived from the Forgacs Intellectual Property also enables us to utilize our NovoGen Bioprinter\n\u00ae\n to create engineered tissues.\n \n\n\nIn 2011, we obtained an exclusive license to a U.S. patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,051,654) owned by the Clemson University Research Foundation that provides us with intellectual property rights relating to methods of using ink-jet printer technology to dispense cells and relating to the creation of matrices of bioprinted cells on gel materials.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn connection with the acquisition of the FXR program from Metacrine in 2023, we were assigned and assumed a license agreement with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies requiring milestone and royalty payments based on the development and commercialization of FXR314.\n\n\nThe patent rights we obtained through these exclusive licenses are not only foundational within the field of 3D bioprinting and FXR agonist therapies but provide us with favorable priority dates. We are required to make ongoing royalty payments under these exclusive licenses based on net sales of products and services that rely on the intellectual property we in-licensed. For additional information regarding our royalty obligations see \u201cNote 5. Collaborative Research, Development, and License Agreements\u201d in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.\n\n\nCompany Owned Intellectual Property\n\n\nIn addition to the intellectual property we have in-licensed, we have historically innovated and grown our intellectual property portfolio.\n\n\nWith respect to our bioprinting platform, we have 8 issued U.S. patents and 14 issued foreign patents directed to our NovoGen Bioprinter\n\u00ae\n and methods of bioprinting: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,931,880; 9,149,952; 9,227,339; 9,315,043; 9,499,779; 9,855,369; 10,174,276, 10,967,560, 11,577,450, 11,577,451 and 11,413,805 ; Australia Patent Nos. 2011318437, 2015202836, 2016253591, 2013249569, and 2014296246; Canada Patent No. 2,812,766; China Patent Nos. ZL201180050831.4 and ZL201480054148.1; European Patent Nos. 2838985, 2629975, and 3028042; Japan Patent Nos. 6333231, 6566426 and 6842918, and Russian Patent No. 2560393. These issued patents and pending patent applications carry remaining patent terms ranging from over 12 years to just over 6 years. We have additional U.S. continuation applications pending in these families as well foreign counterpart applications in multiple countries.\n\n\nOur ExVive\u0099 Human Liver Tissue is protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 9,222,932, 9,442,105, 10,400,219 and 11,127,774; Australia Patent Nos. 2014236780 and 2017200691; and Canada Patent No. 2,903,844. Our ExVive\u0099 Human Kidney Tissue is protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 9,481,868, 10,094,821 and 10,962,526; Australian Patent No. 2015328173, Canadian Patent No. 2,962,778, European Patent No. 3204488 and Japan Patent No. 7021177. These issued patents and pending patent applications carry remaining patent terms ranging from over 14 years to just over 11 years. We have additional U.S. patent applications pending in these families, as well as foreign counterpart applications in multiple countries. We currently have pending numerous patent applications in the U.S. and globally that are directed to additional features on bioprinters, additional tissue types, their methods of fabrication, and specific applications.\n\n\nOur U.S. Patent Nos. 9,855,369 and 9,149,952, which relate to our bioprinter technology, were the subject of IPR proceedings filed by Cellink AB and its subsidiaries (collectively, \u201cBICO Group AB\u201d), one of our competitors. Likewise, U.S. Patent Nos. 9,149,952, 9,855,369, 8,931,880, 9,227,339, 9,315,043 and 10,967,560 (all assigned to Organovo, Inc.) and U.S. Patent Nos. 7,051,654, 8,241,905, 8,852,932 and 9,752,116 (assigned to Clemson University and the University of Missouri, respectively) were implicated in a declaratory judgment complaint filed against Organovo, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, by BICO Group AB and certain of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. All of these matters have since been settled in a favorable manner for the Company. Specifically, on February 23, 2022, we announced an agreement of a non-exclusive license for BICO Group AB and its affiliate companies to Organovo\u2019s foundational patent portfolio in 3D bioprinting. For more information regarding these proceedings, see the section titled Part I, Item 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\nWith respect to our FXR agonist program covering FXR314 and FXR125, we have 6 issued U.S. patents and 14 issued foreign patents directed to composition of matter protection (generic and specific) for FXR314 and FXR125, as well claims directed to methods of treatment of GI diseases, formulations of FXR314 and polymorphs of the FXR314 molecule including United States Patent Nos.11,214,538, 10,705,712, 10,927,082, 10,961,198, 11,136,071 and 11,084,817, granted Australian Patent Nos. 2016323992 and 2018236275, Chinese Patent Nos. 201680066917 and 269065, Eurasian Patent Nos. 040003 and 040704, Israeli Patent Nos. 258011, 296068 and 296065, Indian Patent No. 380510, Japanese Patent Nos. 6905530 and 717709, Mexican Patent Nos. 386,752 and 397265 and South African Patent No. 2018/01750. In addition, we have 8 pending U.S. patent applications and over 50 pending foreign patent applications, including U.S. Patent Application Nos. 18/156,069, 17/532,618, 18/174,393, 17/349,757, 17/276,787, 17/906,580, 17/906,582 and 17/906,585 and over 50 pending international patent applications in a number of countries including, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, the Eurasian Patent Office, the European Patent Office, Israel, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Singapore,\n \n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\nPhilippines and Hong Kong. These issued patents and pending patent applications carry remaining patent terms ranging from over 18 years to just over 15 years.\n \n\n\nEmployees and Human Capital\n\n\nAs of June 1, 2023, we had 24 employees, of which 15 are full-time. We have also retained some of our former employees as consultants, in addition to a number of expert consultants in specific scientific and operational areas. Our employees are not represented by labor unions or covered under any collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.\n\n\nOur human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and additional employees. The principal purposes of our equity incentive plans are to attract, retain and motivate selected employees, consultants and directors through the granting of equity-based compensation awards.\n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\nCorporate Information\n\n\nWe are operating the business of our subsidiaries, including Organovo, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, which we acquired in February 2012. Organovo, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in April 2007. Our common stock has traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol \u201cONVO\u201d since August 8, 2016 and our common stock currently trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Prior to that time, it traded on the NYSE MKT under the symbol \u201cONVO\u201d and prior to that was quoted on the OTC Market.\n\n\nOur principal executive offices are located at 11555 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 100, San Diego CA 92121 and our phone number is (858) 224-1000. Our Internet website can be found at http://www.organovo.com. The content of our website is not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report or in any other report or document that we file.\n\n\nAvailable Information\n \n\n\nOur investor relations website is located at \nhttp://ir.organovo.com\n. We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the \u201cExchange Act\u201d). Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the \u201cSEC\u201d) pursuant to the Exchange Act, including annual and quarterly reports, and other reports we file, are available free of charge, through our website. The content of our website is not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report or in any other report or document that we file. We make them available on our website as soon as reasonably possible after we file them with the SEC. The reports we file with the SEC are also available on the SEC\u2019s website (\nhttp://www.sec.gov\n).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. Ris\nk Factors.\n \n\n\nInvestment in our common stock involves a substantial degree of risk and should be regarded as speculative. As a result, the purchase of our common stock should be considered only by persons who can reasonably afford to lose their entire investment. Before you elect to purchase our common stock, you should carefully consider the risk and uncertainties described below in addition to the other information incorporated herein by reference. Additional risks and uncertainties of which we are unaware or which we currently believe are immaterial could also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. If any of the risks or uncertainties discussed in this Annual Report occur, our business, prospects, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, in which case the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRisk Factor Summary\n \n\n\nBelow is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in our common stock speculative or risky. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary, and other risks that we face, can be found below and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making investment decisions regarding our common stock.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe will incur substantial additional operating losses over the next several years as our research and development activities increase.\n\n\n\u2022\nUsing our platform technology to develop human tissues and disease models for drug discovery and development is new and unproven.\n\n\n\u2022\nAs we pursue drug development through 3D tissues and disease models, we will require access to a constant, steady, reliable supply of human cells to support our development activities.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe may require substantial additional funding. Raising additional capital would cause dilution to our existing stockholders and may restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or to a product candidate.\n\n\n\u2022\nClinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain timelines and uncertain outcomes, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future results. \n\n\n\u2022\nThe near and long-term viability of our drug discovery and development efforts will depend on our ability to successfully establish strategic relationships.\n\n\n\u2022\nCurrent and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost of commercializing our drug candidates and may affect the prices we may obtain if our drug candidates are approved for commercialization.\n\n\n\u2022\nManagement has performed an analysis and concluded that substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern. Separately, our independent registered public accounting firm has included in its opinion for the year ended March 31, 2023 an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt in our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing.\n\n\n\u2022\nAdditional funds may not be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available to us on a timely basis, we may be required to curtail or cease our operations.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe have a history of operating losses and expect to incur significant additional operating losses.\n\n\n\u2022\nThere is no assurance that an active market in our common stock will continue at present levels or increase in the future.\n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\nThe price of our common stock may continue to be volatile, which could lead to losses by investors and costly securities litigation.\n\n\n\u2022\nPatents covering our products could be found invalid or unenforceable if challenged in court or before administrative bodies in the United States or abroad.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe may be involved in lawsuits or other proceedings to protect or enforce our patents or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive, time-consuming and unsuccessful.\n\n\nRisks Related to our Business\n \n\n\nWe are a biotechnology company focusing on 3D bioprinting technology to develop human tissues and disease models for drug discovery and development, which is an unproven business strategy that may never achieve profitability.\n\n\nWe are focusing our efforts on utilizing our 3D bioprinting technology to develop human tissues and disease models for drug discovery and development. Our success will depend upon the viability of our platform technology and any disease models we develop, as well as on our ability to determine which drug candidates we should pursue. Our success will also depend on our ability to select an appropriate development strategy for any drug candidates we identify, including internal development or partnering or licensing arrangements with pharmaceutical companies. We may not be able to partner or license our drug candidates. We may never achieve profitability, or even if we achieve profitability, we may not be able to maintain or increase our profitability.\n\n\nWe will incur substantial additional operating losses over the next several years as our research and development activities increase.\n\n\nWe will incur substantial additional operating losses over the next several years as our research and development activities increase. The amount of future losses and when, if ever, we will achieve profitability are uncertain. Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability will depend on, among other things:\n\n\n\u2022\nsuccessfully developing human tissues and disease models for drug discovery and development that enable us to identify drug candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\nsuccessfully outsourcing certain portions of our development efforts;\n\n\n\u2022\nentering into partnering or licensing arrangements with pharmaceutical companies to further develop and conduct clinical trials for any drug candidates we identify;\n\n\n\u2022\nobtaining any necessary regulatory approval for any drug candidates we identify; and\n\n\n\u2022\nraising sufficient funds to finance our activities and long-term business plan.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe might not succeed at any of these undertakings. If we are unsuccessful at one or more of these undertakings, our business, prospects, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUsing our platform technology to develop human tissues and disease models for drug discovery and development is new and unproven.\n\n\nUtilizing our 3D bioprinting platform technology to develop human tissues and disease models for drug discovery and development will involve new and unproven technologies, disease models and approaches, each of which is subject to the risk associated with new and evolving technologies. To date, we have not identified or developed any drug candidates utilizing our new business model. Our future success will depend on our ability to utilize our 3D bioprinting platform to develop human tissues and disease models that will enable us to identify and develop viable drug candidates. We may experience unforeseen technical complications, unrecognized defects and limitations in our technology or our ability to develop disease models or identify viable drug candidates. These complications could materially delay or substantially increase the anticipated costs and time to identify and develop viable drug candidates, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and our ability to continue operations.\n\n\nWe will face intense competition in our drug discovery efforts.\n \n\n\nThe biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is subject to intense competition and rapid and significant technological change. There are many potential competitors for the disease indications we may pursue, including major drug companies, specialized biotechnology firms, academic institutions, government agencies and private and public research institutions. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial and technical resources, experience and expertise in the following areas than we have, including:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nresearch and technology development;\n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\ndevelopment of or access to disease models;\n\n\n\u2022\nidentification and development of drug candidates;\n\n\n\u2022\nregulatory processes and approvals; and\n\n\n\u2022\nidentifying and entering into agreements with potential collaborators.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPrincipal competitive factors in our industry include: the quality, scientific and technical support, management and the execution of drug development and regulatory approval strategies; skill and experience of employees, including the ability to recruit and retain skilled, experienced employees; intellectual property portfolio; range of capabilities, including drug identification, development and regulatory approval; and the availability of substantial capital resources to fund these activities.\n\n\nIn order to effectively compete, we may need to make substantial investments in our research and technology development, drug candidate identification and development, testing and regulatory approval and licensing and business development activities. There is no assurance that we will be successful in discovering effective drug candidates using our 3D bioprinted tissues or disease models. Our technologies and drug development plans also may be rendered obsolete or noncompetitive as a result of drugs, intellectual property, technologies, products and services introduced by competitors. Any of these risks may prevent us from building a successful drug discovery business or entering into a strategic partnership or collaboration related to, any drug candidates we identify on favorable terms, or at all.\n \n\n\nAs we pursue drug development through 3D tissues and disease models, we will require access to a constant, steady, reliable supply of human cells to support our development activities.\n\n\nAs we pursue drug development through 3D tissues and disease models, we will require access to a constant, steady, reliable supply of human cells to support our 3D tissue development activities. We purchase human cells from selected third-party suppliers based on quality assurance, cost effectiveness, and regulatory requirements. We need to continue to identify additional sources of qualified human cells and there can be no guarantee that we will be able to access the quantity and quality of raw materials needed at a cost-effective price. Any failure to obtain a reliable supply of sufficient human cells or a supply at cost effective prices would harm our business and our results of operations and could cause us to be unable to support our drug development efforts.\n\n\nOur business will be adversely impacted if we are unable to successfully attract, hire and integrate key additional employees or contractors.\n\n\nOur future success depends in part on our ability to successfully attract and then retain key additional executive officers and other key employees and contractors to support our drug discovery plans. Recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and clinical personnel is critical to our success. Competition to hire qualified personnel in our industry is intense, and we may be unable to hire, train, retain or motivate these key personnel on acceptable terms given the competition among numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for similar personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain high quality personnel, our ability to pursue our drug discovery business will be limited, and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.\n\n\nWe may require substantial additional funding. Raising additional capital would cause dilution to our existing stockholders and may restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or to a product candidate.\n\n\nWe currently do not have any committed external source of funds and do not expect to generate any meaningful revenue in the foreseeable future. Our existing cash, cash equivalents and interest thereon is expected to be sufficient to fund our projected operating requirements for at least the next 12 months. We have based these estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we may use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect if our operating plans change. If our board of directors decides that we should pursue further research and development activities than already proposed, we will require substantial additional funding to operate our proposed business, including expanding our facilities and hiring additional qualified personnel, and we would expect to finance these cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, government or other third-party funding and licensing or collaboration arrangements.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt, the ownership interests of our stockholders will be diluted. In addition, the terms of any equity or convertible debt we agree to issue may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our stockholders. Convertible debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, and declaring dividends, and may impose limitations on our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. Moreover, we have the ability to sell up to $28.3 million of additional shares of our common stock to the public through an \u201cat the market\u201d offering pursuant to a Sales Agreement that\n \n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\nwe entered into with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC and Jones Trading Institutional Services LLC on March 16, 2018 (the \"Sales Agreement\"). Any shares of common stock issued in the at-the-market offering will result in dilution to our existing stockholders.\n\n\nWe currently have an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the \u201cSEC\u201d), which we may use to offer from time to time any combination of debt securities, common and preferred stock and warrants. On March 16, 2018, we entered into the Sales Agreement pursuant to which we have the ability to sell up to $28.3 million of additional shares of our common stock to the public through an \u201cat the market\u201d offering. In the event that the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates (\u201cpublic float\u201d) is less than $75.0 million, the amount we can raise through primary public offerings of securities, including sales under the Sales Agreement, in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements is limited to an aggregate of one-third of our public float. As of June 1, 2023, our public float was less than $75.0 million, and therefore we are limited to an aggregate of one-third of our public float in the amount we could raise through primary public offerings of securities in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements. Although we would still maintain the ability to raise funds through other means, such as through the filing of a registration statement on Form S-1 or in private placements, the rules and regulations of the SEC or any other regulatory agencies may restrict our ability to conduct certain types of financing activities, or may affect the timing of and amounts we can raise by undertaking such activities.\n\n\nFurther, additional funds may not be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available to us on a timely basis, we may be required to curtail or cease our operations. Raising additional funding through debt or equity financing is likely to be difficult or unavailable altogether given the early stage of our technology and any drug candidates we identify. Furthermore, the issuance of additional securities, whether equity or debt, by us, or the possibility of such issuance, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline further and existing stockholders may not agree with our financing plans or the terms of such financings.\n \n\n\nClinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain timelines and uncertain outcomes, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future results.\n \n\n\nBefore obtaining marketing approval from regulatory authorities for the sale of any drug candidates we identify, any such drug candidates must undergo extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug candidates in humans. Human clinical testing is expensive and can take many years to complete, and we cannot be certain that any clinical trials will be conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. We may elect to complete this testing, or some portion thereof, internally or enter into a partnering or development agreement with a pharmaceutical company to complete these trials. Our inability, or the inability of any third party with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, to successfully complete preclinical and clinical development could result in additional costs to us and negatively impact our ability to generate revenues or receive development or milestone payments. Our future success is dependent on our ability, or the ability of any pharmaceutical company with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for, and then successfully commercialize any drug candidates we identify.\n \n\n\nAny drug candidates we identify will require additional clinical development, management of clinical, preclinical and manufacturing activities, regulatory approval in applicable jurisdictions, achieving and maintaining commercial-scale supply, building of a commercial organization, substantial investment and significant marketing efforts. We are not permitted to market or promote any of our drug candidates before we receive regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (\u201cFDA\u201d) or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, and we may never receive such regulatory approval for any of our drug candidates.\n \n\n\nWe, or any third party with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, clinical trials that could delay or prevent our ability to earn development or milestone payments or for any drug candidates to obtain regulatory approval, including:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\ndelays in or failure to reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations (\u201cCROs\u201d) and clinical sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites;\n\n\n\u2022\nfailure to obtain sufficient enrollment in clinical trials or participants may fail to complete clinical trials;\n\n\n\u2022\nclinical trials of our drug candidates that may produce negative or inconclusive results, and as a result we, or any pharmaceutical company with who we enter into a partnering or development agreement, may decide, or regulators may require, additional clinical trials;\n\n\n\u2022\nsuspension or termination of clinical research, either by us, any third party with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, regulators or institutional review boards, for various reasons, including noncompliance with regulatory requirements or a finding that the participants are being exposed to unacceptable health risks;\n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\nadditional or unanticipated clinical trials required by regulators or institutional review boards to obtain approval or any drug candidates may be subject to additional post-marketing testing requirements to maintain regulatory approval;\n\n\n\u2022\nregulators may revise the requirements for approving any drug candidates, or such requirements may not be as anticipated;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe cost of clinical trials for any drug candidates may be greater than anticipated;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe supply or quality of any drug candidates or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials of our drug candidates may be insufficient or inadequate or may be delayed; and\n\n\n\u2022\nregulatory authorities may suspend or withdraw their approval of a product or impose restrictions on its distribution;\n\n\nIf we, or any third party with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, experience delays in the completion of, or termination of, any clinical trial of any drug candidates that we develop, or are unable to achieve clinical endpoints due to unforeseen events, the commercial prospects of our drug candidates will be harmed, and our ability to develop milestones, development fees or product revenues from any of these drug candidates will be delayed.\n\n\nWe will rely upon third-party contractors and service providers for the execution of critical aspects of any future development programs. Failure of these collaborators to provide services of a suitable quality and within acceptable timeframes may cause the delay or failure of any future development programs.\n\n\nWe plan to outsource certain functions, tests and services to CROs, medical institutions and collaborators as well as outsource manufacturing to collaborators and/or contract manufacturers, and we will rely on third parties for quality assurance, clinical monitoring, clinical data management and regulatory expertise. We may elect, in the future, to engage a CRO to run all aspects of a clinical trial on our behalf. There is no assurance that such individuals or organizations will be able to provide the functions, tests, biologic supply or services as agreed upon or in a quality fashion and we could suffer significant delays in the development of our drug candidates or development programs.\n\n\nIn some cases, there may be only one or few providers of such services, including clinical data management or manufacturing services. In addition, the cost of such services could be significantly increased over time. We may rely on third parties and collaborators to enroll qualified patients and conduct, supervise and monitor our clinical trials. Our reliance on these third parties and collaborators for clinical development activities reduces our control over these activities. Our reliance on these parties, however, does not relieve us of our regulatory responsibilities, including ensuring that our clinical trials are conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (\u201cGCP\u201d) regulations and the investigational plan and protocols contained in the regulatory agency applications. In addition, these third parties may not complete activities on schedule or may not manufacture under Current Good Manufacturing Practice (\u201ccGMP\u201d) conditions. Preclinical or clinical studies may not be performed or completed in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (\u201cGLP\u201d) regulatory requirements or our trial design. If these third parties or collaborators do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or meet expected deadlines, obtaining regulatory approval for manufacturing and commercialization of our drug candidates may be delayed or prevented. We may rely substantially on third-party data managers for our clinical trial data. There is no assurance that these third parties will not make errors in the design, management or retention of our data or data systems. There is no assurance these third parties will pass FDA or regulatory audits, which could delay or prohibit regulatory approval.\n\n\nIn addition, we will exercise limited control over our third-party partners and vendors, which makes us vulnerable to any errors, interruptions or delays in their operations. If these third parties experience any service disruptions, financial distress or other business disruption, or difficulties meeting our requirements or standards, it could make it difficult for us to operate some aspects of our business.\n \n\n\nThe near and long-term viability of our drug discovery and development efforts will depend on our ability to successfully establish strategic relationships.\n\n\nThe near and long-term viability of our drug discovery and development efforts depend in part on our ability to successfully establish new strategic partnering, collaboration and licensing arrangements with biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, universities, hospitals, insurance companies and or government agencies. Establishing strategic relationships is difficult and time-consuming. Potential partners and collaborators may not enter into relationships with us based upon their assessment of our technology or drug candidates or our financial, regulatory or intellectual property position. If we fail to establish a sufficient number of strategic relationships on acceptable terms, we may not be able to develop and obtain regulatory approval for our drug candidates or generate sufficient revenue to fund further research and development efforts. Even if we establish new strategic relationships, these relationships may never result in the successful development or regulatory approval for any drug candidates we identify for a number of reasons both within and outside of our control.\n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\nInvestors\u2019 expectations of our performance relating to environmental, social and governance factors may impose additional costs and expose us to new risks.\n\n\nThere is an increasing focus from certain investors, employees, regulators and other stakeholders concerning corporate responsibility, specifically related to environmental, social and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) factors. Some investors and investor advocacy groups may use these factors to guide investment strategies and, in some cases, investors may choose not to invest in\n \nour company if they believe our policies relating to corporate responsibility are inadequate. Third-party providers of corporate responsibility ratings and reports on companies have increased to meet growing investor demand for measurement of corporate responsibility performance, and a variety of organizations currently measure the performance of companies on such ESG topics, and the results of these assessments are widely publicized. Investors, particularly institutional investors, use these ratings to benchmark companies against their peers and if we are perceived as lagging with respect to ESG initiatives, certain investors may engage with us to improve ESG disclosures or performance and may also make voting decisions, or take other actions, to hold us and our board of directors accountable. In addition, the criteria by which our corporate responsibility practices are assessed may change, which could result in greater expectations of us and cause us to undertake costly initiatives to satisfy such new criteria. If we elect not to or are unable to satisfy such new criteria, investors may conclude that our policies with respect to corporate responsibility are inadequate. We may face reputational damage in the event that our corporate responsibility procedures or standards do not meet the standards set by various constituencies.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may face reputational damage in the event our corporate responsibility initiatives or objectives do not meet the standards set by our investors, stockholders, lawmakers, listing exchanges or other constituencies, or if we are unable to achieve an acceptable ESG or sustainability rating from third-party rating services. A low ESG or sustainability rating by a third-party rating service could also result in the exclusion of our common stock from consideration by certain investors who may elect to invest with our competition instead. Ongoing focus on corporate responsibility matters by investors and other parties as described above may impose additional costs or expose us to new risks. Any failure or perceived failure by us in this regard could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and on our business, share price, financial condition, or results of operations, including the sustainability of our business over time.\n\n\nUnstable market and economic conditions may have serious adverse consequences on our business, financial condition and share price.\n\n\nAs widely reported, in the past several years, global credit and financial markets have experienced volatility and disruptions, including, for example, severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates and uncertainty about economic stability. There can be no assurances that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur. Our general business strategy may be adversely affected by any such economic downturn, volatile business environment or continued unpredictable and unstable market conditions. If the current equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult, more costly and more dilutive. Failure to secure any necessary financing in a timely manner and on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy, financial performance and share price and could require us to delay or abandon clinical development plans.\n\n\nThe impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the global economy, energy supplies and raw materials is uncertain, but may prove to negatively impact our business and operations.\n\n\nThe short and long-term implications of Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine are difficult to predict at this time. We continue to monitor any adverse impact that the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the subsequent institution of sanctions against Russia by the United States and several European and Asian countries may have on the global economy in general, on our business and operations and on the businesses and operations of our suppliers and other third parties with which we conduct business. For example, the continuing conflict has resulted and may continue to result in increased inflation, escalating energy prices and constrained availability, and thus increasing costs, of raw materials. We will continue to monitor this fluid situation and develop contingency plans as necessary to address any disruptions to our business operations as they develop. To the extent the war in Ukraine may adversely affect our business as discussed above, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described herein. Such risks include, but are not limited to, adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, including inflation; disruptions to our technology infrastructure, including through cyberattack, ransom attack, or cyber-intrusion; adverse changes in international trade policies and relations; disruptions in global supply chains; and constraints, volatility, or disruption in the capital markets, any of which could negatively affect our business and financial condition.\n\n\nRisks Related to Government Regulation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn the past, we have used hazardous chemicals, biological materials and infectious agents in our business. Any claims relating to improper handling, storage or disposal of these materials could be time consuming and costly.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\nOur product manufacturing, research and development, and testing activities have involved the controlled use of hazardous materials, including chemicals, biological materials and infectious disease agents. We cannot eliminate the risks of accidental contamination or the accidental spread or discharge of these materials, or any resulting injury from such an event. We may be sued for any injury or contamination that results from our use or the use by third parties of these materials, and our liability may exceed our insurance coverage and our total assets. Federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials and specified waste products, as well as the discharge of pollutants into the environment and human health and safety matters. We were also subject to various laws and regulations relating to safe working conditions, laboratory and manufacturing practices, and the experimental use of animals. Our operations may have required that environmental permits and approvals be issued by applicable government agencies. If we failed to comply with these requirements, we could incur substantial costs, including civil or criminal fines and penalties, clean-up costs or capital expenditures for control equipment or operational changes necessary to achieve and maintain compliance.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf we fail to obtain and sustain an adequate level of reimbursement for our potential products by third-party payors, potential future sales would be materially adversely affected.\n\n\nThere will be no viable commercial market for our drug candidates, if approved, without reimbursement from third-party payors. Reimbursement policies may be affected by future healthcare reform measures. We cannot be certain that reimbursement will be available for our current drug candidates or any other drug candidate we may develop. Additionally, even if there is a viable commercial market, if the level of reimbursement is below our expectations, our anticipated revenue and gross margins will be adversely affected.\n\n\nThird-party payors, such as government or private healthcare insurers, carefully review and increasingly question and challenge the coverage of and the prices charged for drugs. Reimbursement rates from private health insurance companies vary depending on the Company, the insurance plan and other factors. Reimbursement rates may be based on reimbursement levels already set for lower cost drugs and may be incorporated into existing payments for other services. There is a current trend in the U.S. healthcare industry toward cost containment.\n\n\nLarge public and private payors, managed care organizations, group purchasing organizations and similar organizations are exerting increasing influence on decisions regarding the use of, and reimbursement levels for, particular treatments. Such third-party payors, including Medicare, may question the coverage of, and challenge the prices charged for, medical products and services, and many third-party payors limit coverage of or reimbursement for newly approved healthcare products. In particular, third-party payors may limit the covered indications. Cost-control initiatives could decrease the price we might establish for products, which could result in product revenues being lower than anticipated. We believe our drugs will be priced significantly higher than existing generic drugs and consistent with current branded drugs. If we are unable to show a significant benefit relative to existing generic drugs, Medicare, Medicaid and private payors may not be willing to provide reimbursement for our drugs, which would significantly reduce the likelihood of our products gaining market acceptance.\n\n\nWe expect that private insurers will consider the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, safety and tolerability of our potential products in determining whether to approve reimbursement for such products and at what level. Obtaining these approvals can be a time consuming and expensive process. Our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected if we do not receive approval for reimbursement of our potential products from private insurers on a timely or satisfactory basis. Limitations on coverage could also be imposed at the local Medicare carrier level or by fiscal intermediaries. Medicare Part D, which provides a pharmacy benefit to Medicare patients as discussed below, does not require participating prescription drug plans to cover all drugs within a class of products. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if Part D prescription drug plans were to limit access to, or deny or limit reimbursement of, our drug candidates or other potential products.\n\n\nReimbursement systems in international markets vary significantly by country and by region, and reimbursement approvals must be obtained on a country-by-country basis. In many countries, the product cannot be commercially launched until reimbursement is approved. In some foreign markets, prescription pharmaceutical pricing remains subject to continuing governmental control even after initial approval is granted. The negotiation process in some countries can exceed 12 months. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval in some countries, we may be required to conduct a clinical trial that compares the cost-effectiveness of our products to other available therapies.\n\n\nIf the prices for our potential products are reduced or if governmental and other third-party payors do not provide adequate coverage and reimbursement of our drugs, our future revenue, cash flows and prospects for profitability will suffer.\n\n\nCurrent and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost of commercializing our drug candidates and may affect the prices we may obtain if our drug candidates are approved for commercialization.\n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\nIn the U.S. and some foreign jurisdictions, there have been a number of adopted and proposed legislative and regulatory changes regarding the healthcare system that could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our drug candidates, restrict or regulate post-marketing activities and affect our ability to profitably sell any of our drug candidates for which we obtain regulatory approval.\n\n\nIn the U.S., the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (\u201cMMA\u201d) changed the way Medicare covers and pays for pharmaceutical products. Cost reduction initiatives and other provisions of this legislation could limit the coverage and reimbursement rate that we receive for any of our approved products. While the MMA only applies to drug benefits for Medicare beneficiaries, private payors often follow Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting their own reimbursement rates. Therefore, any reduction in reimbursement that results from the MMA may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors.\n\n\nIn addition, on August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which, among other things, includes policies that are designed to have a direct impact on drug prices and reduce drug spending by the federal government, which shall take effect in 2023. Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Congress authorized Medicare beginning in 2026 to negotiate lower prices for certain costly single-source drug and biologic products that do not have competing generics or biosimilars. This provision is limited in terms of the number of pharmaceuticals whose prices can be negotiated in any given year and it only applies to drug products that have been approved for at least 9 years and biologics that have been licensed for 13 years. Drugs and biologics that have been approved for a single rare disease or condition are categorically excluded from price negotiation. Further, the new legislation provides that if pharmaceutical companies raise prices in Medicare faster than the rate of inflation, they must pay rebates back to the government for the difference. The new law also caps Medicare out-of-pocket drug costs at an estimated $4,000 a year in 2024 and, thereafter beginning in 2025, at $2,000 a year.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively the \u201cPPACA\u201d), was enacted. The PPACA was intended to broaden access to health insurance, reduce or constrain the growth of healthcare spending, enhance remedies against healthcare fraud and abuse, add new transparency requirements for healthcare and health insurance industries, impose new taxes and fees on the health industry and impose additional health policy reforms. The PPACA increased manufacturers\u2019 rebate liability under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program by increasing the minimum rebate amount for both branded and generic drugs and revised the definition of \u201caverage manufacturer price\u201d, which may also increase the amount of Medicaid drug rebates manufacturers are required to pay to states. The legislation also expanded Medicaid drug rebates and created an alternative rebate formula for certain new formulations of certain existing products that is intended to increase the rebates due on those drugs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (\u201cCMS\u201d), which administers the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, also has proposed to expand Medicaid rebates to the utilization that occurs in the territories of the U.S., such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Further, beginning in 2011, the PPACA imposed a significant annual fee on companies that manufacture or import branded prescription drug products and required manufacturers to provide a 50% discount off the negotiated price of prescriptions filled by beneficiaries in the Medicare Part D coverage gap, referred to as the \u201cdonut hole.\u201d Legislative and regulatory proposals have been introduced at both the state and federal level to expand post-approval requirements and restrict sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products.\n\n\nThere have been public announcements by members of the U.S. Congress, regarding plans to repeal and replace the PPACA and Medicare. For example, on December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which, among other things, eliminated the individual mandate requiring most Americans (other than those who qualify for a hardship exemption) to carry a minimum level of health coverage, effective January 1, 2019. On December 14, 2018, a U.S. District Court Judge in the Northern District of Texas, or the Texas District Court Judge, ruled that the individual mandate is a critical and inseverable feature of the PPACA, and therefore, because it was repealed as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the remaining provisions of the PPACA are invalid as well. On December 18, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the District Court\u2019s ruling with respect to the individual mandate but remanded the case to the District Court to consider whether other parts of the law can remain in effect. While the Texas District Court Judge has stated that the ruling will have no immediate effect, it is unclear how this decision, subsequent appeals, and other efforts to repeal and replace the PPACA will impact the law and our business. We are not sure whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether the FDA regulations, guidance or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes on the marketing approvals of our drug candidates, if any, may be. In addition, increased scrutiny by the U.S. Congress of the FDA\u2019s approval process may significantly delay or prevent marketing approval, as well as subject us to more stringent product labeling and post-marketing approval testing and other requirements.\n\n\nMoreover, payment methodologies may be subject to changes in healthcare legislation and regulatory initiatives. For example, CMS may develop new payment and delivery models, such as bundled payment models. In addition, there has been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which has resulted in several U.S. Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, reduce the cost of prescription drugs under government payor programs, and review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has started soliciting feedback on some of these measures and, at the same time, is implementing others under its existing authority. For example, in May\n \n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\n2019, CMS issued a final rule to allow Medicare Advantage Plans the option of using step therapy for Part B drugs beginning January 1, 2020. This final rule codified CMS\u2019s policy change that was effective January 1, 2019. While any proposed measures will require authorization through additional legislation to become effective, Congress has indicated that it will continue to seek new legislative and/or administrative measures to control drug costs. We expect that additional U.S. federal healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that the U.S. federal government will pay for healthcare products and services, which could result in reduced demand for our drug candidates, if approved for commercialization.\n\n\nIn Europe, the United Kingdom formally withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020, and entered into a transition period that ended on December 31, 2020. A significant portion of the regulatory framework in the United Kingdom is derived from the regulations of the European Union. We cannot predict what consequences the recent withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union will have on the regulatory frameworks of the United Kingdom or the European Union, or on our future operations, if any, in these jurisdictions, and the United Kingdom is in the process of negotiating trade deals with other countries. Additionally, the United Kingdom\u2019s withdrawal from the European Union may increase the possibility that other countries may decide to leave the European Union again.\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Capital Requirements, Finances and Operations\n\n\nManagement has performed an analysis and concluded that substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern. Separately, our independent registered public accounting firm has included in its opinion for the year ended March 31, 2023 an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt in our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing.\n\n\nOur financial statements as of March 31, 2023 have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. Management has performed an analysis and concluded that substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern. Separately, our independent registered public accounting firm included in its opinion for the year ended March 31, 2023 an explanatory paragraph referring to our recurring losses from operations and expressing substantial doubt in our ability to continue as a going concern without additional capital becoming available. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing, obtain government grants, reduce expenditures and generate significant revenue. Our financial statements as of March 31, 2023 do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The reaction of investors to the inclusion of a going concern statement by management and our auditors, and our potential inability to continue as a going concern, in future years could materially adversely affect our share price and our ability to raise new capital or enter into strategic alliances.\n\n\nAdditional funds may not be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available to us on a timely basis, we may be required to curtail or cease our operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThere can be no assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient additional capital on acceptable terms or at all. Raising additional funding through debt or equity financing is likely to be difficult or unavailable altogether given the early stage of our therapeutic candidates. If such additional financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available in sufficient amounts, we may be required to delay, limit or eliminate the development of business opportunities and our ability to achieve our business objectives, our competitiveness, and our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of additional debt or equity securities, it could result in dilution to our existing stockholders, increased fixed payment obligations and the existence of securities with rights that may be senior to those of our common stock. If we incur indebtedness, we could become subject to covenants that would restrict our operations and potentially impair our competitiveness, such as limitations on our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. Any of these events could significantly harm our business, financial condition and prospects. Furthermore, the issuance of additional securities, whether equity or debt, by us, or the possibility of such issuance, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline further and existing stockholders may not agree with our financing plans or the terms of such financings. In addition, if we seek funds through arrangements with collaborative partners, these arrangements may require us to relinquish rights to our technology or potential future product candidates or otherwise agree to terms unfavorable to us.\n\n\nWe have a history of operating losses and expect to incur significant additional operating losses.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have generated operating losses each year since we began operations, including $17.7 million and $11.5 million for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $325.0 million. We expect to incur substantial additional operating losses over the next several years as our research and development activities increase.\n \n\n\nThe amount of future losses and when, if ever, we will achieve profitability are uncertain. Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability will depend on, among other things:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\n\u2022\nsuccessfully developing human tissues and disease models for drug discovery and development that enable us to identify drug candidates;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nsuccessfully outsourcing certain portions of our development efforts;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nentering into collaboration or licensing arrangements with pharmaceutical companies to further develop and conduct clinical trials for any drug candidates we identify;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nobtaining any necessary regulatory approvals for any drug candidates we identify; and\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nraising sufficient funds to finance our activities and long-term business plan.\n\n\n \n\n\nWe might not succeed at any of these undertakings. If we are unsuccessful at one or more of these undertakings, our business, prospects, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected. We may never generate significant revenue, and even if we do generate significant revenue, we may never achieve profitability.\n\n\nOur quarterly operating results may vary, which could negatively affect the market price of our common stock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur results of operations in any quarter may vary from quarter to quarter and are influenced by such factors as expenses related to:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nevaluating and implementing strategic alternatives, technology licensing opportunities, potential collaborations, and other strategic transactions;\n\n\n\u2022\nlitigation; \n\n\n\u2022\nresearch and development expenditures, including commencement of preclinical studies and clinical trials; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe timing of the hiring of new employees, which may require payments of signing, retention or similar bonuses; and\n\n\n\u2022\nchanges in costs related to the general global economy.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe believe that operating results for any particular quarter are not necessarily a meaningful indication of future results. Nonetheless, fluctuations in our quarterly operating results could negatively affect the market price of our common stock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may identify material weaknesses in the future that may cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in material misstatements of our financial statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur management team is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe cannot assure you that we will not have material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. If we identify any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies that may exist, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be adversely affected, we may be unable to maintain compliance with securities law requirements regarding timely filing of periodic reports in addition to applicable stock exchange listing requirements, and our stock price may decline materially as a result.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFuture strategic investments could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations if we fail to achieve the desired returns on our investment.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur ability to benefit from future external strategic investments depends on our ability to successfully conduct due diligence, evaluate prospective opportunities, and buy the equity of our target investments at acceptable market prices. Our failure in any of these tasks could result in unforeseen loses associated with the strategic investments.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may also discover deficiencies in internal controls, data adequacy and integrity, product quality, regulatory compliance, product liabilities or other undisclosed liabilities that we did not uncover prior to our investment, which could result in us becoming subject asset impairments, including potential loss of our investment capital. In addition, if we do not achieve the anticipated benefits of an external investment as rapidly as expected, or at all, investors or analysts may downgrade our stock.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nWe also expect to continue to carry out strategic investments that we believe are necessary to expand our business. There are no assurances that such initiatives will yield favorable results for us. Accordingly, if these initiatives are not successful, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. If these risks materialize, our stock price could be materially\n \n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\nadversely affected. Any difficulties in such investments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur business could be adversely impacted if we are unable to retain our executive officers and other key personnel.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur future success will depend to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our key personnel, especially our executive officers. We do not currently have long-term employment agreements with our executive officers or our other key personnel, and there is no guarantee that our executive officers or key personnel will remain employed with us. Moreover, we have not obtained key man life insurance that would provide us with proceeds in the event of the death, disability or incapacity of any of our executive officers or other key personnel. Further, the process of attracting and retaining suitable replacements for any executive officers and other key personnel we lose in the future would result in transition costs and would divert the attention of other members of our senior management from our existing operations. Additionally, such a loss could be negatively perceived in the capital markets. Finally, certain of our executives also provide services to Viscient Biosciences, Inc. (\u201cViscient\u201d). Executives that provide services to us and Viscient do not dedicate all of their time to us, as disclosed in our filings, and we may therefore compete with Viscient for the time commitments of our executive officers from time to time.\n\n\nWe may be subject to security breaches or other cybersecurity incidents that could compromise our information and expose us to liability.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe routinely collect and store sensitive data (such as intellectual property, proprietary business information and personally identifiable information) for ourselves, our employees and our suppliers and customers. We make significant efforts to maintain the security and integrity of our computer systems and networks and to protect this information. However, like other companies in our industry, our networks and infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks or intrusions, including by computer hackers, foreign governments, foreign companies or competitors, or may be breached by employee error, malfeasance or other disruption. Any such breach could result in unauthorized access to (or disclosure of) sensitive, proprietary or confidential information of ours, our employees or our suppliers or customers, and/or loss or damage to our data. Any such unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss of information could cause competitive harm, result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, and/or cause reputational harm.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCompliance with global privacy and data security requirements could result in additional costs and liabilities to us or inhibit our ability to collect and process data globally, and the failure to comply with such requirements could subject us to significant fines and penalties, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\n \n\n\nThe regulatory framework for the collection, use, safeguarding, sharing, transfer, and other processing of information worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. Globally, virtually every jurisdiction in which we operate has established its own data security and privacy frameworks with which we must comply. For example, the collection, use, disclosure, transfer, or other processing of personal data regarding individuals in the European Union, including personal health data, is subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (the \u201cGDPR\u201d), which took effect across all member states of the European Economic Area (the \u201cEEA\u201d) in May 2018. The GDPR is wide-ranging in scope and imposes numerous requirements on companies that process personal data, including requirements relating to processing health and other sensitive data, obtaining consent of the individuals to whom the personal data relates, providing information to individuals regarding data processing activities, implementing safeguards to protect the security and confidentiality of personal data, providing notification of data breaches, and taking certain measures when engaging third-party processors. The GDPR increases our obligations with respect to clinical trials conducted in the EEA by expanding the definition of personal data to include coded data and requiring changes to informed consent practices and more detailed notices for clinical trial subjects and investigators. In addition, the GDPR imposes strict rules on the transfer of personal data to countries outside the European Union, including the United States, and, as a result, increases the scrutiny that clinical trial sites located in the EEA should apply to transfers of personal data from such sites to countries that are considered to lack an adequate level of data protection, such as the United States. The GDPR also permits data protection authorities to require destruction of improperly gathered or used personal information and/or impose substantial fines for violations of the GDPR, which can be up to four percent of global revenues or 20 million Euros, whichever is greater, and it also confers a private right of action on data subjects and consumer associations to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities, seek judicial remedies, and obtain compensation for damages resulting from violations of the GDPR. In addition, the GDPR provides that European Union member states may make their own further laws and regulations limiting the processing of personal data, including genetic, biometric or health data.\n\n\n \n\n\nFurther, Brexit has led and could also lead to legislative and regulatory changes and may increase our compliance costs. As of January 1, 2021 and the expiry of transitional arrangements agreed to between the United Kingdom and the European Union, data processing in the United Kingdom is governed by a United Kingdom version of the GDPR (combining the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018), exposing us to two parallel regimes, each of which authorizes similar fines and other potentially divergent enforcement actions for certain violations. On June 28, 2021, the European Commission adopted an Adequacy Decision for the United Kingdom, allowing for the relatively free exchange of personal information between the European Union and the United Kingdom, however, the European Commission may suspend the Adequacy Decision if it considers that the United Kingdom no longer provides for an adequate level of data protection. Other jurisdictions outside the European Union are similarly introducing or enhancing privacy and data security laws, rules and regulations.\n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nSimilar actions are either in place or under way in the United States. There are a broad variety of data protection laws that are applicable to our activities, and a wide range of enforcement agencies at both the state and federal levels that can review companies for privacy and data security concerns based on general consumer protection laws. The Federal Trade Commission and state Attorneys General all are aggressive in reviewing privacy and data security protections for consumers. New laws also are being considered at both the state and federal levels. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act \u2014 which went into effect on January 1, 2020 \u2014 is creating similar risks and obligations as those created by the GDPR, though the California Consumer Privacy Act does exempt certain information collected as part of a clinical trial subject to the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (the Common Rule). As of January 1, 2023, the California Consumer Privacy Act (as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act) is in full effect, with enforcement by California\u2019s dedicated privacy enforcement agency expected to start later in 2023. While California was first among the states in adopting comprehensive data privacy legislation similar to the GDPR, many other states are following suit. For example, four other states have adopted such laws, taking effect from January 1, 2023 (in Virginia) and throughout the next year in Utah, Colorado, and Connecticut. Many other states are considering similar legislation. A broad range of legislative measures also have been introduced at the federal level. Accordingly, failure to comply with federal and state laws (both those currently in effect and future legislation) regarding privacy and security of personal information could expose us to fines and penalties under such laws. There also is the threat of consumer class actions related to these laws and the overall protection of personal data. This is particularly true with respect to data security incidents, and sensitive personal information, including health and biometric data. Even if we are not determined to have violated these laws, government investigations into these issues typically require the expenditure of significant resources and generate negative publicity, which could harm our reputation and business.\n\n\n \n\n\nGiven the breadth and depth of changes in data protection obligations, preparing for and complying with these requirements is rigorous and time intensive and requires significant resources and a review of our technologies, systems and practices, as well as those of any third-party collaborators, service providers, contractors or consultants that process or transfer personal data collected in the European Union. The GDPR, new state privacy laws and other changes in laws or regulations associated with the enhanced protection of certain types of sensitive data, such as healthcare data or other personal information from our clinical trials, could require us to change our business practices and put in place additional compliance mechanisms, may interrupt or delay our development, regulatory and commercialization activities and increase our cost of doing business, and could lead to government enforcement actions, private litigation and significant fines and penalties against us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\n \n\n\nWe and our partners may be subject to stringent privacy laws, information security laws, regulations, policies and contractual obligations related to data privacy and security, and changes in such laws, regulations, policies or how they are interpreted or changes in contractual obligations could adversely affect our business.\n\n\n \n\n\nThere are numerous U.S. federal and state data privacy and protection laws and regulations that apply to the collection, transmission, processing, storage and use of personally-identifying information, which among other things, impose certain requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of personal information. The legislative and regulatory landscape for privacy and data protection continues to evolve in jurisdictions worldwide, and there has been an increasing focus on privacy and data protection issues with the potential to affect our business. Failure to comply with any of these laws and regulations could result in enforcement action against us, including fines, imprisonment of company officials and public censure, claims for damages by affected individuals, damage to our reputation and loss of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.\n\n\n \n\n\nIf we are unable to properly protect the privacy and security of health-related information or other sensitive or confidential information in our possession, we could be found to have breached our contracts. Further, if we fail to comply with applicable privacy laws, including applicable HIPAA privacy and security standards, we could face significant administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Enforcement activity can also result in financial liability and reputational harm, and responses to such enforcement activity can consume significant internal resources. In addition, state attorneys general are authorized to bring civil actions seeking either injunctions or damages in response to violations that threaten the privacy of state residents.\n \n\n\nWe may experience conflicts of interest with Viscient Biosciences, Inc. with respect to business opportunities and other matters.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nKeith Murphy, our Executive Chairman, is the Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and principal stockholder of Viscient, a private company that he founded in 2017 that is focused on drug discovery and development utilizing 3D tissue technology and multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics). Jeffrey N. Miner and our Chief Scientific Officer, is a co-founder, the Chief Scientific Officer and a significant stockholder of Viscient. In addition, Adam Stern, Douglas Jay Cohen and David Gobel (through the Methuselah Foundation and the Methuselah Fund), members of our Board, have invested funds through a convertible promissory note in Viscient, but do not serve as an employee, officer or director of Viscient. Additional members of our Research and Development organization also work at Viscient, and we expect that additional employees or consultants of ours will also be employees of or consultants to Viscient. We use certain Viscient-owned facilities and equipment and allow Viscient to use certain of our facilities and equipment. During fiscal 2023, we provided services to Viscient, and we expect to continue to provide services to Viscient and enter into additional agreements with Viscient in the future.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n\n\nIn addition, we license, as well as cross-license, certain intellectual property to and from Viscient and expect to continue to do so in the future. In particular, pursuant to an Asset Purchase and Non-Exclusive Patent License Agreement with Viscient, dated November 6, 2019, as amended, we have provided a paid up, worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive license to Viscient under certain of our patents and know-how to (a) make, have made, use, sell offer to sell, import and otherwise exploit the inventions and subject matter covered by certain patents regarding certain bioprinter devices and bioprinting methods, engineered liver tissues, engineered renal tissues, engineered intestinal tissue and engineered tissue for in vitro research use, (b) to use and internally repair the bioprinters, and (c) to make additional bioprinters for internal use only in connection with drug discovery and development research, target identification and validation, compound screening, preclinical safety, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicology (ADMET) studies, and in vitro research to complement clinical development of a therapeutic compound. Although we have entered, and expect to enter, into agreements and arrangements that we believe appropriately govern the ownership of intellectual property created by joint employees or consultants of Viscient and/or using our or Viscient\u2019s facilities or equipment, it is possible that we may disagree with Viscient as to the ownership of intellectual property created by shared employees or consultants, or using shared equipment or facilities.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOn December 28, 2020, we entered into an intercompany agreement with Viscient and Organovo, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary (the \u201cIntercompany Agreement\u201d). Pursuant to the Intercompany Agreement, we agreed to provide Viscient certain services related to 3D bioprinting technology, which includes, but is not limited to, histology services, cell isolation, and proliferation of cells, and Viscient agreed to provide us certain services related to 3D bioprinting technology, including bioprinter training, bioprinting services, and qPCR assays, in each case on payment terms specified in the Intercompany Agreement and as may be further determined by the parties. In addition, Viscient and we each agreed to share certain facilities and equipment and, subject to further agreement, to each make certain employees available for specified projects to the other party at prices to be determined in good faith by the parties. Under the Intercompany Agreement, each party will retain its own prior intellectual property and will obtain new intellectual property rights within their respectively defined fields of use.\n \n\n\nDue to the interrelated nature of Viscient with us, conflicts of interest may arise with respect to transactions involving business dealings between us and Viscient, potential acquisitions of businesses or products, the development and ownership of technologies and products, the sale of products, markets and other matters in which our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders may conflict with the best interests of the stockholders of Viscient. In addition, we and Viscient may disagree regarding the interpretation of certain terms of the arrangements we previously entered into with Viscient or may enter into in the future. We cannot guarantee that any conflict of interest will be resolved in our favor, or that, with respect to our transactions with Viscient, we will negotiate terms that are as favorable to us as if such transactions were with another third-party. In addition, executives that provide services to us and Viscient may not dedicate all of their time to us and we may therefore compete with Viscient for the time commitments of our executive officers from time to time.\n \n\n\nRisks Related to Our Common Stock and Liquidity Risks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe could fail to maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market, which could seriously harm the liquidity of our stock and our ability to raise capital or complete a strategic transaction.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (\u201cNasdaq\u201d) has established continued listing requirements, including a requirement to maintain a minimum closing bid price of at least $1 per share. If a company trades for 30 consecutive business days below such minimum closing bid price, it will receive a deficiency notice from Nasdaq. Assuming it is in compliance with the other continued listing requirements, Nasdaq would provide such company a period of 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance by maintaining a closing bid price at least $1 per share for a minimum of ten consecutive business days. There can be no assurance that we will continue to maintain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement or other listing requirements necessary for us to maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nA delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market and commencement of trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board would likely result in a reduction in some or all of the following, each of which could have a material adverse effect on stockholders:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nthe liquidity of our common stock;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe market price of our common stock (and the accompanying valuation of our Company);\n\n\n\u2022\nour ability to obtain financing or complete a strategic transaction;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe number of institutional and other investors that will consider investing in shares of our common stock;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe number of market markers or broker-dealers for our common stock; and\n\n\n\u2022\nthe availability of information concerning the trading prices and volume of shares of our common stock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThere is no assurance that an active market in our common stock will continue at present levels or increase in the future.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n\n\nOur common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market, but there is no assurance that an active market in our common stock will continue at present levels or increase in the future. As a result, an investor may find it difficult to dispose of our common stock on the timeline and at the volumes they desire. This factor limits the liquidity of our common stock and may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and on our ability to raise additional capital.\n\n\nThe price of our common stock may continue to be volatile, which could lead to losses by investors and costly securities litigation.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe trading price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate in response to factors such as:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nannouncements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;\n\n\n\u2022\nour ability to execute on our new strategic plan;\n\n\n\u2022\nreduced government funding for research and development activities;\n\n\n\u2022\nactual or anticipated variations in our operating results;\n\n\n\u2022\nadoption of new accounting standards affecting our industry;\n\n\n\u2022\nadditions or departures of key personnel;\n\n\n\u2022\nsales of our common stock or other securities in the open market;\n\n\n\u2022\ndegree of coverage of securities analysts and reports and recommendations issued by securities analysts regarding our business;\n\n\n\u2022\nvolume fluctuations in the trading of our common stock; and\n\n\n\u2022\nother events or factors, many of which are beyond our control.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe stock market is subject to significant price and volume fluctuations. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company\u2019s securities, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against such a company. Litigation initiated against us, whether or not successful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management\u2019s attention and resources, which could harm our business and financial condition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInvestors may experience dilution of their ownership interests because of the future issuance of additional shares of our capital stock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of March 31, 2023, there were an aggregate of 11,426,737 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding and available for issuance on a fully diluted basis and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. That total for our common stock includes 2,650,405 shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the vesting of restricted stock units, the exercise of outstanding stock options, or is available for issuance under our equity incentive plans, and 58,426 shares of common stock that may be issued through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (\u201cESPP\u201d).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn the future, we may issue additional authorized but previously unissued equity securities to raise funds to support our continued operations and to implement our business plan. We may also issue additional shares of our capital stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our capital stock in connection with hiring or retaining employees, future acquisitions, or for other business purposes. If we raise additional funds from the issuance of equity securities, substantial dilution to our existing stockholders may result. In addition, the future issuance of any such additional shares of capital stock may create downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to issue additional shares, warrants or other convertible securities in the future in conjunction with any capital raising efforts, including at a price (or exercise prices) below the price at which shares of our common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Moreover, depending on market conditions, we cannot be sure that additional financing will be available when needed or that, if available, financing will be obtained on terms favorable to us or to our stockholders.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have paid no dividends on our common stock to date and it is not anticipated that any dividends will be paid to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. While our future dividend policy will be based on the operating results and capital needs of our business, it is currently anticipated that any earnings will be retained to finance our future expansion and for the implementation of our business plan. As an investor, you should take note of the fact that a lack of a dividend can further affect the market value of our stock and could significantly affect the value of any investment.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n\n\nAnti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law may discourage or prevent a change of control, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders, which could affect our stock price adversely and prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (\u201cCertificate of Incorporation\u201d), and Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended (\u201cBylaws\u201d) contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our board of directors that our stockholders might consider favorable. Some of these provisions:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nauthorize the issuance of preferred stock which can be created and issued by our board of directors without prior stockholder approval, with rights senior to those of the common stock;\n\n\n\u2022\nprovide for a classified board of directors, with each director serving a staggered three-year term;\n\n\n\u2022\nprovide that each director may be removed by the stockholders only for cause;\n\n\n\u2022\nprohibit our stockholders from filling board vacancies, calling special stockholder meetings, or taking action by written consent; and\n\n\n\u2022\nrequire advance written notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition, we are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which may prohibit certain business combinations with stockholders owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. These and other provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirers to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by our then-current board of directors, including delaying or impeding a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest involving our company. Any delay or prevention of a change of control transaction or changes in our board of directors could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.\n\n\nRisks Related to Our Intellectual Property\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf we are not able to adequately protect our proprietary rights, our business could be harmed.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur success will depend to a significant extent on our ability to obtain patents and maintain adequate protection for our technologies, intellectual property and products and service offerings in the United States and other countries. If we do not protect our intellectual property adequately, competitors may be able to use our technologies and gain a competitive advantage.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo protect our products and technologies, we, and our collaborators and licensors, must prosecute and maintain existing patents, obtain new patents and pursue other intellectual property protection. Our existing patents and any future patents we obtain may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from using our technologies or from developing competing products and technologies. Moreover, the patent positions of many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are highly uncertain, involve complex legal and factual questions and have in recent years been the subject of much litigation. As a result, we cannot guarantee that:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nany patent applications filed by us will issue as patents;\n\n\n\u2022\nthird parties will not challenge our proprietary rights, and if challenged that a court or an administrative board of a patent office will hold that our patents are valid and enforceable;\n\n\n\u2022\nthird parties will not independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies by inventing around our claims;\n\n\n\u2022\nany patents issued to us will cover our technology and products as ultimately developed;\n\n\n\u2022\nwe will develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe patents of others will not have an adverse effect on our business; or\n\n\n\u2022\nas issued patents expire, we will not lose some competitive advantage.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs previously disclosed, we have recommenced certain historical operations and are now focusing our future efforts on developing highly customized 3D human tissues as living, dynamic models for healthy and diseased human biology for drug development. Previously, we focused our efforts on developing our in vivo liver tissues to treat end-stage liver disease and a select group of life-threatening, orphan diseases, for which there were limited treatment options other than organ transplant. We also explored the development of other potential pipeline in vivo tissue constructs. As we focus our business on developing highly customized 3D human tissues, we may sell, discontinue, adjust or abandon certain patents and patent applications relating to our historical operations. There can be no assurance that we will be successful at such efforts or sell or otherwise monetize such assets on acceptable terms, if at all. There is also no guarantee that our remaining patents will be sufficiently broad to prevent others from using our technologies or from developing competing products and technologies.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\nWe may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertain foreign jurisdictions have an absolute requirement of novelty that renders any public disclosure of an invention immediately fatal to patentability in such jurisdictions. Therefore, there is a risk that we may not be able to protect some of our intellectual property in the United States or abroad due to disclosures, which we may not be aware of, by our collaborators or licensors. Some foreign jurisdictions prohibit certain types of patent claims, such as \u201cmethod-of-treatment/use-type\u201d claims; thus, the scope of protection available to us in such jurisdictions is limited.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMoreover, filing, prosecuting and defending patents on all of our potential products and technologies throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not sought or obtained patent protection to develop their own products and further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories where we have patent protection, but where enforcement is not as strong as that in the United States. These products may compete with our future products in jurisdictions where we do not have any issued patents and our patent claims or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent them from competing.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMany companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions. The legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents and other intellectual property protection, particularly those relating to biopharmaceuticals, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or marketing of competing products in violation of our proprietary rights generally. Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial cost and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPatents covering our products could be found invalid or unenforceable if challenged in court or before administrative bodies in the United States or abroad.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to its inventorship, scope, validity or enforceability, and our patents may be challenged in the courts or patent offices in the United States and abroad. We may be subject to a third-party preissuance submission of prior art to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the \u201cUSPTO\u201d), or become involved in opposition, derivation, revocation, reexamination, post-grant and \ninter partes\n review (\u201cIPR\u201d), or interference proceedings or other similar proceedings challenging our patent rights. An adverse determination in any such submission, proceeding or litigation could reduce the scope of, or invalidate or render unenforceable, our patent rights, allow third parties to commercialize our technology or products and compete directly with us, without payment to us, or result in our inability to manufacture or commercialize products without infringing third-party patent rights. Moreover, we may have to participate in interference proceedings declared by the USPTO to determine priority of invention or in post-grant challenge proceedings, such as oppositions in a foreign patent office, that challenge our priority of invention or other features of patentability with respect to our patents and patent applications. Such challenges may result in loss of patent rights, in loss of exclusivity or in patent claims being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable, which could limit our ability to stop others from using or commercializing similar or identical technology and products, or limit the duration of the patent protection of our technology or products. Such proceedings also may result in substantial cost and require significant time from our scientists and management, even if the eventual outcome is favorable to us.\n \n\n\nFor example, our U.S. Patent Nos. 9,855,369 and 9,149,952, which relate to our bioprinter technology, were the subject of IPR proceedings filed by Cellink AB and its subsidiaries (collectively, \u201cBICO Group AB\u201d), one of our competitors. Likewise, U.S. Patent Nos. 9,149,952, 9,855,369, 8,931,880, 9,227,339, 9,315,043 and 10,967,560 (all assigned to Organovo, Inc.) and U.S. Patent Nos. 7,051,654, 8,241,905, 8,852,932 and 9,752,116 (assigned to Clemson University and the University of Missouri, respectively) were implicated in a declaratory judgment complaint filed against Organovo, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, by BICO Group AB and certain of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. All of these matters were eventually settled in February 2022.\n\n\nSome of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their substantially greater financial resources. Patent litigation and other proceedings may also absorb significant management time. Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other proceedings could impair our ability to compete in the marketplace. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our inventions, patents or other intellectual property or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive and time consuming.\n\n\nIn addition, if we initiate legal proceedings against a third party to enforce a patent covering our products, the defendant could counterclaim that such patent is invalid or unenforceable. In patent litigation in the United States, defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity or unenforceability are commonplace. Grounds for a validity challenge could be an alleged failure to meet any of several statutory requirements, including lack of novelty, obviousness, or non-enablement. Grounds for an unenforceability assertion could be an allegation that someone connected with prosecution of the patent withheld relevant information from the USPTO or made a misleading statement during prosecution. Third parties may also raise claims challenging the validity or enforceability of our patents before administrative bodies in the United States or abroad, even outside the context of litigation, including through re-examination, post-grant review,\n \nIPR, interference proceedings, derivation proceedings and equivalent proceedings in foreign jurisdictions (e.g.,\n \n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\nopposition proceedings). Such proceedings could result in the revocation of, cancellation of or amendment to our patents in such a way that they no longer cover our products. The outcome following legal assertions of invalidity and unenforceability is unpredictable. With respect to the validity question, for example, we cannot be certain that there is no invalidating prior art, of which we and the patent examiner were unaware during prosecution. If a third party were to prevail on a legal assertion of invalidity or unenforceability, we would lose at least part, and perhaps all, of the patent protection on our products. Such a loss of patent protection would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may be involved in lawsuits or other proceedings to protect or enforce our patents or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive, time-consuming and unsuccessful.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCompetitors may infringe our patents or the patents of our collaborators or licensors or our licensors may breach or otherwise prematurely terminate the provisions of our license agreements with them. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file infringement claims or lawsuits, which can be expensive and time-consuming. In addition, in an infringement proceeding, a court may decide that a patent of ours or our collaborators or licensors is not valid or is unenforceable or may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our patents do not cover the technology in question. An adverse result in any litigation or defense proceedings could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated, held unenforceable, or interpreted narrowly and could put our other patent applications at risk of not issuing. Additionally, our licensors may continue to retain certain rights to use technologies licensed by us for research purposes. Patent disputes can take years to resolve, can be very costly and can result in loss of rights, injunctions or substantial penalties. Moreover, patent disputes and related proceedings can distract management\u2019s attention and interfere with running our business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFurthermore, because of the potential for substantial discovery in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments which could harm our business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs more companies file patents relating to bioprinters and bioprinted tissues, it is possible that patent claims relating to bioprinters or bioprinted human tissue may be asserted against us. In addition, the drug candidates we pursue may also be pursued by other companies, and it is possible that patent claims relating to such drug candidates may also be asserted against us. Any patent claims asserted against us could harm our business. Moreover, we may face claims from non-practicing entities, which have no relevant product revenue and against whom our own patent portfolio may have no deterrent effect. Any such claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming to defend, result in costly litigation and diversion of resources, cause product shipment or delays or require us to enter into royalty or license agreements. These licenses may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Even if we are successful in defending such claims, infringement and other intellectual property litigation can be expensive and time-consuming to litigate and divert management\u2019s attention from our core business. Any of these events could harm our business significantly.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur current and future research, development and commercialization activities also must satisfy the obligations under our license agreements. Any disputes arising under our license agreements could be costly and distract our management from the conduct of our business. Moreover, premature termination of a license agreement could have an adverse impact on our business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition to infringement claims against us, if third parties have prepared and filed patent applications in the United States that also claim technology to which we have rights, we may have to participate in interference proceedings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (\u201cPTO\u201d) to determine the priority of invention and opposition proceedings outside of the United States. An unfavorable outcome could require us to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to it from the prevailing party.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThird parties may also attempt to initiate reexamination, post grant review or inter partes review of our patents or those of our collaborators or licensors in the PTO. We may also become involved in similar opposition proceedings in the European Patent Office or similar offices in other jurisdictions regarding our intellectual property rights with respect to our products and technology.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe depend on license agreements with University of Missouri, Clemson University and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies for rights to use certain patents, pending applications, and know how. Failure to comply with or maintain obligations under these agreements and any related or other termination of these agreements could materially harm our business and prevent us from developing or commercializing new product candidates.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are party to license agreements with University of Missouri, Clemson University and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies under which we were granted exclusive rights to patents and patent applications that are important to our business and to our ability to develop and commercialize our 3D tissue products fabricated using our NovoGen Bioprinters and our FXR314 agonist in gastrointestinal disease. Our rights to use these patents and patent applications and employ the inventions claimed in these licensed patents are subject to the continuation of and our compliance with the terms of our license agreements. If we were to breach the terms of these license agreements and the agreements were terminated as a result, our ability to continue to develop and commercialize our NovoGen Bioprinters, 3D tissue products and the FXR314 agonist and to operate our business could be adversely impacted.\n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\nWe may be unable to adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and other proprietary information.\n\n\nIn order to protect our proprietary and licensed technology and processes, we rely in part on confidentiality agreements with our corporate partners, employees, consultants, manufacturers, outside scientific collaborators and sponsored researchers and other advisors. These agreements may not effectively prevent disclosure of our confidential information and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. In addition, others may independently discover our trade secrets and proprietary information. Failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection could adversely affect our competitive business position.\n\n\nWe may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties.\n\n\nWe employ or engage individuals who were previously employed at other biopharmaceutical companies. Although we have no knowledge of any such claims against us, we may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed confidential information of our employees\u2019 former employers or other third parties. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. There is no guarantee of success in defending these claims, and even if we are successful, litigation could result in substantial cost and be a distraction to our management and other employees. To date, none of our employees have been subject to such claims.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGeneral Risk Factors\n\n\nCompliance with the reporting requirements of federal securities laws can be expensive.\n\n\nWe are a public reporting company in the United States, and accordingly, subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and other federal securities laws, including the compliance obligations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (\u201cSarbanes-Oxley Act\u201d). The costs of complying with the reporting requirements of the federal securities laws, including preparing and filing annual and quarterly reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the \u201cSEC\u201d) and furnishing audited reports to stockholders, can be substantial.\n\n\nIf we fail to comply with the rules of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act related to accounting controls and procedures, or, if we discover material weaknesses and deficiencies in our internal control and accounting procedures, we may be subject to sanctions by regulatory authorities and our stock price could decline.\n\n\nSection 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (\u201cSection 404\u201d) requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We believe our system and process evaluation and testing comply with the management certification requirements of Section 404. We cannot be certain, however, that we will be able to satisfy the requirements in Section 404 in all future periods. If we are not able to continue to meet the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, we may be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the SEC or Nasdaq. Any such action could adversely affect our financial results or investors\u2019 confidence in us and could cause our stock price to fall. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we identify deficiencies in our internal controls that are deemed to be material weaknesses, we may be required to incur significant additional financial and management resources to achieve compliance.\n\n\n24\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of\n Financial Condition and Results of Operations.\n \n\n\nThe following management\u2019s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes. This management\u2019s discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in section Item 1A. \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in this Annual Report. Except as required by applicable law we do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Annual Report.\n\n\nOverview\n\n\nWe are a biotechnology company that is focusing on building high fidelity, 3D tissues that recapitulate key aspects of human disease. We use these models to identify gene targets responsible for driving the disease and intend to initiate drug discovery programs around these validated targets. We are initially focusing on the intestine and have ongoing 3D tissue development efforts in ulcerative colitis (\u201cUC\u201d) and Crohn\u2019s disease (\u201cCD\u201d). We intend to add additional tissues/diseases/targets to our portfolio over time. In line with these plans, we are building upon both our external and in-house scientific expertise, which will be essential to our drug development effort.\n\n\nWe use our proprietary technology to build functional 3D human tissues that mimic key aspects of native human tissue composition, architecture, function and disease. Our advances include cell type-specific compartments, prevalent intercellular tight junctions, and the formation of microvascular structures. Management believes these attributes can enable critical complex, multicellular disease models that can be used to develop clinically effective drugs across multiple therapeutic areas.\n\n\nOur NovoGen Bioprinters\n\u00ae\n are automated devices that enable the fabrication of 3D living tissues comprised of mammalian cells. We believe that the use of our bioprinting platform as well as complementary 3D technologies will allow us to develop an understanding of disease biology that leads to validated novel drug targets, and therapeutics to those targets to treat disease.\n \n\n\nThe majority of our current focus is on inflammatory bowel disease (\u201cIBD\u201d), including CD and UC. We are creating high fidelity disease models, leveraging our prior work including the work found in our peer-reviewed publication on bioprinted intestinal tissues (\nMadden et al. Bioprinted 3D Primary Human Intestinal Tissues Model Aspects of Native Physiology and ADME/Tox Functions. iScience. 2018 Apr 27;2:156-167. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.03.015.) Our current understanding of intestinal tissue models and IBD models leads us to believe that we can create models that provide greater insight into the biology of these diseases than are generally currently available. Using these disease models, we intend to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets. After finding therapeutic drug targets, we will focus on developing novel small molecule, antibody, or other therapeutic drug candidates to treat the disease, and advance these drug candidates towards an Investigational New Drug (\u201cIND\u201d) filing and potential future clinical trials. We may also form partnerships around the development of targets or therapeutics for the treatment of IBD.\n \n\n\nIn March of 2023, we \nentered into and closed an asset purchase agreement with Metacrine, Inc to acquire their farnesoid X receptor (\"FXR\") program. FXR is a mediator of GI and liver diseases. FXR agonism has been tested in a variety of preclinical models of IBD. The acquired program contains two clinically tested compounds and over 2,000 discovery or preclinical compounds.\n \n\n\nWe expect to broaden our work into additional therapeutic areas over time and are currently exploring specific tissues for development. In our work to identify the areas of interest, we evaluate areas that might be better served with 3D disease models than currently available models as well as the commercial opportunity.\n\n\nWe hold a large and diverse patent portfolio related to our bioprinting platform and complementary 3D technologies. The strength of this patent portfolio, the fact that it was created early in the bioprinting revolution and growth in the bioprinting industry have made for an attractive business opportunity for us. We are now beginning to invest resources to explore and expand business and revenue opportunities from the leveraging of our patent portfolio.\n\n\nCritical Accounting Policies, Estimates, and Judgments\n\n\nOur financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (\u201cGAAP\u201d). Any reference in this annual report to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative accounting principles generally accepted in the United States as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (\u201cASC\u201d) and Accounting Standards Updates (\u201cASU\u201d) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (\u201cFASB\u201d). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We continually evaluate our estimates and judgments used in preparing our financial statements and related disclosures, none of which are considered critical. All estimates affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These\n \n\n\n28\n\n\n\n\nestimates and judgments are also based on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Materially different results can occur as circumstances change and additional information becomes known.\n\n\nOur significant accounting policies are set forth in \u201cNote 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies\u201d in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained within this Annual Report. Of those policies, we believe that the policies discussed below may involve a higher degree of judgment and may be more critical to an accurate reflection of our financial condition and results of operations. Accounting policies regarding stock-based compensation are considered critical, as they require significant assumptions. If there is a difference between the assumptions used in determining our stock-based compensation expense and the actual factors that become known over time, specifically with respect to anticipated forfeitures, we may change the input factors used in determining stock-based compensation costs for future grants. These changes, if any, may materially impact our results of operations in the period such changes are made.\n\n\nStock-based compensation\n\n\nFor purposes of calculating stock-based compensation, we estimate the fair value of stock options and shares acquirable under our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (\"2022 Plan\"), Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the \u201c2012 Plan\u201d), our 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the \u201cESPP\u201d) or our 2021 Inducement Equity Plan (the \u201cInducement Plan\u201d) using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards utilizing the Black-Scholes model is affected by our stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. Expected volatility is based on the Company-specific historical volatility rate. For certain options granted with vesting criteria contingent on market conditions, we engage with valuation specialists to calculate fair value and requisite service periods using Monte Carlo simulations. For certain options granted with vesting criteria contingent on pre-defined Company performance criteria, we periodically assess and adjust the expense based on the probability of achievement of such performance criteria. For shares acquirable under our ESPP, we use our Company-specific volatility rate. The expected life of the stock options is based on historical and other economic data trended into the future. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the expected terms of our stock options. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history and expectation of no dividend payouts. If factors change and we employ different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the past.\n \n\n\nFor purposes of calculating stock-based compensation, we estimate the fair value of restricted stock units (\u201cRSUs\u201d) with pre-defined performance criteria, based on the closing stock price on the date of grant. No exercise price or other monetary payment is required for receipt of the shares issued in settlement of the respective award; instead, consideration is furnished in the form of the participant\u2019s service to us.\n\n\nIf there is a difference between the assumptions used in determining our stock-based compensation expense and the actual factors that become known over time, we may change the input factors used in determining stock-based compensation costs for future grants. These changes, if any, may materially impact our results of operations in the period such changes are made.\n\n\nRevenue\n\n\nWe assess whether our license agreements are considered a contract with a customer under ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (\u201cTopic 606\u201d) or an arrangement with a collaborator subject to guidance under ASC Topic 808, Collaborative Arrangements (\u201cTopic 808\u201d). These agreements can include one or more of the following: (i) non-refundable upfront fees and (ii) royalties based on specified percentages of net product sales. At contract inception, we assess the goods or services agreed upon within each contract and assess whether each good or service is distinct and determine those that are performance obligations. We then recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.\n\n\nFor the year ended March 31, 2023, the performance obligations assessed were sales-based royalties on a quarterly basis. We evaluate the performance obligation to determine if it can be satisfied at a point in time or over time. For agreements that include sales-based royalties, we estimate and recognize revenue in the period the underlying sales occur. Key factors considered in the estimate include sales of products that include the underlying licensed IP and the location of customers related to the jurisdictions of the licensed IP. In addition, variable consideration must be evaluated to determine if it is constrained and, therefore, excluded from the transaction price.\n \n\n\n29\n\n\n\n\nDifferences in the allocation of the transaction price between delivered and undelivered performance obligations can impact the timing of revenue recognition but do not change the total revenue recognized under any agreement.\n\n\nResults of Operations\n\n\nComparison of the Years Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022\n\n\nThe following table summarizes our results of operations for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except percentages):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncrease (decrease)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\n$\n\n\n370\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,500\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1,130\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(75\n\n\n%)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,885\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,320\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,565\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n168\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, general and administrative\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,216\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,659\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(443\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n%)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income\n\n\n$\n\n\n474\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n441\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,336\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenues\n\n\nWe had $0.4 million of royalty revenue for the year ended March 31, 2023, compared to $1.5 million revenue for the year ended March 31, 2022. The $1.5 million of royalty revenue for the year ended March 31, 2022 was an upfront payment related to the licensing of certain intellectual property (\u201cIP\u201d). The $0.4 million of royalty revenue for the year ended March 31, 2023, was related to the sales-based royalty revenue earned from the aforementioned licensing of IP.\n \n\n\nResearch and Development Expenses\n\n\nThe following table summarizes our research and development expenses for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except percentages):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncrease (decrease)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,247\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,787\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,460\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n196\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-cash stock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n473\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n419\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n165\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n114\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal research and development expenses\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,885\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,320\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,565\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n168\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResearch and development expenses increased by $5.6 million, or 168%, from approximately $3.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2022 to approximately $8.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2023, as we significantly increased research and development activities. Our full-time research and development staff increased from an average of nine employees for the year ended March 31, 2022 to an average of fifteen employees for the year ended March 31, 2023. Research and development activities consisted of $2.4 million in personnel related costs, $5.2 million in lab and research expenses, $1.0 million in facility costs, and $0.3 million in consulting fees, depreciation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Of the $5.2 million in lab and research expenses, $4.0 million relates to acquired in-process research and development (\"IPR&D\") of Metacrine's FXR program, related research data, and IP.\n \n\n\nSelling, General and Administrative Expenses\n\n\nThe following table summarizes our selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except percentages):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncrease (decrease)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, general and administrative\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,794\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(610\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(8\n\n\n%)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-cash stock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,904\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,837\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n357\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal selling, general and administrative\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0expenses\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,216\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,659\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(443\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n%)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSelling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $0.4 million, or 5%, from $9.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2022 to approximately $9.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2023. Overall, the decrease year over year is due to a significant decrease in general corporate costs, most notably legal costs, as we were involved in litigation in fiscal 2022 which was resolved by the end of fiscal 2022. For the year ended March 31, 2022, we had an average of four full-time employees, which\n \n\n\n30\n\n\n\n\nincreased to an average of five full-time employees for the year ended March 31, 2023. Year over year, we had an increase in personnel related costs of approximately $0.4 million, an increase in consulting costs of approximately $0.3 million, an increase in depreciation and amortization of approximately $0.1 million. These increases were offset by a $1.2 million decrease in general corporate costs, mostly attributable to a decrease in legal costs related to litigation regarding patent enforcement that occurred and ended in fiscal 2022.\n \n\n\nOther Income (Expense)\n\n\nOther income was $0.5 million and less than $0.1 million for the years ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively. For the year ended March 31, 2023, interest income was approximately $0.5 million, due to higher interest rates compared to prior years. For the year ended March 31, 2022, other income consisted of a sale of a bioprinter asset to an academic research institution as well as interest income.\n \n\n\nFinancial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources\n\n\nGoing forward, we intend to leverage our proprietary technology platform to develop therapeutic drugs. Our initial plan is to focus on IBD, including CD and UC with a goal of broadening our work into additional therapeutic areas over time.\n \n\n\nThe accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis that we are a going concern, which contemplates, among other things, the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of March 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $15.3 million and an accumulated deficit of $325.0 million. As of March 31, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents of $28.7 million and an accumulated deficit of $307.7 million. We had negative cash flows from operations of $12.4 million and $8.5 million for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had total current assets of approximately $17.0 million and current liabilities of approximately $3.7 million, resulting in working capital of $13.3 million. At March 31, 2022, we had total current assets of approximately $29.5 million and current liabilities of approximately $1.4 million, resulting in working capital of $28.1 million.\n \n\n\nThe following table sets forth a summary of the primary sources and uses of cash for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear Ended March 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash (used in) provided by:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating activities\n\n\n$\n\n\n(12,408\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(8,453\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvesting activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(966\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(409\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n205\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash\n\n\n$\n\n\n(13,374\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(8,657\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating activities\n\n\nNet cash used in operating activities was approximately $12.4 million and $8.5 million for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The $3.8 million increase in operating cash usage, for the year ended March 31, 2023, can be attributed primarily to an increase in our research and development activities. Operating cash usage includes $2.0 million of cash outflows for acquired IPR&D of Metacrine's FXR drug compound, related research data, and IP.\n\n\nInvesting activities\n\n\nNet cash used in investing activities was $1.0 million and $0.4 million for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The net cash used in investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2023 was attributed to $0.4 million of fixed asset purchases, $0.7 million of purchases of equity securities, net of sales, which was slightly offset by $0.1 million of investment income. The net cash used in investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2022 was related to the purchase of fixed assets.\n \n\n\nFinancing activities\n\n\nNet cash provided by financing activities was zero and $0.2 million for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The net cash provided for the year ended March 31, 2022, was primarily driven by at-the-market (\"ATM\") share offerings. Refer to \u201cOperations funding requirements\u201d below for further information regarding financing activities.\n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\nOperations funding requirements\n\n\nThrough March 31, 2023, we have financed our operations primarily through the sale of common stock through public and ATM offerings, the private placement of equity securities, from revenue derived from the licensing of intellectual property, products and research-based services, grants, and collaborative research agreements, and from the sale of convertible notes.\n \n\n\nOur ongoing cash requirements include research and development expenses, compensation for personnel, consulting fees, legal and accounting support, insurance premiums, facilities, maintenance of our intellectual property portfolio, license and collaboration agreements, listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and other miscellaneous fees to support our operations. We expect our total operating expense for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 to be between $12.0 million and $14.0 million. Based on our current operating plan and available cash resources, we will need substantial additional funding to support future operating activities. We have concluded that the prevailing conditions and ongoing liquidity risks faced by us raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year following the date these financial statements are issued. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe previously had an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-222929) (the \u201c2018 Shelf\u201d) that registered $100.0 million of common stock, preferred stock, warrants and units, or any combination of the foregoing, that was set to expire on February 22, 2021. On January 19, 2021, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-252224) to register $150.0 million of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units, or any combination of the foregoing (the \u201c2021 Shelf\u201d) and a related prospectus. The 2021 Shelf registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on January 29, 2021 and replaced the 2018 Shelf at that time.\n\n\n \n\n\nOn March 16, 2018, we entered into a Sales Agreement (\u201cSales Agreement\u201d) with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC and Jones Trading Institutional Services LLC (each an \u201cAgent\u201d and together, the \u201cAgents\u201d). On January 29, 2021, we filed a prospectus supplement to the 2021 Shelf (the \u201cATM Prospectus Supplement\u201d), pursuant to which we could offer and sell, from time to time through the Agents, shares of our common stock in ATM sales transactions having an aggregate offering price of up to $50.0 million. Any shares offered and sold are issued pursuant to our 2021 Shelf.\n\n\n \n\n\nDuring the year ended March 31, 2023, we sold no shares of common stock in ATM offerings. As of March 31, 2023, we have sold an aggregate of 1,580,862 shares of common stock in ATM offerings under the ATM Prospectus Supplement, for gross proceeds of approximately $21.7 million. As of March 31, 2023, there was approximately $100.0 million available in future offerings under the 2021 Shelf, and approximately $28.3 million available for future offerings through our ATM program under the ATM Prospectus Supplement.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHaving insufficient funds may require us to relinquish rights to our technology on less favorable terms than we would otherwise choose. Failure to obtain adequate financing could adversely affect our operations. If we raise additional funds from the issuance of equity securities, substantial dilution to our existing stockholders would likely result. If we raise additional funds by incurring debt financing, the terms of the debt may involve significant cash payment obligations as well as covenants and specific financial ratios that may restrict our ability to operate our business. We cannot be sure that additional financing will be available if and when needed, or that, if available, we can obtain financing on terms favorable to our stockholders. Any failure to obtain financing when required will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of March 31, 2023, we had 8,716,906 total issued and outstanding shares of common stock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOn October 12, 2022, our stockholders and the Board of Directors (\"Board\") approved the 2022 Plan, and it became effective on that date. The 2022 Plan replaced the 2012 Plan on the effective date. Upon the effective date, we ceased granting awards under the 2012 Plan and any shares remaining available for future issuance under the 2012 Plan were cancelled and are no longer available for future issuance. The 2012 Plan continues to govern awards previously granted under it. At the time the Board approved the 2022 Plan, an aggregate of 1,363,000 shares of our common stock was initially reserved for issuance under the 2022 Plan. We committed to reducing the new 2022 Plan share reserve by the number of shares that were granted under the 2012 Plan and the Inducement Plan between July 25, 2022 and October 12, 2022. From July 25, 2022 to October 12, 2022, we issued 126,262 shares of common stock under the 2012 Plan. As a result, the number of shares reserved for future issuance under the 2022 Plan is 1,236,738 shares of common stock as of March 31, 2023. We also committed to reducing the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the Inducement Plan from 750,000 shares to 51,000 shares (which includes 50,000 shares of its common stock issuable pursuant to an outstanding option to purchase common stock with an exercise price of $2.75 per share, leaving only 1,000 shares available for future issuance under the Inducement Plan) and the share reserve was reduced effective October 12, 2022.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe 2022 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 1,236,738 shares of our common stock, of which 1,071,471 shares remain available for issuance as of March 31, 2023, to executive officers, directors, advisory board members, employees and consultants. The 2012 Plan, as amended, provided for the issuance of up to 2,327,699 shares of our common stock, of which no shares remain available for issuance as of March 31, 2023. Additionally, 75,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the ESPP, of which 58,426 shares remain available for future issuance as of March 31, 2023. Finally, 51,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuances under our Inducement Plan, of which 1,000 remain available for future issuance as of March 31, 2023. In\n \n\n\n32\n\n\n\n\naggregate, issued and outstanding common stock and shares issuable under outstanding equity awards or reserved for future issuance under the 2022 Plan, the 2012 Plan, the Inducement Plan, and the ESPP total 11,426,737 shares of common stock as of March 31, 2023.\n\n\nEffect of Inflation and Changes in Prices\n\n\nManagement does not believe that inflation and changes in price will have a material effect on our operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRecent Accounting Pronouncements\n\n\nFor information regarding recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements, see \u201cNote 13. Recent Accounting Pronouncements\u201d in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report.\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitati\nve Disclosures About Market Risk.\n \n\n\nWe invest our excess cash in short term, high quality interest bearing securities including US government and US government agency securities and high-grade corporate commercial paper. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve our capital for the purpose of funding our operations. To achieve these objectives, our investment policy allows us to maintain a portfolio of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments in a variety of securities, including money market funds. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest income sensitivity, which is affected by changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates, particularly because the majority of our investments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents. We currently do not hedge interest rate exposure. Due to the nature of our short-term investments, we believe that we are not subject to any material market risk exposure. We have limited foreign currency risk exposure as our business operates primarily in U.S. dollars. We do not have significant foreign currency nor any other derivative financial instruments.\n\n\n33\n\n\n\n",
+ "cik": "1497253",
+ "cusip6": "68620A",
+ "cusip": ["68620A203"],
+ "names": ["ORGANOVO HLDGS INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1497253/000095017023032889/0000950170-23-032889-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032929.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032929.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..94721cd97a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032929.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1. \nBUSINESS\n\n\nAs used in this document, the terms \u201cCulp,\u201d the \u201ccompany,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cour,\u201d and \u201cus\u201d refer to Culp, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context indicates another meaning). The term \u201ccommon stock\u201d means the common stock of Culp, Inc., par value $.05 per share. The terms \u201cRead Window Products\u201d and \u201cRead\u201d refer to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Read Window Products, LLC.\n \n\n\nOver\nview\n\n\nCulp manufactures, sources, and markets mattress fabrics and sewn covers used for covering mattresses and foundations and other bedding products; and upholstery fabrics, including cut and sewn kits, primarily used in the production of upholstered furniture. The company competes in a business driven by fashion and product performance, and we strive to differentiate ourselves by placing a sustained focus on creativity and product innovation. In addition, we place great emphasis on providing excellent and dependable service to our customers. Our focused efforts to protect our financial strength have allowed us to maintain our position as a financially stable and trusted supplier of innovative fabrics to bedding and furniture manufacturers.\n\n\nWe believe Culp is one of the largest producers of mattress fabrics in North America and one of the largest marketers of upholstery fabrics for furniture in North America, measured by total sales. Our operations are classified into two operating segments \u2014 mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics. The mattress fabrics business markets primarily knitted and woven fabrics, as well as sewn covers made from those fabrics, which are used in the production of bedding products, including mattresses, foundations, and mattress sets. The upholstery fabrics business markets a variety of fabric products that are used principally in the production of residential and commercial upholstered furniture, including sofas, recliners, chairs, loveseats, sectionals, sofa-beds, and office seating, as well as window treatment products and installation services for customers in the hospitality and commercial industries.\n \n\n\nCulp markets a variety of fabrics and other products in different categories to a global customer base, including fabrics produced at our manufacturing facilities and fabrics produced by other suppliers. As of the end of fiscal 2023, we had active production facilities located in North Carolina; Tennessee; Quebec, Canada; Shanghai, China; and Ouanaminthe, Haiti. We also source fabrics and cut and sewn kits from other manufacturers, located primarily in China, Vietnam, and Turkey, with substantially all of these products made specifically for Culp and created by Culp designers. In addition, we operate distribution centers in North Carolina, Canada, China, and Haiti to facilitate distribution of our fabric products, with additional distribution capabilities through strategic relationships in China, Turkey, and Vietnam.\n\n\nOver the past decade, the portion of total company sales represented by fabrics produced outside of the U.S. and Canada has increased, while sales of goods produced in the U.S. have decreased. This trend is related primarily to the upholstery fabrics segment, where substantially all of our sales now consist of fabrics produced in Asia. The mattress fabrics business remains primarily based in North America.\n \n\n\nTotal net sales in fiscal 2023 were $234.9 million. The mattress fabrics segment had net sales of $111.0 million (47% of total net sales), and the upholstery fabrics segment had net sales of $123.9 million (53% of total net sales).\n \n\n\nOur overall sales declined 20.3% during fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, with mattress fabric sales decreasing 27.1% and upholstery fabric sales decreasing 13.1%. This decline was driven primarily by a slowdown in consumer demand in the domestic mattress industry throughout year, as well as a slowdown in new retail business in the residential home furnishings industry. The impact of this industry softness was exacerbated by high inventory levels at manufacturers and retailers during most of the year, which delayed the timing of shipments and new product roll outs.\n \n \n\n\nFiscal 2023 was a difficult year, but Culp navigated the challenges and maintained a solid financial position. Our associates around the world worked diligently to execute our product-driven strategy, with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional service across our global platform. Throughout our 50 years in business, we have faced economic downturns and the various cyclical market challenges of competing in a dynamic global marketplace. One of our enduring strengths has been our ability to navigate these challenges and pursue a strategic direction that supports our business and meets the evolving needs of our valued customers.\n \n\n\nAdditional information about trends and developments in each of our business segments is provided in the \u201cSegments\u201d discussion below, as well as in our \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis\u201d in Part II, Section 7 of this report.\n\n\nGeneral In\nformation\n\n\nCulp, Inc. was organized as a North Carolina corporation in 1972 and made its initial public offering in 1983. Since 1997, our stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol \u201cCFI\u201d until July 13, 2017, at which time the Company\u2019s ticker symbol changed to \u201cCULP.\u201d Our fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period ending on the Sunday closest to April 30. Our executive offices are located in High Point, North Carolina.\n\n\n2\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCulp maintains a corporate website at www.culp.com. We will make this annual report and our other annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the \u201cSEC\u201d). Copies of any materials we file or furnish with the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC\u2019s website at www.sec.gov. The information included on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report or any other reports we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.\n\n\nSegm\nents\n\n\nOur operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics. The following table sets forth certain information for each of our segments.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSales by Fiscal Year ($ in Millions) and Percentage of Total\nCompany Sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSegment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMattress Fabrics\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n111.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n152.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n157.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-U.S.-Produced\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n114.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n133.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n133.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n44\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S.-Produced\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Upholstery\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n123.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n142.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n142.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal company\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n234.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n294.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n299.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditional financial information about our operating segments can be found in Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.\n\n\nMattress Fabrics.\n The mattress fabrics segment, also known as Culp Home Fashions, manufactures and markets mattress fabrics and sewn mattress covers to bedding manufacturers. These products include woven jacquard fabrics, knitted fabrics, and some converted fabrics. Culp Home Fashions has fabric manufacturing facilities located in Stokesdale, North Carolina, and St. Jerome, Quebec, Canada. Knitted fabrics are produced at both the Stokesdale and St. Jerome facilities, while jacquard (damask) fabric is produced solely at the St. Jerome facility. The majority of our finishing and inspection processes for mattress fabrics are conducted at the Stokesdale plant, while the St. Jerome plant provides additional capacity and a second location for these processes. Both of these facilities offer finished goods distribution capabilities, and the Stokesdale plant houses the division offices. The segment also sources mattress fabric products internally from Culp China, which is operated by our upholstery fabrics division, as well as from a supplier in Turkey, based on our own designs and production schedule.\n \n\n\nOur mattress cover operation currently has a wholly-owned manufacturing platform in Haiti for production of cut and sewn mattress covers. This platform includes two leased facilities. We also utilize our Culp China platform, operated by our upholstery fabrics division, to source sewn mattress covers from third-party suppliers in Asia. During fiscal 2023, we completed a restructuring and rationalization of our U.S.-based cut and sewn cover platform, moving our research and development (\"R&D\") and prototyping capabilities from our location in High Point, North Carolina, to our owned facility in Stokesdale, North Carolina. The result of this move was the discontinuation of our higher-cost on shore production capabilities, with the closure of two leased facilities in High Point during the third quarter. We believe this platform restructuring will allow us to generate cost savings by utilizing our lower-cost mattress cover production and sourcing capabilities in Haiti and Asia, where we can scale operations to align with demand and continue to support the needs of our customers.\n \n\n\nDuring the past few years, we completed several multi-year capital projects for the mattress fabrics business, including consolidating certain operations, expanding capacity, improving efficiency and customer service, and maintaining our flexible approach to fabric sourcing. In fiscal 2019, we consolidated our weaving operations to one facility in Quebec, Canada, and expanded production of our sewn mattress covers in Haiti and China to meet customer demand in the growing boxed bedding market. Additionally, we continued to expand our design capabilities in fiscal 2019, launching new software and a library system for cataloging our products to drive marketing and enhance innovation. In fiscal 2020, we further enhanced our design and innovation platform by establishing a dedicated innovation team to develop and offer the latest technologies and forward-looking products, expanding our creative team to complement our innovation strategy, and releasing a new digital library, design simulations, and 3D image rendering capabilities to showcase our designs and marketing tools. We were able to leverage these new technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the face of travel restrictions and canceled tradeshows, to continue showcasing our products and support our customers through virtual design collaboration. In fiscal 2021, we invested in additional knit machines and other equipment to expand fabric capacity in North America. We also enhanced our digital project management platform, which allows us to work with customers from concept ideation and 3D\n \n\n\n3\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nmapping to product life cycle management and final merchandising. In fiscal 2022, we expanded our leading-edge technology at our Canadian manufacturing facility with the addition of a sectional warper and lamination line.\n\n\nAfter eight consecutive years of growth, sales for the mattress fabrics segment declined in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020. The decline in fiscal 2019 was mainly attributable to the acceleration of low-priced mattress imports from China towards the end of fiscal 2018 and through the first three quarters of fiscal 2019, together with the increased acceptance by consumers of roll-packed/boxed bedding delivered through major online e-commerce channels. The decline in fiscal 2020 was primarily due to the significant disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic during the fourth quarter, as well as continued disruption in the domestic mattress industry relating to low-priced mattress imports that moved from China to other countries. Sales increased significantly in fiscal 2021, as compared to fiscal 2020, driven by the consumer focus on the home environment and overall comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with our ability to service this demand through our global platform. For fiscal 2022, sales declined slightly compared to the prior year primarily due to industry weakness in domestic mattress industry sales, especially during the fourth quarter, along with some disruption from COVID-related shutdowns. We believe this industry softness was mostly caused by inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending and a shift in demand from home goods to travel, leisure, and entertainment following a pulling forward of demand for home goods during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n \n\n\nThe decline in sales continued during fiscal 2023, driven by an ongoing slowdown in consumer demand, with mattress industry reports reflecting significant unit contraction during this period. The impact of this industry softness was exacerbated, especially during the first nine months of the year, by mattress manufacturers and retailers working through an excess of inventory, delaying the timing of shipments and new product roll outs. As a result, sales declined significantly in fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year. However, we were encouraged to see strong sequential and year-over-year improvement beginning in the fourth quarter, primarily driven by the roll out of new customer programs.\n\n\nDespite the challenging macro-economic conditions during fiscal 2023, we diligently worked to manage the aspects of our business that we can control, taking necessary steps to withstand current market challenges and position our business for renewed growth. During the second half of fiscal 2023, we began executing on a comprehensive business transformation plan, laying the foundation for operational improvement with new leadership and a restructured management team. Throughout the year, we focused on our product-driven strategy, with an emphasis on innovation, design creativity, and strengthening customer relationships. The strength and flexibility of our global manufacturing and sourcing operations in the U.S., Canada, Haiti, Asia, and Turkey allowed us to support the evolving needs of our mattress fabric and cover customers throughout the year. We believe the success of our mattress fabrics segment over the long term is due to our focus on these foundational values and strategic initiatives that allow us to meet changing customer demands.\n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics.\n The upholstery fabrics segment markets fabrics for residential and commercial furniture, including jacquard woven fabrics, velvets, micro denier suedes, woven dobbies, knitted fabrics, piece-dyed woven products, and polyurethane \u201cleather look\u201d fabrics. With the acquisition of Read Window Products at the end of fiscal 2018, this segment also markets window treatment products and installation services, including roller shades, drapery, hardware, and top-of-mattress soft goods, for customers in the hospitality and commercial industries.\n\n\nThe upholstery fabrics segment currently operates two manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, China. From these locations, we market a variety of upholstery fabrics and cut and sewn kits sourced from third-party producers, mostly in China and Vietnam. We utilize these facilities for design, finishing, warehousing, quality control, and inspection operations related to these products. We previously produced cut and sewn fabric kits in Shanghai, China. However, during fiscal 2023, based on market dynamics for cut and sewn products and the strength of our Asian supply chain, we rationalized and adjusted our model for this platform with the closure of our cut and sew facility. Additionally, during the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we commenced operation of a new leased facility in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, dedicated to the production of cut and sewn fabric kits. However, due to a decline in demand for these cut and sewn kits, we terminated the agreement to lease this new facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and relocated a scaled-down upholstery cut and sew operation into our existing mattress cover facility also located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti. We believe these adjustments to our cut and sew platform will generate cost savings without sacrificing our ability to support our customers, grow our cut and sew business, and maintain our competitive advantages through our lower-cost manufacturing and sourcing operations in Asia and Haiti.\n \n\n\nWe continue to expand our marketing efforts to sell our upholstery fabrics products in countries other than the U.S., including the Chinese local market. Additionally, we fabricate a variety of window treatments, using mostly customer-supplied fabrics and materials, at our facility in Knoxville, Tennessee.\n \n\n\nOur upholstery fabrics business has moved from one that relied on a large fixed capital base that is difficult to adjust to a more flexible and scalable marketer of upholstery fabrics that meets changing levels of customer demand and tastes. At the same time, we have maintained control of the most important \u201cvalue added\u201d aspects of our business, such as design, finishing, quality control, and logistics. This strategic approach has allowed us to limit our investment of capital in fixed assets and control the costs of our products, while continuing to leverage our design and finishing expertise, industry knowledge, and important relationships.\n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAfter increasing in the two prior years, sales declined in fiscal 2020 due to the severe disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic during the fourth quarter. In fiscal 2021, our sales recovered with strong growth, driven by increased industry demand in our residential business, as well as the benefits of product innovation and opportunities with new and existing customers. This growth was partially offset by lower sales for our hospitality business, which remained under pressure due to pandemic-related disruptions affecting the travel and leisure industries. During fiscal 2022, sales increased slightly, reflecting generally solid demand for residential upholstery products for the first nine months of the year, as well as the impact of certain pricing and surcharge actions in effect during the year. This increase was offset by a significant drop in residential sales during the fourth quarter due to COVID-related shutdowns of our facilities in China throughout the month of April and, to a lesser extent, a slowdown in new business for the residential home furnishings industry during the fourth quarter. During fiscal 2023, our sales declined moderately as a result of reduced demand for residential upholstery products, driven by an ongoing slowdown in the residential home furnishings industry, as well as high inventory levels at manufacturers and retailers during the first nine months of the year. This decline was partially offset by higher sales in our hospitality/contract business.\n \n\n\nDespite the industry softness in fiscal 2023, we maintained our sustained focus on product innovation, and our highly durable, stain resistant LiveSmart\u00ae performance fabrics, as well as our LiveSmart Evolve\u00ae performance plus sustainability fabrics, remained popular with both existing and new residential furniture customers. Demand for our hospitality/contract fabric business also remained solid for the year.\n \n\n\nWe believe the success of our upholstery fabrics segment over the longer term is due largely to a business strategy that has included: 1) innovation in a low-cost environment, 2) speed-to-market execution, 3) consistent quality, 4) reliable service and lead times, and 5) increased recognition of and reliance on the Culp brand. Our progress has been achieved through a unique business model that has enabled the upholstery fabrics segment to execute a strategy that we believe is clearly differentiated from our competitors. In this way, we have maintained our ability to provide furniture manufacturers with products from nearly every category of fabric for upholstered furniture and meet continually changing demand levels and consumer preferences. We have also implemented additional steps to grow net sales, including an emphasis on markets beyond residential furniture, such as the hospitality market. One result of these efforts was the acquisition of Read Window Products at the end of fiscal 2018, representing a significant expansion of our production capabilities in the hospitality market, along with the addition of window treatment installation services.\n\n\nOverview of Indu\nstry and Markets\n\n\nCulp markets products primarily to manufacturers and hospitality customers in three principal markets. The mattress fabrics segment supplies the bedding industry, which produces mattress sets (mattresses, box springs, foundations and top of bed components) and bedding accessory products. The upholstery fabrics segment primarily supplies the residential furniture industry and, to a lesser extent, the commercial furniture industry. The residential furniture market includes upholstered furniture sold to consumers for household use, including sofas, sofa-beds, chairs, recliners, and sectionals. The commercial furniture, fabrics, and window treatments market includes fabrics and window treatment products used in the hospitality industry (primarily hotels and motels); fabrics used for upholstered office seating and modular office systems sold primarily for use in offices and other institutional settings, as well as commercial textile wall coverings; and window treatments for commercial application. The principal industries into which the company sells products \u2013 the bedding industry and residential and commercial furniture industry \u2013 are described in more detail below. Currently, a great majority of our products are sold to manufacturers for end use in the U.S., and thus the discussions below are focused on that market.\n\n\nOverview of Be\ndding Industry\n\n\nThe bedding industry has contracted and expanded in recent years in accordance with the general economy, and, most recently in connection with impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, although traditionally the industry has been relatively mature and stable. This is due in part to the fact that a majority of bedding industry sales are replacement purchases, which are less volatile than sales based on economic growth and new household formations. During the second half of fiscal 2022 and throughout fiscal 2023, the bedding industry experienced weakness in domestic mattress sales, with industry reports reflecting significant unit contraction. We believe this industry softness was mostly driven by inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending, especially for mattress products in the low to mid-range price points, and a shift in demand from home goods to travel, leisure, and entertainment following a pulling forward of demand for home goods during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors are expected to continue affecting the bedding industry during fiscal 2024.\n \n\n\nUntil recently, the U.S. bedding industry has largely remained a North American-based business, with limited competition from imports. This dynamic has mainly been due to short lead times demanded by mattress manufacturers and retailers, the customized nature of product lines, the relatively low direct labor content in mattresses, and strong brand recognition. Imports of bedding into the U.S. had been increasing gradually, but this trend significantly accelerated in fiscal 2018 and 2019, especially for lower-priced bedding. China accounted for the largest share of the imported units during these years, but the level of mattress imports entering the U.S. from China began to substantially decline beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 in connection with punitive anti-dumping duties imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce. However, the level of mattress imports from other countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Turkey, among others, significantly increased during fiscal 2020 as imports from China declined. The result\n \n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nof the increase in imports during this period, and continuing into fiscal 2021, was a decline in sales for the major U.S. bedding manufacturers, which affected major suppliers to those manufacturers, including Culp.\n\n\nAs a result of the continued significant influx of low-priced imports that moved from China to other countries, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed anti-dumping duties against seven countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam, during fiscal 2021. We believe the domestic mattress industry and, in turn, our business, began to realize some benefits from these duties during the second half of fiscal 2021 and continuing into fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023.\n\n\nA key trend driving the bedding industry is the increased demand for roll-packed/compressed mattresses through both online and traditional sales channels. Consumer acceptance of boxed beds as a delivery mechanism continues to drive growth and increase market share for this product, increasing potential demand for sewn mattress covers. Another important trend is the increased awareness among consumers about the health benefits of better sleep, with an increased focus on the quality of bedding products and an apparent willingness on the part of consumers to upgrade their bedding. A further trend is the strong and growing emphasis on the design knitted or woven into mattress fabrics to appeal to the customer\u2019s visual attraction and perceived value of the mattress on the retail floor, as well as in online sales channels and advertisements. Mattress fabric design efforts are based on current trends in home decor and fashion. Additionally, the growth in non-traditional sources for retail mattress sales, such as online e-commerce channels and wholesale warehouse clubs, has the potential to increase overall consumption of goods due to convenience and high traffic volume, which in turn results in higher turnover of product. Among fabric types, knitted fabrics have continued to increase in popularity. Knitted fabric was initially used primarily on premium mattresses, but these products are now being placed increasingly on mattresses at mid-range to lower retail price points.\n\n\nOverview of Residential and C\nommercial Furniture Industry\n\n\nOverall demand for our products depends upon consumer demand for furniture and bedding products, which is subject to variations in the general economy, including current inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending; declines in consumer confidence; the negative economic impact of potential additional surges of the coronavirus; and other geopolitical events, such as the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war. Because purchases of furniture products are discretionary purchases for most individuals and businesses, demand for these products may be more easily influenced by economic trends than demand for other products. Economic downturns, higher unemployment rates, and uncertainty about future health and economic prospects can affect consumer spending habits and demand for home furnishings, which reduces the demand for our products and therefore can cause a decline in our sales and earnings. Sales of commercial furniture to businesses are also affected by these same factors. These market conditions, as well as the pace of recovery from these conditions, have been uneven in recent years. In general, sales of residential furniture are influenced significantly by the housing industry and by trends in home sales and household formations, while demand for commercial furniture generally reflects economic trends affecting businesses and office occupancy. During fiscal 2021, disruption relating to the COVID-19 pandemic positively affected sales trends, with the increased consumer focus on the home and travel restrictions shifting discretionary spending away from travel and leisure activities towards home furnishings and enhancing comfort within the home environment. This sales trend began to reverse during fiscal 2022, particularly during the second half of the year, as COVID-related travel and mask restrictions were lifted and consumers began to resume travel and leisure activities, and this reversal continued throughout fiscal 2023. Inflationary pressures also began to affect consumer spending during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023. Together, these trends have caused a slowdown in new business for the residential home furnishings industry that is expected to continue during fiscal 2024.\n\n\nThe sourcing of components and fully assembled furniture from overseas continues to play a major role in the furniture industry. By far, the largest source for these imports continues to be China. Imports of upholstery fabric, both in roll and in \u201ckit\u201d form, have also had a significant impact on the market for upholstery fabrics in recent years. Fabrics entering the U.S. from China and other low labor cost countries have resulted in increased price competition in the upholstery fabric and upholstered furniture markets.\n\n\nIn general, the residential furniture industry has been consolidating for several years. The result of this trend is fewer, but larger, customers for marketers of upholstery fabrics. Intense price competition continues to be an important consideration for both residential and commercial furniture.\n\n\nAdditionally, with the ongoing global trade dispute and other tensions between the U.S. and China, including the imposition of tariffs during fiscal 2019 and the possibility for additional tariffs on China imports, some of our customers began altering their supply chains away from China in late fiscal 2019. This trend has continued in recent years, including in fiscal 2023, as relations between the U.S. and China have further deteriorated. While we believe Asia remains a preferred location for sourcing of components, including fabric, we continue to diversify our sourcing strategies to develop additional geographic options to service our customers.\n\n\nProdu\ncts\n\n\nAs described above, our products include mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics, which are our two identified operating segments. These fabrics are sold in roll form and as sewn mattress covers by the mattress fabrics segment, and in roll form and as cut and sewn kits by the upholstery fabrics segment. Our upholstery segment products also include window treatments and related products.\n \n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\nMattress fabrics segment sales constituted 47% of our total net sales for fiscal 2023, compared with 52% for fiscal 2022. The company has emphasized fabrics that have broad appeal at prices generally ranging from $1.50 to more than $10.00 per yard.\n \n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nUpholstery fabrics segment sales totaled 53% of our sales for fiscal 2023, compared with 48% of for fiscal 2022. The company has emphasized fabrics that have broad appeal at \u201cgood\u201d and \u201cbetter\u201d prices, generally ranging from $3.00 to $16.00 per yard.\n \n\n\nCulp Product Categories by Segment\n\n\nWe market products in most categories of fabric that manufacturers currently use for bedding and furniture. We also market window treatment products to customers in the hospitality and commercial industries. The following table indicates the product lines within each segment, and, with respect to the fabric products, a brief description of their characteristics.\n\n\nMattress Fabrics\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWoven jacquards\n\n\nVarious patterns and intricate designs. Woven on complex looms using a variety of synthetic and natural yarns.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nConverted\n\n\nSuedes, pile and embroidered fabrics, and other specialty type products are sourced to offer diversity for higher end mattresses.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nKnitted fabric\n\n\nVarious patterns and intricate designs produced on special-width circular knit machines utilizing a variety of synthetic and natural yarns. Knitted mattress fabrics have inherent stretching properties and spongy softness, which conforms well with layered foam packages.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSewn mattress covers\n\n\nCovers for bedding (primarily specialty beds), sewn from mattress fabrics produced by our facilities or sourced from others.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWoven jacquards\n\n\nElaborate, complex designs such as florals and tapestries in traditional, transitional, and contemporary styles. Woven on intricate looms using a wide variety of synthetic and natural yarns.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nWoven dobbies\n\n\nFabrics that use straight lines to produce geometric designs such as plaids, stripes, and solids in traditional and country styles. Woven on less complicated looms using a variety of weaving constructions and primarily synthetic yarns.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nVelvets\n\n\nSoft fabrics with a plush feel. Woven or knitted in basic designs, using synthetic yarns that are yarn dyed or piece dyed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSuedes\n\n\nFabrics woven or knitted using microdenier polyester yarns, which are piece dyed and finished, usually by sanding. The fabrics are typically plain or small jacquard designs, with some being printed. These are sometimes referred to as microdenier suedes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFaux leathers\n\n\nSueded or knitted base cloths which are overprinted with polyurethane, and composite products consisting of a base fabric that is coated with a top layer of polyurethane, which simulates the look and feel of leather.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCut and sewn kits\n\n\nCovers made from various types of upholstery fabrics and cut and sewn to specifications of furniture manufacturing customers for use on specific furniture frames.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThrough our Read Window Products business, the upholstery fabrics segment also markets a variety of window treatment products and installation services for customers in the hospitality and commercial industries. These products include roller & solar shades, drapery, roman shades and top treatments, hardware products, and soft goods such as duvet covers, bed skirts, bolsters and pillows.\n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nManufacturing\n and Sourcing\n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\nOur mattress fabrics segment operates three manufacturing plants, with one located in North Carolina (Stokesdale), one in St. Jerome, Quebec, Canada, and one in Ouanaminthe, Haiti. Over the past ten fiscal years, we made capital expenditures of approximately $67 million to consolidate our production facilities and to modernize both knit and weaving equipment, enhance and provide knit and woven finishing capabilities, and expand capacity. The result has been an increase in manufacturing efficiency and reductions in operating costs, as well as expanded product offerings and capacity.\n\n\nKnitted fabrics are produced at both our Stokesdale facility and our St. Jerome plant, while production of jacquard mattress fabrics was consolidated into the St. Jerome facility during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The majority of our finishing and inspection processes for mattress fabrics are conducted at the Stokesdale plant, with the St. Jerome plant providing additional capacity and a second location for these processes, along with distribution capabilities. We produce sewn mattress covers at our manufacturing facility in Haiti. In fiscal 2017, we entered into a 50/50 joint venture with a third party mattress cover provider to construct a leased location for our mattress cover operations in Haiti, and this joint venture facility began production of mattress covers for our business during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. We completed a 40,000-square foot expansion of this Haiti facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2021 to increase capacity, and during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we acquired the remaining fifty percent ownership interest in this Haiti mattress cover business from our previous joint venture partner, giving us full control of the operation and expanded capacity to meet customer demand from this lower-cost, near-shore operation. We also have R&D and prototyping capabilities for sewn mattress covers at our Stokesdale facility.\n \n\n\nIn addition to the mattress fabrics and sewn covers manufactured by Culp, we have important supply arrangements in place that allow us to source mattress fabrics and sewn covers from strategic suppliers. We source some Culp-designed knitted fabrics, certain converted fabric products, and sewn mattress covers using our Culp China platform. We also source Culp-designed sewn mattress covers from a strategic supply relationship in Vietnam. Additionally, we source a portion of our woven jacquard fabric and knitted fabric from a supplier located in Turkey, based on designs and a production schedule created by Culp.\n \n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nThe upholstery fabrics segment currently operates two manufacturing facilities in China. We also operated a facility in Haiti dedicated to the production of cut and sewn upholstery kits during the first half of fiscal 2023, but following the rationalization and restructuring of this operation during the second half of the fiscal year, we now operate a scaled down cut and sew operation within the company's existing mattress cover facility in Haiti. Additionally, we fabricate a variety of window treatments, using mostly customer-supplied fabrics and materials, at our Read Window Products facility in Knoxville, Tennessee.\n \n\n\nOur upholstery fabrics facilities in China are located within the same industrial area in Shanghai. At these facilities, we apply value-added finishing processes to fabrics sourced from a limited number of strategic suppliers in China, and we inspect sourced fabric there as well.\n \n\n\nOur upholstery fabrics cut and sew operation in Haiti uses sourced fabrics to produce cut and sewn kits designed to be placed on specific furniture frames designated by customers.\n \n\n\nA large portion of our upholstery fabric products, as well as certain elements of our production processes, are being sourced from outside suppliers. Our facilities in China provide a base from which to access a variety of products, including certain fabrics (such as micro denier suedes and polyurethane fabrics) that are not produced anywhere within the U.S. We have found opportunities to develop significant relationships with key overseas suppliers in China that allow us to source products on a cost-effective basis, while limiting our investment of capital in manufacturing assets. We source unfinished and finished fabrics, as well as cut and sewn kits, from a limited number of strategic suppliers in China who are willing to commit significant capacity to meet our needs while working with our product development team located in China to meet the demands of our customers. Beginning in late fiscal 2019, we also developed strategic supplier relationships in Vietnam for additional sourcing of our cut and sewn kits, which has allowed us to begin adjusting our supply chains to meet customer demands in conjunction with ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and China. Additionally, beginning in fiscal 2022, we developed strategic supplier relationships in Turkey for additional sourcing of fabric products, providing further diversification in our supply chain. The majority of upholstery fabrics and materials used by our Read Window Products business to fabricate window treatments are customer-supplied. These materials are generally sourced by customers, and we also source a portion of other window treatment products such as hardware and roller shades, from outside suppliers in the U.S., Turkey, and China.\n\n\nProduct Design \nand Innovation\n\n\nConsumer tastes and preferences related to bedding, upholstered furniture, and window treatment products change over time. The use of new fabrics, creative designs, and special production finishes and technologies remains an important consideration for manufacturers\n \n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nand marketers to distinguish their products at retail and to capitalize on changes in preferred colors, patterns, textures, and performance properties. Culp\u2019s success is largely dependent on our ability to market fabrics and products with appealing designs and patterns, as well as performance properties such as cleanability, stain-resistance, cooling, sustainability, and health-related benefits. The process of developing new designs and innovative finishes involves maintaining an awareness of broad fashion and color trends, as well as wellness and other consumer trends, both in the United States and internationally.\n\n\nIn order to enhance our design and innovation creativity and advance the synergies between our mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics segments, we launched a new innovation campus in downtown High Point, North Carolina, during fiscal 2022. This space combines our design, innovation, and sales teams for both businesses into a shared location to support collaboration across divisions and pull our top creative talent together to develop new products and technologies based on the latest consumer trends.\n \n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\nDesign innovation is a very important element of producing mattress fabrics. We invest significant resources to stay ahead of current design trends, including maintaining a trained and active design and innovation staff, investing in research and development activities such as participation in international design shows, and implementing systems for creating, cataloging, and simulating new designs. Price point delineation for our fabrics and our customers\u2019 finished mattress products is accomplished through fabric quality as well as variation in design. Consumers are drawn to the mattress that is the most visually appealing when walking into a retail showroom or viewing mattress products online, so this design variation, together with price point delineation, helps our customers merchandise different looks at various price points. Fiber differentiation also plays an important part in design. For example, rayon, organic cotton, and other special fibers, including recycled fibers promoting sustainability and fibers with cooling properties, are incorporated into the design process to allow the retailer to offer consumers additional benefits related to their sleeping experience. Similarly, many fabrics contain special production finishes that enhance fabric performance.\n\n\nMattress fabric designs are not routinely introduced on a scheduled season. Designs are typically introduced upon the request of the customer as they plan introductions of new products. Additionally, we work closely with our customers on new design offerings around the major furniture markets such as Las Vegas, Nevada, and High Point, North Carolina.\n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nThe company has developed an upholstery fabrics design and product development team (with staff located in the U.S. and in China) with a primary focus on value in designing body cloths, while promoting style leadership with pillow fabrics and color. Our design staff travels regularly to international trade and design shows to maintain familiarity with current design and fashion trends. The team searches continually for new ideas and for the best sources of raw materials, yarns, and fabrics, utilizing a supply network located mostly in China. Using these design elements, they develop product offerings using ideas and materials that take both fashion trends and cost considerations into account to offer products designed to meet the needs of furniture manufacturers and ultimately the desires of consumers.\n\n\nUpholstery fabric designs are introduced at major fabric trade conferences that occur twice a year in the United States (June and December). In recent years we have become more aggressive in registering copyrights for popular fabric patterns and taking steps to discourage the illegal copying of our proprietary designs.\n\n\nDistri\nbution\n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\nMost of our mattress fabrics shipments originate from our facilities in Stokesdale, North Carolina, and we have additional distribution capabilities in Canada, China, and Haiti. Through arrangements with major customers and in accordance with industry practice, we maintain a significant inventory of mattress fabrics at our distribution facility in Stokesdale (\u201cmake to stock\u201d), so that products may be shipped to customers with short lead times and on a \u201cjust in time\u201d basis.\n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nA majority of our upholstery fabrics are marketed on a \u201cmake to order\u201d basis and are shipped directly from our distribution facilities in Burlington, North Carolina, and Shanghai, China. We also have distribution capabilities in Vietnam and Turkey. In addition to \u201cmake to order\u201d distribution, an inventory of select fabric patterns is held at our distribution facilities in Burlington and Shanghai from which our customers can obtain quick delivery of sourced fabrics through a program known as \u201cCulp Express.\u201d We also have distribution capabilities for our \u201cCulp Express\u201d program to local customers in Canada through our mattress fabrics distribution facility in Quebec, Canada. Window treatment products sold through our Read Window Products business are done on a \u201cjob order\u201d basis, with manufactured products shipped directly from Read's manufacturing facility in Knoxville, Tennessee to the job installation site.\n \n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSources and Availabil\nity of Raw Materials\n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\nRaw materials account for approximately 60%-70% of mattress fabric production costs. The mattress fabrics segment purchases primarily synthetic yarns (polyester, polypropylene, and rayon), certain greige (unfinished) goods, glue adhesives, laminates, dyes, and other chemicals. Most of these materials are available from several suppliers, and prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, the general rate of inflation, and particularly on the price of petrochemical products.\n \n\n\nThe mattress fabrics segment has generally not had significant difficulty in obtaining raw materials. During fiscal 2022, some of our outside suppliers faced extended delays and increased costs for raw materials, as well as COVID-19-related disruption that affected production. During fiscal 2023, we experienced better stability with suppliers relative to service and cost for most commodities. Our use of outside suppliers to source materials to produce mattress fabric and sewn covers makes the mattress fabrics segment vulnerable to price increases, delays, or production interruptions caused by problems within businesses that we do not control.\n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nThe upholstery fabrics segment generally does not purchase raw materials directly, but raw materials, particularly synthetic yarns (polyester, acrylic, rayon, and polypropylene) and dyes, are important to our suppliers of finished and unfinished fabrics. Raw materials account for approximately 60%-70% of upholstery fabric manufacturing costs for products the company manufactures.\n \n\n\nIncreased reliance by both our U.S. and China upholstery operations on outside suppliers for basic production needs such as base fabrics, yarns, and finishing services has caused the upholstery fabrics segment to become more vulnerable to price increases, delays, or production interruptions caused by problems within businesses that we do not control.\n\n\nBoth Segments\n\n\nMany of our basic raw materials are petrochemical products or are produced from such products. For this reason, our raw material costs can be sensitive to changes in prices for petrochemicals and the underlying price of oil. Near the end of fiscal 2021, our raw material costs began to escalate primarily due to rising oil prices, a higher demand environment, and labor shortages. These pressures continued during fiscal 2022, with further increases in raw material costs, particularly during the second half of the year, due to the continued rise in oil prices and a higher demand environment. During fiscal 2023, the cost of raw materials began to decline during the first half of the year due to lower oil prices and slowing global demand, but the higher costs and lower availability of labor remained challenging throughout the year. Raw material costs were relatively stable during the second half of the year.\n \n\n\nSeason\nality\n\n\nOverall, demand for our products generally depends upon consumer demand for furniture and bedding products, which reflects sensitivity to overall economic conditions, including consumer confidence, unemployment rates, and housing market conditions. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and continuing into the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the bedding and furniture industries, including manufacturers and retail stores, were adversely affected by closures/restricted operations, supply chain disruption, and economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. For the remainder of fiscal 2021, disruption relating to the COVID-19 pandemic positively affected sales trends, with the increased consumer focus on the home and travel restrictions shifting discretionary spending away from travel and leisure activities towards home furnishings and enhancing overall comfort within the home environment. However, this sales trend began to reverse during fiscal 2022, particularly during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023, as COVID-related travel and mask restrictions were lifted and consumers began to resume travel and leisure activities. Inflationary pressures also affected consumer spending on home goods during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023. Additionally, we believe consumer spending was further pressured in fiscal 2023 by other economic conditions, such as rising interest rates, the ongoing Russia/Ukraine conflict, and other economic indicators that affected consumer confidence. These impacts are not reflective of any seasonal trends in the bedding or furniture industries and are not an indicator that seasonal trends are changing for our business segments.\n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\nThe mattress fabrics business and the bedding industry in general are slightly seasonal, with sales being the highest in early spring and late summer, with another peak in mid-winter. However, these seasonality trends relate more to in-store retail sales and promotional events, whereas the growth in online sales, which began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased during the pandemic, are less affected by in-store seasonality trends. It appears that during fiscal 2023, U.S. consumers began to return to pre-pandemic mattress buying habits, where mattresses are often purchased during major U.S. holidays.\n \n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nThe upholstery fabrics business today is less seasonal than it once was. In the past, seasonality resulted from one-week closings of our manufacturing facilities and the facilities of most of our customers in the U.S. during our first and third fiscal quarters for the holiday weeks of July 4th and Christmas. This effect has become much less pronounced as the majority of our fabrics are produced or sold in locations outside of the U.S. The timing of the Chinese National Holiday in October and, to a larger extent, the Chinese New Year (which occurs in January or February each year), now have a more significant impact on upholstery sales than the U.S. holiday periods, often causing sales to be higher in advance of these Chinese holiday periods and sometimes lower during or immediately following the same periods (although notably this trend for the Chinese New Year holiday did not occur during fiscal 2023, with sales lower in advance of the holiday due to high customer inventory and reduced consumer demand, followed by an uptick in sales after the holiday as customer inventory levels began to normalize).\n \n\n\nCompet\nition\n\n\nCompetition for our products is high and is based primarily on price, design, quality, product performance, timing of delivery, and service.\n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\nThe mattress fabrics market is concentrated in a few relatively large suppliers, as well as some niche producers focusing mainly on knitted products. We believe our principal mattress fabric and mattress cover competitors are BekaertDeslee Textiles (fabric and mattress cover producer), Global Textile Alliance (fabric and mattress cover producer), and several smaller companies producing knitted fabrics, sewn covers, and other fabric, including companies in China supplying fabric and cover products to sub-contract manufacturers in the U.S. In addition, our bedding customers continue to face increasing competition from imports of finished beds, which indirectly compete with our mattress fabrics by replacing potential sales of our products to those customers.\n \n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nIn the upholstery fabrics market, we compete against a large number of companies, ranging from a few large manufacturers comparable in size to the company to small producers and converters (companies who buy and re-sell fabrics, but have no manufacturing). We believe our principal upholstery fabric competitors are Dorell Fabrics Co., Morgan Fabrics, Richloom Fabrics, Specialty Textile, Inc. (or STI), and ZhongWang Fabrics, plus a large number of smaller competitors (both manufacturers and converters).\n\n\nThe trend in the upholstery fabrics industry to greater overseas competition and the entry of more converters has caused the upholstery fabrics industry to become substantially more fragmented in recent years, with lower barriers to entry. This has resulted in a larger number of competitors selling upholstery fabrics, with an increase in competition based on price.\n\n\nEnvironmental and \nOther Regulations\n\n\nWe are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act (\u201cOSHA\u201d) and federal and state environmental laws, as well as similar laws governing our manufacturing facilities in China, Canada, and Haiti. We periodically review our compliance with these laws and regulations in an attempt to minimize the risk of violations.\n\n\nOur operations involve a variety of materials and processes that are subject to environmental regulation. Under current law, environmental liability can arise from previously owned properties, leased properties, and properties owned by third parties, as well as from properties currently owned and leased by the company. Environmental liabilities can also be asserted by adjacent landowners or other third parties in toxic tort litigation.\n\n\nIn addition, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (\u201cCERCLA\u201d), and analogous state statutes, liability can be imposed for the disposal of waste at sites targeted for cleanup by federal and state regulatory authorities. Liability under CERCLA is strict as well as joint and several.\n\n\nThe U.S. Congress is considering legislation to address climate change that is intended to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made a determination that greenhouse gas emissions may be a threat to human health and the environment. International agreements may also result in new regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. It is uncertain if, when, and in what form, a mandatory carbon dioxide emissions reduction program may be enacted either through legislation or regulation. However, if enacted, this type of program could materially increase our operating costs, including costs of raw materials, transportation, and electricity. It is difficult to predict the extent to which any new rules or regulations would affect our business, but we would expect the effect on our operations to be similar to that for other manufacturers, particularly those in our industry.\n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are periodically involved in environmental claims or litigation and requests for information from environmental regulators. Each of these matters is carefully evaluated, and the company provides for environmental matters based on information presently available. Based on this information, we do not currently believe that environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on either the company\u2019s financial condition or results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that the costs associated with environmental matters will not increase in the future.\n\n\nHuman C\napital\n\n\nOur Employees\n \n\n\nAs of the end of fiscal 2023, we employed 1,333 people, a decrease of 249 employees as compared to the end of the prior fiscal year. The mattress fabrics segments employed 759 people at fiscal year-end, a decrease of 186 employees, while the upholstery segment employed 543 people, a decrease of 60 employees from the prior year. The remaining employees comprise the company\u2019s shared services functions.\n\n\nThe decrease in the number of employees in the mattress fabrics segment in fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, was associated with the rationalization of our U.S.-based mattress fabrics cut and sew platform, which included the closure of two U.S. facilities associated with this business. The decrease in the number of employees in the upholstery fabrics segment in fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, was associated with the rationalization and restructuring of our upholstery cut and sew platform during the year, which included the closure of our Shanghai cut and sew facility, as well as the rationalization and relocation of our Haiti cut and sew operation into an existing mattress cover facility also located in Haiti.\n \n\n\nApproximately 478 employees work in the United States, and 855 are employed in international locations. We employ the vast majority of our employees on a full-time basis.\n\n\nThe hourly employees at our manufacturing facility in Canada (approximately 11% of our workforce) are represented by a local, unaffiliated union. The collective bargaining agreement for these employees expires on February 1, 2026. We are not aware of any efforts to organize any more of our employees, and we believe our employee relations are very good with both our unionized and non-unionized workforce. Our company-wide annual employee turnover rate was approximately 42% during the past fiscal year, compared to approximately 25% in the prior year. The increase in our annual employee turnover compared to the prior fiscal year was driven mostly by the rationalization and restructuring our upholstery fabrics cut and sew operations in China and Haiti and our mattress fabrics cut and sew operation in the U.S.\n\n\nMission Statement and Values\n\n\nOur human resources department has adopted a mission statement that embodies our values and goals in the company\u2019s relationships with our employees. The mission statement is as follows:\n\n\nCulp HR Services is committed to providing outstanding employee support in a mutually respectful, safe, diverse, and collaborative environment through innovative programming that engages our associates and promotes the success of Culp, Inc.\n\n\nWe strive to maintain a welcoming and inclusive workplace. Discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by law, as well as sexual harassment or harassment of any kind, are not tolerated in our workplaces. Employees have multiple avenues available to report inappropriate behavior, including a dedicated \u201cHR Connection\u201d phone line. All reports of inappropriate behavior are promptly investigated and appropriate action is taken to prevent their recurrence. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who, in good faith, report any violation of company policies, including unlawful discrimination or harassment.\n\n\nAlong with our mission statement and values, we act in accordance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (\u201cCode of Conduct\u201d), which sets forth expectations and guidance for employees to make appropriate decisions. Our Code of Conduct covers topics such as conflicts of interest, fair dealing, protecting confidential information, appropriate use of company assets, compliance with laws (including, without limitation, anti-corruption and antitrust laws), workplace safety and environmental stewardship, and reporting Code of Conduct violations. The Code of Conduct reflects our commitment to operating in a fair, honest, ethical, and responsible manner, and also provides direction for reporting complaints in the event of alleged violations of our policies. Our executive officers and supervisors maintain \u201copen door\u201d policies, and any form of retaliation is strictly prohibited.\n \n\n\nWe also conduct regular training programs with our management and employee leaders to inform and refresh their knowledge about company policies and procedures pertaining to employment and human capital.\n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEmployee Recruitment, Development, Engagement, and Wellness\n\n\nWe strive to attract, recruit, and retain employees through competitive compensation and benefit programs that are aligned with those of comparable industries and in the geographic areas where our facilities are located, and in compliance with local regulatory requirements. We also provide development opportunities that support career growth and maintain a wide variety of programs to engage with our employees and promote overall wellness. We believe these efforts support all of our personnel in the workplace and elsewhere in their lives, which in turn promotes employee satisfaction and retention.\n\n\nFor example, the \u201cCULPgrow\u201d program was launched in 2021 to provide employees with skills assessment and education assistance, such as GED, ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages), and computer literacy programs. The purpose of CULPgrow is to provide a workplace where every employee has the key resources they need to grow, develop, and reach their career goals. The program focuses on identifying the skills and goals of each employee, as well as ways the company can invest in their future and provide tools and resources that support their career advancement. It also provides resources such as financial educational assistance, as well as mentorship opportunities where employees can be matched with a company mentor and guided through pathways for success within the company.\n\n\nAdditionally, in fiscal 2022, the company held its first company-wide global giving initiative, with a program called \u201cShare the Love.\u201d The program involved employees in each of our geographic locations choosing a charitable endeavor to support, based on their knowledge of local cultural considerations and areas of need. For example, our U.S. and Canadian locations held food drives for donations to local food banks, while Culp China\u2019s facilities contributed to help cancer patients. Employees in Haiti made blankets in-house using Culp fabric and then donated them to a local orphanage and the local fire department. This program was continued in fiscal 2023, with additional support to local charitable endeavors from each of our geographic locations.\n\n\nOther examples of employee engagement initiatives include:\n\n\n\u2022\nWellness sessions on various health-related topics\n\n\n\u2022\nMeetings and video chats with senior management\n\n\n\u2022\nThe CulpVets program, which provides special recognition to military veterans\n\n\n\u2022\nEmployee awards and recognition programs\n\n\nThese engagement efforts and programs are continually refined and updated to meet the evolving needs of our workforce.\n \n\n\nSafety and Health\n\n\nThe safety and health of our employees is a fundamental priority at Culp. We maintain comprehensive safety monitoring and training programs, with regular reports to senior management on these topics. Our Behavior Based Safety initiative combines awareness programs, observation, and training to enhance continued compliance with safe and healthy practices in our facilities.\n\n\nEarly in the COVID-19 pandemic, comprehensive protocols were developed and followed to allow our manufacturing plants to reopen safely after mandatory shutdowns. When COVID-19 vaccines became available, we hosted vaccination clinics at several of our manufacturing facilities, providing access to vaccines not only for our employees, but also for their families and members of the local communities. Additional safety and health programs are planned for the future.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCustomers \nand Sales\n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\nMajor customers for our mattress fabrics include leading bedding manufacturers such as Serta-Simmons Bedding (SSB), Tempur + Sealy International (TSI), Casper, Corsicana, Sleep Number, and Ashley Furniture. Our mattress fabrics customers also include many small and medium-size bedding manufacturers. No customers within the mattress fabrics segment accounted for more than 10% of the company's consolidated sales in fiscal 2023.\n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nOur major customers for upholstery fabrics are leading manufacturers of upholstered furniture, including Ashley, Flexsteel, Kuka, La-Z-Boy (La-Z-Boy Residential and England), Southern Furniture Industries (Fusion and Southern Motion), Sudair, and Violino. Major customers for the company\u2019s fabrics for commercial furniture include Exemplis, HNI Corporation, and Travel + Leisure Co. (f/k/a\n \n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWyndham Destinations). Our largest customer in the upholstery fabrics segment is La-Z-Boy Incorporated, which accounted for approximately 15% of the company\u2019s consolidated sales in fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\nThe following table sets forth our net sales by geographic area by amount and percentage of total net sales for the three most recent fiscal years.\n\n\nNet Sales by Ge\nographic Area\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnited States\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n165,807\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n70.6%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n204,454\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n69.3%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n217,473\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n72.6%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorth America (Excluding USA) \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,756\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.7%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n39,256\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.3%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32,925\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.0%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFar East and Asia\n(2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31,339\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.3%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43,015\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.6%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43,764\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.6%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll other areas\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,032\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.4%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,114\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.8%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,558\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.9%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSubtotal (International)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n69,127\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29.4%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n90,385\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.7%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n82,247\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27.4%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n234,934\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n294,839\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n299,720\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nOf this amount, $24.9 million, $33.5 million, and $27.2 million are attributable to shipments to Mexico in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n\n\n(2)\nOf this amount $20.0 million, $26.9 million, and $28.1 million are attributable to shipments to China in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n\n\nSales attributed to individual countries are based upon the location that the company ships its products to for delivery to customers.\n\n\nFor additional segment information, including the geographic location of long-lived assets, see Note 18 in the consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nBack\nlog\n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\nThe backlog for the mattress fabric segment is not a reliable predictor of future shipments because the majority of sales for the mattress fabrics segment are on a just-in-time basis.\n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nAlthough it is difficult to predict the amount of backlog that is \u201cfirm,\u201d we have reported the portion of the upholstery fabric backlog from customers with confirmed shipping dates within five weeks of the end of the fiscal year. On April 30, 2023, the portion of the upholstery fabric backlog with confirmed shipping dates prior to June 5, 2023, was $10.6 million, compared with $15.7 million as of the end of fiscal 2022 (for confirmed shipping dates prior to June 6, 2022).\n \n\n\nIntellectual Property\n\n\nWe currently hold, or have registration applications pending for, numerous trademarks and copyrights for various product and trade names, logos, and fabric designs in the United States and certain foreign countries. We view such intellectual property, along with any unregistered copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, trade dress, trade secrets, and proprietary technologies, as an important part of our business, and we seek to diligently protect, monitor, and defend, through appropriate action, against their unauthorized use.\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A. RI\nSK FACTORS\n\n\nOur business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. In addition to the matters described above under \u201cCautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information,\u201d set forth below are some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause a material adverse change in our results of operations, financial condition, or future prospects. The risks described below should be carefully considered, together with other information provided in this report, including Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our financial statements, including the related notes. The risks discussed below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations in future periods.\n \n\n\nMacroeconomic, Market, and Strategic Risks\n\n\nContinued economic and industry uncertainty could negatively affect our sales and earnings.\n\n\nOverall demand for our products depends upon consumer demand for furniture and bedding products, which is subject to cyclical variations in the general economy, including current inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending, declines in overall consumer confidence, recession and fears of recession, the negative economic impact of potential additional surges of the coronavirus, and other geopolitical events, such as the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war. Because purchases of furniture and bedding products may be considered discretionary purchases for most individuals and businesses, demand for these products may be more easily influenced by economic trends than demand for other products. Economic downturns, increases in unemployment rates, and uncertainty about future health and economic prospects can affect consumer spending habits and demand for discretionary items, including home furnishings, which reduces the demand for our products and therefore can cause a decline in our sales and earnings. In addition, the level of housing starts, sales of existing homes, trends in disposable income, changes in interest rates (particularly home mortgage rates), and availability of consumer credit, can also affect our business. While we saw an adverse impact from some of these measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of fiscal 2020 and the beginning of fiscal 2021, we experienced increased demand in our mattress fabrics segment and in the residential side of our upholstery fabrics segment for most of fiscal 2021, driven by greater consumer focus on the home environment and more discretionary spending being allocated to home furnishings in the face of travel restrictions and other pandemic-related factors. However, this trend began to reverse during fiscal 2022, particularly during the second half of the year, as COVID-related travel and mask restrictions were lifted and consumers began to resume travel and leisure activities. We believe the trend of increased consumer discretionary spending on travel, leisure, and entertainment, and away from home goods, continued throughout fiscal 2023. Inflationary pressures also began to affect consumer spending during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023. We are unable to predict how long these trends will last, or to what extent additional surges of the coronavirus or other geopolitical events may affect the economic and purchasing cycle for home furnishing products (and therefore affect demand for our products) over the short and long term.\n \n\n\nLoss of market share due to competition would result in declines in sales and could result in losses or decreases in earnings.\n\n\nOur business is highly competitive and fragmented, and we face significant competition from many competitors, both foreign and domestic. We compete with many other manufacturers of fabric, as well as converters who source fabrics from various producers and market them to manufacturers of furniture and bedding. In many cases, these fabrics are sourced from foreign suppliers who have a lower cost structure than the company. The highly competitive nature of our business in each of our segments means we are constantly subject to the risk of losing market share, which would likely result in a loss or decrease our future sales and earnings. As a result of increased competition, there have been deflationary pressures on the prices for many of our products, which make it more difficult to pass along increased operating costs such as raw materials, shipping, energy, foreign currency fluctuations, or labor in the form of price increases, which puts downward pressure on our profit margins. Also, the wide range of product offerings in our business can make it more difficult to differentiate our products through design, styling, finish, and other techniques.\n\n\nThe global COVID-19 pandemic significantly and adversely affected, and may again adversely affect, our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.\n\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the global and U.S. economy, severely disrupted global supply chains, and created significant volatility and disruption in financial markets, all of which negatively affected the bedding and home furnishings industries, our customers and suppliers, and our business. Many countries, including the countries in which we operate, as well as state and local governmental authorities, took various actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including mandated closures of businesses, stay-at-home orders, quarantine and isolation requirements, travel restrictions, border closings, restrictions on public gatherings, social distancing measures, occupancy limits, and other safety measures. While these restrictions have now been lifted as conditions have improved, the restrictions adversely affected our business, results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.\n \n\n\nDue to government-mandated closure requirements near the end of March 2020, we shut down our facilities in Canada and Haiti for several weeks. At the same time, we experienced a rapid decline in demand as customers and retail stores began closing or substantially\n \n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nlimiting their operations. We took a number of measures in response to the increasingly challenging market conditions, including, among other things, repurposing a portion of our available operations to produce face masks, bedding covers, and fabrics for healthcare operations and consumer health; reducing operating costs by implementing temporary salary reductions, making workforce adjustments to align with demand, suspending merit pay increases, and eliminating the cash compensation paid to our board of directors; aggressively reducing expenses, capital expenditures, and discretionary spending, and working with our vendors and landlords to negotiate temporary terms. We also took steps to safeguard the health of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve, including implementing detailed cleaning and disinfecting processes at our facilities, instituting temperature checks, adhering to social distancing and mask protocols, suspending non-essential travel, restricting visitors, providing remote work opportunities where possible, and offering on-site vaccination clinics to our employees, their families, and the general public. We have continued to monitor and update these procedures, in accordance with CDC recommendations and other local laws and regulatory authorities, throughout the pandemic.\n \n\n\nWhile the COVID-19 pandemic continued to spread throughout the world during fiscal 2021, we did not experience additional closures of any of our operations, or any material closures of the operations of our suppliers, during the remainder of the fiscal year, following the initial shutdowns from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. However, during fiscal 2022, our upholstery fabrics business was materially affected by COVID-19 related shutdowns of our sourcing partners and customers in Vietnam throughout most of the second quarter, and our operations in China were shut down during the last month of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and continuing to some extent during the first month of fiscal 2023, which prevented us from shipping goods in both our residential upholstery fabrics business and our sewn mattress cover business. In addition to these shutdowns, COVID-19 disruption affected our business during fiscal 2022, as well as the business of our customers and suppliers, due to employee absenteeism and labor shortages, pandemic-related effects on the availability and pricing of freight and raw material costs, and pandemic-related constraints on our customers\u2019 capacity due to supply chain disruption for non-fabric components. We did not experience additional closures of any of our operations, or any material closures of the operations of our suppliers, during the remainder of fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\nWhile the World Health Organization has now declared an official end to the COVID-19 global health emergency, future surges in the number of COVID-19 cases and preventative or protective actions that governmental authorities or we may take in response to such surges may have an adverse effect on our business or the business of our customers, suppliers, or distribution channels, including additional business shutdowns, reduced operations, restrictions on shipping or installing products, reduced consumer demand, reduced availability and/or higher pricing of materials, or the ability of our customers to make payments. In addition, responding to future case surges or restrictions could divert management\u2019s attention from our key strategic priorities, increase costs as we prioritize the health and safety of our employees and customers, cause us to reduce, delay, alter, or abandon strategic initiatives that may otherwise increase our long-term value, and otherwise disrupt our business operations.\n \n\n\nThe potential for future surges in the number of COVID-19 cases and the impact of such surges on our business depends on factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of such surges; actions taken to contain spread of the virus and mitigate the public health and economic effects; vaccine availability and effectiveness within the markets in which we operate; the impact on global supply chain conditions; employee absenteeism and labor shortages; and the short- and long-term disruption to the global economy, consumer confidence, demand for home furnishings products, unemployment, and the financial health of our customers, suppliers, and distribution channels. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact of such potential future COVID-19 surges on our business or on our future financial or operational results; however, the disruption could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows over time. Furthermore, the impact of additional surges in COVID-19 may also exacerbate other risks discussed in this Item 1A \u2013 Risk Factors, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.\n \n\n\nIn addition, if in the future there is an outbreak of another highly infectious disease or other health concern or epidemic, we may be subject to similar risks as those faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\nOur operations are subject to risks of unsettled political conditions, civil unrest or instability, public health concerns or pandemics, natural or man-made disasters, acts of war, terrorism, and the effects of climate change, any one of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\n\n\nOur domestic and foreign operations are subject to risks of unsettled political conditions, civil unrest or instability, public health concerns or pandemics, natural or man-made disasters, acts of war, and terrorism. In addition, the effects of climate change and actions taken to combat climate change could exacerbate these risks, including by increasing the likelihood and severity of extreme weather events. Any of these risks, including without limitation civil unrest or instability in Haiti, China, or other countries where we operate, could cause disruption at our manufacturing or distribution facilities, or at the facilities of our suppliers and distribution channels, which could make servicing our customers more difficult and could reduce our sales, earnings, or both in the future.\n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperational Risks\n\n\nOur business may be adversely affected by increased tariffs or other changes in U.S. trade policy related to imported products, as well as violations of existing trade policies.\n\n\nMany of our products are manufactured or sourced outside of the United States. The U.S. government has imposed certain tariffs on imports from various countries, including China, where a significant amount of our products is produced. In the future, the U.S. Government may consider imposing additional tariffs or extending the timeline for continuation of existing tariffs. Any tariffs that result in increased costs of imported products and materials could require us to increase prices to our domestic customers or, if we are unable to do so, result in lowering our gross margins on products sold. As a result, the tariffs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\n \n\n\nIn addition to tariffs, the U.S. government considers other proposals for substantial changes to its trade and tax policies, which could include import restrictions, increased import tariffs, changes to or withdrawal from existing trade agreements, and border-adjustment taxes, among other possible measures. Material changes in these policies could increase our tax obligations, require us to source materials from different regions, or increase prices to customers, which could adversely affect sales. Any significant change in U.S. trade or tax policy related to imported products could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.\n\n\nThere are also a number of trade regulations and duties currently in place to protect the U.S. textile industry against competition from low-priced foreign producers, such as those in China and Vietnam, but violations of these trade regulations and duties has had, and may in the future have, a material adverse effect on our operations. In May of 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed punitive anti-dumping measures against China mattress imports to address violations of trade regulations. Despite the imposition of these duties, if China producers move their production out of China, which we believe has already occurred, they may continue to engage in unfair competition in violation of trade regulations between the U.S. and other countries, or there may be a potential risk of illegal transshipments of mattress products into the United States, which involves circumventing the imposed duties by falsely claiming that mattresses are products of a particular country of origin to avoid paying higher duties. Also, if supply chains are moved out of China to countries without anti-dumping duties and producers continue to supply low-priced imports in violation of U.S. trade laws, and if illegal transshipments are not monitored and enforcement is not effective to limit them, these shipments could have a material adverse effect on the company\u2019s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. During fiscal 2020, the U.S. mattress industry was affected by continued disruption relating to low-priced mattress imports that moved from China to other countries, which affected demand for our products. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed anti-dumping duties on mattress imports from seven of these countries during fiscal 2021. We believe the domestic mattress industry and, in turn, our business, began to realize some benefits from these duties during the second half of fiscal 2021 and continuing into fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023. However, despite the imposition of these duties, supply chains could move out of the affected countries to other countries without anti-dumping duties and continue supplying low-priced imports in violation of U.S. trade laws, or there may be a potential risk of illegal transshipments of mattress products from these countries to avoid paying the higher duties, which could negatively affect our business.\n \n\n\nGreater reliance on offshore operations and foreign sources of products or raw materials increases the likelihood of disruptions to our supply chain or our ability to deliver products to our customers on a timely basis.\n\n\nWe rely significantly on operations in distant locations, especially China. In addition, we have been purchasing a significant share of our products and raw materials from offshore sources, particularly Asia and Turkey. At the same time, our domestic manufacturing capacity for the upholstery fabrics segment continues to decline. These changes have caused us to rely on an extended supply chain and on a larger number of suppliers that we do not control, both of which are inherently subject to greater risks of delay or disruption. In addition, operations and sourcing in foreign areas are subject to the risk of changing local governmental rules, taxes, changes in import rules or customs, import restrictions, tariffs, shipping rates, potential political unrest and instability, coronavirus or other pandemic-related closure rules, or other threats that could disrupt or increase the costs of operating in foreign areas or sourcing products overseas. Additionally, changes in the value of the U.S. dollar versus other currencies can affect our financial results because a significant portion of our operations are located outside the United States. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies could make our products less competitive on the basis of price in markets outside the United States, and strengthening of currencies in Canada and China could have a negative impact on our sales of products produced in those places. Any of the risks associated with foreign operations and sources could cause unanticipated increases in operating costs or disruptions in business, which could have a negative impact on our ultimate financial results.\n\n\nSpecifically with respect to sourcing products and raw materials from third-party suppliers in China, our ability to timely or successfully import such products or products made with such raw materials may be adversely affected by changes in U.S. laws. For example, the U.S. Government has taken several steps to address forced labor concerns in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China (\"XUAR\"), including sanctions on specific entities and individuals; withhold release orders (\"WROs\") issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (\"CBP\") that prohibit the entry of imports of certain items from XUAR; and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (\"UFLPA\"), which went into effect in June 2022 and imposes a presumptive ban on the import of goods to the U.S. that are made, wholly or in part, in the XUAR or by persons that participate in certain programs in the XUAR that entail the use of forced labor. CBP\n \n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nhas published both a list of entities that are known to utilize forced labor and a list of commodities that are most at risk, such as cotton, tomatoes and silica-based products. The UFLPA specifically targets cotton and the apparel and textile industries as high-priority sectors for enforcement. None of our Chinese suppliers are located in the XUAR, and we prohibit our suppliers from doing business with or sourcing inputs from any company or entity that is restricted under U.S. or other applicable law. However, as a result of the UFLPA and WROs, products we import into the U.S. could be held for inspection by CBP based on a suspicion that such products or inputs used in such products originated from the XUAR or that they may have been produced by Chinese suppliers accused of participating in forced labor, pending our providing satisfactory evidence to the contrary. During fiscal 2023, we were subjected to a limited number of such CBP detentions and were successful in submitting satisfactory supply chain evidence to result in the release of all such detained good by CBP. These detentions have not resulted in any material impact on our business, supply chain, customer relationships, or reputation. However, future detentions could result in unexpected (i) delays or rejections of products scheduled for delivery to us, which could in turn affect the timing or our ability to delivery products to our customers; (ii) supply chain disruptions and increased operating costs; (iii) damage to our customer relationships; and/or (iv) negative publicity that harms our reputation, any of which could have a material impact on our business and negatively affect our ultimate financial results.\n\n\nOur business faces several risks associated with doing business in China\n\n\nWe source a variety of fabrics, as well as cut and sewn upholstery kits and sewn mattress covers, from a limited number of strategic suppliers in China. We also operate two upholstery manufacturing facilities and two warehouse facilities in Shanghai, China. The Chinese economy is characterized by extensive state ownership, control, and regulation, and the political, legal, and economic climate in China is fluid and unpredictable. Therefore, our business is continually subject to the risk of changes in Chinese laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on our suppliers and manufacturing operations. Any changes in policies governing tariffs, imports and exports, taxation, inflation, economic sanctions and export controls, environmental regulations, foreign currency exchange rates, the labor market, property, network security, intellectual property, and financial regulations could have an adverse effect on our business. Further, the Chinese legal system is continuing to develop and evolve, and the enforcement of rules and regulations is not always consistent or uniform. Moreover, any potential civil unrest, natural disasters, or other threats could disrupt or increase the costs of operating in China. The Chinese economy poses additional risks to our business, including fluctuating rates of inflation and currency exchange rates, a declining labor force participation rate, and rising employee wages. In addition, changes in the political climate or trade policy of the United States, such as increased duties, tariffs, or U.S. restrictions on Chinese imports, such as the UFLPA, may adversely affect our business. Our ability to operate in China has also been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and may in the future be negatively affected by additional surges in the coronavirus or other diseases. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China from time to time enforced broad lockdowns, which affected our ability to timely produce and ship products and affected the ability of our third-party suppliers and their supply chain to timely deliver products and materials. Any of the risks associated with our Chinese operations and sources could cause unanticipated increases in operating costs or disruptions in business, which could negatively affect our ultimate financial results.\n\n\nWe may have difficulty managing the outsourcing arrangements being used for products and services.\n\n\nWe rely on outside sources for various products and services, including yarn and other raw materials, greige (unfinished) fabrics, finished fabrics, cut and sewn upholstery kits, sewn mattress covers, and services such as weaving and finishing. Increased reliance on outsourcing lowers our capital investment and fixed costs, but it decreases the amount of control that we have over certain elements of our production capacity. Interruptions in our ability to obtain raw materials or other required products or services from our outside suppliers on a timely and cost-effective basis, especially if alternative suppliers cannot be immediately obtained, could disrupt our production and damage our financial results.\n\n\n18\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWrite-offs or write-downs of assets would result in a decrease in our earnings and shareholders\u2019 equity.\n \n\n\nThe company has assets, primarily consisting of property, plant and equipment, right of use assets, inventory, and intangible assets, that may be subject to write-offs or write-downs. ASC Topic 360 establishes an impairment accounting model for long-lived assets, including property, plant, and equipment, right of use assets, and finite-lived intangible assets such as customer relationships and our non-compete agreement. It requires the company to assess these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recovered. In accordance with ASC Topic 330, management continuously examines inventory to determine if there are indicators that the carrying value exceeds its net realizable value. Experience has shown that the most significant of such indicators are the age of the inventory and planned discontinuances of certain patterns. ASC Topic 350 establishes an impairment model for indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as our tradename, which must be tested at least annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recovered.\n\n\nIdentifying and assessing whether impairment indicators exist, or if events or changes in circumstances have occurred, including market conditions, operating results, competition, and general economic conditions, requires significant judgment. Any of such future actions could result in charges that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, and there is no assurance that future write-downs of fixed assets or other intangible assets will not occur if business conditions were to deteriorate.\n\n\nAs a result of inventory impairment assessments conducted during fiscal 2023, we incurred non-cash inventory charges totaling $5.8 million, which represents a $2.9 million impairment charge associated with our mattress fabrics segment; a total of $2.8 million related to markdowns of inventory in both segments that were estimated based on our policy for aged inventory; and $98,000 for the loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit of our cut and sewn upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China. We incurred non-cash inventory charges of $1.9 million and $882,000 during fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively, which represent markdowns of inventory in both segments that were based on our policy of aged inventory. See Notes 5, 7, and 9 of the consolidated financial statements for further details of our assessments of impairment, conclusions reached, and the performance of our quantitative tests.\n \n\n\nWrite-offs and write-downs of our assets, including inventory, result in an immediate charge to our earnings, and can have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.\n\n\nChanges in the price, availability, and quality of raw materials could increase our costs or cause production delays and sales interruptions, which would result in decreased earnings.\n\n\nWe depend upon outside suppliers for most of our raw material needs, and we rely upon outside suppliers for component materials such as yarn, unfinished fabrics, and cut and sewn upholstery kits and mattress covers, as well as for certain services such as finishing and weaving. Fluctuations in the price, availability, and quality of these goods and services have had, and could continue to have, a negative effect on our production costs and ability to meet the demands of our customers, which can affect our ability to generate sales and earnings. In many cases, we are not able to pass through increased costs of raw materials or increased production costs to our customers through price increases. In particular, many of our basic raw materials are petrochemical products or are produced from such products. For this reason, our material costs are especially sensitive to changes in prices for petrochemicals and the underlying price of oil. Increases in prices for oil, petrochemical products or other raw materials and services provided by outside suppliers can significantly increase our costs and negatively affect our profit margins and earnings. During fiscal 2021, our raw material costs were mostly flat or slightly lower during the first three quarters of the year, but prices began to escalate during the fourth quarter primarily due to rising oil prices, a higher demand environment, and labor shortages. These pressures continued during fiscal 2022, with further increases in raw material costs, particularly during the second half of the year, due to the continued rise in oil prices and a higher demand environment. During fiscal 2023, the cost of raw materials began to decline during the first half of the year due to lower oil prices and slowing global demand, but the higher costs and lower availability of labor remained challenging throughout the year. Raw material costs were relatively stable during the second half of fiscal 2023. However, the pressures that affect raw material costs may drive additional increases in raw material prices in the future.\n \n\n\nIncreases in energy costs increase our operating costs and could adversely affect earnings.\n\n\nHigher prices for electricity, natural gas, and fuel increase our production and shipping costs. A significant shortage, increased prices, or interruptions in the availability of these energy sources would increase the costs of producing and delivering products to our customers and would be likely to adversely affect our earnings. In many cases, we are not able to pass along the full extent of increases in our production costs to customers through price increases. Energy costs have varied significantly during recent fiscal years and remain a volatile element of our costs. Increases in energy costs could have a negative effect on our earnings.\n\n\n19\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBusiness difficulties or failures of large customers could result in a decrease in our sales and earnings.\n\n\nWe currently have several customers that account for a substantial portion of our sales. In the mattress fabrics segment, several large bedding manufacturers have large market shares and comprise a significant portion of our mattress fabric sales. Although no mattress fabrics customers accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023, in many recent years we have had one or more customers who did. In the upholstery fabrics segment, La-Z-Boy Incorporated accounted for approximately 15% of consolidated net sales during fiscal 2023, and several other large furniture manufacturers comprised a significant portion of sales. A business failure or other significant financial difficulty by one or more of our major customers, or the loss of one or more of these customers, could cause a significant loss in sales, an adverse effect on our earnings, and difficulty in collection of our trade accounts receivable. For example, on June 25, 2022, a major customer and its affiliates associated with our mattress fabrics segment announced that they filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and on January 23, 2023, another major customer and its affiliates associated with our mattress fabrics segment filed pre-planned voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Although we did not record any credit losses and have received payment in full regarding all outstanding accounts receivable with respect to each of these customers, a business failure or loss of either such customer and its affiliates, or a business failure or loss of one or more other major customers, could cause a decrease in our sales and an adverse effect on our earnings.\n \n\n\nAdditionally, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, some customers experienced cash flow challenges and requested extended payment terms. During fiscal 2021, our customers returned to making payments based on normal credit terms, as opposed to the extended terms granted during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. However, if the negative economic impact of COVID-19 reemerges, or if another pandemic, recession or other major unexpected economic event occurs, we may not be able to collect amounts owed to us or such payment may only occur after significant delay. While we perform credit evaluations of our customers, those evaluations may not prevent uncollectible trade accounts receivable. Credit evaluations involve significant management diligence and judgment, especially in the current environment. If more customers than we anticipate experience liquidity issues, if payments are not received on a timely basis, or if a customer declares bankruptcy, we may have difficulty collecting amounts owed to us by these customers, which could adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition, and liquidity.\n\n\nIf we fail to anticipate and respond to changes in consumer tastes and fashion trends, our sales and earnings may decline.\n\n\nDemand for various types of upholstery fabrics and mattress coverings changes over time due to fashion trends and changing consumer tastes for furniture and bedding. Our success in marketing our fabrics depends upon our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to fashion trends in home furnishings. If we fail to identify and respond to these changes, our sales of these products may decline. In addition, incorrect projections about the demand for certain products could cause the accumulation of excess raw material or finished goods inventory, which could lead to inventory mark-downs and decreases in earnings.\n\n\nIncreasing dependence on information technology systems comes with specific risks, including cybersecurity breaches and data leaks, which could have an adverse effect on our business.\n\n\nWe increasingly rely on technology systems and infrastructure. Additionally, we rely on third-party service providers in connection with the maintenance thereof and the execution of certain business processes. Greater dependence on technology systems heightens the risk of potential vulnerabilities from system failure and malfunction, breakdowns due to natural disasters, human error, unauthorized access, power loss, and other unforeseen events. Data privacy breaches by employees and others with or without authorized access to our systems poses risks that sensitive data may be permanently lost or leaked to the public or other unauthorized persons. With the growing use and rapid evolution of technology, including internet selling, cloud-based computing and mobile devices, there are additional risks of unintentional data leaks. There is also the risk of our exposure to theft of confidential information, intentional vandalism, industrial espionage, and a variety of cyber-attacks, including phishing attempts, covertly introducing malware to our computers and networks (or the computers and networks of our third-party providers), and impersonating authorized users, among other types of cyber-attacks, that could compromise our internal technology system, infrastructure, or result in data leakage in-house or at our third-party providers and business partners. Attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems have become increasingly more sophisticated over time, and while we seek to detect and investigate all security incidents and to prevent their recurrence, in some cases we might be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effect. Failures of technology or related systems, cybersecurity incidents, or improper release of confidential information, could damage our business or subject us to unexpected liabilities, expenditures, and recovery time. Additionally, the devotion of additional resources to the security of our information technology systems in the future could significantly increase our operating costs or otherwise adversely affect our financial results. We continue to balance the risk of an electronic security breach resulting in the unauthorized release of confidential information with the cost to protect us against such a breach, and we have taken steps to ensure that losses arising from a breach would be covered in part by insurance that we carry, although the costs, potential monetary damages, and operational consequences of responding to cyber incidents and implementing remediation measures may be in excess of our insurance coverage or not covered at all by our insurance, and could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results to the extent losses are uninsured or exceed insurance recoveries and to the extent that such disruptions adversely impact our relationships with our customers or our business reputation. We have been a target of cybersecurity\n \n\n\n20\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nattacks in the past, and while such attacks have not resulted in a material impact on our operations, business, customer relationships, or reputation, such attacks could in the future.\n\n\nIn addition, we permit certain employees to work from home from time to time. Although we continue to implement strong physical and cybersecurity measures to ensure that our business operations remain functional and to ensure uninterrupted service to our customers, our systems and our operations remain vulnerable to cyberattacks and other disruptions due to the fact that employees may be working remotely, and we cannot be certain that our mitigation efforts will be effective.\n\n\nWe may not be able to recruit and retain key employees and skilled workers in a competitive labor market.\n\n\nIf we cannot successfully recruit and retain key employees and skilled workers or if we experience the unexpected loss of those employees, our operations may be negatively affected. A shortage of qualified personnel, along with cost inflation, may require us to enhance our compensation in order to compete effectively in the hiring and retention of qualified employees.\n\n\nIn addition, we are and will continue to be dependent upon our senior management team and other key personnel. Losing the services of one or more key members of our management team or other key personnel could adversely affect our operations. COVID-19 may also increase the risk that certain senior management executives or a member of the board of directors could become ill, causing them to be incapacitated or otherwise unable to perform their duties for an extended absence. Furthermore, because of the nature of the disease, multiple people working in proximity could also become ill simultaneously, which could result in the same department having extended absences. This could negatively affect the efficiency and effectiveness of processes and internal controls throughout the company.\n\n\nOur intellectual property rights may not prevent others from using our copyrights or trademarks in connection with the sale of competitive products. We may be subject to claims that our products or trademarks infringe intellectual property rights of others.\n\n\nWe currently hold, or have registration applications pending for, numerous trademarks and copyrights for various product and trade names, logos, and fabric designs in the United States and certain foreign countries. We view such intellectual property, along with any unregistered copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, trade dress, trade secrets, and proprietary technologies, as an important part of our business. These intellectual property rights may not provide adequate protection against infringement or piracy, may not prevent competitors from developing and marketing products that are similar or competitive with our fabric designs or other products, and may be costly and time-consuming to protect and enforce. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights and confidential information to the same extent as the laws of the United States. If we are unable to protect and enforce our intellectual property, we may be unable to prevent other companies from using our fabric designs or trademarks in connection with competitive products, which could adversely affect our sales, profitability, cash flows and financial condition.\n\n\nWe may be subject to claims that our products, advertising, or trademarks infringe the intellectual property rights of others. The defense of these claims, even if we are ultimately successful, may result in costly litigation, and if we are not successful in our defense, we could be subject to injunctions and liability for damages or royalty obligations, and our sales, profitability, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.\n\n\nWe have made and expect to continue to make acquisitions, which could involve certain risks and uncertainties.\n\n\nAcquisitions have been and may continue to be an important element of our business strategy. Acquisitions involve numerous inherent challenges, such as properly evaluating acquisition opportunities, properly evaluating risks and other diligence matters, ensuring adequate capital availability, and balancing other resource constraints. There are risks and uncertainties related to acquisitions, including difficulties integrating acquired operations, technology, personnel, and financial and other systems; unrealized sales expectations from the acquired business; unrealized synergies and cost-savings; unknown or underestimated liabilities; diversion of management attention from running our existing businesses; and potential loss of key management employees of the acquired business. In addition, internal control over financial reporting of acquired companies may not be up to required standards. Our integration activities may place substantial demand on our management, operational resources, and financial and internal control systems. Customer dissatisfaction or performance problems with an acquired business, technology, service, or product could also have a material adverse effect on our reputation and business.\n\n\nRisks Related to Financing Our Operations\n\n\nWe may require funding from external sources, which may not be available at the levels we require or may cost more than we expect. As a result, our expenses and operating results could be negatively affected.\n\n\nWe regularly review and evaluate our liquidity and capital needs. Our available cash, cash equivalents, and cash flow from operations have been adequate to finance our operations and capital requirements in recent years. However, if we experience a sustained decline in\n \n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nrevenue, there may be periods in which we may require additional external funding to support our operations. Also, market interest rates have increased significantly since the beginning of fiscal 2023. If we have a need to incur debt under our credit facilities, the cost of borrowing could increase substantially over debt costs that we have previously incurred.\n \n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we had approximately $32.6 million in combined total borrowing availability under our domestic credit facility and our China credit facility. In January of 2023, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with respect to our domestic credit facility, which provides for a revolving credit facility up to a maximum principal amount of $35.0 million, secured by a lien on the company's assets. The amount available under this facility is limited by a borrowing base consisting of certain eligible accounts receivable and inventory of the company. In the event we require additional liquidity from our lenders that exceeds the availability under our credit facilities at such time, such funds may not be available to us. In addition, in the event we draw on any of our credit facilities, outstanding amounts may become immediately due and payable upon certain events of default, including a failure to comply with the financial covenants or certain other affirmative and negative covenants in the credit agreements. If we are unable to access additional credit at the levels we require, or the cost of credit is greater than expected, it could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.\n\n\nLegal and Regulatory Risks\n\n\nWe are subject to litigation and environmental regulations that could adversely affect our sales and earnings.\n\n\nWe have been, and in the future may be, a party to legal proceedings and claims, including environmental matters, product liability, and employment disputes, some of which claim significant damages. We face the continual business risk of exposure to claims that our operations have caused personal injury or property damage, including the related risk of damage to our brand and reputation in conjunction with such claims. We maintain insurance against product liability claims and, in some cases, have indemnification agreements with regard to environmental claims, but there can be no assurance that these arrangements will continue to be available on acceptable terms or that such arrangements will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred. Given the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that claims against the company will not have a material adverse impact on our earnings or financial condition. We are also subject to various laws and regulations in our business, including those relating to environmental protection and the discharge of materials into the environment. We could incur substantial costs as a result of noncompliance with or liability for cleanup or other costs or damages under environmental laws or other regulations.\n\n\nWe must comply with many governmental regulations applicable to our business, and changes in those regulations could adversely affect our business.\n\n\nOur products and raw materials are and will continue to be subject to regulation in the United States by various federal, state, and local regulatory authorities. In addition, other governments and agencies in other jurisdictions regulate the manufacture, sale, and distribution of our products and raw materials. Also, rules and restrictions regarding the importation of fabrics and other materials, including custom duties, tariffs, import restrictions (including, without limitation, the recent enactment of the UFLPA), quotas, banned substances, and other regulations, are continually changing. Environmental laws, labor laws, tax laws and regulations (including, without limitation, the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (\u201cGILTI\u201d) tax provisions), data privacy laws, and other regulations continually affect our business. These rules and regulations can and do change from time to time, which can increase our costs and our taxes, or can require us to make changes in our manufacturing processes, product mix, sources of products and raw materials, or distribution. Changes in the rules and regulations applicable to our business may negatively affect our sales and earnings.\n\n",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF\n FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\n\n\nWe have prepared this Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis as an aid to understanding our financial results. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes and other exhibits included elsewhere in this report. It also includes management\u2019s analysis of past financial results and certain potential risk factors that may affect future results, as well as approaches that may be used to manage those risks. See \u201cCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\u201d at the beginning of this report, together with the section of this report titled \u201cItem 1A. RISK FACTORS,\u201d for a discussion of factors that may cause results to differ materially.\n \n\n\nGeneral\n\n\nOur fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period ending on the Sunday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 each included 52- weeks periods.\n \n\n\nOur operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics.\n \n\n\nMattress Fabrics\n\n\nThe mattress fabrics segment manufactures, sources, and sells fabrics and mattress covers primarily to bedding manufacturers. Currently, we have mattress fabric operations located in Stokesdale, North Carolina, and Quebec, Canada. During the last half of fiscal 2023, we rationalized our domestic cut and sewn cover platform, which included the termination of agreements to lease two facilities located in High Point, North Carolina, and moving our R&D and prototyping capabilities from these facilities to our facility located in Stokesdale, North Carolina.\n\n\nAdditionally, we acquired the remaining fifty percent ownership interest in our former unconsolidated joint venture located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. As a result, we are now the sole owner with full control of this cut and sewn mattress cover operation (see Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding this business combination).\n \n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics\n\n\nThe upholstery fabrics segment develops, sources, manufactures, and sells fabrics primarily to residential and commercial furniture manufacturers. We have upholstery fabric operations located in Shanghai, China, and Burlington, North Carolina. During the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we also commenced operation of a new leased facility in Ouanaminthe, Haiti dedicated to the production of cut and sewn upholstery kits. However, due to a decline in demand for upholstery cut and sewn kits, we terminated the agreement to lease this new facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and relocated a scaled-down upholstery cut and sew operation into our existing mattress cover facility also located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.\n\n\nAdditionally, Read Window Products, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary with operations located in Knoxville, Tennessee, provides window treatments and sourcing of upholstery fabrics and other products, as well as measuring and installation services for Read\u2019s products, to customers in the hospitality and commercial industries. Read also supplies soft goods such as decorative top sheets, coverlets, duvet covers, bed skirts, bolsters, and pillows.\n \n\n\nImpact of COVID-19\n\n\nBeginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we experienced a significant change in our business resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to government mandated closure requirements, we shut down our facilities in Canada and Haiti for several weeks, and most of our customers, as well as retail stores in the United States and around the globe, were similarly shut down or operating at significantly reduced capacity. Then in early fiscal 2021, as customer and retail stores began to re-open, we experienced a surge in demand, driven by accelerated demand in the bedding and residential home furnishings industries as consumers shifted their discretionary spending towards home products. Based on this surge, we saw strong growth in our mattress fabrics business and in our residential upholstery fabrics business for the remainder of fiscal 2021 and through much of fiscal 2022. We made several investments during this period that provided expanded capacity to support customers in our mattress fabrics and residential upholstery fabrics businesses. However, beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023, we experienced a slowdown in demand, driven primarily by weakness in the domestic mattress industry and the residential home furnishings industry as consumer spending trends shifted to travel, leisure, and entertainment, and as inflation pressured consumer spending. This slowdown was exacerbated during much of fiscal 2023 as manufacturers and retailers worked through an excess of inventory, delaying the timing of shipments and new product roll outs. While we believe that our customers' inventory levels began to normalize during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, demand in both the mattress industry and the residential home furnishings industry remains soft, and this softness is\n \n\n\n28\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nexpected to continue affecting our business for some period. For further information on how COVID-19 has affected and may continue to affect our business and financial condition, see the Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of this report.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExecutive Summary\n\n\nWe evaluate the operating performance of our business segments based upon (loss) income from operations before certain unallocated corporate expenses and other items that are not expected to occur on a regular basis, such as restructuring expense and restructuring related charges. Cost of sales in each business segment includes costs to develop, manufacture, or source our products, including costs such as raw material and finished good purchases, direct and indirect labor, overhead, and incoming freight charges. Unallocated corporate expenses primarily represent compensation and benefits for certain executive officers and their support staff, all costs associated with being a public company, amortization of intangible assets, and other miscellaneous expenses.\n \n\n\nResults of Operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTwelve Months Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 1,\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n234,934\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n294,839\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(20.3\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,896\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36,093\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(69.8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(760) bp\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, general, and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37,978\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35,415\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRestructuring expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,396\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Loss) income from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(28,478\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n678\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nN.M\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(12.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1230) bp\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoss before income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(28,390\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(325\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nN.M\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,886\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(31,520\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,211\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nN.M\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet Sales\n\n\nOur consolidated net sales decreased 20.3% in fiscal 2023 compared with a year ago, with mattress fabric net sales decreasing 27.1% and upholstery fabric net sales decreasing 13.1%.\n \n\n\nThe decrease in net sales for our mattress fabrics segment during fiscal 2023 primarily reflects a slowdown in consumer demand in the domestic mattress industry. The impact of this industry softness was exacerbated, especially during the first nine months of the fiscal year, by mattress manufacturers and retailers continuing to work through an excess of inventory, delaying the timing of shipments and new product roll outs.\n \n\n\nThe decrease in upholstery fabrics net sales during fiscal 2023 primarily reflects reduced demand for our residential upholstery fabrics products, driven by a slowdown in new retail business in the residential home furnishings industry, as well as high inventory levels at manufacturers and retailers during the first nine months of the fiscal year. The decrease in net sales was partially offset by higher sales in our hospitality/contract fabric business, as well as receipt of a non-recurring payment relating to newly negotiated terms with a customer of the upholstery segment's Haiti cut and sew platform.\n \n\n\nSee the Segment Analysis located in the Results of Operations section below for further details.\n\n\n(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes\n \n\n\nOverall, our consolidated loss before income taxes was $(28.4) million for fiscal 2023, compared with loss before income taxes of $(325,000) for the prior year.\n \n\n\nOperating performance for fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, was primarily pressured by lower sales and operating inefficiencies due to these lower sales; labor challenges within our mattress fabrics business that resulted in increased employee training costs and operating inefficiencies, including quality issues; continued inflationary pressures; operating inefficiencies within the upholstery fabrics segment's cut and sew facility in Haiti due to lower demand; labor challenges and inflationary pressures affecting our Read business; and higher SG&A expense for the year due primarily to higher incentive compensation accrual. It was also affected by (i) $2.9 million in impairment charges during the second quarter due to the write down of inventory to its net realizable value for our mattress fabrics segment; (ii) $2.6 million in losses from closeout sales of raw material and finished goods inventory during the second and third quarter\n \n\n\n29\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nfor our mattress fabrics segment; (iii) $2.8 million in markdowns of inventory due to our aged inventory policy for both our mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics segment; (iv) $713,000 in restructuring and related charges associated with the closure of our upholstery fabric segment's cut and sew facility located in Shanghai, China, during the second quarter; and (v) $781,000 in restructuring charges associated with the rationalization of our upholstery fabrics cut and sew platform located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, during the third and fourth quarters. Performance for fiscal 2023 was favorably affected by the foreign exchange rate associated with our upholstery fabrics operation in China, as well as receipt of a $1.0 million non-recurring payment during the fourth quarter relating to newly negotiated terms with a customer of the upholstery segment's cut and sew platform in Haiti.\n\n\nSee the Segment Analysis located in the Results of Operations section below for further details.\n\n\nIncome Taxes\n\n\nWe recorded income tax expense of $3.1 million, or (11.0)% of loss before income taxes, for fiscal 2023, compared with income tax expense of $2.9 million, or (888.0)% of loss before income taxes, for fiscal 2022.\n \n\n\nOur consolidated effective income tax rate during fiscal 2023 was much more negatively affected by the mix of earnings between our U.S. operations and foreign subsidiaries, as compared with fiscal 2022. During fiscal 2023, we incurred a significantly higher pre-tax loss from our U.S. operations totaling $(33.5) million, compared with $(7.6) million for fiscal 2022. As a result, a significantly higher income tax benefit was not recognized due to a full valuation allowance being applied against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets during fiscal 2023, as compared with fiscal 2022. In addition, almost all of our taxable income during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 was earned by our foreign operations located in China and Canada, which have higher income rates than the U.S.\n\n\nWe also incurred a significantly higher consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(28.4) million during fiscal 2023, as compared with a much lower consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(325,000) during fiscal 2022. As a result, the principal differences between income tax expense at the U.S. federal income tax rate compared with the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements were more pronounced in fiscal 2022.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, we had income tax payments totaling $2.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, which mostly represented income tax payments associated with our foreign operations located in China and Canada.\n \n\n\nRefer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding our provision for income taxes from operations.\n\n\nLiquidity\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents (\u201ccash\") totaled $21.0 million, an increase of $5.4 million, compared with $14.6 million as of May 1, 2022. This increase in cash was mostly due to (i) net cash provided by operating activities totaling $7.8 million and (ii) proceeds totaling $2.1 million from the sale of investments associated with our rabbi trust that sets aside funds for our deferred compensation plan, partially offset by (iii) capital expenditures of $2.1 million and (ii) contributions totaling $1.2 million to our rabbi trust.\n\n\nOur net cash provided by operating activities was $7.8 million during fiscal 2023, an increase of $25.2 million compared with net cash used in operating activities of $(17.4) million during fiscal 2022. This trend mostly reflects (i) a reduction of inventory related to the significant decline in net sales, improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends, and promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory; (ii) an abnormally high decrease in accounts payable due to the COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which decrease did not recur in fiscal 2023; (iii) annual incentive payments made during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 that did not recur during fiscal 2023, partially offset by (iv) an abnormally high decrease in accounts receivable due to COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which such decrease did not recur in fiscal 2023, and (v) a decrease in net cash earnings during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings under our lines of credit.\n \n\n\n30\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDividend Program\n\n\nOn June 29, 2022, our board of directors announced the decision to suspend the company's quarterly cash dividend. We believed that preserving capital and managing our liquidity during fiscal 2023 was in the company\u2019s best interest to support future growth and the long-term interests of our shareholders. Accordingly, we did not make any dividend payments during fiscal 2023.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, dividend payments totaled $5.5 million, which represented quarterly dividend payments ranging from $0.11 share to $0.115.\n\n\nOur board of directors has sole authority to determine if and when we will declare future dividends, and on what terms. We will continue to reassess our dividend policy each quarter. Future dividend payments will depend on earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, excess availability under our lines of credit, market and economic conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.\n\n\nCommon Stock Repurchases\n\n\nIn March 2020, our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock. Under the common stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, block trades, through plans established under the Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1, or otherwise. The number of shares purchased and the timing of share purchases are based on working capital requirements, market and general business conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we did not purchase any shares of common stock. As a result, as of April 30, 2023, $3.2 million is available for additional repurchases of our common stock. Despite the current share repurchase authorizations, the company does not expect to repurchase any shares through at least the first quarter of fiscal 2024.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, we repurchased 121,688 shares of our common stock at a cost of $1.8 million.\n \n\n\nResults of Operations\n\n\nThe following table sets forth certain items in our consolidated statements of net loss as a percentage of net sales.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(95.4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(87.8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(16.2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(12.0\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRestructuring expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Loss) income from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(12.1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoss before income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(12.1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax expense *\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(11.0\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(888.0\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(13.4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1.1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n*\tCalculated as a percentage of loss before income taxes.\n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023 compared with 2022\n\n\nSegment Analysis\n\n\nMattress Fabrics Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTwelve Months Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 1,\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n110,995\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n152,159\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(27.1)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross (loss) profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,739\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,458\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(140.9)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1690) bp\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,942\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,246\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2.5)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Loss) income from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(18,681\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,212\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nN.M.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(16.8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1960) bp\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet Sales\n\n\nMattress fabrics sales decreased 27.1% in fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year. This decrease reflects a material slowdown in consumer demand in the domestic mattress industry throughout the year. We believe this slowdown was primarily due to inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending, as well as a shift in demand from home goods to travel, leisure, and entertainment following a pulling forward of demand for home goods during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this industry softness was exacerbated, especially during the first nine months of the fiscal year, by mattress manufacturers and retailers working through an excess of inventory, delaying the timing of shipments and new product roll outs. However, we began the roll out of some new customer programs near the end of the third quarter and these roll outs continued during the fourth quarter, driving both year-over-year and sequential improvement for the fourth quarter.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we maintained a continued focus on inventory reductions and cash generation, while executing our product-driven strategy with an ongoing emphasis on innovation, design creativity, and customer relationships. The strength and flexibility of our global manufacturing and sourcing operations in the U.S., Canada, Haiti, Asia, and Turkey also enabled us to support the evolving needs of our mattress fabrics and cover customers throughout the year.\n \n\n\nDuring the second half of the year, we initiated a comprehensive business transformation plan focused on long-term improvement in areas that include quality, sales, marketing, and operational processes; supply chain optimization; employee engagement; and organizational structure. With execution being led by new leadership and a restructured management team, we believe this plan will lay the foundation for steady, sequential improvement in this business. Although the pace of this improvement will be affected by recovery in the overall macroeconomic environment, we believe our market position is growing, and we are optimistic about additional program launches expected during the calendar 2023 year.\n \n\n\nLooking ahead, we expect the current macro environment will continue to affect consumer spending trends for some time, resulting in ongoing industry softness that may reduce demand for our mattress fabrics and cover products. We expect these conditions are likely to pressure results through at least the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Additionally, the potential ongoing impacts of Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, as well as impacts from possible additional surges in the coronavirus, remain unknown and depend on factors beyond our knowledge or control. Either of these situations could cause disruption that could adversely affect our operations and financial performance.\n\n\nGross Profit and Operating Income\n\n\nThe decrease in mattress fabrics profitability during fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, was primarily due to lower sales; operating inefficiencies arising from these lower sales; labor challenges resulting in increased employee training costs and operating inefficiencies, including quality issues; and higher raw material costs. Other factors pressuring the year included $2.9 million in impairment charges during the second quarter due to the write down of inventory to its net realizable value; $2.6 million in losses from closeout sales of raw material and finished goods inventory, and $386,000 in markdowns of inventory based on our policy for aged inventory.\n \n\n\nWe completed a restructuring and rationalization of our U.S.-based cut and sewn cover platform during the third quarter of fiscal 2023, moving our R&D and prototyping capabilities from our High Point, North Carolina, location to our facility in Stokesdale, North Carolina. The result of this move was the discontinuation of our higher-cost on-shore production capabilities, with closures of our two leased facilities in High Point, North Carolina, during the third quarter. We believe this platform restructuring will allow us to generate cost savings by utilizing our lower-cost mattress cover production and sourcing capabilities in Haiti and Asia, where we can scale operations to align with demand and continue to support the needs of our customers.\n \n\n\n32\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe expect the ongoing industry softness affecting sales volumes will affect profitability through at least the first quarter of fiscal 2024, although we believe these headwinds will be mitigated to some extent by our ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiencies and control internal costs, as well as our continued roll out of new products priced in line with current costs. We will consider further adjustments to right-size and restructure our operations as necessary to align with current demand levels, as well as additional reasonable pricing actions as competitive conditions permit to further mitigate and manage inflation.\n\n\nSegment Assets\n\n\nSegment assets consist of accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, and equipment, and right of use assets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 1,\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n12,396\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,865\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventory\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,674\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n39,028\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(34.2\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty, plant & equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33,749\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38,731\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(12.9\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight of use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,308\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,469\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(33.5\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal mattress fabrics segment assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n74,127\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n91,093\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(18.6\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRefer to Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements for disclosures regarding determination of our segment assets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccounts Receivable\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, accounts receivable increased by $2.5 million, or 25.7%, compared with May 1, 2022. This increase primarily reflects slower cash collections, as we had an unfavorable mix of higher sales volume with customers with longer credit terms during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 as compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. As a result, days' sales outstanding for this segment increased to 37 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, up from 30 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. In addition, this increase reflects an increase in net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $30.7 million, an increase of 3.1%, compared with th net sales of $29.8 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.\n\n\nInventory\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, inventory decreased by $13.4 million, or 34.2%, compared with May 1, 2022. This trend reflects (i) a decline in inventory purchases reflecting the 27.1% decrease in net sales during fiscal 2023 as compared with fiscal 2022, (ii) $3.2 million in non-cash charges recorded during fiscal 2023, which includes $2.9 million related to a write-down of inventory to its net realizable value and $386,000 related to markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory, (iii) improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends, and (iv) promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory; partially offset by (v) higher raw material, labor, and overhead costs stemming from inflationary pressures.\n\n\nInventory turns were 4.4 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, compared with 2.9 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.\n\n\nProperty, Plant, & Equipment\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, property, plant, and equipment decreased by $5.0 million, or 12.9%, compared with May 1, 2022. This decrease represents our concerted effort to reduce capital spending due to current and expected macroeconomic conditions. As a result, depreciation expense totaling $6.1 million exceeded our capital expenditures of $1.1 million during fiscal 2023.\n\n\nThe $33.7 million as of April 30, 2023, represents property, plant, and equipment of $22.7 million, $10.4 million, and $608,000 located in the U.S., Canada, and Haiti, respectively. The $38.7 million as of May 1, 2022, represents property, plant, and equipment of $25.6 million, $12.4 million, and $757,000 located in the U.S., Canada, and Haiti, respectively.\n \n\n\n33\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRight of Use Assets\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, right of use assets decreased by $1.2 million, or 33.5%, compared with May 1, 2022. Right of use assets have steadily decreased due to rent expense incurred over the terms of the respective lease agreements, as well as the termination of two lease agreements related to the closure of our mattress cover operation located in High Point, North Carolina, during fiscal 2023.\n\n\nThe $2.3 million as of April 30, 2023, represents right of use assets of $1.5 million and $766,000 located in Haiti and Canada, respectively. The $3.5 million as of May 1, 2022, represents right of use assets of $2.0 million, $1.2 million, and $291,000 located in Haiti, the U.S., and Canada, respectively.\n \n\n\nUpholstery Fabrics Segment\n\n\nNet Sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTwelve Months Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 1,\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-U.S. Produced\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n114,589\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n92\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n133,271\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n93\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(14.0\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. Produced\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,350\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,409\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.6\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n123,939\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n142,680\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(13.1\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUpholstery fabrics sales decreased 13.1% in fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year. This decrease reflects reduced demand for our residential upholstery fabric products, driven by a slowdown in new retail business in the residential home furnishings industry, as well as high inventory levels at manufacturers and retailers during the first nine months of the year.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe decrease in net sales for fiscal 2023 was partially offset by higher sales in our hospitality/contract business compared to the prior year, as well as receipt of a $1.0 million non-recurring payment during the fourth quarter relating to newly negotiated terms with a Haiti cut and sew customer.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLooking ahead, we expect the slowdown in new retail business for the residential home furnishings industry may affect demand for our residential business for some period of time. Despite this challenge, we believe our business is well positioned for the long term with our product-driven strategy and innovative product offerings, including our popular portfolio of LiveSmart\u00ae performance products, as well as our flexible Asian platform and our long-term supplier relationships.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNotably, the potential ongoing impact of Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, as well as the economic and health effects from possible additional surges in the coronavirus, remain unknown and depend on factors beyond our control. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact on our upholstery fabrics segment, but we note that if conditions worsen in either of these situations, including additional COVID-related shutdowns of our China operations, the impact on our operations, and/or on our suppliers, customers, consumers, and the global economy, could adversely affect our financial performance.\n\n\nGross Profit and Operating Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTwelve Months Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 1,\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n17,733\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n19,635\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(9.7\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross profit margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50\n\n\nbp\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, general and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,739\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,009\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRestructuring expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,396\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome from operations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,994\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,626\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(64.6\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(230) bp\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe decrease in upholstery fabrics profitability for fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, primarily reflects lower residential sales; $2.5 million in markdowns of inventory based on our policy for aged inventory; operating inefficiencies in our cut and sew operation in Haiti due to reduced demand; and labor challenges and inflationary pressures affecting our Read business during the year. These pressures were partially offset by a significantly more favorable foreign exchange rate associated with our operations in China; receipt of a $1.0 million non-recurring payment during the fourth quarter relating to newly negotiated terms with a customer of our Haiti cut\n \n\n\n34\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nand sew platform; and lower overhead costs resulting from the restructuring of our cut and sew platforms in China and Haiti during fiscal 2023, as described in more detail below.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBased on market dynamics for cut and sewn products and the strength of our Asian supply chain, we took action during the second quarter of fiscal 2023 to restructure and adjust our model for this platform with the closure of our cut and sew facility located in Shanghai, China. We believe this move will allow us to reduce our operating costs while maintaining our ability to support our customers, grow our cut and sew business, and maintain our competitive advantages through our lower-cost manufacturing and sourcing operations in Asia and Haiti.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe also took action during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 to rationalize and consolidate our cut and sew upholstery kit platform in Haiti, based on ongoing demand weakness for cut and sewn products. This restructuring better aligns our capacity and costs with current demand levels for upholstery kits. We believe this move, which included terminating a lease and relocating a scaled-down operation into an existing facility for our mattress cover business, will allow us to reduce our operating costs without sacrificing our ability to support our customers.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nLooking ahead, the residential home furnishings industry remains under pressure due to shifting consumer spending trends and inflation affecting overall consumer spending. As a result, we expect lower sales volumes in our residential business will continue to affect our profitability. However, for fiscal 2024, we expect to benefit from a rationalized Haiti operation, improved inventory management, a solid hospitality/contract fabric business, and improvement in our Read business. We will also continue our ongoing cost reduction efforts and will consider further adjustments to right-size and restructure our operations as necessary to align with current demand levels, while maintaining our ability to service our customers.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nRestructuring Activities\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSecond Quarter of Fiscal 2023 - China\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we closed our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China, which included the termination of an agreement to lease a building. This strategic action, along with the further use of our Asian supply chain, was our response to declining consumer demand for cut and sewn products, by adjusting our operating costs to better align with the lower demand. As a result of this strategic action, we recorded restructuring expense and restructuring related charges totaling $713,000. These charges represent employee termination benefits of $468,000, loss from the disposal and markdowns of inventory of $98,000, impairment loss associated with equipment of $80,000, lease termination costs of $47,000, and other associated costs of $20,000. Of the total $713,000, $615,000 and $98,000 were recorded to restructuring expense and cost of sales, respectively, in the fiscal 2023 Consolidated Statement of Net Loss.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThird and Fourth Quarters of Fiscal 2023 - Haiti\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEffective January 24, 2023, we entered into an agreement to terminate a lease (\"the Termination Agreement\") of a facility (the \"Terminated Facility\") located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, that was used solely for the production of cut and sewn kits associated with our upholstery fabrics segment. As a result, we relocated production of cut and sewn upholstery kits into another existing facility that is also located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, and leased by an affiliate that produces mattress covers at this facility. As a result, we will produce both upholstery cut and sewn kits and mattress covers in this location. We believe this strategic action will realign our capacity and costs with current demand levels, while still allowing us to support our customers and scale for additional capacity if conditions improve.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBased on the terms of the Termination Agreement, we vacated and returned possession of the Terminated Facility to the lessor, and a third party lessee took possession of the Terminated Facility and agreed to pay us $2.4 million over a period commencing April 1, 2023, through December 31, 2029, for the right to use the Terminated Facility. The terms of the Termination Agreement fully and unconditionally released and discharged us from all of our remaining obligations under the original lease for the Terminated Facility.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs a result of this strategic action, we recorded restructuring expense of $781,000 during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023, which represents lease termination costs of $434,000, an impairment loss regarding leasehold improvements totaling $277,000, employee termination benefits of $39,000, and other associated costs of $31,000.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following summarizes our restructuring expense and restructuring related charges that were associated with both of our restructuring activities noted above for fiscal 2023:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmployee termination benefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n507\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLease termination costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n481\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImpairment loss - leasehold improvements and equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n357\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoss on disposal and markdowns of inventory\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n98\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther associated costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRestructuring expense and restructuring related charges (1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1) Of the total $1.5 million, $1.4 million and $98,000 were recorded to restructuring expense and cost of sales, respectively, in the fiscal 2023 Consolidated Statement of Net Loss.\n\n\nSegment Assets\n\n\nSegment assets consist of accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, and equipment, and right of use assets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 1,\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n12,382\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n12,361\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventory\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,406\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27,529\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(29.5\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty, plant & equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,671\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,030\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(17.7\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight of use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,618\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,124\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(67.8\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0Total upholstery fabrics segment assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n36,077\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n50,044\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(27.9\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccounts Receivable\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, accounts receivable remained flat compared with May 1, 2022. This trend reflects faster cash collections as we had a favorable mix of higher sales volume with customers with shorter credit terms during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. As a result, days' sales outstanding for this segment decreased to 33 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, down from 40 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The faster cash collections that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were partially offset by an increase in net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, as compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $30.7 million, an increase of of $3.6 million, or 13.1%, compared with net sales of $27.2 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.\n \n\n\nInventory\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, inventory decreased by $8.1 million, or 29.5%, compared with May 1, 2022. This trend reflects (i) a decline in inventory purchases reflecting the 13.1% decrease in net sales during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022, (ii) a $2.6 million non-cash charge recorded during fiscal 2023, which includes $2.5 million of markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory and $98,000 that was associated with the loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit from our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China, (iii) improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends, and (iv) promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory; partially offset by (v) higher raw material, labor, and overhead costs stemming from inflationary pressures.\n \n\n\nInventory turns were 4.8 during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, compared with 3.0 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.\n\n\nProperty, Plant, & Equipment\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, property, plant, and equipment decreased by $359,000, or 17.7%, compared with May 1, 2022. This decrease represents our concerted effort to reduce capital spending due to current and expected macroeconomic conditions. As a result, depreciation expense totaling $795,000 exceeded our capital expenditures of $467,000 during fiscal 2023.\n\n\nThe $1.7 million as of April 30, 2023, represents property, plant, and equipment of $974,000, $592,000, and $105,000 located in the U.S., Haiti, and China, respectively. The $2.0 million as of May 1, 2022, represents property, plant, and equipment of $1.0 million, $756,000, and $255,000 located in the U.S., Haiti, and China, respectively.\n \n\n\nRight of Use Assets\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, our right of use assets decreased by $5.5 million, or 67.8%, compared with May 1, 2022. This decrease mostly resulted from (i) six-month forgiveness of rent payments associated with COVID-19 relief permitted by the Chinese government for all building lease agreements located in Shanghai, China, (ii) the termination of a building lease agreement in connection with the exit from\n \n\n\n36\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nour cut and sew operation located in Shanghai, China, and (iii) the termination of a building lease agreement in connection with the rationalization of our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti.\n\n\nThe $2.6 million as of April 30, 2023, represents right of use assets of $1.5 million and $1.1 million located in China and the U.S., respectively. The $8.1 million as of May 1, 2022, represents right of use assets of $3.7 million, $2.6 million, and $1.8 million located in China, Haiti, and the U.S., respectively.\n \n\n\nOther Income Statement Categories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTwelve Months Ended\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 1,\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelling, general, and administrative expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n37,978\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n35,415\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(100.0\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n531\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n373\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n443\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,359\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(67.4\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSelling, General, and Administrative Expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses during fiscal 2023, as compared with fiscal 2022, is mostly due to higher incentive compensation expense that relates to our annual bonuses, reflecting the achievement of favorable financial results in relation to pre-established free cash flow performance targets pertaining solely to the upholstery fabrics segment and the executive shared services reporting unit.\n\n\nInterest Expense\n\n\nInterest expense reflects our historically low level and short duration of borrowings outstanding.\n\n\nInterest Income\n\n\nThe increase in interest income is due primarily to higher market interest rates earned during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022.\n\n\nOther Expense\n\n\nManagement is required to assess certain economic factors to determine the currency of the primary economic environment in which our foreign subsidiaries operate. Based on our assessments, the U.S. dollar was determined to be the functional currency of our operations located in China and Canada.\n\n\nOther expense during fiscal 2023 decreased $916,000, or 67.4%, compared with fiscal 2022. This decrease primarily relates to more favorable foreign currency exchange rates applied against our balance sheet accounts denominated in Chinese Renminbi to determine the corresponding U.S. dollar financial reporting amounts. During fiscal 2023, we reported a foreign exchange rate gain of $588,000 associated with our operations located in China, compared with a foreign exchange rate loss of $(104,000) incurred during fiscal 2022. In addition, we incurred a realized loss totaling $450,000 on the sale of our remaining short-term available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments that mostly occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which realized loss did not recur during fiscal 2023.\n\n\nThe $588,000 foreign exchange rate gain related to our operations located in China was mostly non-cash, and was mostly offset by $355,000 of income tax expense, which will increase our income tax payments and withholding tax payments associated with future earnings and profits repatriated from our operations located in China to the company's U.S. parent. This income tax expense of $355,000 was associated with taxable foreign exchange rate gains based on less favorable foreign currency exchange rates applied against balance sheet accounts denominated in U.S. dollars to determine the corresponding Chinese Renminbi local currency amounts. The foreign exchange rate gains incurred on our U.S. dollar denominated balance sheet accounts associated with our operations located in China are considered taxable income, as we incur income tax expense and pay income taxes in China\u2019s local currency.\n\n\nIncome Taxes\n\n\nEffective Income Tax Rate & Income Tax Expense\n\n\nWe recorded income tax expense of $3.1 million, or (11.0)% of loss before income taxes, during fiscal 2023, compared with income tax expense of $2.9 million, or (888.0)% of loss before income taxes, during fiscal 2022.\n \n\n\n37\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following schedule summarizes the principal differences between income tax expense at the federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. federal income tax rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nvaluation allowance\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(24.0\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(56.3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nglobal intangible low taxed income tax (GILTI)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(540.9\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nforeign tax rate differential\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4.0\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(206.2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nincome tax effects of Chinese foreign exchange gains and losses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.9\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(20.6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nwithholding taxes associated with foreign tax jurisdictions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2.4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(172.8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nuncertain income tax positions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n105.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. state income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nstock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3.3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nother (3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(35.8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nconsolidated effective income tax rate (1) (2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(11.0\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(888.0\n\n\n)%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nOur consolidated effective income tax rate during fiscal 2023 was much more negatively affected by the mix of earnings and losses between our U.S. operations and foreign subsidiaries, as compared with fiscal 2022. During fiscal 2023, we incurred a significantly higher pre-tax loss from our U.S. operations totaling $(33.5) million, compared with $(7.6) million for fiscal 2022. As a result, a significantly higher income tax benefit was not recognized due to a full valuation allowance being applied against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets during fiscal 2023, as compared with fiscal 2022. In addition, almost all of our taxable income for each of fiscal 2023 and 2022 was earned by our foreign operations located in China and Canada, which have higher income tax rates than the U.S.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2)\nDuring fiscal 2023, we incurred a significantly higher consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(28.4) million, compared with a much lower consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(325,000) during fiscal 2022. As a result, the principal differences between income tax expense at the U.S. federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements were more pronounced for fiscal 2022, as compared with fiscal 2023.\n\n\n(3)\n\u201cOther\u201d for all periods presented represents miscellaneous adjustments that pertain to U.S. permanent differences such as meals and entertainment and income tax provision to return adjustments.\n\n\nGILTI\n\n\nFiscal 2022\n\n\nEffective July 20, 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department finalized and enacted previously proposed regulations regarding the GILTI tax provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (\u201cTCJA\u201d). With the enactment of these final regulations, we became eligible for an exclusion from GILTI if we meet the provisions of the GILTI High-Tax exception included in these final regulations on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. To meet the provisions of the GILTI High-Tax exception, the tested foreign entity\u2019s effective income tax rate related to current year\u2019s earnings must be higher than 90% of the U.S. Federal income tax rate of 21% (i.e.,18.9%).\n \n\n\nWe did not meet the GILTI High-Tax exception for the 2021 tax year regarding our operations located in China. This was due primarily to significant income tax deductible foreign exchange losses that significantly lowered income tax expense associated with current year\u2019s earnings. As a result, the current effective income tax rate was lower than the required 18.9% current effective income tax rate to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception. Consequently, we incurred a non-cash income tax charge of $1.8 million, which charge was fully offset by a $1.8 million non-cash income tax benefit due to a corresponding reversal of our full valuation allowance associated with our U.S. net deferred income tax assets.\n\n\nWe did not meet the GILTI High-Tax exception for the 2022 tax year regarding our foreign operations located in Canada and Haiti. With regard to Canada, we placed several significant capital projects into service during fiscal 2022, and therefore, were eligible for a significant amount of income tax deductible accelerated depreciation. As a result, our current year\u2019s income tax expense was much lower than prior years, and therefore, our current effective income tax rate was lower than the required 18.9% current effective income tax rate to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception. For our operations in Haiti, taxable income or losses are not subject to income tax, as we are located in an economic zone that permits a 0% income tax rate for the first fifteen years of operations, for which we have nine years remaining. Since our operations located in Haiti are not subject to income tax, our current effective income tax rate was 0%, which is lower than the required 18.9% current effective income tax rate to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception. Although our operations located in Canada and Haiti did not meet the GILTI High-Tax exception, we incurred a nominal amount of GILTI tax for the 2022 tax\n \n\n\n38\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nyear, as the losses subject to GILTI tax from our Haitian operations mostly offset the income subject to GILTI tax from our Canadian operation.\n\n\nFiscal 2023\n\n\nWe do not expect to pay GILTI tax for the 2023 tax year, as we expect to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception regarding our operations located in China and Canada, and we incurred taxable losses associated with our operations located in Haiti.\n\n\nDeferred Income Taxes \u2013 Valuation Allowance\n\n\nWe evaluate the realizability of our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. We assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a \u201cmore-likely-than-not\u201d standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since the company operates in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, considering the effects of local tax law.\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we evaluated the realizability of our U.S. net deferred income tax assets to determine if a full valuation allowance was still required. Based on our assessment, we determined we still have a recent history of significant cumulative U.S. pre-tax losses, in that we experienced U.S. pre-tax losses during each of the last three fiscal years. In addition, we are currently expecting U.S. pre-tax losses to continue into fiscal 2024. As a result of the significant weight of this negative evidence, we believe it is more-likely-than-not that our U.S. net deferred income tax assets will not be fully realizable, and therefore we provided for a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets totaling $18.7 million as of April 30, 2023.\n\n\nRefer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures regarding the valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred income taxes.\n \n\n\nDeferred Income Taxes \u2013 Undistributed Earnings from Foreign Subsidiaries\n\n\nWe assess whether the undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries will be reinvested indefinitely or eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company, and whether we are required to a record a deferred income tax liability for those undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries that will not be reinvested indefinitely. As of April 30, 2023, we assessed the liquidity requirements of our U.S. parent company and determined that our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries would not be reinvested indefinitely and therefore, would be eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company. The conclusion reached from our assessment is consistent with prior years. Accordingly, as of April 30, 2023, we recorded a deferred income tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries of $4.2 million.\n\n\nRefer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures regarding our deferred income tax liability associated with the undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries.\n\n\nUncertainty in Income Taxes\n\n\nAn unrecognized income tax benefit for an uncertain income tax position can be recognized in the first interim period if the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met by the end of the reporting period, or if the position is effectively settled through examination, negotiation, or litigation, or if the statute of limitations for the relevant taxing authority to examine and challenge the tax position has expired. If it is determined that any of the above conditions occur regarding our uncertain income tax positions, an adjustment to our unrecognized income tax benefit will be recorded at that time.\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we had a $1.2 million total gross unrecognized income tax benefit that primarily relates to double taxation under applicable income tax treaties with foreign tax jurisdictions. At this time, significant change associated with this income tax benefit is not expected within the next fiscal year.\n\n\nU.S. federal and state income tax returns filed by us remain subject to examination for income tax years 2019 and subsequent. Canadian federal income tax returns filed by us remain subject to examination for income tax years 2019 and subsequent. Canadian provincial (Quebec) income tax returns filed by us remain subject to examination for income tax years 2019 and subsequent. Income tax returns associated with our operations located in China are subject to examination for income tax year 2018 and subsequent.\n\n\nRefer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for disclosures and additional information regarding our uncertain income tax positions.\n\n\n39\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncome Taxes Paid\n\n\nThe following table sets forth income taxes paid by jurisdiction:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnited States Federal - Transition Tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n265\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n266\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChina - Income Taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,831\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,036\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChina - Withholding Taxes Associated with Earnings\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0and Profits Distribution to U.S. Parent\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n487\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCanada - Income Taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n228\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n311\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,324\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,100\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFuture Liquidity\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are currently projecting annual cash income tax payments of approximately $2.5 million for fiscal 2024, compared with $2.3 million and $3.1 million for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively. Our estimated cash income tax payments for fiscal 2024 are management\u2019s current projections only and can be affected by actual earnings from our foreign subsidiaries located in China and Canada versus annual projections; changes in the foreign exchange rates associated with our operations located in China in relation to the U.S. dollar; the timing of when we will repatriate earnings and profits from China; and the timing of when significant capital projects will be placed into service, which determines the deductibility of accelerated depreciation.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, we currently do not expect to incur any income taxes in the U.S. on a cash basis during fiscal 2024 due to (i) the immediate expensing of U.S. capital expenditures, and (ii) our existing U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards. In accordance with the TCJA, we will be required to pay annual U.S. federal transition tax payments as follows: FY 2024 - $499,000; FY 2025- $665,000; and FY 2026 - $831,000.\n\n\n2022 compared with 2021\n\n\nFor a comparison of our results of operations for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021, see \u201cPart II, Item 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2022, filed with the SEC on July 15, 2022.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLiquidity and Capital Resources\n\n\nOverall\n\n\nCurrently, our sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents (\"cash\"), cash flow from operations, and amounts available under our revolving credit lines. As of April 30, 2023, we believe our cash of $21.0 million, cash flow from operations, and the current availability under our revolving credit lines totaling $32.6 million (Refer to Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements for further details) will be sufficient to fund our foreseeable business needs, capital expenditures, commitments, and contractual obligations.\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, our cash totaled $21.0 million, an increase of $5.4 million compared with $14.6 million as of May 1, 2022. The increase in cash was mostly due to (i) net cash provided by operating activities totaling $7.8 million and (ii) proceeds totaling $2.1 million from the sale of investments associated with our rabbi trust that sets aside funds for our deferred compensation plan, partially offset by (iii) capital expenditures of $2.1 million and (iv) contributions totaling $1.2 million to our rabbi trust.\n\n\nOur net cash provided by operating activities was $7.8 million during fiscal 2023, an increase of $25.2 million compared with net cash used in operating activities of $(17.4) million during fiscal 2022. This trend mostly reflects (i) a reduction of inventory related to the significant decline in net sales, improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends, and promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory; (ii) an abnormally high decrease in accounts payable due to the COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which decrease did not recur during fiscal 2023; (iii) annual incentive payments made during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 that did not recur during fiscal 2023, partially offset by (iv) an abnormally high decrease in accounts receivable due to COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which decrease did not recur during fiscal 2023, and (v) a decrease in net cash earnings during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings under our lines of credit.\n \n\n\n40\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe income taxes we pay also affect our liquidity. See the above section titled \u201c\nIncome Taxes Paid\n\u201d of this Item 7 \u2013 MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION for further details.\n\n\nOur cash may be adversely affected by factors beyond our control, such as (i) customer demand trends, (ii) supply chain disruptions, (iii) rising interest rates and inflation, (iv) world events (including the Russian-Ukraine war), and (v) the continuing uncertainty associated with COVID-19. These factors could cause delays in receipt of payment on accounts receivable and could increase cash disbursements due to rising prices.\n\n\nBy Geographic Area\n\n\nA summary of our cash by geographic area follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nApril 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 1,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(dollars in thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnited States\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,769\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,430\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChina\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,669\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,502\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCanada\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n281\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n267\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHaiti\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n236\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n341\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCayman Islands\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n20,964\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14,550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDividend Program\n\n\nOn June 29, 2022, our board of directors announced the decision to suspend the company's quarterly cash dividend. We believed that preserving capital and managing our liquidity during fiscal 2023 was in the company\u2019s best interest to support future growth and the long-term interests of our shareholders. Accordingly, we did not make any dividend payments during fiscal 2023.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, dividend payments totaled $5.5 million, which represented quarterly dividend payments ranging from $0.11 share to $0.115.\n\n\nOur board of directors has sole authority to determine if and when we will declare future dividends, and on what terms. We will continue to reassess our dividend policy each quarter. Future dividend payments will depend on earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, excess availability under our lines of credit, market and economic conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.\n\n\nCommon Stock Repurchases\n\n\nIn March 2020, our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock. Under the common stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, block trades, through plans established under the Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1, or otherwise. The number of shares purchased and the timing of share purchases are based on working capital requirements, market and general business conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we did not purchase any shares of common stock. As a result, as of April 30, 2023, $3.2 million is available for additional repurchases of our common stock. Despite the current share repurchase authorizations, the company does not expect to repurchase any shares through at least the first quarter of fiscal 2024.\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, we repurchased 121,688 shares of our common stock at a cost of $1.8 million.\n \n\n\nWorking Capital\n\n\nOperating Working Capital\n\n\nOperating working capital (accounts receivable and inventories, less deferred revenue, accounts payable-trade, and accounts payable-capital expenditures) was $39.2 million as of April 30, 2023, compared with $67.7 million as of May 1, 2022. Operating working capital turnover was 4.6 during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with 5.2 during the fourth quarter fiscal 2022. The decrease in working capital was mostly due to the significant decrease in inventory during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022, as described in the Inventory\n \nsection below.\n \n\n\n41\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccounts Receivable\n\n\nAccounts receivable as of April 30, 2023, were $24.8 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 11.5%, compared with $22.2 million as of May 1, 2022. This trend reflects an increase in net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $61.4 million, an increase of $4.5 million, or 7.9%, compared with net sales of $56.9 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The increase in net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022 is primarily due to the COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which shutdowns did not recur during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.\n\n\nDays\u2019 sales outstanding were 35 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.\n\n\nInventory\n\n\nInventories as of April 30, 2023, were $45.1 million, a decrease of $21.5 million, or 32.3%, compared with $66.6 million as of May 1, 2022. This trend reflects (i) a decline in inventory purchases reflecting a 20.3% decrease in net sales during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022; (ii) a $5.8 million non-cash inventory charge recorded during fiscal 2023, which includes a $2.9 million impairment charge associated with our mattress fabrics segment, $2.8 million of markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory, and $98,000 that was associated with the loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit from our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China; (iii) improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends; and (iv) promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory, partially offset by (v) higher raw material, labor, and overhead costs stemming from inflationary pressures.\n \n\n\nInventory turns were 4.7 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, compared with 3.1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.\n\n\nAccounts Payable\n\n\nAccounts payable - trade were $29.4 million as of April 30, 2023, an increase of $9.3 million, or 46.5%, compared with $20.1 million as of May 1, 2022. This increase in accounts payable - trade is primarily due to the COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which shutdowns did not recur during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\nFinancing Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies, and Contractual Obligations\n\n\nRevolving Credit Agreements\n\n\nCurrently, we have revolving credit agreements with banks for our U.S. parent company and our operations located in China.\n \n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we did not have any outstanding borrowings associated with our revolving credit agreements.\n\n\nOur loan agreements require, among other things, that we maintain compliance with certain financial covenants. As of April 30, 2023, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.\n\n\nRefer to Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements for further disclosure regarding our revolving credit agreements.\n\n\nLeases\n \n\n\nRefer to Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements for disclosure of our lease obligations, which includes a five-year maturity schedule.\n\n\nCapital Expenditures\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, we had total amounts due regarding capital expenditures totaling $56,000 and $473,000, respectively, which pertained to outstanding vendor invoices, none of which were financed.\n \n\n\nUncertain Income Tax Positions\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we had $1.2 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, which primarily relate to double taxation under applicable income tax treaties with foreign tax jurisdictions. The outcome of these income tax uncertainties is dependent upon various matters including tax examinations, legal proceedings, competent authority proceedings, changes in regulatory tax laws, or interpretations of those tax laws, or expiration of statutes of limitation. As a result of these inherent uncertainties, we cannot reasonably estimate the timing of payment on this amount, if any.\n\n\n42\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCapital Expenditures and Depreciation Expense\n\n\nCapital expenditures on a cash basis were $2.1 million during fiscal 2023, compared with $5.7 million during fiscal 2022. Capital spending during fiscal 2023 primarily related to our mattress fabrics segment, and decreased compared with fiscal 2022 as a result of our concerted effort to conserve cash and reduce capital spending due to current and expected macroeconomic conditions.\n \n\n\nDepreciation expense was $6.8 million during fiscal 2023, compared with $7.0 million during fiscal 2022. Depreciation expense for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 mostly related to our mattress fabrics segment.\n\n\nFor fiscal 2024, cash capital expenditures are still expected to focus primarily on maintenance level capital spending centered on our mattress fabrics segment, but are expected to increase modestly as compared to fiscal 2023. Funding for capital expenditures is expected to be primarily from cash provided by operating activities.\n\n\nHandling Costs\n\n\nWe record warehousing costs in SG&A expenses. These costs were $4.2 million during fiscal 2023 and $4.3 million during fiscal 2022. Warehousing costs include the operating expenses of our various finished goods distribution centers, such as personnel costs, utilities, building rent and material handling equipment, and lease expense. Had these costs been included in cost of sales, gross profit would have been $6.7 million, or 2.8% of net sales, during fiscal 2023, and $31.8 million, or 10.8% of net sales, during fiscal 2022.\n\n\nInflation\n\n\nAny significant increase in our raw material costs, utility/energy costs, and general economic inflation could have a material adverse impact on the company, because competitive conditions have limited our ability to pass significant operating increases on to customers.\n \n\n\nNear the end of fiscal 2021, our raw material costs began to escalate primarily due to rising oil prices, a higher demand environment, and labor shortages. These pressures continued during fiscal 2022, with further increases in raw material costs, particularly during the second half of the year. While the cost of raw materials began to decline during the first half of fiscal 2023 year due to lower oil prices and slowing global demand, the higher costs and lower availability of labor remained challenging throughout the year.\n\n\nInflationary pressures also affected consumer spending during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023, causing a slowdown in business in the mattress industry and residential home furnishings industry. This slowdown caused reduced demand for our mattress and residential upholstery fabrics products during this period.\n\n\nCritical Accounting Estimates\n\n\nU.S. generally accepted accounting principles require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our estimates are based on (i) currently known facts and circumstances, (ii) prior experience, (iii) assessments of probability, (iv) forecasted financial information, and (v) assumptions that management believes to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. We use our best judgment when measuring these estimates, and if warranted, use external advice. Due to the uncertain and unpredictable nature of our estimates, actual results could differ from the estimates that were previously reported in our consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we believe the following list represents our critical accounting estimates that have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. For a discussion of all our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nInventory Valuation\n\n\nWe operate as a \u201cmake-to-order\u201d and \u201cmake-to-stock\u201d business. Although management closely monitors demand for each product category to decide which patterns and styles to hold in inventory, the availability of low-cost imported products and shifts in consumer preferences and styles subject the company to markdowns of inventory.\n\n\nManagement continually examines inventory to determine if there are indicators that the carrying value exceeds its net realizable value. Historical experience has shown that the most significant indicator that would require inventory markdowns is the age of the inventory and the planned discontinuance of certain fabric patterns. As a result, we provide inventory valuation markdowns based upon set percentages for inventory aging categories of six, nine, twelve, and fifteen-months that are determined based on historical experience and judgment. Also, we provide inventory valuation write-downs based on the planned discontinuation of certain products based on current market values at the time of assessment compared with their current carrying values. While management believes that adequate markdowns for inventory have been made in the consolidated financial statements, significant unanticipated changes in demand or changes in consumer tastes and preferences could result in additional inventory markdowns in the future.\n\n\n43\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, the reserve for inventory markdowns was $11.8 million and $7.3 million, respectively.\n\n\nRefer to Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures regarding our assessments and conclusions reached regarding substantial losses resulting from the subsequent measurement of inventory.\n\n\nIncome Taxes \u2013 Valuation Allowance\n\n\nWe evaluate the realizability of our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. We are required to assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a \u201cmore-likely-than-not\u201d standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since the company operates in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, considering the effects of local tax law.\n\n\nTo determine if a valuation allowance is required or needs to be subsequently reversed, we use significant judgment when considering the effect of all positive and negative evidence identified and giving weight to that evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence is based on the extent to which it can be objectively verified. Our judgments are often based on estimates that are derived from (i) forecasted financial information, (ii) assumptions on when certain taxable or deductible events will occur, and (iii) interpretation of complex income tax laws and regulations.\n\n\nAs of April 30, 2023, we recorded a full valuation allowance against all our U.S. net deferred income tax assets totaling $18.7 million.\n \n\n\nRefer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures regarding our assessments and conclusions reached regarding our valuation allowance as of April 30, 2023.\n\n\nStock-Based Compensation\n \n\n\nWe are required to recognize compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards in the financial statements, with the cost measured at the grant date fair value.\n \n\n\nCompensation expense for performance-based restricted stock units is recognized based on an assessment each reporting period of the probability of whether or not certain performance targets will be met and how many shares are expected to be earned as of the end of the vesting period. If certain targets are not expected to be achieved, compensation expense will not be recorded, and any previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed. Determining the probability of the vesting of our performance-based restricted stock units requires judgment, including assumptions used to forecast future financial results. While our forecasts of future financial results represent management\u2019s best estimates, these involve inherent uncertainties. As a result, if we revised our assumptions and estimates during the vesting period, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different than previously expected.\n\n\nWe estimate the fair value of our performance-based restricted stock units that have a market condition using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The Monte Carlo valuation model incorporates inputs and complex assumptions that include (i) the closing price of our common stock at the respective grant date, (ii) expected volatility of our common stock, (iii) expected volatility and correlation coefficient of our peer companies that are approved by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors, (iv) risk-free interest rate, and (v) dividend yield. The determination of the inputs and complex assumptions used, and the application of the Monte Carlo valuation model, requires significant judgment by management and advice from an external advisor.\n\n\nWe recorded $1.1 million, $1.1 million, and $1.3 million of compensation expense within selling, general, and administrative expense for our equity-based awards in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n\n\nAdoption of New Accounting Pronouncements\n\n\nRefer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for recently adopted accounting pronouncements for fiscal 2023.\n\n\nRecently Issued Accounting Standards\n\n\nRefer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for recently issued accounting pronouncements for fiscal 2024 and beyond.\n\n\n44\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND\n QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES\n\n\nABOUT MARKET RISK\n\n\nInterest Rates\n\n\nWe are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on our revolving credit agreements.\n\n\nEffective January 19, 2023, we entered into a second amended and restated U.S. revolving credit agreement (the \"Amended Agreement\") to establish an asset-based revolving credit facility that required interest to be charged at a rate (applicable interest rate of 6.3% as of April 30, 2023) calculated using an applicable margin over Federal Reserve Bank of New York's secured overnight fund rate (SOFR), as defined in the Amended Agreement. As of April 30, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Amended Agreement.\n\n\nOur revolving credit line associated with our operations located in China bears interest at a rate determined by the Chinese government at the time of borrowing. As of April 30, 2023, there were no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit agreement associated with our operations located in China.\n\n\nForeign Currency\n\n\nWe are exposed to market risk from changes in the value of foreign currencies for our subsidiaries domiciled in Canada and China. We try to maintain a natural hedge by keeping a balance of our assets and liabilities denominated in the local currency of our subsidiaries domiciled in Canada and China. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to continually maintain this natural hedge. Our foreign subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. A substantial portion of the company\u2019s imports purchased outside the U.S. are denominated in U.S. dollars. A 10% change in the above exchange rates as of April 30, 2023, would not have materially affected our results of operations or financial position.\n\n\n45\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "cik": "723603",
+ "cusip6": "230215",
+ "cusip": ["230215105"],
+ "names": ["CULP INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723603/000095017023032929/0000950170-23-032929-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032988.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032988.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..723851f20d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-032988.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1.\n \nBusiness\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms \u201cPaychex,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cus,\u201d \u201cour\u201d and the \u201cCompany\u201d refer to Paychex, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOverview\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are a leading provider of human capital management (\u201cHCM\u201d) solutions for human resources (\u201cHR\u201d), payroll, benefits, and insurance for small- to medium-sized businesses and their employees across the U.S. and parts of Europe. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of HCM technology and HR advisory solutions that help our clients navigate the evolving challenges of HR.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPaychex was incorporated in Delaware in 1979 and has a fiscal year that ends May 31st. We maintain our corporate headquarters in Rochester, New York, and serve clients throughout the U.S. and parts of Europe. As of May 31, 2023, we served approximately 740,000 payroll and PEO clients.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor any organization, a key function is effective HCM, which requires both resources and expertise. Organizations are faced with complex and ever-changing requirements, including diverse and complicated federal, state, and local regulations across multiple jurisdictions. In addition, the workplace is rapidly changing as employees increasingly become mobile, work remotely, and expect a user experience similar to consumer-oriented applications. We specialize in helping small- to medium-sized businesses who do not have the resources or expertise to adapt to the constantly evolving environment.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPaychex offers a wide range of solutions \u2013 including HR outsourcing, HCM technology, payroll processing, retirement and insurance solutions \u2013 allowing us to customize our offering to the client's business, whether it is small or large, simple or complex. We believe that we have the breadth of solutions to cover the spectrum of the employee life cycle, but we also allow integration with some of the most popular HR, accounting, point-of-sale, and productivity applications on the market today.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur comprehensive solutions allow our clients to manage their workforces effectively from hire to retire. We provide leading-edge HCM technology, coupled with human expertise, to make complex HR, payroll, and benefits issues simple for our clients. The key features of our solutions are:\n\n\n\u2022\nComprehensive cloud-based platform optimized to meet the HR and payroll needs of small- and medium-sized organizations;\n\n\n\u2022\nStreamlined workforce management that combines technology with flexible support options;\n\n\n\u2022\nModern, mobile, and intuitive user experience and self-service capabilities;\n\n\n\u2022\nScalable and customizable platform that allows clients the ability to add services as they grow;\n\n\n\u2022\nSoftware as a service, or \u201cSaaS\u201d, delivery model that reduces total cost of ownership for our clients; and \n\n\n\u2022\nExpertise in HR and payroll with our technology backed by over 250 compliance experts and approximately 700 HR business professionals.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe market our solutions through our direct and virtual sales forces which are supported by various corporate lead generation and marketing initiatives. Over 50% of our revenues are gained from our services beyond payroll processing.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCompany Strategy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur strategy is to be the leading provider of HCM solutions for HR, payroll, benefits, and insurance by being an essential partner to small- and medium-sized businesses. We believe that successfully executing this strategy will lead to strong, long-term financial performance. We intend to strengthen and extend our position as a leading provider through continued investments in both our innovative technology and HR advisory solutions. Key elements of our strategy include:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nProviding industry-leading, integrated technology\n. \nWe continue to invest significantly in our proprietary, award-winning Paychex Flex\n\u00ae\n platform and mobility applications to maximize efficiency and functionality for our clients and their employees. \n\n\n\u2022\nDelivering superior client experiences.\n \nOur flexible and technology-enabled service model allows us to provide a personalized experience for our clients and their employees. We continue to invest in artificial intelligence (\"AI\") and self-service capabilities to allow clients and their employees easy, intuitive, and flexible service how, when, and where they want it. \n\n\n3\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nExpanding our leadership in HR.\n We have a comprehensive suite of value-added HR solutions for our clients and their employees. Our solutions include industry leading HR technology with comprehensive HR outsourcing delivered by approximately 700 HR business professionals. Our unique combination of industry leading HR technology and HR advisory solutions sets us apart in the industry. \n\n\n\u2022\nGrowing our client base.\n We believe we operate in a significantly under-penetrated and growing market, with untapped potential to expand within our current target markets. We have made substantial investments in new demand generation and sales tools and expanding certain areas of our sales force. We continue to focus on sales productivity with the intent of increasing our market share across all our solutions.\n\n\n\u2022\nEngaging in strategic acquisitions\n.\n We utilize acquisitions, when appropriate, as a means to expand our portfolio, enter new markets or increase our scale. We will continue to evaluate and monitor potential acquisitions and target acquisitions that are in alignment with our overall strategy.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur Solutions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur solutions bring together payroll and HCM software with HR and compliance expertise, along with flexible, personalized, and technology-enabled support capabilities. Clients have the option of doing payroll online using our SaaS technology, outsourcing to our payroll specialists, or using a combination of these methods. Payroll is integrated with HCM software modules for clients who have more complex HR needs. We also provide comprehensive HR outsourcing through our administrative services organization (\u201cASO\u201d) and PEO solutions. The integration of leading-edge technology and flexible support options allows us to meet our clients\u2019 needs how, when, and where they want.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe closely monitor the evolving challenges and needs of small- and medium-sized businesses, and proactively aid our clients in navigating macroeconomic challenges, legislative changes, and other complexities they face. In the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023 (\u201cfiscal 2023\u201d), top challenges for employers were macroeconomic pressures including inflation and interest rates, maintaining sufficient staffing levels, providing appropriate employee development, keeping technology current, and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe provide a unique blend of innovative technology solutions, backed by our extensive compliance and HR expertise, that help customers more effectively hire, engage, train, and retain top talent in this challenging workforce environment. As businesses operate in a tight labor market, having an online portal for employee self-service that is intuitive and easy-to-use helps increase employee retention and efficiency for our customers. We continue to invest in our technology, enhancing our solutions to continuously improve the customer and employee experiences from hiring and onboarding through employee retention.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHCM Technology:\n \nPaychex Flex is our proprietary HCM SaaS platform that provides seamless workforce management throughout the employee life cycle from recruiting and hiring to retirement through an integrated suite of solutions including recruiting, onboarding, HR, time and attendance and employee benefits. It utilizes a single cloud-based platform, with single client and employee records. Clients can select the modules they need and easily customize solutions as they grow. In addition, Paychex Flex presents function-focused analytics throughout the platform, providing HR leaders with data to make more informed business decisions. Paychex Flex uses a device-independent design throughout the HCM suite, which allows full functionality of all application components, regardless of device or screen size. We believe our Paychex mobile solutions add greater value and convenience for our clients and their employees by allowing them instant access on their mobile device, and we have experienced strong growth in mobile and self-service usage over the past year.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHR and Compliance Expertise:\n Paychex supports its HCM software solutions with 50+ years of experience. We have approximately 700 HR business professionals who are dedicated to our clients and have the experience and training to provide HR best practices and advice. Our HR business partners are available to provide our ASO and PEO clients with specific guidance on HR issues. In addition, we have over 250 compliance professionals who are in real-time contact with tax agencies and regulators to understand upcoming or newly enacted laws and regulations and advocate for our clients\u2019 interests. The contributions of these compliance experts are intended to ensure that our HCM solutions are updated timely to adhere to regulations and to help our clients stay in compliance.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTechnology-Enabled Client Service:\n Paychex Flex also provides technology-enabled service with options that include self-service, a 24/7 dedicated service center, an individual payroll specialist, and integrated service via a multi-product service center. In addition, medium-sized clients can utilize a relationship manager for more personalized service. This flexible platform services our small- to medium-sized clients and a portion of our PEO business.\n \n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWithin Paychex Flex, we leverage embedded AI to assist our clients. Our Paychex Flex Intelligence Engine allows individual preference on learning style - via written how-to-documents, tutorial-style video vignettes, or a guided interactive tour. The Paychex Flex Intelligence Engine also includes the Flex Assistant, a customer service chatbot that can answer questions across thousands of topics and provides access to over 1,200 instructional resources. At any time, a live Paychex agent is just a click away, with the entire chat conversation available in real-time to provide a more personalized service experience. The Flex Assistant consistently handles nearly two-thirds of questions that would otherwise reach a payroll/HR functionary or a customer service representative, with high satisfaction scores.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe platform embeds self-service capabilities that empower client employees to manage their HR and benefits information from any location, on any device. These self-service capabilities allow for greater access and convenience for client employees and greater productivity for clients.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur Clients\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPaychex has HR solutions to fit the needs of any small- to medium-sized business, from do-it-yourself payroll to comprehensive HR outsourcing. The target market for our integrated HCM solutions is small- to medium-sized businesses. Within this space, we serve a diverse client base operating in a broad range of industries throughout the U.S. and parts of Europe. The flexibility and scalability of our solutions allow our clients to select the best solution that meets their needs. We utilize service agreements and arrangements with clients that generally do not contain specified contract periods and may be terminated by either party with 30-days notice of termination. We believe client retention is a useful indicator of client satisfaction with our solutions and support. For fiscal 2023, client retention was in the range of 82% to 83% of our beginning client base.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe support our small-business clients, reducing the complexity and risk of running their own payroll, while ensuring greater accuracy with up-to-date tax rates and regulatory information. We simplify their payroll with a combination of our solutions and customer support options for a quick and easy payday. Clients may choose to have our service team handle everything for them, or process payroll themselves utilizing our proprietary, robust SaaS Paychex Flex platform and our SurePayroll\n\u00ae\n SaaS-based solutions. Both solutions allow users to process payroll when they want, how they want, and on any device (desktop, tablet, and mobile phone).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWhile Paychex Flex is our primary SaaS-based platform utilized by the majority of our clients for their HCM needs, there are some clients that use other platforms, including SurePayroll clients, and certain PEO clients.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBoth our small- and medium-sized clients can choose one of our comprehensive HR outsourcing services, which include ASO and PEO solutions, and participate in our benefits offerings, which include our insurance and retirement services. Our insurance services simplify the insurance process to make it easy to find plans with the features and affordability to meet the client\u2019s needs. Our retirement services solutions offer many plan design options to meet the client\u2019s requirements, as well as investment options.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDescription of Solutions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWithin our HCM solutions we offer a comprehensive portfolio of HCM technology and HR advisory solutions that allow our clients to meet their diverse HR and payroll needs. Clients can select solutions on an \u00e1 la carte basis or as part of various solution bundles. Our offerings often leverage the information gathered in our base payroll processing service, allowing us to provide comprehensive outsourcing services covering the HCM spectrum.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur portfolio of solutions is comprised of the following:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nManagement Solutions:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nPayroll processing solutions:\n Our payroll processing solutions include the calculation, preparation, and delivery of employee payroll checks; production of internal accounting records and management reports; preparation of federal, state, and local payroll tax returns; and collection and remittance of clients\u2019 payroll obligations.\n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nPayroll tax administration solutions:\n Payroll tax administration solutions provide for accurate preparation and timely filing of quarterly and year-end tax returns, as well as the electronic transfer of funds to the applicable federal, state, and local tax or regulatory agencies. In connection with these services, we electronically collect payroll taxes from clients\u2019 bank accounts, typically on payday, prepare and file the applicable tax returns, and remit taxes to the applicable tax or regulatory agencies on the respective due dates. These taxes are typically paid between one and 30 days after receipt of collections from clients, with some items extending up to 90 days. We handle regulatory correspondence, amendments, and penalty and interest disputes.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nEmployee payment solutions:\n Our employee payment solutions provide an employer the option of paying their employees by direct deposit, payroll debit card, a check drawn on a Paychex account (Readychex\n\u00ae\n), or a check drawn on the employer\u2019s account and electronically signed by us. For each of the first three methods, we electronically collect net payroll from the clients\u2019 bank accounts, typically one business day before payday, and provide payment to the employees on payday. Our Readychex solution provides a cost-effective solution that offers the benefit of convenient, one-step payroll account reconciliation for employers.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe also allow employers to opt for more flexible pay options. Same day ACH functionality is also available for clients using direct deposit, allowing employers the flexibility to pay employees via direct deposit on the same day they initiate payroll. In addition, we are giving business owners the ability to leverage real-time payments to process payroll and deliver net pay to their employees immediately for time worked. Pay-on-demand functionality enables an employee to request access to a portion of earned pay before the scheduled pay date, which is deposited into a traditional bank account or a third-party account.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nRegulatory compliance solutions:\n We offer new-hire reporting solutions, which enable clients to comply with federal and state requirements to report information on newly hired employees. This information aids the government in enforcing child support orders and minimizes fraudulent unemployment and workers\u2019 compensation insurance claims. Our garnishment processing solution provides deductions from employees\u2019 pay, forwards payments to third-party agencies, including those that require electronic payments, and tracks the obligations to fulfillment. These solutions enable employers to comply with legal requirements and reduce the risk of penalties. We also offer comprehensive solutions to help employers and employees with certain mandates under the Affordable Care Act (\u201cACA\u201d), which sets forth specific coverage and reporting requirements that employers must meet. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nHR solutions:\n Our ASO offers businesses a combined package that includes payroll, employer compliance, HR and employee benefits administration, risk management outsourcing, and both virtual and on-site availability of a professionally trained HR representative, among other services. Paychex HR Essentials is a lower touch solution that provides support to our clients over the phone or online to help manage employee-related topics. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nRetirement solutions administration: \nOur retirement solutions line offers a variety of options to employers, including 401(k) plans, 401(k) SIMPLE plans, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k) plans with safe harbor provisions, owner-only 401(k) plans, Pooled Employer Plans, profit sharing plans, and money purchase plans. These solutions provide plan implementation, ongoing compliance with government regulations, employee and employer reporting, participant and employer online access, electronic funds transfer, and other administrative services. Auto enrollment is an optional plan feature that allows employers to automatically enroll employees in their company\u2019s 401(k) plan and increase overall plan participation. Clients may choose from a group of pre-defined fund selections or customize their investment options within their plan. We are the largest 401(k) recordkeeper for small businesses in the U.S. Our large-market retirement services include relationships with financial advisors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nHR administration solutions:\n We offer cloud-based HR administration software solutions for employee benefits management and administration, time and attendance reporting, recruiting, and onboarding. These services include: \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nPaychex HR Online offers powerful tools for managing employee personnel information, performance management, HR compliance and reporting. Our Learning Management solution complements our performance management tool. When combined with our workflow and approval engine, we offer businesses the flexibility to capture ongoing performance feedback, recommend and enroll employees in specific training courses, and leverage automated workflows to track progress and approve compensation changes tied to performance.\n\n\n\u2022\nDigital communication solutions, including Paychex Flex HR Connect and HR Conversations, which helps strengthen connections and keep workers engaged no matter their work location. Paychex Flex HR Connect \n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nprovides the ability to digitally submit questions, requests, and incident reports directly to HR through an easy-to-use workflow. HR Conversations enables managers and HR leaders to initiate communications with employees, and enhancements to performance assessments allow for 360-degree feedback digitally within the tool.\n\n\n\u2022\nBenefits administration software solution that manages the employee-benefit enrollment process for both open-enrollment and life events. \n\n\n\u2022\nTime and attendance solutions, including our integrated Paychex Flex Time software, provide timekeeping, scheduling, and workforce analytics. The InVision\nTM\n IRIS Time Clock, a biometric clock that scans the iris, provides fast and accurate time capture. Paychex Flex Time also works with wearable technology to allow for employees to clock in and out using their smartwatch.\n\n\n\u2022\nApplicant tracking suite provides technology solutions that streamline, simplify, and drive the applicant workflow and onboarding process for companies of all sizes. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nOther HR solutions and support:\n We offer the outsourcing of plan administration under section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, allowing employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health insurance benefits and health and dependent care expenses not covered by insurance. All required implementation, administration, compliance, claims processing and reimbursement, and coverage tests are provided with these services. We offer state unemployment insurance solutions, which provide clients with prompt processing for all claims, appeals, determinations, change statements, and requests for separation documents. \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nBusiness services:\n We offer various business solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. Our wholly owned subsidiary, Paychex Advance, LLC, provides a portfolio of solutions to the temporary staffing industry, including payroll funding (via the purchase of accounts receivable) and outsourcing services, which include payroll processing, invoicing, and tax preparation. Employee Retention Tax Credit Service, which proactively helps businesses retroactively identify tax credits available under the COVID-19 Cares Act, based on wages already paid, and file amended returns to claim the credit. In addition, through partnerships with third-party providers, we provide clients opportunities for solutions such as payment processing services, financial programs, and a small-business loan resource center.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPEO and Insurance Solutions:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nPEO solutions:\n Our licensed PEO subsidiaries offer businesses a combined package that includes payroll, employer compliance, HR and employee benefits administration, risk management outsourcing, and both virtual and on-site availability of a professionally trained HR representative, among other services. What differentiates our PEO solutions from our ASO solutions is that we serve as a co-employer of our clients\u2019 employees and assume the risks and rewards of certain workers\u2019 compensation insurance and certain health insurance offerings. We are certified under the Small Business Efficiency Act to provide PEO solutions. We offer the PEO Protection Plus Package, which helps business owners protect their bottom line from unforeseen costs, including cyberattacks and employee lawsuits, as exposure to these risks rapidly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic concerns.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nInsurance solutions: \nOur licensed insurance agency, Paychex Insurance Agency, Inc., provides insurance through a variety of carriers, allowing employers to expand their employee benefit and corporate offerings at an affordable cost. Insurance offerings include property and casualty coverage such as workers\u2019 compensation, business-owner policies, cybersecurity protection, commercial auto, and health and benefits coverage, including health, dental, vision, and life. Our insurance solutions simplify the insurance process to make it easy to find plans with the features and affordability to meet the client\u2019s needs. With access to numerous top national and regional insurance carriers, our professional insurance agents have access to a wide selection of plans from which they can best match the insurance needs of small businesses. Additionally, clients have the option to integrate their insurance plans with Paychex payroll processing for easy, accurate plan administration.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSales and Marketing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe market and sell our solutions and support primarily through our direct sales force based in the markets we serve. Our direct sales force includes sales representatives who have defined geographical territories and specialize within our portfolio of solutions. Our sales representatives are also supported by marketing, advertising, public relations, trade shows, and telemarketing programs. Our virtual sales force manages inbound sales leads for the under twenty employee space, sales in areas without a direct sales force presence, and sales of various ancillary solutions.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition to our direct selling and marketing efforts, we utilize other indirect sales channels such as our relationships with existing clients, certified public accountants (\u201cCPAs\u201d), and banks for new client referrals. More than 50% of our new small-market payroll clients (excluding business acquisitions) come from these referral sources. Our dedicated business development group drives sales through banking, national associations, and franchise channels. We also utilize digital marketing as a means to market our services.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have a long-standing partnership with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (\u201cAICPA\u201d) as the preferred payroll provider for its AICPA Business Solutions\nTM\n Program. Our current partnership agreement with the AICPA is in place through September 2025. We also partner with numerous state CPA society organizations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur website is available at www.paychex.com. It is a cost-efficient channel that serves as a source of leads and new sales, while complementing the efforts of our direct and virtual sales forces. The website allows us to market to existing and prospective clients that want to learn more about our solutions and support, and offers information about our core lines of business: human resources (www.paychex.com/human-resources), payroll (www.paychex.com/payroll), benefits (www.paychex.com/employee-benefits), and insurance (www.paychex.com/business-insurance).\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPaychex also builds on its reputation as an expert in the HCM industry by providing education and assistance primarily to businesses and the CPA community. We provide free webinars, podcasts, white papers, and other information on our website to inform businesses on the impact of regulatory change as well as HR and business best practices. Paychex WORX, available at www.paychex.com/worx, is a digital destination for insightful resources useful for businesses at every stage, from entrepreneur to enterprise. Paychex WORX highlights our expertise and ability to help businesses of all sizes with a wide range of HR and financial information for current clients and prospects alike.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe also track current regulatory issues that impact the business community and provide regulatory updates. We issue small business trend reports through our Paychex | IHS Markit Small Business Employment Watch. Our Paychex Accountant Knowledge Center is a free online resource available through our website that brings valuable information and time-saving online tools to accounting professionals. Through Paychex Flex, AccountantHQ offers access to authorized client payroll and HR data and key account contacts, along with an extensive accountant resource library. AccountantHQ drives efficiency by putting accountants in the best position possible to easily access critical client payroll and HR data, as well as powerful reporting tools.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarkets and Competition\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe remain focused on servicing small- to medium-sized businesses based upon the growth potential that we believe exists in the markets we serve. Our internal database source indicates that in the U.S., there are approximately 8 million employer firms in our target markets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe market for HCM services is highly competitive and fragmented. We have one primary national competitor and we also compete with other national, international, regional, local, and online service providers. In addition to traditional payroll processing and HR service providers, we compete with in-house payroll and HR systems and departments. Payroll and HR systems and software are sold by many vendors. Our solutions also compete with a variety of providers of HR services, such as retirement services companies, insurance companies, HR and benefits consulting firms, and national and regional PEOs.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCompetition in the payroll processing and HR services industry is primarily based on service responsiveness, product quality and reputation, including ease of use and accessibility of technology, breadth of service and product offerings, and price. We believe we are competitive in each of these areas. We believe that our leading-edge technology and mobility applications, combined with personalized support provided by industry professionals and our technology-enabled solution capabilities, distinguishes us from our competitors.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSoftware Maintenance and Development\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe ever-changing mandates of federal, state, and local tax and regulatory agencies require us to regularly update our proprietary software to provide payroll and HR services to our clients. We are continually engaged in developing enhancements to and maintaining our various software platforms to meet the changing requirements of our clients and the marketplace. We continue to enhance our SaaS solutions and mobility applications to offer our users an integrated and unified experience. Continued enhancement of the client and client employee experience is important to our future success.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHuman Capital\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe believe our ability to attract and retain qualified employees in all areas of our business is critical to our future success and growth. We strive to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (\u201cDE&I\u201d) workplace; attract, retain, and develop talented employees; and keep them safe. In fiscal 2023, we were a signatory to the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, the single largest business-led initiative to advance DE&I in the workplace. We also created a new DE&I leadership position to ensure that our efforts in building and sustaining a diverse culture of inclusion are realized.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor detailed information regarding our human capital activities, we encourage investors to visit our Corporate Responsibility website page at https://www.paychex.com/corporate/corporate-responsibility. We have also made our Environmental, Social and Governance (\u201cESG\u201d) report available on our website. The information contained on our website and in our ESG report is not and should not be viewed as being incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur Employees:\n As of May 31, 2023, we employed approximately 16,600 people, primarily in the U.S. and on a full-time basis. None of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced a strike or similar work stoppage, and we consider our relations with our employees to be good.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPaychex Culture\n: Our core cultural values (\u201cPaychex Values\u201d) are designed to guide decision making aligned to the expectations of clients, stockholders, regulators, employees, and the multiple communities in which we operate and to reflect our continuing commitment to DE&I. The Paychex Values are:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntegrity\n\n\nAccountability\n\n\nInnovation\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPartnership\n\n\nRespect\n\n\nService\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEach of these values guide our decision-making process and are critical to our ongoing success. All employees are required to verify their understanding and observance of these values during our annual \u201cRight Way\u201d training, review these values with management during periodic performance discussions, and are further encouraged to attend ongoing training during the year. Volunteer \u201cCulture Champions\u201d throughout the Company also help promote these values daily. We encourage employee feedback through our employee engagement surveys, as described below. This approach empowers our employees and allows us to make a positive impact in the communities we work and serve. As a result of our commitment to these principles, in 2023 we were recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the World\u2019s Most Ethical Companies. We have achieved this recognition 15 times, and consecutively since 2012. In addition, we were also recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Diversity for 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTalent Acquisition and Development:\n We compete for talent along with our direct competitors and other companies in the geographic areas we serve. We invest significant resources to attract and retain top talent. Our Talent Acquisition Team, in conjunction with certain third-party partners, have developed comprehensive processes to identify and recruit accomplished professionals.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOnce hired, our world-class Training Department provides functional training for payroll and HCM specialists and sales associates and also offers personal training, professional development, and leadership-development programs. As a result of our efforts, we have been recognized as one of the top training organizations in the world with a 2023 Training APEX Award presented by Training magazine. Paychex ranked number five on the prestigious list for the second year. This is also the Company's 22\nnd\n consecutive appearance on the list that identifies organizations that excel at training and employee development.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nComprehensive Compensation and Benefits: \nWe are committed to providing a fair wage and a total rewards package that allows our employees to be their best in every area of their lives.\n \nWe regularly review employee salaries to ensure we are competitive in the industry and offer financial benefits such as a 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance, scholarships for children of employees, and financial education. We are also committed to rewarding employees with comprehensive and competitive benefits and well-being package which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, employee assistance program, paid family leave, and a variety of well-being programs. For fiscal 2023, compensation-related expenses accounted for approximately 60% of our total expenses.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEmployee Well-being Initiatives: \nIn addition to providing a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees. Healthier employees are at lower risk of injury from workplace related exposures, perform work more safely with lower rates of absenteeism, experience better job performance, and can live their lives more fully outside of work. Our well-being program is a robust program focusing on the physical, emotional, community, career, and financial health of our employees.\n \n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur award-winning well-being initiatives offer a wide variety of services, tools, and resources that can help employees achieve their health goals using a holistic approach. In addition, we sponsor onsite health screenings, Red Cross blood donation events, flu vaccination clinics, vaping and tobacco cessation, weight management, resiliency training, meditation and yoga classes, and a variety of other programs. Similar to our Culture Champions, we also promote the use of \u201cWell-Being Champions\u201d - Paychex employees who serve as a liaison between the Employee Well-Being Program and their team members. Our employees\u2019 financial well-being is equally important, so we have developed programs for financial education and support. We maintain procedures for events such as fires, severe weather, medical emergencies, and active shooters, as well as other important information related to general workforce safety.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn recognizing the ever-growing diversity of our workplace, we annually celebrate Paychex Culture Day. This is an additional paid day off for employees to celebrate and recognize a holiday that is significant to them. This is just one of the many ways we celebrate our unique heritages, and it reflects our Company's commitment to DE&I and flexibility.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEmployee Engagement\n: We regularly ask our employees to share their views on working at Paychex through company-wide engagement surveys. Facilitated internally by our Human Resources Organizational Development Team, the survey methodology is periodically updated to reflect currents trends and issues including company direction and strategy, DE&I, individual development, collaboration, and our Paychex Values. A third-party administers the survey in order to maintain confidentiality of responses.\u202fWe use the survey responses to help inform management and assist in developing programs and policies that will maintain and promote Paychex Values.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIntellectual Property\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe own or license and use a number of trademarks, trade names, copyrights, service marks, trade secrets, computer programs and software, and other intellectual property rights. Collectively, our intellectual property rights are material to the conduct of our business. Where it is determined to be appropriate, we take measures to protect our intellectual property rights, including, but not limited to, confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements or policies with employees, vendors, and others; license agreements with licensees and licensors of intellectual property; and registration of certain trademarks. We believe that the \u201cPaychex\u201d name, trademark, and logo are of material importance to us.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeasonality\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThere is no significant seasonality to our business. However, during our third fiscal quarter, which ends in February, the number of new payroll clients, new retirement services clients, and new worksite employees associated with our ASO and PEO businesses tends to be higher than during the rest of the fiscal year, primarily because many businesses prefer to start using our services at the beginning of a calendar year. In addition, calendar year-end transaction processing and client funds activity are traditionally higher during our third fiscal quarter due to year-end bonus payments, additional year-end services, and the preparation and delivery of end-of year reporting requirements.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAvailable Information\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are subject to the informational and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the \u201cExchange Act\u201d). Therefore, we file periodic reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that includes our reports, proxy statements, and other information.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur corporate website, www.paychex.com, provides materials for investors and information about our services. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other SEC filings, as well as any amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are made available, free of charge, on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports have been filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into our Form 10-K. Also, copies of our Annual Report to Stockholders and Proxy Statement, to be issued in connection with our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, will be made available, free of charge, upon written request submitted to Paychex, Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, 911 Panorama Trail South, Rochester, New York 14625-2396.\n \n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. Risk Factors\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur future results of operations are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical and current results, and from our projections. The following risk factors represent our current view of some of the most important risks facing our business and are important to understanding our business. These are not the only risks we face. Additional factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may adversely affect, possibly to a material extent, our business, cash flows, financial condition, or results of operations in future periods. In addition, refer to the cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements at the beginning of Part I of this Form 10-K.\n\n\n \n\n\nBusiness and Operational Risks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may not be able to keep pace with changes in technology or provide timely enhancements to our solutions and support.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe market for our solutions is characterized by rapid technological advancements, changes in customer requirements, frequent new product introductions and enhancements, and changing industry standards. To maintain our growth strategy, we must adapt and respond to technological advances and technological requirements of our clients. Our future success will depend on our ability to: enhance our current solutions and introduce new solutions in order to keep pace with solutions offered by our competitors, including the successful utilization of artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions; enhance capabilities and increase the performance of our internal systems, particularly our systems that meet our clients\u2019 requirements; and adapt to technological advancements and changing industry standards. We continue to make significant investments related to the development of new technology. If our systems become outdated, it may negatively impact our ability to meet performance expectations related to quality, time to market, cost and innovation relative to our competitors. The failure to provide a more efficient and user-friendly customer-facing digital experience across internet and mobile platforms as well as in physical locations may adversely impact our business and operating results. There can be no assurance that our efforts to update and integrate systems will be successful. If we do not integrate and update our systems in a timely manner, or if our investments in technology fail to provide the expected results, there could be a material adverse effect to our business and results of operations. The failure to continually develop enhancements and use of technologies such as robotics and other workflow automation tools, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning may impact our ability to increase the efficiency of and reduce costs associated with operational risk management and compliance activities.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may experience software defects, undetected errors, and development delays, which could damage our relationship with clients, decrease our potential profitability and expose us to liability.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur solutions rely on software and computing systems that can encounter development delays, and the underlying software may contain undetected errors, viruses or defects. Defects in our solutions and errors or delays caused by our solutions could result in additional development costs, diversion of technical and other resources from our other development efforts, loss of credibility with current or potential clients, harm to our reputation and exposure to liability. In addition, we rely on technologies and software supplied by third parties that may also contain undetected errors, viruses or defects that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe could be subject to reduced revenues, increased costs, liability claims, or harm to our competitive position as a result of cyberattacks, security vulnerabilities or Internet disruptions.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe rely upon information technology (\u201cIT\u201d) networks, cloud-based platforms, and systems to process, transmit, and store\n \nelectronic information, and to support a variety of business processes, some of which are provided by third-party vendors. Cyberattacks and security threats are a\n \nrisk to our business and reputation. A cyberattack, unauthorized intrusion, malicious software infiltration, network disruption or outage, corruption of data, or theft\n \nof personal or other sensitive information, could have a material adverse effect on our business operations or that of our clients, result in liability or regulatory\n \nsanction, or cause harm to our business and reputation and result in a loss in confidence in our ability to serve clients all of which could have a material adverse\n \neffect on our business. The rapid speed of disruptive innovations involving cyberattacks, security vulnerabilities and Internet disruptions enabled by new and\n \nemerging technologies may outpace our organization's ability to compete and/or manage the risk appropriately. In addition, cybercriminals may seek to engage in payment-related fraud or by more frequently attempting to gain access to our systems\n \nthrough phishing or other means. Furthermore, security industry experts and government officials have warned about the risks of hackers and cyberattacks targeting IT products and businesses. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nData Security and Privacy Leaks\n: We collect, use, and retain increasingly large amounts of personal information about our clients, employees of our clients, and our employees, including: bank account, credit card, and social security numbers, tax return information, health care information, retirement account information, payroll information, system and network passwords, and other sensitive personal and business information. At the same time, the continued occurrence of high-profile cyber and ransomware attacks and data breaches provides evidence of an external environment increasingly hostile to information security. We may be particularly targeted for cyberattack because of the amount and type of personal and business information that we collect, use, and retain. Vulnerabilities, threats, and more sophisticated and targeted computer crimes pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks, and the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data. Furthermore, if any of our solutions contains a software vulnerability, the vulnerability may be exploited to obtain access to our data or our clients\u2019 data.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur service platforms enable our clients to store and process personal data on premises or, increasingly, in a cloud-based environment that we host. The security of our IT infrastructure is an important consideration in our customers\u2019 purchasing decisions. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems change frequently, are increasingly more complex and sophisticated and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we may be unable or fail to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate or timely preventative or responsive measures. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we are focused on ensuring that our operating environments safeguard and protect personal and business information. We may be required to invest significant additional resources to comply with evolving cybersecurity regulations and to modify and enhance our information security and controls, and to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities. While we have security systems and IT infrastructure in place designed to detect and protect against unauthorized access to such information, if our security measures are breached, either internally or externally, our business could be substantially harmed, and we could incur significant liabilities. Any such breach or unauthorized access could negatively affect our ability to attract new clients, cause existing clients to terminate their agreements with us, result in reputational damage, and subject us to lawsuits, regulatory fines, or other actions or liabilities which could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results. Third-parties, including vendors that provide services for our operations, could also be a source of security risk to us in the event of a failure of their own security systems and infrastructure.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nData Loss and Business Interruption:\n If our systems are disrupted or fail for any reason, including Internet or systems failure, or if our systems are infiltrated by unauthorized persons, both the Company and our clients could experience data loss, financial loss, harm to reputation, or significant business interruption. Hardware, applications, and services, including cloud-based services, that we develop or procure from third-party vendors may contain defects in design or other problems that could compromise the integrity and availability of our services. Any delays or failures caused by network outages, software or hardware failures, or other data processing disruptions, could result in our inability to provide services in a timely fashion or at all. The speed to closure of significant cybersecurity incidents may be influenced by the cooperation of governmental or law enforcement agencies. We may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by disruptions or security breaches in the future. Such events may expose us to unexpected liability, litigation, regulatory investigation and penalties, loss of clients\u2019 business, unfavorable impact to business reputation, and there could be a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn the event of a catastrophe, our business continuity plan may fail, which could result in the loss of client data and adversely interrupt operations.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur operations are dependent on our ability to protect our infrastructure against damage from catastrophe or natural disaster, unauthorized security breach, power loss, telecommunications failure, terrorist attack or act of war, public health emergency, pandemic, or other events that could have a significant disruptive effect on our operations. Climate-related weather disasters, including hurricanes, flooding, snowstorms, and severe rainstorms, could also threaten the business continuity of our operations. We have a business continuity plan in place in the event of system failure due to any of these events. Our business continuity plan has been tested in the past by circumstances of severe weather, including hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, and rainstorms and has been successful. However, these past successes are not an indicator of success in the future. If the business continuity plan is unsuccessful in a disaster recovery scenario, we could potentially lose client data or experience material adverse interruptions to our operations or delivery of services to our clients.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may be adversely impacted by any failure of third-party service providers to perform their functions.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs part of providing services to clients, we rely on a number of third-party service providers. Service providers include, but are not limited to, couriers used to deliver client payroll checks, banks used to electronically transfer funds from clients to their employees, and information technology vendors servicing cloud-based platforms. Failure by these service providers, for any reason, to deliver their services in a timely manner and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations could result in material interruptions to our operations, impact client relations, and result in significant penalties or liabilities to us.\n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may be exposed to additional risks related to our co-employment relationship within our PEO business.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMany federal and state laws that apply to the employer-employee relationship do not specifically address the obligations and responsibilities of the \u201cco-employment\u201d relationship within our PEO business. State and federal positions regarding co-employment relationships are in a constant state of flux and change with varying degrees of impact on our operations. We cannot predict when changes will occur or forecast whether any future changes will be favorable or unfavorable to our operations. There is a possibility that we may be subject to liability for violations of employment or discrimination laws by our clients and acts or omissions of client employees, who may be deemed to be our agents, even if we do not participate in any such acts or violations. Although our agreements with clients provide that they will indemnify us for any liability attributable to their own or their employees\u2019 conduct, we may not be able to effectively enforce or collect such contractual obligations. In addition, we could be subject to liabilities with respect to our employee benefit plans if it were determined that we are not the \u201cemployer\u201d under any applicable state or federal laws. Incurring additional liabilities related to our PEO business may adversely affect our results of operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may be adversely impacted by changes in health insurance and workers\u2019 compensation rates and underlying claims trends.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWithin our PEO business, we maintain health and workers\u2019 compensation insurance covering worksite employees. The insurance costs are impacted by claims experience and are a significant portion of our PEO costs. If we experience a sudden or unexpected increase in claims activity, our costs could increase. In addition, in the event of expiration or cancellation of existing contracts, we may not be able to secure replacement contracts on competitive terms, if at all. Also, as a co-employer in the PEO, we assume or share many of the employer-related responsibilities associated with health care reform, which may result in increased costs. Increases in costs not incorporated into service fees timely or fully could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Incorporating cost increases into service fees could also impact our ability to attract and retain clients.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe made and may continue to make acquisitions that involve numerous risks and uncertainties.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAcquisitions subject us to risks, including increased debt, assumption of unforeseen liabilities, and difficulties in integrating operations. Successful integration involves many challenges, including the difficulty of developing and marketing new solutions and support, our exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies, and the loss of key employees of an acquired business. The integration and conversion of our acquired operations or other future acquisitions, if any, could result in increased operating costs if the anticipated synergies of operating these businesses as one are not achieved, a loss of strategic opportunities if management is distracted by the integration process, and a loss of customers if our service levels drop during or following the integration process. In addition, an acquisition could adversely impact cash flows and/or operating results, and dilute stockholder interests, for many reasons, including charges to our income to reflect the impairment of acquired intangible assets including goodwill, interest costs and debt service requirements for any debt incurred in connection with an acquisition, and any issuance of securities in connection with an acquisition or new business venture that dilutes or lessens the rights of our current stockholders. If the integration of any or all of our acquisitions or future acquisitions is not successful, it could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and stock price.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFinancial Risks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur clients could have insufficient funds to cover payments we made on their behalf, resulting in financial loss to us.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs part of our payroll processing service, we are authorized by our clients to transfer money from their accounts to fund amounts owed to their employees and various taxing authorities. It is possible that we could be held liable for such amounts in the event the client has insufficient funds to cover them. We have in the past, and may in the future, make payments on our clients\u2019 behalf for which we may not be reimbursed, resulting in loss to us. If a significant number of our clients are unable to cover payments we make on their behalf, our results of operations will be materially adversely impacted.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur interest earned on funds held for clients may be impacted by changes in government regulations mandating the amount of tax withheld or timing of remittance.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe receive interest income from investing client funds collected but not yet remitted to applicable tax or regulatory agencies or to client employees.\n \nA change in regulations either decreasing the amount of taxes to be withheld or allowing less time to remit taxes to applicable tax or regulatory agencies could\n \nadversely impact interest income.\n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertain of our debt agreements contain covenants that may constrain the operation of our business, and our failure to comply with these covenants could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement (the \u201cAgreement\u201d) that we entered into in January 2019\n \nin connection with our acquisition of Oasis Outsourcing Group Holdings, L.P., contains covenants which may restrict our flexibility to operate our business. These covenants include restrictions regarding the incurrence of liens and indebtedness, substantial changes in the general nature of our business and our subsidiaries (taken as a whole), certain merger\n \ntransactions, certain sales of assets and other matters, all subject to certain exceptions. The Agreement also contains financial covenants, which are reviewed for\n \ncompliance on a quarterly basis, that require us not to exceed a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5:1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.0:1.0. In\n \naddition, certain of our indebtedness may not exceed 20% of our consolidated stockholders\u2019 equity. If we do not comply with these covenants, it could result in\n \nmaterial adverse effects on our operating results and our financial condition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLegal, Regulatory and Political Risks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur business, services, and financial condition may be adversely impacted by changes in government regulations and policies.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMany of our services, particularly payroll tax administration services, employee benefit plan administration services, and PEO services are designed according to government regulations that often change. Changes in regulations could affect the extent and type of benefits employers are required, or may choose, to provide employees or the amount and type of taxes employers and employees are required to pay. Such changes could reduce or eliminate the need for some of our services and substantially decrease our revenue. The addition of complex added requirements could also increase our cost of doing business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur business and reputation may be adversely impacted if we fail to comply with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur services are subject to various laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the SECURE Act 2.0, data privacy regulations, and anti-money laundering rules. The growth of our international operations also subjects us to additional risks, such as compliance with foreign laws and regulations. The enactment of new laws and regulations, modifications of existing laws and regulations, or the adverse application or interpretation of new or existing laws or regulations can adversely affect our business. Failure to update our services to comply with modified or new legislation in the areas of payment networks, health care reform and retirement plans as well as failure to educate and assist our clients regarding this legislation could adversely impact our business reputation and negatively impact our client base. Failure to comply with anti-money laundering laws and regulations, which require us to develop and implement risk-based anti-money laundering programs, and maintain transaction records, could result in civil and criminal penalties and adversely impact our business reputation.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are required to comply with regulations administered by multi-national bodies and governmental agencies worldwide including, but not limited to, the economic sanctions and embargo programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (\u201cOFAC\u201d), and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (\u201cFCPA\u201d). OFAC places restrictions on the sale or export of certain products and services to certain countries and persons. A violation of a sanction or embargo program, or of the FCPA, or similar laws prohibiting certain payments to governmental officials, could subject us, and individual employees, to a regulatory enforcement action as well as significant civil and criminal penalties which could adversely impact our business and operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur reputation, results of operations, or financial condition may be adversely impacted if we fail to comply with data privacy laws and regulations.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur solutions require the storage and transmission of proprietary and confidential information of our clients and their employees, including personal or identifying information, as well as geolocation and biometric data. Certain solutions are enhanced with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Our solutions are subject to various complex government laws and regulations on the federal, state, and local levels, including those governing personal privacy, as well as ethical considerations. In the U.S., we are subject to rules and regulations promulgated under the authority of the Federal Trade Commission, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, the ACA, federal and state labor and employment laws, and state data breach notification and data privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended. Our European operations are subject to the European Union\u2019s General Data Privacy Regulation. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in the imposition of consent orders or civil and criminal penalties, including fines, which could damage our reputation and have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We could be subject to litigation or reputational risk if we or our third-party providers fail to utilize data practices sufficient to safeguard proprietary, confidential, and personal or identifying information. The regulatory\n \n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nframework for privacy issues is rapidly evolving and future enactment of more restrictive laws, rules, or regulations and/or future enforcement actions or investigations could have a materially adverse impact on us through increased costs or restrictions on our business and noncompliance could result in regulatory penalties and significant legal liability.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFailure to protect our intellectual property rights may harm our competitive position and litigation to protect our intellectual property rights or defend against third-party allegations of infringement may be costly.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDespite our efforts to protect our intellectual property and proprietary information, we may be\n \nunable to do so effectively in all cases. Our intellectual property could be wrongfully acquired as a result of a cyberattack or other wrongful conduct by employees\n \nor third-parties. To the extent that our intellectual property is not protected effectively by trademarks, copyrights, patents, or other means, other parties with\n \nknowledge of our intellectual property, including former employees, may seek to exploit our intellectual property for their own and others\u2019 advantage. Competitors\n \nmay also misappropriate our trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights or duplicate our technology and solutions. Any significant impairment or\n \nmisappropriation of our intellectual property or proprietary information could harm our business and our brand and may adversely affect our ability to compete.\n \nThird parties may claim that we are infringing on their intellectual property rights. To the extent we seek to enforce or must defend our intellectual property rights\n \nwith litigation, we could incur significant expenses and/or be required to pay substantial damages. We may also be obligated to indemnify our customers or\n \nvendors in connection with claims or litigation. The litigation to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights could be costly and time-consuming.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are involved in litigation from time to time arising from the operation of our business and, as such, we could incur substantial judgments, fines, legal fees, or other costs.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are sometimes the subject of complaints or litigation from customers, employees, or other third-parties for various actions. From time to\n \ntime, we are involved in litigation involving claims related to, among other things, breach of contract, tortious conduct, and employment and labor law matters. The\n \ndamages sought against us in some of these litigation proceedings could be substantial. Although we maintain liability insurance for some litigation claims, if one\n \nor more of the claims were to greatly exceed our insurance coverage limits or if our insurance policies do not cover a claim, this could have a material adverse\n \neffect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGeneral Risk Factors\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur business, results of operations, and financial condition may be impacted by macroeconomic and/or political factors of the U.S. and global economy and such impact could be materially adverse.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe and our clients are subject to the impacts related to inflationary pressure, the recent instability of the banking environment, and other macroeconomic and/or political events. Banking volatility may subject us and our clients to losses on uninsured funds and may make equity or debt financing more difficult to obtain, and additional equity or debt financing might not be available on reasonable terms, if at all. Additionally, our business is substantially dependent on our clients\u2019 continued use of our solutions and support, and our results of operations will decline if our clients are no longer willing or able to use them. Our clients are sensitive to negative changes in economic conditions. If they cease operations or file for bankruptcy protection, we may not be paid for services we already provided, and our client base will shrink, which will lower our revenue. If under financial pressure, our clients may determine that they are no longer willing to pay for the solutions and support we provide, which would reduce our revenue. Our clients may decrease their workforce, which would decrease their demand for our services. Because of spending constraints on our clients and competition in the industry, we may face pricing pressure on our services and challenges in onboarding new clients, which would reduce revenue and ultimately impact our results of operations. Furthermore, if the third-party service providers we rely on are unable to perform their services for us and our clients, our operations could be materially disrupted, and we could face significant penalties or liabilities.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may be adversely impacted by volatility in the political and economic environment.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTrade, monetary and fiscal policies, and political and economic conditions may substantially change, and credit markets may experience periods of constriction and variability. Additionally, instability in the banking environment may adversely affect our business. These conditions may impact our business due to lower transaction volumes or an increase in the number of clients going out of business. Further, rising inflation may negatively impact our business, raise costs and reduce profitability. Current or potential clients may decide to reduce their spending on payroll and other outsourcing services. In addition, new business formation may be affected by an inability to obtain credit.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\nTable of Contents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe invest our funds held for clients in high quality, investment-grade marketable available-for-sale (\u201cAFS\u201d) securities, money markets, and other cash equivalents. We also invest our corporate funds in short- to intermediate-term instruments. Funds held for clients and corporate investments are subject to general market, interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks. These risks may be exacerbated during periods of unusual financial market volatility and inflationary pressure. The interest we earn on funds held for clients and corporate investments may decrease as a result of a decline in funds available to invest or lower interest rates. In addition, during periods of volatility in the credit markets, certain types of investments may not be available to us or may become too risky for us to invest in, further reducing the interest we may earn on client funds. If we are unable to reinvest our AFS securities when they mature, our interest income earned and investment portfolio would be reduced. If we sell AFS securities to satisfy short-term funding requirements, we may recognize losses, which would further reduce the interest income earned on funds held for clients and corporate investments.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nConstriction in the credit markets may impact the availability of financing, even to borrowers with the highest credit ratings. Historically, we have periodically borrowed against available credit arrangements to meet short-term liquidity needs. However, should we require additional short-term liquidity during days of large outflows of client funds, a credit constriction may limit our ability to access those funds or the flexibility to obtain them at interest rates that would be acceptable to us. Growth in services for funding payrolls of our clients in the temporary staffing industry may be constricted if access to financing becomes limited. In addition, our ability to grow through significant acquisitions may be limited. See also \u201cItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.\u201d If all of these financial and economic circumstances were to remain in effect for an extended period of time, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may not be able to attract and retain qualified people, which could impact the quality of our services and customer satisfaction.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur success, growth, and financial results depend in part on our continuing ability to attract, retain, and motivate highly qualified and diverse personnel at all levels, including management, technical, compliance, and sales personnel. Competition for these individuals can be intense, and we may not be able to retain our key people, or attract, assimilate, or retain other highly-qualified individuals in the future, which could harm our future success.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn the event we receive negative publicity, our reputation and the value of our brand could be harmed, and clients may not use our solutions and support, which may have a material adverse effect on our business.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are committed to good corporate citizenship, which is reflected in our company culture and core values. Disclosure of our corporate governance practices including our ESG initiatives, may draw negative publicity from stakeholders.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNegative publicity relating to events or activities attributed to us, our policies, our corporate employees, or others associated with us, whether or not justified, may tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. If we are unable to maintain quality HCM and employee benefit-related solutions and PEO and insurance solutions, our reputation with our clients may be harmed and the value of our brand may diminish. In addition, if\n \nour brand is negatively impacted, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, including challenges retaining clients or attracting new clients and\n \nrecruiting talent and retaining employees.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7\n\n\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\n\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A\n\n\nQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk\n\n\n33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n",
+ "cik": "723531",
+ "cusip6": "704326",
+ "cusip": ["704326107", "704326907", "704326957"],
+ "names": ["PAYCHEX INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723531/000095017023032988/0000950170-23-032988-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-033201.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-033201.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..4d0717c460
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-033201.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1.\n \nB\nUSINESS\n \n\n\nOverview\n \n\n\nFedEx Corporation (\u201cFedEx\u201d) was incorporated in Delaware on October 2, 1997 to serve as the parent holding company and provide strategic direction to the FedEx portfolio of companies. FedEx provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services, offering integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively, and innovating digitally as one FedEx. These companies are included in the following reportable business segments:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 \nFedEx Express\n: Federal Express Corporation (\u201cFedEx Express\u201d) is the world\u2019s largest express transportation company, offering time-definite delivery to more than 220 countries and territories, connecting markets that comprise more than 99% of the world\u2019s gross domestic product.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 \nFedEx Ground\n: FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Ground\u201d) is a leading North American provider of small-package ground delivery services. FedEx Ground provides low-cost, day-certain service to any business address in the U.S. and Canada, as well as residential delivery to 100% of U.S. residences through its FedEx Home Delivery service. FedEx Ground Economy specializes in the consolidation and delivery of high volumes of low-weight, less time-sensitive business-to-consumer packages.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 \nFedEx Freight\n: FedEx Freight Corporation (\u201cFedEx Freight\u201d) is a leading North American provider of less-than-truckload (\u201cLTL\u201d) freight transportation services across all lengths of haul to businesses and residences. Within the contiguous U.S., FedEx Freight offers FedEx Freight Priority, when speed is critical to meet a customer\u2019s supply chain needs; FedEx Freight Economy, when a customer can trade time for cost savings; and FedEx Freight Direct, a service to meet the needs of the growing e-commerce market for delivery of big and bulky products to or through the door for residences and businesses. FedEx Freight also offers freight delivery service to most points in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 \nFedEx Services\n: FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Services\u201d) provides sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and certain back-office functions that support our operating segments.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe FedEx Dataworks, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Dataworks\u201d) operating segment is focused on creating solutions to transform the digital and physical experiences of our customers and team members. ShopRunner, Inc. (\u201cShopRunner\u201d) was merged into FedEx Dataworks during 2023. Additionally, the FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Office\u201d) operating segment provides document and business services and retail access to our package transportation businesses and the FedEx Logistics, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Logistics\u201d) operating segment provides customs brokerage and global ocean and air freight forwarding through FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage\u201d) and integrated supply chain management solutions through FedEx Supply Chain Distribution System, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Supply Chain\u201d). FedEx Dataworks, FedEx Office, and FedEx Logistics are included in \u201cCorporate, other, and eliminations\u201d in our segment reporting. For more information about FedEx Dataworks, FedEx Office, and FedEx Logistics, please see \u201cFedEx Dataworks Operating Segment,\u201d \u201cFedEx Office Operating Segment,\u201d and \u201cFedEx Logistics Operating Segment.\u201d\n \n\n\n \n\n\nFor more information about our reportable segments, please see \u201cBusiness Segments.\u201d For financial information concerning our reportable segments, refer to \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d and \u201cItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur website is located at \nfedex.com\n. Detailed information about our services, e-commerce tools and solutions, and environmental, social, and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) initiatives can be found on our website. In addition, we make our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all exhibits and amendments to such reports available, free of charge, through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable on the day they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. The Investor Relations page of our website, \ninvestors.fedex.com, \ncontains a significant amount of information about FedEx, including our SEC filings and financial and other information for investors. The information that we post on the Investor Relations page of our website could be deemed to be material information. We encourage investors, the media, and others interested in FedEx to visit this website from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted. The information on our website, however, is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form part of, this Annual Report.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n2\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExcept as otherwise specified, any reference to a year indicates our fiscal year ended May 31 of the year referenced. References to our transportation segments include, collectively, the FedEx Express segment, the FedEx Ground segment, and the FedEx Freight segment.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOne FedEx and Network 2.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn the fourth quarter of 2023, we announced \u201cone FedEx\u201d, a consolidation plan to ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation, becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground network under the respected FedEx brand. FedEx Freight will continue to provide LTL freight transportation services as a stand-alone and separate company under Federal Express Corporation. The organizational redesign will be implemented in phases with full implementation expected in June 2024. One FedEx will help facilitate our DRIVE transformation program to improve long-term profitability, including Network 2.0, the multi-year effort to improve the efficiency with which FedEx picks up, transports, and delivers packages in the U.S. and Canada.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have announced the implementation of Network 2.0 in more than 20 markets, including the phased transition of all FedEx Ground operations and personnel in Canada to FedEx Express beginning in April 2024. Under Network 2.0, FedEx will continue to utilize both employees and contracted service providers. See \u201cBusiness Segments\u201d below, \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors,\u201d and \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information on one FedEx, Network 2.0, and DRIVE.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStrategy\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe collective FedEx brand gives us our competitive edge. Further, our strategy allows us to manage our business as a portfolio, in the long-term best interest of the enterprise. As a result, we base decisions on capital investment and service additions or enhancements upon achieving the highest overall long-term return on capital for our business as a whole. We focus on making appropriate investments in the technology and assets necessary to optimize our long-term earnings performance and cash flow. Our business strategy also provides flexibility in structuring our network to align with varying macroeconomic conditions and customer demand for the market segments in which they operate, allowing us to leverage and manage change. Volatility, uncertainty, and evolution have become the norms in the global transportation market, and we are able to use our flexibility to accommodate changing conditions in the global economy.\n\n\n \n\n\nOver the last 50 years, we built networks that have created a differentiated and unmatched portfolio of services while continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers and the market. We made significant investments in our service network in recent years to build out our infrastructure and services to meet increased e-commerce demand. Through one FedEx and Network 2.0, we are building a simplified experience to better serve our customers with enhanced capabilities and transforming to operate with more flexibility, efficiency, and intelligence. One FedEx and Network 2.0 will leverage the strength of our networks, people, and assets in more efficient ways, enabling a distinct focus on air and international volume while facilitating a more holistic approach to how we move packages on the ground.\n\n\n \n\n\nInnovation inspired our start at FedEx 50 years ago, and it is fueling our future as we combine logistics with digital intelligence. Leveraging the capabilities of FedEx Dataworks, developments in data and technology are facilitating the execution of our DRIVE transformation by creating new opportunities to improve our operational efficiency by optimizing our existing physical capacity and staffing. See \u201cBusiness Segments\u201d below for more information. Additionally, the size and scale of our global network gives us key insights into global supply chains and trends. This foundation provides an immense amount of data we can use to build better insights, improve the customer experience, and differentiate our service offering. To fully harness the power of this data, FedEx Dataworks is focused on putting our data into context and using it to enhance the efficiency of the FedEx network and our customers\u2019 supply chains, as well as the end-to-end experience of our customers.\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u201cSafety Above All\u201d is the first and foremost value in every aspect of our business. We are committed to making our workplaces and communities safer for our team members, customers, and the public. This philosophy is embedded in our day-to-day work through rigorous policies, continual education and engagement, and investments in technology designed to prevent accidents.\n\n\n \n\n\nThrough our global transportation, information technology, and retail networks, we help to facilitate an ongoing and unprecedented expansion of customer access \u2014 to goods, services, and information. We believe it would be extremely difficult, costly, and time-consuming to replicate our global network, which reflects decades of investment, innovation, and expertise, includes the world\u2019s largest all-cargo air fleet, and connects more than 99% of the world\u2019s gross domestic product. We continue to position our company and team members to facilitate and capitalize on this access and to achieve stronger long-term growth, productivity, and profitability.\n\n\n \n\n\n- \n3\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring 2023 and early 2024, we introduced and expanded a number of innovative solutions, advanced important long-term business initiatives, and made other important investments that benefit our customers, team members, communities, and other stakeholders, including:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 Launching DRIVE, a comprehensive program to improve our long-term profitability, including Network 2.0, the multi-year effort to improve the efficiency with which FedEx picks up, transports, and delivers packages in the U.S. and Canada.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 Announcing one FedEx, our consolidation plan to ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation, becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground network.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 Expanding Picture Proof of Delivery to 90% of global residential deliveries.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 Improving service at FedEx Express and FedEx Ground through the reopening and completion of intra-European road hubs and continued enhancements to route optimization and package handler scheduling technologies.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 Offering FedEx Consolidated Returns in the U.S., a low-priced, customer-friendly e-commerce returns option facilitated through supply chain services offered by FedEx Logistics and FedEx Office.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 Introducing FedEx Sustainability Insights in the U.S., a cloud-based engine that harnesses scan data from our global logistics network to enhance customer access to emissions information.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 Exceeding our FedEx Cares 50 by 50 goal of positively impacting 50 million people around the world by our 50\nth\n anniversary in April 2023.\n\n\nReputation and Responsibility\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx is one of the most trusted and respected companies in the world, and the FedEx brand name is a powerful sales and marketing tool. Among the many reputation awards we received during 2023, FedEx ranked 18\nth \nin \nFORTUNE\n magazine\u2019s \u201cWorld\u2019s Most Admired Companies\u201d list \u2014 the 23\nrd\n consecutive year FedEx has ranked among the top 20 in the \nFORTUNE\n Most Admired Companies list, with 15 of those years ranking among the top 10. We also retained our position as the highest ranked delivery company on the \u201cWorld\u2019s Most Admired Companies\u201d list. \nAdditionally, in 2023 Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, named FedEx as one of the World\u2019s Most Ethical Companies\u00ae.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAlong with a strong reputation among customers and the general public, FedEx is widely acknowledged as a great place to work. For example, in 2023 FedEx was named the 21\nst\n best workplace overall in \nFORTUNE\n magazine\u2019s list of the \u201cWorld\u2019s Best Workplaces.\u201d\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe success of our efforts is built on our sound ESG practices, which are aligned with our strategic focus. Our 2023 ESG Report is available at \nfedex.com/en-us/sustainability/reports.html\n. This report details progress toward our ESG strategies, goals, and initiatives and our approach toward industry leadership in ESG to support our strategy and values. Information in our ESG Report is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form part of, this Annual Report.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe remain committed to helping lift local economies by investing in people and communities where we live and work. In the U.S., this includes seeking diverse suppliers and strengthening our supply chain by sourcing from small, minority-, and women-owned businesses. We are also proud of our long-standing history of supporting and fostering relationships with organizations that are working to make our society more equitable and just, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the National Civil Rights Museum.\n \n\n\nHuman Resource Management\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur Culture\n\n\n \n\n\nAt FedEx, it is our people\u2014our greatest asset\u2014that stand at the heart of our success and are the foundation of our strong reputation. Our exemplary human network defines who we are and what kind of business we want to be. Ultimately, our success depends on our people\u2019s talent, dedication, and well-being. We strive to recruit, retain, develop, and support our team members as we grow globally. \nThe Compensation and Human Resources Committee of our Board of Directors reviews and discusses with management our key human resource management strategies and programs, including company culture and diversity, equity, and inclusion (\u201cDEI\u201d).\n\n\n- \n4\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nThroughout our 50-year history, the FedEx culture has driven our success. \nOur five culture values\n\u2014\ntake care of each other, commit to do good, drive business results, own outstanding, and create what\u2019s next\n\u2014unify all our operating companies and empower us to support our strategy and values. These values are grounded in our Quality Driven Management system, the Purple Promise to make every FedEx experience outstanding, and our People\u2013Service\u2013Profit philosophy, which we bring to life by:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 Prioritizing safety.\n\n\n\u0095 Taking care of our team members.\n\n\n\u0095 Embracing DEI so everyone feels appreciated and valued.\n\n\n\u0095 Delivering excellence and value for our customers and stockholders.\n\n\n\u0095 Acting with integrity in all that we do.\n\n\n\u0095 Supporting our communities.\n\n\n\u0095 Helping shape a better world.\n\n\n\u0095 Growing profitably to reinvest in our team members and business.\n\n\nUltimately, our success depends on the talent, dedication, and well-being of our people. As we grow, we strive to recruit, retain, develop, and provide advancement opportunities for our team members. We continually work to make FedEx an inclusive, equitable, and growth-focused workplace where all team members have the opportunity to flourish.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHealth and Safety\n\n\n \n\n\nOur highest priority is the well-being, health, and safety of all our employees. Our \u201cSafety Above All\u201d philosophy is the first and foremost value in every aspect of our business and is key to maintaining a successful and safe business. Our detailed safety policies, education, and technology investments are embedded into our day-to-day work and help us follow through on our commitment to make our workplaces and communities safer for our team members, customers, and communities. The Governance, Safety, and Public Policy Committee of our Board of Directors oversees our safety strategies, policies, programs, and practices.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion Creates Opportunity\n \nWe believe that DEI delivers a better future for all team members, customers, suppliers, and communities. As a global business, we value the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of our people and recognize DEI is essential to our success and the communities we serve. DEI fosters collaboration, enables us to recruit, retain, and develop a talented workforce, and underpins our business performance and sustainability. The continued integration of DEI into our business strategies and progress towards our DEI objectives supported our ability to respond to the challenging labor market our industry faced in recent years.\n \nFedEx has a long-standing commitment to fully embrace DEI throughout our organization, from the Board of Directors to every employee. This commitment is communicated through our DEI framework and four strategic pillars: Our People; Our Education and Engagement; Our Communities, Customers, and Suppliers; and Our Story. We continue to roll out programs to ensure our people are engaged and can develop at FedEx. The FedEx Ground workforce career track program, Purple Pathways, directly targets our most diverse population, frontline managers and package handlers, to support their career growth.\n \nTo further our transparency efforts regarding our workforce composition, we report the prior year\u2019s gender, racial, and ethnic composition of our U.S. workforce by EEO-1 job category, as set forth in the consolidated EEO-1 Reports filed by FedEx and its operating subsidiaries with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These reports can be found on our DEI webpage at \nfedex.com/en-us/about/diversity-inclusion.html\n.\n\u00a0\nQuality of Life\n \nTo support the well-being of our employees and their families, we provide the resources they need to thrive at work and at home. All eligible full- and part-time team members are equipped with competitive benefits, including healthcare, wellness, paid sick leave, other flexible paid time off, and other benefits. To ensure our benefits and compensation stay competitive, we conduct periodic peer benchmarking and internal pay equity analyses.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n5\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAll eligible full- and part-time employees and their eligible dependents receive competitive health benefits. In the U.S., we cover approximately 70% of total eligible health and disability costs at the plan level for approximately 212,000 participating employees as of May 2023. Additionally, we offer competitive time-off that is based on feedback from our team members about what is important to them, and provide 24/7 confidential counseling services to support the mental health and well-being of our employees and their household members. We frequently communicate with employees on how to access these resources to promote their use across the enterprise, with an increased focus on mental health resources in recent years.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLearning and Development\n\n\n \n\n\nAt FedEx, we are committed to helping our team members grow and further develop their careers. We proactively evolve our operating companies\u2019 learning frameworks to meet emerging trends and align existing competencies to future capabilities and skillsets to future-proof talent needs. Our learning and development opportunities increase team member engagement, improve retention, and enhance the employee value proposition. Across the enterprise, we tailor our Core New Employee Orientation to best fit team member responsibilities in their local workplace. This onboarding experience covers topics such as safety, security, compliance, sustainability, and DEI. After orientation, the FedEx Learning Center is available with more than 25,000 online courses to enable a more efficient and convenient learning experience.\n\n\n \n\n\nWe are committed to supporting team members who wish to pursue higher education in a variety of ways. The Learning inspired by FedEx (LiFE) program \u2014 a partnership between multiple FedEx operating companies and The University of Memphis\u2014offers a suite of education benefits, including tuition-free, fully online degree options for over 30 associate\u2019s and bachelor\u2019s programs of study. Eligible employees include all FedEx Express employees at all hub and airport locations in the U.S. as well as all U.S.-based FedEx Logistics and FedEx Freight employees and all Memphis-based FedEx Supply Chain employees. In 2022, we expanded the LiFE program to include all majors The University of Memphis offers online and added mentoring opportunities. We are exploring opportunities to implement similar programs outside the U.S.\n\n\n \n\n\nTalent Acquisition, Engagement, and Turnover\n\n\n \n\n\nOur recruiting practices enable us to build a talented employee base representative of the communities we serve. We continue to refine our approach to talent acquisition through technology and other human resource management strategies, leveraging technology to make our hiring process more efficient. We value feedback from our team members and provide several avenues of engagement, such as annual surveys, employee networks, and direct feedback. These methods allow us to better understand employee concerns and expectations, and results from these engagements inform our future strategies. Annually, we conduct an engagement survey to measure employee insights on our culture, engagement, and diversity.\n\n\n \n\n\nWe work to provide employees with flexible work structures. Depending on the operating company and team member responsibilities, we use a flexible work model that allows our people to work in ways that make the most sense to them. We are constantly monitoring and adjusting our strategy as we learn of new developments and use survey data at the local, national, and enterprise levels to inform our strategy.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nGlobally, in 2022, we hired over 558,000 full- and part-time team members. Turnover for part-time team members, primarily package handlers at our sorting locations, was 205%, while full-time team member turnover was 32% in 2023. Turnover rates among part-time frontline workers in a number of industries are historically higher than among other employee groups. Within the ground transportation industry, many part-time workers pursue temporary employment opportunities that allow them to exit and re-enter the workforce more frequently based on their needs. These traditionally higher rates have recently been further exacerbated by the highly competitive labor market.\n\n\n \n\n\nOther Information\n\n\n \n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023, FedEx employed approximately 328,000 permanent full-time and approximately 201,000 permanent part-time employees, and FedEx Ground utilized nearly 7,000 contracted service providers.\n\n\n \n\n\nThe pilots at FedEx Express, who are a small number of its total employees, are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (\u201cALPA\u201d) and are employed under a collective bargaining agreement that took effect on November 2, 2015. The agreement became amendable in November 2021. Bargaining for a successor agreement began in May 2021, and in November 2022 the National Mediation Board (\u201cNMB\u201d) began actively mediating the negotiations. In May 2023, FedEx Express reached a tentative successor agreement with ALPA. The tentative agreement was approved by ALPA\u2019s FedEx Express Master Executive Council in June 2023 and is being presented to FedEx Express\u2019s pilots for ratification during the first quarter of 2024. The ongoing ratification process has no effect on our operations.\n\n\n- \n6\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nA small number of our other employees are members of unions. For additional information, see \u201cFedEx Express Segment\u201d and \u201cRegulation\u201d below and \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors.\u201d\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur Community\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx is committed to actively supporting the communities we serve worldwide through the strategic investment of our people, resources, and network. Through FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program, we support non-profit organizations working to solve social challenges relevant to our business, customers, and team members. We pair donations with charitable shipping and access to our global network, team member volunteers, subject matter expertise, influence, and connections to meet social and business goals. We make our biggest investments in areas where we can address significant issues and apply our unique business capabilities. Real change takes significant investment, authentic support for communities, and a commitment to continuous learning. FedEx Cares focuses on three major giving pillars:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 \nDelivering for Good\n: Lending our global network and unparalleled logistics expertise to organizations with mission-critical needs in times of disaster and helping communities heal, learn, and thrive.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 \nGlobal Entrepreneurship\n: Advancing women and minority-owned small businesses globally through training and increased access to resources, capital, and new markets.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 \nSustainable Logistics\n: Accelerating process innovations such as public transportation and technological innovations such as natural carbon capture and clean energy to reduce the environmental impact of the logistics industry.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, our commitments to DEI and team member volunteerism are foundational to FedEx Cares.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn 2023 we exceeded our FedEx Cares 50 by 50 goal of positively impacting 50 million people around the world by our 50\nth\n anniversary in April 2023. We also launched a \u201c50 Days of Caring\u201d initiative leading up to the anniversary during which FedEx team members gave back to their communities through service projects around the world and created the FedEx Founder\u2019s Fund \u2014 a philanthropic endowment honoring Frederick W. Smith and his legacy as a business leader and changemaker in communities around the world. Additionally, FedEx supports communities throughout the U.S. with its FedEx Cares Employee Giving program.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe believe the investments we make in our communities today, combined with team member engagement, set the stage for a brighter tomorrow. For additional information on our community involvement and our FedEx Cares strategy, visit \nfedexcares.com\n.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Environment\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur \u201cPractical Sustainability\u201d philosophy and \u201cReduce, Replace, Revolutionize\u201d approach guide our sustainability strategy. At FedEx, we recognize our business\u2019s effect on the environment and communities we serve, including greenhouse gas (\u201cGHG\u201d) criteria air pollutant emissions, noise pollution, and waste generation from packaging, and remain steadfast in our commitment to minimize these impacts. We are also cognizant of the effect climate change could have on our business operations. In our business planning and strategy, we consider events such as intensified weather, GHG emissions regulations, increased media and investor attention, and enhanced customer demands to address environmental challenges. FedEx has 50 years of experience proactively addressing unexpected situations, such as severe weather events, and we maintain system flexibility to minimize impacts on our customers. While climate change poses a strategic risk to our business and stakeholders, we recognize the opportunities it simultaneously creates around sustainable products and services that advance our customers\u2019 environmental goals.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe align our assessment and reporting approach with the recommendations from the Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. Our approach is informed by the climate-related physical and transition risks we identify through our enterprise risk management process. Climate change-related risks and opportunities are assessed as part of our annual risk assessment process, and we continue to closely monitor public attitudes, geopolitical concerns, and global regulations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn 2021 we announced our goal to achieve carbon neutrality by calendar 2040 across our global operations\u2019 Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions and our Scope 3 contracted transportation emissions. To help reach this goal, we designated $2.0 billion of initial investment towards vehicle electrification, sustainable energy, and carbon sequestration, including a pledge of $100 million to Yale University to help establish the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. In addition, we continue to leverage other approaches to reduce aircraft and vehicle emissions, such as increased interline usage at FedEx Express and intermodal rail usage at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n7\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nVehicle Electrification\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nElectrifying a substantial portion of our global fleet of motorized vehicles is a crucial component of our path to carbon-neutral operations. We plan to transition the entire FedEx parcel pickup-and-delivery fleet to zero-tailpipe emissions electric vehicles by calendar 2040, using a phased approach to replace existing vehicles. For example, by calendar 2025, we expect 50% of FedEx Express global pickup-and-delivery vehicle purchases will be electric, rising to 100% of all purchases by calendar 2030, subject to availability.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express continues to expand its electric vehicle fleet through its relationship with General Motors\u2019 BrightDrop, and has taken delivery of 500 BrightDrop electric vehicles as of June 2023. FedEx Ground is developing a comprehensive strategy to facilitate the electric vehicle transition for our independent service providers, and is implementing the necessary infrastructure at our facilities to provide charging solutions. Additionally, FedEx Freight is evaluating electric vehicle opportunities to define scalable solutions for its entire fleet.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are actively building the innovative charging infrastructure required to support our growing fleet of electric vehicles across our vast network of facilities, and continue to electrify forklifts, airport ground service equipment, and other non-road vehicles across our operating companies to reduce fuel and maintenance costs. We understand that challenges remain, including electric vehicle availability, electrification of certain vehicle classes due to operational needs, legislative changes, grid capacity, and certain operating conditions. For more information, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFleet efficiency enables ongoing fuel, emissions, and cost reductions as the industry works to address these challenges. FedEx Express has established a goal to increase vehicle fleet efficiency by 50% from a 2005 baseline by calendar 2025. Through 2022, our efforts collectively resulted in a 40% improvement in FedEx Express vehicle fleet efficiency from our 2005 baseline.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSustainable Fuels\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo reduce aircraft and vehicle emissions, we continue to pursue viable, cost-effective alternative fuels. Our global fleet of over 6,200 alternative fuel vehicles includes hybrid, electric, liquified or compressed natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and we will continue to grow our alternative fuel fleet in the coming years, subject to availability. Decarbonizing heavyweight transportation is more challenging than parcel pickup-and-delivery vehicles due to the required mileage range and the time needed to refuel or charge. We continue to explore alternative fuels for certain vehicles not easily electrifiable.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have also established a goal of obtaining 30% of our annual jet fuel usage from blends of alternative fuels by calendar 2030. The U.S. government has passed legislation in recent years to incentivize production, and the EU recently adopted legislation implementing sustainable aviation fuel mandates. We understand the challenges the industry faces in deploying sustainable aviation fuel at scale and recognize other solutions may be needed to help the aviation industry improve efficiency and reduce emissions. To help accelerate solutions, we are members of the First Movers Coalition, participating in the Aviation Sector working group, a global initiative working to decarbonize hard-to-abate industrial sectors, including the aviation industry.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAircraft Fuel Conservation and Fleet Modernization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe continuously work to reduce the environmental impact of our aircraft fleet. Since 2005, we reduced our overall aircraft emissions intensity by 28%, primarily due to our ongoing FedEx Fuel Sense and aircraft modernization initiatives. Our global FedEx Fuel Sense program, which accounted for 13 million gallons of jet fuel savings in 2022, enables us to reduce the cost of fuel use and associated GHG emissions.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, our commitment to modernizing our aircraft fleet lowers costs, enhances reliability and operational adaptability, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions intensity. During 2023, we retired our MD-10-30 fleet and accelerated the retirement of our MD-11 fleet to the end of 2028. See the \u201cResults of Operations and Outlook \u2014 Consolidated Results \u2014 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges\u201d section of \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information on aircraft retirements during 2023.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe took delivery of two Boeing 777 Freighter (\u201cB777F\u201d) aircraft in 2023, and plan to deploy an additional six B777F aircraft during 2024 and 2025. Similarly, we took delivery of 14 Boeing 767-300 Freighter (\u201cB767F\u201d) aircraft in 2023, and plan to deploy an additional 24 B767F aircraft during 2024 and 2025. Delays could impact these timelines. We also continue to deploy new ATR 72-600F aircraft for shorter feeder routes to replace our aging ATR-42 aircraft and Cessna SkyCourier 408 cargo aircraft to help reduce the number of planes needed per feeder route and further improve our fuel efficiency. For more information about our expected future aircraft deliveries, see \u201cItem 2. Properties\u201d of this Annual Report under the caption \u201cFedEx Express Segment\u201d and Note 17 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n8\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFacilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe aim to continuously improve the sustainability, reduce the environmental impact, and increase the efficiency of our more than 5,000 air and ground hubs, local stations, freight service centers, and retail locations. While our energy demand is increasing to support electric vehicle deployment and charging infrastructure, we have increased our focus on facility energy management and off-site renewable energy procurement strategies to overcome this challenge. Energy management systems are essential to increasing efficiency at our facilities through monitoring, regulating, and optimizing our lighting, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment. In 2022, we generated on- and off-site solar energy at 29 locations across our operating companies.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe adopt the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (\u201cLEED\u201d) standard in the U.S. and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (\u201cBREEAM\u201d) in Europe to guide efficient facility design when appropriate. FedEx Express and FedEx Freight seek LEED certification on all new construction, and in total FedEx has 44 LEED-certified facilities and 13 BREEAM-certified facilities across our operating companies.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo reduce our operational waste footprint, we implement waste and recycling management processes in the U.S. We prioritize reducing our waste generation and recycling the waste we do produce.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSustainable Customer Solutions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx works to minimize packaging materials, optimize customer package size and weight, increase shipping efficiency, and maximize recyclability to reduce the environmental impacts of packaging materials and transporting goods. We offer end-to-end sustainability for customers by supplying sustainable packaging solutions and exploring carbon-neutral shipping opportunities. FedEx-branded cardboard packaging is 100% recyclable and contains an average of 36% recycled content. During 2022, 64% of FedEx-branded packaging was third-party certified and all paper purchased by FedEx Office was from vendors with responsible forest-management practices.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn 2023, we introduced the FedEx Sustainability Insights tool in the U.S., which built upon our previous Customer Emissions Calculator, to increase accessibility for our customers and suppliers to estimate CO\n2\ne shipping emissions at package and account levels. Created by FedEx Dataworks, this cloud-based engine uses near-real time FedEx network data to estimate CO\n2\ne emissions for both individual tracking numbers and \nfedex.com \naccounts. Users can view historical emissions data by account as well as search by tracking number with their \nfedex.com\n login.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor additional information on the ways we are minimizing our impact on the environment, see \nfedex.com/en-us/sustainability.html\n.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGovernance\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe FedEx Board of Directors is comprised of a majority of independent directors and is committed to the highest quality corporate governance and accountability to stockholders. Our Board of Directors periodically reviews all aspects of our governance policies and practices, including our Corporate Governance Guidelines (the \u201cGuidelines\u201d) and our Code of Conduct, in light of best practices and makes whatever changes it deems appropriate to further our longstanding commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance. The Guidelines and the Code of Conduct, which apply to all of our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer and senior financial officers, are available under the ESG heading under \u201cGovernance\u201d on the Investor Relations page of our website at \ninvestors.fedex.com\n. We will post under the ESG heading on the Investor Relations page of our website information regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, the provisions of the Code of Conduct to the extent such disclosure is required.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBusiness Segments\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following describes in more detail the operations of each of our principal operating segments:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express Segment\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOverview\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express invented express distribution 50 years ago in 1973 and remains the industry leader, providing rapid, reliable, time-definite delivery of packages and freight to more than 220 countries and territories through an integrated global network.\n \n\n\n \n\n\n- \n9\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express offers a wide range of U.S. domestic and international shipping services for delivery of packages and freight, connecting markets that generate more than 99% of the world\u2019s gross domestic product through door-to-door, customs-cleared service, historically with a money-back guarantee. As of July 13, 2023, the money-back guarantee remains suspended for certain FedEx Express services in order to balance our focus on service and safety. FedEx Express\u2019s unmatched air route authorities and extensive transportation infrastructure, combined with leading-edge information technologies, make it the world\u2019s largest express transportation company. As of May 31, 2023, FedEx Express employed approximately 245,000 employees and had approximately 70,000 drop-off locations (including FedEx Office stores and FedEx OnSite locations, such as nearly 17,000 Walgreens, Dollar General, and Albertsons stores), 700 aircraft, and more than 82,000 vehicles in its global network.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express also provides time-critical shipment services through FedEx Custom Critical, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Custom Critical\u201d) and cross-border enablement and technology solutions and e-commerce transportation solutions.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nServices\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express offers a wide range of U.S. domestic and international shipping services for delivery of packages and freight. FedEx Express offers three U.S. domestic overnight package delivery services: FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, and FedEx Standard Overnight. FedEx SameDay service is available 365 days a year throughout all 50 states for urgent shipments up to 150 pounds. FedEx Express also offers U.S. express overnight and deferred freight services to handle the needs of the time-definite freight market.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInternational express and deferred package delivery is available to more than 220 countries and territories, with a variety of time-definite services to meet distinct customer needs. FedEx International Economy provides time-definite delivery typically in two to five business days. FedEx International First provides time-definite delivery to select postal codes in more than 25 countries and territories, with delivery to select U.S. ZIP Codes as early as 8:00 a.m. from more than 90 countries and Caribbean islands in one or two business days, delivery by 10:00 a.m. in one business day from the U.S. to Canada, and by 11:00 a.m. in one business day from the U.S. to Mexico. FedEx Express also offers domestic pickup-and-delivery services within certain non-U.S. countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Poland, India, China, and South Africa. In addition, FedEx Express offers comprehensive international express and deferred freight services, real-time tracking, and advanced customs clearance.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur FedEx International Priority service provides end-of-day time-definite delivery in one to three business days to more than 220 countries and territories, and our FedEx International Priority Express service provides midday time-definite delivery in one to three business days to more than 25 countries and territories. Additionally, FedEx International Connect Plus, a contractual e-commerce service currently available from nearly 60 origin countries to over 195 destination countries, provides day-definite delivery typically within two to five business days.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor information regarding FedEx Express e-commerce tools and solutions, such as FedEx Delivery Manager and FedEx Returns Technology, see \u201cFedEx Services Segment \u2014 Customer-Driven Technology \u2014 E-Commerce Solutions.\u201d\n \n\n\nInternational Expansion\n \n\n\nOver the years, FedEx Express has added capabilities in important international markets that have given us more robust transportation networks. Our 2016 acquisition of TNT Express accelerated our European and global growth; substantially enhanced our global footprint through TNT Express\u2019s lower-cost road networks in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; and expanded our capabilities and solutions for our customers. The completion of the physical network integration of TNT Express into FedEx Express in 2022 and consolidation of flights into our Paris hub allow us to significantly improve operational efficiency, and the reopening and completion of central European road hubs in Duiven, The Netherlands and Novara, Italy in 2023 have improved our intra-European service.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe also have expanded our capabilities in the Asia-Pacific markets, including through the establishment of our Asia-Pacific hub at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in southern China; our North Pacific regional hub at the Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, which serves as a consolidation point for shipments from northern Asia to the U.S.; and our International Express and Cargo Hub in Shanghai at Shanghai\u2019s Pudong International Airport. During 2020, we added 14 new Asia-Pacific origin markets for FedEx International First service to the U.S. and Canada. These developments allow us to continue to better serve our global customers doing business in the Asia-Pacific markets. In 2022, FedEx Express entered into a strategic alliance with Delhivery, a leading logistics and supply chain services company in India.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo facilitate the use of our growing international network, we offer a full range of international trade consulting services and a variety of online tools that enable customers to more easily determine and comply with international shipping requirements.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n10\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nU.S. Postal Service Agreement\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPursuant to an agreement with the U.S. Postal Service (\u201cUSPS\u201d) that expires on September 29, 2024, FedEx Express provides airport-to-airport transportation of USPS First Class Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Priority Mail within the U.S. FedEx Express also provides transportation and delivery for the USPS\u2019s international delivery service called Global Express Guaranteed under a separate agreement. For more information about our relationship with the USPS, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPricing\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express periodically publishes updates to the list prices for the majority of its services in its Service Guides. In general, shipping rates are based on the service selected, origin, destination, weight, size, any ancillary service charge, and whether the customer charged the shipment to a FedEx account. Effective January 2, 2023, FedEx Express implemented a 6.9% average list price increase for U.S. domestic, U.S. export, and U.S. import services.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn order to manage demand and capacity constraints in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, between April 2020 and November 2020 FedEx Express implemented temporary surcharges on all international package and airfreight shipments. These surcharges continued as peak surcharges beginning in November 2020 and remain in effect. Additionally, beginning in June 2020 FedEx Express has implemented a series of peak surcharges generally applying to U.S. domestic shipments that are oversized or require additional handling, and to residential packages for customers meeting a certain volume threshold. Specific applicable surcharges have been adjusted periodically since their implementation, and higher surcharges were applied during the 2023 holiday peak season. Effective January 16, 2023, the U.S. domestic holiday peak surcharges were no longer in effect for residential shipments, and peak surcharges for shipments that are oversized or require additional handling were adjusted downward.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express has an indexed fuel surcharge for U.S. domestic and U.S. outbound shipments and for shipments originating internationally, where legally and contractually possible. FedEx Express fuel surcharges are adjusted on a weekly basis. The fuel surcharge is based on a weekly fuel price from ten days prior to the week in which it is assessed. Effective April 4, 2022, the tables used to determine U.S. domestic fuel surcharges at FedEx Express were updated. Effective January 30, 2023, the tables used to determine certain international fuel surcharges at FedEx Express were updated. See the \u201cResults of Operations and Outlook \u2014 Consolidated Results \u2014 Fuel\u201d section of \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperations\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express\u2019s primary sorting facility, located in Memphis, serves as the center of the company\u2019s multiple hub-and-spoke system. A second national hub facility is located in Indianapolis. We are making investments over multiple years in our facilities to expand and modernize our Indianapolis hub and modernize our Memphis World Hub. See the \u201cFinancial Condition \u2014 Liquidity Outlook\u201d section of \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information. In addition to these national hubs, FedEx Express operates regional hubs in Fort Worth, Newark, Oakland, and Greensboro and major metropolitan sorting facilities in Chicago and Los Angeles.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFacilities in Anchorage, Paris, Cologne, Guangzhou, and Osaka serve as sorting facilities for express package and freight traffic moving to and from Asia, Europe, and North America. Additional major sorting and freight handling facilities are located at Narita Airport in Tokyo and Stansted Airport outside London. The facilities in Paris, Cologne, Guangzhou, and Osaka are also designed to serve as regional hubs for their respective market areas. A facility in Miami \u2014 the Miami Gateway Hub \u2014 serves our South Florida, Latin American, and Caribbean markets. A central air hub near Liege, Belgium connects specific large European markets. In addition to its worldwide air network, FedEx Express operates road networks in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and South America. FedEx Express\u2019s unique European road network connects more than 45 countries and territories through 28 transit hubs and more than 700 stations.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThroughout its worldwide network, FedEx Express operates city stations and employs a staff of customer service agents, cargo handlers, and couriers who pick up and deliver shipments in the station\u2019s service area. In some international areas, independent agents (\u201cGlobal Service Participants\u201d) have been selected to complete deliveries and to pick up packages. For more information about our sorting and handling facilities, see \u201cItem 2. Properties\u201d of this Annual Report under the caption \u201cFedEx Express Segment.\u201d\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn connection with our DRIVE initiatives and through collaborations with FedEx Dataworks, we are transforming and optimizing the FedEx Express network to be more agile and efficient, including through the deployment of digital assets that allow us to more effectively balance the use of FedEx aircraft and Global Service Participants and implementation of a single daily dispatch of couriers within the U.S. domestic network.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n11\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Office offers retail access to FedEx Express shipping services at all of its retail locations. FedEx Express also has alliances with certain other retailers to provide in-store drop-off sites, including at nearly 17,000 Walgreens, Dollar General, and Albertsons stores. Our unstaffed FedEx Drop Boxes provide customers the opportunity to drop off packages in office buildings, shopping centers, and corporate or industrial parks.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFuel Supplies and Costs\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring 2023, FedEx Express purchased jet fuel from various suppliers under contracts that vary in length and which provide for estimated amounts of fuel to be delivered. The fuel represented by these contracts is purchased at market prices. We do not have any jet fuel hedging contracts. See \u201cPricing\u201d above.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following table sets forth FedEx Express\u2019s costs for jet fuel and its percentage of FedEx Corporation consolidated revenues for the last five fiscal years:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal Year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal Jet\nFuel Cost\n(in millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercentage of Consolidated\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,515\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,867\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,065\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,265\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2019\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,847\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMost of FedEx Express\u2019s vehicle fuel needs are satisfied by retail purchases with various discounts.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCompetition\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs described in \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report, the express package and freight markets are both highly competitive and sensitive to price and service, especially in periods of little or no macroeconomic growth. The ability to compete effectively depends upon price, frequency, reliability, capacity and speed of scheduled service, ability to track packages, extent of geographic coverage, innovative service offerings, and the fit within the customer\u2019s overall supply chain.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCompetitors within the U.S. include other package delivery concerns, principally United Parcel Service, Inc. (\u201cUPS\u201d), passenger airlines offering express package services, regional delivery companies, air freight forwarders, and the USPS. FedEx Express\u2019s principal international competitors are DHL, UPS, DPD (a subsidiary of France\u2019s La Poste\u2019s GeoPost), General Logistics Systems (a Royal Mail-owned parcel delivery group), foreign postal authorities, passenger airlines, air freight forwarders, regional carriers, and all-cargo airlines. FedEx Express also competes with startup companies that combine technology with crowdsourcing to focus on local market needs. In addition, some high-volume package shippers, such as Amazon.com, are developing and implementing in-house delivery capabilities and utilizing independent contractors for deliveries, and may be considered competitors. For example, Amazon.com has established a network of hubs, aircraft, and vehicles and has expressed an intention to offer its internal delivery capabilities broadly to third parties. Many of FedEx Express\u2019s international competitors are government-owned, -controlled, or -subsidized carriers, which may have greater resources, lower costs, less profit sensitivity, and more favorable operating conditions than FedEx Express. For more information, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEmployees\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJohn A. Smith is the President and Chief Executive Officer \u2014 U.S. and Canada Ground Operations of FedEx Express and Richard W. Smith is the President and Chief Executive Officer \u2014 Airline and International of FedEx Express. As of May 31, 2023, FedEx Express employed approximately 188,000 permanent full-time and approximately 56,000 permanent part-time employees.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nThe pilots of FedEx Express, who are a small number of its total employees, are represented by ALPA and are employed under a collective bargaining agreement that took effect in November 2015. The collective bargaining agreement became amendable in November 2021. Bargaining for a successor agreement began in May 2021, and in November 2022 the NMB began actively mediating the negotiations. In May 2023, FedEx Express reached a tentative successor agreement with ALPA. The tentative agreement was approved by ALPA\u2019s FedEx Express Master Executive Council in June 2023 and is being presented to FedEx Express\u2019s pilots for ratification during the first quarter of 2024. The ongoing ratification process has no effect on our operations.\n\n\n \n\n\n- \n12\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition to our pilots at FedEx Express, certain of FedEx Express\u2019s non-U.S. employees are unionized. In June 2022, the Transport Workers Union filed an application with the NMB requesting an election to represent approximately 130 Global Operations Control (\u201cGOC\u201d) specialists who perform flight dispatching functions in FedEx Express\u2019s GOC center. The NMB dismissed the application in December 2022. FedEx Express believes its employee relations are excellent. See \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report for more information.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Custom Critical\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Custom Critical provides a range of expedited, time-specific freight-shipping services throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Among its services are Surface Expedite, providing exclusive-use shipping and time-definite services; Air Expedite, offering an array of expedited air solutions to meet customers\u2019 critical delivery times; and White Glove Services, for shipments that require extra care in handling, temperature control, or specialized security. Service from FedEx Custom Critical is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. FedEx Custom Critical continuously monitors shipments through an integrated proprietary shipment-control system, including two-way satellite communications on exclusive-use shipments.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Ground Segment\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOverview\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBy leveraging the FedEx brand, maintaining a low-cost structure, and efficiently using information technology and advanced automation systems, FedEx Ground continues to enhance its competitive position as a leading provider of business and residential ground package delivery services. As of July 13, 2023, the money-back guarantee for all FedEx Ground services remains suspended in order to balance our focus on service and safety. FedEx Ground serves customers in the North American small-package market, focusing on business and residential delivery of packages weighing up to 150 pounds. Ground service is provided to 100% of the continental U.S. population and overnight service of up to 400 miles to nearly 100% of the continental U.S. population. Service is also provided to nearly 100% of the Canadian population. In addition, FedEx Ground offers service to Alaska and Hawaii through a ground and air network operation coordinated with other transportation providers. FedEx Ground provides seven-day-per-week residential delivery to more than half of the U.S. population. See \u201cOne FedEx and Network 2.0\u201d above for information regarding the transition of all FedEx Ground operations and personnel in Canada to FedEx Express beginning in April 2024.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe company offers FedEx Home Delivery service, which reaches 100% of U.S. residences. FedEx Home Delivery is dedicated to meeting the delivery needs of residential customers and provides routine Saturday and evening delivery and premium options such as day-specific, appointment, and signature delivery. Sunday delivery is provided for more than half of the U.S. population. FedEx Home Delivery brings unmatched services to residential shippers and their customers and is the first residential ground package delivery service to have offered a money-back guarantee. FedEx Ground Economy service is available for the consolidation and delivery of high volumes of low-weight, less time-sensitive business-to-consumer packages to any residential address or PO Box in the U.S.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Ground periodically publishes updates to the list prices for the majority of its services in its Service Guide. In general, U.S. shipping rates are based on the service selected, origin, destination, weight, size, any ancillary service charge, and whether the customer charged the shipment to a FedEx account. Effective January 2, 2023, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery implemented a 6.9% average list price increase. FedEx Ground Economy average list prices also increased.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo manage demand and capacity constraints in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in June 2020 FedEx Ground implemented a series of surcharges generally applying to shipments that are oversized, unauthorized, or require additional handling; to residential packages for customers meeting a certain volume threshold; and to FedEx Ground Economy shipments. Specific applicable surcharges have been adjusted periodically since their implementation, and higher surcharges were applied during the 2023 holiday peak season. Effective January 16, 2023, the holiday peak surcharges were no longer in effect for residential shipments, and peak surcharges for shipments that are oversized or require additional handling were adjusted downward.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Ground has an indexed fuel surcharge, which is adjusted on a weekly basis. The fuel surcharge is based on a weekly fuel price from two weeks prior to the week in which it is assessed. Effective April 4, 2022, the tables used to determine fuel surcharges at FedEx Ground were updated. See the \u201cResults of Operations and Outlook \u2014 Consolidated Results \u2014 Fuel\u201d section of \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n13\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Ground operates a highly flexible network of over 700 sortation and distribution facilities, including more than 160 fully automated stations, in the U.S. and Canada as of May 31, 2023. FedEx Ground conducts its operations primarily with more than 100,000 vehicles owned or leased by independent service providers. To provide FedEx Home Delivery service and FedEx Ground Economy service, FedEx Ground leverages its pickup operation and hub and linehaul network.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFollowing a network expansion in recent years that substantially increased FedEx Ground\u2019s daily capacity through the addition of new facilities featuring the latest automated sorting technology as well as the expansion or relocation of existing hubs and other facilities, in 2023 the company rationalized its operations in response to lower volumes by consolidating sorts and cancelling several planned network capacity projects, continuing to manage staffing levels effectively, and reducing Sunday delivery operations.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Ground continues to leverage opportunities to maximize utilization of existing facilities and deploy new technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Advanced automated unloading and sorting technology is used to streamline the handling of millions of packages daily. FedEx Ground yard management systems, which interact with GPS tags on each trailer and create geofences around FedEx Ground facilities, automatically notify the control center when a trailer arrives and departs. Using overhead laser and six-sided camera-based bar code scan technology, hub conveyors electronically guide packages to their appropriate destination chute, where they are loaded for transport to their respective destination stations for local delivery.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThrough collaboration with FedEx Dataworks, FedEx Ground is implementing dynamic scheduling tools to match sort staffing headcount with volumes and is introducing capabilities to allow certain packages to bypass station sortation and proceed directly to vehicles, which helps to maximize station capacity. Dock modernization efforts enabled by FedEx Dataworks, including a new network operating plan that uses machine learning and algorithms to develop more detailed and accurate volume forecasts, are enhancing productivity at FedEx Ground in furtherance of our DRIVE initiatives. Additionally, the company is testing autonomous, driverless technologies in the handling of large, non-conveyable packages, as well as artificial intelligence-enabled robotic product sortation systems to sort small packages.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdvanced route optimization technology leveraging the capabilities of FedEx Dataworks provides service providers near real-time data that can be used to plan efficient delivery routes and make decisions about vehicle mix and workforce. Additionally, software systems and internet-based applications are deployed to offer customers new ways to connect internal package data with external delivery information. FedEx Ground provides shipment tracing and proof-of-delivery signature functionality through the FedEx website, \nfedex.com\n. For additional information regarding FedEx Ground e-commerce tools and solutions, including FedEx Delivery Manager and FedEx Returns Technology, see \u201cFedEx Services Segment \u2014 Customer-Driven Technology \u2014 E-Commerce Solutions.\u201d\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Ground has introduced new vehicle safety technologies and incentives for adoption by its service providers, as well as new eligibility standards for drivers employed by service providers. Additionally, FedEx Ground has made significant operational enhancements to ensure safe and reliable handling of large and heavy items. These changes include designing new facilities, adding equipment to certain facilities, and making other operational adjustments.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Office offers retail access to FedEx Ground shipping services at all of its retail locations. FedEx Ground is also available as a service option at all FedEx Authorized ShipCenters and other FedEx OnSite locations, including at nearly 17,000 Walgreens, Dollar General, and Albertsons stores.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023, FedEx Ground employed approximately 56,000 permanent full-time and approximately 136,000 permanent part-time employees. In addition, FedEx Ground contracts with nearly 7,000 independent small businesses to conduct its linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations, as the use of these service providers is well suited to the needs of the ground delivery business and its customers.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Ground is defending lawsuits in which it is alleged that FedEx Ground should be treated as an employer or joint employer of drivers employed by service providers engaged by FedEx Ground. We continue to believe that FedEx Ground is not an employer or joint employer of the drivers of these independent businesses. The status of the drivers employed by these service providers could be further challenged in connection with our one FedEx consolidation plan. For a description of these proceedings, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report and Note 18 of the consolidated financial statements included in \u201cItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n14\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nScott L. Ray is the President of FedEx Ground. FedEx Ground is headquartered in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, and its primary competitors are UPS, the USPS, and regional delivery carriers. FedEx Ground also competes with startup companies that combine technology with crowdsourcing to focus on local market needs. In addition, some high-volume package shippers, such as Amazon.com, are developing and implementing in-house delivery capabilities and utilizing independent contractors for deliveries. For example, Amazon.com has established a network of hubs and vehicles and has expressed an intention to offer its internal delivery capabilities broadly to third parties. For more information, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Freight Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOverview\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Freight is a leading North American provider of LTL freight services, offering choice, simplicity, and reliability to meet the needs of LTL shippers \u2014 FedEx Freight Priority, when speed is critical to meet a customer\u2019s supply chain needs; FedEx Freight Economy, when a customer can trade time for cost savings; and FedEx Freight Direct, a service to meet the needs of the growing e-commerce market for delivery of big and bulky products to or through the door for residences and businesses. Through one comprehensive network of service centers and advanced information systems, FedEx Freight provides service to virtually every U.S. ZIP Code (including Alaska and Hawaii) with industry-leading transit times. FedEx Freight Priority has the fastest published transit times of any nationwide LTL service. Internationally, FedEx Freight Canada offers FedEx Freight Priority service, serving most points in Canada, as well as FedEx Freight Priority and FedEx Freight Economy service between Canada and the U.S. In addition, FedEx Freight serves Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands via alliances. As of July 13, 2023, the money-back guarantee for all FedEx Freight services remains suspended in order to balance our focus on service and safety.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThrough its many service offerings, FedEx Freight can match customers\u2019 time-critical needs with industry-leading transit times. With the expansion of FedEx electronic solutions, LTL shippers have the convenience of a single shipping and tracking solution for FedEx Freight, FedEx Express, and FedEx Ground. These solutions make freight shipping easier and provide customers easy access to their account information. The FedEx Freight Advance Notice feature available on FedEx Freight Priority shipments uses the company\u2019s innovative technology systems to proactively notify FedEx Freight customers via the internet, e-mail, or fax when a shipment may be delayed beyond its estimated delivery date, providing customers with greater visibility and control of their LTL freight shipments. Customers can also process cross-border LTL shipments to and from Canada and Mexico, as well as intra-Canada and -Mexico shipments, through FedEx Ship Manager at \nfedex.com\n, FedEx Ship Manager Software, FedEx Ship Manager Server, and FedEx Web Services. Additionally, FedEx Freight A.M. Delivery offers freight delivery by 10:30 a.m. within and between the U.S. and Canada. FedEx Freight also offers LTL Select, a free cloud-based, multi-carrier transportation management system that provides customers with visibility into all available carriers and their pricing in one location, as well as the ability to book service and make payments. FedEx Freight uses radio frequency identification technology and customized software to improve shipment visibility on its docks and enhance custodial control at the handling unit level.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Freight Direct addresses the growing e-commerce market for big and bulky products. It has four delivery service levels to meet customer needs, with basic and basic by appointment to-the-door services available to nearly 100% of the U.S. population and standard and premium through-the-door services available to 90% of the continental U.S. population, as well as flexible delivery windows, end-to-end visibility, proactive notifications, and returns services with flexible pickup windows and label-less options.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023, the FedEx Freight segment was operating nearly 30,000 vehicles from a network of approximately 390 service centers and had approximately 43,000 employees. The company plans to close and consolidate approximately 30 locations in the first quarter of 2024, and conducted several rounds of furloughs to match staffing with volume levels in 2023. Lance D. Moll is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Freight, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. FedEx Freight\u2019s primary competitors are YRC Worldwide Inc. (which includes YRC Regional Transportation and YRC Freight), XPO Logistics, Inc., Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., ABF Freight (an ArcBest company), SAIA, Inc., and TFI International Inc.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are currently bargaining with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at one FedEx Freight facility.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Freight periodically publishes updates to the list prices for the majority of its services in its 100 Rules Tariff. In general, shipping rates are based on the service selected, origin, destination, weight, class, any ancillary service charge, and whether the customer charged the shipment to a FedEx account. On January 2, 2023, FedEx Freight implemented a 6.9% average list price increase for customers who use FXF PZONE and FXF EZONE rates and a 7.9% average list price increase for customers who use FXF 1000 and FXF 501. These increases apply for shipments within the U.S. and between the contiguous U.S. and Canada.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n15\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn order to manage demand and capacity constraints, beginning in July 2021 FedEx Freight implemented a peak surcharge applying to specific delivery points within the U.S. The peak surcharge has been adjusted periodically since implementation. Effective November 15, 2021, FedEx Freight increased applicable length surcharges. Effective January 17, 2022, FedEx Freight added a surcharge that applies when a pickup is performed and no shipment is tendered to the carrier. Effective January 16, 2023, FedEx Freight changed the extreme length surcharge to a tier-based length structure. The company continues to explore ways to modernize freight pricing including through dimension-in-motion technology, which more accurately captures freight profile and improves its ability to cost and price shipments.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Freight has an indexed fuel surcharge, which is adjusted on a weekly basis. The fuel surcharge is based on a weekly fuel price from two days prior to the day in which it is assessed. Effective April 4, 2022, the tables used to determine fuel surcharges at FedEx Freight were updated. See the \u201cResults of Operations and Outlook \u2014 Consolidated Results \u2014 Fuel\u201d section of \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Services Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Services provides our other companies with sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and certain other back-office support. Through FedEx Services, we provide a convenient single point of access for many customer support functions, enabling us to more effectively sell the entire portfolio of transportation services and to help ensure a consistent and outstanding experience for our customers.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBrie A. Carere and Robert B. Carter each serve as the Co-President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Services, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. As of May 31, 2023, the FedEx Services segment had approximately 15,000 employees.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCustomer-Driven Technology\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx is a world leader in technology, and FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith\u2019s vision that \u201cthe information about a package is as important as the delivery of the package itself\u201d remains at the core of our comprehensive technology strategy. We strive to build technology solutions that will solve our customers\u2019 business problems with simplicity, convenience, speed, and reliability. Additionally, FedEx stands at the nexus of digital and physical networks, a crucial intersection for the success of e-commerce deliveries. We continue to expand our e-commerce convenience network and explore innovative alternatives to help customers and businesses deliver. During 2023 we continued to advance a major information technology transition from traditional mainframe computing to cloud-based systems, which is delivering significant benefits in terms of flexibility, security, speed to market, and resiliency. See \u201cFedEx Dataworks Operating Segment\u201d below for more information on the solutions we are creating to \u201cInnovate for Tomorrow.\u201d\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShipping Management and Precision Tracking\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe \nfedex.com\n website is widely recognized for its speed, ease of use, and customer-focused features. The advanced tracking capability within FedEx Tracking provides customers with a consolidated view of inbound and outbound shipments. Additionally, an advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence model developed by FedEx Dataworks has enhanced tracking capabilities on \nfedex.com, \ndelivering greater estimated delivery date accuracy, including updates for early or delayed shipments. FedEx Virtual Assistant on \nfedex.com \nis an artificial-intelligence-enabled service that provides answers to customer shipping questions, allowing our customer service representatives and sales professionals to focus on higher-value customer interactions.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSenseAware, a FedEx innovation currently available in 135 countries worldwide, allows customers to stay connected to their critical shipments by providing real-time updates regarding current location, precise temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure readings, light exposure, and shock events. Additionally, FedEx SenseAware ID is a lightweight sensor-based logistics device that delivers a new level of precision tracking. The enhanced location visibility provided by FedEx SenseAware ID is creating opportunities for FedEx customers to reimagine their supply chains through real-time updates on a package\u2019s location within the FedEx Express network. FedEx is currently expanding access to FedEx SenseAware ID and plans to eventually make FedEx SenseAware ID available for a broad range of premium FedEx Express services.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Mobile is a suite of solutions including the FedEx mobile application, FedEx mobile website, and SMS text messaging. The FedEx Mobile app provides convenience for recipients to track packages and access FedEx Delivery Manager to customize home deliveries. Shippers can easily get rates and estimated delivery times and swiftly create a shipping label. All users can quickly find the nearest FedEx location for Hold at Location or drop-off. It is available on Android\u0099 and Apple devices. The FedEx Mobile app has expanded to more than 220 countries and territories and 40 languages. SMS Notifications allows customers to track or follow a package via text messaging, and it is currently available in five countries.\n \n\n\n- \n16\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, our FedEx Ship Manager suite of solutions, which was modernized in 2023, offers a wide range of options to help our customers manage their parcel and LTL shipping and associated processes.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nE-Commerce Solutions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Delivery Manager allows our U.S. residential customers to customize home deliveries to fit their schedule by providing a range of options to schedule dates, locations, and times of delivery. Additionally, FedEx Returns Technology, a comprehensive solution for returns management, provides high-volume merchants and e-tailers complete visibility into returns and an easy way to track shipments, manage inventory, analyze returns trends, and make more informed decisions based on shoppers\u2019 returns behaviors. In 2023 we launched FedEx Consolidated Returns in the U.S., a low-priced, easy e-commerce solution for low-weight returns facilitated through supply chain services offered by FedEx Logistics and FedEx Office. Through FedEx Consolidated Returns, shoppers who purchased from participating merchants can drop off the items they wish to return with no box or label required at approximately 2,000 FedEx Office locations. The returned items will then be consolidated with other returns and processed through FedEx Logistics and sent back to the merchants via a less-than-truckload option.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx OnSite, our retail convenience network, utilizes third-party retailers to receive and hold packages for FedEx customers. The FedEx OnSite network has grown to include nearly 17,000 Walgreens, Dollar General, and Albertsons stores in addition to our approximately 2,000 FedEx Office locations. In addition to allowing for an easy returns and drop-off experience for shoppers, the FedEx OnSite network is well positioned to serve as a \u201cbuy online, pickup in store\u201d network for small and medium merchants without brick-and-mortar locations. We have also added FedEx Returns Technology to the Walgreens retail network, which allows for in-store printing of return shipping labels and eliminates the need to include a return label in every package.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have expanded e-commerce delivery options for retailers with FedEx Extra Hours, a service that enables participating retailers to fulfill e-commerce orders into the evening and receive late pickups by FedEx Express, with next-day local delivery and two-day shipping to any address in the continental U.S. FedEx Extra Hours, which is currently available to select customers, allows retailers to extend evening order cutoff times by five to eight hours, with some as late as midnight, depending on their current order fulfillment process.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn June 2022, FedEx announced the launch of Picture Proof of Delivery for express and ground residential deliveries in the U.S. and Canada that are released without a signature. The capability has expanded to 90% of global residential deliveries.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThrough innovative partnerships, FedEx Dataworks seeks to open pathways to e-commerce and empower customers with differentiated insights and tools. In 2021, we announced a multi-year collaboration with Adobe, starting with the integration of ShopRunner with Adobe Commerce\u2019s Magento platform. By integrating their online storefronts with ShopRunner, Adobe merchants are able to offer seamless checkout, two-day shipping, easy returns, and exclusive offers to shippers. The collaboration also gives merchants access to FedEx post-purchase logistics intelligence, allowing for better management of supply chains. In 2022, we announced a multi-year partnership with Salesforce that integrates Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Salesforce Order Management with innovative capabilities from FedEx and ShopRunner. In January 2022, FedEx and Microsoft announced a new cross-platform logistics solution for e-commerce aimed at increasing merchant competitiveness in the e-commerce space by improving customer engagement and providing enhanced shipping options, which was made available to customers in the U.S. in 2023. Additionally, in June 2022 FedEx and FourKites announced a strategic alliance to provide businesses with new, more robust real-time supply chain visibility capabilities. In November 2022, we announced a strategic alliance with Cart.com to create integrated solutions that help address some of the biggest e-commerce challenges.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAutonomous Solutions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx is exploring the use of autonomous delivery technology within its operations. In 2022, we announced a multi-year, multi-phase agreement to test Nuro\u2019s next-generation autonomous delivery vehicle within FedEx operations. The collaboration with Nuro will explore various use cases for on-road autonomous vehicle logistics such as multi-stop and appointment-based deliveries.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn 2022, we began a pilot program with Aurora Innovation, Inc. (\u201cAurora\u201d) and PACCAR Inc. to test Aurora\u2019s autonomous driving technology in PACCAR autonomous vehicle platform-equipped trucks within FedEx linehaul operations. Additionally, FedEx Express is developing plans to test Elroy Air\u2019s autonomous air cargo system within the company\u2019s middle-mile logistics operations, moving shipments between sortation locations. We are also working with major national retailers, fast food restaurants, and drug stores to help assess different customers\u2019 autonomous delivery needs. In 2023, FedEx ended the research and development program for Roxo, the FedEx SameDay Bot, to prioritize these other nearer-term opportunities.\n\n\n- \n17\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarketing\n\n\nThe FedEx brand name symbolizes outstanding service, reliability, and speed. Emphasis is continually placed on promoting and protecting the FedEx brand, one of our most important assets. As a result, FedEx is one of the most widely recognized brands in the world. In addition to television, print, and digital advertising, we promote the FedEx brand through sponsorships and special events. For example, FedEx sponsors:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 The UEFA Champions League, which is broadcast in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 The season-long FedExCup competition on the PGA Tour, and the FedEx St. Jude Championship, a PGA Tour event that has raised millions of dollars for St. Jude Children\u2019s Research Hospital and is one of three annual FedExCup playoff events.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 The #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry driven by Denny Hamlin in the NASCAR Cup Series.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, FedEx is the \u201cOfficial Delivery Service Sponsor\u201d and \u201cOfficial Office Services Provider\u201d of the NFL, through which we conduct events and other activities to promote the FedEx brand, such as the \u201cFedEx Air & Ground\u201d NFL Players of the Week and Players of the Year Awards.\n\n\nInformation Security\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Services has a team of highly qualified professionals dedicated to securing information about our customers\u2019 shipments and protecting our customers\u2019, vendors\u2019, and employees\u2019 privacy, and we strive to provide a safe, secure online environment for our customers. We are committed to compliance with applicable information security laws, regulations, and industry standards. For a description of risks related to information security, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Dataworks Operating Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe FedEx Dataworks operating segment is focused on putting our data into context and using it to enhance the efficiency of the FedEx network and our customers\u2019 supply chains, as well as the end-to-end experience of our customers. The size and scale of our global network gives us a bird\u2019s-eye view of global supply chains and trends and provides an immense amount of data. As the digital twin of our physical network and a key enabler of our DRIVE transformation, FedEx Dataworks leverages this information to allow us to work differently through a more technology-enabled, data-driven approach. See \u201cFedEx Express Segment \u2014 FedEx Express \u2014 Operations\u201d and \u201cFedEx Ground Segment \u2014 Operations\u201d above for information regarding how FedEx Dataworks is enabling the transformation and optimization of our physical network at FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. FedEx Dataworks is also helping to build out a dynamic pricing infrastructure, which enabled 2023 holiday peak residential surcharges to adjust dynamically based on an individual customer\u2019s weekly peaking factor, and exploring and implementing ways for predictive anomaly detection to improve revenue quality.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Surround allows business customers to enhance visibility into its supply chain by leveraging data to provide near-real-time analytics into shipment tracking, which will drive more precise logistics and inventory management. FedEx Dataworks is helping to facilitate an open and collaborative e-commerce ecosystem that helps merchants provide seamless end-to-end experiences for their customers. ShopRunner is an e-commerce platform that directly connects brands and merchants with online shoppers. ShopRunner\u2019s data-driven marketing and omnichannel enablement capabilities also help brands and merchants acquire high-value customers and accelerate their digital innovation by using ShopRunner\u2019s e-commerce platform. We believe the complementary nature of ShopRunner\u2019s pre-purchase offerings combined with FedEx\u2019s post-purchase logistics intelligence enables brands and merchants to attract and engage consumers at scale by providing innovative online shopping experiences. In November 2022, ShopRunner announced the launch of its new mobile application. For additional information regarding FedEx Dataworks e-commerce partnerships, tools, and solutions, see \u201cFedEx Services Segment \u2014 Customer-Driven Technology \u2014 E-Commerce Solutions.\u201d\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSriram Krishnasamy is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Dataworks, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. As of May 31, 2023, FedEx Dataworks had approximately 400 employees. FedEx Dataworks is an operating segment that is included in \u201cCorporate, other, and eliminations\u201d in our segment reporting.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Office Operating Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023, FedEx Office operated approximately 2,000 customer-facing stores, providing convenient access to printing and shipping expertise with reliable service.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n18\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe FedEx Office brick-and-mortar network features retail stores, FedEx Office locations inside Walmart stores, manufacturing plants, corporate on-site print centers, and on-site business centers at colleges and universities, hotels, convention centers, corporate campuses, and healthcare campuses. Many of these locations are open later in the evenings to accommodate urgent printing projects and delivery drop-offs. FedEx Office has designed a suite of printing and shipping management solutions that are flexible and scalable, allowing customers to meet their unique printing and shipping needs. The network provides an adaptable cost model helping to save time, labor, and overhead by freeing up resources and avoiding fixed costs associated with large-scale printing and e-commerce parcel volumes. This is especially valuable to our enterprise customers looking to outsource their print supply chain. Services include digital printing, professional finishing, document creation, design services, direct mail, signs and graphics, custom-printed boxes, copying, computer rental, free Wi-Fi, corporate print solutions, expedited U.S. passport processing and renewal through a collaboration with a registered U.S. passport agency, and fully digital notarization services through FedEx Office Online Notary.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWith the FedEx Office Print On Demand solution, customers can use their laptops or mobile devices to design their print needs or access their personal cloud accounts, and print directly to any FedEx Office location in the U.S., or have their order delivered right to their door. Customers also have the flexibility of using FedEx Office\u2019s Print & Go solutions to print at self-serve locations from USBs, the cloud, or through email. Print & Go solutions allow customers to access files using popular cloud providers Google Drive\u0099, Box, Microsoft OneDrive\u00ae, and from FedEx Office\u2019s own My Online Documents, making printing easy.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Office has prioritized e-commerce and digital offerings as a growth opportunity for the enterprise/large, medium, and small business customers we serve. FedEx Office has partnered with a content and creative design platform to form a digital design-to-print marketplace offering millions of images and illustrations, an extensive library of templates, and a simple drag-and-drop interface to create custom business materials from \nfedex.com \non any device, with next-day printing on many requests available at FedEx Office stores. Additionally, FedEx Office has partnered with a leading marketing solutions company to introduce an online branded promotional products marketplace that allows businesses to customize and purchase high-quality promotional products. FedEx Office has also made investments in new machines and technology, enhancing capabilities in narrow format color, grand format, large format, color management, enhanced finishing, and other technologies.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Office provides customers convenient access to the full range of FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping services. Customers may have their FedEx Express and FedEx Ground packages delivered to any FedEx Office customer-facing location nationwide through the Hold at FedEx Location service, free of charge, and may redirect packages to these locations through Redirect to Hold or AutoRedirect to Hold services. FedEx Office facilitates e-commerce and returns through FedEx Returns Technology, which allows for in-store printing of return shipping labels. Through FedEx Consolidated Returns, which we launched in 2023, shoppers who purchased from participating merchants can drop off the items they wish to return with no box or label required at a FedEx Office location. For information regarding FedEx Consolidated Returns, see \u201cFedEx Services Segment \u2014 Customer-Driven Technology \u2014 E-Commerce Solutions.\u201d We discontinued FedEx SameDay City operations during 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Office also offers packing services, and packing supplies and boxes are included in its retail offerings. By allowing customers to have items professionally packed by specially trained FedEx Office team members and then shipped using FedEx Ground day-definite shipping or time-definite global FedEx Express shipping services, FedEx Office offers a complete \u201cpack-and-ship\u201d solution. FedEx Office also offers FedEx Pack Plus, which includes custom box building capabilities and techniques; a robust assortment of specialty boxes; and additional packing supplies, equipment, and tools to serve our customers\u2019 needs.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAlmost all FedEx Office locations provide local pickup-and-delivery service for print jobs completed by FedEx Office. A FedEx courier picks up a customer\u2019s print job at the customer\u2019s location and then returns the finished product to the customer. Options and services vary by location.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBrian D. Philips is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Office, which is based in Plano, Texas. As of May 31, 2023, FedEx Office had approximately 12,000 employees. FedEx Office is an operating segment that is included in \u201cCorporate, other, and eliminations\u201d in our segment reporting.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Logistics Operating Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe FedEx Logistics operating segment plays a key role within the FedEx portfolio with a comprehensive suite of integrated logistics solutions, providing air and ocean cargo transportation, specialty transportation, customs brokerage, and trade management tools and data through FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, as well as third party logistics and supply chain solutions through FedEx Supply Chain. FedEx Logistics has the unique ability to leverage the power of the FedEx transportation networks as well as its global network of service providers. Additionally, FedEx Logistics provides international trade advisory services.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n19\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPatrick Moebel is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Logistics, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. As of May 31, 2023, the FedEx Logistics organization had approximately 21,000 employees. FedEx Supply Chain has a small number of employees who are members of unions. FedEx Logistics is an operating segment that is included in \u201cCorporate, other, and eliminations\u201d in our segment reporting.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage provides international trade services, specializing in customs brokerage, global ocean and air freight forwarding, and managed transportation. Additionally, FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage provides customs clearance services for FedEx Express at its major U.S. hub facilities and border customs clearance for FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight. FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage also offers global door-to-door air charter solutions collaborating with FedEx Express and U.S. import door-to-door less-than-container-load ocean solutions collaborating with FedEx Freight.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs trade throughout the world grows, so does the FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage solutions portfolio. As of May 31, 2023, FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage operated approximately 122 offices and facilities in 33 countries and territories throughout North America and in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East, and Australia/New Zealand. FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage maintains a network of air and ocean freight-forwarding service providers and has entered into strategic alliances to provide services in certain countries in which it does not have owned offices.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage offers customized trade solutions that enable improved compliance practices through FedEx Trade Solutions.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Supply Chain\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Supply Chain is a supply chain solutions provider specializing in Product Lifecycle Logistics\n\u00ae \nfor technology, retail, consumer and industrial goods, and healthcare industries. With approximately 15,000 employees at 82 facilities as of May 31, 2023, FedEx Supply Chain provides a comprehensive range of integrated logistics services to enable growth, minimize cost, mitigate supply chain risk, and improve customer services. Service offerings include inbound logistics, warehousing and distribution, fulfillment, contract packaging and product configuration, systems integration, returns process and disposition, test, repair, refurbishment, and product liquidation.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Fulfillment is an e-commerce solution that helps small and medium-sized businesses fulfill orders from multiple channels, including websites and online marketplaces, and manage inventory for their retail stores. The FedEx Fulfillment platform is designed to be an easy-to-use and all-in-one logistics solution through which customers have complete visibility into their products, giving them an easy way to track items, manage inventory, analyze trends, and make more informed decisions by better understanding shoppers\u2019 spending behaviors.\n\n\nSeasonality\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor information on the seasonality of our business, see the \u201cResults of Operations and Outlook \u2014 Consolidated Results \u2014 Seasonality of Business\u201d section of \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\nTrademarks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe \u201cFedEx\u201d trademark, service mark, and trade name are essential to our worldwide business. FedEx, FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Services, FedEx Office, FedEx Logistics, FedEx Dataworks, FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, FedEx Supply Chain, FedEx Custom Critical, and ShopRunner, among others, are trademarks, service marks, and trade names of Federal Express Corporation or the respective companies for which registrations, or applications for registration, are on file, as applicable. We have authorized, through licensing arrangements, the use of certain of our trademarks, service marks, and trade names by our contractors and Global Service Participants to support our business. In addition, we license the use of certain of our trademarks, service marks, and trade names on promotional items for the primary purpose of enhancing brand awareness.\n \n\n\nRegulation\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAir\n. Under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended (the \u201cFederal Aviation Act\u201d), both the U.S. Department of Transportation (\u201cDOT\u201d) and the Federal Aviation Administration (\u201cFAA\u201d) exercise regulatory authority over FedEx Express.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n20\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe FAA\u2019s regulatory authority relates primarily to operational aspects of air transportation, including aircraft standards and maintenance, as well as personnel and ground facilities, which may from time to time affect the ability of FedEx Express to operate its aircraft in the most efficient manner. FedEx Express holds an air carrier certificate granted by the FAA pursuant to Part 119 of the federal aviation regulations. This certificate is of unlimited duration and remains in effect so long as FedEx Express maintains its standards of safety and meets the operational requirements of the regulations.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe DOT\u2019s authority relates primarily to economic aspects of air transportation. The DOT\u2019s jurisdiction extends to aviation route authority and to other regulatory matters, including the transfer of route authority between carriers. FedEx Express holds various certificates issued by the DOT, authorizing FedEx Express to engage in U.S. and international air transportation of property and mail on a worldwide basis. These certificates will remain in effect as we maintain our economic fitness to perform all-cargo services in connection with our one FedEx consolidation plan.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnder the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001, as amended, the Transportation Security Administration (\u201cTSA\u201d), an agency within the Department of Homeland Security, has responsibility for aviation security. The TSA requires FedEx Express to comply with a Full All-Cargo Aircraft Operator Standard Security Plan, which contains evolving and strict security requirements. These requirements are not static, but change periodically as the result of regulatory and legislative requirements, imposing additional security costs and creating a level of uncertainty for our operations. It is reasonably possible that these rules or other future security requirements could impose material costs on us.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Express participates in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (\u201cCRAF\u201d) program. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Defense may requisition for military use certain of FedEx Express\u2019s wide-bodied aircraft in the event of a declared need, including a national emergency. FedEx Express is compensated for the operation of any aircraft requisitioned under the CRAF program at standard contract rates established each year in the normal course of awarding contracts. Through its participation in the CRAF program, FedEx Express is entitled to bid on peacetime military cargo charter business. FedEx Express, together with a consortium of other carriers, currently contracts with the U.S. government for such charter flights.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report for discussion of regulations related to pilots, including the proposed pilot flight and duty time regulations, that could affect our business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGround\n. The ground transportation performed by FedEx Express is integral to its air transportation services. The enactment of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 abrogated the authority of states to regulate the rates, routes, or services of intermodal all-cargo air carriers and most motor carriers. States may now only exercise jurisdiction over safety and insurance. FedEx Express is registered in those states that require registration.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe operations of FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Custom Critical in interstate commerce are currently regulated by the DOT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which retain limited oversight authority over motor carriers. Federal legislation preempts regulation by the states of rates, routes, and services in interstate freight transportation.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLike other interstate motor carriers, our operations, including those at FedEx Express, are subject to certain DOT safety requirements governing interstate operations. In addition, vehicle weight and dimensions remain subject to both federal and state regulations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInternational\n. FedEx Express\u2019s international authority permits it to carry cargo and mail from points in its U.S. route system to numerous points throughout the world. The DOT regulates international routes and practices and is authorized to investigate and take action against discriminatory treatment of U.S. air carriers abroad. The right of a U.S. carrier to serve foreign points is subject to the DOT\u2019s approval and generally requires a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and the foreign government. In addition, the carrier must then be granted the permission of such foreign government to provide specific flights and services. The regulatory environment for global aviation rights may from time to time impair the ability of FedEx Express to operate its air network in the most efficient manner, and efficient operations often utilize open skies provisions of aviation agreements. Additionally, global air cargo carriers, such as FedEx Express, are subject to current and potential additional aviation security regulation by U.S. and foreign governments.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur operations outside of the U.S., such as FedEx Express\u2019s international domestic operations, are also subject to current and potential regulations, including certain postal regulations and licensing requirements, that restrict, make difficult, and sometimes prohibit, the ability of foreign-owned companies such as FedEx Express to compete effectively in parts of the international domestic transportation and logistics market.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n21\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCommunication\n. Because of the extensive use of radio and other communication facilities in its aircraft and ground transportation operations, FedEx Express is subject to the Federal Communications Commission Act of 1934, as amended. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (\u201cFCC\u201d) regulates and licenses FedEx Express\u2019s activities pertaining to satellite communications, and also manages the spectrum allocation and licensing process. The FCC recently expanded the use of the 3.7 to 4.2 gigahertz (\u201cGHz\u201d) spectrum band, which has historically been reserved for aviation, to support the implementation of \u201c5G\u201d cellular networks across the U.S. In December 2021, following concerns of potential interference with aircraft radio altimeters by the expanded use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz spectrum band, the FAA issued airworthiness directives prohibiting U.S. aircraft operators from operating at U.S. airports affected by 5G cellular networks without radio altimeter retrofits or other enhancements unless authorized via an alternative means of compliance. FedEx Express\u2019s U.S. air operations continued to operate with minimal interruption due to the FAA\u2019s issuance of alternative means of compliance while the company modified its fleet to comply with the directives. In June 2022, the FAA announced its expectation that U.S. aircraft operators have radio altimeter retrofits or other enhancements in place by July 2023. As of July 1, 2023, FedEx Express\u2019s U.S. air operations are in compliance with the airworthiness directives, and we do not expect any subsequent operational disruptions from \u201c5G\u201d cellular network implementation.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEnvironmental\n.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNoise\n:\n \nPursuant to the Federal Aviation Act, the FAA, with the assistance of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (\u201cEPA\u201d), is authorized to establish standards governing aircraft noise. FedEx Express\u2019s aircraft fleet is in compliance with current noise standards of the federal aviation regulations. In addition to federal regulation of aircraft noise, certain airport operators have local noise regulations, which limit aircraft operations by type of aircraft and time of day. These regulations have had a restrictive effect on FedEx Express\u2019s aircraft operations in some of the localities where they apply but do not have a material effect in any of FedEx Express\u2019s significant markets. Congress\u2019s passage of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 established a National Noise Policy, which enabled FedEx Express to plan for noise reduction and better respond to local noise constraints. FedEx Express\u2019s international operations are also subject to noise regulations in certain of the countries in which it operates.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGreenhouse Gas Emissions\n:\n \nConcern over climate change, including the effect of global warming, has led to significant U.S. and international legislative and regulatory efforts to limit GHG emissions, including our aircraft and vehicle engine emissions. Increasingly, state and local governments are also considering GHG regulatory requirements. Compliance with such regulation and the associated potential cost is complicated by the fact that various countries and regions are following different approaches to the regulation of climate change. In 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization (\u201cICAO\u201d) formally adopted a global, market-based emissions offset program known as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (\u201cCORSIA\u201d). This program established a goal for the aviation industry to achieve carbon neutral growth in international aviation beginning in calendar 2021. Any growth above a global industry emissions baseline would need to be addressed using either eligible carbon offset credits or qualifying sustainable aviation fuel purchases. The baseline was originally set as an average of calendar 2019 and calendar 2020 emissions. In 2023, due to the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry, the ICAO adopted a new baseline of 85% of calendar 2019 emissions. To date, however, while the U.S. Congress is considering proposals to afford the DOT and FAA full authority to implement the market-based measures of CORSIA, the U.S. has not fully implemented CORSIA. In the interim, we continue to voluntarily report our emissions data to the FAA.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther ICAO member states are moving forward with implementing CORSIA, and have taken additional action to reduce aircraft GHG emissions. For example, both the EU and the United Kingdom have implemented regulations to include aviation in the Emissions Trading Scheme (\u201cETS\u201d). For the EU, under these regulations any airline with flights originating or landing in the European Economic Area (\u201cEEA\u201d) is subject to the ETS. Beginning in calendar 2012, airlines including FedEx were required to purchase emissions allowances or, alternatively, purchase qualifying sustainable aviation fuel if they exceeded the number of free allowances allocated under the ETS. While the current scope of ETS has been limited to apply only to flights within the EEA through calendar 2026, the EU adopted legislation in 2023 requiring that a study be conducted in July 2026 reassessing whether the European Commission should propose to expand the scope of ETS to include international flights from the EEA based on CORSIA implementation and performance.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe expect compliance with CORSIA and the ETS to increase FedEx operating expenses. The amount of such increase will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including the number of our flights subject to CORSIA and the ETS, the fuel efficiency of our fleet, the average growth of the aviation sector, our ability to utilize sustainable aviation fuels in the future and the price of such fuels, and the price of eligible emission units, offsets, or allowances required to be purchased by FedEx.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n22\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, in 2017, ICAO adopted new carbon dioxide emissions standards that would apply not only to new aircraft types as of calendar 2020, but also to new deliveries of currently in-production aircraft types from calendar 2023. ICAO established a production cutoff date of January 1, 2028 for aircraft that do not comply with these standards. The standards are considered to be especially stringent for larger aircraft weighing over 60 tons. In 2021, the EPA adopted its own aircraft and aircraft engine GHG emissions standards, which are aligned with the 2017 ICAO emissions standards, and the FAA is advancing its own conforming rulemaking to implement the standards through its aircraft certification process. In the past, the U.S. Congress has also considered bills that would regulate GHG emissions, and some form of federal climate change legislation is possible in the future. In 2021 the U.S. reentered the Paris climate accord, an agreement among 197 countries to reduce GHG emissions. The effect of the reentry on future U.S. policy regarding GHG emissions and on other GHG regulation is uncertain. Additionally, the extent to which other countries implement that agreement could have an adverse direct or indirect effect on our business.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHazardous Substances\n: In calendar 2022, the EPA proposed regulations to categorize certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (\u201cPFAS\u201d) as \u201chazardous substances\u201d under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (\u201cCERCLA\u201d). Numerous U.S. states, including California, have adopted additional regulations governing these substances. PFAS are used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, including the firefighting foams approved for use by the FAA to extinguish fuel-based fires at airports and refineries. The EPA\u2019s proposed rule, once finalized, could subject airports, airlines, and refineries to potential liability for cleanup of historical PFAS contamination. We could incur remediation costs for currently and formerly operated facilities. While the impact of this rulemaking on our business and results of operations cannot currently be predicted, we remain committed to transitioning to PFAS-free materials for fire suppression in accordance with the framework outlined by the FAA in May 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are also subject to international, federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the shipment of dangerous goods and contingency planning for spills of petroleum products. Additionally, we are subject to numerous regulations dealing with underground fuel storage tanks, hazardous waste handling, vehicle and equipment emissions and noise, and the discharge of effluents from our properties and equipment. FedEx Express has an environmental management system based on International Standardization 14001 designed to maintain compliance with these regulations and minimize our operational environmental footprint, and certified all U.S. airport locations in 2022.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExport Controls\n. \nIn recent years, the U.S. government has increased the number of companies and persons subject to U.S. export control regulations. Such regulations can restrict the types of items that FedEx customers are permitted to ship to certain entities, and in some instances may prohibit FedEx from serving certain entities altogether. Violations of these regulations can result in significant monetary and other penalties. For example, the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (the \u201cECRA\u201d) and its implementing regulations, the Export Administration Regulations (the \u201cEARs\u201d), hold carriers such as FedEx strictly liable for shipments that may violate the EARs without requiring evidence that the carriers had knowledge of any violations. Violations of the ECRA can result in criminal penalties of up to $1 million and civil penalties of $305,000 (or twice the value of the transaction) per individual violation. FedEx is investing in improvements and updates to its export control compliance programs. However, the heightened focus on export controls by the U.S. government increases FedEx\u2019s exposure to potential regulatory penalties and could result in higher compliance costs.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCustoms\n. \nOur activities, including customs brokerage and freight forwarding, are subject to regulation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the TSA within the Department of Homeland Security (customs brokerage and security issues), the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (ocean freight forwarding), and the DOT (air freight forwarding). Our offshore operations are subject to similar regulation by the regulatory authorities of foreign jurisdictions.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLabor\n. \nAll U.S. employees at FedEx Express are covered by the Railway Labor Act of 1926, as amended (the \u201cRLA\u201d), while labor relations within the U.S. at our other companies are governed by the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, as amended (the \u201cNLRA\u201d). Under the RLA, groups that wish to unionize must do so across nationwide classes of employees. The RLA also requires mandatory government-led mediation of contract disputes supervised by the NMB before a union can strike or an employer can replace employees or impose contract terms. This part of the RLA helps minimize the risk of strikes that would shut down large portions of the economy. Under the NLRA, employees can unionize in small localized groups, and government-led mediation is not a required step in the negotiation process.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe RLA was originally passed to govern railroad and express carrier labor negotiations. As transportation systems evolved, the law expanded to cover airlines, which are now the dominant national transportation systems. As an air express carrier with an integrated air/ground network, FedEx Express and its employees have been covered by the RLA since the founding of the company. The purpose of the RLA is to offer employees a process by which to unionize (if they choose) and engage in collective bargaining while also protecting global commerce from damaging work stoppages and delays. Specifically, the RLA ensures that an entire transportation system, such as at FedEx Express, cannot be shut down by the actions of a local segment of the network.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n23\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe U.S. Congress has, in the past, considered adopting changes in labor laws that would make it easier for unions to organize units of our employees. For example, there is always a possibility that Congress could remove most FedEx Express employees from the jurisdiction of the RLA, thereby exposing the FedEx Express network to sporadic labor disputes and the risk that small groups of employees could disrupt the entire air/ground network. This jurisdiction could be challenged in connection with our one FedEx consolidation plan. In addition, federal and state governmental agencies, such as the NMB and the National Labor Relations Board (\u201cNLRB\u201d), have and may continue to take actions that could make it easier for our employees, and employees of service providers contracting with FedEx Ground, to organize under the RLA or NLRA. For a description of these and other potential labor law changes, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nData Protection\n. There has recently been heightened regulatory and enforcement focus relating to the collection, use, retention, transfer, and processing of personal data in the U.S. (at both the state and federal level) and internationally. For more information regarding data protection regulation, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report.\n \n\n\n- \n24\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A. RIS\nK FACTORS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition to the other information set forth in this Annual Report, you should carefully consider the following factors, which could materially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and the price of our common stock. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and the price of our common stock.\n\n\nMacroeconomic and Market Risks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are directly affected by the state of the global economy and geopolitical developments.\n While macroeconomic risks apply to most companies, we are particularly vulnerable. The transportation industry is highly cyclical and especially susceptible to trends in economic activity. Our primary business is to transport goods, so our business levels are directly tied to the purchase and production of goods and the rate of growth of global trade \u2014 key macroeconomic measurements influenced by, among other things, inflation and deflation, supply chain disruptions, interest rates and currency exchange rates, labor costs and unemployment levels, fuel and energy prices, public health crises, inventory levels, buying patterns and disposable income, debt levels, and credit availability. When individuals and companies purchase and produce fewer goods, we transport fewer goods, and as companies move manufacturing closer to consumer markets and expand the number of distribution centers, we transport goods shorter distances, which adversely affects our yields and profitability. Certain manufacturers and retailers are making investments to produce and house goods in closer proximity to supply chains and consumers in connection with recent macroeconomic, geopolitical, and public health developments. Additionally, consumer spending has shifted from goods to services, and in 2023 we saw a customer preference for slower, less costly shipping services. We expect these trends to continue. Further, the scale of our operations and our relatively high fixed-cost structure, particularly at FedEx Express, make it difficult to quickly adjust to match shifting volume levels, which negatively affected our results of operations in 2023. For more information, see \u201cOur businesses are capital intensive, and we must make capital decisions based upon projected volume levels.\u201d below.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur results in 2023 were adversely impacted by lower global volumes due to weak economic conditions. We are experiencing a decline in demand for our transportation services as inflation and interest rate increases are negatively affecting consumer and business spending. Additionally, we are experiencing higher costs to serve through higher fuel prices, wage rates, purchased transportation costs, and other direct operating expenses such as operational supplies. During 2024, we expect macroeconomic conditions to continue to negatively affect customer demand for our services. See Item 7. \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for additional information.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMoreover, given the nature of our business and our global operations, political, economic, and other conditions in foreign countries and regions, including international taxes, government-to-government relations, the typically more volatile economies of emerging markets, and geopolitical risks such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, may adversely affect our business and results of operations. We have suspended all services in Ukraine and Belarus. We also temporarily idled our operations in Russia and reduced our presence to the minimum required for purposes of maintaining a legal presence with active transport licenses. While we do not expect this conflict to have a direct material effect on our business or results of operations, the broader consequences of this conflict, which may include further sanctions, embargoes, regional instability, and geopolitical shifts; airspace bans relating to certain routes, or strategic decisions to alter certain routes; potential retaliatory action by the Russian government against us as a result of our idling of operations in Russia, including nationalization of foreign businesses in Russia; increased tensions between the United States and countries in which we operate; and the extent of the conflict\u2019s effect on our business and results of operations as well as the global economy, cannot be predicted.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo the extent the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, or subsequent similar conflicts between or among other nations, adversely affects our business, it may also have the effect of heightening many other risks disclosed in this Annual Report, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Such risks include, but are not limited to, disruptions to our global technology infrastructure, including through cyberattack or cyber-intrusion, ransomware attack, or malware attack; adverse changes in international trade policies; our ability to maintain or increase our prices, including our fuel surcharges in response to rising fuel costs; our ability to implement and execute our business strategy, particularly with regard to our FedEx Express international business; disruptions in global supply chains, which can limit the access of FedEx and our service providers to vehicles and other key capital resources and increase our costs and could affect our ability to achieve our goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040; our ability to maintain our strong reputation and the value of the FedEx brand; terrorist activities targeting transportation infrastructure; our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations; and constraints, volatility, or disruption in the capital markets. Geopolitical uncertainty negatively affected operations at FedEx Express in recent years.\n \n\n\n- \n25\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditional changes in international trade policies and relations could significantly reduce the volume of goods transported globally and adversely affect our business and results of operations. \nThe U.S. government has taken certain actions that have negatively affected U.S. trade, including imposing tariffs on certain goods imported into the U.S. Additionally, several foreign governments have imposed tariffs on certain goods imported from the U.S. These actions contributed to weakness in the global economy that adversely affected our results of operations in recent years. Any further changes in U.S. or international trade policy, including tariffs, export controls, quotas, embargoes, or sanctions, could trigger additional retaliatory actions by affected countries, resulting in \u201ctrade wars\u201d and further increased costs for goods transported globally, which may reduce customer demand for these products if the parties having to pay tariffs or other anti-trade measures increase their prices, or in trading partners limiting their trade with countries that impose such measures. Political uncertainty surrounding international trade and other disputes could also have a negative effect on business and consumer confidence and spending. Such conditions could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as on the price of our common\n \nstock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, the U.S. government has taken action to limit the ability of domestic companies to engage in commerce with certain foreign entities under certain circumstances, and foreign governments may investigate our compliance with these restrictions. Furthermore, given the nature of our business and our global recognizability, foreign governments may target FedEx by limiting the ability of foreign entities to do business with us in certain instances, imposing monetary or other penalties or taking other retaliatory action, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as on the price of our common stock.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur transportation businesses are affected by the price and availability of jet and vehicle fuel.\n We must purchase large quantities of fuel to operate our aircraft and vehicles, and the price and availability of fuel is beyond our control and can be highly volatile. In addition, our purchased transportation expense is affected by fuel costs. To date, we have been mostly successful in mitigating over time the expense effect of higher fuel costs through our indexed fuel surcharges, as the amount of the surcharges is closely linked to the market prices for fuel. If we are unable to maintain or increase our fuel surcharges because of competitive pricing pressures or some other reason, fuel costs could adversely affect our operating results. See \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information. As of May 31, 2023, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEven if we are able to offset the cost of fuel with our surcharges, high fuel surcharges could move our customers away from our higher-yielding express services to our lower-yielding deferred or ground services or even reduce customer demand for our services altogether. In addition, disruptions in the supply of fuel could have a negative effect on our ability to operate our transportation networks. The following factors may affect fuel supply and could result in shortages and price increases in the future: weather-related events; natural disasters; political disruptions or wars involving oil-producing countries; economic sanctions imposed against oil-producing countries or specific industry participants; changes in governmental policy concerning fuel production, transportation, taxes, or marketing; changes in refining capacity; environmental concerns; cyberattacks; and public and investor sentiment. Several of these factors combined to constrain fuel supply in 2023, and we expect such conditions to continue to be present in 2024.\n\n\nOperating Risks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe failure to successfully execute our DRIVE transformation program, including Network 2.0, and our one FedEx consolidation plan in the expected time frame and at the expected cost may adversely affect our future results. \nIn the first quarter of fiscal 2023, FedEx announced our DRIVE transformation program to improve long-term profitability, including Network 2.0, the multi-year effort to improve the efficiency with which FedEx picks up, transports, and delivers packages in the U.S. and Canada. In the fourth quarter of 2023, FedEx announced one FedEx, a consolidation plan to ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation. See \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d and \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information. These entities currently operate as separate and independent businesses and networks. There can be no assurances that these businesses and networks can successfully be consolidated and fully integrated as planned. It is possible that the consolidation and integration process could result in higher than currently expected costs, less-than-expected savings, the loss of customers, the disruption of ongoing businesses, union organizing, litigation, the loss of key FedEx employees or service providers, or other unexpected issues. It is also possible that the overall process will take longer than currently anticipated. Additionally, the following issues, among others, must be addressed in order to realize the anticipated timing and projected benefits of our DRIVE transformation and one FedEx consolidation plan:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 combining the physical networks and operations of FedEx Express and FedEx Ground, including consolidating the companies\u2019 linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations, and corporate functions;\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 our ability to maintain coverage of U.S. employees at FedEx Express under the RLA and manage challenges to the employment status of drivers employed by service providers engaged by FedEx Ground, in addition to other labor-related risks;\n\n\n- \n26\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 integrating, consolidating, and implementing new administrative and back-office support functions, information-technology infrastructure, and computer systems of the respective companies;\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 integrating and restructuring the corporate entities;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 integrating and unifying the offerings and services available to historical FedEx Express and FedEx Ground customers;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 harmonizing the companies\u2019 operating practices, employee development and compensation programs, internal controls, and other policies, procedures, and processes;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 maintaining existing agreements with customers and service providers and avoiding delays in entering into new agreements with prospective customers and service providers;\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 legal challenges by FedEx Ground service providers or government agencies seeking to slow or stop plans related to Network 2.0 or our one FedEx consolidation;\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 addressing possible differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures, and management philosophies;\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 addressing employee issues so as to promote retention and maintain efficient and effective labor and employee relations;\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 maintaining access to ports of call and railroads for intermodal support;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 managing the movement of certain positions to different locations;\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 obtaining any required regulatory licenses, operating authority, or contractual consents; and\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 managing unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the consolidation and integration process.\n\n\n \n\n\nWe may not be able to achieve the expected operational efficiencies and network flexibility, alignment of our cost base with demand, cost savings and reductions to our permanent cost structure, and other benefits from our DRIVE transformation and one FedEx consolidation plan. The actual amount and timing of costs to be incurred and related cost savings and reductions to our permanent cost structure resulting from these initiatives and enhancements may differ from our current expectations and estimates. These initiatives and enhancements could also result in asset impairment charges and changes to our tax liabilities and deferred tax balances. If we are not able to successfully implement our DRIVE transformation and one FedEx consolidation plan, our future financial results will suffer and we may not be able to achieve our financial performance goals.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAll of these factors could adversely affect FedEx\u2019s results of operations and negatively affect the price of our common stock. In addition, at times the attention of certain members of our management may be focused on the DRIVE transformation and one FedEx consolidation plan and diverted from day-to-day business operations, which may disrupt our business.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nA significant data breach or other disruption to our technology infrastructure could disrupt our operations and result in the loss of critical confidential information, adversely affecting our reputation, business, or results of operations. \nOur ability to attract and retain customers, efficiently operate our businesses, execute our DRIVE transformation and one FedEx consolidation plan, and compete effectively depends in part upon the sophistication, security, and reliability of our technology network, including our ability to provide features of service that are important to our customers, to protect our confidential business information and the information provided by our customers, and to maintain customer confidence in our ability to protect our systems and to provide services consistent with their expectations. For example, we rely on information technology to receive package-level information in advance of physical receipt of packages, to track items that move through our delivery systems, to efficiently plan deliveries, to clear shipments through customs, to execute billing processes, and to track and report financial and operational data. We are subject to risks imposed by data breaches and operational disruptions, including through cyberattack or cyber-intrusion, ransomware attack, or malware attack by computer hackers, foreign governments and state-sponsored actors, cyber terrorists and activists, cyber criminals, malicious employees or other insiders of FedEx or third-party service providers, and other groups and individuals. Data breaches and other technology disruptions of companies and governments continue to increase as the number, intensity, and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased and we, our customers, and third parties increasingly store and transmit data by means of connected information technology systems. Additionally, risks such as code anomalies, \u201cActs of God,\u201d transitional challenges in migrating operating company functionality to our FedEx enterprise automation platforms, data leakage, cyber-fraud, and human error pose a direct threat to our products, services, systems, and data and could result in unauthorized or block legitimate access to sensitive or confidential data regarding our operations, customers, employees, and suppliers, including personal information.\n \n\n\n- \n27\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe technology infrastructure of acquired businesses, as well as their practices related to the use and maintenance of data, could also present issues that we were not able to identify prior to the acquisition. For example, ShopRunner, which we acquired in 2021, collects and stores certain personal data of its merchants and their buyers, its partners, consumers with whom it has a direct relationship, and users of its applications. Additionally, it uses third-party service providers and subprocessors to help deliver services to merchants and their buyers. These service providers and subprocessors may store or access personal data, including payment information and/or other confidential information. The foregoing factors increase the risk of data incidents and the amount of potential exposure in the event of a data breach.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe also depend on and interact with the technology and systems of third parties, including our customers and third-party service providers such as cloud service providers and delivery services. Such third parties may host, process, or have access to information we maintain about our company, customers, employees, and vendors or operate systems that are critical to our business operations and services. Like us, these third parties are subject to risks imposed by data breaches, cyberattacks, and other events or actions that could damage, disrupt, or close down their networks or systems. We have security processes, protocols, and standards in place, including contractual provisions requiring such security measures, that are applicable to such third parties and are designed to protect information that is held by them, or to which they have access, as a result of their engagements with us. Nevertheless, a cyberattack could defeat one or more of such third parties\u2019 security measures, allowing an attacker to obtain information about our company, customers, employees, and vendors or disrupt our operations. These third parties may also experience operational disruptions or human error that could result in unauthorized access to sensitive or confidential data regarding our operations, customers, employees, and suppliers, including personal information.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nA disruption to our complex, global technology infrastructure, including those affecting our computer systems and websites, could result in the loss of confidential business or customer information, require substantial repairs or replacements, resulting in significant costs, and lead to the temporary or permanent transfer by customers of some or all of their business to our competitors. The foregoing could harm our reputation and adversely affect our operations, customer service, and results of operations. Additionally, a security breach could require us to devote significant management resources to address the problems created. These types of adverse effects could also occur in the event the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of company and customer information was compromised due to a data loss by FedEx or a trusted third party. We or the third parties with which we share information may not discover any security breach and loss of information for a significant period of time after the security breach occurs.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have invested and continue to invest in technology security initiatives, information-technology risk management, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans, including investments to retire and replace end-of-life systems. The development and maintenance of these measures is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become increasingly more frequent, intense, and sophisticated. Despite our efforts, we are not fully insulated from data breaches, technology disruptions, data loss, and cyber-fraud, which could adversely affect our competitiveness and results of operations. See \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2021 for information regarding the 2017 NotPetya cyberattack at TNT Express and immaterial cyber incidents we experienced in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, we have experienced continual attempts by cyber criminals, some of which have been successful, to gain access to customer accounts for the purposes of fraudulently diverting and misappropriating items being transported in our network. None of these fraudulent cyber activities caused a material disruption to our systems or resulted in any material costs to FedEx.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWhile we have significant security processes and initiatives in place, we may be unable to detect or prevent a breach or disruption in the future. Additionally, while we have insurance coverage designed to address certain aspects of cyber risks in place, we cannot be certain that we will continue to be able to obtain excess insurance coverage in amounts we deem sufficient, our insurance carriers will pay on our insurance claims, or we will not experience a claim for which coverage is not provided. See \u201cOur business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding data protection.\u201d below for additional information on risks related to legal and regulatory developments with respect to data protection. A significant number of our employees as well as customers and others with whom we do business continue to work remotely or in hybrid models, which may heighten these risks. These risks may also be heightened by our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0, and one FedEx consolidation plan.\n\n\n- \n28\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are self-insured for certain costs associated with our operations, and insurance and claims expenses could have a material adverse effect on us. \nWe are self-insured up to certain limits that vary by operating company and type of risk for costs associated with workers\u2019 compensation claims, vehicle accidents, property and cargo loss, general business liabilities, and benefits paid under employee disability programs. Our self-insurance accruals are primarily based on estimated costs determined by actuarial methods. Estimated costs include consideration of a variety of factors and related assumptions such as the severity of claims, frequency and volume of claims, healthcare inflation, seasonality, and plan designs, which may be subject to a high degree of variability. However, the use of any estimation technique in this area is inherently sensitive given the magnitude of claims involved and the length of time until the ultimate cost is known, which may be several years. Material increases in the magnitude of claims, changes to healthcare costs, accident frequency and severity, insurance retention levels, judgment and settlement amounts, associated legal expenses, and other factors could result in unfavorable differences between actual self-insurance costs and our reserve estimates. As a result, our insurance and claims costs could continue to increase materially which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. During 2023, higher self-insurance accruals negatively affected our results of operations. See \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs a supplement to our self-insurance program, we maintain coverage with excess insurance carriers for potential losses that exceed the amounts we self-insure. Periodically, we evaluate the level of insurance coverage and adjust insurance levels based on risk tolerance, risk volatility, and premium expense. Although we believe our aggregate insurance limits should be sufficient to cover our historic claims amounts, the commercial trucking industry has experienced a wave of blockbuster or so-called \u201cnuclear\u201d verdicts, including some instances in which juries have awarded hundreds of millions of dollars to those injured in accidents and their families. See Note 9 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in \u201cItem 1. Financial Statements\u201d of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 31, 2022 for information regarding the 2015 jury award of approximately $160 million in compensatory damages in a lawsuit related to a vehicle accident involving a driver employed by a service provider engaged by FedEx Ground, subsequent court affirmation of the award in 2018 and 2022, and our pursuit of reimbursement from insurers of our payment of approximately $210 million of pre- and post-judgment interest. Given this recent trend, it is possible that additional claims could exceed our aggregate coverage limits. If another claim were to exceed our aggregate insurance coverage, we would bear the excess in addition to our other self-insured amounts.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGiven the current claims environment, the amount of coverage available from excess insurance carriers is decreasing, the premiums for this excess coverage are increasing significantly, and excess insurance carriers are challenging insurance claims more frequently. Accordingly, our excess insurance and claims expenses may continue to increase, or we could further increase our self-insured retention as policies are renewed or replaced. Our results of operations and financial condition could continue to be adversely affected if our costs or losses significantly exceed our aggregate coverage limits, we are unable to obtain excess insurance coverage in amounts we deem sufficient, our insurance carriers fail to pay on our insurance claims, or we experience a claim for which coverage is not provided.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe effects of a widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease or public health crisis on our business, results of operations, and financial condition are highly unpredictable. \nA widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease or public health crisis, including new variants of COVID-19, could have varying effects on the demand for our services, our business operations, and the global economy and supply chains. The extent of the effect of such an event on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as the global economy, will be dictated by developments that cannot be predicted, such as its duration and spread; the success of efforts to contain it and treat its effects, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, business and government shutdowns, and other restrictions; the possibility of additional subsequent widespread outbreaks and variant strains and the effect of actions taken in response; and the resulting effects on the economic conditions in the global markets in which we operate. We have now shifted to operating in a more stable post-COVID-19 environment with less restrictions, which resulted in consumers returning to near pre-pandemic shopping patterns during 2023.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur business is labor and capital intensive in nature, which may require us to incur higher costs to operate our networks during such an event. If we are unable to remain agile and flex our networks to align with shipping volumes, customer needs, disrupted global supply chains and other network inefficiencies, market demands, and operating conditions, or are unable to continuously respond to evolving governmental policies, our business operations could be negatively affected, which could have a further adverse effect on our results of operations. Further, due to the size, scope, and geographically dispersed nature of our operations, the expenses we incur to protect the health and safety of our team members and customers may be higher than similar expenses incurred by companies in other industries.\n\n\n- \n29\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTo the extent a widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease or public health crisis adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many other risks described in this section, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Such risks include, but are not limited to, additional changes in the state of the global economy and international trade policies and relations; our ability to execute our DRIVE transformation and one FedEx consolidation plan, implement our business strategy, and effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences; our strong reputation and the value of the FedEx brand; our ability to meet our labor and purchased transportation needs while controlling related costs; changes in the business and financial soundness of the USPS; our ability to achieve our goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040; and the effect of litigation or claims from customers, team members, suppliers, regulators, or other third parties relating to the crisis or our actions in response.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSee \u201cDescription of Business Segments \u2014 Trends Affecting Our Business\u201d under \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report, as well as \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d and \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended May 31, 2020, May 31, 2021, and May 31, 2022, for information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe transportation infrastructure continues to be a target of terrorist activities.\n Because transportation assets continue to be a target of terrorist activities, governments around the world are adopting or are considering adopting stricter security requirements that will increase operating costs and potentially slow service for businesses, including those in the transportation industry. These security requirements are not static, but change periodically as the result of regulatory and legislative requirements, imposing additional security costs and creating a level of uncertainty for our operations. For example, the TSA requires FedEx Express to comply with a Full All-Cargo Aircraft Operator Standard Security Plan, which contains evolving and strict security requirements. Additionally, the ICAO\u2019s standard that previously allowed a member state to permit carriers and other entities to determine, without government oversight, which shippers and shipments are secure for purposes of putting those shipments on all-cargo aircraft was modified effective July 1, 2021. As a result, we are now required to undertake additional security measures for international outbound shipments. It is reasonably possible that these rules or other future security requirements could impose material costs on us or slow our service to our customers. The effects on our operations of avoiding areas of the world, including airspace, in which there are geopolitical conflicts and the targeting of aircraft by parties to those conflicts can also be significant. Moreover, a terrorist attack directed at FedEx or other aspects of the transportation infrastructure could disrupt our operations and adversely affect demand for our services.\n \n\n\nStrategic Risks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFailure to successfully implement our business strategy and effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences will cause our future financial results to suffer. \nWe are making significant investments and other decisions in connection with our long-term business strategy, such as those related to our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0, and one FedEx consolidation plan. See \u201cThe failure to successfully execute our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0, and one FedEx consolidation plan in the expected time frame and at the expected cost may adversely affect our future results.\u201d above and\n \n\u201cItem 1. Business\u201d and \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for additional information. Such initiatives and enhancements may require us to make significant capital expenditures or incur significant expenses. We have also incurred, and may continue to incur, increased operating expenses in connection with certain changes to our business strategy. We may not be able to derive the expected operational efficiencies and network flexibility, alignment of our cost base with demand, cost savings and reductions to our permanent cost structure, and other benefits from our strategic investments and other decisions.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFurther, in developing our business strategy, we make certain assumptions including, but not limited to, those related to customer demand and the mix of services to be purchased by our customers, the future rate of e-commerce growth and inventory restocking, passenger airline cargo capacity, competition, and the global economy, and actual market, economic, and other conditions may be different from our assumptions. As technology, customer behavior, and market conditions continue to evolve, it is important that we maintain the relevance of our brand and service offerings to our customers. If we are not able to successfully implement our business strategy and effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences, our future financial results will suffer. For additional discussion, see \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d of this Annual Report under the caption \u201cStrategy.\u201d\n\n\n- \n30\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur businesses are capital intensive, and we must make capital decisions based upon projected volume levels.\n We make significant investments in aircraft, package handling facilities, vehicles, technology, sort equipment, acquired companies, and other assets to support our transportation and business networks. The amount and timing of capital investments depend on various factors, including our anticipated volume growth. We must make commitments to purchase or modify aircraft years before the aircraft are actually needed. We must predict volume levels and fleet requirements and make commitments for aircraft based on those projections. Missing our projections could result in too much or too little capacity relative to our shipping volumes. Overcapacity could lead to below-market asset dispositions or write-downs, as well as negatively affect operating margins, and undercapacity could negatively affect service levels. Difficulties in quickly adjusting our operations and fixed-cost structure to match shifting volume levels, particularly at FedEx Express, negatively affected our results of operations in 2023. Additionally, see \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition \u2014 Results of Operations and Outlook \u2014 Consolidated Results \u2014 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges\u201d of this Annual Report for information regarding a noncash impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 in connection with our decision to permanently retire certain aircraft and related engines from service.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe depend on our strong reputation and the value of the FedEx brand.\n The FedEx brand name symbolizes high-quality service, reliability, and speed. FedEx is one of the most widely recognized, trusted, and respected brands in the world, and the FedEx brand is one of our most important and valuable assets. In addition, we have a strong reputation among customers, team members, and the general public for high standards of social and environmental responsibility and corporate governance and ethics. The FedEx brand name and our corporate reputation are powerful sales, marketing, and recruitment tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity (whether or not justified) relating to activities by our team members or others with whom we do business, such as customer service mishaps, accidents, catastrophes, or incidents involving aircraft, vehicles, or facilities operated by us or our service providers; low safety or service levels; data breaches or technology infrastructure disruptions; noncompliance with laws and allegations or claims that result in litigation; the shipment of certain items pursuant to our obligation as a common carrier operating under federal law; labor relations and workforce reductions; our advertising campaigns, sponsorship arrangements, or marketing programs; our political activities and expenditures; our executive compensation practices; or use of artificial intelligence could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. With the increase in the use of social media outlets such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, adverse publicity can be disseminated quickly and broadly without context, making it increasingly difficult for us to effectively respond. Certain forms of technology also allow users to alter images, videos, and other information relating to FedEx and present the information in a false or misleading manner. Further, our actual or perceived position or lack of position on environmental, social, political, public policy, or other sensitive issues, and any perceived lack of transparency about those matters, could harm our reputation with certain groups, including our customers, team members, governments, and regulatory bodies. Damage to our reputation and loss of brand equity could reduce demand for our services and/or create difficulties in retaining and recruiting employee talent, and thus have an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChanges in the business or financial soundness of the USPS, including strategic changes to its operations to reduce its reliance on the air network of FedEx Express, are likely to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.\n The USPS is the largest customer of FedEx Express, which provides domestic air transportation services for the USPS\u2019s First Class Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Priority Mail and transportation and delivery for the USPS\u2019s international delivery service. See \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d of this Annual Report under \u201cFedEx Express Segment\u201d for more information.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPursuant to previously announced plans to restructure its operations, the USPS continues to implement strategic changes to its operations to reduce its reliance on the air network of FedEx Express, which negatively affected our results of operations in 2023. FedEx Express expects lower volumes from the USPS in 2024. Additional changes in the USPS\u2019s business, including further structural changes to its operations, network, volume levels, service offerings, service commitments, or pricing, could have additional negative effects on our revenue, results of operations, and financial condition. Further, the USPS\u2019s contract with FedEx Express for domestic services expires on September 29, 2024, and there is no assurance that the contract will be renewed on terms that are commercially acceptable to FedEx. Additionally, a decision by the USPS to terminate the contract early could negatively affect our profitability.\n\n\n- \n31\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe face intense competition.\n The transportation and business services markets are both highly competitive and sensitive to price and service, especially in periods of little or no macroeconomic growth. Some of our competitors have more financial resources and competitive advantages than we do, appear willing to operate at little or no margin to gain market share, or they are owned, controlled, or subsidized by foreign governments, which enables them to raise capital more easily. We also compete with regional transportation providers that operate smaller and less capital-intensive transportation networks and startup companies that combine technology with flexible labor solutions such as crowdsourcing to focus on local market needs. In addition, some high-volume package shippers are developing and implementing in-house delivery capabilities and utilizing independent contractors for deliveries, which could in turn reduce our revenues and market share. For example, Amazon.com has established a network of hubs, aircraft, and vehicles and has expressed an intention to offer its internal delivery capabilities broadly to third parties. See \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d of this Annual Report for additional information.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe believe we compete effectively with these companies \u2013 for example, by providing more reliable service at compensatory prices. However, the existence of an irrational pricing environment could limit our ability not only to maintain or increase our prices (including our fuel surcharges in response to rising fuel costs), but also to maintain or grow our revenues and market share. While we believe we compete effectively through our current and planned service offerings, if our current competitors or potential future competitors offer a broader range of services or better service levels, more effectively bundle their services, or offer services at lower prices, it could impede our ability to maintain or grow our market share. Continued transportation industry consolidation may further increase competition. Moreover, if high-volume package shippers further develop or expand internal capabilities for the services we provide, it may reduce our revenue and could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. These effects could be exacerbated if high-volume package shippers offer such capabilities to third parties. News regarding such developments or expansions could also negatively affect the price of our common stock.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, advancements in technology, such as advanced safety systems; automated package sorting, handling, and delivery; autonomous delivery; third-party supply chain insight and management; artificial intelligence; vehicle platooning; alternative fuel vehicles; and digitization of freight services, may necessitate that we increase investments in order to remain competitive, and our customers may not be willing to accept higher rates to cover the cost of these investments.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur inability to execute and effectively operate, integrate, leverage, and grow acquired businesses and realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances and investments could materially adversely affect us.\n Our strategy for long-term growth, productivity, and profitability depends in part on our ability to make prudent strategic acquisitions and investments, form joint ventures or strategic alliances, and realize the expected benefits from these transactions. We regularly acquire businesses, enter into strategic alliances, and make investments across the more than 220 countries and territories in which we provide services.\n\n\n \n\n\nAcquisitions and other strategic transactions involve special commercial, customer, accounting, regulatory, compliance, information technology, human resources, cultural, and other risks, including the potential assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies. Additionally, we may be required to make significant capital expenditures and/or incur certain operating expenses following the completion of certain transactions, which may be higher than initially expected. For example, existing and future customer data in the systems and business of FedEx and ShopRunner may not be ultimately interoperable, or may not be interoperable without significant added expense.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWhile we expect our past and future acquisitions and strategic transactions to enhance our value proposition to customers and improve our business and long-term profitability, there can be no assurance that we will realize our expectations within the time frame we have established, if at all, or that we can continue to support the value we allocate to acquired businesses, including their goodwill or other intangible assets. We have previously incurred goodwill impairment charges related to certain of our acquisitions, some of which have been material, and may incur additional goodwill impairment charges in the future. See \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition \u2014 Results of Operations and Outlook \u2014 Consolidated Results \u2014 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges\u201d of this Annual Report for information regarding a noncash impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to the ShopRunner acquisition.\n\n\n- \n32\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHuman Resource Management Risks\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur failure to attract and retain employee talent, meet our purchased transportation needs, or maintain our company culture, as well as increases in labor and purchased transportation costs, could adversely affect our business and results of operations. \nOur success depends upon the efforts and abilities of our high-quality employees, many of whom are longstanding FedEx team members. Difficulties in motivating, rewarding, recruiting, and retaining employee talent, including successors to members of senior management; the unexpected loss of such individuals resulting in the depletion of our institutional knowledge base; and/or our inability to successfully transition key roles could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, reputation, and the price of our common stock. We also regularly seek to hire a large number of part-time and seasonal workers, and FedEx Ground utilizes contracted service providers to conduct its linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCertain positions at FedEx have historically experienced high turnover rates, which can lead to increased recruiting, training, and retention costs. Additionally, our company culture is important to providing high-quality customer service and having a productive workforce and could be adversely affected by our growing operations and other factors. If we fail to maintain the strength of our company culture, our competitive ability and our business may be harmed.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur business is labor intensive in nature, and our ability to meet our labor and purchased transportation needs while controlling related costs is generally subject to numerous external factors, including the availability of qualified service providers and persons in the markets where we and our contracted service providers operate and unemployment levels within these markets, prevailing and competitive wage rates and other benefits, health and other insurance costs, inflation, fuel and energy prices and availability, behavioral changes, adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations (including increased minimum wage requirements) or government programs, safety levels of our operations, our reputation within the labor and transportation markets, changes in the business or financial soundness of service providers, interest in contracting with FedEx, the effect of a widespread public health crisis, the availability of child care, and vaccine mandates that may be announced in jurisdictions in which our businesses and service providers operate. Additionally, certain service providers (acting collectively or in coordination in some instances) may seek to increase financial rates or modify contract terms and may refuse to provide service to FedEx in connection with such initiatives.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur inability to effectively meet our labor and purchased transportation needs can increase our costs, hinder our ability to execute our business strategy, negatively affect service levels, and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Certain of these risks may be heightened by our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0, and one FedEx consolidation plan.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLabor organizations attempt to organize groups of our employees from time to time, and potential changes in labor laws could make it easier for them to do so.\n If we are unable to maintain positive relationships with our employees and to avoid having labor organizations organize groups of our employees, our operating costs could significantly increase and our operational flexibility could be significantly reduced. Despite continual organizing attempts by labor unions, other than the pilots at FedEx Express and drivers at one FedEx Freight facility, our U.S. employees have thus far chosen not to unionize (we acquired FedEx Supply Chain in 2015, which already had a small number of employees who are members of unions). Additionally, certain of FedEx Express\u2019s non-U.S. employees are unionized. For information regarding the tentative successor agreement FedEx Express reached with the union representing the pilots of FedEx Express in May 2023, see \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d of this Annual Report under the caption \u201cFedEx Express Segment \u2014 FedEx Express \u2014 Employees.\u201d\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLabor unions have recently attempted to organize employees at businesses and in industries that have not traditionally been unionized, and in certain instances have been successful. Such attempts could continue in 2024. Additionally, the U.S. Congress has, in the past, considered adopting changes in labor laws that would make it easier for unions to organize units of our employees. For example, there is always a possibility that Congress could remove most FedEx Express employees from the jurisdiction of the RLA. Additionally, this jurisdiction could be challenged in connection with our one FedEx consolidation plan. For additional discussion of the RLA, see \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d of this Annual Report under the caption \u201cRegulation.\u201d Such legislation or challenge could expose our customers to the type of service disruptions that the RLA was designed to prevent \u2014 local work stoppages in key areas that interrupt the timely flow of shipments of time-sensitive, high-value goods throughout our global network. Such disruptions could threaten our ability to provide competitively priced shipping options and ready access to global markets.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n33\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThere is also the possibility that Congress could pass other labor legislation that could adversely affect our companies, such as FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight, whose employees are governed by the NLRA. In addition, federal and state governmental agencies, such as the NMB and the NLRB, have and may continue to take actions that could make it easier for our employees, as well as our vendor and supplier workforces, to organize under the RLA or NLRA. Finally, changes to federal or state laws, regulations, rules, judicial or administrative precedent, or guidance governing employee classification could affect the status of FedEx Ground\u2019s service providers as independent employers of drivers. If FedEx Ground is deemed to be an employer or joint employer of the drivers of these service providers, labor organizations could more easily organize these individuals, our operating costs could increase materially, and we could incur significant capital outlays and experience adverse effects to service levels.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Ground contracts with service providers to conduct its linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations, and the status of these service providers as direct and exclusive employers of drivers providing these services is being challenged.\n We are defending joint-employer cases where it is alleged that FedEx Ground should be treated as an employer or joint employer of the drivers employed by service providers engaged by FedEx Ground. We incur certain costs, including legal fees, in defending the status of service providers engaged by FedEx Ground as direct employers of their drivers. We continue to believe that FedEx Ground is not an employer or joint employer of the drivers of these independent businesses. However, adverse determinations in these matters or regulatory developments could, among other things, entitle service providers\u2019 drivers to certain wage payments and penalties from the service providers and FedEx Ground, and result in employment and withholding tax and benefit liability for FedEx Ground. The status of the drivers employed by these service providers could be further challenged in connection with our one FedEx consolidation plan.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nProposed pilot flight and duty time regulations could impair our operations and impose substantial costs on us\n. \nIn 2010, the FAA proposed regulations that would change the flight and duty time rules applicable to all-cargo air carriers. When the FAA issued final regulations in 2011 (the \u201c2011 regulations\u201d), all-cargo carriers, including FedEx Express, were exempt from these new requirements. Instead, all-cargo carriers were required to continue complying with previously enacted flight and duty time rules and allowed to pursue the development of fatigue risk management systems to develop fatigue mitigations unique to each operation. In 2012, the FAA reaffirmed the exclusion of all-cargo carriers from the 2011 regulations, and litigation in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed the FAA\u2019s decision. However, this issue remains a policy priority for certain labor groups, and the U.S. Congress periodically considers legislation that, if adopted, would require all-cargo carriers to comply with the 2011 regulations. Required compliance with the 2011 regulations would make it more difficult to avoid pilot fatigue and could impose substantial costs on us in order to maintain operational reliability.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIncreasing costs, the volatility of costs and funding requirements, and other legal mandates for employee benefits, especially pension and healthcare benefits, could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. \nWe sponsor programs that provide retirement benefits to most of our employees. These programs include defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans, and postretirement healthcare plans. The costs of providing pension and other retirement benefit plans are dependent on numerous assumptions, such as discount rates, expected long-term investment returns on plan assets, future salary increases, employee turnover, mortality, and retirement ages. Changes in actuarial assumptions and differences between the assumptions and actual values, as well as significant declines in the value of investments that fund our pension and other postretirement plans, if not offset or mitigated by a decline in plan liabilities, could increase pension and other postretirement expense, and we could be required from time to time to fund the pension plans with significant amounts of cash. Such cash funding obligations could adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity. Additionally, the rules for pension and retirement benefit plan accounting are complex, involve numerous assumptions, and can produce volatility in our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. For example, our fourth quarter mark-to-market (\u201cMTM\u201d) retirement plans accounting adjustment resulted in a pre-tax, noncash gain of $650 million in 2023 ($493 million, net of tax, or $1.92 per diluted share) and a loss of $1.6 billion in 2022 ($1.2 billion, net of tax, or $4.49 per diluted share). For additional information on our MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments, see \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u2014Results of Operations and Outlook\u2014Consolidated Results\u2014Retirement Plans MTM Adjustments\u201d and Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements included in \u201cItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\n- \n34\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEnvironmental, Climate, and Weather Risks\n\n\nWe may be affected by global climate change or by legal, regulatory, or market responses to such change. \nConcern over climate change, including the effect of global warming, has led to significant U.S. and international legislative and regulatory efforts to limit GHG emissions, including our aircraft and vehicle engine emissions. Increasingly, state and local governments are also considering GHG regulatory requirements. Compliance with such regulation and the associated potential cost is complicated by the fact that various countries and regions are following different approaches to the regulation of climate change. Increased regulation regarding GHG emissions, especially aircraft or vehicle engine emissions, could impose substantial costs on us, especially at FedEx Express. These costs include an increase in the cost of the fuel and other energy we purchase and capital and impairment costs associated with updating or replacing our aircraft or vehicles prematurely. Until the timing, scope, and extent of such possible regulation becomes known, we cannot predict its effect on our cost structure or our operating results. It is reasonably possible, however, that it could materially increase our operating expenses and have an adverse direct or indirect effect on our business, if instituted. For additional discussion of regulatory responses to climate change, including CORSIA and the Paris climate accord, see \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d of this Annual Report under the caption \u201cRegulation.\u201d We may also incur additional expenses as a result of U.S. and international regulators requiring additional disclosures regarding GHG emissions.\n\n\nMoreover, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about the GHGs emitted by companies in the airline and transportation industries could harm our reputation and reduce customer demand for our services, especially our air express services. Finally, given the broad and global scope of our operations and our susceptibility to global macroeconomic trends, we are particularly vulnerable to the physical risks of climate change that could affect all of humankind, such as shifts in weather patterns and world ecosystems.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe may be unable to achieve or demonstrate progress on our goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040.\n\n\nIn 2021, we announced a goal to achieve carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040. Achievement of this goal depends on our execution of operational strategies relating to vehicle electrification; sustainable fuels; aircraft fuel conservation and fleet modernization; facilities; and sustainable customer solutions.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nExecution of these strategies, as well as demonstrable progress on and achievement of our calendar 2040 goal, is subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and achieve the anticipated benefits and associated cost savings of such strategies and actions; the availability and cost of, and our ability to acquire, alternative fuel vehicles, alternative fuels, fuel-efficient aircraft, global electrical charging infrastructure, off-site renewable energy, and other materials and components, many of which are not presently in existence or available at scale; unforeseen production, design, operational, and technological difficulties; the outcome of research efforts and future technology developments, including the ability to scale projects and technologies on a commercially competitive basis such as carbon sequestration and/or other related processes; compliance with, and changes or additions to, global and regional regulations, taxes, charges, mandates, or requirements relating to GHG emissions, carbon costs, or climate-related goals; labor-related regulations and requirements that restrict or prohibit our ability to impose requirements on third parties who provide contracted transportation for our transportation networks; the availability of incentives to enhance the production and affordability of alternative fuel vehicles, alternative fuels, global electrical charging infrastructure, and other materials and components; adapting products to customer preferences and customer acceptance of sustainable supply chain solutions and potentially increased prices for our services; and the actions of competitors and competitive pressures.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThere is no assurance that we will be able to successfully execute our strategies and achieve or demonstrate progress on our calendar 2040 goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations. Additionally, we may determine that it is in our best interests to prioritize other business, social, governance, or sustainable investments and/or initiatives (including our DRIVE transformation program, including Network 2.0, and one FedEx consolidation plan) over the achievement of our calendar 2040 goal based on economic, regulatory, or social factors, business strategy, or other reasons. Failure to achieve or demonstrate progress on our calendar 2040 goal could damage our reputation and customer and other stakeholder relationships. Further, given investors\u2019 and banks\u2019 increased focus related to ESG matters, such a failure could cause large stockholders to reduce their ownership of FedEx common stock and limit our access to financing. Such conditions could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as on the price of our common stock.\n\n\n- \n35\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur inability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster or disturbance in a key geography could adversely affect our business and results of operations.\n While we operate several integrated networks with assets distributed throughout the world, there are concentrations of key assets within our networks that are exposed to adverse weather conditions or localized risks from natural or manmade disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, severe winter weather, conflicts or unrest, terrorist attacks, or other disturbances, actual or threatened. Additionally, shifts in weather patterns caused by climate change could increase the frequency, severity, or duration of certain adverse weather conditions. Prolonged interruptions or disruptions at a key location such as our FedEx Express Memphis World Hub or one of our information-technology centers could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We also may incur significant costs to reestablish or relocate these functions. Moreover, resulting economic dislocations, including supply chain and fuel disruptions, could adversely affect demand for our services resulting in an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\nOther Legal, Regulatory, and Miscellaneous Risks\n\n\nGovernment regulation and enforcement are evolving and unfavorable changes could harm our business. \nWe are subject to regulation under a wide variety of U.S. federal, state, and local and non-U.S. government regulations, laws, policies, and actions. There can be no assurance that such regulations, laws, policies, and actions will not be changed in ways that will decrease the demand for our services, subject us to escalating costs, or require us to modify our business models and objectives (such as our DRIVE transformation program, including Network 2.0, and one FedEx consolidation plan), harming our financial results. In particular, legislative, regulatory, or other actions that U.S. and non-U.S. governments have undertaken or could take in areas such as data privacy and sovereignty, the use of new technology, taxes, foreign exchange intervention in response to currency volatility, currency controls that could restrict the movement of liquidity from particular jurisdictions, trade controls, tariffs, quotas, embargoes, or sanctions in the U.S. or other countries, complex economic sanctions, import and export controls, customs standards, additional security or workplace and transportation health and safety requirements, labor and employment standards (including with respect to our pilots), worker classification, joint employment and benefits, government contracting, regulated commodities, environmental or emission standards, and accounting may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, effective tax rate, and service levels. For additional discussion, see \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d of this Annual Report under the caption \u201cRegulation.\u201d Additionally, the current U.S. presidential administration and various U.S. federal and state regulatory bodies have indicated a desire to reform various aspects of existing laws, regulations, and enforcement priorities and strategies that could, among other things, lead to comprehensive tax reform, broadly increase the U.S. minimum wage, make it easier for unions to organize our U.S. employees or the employees of our service providers, and alter the employment relationship between service providers engaged by FedEx Ground and the drivers employed by those service providers.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe could be subject to adverse changes in regulations and interpretations or challenges to our tax positions.\n We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. From time to time, changes in tax laws or regulations may be enacted that could significantly affect our overall tax liabilities and our effective tax rate. U.S. and foreign governmental agencies maintain focus on the taxation of multinational companies, including statutory tax rates, global minimum taxes (such as the framework agreed to by members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in 2022), digital taxes, and transactions between affiliated companies. Such changes may require new and complex computations to be performed, significant judgments, estimates, and calculations to be made, and the preparation and analysis of information not previously relevant or regularly produced.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nStandard-setting bodies could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of certain tax laws and regulations will be applied or otherwise administered that is different from our interpretation, and we may be required to make adjustments to amounts that we have recorded that may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. See \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u2014Results of Operations and Outlook\u2014Consolidated Results\u2014Income Taxes\u201d of this Annual Report for additional information regarding ongoing tax examinations and challenges. Additionally, see \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u2014Critical Accounting Estimates\u2014Income Taxes\u201d of this Annual Report for information regarding estimates and potential adjustments related to our tax positions.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n36\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding data protection. \nThere has recently been heightened regulatory and enforcement focus relating to the collection, use, retention, transfer, and processing of personal data in the U.S. (at both the state and federal level) and internationally, including the EU\u2019s General Data Protection Regulation, the California Privacy Rights Act, the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, and other similar laws that have been or will be enacted by other jurisdictions. In addition, China and certain other jurisdictions have enacted more stringent data localization requirements. An actual or alleged failure to comply with applicable U.S. or foreign data protection laws, regulations, or other data protection standards may expose us to litigation (including, in some instances, class action litigation), fines, sanctions, or other penalties, which could harm our reputation and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. This regulatory environment is increasingly challenging, based on discretionary factors, and difficult to predict. Consequently, compliance with all applicable regulations in the various jurisdictions in which we do business may present material obligations and risks to our business, including significantly expanded compliance burdens, costs, and enforcement risks; require us to make extensive system or operational changes; or adversely affect the cost or attractiveness of the services we offer. All of these evolving compliance and operational requirements, as well as the uncertain interpretation and enforcement of laws, impose significant costs and regulatory risks that are likely to increase over time. Developing privacy legislation within the U.S. may also create limitations or added requirements on the use of personal data by FedEx Dataworks and the other FedEx operating companies.\n\n\nThe regulatory environment for global aviation or other transportation rights may affect our operations and increase our operating costs.\n Our extensive air network is critical to our success. Our right to serve foreign points is subject to the approval of the DOT and generally requires a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and foreign governments. In addition, we must obtain the permission of foreign governments to provide specific flights and services. Our operations outside of the U.S., such as FedEx Express\u2019s international domestic operations, are also subject to current and potential regulations, including certain postal regulations and licensing requirements, that restrict, make difficult, and sometimes prohibit, the ability of foreign-owned companies such as FedEx Express to compete effectively in parts of the international domestic transportation and logistics market. Regulatory or executive actions affecting global aviation or transportation rights or a failure to obtain or maintain aviation or other transportation rights in important international markets could impair our ability to operate our networks. Further, our ability to obtain or maintain aviation or other transportation rights internationally may be adversely affected by changes in international trade policies and relations.\n\n\nWe are subject to other extensive regulatory and legal compliance requirements that may result in significant costs. For instance, the FAA from time to time issues directives and other regulations relating to the maintenance and operation of aircraft that require significant expenditures in order to comply. High-profile accidents, catastrophes, or incidents involving aircraft may trigger increased regulatory and legal compliance requirements. These requirements can be issued with little or no notice, or can otherwise affect our ability to efficiently or fully utilize our aircraft, and in some instances have resulted in the temporary grounding of aircraft types altogether. Further, our business may be adversely affected when government agencies and air traffic control and other systems they oversee cease to operate as expected, including due to partial shutdowns, sequestrations, or similar events. Lapses in government operations may result in, among other things, disruptions in the ability of government agencies to grant required regulatory approvals. For additional discussion, see \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d of this Annual Report under the caption \u201cRegulation.\u201d\n \n\n\nWe are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 our ability to mitigate the technological, operational, legal and regulatory, and reputational risks related to autonomous technology and artificial intelligence;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 the increasing costs of compliance with federal, state, and foreign governmental agency mandates (including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act) and defending against inappropriate or unjustified enforcement or other actions by such agencies;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 changes in foreign currency exchange rates, especially in the euro, Chinese yuan, British pound, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, and Mexican peso, which can affect our sales levels and foreign currency sales prices;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 loss or delay in the collection of accounts receivable;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 any liability resulting from and the costs of defending against class-action, derivative, and other litigation, such as wage-and-hour, joint employment, securities, vehicle accident, and discrimination and retaliation claims, claims related to our reporting and disclosure of climate change and other ESG topics, and any other legal or governmental proceedings, including the matters discussed in Note 18 of the consolidated financial statements included in \u201cItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data\u201d of this Annual Report;\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n37\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 adverse rulings on appeals and in other future judicial decisions, subsequent adverse jury findings, and changes in judicial precedent;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 the sufficiency of insurance coverage we purchase;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 the effect of technology developments on our operations and on demand for our services, and our ability to continue to identify and eliminate unnecessary information-technology redundancy and complexity throughout the organization;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 disruptions in global supply chains, which can limit the access of FedEx and our service providers to vehicles and other key capital resources and increase our costs;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 difficulties experienced by the companies with which we contract to fly smaller regional \u201cfeeder\u201d aircraft in attracting and retaining pilots, which could cause a reduction of service offered to certain locations, service disruptions, increased costs of operations, and other difficulties;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 the United Kingdom\u2019s exit from the EU (\u201cBrexit\u201d), including the economic, operational, regulatory, and financial effects of any post-Brexit trade deal between the United Kingdom and EU;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 governmental underinvestment in transportation infrastructure, which could increase our costs and adversely affect our service levels due to traffic congestion, prolonged closure of key thoroughfares, or sub-optimal routing of our vehicles and aircraft;\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 stockholder activism, which could divert the attention of management and our board of directors from our business, hinder execution of our business strategy, give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, and cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly;\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 successful completion of our planned stock repurchases; and\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u0095 constraints, volatility, or disruption in the capital markets, our ability to maintain our current credit ratings, commercial paper ratings, and senior unsecured debt and pass-through certificate credit ratings, and our ability to meet credit agreement financial covenants.\n\n",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF\n RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION\n \n\n\nORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION\n \n\n\nThis Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (\u201cMD&A\u201d) of FedEx Corporation (\u201cFedEx\u201d or the \u201cCompany\u201d) is composed of three major sections: Results of Operations and Outlook, Financial Condition, and Critical Accounting Estimates. These sections include the following information:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nResults of operations includes an overview of our consolidated 2023 results compared to 2022 results. This section also includes a discussion of key actions and events that impacted our results, as well as our outlook for 2024. Discussion and analysis of 2021 results and year-over-year comparisons between 2022 results and 2021 results can be found in \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of our Annual Report on Form 10-K (\u201cAnnual Report\u201d) for the year ended May 31, 2022. \n\n\n- \n45\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nThe overview is followed by a discussion of both historical operating results and our outlook for 2024, as well as a financial summary and analysis for each of our transportation segments. \n\n\n\u2022\nOur financial condition is reviewed through an analysis of key elements of our liquidity and capital resources, financial commitments, and liquidity outlook for 2024. \n\n\n\u2022\nCritical accounting estimates discusses those financial statement elements that we believe are most important to understanding the material judgments and assumptions incorporated in our financial results. \n\n\nThe discussion in MD&A should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Annual Report, particularly \u201cItem 1. Business,\u201d \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors,\u201d and \u201cItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.\u201d\n\n\nDESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS SEGMENTS\n\n\nWe provide a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services through companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively, and innovating digitally as one FedEx. Our primary operating companies are Federal Express Corporation (\u201cFedEx Express\u201d), the world\u2019s largest express transportation company; FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Ground\u201d), a leading North American provider of small-package ground delivery services; and FedEx Freight Corporation (\u201cFedEx Freight\u201d), a leading North American provider of less-than-truckload (\u201cLTL\u201d) freight transportation services. These companies represent our major service lines and, along with FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Services\u201d), constitute our reportable segments. Our FedEx Services segment provides sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and certain back-office functions that support our operating segments. The operating costs of the FedEx Services segment are allocated to the business units it serves. See \u201cReportable Segments\u201d for further discussion and refer to \u201cItem 1. Business\u201d for a more detailed description of each of our operating companies and information regarding our \u201cone FedEx\u201d consolidation plan to ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation.\n \n\n\nThe key indicators necessary to understand our operating results include:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nthe overall customer demand for our various services based on macroeconomic factors and the global economy; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe volumes of transportation services provided through our networks, primarily measured by our average daily volume and shipment weight and size; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe mix of services purchased by our customers; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe prices we obtain for our services, primarily measured by yield (revenue per package or pound or revenue per shipment or hundredweight for LTL freight shipments); \n\n\n\u2022\nour ability to manage our cost structure (capital expenditures and operating expenses) to match shifting volume levels; and \n\n\n\u2022\nthe timing and amount of fluctuations in fuel prices and our ability to recover incremental fuel costs through our fuel surcharges. \n\n\nTrends Affecting Our Business\n\n\nThe following trends significantly impact the indicators discussed above, as well as our business and operating results. See the risk factors identified under Part I, Item 1A. \u201cRisk Factors\u201d for more information. Additionally, see \u201cResults of Operations and Outlook \u2013 Consolidated Results \u2013 Outlook\u201d and \u201cResults of Operations and Outlook \u2013 Financial Condition \u2013 Liquidity Outlook\u201d below for additional information on efforts we are taking to mitigate adverse trends.\n\n\nMacroeconomic Conditions\n\n\nWhile macroeconomic risks apply to most companies, we are particularly vulnerable. The transportation industry is highly cyclical and especially susceptible to trends in economic activity. Our primary business is to transport goods, so our business levels are directly tied to the purchase and production of goods and the rate of growth of global trade. Our results in 2023 were adversely impacted by lower global volumes due to weak economic conditions.\n \n\n\nCOVID-19 Pandemic and Supply Chain\n\n\nThe coronavirus (\u201cCOVID-19\u201d) pandemic had varying impacts on the demand for our services and our business operations and has contributed to global supply chain disruptions. During the first half of 2023, we continued to be affected by COVID-19 lockdowns in Asia, which impacted both manufacturing and supply chains. We have now shifted to operating in a more stable post-COVID-19\n \n\n\n- \n46\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nenvironment with less restrictions, which resulted in consumers returning to near pre-pandemic shopping patterns during 2023. As global supply chains stabilized during 2023, we experienced improvements in the availability of labor and vehicles, trailers, and other package handling equipment.\n\n\nInflation and Interest Rates\n\n\nGlobal inflation is well above historical levels, impacting all areas of our business. Additionally, global interest rates continue to rise in an effort to curb inflation. We are experiencing a decline in demand for our transportation services as inflation and interest rate increases are negatively affecting consumer and business spending. Additionally, we are experiencing higher costs to serve through higher fuel prices, wage rates, purchased transportation costs, and other direct operating expenses such as operational supplies. We expect inflation and high interest rates to continue to negatively affect our results in 2024.\n \n\n\nFuel\n\n\nWe must purchase large quantities of fuel to operate our aircraft and vehicles, and the price and availability of fuel is beyond our control and can be highly volatile. The timing and amount of fluctuations in fuel prices and our ability to recover incremental fuel costs through our fuel surcharges can significantly affect our operating results either positively or negatively in the short-term. Higher fuel prices drove an increase in yields through higher fuel surcharges and an increase in fuel expense during 2023 at all of our transportation segments.\n\n\nGeopolitical Conflicts\n\n\nGiven the nature of our business and our global operations, geopolitical conflicts may adversely affect our business and results of operations. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine that began in February 2022 continues as of the date of this Annual Report. The safety of our team members in Ukraine is our top priority. As we focus on the safety of our team members, we have suspended all services in Ukraine and Belarus. We also temporarily idled our operations in Russia and reduced our presence to the minimum required for purposes of maintaining a legal presence with active transport licenses. As a result, we incurred an immaterial amount of severance and other related expenses in 2023, which is included in business optimization expenses at FedEx Express. While we do not expect this conflict to have a direct material impact on our business or results of operations, the broader consequences are adversely affecting the global economy and fuel prices generally and may also have the effect of heightening other risks disclosed under Part I, Item 1A. \u201cRisk Factors.\u201d See \u201cResults of Operations and Outlook \u2013 Consolidated Results \u2013 Business Optimization and Realignment Costs\u201d below for additional information.\n\n\n- \n47\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRESULTS OF O\nPERATIONS AND OUTLOOK\n\n\nMany of our operating expenses are directly affected by revenue and volume levels, and we expect these operating expenses to fluctuate on a year-over-year basis consistent with changes in revenue and volumes. Therefore, the discussion of operating expense captions focuses on the key drivers and trends affecting expenses other than those factors strictly related to changes in revenue and volumes. The line item \u201cOther operating expense\u201d includes costs associated with outside service contracts (such as temporary labor, security, and facility services and cargo handling), insurance, professional fees, operational supplies, and bad debt.\n \n\n\nExcept as otherwise specified, references to years indicate our fiscal year ended May 31, 2023 or ended May 31 of the year referenced, and comparisons are to the corresponding period of the prior year. References to our transportation segments include, collectively, the FedEx Express segment, the FedEx Ground segment, and the FedEx Freight segment.\n \n\n\nCONSOLIDATED RESULTS\n \n\n\nThe following table compares summary operating results (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) for the years ended May 31:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n90,155\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n93,512\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating income (loss):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Express segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,064\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,922\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(64\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Ground segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,140\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,642\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Freight segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,925\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,663\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate, other, and eliminations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,217\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(982\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(24\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated operating income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,912\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(21\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Express segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(390\n\n\n)\n\n\nbp\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Ground segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n140\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nbp\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Freight segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n260\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nbp\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated operating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(130\n\n\n)\n\n\nbp\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated net income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,972\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,826\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted earnings per share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15.48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14.33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following table shows changes in revenue and operating results by reportable segment for 2023 compared to 2022 (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nYear-over-Year Changes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating Results\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Express segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(3,071\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1,858\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Ground segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n275\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n498\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Freight segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n262\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Services segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate, other, and eliminations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(709\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(235\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(3,357\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1,333\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1)\nThe following is a summary of the effects of the (costs) benefits of certain items affecting our financial results for the years ended May 31 (in millions):\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItems affecting Operating Income:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBusiness optimization and realignment costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(309\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(278\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill and other asset impairment charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(117\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Ground legal matters\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(35\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(210\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTNT Express integration expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(132\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(461\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(620\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nItems affecting Net Income:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark-to-market (\u201cMTM\u201d) retirement plans accounting \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0adjustments, net of tax\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n493\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1,199\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n493\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1,199\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n48\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOverview\n \n\n\nOur operating results for 2023 were negatively affected by macroeconomic conditions, including inflation well above historical levels, and elevated global interest rates. In response to market conditions, we implemented cost reductions and focused on yield improvement to partially mitigate the effect of volume declines. Cost reductions included reducing flight hours, temporarily parking and retiring aircraft, improving productivity, delaying and reducing certain peak wage programs, consolidating and closing sorts, canceling network capacity projects, and reducing select Sunday operations. The impact of cost actions lagged volume declines, particularly in the first half of 2023 and at FedEx Express, resulting in elevated operating expenses relative to demand. Additionally, our results in the first half of 2023 were negatively impacted by service challenges at FedEx Express.\n\n\nOperating income in 2023 includes $70 million ($54 million, net of tax, or $0.21 per diluted share) of asset impairment charges associated with the decision to permanently retire certain aircraft and related engines at FedEx Express, and also includes $47 million ($44 million, net of tax, or $0.17 per diluted share) of goodwill and other asset impairment charges associated with the ShopRunner, Inc. (\u201cShopRunner\u201d) acquisition at FedEx Dataworks, Inc. (\u201cFedEx Dataworks\u201d). See the \u201cGoodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges\u201d section of this MD&A for more information.\n\n\nOperating income in 2023 includes $273 million ($209 million, net of tax, or $0.81 per diluted share) of expenses associated with our DRIVE business optimization strategy announced in the first quarter of 2023, and also includes business realignment costs of $36 million ($27 million, net of tax, or $0.11 per diluted share) associated with our workforce reduction plan in Europe announced in 2021. Operating income in 2022 includes $278 million ($214 million, net of tax, or $0.80 per diluted share) of costs under this program. See the \u201cBusiness Optimization and Realignment Costs\u201d section of this MD&A for more information.\n\n\nOperating income includes a $35 million charge ($26 million, net of tax, or $0.10 per diluted share) in 2023 related to a FedEx Ground legal matter and a $210 million charge ($160 million, net of tax, or $0.60 per diluted share) in 2022 related to pre- and post-judgment interest in connection with a separate FedEx Ground legal matter. The amounts are included in \u201cCorporate, other, and eliminations.\u201d\n \n\n\nOperating expenses in 2022 include $132 million ($103 million, net of tax, or $0.39 per diluted share) of TNT Express integration expenses.\n\n\nNet income includes a pre-tax, noncash gain of $650 million in 2023 ($493 million, net of tax, or $1.92 per diluted share) and a loss of $1.6 billion in 2022 ($1.2 billion, net of tax, or $4.49 per diluted share) associated with our MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments. See the \u201cRetirement Plans MTM Adjustments\u201d section of this MD&A and Note 13 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\nNet income in 2023 includes a $46 million ($0.18 per diluted share) tax expense from a revaluation of certain foreign tax assets. In 2022, we recognized a $142 million ($0.53 per diluted share) tax benefit related to revisions of prior-year tax estimates for actual tax return results. See the \u201cIncome Taxes\u201d section of this MD&A and Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\nIn December 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $5 billion of FedEx common stock. As part of the repurchase program, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase (\u201cASR\u201d) agreement with a bank in October 2022, which was completed in December 2022, to repurchase an aggregate of $1.5 billion of our common stock. Share repurchases had a benefit of $0.34 per diluted share in 2023. See Note 1 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the \u201cFinancial Condition\u2014Liquidity\u201d section of this MD&A for additional information on our stock repurchase program.\n\n\n- \n49\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following graphs for FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Freight show selected volume trends (in thousands) for the years ended May 31:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nInternational domestic average daily package volume relates to our international intra-country operations. International export average daily package volume relates to our international priority and economy services.\n\n\n(2)\nGround commercial average daily volume is calculated on a 5-day-per-week basis, while home delivery and economy average daily package volumes are calculated on a 7-day-per-week basis. 2020 and 2021 statistical information has been revised to conform to the current year presentation. \n\n\n(3)\nInternational average daily freight pounds relate to our international priority, economy, and airfreight services.\n\n\n- \n50\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following graphs for FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Freight show selected yield trends for the years ended May 31:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nInternational export revenue per package relates to our international priority and economy services. International domestic revenue per package relates to our international intra-country operations. \n\n\n(2)\nInternational freight revenue per pound relates to our international priority, economy, and airfreight services.\n\n\n- \n51\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRevenue\n \n\n\nRevenue decreased 4% in 2023 primarily due to global volume declines at all of our transportation segments, partially offset by yield improvement, including higher fuel surcharges.\n \n\n\nFedEx Express revenue decreased 7% in 2023 due to lower global volume and unfavorable foreign currency, partially offset by yield improvement, including higher fuel surcharges. Revenue at Corporate, other, and eliminations decreased due to lower yields and volumes at FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, Inc. FedEx Ground revenue and FedEx Freight revenue each increased 1% in 2023, primarily due to yield improvement, including higher fuel surcharges, partially offset by lower volume.\n \n\n\nGoodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges\n\n\nIn the fourth quarter of 2023, we made the decision to permanently retire from service 12 Boeing MD-11F aircraft and 25 related engines, four Boeing 757-200 aircraft and one related engine, and two Airbus A300-600 aircraft and eight related engines, to align with the plans of FedEx Express to modernize its aircraft fleet, improve its global network, and better align air network capacity to match current and anticipated shipment volumes. As a consequence of this decision, a noncash impairment charge of $70 million ($54 million, net of tax, or $0.21 per diluted share) was recorded in the fourth quarter. All of these aircraft were temporarily idled and not in revenue service.\n\n\nIn the fourth quarter of 2023, we also recorded a noncash impairment charge of $36 million ($36 million, net of tax, or $0.14 per diluted share) for all of the goodwill attributable to FedEx Dataworks. The key factors contributing to the goodwill impairment were underperformance of the ShopRunner business during 2023, including base business erosion, and the failure to attain the level of operating synergies and revenue and profit growth anticipated at the time of acquisition. Based on these factors, our outlook for the business changed in the fourth quarter of 2023. We also recorded an $11 million ($8 million, net of tax, or $0.03 per diluted share) noncash intangible asset impairment charge related to the ShopRunner acquisition at FedEx Dataworks. For additional information regarding these impairment charges, see the \u201cCritical Accounting Estimates\u201d section of this MD&A and Note 4 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nBusiness Optimization and Realignment Costs\n\n\nIn the second quarter of 2023, FedEx announced DRIVE, a comprehensive program to improve the company\u2019s long-term profitability. This program includes a business optimization plan to drive efficiency among our transportation segments and lower our overhead and support costs. We plan to consolidate our sortation facilities and equipment, reduce pickup-and-delivery routes, and optimize our enterprise linehaul network by moving beyond discrete collaboration to an end-to-end optimized network through Network 2.0.\n\n\nIn the fourth quarter of 2023, we announced one FedEx, a consolidation plan to ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation, becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground network under the respected FedEx brand. FedEx Freight will continue to provide LTL freight transportation services as a stand-alone and separate company under Federal Express Corporation. The organizational redesign will be implemented in phases with full implementation expected in June 2024. One FedEx will help facilitate our DRIVE transformation program to improve long-term profitability.\n\n\nWe have announced the implementation of Network 2.0 in more than 20 markets, including the phased transition of all FedEx Ground operations and personnel in Canada to FedEx Express beginning in April 2024. Under Network 2.0, FedEx will continue to utilize both employees and contracted service providers.\n\n\nWe incurred costs associated with our business optimization activities of $273 million ($209 million, net of tax, or $0.81 per diluted share) in 2023. These costs were primarily related to consulting services, severance, professional fees, and idling our operations in Russia. These business optimization costs are included in Corporate, other, and eliminations and FedEx Express. The identification of these costs as business optimization-related expenditures is subject to our disclosure controls and procedures. We expect the pre-tax cost of our business optimization activities to be approximately $500 million in 2024 and approximately $2.0 billion through 2025. The timing and amount of our business optimization expenses may change as we revise and implement our plans.\n\n\nIn 2021, FedEx Express announced a workforce reduction plan in Europe related to the network integration of TNT Express. The plan affected approximately 5,000 employees in Europe across operational teams and back-office functions and was completed during 2023. We incurred costs of $36 million ($27 million, net of tax, or $0.11 per diluted share) in 2023 and $278 million ($214 million, net of tax, or $0.80 per diluted share) in 2022 associated with our business realignment activities. These costs are related to certain employee severance arrangements. Payments under this program totaled approximately $118 million in 2023 and approximately $225 million in 2022. The pre-tax cost of our business realignment activities was approximately $430 million through 2023. We expect savings from our business realignment activities to be approximately $275 million on an annualized basis beginning in 2024.\n\n\n- \n52\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOperating Expenses\n \n\n\nThe following table compares operating expenses expressed as dollar amounts (in millions) and as a percent of revenue for the years ended May 31:\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent of Revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalaries and employee benefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n31,019\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n32,058\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n34.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n34.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchased transportation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21,790\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRentals and landing fees\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,738\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,712\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,176\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,970\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFuel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,909\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,115\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaintenance and repairs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,357\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,372\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill and other asset impairment charges\n(2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n117\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBusiness optimization and realignment costs\n(3)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n309\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n278\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n(4)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,828\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,644\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n85,243\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n87,267\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n94.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n93.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,912\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(21\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nIncludes TNT Express integration expenses of $132 million in 2022.\n\n\n(2)\nIncludes goodwill and other asset impairment charges in 2023 associated with the FedEx Express and FedEx Dataworks operating segments.\n\n\n(3)\nIncludes costs associated with our DRIVE program in 2023 and the workforce reduction plan in Europe in 2023 and 2022. \n\n\n(4)\nIncludes a $35 million charge in 2023 related to a FedEx Ground legal matter and a $210 million charge in 2022 related to pre- and post-judgment interest in connection with a separate FedEx Ground legal matter.\n\n\nOperating income declined in 2023 primarily due to lower volumes at each of our transportation segments, partially offset by yield improvement, including higher fuel surcharges. Cost reduction efforts such as reducing flight hours, temporarily parking and retiring aircraft, improving productivity, delaying and reducing certain peak wage programs, consolidating and closing sorts, canceling network capacity projects, and reducing select Sunday operations partially mitigated the effects of volume declines on our results.\n \n\n\nGlobal inflation drove higher operating expenses related to salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses in 2023. In addition, higher self-insurance and bad debt accruals contributed to an increase in other operating expense in 2023.\n\n\nWe recognized $70 million of asset impairment charges associated with the decision to permanently retire certain aircraft and related engines at FedEx Express. Our 2023 results also include $47 million of goodwill and other asset impairment charges in the fourth quarter of 2023 associated with the ShopRunner acquisition at FedEx Dataworks. For additional information regarding these impairment charges, see the \u201cGoodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges\u201d and \u201cCritical Accounting Estimates\u201d sections of this MD&A and Note 4 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nFuel\n \n\n\nWe apply a fuel surcharge on our air and ground services, most of which are adjusted on a weekly basis. The fuel surcharge is based on a weekly fuel price from ten days prior to the week in which it is assessed. Some FedEx Express international fuel surcharges are updated on a monthly basis. We routinely review our fuel surcharges and periodically update the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges at all of our transportation segments.\n \n\n\nWhile fluctuations in fuel surcharge percentages can be significant from period to period, fuel surcharges represent one of the many individual components of our pricing structure that impact our overall revenue and yield. Additional components include the mix of services sold, the base price, and extra service charges we obtain for these services and level of pricing discounts offered.\n \n\n\nFuel expense increased 16% during 2023 due to higher fuel prices, partially offset by a decline in fuel usage. In addition to variability in usage and market prices, the manner in which we purchase fuel also influences our results. For example, our contracts for jet fuel purchases at FedEx Express are tied to various indices, including the U.S. Gulf Coast index. While many of these indices are aligned, each index may fluctuate at a different pace, driving variability in the prices paid for jet fuel. Furthermore, under these contractual arrangements, approximately 70% of our jet fuel is purchased based on the index price for the preceding week, with the remainder of our purchases tied primarily to the index price for the preceding month and preceding day, rather than based on daily spot rates. These contractual provisions mitigate the impact of rapidly changing daily spot rates on our jet fuel purchases.\n \n\n\n- \n53\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBecause of the factors described above, our operating results may be affected should the market price of fuel suddenly change by a significant amount or change by amounts that do not result in an adjustment in our fuel surcharges, which can significantly affect our earnings either positively or negatively in the short-term. For more information, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors.\u201d\n\n\nOther Income and Expense\n \n\n\nOther retirement plans income (expense) increased primarily due to a noncash MTM gain of $650 million in 2023 compared to a $1.6 billion loss in 2022 (described below). In addition, interest income increased $145 million in 2023 primarily due to an increase in interest rates, partially offset by a decrease in other income of $120 million related to changes in the value of equity investments.\n \n\n\nRetirement Plans MTM Adjustments\n \n\n\nIn 2023, we incurred a pre-tax, noncash MTM gain of $650 million ($493 million, net of tax, or $1.92 per diluted share), related to the year-end actuarial adjustments of pension and postretirement healthcare plans\u2019 assets and liabilities. These actuarial adjustments were due to higher discount rates, partially offset by lower than expected asset returns and demographic experience.\n\n\nIn 2022, we incurred a pre-tax, noncash MTM loss of $1.6 billion ($1.2 billion, net of tax, or $4.49 per diluted share), which includes a net loss of $1.3 billion ($1.0 billion, net of tax, or $3.76 per diluted share) related to the year-end actuarial adjustments of pension and postretirement healthcare plans\u2019 assets and liabilities. These actuarial adjustments were due to lower than expected asset returns, demographic experience, and an update to the mortality assumption, partially offset by higher discount rates.\n\n\nAdditionally, in 2022, we incurred a pre-tax, noncash MTM net loss of $260 million ($195 million, net of tax, or $0.73 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2022, of which $224 million was related to the termination of the TNT Express Netherlands Pension Plan. Effective October 1, 2021, the responsibility of all pension assets and liabilities of this plan was transferred to a separate, multi-employer pension plan. The remaining $36 million net loss was related to the U.S. FedEx Freight Pension Plan and consisted of a $75 million MTM loss due to a lower discount rate in the second quarter of 2022, partially offset by a $39 million curtailment gain.\n\n\nFor more information, see the \u201cCritical Accounting Estimates\u201d section of this MD&A and Note 1 and Note 13 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\nIncome Taxes\n \n\n\nOur effective tax rate was 25.9% for 2023, compared to 21.9% for 2022. The 2023 tax provision was negatively impacted by an expense of $46 million related to a write-down and valuation allowance on certain foreign tax credit carryforwards due to operational changes which impacted the determination of the realizability of the deferred tax asset. The 2023 tax provision was also negatively impacted by lower earnings in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions.\n\n\nThe 2022 tax provision includes a benefit of $142 million related to revisions of prior year tax estimates for actual tax return results. The 2022 tax provision was also favorably impacted by changes in our corporate legal entity structure.\n \n\n\nWe are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various U.S. state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (\u201cIRS\u201d) for the 2016 through 2019 tax years. It is reasonably possible that certain income tax return proceedings will be completed during the next 12 months and could result in a change in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits. However, we believe we have recorded adequate amounts of tax, including interest and penalties, for any adjustments expected to occur.\n \n\n\nDuring 2021, we filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee challenging the validity of a tax regulation related to the one-time transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings, which was enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (\u201cTCJA\u201d). Our lawsuit seeks to have the court declare this regulation invalid and order the refund of overpayments of U.S. federal income taxes for 2018 and 2019 attributable to the denial of foreign tax credits under the regulation. We have recorded a cumulative benefit of $223 million through 2023 attributable to our interpretation of the TCJA and the Internal Revenue Code. On March 31, 2023, the District Court ruled that the regulation is invalid and contradicts the plain terms of the tax code. We continue to work towards obtaining a final judgment for the applicable refund amounts due to the regulation being invalid. Once the District Court enters a final judgment, the U.S. government could file an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. If we are ultimately unsuccessful in defending our position, we may be required to reverse the benefit previously recorded.\n\n\nFor more information on income taxes, see the \u201cCritical Accounting Estimates\u201d section of this MD&A and Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\n- \n54\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEquity Investment\n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023, we do not have any equity investments that are material to our financial position or results of operations. For more information on equity investments, see Note 1 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nOutlook\n\n\nDuring 2024, we expect macroeconomic conditions to continue to negatively impact customer demand for our services. However, we expect operating income improvement in 2024 as a result of our DRIVE program initiatives focused on aligning our cost base with demand, reducing our permanent cost structure, and increasing the flexibility of our network. We expect international export yield declines and reduced customer demand for our U.S. freight product at FedEx Express to negatively impact revenue and operating income in 2024. In addition, we expect expense headwinds in 2024 related to higher global inflation and variable incentive compensation.\n\n\nSee the \u201cBusiness Optimization and Realignment Costs\u201d section of this MD&A for additional information on our DRIVE program and other cost savings initiatives.\n\n\nOur capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be approximately $5.7 billion, a decrease of $0.5 billion from 2023, as we continue to reduce our capital intensity relative to revenue. We expect lower aircraft spend and reduced capacity investment to be partially offset by investments to optimize our networks and modernize our facilities. Our expected capital expenditures for 2024 include our continued investments in the expansion and modernization of the FedEx Express Indianapolis hub and modernization of the FedEx Express Memphis World Hub.\n\n\nWe will continue to evaluate our investments in critical long-term strategic projects to ensure our capital expenditures are expected to generate high returns on investment and are balanced with our outlook for global economic conditions. For additional details on key 2024 capital projects, refer to the \u201cFinancial Condition \u2013 Capital Resources\u201d and \u201cFinancial Condition \u2013 Liquidity Outlook\u201d sections of this MD&A.\n\n\nThe uncertainty of a slowing global economy, global inflation well above historical levels, geopolitical challenges including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the impact these factors will have on the rate of growth of global trade, supply chains, fuel prices, and our business in particular, make any expectations for 2024 inherently less certain. See \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d for more information.\n\n\nSee \u201cForward-Looking Statements\u201d, \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d, \u201cTrends Affecting Our Business\u201d, and \u201cCritical Accounting Estimates\u201d for a discussion of these and other potential risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our future performance.\n\n\nSeasonality of Business\n \n\n\nOur businesses are cyclical in nature, as seasonal fluctuations affect volumes, revenue, and earnings. Historically, the U.S. express package business experiences an increase in volumes in late November and December. International business, particularly in the Asia-to-U.S. market, peaks in October and November in advance of the U.S. holiday sales season. Our first and third fiscal quarters, because they are summer vacation and post winter-holiday seasons, have historically experienced lower volumes relative to other periods. Normally, the fall is the busiest shipping period for FedEx Ground, while late December, June and July are the slowest periods. For FedEx Freight, the spring and fall are the busiest periods and the latter part of December through February is the slowest period. Shipment levels, operating costs, and earnings for each of our companies can also be adversely affected by inclement weather, particularly the impact of severe winter weather in our third fiscal quarter. See \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d for more information.\n\n\nRECENT ACCOUN\nTING GUIDANCE\n \n\n\nSee Note 2 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting guidance.\n\n\n- \n55\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nREPORTABLE\n SEGMENTS\n \n\n\nFedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Freight represent our major service lines and, along with FedEx Services, constitute our reportable segments. Our reportable segments include the following businesses:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Express Segment\n\n\nFedEx Express (express transportation, small-package ground delivery, and freight transportation)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Custom Critical, Inc. (time-critical transportation)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Ground Segment\n\n\nFedEx Ground (small-package ground delivery)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Freight Segment\n\n\nFedEx Freight (LTL freight transportation)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Services Segment\n\n\nFedEx Services (sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and back-office functions)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn the fourth quarter of 2023, FedEx announced one FedEx, a consolidation plan to ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation, becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground network under the respected FedEx brand. The organizational redesign will be implemented in phases with full implementation expected in June 2024. During the implementation process in fiscal 2024, each of our current reportable segments will continue to have discrete financial information that will be regularly reviewed when evaluating performance and making resource allocation decisions, and aligns with our management reporting structure and our internal financial reporting. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, when the consolidation plan has been completed, we expect to begin reporting a resegmented structure that will align with an updated management reporting structure and how management will evaluate performance and make resource allocation decisions under one FedEx.\n\n\nFEDEX SERVI\nCES SEGMENT\n\n\nThe FedEx Services segment provides direct and indirect support to our operating segments, and we allocate all of the net operating costs of the FedEx Services segment to reflect the full cost of operating our businesses in the results of those segments. We review and evaluate the performance of our transportation segments based on operating income (inclusive of FedEx Services segment allocations). For the FedEx Services segment, performance is evaluated based on the effect of its total allocated net operating costs on our operating segments.\n \n\n\nOperating expenses for each of our transportation segments include the allocations from the FedEx Services segment to the respective transportation segments. These allocations include charges and credits for administrative services provided between operating companies. The allocations of net operating costs are based on metrics such as relative revenue or estimated services provided. We believe these allocations approximate the net cost of providing these functions. Our allocation methodologies are refined periodically, as necessary, to reflect changes in our businesses.\n\n\nCOR\nPORATE, OTHER, AND ELIMINATIONS\n\n\nCorporate and other includes corporate headquarters costs for executive officers and certain legal and finance functions, including certain other costs and credits not attributed to our core business, as well as certain costs associated with developing our \u201cinnovate digitally\u201d strategic pillar through our FedEx Dataworks operating segment. FedEx Dataworks is focused on creating solutions to transform the digital and physical experiences of our customers and team members. ShopRunner, Inc. was merged into FedEx Dataworks during 2023.\n\n\nAlso included in Corporate and other is the FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc. operating segment, which provides an array of document and business services and retail access to our customers for our package transportation businesses, and the FedEx Logistics, Inc. operating segment, which provides integrated supply chain management solutions, specialty transportation, customs brokerage, and global ocean and air freight forwarding.\n \n\n\nThe results of Corporate, other, and eliminations are not allocated to the other business segments.\n\n\n- \n56\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn 2023, the decrease in operating results in Corporate, other, and eliminations was primarily due to lower operating income at FedEx Logistics due to decreased revenue and an increase in bad debt, partially offset by decreased purchased transportation expense. Additionally, operating results in Corporate, other, and eliminations were negatively impacted by higher professional fees and outside service contract spend at FedEx Dataworks. The comparison of operating loss between 2023 and 2022 at Corporate, other, and eliminations is affected by goodwill and other asset impairment charges of $47 million associated with the ShopRunner acquisition at FedEx Dataworks in 2023.\n\n\nCertain FedEx operating companies provide transportation and related services for other FedEx companies outside their reportable segment in order to optimize our resources. For example, during 2023 FedEx Ground provided delivery support for certain FedEx Express packages as part of our last-mile optimization efforts, and FedEx Freight provided road and intermodal support for both FedEx Ground and FedEx Express. In addition, FedEx Express is working with FedEx Logistics to secure air charters and other cargo space for U.S. customers. Billings for such services are based on negotiated rates, which we believe approximate fair value, and are reflected as revenue of the billing segment. These rates are adjusted from time to time based on market conditions. Such intersegment revenue and expenses are eliminated in our consolidated results and are not separately identified in the following segment information because the amounts are not material.\n\n\n- \n57\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFEDEX EXPRES\nS SEGMENT\n \n\n\nFedEx Express offers a wide range of U.S. domestic and international shipping services for delivery of packages and freight including priority, deferred, and economy services, which provide delivery on a time-definite or day-definite basis. The following table compares revenue, operating expenses, operating income (dollars in millions), operating margin, and operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the years ended May 31:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPackage:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. overnight box\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,916\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,084\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. overnight envelope\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,980\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,971\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. deferred\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,330\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal U.S. domestic package revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,385\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational priority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,939\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational economy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,911\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,838\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal international export package revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,850\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,968\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational domestic\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,043\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,340\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal package revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33,917\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35,693\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFreight:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,906\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,041\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational priority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,060\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,840\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(20\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational economy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,510\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,653\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(9\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational airfreight\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n166\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n177\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal freight revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,642\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,711\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(12\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent of Revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,410\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(16\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42,743\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45,814\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalaries and employee benefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,899\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,435\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchased transportation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,629\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,322\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(11\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRentals and landing fees\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,310\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,568\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,105\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,007\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFuel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,122\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,418\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaintenance and repairs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,120\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsset impairment charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n70\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNM\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBusiness optimization and realignment costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n278\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(83\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,896\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,997\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,601\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,747\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41,679\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42,892\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n97.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n93.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,064\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,922\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(64\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(390\n\n\n)\n\n\nbp\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nInternational domestic revenue relates to our international intra-country operations.\n\n\n- \n58\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following table compares selected statistics (in thousands, except yield amounts) for the years ended May 31:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPackage Statistics\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage daily package volume (ADV):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. overnight box\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,259\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,421\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(11\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. overnight envelope\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n465\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n506\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. deferred\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,063\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,262\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(16\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal U.S. domestic ADV\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,787\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,189\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(13\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational priority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n708\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n786\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational economy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n278\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal international export ADV\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n986\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,063\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational domestic\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,805\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,954\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal ADV\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,578\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,206\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue per package (yield):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. overnight box\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n27.77\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n25.07\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. overnight envelope\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.71\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.28\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. deferred\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18.91\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.56\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. domestic composite\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational priority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60.62\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n60.54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational economy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41.12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n40.13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational export composite\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55.13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n55.21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational domestic\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.78\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.71\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComposite package yield\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23.85\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.56\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFreight Statistics\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage daily freight pounds:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,735\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,935\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(15\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational priority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,435\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,671\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(19\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational economy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,591\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,978\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(12\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational airfreight\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n998\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,160\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(14\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal average daily freight pounds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,759\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27,744\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(14\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue per pound (yield):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1.69\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1.50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational priority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational economy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.56\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational airfreight\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.65\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.60\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComposite freight yield\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1)\nInternational domestic statistics relate to our international intra-country operations.\n\n\nFedEx Express Segment Revenue\n\n\nFedEx Express segment revenue decreased 7% in 2023 primarily due to decreased global volume and unfavorable exchange rates, partially offset by yield improvement.\n\n\nTotal average daily package volume decreased 10% in 2023, and total average daily freight pounds decreased 14% in 2023, due to reduced demand for our services, primarily resulting from macroeconomic conditions. Volume declines were partially offset by yield improvement, including increases in composite package yield of 6% and composite freight yield of 2% in 2023. The 6% increase in composite package yield was primarily due to a U.S. domestic package yield increase of 12%, driven by higher base yields and fuel surcharges. Unfavorable exchange rates negatively impacted all international package and freight product yields in 2023.\n\n\nFedEx Express Segment Operating Income\n \n\n\nFedEx Express segment operating income decreased 64% in 2023 primarily due to global volume declines, partially offset by yield improvement and lower operating expenses. During 2023, we implemented cost reductions to mitigate the impact of volume declines, including reducing flight hours, temporarily parking and retiring aircraft, improving productivity, and consolidating routes and closing sorts. The impact of these reductions, while improving throughout the year, lagged volume declines, and operating expenses remained high relative to demand. Currency exchange rates had a negative effect on revenue and a positive effect on expenses, resulting in a slightly negative effect on operating income in 2023.\n \n\n\n- \n59\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFuel expense increased 16% in 2023 due to a 27% increase in fuel prices, partially offset by a 9% decline in total fuel gallons. Purchased transportation expense decreased 11% in 2023 primarily due to favorable exchange rates and lower utilization, partially offset by higher rates charged by third-party providers. Salaries and employee benefits expense decreased 3% in 2023 primarily due to decreased staffing to align with lower volume, favorable currency exchange rates, and lower variable incentive compensation, partially offset by increased wage rates. Rentals and landing fees expense decreased 10% in 2023 primarily due to decreased aircraft leases and favorable currency exchange rates. Other operating expense decreased 2% in 2023 primarily due to favorable currency exchange rates and lower outside service contract expense, partially offset by higher bad debt expense. Maintenance and repairs expense decreased 6% in 2023 primarily due to lower aircraft maintenance resulting from an increase in aircraft temporarily parked.\n\n\nDuring 2023, we recorded asset impairment charges of $70 million associated with the decision to permanently retire certain aircraft and related engines. See \u201cGoodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges\u201d above for more information. Additionally, FedEx Express segment results include business realignment costs of $36 million in 2023 associated with our workforce reduction plan in Europe. We recognized $278 million of costs in 2022 under this program. FedEx Express segment results also include business optimization costs of $11 million in 2023, which includes costs associated with idling our business in Russia. See the \u201cBusiness Optimization and Realignment Costs\u201d section of this MD&A for more information.\n \n\n\nFedEx Express segments results include $115 million of TNT Express integration expenses in 2022.\n\n\nFEDEX GROUN\nD SEGMENT\n \n\n\nFedEx Ground service offerings include day-certain delivery to businesses in the U.S. and Canada and to 100% of U.S. residences. The following table compares revenue, operating expenses, operating income (dollars in millions), operating margin, selected package statistics (in thousands, except yield amounts), and operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the years ended May 31:\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent of Revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n33,507\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n33,232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalaries and employee benefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,737\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,101\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchased transportation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,597\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,232\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRentals\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,661\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,410\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,020\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n919\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFuel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaintenance and repairs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n634\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n584\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,961\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,954\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,721\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,358\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,367\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,590\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n90.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n92.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,140\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,642\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n140\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nbp\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage daily package volume (ADV)\n(1)\n:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGround commercial\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,361\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,549\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHome delivery\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,223\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEconomy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n781\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,130\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(31\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal ADV\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,163\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,902\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue per package (yield)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n11.70\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10.64\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nGround commercial ADV is calculated on a 5-day-per-week basis, while home delivery and economy ADV are calculated on a 7-day-per-week basis.\n\n\nFedEx Ground Segment Revenue\n\n\nFedEx Ground segment revenue increased 1% in 2023 primarily due to yield improvement, partially offset by lower volumes.\n\n\nFedEx Ground yield increased 10% in 2023 primarily due to higher fuel and other surcharges, and a mix shift towards higher-yielding business-to-consumer products. Total average daily volume decreased 7% in 2023 due to reduced demand for our services, primarily resulting from macroeconomic conditions.\n\n\n- \n60\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Ground Segment Operating Income\n \n\n\nFedEx Ground segment operating income increased 19% in 2023 primarily due to yield improvement, including higher fuel surcharges, partially offset by lower volume and higher other operating and rentals expense. The 2023 results benefited from certain cost reductions to mitigate the effect of volume declines, primarily a delay and reduction in peak wage programs, the consolidation and closing of certain sort and linehaul operations, cancellation of network capacity projects, and reduced Sunday delivery coverage.\n \n\n\nPurchased transportation expense decreased 4% in 2023 primarily due to lower volumes, partially offset by lower productivity and higher fuel prices. Salaries and employee benefits decreased 5% in 2023 primarily due to decreased staffing to align with lower volume and lower variable incentive compensation, partially offset by higher wage rates. Other operating expense increased 11% in 2023 primarily due to higher self-insurance accruals and higher outside service contracts expense. Rentals and depreciation expense increased 18% and 11%, respectively, in 2023 due to the completion of previously committed multi-year expansion projects.\n\n\nFEDEX FREIGH\nT SEGMENT\n \n\n\nFedEx Freight LTL service offerings include priority services when speed is critical and economy services when time can be traded for savings. The following table compares revenue, operating expenses, operating income (dollars in millions), operating margin, selected statistics, and operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the years ended May 31:\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent of Revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,632\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,532\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n100.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating expenses:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalaries and employee benefits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,002\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,140\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n41.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchased transportation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n731\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n976\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(25\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRentals\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n266\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n245\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation and amortization\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n387\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n406\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFuel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n748\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n662\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaintenance and repairs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n318\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n517\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n729\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n649\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating expenses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,707\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,869\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n80.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n82.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,925\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,663\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating margin\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n260\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nbp\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage daily shipments (in thousands):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n70.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n79.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(11\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEconomy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(9\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal average daily shipments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n111.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(11\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeight per shipment (pounds):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,027\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,092\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEconomy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n912\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n947\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComposite weight per shipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n993\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,050\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue per shipment:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n363.85\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n320.76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEconomy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n417.50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n368.08\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComposite revenue per shipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n379.76\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n334.57\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue per hundredweight:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriority\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n35.44\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n29.38\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEconomy\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n45.78\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38.86\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComposite revenue per hundredweight\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n38.26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n31.88\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nFedEx Freight Segment Revenue\n \n\n\nFedEx Freight segment revenue increased 1% in 2023 primarily due to yield improvement, partially offset by lower volumes.\n \n\n\nRevenue per shipment increased 14% in 2023 primarily due to continued focus on revenue quality, including higher fuel surcharges, partially offset by lower weight per shipment. Average daily shipments decreased 11% in 2023 due to reduced demand for our services, primarily resulting from macroeconomic conditions.\n \n\n\n- \n61\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFedEx Freight Segment Operating Income\n \n\n\nFedEx Freight segment operating income increased 16% in 2023 driven by yield improvement, including higher fuel surcharges, partially offset by lower volumes. Additionally, FedEx Freight results were positively affected by initiatives to align costs to volumes and a gain on the sale of a facility during the third quarter of 2023.\n\n\nIn 2023, FedEx Freight continued to manage linehaul costs by increasing utilization of company linehaul, resulting in a shift of costs from purchased transportation to salaries and employee benefits expense. Purchased transportation expense decreased 25% in 2023 primarily due to lower volumes and reduced utilization due to the shift to company linehaul. Salaries and employee benefits expense decreased 3% in 2023 primarily due to decreased staffing to align with lower volume and lower variable incentive compensation, partially offset by higher wage rates and increased company linehaul utilization. Fuel expense increased 13% in 2023 primarily due to increased fuel prices, partially offset by lower volume. Other operating expense increased 12% in 2023 primarily due to higher self-insurance accruals and bad debt expense. Maintenance and repairs expense increased 16% in 2023 primarily due to higher costs associated with vehicle parts, outside vendor labor, and facility maintenance.\n\n\nFINANCIAL \nCONDITION\n\n\nLIQUID\nITY\n \n\n\nCash and cash equivalents totaled $6.9 billion at May 31, 2023 and May 31, 2022. The following table provides a summary of our cash flows for the years ended May 31 (in millions):\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,972\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,826\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetirement plans mark-to-market adjustments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(650\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,578\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill and other asset impairment charges\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n117\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBusiness optimization and realignment costs, net of payments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther noncash charges and credits\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,494\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in assets and liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,140\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,119\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash provided by operating activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,848\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,832\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvesting activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapital expenditures\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,174\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,763\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchase of investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(84\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(147\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from asset dispositions and other\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n84\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n94\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash used in investing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,174\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,816\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancing activities:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrincipal payments on debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(152\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(161\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProceeds from stock issuances\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n231\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n184\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividends paid\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,177\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(793\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchase of treasury stock\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,500\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2,248\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash used in financing activities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(2,597\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,019\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffect of exchange rate changes on cash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(118\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(187\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(41\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(190\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents at end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,856\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,897\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash Provided by Operating Activities. \nCash flows from operating activities decreased $1.0 billion in 2023 primarily due to lower net income (net of noncash items), as well as a decrease in accounts payable and legal settlements, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable.\n\n\nCash Used in Investing Activities\n. Capital expenditures were 9% lower in 2023 primarily due to decreased spending on aircraft. See \u201cCapital Resources\u201d below for a more detailed discussion of capital expenditures during 2023.\n\n\nFinancing Activities\n. In December 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $5 billion of FedEx common stock. As part of the repurchase program, we completed an ASR agreement with a bank in the third quarter of 2023 to repurchase an aggregate of $1.5 billion of our common stock. A total of 9.2 million shares were repurchased under the agreement.\n \n\n\n- \n62\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring 2022, as part of the repurchase program, we completed an ASR agreement with a bank to repurchase an aggregate of $1.5 billion of our common stock, and 6.1 million shares were delivered. We also repurchased an additional 2.8 million shares of our common stock during 2022.\n \n\n\nThe following table provides a summary of repurchases of our common stock for the periods ended May 31 (dollars in millions, except per share amounts):\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\nNumber of\nShares\nPurchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\nPrice Paid\nper Share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\nPurchase\nPrice\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\nNumber of\nShares\nPurchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAverage\nPrice Paid\nper Share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\nPurchase\nPrice\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock repurchases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,180,752\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n163.39\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,500\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,857,202\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n253.85\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,248\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023, $2.6 billion remains available to be used for repurchases under the program authorized in December 2021, which is the only program that currently exists. Shares under the program may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. See Note 1 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information.\n\n\nCAPITAL RE\nSOURCES\n \n\n\nOur operations are capital intensive, characterized by significant investments in aircraft, package handling and sort equipment, vehicles and trailers, technology, and facilities. The amount and timing of capital investments depend on various factors, including pre-existing contractual commitments, anticipated volume growth, domestic and international economic conditions, new or enhanced services, geographical expansion of services, availability of satisfactory financing, and actions of regulatory authorities.\n \n\n\nThe following table compares capital expenditures by asset category and reportable segment for the years ended May 31 (in millions):\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPercent Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAircraft and related equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,684\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,273\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(26\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPackage handling and ground support equipment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,851\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,737\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVehicles and trailers\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n719\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n717\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInformation technology\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n802\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n851\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFacilities and other\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,185\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal capital expenditures\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,174\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,763\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(9\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Express segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,055\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,637\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(16\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Ground segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,995\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,139\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Freight segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n556\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n319\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFedEx Services segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n431\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n565\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(24\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n137\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n103\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal capital expenditures\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,174\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,763\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(9\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCapital expenditures decreased $0.6 billion during 2023 primarily due to decreased spending on aircraft and related equipment at FedEx Express.\n\n\nGUARANTOR FINANCIAL IN\nFORMATION\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are providing the following information in compliance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X, \u201cFinancial Disclosures about Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities\u201d with respect to our senior unsecured debt securities and Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2020-1AA (the \u201cCertificates\u201d).\n\n\nThe $19.2 billion principal amount of the senior unsecured notes were issued by FedEx under a shelf registration statement and are guaranteed by certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of FedEx (\u201cGuarantor Subsidiaries\u201d). FedEx owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of each Guarantor Subsidiary. The guarantees are (1) unsecured obligations of the respective Guarantor Subsidiary, (2) rank equally with all of their other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, and (3) are full and unconditional and joint and several. If we sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all of the capital stock or all or substantially all of the assets of a Guarantor Subsidiary to any person that is not an affiliate of FedEx, the guarantee of that Guarantor Subsidiary will terminate, and holders of debt securities will no longer have a direct claim against such subsidiary under the guarantee.\n\n\n- \n63\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdditionally, FedEx fully and unconditionally guarantees the payment obligation of FedEx Express in respect of the $840 million principal amount of the Certificates. See Note 6 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the terms of the Certificates.\n\n\nThe following tables present summarized financial information for FedEx (as Parent) and the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis after transactions and balances within the combined entities have been eliminated.\n \n\n\nParent and Guarantor Subsidiaries\n\n\nThe following table presents the summarized balance sheet information as of\n \nMay 31, 2023 (in millions):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent Assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10,758\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany Receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,566\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n89,947\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent Liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,933\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany Payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59,837\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe following table presents the summarized statement of income information as of May 31, 2023 (in millions):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n67,133\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany Charges, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4,946\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,733\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany Charges, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n174\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Before Income Taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,102\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n3,884\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe following tables present summarized financial information for FedEx (as Parent Guarantor) and FedEx Express (as Subsidiary Issuer) on a combined basis after transactions and balances within the combined entities have been eliminated.\n \n\n\nParent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer\n\n\nThe following table presents the summarized balance sheet information as of May 31, 2023 (in millions):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent Assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,408\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany Receivable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n70,016\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent Liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,100\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany Payable\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,011\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48,246\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe following table presents the summarized statement of income information as of May 31, 2023 (in millions):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n23,861\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany Charges, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,507\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n482\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntercompany Charges, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n217\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Before Income Taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,881\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,869\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLIQUIDITY \nOUTLOOK\n\n\nIn response to current business and economic conditions as referenced above in the \u201cOutlook\u201d section of this MD&A, we are continuing to actively manage and optimize our capital allocation to mitigate the impact of the slowing economy, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical conflicts. We held $6.9 billion in cash at May 31, 2023 and have $3.5 billion in available liquidity under our $2.0 billion five-year credit agreement (the \u201cFive-Year Credit Agreement) and $1.5 billion three-year credit agreement (the \u201cThree-Year Credit Agreement\u201d and together with the Five-Year Credit Agreement, the \u201cCredit Agreements\u201d), and we believe that our cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations, and available financing sources are adequate to meet our liquidity needs, which include operational requirements, expected capital expenditures, voluntary pension contributions, dividend payments, and stock repurchases.\n\n\n- \n64\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs announced on June 20, 2023, we expect to repurchase $2.0 billion of our common stock in 2024. We executed an ASR agreement with a bank in June 2023 to repurchase an aggregate of $500 million of our common stock with a completion date no later than August 2023.\n\n\nOur cash and cash equivalents balance at May 31, 2023 includes $2.6 billion of cash in foreign jurisdictions associated with our permanent reinvestment strategy. We are able to access the majority of this cash without a material tax cost and do not believe that the indefinite reinvestment of these funds impairs our ability to meet our U.S. domestic debt or working capital obligations.\n\n\nOur capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be approximately $5.7 billion, a decrease of $0.5 billion from 2023, as we continue to reduce our capital intensity relative to revenue. We expect lower aircraft spend and reduced capacity investment to be partially offset by investments to optimize our networks and modernize our facilities. Included within our expected 2024 capital expenditures are our continued investments in the expansion and modernization of the FedEx Express Indianapolis hub and modernization of the FedEx Express Memphis World Hub, which are expected to total $1.5 billion each over the life of each project. Our expected capital expenditures for 2024 also include $1.5 billion for delivery of aircraft and related equipment and progress payments toward future aircraft deliveries at FedEx Express.\n \n\n\nWe have additional obligations as part of our ordinary course of business, beyond those committed for capital expenditures, which consist of debt obligations, lease obligations, and obligations and commitments for purchases of goods and services. Refer to Note 6, Note 7, and Note 17 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information. In addition, we have certain tax positions that are further discussed in Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We do not have any guarantees or other off-balance sheet financing arrangements, including variable interest entities, which we believe could have a material impact on our financial condition or liquidity.\n \n\n\nWe have several aircraft modernization programs under way that are supported by the purchase of Boeing 777 Freighter and Boeing 767-300 Freighter aircraft. These aircraft are significantly more fuel-efficient per unit than the aircraft types previously utilized, and these expenditures are necessary to achieve significant long-term operating savings and to replace older aircraft. Our ability to delay the timing of these aircraft-related expenditures is limited without incurring significant costs to modify existing purchase agreements.\n \n\n\nWe have a shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d) that allows us to sell, in one or more future offerings, any combination of our unsecured debt securities and common stock and allows pass-through trusts formed by FedEx Express to sell, in one or more future offerings, pass-through certificates.\n\n\nThe Five-Year Credit Agreement expires in March 2026 and includes a $250 million letter of credit sublimit. The Three-Year Credit Agreement expires in March 2025. The Credit Agreements are available to finance our operations and other cash flow needs. See Note 6 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a description of the terms and significant covenants of the Credit Agreements.\n \n\n\nWe made a voluntary contribution of $200 million to our tax-qualified U.S. domestic pension plans (\u201cU.S. Pension Plans\u201d) in June 2023 and anticipate making $600 million of additional voluntary contributions during the remainder of 2024. There are currently no required minimum contributions to our U.S. Pension Plans based on current funded status and credit balance due to cumulative excess voluntary pension contributions, which exceeds $3.0 billion. The credit balance is subtracted from plan assets to determine the minimum funding requirements. Therefore, we could eliminate all required contributions to our principal U.S. Pension Plans for several years if we were to choose to waive part of that credit balance in any given year. Our U.S. Pension Plans have ample funds to meet expected benefit payments.\n \n\n\nOn April 5, 2023, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.26 per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on July 3, 2023 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 12, 2023. Each quarterly dividend payment is subject to review and approval by our Board of Directors, and we evaluate our dividend payment amount on an annual basis. There are no material restrictions on our ability to declare dividends, nor are there any material restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans, or advances.\n\n\nStandard & Poor\u2019s has assigned us a senior unsecured debt credit rating of BBB, a Certificates rating of AA-, a commercial paper rating of A-2, and a ratings outlook of \u201cstable.\u201d Moody\u2019s Investors Service has assigned us an unsecured debt credit rating of Baa2, a Certificates rating of Aa3, a commercial paper rating of P-2, and a ratings outlook of \u201cstable.\u201d If our credit ratings drop, our interest expense may increase. If our commercial paper ratings drop below current levels, we may have difficulty utilizing the commercial paper market. If our senior unsecured debt credit ratings drop below investment grade, our access to financing may become limited.\n \n\n\n- \n65\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCRITICAL ACCOUNT\nING ESTIMATES\n \n\n\nThe preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make significant judgments and estimates to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in the financial statements. In many cases, there are alternative policies or estimation techniques that could be used. We maintain a thorough process to review the application of our accounting policies and to evaluate the appropriateness of the many estimates that are required to prepare the financial statements of a complex, global corporation. However, even under optimal circumstances, estimates routinely require adjustment based on changing circumstances and new or better information.\n \n\n\nThe estimates discussed below include the financial statement elements that are either the most judgmental or involve the selection or application of alternative accounting policies and are material to our results of operations and financial condition. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit and Finance Committee of our Board of Directors and with our independent registered public accounting firm.\n \n\n\nRETIREME\nNT PLANS\n\n\nThe rules for pension accounting are complex and can produce volatility in our earnings, financial condition, and liquidity. Our defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans are measured using actuarial techniques that reflect management\u2019s assumptions for expected returns on assets (\u201cEROA\u201d), discount rate, and demographic experience such as salary increases, expected retirement, mortality, employee turnover, and future increases in healthcare costs. Differences between these assumptions and actual experience are recognized in our earnings through MTM accounting. The components of the MTM adjustments for the period ended May 31 are as follows (presented as (gain) loss in millions):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nActual versus expected return on assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,492\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,109\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiscount rate change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,395\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4,486\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDemographic experience:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Current year actuarial loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n142\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n504\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Change in future assumptions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n110\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n314\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTermination of TNT Express Netherlands pension plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n224\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPension plan amendments, including curtailment gains\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(87\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal MTM (gain) loss\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(650\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,578\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur annual MTM adjustment is highly sensitive to the discount rate and EROA assumptions, which are as follows:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nU.S. Pension Plans\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInternational Pension Plans\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPostretirement Healthcare Plans\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiscount rate used to determine benefit\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0obligation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.20\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.25\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.21\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.09\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.37\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.35\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiscount rate used to determine net periodic \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0benefit cost\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.23\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.09\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.83\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.35\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.81\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected long-term rate of return on assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.39\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe following sensitivity analysis shows the impact of a 50-basis-point change in the EROA and discount rate assumptions for our largest pension plan and the resulting increase (decrease) in our projected benefit obligation (\u201cPBO\u201d) as of May 31, 2023 and expense for the year ended May 31, 2023 (in millions):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50 Basis\nPoint Increase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50 Basis\nPoint Decrease\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPension Plan\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEROA:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Effect on pension expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(123\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n123\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiscount Rate:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Effect on pension expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(10\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Effect on PBO\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1,436\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,582\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSee Note 13 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information about our retirement plans.\n \n\n\n- \n66\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nINCOM\nE TAXES\n\n\nWe are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our income taxes are a function of our income, tax planning opportunities available to us, statutory tax rates, and the income tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. These tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by us and the respective governmental taxing authorities. As a result, significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. Also, our effective tax rate is significantly affected by the earnings generated in each jurisdiction, so unexpected fluctuations in the geographic mix of earnings could significantly impact our tax rate. Our intercompany transactions are based on globally accepted transfer pricing principles, which align profits with the business operations and functions of the various legal entities in our international business.\n \n\n\nWe evaluate our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available. These evaluations are based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax laws or their interpretations, audit activity, and changes in our business. In addition, management considers the advice of third parties in making conclusions regarding tax consequences.\n \n\n\nTax contingencies arise from uncertainty in the application of tax rules throughout the many jurisdictions in which we operate. Despite our belief that our tax return positions are consistent with applicable tax laws, taxing authorities could challenge certain positions. We record tax benefits for uncertain tax positions based upon management\u2019s evaluation of the information available at the reporting date. To be recognized in the financial statements, a tax benefit must be at least more likely than not of being sustained based on the technical merits. The benefit for positions meeting the recognition threshold is measured as the largest benefit more likely than not of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Significant judgment is required in making these determinations and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits may be necessary to reflect actual taxes payable upon settlement.\n \n\n\nDeferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings, and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates to make this determination, and as a result there is a risk that these estimates will have to be revised as new information is received. To the extent we do not consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is established. We believe we will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the tax benefits related to the remaining net deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets that are not subject to valuation allowances. We record the taxes for global intangible low-taxed income as a period cost.\n\n\nOur income tax positions are based on currently enacted tax laws. As further guidance is issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, and other standard-setting bodies, any resulting changes to our estimates will be treated in accordance with the relevant accounting guidance.\n \n\n\nFor more information, see the \u201cIncome Taxes\u201d section of this MD&A and Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\nSELF-INSURAN\nCE ACCRUALS\n \n\n\nOur self-insurance reserves are established for estimates of ultimate loss on all incurred claims, including incurred-but-not-reported claims. Components of our self-insurance reserves included in this critical accounting estimate are workers\u2019 compensation claims, vehicle accidents, property and cargo loss, general business liabilities, and benefits paid under employee disability programs. These reserves are primarily based on the actuarially estimated cost of claims incurred as of the balance sheet date. These estimates include judgment about severity of claims, frequency and volume of claims, healthcare inflation, seasonality, and plan designs. The use of any estimation technique in this area is inherently sensitive given the magnitude of claims involved and the length of time until the ultimate cost is known, which may be several years.\n\n\nWe believe our recorded obligations for these expenses are consistently measured on a conservative basis. Nevertheless, changes in accident frequency and severity, healthcare costs, insurance retention levels, and other factors can materially affect the estimates for these liabilities and affect our results of operations. Self-insurance accruals reflected in our balance sheet for the period ended May 31 are as follows (in millions):\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-Term\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,646\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-Term\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,339\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,889\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Total\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,069\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,535\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n- \n67\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nA five-percent reduction or improvement in the assumed claim severity used to estimate our self-insurance accruals would result in an increase or decrease of approximately $250 million in our reserves and expenses as of and for the year ended May 31, 2023. For more information, see \u201cItem 1A. Risk Factors\u201d of this Annual Report.\n\n\nLONG-LIVED\n ASSETS\n \n\n\nUSEFUL LIVES AND SALVAGE VALUES\n. Our business is capital intensive, with approximately 60% of our owned assets invested in our transportation and information system infrastructures.\n \n\n\nThe depreciation or amortization of our capital assets over their estimated useful lives, and the determination of any salvage values, requires management to make judgments about future events. Because we utilize many of our capital assets over relatively long periods (the majority of aircraft costs are depreciated over 15 to 30 years), we periodically evaluate whether adjustments to our estimated service lives or salvage values are necessary to ensure these estimates properly match the economic use of the asset. These evaluations consider usage, maintenance costs, and economic factors that affect the useful life of an asset. This evaluation may result in changes in the estimated lives and residual values used to depreciate our aircraft and other equipment.\n \n\n\nFor our aircraft, we consider actual experience with the same or similar aircraft types and future volume projections in estimating the useful lives and expected salvage values. We typically assign no residual value due to the utilization of our aircraft in cargo configuration, which results in little to no value at the end of their useful life. These estimates affect the amount of depreciation expense recognized in a period and, ultimately, the gain or loss on the disposal of the asset. Changes in the estimated lives of assets will result in an increase or decrease in the amount of depreciation recognized in future periods and could have a material impact on our results of operations (as described below). Historically, gains and losses on disposals of operating equipment have not been material. However, such amounts may differ materially in the future due to changes in business levels, technological obsolescence, accident frequency, regulatory changes, and other factors beyond our control.\n \n\n\nIMPAIRMENT.\n As of May 31, 2023, the FedEx Express global air network included a fleet of 700 aircraft (including 293 supplemental aircraft) that provide delivery of packages and freight to more than 220 countries and territories through a wide range of U.S. and international shipping services. While certain aircraft are utilized in primary geographic areas (U.S. versus international), we operate an integrated global network, and utilize our aircraft and other modes of transportation to achieve the lowest cost of delivery while maintaining our service commitments to our customers. Because of the integrated nature of our global network, our aircraft are interchangeable across routes and geographies, giving us flexibility with our fleet planning to meet changing global economic conditions and maintain and modify aircraft as needed.\n \n\n\nBecause of the lengthy lead times for aircraft manufacture and modifications, we must anticipate volume levels and plan our fleet requirements years in advance, and make commitments for aircraft based on those projections. Furthermore, the timing and availability of certain used aircraft types (particularly those with better fuel efficiency) may create limited opportunities to acquire these aircraft at favorable prices in advance of our capacity needs. These activities create risks that asset capacity may exceed demand. At May 31, 2023, we had three purchased aircraft that were not yet placed into service.\n \n\n\nWe evaluate our long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows to be generated by that asset group are less than the carrying amounts of the asset group and may not be recoverable. If the cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, the asset must be adjusted to its current fair value. We operate integrated transportation networks, and accordingly, cash flows for most of our operating assets are assessed at a network level, not at an individual asset level for our analysis of impairment. Further, decisions about capital investments are evaluated based on the impact to the overall network rather than the return on an individual asset. We make decisions to remove certain long-lived assets from service based on projections of reduced capacity needs or lower operating costs of newer aircraft types, and those decisions may result in an impairment charge. Assets held for disposal must be adjusted to their estimated fair values less costs to sell when the decision is made to dispose of the asset and certain other criteria are met. The fair value determinations for such aircraft may require management estimates, as there may not be active markets for some of these aircraft. Such estimates are subject to revision from period to period.\n \n\n\nIn the fourth quarter of 2023, we made the decision to permanently retire from service 12 Boeing MD-11F aircraft and 25 related engines, four Boeing 757-200 aircraft and one related engine, and two Airbus A300-600 aircraft and eight related engines, to align with the plans of FedEx Express to modernize its aircraft fleet, improve its global network, and better align air network capacity to match current and anticipated shipment volumes. As a consequence of this decision, a noncash impairment charge of $70 million ($54 million, net of tax, or $0.21 per diluted share) was recorded in the fourth quarter. All of these aircraft were temporarily idled and not in revenue service.\n\n\nIn addition, in the fourth quarter of 2023, FedEx Express made the decision to accelerate the retirement of 46 MD-11F aircraft and related engines to aid in our fleet modernization, improve our global network, and better align air network capacity of FedEx Express to match current and anticipated shipment volumes. As a result of this decision, we expect a net increase of approximately $12 million in depreciation expense in 2024 with the expense impact in 2025 being immaterial.\n \n\n\n- \n68\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn the normal management of our aircraft fleet, we routinely idle aircraft and engines temporarily due to maintenance cycles and adjustments of our network capacity to match seasonality and overall customer demand levels. Temporarily idled assets are classified as available-for-use, and we continue to record depreciation expense associated with these assets. These temporarily idled assets are assessed for impairment and remaining life on a quarterly basis. The criteria for determining whether an asset has been permanently removed from service (and, as a result, is potentially impaired) include, but are not limited to, our global economic outlook and the impact of our outlook on our current and projected volume levels, including capacity needs during our peak shipping seasons; the introduction of new fleet types or decisions to permanently retire an aircraft fleet from operations; and changes to planned service expansion activities. At May 31, 2023, we had 11 aircraft temporarily idled. These aircraft have been idled for an average of five months and are expected to return to revenue service in order to meet expected demand.\n \n\n\nDuring the fourth quarter of 2023, we reviewed long-lived assets at FedEx Dataworks for impairment. Based on our reviews, we recognized an $11 million ($8 million, net of tax, or $0.03 per diluted share) asset impairment charge related to an intangible asset from the ShopRunner acquisition. For more information, see Note 4 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nLEASES\n. We utilize operating leases to finance certain of our aircraft, facilities, and equipment. Such arrangements typically shift the risk of loss on the residual value of the assets at the end of the lease period to the lessor. In accordance with the new lease accounting standard adopted in 2020, we had $18 billion in operating lease liabilities and $17 billion in related right-of-use assets on the balance sheet as of May 31, 2023. The weighted-average remaining lease term of all operating leases outstanding at May 31, 2023 was 9.5 years.\n \n\n\nOur leases generally contain options to extend or terminate the lease. We reevaluate our leases on a regular basis to consider the economic and strategic incentives of exercising the renewal options, and how they align with our operating strategy. Therefore, substantially all the renewal option periods are not included within the lease term and the associated payments are not included in the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability as the options to extend are not reasonably certain at lease commencement. Short-term leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized in the right-to-use asset and lease liability on the consolidated balance sheets.\n \n\n\nThe lease liabilities are measured at the lease commencement date and determined using the present value of the minimum lease payments not yet paid and our incremental borrowing rate, which approximates the rate at which we would borrow, on a collateralized basis, over the term of a lease in the applicable currency environment. The interest rate implicit in the lease is generally not determinable in transactions where we are the lessee.\n\n\nThe determination of whether a lease is accounted for as a finance lease or an operating lease requires management to make estimates primarily about the fair value of the asset and its estimated economic useful life. In addition, our evaluation includes ensuring we properly account for build-to-suit lease arrangements and making judgments about whether various forms of lessee involvement during the construction period allow the lessee to control the underlying leased asset during the construction period. We believe we have well-defined and controlled processes for making these evaluations, including obtaining third-party appraisals for material transactions to assist us in making these evaluations.\n \n\n\nGOODWILL\n. We had $6.4 billion of recorded goodwill at May 31, 2023 and $6.5 billion of recorded goodwill at May 31, 2022 from our business acquisitions, representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Several factors give rise to goodwill in our acquisitions, such as the expected benefits from synergies of the combination and the existing workforce of the acquired business.\n \n\n\nGoodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment. In our evaluation of goodwill impairment, we perform a qualitative assessment that requires management judgment and the use of estimates to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An entity has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit and proceed directly to performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. We performed both qualitative and quantitative assessments of goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022. This included comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value (including attributable goodwill). Fair value is estimated using standard valuation methodologies (principally the income or market approach classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy) incorporating market participant considerations and management\u2019s assumptions on revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates, and expected capital expenditures. Estimates used by management can significantly affect the outcome of the impairment test. Changes in forecasted operating results and other assumptions could materially affect these estimates.\n \n\n\nAs part of our qualitative assessment, we consider changes in the macroeconomic environment such as the general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and other developments in equity and credit markets.\n \n\n\n- \n69\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe market approach uses observable market data of comparable public companies to estimate fair value utilizing financial metrics such as operating value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. We apply judgment to select appropriate comparison companies based on the business operations, growth, size, and risk profile relative to our reporting units. Changes to our selection of comparable companies may result in changes to the estimates of fair value of our reporting units.\n\n\nIn connection with our annual impairment testing of goodwill conducted in the fourth quarter of 2023, we recorded an impairment charge of $36 million ($36 million, net of tax, or $0.14 per diluted share) for all of the goodwill attributable to our FedEx Dataworks reporting unit. The key factors contributing to the goodwill impairment were underperformance of the ShopRunner business during 2023, including base business erosion, and the failure to attain the level of operating synergies and revenue and profit growth anticipated at the time of acquisition. Based on these factors, our outlook for the business changed in the fourth quarter of 2023.\n\n\nOur other reporting units with significant recorded goodwill include FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Freight. We evaluated these reporting units during the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022 and the estimated fair value of each of these reporting units exceeded their carrying values as of the end of 2023 and 2022; therefore, we do not believe that any of these reporting units were impaired as of the balance sheet dates.\n\n\nLEGAL AND OTHER\n \nCONTINGE\nNCIES\n \n\n\nWe are subject to various loss contingencies in connection with our operations. Contingent liabilities are difficult to measure, as their measurement is subject to multiple factors that are not easily predicted or projected. Further, additional complexity in measuring these liabilities arises due to the various jurisdictions in which these matters occur, which makes our ability to predict their outcome highly uncertain. Moreover, different accounting rules must be employed to account for these items based on the nature of the contingency. Accordingly, significant management judgment is required to assess these matters and to make determinations about the measurement of a liability, if any. Certain pending loss contingencies are described in Note 18 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the aggregate liability, if any, of individual matters or groups of related matters not specifically described in Note 18 is not expected to be material to our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The following describes our methods and associated processes for evaluating these matters.\n \n\n\nBecause of the complex environment in which we operate, we are subject to numerous legal proceedings and claims, including those relating to general commercial matters, governmental enforcement actions, employment-related claims, vehicle accidents, and FedEx Ground\u2019s service providers. Accounting guidance for contingencies requires an accrual of estimated loss from a contingency, such as a non-income tax or other legal proceeding or claim, when it is probable (i.e., the future event or events are likely to occur) that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. This guidance also requires disclosure of a loss contingency matter when, in management\u2019s judgment, a material loss is reasonably possible or probable.\n \n\n\nDuring the preparation of our financial statements, we evaluate our contingencies to determine whether it is probable, reasonably possible, or remote that a liability has been incurred. A loss is recognized for all contingencies deemed probable and estimable, regardless of amount. For unresolved contingencies with potentially material exposure that are deemed reasonably possible, we evaluate whether a potential loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.\n\n\nOur evaluation of these matters is the result of a comprehensive process designed to ensure that accounting recognition of a loss or disclosure of these contingencies is made in a timely manner and involves our legal and accounting personnel, as well as external counsel where applicable. The process includes regular communications during each quarter and scheduled meetings shortly before the completion of our financial statements to evaluate any new legal proceedings and the status of existing matters.\n\n\nIn determining whether a loss should be accrued or a loss contingency disclosed, we evaluate, among other factors:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nthe current status of each matter within the scope and context of the entire lawsuit or proceeding (e.g., the lengthy and complex nature of class-action matters); \n\n\n\u2022\nthe procedural status of each matter; \n\n\n\u2022\nany opportunities to dispose of a lawsuit on its merits before trial (i.e., motion to dismiss or for summary judgment); \n\n\n\u2022\nthe amount of time remaining before a trial date; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe status of discovery; \n\n\n\u2022\nthe status of settlement, arbitration, or mediation proceedings; and \n\n\n\u2022\nour judgment regarding the likelihood of success prior to or at trial. \n\n\n- \n70\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn reaching our conclusions with respect to accrual of a loss or loss contingency disclosure, we take a holistic view of each matter based on these factors and the information available prior to the issuance of our financial statements. Uncertainty with respect to an individual factor or combination of these factors may impact our decisions related to accrual or disclosure of a loss contingency, including a conclusion that we are unable to establish an estimate of possible loss or a meaningful range of possible loss. We update our disclosures to reflect our most current understanding of the contingencies at the time we issue our financial statements. However, events may arise that were not anticipated and the outcome of a contingency may result in a loss to us that differs materially from our previously estimated liability or range of possible loss.\n \n\n\nDespite the inherent complexity in the accounting and disclosure of contingencies, we believe that our processes are robust and thorough and provide a consistent framework for management in evaluating the potential outcome of contingencies for proper accounting recognition and disclosure.\n \n\n",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATI\nVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\n \n\n\nINTEREST RATES. \nWhile we currently have market risk sensitive instruments related to interest rates, we do not have significant exposure to changing interest rates on our long-term debt. As disclosed in Note 6 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we had outstanding fixed-rate long-term debt (exclusive of finance leases) with an estimated fair value of $17.5 billion at May 31, 2023 and outstanding fixed-rate long-term debt (exclusive of finance leases) with an estimated fair value of $18.8 billion at May 31, 2022. Market risk for long-term debt is estimated as the potential decrease in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and amounts to approximately $743 million as of May 31, 2023 and approximately $518 million as of May 31, 2022. The underlying fair values of our long-term debt were estimated based on quoted market prices or on the current rates offered for debt with similar terms and maturities.\n \n\n\nWe have interest rate risk with respect to our pension and postretirement benefit obligations. Changes in interest rates impact our liabilities associated with these retirement plans, as well as the amount of pension and postretirement benefit expense recognized. Declines in the value of plan assets could diminish the funded status of our pension plans and potentially increase our requirement to make contributions to the plans. Substantial investment losses on plan assets would also increase net pension expense. See the \u201cCritical Accounting Estimates \u2014 Retirement Plans\u201d section of \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition\u201d of this Annual Report for more information.\n\n\nFOREIGN CURRENCY.\n While we are a global provider of transportation, e-commerce, and business services, the majority of our transactions during the periods presented in this Annual Report are denominated in U.S. dollars. The principal foreign currency exchange rate risks to which we are exposed are in the euro, Chinese yuan, British pound, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, and Mexican peso. Historically, our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is more significant with respect to our revenue than our expenses, as a significant portion of our expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars, such as aircraft and fuel expenses. Foreign currency fluctuations had a slightly negative impact on operating income in 2023 and a slightly positive impact on operating income in 2022. However, favorable foreign currency fluctuations also may have had an offsetting impact on the price we obtained or the demand for our services, which is not quantifiable. At May 31, 2023, the result of a uniform 10% strengthening in the value of the dollar relative to the currencies in which our transactions are denominated would result in a decrease in expected operating income of approximately $236 million for 2024. This theoretical calculation assumes that each exchange rate would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar, which is not consistent with our actual experience in foreign currency transactions. In addition to the direct effects of changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in exchange rates also affect the volume of sales or the foreign currency sales price as competitors\u2019 services become more or less attractive. The sensitivity analysis of the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates does not factor in a potential change in sales levels or local currency prices.\n \n\n\nWe maintain derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency fluctuations related to probable future transactions and cash flows denominated in currencies other than the currency of the transacting entity which impacts our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. These derivatives are not designated as hedges and are accounted for at fair value with any profit or loss recorded in income, which was immaterial for 2023 and 2022.\n \n\n\nCOMMODITY.\n While we have market risk for changes in the price of jet and vehicle fuel, this risk is largely mitigated by our indexed fuel surcharges. For additional discussion of our indexed fuel surcharges, see the \u201cResults of Operations and Outlook \u2014 Consolidated Results \u2014 Fuel\u201d section of \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.\u201d\n \n\n\n- \n71\n -\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "cik": "1048911",
+ "cusip6": "31428X",
+ "cusip": ["31428x106", "31428X906", "31428X106", "31428X956"],
+ "names": ["FedEx Corp", "FEDEX CORP"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1048911/000095017023033201/0000950170-23-033201-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-034640.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-034640.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..92af39aa06
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-034640.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">Item 1. \nBusiness.\n\n\nTHE COMPANY\n\n\nRPM International Inc., a Delaware corporation, succeeded to the reporting obligations of RPM, Inc., an Ohio corporation, following a 2002 reincorporation transaction. RPM, Inc. was originally incorporated in 1947 under the name Republic Powdered Metals, Inc. and changed its name to RPM, Inc. in 1971.\n \n\n\nAs used herein, the terms \u201cRPM,\u201d the \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cwe,\u201d \u201cour\u201d and \u201cus\u201d refer to RPM International Inc. and all our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Our principal executive offices are located at 2628 Pearl Road, Medina, Ohio 44256, and our telephone number is (330) 273-5090.\n\n\nBUSINESS\n\n\nOur subsidiaries manufacture, market and sell various specialty chemical product lines, including high-quality specialty paints, infrastructure rehab and repair products, protective coatings, roofing systems, sealants and adhesives, focusing on the maintenance and improvement needs of the industrial, specialty and consumer markets. Our family of products includes those marketed under brand names such as API, Carboline, CAVE, DAP, Day-Glo, Dri-Eaz, Dryvit, Euclid, EUCO, Fibergrate, Fibregrid, Fibrecrete, Flecto, Flowcrete, Gator, Grupo PV, Hummervoll, illbruck, Kemtile, Key Resin, Nudura, Mohawk, Prime Resins, Rust-Oleum, Specialty Polymer Coatings, Stonhard, Strathmore, TCI, Toxement, Tremco, Tuf-Strand, Universal Sealants, Viapol, Watco and Zinsser. As of May 31, 2023, our subsidiaries marketed products in approximately 164 countries and territories and operated manufacturing facilities in approximately 121 locations in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Approximately 29% of our sales are generated in international markets through a combination of exports to and direct sales in foreign countries. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023, we recorded net sales of $7.3 billion.\n\n\nAvailable Information\n\n\nOur Internet website address is www.rpminc.com. We make available free of charge on or through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.\n\n\nSegment Information\n\n\nOur business is divided into four reportable segments: the Construction Products Group (\u201cCPG\u201d) reportable segment, Performance Coatings Group (\u201cPCG\u201d) reportable segment, Consumer Group (\u201cConsumer\u201d) reportable segment and Specialty Products Group (\u201cSPG\u201d) reportable segment. These four reportable segments also represent our operating segments.\n \n\n\nWithin each operating segment, we manage product lines and businesses which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. The table below describes the breakdown of the percentage of consolidated net sales and description of the product lines/business for each of our four reportable segments:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nName of Reportable\nSegment\n\n\nPercentage of\nConsolidated Net Sales\n\n\nDescription of Product Lines/Businesses\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCPG\n\n\nApproximately 36%\n\n\nConstruction sealants and adhesives, coatings and chemicals, roofing systems, concrete admixture and repair products, building envelope solutions, insulated cladding, flooring systems, and weatherproofing solutions\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPCG\n\n\nApproximately 18%\n\n\nHigh-performance flooring solutions, corrosion control and fireproofing coatings, infrastructure repair systems, fiberglass reinforced plastic gratings, drainage systems, and raised-flooring systems for outdoor environments\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsumer\n\n\nApproximately 35%\n\n\nRust-preventative, special purpose, and decorative paints, caulks, sealants, primers, contact cement, cleaners, flooring systems and sealers, woodcare coatings and other branded consumer products\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSPG\n\n\nApproximately 11%\n\n\nIndustrial cleaners, restoration services equipment, colorants, nail enamels, exterior finishes, edible coatings and specialty glazes for pharmaceutical and food industries, and other specialty original equipment manufacturer (\u201cOEM\u201d) coatings\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSee Note R, \u201cSegment Information,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for financial information relating to our four reportable segments and financial information by geographic area.\n\n\n3\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCPG Segment\n\n\nOur CPG segment products and services are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our construction product lines and services are sold directly to manufacturers, contractors, distributors and end-users, including industrial manufacturing facilities, concrete and cement producers, public institutions and other commercial customers. Our CPG segment generated $2.6 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023 and includes the following major product lines and brand names:\n\n\n\u2022\nwaterproofing, coatings and traditional roofing systems used in building protection, maintenance and weatherproofing applications marketed under our Tremco, AlphaGuard, AlphaGrade, BURmastic, OneSeal, POWERply, THERMastic, TremPly, TremLock, Vulkem and TREMproof brand names; \n\n\n\u2022\nin collaboration with companies from the PCG and SPG reportable segments respectively, Fibergrate and Legend Brands, retrofit structural panels, fiberglass reinforced plastic (\u201cFRP\u201d) and metal TremSafe rooftop safety solutions, and RoofTec cleaning and RoofTec drying services;\n\n\n\u2022\nsealants, air barriers, tapes and foams that seal and insulate joints in various construction assemblies and glazing assemblies marketed under our Tremco, Dymonic, ExoAir, illbruck and Spectrem brand names; \n\n\n\u2022\nnew residential home weatherization systems marketed under our TUFF-N-DRI, Watchdog Waterproofing and Enviro-Dri brand names; \n\n\n\u2022\nspecialized roofing, building maintenance and related services performed by our Weatherproofing Technologies Incorporated (WTI) subsidiary, as well as our Weatherproofing Technologies Canada (WTC) subsidiary that include: turnkey general contracting projects, general roofing repairs, roof restorations, building asset management programs, diagnostic services, indoor air quality audits, HVAC restorations, job-site inspections, TremCare maintenance programs, customized warranty solutions and offerings;\n\n\n\u2022\nsealing and bonding solutions for windows and doors, facades, interiors and exteriors under our illbruck TremGlaze brand name; \n\n\n\u2022\nsubfloor preparation, leveling screeds for flooring and waterproofing applications under our Tremco and Isocrete brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nin-plant glazing solutions and structural glazing under our Tremco brand name; \n\n\n\u2022\nhigh-performance resin flooring systems, polyurethane & MMA waterproof coatings, epoxy floor paint and coatings, concrete repair and protection products and decorative concrete for industrial and commercial applications sold under our Flowcrete and Key Resins brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nrolled asphalt roofing materials, waterproofing products, and chemical admixtures marketed under our Viapol, Vandex and Betumat brand names; \n\n\n\u2022\nconcrete and masonry admixtures, concrete fibers, cement grinding aids, cement performance enhancers, curing and sealing compounds, structural grouts and mortars, epoxy adhesives, polyurethane foams, floor hardeners and toppings, joint fillers, industrial and architectural coatings, decorative color/stains/stamps, and a comprehensive selection of restoration materials marketed under the Euclid, CAVE, Conex, Toxement, Viapol, Dural, EUCO, Eucon, Eucem, Fiberstrand, Increte Systems, Plastol, Sentinel, Speed Crete, Tuf-Strand, Prime Gel, Prime Bond, Prime Coat, Prime Guard, Prime Rez, Prime Flex and Tremco PUMA Expansion Joint System brand names; \n\n\n\u2022\nsolutions for fire stopping and intumescent coatings for steel structures under our Firetherm brand now all transitioned to Nullifire, Veda and TREMStop brand names; \n\n\n\u2022\nadhesive & sealant solutions for the manufacturing industries under our Pactan brand name; \n\n\n\u2022\ninsulated building cladding materials (exterior insulating and finishing systems, \u201cEIFS\u201d) under our Dryvit and NewBrick brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\ninsulated concrete form (\u201cICF\u201d) wall systems and engineered buck framing systems and ICF bracing systems marketed and sold under the Nudura, PreBuck, and Giraffe brand names; and\n\n\n\u2022\nfoam joint sealants for commercial construction manufactured and marketed under the Schul brand name;\n\n\n\u2022\nexpansion joint covers and fire-stopping solutions for horizontal and vertical linear joints under the Veda brand.\n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPCG Segment\n\n\nOur PCG segment products and services are sold throughout North America, as well as internationally, and are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. Our PCG segment generated $1.3 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023 and includes the following major product lines and brand names:\n\n\n\u2022\nhigh-performance polymer flooring products and services for industrial, institutional and commercial facilities, as well as offshore and marine structures and cruise, ferry and navy ships marketed under our Stonhard, Hummervoll, Kemtile, Liquid Elements and API brand names; \n\n\n\u2022\nhigh-performance, heavy-duty corrosion-control coatings, containment linings, railcar linings, fireproofing and soundproofing products and heat and cryogenic insulation products for a wide variety of industrial infrastructure and oil and gas-related applications marketed under our Carboline, Specialty Polymer Coatings, Nullifire, Charflame, Firefilm, A/D Fire, Strathmore, Thermo-Lag, Plasite, Perlifoc, Dudick, Farbocustic and Southwest brand names; \n\n\n\u2022\nspecialty construction products and services for bridge expansion joints, structural bearings, bridge decks, highway markings, protective coatings, trenchless pipe rehabilitation equipment and asphalt and concrete repair products marketed under our USL, Pitchmastic PMB, Nufins, Visul, Fibrecrete, Texacrete, Fibrejoint, Samiscreed, Prime Resins, Logiball and Epoplex brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nfiberglass reinforced plastic gratings and shapes used for industrial platforms, staircases, walkways and raised flooring systems utilizing adjustable polypropylene pedestals marketed under our Fibergrate, Chemgrate, Corgrate, Fibregrid, Safe-T-Span and Bison brand names; and\n\n\n\u2022\namine curing agents, reactive diluents, specialty epoxy resins and other intermediates under our Arnette Polymers brand name. \n\n\nConsumer Segment\n\n\nOur Consumer segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (\u201cDIY\u201d) products for a variety of mainly residential applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our Consumer segment\u2019s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe, Australia and South America. Consumer segment products are sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, residential construction suppliers, paint stores, craft shops and to other customers through distributors. Our Consumer segment generated $2.5 billion in net sales in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023 and is composed of the following major product lines and brand names:\n\n\n\u2022\na broad line of coating products to protect and decorate a wide variety of surfaces for the DIY and professional markets which are sold under several brand names, including Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust, American Accents, Painter\u2019s Touch, Universal, Industrial Choice, Rust-Oleum Automotive, Sierra Performance, Hard Hat, TOR, Mathys, CombiColor, Noxyde, MultiSpec and Tremclad;\n\n\n\u2022\nspecialty products targeted to solve problems for the paint contractor and the DIYer for applications that include surface preparation, mold and mildew prevention, wallpaper removal and application, and waterproofing, sold under our Zinsser, B-I-N, Bulls Eye 1-2-3, Cover Stain, DIF, FastPrime, Sealcoat, Gardz, Perma-White, Shieldz, Watertite and Okon brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\na line of woodcare products for interior and exterior applications for the DIY and professional markets that are sold under the Varathane, Watco and Wolman brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\ncleaners sold under the Krud Kutter, Mean Green, Concrobium, Whink and Jomax brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nconcrete restoration and flooring systems for the DIY and professional floor contractor markets sold under the Epoxy Shield, Rock Solid, Seal Krete and Concrete Saver brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nmetallic and faux finish coatings marketed under our Modern Masters brand name;\n\n\n\u2022\ntile and stone sealants and cleaners under our Miracle Sealants brand name;\n\n\n\u2022\na broad line of finishing products for the DIY and professional markets including abrasives for hand and power sanding, cutting, grinding and surface refinishing marketed under the Gator, Finish 1\nst\n and Zip Sander brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nan assortment of other products, including hobby paints and cements marketed under our Testors brand name; and\n\n\n\u2022\na complete line of caulks, sealants, adhesives, insulating foam, spackling, glazing, and other general patch and repair products for home construction, repair and remodeling marketed through a wide assortment of DAP branded products, including, but not limited to, \u201833\u2019, \u201853\u2019, \u20181012\u2019, 4000, 7000, Alex, Alex Fast Dry, Alex Plus, Alex Ultra, Alex Flex, AMP, Barrier Foam, Beats The Nail, Blend-Stick, Blockade, DAPtex, Draftstop, DryDex, Dynaflex 230, Dynaflex Ultra, \n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDynagrip, Eclipse, Elastopatch, Extreme Stretch, Fast \u2018N Final, FastPatch, Fire Break, Kwik Seal, Kwik Seal Plus, Kwik Seal Ultra, Max Fill, Mono, Mouse Shield, No Warp, Patch-N-Paint, Plastic Wood, Platinum Patch, Power Point, RapidFuse, Seal \u2018N Peel, SIDE Winder, Silicone Plus, Silicone Max, SMARTBOND, Storm Bond, TankBond, Touch\u2019N Foam Pro, Touch\u2019N Seal, Ultra Clear, and Weldwood.\n\n\nSPG Segment\n\n\nOur SPG segment products are sold throughout North America and internationally, primarily in Europe. Our SPG product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The SPG segment generated $0.8 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023 and includes the following major product lines and brand names:\n\n\n\u2022\nfluorescent colorants and pigments marketed under our Day-Glo and Radiant brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nshellac-based-specialty coatings for industrial and pharmaceutical uses, edible glazes, food coatings and ingredients marketed under our Mantrose-Haeuser, NatureSeal, Profile Food Ingredients and Holton Food Products brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nfire and water damage restoration products marketed under the Dri-Eaz, Unsmoke and ODORx brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nprofessional carpet cleaning and disinfecting products marketed under the Sapphire Scientific, Chemspec and Prochem brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nfuel additives marketed under our ValvTect brand name;\n\n\n\u2022\nwood treatments marketed under our Kop-Coat and TRU CORE brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\npleasure marine coatings marketed under our Pettit, Woolsey, Z-Spar and Tuffcoat brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\nwood coatings and touch-up products primarily for furniture and interior wood applications marketed under our FinishWorks, Mohawk, and Morrells brand names;\n\n\n\u2022\na variety of products for specialized applications, including powder coatings for exterior and interior applications marketed under our TCI brand name; and\n\n\n\u2022\nnail enamel, polish and coating components for the personal care industry.\n\n\nForeign Operations\n\n\nFor the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023, our foreign operations accounted for approximately 28.5% of our total net sales, excluding any direct exports from the United States. Our direct exports from the United States were approximately 0.9% of our total net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023. In addition, we receive license fees and royalty income from numerous international license agreements, and we also have several joint ventures, which are accounted for under the equity method, operating in various foreign countries. We have manufacturing facilities in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. We also have sales offices or warehouse facilities in Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Namibia, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Singapore, Slovakia, Switzerland, Thailand and Vietnam. Information concerning our foreign operations is set forth in Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nWe conduct our business in highly competitive markets, and all of our major products face competition from local, regional, national and multi-national firms. Our markets, however, are fragmented, and we do not face competition across all of our products from any one competitor in particular. Several of our competitors have access to greater financial resources and larger sales organizations than we do. While third-party figures are not necessarily available with respect to the size of our position in the market for each of our products, we believe that we are a major producer of caulks, sealants, insulating foams, patch-and-repair products for the general consumer as well as for the residential building trade; roofing systems; urethane sealants and waterproofing materials; aluminum coatings; cement-based coatings; hobby paints; small project paints; industrial-corrosion-control products; fireproofing; consumer rust-preventative coatings; polymer floorings; fluorescent coatings and pigments; fiberglass-reinforced-plastic gratings; nail polish; water and fire damage restoration products; carpet cleaning truck-mount systems and shellac-based coatings. However, we do not believe that we have a significant share of the total protective coatings market (on a world-wide basis). The following is a summary of the competition that our key products face in the various markets in which we compete:\n\n\nPaints, Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants Products\n\n\nThe market for paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants has experienced significant consolidation over the past several decades. However, the market remains fragmented, which creates further consolidation opportunities for industry participants. Many leading suppliers tend to focus on coatings, while other companies focus on adhesives and sealants. Barriers to market entry are relatively high for new market\n \n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nentrants due to the lengthy intervals between product development and market acceptance, the importance of brand identity and the difficulty in establishing a reputation as a reliable supplier of these products. Most of the suppliers, including us, who provide these items have a portfolio of products that span across a wide variety of applications.\n\n\nConsumer Home Improvement Products.\n Within our Consumer reportable segment, we generally serve the home improvement market with products designed for niche architectural, rust-preventative, decorative and special purpose paint and caulking and sealing applications. The products we sell for home improvement include those sold under our Rust-Oleum, Varathane, Watco, Zinsser, DAP, and Touch\u2019N Foam brand names. Leading manufacturers of home improvement-related coatings, adhesives and sealants market their products to DIY users and contractors through a wide range of distribution channels. These distribution channels include direct sales to home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware and paint stores, and sales through distributors and sales representative organizations. Competitors in this market generally compete for market share by marketing and building upon brand recognition, providing customer service and developing new products based on customer needs.\n\n\nIndustrial Protective Coatings Products.\n Anti-corrosion protective coatings and fireproofing must withstand the destructive elements of nature and operating processes under harsh environments and conditions. Our protective industrial coating products are marketed primarily under our Carboline, Specialty Polymer Coatings, Plasite, Nullifire, Firefilm, Charflame, A/D Fire, Strathmore, Thermo-lag, Perlifoc, Epoplex, and Farbocustic brand names. Some of the larger consumers of high-performance protective and corrosion control coatings, fireproofing and intumescent steel coatings are the oil and gas, pulp and paper, petrochemical, shipbuilding, high-rise building construction, public utility and bridge and highway industries, water and wastewater treatment plants, and electronics manufacturing facilities. These markets are highly fragmented. We and our competitors compete for market share by supplying a wide variety of high-quality products and by offering customized solutions.\n\n\nRoofing Systems Products\n\n\nIn the roofing industry, re-roofing applications have historically accounted for over three-quarters of U.S. demand, with the remainder generated by new roofing applications. Our primary roofing brand, Tremco, was founded in 1928 on the principle of \u201ckeeping good roofs good,\u201d and then, by extension, ensuring \u201croofing peace of mind\u201d for our customers. We define the market in two segments: (a) restoration and re-roofing or (b) new roofing. We market our systems and services for all of the most common roofing applications. Our roofing systems and services provide high performance and value. High performance ensures a long service life and ease of maintenance. High value ensures low total cost of ownership due to ease of installation, landfill avoidance, roof longevity, elimination of facility and occupant disruption, and utilization of sustainable materials and systems. Whether a project is a restoration, re-roof or new construction, our goal is always to help create a facility that is safe, dry, comfortable, and energy efficient for its occupants.\n\n\nConstruction Products\n\n\nFlooring Systems Products.\n Polymer flooring systems are used in industrial, commercial and, to a lesser extent, residential applications to provide a smooth, seamless surface that is impervious to penetration by water and other substances while being easy to clean and maintain. These systems are particularly well-suited for clean environments such as pharmaceutical, food and beverage and healthcare facilities. In addition, the fast installation time and long-term durability of these systems and products make them ideal for industrial floor repair and restoration. Polymer flooring systems are based on epoxy, polyurethane and methyl methacrylate resins. Most of these flooring systems are applied during new construction, but there is also a significant repair and renovation market. Key performance attributes in polymer flooring systems that distinguish competitors for these applications include static control, chemical resistance, contamination control, durability and aesthetics. We market our flooring systems under the Stonhard, Flowcrete, Key Resin, Euclid, Liquid Elements, Hummervoll, Kemtile, API and Dudick brand names.\n\n\nFiberglass Reinforced Plastic (\u201cFRP\u201d) Grating and Structural Composites.\n FRP grating and railings are used primarily in industrial and, to a lesser extent, commercial applications. FRP exhibits many specialized features, which make it a beneficial alternative to traditional steel or aluminum. These include a high strength-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal non-conductivity, and molded-in color, which eliminates the need for repainting. FRP is used for rooftop safety, platforms, walkways and stairs for a variety of applications, including those in the food and beverage, chemical processing, water-wastewater, pulp and paper, commercial roofing, commercial sealants and waterproofing, and offshore oil and gas industries. Structural composites include high-density polypropylene pedestal systems for raised flooring applications in outdoor environments. Key attributes that differentiate competitors in these markets include product quality, depth of product line, and design-and-fabrication services. Our products for these applications are sold under our Fibergrate, Chemgrate, Corgrate, Fibregrid, Safe-T-Span and Bison brand names.\n\n\nSealants, Waterproofing, Concrete and Masonry Products.\n Sealants, which include urethane, silicone, latex, butyl and hybrid technology products, are designed to be installed in construction joints for the purpose of providing a flexible air and water-tight seal. Waterproof coatings, usually urethane or asphalt based, are installed in exposed and buried applications to waterproof and protect concrete. Structural and traffic tolerant membranes, expansion joints and bearings are used in a variety of applications for bridge deck construction and restoration and the protection and preservation of balconies, pedestrian walkways and parking structures. In the concrete and masonry additives market, a variety of chemicals and fibers can be added to concrete and masonry to improve the processability, performance, or appearance of these products. Chemical admixtures for concrete are typically grouped according to their functional characteristics, such as water-reducers, set controllers, superplasticizers and air-entraining agents. Curing and sealing\n \n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\ncompounds, structural grouts, epoxy adhesives, injection resins, floor hardeners and toppings, joint fillers, industrial and architectural coatings, decorative color/stains/stamps, and a comprehensive selection of restoration materials are used to protect, repair or improve new or existing concrete structures used in the construction industry, and rehabilitation and repair of roads, highways, bridges, pipes and other infrastructure. The key attributes that differentiate competitors for these applications include quality assurance, on-the-job consultation and value-added, highly engineered products. We primarily offer products marketed under our Tremco, EUCO, Toxement, Viapol, Betumat, CAVE, Vandex, illbruck, Tamms, AlphaGuard, AlphaGrade, OneSeal, PowerPly, TremPly, TremLock, Vulkem, TREMproof, Dymonic, Increte, TUFF-N-DRI, Universal Sealants, Nufins, Pitchmastic PMB, Visul, Fibrecrete, Texacrete, Fibrejoint, Samiscreed, Prime Rez, Prime Gel, Prime Guard, Prime Coat, Prime Bond, Prime Flex, Logiball, Watchdog Waterproofing, PSI, Tuf-Strand, Ekspan, Sealtite and HydroStop brand names for this line of business.\n\n\nBuilding Wall, Cladding and Envelope Systems. \n CPG's collective products and systems are a single source for new construction, renovation and restoration. We take a fully tested systems approach in standing behind its whole building warranty, providing a single point of responsibility for customer peace of mind.\n \n\n\nIntellectual Property\n\n\nOur intellectual property portfolios include valuable patents, trade secrets and know-how, domain names, trademarks, trade and brand names. In addition, through our subsidiaries, we continue to conduct significant research and technology development activities. Among our most significant intangibles are our Rust-Oleum\n\u00ae\n, Carboline\n\u00ae\n, DAP\n\u00ae\n, illbruck\n\u00ae\n and Tremco\n\u00ae\n trademarks.\n\n\nRust-Oleum Corporation and some of our other subsidiaries own more than 860 trademark registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries for the trademark \u201cRust-Oleum\n\u00ae\n\u201d and other trademarks covering a variety of rust-preventative, decorative, general purpose, specialty, industrial and professional products sold by Rust-Oleum Corporation and related companies.\n\n\nCarboline Company and some of our other subsidiaries own more than 510 trademark registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries covering the products sold by the Carboline Company and related companies, including two United States trademark registrations for the trademark \u201cCarboline\n\u00ae\n\u201d.\n\n\nDAP Global, Inc. and other subsidiaries of the Company own nearly 400 trademark registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries for the \u201cDAP\n\u00ae\n\u201d trademark, the \u201cPutty Knife design\u201d trademark and other trademarks covering products sold under the DAP brand and related brands.\n\n\nTremco CPG Inc. and some of our other subsidiaries own more than 90 registrations or applications for the trademark \u201cTremco\n\u00ae\n\u201d in the United States and numerous countries covering a variety of roofing, sealants and coating products. There are also many other trademarks of Tremco CPG Inc. and some of our other subsidiaries that are the subject of registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries, bringing the total number of registrations and applications covering products sold under the Tremco brand and related brands to more than 1,000.\n\n\nOur other principal product trademarks include: 2X Ultra Cover\n\u00ae\n, AlphaGuard\n\u00ae\n, Alumanation\n\u00ae\n, Betumat\u0099, B-I-N\n\u00ae\n, Bitumastic\n\u00ae\n, Bulls Eye 1-2-3\n\u00ae\n, Chemgrate\n\u00ae\n, Dri-Eaz\n\u00ae\n, Dymonic\n\u00ae\n, EnerEDGE\n\u00ae\n, Enviro-Dri\n\u00ae\n, EUCO\n\u00ae\n, ExoAir\n\u00ae\n, Flecto\u0099, Fibergrate\n\u00ae\n, Floquil\n\u0099\n, Paraseal\n\u00ae\n, Permaroof\nTM\n, Plasite\n\u00ae\n, Proglaze\n\u00ae\n, Sanitile\n\u00ae\n, Sealtite\n\u0099\n, Solargard\n\u00ae\n, Spectrem\n\u00ae\n, Stonblend\n\u00ae\n, Stonclad\n\u00ae\n, Stonhard\n\u00ae\n, Stonlux\n\u00ae\n, Stonshield\n\u00ae\n, Testors\n\u00ae\n, TREMproof\n\u00ae\n, TUFF-N-DRI\n\u00ae\n, Varathane\n\u00ae\n, Viapol\u0099, Vulkem\n\u00ae\n, Watchdog Waterproofing\n\u00ae\n, Woolsey\n\u00ae\n, Zinsser\n\u00ae\n and Z-Spar\n\u00ae\n; and, in Europe, API\n\u00ae\n, Perlifoc\n\u00ae\n, Hummervoll\n\u00ae\n, USL\n\u00ae\n, Nufins\n\u00ae\n, Pitchmastic PMB\n\u00ae\n, Visul\n\u00ae\n, Flowcrete\n\u00ae,\n Nullifire\n\u00ae\n, Radglo\n\u00ae\n and Martin Mathys\u0099. Our trademark registrations are valid for a variety of different terms of up to 15 years, and may be renewable as long as the trademarks continue to be used and all other local conditions for renewal are met. Our trademark registrations are maintained and renewed on a regular basis as required.\n \n\n\nRaw Materials\n\n\nThe cost and availability of raw materials, including packaging, materially impact our financial results. We obtain raw materials from a number of suppliers. Many of our raw materials are petroleum-based derivatives, minerals and metals. The cost of raw materials has in the past experienced, and likely will continue to experience, periods of volatility which could increase the cost of manufacturing our products. Under normal market conditions, these materials are generally available on the open market from a variety of producers; however, shortages have occurred and continue to be a possibility. Interruptions in the supply of raw materials could have a significant impact on our ability to produce products.\n \n\n\nThroughout fiscal 2023, we experienced inflation in raw materials. While costs of some raw materials have stabilized, we expect that inflation of some materials will potentially create headwinds impacting our results into fiscal 2024.\n \n\n\nAdditionally, changes in international trade duties and other aspects of international trade policy, both in the United States and abroad, could materially impact the cost and availability of raw materials. Any increase in material costs that are not offset by an increase in our prices could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.\n \n\n\nSeasonal Factors\n\n\nOur business is dependent, to a significant extent, on external weather factors. We historically experience stronger sales and operating results in our first, second and fourth fiscal quarters, which are the three-month periods ending August 31, November 30 and May 31, respectively, while we have experienced weaker performance in our third fiscal quarter.\n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCustomers\n\n\nSales to our ten largest Consumer segment customers, such as DIY home centers, on a combined basis represented approximately 25%, 22%, and 24% of our total net sales for each of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Except for sales to these customers, our business is not dependent upon any one customer or small group of customers but is largely dispersed over a substantial number of customers.\n\n\nResearch and Development\n\n\nOur research and development work is performed at various laboratory locations. During fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, approximately $86.6 million, $80.5 million and $77.6 million, respectively, was charged to expense for research and development activities. In addition to this laboratory work, we view our field technical service as being integral to the success of our research activities. Our research and development activities and our field technical service costs are both included as part of our selling, general and administrative expenses.\n\n\nEnvironmental Matters\n\n\nWe value and respect our place in the world as a steward of the built environment and aspire to make the world a better place for our customers, associates, shareholders and the communities in which we live and operate through compliance with the environmental laws and regulations as well as fostering our own internal initiatives related to the environment and our social impact. In 2022 we launched our Building a Better World program. This program focuses on three pillars: Our People, Our Products and Our Processes.\n \n\n\nWe also established our Building a Better World Oversight Committee, overseen by our Governance and Nominating Committee of our Board of Directors, which is responsible for the direction of our sustainability efforts. The Building a Better World Oversight Committee has three additional subcommittees, each focused on one of the pillars of the Building a Better World program and reporting up to the Building a Better World Oversight Committee. At the management level, day-to-day implementation of our environmental, social and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) initiatives is led by our Vice President \u2013 Compliance and Sustainability, Associate General Counsel.\n\n\nWe are subject to a broad range of laws and regulations dealing with environmental, health and safety issues for the various locations around the world in which we conduct our business. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the following major areas:\n\n\n\u2022\nthe sale, export, generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials;\n\n\n\u2022\nregulations related to greenhouse gas emissions, energy or climate change;\n\n\n\u2022\nthe emission and discharge of hazardous materials into the soil, water and air; and\n\n\n\u2022\nthe health and safety of our associates.\n\n\nFor information regarding environmental accruals, see Note P, \u201cContingencies and Accrued Losses,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For more information concerning certain environmental matters affecting us, see \u201cItem 3 \u2014 Legal Proceedings \u2014 Environmental Proceedings\u201d in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\nHuman Capital\n\n\nWe understand that our company is only as strong as the team behind it. With the consistent support and dedication of leadership at all levels, we foster a workplace that supports our associates as individuals and helps them thrive in their current positions and strive to accomplish their future aspirations. Our human capital management strategy includes sustainable best practices in professional development, benefits, health and safety, and community involvement in an effort to continue to hire the best associates and retain them throughout the course of their careers. We measure satisfaction through our annual Engagement Survey, through which participants are able to express their opinion and provide comments and suggestions.\n\n\nTalent Development\n\n\nIt is critical to our long-term success to develop our internal talent. Our Global Organizational Leadership Development (\u201cGOLD\u201d) Team is charged with creating a leadership-led learning culture across RPM. The GOLD Team has developed several training programs to support development which include Leaders of the Future, RPM University, Strategic Leader Staff Rides, and partnering with the Center for Creative Leadership. Since the inception of these programs the Company has seen many participants advance their careers, and the retention of participants has been greater than 85%.\n\n\nBenefits\n\n\nOur leadership has long understood that to attract and retain top talent, and to share the benefits of a successful business, we must maintain a premium benefits program for our associates. For U.S. associates, we offer an attractive benefits package, including defined benefit pension plans, medical, telehealth, tuition reimbursement and an employer-matched 401(k). We also offer an Employee Assistance Program (\u201cEAP\u201d) which focuses on behavioral health and also provides resources for financial and legal matters. Mental health support is key to associates, who may get support through the EAP as well as through telehealth and our health plans.\n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSimilar ancillary benefits are offered to our Canadian associates, and associates of our other foreign subsidiaries receive benefits coverage, to the extent deemed appropriate, through plans that meet local requirements.\n \n\n\nDiversity & Inclusion\n\n\nAt RPM, we are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We support this commitment and provide associate resources through Respect at RPM, a program that reinforces our core values of operating with transparency, trust and respect. The program emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion at RPM and across all our operations; and supports associate growth and development. We have built our workforce with a commitment to create a diverse and inclusive culture. We recruit, select, hire and develop individuals based on their qualifications and skills. All associates and other parties involved in the employment relationship are required to comply with RPM\u2019s Code of Conduct and are prohibited from discriminating against individuals during all stages of employment or hiring, including decisions involving recruitment, promotion, transfer, assignment, training, termination and lay-offs, working conditions, wage and salary administration, associate benefits and application of policies. We prohibit any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others, including discrimination perpetrated by associates, supervisors, customers or vendors, and strictly prohibit retaliation and harassment, as set forth in our Code of Conduct and Hotline and Non-Retaliation Policy.\n\n\nHealth & Safety\n\n\nWe follow many best practices to ensure our associates come to work feeling empowered to safely do their jobs. As part of our EH&S management system, we continuously educate and train to institutionalize our health and safety values, set and monitor health and safety objectives, conduct regular risk assessments and process hazard and root cause analysis, and actively enforce incident prevention and reporting policies. In addition, we conduct EH&S compliance audits annually that are prioritized based on high-risk processes, facilities with recent expansion or process changes and to cover any new acquisitions.\n\n\nAssociates\n \n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023, we employed 17,274 persons, of whom approximately 959 were represented by unions under contracts which expire at varying times in the future. We believe that all relations with associates and their unions are good.\n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A. \nRi\nsk Factors.\n\n\nAs a global company of paint, coatings, roofing, construction and related products, we operate in a business environment that includes risks. Each of the risks described in this section could adversely affect the results of our operations, our financial position and/or our liquidity. Additionally, while the following factors are considered to be the more significant risk factors, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted risk factors may present significant additional obstacles which may adversely affect our businesses and our results. Therefore, you should carefully consider these risk factors, as well as the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in evaluating us, our business and your investment in us as they could cause our actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements.\n\n\nECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC RISKS\n\n\nOur operations and financial condition have been and could continue to be adversely affected by global and regional economic\n \nconditions in ways we may not be able to predict or control.\n\n\nOur operations and financial condition have been and could continue to be adversely affected by global or regional economic conditions if markets decline in the future, whether related to a public health crisis similar to the Covid pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, higher inflation or interest rates, recession, natural disasters, impacts of and issues related to climate change, business disruptions, our ability to adequately staff operations or otherwise. Office building utilization, higher mortgage rates, and the continued shift in consumer spending to online shopping, may negatively impact office, residential, and retail construction. Additionally, escalation in interest rates, in conjunction with banking failures, may lead to financial institutions being more prudent with capital deployment and tightening lending, especially in relation to construction and real estate development. As a result, future construction activity could decrease due to a lack of financing availability, and financial distress in this sector could be further exacerbated by a lack of refinancing options available for existing real estate loans when they mature in the upcoming months. Any future economic declines may result in decreased revenue, gross margins, earnings or growth rates or difficulty in managing inventory levels or collecting customer receivables. We also have experienced, and could continue to experience, labor inflation, increased competitive pricing pressure, raw material inflation and availability issues resulting in difficulties meeting customer demand. In addition, customer difficulties in the future could result from economic declines, decreased purchasing power, public health crisis similar to the Covid pandemic, the cyclical nature of their respective businesses, such as in the oil and gas industry, or otherwise and, in turn, result in decreases in product demand, increases in bad debt write-offs, decreases in timely collection of accounts receivable and adjustments to our allowance for credit losses, resulting in material reductions to our revenues and net earnings.\n\n\nGlobal economic and capital market conditions may cause our access to capital to be more difficult in the future and/or costs to secure such capital more expensive.\n\n\nWe may need new or additional financing in the future to provide liquidity to conduct our operations, expand our business or refinance existing indebtedness. Any sustained weakness in general economic conditions and/or U.S. or global capital markets could adversely affect our ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all. From time to time we have relied, and we may also rely in the future, on access to financial markets as a source of liquidity for working capital requirements, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. Our access to funds under our credit facility is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to that facility to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Moreover, the obligations of the financial institutions under our credit facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one institution does not need to be made up by the others. Longer term volatility and continued disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation of financial institutions, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to the liquidity needed for our businesses in the longer term. Such disruptions could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged.\n\n\nVolatility in the equity markets or interest rates could substantially increase our pension costs and required pension contributions.\n\n\nWe sponsor qualified defined benefit pension plans and various other nonqualified postretirement plans. The qualified defined benefit pension plans are funded with trust assets invested in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities and other investments. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can (i) affect the level of plan funding; (ii) cause volatility in the net periodic pension cost; and (iii) increase our future contribution requirements. A significant decrease in investment returns or the market value of plan assets or a significant change in interest rates could increase our net periodic pension costs and adversely affect our results of operations. A significant increase in our contribution requirements with respect to our qualified defined benefit pension plans could have an adverse impact on our cash flow.\n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nA public health crisis could cause disruptions to our operations which could adversely affect our business in the future.\n\n\nA significant public health crisis could cause disruptions to our operations similar to the effects of the Covid pandemic. The Covid pandemic had a negative effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. It affected our business due to the impact on the global economy, including its effects on transportation networks, raw material availability, production efforts and customer demand for our products. Our ability to predict and respond to future changes resulting from potential health crisis is uncertain. Even after a public health crisis subsides, there may be long-term effects on our business practices and customers in economies in which we operate that could severely disrupt our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. As we cannot predict the duration, scope or severity of future pandemics, the negative financial impact to our results cannot be reasonably estimated and could be material.\n \n\n\nTerrorist activities and other acts of violence or war and other disruptions have negatively impacted in the past, and could negatively impact in the future, the United States and foreign countries, the financial markets, the industries in which we compete, our operations and profitability.\n\n\nTerrorist activities, acts of violence or war and other disruptions have contributed to economic instability in the United States and elsewhere, and acts of terrorism, cyber-terrorism, violence or war could affect the industries in which we compete, our ability to purchase raw materials, adequately staff our operations, manufacture products or sell or distribute products, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nAdverse weather conditions and natural disasters, including those related to the impacts of climate change, may reduce the demand for some of our products, impair our ability to meet our demand for such products or cause supply chain disruptions which could have a negative effect on our operations and sales.\n\n\nFrom time to time, extreme weather conditions, including natural disasters, and those related to the impacts of climate change, have had a negative effect on our operations and sales. Unusually cold or rainy weather, especially during the general construction and exterior painting season, could have an adverse effect on sales. As a result, we have historically experienced weaker sales and net income in our third fiscal quarter (December through February) in comparison to our performance during our other fiscal quarters. Events such as destructive wildfires, extreme storms or temperatures and increased flooding or other natural disasters could damage our facilities, leading to production or distribution challenges which could have a negative effect on our sales.\n\n\nThe impacts of these risks to our suppliers may also have a detrimental effect on the sales, manufacturing, and distribution of our products, including raw material shortages and increased costs. Any such effect on sales may result in a reduction in earnings or cash flow.\n\n\nSignificant foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may harm our financial results.\n\n\nWe conduct business in various regions throughout the world and are therefore subject to market risk due to changes in the exchange rates of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. Because our Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in which we transact business could materially adversely affect our net revenues, earnings and the carrying values of our assets located outside the United States.\n \n\n\nFINANCIAL RISKS\n\n\nThe use of accounting estimates involves judgment and could impact our financial results.\n\n\nThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (\u201cGAAP\u201d) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our most critical accounting estimates are described in Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under \u201cCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates.\u201d Additionally, as discussed in Note P, \u201cContingencies and Accrued Losses,\u201d of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we make certain estimates, including decisions related to legal proceedings and various loss reserves. These estimates and assumptions involve the use of judgment, and therefore, actual financial results may differ.\n \n\n\nThe results of our annual testing of goodwill and as-required interim testing of goodwill and other long-lived assets have required, and in the future may require, that we record impairment charges.\n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023, we had approximately $1.8 billion in goodwill and other intangible assets. The Accounting Standards Codification (\u201cASC\u201d) section 350, \"Intangibles \u2013 Goodwill and Other,\" requires that goodwill be tested at least on an annual basis, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise, using either a qualitative assessment or a fair-value approach at the reporting unit level. We perform our annual required impairment tests, which involve the use of estimates related to the fair market values of the reporting units with which goodwill is associated, as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. The evaluation of our long-lived assets for impairment includes determining whether indicators of impairment exist, this is a subjective process that considers both internal and external factors. The impairment assessment evaluation requires the use of significant judgment regarding estimates and assumptions surrounding future results of operations and cash flows.\n \n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn connection with our Margin Achievement Plan 2025 (\"MAP 2025\") operating improvement initiative, during the fiscal third quarter ended February 28, 2023, due to declining profitability and regulatory headwinds, management decided to restructure the Universal Sealants (\u201cUSL\u201d) reporting unit within our PCG segment, and is correspondingly exploring strategic alternatives for our infrastructure services business within the United Kingdom (\u201cU.K.\u201d). Due to this decision, we determined that an interim goodwill impairment assessment, as well as an impairment assessment for our other long-lived assets were required. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment loss totaling $36.7 million for the impairment of goodwill and an impairment loss of $2.5 million for the impairment of an indefinite-lived tradename in our USL reporting unit during fiscal 2023. We did not record any impairments for our definite-lived long-lived assets as a result of this assessment.\n\n\nOur required annual impairment testing for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, which we performed during the fourth quarters of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 did not result in an impairment charge. For discussion of the approach for, and results of, our interim and annual impairment testing for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for all periods presented, please refer to the headings entitled \u201cGoodwill\u201d and \u201cOther Long-Lived Assets\u201d within the \u201cManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations\u201d and \u201cCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates\u201d sections located in \u201cItem 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation\u201d as well as Note A(11), \"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,\" and Note C, \"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,\" to our Consolidated Financial Statements as presented below.\n\n\nIn the future, if global economic conditions were to decline significantly, or if our reporting units experience significant declines in business, we may incur additional, substantial goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges. The amount of any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.\n \n\n\nOur significant amount of indebtedness could have a material adverse impact on our business.\n\n\nOur total debt was approximately $2.7 billion at May 31, 2023 and 2022, which compares with $2.1 billion in stockholders\u2019 equity at May 31, 2023. Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could:\n\n\n\u2022\nrequire us to dedicate a material portion of our cash flow from operations to make payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the cash flow available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividend payments, stock repurchases or other general corporate requirements;\n\n\n\u2022\nresult in a downgrade of our credit rating, which would increase our borrowing costs, adversely affect our financial results, and make it more difficult for us to raise capital;\n\n\n\u2022\nrestrict our operational flexibility and reduce our ability to conduct certain transactions, since our credit facility contains certain restrictive financial and operating covenants;\n\n\n\u2022\nlimit our flexibility to adjust to changing business and market conditions, which would make us more vulnerable to a downturn in general economic conditions; and\n\n\n\u2022\nhave a material adverse effect on our short-term liquidity if large debt maturities occur in close succession.\n\n\nWe cannot assure you that our business always will be able to make timely or sufficient payments of our debt. Should we fail to comply with covenants in our debt instruments, such failure could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, would have a material adverse effect on us.\n\n\nOPERATIONAL RISKS\n\n\nOperating improvement initiatives could cause us to incur significant expenses and impact the trading value of our common stock.\n\n\nOn May 31, 2021, we formally concluded our 2020 Margin Acceleration Plan (\"MAP to Growth\") operating improvement program, which resulted in significant changes in our organizational and operational structure impacting most of our companies. In August 2022, we approved and announced our MAP 2025. MAP 2025 is a multi-year restructuring plan to build on the achievements of MAP to Growth. Our MAP 2025 operating improvement program may result in significant changes in our organizational and operational structure. We have taken actions and may continue to take additional actions during future periods, in furtherance of these or other operating improvement initiatives. We may incur further expenses as a result of these actions, and we also may experience disruptions in our operations, decreased productivity and unanticipated associate turnover and the objectives of our operating improvement initiatives may not be achieved. The occurrence of any of these or other related events associated with our operating improvement initiatives could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.\n \n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFluctuations in the supply and cost of raw materials may negatively impact our financial results.\n\n\nThe cost and availability of raw materials, including packaging, materially impact our financial results. We obtain raw materials from a number of suppliers. Many of our raw materials are petroleum-based derivatives, minerals and metals. The cost of raw materials has in the past experienced, and likely will continue to experience, periods of volatility which have, and could in the future, increase the cost of manufacturing our products. Under normal market conditions, raw materials are generally available on the open market from a variety of sources; however, our suppliers may be impacted by social and environmental regulations and expectations, including regulations related to climate change, adverse weather conditions, pandemics, trade policy, energy availability or civil unrest, resulting in shortages or price volatility. Interruptions in the supply of raw materials or sources of energy could have a significant impact on our ability or cost to produce products.\n \n\n\nCost and adequate supply of raw materials is managed by establishing contracts, procuring from multiple sources, and identifying alternative materials or technology; however, the unavailability of raw materials or increased prices of raw materials that we are unable to pass along to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cashflows.\n \n\n\nAdditionally, changes in international trade duties, tariffs, sanctions and other aspects of international trade policy, both in the United States and abroad, could materially impact the cost of raw materials. Any increase in materials that is not offset by an increase in our prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.\n \n\n\nThe markets in which we operate are highly competitive and some of our competitors\n \nare much larger than we are and may have greater financial resources than we do.\n\n\nThe markets in which we operate are fragmented, and we do not face competition from any one company across all our product lines. However, any significant increase in competition, resulting from the consolidation of competitors, may cause us to lose market share or compel us to reduce prices to remain competitive, which could result in reduced gross profit margins. Increased competition may also impair our ability to grow or to maintain our current levels of revenues and earnings. Companies that compete in our markets include Akzo Nobel, Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., Carlisle Companies Inc., H.B. Fuller, Masco Corporation, PPG Industries, Inc., The Sherwin-Williams Company and Sika AG. Several of these companies are much larger than we are and may have greater financial resources than we do. Increased competition with these or other companies could prevent the institution of price increases or could require price reductions or increased spending to maintain our market share, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations.\n\n\nOur success depends upon our ability to attract and retain key associates and the succession of senior management.\n\n\nOur success largely depends on the performance of our management team and other key associates. If we are unable to attract and retain talented, highly qualified senior management and other key associates (including the ability to identify and attract key international associates), our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, if we are unable to effectively provide for the succession of senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition may be adversely affected. While we follow a disciplined, ongoing succession planning process and have succession plans in place for senior management and other key associates, these do not guarantee that the services of qualified senior executives will continue to be available to us at particular moments in time.\n\n\nWe depend on a number of large customers for a significant portion of our net sales and, therefore, significant declines in the level of purchases by any of these key customers could harm our business.\n\n\nSome of our operating companies, particularly in the Consumer reportable segment, face a substantial amount of customer concentration. Our key customers in the Consumer reportable segment include Ace Hardware, Amazon, Do It Best, The Home Depot, Inc., Lowe\u2019s, Menards, Orgill, True Value, W.W. Grainger, and Wal-Mart. Within our Consumer segment, sales to these customers accounted for approximately 67%, 64% and 65% of net sales for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. On a consolidated basis, sales to these customers across all of our reportable segments accounted for approximately 25%, 22% and 24% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Sales to The Home Depot, Inc. represented less than 10% of our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, and 23%, 25% and 26% of our Consumer segment net sales for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. If we were to lose one or more of our key customers, experience a delay or cancellation of a significant order, incur a significant decrease in the level of purchases from any of our key customers, or experience difficulty in collecting amounts due from a key customer, our net revenues could decline materially and our operating results could be reduced materially.\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf our efforts in acquiring and integrating other companies or product lines or establishing joint ventures fail, our business may not grow.\n\n\nAs an important part of our growth strategy, we intend to continue pursuing acquisitions of complementary businesses or products and creating joint ventures. Our ability to continue to grow in this manner depends upon our ability to identify, negotiate and finance suitable acquisitions or joint venture arrangements. Execution of our acquisition strategy with respect to some companies or product lines could fail or could result in unanticipated costs to us that were not apparent despite our due diligence efforts, either of which could hinder our growth or adversely impact our results of operations. In addition, acquisitions and their subsequent integration involve a number of risks, including, but not limited to:\n\n\n\u2022\ninaccurate assessments of disclosed liabilities and the potentially adverse effects of undisclosed liabilities;\n\n\n\u2022\nunforeseen difficulties in assimilating acquired companies, their products, and their culture into our existing business;\n\n\n\u2022\nunforeseen delays in realizing the benefits from acquired companies or product lines, including projected efficiencies, cost savings, revenue synergies and profit margins;\n\n\n\u2022\nunforeseen diversion of our management\u2019s time and attention from other business matters;\n\n\n\u2022\nunforeseen difficulties resulting from insufficient prior experience in any new markets we may enter;\n\n\n\u2022\nunforeseen difficulties in retaining key associates and customers of acquired businesses;\n\n\n\u2022\nincreased risk to our cybersecurity landscape; and\n\n\n\u2022\nincreases in our indebtedness and contingent liabilities, which could in turn restrict our ability to raise additional capital when needed or to pursue other important elements of our business strategy.\n\n\nWe derive a significant amount of our revenues from foreign markets, which subjects us to additional business risks that could adversely affect our results of operations.\n\n\nOur foreign manufacturing operations accounted for approximately 28.5% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023, not including exports directly from the United States which accounted for approximately 0.9% of our net sales for fiscal 2023. We plan to continue to grow our international operations and the growth and maintenance of such operations could be adversely affected by a public health crises, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, war, changes in social, political and economic conditions, inflation rates, trade protection measures, restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of earnings, changing intellectual property rights, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations and changes in regulatory requirements that restrict the sales of our products or increase our costs. Our ability to effectively manage our foreign operations may pose significant risks that could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow, liquidity or financial condition.\n \n\n\nData privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence considerations could impact our business.\n\n\nWe rely on information technology systems, including tools that utilize artificial intelligence, and applications to conduct our business, including recording and processing transactions, administering human resource activities and associate benefits, manufacturing, marketing, and selling our products, researching and developing new products, maintaining and growing our businesses, and supporting and communicating with our associates, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. The importance of such systems has increased due to many of our associates working remotely. Some of these systems and applications are operated by third parties. Additionally, we, ourselves and through our third parties, collect and process personal, confidential, and sensitive data about our business, which may include information about our customers, associates, suppliers, distributors and others. Some of this data is stored, accessible or transferred internationally. If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build, sustain, and protect an appropriate information technology infrastructure, or we do not effectively implement system upgrades in a timely manner, our business or financial results could be negatively impacted.\n\n\nThe interpretation and application of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, biometric, and privacy laws, rules and regulations around the world applicable to our business (collectively, the \u201cData Protection Laws\u201d) are uncertain and evolving. It is possible that the Data Protection Laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our data practices. Complying with these various laws is difficult and could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner adverse to our business. In addition, many tools and resources we use integrate or will integrate some form of artificial intelligence which has the potential to result in bias, miscalculations, data errors, intellectual property infringement and unintended consequences. It is possible that the information technology tools we use may negatively affect our reputation, disrupt our operations, or have a material impact on our financial results.\n\n\nFurther, although we have implemented internal controls and procedures designed to manage compliance with the Data Protection Laws and protect our data, there can be no assurance that our controls will prevent a breach or that our procedures will enable us to be fully compliant with all Data Protection Laws. Cyber-attacks or breaches due to security vulnerabilities, associate error, supplier or third-party error, malfeasance or other disruptions may still occur. We have been and may in the future be subject to attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems and/or applications.\n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe have experienced data security incidents that have disrupted our operations, but which did not have a material impact on our financial results.\n \n\n\nThese risks may be increased as a result of an increase in remote work, a public health crisis similar to the Covid pandemic or foreign affairs such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition, it is not possible to predict the impact on our business of the future loss, alteration or misappropriation of information related to us, our associates, former associates, customers, suppliers or others. A violation of, or failure to comply with, the Data Protection Laws, a cyber-attack or a security breach of our systems could lead to negative publicity, legal claims, extortion, ransom, theft, modification or destruction of proprietary information or key information, damage to or inaccessibility of critical systems, manufacture of defective products, production downtimes, operational disruptions, data breach claims, privacy violations and other significant costs, which could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nOur business and financial condition could be adversely affected if we are unable to protect our material trademarks and other proprietary information or there is a loss in the actual or perceived value of our brands.\n\n\nWe have numerous valuable patents, trade secrets and know-how, domain names, trademarks and trade names, including certain marks that are significant to our business, which are identified under Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Despite our efforts to protect our trademarks, trade secrets and other proprietary rights from unauthorized use or disclosure, other parties may attempt to disclose or use them without our authorization; such unauthorized use or disclosure could negatively impact our business and financial condition.\n\n\nSimilarly, the reputations of our branded products depend on numerous factors, including the successful advertising and marketing of our brand names, consumer acceptance, continued trademark validity, the availability of similar products from our competitors, and our ability to maintain product quality, technological advantages and claims of superior performance. Furthermore, the prevalence of social media increases our risk of receiving negative commentary that could damage the perception of our brands. A loss of a brand or in the actual or perceived value of our brands could limit or reduce the demand for our products and could negatively impact our business and financial condition.\n\n\nAlthough we have insurance, it may not cover every potential risk associated with our operations.\n\n\nAlthough we maintain insurance of various types to cover many of the risks and hazards that apply to our operations, our insurance may not cover every potential risk associated with our operations. The occurrence of a significant event, the risks of which are not fully covered by insurance, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates and with terms and conditions we consider reasonable.\n\n\nIf our efforts to achieve stated sustainability goals, targets or objectives fail, our business and reputation may be adversely affected.\n\n\nWe might fail to effectively address increased attention or expectations from the media, stockholders, activists and other stakeholders on climate change and related environmental sustainability matters. Such failure, or the perception that we have failed to act responsibly with respect to such matters or to effectively respond to new or additional regulatory requirements regarding climate change, whether or not valid, could result in adverse publicity and negatively affect our business and reputation. In addition, we have established and publicly announced goals to reduce our impact on the environment and, in the future may establish and publicly announce other goals or commitments associated with our sustainability initiatives. Our ability to achieve any stated goal, target or objective is subject to numerous factors and conditions, many of which are outside of our control, including evolving regulatory requirements. Furthermore, standards for tracking and reporting such matters continue to evolve. Our selection of voluntary disclosure frameworks and standards, and the interpretation or application of those frameworks and standards, may change from time to time or differ from those of others. Methodologies for reporting this data may be updated and previously reported data may be adjusted to reflect improvement in availability and quality of data, changing assumptions, changes in the nature and scope of our operations and other changes in circumstances, which could result in significant revisions to our current goals, reported progress in achieving such goals, or ability to achieve such goals in the future. If we fail to achieve, are perceived to have failed, or are delayed in achieving these goals and commitments, it could negatively affect investor confidence in us, as well as expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation.\n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLEGAL AND REGULATORY RISKS\n\n\nThe industries in which we operate expose us to inherent risks of legal and warranty claims and other litigation-related costs, which could adversely impact our business.\n\n\nWe face an inherent risk of legal claims if the exposure to, or the failure, use, or misuse of our products results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury and/or property damage. In the course of our business, we are subject to a variety of inquiries and investigations by regulators, as well as claims and lawsuits by private parties, including those related to product liability, product claims regarding asbestos or other chemicals or materials in our products, warranties, the environment, employment matters, contracts, service contracts, intellectual property and commercial matters, which due to their uncertain nature may result in losses, some of which may be material. We are defending claims and class action lawsuits, and could be subject to future claims and lawsuits, in which significant financial damages are alleged. These matters could consume material financial resources to defend and be a distraction to management. Some, but not all, of such matters are insured. We offer warranties on many of our products, as well as long term warranty programs at certain of our businesses and, as a result, from time to time we may experience higher levels of warranty expense, which is typically reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. The nature and extent to which we use hazardous or flammable materials in our manufacturing processes creates risk of damage to persons and property that, if realized, could be material.\n\n\nCompliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations could subject us to unforeseen future expenditures or liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.\n\n\nWe are subject to numerous, complicated and often increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those developed in response to climate change, in the jurisdictions where we conduct business and sell our products. Governmental and regulatory authorities impose various laws and regulations on us that relate to environmental protection, the use, sale, transportation, import and export of certain chemicals or hazardous materials, and various health and safety matters, including the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the handling, use, treatment, storage and clean-up of solid and hazardous wastes, the use of certain chemicals in product formulations, and the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater affected by hazardous substances and those related to climate change. These laws and regulations include the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA, TSCA, DSL, REACH and many other federal, state, provincial, local and international statutes. These laws and regulations often impose strict, retroactive and joint and several liability for the costs of, and damages resulting from, not addressing our, or our predecessors\u2019 past or present facilities and third-party disposal sites. We are currently undertaking remedial activities at a number of our properties and could be subject to future liability as yet unknown, but that could be material.\n \n\n\nWe have not always been and may not always be in full compliance with all environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in every jurisdiction in which we conduct our business. In addition, if we violate or fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws (including related to permitting), we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators, including enjoining or curtailing operations or sales, remedial or corrective measures, installing pollution control equipment, or other actions. We have been and also could in the future be liable for consequences arising out of human exposure to hazardous substances or chemicals of concern relating to our products or operations. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee that we will not be required to make additional expenditures to remain in or to achieve compliance with environmental, health or safety laws or changes in stakeholder preferences or expectations in the future or that any such additional expenditures will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If regulatory permits or registrations are delayed, restricted, or rejected, subsequent operations at our businesses could be delayed or restricted, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.\n\n\nOur businesses are subject to varying domestic and foreign laws and regulations that may restrict or adversely impact our ability to conduct our business.\n\n\nOur businesses are subject to varying domestic and foreign laws and regulations that may restrict or adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. These include securities, environmental, health, safety, tax, competition and anti-trust, insurance, service contract and warranty, trade controls, data security, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, wage and hour employment and privacy laws and regulations. These laws and regulations change from time to time and thus may result in increased risk and costs to us related to our compliance therewith. From time-to-time regulators review our compliance with applicable laws. We have not always been, and may not always be, in full compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to our business and, thus enforcement actions, fines and private litigation claims and damages, which could be material, may occur, notwithstanding our belief that we have in place appropriate risk management and compliance programs to mitigate these risks.\n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws of other countries, as well as trade sanctions administered by the office of Foreign Assets Control and the Department of Commerce.\n\n\nThe U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws of other countries generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to governmental officials or others for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or for other unfair advantage. Our policies mandate compliance with anti-bribery laws. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices.\n \n\n\nWe are required to comply with U.S. regulations on trade sanctions and embargoes administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, the Commerce Department and similar multi-national bodies and governmental agencies worldwide, which are complex and often changing. A violation thereof could subject us to regulatory enforcement actions, including a loss of export privileges and significant civil and criminal penalties and fines.\n\n\nAlthough we have internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that our controls and procedures will prevent a violation of these laws. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.\n\n\n We could be adversely affected by or incur liability for the actions or inaction of our third parties.\n\n\nWe vet and monitor our business partners and companies that we engage in an effort to ensure that the business practices of those third parties are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and industry best practices, including applying appropriate technical security measures, safeguarding human rights and preventing illegal trade. In the event one of our third parties experiences a data breach, is found to have violated applicable laws or regulations, or the business practices of the third party come under public scrutiny, we could be subject to legal claims, fines and reputational damage related to the third-party relationship. In the event any third-party legal violation or business practice requires us to severe the third-party relationship, we could also experience an impact on our services, operations or our ability to obtain raw materials for our products.\n\n\nOur operations are subject to the effect of global tax law changes, some of which have been, and may be in the future, retroactive in application.\n\n\nOur operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign tax laws and regulations which govern, among other things, taxes on worldwide income. Any potential tax law changes may, for example, increase applicable tax rates, have retroactive application, or impose stricter compliance requirements in the jurisdictions in which we operate, which could reduce our consolidated net earnings.\n\n\nIn response to, for instance, an economic crisis or recession, governments may revise tax laws, regulations or official interpretations in ways that could have a significant impact on us, including modifications that could, for example, reduce the profits that we can effectively realize from our non-U.S. operations, or that could require costly changes to those operations, or the way in which they are structured. If changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations were to significantly increase the tax rates on non-U.S. income, our effective tax rate could increase, our profits could be reduced, and if such increases were a result of our status as a U.S. company, could place us at a disadvantage to our non-U.S. competitors if those competitors remain subject to lower local tax rates.\n\n\nWe could be adversely affected by failure to comply with federal, state and local government procurement regulations and requirements.\n\n\nWe have contracts with and supply product to federal, state and local governmental entities and their contractors, and are required to comply with specific procurement regulations and other requirements relating to those contracts and sales. Requirements in our contracts and those requirements flowed down to us in our capacity as a subcontractor or supplier, although customary in government contracts, may impact our performance and compliance costs. Failure to comply with these regulations and requirements or to make required disclosures under contract could result in reductions of the value of contracts, contract modifications or termination for cause, adverse past performance ratings, actions under a federal or state false claims statutes, suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time and the assessment of penalties and fines, any of which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition and could have a negative impact on our reputation and ability to procure other government contracts in the future.\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7. \nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of\n Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n.\n\n\nMANAGEMENT\u2019S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF\n FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS\n\n\nCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES\n\n\nOur financial statements include all of our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Preparation of our financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates, including those related to our allowances for doubtful accounts; reserves for excess and obsolete inventories; allowances for recoverable sales and/or value-added taxes; uncertain tax positions; useful lives of property, plant and equipment; goodwill and other intangible assets; environmental, warranties and other contingent liabilities; income tax valuation allowances; pension plans; and the fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience, our most recent facts and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities. Actual results, which are shaped by actual market conditions, may differ materially from our estimates.\n\n\nWe have identified below the accounting policies and estimates that are the most critical to our financial statements.\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\nWe test our goodwill balances at least annually, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise, at the reporting unit level. Our annual impairment assessment date has been designated as the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. Our reporting units have been identified at the component level, which is one level below our operating segments.\n\n\nWe follow the Financial Accounting Standards Board (\u201cFASB\u201d) guidance found in ASC 350 that simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test.\n\n\nWe assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units that carry goodwill. Among other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of our reporting units, we assess individual factors such as:\n\n\n\u2022\na significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate;\n\n\n\u2022\nan adverse action or assessment by a regulator;\n\n\n\u2022\nunanticipated competition;\n\n\n\u2022\na loss of key personnel; and\n\n\n\u2022\na more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of.\n\n\nWe assess these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative process is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit\u2019s fair value is less than its carrying amount. However, we have an unconditional option to bypass a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative analysis. We applied the quantitative process during our annual goodwill impairment assessments performed during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021.\n\n\nIn applying the quantitative test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying value, then impairment of the reporting unit exists. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires our use of estimates and assumptions. We use significant judgment in determining the most appropriate method to establish the fair value of a reporting unit. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit by employing various valuation techniques, depending on the availability and reliability of comparable market value indicators, and employ methods and assumptions that include the application of third-party market value indicators and the computation of discounted future cash flows determined from estimated cashflow adjustments to a reporting unit\u2019s annual projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (\u201cEBITDA\u201d), or adjusted EBITDA, which adjusts for one-off items impacting revenues and/or expenses that are not considered by management to be indicative of ongoing operations. Our fair value estimations may include a combination of value indications from both the market and income approaches, as the income approach considers the future cash flows from a reporting unit\u2019s ongoing operations as a going concern, while the market approach considers the current financial environment in establishing fair value.\n\n\nIn applying the market approach, we use market multiples derived from a set of similar companies. In applying the income approach, we evaluate discounted future cash flows determined from estimated cashflow adjustments to a reporting unit\u2019s projected EBITDA. Under this approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. In applying the discounted cash flow methodology utilized in the income approach, we rely on a number of factors, including future business plans, actual and forecasted operating results, and market data. The significant assumptions employed under this method include discount rates; revenue growth rates, including assumed terminal growth rates; and operating margins used to project future cash flows for a reporting unit. The discount rates utilized reflect market-based estimates of capital costs and discount rates adjusted for management\u2019s\n \n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nassessment of a market participant\u2019s view with respect to other risks associated with the projected cash flows of the individual reporting unit. Our estimates are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable.\n\n\nConclusion on Annual Goodwill Impairment Tests\n\n\nAs a result of the annual impairment assessments performed for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, there were no goodwill impairments.\n\n\nImpairment Charge Recorded in the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023\n\n\nAlthough no impairment charge was recorded during these periods related to the annual impairment test, we did record a goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2023. As previously reported, we announced our MAP 2025 operational improvement initiative in August 2022. Due to the challenged macroeconomic environment we evaluated certain business restructuring actions, specifically our go to market strategy for operating in Europe. During the third quarter ended February 28, 2023, due to declining profitability and regulatory headwinds, management decided to restructure the USL reporting unit within our PCG segment and is correspondingly exploring strategic alternatives for our infrastructure services business within the U.K., which represents approximately 30%\n \nof annual revenues of the reporting unit.\n\n\nDue to this decision, we determined that an interim goodwill impairment assessment was required, as well as an impairment assessment for our other long-lived assets. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment loss totaling $36.7 million for the impairment of goodwill in our USL reporting unit during fiscal 2023. Refer to Note C, \u201cGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on this goodwill impairment charge.\n\n\nChanges in the Composition of Reporting Units in the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2023\n\n\nSubsequent to our annual impairment assessment, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and in connection with our MAP 2025 initiative, the Viapol business within our CPG segment was realigned from our Sealants reporting unit to our Euclid reporting unit. We performed an interim goodwill impairment assessment for both of the impacted reporting units using a quantitative assessment. Based on this assessment, we concluded that the estimated fair values exceeded the carrying values for these reporting units, and accordingly, no goodwill impairment was identified as a result of this realignment.\n\n\nOther Long-Lived Assets\n\n\nWe assess identifiable, amortizable intangibles and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate the possibility that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable over their estimated remaining useful lives. Factors considered important in our assessment, which might trigger an impairment evaluation, include the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nsignificant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results;\n\n\n\u2022\nsignificant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets;\n\n\n\u2022\nsignificant changes in the strategy for our overall business; and\n\n\n\u2022\nsignificant negative industry or economic trends.\n\n\nMeasuring a potential impairment of amortizable intangibles and other long-lived assets requires the use of various estimates and assumptions, including the determination of which cash flows are directly related to the assets being evaluated, the respective useful lives over which those cash flows will occur and potential residual values, if any. If we determine that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above-described indicators or other factors, any impairment amounts would be measured based on the projected net cash flows expected from these assets, including any net cash flows related to eventual disposition activities. The determination of any impairment losses would be based on the best information available, including internal estimates of discounted cash flows; market participant assumptions; quoted market prices, when available; and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair values. Cash flow estimates would be based on our historical experience and our internal business plans, with appropriate discount rates applied.\n \n\n\nAdditionally, we test all indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually during our fiscal fourth quarter. We follow the guidance provided by ASC 350 that simplifies how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount before applying traditional quantitative tests. We applied quantitative processes during our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments performed during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021.\n\n\nThe annual impairment assessment involves estimating the fair value of each indefinite-lived asset and comparing it with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference. Calculating the fair value of the indefinite-lived assets requires our significant use of estimates and assumptions. We estimate the fair values of our intangible assets by applying a relief-from-royalty calculation, which includes discounted future cash flows related to each of our intangible asset\u2019s projected revenues. In applying this methodology, we rely on a number of factors, including actual and forecasted revenues and market data.\n \n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur annual impairment test of our indefinite-lived intangible assets performed during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 did not result in an impairment charge.\n\n\nAlthough no impairment losses were recorded during these periods related to the annual impairment test, we did record an intangible asset impairment charge in fiscal 2023. In connection with MAP 2025 and related to the goodwill impairment charge noted above, we determined that an interim impairment assessment for our other long-lived assets was required following management's decision to restructure the USL reporting unit within our PCG segment. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment loss totaling $2.5 million for the impairment of an indefinite-lived tradename in our USL reporting unit during fiscal 2023. We did not record any impairments for our definite-lived long-lived assets as a result of this assessment. Refer to Note C, \"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,\" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.\n\n\nIncome Taxes\n\n\nOur provision for income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and certain changes in valuation allowances. We provide valuation allowances against deferred tax assets if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.\n\n\nIn determining the adequacy of valuation allowances, we consider cumulative and anticipated amounts of domestic and international earnings or losses of the appropriate character, anticipated amounts of foreign source income, as well as the anticipated taxable income resulting from the reversal of future taxable temporary differences. We intend to maintain any recorded valuation allowances until sufficient positive evidence (for example, cumulative positive foreign earnings or capital gain income) exists to support a reversal of the tax valuation allowances.\n\n\nFurther, at each interim reporting period, we estimate an effective income tax rate that is expected to be applicable for the full year. Significant judgment is involved regarding the application of global income tax laws and regulations and when projecting the jurisdictional mix of income. Additionally, interpretation of tax laws, court decisions or other guidance provided by taxing authorities influences our estimate of the effective income tax rates. As a result, our actual effective income tax rates and related income tax liabilities may differ materially from our estimated effective tax rates and related income tax liabilities. Any resulting differences are recorded in the period they become known.\n\n\nAdditionally, our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign tax laws and regulations that govern, among other things, taxes on worldwide income. The calculation of our income tax expense is based on the best information available, including the application of currently enacted income tax laws and regulations, and involves our significant judgment. The actual income tax liability for each jurisdiction in any year can ultimately be determined, in some instances, several years after the financial statements have been published.\n\n\nWe also maintain accruals for estimated income tax exposures for many different jurisdictions. Tax exposures are settled primarily through the resolution of audits within each tax jurisdiction or the closing of a statute of limitation. Tax exposures and actual income tax liabilities can also be affected by changes in applicable tax laws, retroactive tax law changes or other factors, which may cause us to believe revisions of past estimates are appropriate. Although we believe that appropriate liabilities have been recorded for our income tax expense and income tax exposures, actual results may differ materially from our estimates.\n\n\nContingencies\n\n\nWe are party to various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. Although we cannot precisely predict the amount of any liability that may ultimately arise with respect to any of these matters, we record provisions when we consider the liability probable and estimable. Our provisions are based on historical experience and legal advice, reviewed quarterly and adjusted according to developments. In general, our accruals, including our accruals for environmental and warranty liabilities, discussed further below, represent the best estimate of a range of probable losses. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple factors that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as regulators, courts, and state and federal legislatures. Changes in the amounts of our loss provisions, which can be material, affect our Consolidated Statements of Income. To the extent there is a reasonable possibility that potential losses could exceed the amounts already accrued, we believe that the amount of any such additional loss would be immaterial to our results of operations, liquidity and consolidated financial position. We evaluate our accruals at the end of each quarter, or sometimes more frequently, based on available facts, and may revise our estimates in the future based on any new information that becomes available.\n\n\nOur environmental-related accruals are similarly established and/or adjusted as more information becomes available upon which costs can be reasonably estimated. Actual costs may vary from these estimates because of the inherent uncertainties involved, including the identification of new sites and the development of new information about contamination. Certain sites are still being investigated; therefore, we have been unable to fully evaluate the ultimate costs for those sites. As a result, accruals have not been estimated for certain of these sites and costs may ultimately exceed existing estimated accruals for other sites. We have received indemnities for potential environmental issues from purchasers of certain of our properties and businesses and from sellers of some of the properties or\n \n\n\n24\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nbusinesses we have acquired. If the indemnifying party fails to, or becomes unable to, fulfill its obligations under those agreements, we may incur environmental costs in addition to any amounts accrued, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.\n\n\nWe offer warranties on many of our products, as well as long-term warranty programs at certain of our businesses, and thus have established corresponding warranty liabilities. Warranty expense is impacted by variations in local construction practices, installation conditions, and geographic and climate differences. Although we believe that appropriate liabilities have been recorded for our warranty expense, actual results may differ materially from our estimates.\n\n\nPension and Postretirement Plans\n\n\nWe sponsor qualified defined benefit pension plans and various other nonqualified postretirement plans. The qualified defined benefit pension plans are funded with trust assets invested in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities and other investments. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can (i) affect the level of plan funding, (ii) cause volatility in the net periodic pension cost and (iii) increase our future contribution requirements. A significant decrease in investment returns or the market value of plan assets or a significant change in interest rates could increase our net periodic pension costs and adversely affect our results of operations. A significant increase in our contribution requirements with respect to our qualified defined benefit pension plans could have an adverse impact on our cash flow.\n\n\nChanges in our key plan assumptions would impact net periodic benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation for our defined benefit and various postretirement benefit plans. Based upon May 31, 2023 information, the following tables reflect the impact of a 1% change in the key assumptions applied to our defined benefit pension plans in the United States and internationally:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nU.S.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInternational\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1% Increase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1% Decrease\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1% Increase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1% Decrease\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiscount Rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Decrease) increase in expense in FY 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(5.2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Decrease) increase in obligation as of May 31, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(51.0\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n59.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(18.1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n22.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected Return on Plan Assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Decrease) increase in expense in FY 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(5.9\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(1.8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Decrease) increase in obligation as of May 31, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nN/A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nN/A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nN/A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nN/A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompensation Increase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncrease (decrease) in expense in FY 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(5.3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncrease (decrease) in obligation as of May 31, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n22.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(20.6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(4.5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased upon May 31, 2023 information, the following table reflects the impact of a 1% change in the key assumptions applied to our various postretirement health care plans:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nU.S.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInternational\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1% Increase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1% Decrease\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1% Increase\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1% Decrease\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiscount Rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Decrease) increase in expense in FY 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Decrease) increase in obligation as of May 31, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(0.1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(4.4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION\n\n\nWe operate a portfolio of businesses and product lines that manufacture and sell a variety of specialty paints, protective coatings, roofing systems, flooring solutions, sealants, cleaners and adhesives. We manage our portfolio by organizing our businesses and product lines into four reportable segments as outlined below, which also represent our operating segments. Within each operating segment, we manage product lines and businesses which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. Our four operating segments represent components of our business for which separate financial information is available that is utilized on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate the assets of the company and evaluate performance. These four operating segments are each managed by an operating segment manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operating decisions and performance evaluation of the operating segment\u2019s underlying businesses. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments primarily based on income before income taxes, but also look to earnings (loss) before interest and taxes (\u201cEBIT\u201d), and/or adjusted EBIT, which adjusts for one-off items impacting revenues and/or expenses that are not considered by management to be indicative of ongoing operations, as a performance evaluation measure because interest income (expense), net is essentially related to corporate functions, as opposed to segment operations.\n \n\n\nOur CPG reportable segment products and services are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our construction product lines are sold directly to manufacturers, contractors, distributors and end-users, including industrial manufacturing facilities, concrete and cement producers, public institutions and other commercial customers. Products and services within this reportable segment include construction sealants and adhesives, coatings and associated chemicals, roofing systems, concrete admixture and repair products, building envelope solutions, insulated cladding and concrete forms, flooring systems, and weatherproofing solutions.\n \n\n\nOur PCG reportable segment products and services are sold throughout North America, as well as internationally, and are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. Products and services within this reportable segment include high-performance flooring solutions, corrosion control and fireproofing coatings, infrastructure repair systems, fiberglass reinforced plastic gratings and drainage systems.\n \n\n\nOur Consumer reportable segment manufactures and markets professional use and DIY products for a variety of mainly residential applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our Consumer reportable segment\u2019s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe, Australia and South America. Our Consumer reportable segment products are primarily sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, paint stores, craft shops and to other customers through distributors. The Consumer reportable segment offers products that include specialty, hobby and professional paints; caulks; adhesives; cleaners, sandpaper and other abrasives; silicone sealants and wood stains.\n\n\nOur SPG reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and internationally, primarily in Europe. Our SPG product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The SPG reportable segment offers products that include industrial cleaners, restoration services equipment, colorants, nail enamels, exterior finishes, edible coatings and specialty glazes for pharmaceutical and food industries, and other specialty OEM coatings.\n\n\nIn addition to our four reportable segments, there is a category of certain business activities and expenses, referred to as corporate/other, that does not constitute an operating segment. This category includes our corporate headquarters and related administrative expenses, results of our captive insurance companies, gains or losses on the sales of certain assets and other expenses not directly associated with any reportable segment. Assets related to the corporate/other category consist primarily of investments, prepaid expenses and headquarters\u2019 property and equipment. These corporate and other assets and expenses reconcile reportable segment data to total consolidated income before income taxes and identifiable assets.\n\n\nWe reflect income from our joint ventures on the equity method and receive royalties from our licensees.\n\n\nThe following table reflects the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, and represents the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of product lines.\n\n\n26\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSEGMENT INFORMATION\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended May 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet Sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCPG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,608,872\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,486,486\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,076,565\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPCG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,333,567\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,188,379\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,028,456\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsumer Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,514,770\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,242,047\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,295,277\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSPG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n799,205\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n790,816\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n705,990\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,256,414\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,707,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,106,288\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Before Income Taxes (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCPG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Before Income Taxes (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n309,683\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n396,509\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n291,773\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest (Expense), Net (b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(8,416\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(6,673\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(8,030\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEBIT (c)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n318,099\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n403,182\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n299,803\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPCG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Before Income Taxes (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n133,757\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n139,068\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n90,687\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest Income, Net (b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,466\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n575\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEBIT (c)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n132,291\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n138,493\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n90,559\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsumer Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Before Income Taxes (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n378,157\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n175,084\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n354,789\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest (Expense) Income, Net (b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,372\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n266\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(242\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEBIT (c)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n381,529\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n174,818\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n355,031\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSPG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Before Income Taxes (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n103,279\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n121,937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n108,242\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest Income (Expense), Net (b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n68\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(86\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(284\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEBIT (c)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n103,211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n122,023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n108,526\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate/Other\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Loss) Before Income Taxes (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(275,494\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(225,799\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(177,053\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest (Expense), Net (b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(99,013\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(89,605\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(32,522\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEBIT (c)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(176,481\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(136,194\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(144,531\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n479,731\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n492,466\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n503,500\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdd: (Provision) for Income Taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(169,651\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(114,333\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(164,938\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Before Income Taxes (a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n649,382\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n606,799\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n668,438\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest (Expense)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(119,015\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(87,928\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(85,400\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvestment Income (Expense), Net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,748\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(7,595\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n44,450\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEBIT (c)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n758,649\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n702,322\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n709,388\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(a)\nThe presentation includes a reconciliation of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, a measure defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (\u201cGAAP\u201d) in the United States, to EBIT.\n\n\n(b)\nInterest income (expense), net includes the combination of interest (expense) and investment income (expense), net.\n\n\n(c)\nEBIT is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments based on income before income taxes, but also look to EBIT, or adjusted EBIT, as a performance evaluation measure because interest expense is essentially related to corporate functions, as opposed to segment operations. We believe EBIT is useful to investors for this purpose as well, using EBIT as a metric in their investment decisions. EBIT should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, income before income taxes as determined in accordance with GAAP, since EBIT omits the impact of interest in determining operating performance, which represent items necessary to our continued operations, given our level of indebtedness. Nonetheless, EBIT is a key measure expected by and useful to our fixed income investors, rating agencies and the banking community, all of whom believe, and we concur, that this measure is critical to the capital markets' analysis of our segments' core operating performance. We also evaluate EBIT because it is clear that movements in EBIT impact our ability to attract financing. Our underwriters and bankers consistently require inclusion of this measure in offering memoranda in conjunction with any debt underwriting or bank financing. EBIT may not be indicative of our historical operating results, nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results.\n\n\n27\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRESULTS OF OPERATIONS\n\n\nThe following discussion includes a comparison of Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources for the years ended May 31, 2023 and 2022. For comparisons of the years ended May 31, 2022 and 2021, see Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of the Company\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2022 as filed on July 25, 2022.\n\n\nNet Sales\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal year ended May 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except percentages)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\nGrowth\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOrganic\nGrowth\n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAcquisition & Divestiture\nImpact\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nForeign Currency\nExchange Impact\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCPG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,608.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,486.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-3.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPCG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,333.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,188.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-3.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsumer Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,514.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,242.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-1.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSPG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n799.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n790.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-0.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-1.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,256.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,707.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-2.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1) Organic growth includes the impact of price and volume.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur CPG segment generated organic sales growth in the current year, driven by strength in restoration systems for roofing, facades and parking structures. Additionally, the segment's concrete admixtures and repair business benefited from market share gains and capital spending on infrastructure projects. Improved pricing in response to continued cost inflation also contributed to sales growth during the year. This growth was partially offset by deteriorating economic conditions and unfavorable foreign exchange translation in Europe, along with reduced demand for businesses that serve residential and certain commercial construction markets.\n\n\nOur PCG segment generated significant sales growth in nearly all the major business units in the segment when compared to the prior year. Performing particularly well were businesses that provide flooring systems, protective coatings, and fiberglass reinforced plastic grating, all of which were strategically well-positioned to benefit from growing vertical markets such as pharmaceuticals and industries reshoring their manufacturing, which includes semiconductor chip and electric vehicle assembly and battery manufacturing. This increase was also facilitated by strong demand in energy markets and price increases in response to continued cost inflation. Partially offsetting this growth was our bridgecare business, which suffered from economic decline and regulatory headwinds in Europe. Internationally, unfavorable foreign exchange translation was a headwind, but growth in emerging markets was strong in local currency.\n\n\nOur Consumer segment generated significant organic growth in comparison to the prior year due to improved raw material supply, particularly of alkyd-based resins secured through strategic investment in its supply chain, insourcing, and qualifying new suppliers. In addition, sales growth benefited from price increases to catch up with continued cost inflation and the prior year comparison when supply chain disruptions impacted raw material supply. This growth was partially offset by volume declines as retail customers were holding leaner inventories, consumer takeaway at retail declined and by unfavorable foreign exchange translation, particularly in Europe.\n\n\nOur SPG segment generated sales growth, particularly in those businesses serving the food coatings and additives market, as a result of strategically refocusing sales management and selling efforts. In addition, sales growth benefited from improved pricing in response to continued cost inflation. The segment's disaster restoration business also benefited from the response to Hurricane Ian and other inclement weather. This growth was offset by decreased demand at businesses serving OEM markets, many of which experienced customer destocking, and unfavorable foreign exchange translation. Additionally, the divestiture of our Guardian Protection Products, Inc. (\"Guardian\") business reduced sales versus the prior period.\n\n\nGross Profit Margin\n Our consolidated gross profit margin of 37.9% of net sales for fiscal 2023 compares to a consolidated gross profit margin of 36.3% for the comparable period a year ago. This gross profit margin increase of approximately 160 basis points (\"bps\") resulted primarily from higher selling prices catching up with continued cost inflation and savings from MAP initiatives, while the prior year's margin was reduced by inefficiencies from inconsistent raw material supply. Partially offsetting these improvements were continued inflation in raw materials and wages, along with reduced fixed-cost leverage due to lower overall demand and internal initiatives to normalize inventories.\n\n\nWe expect that headwinds related to wage inflation and reduced fixed-cost leverage due to lower overall demand will continue to be reflected in our results into early fiscal 2024. In addition, rising interest rates have negatively impacted construction activity, existing home sales, and overall economic activity, resulting in reduced customer demand which we expect to continue into the first quarter of fiscal 2024.\n\n\nSelling, General and Administrative (\u201cSG&A\u201d) Expenses \nOur consolidated SG&A expense increased by approximately $167.8 million during fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022 and increased to 27.0% of net sales for fiscal 2023 from 26.7% of net sales for fiscal 2022. The restoration of travel expenses and advertising expenses, along with increases in variable costs associated with improved results, such as commission expense, were contributing factors. In addition, pay inflation, higher distribution costs, increased insurance costs, and a $27.0 million increase in professional fees associated with our MAP 2025 initiatives contributed to this increase, which was partially\n \n\n\n28\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\noffset by the $20.0 million gain on business interruption insurance proceeds as described below in Note P, \"Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses,\" to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Additional SG&A expense incurred from companies recently acquired was approximately $14.4 million during fiscal 2023.\n\n\nOur CPG segment SG&A was approximately $41.2 million higher for fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022 and increased by 40 bps as a percentage of net sales. The increase in expense was mainly due to higher commission expense associated with higher sales, pay inflation, professional fees, distribution costs, as well as restoration of travel expenses compared to the prior year and investments in growth initiatives. Lastly, acquisitions generated additional SG&A expense of approximately $7.7 million.\n\n\nOur PCG segment SG&A was approximately $41.2 million higher for fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022 and increased slightly by 10 bps as a percentage of net sales. The increase in expense as compared to the prior year period is mainly due to increased commissions, higher distribution costs, pay inflation, increased bad debt expense, along with restoration of travel expenses and investments in growth initiatives for diversification of its protective coatings business.\n\n\nOur Consumer segment SG&A increased by approximately $42.5 million during fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022 and decreased by 60 bps as a percentage of net sales. The year-over-year increase in SG&A was attributable to increases in advertising and promotional expense, incentive-based compensation, increased distribution costs, pay inflation, and the restoration of travel expenses, partially offset by the $20.0 million gain on business interruption insurance included in SG&A as described below in Note P, \"Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses,\" to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Lastly, acquisitions contributed approximately $3.6 million of additional SG&A expense during the current period.\n \n\n\nOur SPG segment SG&A was approximately $18.7 million higher during fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022 and increased by 210 bps as a percentage of sales. The increase in SG&A expense is attributable to pay inflation, along with the restoration of travel expenses and investments in growth initiatives across each of its business units.\n\n\nSG&A expenses in our corporate/other category of $168.0 million during fiscal 2023 increased by $24.2 million from $143.8 million recorded during fiscal 2022. The increase in SG&A was primarily attributable to a $24.5 million increase in professional fees related to MAP 2025 initiatives and increased insurance costs, partially offset by a decrease in stock compensation.\n\n\nThe following table summarizes the retirement-related benefit plans\u2019 impact on income before income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, as the service cost component has a significant impact on our SG&A expense:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal year ended May 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nService cost\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n49.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n54.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(5.2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest cost\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n36.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpected return on plan assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(44.7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(49.2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmortization of:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrior service (credit)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.2\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(0.3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet actuarial losses recognized\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurtailment/settlement losses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n-\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Net Periodic Pension & Postretirement Benefit Costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n59.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n43.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe expect that pension and postretirement expense will fluctuate on a year-to-year basis, depending upon the investment performance of plan assets and potential changes in interest rates, both of which are difficult to predict in light of the lingering macroeconomic uncertainties associated with inflation, but which may have a material impact on our consolidated financial results in the future. A decrease of 1% in the discount rate or the expected return on plan assets assumptions would result in $8.2 million and $7.7 million higher expense, respectively. The assumptions and estimates used to determine the discount rate and expected return on plan assets are more fully described in Note N, \u201cPension Plans,\u201d and Note O, \u201cPostretirement Benefits,\u201d to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Further discussion and analysis of the sensitivity surrounding our most critical assumptions under our pension and postretirement plans is discussed above in \u201cCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates \u2014 Pension and Postretirement Plans.\u201d\n\n\nRestructuring Expense\n \n\n\nWe recorded $15.5 million of restructuring charges during fiscal 2023, of which $11.7 million related to our MAP 2025 initiative, which is a multi-year restructuring plan to build on the achievements of MAP to Growth and designed to improve margins by streamlining business processes, reducing working capital, implementing commercial initiatives to drive improved mix and salesforce effectiveness and improving operating efficiency. Initial phases of the plan have focused on commercial initiatives, operational efficiencies, and procurement. For fiscal 2023, we incurred $8.5 million related to severance and benefit costs and $0.7 million of facility closure costs associated with MAP 2025, and $2.5 million related to other restructuring costs associated with the impairment of an indefinite-lived tradename as described below in Note C, \"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,\" of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Most activities under MAP 2025 are anticipated to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2025.\n\n\nWe currently expect to incur approximately $11.0 million of future additional charges related to the implementation of MAP 2025.\n\n\n29\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor further information and details about MAP 2025, see Note B, \u201cRestructuring,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\n \n\n\nInterest Expense\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal year ended May 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except percentages)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n119.0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n87.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage interest rate \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.08\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.16\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(1) The interest rate increase was a result of higher market rates on the variable cost borrowings.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nChange in interest\nexpense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition-related borrowings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4.2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-acquisition-related average borrowings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChange in average interest rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal Change in Interest Expense\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n31.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvestment (Income) Expense, Net\n \n\n\nSee Note A(15), \"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Investment (Income) Expense, Net,\" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.\n\n\n(Gain) on Sales of Assets and Business, Net\n\n\nSee Note A(3), \"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Acquisitions/Divestitures,\" and Note M, \"Leases,\" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.\n\n\nOther Expense (Income), Net\n\n\nSee Note A(16), \"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Expense (Income), Net,\" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.\n\n\nIncome Before Income Taxes (\u201cIBT\u201d)\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal year ended May 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except percentages)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of net\nsales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of net\nsales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCPG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n309.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n396.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPCG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n133.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n139.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsumer Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n378.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n175.1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSPG Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n103.3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n121.9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-Op Segment\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(275.5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(225.8\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsolidated\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n649.4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n606.8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn a consolidated basis, our increased earnings reflect our Consumer segment profitability approaching historical averages following supply chain disruptions in the prior year, which was partially offset by charges resulting from our MAP 2025 initiatives and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange translation. Our CPG segment results reflect deteriorated macroeconomic conditions in Europe and reduced demand for businesses that serve residential and certain commercial construction markets. In addition, our prior year CPG segment results include a $41.9 million gain on the sale of certain real property assets. Our PCG segment results reflect the $39.2 million goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, offset by improved pricing, volume growth and improved product mix, resulting from digital sales management tools. Our Consumer segment results reflect improved material supply which allowed for previously developed operating efficiencies to be realized, improved pricing to catch up with continued cost inflation and the $20.0 million gain on business interruption insurance. Our SPG segment results reflect decreased demand at businesses serving OEM markets, offset by improved pricing, increased operating efficiencies and the $24.7 million gain on the sale of its Guardian business. Our Non-Op segment results reflect the unfavorable swing in pension non-service costs, along with increased interest expense and professional fees.\n \n\n\nIncome Tax Rate\n The effective income tax rate was 26.1% for fiscal 2023 compared to an effective income tax rate of 18.8% for fiscal 2022. Refer to Note H, \u201cIncome Taxes,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the components of the effective income tax rates.\n\n\nNet Income\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFiscal year ended May 31,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except percentages and per share amounts)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of net\nsales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of net\nsales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n479.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n492.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n478.7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n491.5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted earnings per share\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.72\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.79\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES\n\n\nOperating Activities\n\n\nApproximately $577.1 million of cash was provided by operating activities during fiscal 2023, compared with $178.7 million of cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2022. The net change in cash from operations includes the change in net income, which decreased by $12.7 million year over year.\n \n\n\nThe change in accounts receivable during fiscal 2023 provided approximately $92.7 million more cash than fiscal 2022. This resulted from the timing of sales in our CPG segment, which saw extraordinary growth at the end of fiscal 2022, resulting in strong collections in the current year. Average days sales outstanding (\u201cDSO\u201d) at May 31, 2023 increased to 66.9 days from 65.0 days at May 31, 2022.\n \n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, the change in inventory used approximately $371.0 million less cash compared to our spending during fiscal 2022 as a result of our operating segments beginning to reduce inventory purchases and use safety stock built up in the prior year in response to supply chain outages and raw material inflation. Average days inventory outstanding (\u201cDIO\u201d) at May 31, 2023 increased to 106.0 days from 93.8 days at May 31, 2022.\n\n\nThe change in accounts payable during fiscal 2023 used approximately $217.3 million more cash than during fiscal 2022. Accounts payable balances declined as raw material purchases declined due to supply chain improvement and internal initiatives to normalize inventory levels. Average days payables outstanding (\u201cDPO\u201d) decreased by approximately 3.0 days from 83.5 days at May 31, 2022 to 80.5 days at May 31, 2023.\n\n\nThe change in other accrued liabilities during fiscal 2023 used approximately $89.2 million less cash than during fiscal 2022 due principally to the increase in taxes payable.\n\n\nAdditionally, certain government entities located where we have operations enacted various pieces of legislation designed to help businesses weather the economic impact of Covid and ultimately preserve jobs. Some of this legislation, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Relief Security Act in the United States, enabled employers to postpone the payment of various types of taxes over varying time horizons. As of May 31, 2022, we had a total of $13.6 million accrued for such government payments which we paid during fiscal 2023. As of May 31, 2021, we had deferred $27.1 million of such government payments, $13.5 million of which we paid during fiscal 2022. During fiscal 2023, we did not defer any additional government payments that would have normally been paid during fiscal 2023.\n\n\nInvesting Activities\n\n\nFor fiscal 2023, cash used for investing activities decreased by $9.8 million to $249.7 million as compared to $259.5 million in the prior year period. This year-over-year decrease in cash used for investing activities was mainly driven by a $79.9 million decrease in cash used for acquisitions. This was partially offset by decreases in proceeds from sales of assets and business, net, which provided $18.3 million less cash in fiscal 2023.\n\n\nIn addition to this, we utilized $32.0 million more cash in fiscal 2023 related to capital expenditures. Our capital expenditures facilitate our continued growth and our MAP 2025 initiatives, such as production and distribution efficiencies, introduction of new technology, and improvement of information systems. Additionally, these capital expenditures help facilitate expanding capacity, improving environmental health and safety capabilities, and enhancing our administration capabilities. We paid for capital expenditures of $254.4 million, $222.4 million, and $157.2 million during the periods ended May 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We continued to increase our capital spending in fiscal 2023 in order to expand capacity to meet growing product demand and continue our growth initiatives.\n\n\nOur captive insurance companies invest their excess cash in marketable securities in the ordinary course of conducting their operations, and this activity will continue. Differences in the amounts related to these activities on a year-over-year basis are primarily attributable to the rebalancing of the portfolio, along with differences in the timing and performance of their investments balanced against amounts required to satisfy claims. At May 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of our investments in marketable securities totaled $148.3 million and $144.4 million, respectively.\n \n\n\nAs of May 31, 2023, approximately $196.8 million of our consolidated cash and cash equivalents were held at various foreign subsidiaries, compared with approximately $187.1 million as of May 31, 2022. Undistributed earnings held at our foreign subsidiaries that are considered permanently reinvested will be used, for instance, to expand operations organically or for acquisitions in foreign jurisdictions. Further, our operations in the United States generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy U.S. operating requirements. Refer to Note H, \u201cIncome Taxes,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding unremitted foreign earnings.\n\n\nFinancing Activities\n\n\nFor fiscal 2023, cash used for financing activities increased by $358.6 million to $301.2 million as compared to $57.4 million provided by financing activities in the prior year period. The overall increase in cash used for financing activities was driven principally by debt-related activities. During fiscal 2023, we paid our $300 million 3.45% Notes due 2022. Refer to Note G, \u201cBorrowings,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of significant debt-related activity that occurred in fiscal 2023 and 2022, significant components of our debt, and our available liquidity.\n \n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe following table summarizes our financial obligations and their expected maturities at May 31, 2023, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in the periods indicated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContractual Obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal Contractual\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPayments Due In\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In thousands)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPayment Stream\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2025-26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2027-28\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAfter 2028\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term debt obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,689,138\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n175,422\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n250,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,013,716\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,250,000\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance lease obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,445\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,168\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,450\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n790\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n414,351\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n71,801\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n112,786\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n80,991\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n148,773\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities (1):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest payments on long-term debt obligations\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n943,759\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n84,033\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n156,226\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n121,550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n581,950\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContributions to pension and postretirement plans (2)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n523,700\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,400\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,700\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n118,900\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n379,700\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,580,393\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n342,824\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n541,162\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,335,947\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,360,460\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nExcluded from other long-term liabilities are our gross long-term liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, which totaled $5.4 million at May 31, 2023. Currently, we cannot predict with reasonable reliability the timing of cash settlements to the respective taxing authorities related to these liabilities. \n\n\n(2)\nThese amounts represent our estimated cash contributions to be made in the periods indicated for our pension and postretirement plans, assuming no actuarial gains or losses, assumption changes or plan changes occur in any period. The projection results assume the required minimum contribution will be contributed. \n\n\nThe U.S. dollar fluctuated throughout the year and was stronger against other major currencies where we conduct operations at May 31, 2023 versus May 31, 2022, causing an unfavorable change in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (refer to Note K, \u201cAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements) component of stockholders\u2019 equity of $69.9 million this year versus an unfavorable change of $95.1 million last year. The change in fiscal 2023 was in addition to favorable net changes of $4.6 million related to adjustments required for minimum pension and other postretirement liabilities, unfavorable changes of $1.8 million related to derivatives and unfavorable changes of $0.5 million related to unrealized losses on fixed income securities.\n\n\nStock Repurchase Program\n\n\nRefer to Note I, \u201cStock Repurchase Program,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our stock repurchase program.\n \n\n\nOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements\n\n\nWe do not have any off-balance sheet financings. We have no subsidiaries that are not included in our financial statements, nor do we have any interests in, or relationships with, any special-purpose entities that are not reflected in our financial statements.\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">Item 7A. \nQuantitative and Qualitat\nive Disclosures About Market Risk.\n\n\nQUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\n\n\nWe are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates because we fund our operations through long- and short-term borrowings and denominate our business transactions in a variety of foreign currencies. We utilize a sensitivity analysis to measure the potential loss in earnings based on a hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates and a 10% change in foreign currency rates. A summary of our primary market risk exposures follows.\n\n\nInterest Rate Risk\n\n\nOur primary interest rate risk exposure results from our floating rate debt, including various revolving and other lines of credit (refer to Note G, \u201cBorrowings,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements). If there was a 100-bps increase or decrease in interest rates it would have resulted in an increase or decrease in interest expense of $10.8 million and $4.4 million for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our primary exposure to interest rate risk is movements in the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and European Short-Term Rate (ESTR). At May 31, 2023, approximately 38.7% of our debt was subject to floating interest rates.\n\n\nForeign Currency Risk\n\n\nOur foreign sales and results of operations are subject to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations (refer to Note A(4), \u201cSummary of Significant Accounting Policies - Foreign Currency,\u201d to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Because our Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in which we transact business could materially adversely affect our net revenues, net income and the carrying values of our assets located outside the United States. Global economic uncertainty continues to exist. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may adversely affect our operating results.\n\n\n32\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf the U.S. dollar were to strengthen, our foreign results of operations would be unfavorably impacted, but the effect is not expected to be material. A 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates would not have resulted in a material impact to net income for the years ended May 31, 2023 and 2022. We do not currently use financial derivative instruments for trading purposes, nor do we engage in foreign currency, commodity or interest rate speculation.\n \n\n\nFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS\n\n\nThe foregoing discussion includes forward-looking statements relating to our business. These forward-looking statements, or other statements made by us, are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and are subject to uncertainties and factors (including those specified below), which are difficult to predict and, in many instances, are beyond our control. As a result, our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any such forward-looking statements. These uncertainties and factors include (a) global markets and general economic conditions, including uncertainties surrounding the volatility in financial markets, the availability of capital and the effect of changes in interest rates, and the viability of banks and other financial institutions; (b) the prices, supply and availability of raw materials, including assorted pigments, resins, solvents, and other natural gas- and oil-based materials; packaging, including plastic and metal containers; and transportation services, including fuel surcharges; (c) continued growth in demand for our products; (d) legal, environmental and litigation risks inherent in our businesses and risks related to the adequacy of our insurance coverage for such matters; (e) the effect of changes in interest rates; (f) the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates upon our foreign operations; (g) the effect of non-currency risks of investing in and conducting operations in foreign countries, including those relating to domestic and international political, social, economic and regulatory factors; (h) risks and uncertainties associated with our ongoing acquisition and divestiture activities; (i) the timing of and the realization of anticipated cost savings from restructuring initiatives and the ability to identify additional cost savings opportunities; (j) risks related to the adequacy of our contingent liability reserves; (k) risks relating to a public health crisis similar to the Covid pandemic; (l) risks related to acts of war similar to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; (m) risks related to the transition or physical impacts of climate change and other natural disasters or meeting sustainability-related voluntary goals or regulatory requirements; (n) risks related to our use of technology, artificial intelligence, data breaches and data privacy violations; and (o) other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors set forth in our Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2023, as the same may be updated from time to time. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the filing date of this document.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "cik": "110621",
+ "cusip6": "749685",
+ "cusip": ["749685953", "749685903", "749685103"],
+ "names": ["RPM International", "RPM INTL INC"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/110621/000095017023034640/0000950170-23-034640-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-035122.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-035122.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..aaf7db8e4d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-035122.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1. B\nUSINESS\n\n\nGENERAL\n\n\nEmbracing Our Future\n\n\nMicrosoft is a technology company whose mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We strive to create local opportunity, growth, and impact in every country around the world. We are creating the platforms and tools\n,\n powered by artificial intelligence (\u201c\nAI\n\u201d), that deliver better, faster, and more effective solutions to support small and large business competitiveness, improve educational and health outcomes, grow public-sector efficiency, and empower human ingenuity. From infrastructure and data, to business applications and collaboration, we provide unique, differentiated value to customers.\n \n\n\nIn a world of increasing economic complexity, AI has the power to revolutionize many types of work. Microsoft is now innovating and expanding our portfolio with AI capabilities to help people and organizations overcome today\u2019s challenges and emerge stronger. Customers are looking to unlock value from their digital spend and innovate for this next generation of AI, while simplifying security and management. Those leveraging the Microsoft Cloud are best positioned to take advantage of technological advancements and drive innovation. Our investment in AI spans the entire company, from Microsoft Teams and Outlook, to Bing and Xbox, and we are infusing generative AI capability into our consumer and commercial offerings to deliver copilot capability for all services across the Microsoft Cloud.\n\n\nWe\u2019re committed to making the promise of AI real \u2013 and doing it responsibly. Our work is guided by a core set of principles: fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability.\n \n\n\nWhat We Offer\n\n\nFounded in 1975, we develop and support software, services, devices, and solutions that deliver new value for customers and help people and businesses realize their full potential.\n\n\nWe offer an array of services, including cloud-based solutions that provide customers with software, services, platforms, and content, and we provide solution support and consulting services. We also deliver relevant online advertising to a global audience.\n\n\nOur products include operating systems, cross-device productivity and collaboration applications, server applications, business solution applications, desktop and server management tools, software development tools, and video games. We also design and sell devices, including PCs, tablets, gaming and entertainment consoles, other intelligent devices, and related accessories.\n\n\nThe Ambitions That Drive Us\n\n\nTo achieve our vision, our research and development efforts focus on three interconnected ambitions:\n\n\n\u2022\nReinvent productivity and business processes.\n\n\n\u2022\nBuild the intelligent cloud and intelligent edge platform.\n\n\n\u2022\nCreate more personal computing.\n\n\nReinvent Productivity and Business Processes\n\n\nAt Microsoft, we provide technology and resources to help our customers create a secure, productive work environment. Our family of products plays a key role in the ways the world works, learns, and connects.\n \n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur growth depends on securely delivering continuous innovation and advancing our leading productivity and collaboration tools and services, including Office 365, Dynamics 365, and LinkedIn. Microsoft 365 brings together Office 365, Windows, and Enterprise Mobility + Security to help organizations empower their employees with AI-backed tools that unlock creativity, increase collaboration, and fuel innovation, all the while enabling compliance coverage and data protection. Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive platform for work, with meetings, calls, chat, collaboration, and business process automation. Microsoft Viva is an employee experience platform that brings together communications, knowledge, learning, resources, and insights. Microsoft 365 Copilot combines next-generation AI with business data in the Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 applications.\n\n\nTogether with the Microsoft Cloud, Dynamics 365, Microsoft Teams, and our AI offerings bring a new era of collaborative applications that optimize business functions, processes, and applications to better serve customers and employees while creating more business value. Microsoft Power Platform is helping domain experts drive productivity gains with low-code/no-code tools, robotic process automation, virtual agents, and business intelligence. In a dynamic labor market, LinkedIn is helping professionals use the platform to connect, learn, grow, and get hired.\n \n\n\nBuild the Intelligent Cloud and Intelligent Edge\n \nPlatform\n\n\nAs digital transformation and adoption of AI accelerates and revolutionizes more business workstreams, organizations in every sector across the globe can address challenges that will have a fundamental impact on their success. For enterprises, digital technology empowers employees, optimizes operations, engages customers, and in some cases, changes the very core of products and services. We continue to invest in high performance and sustainable computing to meet the growing demand for fast access to Microsoft services provided by our network of cloud computing infrastructure and datacenters.\n\n\nOur cloud business benefits from three economies of scale: datacenters that deploy computational resources at significantly lower cost per unit than smaller ones; datacenters that coordinate and aggregate diverse customer, geographic, and application demand patterns, improving the utilization of computing, storage, and network resources; and multi-tenancy locations that lower application maintenance labor costs.\n\n\nThe Microsoft Cloud provides the best integration across the technology stack while offering openness, improving time to value, reducing costs, and increasing agility. Being a global-scale cloud, Azure uniquely offers hybrid consistency, developer productivity, AI capabilities, and trusted security and compliance. We see more emerging use cases and needs for compute and security at the edge and are accelerating our innovation across the spectrum of intelligent edge devices, from Internet of Things (\u201cIoT\u201d) sensors to gateway devices and edge hardware to build, manage, and secure edge workloads.\n \n\n\nOur AI platform, Azure AI, is helping organizations transform, bringing intelligence and insights to the hands of their employees and customers to solve their most pressing challenges. Organizations large and small are deploying Azure AI solutions to achieve more at scale, more easily, with the proper enterprise-level and responsible AI protections.\n\n\nWe have a long-term partnership with OpenAI, a leading AI research and deployment company. We deploy OpenAI\u2019s models across our consumer and enterprise products. As OpenAI\u2019s exclusive cloud provider, Azure powers all of OpenAI's workloads. We have also increased our investments in the development and deployment of specialized supercomputing systems to accelerate OpenAI\u2019s research.\n\n\nOur hybrid infrastructure offers integrated, end-to-end security, compliance, identity, and management capabilities to support the real-world needs and evolving regulatory requirements of commercial customers and enterprises. Our industry clouds bring together capabilities across the entire Microsoft Cloud, along with industry-specific customizations. Azure Arc simplifies governance and management by delivering a consistent multi-cloud and on-premises management platform.\n\n\nNuance, a leader in conversational AI and ambient intelligence across industries including healthcare, financial services, retail, and telecommunications, joined Microsoft in 2022. Microsoft and Nuance enable organizations to accelerate their business goals with security-focused, cloud-based solutions infused with AI.\n\n\nWe are accelerating our development of mixed reality solutions with new Azure services and devices. Microsoft Mesh enables organizations to create custom, immersive experiences for the workplace to help bring remote and hybrid workers and teams together.\n \n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe ability to convert data into AI drives our competitive advantage. The Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform is a leading cloud data platform that fully integrates databases, analytics, and governance. The platform empowers organizations to invest more time creating value rather than integrating and managing their data. Microsoft Fabric is an end-to-end, unified analytics platform that brings together all the data and analytics tools that organizations need.\n\n\nGitHub Copilot is at the forefront of AI-powered software development, giving developers a new tool to write code easier and faster so they can focus on more creative problem-solving. From GitHub to Visual Studio, we provide a developer tool chain for everyone, no matter the technical experience, across all platforms, whether Azure, Windows, or any other cloud or client platform.\n\n\nWindows also plays a critical role in fueling our cloud business with Windows 365, a desktop operating system that\u2019s also a cloud service. From another internet-connected device, including Android or macOS devices, users can run Windows 365, just like a virtual machine.\n\n\nAdditionally, we are extending our infrastructure beyond the planet, bringing cloud computing to space. Azure Orbital is a fully managed ground station as a service for fast downlinking of data.\n\n\nCreate More Personal Computing\n\n\nWe strive to make computing more personal, enabling users to interact with technology in more intuitive, engaging, and dynamic ways.\n \n\n\nWindows 11 offers innovations focused on enhancing productivity, including Windows Copilot with centralized AI assistance and Dev Home to help developers become more productive. Windows 11 security and privacy features include operating system security, application security, and user and identity security.\n \n\n\nThrough our Search, News, Mapping, and Browser services, Microsoft delivers unique trust, privacy, and safety features. In February 2023, we launched an all new, AI-powered Microsoft Edge browser and Bing search engine with Bing Chat to deliver better search, more complete answers, and the ability to generate content. Microsoft Edge is our fast and secure browser that helps protect users\u2019 data. Quick access to AI-powered tools, apps, and more within Microsoft Edge\u2019s sidebar enhance browsing capabilities.\n\n\nWe are committed to designing and marketing first-party devices to help drive innovation, create new device categories, and stimulate demand in the Windows ecosystem. The Surface family includes Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and other Surface products.\n\n\nMicrosoft continues to invest in gaming content, community, and cloud services. We have broadened our approach to how we think about gaming end-to-end, from the way games are created and distributed to how they are played, including subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and new devices from third-party manufacturers so players can engage across PC, console, and mobile. In January 2022, we announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard, Inc., a leader in game development and an interactive entertainment content publisher.\n \n\n\nOur Future Opportunity\n\n\nWe are focused on helping customers use the breadth and depth of the Microsoft Cloud to get the most value out of their digital spend while leading the new AI wave across our solution areas. We continue to develop complete, intelligent solutions for our customers that empower people to be productive and collaborate, while safeguarding businesses and simplifying IT management. Our goal is to lead the industry in several distinct areas of technology over the long term, which we expect will translate to sustained growth. We are investing significant resources in:\n\n\n\u2022\nTransforming the workplace to deliver new modern, modular business applications, drive deeper insights, and improve how people communicate, collaborate, learn, work, and interact with one another.\n\n\n\u2022\nBuilding and running cloud-based services in ways that utilize ubiquitous computing to unleash new experiences and opportunities for businesses and individuals.\n\n\n\u2022\nApplying AI and ambient intelligence to drive insights, revolutionize many types of work, and provide substantive productivity gains using natural methods of communication.\n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nTackling security from all angles with our integrated, end-to-end solutions spanning security, compliance, identity, and management, across all clouds and platforms.\n\n\n\u2022\nInventing new gaming experiences that bring people together around their shared love for games on any devices and pushing the boundaries of innovation with console and PC gaming.\n\n\n\u2022\nUsing Windows to fuel our cloud business, grow our share of the PC market, and drive increased engagement with our services like Microsoft 365 Consumer, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Edge, Bing, Xbox Game Pass, and more.\n\n\nOur future growth depends on our ability to transcend current product category definitions, business models, and sales motions.\n\n\nCorporate Social Responsibility\n\n\nCommitment to Sustainability\n\n\nMicrosoft\u2019s approach to addressing climate change starts with the sustainability of our own business. In 2020, we committed to being a carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste company by 2030.\n \n\n\nIn May 2023, we released our Environmental Sustainability Report which looked back at our progress during fiscal year 2022. We continued to make progress on our goals, with our overall emissions declining by 0.5 percent. While our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions continued to decline, Scope 3 emissions increased by 0.5 percent. Scope 3 represented 96 percent of our total emissions, resulting primarily from the operations of our suppliers and the use of our products across our customers.\n \n\n\nA few examples of our continued progress include:\n\n\n\u2022\nSigned new power purchase agreements, bringing our total portfolio of carbon-free energy to over 13.5 gigawatts.\n\n\n\u2022\nContracted for water replenishment projects that are estimated to provide more than 15.6 million cubic meters in volumetric water benefit over the lifetime of these projects.\n\n\n\u2022\nDiverted 12,159 metric tons of solid waste from landfills and incinerators across our direct operational footprint.\n\n\n\u2022\nProtected 12,270 acres of land in Belize \u2013 more than the 11,206 acres of land that we use around the world.\n\n\nMicrosoft has a role to play in developing and advancing new climate solutions, but we recognize that no solution can be offered by any single company, organization, or government. Our approach helps to support the sustainability needs of our customers and the global community. Our Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, an environmental sustainability management platform that includes Microsoft Sustainability Manager, enables organizations to record, report, and reduce their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. These digital tools can interoperate with business systems and unify data intelligence for organizations.\n\n\nAddressing Racial Injustice and Inequity\n\n\nWe are committed to addressing racial injustice and inequity in the United States for Black and African American communities and helping improve lived experiences at Microsoft, in employees\u2019 communities, and beyond. Our Racial Equity Initiative focuses on three multi-year pillars, each containing actions and progress we expect to make or exceed by 2025.\n\n\n\u2022\nStrengthening our communities: using data, technology, and partnerships to help improve the lives of Black and African American people in the United States, including our employees and their communities.\n\n\n\u2022\nEngaging our ecosystem: using our balance sheet and relationships with suppliers and partners to foster societal change and create new opportunities.\n\n\n\u2022\nIncreasing representation and strengthening inclusion: building on our momentum by adding a $150 million investment to strengthen inclusion and double the number of Black, African American, Hispanic, and Latinx leaders in the United States by 2025.\n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn fiscal year 2023, we collaborated with partners and worked within neighborhoods and communities to launch and scale a number of projects and programs, including:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nWorking with 103 unique organizations in 165 cities and counties on our Justice Reform Initiative to empower communities and advance racial equity and fairness in the justice system.\n\n\n\u2022\nIncreasing access to affordable broadband, devices, and digital literacy training across 14 geographies, including 11 cities and three states in the Black Rural south.\n\n\n\u2022\nGrowing our Nonprofit Tech Acceleration for Black and African American Communities program, which uses data, technology, and partnerships to help more than 2,000 local organizations to modernize and streamline operations.\n\n\n\u2022\nExpanding our Technology Education and Learning Support (\u201cTEALS\u201d) program to reach nearly 400 high schools in 21 communities to increase computer science opportunities for Black and African American students.\n\n\nWe exceeded our 2020 goal to double the percentage of our transaction volumes with Black- and African American-owned financial institutions by 2023. We are also increasing investment activity with Black- and African American-owned asset managers, which now represent 45 percent of our external manager group, enabling increased funds into local communities. We also met our goal of creating a $100 million program focused on mission-driven banks. We enriched our supplier pipeline, achieving our goal to spend $500 million with double the number of Black- and African American-owned suppliers. We also increased the number of identified partners in the Black Partner Growth Initiative by more than 250 percent, surpassing our initial goal.\n \n\n\nWe have made meaningful progress on representation and inclusion at Microsoft. As of June 2023, we are 93 percent of the way to our 2025 commitment to double the number of Black and African American people managers in the U.S. (below director level), and 107 percent of the way for Black and African American directors (people managers and individual contributors). We are 28 percent of the way for Hispanic and Latinx people managers (below director level) and 74 percent of the way for Hispanic and Latinx directors.\n\n\nInvesting in Digital Skills\n\n\nAfter helping over 80 million jobseekers around the world access digital skilling resources, we introduced a new Skills for Jobs initiative to support a more skills-based labor market, with greater flexibility and accessible learning paths to develop the right skills needed for the most in-demand jobs. Our Skills for Jobs initiative brings together learning resources, certification opportunities, and job-seeker tools from LinkedIn, GitHub, and Microsoft Learn, and is built on data insights drawn from LinkedIn\u2019s Economic Graph.\n \n\n\nWe also launched a national campaign to help skill and recruit 250,000 people into the cybersecurity workforce by 2025, representing half of the country\u2019s workforce shortage. To that end, we are making curriculum available free of charge to all of the nation\u2019s higher education institutions, providing training for new and existing faculty, and providing scholarships and supplemental resources to 25,000 students. We have expanded the cyber skills initiative to 27 additional countries that show elevated cyberthreat risks coupled with significant gaps in their cybersecurity workforces, partnering with nonprofits and other educational institutions to train the next generation of cybersecurity workers.\n\n\nGenerative AI is creating unparalleled opportunities to empower workers globally, but only if everyone has the skills to use it. To address this, in June 2023 we launched a new AI Skills Initiative to help everyone learn how to harness the power of AI. This includes a new LinkedIn learning pathway offering new coursework on learning the foundations of generative AI. We also launched a new global grant challenge to uncover new ways of training workers on generative AI and are providing greater access to digital learning events and resources for everyone to improve their AI fluency.\n\n\nHUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES\n\n\nOverview\n\n\nMicrosoft aims to recruit, develop, and retain world-changing talent from a diversity of backgrounds. To foster their and our success, we seek to create an environment where people can thrive and do their best work. We strive to maximize the potential of our human capital resources by creating a respectful, rewarding, and inclusive work environment that enables our global employees to create products and services that further our mission.\n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAs of June 30, 2023, we employed approximately 221,000 people on a full-time basis, 120,000 in the U.S. and 101,000 internationally. Of the total employed people, 89,000 were in operations, including manufacturing, distribution, product support, and consulting services; 72,000 were in product research and development; 45,000 were in sales and marketing; and 15,000 were in general and administration. Certain employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements.\n\n\nOur Culture\n\n\nMicrosoft\u2019s culture is grounded in growth mindset. This means everyone is on a continuous journey to learn and grow, operating as one company instead of multiple siloed businesses.\n \n\n\nOur employee listening systems enable us to gather feedback directly from our workforce to inform our programs and employee needs globally. Employees participate in our Employee Signals surveys, which cover a variety of topics such as thriving, inclusion, team culture, wellbeing, and learning and development. We also collect Daily Signals employee survey responses, giving us real-time insights into ways we can support our employees. In addition to Employee Signals and Daily Signals surveys, we gain insights through onboarding, exit surveys, internal Viva Engage channels, employee Q&A sessions, and our internal AskHR Service support.\n\n\nDiversity and inclusion are core to our business model, and we hold ourselves accountable for driving global systemic change in our workforce and creating an inclusive work environment. We support multiple highly active Employee Resource Groups for women, families, racial and ethnic minorities, military, people with disabilities, and employees who identify as LGBTQIA+, where employees can go for support, networking, and community-building. As described in our 2022 Proxy Statement, annual performance and compensation reviews of our senior leadership team include an evaluation of their contributions to employee culture and diversity. To ensure accountability over time, we publicly disclose our progress on a multitude of workforce metrics including:\n\n\n\u2022\nDetailed breakdowns of gender, racial, and ethnic minority representation in our employee population, with data by job types, levels, and segments of our business.\n\n\n\u2022\nOur EEO-1 report (equal employment opportunity).\n\n\n\u2022\nDisability representation.\n\n\n\u2022\nPay equity (see details below). \n\n\nTotal Rewards and Pay Equity\n\n\nWe develop dynamic, sustainable, market-driven, and strategic programs with the goal of providing a highly differentiated portfolio to attract, reward, and retain top talent and enable our employees to thrive. These programs reinforce our culture and values such as collaboration and growth mindset. Managers evaluate and recommend rewards based on, for example, how well we leverage the work of others and contribute to the success of our colleagues. We monitor pay equity and career progress across multiple dimensions. Our total compensation opportunity is highly differentiated and is market competitive.\n\n\nIn order to manage our costs in a dynamic, competitive environment, in fiscal year 2023 we announced that base salaries of salaried employees would remain at fiscal year 2022 levels. Pay increases continue to be available for rewards-eligible hourly and equivalent employees. We will continue our practice of investing in stock for all rewards-eligible employees, salaried and hourly, and investing in bonuses for all eligible employees.\n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSince 2016, we have reported on pay equity as part of our annual Diversity and Inclusion report. In 2022, we reported that all racial and ethnic minority employees in the U.S. combined earn $1.008 for every $1.000 earned by their white counterparts, that women in the U.S. earn $1.007 for every $1.000 earned by their counterparts who are men, and that women outside the U.S. earn $1.002 for every $1.000 earned by their counterparts outside the U.S. who are men. In this year\u2019s report, we again expanded our pay equity data beyond the U.S. to report on 61 additional countries (up from 12 last year), representing 99.8% of our global Microsoft workforce.\n\n\nIn addition, we began reporting on unadjusted median pay in our annual report, comparing total pay amounts for all employees regardless of factors such as job title, level, or tenure. For employees who are eligible for rewards, the analysis showed that total pay for women is 89.6% of total pay for men in the U.S. and 86.2% outside of the U.S., and total pay for racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. is 89.9% of total pay for white employees. As we continue to increase representation for women and racial and ethnic minorities at more senior levels, and continue to ensure pay equity for all, the gap between the medians will reduce.\n \n\n\nOur intended result is a global performance and development approach that fosters our culture, and competitive compensation that ensures equitable pay by role while supporting pay for performance.\n\n\nWellbeing and Hybrid Work\n\n\nMicrosoft is committed to supporting our employees\u2019 wellbeing while they are at work and in their personal lives. We have invested significantly in wellbeing, and offer a differentiated benefits package which includes many physical, emotional, and financial wellness programs including counseling through the Microsoft CARES Employee Assistance Program, mental wellbeing support, flexible fitness benefits, disability accommodations, savings and investment tools, adoption assistance, and back-up care for children and elders. Finally, our Occupational Health and Safety program helps ensure employees can stay safe while they are working.\n\n\nWe introduced Hybrid Workplace Flexibility Guidance to better support leaders, managers, and employees in hybrid work scenarios. Our ongoing survey data shows that 93% of employees value the flexibility related to work location, work site, and work hours, and 78% are satisfied with the quality of connection with co-workers. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to flexible work at Microsoft. As a company, we will continue to leverage data and research to inform decision making, balancing the needs of business, team, and individual.\n\n\nLearning and Development\n\n\nWe offer a range of learning opportunities, including personalized opportunities on our internal and external learning portals, in-classroom learning, required learning on compliance and company culture, on-the-job advancement opportunities, and manager coaching. We also provide customized manager learning, new employee orientation, and tools for operating in a flexible hybrid work environment.\n \n\n\nAll Microsoft employees globally access our single Viva Learning tool for both required and personal choice learning. This includes courses focused on our core principles and compliance matters, such as Business Conduct, Privacy, Security Foundations, and Harassment Prevention. We also deliver skills training for employees based on their profession and role discipline.\n\n\nWe have over 27,000 people managers, all of whom must complete between 20-33 hours of compulsory training on leadership and management and are assigned additional targeted training on an ongoing basis related to people management, compliance, and culture.\n \n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOPERATING SEGMENTS\n\n\nWe operate our business and report our financial performance using three segments: Productivity and Business Processes, Intelligent Cloud, and More Personal Computing. Our segments provide management with a comprehensive financial view of our key businesses. The segments enable the alignment of strategies and objectives across the development, sales, marketing, and services organizations, and they provide a framework for timely and rational allocation of resources within businesses.\n\n\nAdditional information on our operating segments and geographic and product information is contained in Note 19 \u2013 Segment Information and Geographic Data of the Notes to Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K).\n\n\nOur reportable segments are described below.\n\n\nProductivity and Business Processes\n\n\nOur Productivity and Business Processes segment consists of products and services in our portfolio of productivity, communication, and information services, spanning a variety of devices and platforms. This segment primarily comprises:\n\n\n\u2022\nOffice Commercial (Office 365 subscriptions, the Office 365 portion of Microsoft 365 Commercial subscriptions, and Office licensed on-premises), comprising Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Office 365 Security and Compliance, Microsoft Viva, and Microsoft 365 Copilot.\n\n\n\u2022\nOffice Consumer, including Microsoft 365 Consumer subscriptions, Office licensed on-premises, and other Office services.\n\n\n\u2022\nLinkedIn, including Talent Solutions, Marketing Solutions, Premium Subscriptions, and Sales Solutions.\n\n\n\u2022\nDynamics business solutions, including Dynamics 365, comprising a set of intelligent, cloud-based applications across ERP, CRM (including Customer Insights), Power Apps, and Power Automate; and on-premises ERP and CRM applications.\n\n\nOffice Commercial\n\n\nOffice Commercial is designed to increase personal, team, and organizational productivity through a range of products and services. Growth depends on our ability to reach new users in new markets such as frontline workers, small and medium businesses, and growth markets, as well as add value to our core product and service offerings to span productivity categories such as communication, collaboration, analytics, security, and compliance. Office Commercial revenue is mainly affected by a combination of continued installed base growth and average revenue per user expansion, as well as the continued shift from Office licensed on-premises to Office 365.\n\n\nOffice Consumer\n\n\nOffice Consumer is designed to increase personal productivity and creativity through a range of products and services. Growth depends on our ability to reach new users, add value to our core product set, and continue to expand our product and service offerings into new markets. Office Consumer revenue is mainly affected by the percentage of customers that buy Office with their new devices and the continued shift from Office licensed on-premises to Microsoft 365 Consumer subscriptions. Office Consumer Services revenue is mainly affected by the demand for communication and storage through Skype, Outlook.com, and OneDrive, which is largely driven by subscriptions, advertising, and the sale of minutes.\n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLinkedIn\n\n\nLinkedIn connects the world\u2019s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms the way companies hire, market, sell, and learn. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world\u2019s first Economic Graph, a digital representation of the global economy. In addition to LinkedIn\u2019s free services, LinkedIn offers monetized solutions: Talent Solutions, Marketing Solutions, Premium Subscriptions, and Sales Solutions. Talent Solutions provide insights for workforce planning and tools to hire, nurture, and develop talent. Talent Solutions also includes Learning Solutions, which help businesses close critical skills gaps in times where companies are having to do more with existing talent. Marketing Solutions help companies reach, engage, and convert their audiences at scale. Premium Subscriptions enable professionals to manage their professional identity, grow their network, find jobs, and connect with talent through additional services like premium search. Sales Solutions help companies strengthen customer relationships, empower teams with digital selling tools, and acquire new opportunities. LinkedIn has over 950 million members and has offices around the globe. Growth will depend on our ability to increase the number of LinkedIn members and our ability to continue offering services that provide value for our members and increase their engagement. LinkedIn revenue is mainly affected by demand from enterprises and professional organizations for subscriptions to Talent Solutions, Sales Solutions, and Premium Subscriptions offerings, as well as member engagement and the quality of the sponsored content delivered to those members to drive Marketing Solutions.\n \n\n\nDynamics\n\n\nDynamics provides cloud-based and on-premises business solutions for financial management, enterprise resource planning (\u201cERP\u201d), customer relationship management (\u201cCRM\u201d), supply chain management, and other application development platforms for small and medium businesses, large organizations, and divisions of global enterprises. Dynamics revenue is driven by the number of users licensed and applications consumed, expansion of average revenue per user, and the continued shift to Dynamics 365, a unified set of cloud-based intelligent business applications, including Power Apps and Power Automate.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nCompetitors to Office include software and global application vendors, such as Apple, Cisco Systems, Meta, Google, Okta, Proofpoint, Slack, Symantec, Zoom, and numerous web-based and mobile application competitors as well as local application developers. Apple distributes versions of its pre-installed application software, such as email and calendar products, through its PCs, tablets, and phones. Cisco Systems is using its position in enterprise communications equipment to grow its unified communications business. Meta offers communication tools to enable productivity and engagement within organizations. Google provides a hosted messaging and productivity suite. Slack provides teamwork and collaboration software. Zoom offers videoconferencing and cloud phone solutions. Okta, Proofpoint, and Symantec provide security solutions across email security, information protection, identity, and governance. Web-based offerings competing with individual applications have also positioned themselves as alternatives to our products and services. We compete by providing powerful, flexible, secure, integrated industry-specific, and easy-to-use productivity and collaboration tools and services that create comprehensive solutions and work well with technologies our customers already have both on-premises or in the cloud.\n\n\nLinkedIn faces competition from online professional networks, recruiting companies, talent management companies, and larger companies that are focusing on talent management and human resource services; job boards; traditional recruiting firms; and companies that provide learning and development products and services. Marketing Solutions competes with online and offline outlets that generate revenue from advertisers and marketers, and Sales Solutions competes with online and offline outlets for companies with lead generation and customer intelligence and insights.\n\n\nDynamics competes with cloud-based and on-premises business solution providers such as Oracle, Salesforce, and SAP.\n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIntelligent Cloud\n\n\nOur Intelligent Cloud segment consists of our public, private, and hybrid server products and cloud services that can power modern business and developers. This segment primarily comprises:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nServer products and cloud services, including Azure and other cloud services; SQL Server, Windows Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (\u201cCALs\u201d); and Nuance and GitHub. \n\n\n\u2022\nEnterprise Services, including Enterprise Support Services, Industry Solutions (formerly Microsoft Consulting Services\n),\n and Nuance professional services. \n\n\nServer Products and Cloud Services\n\n\nAzure is a comprehensive set of cloud services that offer developers, IT professionals, and enterprises freedom to build, deploy, and manage applications on any platform or device. Customers can use Azure through our global network of datacenters for computing, networking, storage, mobile and web application services, AI, IoT, cognitive services, and machine learning. Azure enables customers to devote more resources to development and use of applications that benefit their organizations, rather than managing on-premises hardware and software. Azure revenue is mainly affected by infrastructure-as-a-service and platform-as-a-service consumption-based services, and per user-based services such as Enterprise Mobility + Security.\n\n\nAzure AI offerings provide a competitive advantage as companies seek ways to optimize and scale their business with machine learning. Azure\u2019s purpose-built, AI-optimized infrastructure allows advanced models, including GPT-4 services designed for developers and data scientists, to do more with less. Customers can integrate large language models and develop the next generation of AI apps and services.\n\n\nOur server products are designed to make IT professionals, developers, and their systems more productive and efficient. Server software is integrated server infrastructure and middleware designed to support software applications built on the Windows Server operating system. This includes the server platform, database, business intelligence, storage, management and operations, virtualization, service-oriented architecture platform, security, and identity software. We also license standalone and software development lifecycle tools for software architects, developers, testers, and project managers. Server products revenue is mainly affected by purchases through volume licensing programs, licenses sold to original equipment manufacturers (\u201cOEM\u201d), and retail packaged products. CALs provide access rights to certain server products, including SQL Server and Windows Server, and revenue is reported along with the associated server product.\n\n\nNuance and GitHub include both cloud and on-premises offerings. Nuance provides healthcare and enterprise AI solutions. GitHub provides a collaboration platform and code hosting service for developers.\n \n\n\nEnterprise Services\n\n\nEnterprise Services, including Enterprise Support Services, Industry Solutions, and Nuance Professional Services, assist customers in developing, deploying, and managing Microsoft server solutions, Microsoft desktop solutions, and Nuance conversational AI and ambient intelligent solutions, along with providing training and certification to developers and IT professionals on various Microsoft products.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nAzure faces diverse competition from companies such as Amazon, Google, IBM, Oracle, VMware, and open source offerings. Azure\u2019s competitive advantage includes enabling a hybrid cloud, allowing deployment of existing datacenters with our public cloud into a single, cohesive infrastructure, and the ability to run at a scale that meets the needs of businesses of all sizes and complexities. Our AI offerings compete with AI products from hyperscalers such as Amazon Bedrock, Amazon CodeWhisperer, and Google AI, as well as products from other emerging competitors, many of which are also current or potential partners, including Meta\u2019s LLaMA2 and other open source solutions. Our Enterprise Mobility + Security offerings also compete with products from a range of competitors including identity vendors, security solution vendors, and numerous other security point solution vendors. We believe our cloud\u2019s global scale, coupled with our broad portfolio of identity and security solutions, allows us to effectively solve complex cybersecurity challenges for our customers and differentiates us from the competition.\n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur server products face competition from a wide variety of server operating systems and applications offered by companies with a range of market approaches. Vertically integrated computer manufacturers such as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Oracle offer their own versions of the Unix operating system preinstalled on server hardware. Nearly all computer manufacturers offer server hardware for the Linux operating system\n,\n and many contribute to Linux operating system development. The competitive position of Linux has also benefited from the large number of compatible applications now produced by many commercial and non-commercial software developers. A number of companies, such as Red Hat, supply versions of Linux.\n\n\nWe compete to provide enterprise-wide computing solutions and point solutions with numerous commercial software vendors that offer solutions and middleware technology platforms, software applications for connectivity (both Internet and intranet), security, hosting, database, and e-business servers. IBM and Oracle lead a group of companies focused on the Java Platform Enterprise Edition that competes with our enterprise-wide computing solutions. Commercial competitors for our server applications for PC-based distributed client-server environments include CA Technologies, IBM, and Oracle. Our web application platform software competes with open source software such as Apache, Linux, MySQL, and PHP. In middleware, we compete against Java vendors.\n \n\n\nOur database, business intelligence, and data warehousing solutions offerings compete with products from IBM, Oracle, SAP, Snowflake, and other companies. Our system management solutions compete with server management and server virtualization platform providers, such as BMC, CA Technologies, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and VMware. Our products for software developers compete against offerings from Adobe, IBM, Oracle, and other companies, and also against open source projects, including Eclipse (sponsored by CA Technologies, IBM, Oracle, and SAP), PHP, and Ruby on Rails.\n \n\n\nWe believe our server products provide customers with advantages in performance, total costs of ownership, and productivity by delivering superior applications, development tools, compatibility with a broad base of hardware and software applications, security, and manageability.\n \n\n\nOur Enterprise Services business competes with a wide range of companies that provide strategy and business planning, application development, and infrastructure services, including multinational consulting firms and small niche businesses focused on specific technologies.\n \n\n\nMore Personal Computing\n\n\nOur More Personal Computing segment consists of products and services that put customers at the center of the experience with our technology. This segment primarily comprises:\n\n\n\u2022\nWindows, including Windows OEM licensing (\u201cWindows OEM\u201d) and other non-volume licensing of the Windows operating system; Windows Commercial, comprising volume licensing of the Windows operating system, Windows cloud services, and other Windows commercial offerings; patent licensing; and Windows IoT.\n\n\n\u2022\nDevices, including Surface, HoloLens, and PC accessories. \n\n\n\u2022\nGaming, including Xbox hardware and Xbox content and services, comprising first- and third-party content (including games and in-game content), Xbox Game Pass and other subscriptions, Xbox Cloud Gaming, advertising, third-party disc royalties, and other cloud services. \n\n\n\u2022\nSearch and news advertising, comprising Bing (including Bing Chat), Microsoft News, Microsoft Edge, and third-party affiliates.\n\n\nWindows\n\n\nThe Windows operating system is designed to deliver a more personal computing experience for users by enabling consistency of experience, applications, and information across their devices. Windows OEM revenue is impacted significantly by the number of Windows operating system licenses purchased by OEMs, which they pre-install on the devices they sell. In addition to computing device market volume, Windows OEM revenue is impacted by:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nThe mix of computing devices based on form factor and screen size.\n\n\n\u2022\nDifferences in device market demand between developed markets and growth markets.\n\n\n\u2022\nAttachment of Windows to devices shipped.\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u2022\nCustomer mix between consumer, small and medium businesses, and large enterprises.\n\n\n\u2022\nChanges in inventory levels in the OEM channel.\n\n\n\u2022\nPricing changes and promotions, pricing variation that occurs when the mix of devices manufactured shifts from local and regional system builders to large multinational OEMs, and different pricing of Windows versions licensed.\n\n\n\u2022\nConstraints in the supply chain of device components.\n\n\n\u2022\nPiracy.\n\n\nWindows Commercial revenue, which includes volume licensing of the Windows operating system and Windows cloud services such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, is affected mainly by the demand from commercial customers for volume licensing and Software Assurance (\u201cSA\u201d), as well as advanced security offerings. Windows Commercial revenue often reflects the number of information workers in a licensed enterprise and is relatively independent of the number of PCs sold in a given year.\n\n\nPatent licensing includes our programs to license patents we own for use across a broad array of technology areas, including mobile devices and cloud offerings.\n\n\nWindows IoT extends the power of Windows and the cloud to intelligent systems by delivering specialized operating systems, tools, and services for use in embedded devices.\n \n\n\nDevices\n\n\nWe design and sell devices, including Surface, HoloLens, and PC accessories. Our devices are designed to enable people and organizations to connect to the people and content that matter most using Windows and integrated Microsoft products and services. Surface is designed to help organizations, students, and consumers be more productive. Growth in Devices is dependent on total PC shipments, the ability to attract new customers, our product roadmap, and expanding into new categories.\n\n\nGaming\n\n\nOur gaming platform is designed to provide a variety of entertainment through a unique combination of content, community, and cloud services. Our exclusive game content is created through Xbox Game Studios, a collection of first-party studios creating iconic and differentiated gaming experiences. We continue to invest in new gaming studios and content to expand our intellectual property roadmap and leverage new content creators. These unique gaming experiences are the cornerstone of Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service and gaming community with access to a curated library of over 400 first- and third-party console and PC titles.\n\n\nThe gamer remains at the heart of the Xbox ecosystem. We are identifying new opportunities to attract gamers across a variety of different end points through our first- and third-party content and business diversification across subscriptions, ads, and digital stores. We\u2019ve seen new devices from third-party manufacturers along with key PC and mobile end points that help us empower gamers to play in a way that is most convenient to them. We are focused on growing the platform and expanding to new ecosystems to engage as many gamers as possible.\n \n\n\nXbox enables people to connect and share online gaming experiences that are accessible on Xbox consoles, Windows-enabled devices, and other devices. Xbox is designed to benefit users by providing access to a network of certified applications and services and to benefit our developer and partner ecosystems by providing access to a large customer base. Xbox revenue is mainly affected by subscriptions and sales of first- and third-party content, as well as advertising. Growth of our Gaming business is determined by the overall active user base through Xbox enabled content, availability of games, providing exclusive game content that gamers seek, the computational power and reliability of the devices used to access our content and services, and the ability to create new experiences through first-party content creators.\n \n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSearch and News Advertising\n\n\nOur Search and news advertising business is designed to deliver relevant search, native, and display advertising to a global audience. Our Microsoft Edge browser and Bing Chat capabilities are key tools to enable user acquisition and engagement, while our technology platform enables accelerated delivery of digital advertising solutions. In addition to first-party tools, we have several partnerships with companies, such as Yahoo, through which we provide and monetize search offerings. Growth depends on our ability to attract new users, understand intent, and match intent with relevant content on advertising offerings.\n\n\nCompetition\n \n\n\nWindows faces competition from various software products and from alternative platforms and devices, mainly from Apple and Google. We believe Windows competes effectively by giving customers choice, value, flexibility, security, an easy-to-use interface, and compatibility with a broad range of hardware and software applications, including those that enable productivity.\n \n\n\nDevices face competition from various computer, tablet, and hardware manufacturers who offer a unique combination of high-quality industrial design and innovative technologies across various price points. These manufacturers, many of which are also current or potential partners and customers, include Apple and our Windows OEMs.\n\n\nXbox and our cloud gaming services face competition from various online gaming ecosystems and game streaming services, including those operated by Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Tencent. We also compete with other providers of entertainment services such as video streaming platforms. Our gaming platform competes with console platforms from Nintendo and Sony, both of which have a large, established base of customers. We believe our gaming platform is effectively positioned against, and uniquely differentiated from, competitive products and services based on significant innovation in hardware architecture, user interface, developer tools, online gaming and entertainment services, and continued strong exclusive content from our own first-party game franchises as well as other digital content offerings.\n\n\nOur Search and news advertising business competes with Google and a wide array of websites, social platforms like Meta, and portals that provide content and online offerings to end users.\n \n\n\nOPERATIONS\n \n\n\nWe have regional operations service centers that support our operations, including customer contract and order processing, billing, credit and collections, information processing, and vendor management and logistics. The center in Ireland supports the African, Asia-Pacific, European, and Middle East regions; and the centers in Arlington, Virginia, Atlanta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, Fargo, North Dakota, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Redmond, Washington, Reno, Nevada, and Puerto Rico support the American regions.\n\n\nIn addition to our operations centers, we also operate datacenters throughout each of these regions. We continue to identify and evaluate opportunities to expand our datacenter locations and increase our server capacity to meet the evolving needs of our customers, particularly given the growing demand for AI services. Our datacenters depend on the availability of permitted and buildable land, predictable energy, networking supplies, and servers, including graphics processing units (\u201cGPUs\u201d) and other components.\n\n\nOur devices are primarily manufactured by third-party contract manufacturers. For the majority of our products, we have the ability to use other manufacturers if a current vendor becomes unavailable or unable to meet our requirements. However, some of our products contain certain components for which there are very few qualified suppliers. Extended disruptions at these suppliers could impact our ability to manufacture devices on time to meet consumer demand.\n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT\n \n\n\nProduct and Service Development, and Intellectual Property\n \n\n\nWe develop most of our products and services internally through the following engineering groups.\n \n\n\n\u2022\nCloud and AI \n\u2013 focuses on making IT professionals, developers, partners, independent software vendors, and their systems more productive and efficient through development of Azure AI platform and cloud infrastructure, server, database, CRM, ERP, software development tools and services (including GitHub), AI cognitive services, and other business process applications and services for enterprises.\n\n\n\u2022\nStrategic Missions and Technologies\n \u2013 focuses on incubating technical products and support solutions with transformative potential for the future of cloud computing and continued company growth across quantum computing, Azure Space & Missions Engineering, telecommunications, and Microsoft Federal Sales and Delivery.\n\n\n\u2022\nExperiences and Devices\n \u2013 focuses on delivering high value end-user experiences across our products, services, and devices, including Microsoft 365, Windows, Microsoft Teams, Search (including Microsoft Edge and Bing Chat) and other advertising-based services, and the Surface line of devices.\n\n\n\u2022\nMicrosoft Security\n \u2013 focuses on delivering a comprehensive portfolio of services that protect our customers\u2019 digital infrastructure through cloud platform and application security, data protection and governance, identity and network access, and device management.\n \n\n\n\u2022\nTechnology and Research\n \u2013 focuses on fundamental research, product and business incubations, and forward-looking AI innovations that span infrastructure, services, and applications.\n\n\n\u2022\nLinkedIn\n \u2013 focuses on our services that transform the way professionals grow their network and find jobs and the way businesses hire, market, sell, and learn. \n\n\n\u2022\nGaming\n \u2013 focuses on developing hardware, content, and services across a large range of platforms to help grow our user base through game experiences and social interaction.\n\n\nInternal development allows us to maintain competitive advantages that come from product differentiation and closer technical control over our products and services. It also gives us the freedom to decide which modifications and enhancements are most important and when they should be implemented. We strive to obtain information as early as possible about changing usage patterns and hardware advances that may affect software and hardware design. Before releasing new software platforms, and as we make significant modifications to existing platforms, we provide application vendors with a range of resources and guidelines for development, training, and testing. Generally, we also create product documentation internally.\n \n\n\nWe protect our intellectual property investments in a variety of ways. We work actively in the U.S. and internationally to ensure the enforcement of copyright, trademark, trade secret, and other protections that apply to our software and hardware products, services, business plans, and branding. We are a leader among technology companies in pursuing patents and currently have a portfolio of over 70,000 U.S. and international patents issued and over 19,000 pending worldwide. While we employ much of our internally-developed intellectual property in our products and services, we also engage in outbound licensing of specific patented technologies that are incorporated into licensees\u2019 products. From time to time, we enter into broader cross-license agreements with other technology companies covering entire groups of patents. We may also purchase or license technology that we incorporate into our products and services. At times, we make select intellectual property broadly available at no or low cost to achieve a strategic objective, such as promoting industry standards, advancing interoperability, supporting societal and/or environmental efforts, or attracting and enabling our external development community. Our increasing engagement with open source software will also cause us to license our intellectual property rights broadly in certain situations.\n\n\nWhile it may be necessary in the future to seek or renew licenses relating to various aspects of our products and services, we believe, based upon past experience and industry practice, such licenses generally can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. We believe our continuing research and product development are not materially dependent on any single license or other agreement with a third party relating to the development of our products.\n \n\n\n17\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInvesting in the Future\n \n\n\nOur success is based on our ability to create new and compelling products, services, and experiences for our users, to initiate and embrace disruptive technology trends, to enter new geographic and product markets, and to drive broad adoption of our products and services. We invest in a range of emerging technology trends and breakthroughs that we believe offer significant opportunities to deliver value to our customers and growth for the company. Based on our assessment of key technology trends, we maintain our long-term commitment to research and development across a wide spectrum of technologies, tools, and platforms spanning digital work and life experiences, cloud computing, AI, devices, and operating systems.\n \n\n\nWhile our main product research and development facilities are located in Redmond, Washington, we also operate research and development facilities in other parts of the U.S. and around the world. This global approach helps us remain competitive in local markets and enables us to continue to attract top talent from across the world.\n \n\n\nWe plan to continue to make significant investments in a broad range of product research and development activities, and as appropriate we will coordinate our research and development across operating segments and leverage the results across the company.\n \n\n\nIn addition to our main research and development operations, we also operate Microsoft Research. Microsoft Research is one of the world\u2019s largest corporate research organizations, often working in close collaboration with top universities around the world, and is focused on advancing the state-of-the-art in computer science and a broad range of other disciplines. Our investment in fundamental research provides us a unique perspective on future trends and contributes to our innovation.\n \n\n\nDISTRIBUTION, SALES, AND MARKETING\n \n\n\nWe market and distribute our products and services through the following channels: OEMs, direct, and distributors and resellers. Our sales organization performs a variety of functions, including working directly with commercial enterprises and public-sector organizations worldwide to identify and meet their technology and digital transformation requirements; managing OEM relationships; and supporting system integrators, independent software vendors, and other partners who engage directly with our customers to perform sales, consulting, and fulfillment functions for our products and services.\n\n\nOEMs\n \n\n\nWe distribute our products and services through OEMs that pre-install our software on new devices and servers they sell. The largest component of the OEM business is the Windows operating system pre-installed on devices. OEMs also sell devices pre-installed with other Microsoft products and services, including applications such as Office and the capability to subscribe to Office 365.\n \n\n\nThere are two broad categories of OEMs. The largest category of OEMs are direct OEMs as our relationship with them is managed through a direct agreement between Microsoft and the OEM. We have distribution agreements covering one or more of our products with virtually all the multinational OEMs, including Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and with many regional and local OEMs. The second broad category of OEMs are system builders consisting of lower-volume PC manufacturers, which source Microsoft software for pre-installation and local redistribution primarily through the Microsoft distributor channel rather than through a direct agreement or relationship with Microsoft.\n \n\n\nDirect\n \n\n\nMany organizations that license our products and services transact directly with us through Enterprise Agreements and Enterprise Services contracts, with sales support from system integrators, independent software vendors, web agencies, and partners that advise organizations on licensing our products and services (\u201cEnterprise Agreement Software Advisors\u201d or \u201cESA\u201d). Microsoft offers direct sales programs targeted to reach small, medium, and corporate customers, in addition to those offered through the reseller channel. A large network of partner advisors support many of these sales.\n \n\n\nWe also sell commercial and consumer products and services directly to customers, such as cloud services, search, and gaming, through our digital marketplaces and online stores. Additionally, our Microsoft Experience Centers are designed to facilitate deeper engagement with our partners and customers across industries.\n \n\n\n18\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDistributors and Resellers\n \n\n\nOrganizations also license our products and services indirectly, primarily through licensing solution partners (\u201cLSP\u201d), distributors, value-added resellers (\u201cVAR\u201d), and retailers. Although each type of reselling partner may reach organizations of all sizes, LSPs are primarily engaged with large organizations, distributors resell primarily to VARs, and VARs typically reach small and medium organizations. ESAs are also typically authorized as LSPs and operate as resellers for our other volume licensing programs. Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider is our main partner program for reselling cloud services.\n \n\n\nWe distribute our retail packaged products primarily through independent non-exclusive distributors, authorized replicators, resellers, and retail outlets. Individual consumers obtain these products primarily through retail outlets. We distribute our devices through third-party retailers. We have a network of field sales representatives and field support personnel that solicit orders from distributors and resellers and provide product training and sales support.\n \n\n\nOur Dynamics business solutions are also licensed to enterprises through a global network of channel partners providing vertical solutions and specialized services.\n \n\n\nLICENSING OPTIONS\n \n\n\nWe offer options for organizations that want to purchase our cloud services, on-premises software, and SA. We license software to organizations under volume licensing agreements to allow the customer to acquire multiple licenses of products and services instead of having to acquire separate licenses through retail channels. We use different programs designed to provide flexibility for organizations of various sizes. While these programs may differ in various parts of the world, generally they include those discussed below.\n \n\n\nSA conveys rights to new software and upgrades for perpetual licenses released over the contract period. It also provides support, tools, training, and other licensing benefits to help customers deploy and use software efficiently. SA is included with certain volume licensing agreements and is an optional purchase with others.\n\n\nVolume Licensing Programs\n\n\nEnterprise Agreement\n \n\n\nEnterprise Agreements offer large organizations a manageable volume licensing program that gives them the flexibility to buy cloud services and software licenses under one agreement. Enterprise Agreements are designed for medium or large organizations that want to license cloud services and on-premises software organization-wide over a three-year period. Organizations can elect to purchase perpetual licenses or subscribe to licenses. SA is included.\n \n\n\nMicrosoft Customer Agreement\n\n\nA Microsoft Customer Agreement is a simplified purchase agreement presented, accepted, and stored through a digital experience. A Microsoft Customer Agreement is a non-expiring agreement that is designed to support all customers over time, whether purchasing through a partner or directly from Microsoft.\n\n\nMicrosoft Online Subscription Agreement\n\n\nA Microsoft Online Subscription Agreement is\n \ndesigned for small and medium organizations that want to subscribe to, activate, provision, and maintain cloud services seamlessly and directly via the web. The agreement allows customers to acquire monthly or annual subscriptions for cloud-based services.\n\n\nMicrosoft Products and Services Agreement\n \n\n\nMicrosoft Products and Services Agreements are designed for medium and large organizations that want to license cloud services and on-premises software as needed, with no organization-wide commitment, under a single, non-expiring agreement. Organizations purchase perpetual licenses or subscribe to licenses. SA is optional for customers that purchase perpetual licenses.\n \n\n\n19\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOpen Value\n\n\nOpen Value agreements are a simple, cost-effective way to acquire the latest Microsoft technology. These agreements are designed for small and medium organizations that want to license cloud services and on-premises software over a three-year period. Under Open Value agreements, organizations can elect to purchase perpetual licenses or subscribe to licenses and SA is included.\n \n\n\nSelect Plus\n \n\n\nA Select Plus agreement is designed for government and academic organizations to acquire on-premises licenses at any affiliate or department level, while realizing advantages as one organization. Organizations purchase perpetual licenses and SA is optional.\n \n\n\nPartner Programs\n \n\n\nThe Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider Program offers customers an easy way to license the cloud services they need in combination with the value-added services offered by their systems integrator, managed services provider, or cloud reseller partner. Partners in this program can easily package their own products and services to directly provision, manage, and support their customer subscriptions.\n\n\nThe Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement allows hosting service providers and independent software vendors who want to license eligible Microsoft software products to provide software services and hosted applications to their end customers. Partners license software over a three-year period and are billed monthly based on consumption.\n\n\nThe Independent Software Vendor Royalty Program enables partners to integrate Microsoft products into other applications and then license the unified business solution to their end users.\n\n\nCUSTOMERS\n\n\nOur customers include individual consumers, small and medium organizations, large global enterprises, public-sector institutions, Internet service providers, application developers, and OEMs. Our practice is to ship our products promptly upon receipt of purchase orders from customers; consequently, backlog is not significant.\n\n\nINFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIV\nE OFFICERS\n\n\nOur executive officers as of July 27, 2023 were as follows:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nName\n\n\n \n\n\nAge\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nPosition with the Company\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSatya Nadella\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n55\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nChairman and Chief Executive Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJudson B. Althoff\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n50\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChristopher C. Capossela\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n53\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKathleen T. Hogan\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n57\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmy E. Hood\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n51\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBradford L. Smith\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n64\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nVice Chair and President\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChristopher D. Young\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n51\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nExecutive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy, and Ventures\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMr. Nadella was appointed Chairman of the Board in June 2021 and Chief Executive Officer in February 2014. He served as Executive Vice President, Cloud and Enterprise from July 2013 until that time. From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Nadella served as President, Server and Tools. From 2009 to 2011, he was Senior Vice President, Online Services Division. From 2008 to 2009, he was Senior Vice President, Search, Portal, and Advertising. Since joining Microsoft in 1992, Mr. Nadella\u2019s roles also included Vice President of the Business Division. Mr. Nadella also serves on the Board of Directors of Starbucks Corporation.\n\n\nMr. Althoff was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer in July 2021. He served as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Commercial Business from July 2017 until that time. Prior to that, Mr. Althoff served as the President of Microsoft North America. Mr. Althoff joined Microsoft in March 2013 as President of Microsoft North America.\n\n\n20\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMr. Capossela was appointed Executive Vice President, Marketing and Consumer Business, and Chief Marketing Officer in July 2016. He had served as Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer since March 2014.Since joining Microsoft in 1991, Mr. Capossela has held a variety of marketing leadership roles in the Consumer Channels Group, and in the Microsoft Office Division where he was responsible for marketing productivity solutions including Microsoft Office, Office 365, SharePoint, Exchange, Skype for Business, Project, and Visio.\n\n\nMs. Hogan was appointed Executive Vice President, Human Resources in November 2014. Prior to that Ms. Hogan was Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Services. She also served as Corporate Vice President of Customer Service and Support. Ms. Hogan joined Microsoft in 2003. Ms. Hogan also serves on the Board of Directors of Alaska Air Group, Inc.\n\n\nMs. Hood was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2013, subsequent to her appointment as Chief Financial Officer in May 2013. From 2010 to 2013, Ms. Hood was Chief Financial Officer of the Microsoft Business Division. Since joining Microsoft in 2002, Ms. Hood has also held finance-related positions in the Server and Tools Business and the corporate finance organization. Ms. Hood also serves on the Board of Directors of 3M Corporation.\n\n\nMr. Smith was appointed Vice Chair and President in September 2021. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Legal Officer since September 2015. He served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary from 2011 to 2015, and served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary from 2001 to 2011. Mr. Smith was also named Chief Compliance Officer in 2002. Since joining Microsoft in 1993, he was Deputy General Counsel for Worldwide Sales and previously was responsible for managing the European Law and Corporate Affairs Group, based in Paris. Mr. Smith also serves on the Board of Directors of Netflix, Inc.\n\n\nMr. Young has served as Executive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy, and Ventures since joining Microsoft in November 2020. Prior to Microsoft, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of McAfee, LLC from 2017 to 2020, and served as a Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel Security Group from 2014 until 2017, when he led the initiative to spin out McAfee into a standalone company. Mr. Young also serves on the Board of Directors of American Express Company.\n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAVAILABLE INFORMATION\n\n\nOur Internet address is www.microsoft.com. At our Investor Relations website, www.microsoft.com/investor, we make available free of charge a variety of information for investors. Our goal is to maintain the Investor Relations website as a portal through which investors can easily find or navigate to pertinent information about us, including:\n\n\n\u2022\nOur annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file that material with or furnish it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d) at www.sec.gov.\n\n\n\u2022\nInformation on our business strategies, financial results, and metrics for investors.\n\n\n\u2022\nAnnouncements of investor conferences, speeches, and events at which our executives talk about our product, service, and competitive strategies. Archives of these events are also available.\n\n\n\u2022\nPress releases on quarterly earnings, product and service announcements, legal developments, and international news.\n\n\n\u2022\nCorporate governance information including our articles of incorporation, bylaws, governance guidelines, committee charters, codes of conduct and ethics, global corporate social responsibility initiatives, and other governance-related policies.\n\n\n\u2022\nOther news and announcements that we may post from time to time that investors might find useful or interesting.\n\n\n\u2022\nOpportunities to sign up for email alerts to have information pushed in real time.\n\n\nWe publish a variety of reports and resources related to our Corporate Social Responsibility programs and progress on our Reports Hub website, www.microsoft.com/corporate-responsibility/reports-hub, including reports on sustainability, responsible sourcing, accessibility, digital trust, and public policy engagement.\n \n\n\nThe information found on these websites is not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this or any other report we file with, or furnish to, the SEC. In addition to these channels, we use social media to communicate to the public. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material to investors. We encourage investors, the media, and others interested in Microsoft to review the information we post on the social media channels listed on our Investor Relations website.\n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nITEM 1A. RIS\nK FACTORS\n\n\nOur operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and the trading price of our common stock.\n\n\nSTRATEGIC AND COMPETITIVE RISKS\n\n\nWe face intense competition across all markets for our products and services, which may lead to lower revenue or operating margins.\n\n\nCompetition in the technology sector\n\n\nOur competitors range in size from diversified global companies with significant research and development resources to small, specialized firms whose narrower product lines may let them be more effective in deploying technical, marketing, and financial resources. Barriers to entry in many of our businesses are low and many of the areas in which we compete evolve rapidly with changing and disruptive technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of new products and services. Our ability to remain competitive depends on our success in making innovative products, devices, and services that appeal to businesses and consumers.\n\n\nCompetition among platform-based ecosystems\n\n\nAn important element of our business model has been to create platform-based ecosystems on which many participants can build diverse solutions. A well-established ecosystem creates beneficial network effects among users, application developers, and the platform provider that can accelerate growth. Establishing significant scale in the marketplace is necessary to achieve and maintain attractive margins. We face significant competition from firms that provide competing platforms.\n\n\n\u2022\nA competing vertically-integrated model, in which a single firm controls the software and hardware elements of a product and related services, has succeeded with some consumer products such as personal computers, tablets, phones, gaming consoles, wearables, and other endpoint devices. Competitors pursuing this model also earn revenue from services integrated with the hardware and software platform, including applications and content sold through their integrated marketplaces. They may also be able to claim security and performance benefits from their vertically integrated offer. We also offer some vertically-integrated hardware and software products and services. To the extent we shift a portion of our business to a vertically integrated model we increase our cost of revenue and reduce our operating margins.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe derive substantial revenue from licenses of Windows operating systems on PCs. We face significant competition from competing platforms developed for new devices and form factors such as smartphones and tablet computers. These devices compete on multiple bases including price and the perceived utility of the device and its platform. Users are increasingly turning to these devices to perform functions that in the past were performed by personal computers. Even if many users view these devices as complementary to a personal computer, the prevalence of these devices may make it more difficult to attract application developers to our PC operating system platforms. Competing with operating systems licensed at low or no cost may decrease our PC operating system margins. Popular products or services offered on competing platforms could increase their competitive strength. In addition, some of our devices compete with products made by our original equipment manufacturer (\u201cOEM\u201d) partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform.\n\n\n\u2022\nCompeting platforms have content and application marketplaces with scale and significant installed bases. The variety and utility of content and applications available on a platform are important to device purchasing decisions. Users may incur costs to move data and buy new content and applications when switching platforms. To compete, we must successfully enlist developers to write applications for our platform and ensure that these applications have high quality, security, customer appeal, and value. Efforts to compete with competitors\u2019 content and application marketplaces may increase our cost of revenue and lower our operating margins. Competitors\u2019 rules governing their content and applications marketplaces may restrict our ability to distribute products and services through them in accordance with our technical and business model objectives.\n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBusiness model competition\n\n\nCompanies compete with us based on a growing variety of business models.\n\n\n\u2022\nEven as we transition more of our business to infrastructure-, platform-, and software-as-a-service business model, the license-based proprietary software model generates a substantial portion of our software revenue. We bear the costs of converting original ideas into software products through investments in research and development, offsetting these costs with the revenue received from licensing our products. Many of our competitors also develop and sell software to businesses and consumers under this model.\n\n\n\u2022\nWe are investing in artificial intelligence (\u201cAI\u201d) across the entire company and infusing generative AI capabilities into our consumer and commercial offerings. We expect AI technology and services to be a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market. We will bear significant development and operational costs to build and support the AI capabilities, products, and services necessary to meet the needs of our customers. To compete effectively we must also be responsive to technological change, potential regulatory developments, and public scrutiny.\n\n\n\u2022\nOther competitors develop and offer free applications, online services, and content, and make money by selling third-party advertising. Advertising revenue funds development of products and services these competitors provide to users at no or little cost, competing directly with our revenue-generating products.\n\n\n\u2022\nSome companies compete with us by modifying and then distributing open source software at little or no cost to end users, using open source AI models,\n \nand earning revenue on advertising or integrated products and services. These firms do not bear the full costs of research and development for the open source products. Some open source products mimic the features and functionality of our products.\n\n\nThe competitive pressures described above may cause decreased sales volumes, price reductions, and/or increased operating costs, such as for research and development, marketing, and sales incentives. This may lead to lower revenue, gross margins, and operating income.\n\n\nOur increasing focus on cloud-based services presents execution and competitive risks.\n A growing part of our business involves cloud-based services available across the spectrum of computing devices. Our strategic vision is to compete and grow by building best-in-class platforms and productivity services that utilize ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligence to drive insights and productivity gains. At the same time, our competitors are rapidly developing and deploying cloud-based services for consumers and business customers. Pricing and delivery models are evolving. Devices and form factors influence how users access services in the cloud and sometimes the user\u2019s choice of which cloud-based services to use. Certain industries and customers have specific requirements for cloud services and may present enhanced risks.\n \nWe are devoting significant resources to develop and deploy our cloud-based strategies. The Windows ecosystem must continue to evolve with this changing environment. We embrace cultural and organizational changes to drive accountability and eliminate obstacles to innovation. Our intelligent cloud and intelligent edge offerings are connected to the growth of the Internet of Things (\u201cIoT\u201d), a network of distributed and interconnected devices employing sensors, data, and computing capabilities, including AI. Our success in driving ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligence will depend on the level of adoption of our offerings such as Azure, Azure AI, and Azure IoT Edge. We may not establish market share sufficient to achieve scale necessary to meet our business objectives.\n\n\nBesides software development costs, we are incurring costs to build and maintain infrastructure to support cloud computing services. These costs will reduce the operating margins we have previously achieved. Whether we succeed in cloud-based services depends on our execution in several areas, including:\n\n\n\u2022\nContinuing to bring to market compelling cloud-based experiences that generate increasing traffic and market share.\n\n\n\u2022\nMaintaining the utility, compatibility, and performance of our cloud-based services on the growing array of computing devices, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other devices, as well as sensors and other IoT endpoints.\n\n\n\u2022\nContinuing to enhance the attractiveness of our cloud platforms to third-party developers.\n\n\n\u2022\nEnsuring our cloud-based services meet the reliability expectations of our customers and maintain the security of their data as well as help them meet their own compliance needs.\n\n\n\u2022\nMaking our suite of cloud-based services platform-agnostic, available on a wide range of devices and ecosystems, including those of our competitors.\n\n\n24\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIt is uncertain whether our strategies will attract the users or generate the revenue required to succeed. If we are not effective in executing organizational and technical changes to increase efficiency and accelerate innovation, or if we fail to generate sufficient usage of our new products and services, we may not grow revenue in line with the infrastructure and development investments described above. This may negatively impact gross margins and operating income.\n\n\nSome users may engage in fraudulent or abusive activities through our cloud-based services. These include unauthorized use of accounts through stolen credentials, use of stolen credit cards or other payment vehicles, failure to pay for services accessed, or other activities that violate our terms of service such as cryptocurrency mining or launching cyberattacks. If our efforts to detect such violations or our actions to control these types of fraud and abuse are not effective, we may experience adverse impacts to our revenue or incur reputational damage.\n\n\nRISKS RELATING TO THE EVOLUTION OF OUR BUSINESS\n\n\nWe make significant investments in products and services that may not achieve expected returns.\n We will continue to make significant investments in research, development, and marketing for existing products, services, and technologies, including the Windows operating system, Microsoft 365, Bing, SQL Server, Windows Server, Azure, Office 365, Xbox, LinkedIn, and other products and services. In addition, we are focused on developing new AI platform services and incorporating AI into existing products and services.\n \nWe also invest in the development and acquisition of a variety of hardware for productivity, communication, and entertainment, including PCs, tablets, gaming devices, and HoloLens. Investments in new technology are speculative. Commercial success depends on many factors, including innovativeness, developer support, and effective distribution and marketing. If customers do not perceive our latest offerings as providing significant new functionality or other value, they may reduce their purchases of new software and hardware products or upgrades, unfavorably affecting revenue. We may not achieve significant revenue from new product, service, and distribution channel investments for several years, if at all. New products and services may not be profitable, and even if they are profitable, operating margins for some new products and businesses will not be as high as the margins we have experienced historically. We may not get engagement in certain features, like Microsoft Edge, Bing, and Bing Chat, that drive post-sale monetization opportunities. Our data handling practices across our products and services will continue to be under scrutiny. Perceptions of mismanagement, driven by regulatory activity or negative public reaction to our practices or product experiences, could negatively impact product and feature adoption, product design, and product quality.\n\n\nDeveloping new technologies is complex. It can require long development and testing periods. Significant delays in new releases or significant problems in creating new products or services could adversely affect our revenue.\n\n\nAcquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances may have an adverse effect on our business.\n We expect to continue making acquisitions and entering into joint ventures and strategic alliances as part of our long-term business strategy. For example, in March 2021 we completed our acquisition of ZeniMax Media Inc. for $8.1 billion, and in \nMarch 2022 we completed our acquisition of Nuance Communications, Inc. for $18.8 billion. In January 2022\n we announced a definitive agreement to acquire \nActivision Blizzard\n, Inc. for $68.7 billion. In January 2023 we announced the third phase of our OpenAI strategic partnership. Acquisitions and other transactions and arrangements involve significant challenges and risks, including that they do not advance our business strategy, that we get an unsatisfactory return on our investment, that they raise new compliance-related obligations and challenges, that we have difficulty integrating and retaining new employees, business systems, and technology, that they distract management from our other businesses, or that announced transactions may not be completed. If an arrangement fails to adequately anticipate changing circumstances and interests of a party, it may result in early termination or renegotiation of the arrangement. The success of these transactions and arrangements will depend in part on our ability to leverage them to enhance our existing products and services or develop compelling new ones, as well as acquired companies\u2019 ability to meet our policies and processes in areas such as data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity. It may take longer than expected to realize the full benefits from these transactions and arrangements such as increased revenue or enhanced efficiencies, or the benefits may ultimately be smaller than we expected. These events could adversely affect our consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n25\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIf our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets become impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings.\n We acquire other companies and intangible assets and may not realize all the economic benefit from those acquisitions, which could cause an impairment of goodwill or intangibles. We review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be a change in circumstances, indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable, include a decline in our stock price and market capitalization, reduced future cash flow estimates, and slower growth rates in industry segments in which we participate. We have in the past recorded, and may in the future be required to record, a significant charge in our consolidated financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets is determined, negatively affecting our results of operations.\n\n\nCYBERSECURITY, DATA PRIVACY, AND PLATFORM ABUSE RISKS\n\n\nCyberattacks and security vulnerabilities could lead to reduced revenue, increased costs, liability claims, or harm to our reputation or competitive position.\n\n\nSecurity of our information technology\n\n\nThreats to IT security can take a variety of forms. Individual and groups of hackers and sophisticated organizations, including state-sponsored organizations or nation-states, continuously undertake attacks that pose threats to our customers and our IT. These actors may use a wide variety of methods, which may include developing and deploying malicious software or exploiting vulnerabilities or intentionally designed processes in hardware, software, or other infrastructure in order to attack our products and services or gain access to our networks and datacenters, using social engineering techniques to induce our employees, users, partners, or customers to disclose passwords or other sensitive information or take other actions to gain access to our data or our users\u2019 or customers\u2019 data, or acting in a coordinated manner to launch distributed denial of service or other coordinated attacks. Nation-state and state-sponsored actors can deploy significant resources to plan and carry out attacks. Nation-state attacks against us, our customers, or our partners may intensify during periods of intense diplomatic or armed conflict, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Inadequate account security or organizational security practices may also result in unauthorized access to confidential data. For example, system administrators may fail to timely remove employee account access when no longer appropriate. Employees or third parties may intentionally compromise our or our users\u2019 security or systems or reveal confidential information. Malicious actors may employ the IT supply chain to introduce malware through software updates or compromised supplier accounts or hardware.\n\n\nCyberthreats are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, increasing the difficulty of detecting and successfully defending against them. We may have no current capability to detect certain vulnerabilities or new attack methods, which may allow them to persist in the environment over long periods of time. Cyberthreats can have cascading impacts that unfold with increasing speed across our internal networks and systems and those of our partners and customers. Breaches of our facilities, network, or data security could disrupt the security of our systems and business applications, impair our ability to provide services to our customers and protect the privacy of their data, result in product development delays, compromise confidential or technical business information harming our reputation or competitive position, result in theft or misuse of our intellectual property or other assets, subject us to ransomware attacks, require us to allocate more resources to improve technologies or remediate the impacts of attacks, or otherwise adversely affect our business.\n \nWe are also subject to supply chain cyberattacks where malware can be introduced to a software provider\u2019s customers, including us, through software updates.\n\n\nIn addition, our internal IT environment continues to evolve. Often, we are early adopters of new devices and technologies. We embrace new ways of sharing data and communicating internally and with partners and customers using methods such as social networking and other consumer-oriented technologies. Increasing use of generative AI models in our internal systems may create new attack methods for adversaries.\n \nOur business policies and internal security controls may not keep pace with these changes as new threats emerge, or emerging cybersecurity regulations in jurisdictions worldwide.\n\n\n26\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSecurity of our products, services, devices, and customers\u2019 data\n\n\nThe security of our products and services is important in our customers\u2019 decisions to purchase or use our products or services across cloud and on-premises environments. Security threats are a significant challenge to companies like us whose business is providing technology products and services to others. Threats to our own IT infrastructure can also affect our customers. Customers using our cloud-based services rely on the security of our infrastructure, including hardware and other elements provided by third parties, to ensure the reliability of our services and the protection of their data. Adversaries tend to focus their efforts on the most popular operating systems, programs, and services, including many of ours, and we expect that to continue. In addition, adversaries can attack our customers\u2019 on-premises or cloud environments, sometimes exploiting previously unknown (\u201czero day\u201d) vulnerabilities, such as occurred in early calendar year 2021 with several of our Exchange Server on-premises products. Vulnerabilities in these or any product can persist even after we have issued security patches if customers have not installed the most recent updates, or if the attackers exploited the vulnerabilities before patching to install additional malware to further compromise customers\u2019 systems. Adversaries will continue to attack customers using our cloud services as customers embrace digital transformation. Adversaries that acquire user account information can use that information to compromise our users\u2019 accounts, including where accounts share the same attributes such as passwords. Inadequate account security practices may also result in unauthorized access, and user activity may result in ransomware or other malicious software impacting a customer\u2019s use of our products or services. We are increasingly incorporating open source software into our products. There may be vulnerabilities in open source software that may make our products susceptible to cyberattacks.\n \nAdditionally, we are actively adding new generative AI features to our services. Because generative AI is a new field, understanding of security risks and protection methods continues to develop; features that rely on generative AI may be susceptible to unanticipated security threats from sophisticated adversaries.\n\n\nOur customers operate complex IT systems with third-party hardware and software from multiple vendors that may include systems acquired over many years. They expect our products and services to support all these systems and products, including those that no longer incorporate the strongest current security advances or standards. As a result, we may not be able to discontinue support in our services for a product, service, standard, or feature solely because a more secure alternative is available. Failure to utilize the most current security advances and standards can increase our customers\u2019 vulnerability to attack. Further, customers of widely varied size and technical sophistication use our technology, and consequently may still\n \nhave limited capabilities and resources to help them adopt and implement state of the art cybersecurity practices and technologies. In addition, we must account for this wide variation of technical sophistication when defining default settings for our products and services, including security default settings, as these settings may limit or otherwise impact other aspects of IT operations and some customers may have limited capability to review and reset these defaults.\n\n\nCyberattacks may adversely impact our customers even if our production services are not directly compromised. We are committed to notifying our customers whose systems have been impacted as we become aware and have actionable information for customers to help protect themselves. We are also committed to providing guidance and support on detection, tracking, and remediation. We may not be able to detect the existence or extent of these attacks for all of our customers or have information on how to detect or track an attack, especially where an attack involves on-premises software such as Exchange Server where we may have no or limited visibility into our customers\u2019 computing environments.\n\n\nDevelopment and deployment of defensive measures\n\n\nTo defend against security threats to our internal IT systems, our cloud-based services, and our customers\u2019 systems, we must continuously engineer more secure products and services, enhance security, threat detection, and reliability features, improve the deployment of software updates to address security vulnerabilities in our own products as well as those provided by others, develop mitigation technologies that help to secure customers from attacks even when software updates are not deployed, maintain the digital security infrastructure that protects the integrity of our network, products, and services, and provide security tools such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and advanced security and information about the need to deploy security measures and the impact of doing so. Customers in certain industries such as financial services, health care, and government may have enhanced or specialized requirements to which we must engineer our products and services.\n\n\n27\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe cost of measures to protect products and customer-facing services could reduce our operating margins. If we fail to do these things well, actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in our products and services, data corruption issues, or reduced performance could harm our reputation and lead customers to reduce or delay future purchases of products or subscriptions to services, or to use competing products or services. Customers may also spend more on protecting their existing computer systems from attack, which could delay adoption of additional products or services. Customers, and third parties granted access to their systems, may fail to update their systems, continue to run software or operating systems we no longer support, or may fail timely to install or enable security patches, or may otherwise fail to adopt adequate security practices. Any of these could adversely affect our reputation and revenue. Actual or perceived vulnerabilities may lead to claims against us. Our license agreements typically contain provisions that eliminate or limit our exposure to liability, but there is no assurance these provisions will withstand legal challenges. At times, to achieve commercial objectives, we may enter into agreements with larger liability exposure to customers.\n\n\nOur products operate in conjunction with and are dependent on products and components across a broad ecosystem of third parties. If there is a security vulnerability in one of these components, and if there is a security exploit targeting it, we could face increased costs, liability claims, reduced revenue, or harm to our reputation or competitive position.\n\n\nDisclosure and misuse of personal data could result in liability and harm our reputation.\n As we continue to grow the number, breadth, and scale of our cloud-based offerings, we store and process increasingly large amounts of personal data of our customers and users. The continued occurrence of high-profile data breaches provides evidence of an external environment increasingly hostile to information security. Despite our efforts to improve the security controls across our business groups and geographies, it is possible our security controls over personal data, our training of employees and third parties on data security, and other practices we follow may not prevent the improper disclosure or misuse of customer or user data we or our vendors store and manage. In addition, third parties who have limited access to our customer or user data may use this data in unauthorized ways. Improper disclosure or misuse could harm our reputation, lead to legal exposure to customers or users, or subject us to liability under laws that protect personal data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenue. Our software products and services also enable our customers and users to store and process personal data on-premises or, increasingly, in a cloud-based environment we host. Government authorities can sometimes require us to produce customer or user data in response to valid legal orders. In the U.S. and elsewhere, we advocate for transparency concerning these requests and appropriate limitations on government authority to compel disclosure. Despite our efforts to protect customer and user data, perceptions that the collection, use, and retention of personal information is not satisfactorily protected could inhibit sales of our products or services and could limit adoption of our cloud-based solutions by consumers, businesses, and government entities. Additional security measures we may take to address customer or user concerns, or constraints on our flexibility to determine where and how to operate datacenters in response to customer or user expectations or governmental rules or actions, may cause higher operating expenses or hinder growth of our products and services.\n\n\nWe may not be able to protect information in our products and services from use by others\n. LinkedIn and other Microsoft products and services contain valuable information and content protected by contractual restrictions or technical measures. In certain cases, we have made commitments to our members and users to limit access to or use of this information. Changes in the law or interpretations of the law may weaken our ability to prevent third parties from scraping or gathering information or content through use of bots or other measures and using it for their own benefit, thus diminishing the value of our products and services.\n\n\nAbuse of our platforms may harm our reputation or user engagement.\n\n\nAdvertising, professional, marketplace, and gaming platform abuses\n\n\nFor platform products and services that provide content or host ads that come from or can be influenced by third parties, including GitHub, LinkedIn, Microsoft Advertising, Microsoft News, Microsoft Store, Bing, and Xbox, our reputation or user engagement may be negatively affected by activity that is hostile or inappropriate. This activity may come from users impersonating other people or organizations including through the use of AI technologies, dissemination of information that may be viewed as misleading or intended to manipulate the opinions of our users, or the use of our products or services that violates our terms of service or otherwise for objectionable or illegal ends. Preventing or responding to these actions may require us to make substantial investments in people and technology and these investments may not be successful, adversely affecting our business and consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n28\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther digital safety abuses\n\n\nOur hosted consumer services as well as our enterprise services may be used to generate or\n \n disseminate harmful or illegal content in violation of our terms or applicable law. We may not proactively discover such content due to scale, the limitations of existing technologies, and conflicting legal frameworks. When discovered by users and others, such content may negatively affect our reputation, our brands, and user engagement. Regulations and other initiatives to make platforms responsible for preventing or eliminating harmful content online have been enacted, and we expect this to continue. We may be subject to enhanced regulatory oversight, civil or criminal liability, or reputational damage if we fail to comply with content moderation regulations, adversely affecting our business and consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nThe development of the IoT presents security, privacy, and execution risks. \nTo support the growth of the intelligent cloud and the intelligent edge, we are developing products, services, and technologies to power the IoT. The IoT\u2019s great potential also carries substantial risks. IoT products and services may contain defects in design, manufacture, or operation that make them insecure or ineffective for their intended purposes. An IoT solution has multiple layers of hardware, sensors, processors, software, and firmware, several of which we may not develop or control. Each layer, including the weakest layer, can impact the security of the whole system. Many IoT devices have limited interfaces and ability to be updated or patched. IoT solutions may collect large amounts of data, and our handling of IoT data may not satisfy customers or regulatory requirements. IoT scenarios may increasingly affect personal health and safety. If IoT solutions that include our technologies do not work as intended, violate the law, or harm individuals or businesses, we may be subject to legal claims or enforcement actions. These risks, if realized, may increase our costs, damage our reputation or brands, or negatively impact our revenues or margins.\n\n\nIssues in the development and use of AI may result in reputational or competitive harm or liability\n. We are building AI into many of our offerings, including our productivity services, and we are also making AI available for our customers to use in solutions that they build. This AI may be developed by Microsoft or others, including our strategic partner, OpenAI. We expect these elements of our business to grow. We envision a future in which AI operating in our devices, applications, and the cloud helps our customers be more productive in their work and personal lives. As with many innovations, AI presents risks and challenges that could affect its adoption, and therefore our business. AI algorithms or training methodologies may be flawed. Datasets may be overbroad, insufficient, or contain biased information. Content generated by AI systems may be offensive, illegal, or otherwise harmful. Ineffective or inadequate AI development or deployment practices by Microsoft or others could result in incidents that impair the acceptance of AI solutions or cause harm to individuals, customers, or society, or result in our products and services not working as intended. Human review of certain outputs may be required. As a result of these and other challenges associated with innovative technologies, our implementation of AI systems could subject us to competitive harm, regulatory action, legal liability, including under new proposed legislation regulating AI in jurisdictions such as the European Union (\u201cEU\u201d), new applications of existing data protection, privacy, intellectual property, and other laws, and brand or reputational harm. Some AI scenarios present ethical issues or may have broad impacts on society. If we enable or offer AI solutions that have unintended consequences, unintended usage or customization by our customers and partners, or are controversial because of their impact on human rights, privacy, employment, or other social, economic, or political issues, we may experience brand or reputational harm, adversely affecting our business and consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n29\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOPERATIONAL RISKS\n\n\nWe may have excessive outages, data losses, and disruptions of our online services if we fail to maintain an adequate operations infrastructure.\n Our increasing user traffic, growth in services, and the complexity of our products and services demand more computing power. We spend substantial amounts to build, purchase, or lease datacenters and equipment and to upgrade our technology and network infrastructure to handle more traffic on our websites and in our datacenters. Our datacenters depend on the availability of permitted and buildable land, predictable energy, networking supplies, and servers, including graphics processing units (\u201cGPUs\u201d) and other components. The cost or availability of these dependencies could be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including the transition to a clean energy economy, local and regional environmental regulations, and geopolitical disruptions. These demands continue to increase as we introduce new products and services and support the growth and the augmentation of existing services such as Bing, Azure, Microsoft Account services, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Dynamics 365, OneDrive, SharePoint Online, Skype, Xbox, and Outlook.com through the incorporation of AI features and/or functionality. We are rapidly growing our business of providing a platform and back-end hosting for services provided by third parties to their end users. Maintaining, securing, and expanding this infrastructure is expensive and complex, and requires development of principles for datacenter builds in geographies with higher safety and reliability risks. It requires that we maintain an Internet connectivity infrastructure and storage and compute capacity that is robust and reliable within competitive and regulatory constraints that continue to evolve. Inefficiencies or operational failures, including temporary or permanent loss of customer data, insufficient Internet connectivity, insufficient or unavailable power supply, or inadequate storage and compute capacity, could diminish the quality of our products, services, and user experience resulting in contractual liability, claims by customers and other third parties, regulatory actions, damage to our reputation, and loss of current and potential users, subscribers, and advertisers, each of which may adversely impact our consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nWe may experience quality or supply problems.\n Our hardware products such as Xbox consoles, Surface devices, and other devices we design and market are highly complex and can have defects in design, manufacture, or associated software. We could incur significant expenses, lost revenue, and reputational harm as a result of recalls, safety alerts, or product liability claims if we fail to prevent, detect, or address such issues through design, testing, or warranty repairs.\n\n\nOur software products and services also may experience quality or reliability problems. The highly sophisticated software we develop may contain bugs and other defects that interfere with their intended operation. Our customers increasingly rely on us for critical business functions and multiple workloads. Many of our products and services are interdependent with one another. Each of these circumstances potentially magnifies the impact of quality or reliability issues. Any defects we do not detect and fix in pre-release testing could cause reduced sales and revenue, damage to our reputation, repair or remediation costs, delays in the release of new products or versions, or legal liability. Although our license agreements typically contain provisions that eliminate or limit our exposure to liability, there is no assurance these provisions will withstand legal challenge.\n\n\nThere are limited suppliers for certain device and datacenter components. Our competitors use some of the same suppliers and their demand for hardware components can affect the capacity available to us. If components are delayed or become unavailable, whether because of supplier capacity constraint, industry shortages, legal or regulatory changes that restrict supply sources, or other reasons, we may not obtain timely replacement supplies, resulting in reduced sales or inadequate datacenter capacity to support the delivery and continued development of our products and services. Component shortages, excess or obsolete inventory, or price reductions resulting in inventory adjustments may increase our cost of revenue. Xbox consoles, Surface devices, datacenter servers, and other hardware are assembled in Asia and other geographies that may be subject to disruptions in the supply chain, resulting in shortages that would affect our revenue and operating margins.\n\n\nLEGAL, REGULATORY, AND LITIGATION RISKS\n\n\nGovernment litigation and regulatory activity relating to competition rules may limit how we design and market our products.\n Government agencies closely scrutinize us under U.S. and foreign competition laws. Governments are actively enforcing competition laws and regulations, and this includes scrutiny in potentially large markets such as the EU, the U.S., and China. Some jurisdictions also allow competitors or consumers to assert claims of anti-competitive conduct. U.S. federal and state antitrust authorities have previously brought enforcement actions and continue to scrutinize our business.\n\n\n30\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFor example, the European Commission (\u201cthe Commission\u201d) closely scrutinizes the design of high-volume Microsoft products and the terms on which we make certain technologies used in these products, such as file formats, programming interfaces, and protocols, available to other companies. Flagship product releases such as Windows can receive significant scrutiny under EU or other competition laws.\n \n\n\nOur portfolio of first-party devices continues to grow; at the same time our OEM partners offer a large variety of devices for our platforms. As a result, increasingly we both cooperate and compete with our OEM partners, creating a risk that we fail to do so in compliance with competition rules. Regulatory scrutiny in this area may increase. Certain foreign governments, particularly in China and other countries in Asia, have advanced arguments under their competition laws that exert downward pressure on royalties for our intellectual property.\n\n\nCompetition law regulatory actions and court decisions may result in fines or hinder our ability to provide the benefits of our software to consumers and businesses, reducing the attractiveness of our products and the revenue that comes from them. New competition law actions could be initiated, potentially using previous actions as precedent. The outcome of such actions, or steps taken to avoid them, could adversely affect us in a variety of ways, including\n \ncausing us to withdraw products from or modify products for certain markets, decreasing the value of our assets, adversely affecting our ability to monetize our products, or inhibiting our ability to consummate acquisition or impose conditions on acquisitions that may reduce their value.\n\n\nLaws and regulations relating to anti-corruption and trade could result in increased costs, fines, criminal penalties, or reputational damage.\n The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (\u201cFCPA\u201d) and other anti-corruption laws and regulations (\u201cAnti-Corruption Laws\u201d) prohibit corrupt payments by our employees, vendors, or agents, and the accounting provisions of the FCPA require us to maintain accurate books and records and adequate internal controls. From time to time, we receive inquiries from authorities in the U.S. and elsewhere which may be based on reports from employees and others about our business activities outside the U.S. and our compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws. Periodically, we receive such reports directly and investigate them, and also cooperate with investigations by U.S. and foreign law enforcement authorities. An example of increasing international regulatory complexity is the EU Whistleblower Directive, initiated in 2021, which may present compliance challenges to the extent it is implemented in different forms by EU member states. Most countries in which we operate also have competition laws that prohibit competitors from colluding or otherwise attempting to reduce competition between themselves. While we devote substantial resources to our U.S. and international compliance programs and have implemented policies, training, and internal controls designed to reduce the risk of corrupt payments and collusive activity, our employees, vendors, or agents may violate our policies. Our failure to comply with Anti-Corruption Laws or competition laws could result in significant fines and penalties, criminal sanctions against us, our officers, or our employees, prohibitions on the conduct of our business, and damage to our reputation.\n\n\nIncreasing trade laws, policies, sanctions, and other regulatory requirements also affect our operations in and outside the U.S. relating to trade and investment. Economic sanctions in the U.S., the EU, and other countries prohibit most business with restricted entities or countries. U.S. export controls restrict Microsoft from offering many of its products and services to, or making investments in, certain entities in specified countries. U.S. import controls restrict us from integrating certain information and communication technologies into our supply chain and allow for government review of transactions involving information and communications technology from countries determined to be foreign adversaries. Supply chain regulations may impact the availability of goods or result in additional regulatory scrutiny. Periods of intense diplomatic or armed conflict, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, may result in (1) new and rapidly evolving sanctions and trade restrictions, which may impair trade with sanctioned individuals and countries, and (2) negative impacts to regional trade ecosystems among our customers, partners, and us. Non-compliance with sanctions as well as general ecosystem disruptions could result in reputational harm, operational delays, monetary fines, loss of revenues, increased costs, loss of export privileges, or criminal sanctions.\n\n\n31\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLaws and regulations relating to the handling of personal data may impede the adoption of our services or result in increased costs, legal claims, fines against us, or reputational damage. \nThe growth of our Internet- and cloud-based services internationally relies increasingly on the movement of data across national boundaries. Legal requirements relating to the collection, storage, handling, and transfer of personal data continue to evolve. For example, while the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (\u201cDPF\u201d) has been recognized as adequate under EU law to allow transfers of personal data from the EU to certified companies in the U.S., the DPF is subject to further legal challenge which could cause the legal requirements for data transfers from the EU to be uncertain. EU data protection authorities have and may again block the use of certain U.S.-based services that involve the transfer of data to the U.S. In the EU and other markets, potential new rules and restrictions on the flow of data across borders could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our products and services.\n \n\n\nIn addition, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (\u201cGDPR\u201d), which applies to all of our activities conducted from an establishment in the EU or related to products and services offered in the EU, imposes a range of compliance obligations regarding the handling of personal data. More recently, the EU has been developing new requirements related to the use of data, including in the Digital Markets Act, the Digital Services Act, and the Data Act, that add additional rules and restriction on the use of data in our products and services. Engineering efforts to build and maintain capabilities to facilitate compliance with these laws involve substantial expense and the diversion of engineering resources from other projects. We might experience reduced demand for our offerings if we are unable to engineer products that meet our legal duties or help our customers meet their obligations under these and other data regulations, or if our implementation to comply makes our offerings less attractive. Compliance with these obligations depends in part on how particular regulators interpret and apply them. If we fail to comply, or if regulators assert we have failed to comply (including in response to complaints made by customers), it may lead to regulatory enforcement actions, which can result in significant monetary penalties, private lawsuits, reputational damage, blockage of international data transfers, and loss of customers. The highest fines assessed under GDPR have recently been increasing, especially against large technology companies. Jurisdictions around the world, such as China, India, and states in the U.S. have adopted, or are considering adopting or expanding, laws and regulations imposing obligations regarding the collection, handling, and transfer of personal data.\n\n\nOur investment in gaining insights from data is becoming central to the value of the services, including AI services, we deliver to customers, to operational efficiency and key opportunities in monetization, and to customer perceptions of quality. Our ability to use data in this way may be constrained by regulatory developments that impede realizing the expected return from this investment. Ongoing legal analyses, reviews, and inquiries by regulators of Microsoft practices, or relevant practices of other organizations, may result in burdensome or inconsistent requirements, including data sovereignty and localization requirements, affecting the location, movement, collection, and use of our customer and internal employee data as well as the management of that data. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding personal data may require changes in services, business practices, or internal systems that result in increased costs, lower revenue, reduced efficiency, or greater difficulty in competing with foreign-based firms. Compliance with data regulations might limit our ability to innovate or offer certain features and functionality in some jurisdictions where we operate. Failure to comply with existing or new rules may result in significant penalties or orders to stop the alleged noncompliant activity, as well as negative publicity and diversion of management time and effort.\n \n\n\nExisting and increasing legal and regulatory requirements could adversely affect our results of operations. \nWe are subject to a wide range of laws, regulations, and legal requirements in the U.S. and globally, including those that may apply to our products and online services offerings, and those that impose requirements related to user privacy, telecommunications, data storage and protection, advertising, and online content. Laws in several jurisdictions, including EU Member State laws under the European Electronic Communications Code, increasingly define certain of our services as regulated telecommunications services. This trend may continue and will result in these offerings being subjected to additional data protection, security, law enforcement surveillance, and other obligations. Regulators and private litigants may assert that our collection, use, and management of customer data and other information is inconsistent with their laws and regulations, including laws that apply to the tracking of users via technology such as cookies. New environmental, social, and governance laws and regulations are expanding mandatory disclosure, reporting, and diligence requirements. Legislative or regulatory action relating to cybersecurity requirements may increase the costs to develop, implement, or secure our products and services. Compliance with evolving digital accessibility laws and standards will require engineering and is important to our efforts to empower all people and organizations to achieve more. Legislative and regulatory action is emerging in the areas of AI and content moderation, which could increase costs or restrict opportunity. For example, in the EU, an AI Act is being considered, and may entail increased costs or decreased opportunities for the operation of our AI services in the European market.\n \n\n\n32\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHow these laws and regulations apply to our business is often unclear, subject to change over time, and sometimes may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In addition, governments\u2019 approach to enforcement, and our products and services, are continuing to evolve. Compliance with existing, expanding, or new laws and regulations may involve significant costs or require changes in products or business practices that could adversely affect our results of operations. Noncompliance could result in the imposition of penalties or orders we cease the alleged noncompliant activity. In addition, there is increasing pressure from advocacy groups, regulators, competitors, customers, and other stakeholders across many of these areas. If our products do not meet customer expectations or legal requirements, we could lose sales opportunities or face regulatory or legal actions.\n\n\nWe have claims and lawsuits against us that may result in adverse outcomes.\n We are subject to a variety of claims and lawsuits. These claims may arise from a wide variety of business practices and initiatives, including major new product releases such as Windows, AI services, significant business transactions, warranty or product claims, employment practices, and regulation. Adverse outcomes in some or all of these claims may result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief that could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business. The litigation and other claims are subject to inherent uncertainties and management\u2019s view of these matters may change in the future. A material adverse impact in our consolidated financial statements could occur for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and reasonably estimable.\n\n\nOur business with government customers may present additional uncertainties. \nWe derive substantial revenue from government contracts. Government contracts generally can present risks and challenges not present in private commercial agreements. For instance, we may be subject to government audits and investigations relating to these contracts, we could be suspended or debarred as a governmental contractor, we could incur civil and criminal fines and penalties, and under certain circumstances contracts may be rescinded. Some agreements may allow a government to terminate without cause and provide for higher liability limits for certain losses. Some contracts may be subject to periodic funding approval, reductions, cancellations, or delays which could adversely impact public-sector demand for our products and services. These events could negatively impact our results of operations, financial condition, and reputation.\n\n\nWe may have additional tax liabilities.\n We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and many foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. In the course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. For example, compliance with the 2017 United States Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (\u201cTCJA\u201d) and possible future legislative changes may require the collection of information not regularly produced within the company, the use of estimates in our consolidated financial statements, and the exercise of significant judgment in accounting for its provisions. As regulations and guidance evolve with respect to the TCJA or possible future legislative changes, and as we gather more information and perform more analysis, our results may differ from previous estimates and may materially affect our consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nWe are regularly under audit by tax authorities in different jurisdictions. Although we believe that our provision for income taxes and our tax estimates are reasonable, tax authorities may disagree with certain positions we have taken. In addition, economic and political pressures to increase tax revenue in various jurisdictions may make resolving tax disputes favorably more difficult. We are currently under Internal Revenue Service audit for prior tax years, with the primary unresolved issues relating to transfer pricing. The final resolution of those audits, and other audits or litigation, may differ from the amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements and may materially affect our consolidated financial statements in the period or periods in which that determination is made.\n\n\nWe earn a significant amount of our operating income outside the U.S. A change in the mix of earnings and losses in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in our business or structure, or the expiration of or disputes about certain tax agreements in a particular country may result in higher effective tax rates for the company. In addition, changes in U.S. federal and state or international tax laws applicable to corporate multinationals, other fundamental law changes currently being considered by many countries, including in the U.S., and changes in taxing jurisdictions\u2019 administrative interpretations, decisions, policies, and positions may materially adversely impact our consolidated financial statements.\n\n\n33\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nINTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RISKS\n\n\nWe face risks related to the protection and utilization of our intellectual property that may result in our business and operating results may be harmed. \nProtecting our intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of our software and other intellectual property on a global basis is difficult. Similarly, the absence of harmonized patent laws makes it more difficult to ensure consistent respect for patent rights.\n\n\nChanges in the law may continue to weaken our ability to prevent the use of patented technology or collect revenue for licensing our patents. Additionally, licensees of our patents may fail to satisfy their obligations to pay us royalties or may contest the scope and extent of their obligations. Finally, our increasing engagement with open source software will also cause us to license our intellectual property rights broadly in certain situations. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, our revenue may be adversely affected.\n\n\nSource code, the detailed program commands for our operating systems and other software programs, is critical to our business. If our source code leaks, we might lose future trade secret protection for that code. It may then become easier for third parties to compete with our products by copying functionality, which could adversely affect our revenue and operating results. Unauthorized disclosure of source code also could increase the security risks described elsewhere in these risk factors.\n\n\nThird parties may claim that we infringe their intellectual property.\n From time to time, others claim we infringe their intellectual property rights. To resolve these claims, we may enter into royalty and licensing agreements on terms that are less favorable than currently available, stop selling or redesign affected products or services, or pay damages to satisfy indemnification commitments with our customers. Adverse outcomes could also include monetary damages or injunctive relief that may limit or prevent importing, marketing, and selling our products or services that have infringing technologies. We have paid significant amounts to settle claims related to the use of technology and intellectual property rights and to procure intellectual property rights as part of our strategy to manage this risk, and may continue to do so.\n\n\nGENERAL RISKS\n\n\nIf our reputation or our brands are damaged, our business and operating results may be harmed\n. Our reputation and brands are globally recognized and are important to our business. Our reputation and brands affect our ability to attract and retain consumer, business, and public-sector customers. There are numerous ways our reputation or brands could be damaged. These include product safety or quality issues, our environmental impact and sustainability, supply chain practices, or human rights record. We may experience backlash from customers, government entities, advocacy groups, employees, and other stakeholders that disagree with our product offering decisions or public policy positions. Damage to our reputation or our brands may occur from, among other things:\n \n\n\n\u2022\nThe introduction of new features, products, services, or terms of service that customers, users, or partners do not like.\n\n\n\u2022\nPublic scrutiny of our decisions regarding user privacy, data practices, or content. \n\n\n\u2022\nData security breaches, compliance failures, or actions of partners or individual employees. \n\n\nThe proliferation of social media may increase the likelihood, speed, and magnitude of negative brand events. If our brands or reputation are damaged, it could negatively impact our revenues or margins, or ability to attract the most highly qualified employees.\n\n\nAdverse economic or market conditions may harm our business.\n Worsening economic conditions, including inflation, recession, pandemic, or other changes in economic conditions, may cause lower IT spending and adversely affect our revenue. If demand for PCs, servers, and other computing devices declines, or consumer or business spending for those products declines, our revenue will be adversely affected.\n \n\n\nOur product distribution system relies on an extensive partner and retail network. OEMs building devices that run our software have also been a significant means of distribution. The impact of economic conditions on our partners, such as the bankruptcy of a major distributor, OEM, or retailer, could cause sales channel disruption.\n \n\n\nChallenging economic conditions also may impair the ability of our customers to pay for products and services they have purchased. As a result, allowances for doubtful accounts and write-offs of accounts receivable may increase.\n \n\n\n34\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. These investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market, and interest rate risks, which may be exacerbated by market downturns or events that affect global financial markets. A significant part of our investment portfolio comprises U.S. government securities. If global financial markets decline for long periods, or if there is a downgrade of the U.S. government credit rating due to an actual or threatened default on government debt, our investment portfolio may be adversely affected and we could determine that more of our investments have experienced a decline in fair value, requiring impairment charges that could adversely affect our consolidated financial statements.\n\n\nCatastrophic events or geopolitical conditions may disrupt our business.\n A disruption or failure of our systems or operations because of a major earthquake, weather event, cyberattack, terrorist attack, pandemic, or other catastrophic event could cause delays in completing sales, providing services, or performing other critical functions. Our corporate headquarters, a significant portion of our research and development activities, and certain other essential business operations are in the Seattle, Washington area, and we have other business operations in the Silicon Valley area of California, both of which are seismically active regions. A catastrophic event that results in the destruction or disruption of any of our critical business or IT systems, or the infrastructure or systems they rely on, such as power grids, could harm our ability to conduct normal business operations. Providing our customers with more services and solutions in the cloud puts a premium on the resilience of our systems and strength of our business continuity management plans and magnifies the potential impact of prolonged service outages in our consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\nAbrupt political change, terrorist activity, and armed conflict, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, pose a risk of general economic disruption in affected countries, which may increase our operating costs and negatively impact our ability to sell to and collect from customers in affected markets. These conditions also may add uncertainty to the timing and budget for technology investment decisions by our customers and may cause supply chain disruptions for hardware manufacturers. Geopolitical change may result in changing regulatory systems and requirements and market interventions that could impact our operating strategies, access to national, regional, and global markets, hiring, and profitability. Geopolitical instability may lead to sanctions and impact our ability to do business in some markets or with some public-sector customers. Any of these changes may negatively impact our revenues.\n\n\nThe occurrence of regional epidemics or a global pandemic, such as COVID-19, may adversely affect our operations, financial condition, and results of operations. The extent to which global pandemics impact our business going forward will depend on factors such as the duration and scope of the pandemic; governmental, business, and individuals' actions in response to the pandemic; and the impact on economic activity, including the possibility of recession or financial market instability. Measures to contain a global pandemic may intensify other risks described in these Risk Factors.\n\n\nWe may incur increased costs to effectively manage these aspects of our business. If we are unsuccessful, it may adversely impact our revenues, cash flows, market share growth, and reputation.\n\n\nThe long-term effects of climate change on the global economy and the IT industry in particular are unclear. Environmental regulations or changes in the supply, demand, or available sources of energy or other resources may affect the availability or cost of goods and services, including natural resources, necessary to run our business. Changes in climate where we operate may increase the costs of powering and cooling computer hardware we use to develop software and provide cloud-based services.\n\n\n35\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">Item 1A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur global business exposes us to operational and economic risks.\n Our customers are located throughout the world and a significant part of our revenue comes from international sales. The global nature of our business creates operational, economic, and geopolitical risks. Our results of operations may be affected by global, regional, and local economic developments, monetary policy, inflation, and recession, as well as political and military disputes. In addition, our international growth strategy includes certain markets, the developing nature of which presents several risks, including deterioration of social, political, labor, or economic conditions in a country or region, and difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations. Emerging nationalist and protectionist trends and concerns about human rights, the environment, and political expression in specific countries may significantly alter the trade and commercial environments. Changes to trade policy or agreements as a result of populism, protectionism, or economic nationalism may result in higher tariffs, local sourcing initiatives, and non-local sourcing restrictions, export controls, investment restrictions, or other developments that make it more difficult to sell our products in foreign countries. Disruptions of these kinds in developed or emerging markets could negatively impact demand for our products and services, impair our ability to operate in certain regions, or increase operating costs. Although we hedge a portion of our international currency exposure, significant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may adversely affect our results of operations.\n \n\n\nOur business depends on our ability to attract and retain talented employees.\n Our business is based on successfully attracting and retaining talented employees representing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. The market for highly skilled workers and leaders in our industry is extremely competitive. Maintaining our brand and reputation, as well as a diverse and inclusive work environment that enables all our employees to thrive, are important to our ability to recruit and retain employees. We are also limited in our ability to recruit internationally by restrictive domestic immigration laws. Changes to U.S. immigration policies that restrain the flow of technical and professional talent may inhibit our ability to adequately staff our research and development efforts. If we are less successful in our recruiting efforts, or if we cannot retain highly skilled workers and key leaders, our ability to develop and deliver successful products and services may be adversely affected. Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transitions involving key employees could hinder our strategic planning and execution. How employment-related laws are interpreted and applied to our workforce practices may result in increased operating costs and less flexibility in how we meet our workforce needs. Our global workforce is predominantly non-unionized, although we do have some employees in the U.S. and internationally who are represented by unions or works councils. In the U.S., there has been a general increase in workers exercising their right to form or join a union. The unionization of significant employee populations could result in higher costs and other operational changes necessary to respond to changing conditions and to establish new relationships with worker representatives.\n\n\n36\n\n\n\n\nPART I\n\n\nItem 1B, 2, 3, 4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item7": ">Item 7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSTATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT\u2019S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS\n \n\n\nManagement is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related information that are presented in this report. The consolidated financial statements, which include amounts based on management\u2019s estimates and judgments, have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.\n \n\n\nThe Company designs and maintains accounting and internal control systems to provide reasonable assurance at reasonable cost that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, and that the financial records are reliable for preparing consolidated financial statements and maintaining accountability for assets. These systems are augmented by written policies, an organizational structure providing division of responsibilities, careful selection and training of qualified personnel, and a program of internal audits.\n \n\n\nThe Company engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to audit and render an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).\n \n\n\nThe Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee, consisting solely of independent directors of the Company, meets periodically with management, internal auditors, and our independent registered public accounting firm to ensure that each is meeting its responsibilities and to discuss matters concerning internal controls and financial reporting. Deloitte & Touche LLP and the internal auditors each have full and free access to the Audit Committee.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSatya Nadella\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChief Executive Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmy E. Hood\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlice L. Jolla\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n56\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 7A\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item7a": ">ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITAT\nIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK\n\n\nRISKS\n \n\n\nWe are exposed to economic risk from foreign exchange rates, interest rates, credit risk, and equity prices. We use derivatives instruments to manage these risks, however, they may still impact our consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\nForeign Currencies\n \n\n\nCertain forecasted transactions, assets, and liabilities are exposed to foreign currency risk. We monitor our foreign currency exposures daily to maximize the economic effectiveness of our foreign currency positions, including hedges. Principal currency exposures include the Euro, Japanese yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, and Australian dollar.\n \n\n\nInterest Rate\n \n\n\nSecurities held in our fixed-income portfolio are subject to different interest rate risks based on their maturities. We manage the average maturity of the fixed-income portfolio to achieve economic returns that correlate to certain global fixed-income indices.\n \n\n\nCredit\n\n\nOur fixed-income portfolio is diversified and consists primarily of investment-grade securities. We manage credit exposures relative to broad-based indices to facilitate portfolio diversification.\n \n\n\nEquity\n \n\n\nSecurities held in our equity investments portfolio are subject to price risk.\n \n\n\nSENSITIVITY ANALYSIS\n\n\nThe following table sets forth the potential loss in future earnings or fair values, including associated derivatives, resulting from hypothetical changes in relevant market rates or prices:\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRisk Categories\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHypothetical Change\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 30,\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nImpact\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign currency \u2013 Revenue\n\n\n \n\n\n10% decrease in foreign exchange rates\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(8,122\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEarnings\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign currency \u2013 Investments\n\n\n \n\n\n10% decrease in foreign exchange rates\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(29\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest rate\n\n\n \n\n\n100 basis point increase in U.S. treasury interest rates\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(1,832\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCredit\n \n\n\n \n\n\n100 basis point increase in credit spreads\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(354\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity\n\n\n \n\n\n10% decrease in equity market prices\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(705\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEarnings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n57\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATE\nMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA\n\n\nINC\nOME STATEMENTS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except per share amounts)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue:\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n64,699\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n72,732\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n71,074\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nService and other\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n147,216\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n125,538\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n97,014\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n211,915\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n198,270\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n168,088\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of revenue:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProduct\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,804\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n19,064\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n18,219\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nService and other\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n48,059\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n43,586\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n34,013\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cost of revenue\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n65,863\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n62,650\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n52,232\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross margin\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n146,052\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n135,620\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n115,856\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n27,195\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n24,512\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n20,716\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales and marketing\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n22,759\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n21,825\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n20,117\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral and administrative\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,575\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n5,900\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n5,107\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating income\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n88,523\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n83,383\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n69,916\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther income, net\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n788\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n333\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,186\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome before income taxes\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n89,311\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n83,716\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n71,102\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nProvision for income taxes\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n16,950\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n10,978\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9,831\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n72,361\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n72,738\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n61,271\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarnings per share:\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9.72\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9.70\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n8.12\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9.68\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9.65\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n8.05\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted average shares outstanding:\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,446\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,496\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,547\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,472\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,540\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,608\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRefer to accompanying notes.\n \n\n\n58\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCOMPREHENSIVE IN\nCOME STATEMENTS\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n72,361\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n72,738\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n61,271\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet change related to derivatives\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n14\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet change related to investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,444\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n5,360\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,266\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTranslation adjustments and other\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n207\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,146\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n873\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther comprehensive loss\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,665\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6,500\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,374\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComprehensive income\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n70,696\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n66,238\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n59,897\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRefer to accompanying notes.\n \n\n\n59\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nBALANCE\n SHEETS\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAssets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent assets:\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n34,704\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n13,931\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term investments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n76,558\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n90,826\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n111,262\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n104,757\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of \n$\n650\n\u00a0and $\n633\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n48,688\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n44,261\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,500\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n3,742\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n21,807\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n16,924\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n184,257\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n169,684\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of \n$\n68,251\n \nand $\n59,660\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n95,641\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n74,398\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease right-of-use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n14,346\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,148\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity investments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9,879\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6,891\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n67,886\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n67,524\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangible assets, net\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9,366\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n11,298\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n30,601\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n21,897\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal assets\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n411,976\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n364,840\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiabilities and stockholders\u2019 equity\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent liabilities:\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n18,095\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n19,000\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent portion of long-term debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,247\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,749\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccrued compensation\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n11,009\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n10,661\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term income taxes\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4,152\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4,067\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term unearned revenue\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n50,901\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n45,538\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n14,745\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n13,067\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal current liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n104,149\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n95,082\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term debt\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n41,990\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n47,032\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,560\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26,069\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term unearned revenue\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,912\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,870\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income taxes\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n433\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n230\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,489\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n17,981\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n15,526\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n205,753\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n198,298\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommitments and contingencies\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nStockholders\u2019 equity:\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock and paid-in capital \u2013 shares authorized \n24,000\n; outstanding \n7,432\n \nand \n7,464\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n93,718\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n86,939\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetained earnings\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n118,848\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n84,281\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated other comprehensive loss\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6,343\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n4,678\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal stockholders\u2019 equity\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n206,223\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n166,542\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal liabilities and stockholders\u2019 equity\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n411,976\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n364,840\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRefer to accompanying notes.\n \n\n\n60\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCASH FLOWS S\nTATEMENTS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperations\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n72,361\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n72,738\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n61,271\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operations:\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation, amortization, and other\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n13,861\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n14,460\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n11,686\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation expense\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9,611\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,502\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6,118\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet recognized losses (gains) on investments and derivatives\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n196\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n409\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,249\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income taxes\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6,059\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n5,702\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n150\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in operating assets and liabilities:\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n4,087\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6,834\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6,481\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInventories\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,242\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,123\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n737\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,991\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n709\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n932\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,833\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,805\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n3,459\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts payable\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,721\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,943\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,798\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnearned revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,535\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,109\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,633\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n358\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n696\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,309\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,272\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2,344\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4,149\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n553\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n825\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,402\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash from operations\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n87,582\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n89,035\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n76,740\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancing\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash premium on debt exchange\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,754\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepayments of debt\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,750\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n9,023\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n3,750\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock issued\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,866\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,841\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,693\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock repurchased\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n22,245\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n32,696\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n27,385\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock cash dividends paid\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n19,800\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n18,135\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n16,521\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther, net\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,006\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n863\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n769\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in financing\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n43,935\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n58,876\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n48,486\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvesting\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditions to property and equipment\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n28,107\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n23,886\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n20,622\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcquisition of companies, net of cash acquired, and purchases of intangible and other assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,670\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n22,038\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n8,909\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchases of investments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n37,651\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n26,456\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n62,924\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaturities of investments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n33,510\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n16,451\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n51,792\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSales of investments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n14,354\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n28,443\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n14,008\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther, net\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n3,116\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,825\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n922\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet cash used in investing\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n22,680\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n30,311\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n27,577\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n194\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n141\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n29\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet change in cash and cash equivalents\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n20,773\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n293\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n648\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents, beginning of period\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n13,931\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n14,224\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n13,576\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents, end of period\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n34,704\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n13,931\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n14,224\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRefer to accompanying notes.\n\n\n61\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSTOCKHOLDERS\u2019 EQ\nUITY STATEMENTS\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except per share amounts)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock and paid-in capital\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning of period\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n86,939\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n83,111\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n80,552\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock issued\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,866\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,841\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,963\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock repurchased\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n4,696\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n5,688\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n5,539\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation expense\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9,611\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,502\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6,118\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther, net\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n173\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, end of period\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n93,718\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n86,939\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n83,111\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetained earnings\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning of period\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n84,281\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n57,055\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n34,566\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n72,361\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n72,738\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n61,271\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock cash dividends\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n20,226\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n18,552\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n16,871\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock repurchased\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n17,568\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n26,960\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n21,879\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCumulative effect of accounting changes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n32\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, end of period\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n118,848\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n84,281\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n57,055\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning of period\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n4,678\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,822\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n3,186\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther comprehensive loss\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,665\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6,500\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,374\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCumulative effect of accounting changes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, end of period\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6,343\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n4,678\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,822\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal stockholders\u2019 equity\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n206,223\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n166,542\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n141,988\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash dividends declared per common share\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2.72\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2.48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2.24\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRefer to accompanying notes.\n \n\n\n62\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTES TO FINANCI\nAL STATEMENTS\n \n\n\nNOTE 1 \u2014 ACCOUNTING POLICIES\nAccounting Principles\n \nOur consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (\u201cGAAP\u201d).\nWe have recast certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. The recast of these prior period amounts had no impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated income statements, or consolidated cash flows statements.\n \nPrinciples of Consolidation\n \nThe consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Microsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.\n \nEstimates and Assumptions\n \nPreparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Examples of estimates and assumptions include: for revenue recognition, determining the nature and timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and determining the standalone selling price (\u201cSSP\u201d) of performance obligations, variable consideration, and other obligations such as product returns and refunds; loss contingencies; product warranties; the fair value of and/or potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets for our reporting units; product life cycles; useful lives of our tangible and intangible assets; allowances for doubtful accounts; the market value of, and demand for, our inventory; stock-based compensation forfeiture rates; when technological feasibility is achieved for our products; the potential outcome of uncertain tax positions that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns; and determining the timing and amount of impairments for investments. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management\u2019s estimates and assumptions due to risks and uncertainties.\nIn July 2022, we completed an assessment of the useful lives of our server and network equipment. Due to investments in software that increased efficiencies in how we operate our server and network equipment, as well\n as advances in technology, we determined we should increase the estimated useful lives of both server and network equipment from \nfour years\n to \nsix years\n. This change in accounting estimate was effective beginning fiscal year 2023. Based on the carrying amount of server and network equipment included in property and equipment, net as of June 30, 2022, the effect of this change in estimate for fiscal year 2023 was an increase in operating income of $\n3.7\n billion and net income of $\n3.0\n billion, or $\n0.40\n per both basic and diluted share.\nForeign Currencies\n \nAssets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are recorded to other comprehensive income.\n \nRevenue\nProduct Revenue and Service and Other Revenue\n \nProduct revenue includes sales from operating systems, cross-device productivity and collaboration applications, server applications, business solution applications, desktop and server management tools, software development tools, video games, and hardware such as PCs, tablets, gaming and entertainment consoles, other intelligent devices, and related accessories.\n \nService and other revenue includes sales from cloud-based solutions that provide customers with software, services, platforms, and content such as Office 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, and Xbox; solution support; and consulting services. Service and other revenue also includes sales from online advertising and LinkedIn.\n63\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nRevenue Recognition\nRevenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. We enter into contracts that can include various combinations of products and services, which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.\n \nNature of Products and Services\nLicenses for on-premises software provide the customer with a right to use the software as it exists when made available to the customer. Customers may purchase perpetual licenses or subscribe to licenses, which provide customers with the same functionality and differ mainly in the duration over which the customer benefits from the software. Revenue from distinct on-premises licenses is recognized upfront at the point in time when the software is made available to the customer. In cases where we allocate revenue to software updates, primarily because the updates are provided at no additional charge, revenue is recognized as the updates are provided, which is generally ratably over the estimated life of the related device or license.\nCertain volume licensing programs, including Enterprise Agreements, include on-premises licenses combined with Software Assurance (\u201cSA\u201d). SA conveys rights to new software and upgrades released over the contract period and provides support, tools, and training to help customers deploy and use products more efficiently. On-premises licenses are considered distinct performance obligations when sold with SA. Revenue allocated to SA is generally recognized ratably over the contract period as customers simultaneously consume and receive benefits, given that SA comprises distinct performance obligations that are satisfied over time.\n \nCloud services, which allow customers to use hosted software over the contract period without taking possession of the software, are provided on either a subscription or consumption basis. Revenue related to cloud services provided on a subscription basis is recognized ratably over the contract period. Revenue related to cloud services provided on a consumption basis, such as the amount of storage used in a period, is recognized based on the customer utilization of such resources. When cloud services require a significant level of integration and interdependency with software and the individual components are not considered distinct, all revenue is recognized over the period in which the cloud services are provided.\n \nRevenue from search advertising is recognized when the advertisement appears in the search results or when the action necessary to earn the revenue has been completed. Revenue from consulting services is recognized as services are provided.\n \nOur hardware is generally highly dependent on, and interrelated with, the underlying operating system and cannot function without the operating system. In these cases, the hardware and software license are accounted for as a single performance obligation and revenue is recognized at the point in time when ownership is transferred to resellers or directly to end customers through retail stores and online marketplaces.\n \nRefer to Note 19 \u2013 Segment Information and Geographic Data for further information, including revenue by significant product and service offering.\nSignificant Judgments\nOur contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. When a cloud-based service includes both on-premises software licenses and cloud services, judgment is required to determine whether the software license is considered distinct and accounted for separately, or not distinct and accounted for together with the cloud service and recognized over time. Certain cloud services, primarily Office 365, depend on a significant level of integration, interdependency, and interrelation between the desktop applications and cloud services, and are accounted for together as one performance obligation. Revenue from Office 365 is recognized ratably over the period in which the cloud services are provided.\n64\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nJudgment is required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation. We use a single amount to estimate SSP for items that are not sold separately, including on-premises licenses sold with SA or software updates provided at no additional charge. We use a range of amounts to estimate SSP when we sell each of the products and services separately and need to determine whether there is a discount to be allocated based on the relative SSP of the various products and services.\n \nIn instances where SSP is not directly observable, such as when we do not sell the product or service separately, we determine the SSP using information that may include market conditions and other observable inputs. We typically have more than one SSP for individual products and services due to the stratification of those products and services by customers and circumstances. In these instances, we may use information such as the size of the customer and geographic region in determining the SSP.\n \nDue to the various benefits from and the nature of our SA program, judgment is required to assess the pattern of delivery, including the exercise pattern of certain benefits across our portfolio of customers.\n \nOur products are generally sold with a right of return, we may provide other credits or incentives, and in certain instances we estimate customer usage of our products and services, which are accounted for as variable consideration when determining the amount of revenue to recognize. Returns and credits are estimated at contract inception and updated at the end of each reporting period if additional information becomes available. Changes to our estimated variable consideration were not material for the periods presented.\nContract Balances and Other Receivables\n \nTiming of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing. For multi-year agreements, we generally invoice customers annually at the beginning of each annual coverage period. We record a receivable related to revenue recognized for multi-year on-premises licenses as we have an unconditional right to invoice and receive payment in the future related to those licenses.\n \nUnearned revenue comprises mainly unearned revenue related to volume licensing programs, which may include SA and cloud services. Unearned revenue is generally invoiced annually at the beginning of each contract period for multi-year agreements and recognized ratably over the coverage period. Unearned revenue also includes payments for consulting services to be performed in the future, LinkedIn subscriptions, Office 365 subscriptions, Xbox subscriptions, Windows post-delivery support, Dynamics business solutions, and other offerings for which we have been paid in advance and earn the revenue when we transfer control of the product or service.\n \nRefer to Note 13 \u2013 Unearned Revenue for further information, including unearned revenue by segment and changes in unearned revenue during the period.\nPayment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 60 days.\n In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers or to provide customers with financing. Examples include invoicing at the beginning of a subscription term with revenue recognized ratably over the contract period, and multi-year on-premises licenses that are invoiced annually with revenue recognized upfront.\nAs of June 30, 2023 and 2022, long-term accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, was $\n4.5\n billion and $\n3.8\n billion, respectively, and is included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets.\nThe allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We determine the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.\n \n65\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nActivity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning of period\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n710\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n798\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n816\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCharged to costs and other\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n258\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n157\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n234\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nWrite-offs\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n252\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n245\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n252\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, end of period\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n716\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n710\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n798\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nAllowance for doubtful accounts included in our consolidated balance sheets:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n650\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n633\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n751\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n66\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n77\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n716\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n710\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n798\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nAs of June 30, 2023 and 2022, other receivables related to activities to facilitate the purchase of server \ncomponents were $\n9.2\n billion and $\n6.1\n billion, respectively, and are included in other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.\n \nWe record financing receivables when we offer certain of our customers the option to acquire our software products and services offerings through a financing program in a limited number of countries. As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, our financing receivables, net were $\n5.3\n billion and $\n4.1\n billion, respectively, for short-term and long-term financing receivables, which are included in other current assets and other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We record an allowance to cover expected losses based on troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.\nAssets Recognized from Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer\nWe recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have determined that certain sales incentive programs meet the requirements to be capitalized. Total capitalized costs to obtain a contract were immaterial during the periods presented and are included in other current and long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets.\n \nWe apply a practical expedient to expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract with a customer when the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs include our internal sales organization compensation program and certain partner sales incentive programs as we have determined annual compensation is commensurate with annual sales activities.\nCost of Revenue\n \nCost of revenue includes: manufacturing and distribution costs for products sold and programs licensed; operating costs related to product support service centers and product distribution centers; costs incurred to include software on PCs sold by original equipment manufacturers (\u201cOEM\u201d), to drive traffic to our websites, and to acquire online advertising space; costs incurred to support and maintain cloud-based and other \nonline products and services, including datacenter costs and royalties; warranty costs; inventory valuation adjustments; costs associated with the delivery of consulting services; and the amortization of capitalized software development costs. Capitalized software development costs are amortized over the estimated lives of the products.\n \n66\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nProduct Warranty\n \nWe provide for the estimated costs of fulfilling our obligations under hardware and software warranties at the time the related revenue is recognized. For hardware warranties, we estimate the costs based on historical and projected product failure rates, historical and projected repair costs, and knowledge of specific product failures (if any). The specific hardware warranty terms and conditions vary depending upon the product sold and the country in which we do business, but generally include parts and labor over a period generally ranging from 90 days to three years. For software warranties, we estimate the costs to provide bug fixes, such as security patches, over the estimated life of the software. We regularly reevaluate our estimates to assess the adequacy of the recorded warranty liabilities and adjust the amounts as necessary.\n \nResearch and Development\n \nResearch and development expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense, and other headcount-related expenses associated with product development. Research and development expenses also include third-party development and programming costs and the amortization of purchased software code and services content. Such costs related to software development are included in research and development expense until the point that technological feasibility is reached, which for our software products, is generally shortly before the products are released to production. Once technological feasibility is reached, such costs are capitalized and amortized to cost of revenue over the estimated lives of the products.\n \nSales and Marketing\n \nSales and marketing expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense, and other headcount-related expenses associated with sales and marketing personnel, and the costs of advertising, promotions, trade shows, seminars, and other programs. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $\n904\n million\n, $\n1.5\n billion, and $\n1.5\n billion in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n \nStock-Based Compensation\n \nCompensation cost for stock awards, which include restricted stock units (\u201cRSUs\u201d) and performance stock units (\u201cPSUs\u201d), is measured at the fair value on the grant date and recognized as expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the related service or performance period. The fair value of stock awards is based on the quoted price of our common stock on the grant date less the present value of expected dividends not received during the vesting period. We measure the fair value of PSUs using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Compensation cost for RSUs is recognized using the straight-line method and for PSUs is recognized using the accelerated method.\nCompensation expense for the employee stock purchase plan (\u201cESPP\u201d) is measured as the discount the employee is entitled to upon purchase and is recognized in the period of purchase.\nEmployee Severance\nOn January 18, 2023, we announced a decision to reduce our overall workforce by approximately \n10,000\n jobs through the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, we recorded $\n800\n million of employee severance expenses related to these job eliminations as part of an ongoing employee benefit plan. These employee severance expenses were incurred as part of a corporate program, and were included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated income statements and allocated to our segments based on relative gross margin. Refer to Note 19 \u2013 Segment Information and Geographic Data for further information.\nIncome Taxes\n \nIncome tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes, and interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions. Certain income and expenses are not reported in tax returns and financial statements in the same year. The tax effect of such temporary differences is reported as deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets are reported net of a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. All deferred income taxes are classified as long-term in our consolidated balance sheets.\n \n67\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nFinancial Instruments\nInvestments\nWe consider all highly liquid interest-earning investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The fair values of these investments approximate their carrying values. In general, investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations.\n \nDebt investments are classified as available-for-sale and realized gains and losses are recorded using the specific identification method. Changes in fair value, excluding credit losses and impairments, are recorded in other comprehensive income. Fair value is calculated based on publicly available market information or other estimates determined by management. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, we evaluate, among other factors, general market conditions, credit quality of debt instrument issuers, and the extent to which the fair value is less than cost. To determine credit losses, we employ a systematic methodology that considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence. In addition, we consider specific adverse conditions related to the financial health of, and business outlook for, the investee. If we have plans to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery, then a decline in fair value below cost is recorded as an impairment charge in other income (expense), net and a new cost basis in the investment is established. If market, industry, and/or investee conditions deteriorate, we may incur future impairments.\nEquity investments with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values are measured using the equity method or measured at cost with adjustments for observable changes in price or impairments (referred to as the measurement alternative). We perform a qualitative assessment on a periodic basis and recognize an impairment if there are sufficient indicators that the fair value of the investment is less than carrying value. Changes in value are recorded in other income (expense), net.\n \nDerivatives\nDerivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.\n \nFor derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, gains and losses are recognized in other income (expense), net with offsetting gains and losses on the hedged items. Gains and losses representing hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in other income (expense), net.\nFor derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, gains and losses are initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently recognized in other income (expense), net with the corresponding hedged item. Gains and losses representing hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in other income (expense), net.\n \nFor derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges, gains and losses from changes in fair values are primarily recognized in other income (expense), net.\n68\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nFair Value Measurements\nWe account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The hierarchy below lists three levels of fair value based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. We categorize each of our fair value measurements in one of these three levels based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These levels are:\n \n\u2022\nLevel 1\n \u2013 inputs are based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Our Level 1 investments include U.S. government securities, common and preferred stock, and mutual funds. Our Level 1 derivative assets and liabilities include those actively traded on exchanges. \n\u2022\nLevel 2\n \u2013 inputs are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques (e.g. the Black-Scholes model) for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, credit spreads, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies. Our Level 2 investments include commercial paper, certificates of deposit, U.S. agency securities, foreign government bonds, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, corporate notes and bonds, and municipal securities. Our Level 2 derivative assets and liabilities include certain cleared swap contracts and over-the-counter forward, option, and swap contracts.\n\u2022\nLevel 3\n \u2013 inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management\u2019s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques, including option pricing models and discounted cash flow models. Our Level 3 assets and liabilities include investments in corporate notes and bonds, municipal securities, and goodwill and intangible assets, when they are recorded at fair value due to an impairment charge. Unobservable inputs used in the models are significant to the fair values of the assets and liabilities. \nWe measure equity investments without readily determinable fair values on a nonrecurring basis. The fair values of these investments are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparables, and discounted cash flow projections.\n \nOur other current financial assets and current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values.\nInventories\n \nInventories are stated at average cost, subject to the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost includes materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead related to the purchase and production of inventories. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price less estimated costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand, future purchase commitments with our suppliers, and the estimated utility of our inventory. If our review indicates a reduction in utility below carrying value, we reduce our inventory to a new cost basis through a charge to cost of revenue.\n \nProperty and Equipment\n \nProperty and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, and depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. The estimated useful lives of our property and equipment are generally as follows: computer software developed or acquired for internal use, \nthree years\n; computer equipment, \ntwo\n to \nsix \nyears\n; buildings and improvements, \nfive\n to \n15 years\n; leasehold improvements, \nthree\n to \n20 years\n; and furniture and equipment, \none\n to \n10 years\n. Land is not depreciated.\n \nLeases\nWe determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (\u201cROU\u201d) assets, other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, other current liabilities, and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.\n \n69\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we generally use our incremental borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments at commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.\n \nWe have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For certain equipment leases, such as vehicles, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Additionally, for certain equipment leases, we apply a portfolio approach to effectively account for the operating lease ROU assets and liabilities.\n \nGoodwill\n \nGoodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (May 1) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.\n \nIntangible Assets\n \nOur intangible assets are subject to amortization and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit, ranging from \none\n to \n20 years\n. We evaluate the recoverability of intangible assets periodically by taking into account events or circumstances that may warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate the asset may be impaired.\n \n\n\nNOTE 2 \u2014 EARNINGS PER SHARE\nBasic earnings per share (\u201cEPS\u201d) is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options and stock awards.\n \nThe components of basic and diluted EPS were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except earnings per share)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet income available for common shareholders (A)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n72,361\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n72,738\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n61,271\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted average outstanding shares of common stock (B)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,446\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,496\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,547\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDilutive effect of stock-based awards\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n26\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n44\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n61\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon stock and common stock equivalents (C)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,472\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,540\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,608\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarnings Per Share\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasic (A/B)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9.72\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9.70\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n8.12\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiluted (A/C)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9.68\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9.65\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n8.05\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nAnti-dilutive stock-based awards excluded from the calculations of diluted EPS were immaterial during the periods presented.\n\n\n70\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 3 \u2014 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET\n \nThe components of other income (expense), net were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest and dividends income\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,994\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,094\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,131\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest expense\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,968\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,063\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,346\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet recognized gains on investments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n260\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n461\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,232\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet gains (losses) on derivatives\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n456\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n52\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet gains (losses) on foreign currency remeasurements\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n181\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n75\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n54\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther, net\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n223\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n32\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n98\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n788\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n333\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n1,186\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nNet Recognized Gains (Losses) on Investments\n \nNet recognized gains (losses) on debt investments were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRealized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n36\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n162\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n105\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRealized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n124\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n138\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n40\n\n\n)\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nImpairments and allowance for credit losses\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n10\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n81\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2\n\n\n)\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n98\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n57\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n63\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nNet recognized gains (losses) on equity investments were as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet realized gains on investments sold\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n75\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n123\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet unrealized gains on investments still held\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n303\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n509\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,057\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImpairments of investments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n20\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n20\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n11\n\n\n)\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n358\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n518\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n1,169\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n71\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 4 \u2014 INVESTMENTS\nInvestment Components\n \nThe components of investments were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\nLevel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdjusted\nCost Basis\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnrealized\nGains\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnrealized\nLosses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRecorded\nBasis\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash\nand Cash\nEquivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShort-term\nInvestments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEquity\nInvestments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommercial paper\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n16,589\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n16,589\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n12,231\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n4,358\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCertificates of deposit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,701\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,701\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,657\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n44\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. government securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n65,237\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,870\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n61,369\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,991\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n58,378\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. agency securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,703\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,703\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n894\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,809\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign government bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n498\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n24\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n475\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n475\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMortgage- and asset-backed securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n824\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n39\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n786\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n786\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate notes and bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n10,809\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n583\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,234\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,234\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate notes and bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n120\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n120\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n120\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMunicipal securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n285\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n18\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n268\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n261\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMunicipal securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n103\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n16\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n87\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n87\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal debt investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n99,869\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n4,550\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n95,332\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n18,780\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n76,552\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10,138\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,446\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,692\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,187\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,187\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal equity investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n17,325\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,446\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,879\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,478\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,478\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerivatives, net\n\u00a0(a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n121,141\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n34,704\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n76,558\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,879\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n72\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\nLevel\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAdjusted\nCost Basis\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnrealized\nGains\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnrealized\nLosses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nRecorded\nBasis\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nCash\nand Cash\nEquivalents\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nShort-term\nInvestments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEquity\nInvestments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommercial paper\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,500\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,500\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,498\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCertificates of deposit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,071\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,071\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,032\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n39\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. government securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n79,696\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n29\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,178\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n77,547\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n77,538\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. agency securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n419\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n9\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n410\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n410\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign government bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n506\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n24\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n482\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n482\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMortgage- and asset-backed securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n727\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n30\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n698\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n698\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate notes and bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n11,661\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n554\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n11,111\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n11,111\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate notes and bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n67\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMunicipal securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n368\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n19\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n13\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n374\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n374\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMunicipal securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n103\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n97\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n97\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal debt investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n98,118\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n53\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n2,814\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n95,357\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,539\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n90,818\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChanges in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n1,590\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n1,134\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n456\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6,435\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6,435\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal equity investments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n8,025\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,134\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n6,891\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n8,258\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n8,258\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerivatives, net\n\u00a0(a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n111,648\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n13,931\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n90,826\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n6,891\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nRefer to Note 5 \u2013 Derivatives for further information on the fair value of our derivative instruments.\n\u00a0\nEquity investments presented as \u201cOther\u201d in the tables above include investments without readily determinable fair values measured using the equity method or measured at cost with adjustments for observable changes in price or impairments, and investments measured at fair value using net asset value as a practical expedient which are not categorized in the fair value hierarchy. As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, equity investments without readily determinable fair values measured at cost with adjustments for observable changes in price or impairments were $\n4.2\n billion and $\n3.8\n billion, respectively.\n \n73\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nUnrealized Losses on Debt Investments\n \nDebt investments with continuous unrealized losses for less than 12 months and 12 months or greater and their related fair values were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nLess than 12 Months\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n12 Months or Greater\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nTotal\nUnrealized\nLosses\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nUnrealized\nLosses\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nUnrealized\nLosses\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nTotal\nFair Value\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30, 2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. government and agency securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7,950\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n336\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n45,273\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n3,534\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n53,223\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n3,870\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign government bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n77\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n391\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n19\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n468\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n24\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMortgage- and asset-backed securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n257\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n412\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n34\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n669\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n39\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate notes and bonds\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,326\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n49\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,336\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n534\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,662\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n583\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMunicipal securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n111\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n186\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n31\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n297\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n34\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n10,721\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n398\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n53,598\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n4,152\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n64,319\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n4,550\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLess than 12 Months\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12 Months or Greater\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\nUnrealized\nLosses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnrealized\nLosses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFair Value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nUnrealized\nLosses\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\nFair Value\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. government and agency securities\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n59,092\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n1,835\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,210\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n352\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n61,302\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n2,187\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign government bonds\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n418\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n18\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n27\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n445\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n24\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMortgage- and asset-backed securities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n510\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n26\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n41\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n4\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n551\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n30\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorporate notes and bonds\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9,443\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n477\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n786\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n77\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n10,229\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n554\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMunicipal securities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n178\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n252\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n19\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n69,641\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n2,368\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n3,138\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n446\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n72,779\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n2,814\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nUnrealized losses from fixed-income securities are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. Management does not believe any remaining unrealized losses represent impairments based on our evaluation of available evidence.\n \nDebt Investment Maturities\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\nAdjusted\nCost Basis\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nEstimated\nFair Value\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30, 2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDue in one year or less\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n38,182\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n38,048\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDue after one year through five years\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n47,127\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n44,490\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDue after five years through 10 years\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n13,262\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n11,628\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDue after 10 years\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,298\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,166\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n99,869\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n95,332\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 5 \u2014 DERIVATIVES\n \nWe use derivative instruments to manage risks related to foreign currencies, interest rates, equity prices, and credit; to enhance investment returns; and to facilitate portfolio diversification. Our objectives for holding derivatives include reducing, eliminating, and efficiently managing the economic impact of these exposures as effectively as possible. Our derivative programs include strategies that both qualify and do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.\n \nForeign Currencies\n \nCertain forecasted transactions, assets, and liabilities are exposed to foreign currency risk. We monitor our foreign currency exposures daily to maximize the economic effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions.\n \nForeign currency risks related to certain non-U.S. dollar-denominated investments are hedged using foreign exchange forward contracts that are designated as fair value hedging instruments. Foreign currency risks related to certain Euro-denominated debt are hedged using foreign exchange forward contracts that are designated as cash flow hedging instruments.\nCertain options and forwards not designated as hedging instruments are also used to manage the variability in foreign exchange rates on certain balance sheet amounts and to manage other foreign currency exposures.\n \nInterest Rate\n \nInterest rate risks related to certain fixed-rate debt are hedged using interest rate swaps that are designated as fair value hedging instruments to effectively convert the fixed interest rates to floating interest rates.\nSecurities held in our fixed-income portfolio are subject to different interest rate risks based on their maturities. We manage the average maturity of our fixed-income portfolio to achieve economic returns that correlate to certain broad-based fixed-income indices using option, futures, and swap contracts. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and are included in \u201cOther contracts\u201d in the tables below.\nEquity\n \nSecurities held in our equity investments portfolio are subject to market price risk. At times, we may hold options, futures, and swap contracts. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments.\nCredit\n \nOur fixed-income portfolio is diversified and consists primarily of investment-grade securities. We use credit default swap contracts to manage credit exposures relative to broad-based indices and to facilitate portfolio diversification. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and are included in \u201cOther contracts\u201d in the tables below.\nCredit-Risk-Related Contingent Features\n \nCertain of our counterparty agreements for derivative instruments contain provisions that require our issued and outstanding long-term unsecured debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating and require us to maintain minimum liquidity of $\n1.0\n billion. To the extent we fail to meet these requirements, we will be required to post collateral, similar to the standard convention related to over-the-counter derivatives. As of June 30, 2023, our long-term unsecured debt rating was \nAAA\n, and cash investments were in excess of $\n1.0\n billion. As a result, no collateral was required to be posted.\n \n75\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nThe following table presents the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative instruments measured in U.S. dollar equivalents:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 30,\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nJune 30,\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesignated as Hedging Instruments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign exchange contracts purchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,492\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n635\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest rate contracts purchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,078\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,139\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot Designated as Hedging Instruments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign exchange contracts purchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,874\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,322\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign exchange contracts sold\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25,159\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21,606\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity contracts purchased\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,867\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,131\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity contracts sold\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,154\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther contracts purchased\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,224\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,642\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther contracts sold\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n581\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n544\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nFair Values of Derivative Instruments\nThe following table presents our derivative instruments:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\nDerivative\nAssets\n\n\n \n\n\nDerivative\nLiabilities\n\n\n \n\n\nDerivative\nAssets\n\n\n \n\n\nDerivative\nLiabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nJune 30,\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\nJune 30,\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesignated as Hedging Instruments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign exchange contracts\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n34\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n67\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n77\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest rate contracts\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n16\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n3\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot Designated as Hedging Instruments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign exchange contracts\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n249\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n332\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n333\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n362\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity contracts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n165\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n400\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n95\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther contracts\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n5\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n6\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n15\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n17\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross amounts of derivatives\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n469\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n805\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n356\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n551\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross amounts of derivatives offset in the balance sheet\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n202\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n206\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n130\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n133\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash collateral received\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n125\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n75\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet amounts of derivatives\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n267\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n724\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n226\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n493\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nReported as\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort-term investments\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n6\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n8\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n245\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n218\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n16\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n341\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n298\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n383\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n195\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n267\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n724\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n226\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n493\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nGross derivative assets and liabilities subject to legally enforceable master netting agreements for which we have elected to offset were $\n442\n million and $\n804\n million, respectively, as of June 30, 2023, and $\n343\n million and $\n550\n million, respectively, as of June 30, 2022.\n \nThe following table presents the fair value of our derivatives instruments on a gross basis:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nLevel 3\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerivative assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n462\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n469\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerivative liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n805\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n805\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerivative assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n349\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n356\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerivative liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n551\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n551\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n76\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nGains (losses) on derivative instruments recognized in other income (expense), net were as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesignated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign exchange contracts\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerivatives\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n49\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n193\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHedged items\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n50\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n188\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExcluded from effectiveness assessment\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest rate contracts\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerivatives\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n65\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n92\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n37\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHedged items\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n108\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n53\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesignated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign exchange contracts\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n61\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n79\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot Designated as Hedging Instruments\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign exchange contracts\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n73\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n383\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquity contracts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n420\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n6\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther contracts\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n41\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n85\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nGains (losses), net of tax, on derivative instruments recognized in our consolidated comprehensive income statements were as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesignated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign exchange contracts\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncluded in effectiveness assessment\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n34\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n57\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n34\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 6 \n\u2014\n INVENTORIES\nThe components of inventories were as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRaw materials\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n709\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n1,144\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nWork in process\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n23\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n82\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinished goods\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,768\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,516\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,500\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n3,742\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n77\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 7 \u2014 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT\n \nThe components of property and equipment were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLand\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n5,683\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n4,734\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuildings and improvements\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n68,465\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n55,014\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeasehold improvements\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n8,537\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,819\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nComputer equipment and software\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n74,961\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n60,631\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurniture and equipment\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6,246\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n5,860\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal, at cost\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n163,892\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n134,058\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated depreciation\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n68,251\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n59,660\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal, net\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n95,641\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n74,398\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nDuring fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, depreciation expense was $\n11.0\n billion, $\n12.6\n billion, and $\n9.3\n billion, respectively.\n Depreciation expense declined in fiscal year 2023 due to the change in estimated useful lives of our server and network equipment.\nAs of June 30, 2023, we have committed $\n13.5\n billion for the construction of new buildings, building improvements, and leasehold improvements, primarily related to datacenters.\n \n\n\nNOTE 8 \u2014 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS\n \nNuance Communications, Inc.\n \nOn \nMarch 4, 2022\n, we completed our acquisition of Nuance Communications, Inc. (\u201cNuance\u201d) for a total purchase price of $\n18.8\n billion, consisting primarily of cash. Nuance is a cloud and artificial intelligence (\u201cAI\u201d) software provider with healthcare and enterprise AI experience, and the acquisition will build on our industry-specific cloud offerings. The financial results of Nuance have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition. Nuance is reported as part of our Intelligent Cloud segment.\nThe allocation of the purchase price to goodwill was completed as of December 31, 2022. \nThe major classes of assets and liabilities to which we have allocated the purchase price were as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill \n(a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n \n\n\n16,326\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,365\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n42\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther liabilities \n(b)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,972\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n18,761\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nGoodwill was assigned to our Intelligent Cloud segment and was primarily attributed to increased synergies that are expected to be achieved from the integration of Nuance. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.\n(b)\nIncludes $\n986\n million of convertible senior notes issued by Nuance in 2015 and 2017, substantially all of which have been redeemed.\nFollowing are the details of the purchase price allocated to the intangible assets acquired:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except average life)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\nAverage Life\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer-related\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,610\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTechnology-based\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,540\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarketing-related\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n215\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n4,365\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7\n\u00a0years\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n78\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nZeniMax Media Inc.\nOn \nMarch 9, 2021\n, we completed our acquisition of ZeniMax Media Inc. (\u201cZeniMax\u201d), the parent company of Bethesda Softworks LLC (\u201cBethesda\u201d), for a total purchase price of $\n8.1\n billion, consisting primarily of cash. The purchase price included $\n766\n million of cash and cash equivalents acquired. Bethesda is one of the largest, privately held game developers and publishers in the world, and brings a broad portfolio of games, technology, and talent to Xbox. The financial results of ZeniMax have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition. ZeniMax is reported as part of our More Personal Computing segment.\nThe allocation of the purchase price to goodwill was completed as of December 31, 2021. The major classes of assets and liabilities to which we have allocated the purchase price were as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash and cash equivalents\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n766\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoodwill\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n5,510\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntangible assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,968\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n121\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n244\n\n\n)\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n8,121\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nGoodwill was assigned to our More Personal Computing segment. The goodwill was primarily attributed to increased synergies that are expected to be achieved from the integration of ZeniMax. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.\nFollowing are details of the purchase price allocated to the intangible assets acquired:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except average life)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWeighted\nAverage Life\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTechnology-based\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,341\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarketing-related\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n627\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,968\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6\n\u00a0years\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nActivision Blizzard, Inc.\nOn \nJanuary 18, 2022\n, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Activision Blizzard, Inc. (\u201cActivision Blizzard\u201d) for $\n95.00\n per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $\n68.7\n billion, inclusive of Activision Blizzard\u2019s net cash. Activision Blizzard is a leader in game development and an interactive entertainment content publisher. The acquisition will accelerate the growth in our gaming business across mobile, \nPC, console, and cloud gaming. The acquisition has been approved by Activision Blizzard\u2019s shareholders. We continue to work toward closing the transaction subject to obtaining required regulatory approvals and satisfaction of\n other customary closing conditions. Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have jointly agreed to extend the merger agreement through October 18, 2023 to allow for additional time to resolve remaining regulatory concerns.\n\n\nNOTE 9 \u2014 GOODWILL\n \nChanges in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 30,\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAcquisitions\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 30,\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAcquisitions\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOther\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 30,\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProductivity and Business Processes\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n24,317\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n599\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n105\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n24,811\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n11\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n47\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n24,775\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntelligent Cloud\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n13,256\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n16,879\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n47\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n30,182\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n223\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n64\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n30,469\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore Personal Computing\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n12,138\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n648\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n255\n\n\n)\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n12,531\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n111\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n12,642\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n49,711\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n18,126\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n313\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n67,524\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n234\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n67,886\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n79\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nThe measurement periods for the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed end as soon as information on the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition dates becomes available, but do not exceed 12 months. Adjustments in purchase price allocations may require a change in the amounts allocated to goodwill during the periods in which the adjustments are determined.\n \nAny change in the goodwill amounts resulting from foreign currency translations and purchase accounting adjustments are presented as \u201cOther\u201d in the table above. Also included in \u201cOther\u201d are business dispositions and transfers between segments due to reorganizations, as applicable.\n \nGoodwill Impairment\nWe test goodwill for impairment annually on May 1 at the reporting unit level, primarily using a discounted cash flow methodology with a peer-based, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital. We believe use of a discounted cash flow approach is the most reliable indicator of the fair values of the businesses.\n \nNo\n instances of impairment were identified in our May 1, 2023, May 1, 2022, or May 1, 2021 tests. As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, accumulated goodwill impairment was $\n11.3\n billion.\n\n\nNOTE 10 \n\u2014\n INTANGIBLE ASSETS\n \nThe components of intangible assets, all of which are finite-lived, were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\nGross\nCarrying\nAmount\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nAccumulated\nAmortization\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nNet Carrying\nAmount\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nGross\nCarrying\nAmount\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAccumulated\nAmortization\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nNet Carrying\nAmount\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTechnology-based\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n11,245\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n7,589\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n3,656\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n11,277\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n6,958\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n4,319\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer-related\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,281\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n4,047\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n3,234\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,342\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n3,171\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4,171\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarketing-related\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4,935\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,473\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,462\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4,942\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,143\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,799\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nContract-based\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n29\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n15\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n14\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n16\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n7\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n23,490\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n14,124\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9,366\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n23,577\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n12,279\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n11,298\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nNo material impairments of intangible assets were identified during fiscal years 2023, 2022, or 2021. We estimate that we have no significant residual value related to our intangible assets.\nThe components of intangible assets acquired during the periods presented were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nWeighted\nAverage Life\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nWeighted\nAverage Life\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTechnology-based\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n522\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7\n\u00a0years\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,611\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4\n\u00a0years\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustomer-related\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\u00a0years\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,837\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarketing-related\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n5\n\u00a0years\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n233\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4\n\u00a0years\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nContract-based\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n541\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6\n\u00a0years\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n \n5,681\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7\n\u00a0years\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nIntangible assets amortization expense was $\n2.5\n billion, $\n2.0\n billion, and $\n1.6\n billion for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n \n80\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nThe following table outlines the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets held as of June 30, 2023:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ending June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,363\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,881\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,381\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n929\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n652\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,160\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9,366\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 11 \u2014 DEBT\n \nThe components of debt were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, issuance by calendar year)\n\n\n \n\n\nMaturities\n(calendar year)\n\n\n \n\n\nStated Interest\nRate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nEffective Interest\nRate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 30,\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nJune 30,\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2009\n\u00a0issuance of $\n3.8\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2039\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.20\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.24\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n520\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n520\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2010\n\u00a0issuance of $\n4.8\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2040\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.50\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4.57\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n486\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n486\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2011\n\u00a0issuance of $\n2.3\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2041\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.30\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.36\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n718\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n718\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2012\n\u00a0issuance of $\n2.3\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2042\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.50\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.57\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n454\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,204\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2013\n\u00a0issuance of $\n5.2\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n2043\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n3.63\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n4.88\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n3.73\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n4.92\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n1,814\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,814\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2013\n\u00a0issuance of \u20ac\n4.1\n\u00a0billion\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2028\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n2033\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.63\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n3.13\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.69\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n3.22\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,509\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,404\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2015\n\u00a0issuance of $\n23.8\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2025\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n2055\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2.70\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n4.75\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2.77\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n4.78\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n9,805\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n10,805\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2016\n\u00a0issuance of $\n19.8\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n2056\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2.00\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n3.95\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2.10\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n4.03\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n9,430\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n9,430\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2017\n\u00a0issuance of $\n17.0\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2024\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n2057\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2.88\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n4.50\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n3.04\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n4.53\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n8,945\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n8,945\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2020\n\u00a0issuance of $\n10.0\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2050\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n2060\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2.53\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n2.68\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n2.53\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n2.68\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n10,000\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n10,000\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2021\n\u00a0issuance of $\n8.2\n\u00a0billion\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2052\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n2062\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.92\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n3.04\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.92\n%\n\n\n\u2013\n\n\n3.04\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,185\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,185\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal face value\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n52,866\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n55,511\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnamortized discount and issuance costs\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n438\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n471\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHedge fair value adjustments \n(a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n106\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n68\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPremium on debt exchange\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5,085\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5,191\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n47,237\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n49,781\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent portion of long-term debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n5,247\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,749\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n41,990\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n47,032\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nRefer to Note 5 \u2013 Derivatives for further information on the interest rate swaps related to fixed-rate debt.\nAs of June 30, 2023 and 2022, the estimated fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was $\n46.2\n billion and $\n50.9\n billion, respectively. The estimated fair values are based on Level 2 inputs.\n \nDebt in the table above is comprised of senior unsecured obligations and ranks equally with our other outstanding obligations. Interest is paid semi-annually, except for the Euro-denominated debt, which is paid annually. Cash paid for interest on our debt for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $\n1.7\n billion, $\n1.9\n billion, and $\n2.0\n billion, respectively.\n \n81\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nThe following table outlines maturities of our long-term debt, including the current portion, as of June 30, 2023:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ending June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n5,250\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,250\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n3,000\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n8,000\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n34,366\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n52,866\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 12 \u2014 INCOME TAXES\nProvision for Income Taxes\n \nThe components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent Taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. federal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n14,009\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n8,329\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n3,285\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. state and local\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,322\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,679\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,229\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,678\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,672\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,467\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrent taxes\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n23,009\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n16,680\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n9,981\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred Taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. federal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n6,146\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n4,815\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. state and local\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n477\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,062\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n204\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n564\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n175\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred taxes\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n6,059\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n5,702\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n150\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProvision for income taxes\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n16,950\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n10,978\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9,831\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n82\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nU.S. and foreign components of income before income taxes were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S.\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n52,917\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n47,837\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n34,972\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n36,394\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n35,879\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n36,130\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome before income taxes\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n89,311\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n83,716\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n71,102\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nEffective Tax Rate\nThe items accounting for the difference between income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate and our effective rate were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFederal statutory rate\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n21.0\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n21.0\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n21.0\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffect of:\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign earnings taxed at lower rates\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1.8\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1.3\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2.7\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImpact of intangible property transfers\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3.9\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForeign-derived intangible income deduction\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1.3\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1.1\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1.3\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nState income taxes, net of federal benefit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.6\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.4\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1.4\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch and development credit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1.1\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n0.9\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n0.9\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExcess tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n0.7\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1.9\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2.4\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.8\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.5\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.5\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther reconciling items, net\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0.5\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n0.7\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1.8\n)%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEffective rate\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n19.0\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n13.1\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n13.8\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nIn the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, we transferred certain intangible properties from our Puerto Rico subsidiary to the U.S. The transfer of intangible properties resulted in a $\n3.3\n billion net income tax benefit in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, as the value of future U.S. tax deductions exceeded the current tax liability from the U.S. global intangible low-taxed income (\u201cGILTI\u201d) tax.\n\u00a0\nWe have historically paid India withholding taxes on software sales through distributor withholding and tax audit assessments in India. In March 2021, the India Supreme Court ruled favorably in the case of Engineering Analysis Centre of Excellence Private Limited vs The Commissioner of Income Tax for companies in 86 separate appeals, some dating back to 2012, holding that software sales are not subject to India withholding taxes. Although we were not a party to the appeals, our software sales in India were determined to be not subject to withholding taxes. Therefore, we recorded a net income tax benefit of $\n620\n million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 to reflect the results of the India Supreme Court decision impacting fiscal year \n1996\n through fiscal year \n2016\n.\n\u00a0\nThe decrease from the federal statutory rate in fiscal year 2023 is primarily due to earnings taxed at lower rates in foreign jurisdictions resulting from producing and distributing our products and services through our foreign regional operations center in Ireland. The decrease from the federal statutory rate in fiscal year 2022 is primarily due to the net income tax benefit related to the transfer of intangible properties, earnings taxed at lower rates in foreign jurisdictions resulting from producing and distributing our products and services through our foreign regional operations center in Ireland, and tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation. The decrease from the federal statutory rate in fiscal year 2021 is primarily due to earnings taxed at lower rates in foreign jurisdictions resulting from producing and distributing our products and services through our foreign regional operations centers in Ireland and Puerto Rico, tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation, and tax benefits from the India Supreme Court decision on withholding taxes. \nIn fiscal year 2023, our foreign regional operating center in Ireland, which is taxed at a rate lower than the U.S. rate, generated \n81\n% of our foreign income before tax. In fiscal years 2022 and 2021\n, our foreign regional operating centers in Ireland and Puerto Rico, which are taxed at rates lower than the U.S. rate, generated \n71\n% and \n82\n% of our foreign income before tax. Other reconciling items, net consists primarily of tax credits and GILTI tax, and in fiscal year 2021, includes tax benefits from the India Supreme Court decision on withholding taxes. In fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, there were no individually significant other reconciling items.\n83\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nThe increase in our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to a $\n3.3\n billion net income tax benefit in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 related to the transfer of intangible properties and a decrease in tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation. The decrease in our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to a $\n3.3\n billion net income tax benefit in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 related to the transfer of intangible properties, offset in part by changes in the mix of our income before income taxes between the U.S. and foreign countries, as well as tax benefits in the prior year from the India Supreme Court decision on withholding taxes, an agreement between the U.S. and India tax authorities related to transfer pricing, and final Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (\u201cTCJA\u201d) regulations.\nThe components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred Income Tax Assets\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation expense\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n681\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n601\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccruals, reserves, and other expenses\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n3,131\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,874\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoss and credit carryforwards\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,441\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,546\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmortization \n(a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,440\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,183\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeasing liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,041\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,557\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnearned revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,296\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,876\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBook/tax basis differences in investments and debt\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n373\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapitalized research and development \n(a)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,958\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n473\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n489\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n461\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income tax assets\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30,850\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n23,571\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess valuation allowance\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n939\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,012\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n29,911\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n22,559\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred Income Tax Liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBook/tax basis differences in investments and debt\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n174\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeasing assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4,680\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4,291\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepreciation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,674\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,602\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred tax on foreign earnings\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n2,738\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,104\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n89\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n103\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferred income tax liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n10,181\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n9,274\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet deferred income tax assets\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n19,730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n13,285\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReported As\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n20,163\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13,515\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong-term deferred income tax liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n433\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n230\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet deferred income tax assets\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n19,730\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n13,285\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nProvisions enacted in the TCJA related to the capitalization\u202ffor tax purposes of\u202fresearch\u202fand development expenditures became effective on July 1, 2022. These provisions require us to capitalize research and development expenditures and amortize them on our U.S. tax return over five or fifteen years, depending on where research is conducted.\nDeferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the taxes are paid or recovered.\n \nAs of June 30, 2023, we had federal, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $\n509\n million, $\n1.2\n billion, and $\n2.3\n billion, respectively. The federal and state net operating loss carryforwards \nhave varying expiration dates ranging\n from fiscal year \n2024\n \nto \n2043\n or indefinite carryforward periods\n, if not utilized. The majority of our foreign net operating loss carryforwards do not expire. Certain acquired net operating loss carryforwards are subject to an annual limitation but are expected to be realized with the exception of those which have a valuation allowance. As of June 30, 2023, we had $\n456\n million\n federal capital loss carryforwards for U.S. tax purposes from our acquisition of Nuance. The federal capital loss carryforwards are subject to an annual limitation and will expire in fiscal year \n2025\n.\n84\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nThe valuation allowance disclosed in the table above relates to the foreign net operating loss carryforwards, federal capital loss carryforwards, and other net deferred tax assets that may not be realized.\n \nIncome taxes paid, net of refunds, were $\n23.1\n billion, $\n16.0\n billion, and $\n13.4\n billion in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n \nUncertain Tax Positions\nGross unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions as of June 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, were $\n17.1\n \nbillion, $\n15.6\n billion, and $\n14.6\n billion, respectively, which were primarily included in long-term income taxes in our consolidated balance sheets. If recognized, the resulting tax benefit would affect our effective tax rates for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021 by $\n14.4\n \nbillion, $\n13.3\n billion, and $\n12.5\n billion, respectively.\nAs of June 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we had accrued interest expense related to uncertain tax positions of $\n5.2\n billion, $\n4.3\n billion, and $\n4.3\n billion, respectively, net of income tax benefits. The provision for income taxes for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021 included interest expense related to uncertain tax positions of $\n918\n million, $\n36\n million, and $\n274\n million, respectively, net of income tax benefits.\nThe aggregate changes in the gross unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions were as follows:\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeginning unrecognized tax benefits\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n15,593\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n14,550\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n13,792\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDecreases related to settlements\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n329\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n317\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n195\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncreases for tax positions related to the current year\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,051\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,145\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n790\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncreases for tax positions related to prior years\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n870\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n461\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n461\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDecreases for tax positions related to prior years\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n60\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n246\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n297\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDecreases due to lapsed statutes of limitations\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n5\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnding unrecognized tax benefits\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n17,120\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n15,593\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n14,550\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nWe settled a portion of the Internal Revenue Service (\u201cIRS\u201d) audit for tax years \n2004\n to \n2006\n in fiscal year 2011. In February 2012, the IRS withdrew its 2011 Revenue Agents Report related to unresolved issues for tax years 2004 to 2006 and reopened the audit phase of the examination. We also settled a portion of the IRS audit for tax years \n2007\n to \n2009\n in fiscal year 2016, and a portion of the IRS audit for tax years \n2010\n to \n2013\n in fiscal year 2018. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, we settled an additional portion of the IRS audits for tax years \n2004\n to \n2013\n and made a payment of $\n1.7\n billion, including tax and interest. We remain under audit for tax years \n2004\n to \n2017\n.\nAs of June 30, 2023, the primary unresolved issues for the IRS audits relate to transfer pricing, which could have a material impact in our consolidated financial statements when the matters are resolved. We believe our allowances for income tax contingencies are adequate. We have not received a proposed assessment for the unresolved key transfer pricing issues. We do not expect a final resolution of these issues in the next 12 months. Based on the information currently available, we do not anticipate a significant increase or decrease to our tax contingencies for these issues within the next 12 months.\nWe are subject to income tax in many jurisdictions outside the U.S. Our operations in certain jurisdictions remain subject to examination for tax years \n1996\n to \n2022\n, some of which are currently under audit by local tax authorities. The resolution of each of these audits is not expected to be material to our consolidated financial statements.\n \n\n\n85\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 13 \u2014 UNEARNED REVENUE\n \nUnearned revenue by segment was as follows:\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProductivity and Business Processes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n27,572\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n24,558\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntelligent Cloud\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n21,563\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n19,371\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore Personal Computing\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4,678\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,479\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n53,813\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n48,408\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nChanges in unearned revenue were as follows:\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n48,408\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeferral of revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n123,935\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecognition of unearned revenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n118,530\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n53,813\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nRevenue allocated to remaining performance obligations, which includes unearned revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods, was $\n229\n billion as of June 30, 2023, of which $\n224\n billion is related to the commercial portion of revenue. We expect to recognize approximately \n45\n% of this revenue over the next \n12\n months and the remainder thereafter.\n\n\nNOTE 14 \n\u2014\n LEASES\n \nWe have operating and finance leases for datacenters, corporate offices, research and development facilities, Microsoft Experience Centers, and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than \n1\n year to \n18\n years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to \n5\n years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within \n1\n year.\n \nThe components of lease expense were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease cost\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,875\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,461\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,127\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance lease cost:\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmortization of right-of-use assets\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n1,352\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n980\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n921\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest on lease liabilities\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n501\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n429\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n386\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal finance lease cost\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n1,853\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,409\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,307\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nSupplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating cash flows from operating leases\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,706\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,368\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,052\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating cash flows from finance leases\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n501\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n429\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n386\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinancing cash flows from finance leases\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,056\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n896\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n648\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,514\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,268\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,380\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,128\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,234\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,290\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n86\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nSupplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions, except lease term and discount rate)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating Leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease right-of-use assets\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14,346\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13,148\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,409\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2,228\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,489\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal operating lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15,137\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n13,717\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance Leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and equipment, at cost\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n20,538\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n17,388\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated depreciation\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n4,647\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n3,285\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProperty and equipment, net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n15,891\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14,103\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther current liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,197\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n1,060\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther long-term liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,870\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,842\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal finance lease liabilities\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n17,067\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n14,902\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted Average Remaining Lease Term\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12\n\u00a0years\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeighted Average Discount Rate\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.9\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2.1\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinance leases\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.4\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3.1\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe following table outlines maturities of our lease liabilities as of June 30, 2023:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ending June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\nOperating\n\u00a0Leases\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nFinance\n\u00a0Leases\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n2,784\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n1,747\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,508\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2,087\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,142\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,771\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2027\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,757\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,780\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n2028\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,582\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n1,787\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThereafter\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6,327\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n11,462\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal lease payments\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n17,100\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n20,634\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess imputed interest\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,963\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n3,567\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n15,137\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n17,067\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nAs of June 30, 2023, we have additional operating and finance leases, primarily for datacenters, that have not yet commenced of $\n7.7\n billion and $\n34.4\n billion, respectively. These operating and finance leases will commence between fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2030 with lease terms of \n1\n year to \n18\n years.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n87\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 15 \u2014 CONTINGENCIES\nU.S. Cell Phone Litigation\n \nMicrosoft Mobile Oy, a subsidiary of Microsoft, along with other handset manufacturers and network operators, is a defendant in 46 lawsuits, including 45 lawsuits filed in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia by individual plaintiffs who allege that radio emissions from cellular handsets caused their brain tumors and other adverse health effects. We assumed responsibility for these claims in our agreement to acquire Nokia\u2019s Devices and Services business and have been substituted for the Nokia defendants. Nine of these cases were filed in 2002 and are consolidated for certain pre-trial proceedings; the remaining cases are stayed. In a separate 2009 decision, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia held that adverse health effect claims arising from the use of cellular handsets that operate within the U.S. Federal Communications Commission radio frequency emission guidelines (\u201cFCC Guidelines\u201d) are pre-empted by federal law. The plaintiffs allege that their handsets either operated outside the FCC Guidelines or were manufactured before the FCC Guidelines went into effect. The lawsuits also allege an industry-wide conspiracy to manipulate the science and testing around emission guidelines.\n \nIn 2013, the defendants in the consolidated cases moved to exclude the plaintiffs\u2019 expert evidence of general causation on the basis of flawed scientific methodologies. In 2014, the trial court granted in part and denied in part the defendants\u2019 motion to exclude the plaintiffs\u2019 general causation experts. The defendants filed an interlocutory appeal to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals challenging the standard for evaluating expert scientific evidence. In October 2016, the Court of Appeals issued its decision adopting the standard advocated by the defendants and remanding the cases to the trial court for further proceedings under that standard. The plaintiffs have filed supplemental expert evidence, portions of which were stricken by the court. A hearing on general causation took place in September of 2022. In April of 2023, the court granted defendants\u2019 motion to strike the testimony of plaintiffs\u2019 experts that cell phones cause brain cancer and entered an order excluding all of plaintiffs\u2019 experts from testifying.\nIrish Data Protection Commission Matter\nIn 2018, the Irish Data Protection Commission (\u201cIDPC\u201d) began investigating a complaint against LinkedIn as to whether LinkedIn\u2019s targeted advertising practices violated the recently implemented European Union General Data Protection Regulation (\u201cGDPR\u201d). Microsoft cooperated throughout the period of inquiry. In April 2023, the IDPC provided LinkedIn with a non-public preliminary draft decision alleging GDPR violations and proposing a fine. Microsoft intends to challenge the preliminary draft decision. There is no set timeline for the IDPC to issue a final decision.\nOther Contingencies\n \nWe also are subject to a variety of other claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. Although management currently believes that resolving claims against us, individually or in aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact in our consolidated financial statements, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management\u2019s view of these matters may change in the future.\n \nAs of June 30, 2023, we accrued aggregate legal liabilities of $\n617\n million. While we intend to defend these matters vigorously, adverse outcomes that we estimate could reach approximately $\n600\n million in aggregate beyond recorded amounts are reasonably possible. Were unfavorable final outcomes to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact in our consolidated financial statements for the period in which the effects become reasonably estimable.\n \n\n\n88\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 16 \n\u2014\n STOCKHOLDERS\u2019 EQUITY\n \nShares Outstanding\n \nShares of common stock outstanding were as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning of year\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,464\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,519\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,571\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIssued\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n37\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n40\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n49\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepurchased\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n69\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n95\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n101\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, end of year\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,432\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,464\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,519\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nShare Repurchases\nOn September 18, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $\n40.0\n billion in share repurchases. This share repurchase program commenced in February 2020 and was completed in November 2021.\nOn September 14, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $\n60.0\n billion in share repurchases. This share repurchase program commenced in November 2021, following completion of the program approved on September 18, 2019, has no expiration date, and may be terminated at any time. As of June 30, 2023, $\n22.3\n billion remained of this $\n60.0\n billion share repurchase program.\nWe repurchased the following shares of common stock under the share repurchase programs:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\nShares\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nShares\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nShares\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\nAmount\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst Quarter\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n17\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n4,600\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n21\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n6,200\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n5,270\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSecond Quarter\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,600\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n20\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,233\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n27\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,750\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThird Quarter\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n18\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,600\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n26\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,800\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n25\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,750\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFourth Quarter\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n14\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4,600\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n28\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7,800\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n24\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6,200\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n69\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n18,400\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n95\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n28,033\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n101\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n22,970\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n89\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nAll repurchases were made using cash resources. Shares repurchased during fiscal year 2023 and the fourth and third quarters of fiscal year 2022 were under the share repurchase program approved on September 14, 2021. Shares repurchased during the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 were under the share repurchase programs approved on both September 14, 2021 and September 18, 2019. All other shares repurchased were under the share repurchase program approved on September 18, 2019. The above table excludes shares repurchased to settle employee tax withholding related to the vesting of stock awards of $\n3.8\n billion, $\n4.7\n billion, and $\n4.4\n billion for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\nDividends\n \nOur Board of Directors declared the following dividends:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeclaration Date\n\n\nRecord Date\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPayment Date\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDividend\nPer Share\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal Year 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeptember 20, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNovember 17, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDecember 8, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n0.68\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n5,066\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNovember 29, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFebruary 16, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 9, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.68\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,059\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarch 14, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 18, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 8, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.68\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,054\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 13, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 17, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeptember 14, 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.68\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,054\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2.72\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n20,233\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiscal Year 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeptember 14, 2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNovember 18, 2021\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nDecember 9, 2021\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0.62\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n4,652\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDecember 7, 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFebruary 17, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMarch 10, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.62\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,645\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarch 14, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMay 19, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nJune 9, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.62\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,632\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 14, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAugust 18, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSeptember 8, 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.62\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,621\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n2.48\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n18,550\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nThe dividend declared on June 13, 2023 was included in other current liabilities as of June 30, 2023.\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n90\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 17 \u2014 ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)\nThe following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component\n:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDerivatives\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n13\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n19\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n38\n\n\n)\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnrealized gains (losses), net of tax of \n$\n9\n, $(\n15\n), and $\n9\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n34\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n57\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n34\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in other income (expense), net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n61\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n79\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n17\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTax expense (benefit) included in provision for income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n16\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n48\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n63\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n15\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet change related to derivatives, net of tax of \n$(\n4\n)\n, $\n1\n, and $\n7\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n14\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n6\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n19\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n27\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n13\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n19\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvestments\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n2,138\n\n\n)\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n3,222\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n5,478\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnrealized losses, net of tax of \n$(\n393\n)\n, $(\n1,440\n), and $(\n589\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,523\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n5,405\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,216\n\n\n)\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nReclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in other income (expense), net\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n99\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n57\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n63\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTax expense (benefit) included in provision for income taxes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n20\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n12\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n79\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n45\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n50\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet change related to investments, net of tax of \n$(\n373\n)\n, $(\n1,428\n), and $(\n602\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n1,444\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n5,360\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n2,266\n\n\n)\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCumulative effect of accounting changes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n3,582\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n2,138\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n3,222\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTranslation Adjustments and Other\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, beginning of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n2,527\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n1,381\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\u00a0(\n2,254\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTranslation adjustments and other, net of tax of \n$\n0\n, $\n0\n, and $(\n9\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(\n207\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n1,146\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n873\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n2,734\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n2,527\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n1,381\n\n\n)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n6,343\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n(\n4,678\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n1,822\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNOTE 18 \u2014 EMPLOYEE STOCK AND SAVINGS PLANS\nWe grant stock-based compensation to employees and directors. Awards that expire or are canceled without delivery of shares generally become available for issuance under the plans. We issue new shares of Microsoft common stock to satisfy vesting of awards granted under our stock plans. We also have an ESPP for all eligible employees.\nStock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefits were as follows:\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock-based compensation expense\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n9,611\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n7,502\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n6,118\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome tax benefits related to stock-based compensation\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,651\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,293\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n1,065\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\nStock Plans\nStock awards entitle the holder to receive shares of Microsoft common stock as the award vests. Stock awards generally vest over a service period of \nfour years\n or \nfive years\n.\n \n91\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nExecutive Incentive Plan\n \nUnder the Executive Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee approves stock awards to executive officers and certain senior executives. RSUs generally vest ratably over a service period of \nfour years\n. PSUs generally vest over a performance period of \nthree years\n. The number of shares the PSU holder receives is based on the extent to which the corresponding performance goals have been achieved.\nActivity for All Stock Plans\n \nThe fair value of stock awards was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear ended June 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDividends per share (quarterly amounts)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0.62\n\u00a0\u2013 \n0.68\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.56\n\u00a0\u2013 \n0.62\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n0.51\n\u00a0\u2013 \n0.56\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterest rates\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2.0\n% \u2013 \n5.4\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0.03\n% \u2013 \n3.6\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n0.01\n% \u2013 \n1.5\n%\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nDuring fiscal year 2023, the following activity occurred under our stock plans:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\nWeighted Average\nGrant-Date Fair\nValue\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nStock Awards\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonvested balance, beginning of year\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n93\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n227.59\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted \n(a)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n56\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n252.59\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nVested\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n44\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n206.90\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nForfeited\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n(\n9\n\n\n)\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n239.93\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonvested balance, end of year\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n96\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n250.37\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nIncludes \n1\n million, \n1\n million, and \n2\n million of PSUs granted at target and performance adjustments above target levels for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.\n\u00a0\nAs of June 30, 2023, total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock awards were $\n18.6\n billion. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of \nthree years\n. The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock awards granted was $\n252.59\n, $\n291.22\n, and $\n221.13\n for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The fair value of stock awards vested was $\n11.9\n billion, $\n14.1\n billion, and $\n13.4\n billion, for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. As of June 30, 2023, an aggregate of \n164\n million shares were authorized for future grant under our stock plans.\nEmployee Stock Purchase Plan\n \nWe have an ESPP for all eligible employees. Shares of our common stock may be purchased by employees at three-month intervals at \n90\n% of the fair market value on the last trading day of each three-month period. Employees may purchase shares having a value not exceeding \n15\n% of their gross compensation during an offering period.\n \nEmployees purchased the following shares during the periods presented:\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(Shares in millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShares purchased\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n7\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n8\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAverage price per share\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n245.59\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n259.55\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n207.88\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nAs of June 30, 2023, \n74\n million shares of our common stock were reserved for future issuance through the ESPP.\n \n92\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nSavings Plans\n \nWe have savings plans in the U.S. that qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, and a number of savings plans in international locations. Eligible U.S. employees may contribute a portion of their salary into the savings plans, subject to certain limitations. We match a portion of each dollar a participant contributes into the plans. Employer-funded retirement benefits for all plans were $\n1.6\n billion, $\n1.4\n billion, and $\n1.2\n billion in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and were expensed as contributed.\n\n\nNOTE 19 \u2014 SEGMENT INFORMATION AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA\nIn its operation of the business, management, including our chief operating decision maker, who is also our Chief Executive Officer, reviews certain financial information, including segmented internal profit and loss statements prepared on a basis not consistent with GAAP. During the periods presented, we reported our financial performance based on the following segments: Productivity and Business Processes, Intelligent Cloud, and More Personal Computing.\n \nWe have recast certain prior period amounts to conform to the way we internally manage and monitor our business.\nOur reportable segments are described below.\n \nProductivity and Business Processes\n \nOur Productivity and Business Processes segment consists of products and services in our portfolio of productivity, communication, and information services, spanning a variety of devices and platforms. This segment primarily comprises:\n\u2022\nOffice Commercial (Office 365 subscriptions, the Office 365 portion of Microsoft 365 Commercial subscriptions, and Office licensed on-premises), comprising Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Office 365 Security and Compliance, Microsoft Viva, and Microsoft 365 Copilot.\n\u2022\nOffice Consumer, including Microsoft 365 Consumer subscriptions, Office licensed on-premises, and other Office services.\n\u2022\nLinkedIn, including Talent Solutions, Marketing Solutions, Premium Subscriptions, and Sales Solutions.\n\u2022\nDynamics business solutions, including Dynamics 365, comprising a set of intelligent, cloud-based applications across ERP, CRM (including Customer Insights), Power Apps, and Power Automate; and on-premises ERP and CRM applications.\nIntelligent Cloud\n \nOur Intelligent Cloud segment consists of our public, private, and hybrid server products and cloud services that can power modern business and developers. This segment primarily comprises:\n \n\u2022\nServer products and cloud services, including Azure and other cloud services; SQL Server, Windows Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (\u201cCALs\u201d); and Nuance and GitHub. \n\u2022\nEnterprise Services, including Enterprise Support Services, Industry Solutions (formerly Microsoft Consulting Services), and Nuance professional services. \nMore Personal Computing\nOur More Personal Computing segment consists of products and services that put customers at the center of the experience with our technology. This segment primarily comprises:\n\u2022\nWindows, including Windows OEM licensing and other non-volume licensing of the Windows operating system; Windows Commercial, comprising volume licensing of the Windows operating system, Windows cloud services, and other Windows commercial offerings; patent licensing; and Windows Internet of Things.\n\u2022\nDevices, including Surface, HoloLens, and PC accessories.\n93\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\n\u2022\nGaming, including Xbox hardware and Xbox content and services, comprising first- and third-party content (including games and in-game content), Xbox Game Pass and other subscriptions, Xbox Cloud Gaming, advertising, third-party disc royalties, and other cloud services.\n\u2022\nSearch and news advertising, comprising Bing (including Bing Chat), Microsoft News, Microsoft Edge, and third-party affiliates.\nRevenue and costs are generally directly attributed to our segments. However, due to the integrated structure of our business, certain revenue recognized and costs incurred by one segment may benefit other segments. Revenue from certain contracts is allocated among the segments based on the relative value of the underlying products and services, which can include allocation based on actual prices charged, prices when sold separately, or estimated costs plus a profit margin. Cost of revenue is allocated in certain cases based on a relative revenue methodology. Operating expenses that are allocated primarily include those relating to marketing of products and services from which multiple segments benefit and are generally allocated based on relative gross margin.\nIn addition, certain costs are incurred at a corporate level and allocated to our segments. These allocated costs \n \ngenerally include legal, including settlements and fines, information technology, human resources, finance, excise taxes, field selling, shared facilities services, customer service and support\n,\n and severance incurred as part of a corporate program. Each allocation is measured differently based on the specific facts and circumstances of the costs being allocated and is generally based on relative gross margin or relative headcount.\nSegment revenue and operating income were as follows during the periods presented:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevenue\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProductivity and Business Processes\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n69,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n63,364\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n53,915\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntelligent Cloud\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n87,907\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n74,965\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore Personal Computing\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54,734\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59,941\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n54,445\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n211,915\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n198,270\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n168,088\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating Income\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProductivity and Business Processes\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n34,189\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n29,690\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n24,351\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntelligent Cloud\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37,884\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n33,203\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n26,471\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore Personal Computing\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,450\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20,490\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,094\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n88,523\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n83,383\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n69,916\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nNo sales to an individual customer or country other than the United States accounted for more than 10% of revenue for fiscal years 2023, 2022, or 2021.\n \nRevenue, classified by the major geographic areas in which our customers were located, was as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnited States \n(a)\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n106,744\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n100,218\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n83,953\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther countries\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n105,171\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n98,052\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n84,135\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n211,915\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n198,270\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n168,088\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n(a)\nIncludes billings to OEMs and certain multinational organizations because of the nature of these businesses and the impracticability of determining the geographic source of the revenue.\n \n94\n\n\nPART II\nItem 8\n\u00a0\nRevenue, classified by significant product and service offerings, was as follows:\n \n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYear Ended June 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nServer products and cloud services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n79,970\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n67,350\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n52,589\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOffice products and cloud services\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n48,728\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n44,862\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n39,872\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nWindows\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n21,507\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n24,732\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n22,488\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nGaming\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n15,466\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n16,230\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n15,370\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLinkedIn\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,145\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,816\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n10,289\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSearch and news advertising\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n12,208\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,591\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,267\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnterprise Services\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,722\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,407\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n6,943\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDevices\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5,521\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,306\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,143\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDynamics\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n5,437\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n4,687\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n3,754\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n211\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n289\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n373\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n211,915\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n198,270\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n168,088\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\nOur Microsoft Cloud revenue, which includes Azure and other cloud services, Office 365 Commercial, the commercial portion of LinkedIn, Dynamics 365, and other commercial cloud properties, was $\n111.6\n billion, $\n91.4\n billion, and $\n69.1\n billion in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. These amounts are primarily included in Server products and cloud services, Office products and cloud services, LinkedIn, and Dynamics in the table above.\nAssets are not allocated to segments for internal reporting presentations. A portion of amortization and depreciation is included with various other costs in an overhead allocation to each segment. It is impracticable for us to separately identify the amount of amortization and depreciation by segment that is included in the measure of segment profit or loss.\nLong-lived assets, excluding financial instruments and tax assets, classified by the location of the controlling statutory company and with countries over 10% of the total shown separately, were as follows:\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(In millions)\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune 30,\n\n\n \n\n\n2023\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2022\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n2021\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnited States\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n114,380\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n106,430\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n76,153\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIreland\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n16,359\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n15,505\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n13,303\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther countries\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n56,500\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n44,433\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n38,858\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n187,239\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n166,368\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n$\n\n\n128,314\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n95\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGIST\nERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM\n\n\nTo the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Microsoft Corporation\n \n\n\nOpinion on the Financial Statements\n\n\nWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Microsoft Corporation and subsidiaries (the \"Company\") as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders' equity, for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the \"financial statements\"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.\n\n\nWe have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2023, based on criteria established in \nInternal Control \u2014 Integrated Framework (2013)\n issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated July 27, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.\n\n\nBasis for Opinion\n\n\nThese financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.\n\n\nWe conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.\n\n\nCritical Audit Matters\n\n\nThe critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.\n\n\nRevenue Recognition \u2013 Refer to Note 1 to the financial statements\n\n\nCritical Audit Matter Description\n\n\nThe Company recognizes revenue upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those products or services. The Company offers customers the ability to acquire multiple licenses of software products and services, including cloud-based services, in its customer agreements through its volume licensing programs.\n\n\n96\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n\nItem 8\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nSignificant judgment is exercised by the Company in determining revenue recognition for these customer agreements, and includes the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nDetermination of whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together, such as software licenses and related services that are sold with cloud-based services.\n\n\n\u2022\nThe pattern of delivery (i.e., timing of when revenue is recognized) for each distinct performance obligation.\n\n\n\u2022\nIdentification and treatment of contract terms that may impact the timing and amount of revenue recognized (e.g., variable consideration, optional purchases, and free services). \n\n\n\u2022\nDetermination of stand-alone selling prices for each distinct performance obligation and for products and services that are not sold separately.\n\n\nGiven these factors and due to the volume of transactions, the related audit effort in evaluating management's judgments in determining revenue recognition for these customer agreements was extensive and required a high degree of auditor judgment.\n\n\nHow the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit\n\n\nOur principal audit procedures related to the Company's revenue recognition for these customer agreements included the following:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u0095\n\n\nWe tested the effectiveness of controls related to the identification of distinct performance obligations, the determination of the timing of revenue recognition, and the estimation of variable consideration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u0095\n\n\nWe evaluated management's significant accounting policies related to these customer agreements for reasonableness.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u0095\n\n\nWe selected a sample of customer agreements and performed the following procedures:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n-\n\n\nObtained and read contract source documents for each selection, including master agreements, and other documents that were part of the agreement.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n-\n\n\nTested management's identification and treatment of contract terms.\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n-\n\n\nAssessed the terms in the customer agreement and evaluated the appropriateness of management's application of their accounting policies, along with their use of estimates, in the determination of revenue recognition conclusions.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u0095\n\n\nWe evaluated the reasonableness of management's estimate of stand-alone selling prices for products and services that are not sold separately.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u0095\n\n\nWe tested the mathematical accuracy of management's calculations of revenue and the associated timing of revenue recognized in the financial statements.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncome Taxes \u2013 Uncertain Tax Positions \u2013 Refer to Note 12 to the financial statements\n\n\nCritical Audit Matter Description\n\n\nThe Company's long-term income taxes liability includes uncertain tax positions related to transfer pricing issues that remain unresolved with the Internal Revenue Service (\"IRS\"). The Company remains under IRS audit, or subject to IRS audit, for tax years subsequent to 2003. While the Company has settled a portion of the IRS audits, resolution of the remaining matters could have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.\n \n\n\nConclusions on recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions involve significant estimates and management judgment and include complex considerations of the Internal Revenue Code, related regulations, tax case laws, and prior-year audit settlements. Given the complexity and the subjective nature of the transfer pricing issues that remain unresolved with the IRS, evaluating management's estimates relating to their determination of uncertain tax positions required extensive audit effort and a high degree of auditor judgment, including involvement of our tax specialists.\n\n\n97\n\n\n\n\nPART II\n\n",
+ "cik": "789019",
+ "cusip6": "594918",
+ "cusip": ["594918954", "594918104", "594918904"],
+ "names": ["MICROSOFT CORP", "MICROSOFT CORP PUT"],
+ "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/789019/000095017023035122/0000950170-23-035122-index.htm"
+}
diff --git a/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-035840.json b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-035840.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..372373c448
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GraphRAG/standalone/data/all/form10k/0000950170-23-035840.json
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{
+ "item1": ">ITEM 1. B\nusiness\n\n\nGeneral\n\n\nRichardson Electronics, Ltd. (the \"Company\", \"we\", \"our\") is a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, power grid and microwave tubes and related consumables; power conversion and RF and microwave components; high-value replacement parts, tubes and service training for diagnostic imaging equipment; and customized display solutions. Nearly 60% of our products are manufactured in LaFox, Illinois, Marlborough, Massachusetts or Donaueschingen, Germany, or by one of our manufacturing partners throughout the world. All our partners manufacture to our strict specifications and per our supplier code of conduct. We serve customers in the alternative energy, healthcare, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific and semiconductor markets. The Company\u2019s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and \u201cengineered solutions\u201d based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The Company provides solutions and adds value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics and aftermarket technical service and repair through its global infrastructure.\n\n\nOur fiscal year 2023 began on May 29, 2022 and ended on May 27, 2023, our fiscal year 2022 began on May 30, 2021 and ended on May 28, 2022 and our fiscal year 2021 began on May 31, 2020 and ended on May 29, 2021. Unless otherwise noted, all references to a particular year in this document shall mean the fiscal year for such period.\n\n\nCOVID-19 Update\n\n\nWhile the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been assessed, the long-term effects of the disruption, including supply chain disruption, and resulting impact on the global economy and capital markets remain unpredictable, and depend on future developments, such as the possible resurgence of the virus, variant strains of the virus, vaccine availability and effectiveness, and future government actions in response to the crisis. The residual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on supply chains and general economic conditions continues to evolve. The COVID-19 pandemic and its residual negative impact on general economic conditions has had and continues to have a negative effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, gross margins as a percentage of net sales (particularly within our Canvys segment). While the Company did not experience sales declines during fiscal year 2023 as a direct result of the pandemic, the residual economic impact from the pandemic continued to negatively impact our gross margins as a percentage of net sales in our Canvys segment.\n\n\nIt is likely that the pandemic will continue to affect our business for an indeterminable period of time due to the impact on the global economy, including with respect to transportation networks and supply chains, the availability of raw materials, production efforts and customer demand for our products. We have experienced and continue to experience component delays which negatively impact our product development schedule.\n \n\n\nManagement continues to monitor the impact of global economic factors on its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry and workforce. Our ability to predict and respond to future changes resulting from the Covid pandemic is uncertain. Even after the Covid pandemic fully subsides, there may be continued long-term effects on our business practices and customers in economies in which we operate that could severely disrupt our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. As we cannot predict the duration, scope or severity of the Covid pandemic, the negative financial impact to our results cannot be reasonably estimated and could be material.\n\n\nGovernment Regulations\n\n\nWe are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulatory requirements relating to our operations. These laws and regulations, which differ among jurisdictions, include, among others, those related to financial and other disclosures, accounting standards, privacy and data protection, cybersecurity, intellectual property, corporate governance, tax, trade, antitrust, employment, import/export, anti-corruption, and environmental regulatory compliance. Expenditures relating to such regulations are made in the ordinary course of our business and do not represent material expenditures and we further do not currently expect that compliance with such laws will require us to make material additional expenditures, however, there is no assurance that existing or future laws and regulations applicable to our operations, products, and services will not have a material adverse effect on our business.\n\n\n4\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmong others, we are subject to a variety of data protection laws that change frequently and have requirements that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. We are subject to significant compliance obligations under privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union and an expanding list of comprehensive state privacy and/or cybersecurity laws in the United States. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations subjects us to potential regulatory enforcement activity, fines, private litigation including class actions, reputational impacts, and other costs. Our efforts to comply with privacy and data security laws and regulations complicate our operations and add to our costs.\n\n\n We are also subject to various domestic and international export, trade and anti-corruption laws, such as include the Arms Export Control Act, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (\u201cITAR\u201d), the Export Administration Regulations (\u201cEAR\u201d), anti-money laundering laws and regulations and the trade and trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by the Office of the United States Trade Representative and the United States Department of the Treasury\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Violations of these laws and regulations may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions and penalties.\n\n\n Our operations also are subject to numerous laws and regulations governing health and safety aspects of our operations, or otherwise relating to environmental protection. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, imposition of remedial or corrective action requirements, and the imposition of injunctions to prohibit certain activities or force future compliance.\n\n\nFor more information on risks related to the laws and regulations to which we are subject, see the relevant discussions throughout \"Item 1A, Risk Factors\" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\n \nGeography\n\n\nWe currently have operations in the following major geographic regions: North America, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Latin America. Selected financial data attributable to each segment and geographic region for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 is set forth in Note 10, \nSegment and Geographic Information\n, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\nBusiness Segments\n\n\nThe Company began reporting the results for its new Green Energy Solutions (\"GES\") segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 due to its focus on power applications that support the green energy market. The GES segment has been carved out of our existing Power and Microwave Technologies (\u201cPMT\u201d) segment. Accordingly, the Company is reporting its financial performance based on four operating and reportable segments for fiscal 2023. The results for fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 presented herein were adjusted to reflect the presentation of the new GES segment separately from the PMT segment.\n\n\nThe four operating and reportable segments for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 are defined as follows:\n\n\nPower and Microwave Technologies\n \n\n\nPower and Microwave Technologies combines our core engineered solutions capabilities, power grid and microwave tube business with new disruptive RF, Wireless and Power technologies. As a designer, manufacturer, technology partner and authorized distributor, PMT\u2019s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and engineered solutions based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities on a global basis. We provide solutions and add value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics and aftermarket technical service and repair\u2014all through our existing global infrastructure. PMT\u2019s focus is on products for power, RF and microwave applications for customers in 5G, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific and semiconductor markets. PMT focuses on various applications including broadcast transmission, CO2 laser cutting, diagnostic imaging, dielectric and induction heating, high energy transfer, high voltage switching, plasma, power conversion, radar and radiation oncology. PMT also offers its customers technical services for both microwave and industrial equipment.\n\n\nPMT represents leading manufacturers of electron tubes and RF, Microwave and power components used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, RF and wireless and industrial power applications. Among the suppliers\n \n\n\n5\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nPMT supports are Amperex, CDE, CPI, Draloric, Eimac, General Electric, Hitachi, Jennings, L3, MACOM, National, NJRC, Ohmite, Qorvo, Thales, Toshiba and Vishay.\n\n\nPMT\u2019s inventory levels reflect our commitment to maintain an inventory of a broad range of products for customers who are buying products for replacement of components used in critical equipment and designing in new technologies. PMT also sells a number of products representing trailing edge technology. While the market for these trailing edge technology products is declining, PMT is increasing its market share. PMT often buys products it knows it can sell ahead of any supplier price increases and extended lead times. As manufacturers for these products exit the business, PMT has the option to purchase a substantial portion of their remaining inventory.\n\n\nPMT has distribution agreements with many of its suppliers; most of these agreements provide exclusive distribution rights that often include global coverage. The agreements are typically long term, and usually contain provisions permitting termination by either party if there are significant breaches that are not cured within a reasonable period. Although some of these agreements allow PMT to return inventory periodically, others do not, in which case PMT may have obsolete inventory that they cannot return to the supplier.\n\n\nPMT\u2019s suppliers provide warranty coverage for the products and allow return of defective products, including those returned to PMT by its customers. For information regarding the warranty reserves, see Note 3, \nSignificant Accounting Policies and Disclosures\n, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\n\n\nIn addition to third party products, we sell proprietary products principally under certain trade names we own including \nAmperex\n\u00ae, \nCetron\n\u00ae\n \nand\n National\u00ae\n. Our proprietary products include thyratrons and rectifiers, power tubes, ignitrons, magnetrons, phototubes, microwave generators, Ultracapacitor modules and liquid crystal display monitors. The materials used in the manufacturing process consist of glass bulbs and tubing, nickel, stainless steel and other metals, plastic and metal bases, ceramics and a wide variety of fabricated metal components. These materials are generally readily available, but some components may require long lead times for production, and some materials are subject to shortages or price fluctuations based on supply and demand.\n\n\nGreen Energy Solutions\n\n\nGreen Energy Solutions combines our key technology partners and engineered solutions capabilities to design and manufacture innovative products for the fast-growing energy storage market and power management applications. As a designer, manufacturer, technology partner and authorized distributor, GES\u2019s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and engineered solutions using our core design engineering and manufacturing capabilities on a global basis. We provide solutions and add value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics and aftermarket technical service and repair\u2014all through our existing global infrastructure. GES\u2019s focus is on products for numerous green energy applications such as wind, solar, hydrogen and Electric Vehicles, and other power management applications that support green solutions such as synthetic diamond manufacturing.\n\n\nCanvys\n\n\nCanvys provides customized display solutions serving the corporate enterprise, financial, healthcare, industrial and medical original equipment manufacturers markets. Our engineers design, manufacture, source and support a full spectrum of solutions to match the needs of our customers. We offer long term availability and proven custom display solutions that include touch screens, protective panels, custom enclosures, All-In-One computers, specialized cabinet finishes and application specific software packages and certification services. We partner with both private label manufacturing companies and leading branded hardware vendors to offer the highest quality display and touch solutions and customized computing platforms.\n\n\nWe have long-standing relationships with key component and finished goods manufacturers and several key ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified Asian display manufacturers that manufacture products to our specifications. We believe supplier relationships, combined with our engineering design and manufacturing capabilities and private label partnerships, allow us to maintain a well-balanced and technologically advanced offering of customer specific display solutions.\n\n\n6\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHealthcare\n\n\nHealthcare manufactures, repairs, refurbishes and distributes high value replacement parts and equipment for the healthcare market including hospitals, medical centers, asset management companies, independent service organizations and multi-vendor service providers. Products include diagnostic imaging replacement parts for CT and MRI systems; replacement CT and MRI tubes; CT service training; MRI coils, cold heads and RF amplifiers; hydrogen thyratrons, klystrons, magnetrons; flat panel detector upgrades; pre-owned CT systems; and additional replacement solutions currently under development for the diagnostic imaging service market. Through a combination of newly developed products and partnerships, service offerings and training programs, we believe we can help our customers improve efficiency while lowering the cost of healthcare delivery.\n\n\nSales and Product Management\n\n\nWe have employees, as well as authorized representatives who are not our employees, selling our products primarily in regions where we do not have a direct sales presence.\n\n\nWe offer various credit terms to qualifying customers as well as cash in advance and credit card terms. We establish credit limits for each customer and routinely review delinquent and aging accounts.\n\n\nDistribution\n\n\nWe maintain over 100,000 part numbers in our product inventory database and we estimate that more than 90% of orders received by 6:00 p.m. local time are shipped complete the same day for stock product. Customers can access our products on our websites, www.rell.com, www.rellhealthcare.com, www.canvys.com, www.rellpower.com, www.relltubes.com and www.rellaser.com, through electronic data interchange, or by telephone. Customer orders are processed by our regional sales offices and supported primarily by one of our distribution facilities in LaFox, Illinois; Fort Mill, South Carolina; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Marlborough, Massachusetts; Donaueschingen, Germany; or Singapore, Singapore. We also have satellite warehouses in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Shanghai, China; Bangkok, Thailand; and Hook, United Kingdom. Our data processing network provides on-line, real-time interconnection of all sales offices and central distribution operations, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Information on stock availability, pricing in local currency, cross-reference information, customers and market analyses are obtainable throughout the entire distribution network. The content of our websites is not deemed to be incorporated by reference in this report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.\n\n\nInternational Sales\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, we made approximately 58% of our sales outside the United States. We continue to pursue new international sales to further expand our geographic reach.\n\n\nMajor Customers\n\n\nSales to one customer in our PMT segment totaling $31.2 million accounted for 12 percent of the Company\u2019s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023. No one customer accounted for more than 10 percent of the Company\u2019s consolidated net sales for fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021. See Note 10, \nSegment and Geographic Information\n, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.\n\n\n7\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nHuman Capital Resources\n\n\nRecruitment & Staffing\n \n\n\nThe future success of our Company depends on our ability to attract, hire, motivate, retain and further develop top talent, including highly skilled technical, management and sales personnel. The skills, experience and industry knowledge of our employees significantly benefit our operations and performance. Competition for such personnel is intense and the salary, benefits and other costs to employ the right personnel may impact our results and performance.\n\n\nAs of May 27, 2023, we employed 485 individuals, which included 451 full-time individuals and 34 part-time individuals. Of these, 329 full-time and 15 part-time were in the United States and 122 full-time and 19 part-time were located internationally. All of our employees are non-union.\n\n\n The Company offers employees a competitive compensation program, designed to recognize and reward both individual and company performance, which includes a base pay, variable compensation programs, and health, well being and retirement programs to meet the needs of our employees.\n \n\n\nDiversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are an international company with offices and personnel located around the world. We understand, respect, and value the similarities as well as the differences of our employees. Our human capital is a critical asset that enables us to serve and support our global customer base. Our effectiveness in maximizing the talents of people of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is key to our continued global success. Fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is a key priority for the Company. We seek to embrace and encourage our employees\u2019 differences in age, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.\n \n\n\nManagement has identified Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (\u201cDEI&B\u201d) as a priority for our Company. Significant positive change requires careful planning, leadership, resources, and coordination. The Company established a DEI&B committee to plan and implement changes to achieve our goal of being a more diverse and inclusive organization. The DEI&B committee has been charged with making recommendations about how we, as a company, can promote and act upon the Company\u2019s initiatives in this area. The committee will identify priorities based on employee input and incorporate these into the Company\u2019s strategic plans, work to establish accountability and methods of measuring our progress and provide appropriate communications about our plans and achievements to our stakeholders. To date, DEI&B initiatives have focused on the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nExpanded the Board of Directors to include a female director\n\n\n\u2022\nIncreased DEI&B awareness throughout the Company through education and involvement\n\n\n\u2022\nAdded socially responsible funds to our 401K Plan \n\n\n\u2022\nProviding regular training, communication, activities, and surveys regarding DEI&B matters to our employees\n\n\nWebsite Access to SEC Reports\n\n\nWe maintain an Internet website at www.rell.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 are accessible through our website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interactive Data Files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, of these filing dates, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (\u201cXBRL\u201d) are accessible as well. To access these reports, go to our website at www.rell.com. Information relating to our corporate governance, including our Code of Conduct (including any related amendments or waivers) and information concerning our executive officers, directors and Board committees (including committee charters) is also available on our website. The foregoing information regarding our website is provided for convenience and the content of our website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference in this report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, the SEC maintains an internet site through which our reports, proxy and information statements and our other SEC filings can be located; the address of that site is \nhttp://www.sec.gov\n.\n\n\n8\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n",
+ "item1a": ">ITEM 1A. R\nisk Factors\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nInvestors should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other information included and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that we believe are applicable to our businesses and the industries in which we operate. While we believe we have identified the key risk factors affecting our businesses, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be significant that may adversely affect our results of operations.\n\n\nBusiness and Operational Risks\n\n\nWe may not achieve our plan for sales growth and margin targets.\n\n\nWe have established both margin and expense targets to grow our sales with new and existing customers. If we do not achieve our growth objectives, the complexity of our global infrastructure makes it difficult to leverage our fixed cost structure to align with the size of our operations. Factors that could have a significant effect on our ability to achieve these goals include the following:\n\n\n\u2022\nFailure to achieve our sales and margin growth objectives in our product lines and business units;\n\n\n\u2022\nFailure to implement or properly execute our growth strategies, including failures to identify, consummate and successfully integrate acquisitions and/or other opportunities to diversify, extend and expand our business;\n\n\n\u2022\nDeclining gross margin reflecting competitive pricing pressures or product mix; and\n\n\n\u2022\nLimitations on our ability to leverage our support-function cost structure while maintaining an adequate structure to achieve our growth objectives.\n\n\nWe have historically incurred significant charges for inventory obsolescence and may incur similar charges in the future.\n\n\nWe maintain significant inventories in an effort to ensure that customers have a reliable source of supply. Our products generally support industrial machinery powered by tube technology. As technology evolves and companies replace this capital equipment, the market for our products potentially declines. In addition, the market for many of our other products changes rapidly resulting from the development of new technologies, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions by some of our suppliers and changing end-user demand, which can contribute to the decline in value or obsolescence of our inventory. We do not have many long-term supply contracts with our customers. If we fail to anticipate the changing needs of our customers or we do not accurately forecast customer demand, our customers may not place orders with us, and we may accumulate significant inventories of products that we may be unable to sell or return to our vendors. This may result in a decline in the value of our inventory.\n\n\nWe face competitive pressures that could have a material adverse effect on our business.\n\n\nOur overall competitive position depends on a number of factors including price, engineering capability, vendor representation, product diversity, lead times and the level of customer service. There are very few vacuum tube competitors in the markets we serve. There are also a limited number of Chinese manufacturers whose ability to produce vacuum tubes has progressed over the past several years. The most significant competitive risk comes from technical obsolescence. Canvys faces many competitors in the markets we serve. Increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced margins or a loss of market share, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. As we expand our business and pursue our growth initiatives, we may encounter increased competition from current and/or new competitors. Our failure to maintain and enhance our competitive position could have a material adverse effect on our business.\n \n\n\n9\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe are dependent on a limited number of vendors to supply us with essential products. Disruptions to the supply chain could adversely impact our business.\n\n\nThe products we supply are currently produced by a relatively small number of manufacturers. One of our suppliers represented 11% of our total cost of sales during fiscal year 2023. Our success depends, in large part, on maintaining current vendor relationships and developing new relationships. To the extent that our significant suppliers are unwilling or unable to continue to do business with us, extend lead times, limit supplies due to capacity constraints or other factors, there could be a material adverse effect on our business.\n \n\n\nFurther, as a result of COVID-19 and its effects, we experienced some residual COVID-19 related component delays impacting new product development schedules. The global markets have generally suffered, and are continuing to suffer, from material disruptions to certain supply chains. Changes in our relationships with suppliers, shortages in availability of materials, production delays, regulatory restrictions, public health crises, or other supply chain disruptions, whether due to our suppliers or customers, could have a material adverse effect on our operations and results. Increases in the costs of supplies could result in manufacturing interruptions, delays, inefficiencies or our inability to market products. In addition, our profit margins would decrease if prices of purchased raw materials, component parts or finished goods increase and we are unable to pass on those increases to our customers. As various locations have seen recovery from COVID-19, there have been increases in demand, which have, in turn, created significant disruption to the global supply chain. These disruptions have been further exacerbated by other events and conditions, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which have adversely affected our ability to receive goods on a timely basis and increased our material costs. Short-term or sustained increases in market demand may exceed our suppliers\u2019 production capacity or otherwise strain our supply chain. Our failure, or our suppliers\u2019 failure, to meet the demand for raw materials and components could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Further disruptions to the supply chain because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing residual impact, or other world or domestic events could materially adversely impact our operations and business. While we actively monitor and take steps to mitigate supply chain risk, there can be no assurance that our mitigation plans will prevent disruptions that may arise from shortages of materials that we use in the production of our products.\n\n\nWe rely heavily on information technology systems that, if not properly functioning, could materially adversely affect our business.\n\n\nWe rely on our information technology systems to process, analyze and manage data to facilitate the purchase, manufacture, and distribution of our products, as well as to receive, process, bill and ship orders on a timely basis. A significant disruption or failure in the design, operation, security or support of our information technology systems could significantly disrupt our business.\n\n\nOur information technology systems may be subject to cyber attacks, security breaches, computer hacking, as well as other damage, disruptions or shutdowns. Experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate our security controls and misappropriate or compromise sensitive personal, proprietary or confidential information, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns. They also may be able to develop and deploy viruses, worms and other malicious software programs that attack our systems or otherwise exploit any security vulnerabilities. Additionally, third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or customers into disclosing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords or other information in order to gain access to our customers\u2019 data or our data, including our intellectual property and other confidential business information, employee information or our information technology systems. Our systems and the data stored on those systems may also be vulnerable to security incidents or security attacks, acts of vandalism or theft, coordinated attacks by activist entities, misplaced or lost data, human errors or other similar events that could negatively affect our systems and its data, as well as the data of our business partners. Further, third parties, such as hosted solution providers, that provide services to us, could also be a source of security risk in the event of a failure of their own security systems and infrastructure.\n\n\nWe have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past, but none of these incidents, individually or in the aggregate, has had a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, operations or products. The Company implemented various information technology protections designed to detect and reduce cybersecurity incidents, although there can be no assurance that our protections will be successful. The Company also regularly evaluates its protections against cybersecurity incidents, including in response to specific threats and as part of the Company's information security program. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to prevent or remediate all future cybersecurity incidents or that the cost associated with responding to any such incident or impact\n \n\n\n10\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nof such incident will not be significant or material. Further, our remediation efforts may not be successful and could result in interruptions, delays or cessation of service, and loss of existing or potential suppliers or customers. In addition, breaches of our security measures and the unauthorized dissemination of sensitive personal, proprietary or confidential information about us, our business partners or other third parties could expose us to significant potential liability and reputational harm. As threats related to cyber attacks develop and grow, we may also find it necessary to make further investments to protect our data and infrastructure, which may impact our profitability. As a global enterprise, we could also be negatively impacted by existing and proposed laws and regulations, as well as government policies and practices related to cybersecurity, privacy, data localization and data protection.\n\n\nOur products may be found to be defective, or our services performed may result in equipment or product damage and, as a result, warranty and/or product liability claims may be asserted against us.\n\n\nWe sell many of our components at prices that are significantly lower than the cost of the equipment or other goods in which they are incorporated. Because a defect or failure in a product could give rise to failures in the equipment that incorporates them, we may face claims for damages that are disproportionate to the revenues and profits we receive from the components involved in the claims. While we typically have provisions in our agreements with our suppliers that hold the supplier accountable for defective products, and we and our suppliers generally exclude consequential damages in our standard terms and conditions, our ability to avoid such liabilities may be limited as a result of various factors, including the inability to exclude such damages due to the laws of some of the countries where we do business. Our business could be adversely affected as a result of a significant quality or performance issues in the components sold by us if we are required to pay for the damages. Although we have product liability insurance, such insurance is limited in coverage and amount.\n\n\nSubstantial defaults by our customers on our accounts receivable or the loss of significant customers could have a significant negative impact on our business.\n\n\nWe extend credit to our customers. The failure of a significant customer or a significant group of customers to timely pay all amounts due could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. The extension of credit involves considerable judgment and is based on management\u2019s evaluation of factors that include such things as a customer\u2019s financial condition, payment history and the availability of collateral to secure customers\u2019 receivables. The risks associated with extending credit to our customers could be exacerbated by economic weakness and market disruption.\n\n\nFailure to successfully implement our growth initiatives, or failure to realize the benefits expected from these initiatives if implemented, may create ongoing operating losses or otherwise adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.\n\n\nOur growth strategy focuses on expanding our Green Energy Solutions, our healthcare and our power conversion businesses. We may be unable to implement our growth initiatives or strategic priorities or reach profitability in the near future or at all, due to many factors, including factors outside of our control. We also cannot be certain that executing on our strategy will generate the benefits we expect. If we fail to execute successfully on our strategic priorities, if we pursue strategic priorities that prove to be unsuccessful, or if our investments in these growth initiatives do not yield anticipated returns for any reason, our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be materially and adversely affected.\n \n\n\nWe may not be successful in identifying, consummating and integrating future acquisitions, if any.\n\n\nWe may not be able to identify attractive acquisition candidates or complete the acquisition of identified candidates at favorable prices and upon advantageous terms. Also, acquisitions are accompanied by risks, such as potential exposure to unknown liabilities and the possible loss of key employees and customers of the acquired business. In addition, we may not obtain the expected benefits or cost savings from acquisitions. Acquisitions are subject to risks associated with financing the acquisition, and integrating the operations, personnel and systems of the acquired businesses. If any of these risks materialize, they may result in disruptions to our business and the diversion of management time and attention, which could increase the costs of operating our existing or acquired businesses or negate the expected benefits of the acquisitions.\n\n\n11\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEconomic weakness and uncertainty and other challenges could adversely affect our revenues and gross margins.\n\n\nOur revenues and gross profit margins depend significantly on global economic conditions, the demand for our products and services and the financial condition of our customers. Economic weakness and uncertainty have in the past, and may in the future, result in decreased revenues and gross profit margins. Economic uncertainty also makes it more difficult for us to forecast overall supply and demand with a great deal of confidence. Financial turmoil affecting the banking system and financial markets could result in tighter credit markets and lower levels of liquidity in some financial markets. The effects of a tightened credit environment could include the insolvency of key vendors or their inability to obtain credit to finance development and/or manufacture products resulting in product delays as well as the inability of customers to obtain credit to finance operations and/or customer insolvencies. Spending and the timing thereof by our customers may have a significant impact on our results and, where such spending is delayed or canceled, it could have a material negative impact on our operating results. Current global economic conditions remain uncertain and challenging. Weakness in the markets in which we operate could negatively impact our revenue and operating expenses, and consequently have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that we will continue recovery in the near future; nor is there any assurance that worldwide economic volatility will not continue or worsen.\n\n\nFurther, challenges in the supply chain and disruptions in our logistics capability could further negatively impact our gross profit margins. See \u201cWe are dependent on a limited number of vendors to supply us with essential products. Further, disruptions to the supply chain could adversely impact our business\u201d and \u201cMajor disruptions to our logistics capability or to the operations of our key vendors or customers could have a material adverse impact on our operations.\u201d\n\n\nProlonged periods of inflation could increase costs, have an adverse effect on general economic conditions and impact consumer spending, which could impact our profitability and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.\n\n\nInflation has risen on a global basis and the United States has recently experienced historically high levels of inflation. If the inflation rate continues to increase, it can also push up the costs of labor and other expenses. There is no assurance that our revenues will increase at the same rate to maintain the same level of profitability. Inflation and government efforts to combat inflation, such as raising the benchmark interest rate, could increase market volatility and have an adverse effect on the financial market and general economic conditions. Such adverse conditions could negatively impact demand for our products, which could adversely affect our profitability, results of operations and cash flow.\n\n\nOur business and results of operations are subject to a broad range of uncertainties arising out of world and domestic events.\n\n\nGlobal and regional economic uncertainty continues to exist, including uncertainty relating to the Covid pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our operations could be adversely affected by global or regional economic conditions if markets decline in the future, whether related to the Covid pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, higher inflation or interest rates, recession, natural disasters, impacts of and issues related to climate change, business disruptions, our ability to adequately staff operations or otherwise. Any future economic declines may result in decreased revenue, gross margins, earnings or growth rates or difficulty in managing inventory levels or collecting customer receivables. We also have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, increased competitive pricing pressure, raw material inflation and availability issues resulting in difficulties meeting customer demand. In addition, customer difficulties in the future could result from economic declines, the Covid pandemic, the cyclical nature of their respective businesses, such as in the oil and gas industry, or otherwise and, in turn, result in decreases in product demand, increases in bad debt write-offs, decreases in timely collection of accounts receivable and adjustments to our allowance for credit losses, resulting in material reductions to our revenues and net earnings.\n\n\n12\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nMajor disruptions to our logistics capability or to the operations of our key vendors or customers could have a material adverse impact on our operations.\n\n\n \nWe operate our global logistics services through specialized and centralized distribution centers. We depend on third party transportation service providers for the delivery of products to our customers. A major interruption or disruption in service at any of our distribution centers, or a disruption at the operations of any of our significant vendors or customers, for any reason, including reasons beyond our control (such as natural disasters, pandemics or other health crises (such as COVID-19), work stoppages, power loss, cyber attacks, incidents of terrorism or other significant disruptions of services from our third party providers) could cause cancellations or delays in a significant number of shipments to customers and, as a result, could have a severe impact on our business, operations and financial performance. Further, challenges within global logistics networks, including shortages of shipping containers, international port congestion, and trucking shortages and freight capacity constraints have resulted in delays in receiving key manufacturing components and increased order backlogs and transportation costs. Such logistical disruption may cause us to incur higher costs and may also result in longer lead times for our customers. Uncertainties related to the magnitude and duration of global supply chain disruptions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business. If we are unable to recover a substantial portion of the increase in material and transportation costs from our customers through price adjustments and/or surcharges, our business or results of operations could be adversely affected. We may also experience an increase in order cancellations if any such pricing actions are not accepted by our customers.\n\n\nRisks Related to International Operations\n\n\nInternational operations represent a significant percentage of our business and present a variety of risks that could impact our results.\n \n\n\nBecause we source and sell our products worldwide, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. These risks include the costs and difficulties of managing foreign entities, limitations on the repatriation and investment of funds, cultural differences that affect customer preferences and business practices, unstable political or economic conditions, geopolitical risks and demand or supply reactions from events that could include political crises and conflict (such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine), war, a major terrorist attack, natural disasters, actual or threatened public health emergencies (such as COVID-19, including virus variants and resurgences and responses to those developments such as continued or new government-imposed lockdowns and travel restrictions), trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements, monetary policy, inflation, economic growth, recession, commodity prices, currency volatility, currency controls, and changes in tax laws.\n\n\nWe also face exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates because we conduct business outside of the United States. Price increases caused by currency exchange rate fluctuations may make our products less competitive or may have an adverse effect on our margins. Our international revenues and expenses generally are derived from sales and operations in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, when the U.S. dollar strengthens in relation to the base currencies of the countries in which we sell our products, our U.S. dollar reported net revenue and income would decrease. We currently do not engage in any currency hedging transactions. We cannot predict whether foreign currency exchange risks inherent in doing business in foreign countries will have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results in the future. Further, global economic conditions may cause volatility and disruptions in the capital and credit markets. Negative or uncertain financial and macroeconomic conditions may have a significant adverse impact on our sales, profitability and results of operations.\n\n\nFinancial Risks\n\n\nThere is a possible risk of identifiable intangible asset impairment, which could reduce the value of our assets and reduce our net income in the year in which the write-off occurs.\n\n\nOur intangible assets could become impaired, which could reduce the value of our assets and reduce our net income in the year in which the write-off occurs. We ascribe value to certain intangible assets which consist of customer lists and trade names resulting from acquisitions. An impairment charge on intangible assets would be incurred in the event that the fair value of the intangible assets is less than their current carrying values. We evaluate whether events have occurred that indicate all, or a portion, of the carrying amount of intangible assets may no longer be recoverable. If this is the case, an impairment charge to earnings would be necessary.\n \n\n\n13\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOur indebtedness and restrictive covenants under our credit facility could limit our operational and financial flexibility.\n \n\n\n \nWe may incur indebtedness in the future under our credit facility with PNC Bank NA. Our ability to make interest and scheduled principal payments on any such indebtedness and operate within restrictive covenants could be adversely impacted by changes in the availability, terms and cost of capital, changes in interest rates or changes in our credit ratings or our outlook. These changes could increase our cost of business, limiting our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities, react to market conditions and meet operational and capital needs, thereby placing us at a competitive disadvantage.\n \n\n\nLegal and Regulatory Risks\n\n\nWe may be subject to intellectual property rights claims, which are costly to defend, could require payment of damages or licensing fees, and/or could limit our ability to use certain technologies in the future.\n\n\nSubstantial litigation and threats of litigation regarding intellectual property rights exist in the display systems and electronics industries. From time to time, third parties, including certain companies in the business of acquiring patents with the intention of aggressively seeking licensing revenue from purported infringers, have asserted and may in the future assert patent and/or other intellectual property rights to technologies that are important to our business. In any dispute involving products that we have sold, our customers could also become the target of litigation. We are obligated in many instances to indemnify and defend our customers if the products we sell are alleged to infringe any third party\u2019s intellectual property rights. In some cases, depending on the nature of the claim, we may be able to seek indemnification from our suppliers for our self and our customers against such claims, but there is no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining such indemnification or that we are fully protected against such claims. Any infringement claim brought against us, regardless of the duration, outcome or size of damage award, could result in substantial cost, divert our management\u2019s attention, be time consuming to defend, result in significant damage awards, cause product shipment delays, or require us to enter into royalty or other licensing agreements. See Note 11, \nRisks and Uncertainties\n, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding specific legal matters related to our patents.\n\n\nAdditionally, if an infringement claim is successful, we may be required to pay damages or seek royalty or license arrangements which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. The payment of any such damages or royalties may significantly increase our operating expenses and harm our operating results and financial condition. Also, royalty or license arrangements may not be available at all. We may have to stop selling certain products or certain technologies, which could affect our ability to compete effectively.\n\n\nPotential lawsuits, with or without merit, may divert management\u2019s attention, and we may incur significant expenses in our defense. In addition, we may be required to pay damage awards or settlements, become subject to injunctions or other equitable remedies, or determine to abandon certain lines of business, that may cause a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.\n\n\nWe may incur substantial operational costs or be required to change our business practices to comply with data privacy and data protection laws and regulations around the world.\n\n\nWe are subject to many privacy and data protection laws and regulations in various jurisdictions, which continue to evolve rapidly. The EU\u2019s General Data Protection Regulation (\u201cGDPR\u201d) includes operational requirements for companies that receive or process personal data of residents of the European Union, including more robust documentation requirements for data protection compliance programs. Specifically, the GDPR imposes numerous privacy-related requirements for companies operating in the EU, including greater control for data subjects, increased data portability for EU consumers and data breach notification requirements.\n\n\nComplying with the GDPR may cause us to incur substantial operational costs or require us to change our business practices in ways that we cannot currently predict. Despite our efforts to bring our practices into compliance with the GDPR, we may not be successful. Non-compliance could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities, customers, data subjects or others. Fines of up to 20 million euros or up to 4% of the annual global revenue of the noncompliant company, whichever is greater, may be imposed for violations of certain of the GDPR\u2019s requirements.\n\n\n14\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nIn addition, several other jurisdictions in the U.S. and around the world have enacted privacy laws or regulations similar to GDPR. For instance, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (\u201cCCPA\u201d), effective January 1, 2020 which gives consumers many of the same rights as those available under GDPR. Several laws similar to the CCPA have been proposed in the United States at both the federal and state level. The effects of, and costs incurred in connection with complying with, the GDPR, the CCPA and other data privacy laws and regulations may be significant and may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and expenses in an effort to comply. Any actual or perceived failures to comply with the GDPR, the CCPA or other data privacy laws or regulations, or related contractual or other obligations, or any perceived privacy rights violation, could lead to investigations, claims and proceedings by governmental entities and private parties, damages for contract breach, and other significant costs, penalties and other liabilities, as well as harm to our reputation and market position.\n \n\n\nOur international sales and operations are subject to applicable laws relating to trade, export controls and foreign corrupt practices, the violation of which could adversely affect our operations.\n\n\nWe are subject to applicable export control laws and regulations of the United States and other countries. United States laws and regulations applicable to us include the Arms Export Control Act, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (\u201cITAR\u201d), the Export Administration Regulations (\u201cEAR\u201d), anti-money laundering laws and regulations and the trade and trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by the Office of the United States Trade Representative and the United States Department of the Treasury\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The import and export of our products are subject to international trade agreements, the modification or repeal of which could impact our business. The U.S. government agencies responsible for administering EAR and ITAR have significant discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of these regulations. Violations of these laws or regulations could result in significant additional sanctions including fines, more onerous compliance requirements, more extensive debarments from export privileges, loss of authorizations needed to conduct aspects of our international business and criminal penalties and may harm our ability to enter contracts with customers who have contracts with the U.S. government. A violation of the laws or the regulations enumerated above could materially adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.\n\n\nOngoing changes to tariffs and trade relations may adversely affect our business.\n\n\nOur international operations are subject to changing tariffs and developments in trade relations. The U.S. government has made statements and taken certain actions that have led to, and may in the future lead to, further changes to U.S. and international trade policies, including recently imposed tariffs affecting certain products exported by a number of U.S. trading partners, including China. For example, during 2018, the U.S. and China each imposed new tariffs, and announced further proposed tariffs, on various products imported from China and the U.S., respectively. Between July 2018 and September 2018, the Office of the United States Trade Representative imposed tariffs of 10% and 25% on three product lists totaling approximately $250 billion in Chinese imports. In May 2019, there was an announcement of the United States government\u2019s imposition of a 25% tariff on a range of products exported from China to the U.S. on or after May 10, 2019. \nThese lists include\n some of our products.\n\n\nSubsequently, in January 2020, the U.S. and China signed a \u201cphase one\u201d trade deal, accompanied by a U.S. decision to cancel a plan to increase tariffs on an additional list of Chinese products and to reduce the tariffs imposed on May 13, 2019 from 15% to 7.5% effective February 14, 2020. Currently, the majority of tariff exclusions granted have expired and many of the additional tariffs on Chinese origin goods remain, as do concerns over the stability of bilateral trade relations, particularly given the limited scope of the phase one agreement.\n\n\nIt is possible that further tariffs may be imposed on imports of our products, including by other countries, or that our business will be impacted by changing trade relations among countries. This may cause us to raise prices or make changes to our operations, any of which could adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, customers, suppliers and/or the United States economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, to adversely impact our businesses and results of operations. Given the evolving nature of trade relations, the impact on our operations and results is uncertain and could be significant. We can provide no assurance that any strategies we implement to mitigate the impact of such tariffs or other trade actions will be successful. To the extent that our supply chain, costs, sales or profitability are negatively affected by the tariffs or other trade actions, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.\n\n\n15\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nOwnership Risks\n\n\nA single stockholder controls a majority of the Company's voting stock.\n \n\n\n \n\n\nAs of July 25, 2023, Edward J. Richardson, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, beneficially owned approximately 98% of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, representing approximately 62% of the voting power of the outstanding common stock. This share ownership permits Mr. Richardson to exert control over the outcome of stockholder votes, including votes concerning the election of directors, by-law amendments, possible mergers, corporate control contests and other significant corporate transactions.\n\n\n \n\n\nGeneral Risk Factors\n\n\n \n\n\nFailure to attract and retain key skilled personnel could hurt operations.\n\n\n Our success depends to a large extent upon the continued services of key management personnel, particularly Mr. Richardson. While we have employment contracts in place with several of our executive officers, we nevertheless cannot be assured that we will retain our key employees and the loss of service of any of these officers or key management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business growth and operating results.\n\n\n Our future success will require an ability to attract and retain qualified employees. Competition for such key personnel is intense and we cannot be assured that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. We cannot make assurances that key personnel will not depart in the future. Changes in the cost of providing employee benefits in order to attract and retain personnel, including changes in health care costs, could lead to increased costs in any of our operations.\n\n\n \n\n\nIf we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls or discover material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to detect fraud or report our financial results accurately or timely.\n\n\nAn effective internal control environment is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and is an important part of our effort to prevent financial fraud. We are required to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of our internal controls over financial reporting. Based on these evaluations, we may conclude that enhancements, modifications or changes to internal controls are necessary or desirable. While management evaluates the effectiveness of our internal controls on a regular basis, these controls may not always be effective. There are inherent limitations on the effectiveness of internal controls, including fraud, collusion, management override and failure in human judgment. In addition, control procedures are designed to reduce rather than eliminate business risks.\n\n\n \n\n\nIf we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, or if management or our independent registered public accounting firm discovers material weaknesses in our internal controls, we may be unable to produce reliable financial reports or prevent fraud. In addition, we may be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission or NASDAQ. Any such actions could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.\n\n\nIf we are deemed to be an investment company, we will be required to meet burdensome compliance requirements and restrictions on our activities.\n\n\nWe have had significant cash and investments. If we are deemed to be an \u201cinvestment company\u201d as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the \u201cInvestment Company Act\u201d), the nature of our investments may be subject to various restrictions. We do not believe that our principal activities subject us to the Investment Company Act. If we are deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act, compliance with required additional regulatory burdens would increase our operating expenses.\n\n\n16\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nEvolving expectations around corporate responsibility practices, specifically related to environmental, social and governance (\u201cESG\u201d) matters, may expose us to reputational and other risks.\n\n\nInvestors, stockholders, customers, suppliers and other third parties are increasingly focusing on ESG and corporate social responsibility endeavors and reporting. Certain institutional investors, investment funds, other influential investors, customers, suppliers and other third parties are also increasingly focused on ESG practices. Companies that do not adapt to or comply with the evolving investor or stakeholder expectations and standards, or which are perceived to have not responded appropriately, may suffer from reputational damage and result in the business, financial condition and/or stock price of a company being materially and adversely affected. Further, this increased focus on ESG issues may result in new regulations and/or third-party requirements that could adversely impact our business, or certain shareholders reducing or eliminating their holdings of our stock. Additionally, an allegation or perception that the Company has not taken sufficient action in these areas could negatively harm our reputation.\n\n\n \n\n\nOur stock price may be volatile.\n\n\nOur stock price has fluctuated in the past and may experience declines in the future as a result of the volatile nature of the stock market, developments in our business and/or factors outside of our control including certain of the risk factors discussed in this report. Many factors may cause the market price for our common stock to change, including: (i) our operating results as compared to investors\u2019 expectations in any period, (ii) market perceptions concerning our future earnings prospects, (iii) adverse changes in general market conditions or economic trends and (iv) changes or events in our industry or the world, such as market reactions to public health issues (including the COVID-19 pandemic), natural disasters, changes in global, national, or regional economies, inflation, governmental policies, political unrest, military action and armed conflicts (such as the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine), terrorist activities, political and social turmoil, civil unrest and other crises.\n\n",
+ "item7": ">ITEM 7. Management\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of\n Financial Condition and Results of Operations\n\n\nThe following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes.\n\n\nManagement\u2019s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (\u201cMD&A\u201d) is intended to assist the reader in better understanding our business, results of operations, financial condition, changes in financial condition, critical accounting policies and estimates and significant developments. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this filing. This section is organized as follows:\n\n\n\u2022\nBusiness Overview\n\n\n\u2022\nResults of Operations\n - an analysis and comparison of our consolidated results of operations for the fiscal years ended May 27, 2023, May 28, 2022 and May 29, 2021, as reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.\n\n\n\u2022\nLiquidity, Financial Position and Capital Resources\n - a discussion of our primary sources and uses of cash for the fiscal years ended May 27, 2023, May 28, 2022 and May 29, 2021, and a discussion of changes in our financial position.\n\n\nBusiness Overview\n\n\nRichardson Electronics, Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, power grid and microwave tubes and related consumables; power conversion and RF and microwave components; high-value replacement parts, tubes and service training for diagnostic imaging equipment; and customized display solutions. Nearly 60% of our products are manufactured in LaFox, Illinois, Marlborough, Massachusetts or Donaueschingen, Germany, or by one of our manufacturing partners throughout the world. All our partners manufacture to our strict specifications and per our supplier code of conduct. We serve customers in the alternative energy, healthcare, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific and semiconductor markets. The Company\u2019s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and \u201cengineered solutions\u201d based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The Company provides solutions and adds value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics and aftermarket technical service and repair through its global infrastructure.\n\n\nSome of the Company's products are manufactured in China and are imported into the United States. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (\"USTR\") instituted additional 10% to 25% tariffs on the importation of a number of products into the United States from China effective July 6, 2018, with additional products added August 23, 2018 and September 24, 2018. These additional tariffs are a response to what the USTR considers to be certain unfair trade practices by China. A number of the Company's products manufactured in China are now subject to these additional duties of 25% when imported into the United States.\n\n\nManagement continues to work with its suppliers as well as its customers to mitigate the impact of the tariffs on our customers\u2019 markets. However, if the Company is unable to successfully pass through the additional cost of these tariffs, or if the higher prices reduce demand for the Company's products, it will have a negative effect on the Company's sales and gross margins.\n\n\nThe Company began reporting the results for its new Green Energy Solutions (\"GES\") segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 due to its focus on power applications that support the green energy market. The GES segment has been carved out of our existing Power and Microwave Technologies (\u201cPMT\u201d) segment. Accordingly, the Company is reporting its financial performance based on four operating and reportable segments. The results for fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 presented herein were adjusted to reflect the presentation of the new GES segment separately from the PMT segment.\n\n\n21\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nThe Company's four operating and reportable segments for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 are defined as follows:\n\n\nPower and Microwave Technologies combines our core engineered solutions capabilities, power grid and microwave tube business with new disruptive RF, Wireless and Power technologies. As a designer, manufacturer, technology partner and authorized distributor, PMT\u2019s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and engineered solutions based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities on a global basis. We provide solutions and add value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics and aftermarket technical service and repair\u2014all through our existing global infrastructure. PMT\u2019s focus is on products for power, RF and microwave applications for customers in 5G, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific and semiconductor markets. PMT focuses on various applications including broadcast transmission, CO2 laser cutting, diagnostic imaging, dielectric and induction heating, high energy transfer, high voltage switching, plasma, power conversion, radar and radiation oncology. PMT also offers its customers technical services for both microwave and industrial equipment.\n\n\nGreen Energy Solutions combines our key technology partners and engineered solutions capabilities to design and manufacture innovative products for the fast-growing energy storage market and power management applications. As a designer, manufacturer, technology partner and authorized distributor, GES\u2019s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and engineered solutions using our core design engineering and manufacturing capabilities on a global basis. We provide solutions and add value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics and aftermarket technical service and repair\u2014all through our existing global infrastructure. GES\u2019s focus is on products for numerous green energy applications such as wind, solar, hydrogen and Electric Vehicles, and other power management applications that support green solutions such as synthetic diamond manufacturing.\n\n\nCanvys provides customized display solutions serving the corporate enterprise, financial, healthcare, industrial and medical original equipment manufacturers markets. Our engineers design, manufacture, source and support a full spectrum of solutions to match the needs of our customers. We offer long term availability and proven custom display solutions that include touch screens, protective panels, custom enclosures, All-In-One computers, specialized cabinet finishes and application specific software packages and certification services. Our volume commitments are lower than the large display manufacturers, making us the ideal choice for companies with very specific design requirements. We partner with both private label manufacturing companies and leading branded hardware vendors to offer the highest quality display and touch solutions and customized computing platforms.\n\n\nHealthcare manufactures, repairs, refurbishes and distributes high value replacement parts and equipment for the healthcare market including hospitals, medical centers, asset management companies, independent service organizations and multi-vendor service providers. Products include diagnostic imaging replacement parts for CT and MRI systems; replacement CT and MRI tubes; CT service training; MRI coils, cold heads and RF amplifiers; hydrogen thyratrons, klystrons, magnetrons; flat panel detector upgrades; pre-owned CT systems; and additional replacement solutions currently under development for the diagnostic imaging service market. Through a combination of newly developed products and partnerships, service offerings and training programs, we believe we can help our customers improve efficiency while lowering the cost of healthcare delivery.\n\n\nWe currently have operations in the following major geographic regions: North America, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Latin America.\n\n\n22\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nResults of Operations\n\n\nOverview - Fiscal Year Ended May 27, 2023\n\n\n\u2022\nFiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 both contained 52 weeks.\n\n\n\u2022\nNet sales during fiscal 2023 were $262.7 million, up 16.9%, compared to net sales of $224.6 million during fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u2022\nGross margin was 31.9% of net sales during fiscal 2023, compared to 31.9% of net sales during fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u2022\nSelling, general and administrative expenses were $58.7 million, or 22.4% of net sales, during fiscal 2023, compared to $55.7 million, or 24.8% of net sales, during fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u2022\nOperating income during fiscal 2023 was $25.0 million, compared to an operating income of $16.0 million during fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u2022\nOther income during fiscal 2023 was less than $0.1 million, compared to other expense of $0.2 million during fiscal 2022.\n\n\n\u2022\nNet income during fiscal 2023 was $22.3 million, compared to a net income of $17.9 million during fiscal 2022.\n\n\nNet Sales and Gross Profit Analysis\n\n\nNet sales by segment and percent change for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 were as follows (\nin thousands\n):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet Sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY23 vs. FY22\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY22 vs. FY21\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPMT\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n164,299\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n155,445\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n128,980\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n5.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGES\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n47,596\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22,611\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n8,300\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n110.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n172.4\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCanvys\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n39,331\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35,187\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29,319\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHealthcare\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,432\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,377\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,338\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n0.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n262,658\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n224,620\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n176,937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nDuring fiscal 2023, consolidated net sales increased by 16.9% compared to fiscal 2022. Sales for PMT increased by 5.7%, GES sales increased by 110.5%. Canvys sales increased by 11.8% and Healthcare sales increased by 0.5%. The increase in PMT was mainly due to strong growth in the semi-wafer fabrication industry and the RF and microwave products for various applications. The increase in GES was primarily due to growth in related product sales to the wind turbine industry, as well as EV battery modules. The increase in Canvys was primarily due to strong sales in the North American market. The increase in Healthcare was primarily due to an increase in equipment sales.\n \n\n\nDuring fiscal 2022, consolidated net sales increased by 26.9% compared to fiscal 2021. Sales for PMT increased by 20.5%, GES sales increased by 172.4%, Canvys sales increased by 20.0% and Healthcare sales increased by 10.1%. The increase in PMT was mainly due to strong growth from our Power and Microwave Group (PMG) technology partners in various applications including power management and 5G infrastructure, and increased revenue from our Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication Equipment customers buying engineered solutions. We also had strong growth in various Electron Device (EDG) product lines. The increase in GES was primarily due to components for power management applications and niche products for wind turbines. The increase in Canvys was primarily due to strong sales in the European and North American markets. The increase in Healthcare was primarily due to strong part sales and increase in demand for the ALTA750\nTM\n tubes.\n\n\n23\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGross profit by segment and percent of segment net sales for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 were as follows (\nin thousands\n):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross Profit\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPMT\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n54,089\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n50,810\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n43,546\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGES\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,719\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,231\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,405\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCanvys\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,375\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n11,252\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n10,274\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHealthcare\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,506\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,407\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n2,600\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n25.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n83,689\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n71,700\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n58,825\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGross profit reflects the distribution and manufacturing product margin less manufacturing variances, inventory obsolescence charges, customer returns, scrap and cycle count adjustments, engineering costs and other provisions.\n\n\nConsolidated gross profit was $83.7 million during fiscal 2023, compared to $71.7 million during fiscal 2022. Consolidated gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 31.9 % for fiscal 2023, the same as the 31.9% during fiscal 2022, primarily due to favorable product mix for PMT, unfavorable product mix for GES, unfavorable product mix for Canvys and improved manufacturing absorption and decreased component scrap for Healthcare. Gross margin during fiscal 2023 included expense related to inventory provisions of $0.3 million for PMT, $0.1 million for Canvys and $0.1 million for Healthcare.\n\n\nConsolidated gross profit was $71.7 million during fiscal 2022, compared to $58.8 million during fiscal 2021. Consolidated gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 31.9% during fiscal 2022, from 33.2% during fiscal 2021, primarily due to unfavorable product mix for PMT, favorable product mix for GES, higher freight costs and foreign exchange effects for Canvys and increased component scrap expenses for Healthcare. Gross margin during fiscal 2022 included expense related to inventory provisions for PMT of $0.4 million and $0.1 million for Healthcare.\n\n\nPower and Microwave Technologies\n\n\nNet sales for PMT increased 5.7% to $164.3 million during fiscal 2023 from $155.4 million during fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to strong growth in the semi-wafer fabrication industry for the first nine months and the RF and microwave products for various applications. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 32.9% during fiscal 2023 as compared to 32.7% during fiscal 2022, primarily due to product mix.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nNet sales for PMT increased 20.5% to $155.4 million during fiscal 2022 from $129.0 million during fiscal 2021. The increase was mainly due to strong growth from our Power and Microwave Group (PMG) technology partners in various applications including power management and 5G infrastructure, and increased revenue from our Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication Equipment customers buying engineered solutions. We also had strong growth in various Electron Device (EDG) product lines. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 32.7% during fiscal 2022 as compared to 33.8% during fiscal 2021, primarily due to product mix.\n\n\nGreen Energy Solutions\n\n\nNet sales for GES increased 110.5% to $47.6 million during fiscal 2023 from $22.6 million during fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to growth in related product sales to the wind turbine industry, as well as EV battery modules. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 28.8% during fiscal 2023 as compared to 32.0% during fiscal 2022, primarily due to product mix.\n\n\n Net sales for GES increased 172.4% to $22.6 million during fiscal 2022 from $8.3 million during fiscal 2021. Sales increased primarily due to components for power management applications and niche products for wind turbines. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 32.0% during fiscal 2022 as compared to 29.0% during fiscal 2021, primarily due to product mix.\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n24\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n \nCanvys\n\n\nNet sales for Canvys increased 11.8% to $39.3 million during fiscal 2023, from $35.2 million during fiscal 2022. Sales increased primarily due to strong sales in the North American market. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 31.5% during fiscal 2023 as compared to 32.0% during fiscal 2022 mainly due to product mix.\n\n\nNet sales for Canvys increased 20.0% to $35.2 million during fiscal 2022, from $29.3 million during fiscal 2021. Sales increased primarily due to strong sales in the European and North American markets. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 32.0% during fiscal 2022 as compared to 35.0% during fiscal 2021 mainly due to increasing freight costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign currency effects.\n\n\nHealthcare\n\n\nNet sales for Healthcare increased 0.5% to $11.4 million during fiscal 2023, essentially unchanged from fiscal 2022. The slight increase in sales was primarily due to an increase in equipment sales, partially offset by decreases in part sales and CT tube sales. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 30.7% during fiscal 2023, compared to 21.2% during fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily due to improved manufacturing absorption and decreased component scrap expenses.\n \n\n\nNet sales for Healthcare increased 10.1% to $11.4 million during fiscal 2022, from $10.3 million during fiscal 2021. The increase in sales was primarily due to strong parts sales and an increase in demand for the ALTA 750D\nTM\n tubes. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 21.2% during fiscal 2022, compared to 25.1% during fiscal 2021. The decrease was primarily due to increased component scrap expenses.\n\n\n \nSales by Geographic Area\n\n\nOn a geographic basis, our sales are categorized by destination: North America; Asia/Pacific; Europe; Latin America; and Other.\n \n\n\nNet sales by geographic area and percent change for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 were as follows (\nin thousands\n):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNet Sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY23 vs. FY22\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY22 vs. FY21\n% Change\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorth America\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n112,214\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n98,527\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n73,625\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsia/Pacific\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n59,557\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n49,235\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n40,839\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n21.0\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n20.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEurope\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n62,017\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n64,435\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n52,549\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3.8\n\n\n%)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n22.6\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLatin America\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28,924\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n12,439\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n9,651\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n132.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n28.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(54\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(16\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n273\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(237.5\n\n\n%)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(105.9\n\n\n%)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n262,658\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n224,620\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n176,937\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nGross profit by geographic area and percent of geographic net sales for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 were as follows (\nin thousands\n):\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2023\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2022\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nFY 2021\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGross Profit (Loss)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of Net Sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of Net Sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nAmount\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n% of Net Sales\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorth America\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n43,580\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n36,548\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n37.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n28,639\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n38.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsia/Pacific\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,775\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.5\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n15,728\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n13,520\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33.1\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEurope\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n18,760\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n30.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n19,215\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n29.8\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n16,958\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n32.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLatin America\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n7,735\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n26.7\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n4,340\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n34.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n3,405\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n35.3\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther \n(1)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(5,161\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(4,131\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(3,697\n\n\n)\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTotal\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n83,689\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n71,700\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n31.9\n\n\n%\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n$\n\n\n58,825\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n33.2\n\n\n%\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\n(1)\nOther primarily includes net sales not allocated to a specific geographical region, unabsorbed value-add costs and other unallocated expenses.\n\n\n25\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0\n\n\nWe sell our products to customers in diversified industries and perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers\u2019 financial condition. Terms are generally on open account, payable net 30 days in North America, and vary throughout Asia/Pacific, Europe and Latin America. Estimates of credit losses are recorded in the financial statements based on monthly reviews of outstanding accounts.\n\n\nSelling, General and Administrative Expenses\n\n\nSelling, general and administrative expenses (\u201cSG&A\u201d) increased during fiscal 2023 to $58.7 million from $55.7 million during fiscal 2022. This increase in SG&A expense from fiscal 2022 was mainly due to higher employee compensation and travel expenses, partially offset by lower legal fees and a lower bad debt expense. SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased to 22.4% during fiscal 2023 as compared to 24.8% during fiscal 2022.\n\n\nSelling, general and administrative expenses decreased during fiscal 2022 to $55.7 million from $55.9 million during fiscal 2021. However, when considering the non-recurrence of the $1.6 million legal settlement in fiscal 2021, the SG&A expense for fiscal 2022 was $1.4 million or 2.6% higher than fiscal 2021. This increase in SG&A expense from fiscal 2021 was mainly due to higher employee compensation expenses including incentive expense, partially offset by lower legal fees. SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased to 24.8% during fiscal 2022 as compared to 31.6% during fiscal 2021.\n\n\nLegal Settlement \u2013 Fiscal 2021\n\n\nOn April 2, 2021, as part of a settlement where the Company did not admit liability, Richardson agreed to pay Varex Imaging Corporation (\u201cVarex\u201d) $1.6 million to settle alleged counts of patent infringement and claims of trade secret misappropriation. This settlement was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the third quarter of fiscal 2021.\n\n\nOther Income/Expense\n\n\nOther income was less than $0.1 million during fiscal 2023, compared to an expense of $0.2 million during fiscal 2022. Fiscal 2023 had $0.3 million of investment income compared to $0.1 million of investment income for fiscal 2022. Our foreign exchange gains and losses are primarily due to the translation of U.S. dollars held in non-U.S. entities. The foreign exchange loss reported for fiscal 2023 totaled $0.3 million, unchanged from fiscal 2022. We currently do not utilize derivative instruments to manage our exposure to foreign currency.\n\n\nIncome Tax Provision\n\n\nOur income tax provision (benefit) during fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 was $2.7 million, ($2.2 million) and $0.7 million, respectively. The effective income tax rates during fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 were 10.8%, (13.7%) and 28.3%, respectively. The difference between the effective income tax rates as compared to the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% during fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 was primarily driven by the impact of valuation allowance changes related to the realizability of our U.S. state and federal net deferred tax assets and changes in our geographical distribution of income (loss). In addition, the Company recognized both foreign tax and research and development tax credits in fiscal 2023.\n \n\n\nThe Inflation Reduction Act (the \"IRA\"), si